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To build or not to build…are we even permitted?

Appalachia is an American energy powerhouse, supplying the natural gas that underpins U.S. energy security, national security and our nation’s leading role in reducing carbon emissions. These are truths widely recognized and fiercely defended by residents in Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia, so much so that candidate Harris’ campaign walked back her opposition of the industry to appeal to voters in the area. Although the debate over “fracking bans” has dominated headlines, it’s a red herring in the broader battle for U.S. energy leadership and environmental progress. Make ...

History in the Hills: Appreciating our museums

When I was young, I pretty much knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. Those who have been reading this column during the nearly five years I have been writing it will not be surprised that I knew I wanted to work with history, specifically in museums. I remember as a child getting really into the Titanic, before the movie came out. For a birthday gift one year, my parents got me a box with replica Titanic artifacts, like a menu, brochures, post cards, etc., and one day I set up a “museum” using these objects. I practiced showing my parents around while explaining the exhibits I ...

Jim Justice’s seemingly empty pockets

It has been nearly impossible to keep up with all of the business issues that Gov. Jim Justice is having. And make no mistake: these are the governor’s issues, not his adult children’s issues. Nearly every organizational chart for Justice-owned businesses continue to list him at the top of the pyramid or with a majority of control of the now 108 businesses that Justice lists on his 2024 financial disclosure report with the state Ethics Commission. And only eight of those businesses are in blind trusts, which takes the governor out of the management of those specific ...

Some other decisions going on the ballot

Remember last week when I wrote about the ballots for the Nov. 5 general election were pretty much set? Never count your chickens, as they say. I was aware Monday’s meeting of the Hancock County Board of Education would include a discussion on a levy for the school system. I wasn’t aware the plans were for an entirely new bond levy to help fund a variety of projects at each of the county’s school facilities. According to Superintendent Dan Enich, officials are finalizing their cost analysis, with plans to either present it to the school board at its Aug. 12 regular meeting or a ...

811 Day – Call before you dig

Every August 11 the calendar page reminds us to call 811 before digging. WV811 is a free service that coordinates with utilities to locate underground pipes and wires before you put a shovel in the ground. You are required by law to call 811 at least 48 hours before you excavate. In our state, the One Call law is enforced by the West Virginia Damage Prevention Board (DPB). The Public Service Commission is designated as an active member of the DPB. The DPB aggressively investigates every reported violation of the One Call law. Anyone can report a suspected violation at www.WVDPB.com. ...

This week, God decided to send me another dog

*Woof. *Woof *Woof *Woof *Woof. Translation ... “Hi. My name is Remmy.” You know, it would take a really long time if Remmy was to continue writing this column. So, I informed him I would just translate what he has to say in order to save a lot of time. And ink. Thank you for being my guest columnist this week, Remmy. You’re a good boy. “Miss Julie said she will include my picture. Had I known, I would have brushed my fur. Anyway, she says she speaks dog. Most people just hear me say, ‘woof.’ Very loudly. She hears something else entirely. For that, I am ...