In this time of increased anxiety, worry and in some cases panic over the coronavirus, Gov. Jim Justice has mostly done a good job trying to encourage people to social distance from others and not panic. What he did Saturday night and last Thursday might have undone a lot of the good he has ...

It’s only when your routine is disrupted that you realize the beauty of it. Normally the blocks fill up fast on my desk calendar for March, April and May as so many women’s clubs, service organizations and nonprofits have their events planned, the vast majority of them serving as ...

West Virginia is officially a part of the coronavirus pandemic. After weeks of reports from other states, and the sharing of various memes and jokes online, we learned Tuesday of the first positive case of COVID-19 in the Mountain State. By Friday night, we were up to eight confirmed cases, ...

What is the church supposed to look like? How can we tell the difference between the world and the church? The answers to these questions are in some ways complex — but in other ways very simple. I would like to focus on two (of the many), identifying markers of the church. In doing so I am ...

We are experiencing unprecedented events here in the Ohio Valley with the global coronavirus pandemic. Looking back through history it is hard to find a comparison to look to except perhaps the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic. As an historian, I am constantly reminded of the phrase “Learn by ...

On behalf of the entire WMC family of more than 1,400 employees, physicians, medical professionals and volunteers, we would like to thank the community for the continual offers and support and assistance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our WMC team has prepared for weeks trying to ensure ...

I fully expected to write something about the various statewide races, or some of the after effects of the 2020 legislative session. I didn’t expect I’d be writing about a virus pandemic. But the novel (new) coronavirus, or COVID-19 (short for Coronavirus Disease 2019) has swept the ...

It’s not just a hair cut. It’s a mood-enhancing activity on my calendar, and I look forward to it. I don’t know about you, but for me, a hair appointment is a lot more than just “getting my ears lowered” or “taking a little off the top” as they used to say. It’s therapy. ...

We’re staring into the face of the unknown. In December, information was reported on a new strain of the coronavirus found in an area of China. Eventually, it began to work its way around the world, with hundreds of thousands known to have it, and some having died as a result. I want to ...

It is often said, “every vote counts.” In West Virginia, every voter counts, too. For too long, segments of voters have been disenfranchised from our democratic process through no fault of their own. Deployed armed services members often lack access to mail, printers, and scanners — ...

It’s 2020, and while most minds might be on the upcoming elections, there’s another way you can have your voice heard and make a difference in government: take the census. Every single West Virginian needs to take the census for two critical reasons: First, census data helps determine ...

In the name of the Father, Son, Holy Spirit. Amen! One of the most misunderstood and disregarded practices of Christianity has become that of fasting. Historically in Lent, fasting efforts were increased even greater than throughout the year, which was done twice a week; on Wednesdays, a ...

Here we are, at the end of another legislative session and, looking back, I have to say it wasn’t too bad. Sure, I’ve noted various issues and dramas over the last nine weeks. As I’ve said before, when you lock in maybe 300 people (lawmakers, staff, other government agencies, lobbyists, ...

The Weirton Area Museum and Cultural Center held a presentation Saturday afternoon on the history of jazz in Pittsburgh, and some of its influence on American culture. There were a little more than a dozen people in attendance, counting myself and museum staff. In a few short months, the ...

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. (Hebrews 5:15). Brothers, I could not address you as spiritual, but as worldly — as ...

Recently, I had the great opportunity to visit Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, and while I was there, I heard their new catch phrase to encourage repeat visitors. “Colonial Williamsburg, Where History Never Gets Old.” I love this way of describing what they do at CW, although it is a ...

Here we are folks, ending week eight and starting week nine — the final week — of the 2020 legislative session. I’m not ready to do a look-back yet. That will come in next week’s column. But I can at least say that my predictions of a boring session have been mostly on the money. ...

“How do you spell antenna?” I was wrapped cocoon style in a blanket, having just settled in to a comfy position on the oh-so-inviting living room recliner. Feeling weary but warm and wooly, I was ready to perfect the art of reading a good book with my eyes closed. And that’s when I ...

The temperatures this weekend, and the sight of a few light flurries Saturday morning tell us it is still winter, although we are heading in a warmer direction. Spring will officially be here in just under three weeks. With that means people are going to want to be outside, flowers will ...

Nehemiah is a lesser read book of the Old Testament. I feel it is relevant today. Everywhere we go people are talking. “What this church needs….!”, “I can’t believe our government officials.” “If I were there I would….” Gripers, complainers, self-proclaimed prophets, and ...