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History in the Hills: The Fourth of July

One of my favorite things about the Fourth of July is family picnics and setting off fireworks. Since my cousin was born on the Fourth of July, we always have a party at my aunt and uncle’s house. Coming together is still an important part of any holiday in my family. I also have such happy memories of summer nights setting up chairs in my parent’s driveway and watching my dad light the various roman candles, sparklers, bottle rockets and the like, much to our amusement. My family and friends would all come together, sit in the driveway and watch the sparks of color and light ...

I haven’t gotten over the loss … not just yet, anyways …

I ordered pizza the other day and quietly cried as I discarded the pepperoni into the trash. It had been a very long time since I had to throw away my unwanted food. For those two adorable faces were no longer there … waiting impatiently by my side for those few ringlets of meat. I miss my dogs. I realize there isn’t anyone out there who wants to hear yet another column about how Julie misses her pets. I really do apologize. However, it is my job to write a weekly column that pertains to matters which I know. And what I know is that it is unbearably hard to live ...

It’s a dog eat dog world in Charleston

When I covered the dedication of the new murals at the State Capitol Building on West Virginia Day nearly two weeks ago, I did not notice the inclusion of Gov. Jim Justice’s Babydog in one of the murals. In fact, I wrote a pretty nice story about the dedication event, including positive quotes from Justice and Randall Reid-Smith, the recently renamed cabinet secretary of the Department of Arts, Culture and History. Frankly, I really like the murals and was happy to see them done. I love history. I’m a former co-captain of my middle school and high school quiz bowl teams. I never ...

Don’t forget the reason for the holiday

June is coming to an end this month, and attention has turned to the celebration of our nation’s independence. Festivities kicked off this weekend in Wellsburg with a week-long series of concerts beginning Friday night at the city’s Central Park. An all-ages fishing tournament is scheduled for Sunday morning, with a corn hole tournament later in the day. The annual 5K Run-Walk was postponed, apparently over issues getting enough volunteers. Thursday – Independence Day itself – will feature a variety of events, with a flag-raising ceremony, the Oil Can Derby and the ...

Happy birthday, America!

As I prepared this column, I fondly remember reading that the most important thing to emerge from the historical period known as the Age of Enlightenment was the United States. I’m not sure how historians measure such things. However, I certainly endorse the concept that these United States, a diverse mixture of people from all over the globe, was the best thing produced from a period known for logic and reason, rationality, and the search for truth. Ours is a nation in which the common person could, and often did, triumph over those who were in positions of privilege. And that ...

I would have liked to grow up in the ‘50s, too

So many times I wish I had grown up in the 1950s. Just like those in the Class of ‘54. Those “Leave it to Beaver,” days. With dances. Soda shops. Football games. The time when, “Andy Griffith” was going to be televising its new television program every week. Boys didn’t dress like a bum. (Sorry, boys.) Girls didn’t hate each other the way they do now. (Sorry, girls.) I certainly don’t care for the way people treat one another over the internet. So I stopped using it. I rarely visit those sites. I honestly don’t care for the drama. I’ve had enough to last me a ...