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Don’t leave your money behind

Arriving in the mail for many of us starting this past weekend was a piece of information that would be profitable not to misplace: the MV-1 form from the West Virginia State Tax Division, which indicates how much of a personal property tax credit you’re eligible for on your 2024 taxes. If you recall, the West Virginia Legislature approved legislation in 2023 as part of its tax-cut package that will credit, in full, all taxes paid in a calendar year on your vehicles — as long as those taxes are paid in full and on-time. The MV-1 form, which you will provide to your tax return ...

Smoking costs money and lives

As January tests New Year’s resolutions across the region, many may be weakening in their resolve. Certainly, that must include some who vowed this is the year to give up smoking. To add a little incentive to the effort, WalletHub took a look at the true cost of tobacco use. The dollar amounts are eye-opening for the 46 million people in the U.S. who still use tobacco. Total lifetime cost per smoker in Ohio was estimated to be $3,538,844. In West Virginia it is $3,210,116, and in Pennsylvania it is $4,300,935. Think about that for a moment — particularly given that those who live ...

One size doesn’t fit all in education

State Sen. Charles Clements, R-Wetzel, is injecting a voice of reason into conversations about what the West Virginia Legislature’s approach to education might be this year. Speaking ahead of the legislative session that is set to begin Feb. 12, Clements talked about the state’s approach to education being “upside down.” “We need to put more money into the early stages of life where children learn more,” he said. Clements is right to understand the number of our young students who are being raised by grandparents — maybe great-grandparents — and other relatives ...

Help to prepare for financial aid

Pursuing a higher education is a financially daunting task for many West Virginia students. Yes, there are lot of avenues for getting financial assistance, but the process seems complicated — sometimes to the point of leading students and their families to give up. Certainly the federal government hasn’t helped in recent years with its gyrations regarding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, but there are plenty of people willing to help students navigate the system. West Virginia FAFSA Day is Feb. 6. It is a partnership of the West Virginia Higher Education Policy ...

Looking out for all parts of students’ health

While schools often are looked at as a place to provide education for our youth, they also have an important role in a student’s health. Hancock County Schools has long striven to do just that, with traditionally available physical education programs and activities, establishing in-school health clinics and other programs through the years. A new effort, approved by the county board of education Tuesday, will continue with that mission by offering students an option for basic dental care. The Smile program already is offered in several West Virginia counties, as well as some ...

Use common sense dealing with the cold

The Tri-State Area has just experienced some of the most frigid weather it has seen in about a decade, and while the worst of this arctic blast appears to be behind us and temperatures are expected to moderate during the next several days, the reality is we are in the middle of winter and it will continue to be cold. Doctors say keeping warm in bitter cold temperatures involves common sense. Without proper clothing and protection, a person faces mild frostbite in as little as 15 minutes. Protecting extremities is important in the bitter cold. Warming packs can be placed inside ...