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Foster Care

West Virginia’s Department of Human Services has begun its statewide tour of child welfare listening sessions. Kicking off in Hurricane on Monday, the tour will run through Beckley, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Burlington, Philippi, Martinsburg and Morgantown in an effort to hear from foster families, case workers and many others with a stake in the effort to do right by vulnerable Mountain State children. According to a report by WV MetroNews, there are approximately 6,000 children in state custody. Individuals who spoke during the first listening session were able to help turn that big ...

Abandoned

Abandoned oil and gas wells have been a problem in West Virginia for more than a century. Lawmakers did the right thing during the most recent regular session by passing House Bill 3336, which allows operators to fill wells with cement without having to remove the central casing. That might not mean much to a lot of us, but the process is said to be easier, cheaper and safer. It could also help protect groundwater, and with staying on top of modern efforts. “It gives accounting for the casings that are put in,” said Del. Mark Zatezalo, R-Hancock, “the double casings that are ...

Boos & Applause

Applause to the small army of volunteers and officials it took to present the annual Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) event held at the Phil Gainer Community Center in Elkins last weekend. Hundreds of people attended the family friendly celebration, which offered both fun and a variety of helpful information. Applause to all the area’s new college graduates. Both Davis & Elkins College and West Virginia Wesleyan College held commencement ceremonies last weekend, and we salute all the local residents who graduated from either those two institutions, or from other colleges and ...

New Leadership

As West Virginia University President E. Gordon Gee winds down his tenure at the helm of the state’s flagship institution of higher learning, it is clear incoming President Michael T. Benson does not intend to try to fill those big shoes — he intends to lead WVU wearing his own. That is important if the university is to build on what Gee accomplished by looking to what is next, rather than what was. Benson comes across as smart, curious, personable and empathetic. He knows there are challenges awaiting him, but also opportunities — for the school and the state. As is the case ...

Foster Care

West Virginia’s Department of Human Services has begun its statewide tour of child welfare listening sessions. Kicking off in Hurricane on Monday, the tour will run through Beckley, Wheeling, Parkersburg, Burlington, Philippi, Martinsburg and Morgantown in an effort to hear from foster families, case workers and many others with a stake in the effort to do right by vulnerable Mountain State children. According to a report by WV MetroNews, there are approximately 6,000 children in state custody. Individuals who spoke during the first listening session were able to help turn that big ...

Boat Safety

Once National Police Week wraps up, law enforcement and other agencies will dive straight into National Safe Boating Week. In West Virginia, the Division of Natural Resources police are ready to remind those who can’t wait to hit the water this summer that they must do so safely. Administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, the weeklong initiative is meant to help boaters prioritize safety at all times. “We want everyone to enjoy our beautiful lakes and rivers, but that means wearing life jackets, staying sober and knowing the rules,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “Boating ...