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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 ...

Sometimes, it takes a community effort

Earlier this month, the Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation received the first portion of a large monetary contribution to assist with a planned improvement to Marland Heights Park. The Weirton Rotary Club has pledged up to $50,000 to redesign the existing tennis courts at the park, including new fencing, resurfacing, and lining, to go from two tennis courts to one tennis court and four pickleball courts. The check presentation held at the park included members of the Rotary Club, officials with the City of Weirton and Weirton Park Board, and representatives of the Weirton ...

EPA, EPW working together to deliver for West Virginia

When you reflect on the history of the Mountain State, the words “West Virginia” and “energy” are inextricably linked. Coal was first discovered in West Virginia in 1742, natural gas was first struck in 1815, and the state’s first oil-producing well was completed in 1860. Each of these discoveries happened before West Virginia was recognized as the nation’s 35th state. In fact, West Virginians were enjoying public electric streetlamps a full three years before electric lights were installed in the White House in 1891. When it comes to energy, West Virginia has always led the ...