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Appreciate our teachers

Editorials

While the landscape of our education systems has gone through many changes in recent years – from increased state support for private schools and charter schools, to ongoing efforts at the federal level to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education – there is one thing that remains true; our teachers deserve appreciation and respect. Educators play an important role in our society, providing guidance and advice, often not just in the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic, but also in possible pathways for youth to accomplish their goals. Tuesday was recognized as National ...

The Ohio Valley comes together

Editorials

One week ago, our region experienced what meteorologists classified as a derecho – a large-scale storm producing straight-line winds – which left thousands of area residents without power, many for multiple days. First, we wish to take this opportunity to offer thanks to the employees of FirstEnergy/MonPower and AEP, as well as all of the outside crews brought into our area to assist in restoring electricity and other services for our residents and businesses. The fact few areas were spared from damage, and it took several days to address every need, shows just how widespread the ...

Understanding data vital to the effort

Editorials

Members of the West Virginia First Foundation are not taking a “mission accomplished, time to call it a day” approach to recent data that shows a continued decrease in drug overdose deaths in the Mountain State. Instead, they are working to understand the data and build on each victory. Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board spoke on WAJR about the launch of a New Horizons Committee that will explore strategies for implementing the best methods, research and innovations in substance abuse treatment, according to a report by WV MetroNews. “We want to bolster those efforts, ...

Adding to my list of Capitol records

Local Columns

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made my nearly annual trip to the U.S. Capitol Building to spend time with members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation. I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon from the U.S. Senate’s press gallery. I spent part of the day with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore. The first time I made this trip was in March 2021 to shadow Capito, R-W.Va., and then-senator Joe Manchin, following them to votes and meetings. That was already a pretty surreal visit. I’m someone who loves going to ...

Dedicated officials keep you safe

Local Columns

I believe most people think of rate cases and ratemaking when they think of the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. However, the Commission staff and duties involve much more than rates. Among the myriad of other natters in which we are involved, I want you to remember we are on the front line when it comes to the safety of commercial vehicles, what you call semis or tractor-trailers, and the like. We also inspect buses, taxis and any number of other commercial vehicles, but I want to talk with you about our primary highway safety duties. We have a dedicated force of ...

More than enough—Why mental health access must be a West Virginia priority

Local Columns

In West Virginia, we pride ourselves on resilience. We rally for our neighbors, we lift up our communities and we carry our burdens with grit and grace. But when it comes to mental health, resilience alone isn’t enough. Access to care, support and hope must be part of the story, too. This May, as we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, NAMI is proud to launch the “More Than Enough” campaign, a message of hope, inclusion and empowerment. It’s a simple but powerful idea: no matter where you are on your mental health journey, no matter what you look like or what you’re going ...