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What is the fate of the Hancock County Museum?

Local Columns

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 ...

Go slow when considering speed limits

Local Columns

Just about each month, the Weirton Traffic Commission convenes a meeting to consider requests for changes to traffic and parking regulations in the city. Many of those months, there is at least one request going before the commission focused on the matter of speeding (real or perceived) on a street or neighborhood. They come from residents and elected officials alike, many noting concerns for the safety of people in those areas as they feel motorists are driving too fast for a particular street, or not paying attention, with the fear of people – especially young children – being ...

‘Please, don’t take these beautiful things that I’ve got’

Local Columns

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 ...

Keep up fight against opioid scourge

Editorials

As West Virginians have waded through the battle against the substance abuse epidemic over the past several years, it has become clear there is fault to find at many levels — from “legal” drug dealers masquerading as doctors to pharmaceutical industry giants. That is, of course, in addition to the illegal drug operations that realized what was happening and seized the moment. As state attorney general, Gov. Patrick Morrisey did an excellent job battling companies such as Johnson and Johnson, CVS and Kroger — to name a few — in an effort that has yielded hundreds upon hundreds ...

Prioritize what we really need

Editorials

While some are able to find numbers that show positive things happening for the economy, here in West Virginia, the reality is a little less pleasant. Some key indicators are downright disturbing. Workforce participation is steadily dropping. Unemployment is increasing. “These numbers are troubling,” said West Virginia Chamber of Commerce President Steve Roberts. “We’re seeing consistent signs of economic softening across several core industries. When the workforce is shrinking and job losses are sustained over time, we must treat it as a warning sign, and we must respond with ...

If you feel different, you drive different

Editorials

“If you feel different, you drive different. Drive high, get a DUI.” That’s the theme of an effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help local law enforcement be highly visible from now through Labor Day as they crack down on those taking the risk to drive impaired. Even in states such as Ohio where (despite lawmakers’ best efforts to subvert the voters’ will) adult-use cannabis is legal for recreational use, it is still illegal to drive under the influence. It doesn’t matter what substance is to blame. But, ...