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History in the Hills: Woven history

This month at Historic Fort Steuben, we are hosting our annual Spring Quilt show. We are in our 15th year for the show at the Fort and it is always one of my favorite events. This year, we have 45 quilts on display ranging from small lap quilts to large king-sized pieces. My colleague, Mary Snyder, does an incredible job organizing the event every year, and this year is no exception. I am always amazed at the craftsmanship of these unique objects. I grew up around quilts and quilting so, I know just a little bit of the process of creating these works of art. My grandmother was a ...

Legislators entering the final countdown

Finally, we’ve come to the final six days of the 60-day legislative session. At midnight on Saturday, April 12, the lawmakers will complete their work and adjourn sine die. The budget bill is in the process of being worked on, with the House of Delegates passing its budget Friday and the state Senate set to insert its version of the budget bill this week. The budget can be somewhat of a game, even though it’s literally the only bill required to be done. It also must be balanced in compliance with the state Constitution. But by game, I mean it’s the job of the House to defend ...

Build economic freedom for every West Virginian

As a business owner, common sense conservative, and lifelong West Virginia Republican, I have witnessed a remarkable transformation as Republicans achieved supermajority control of our state legislature over the past decade. When my father, former Congressman David B. McKinley, served in a Democrat-dominated legislature in the 1980s and early 1990s, Republicans barely had a voice — with as few as one or two senators out of 34 and as few as eight or nine delegates out of 100. Today, Republicans hold supermajority control over both houses of the Legislature and all statewide ...

The importance of business guidance

This past week, around 80 juniors from area high schools gathered at the Holiday Inn Weirton-Steubenville and Undo’s to receive a few lessons in the hope it would better prepare them for their future. Each year, the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee organizes the Dr. Barbara A. Matey High School Business Symposium, bringing together students from West Virginia, Ohio, and (sometimes) Pennsylvania for a full-day workshop. During the day, they hear directly from members of the local business community who speak with them about proper ways to prepare for a job ...

Your story isn’t over; turn the page and keep writing

On April 16, we observe World Semicolon Day, a day that symbolizes hope and resilience for those facing mental health challenges. The semicolon, used when an author chooses to continue a sentence rather than end it, represents the decision to persist through hard times and adversity. This symbol has become a powerful emblem in the mental health community, signifying that one’s story is not over. In Ohio, the need for mental health awareness and resources is pressing. Approximately 1,906,000 adults in our state live with a mental health condition—more than four times the population ...

Medicare Advantage helps West Virginia retirees, seniors, and communities

As a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and a public-school teacher, I’m keenly aware of the need to help support our retirees as they transition from their careers to their golden years. In West Virginia, more than 50 percent of eligible Medicare seniors have chosen a Medicare Advantage plan. Most retired state employees, as well as retirees coming from public and higher education, who are Medicare eligible access the high-quality, affordable health coverage that they need to help make that transition a smooth one through Medicare Advantage plans provided by the West ...