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Newspapers still hold importance

There are as many reasons to read a daily newspaper as there are readers. Some are looking to see how their favorite high school sports team is doing. Others want to know what’s happening in their local schools. Many are looking to learn more about the people and events that shape their cities, villages townships and counties. Some are interested in crossword puzzles and word games. And yes, some always will turn to the obituaries first. Some are looking to learn more about events happening at area churches and with local clubs and organizations. Some enjoy reading ...

Planning for state’s future responsibly

As state lawmakers prepare to consider a 5% personal income tax cut, they are not wrong to be asking for long-term forecasts that will better help them make the decision. Of course our elected officials should be doing all they can to ensure taxpayers are able to keep more of their hard-earned money. They must not do so irresponsibly. State Senate Finance Committee Chairman Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, said he had not seen a long-term tax revenue and expenditure forecast in years. The State Budget Office says the last publicly available six-year forecast was provided Jan. 8, 2020. Gov. Jim ...

Wellsburg Applefest still golden after 45 years

A tradition that has brought residents of the Tri-State Area together for nearly 50 years will be renewed this weekend. It’s the 45th Wellsburg Applefest, which will run Friday through Sunday along Charles Street and the Wellsburg Town Square. The festival celebrates the town’s connection with the Grimes Golden apple, which was discovered in 1832 on a farm owned by Thomas Grimes that was located along Washington Pike. Seeds for the apple, which is related to the Golden Delicious, West Virginia’s state fruit, were first planted, legend has it, by Johnny “Appleseed” Chapman. ...

Helping others with the Red Cross

Many Ohio Valley residents think first of blood drives when they think of the American Red Cross — and that is one of the organization’s vital functions. But it is also a lifeline for those in need after emergencies and disasters. Volunteers from all over the country will be headed to those regions devastated by Hurricane Helene. Among them will be American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley volunteers Chip Pickering of Parkersburg and Seth Kenefick of Steubenville. Pickering is a shelter coordinator. Kenefick is a disaster program specialist. They both have been working for days ...

West Virginians deserve to hear from candidates

Early last week, it appeared there would be at least one debate between the candidates hoping to become West Virginia’s next governor. Just as quickly as it had been announced, though, it was announced the debate, to be hosted by WOWK-TV, had been canceled. In addition to Democrat Steve Williams and Republican Patrick Morrisey, this year’s gubernatorial race also includes S. Marshall Wilson representing the Constitution Party, Mountain Party candidate Chase Linko-Looper and Libertarian Erika Elier Kolenich. All were invited to the WOWK debate, which, the station said, would have ...

A different view to help our students

As our state’s population decreases, so does the number of students in our schools. Declining enrollment, in turn, is creating challenges for our school districts. Some boards of education are facing the bitter reality that it is time to close cherished facilities. But the Thomas B. Fordham Institute put together a study that may offer guidance on that front. According to a report by West Virginia Public Broadcasting, the study suggests schools that have been identified by the state as low-performing should be considered first for closure. “We know from research that if you close ...