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Guest Opinion: The government is in the way of the American dream

Politicians at all levels like to campaign on the idea of shrinking, streamlining or removing barriers to growth that prevent regular Americans from realizing the version of the American Dream. This is something President Donald J. Trump has campaigned on because the President understands how burdensome navigating the government can be for the average citizen. President Trump has focused his effort shrink the size of government by attempting to wrangle in our national debt and streamlining bureaucratic methods. But at every step, the President is met by fierce special interests and ...

Guest Opinion: West Virginia entrepreneurship on full display at the Hayhurst Invitational and Innovators Summit

Last week, Lewis County was the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship as Stonewall Resort hosted the Mountain State Innovators Summit and its marquee event, the Hayhurst Invitational. I had the distinct honor to attend this event all three days. I served as a keynote speaker and as a judge. While I was there to inspire and encourage entrepreneurs of all ages, I left inspired with the knowledge that entrepreneurship is alive and well in West Virginia. For three days last week, some of West Virginia’s most energetic entrepreneurs - middle school students, college innovators, ...

Guest Opinion: Building holiday hope — How West Virginia’s skilled trades strengthen families, communities, and the future

Each holiday season, West Virginians are reminded that the true measure of our state’s strength is found in the ways we show up for one another. For members of the West Virginia Building & Construction Trades (WVBCT), this commitment to community is woven into our very being. Our members don’t just build the roads, bridges, schools, and energy infrastructure that keep West Virginia moving. They show up after hours, off the clock, and from the heart, especially during the holidays. For example, this year, one of our partnerships supports the Salvation Army, where we were able to ...

Remember to give thanks for what you had

Well, we blinked. And already it is November. November. The month in which the leaves fall. The month in which the days shorten and darkness sets in before the 5 p.m. news. November. The time when we are tasked with the responsibility of making sure each and every decoration is hung just right, and with making sure every cookie is baked perfectly. With finding a gift for everyone on our list and hoping it is not one they want to return. We blinked. And already it is November. The Halloween candy is just about gone. Christmas is right around the corner. Porches have replaced ...

History in the Hills: Our native history

Most of us here in our area are descended from immigrants. Many of my ancestors came over in the 20th century from Europe for a better life. My great-grandmother, on the other hand, had ancestors here going back to the 17th century, and they are interesting to track down. As a student of history, I found this aspect of my family tree rewarding because I can place them in different time periods of American history. With that history though, my family only came to this part of the world for a job when the mills came. My wife on the other hand, although she grew up in Brooklyn, has ...

A lack of energy at governor’s summit

I’ve said it before, but energy is going to be a huge issue heading into the 2026 legislative session in January. But walking around the Governor’s Energy Summit last Thursday, I didn’t get a sense of excitement. That was very clear during Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s remarks last Thursday morning. It had already started off on a somber note with the announcement of the death of miner Steve Lipscomb after rescuers found him in a Nicholas County mine. Morrisey pivoted to his energy economic development announcements that have come to fruition since October, but many of the applause ...