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Road tripping around West Virginia

One of the great things about being a news reporter is getting to sometimes hit the road and explore parts of the state I’ve never been to, as well as meeting the people who make this state go. Last Wednesday, I hopped in my car and drove from Charleston to Mason County. I’ve been reporting about the impending sale of West Virginia’s state-owned long-term care facilities, so I wanted to take some photos of the one closest to me, which is Lakin Hospital a few miles outside of Point Pleasant along Route 2. I was only a few miles away from Lakin when there it was: a pothole right ...

Go slow when considering speed limits

Just about each month, the Weirton Traffic Commission convenes a meeting to consider requests for changes to traffic and parking regulations in the city. Many of those months, there is at least one request going before the commission focused on the matter of speeding (real or perceived) on a street or neighborhood. They come from residents and elected officials alike, many noting concerns for the safety of people in those areas as they feel motorists are driving too fast for a particular street, or not paying attention, with the fear of people – especially young children – being ...

What is the fate of the Hancock County Museum?

There are so many things of import occurring nationally, on the state stage, county wise and within local governments that, on one hand, the fate of the Hancock County Museum hardly seems worthy of attention, yet, on the other hand, it is of utmost importance. It is a fine example of life in the late 1880s and has served as a teaching tool, as a gathering place, as a repository of valuable artifacts and as a place to hold receptions. Yet, it appears to be falling into ruin as noted by the boarded windows. Is the roof leaking? If so, it is leaking rain and dust onto a truly unique ...

‘Please, don’t take these beautiful things that I’ve got’

Ever since I mentioned how my grandson sings Benson Boone’s “Beautiful Things” last week, I’ve noticed just how often he goes around the house singing it to himself. It is adorable. Again, he doesn’t talk really. But he does sing that song. He loves that song. And I love how he loves it. I love that song, too. Except, I love that song for a completely different reason. And not just because it is a “catchy tune.” I may not have the greatest taste in clothing, makeup, food, cars, men. That list goes on and on. But I do think I have excellent taste in ...

Are we having a bit of a senior moment?

The possible sale of four state-owned long-term care facilities to a private company could be a win for West Virginia taxpayers, but questions remain. Last week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that New York-based Marx Development Group (MDG) will purchase Hopemont Hospital in Preston County, Jackie Withrow Hospital in Raleigh County, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center in Marion County, and Lakin Hospital in Mason County for $60 million. Once the sale closes on Tuesday, Sept. 30, the deal includes MDG replacing the facilities with between three and five new long-term care ...

Counting down to the start of fall, y’all

West Virginia Tourism released its annual Fall Foliage Forecast Friday morning, providing predictions on when the change in tree coloration will be seen in the various parts of the Mountain State. According to their map, the first major change will be in late September and early October in much of the eastern portions of the state, including areas around Morgantown, Philippi, Elkins, Thomas and Davis, and moving south. The majority of the Eastern Panhandle would come next, in early to mid-October The Martinsburg area, the Northern Panhandle, and much of the southwestern part of the ...