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There is nothing better than being with family

I realize that I have written some rather depressing columns during the last several weeks. Believe me, it was certainly not my intention. And I apologize if anyone is sick and tired of reading about my weekly problems. I usually just sit down at the computer a few hours before deadline and write. For the most part, I don’t even know what I am going to talk about. I usually don’t even realize what is coming out of the keyboard. My fingers just fly across the keys while my brain is focusing on something else entirely. It’s as if I am reading it for the first time, too, ...

Manchin’s fight to protect jobs must continue

When Senator Joe Manchin discovered that a rogue federal agency could kill more than 900 jobs in West Virginia, he knew that he had to take action. The fate of those 900 workers at the Cleveland-Cliffs tin mill facility in Weirton rested in the hands of a little-known agency with far too much power: the International Trade Commission (ITC). Despite its small size, the agency wields significant authority, issuing rulings on trade and patent disputes, imposing penalties on alleged violators, and overriding rulings from other state and federal government bodies. The unfortunate truth is ...

Mooney: Stark contrasts in U.S. Senate primary

As May approaches, West Virginians have a choice to make as they decide who they want to represent their interests and values in the United States Senate. The choice is between me, conservative fighter Alex Mooney and Gov. Jim Justice. Can voters really trust Democrat-turned-Republican Jim Justice? Jim Justice can’t be trusted because has a proven track record of supporting liberal policies. In 2020, he promised to sign into law the The Fairness Act, legislation that provides special privileges to transgender persons and strips West Virginians of their religious freedoms. The bill ...

Be careful and patient during bridge work

Last week was the return of something I’m sure most (hopefully all) of our area residents was dreading...the return of maintenance work on the Veterans Memorial Bridge. We knew crews would return at some point. After all, those large, orange construction barrels were left in the far eastbound lane through the winter season. The Veterans Memorial Bridge first opened in 1990. It’s understandable maintenance must happen from time to time in order to keep such a span operational, but this is now an annual thing. When warmer weather comes around, we now expect to see the flowers ...

History in the Hills: There always is a best

Two weeks ago, we returned from visiting my wife’s family in New York City. We had a fabulous time visiting and sightseeing all around the city. We were fortunate to have good weather while we were there, and for the drive to and from. Driving up without stopping is about six-and-a-half hours, but traveling with four children takes significantly longer, with many breaks. And if we are lucky, we can make the trip in eight. Traveling is monotonous sometimes and usually after listening to hours of music, I start to listen to audiobooks. Rummaging through my CD selections, I found an ...

My home is empty … but not as much as I am

I wish I would have told them more often in words. Perhaps I should have showed them more often with actions. It’s funny how you contemplate every “what if ...” after it’s too late. I miss my children. I miss my dogs. It is definitely lonely at my house. I remember a time when it seemed as if there wasn’t enough room in my spacious home for everyone to fit comfortably. Having three teenage boys 5-foot-11 or taller, we actually did need that much room in which to live. And love. And grow. The addition of two puppies that eventually grew into fairly large dogs, ...