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There's been a lot going on in the last few weeks, and, sometimes, there are decisions and observations that don't always qualify for a full news article. I'll occasionally use this opportunity to go through a few here and there.
This is going to be one of those times.
It would be helpful if the West Virginia Division of Highways would find a better way to describe the location of their projects than using milepost numbers.
I realize the DOH communications staff has a lot of information to process, and I'm willing to bet most of them aren't actually familiar with the layouts of most communities in the state. At the same time, how many local residents know where Milepost 14 on West Virginia Route 2 is in Weirton?
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Weirton is getting a stand alone Starbucks.
This has long been rumored in the community, even going back to about a year or so ago when an area of the parking lot of Three Springs Crossing was roped off. Keep in mind, much of that was going on around the time of the dispute between the local high school students and another business within that development, so there was some initial confusion and no real confirmation from any official source - just the local rumor mill.
Now, we know it's true. There's been a Starbucks kiosk located within the Kroger store. I don't know what the future holds for it, but considering you often find multiple locations from that coffee business in a single community, I wouldn't be surprised if they both operate.
Just don't forget the locally owned coffee businesses while getting excited for the national franchise coming to town. Whether brick-and-mortar locations or mobile setups, we've had several local residents doing well in the last few years, and I would hope they would continue to receive the same level of support.
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The BFS store and gas station at the intersection of Three Springs Drive and Cove Road is undergoing a project of its own. The building we've known for years is being taken down, with a new structure to be built. City officials confirmed this last week, and the work is underway.
It should provide some new offerings for its customers once the project is complete.
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I don't care what political party they're registered to, if an individual is thin-skinned, unable to take criticism, and unwilling to answer questions (whether from the media or the public), they might want to seek another line of work. That goes for elected politicians and appointed officials alike.
It's not "fake news" just because you don't like the information being reported or because it's something you had hoped wouldn't come out. Interviews aren't off-the-record conversations, and press briefings aren't Youtube broadcasts where only selected people get to ask you questions.
These offices, again, both parties and both elected and appointed, are positions of trust and service to the public. You answer to the public. If you can't make yourself available to journalists, or decide to resort to personal attacks because someone brings up a question you don't like, perhaps it's time to step aside.
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Pretty much all of our local schools will officially be in session beginning Monday. That means an increase in activities for our local youth as sports seasons commence, after-school clubs begin to meet, homecomings will be coming up fast, etc.
School buses will be hitting the road to pick up students of varying ages. That also means speed limits will be active in the school zones. Please make sure you are paying attention and following the guidelines. Reduce your speed in the area of schools during the day, be aware when approaching a bus in the event it would stop to pick up or drop off children. Be very careful when driving early in the morning, especially as we get closer to the winter months and there isn't as much light available when those students are waiting for the bus.
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Beyond all of that, get ready for the beginning of autumn in only a few weeks. There are sure to be lots of seasonal community events and activities for everyone to enjoy, and I hope you take the time to do just that.
(Howell, a resident of Colliers, is managing editor of The Weirton Daily Times, and can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com or followed on Twitter/X @ChowellWDT)