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Craig Howell: Following a path to community leadership

As long-time readers know, I've been active with the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce for many years and one of my favorite parts of that involvement is putting together its leadership programs. Each year, the Chamber organizes two such programs. Youth Leadership Weirton is open to incoming sophomores from Weir, Madonna, Oak Glen, and Brooke high schools. Applications are provided to the schools during the spring, with the program launching each September. For our business community, there is Leadership Ohio Valley. This program begins in early November, with sessions taking place ...

Craig Howell: Spirits of community, volunteerism were on display for holiday

Independence Day is a time to remember the nation's history. It's also about community. Our Ohio Valley communities show this each year with a variety of special celebrations, from grand fireworks displays to live musical performances, to street fairs, contests, and more. Typically, I find myself focusing solely on activities in Weirton, but some adjustments made in recent months resulted in my bouncing around a few of our local cities the weekend of July 4. That started in Weirton July 3, with the annual performance by the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra. Usually, I enjoy this ...

The battle to establish, and keep, our country

As we move through this weekend full of fireworks, parades, food and the battle over political ideologies, let’s not forget what July 4 means. It was 250 years ago that a group of men representing the 13 American colonies agreed to declare their independence from the British Empire. On July 2, 1776, members of the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, with the finalized draft of the Declaration of Independence adopted (not signed) two days later. It was never an easy decision. Members of the Continental Congress did not go to Philadelphia with the goal of issuing ...

Remembering our history, strength, and people

The country roads are taking us all home this weekend as we take time to recognize the anniversary of our state's founding. Born in the midst of the American Civil War, through a method of which the legality is still debated today, West Virginia was admitted into the nation on June 20, 1863, separating from Virginia, and becoming a key area between the Union and Confederate states. Its unique shape is owed to the pre-established borders of other states, formed by geography and landmarks like the Ohio River along its western edges, as well as colonial settlements over land disputes. ...

Craig Howell: Remembering a life of public service

While I knew his health had not been good in recent months, it was still a shock when I learned Tuesday afternoon about the passing of George Ash Sr. George died June 3 at the age of 75. He was probably one of, if not the, longest serving members of Weirton City Council, having a combined 30 years in office. He first took office in 1991, representing the residents of Ward 4 until 2024, with the exception of one term in the early 2000s. George and I didn't always get along. In fact, we had our share of conflicts, especially early on in my journalism career. We butted heads on a ...

Julie Gomez: Checking In on the Men Who Always Show Up

Every community has them. They are the men who show up. They coach the little league team after work. They help a neighbor with a home repair. They volunteer at their church. They work long hours to provide for their families. They care for aging parents. They support their children through challenges. They lead businesses, organizations and communities. They are fathers, husbands, sons, brothers, veterans, first responders, teachers, miners, construction workers, healthcare professionals and caregivers. They are often the people others turn to when something goes wrong, but how often ...