Breaking News

Editorials

Finishing the trail an important step

At more than one local government meeting in recent weeks, the topic of completing the paving on the Panhandle Recreational Trail has been brought up by area residents. The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation started the paving about two years ago, following several years of fundraising efforts. Contributions came from local governmental entities, as well as charitable non-profit organizations and the West Virginia Department of Transportation. Even with those funds, the project hasn’t been completed and approximately 1.25 miles remains with a layer of crushed rock. The trail, ...

POWERing up Appalachia

Appalachian Regional Commission officials earlier this week announced $68.2 million in awards to 65 projects through its Partnerships for Opportunity and Workforce and Economic Revitalization (anything to come up with a snappy acronym) initiative. Though not all of the commission’s efforts are home runs, POWER appears to be rooted in addressing a real need for our region. “ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities’ preparation for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy, while ensuring that residents have a say in the course of their own futures,” said ARC ...

Becoming more energy efficient

Not everyone in Appalachia has been encouraged to think of energy efficiency in a positive light. Too often, we get told the pursuit of energy efficiency is a progressive, liberal, big-government ploy to get us to turn our backs on our way of life. Of course, the reality is quite different. “Energy efficiency doesn’t just help save the planet – it also helps save you money by lowering the amount of electricity, gas, oil or other types of energy you need to consume,” said WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo. “While there are some steps you can take to become more energy-efficient on ...

Work for our children’s best interest

Most West Virginia public schools are making slow improvement in the categories that put 49 of 55 counties “on watch” last year. Despite that, there are still 41 “on watch” for not meeting one or more in a long list of standards “We’re charged as a state with providing a thorough and efficient education to our West Virginia children,” said Alexandra Criner, director of the Office of Accountability. But meeting that charge has been an excruciatingly slow process in a state dogged by chronic attendance problems, challenges to operational effectiveness, staffing shortages, ...

‘Woody’ Williams to represent W.Va.

During last week’s special session of the West Virginia Legislature, lawmakers carved out time to honor someone important not only to the state, but to the country. They passed a resolution to place a statue of the late Hershel “Woody” Williams inside the U.S. Capitol. Williams, who died in 2022, was the last surviving Congressional Medal of Honor recipient from World War II. Born in Quiet Dell, W.Va., Williams was a Marine Corps veteran who was in combat in the Pacific. He received the Medal of Honor in 1945, after serving in the Battle of Iwo Jima with the 21st Marines, 3rd ...

Our thanks to the National Guard

West Virginia residents wishing they could be doing more to help those affected by hurricanes Helene and Milton can take some comfort knowing the Mountain State is sending some of its best to get to work. Last week, the West Virginia National Guard activated approximately 40 members for response and recovery efforts in Florida. Ten to 12 airmen from the 130th Airlift Wing will be joined by approximately 30 engineers from the 821st Engineer Construction Company and equipment from the 601st Engineer Support Company. They’ll be under the command of the Florida National Guard and plan ...