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‘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 ...

Be aware, make the appointment

Pink is a prevalent color around our communities this time of year — it serves as a reminder that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer in her lifetime, according to medical experts, and the most significant risk factors for breast cancer are gender — being a woman — and growing older. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women, behind only lung cancer. Breast cancer remains a killer of women, but, as always, early detection and treatment remain the best ...

Follansbee showing the holiday spirit

Follansbee’s Christmas in the Park event always has stood for a couple of things. The festival, which was started in 2003, has offered a reminder that the Christmas season is a little more than two months away. It also has helped to raise money for local children with special medical needs and the Follansbee R.E.A.C.H. Program food pantry. Those who attend the festival, set to run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, will know that proceeds will go in the traditional directions. But they also will be able to support others in another way — money ...

Some lawmakers are holding us back

Members of the West Virginia House of Delegates did the right thing Monday by passing a child and dependent care credit against the personal income tax. Though some believe we should be doing even more on the child care front, getting the ball rolling was essential. All but five House lawmakers understood that. It should have been a no-brainer. “We’re mirroring the image of the federal program … to help parents be able to do child care along the same lines of the federal guidelines,” said House Finance Committee Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood. But knowing how hard it is ...

Make smoke alarms work for you

This week serves as an annual reminder of the dangers of fires in our homes, and also what we can each do to help prevent them from happening. While Fire Prevention Week often has activities aimed at our youth, with visits from firefighters to local schools providing educational materials and activities, it is a time we all should keep in mind, no matter our age, as those lessons have the potential to save lives. This year’s theme is “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” According to the National Fire Protection Association, working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in ...