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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 ...

The way grandparents love their grandchildren

As a grandmother, I feel it is my job, my duty, to share all of the precious moments I get to experience with my grandson. I mean, that is what grandparents do, right? We brag. We boast. We embellish. We show photos to anyone who will glance at them. I can remember long before cell phones were invented. People would pull their wallet out of their back pocket or purse and open it up to reveal an extremely long strand of plastic coverings. As the photos unfolded, the viewer would silently sigh, emit a plastic smile and await their fate. Having to look at people they ...

History in the Hills: Digging in the past

Here in our area, we have been known for many different industries over the centuries. Some of the earliest industries we have been noted for are agriculture, woolen products, glass, pottery, oil and iron products, among others. Industries that thrived here have had their day of prominence in our history, such as the woolen industry, as an example. There were so many woolen factories in Steubenville at one time, they called the city Jeans Town because of all the clothes being made here. This industry was big in the first half of the 19th century, and by the Civil War, only a few ...