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Have Your Say

Leaders of both major political parties agree on one thing: The presidential election scheduled for Tuesday is among the most important in American history. Its outcome will shape our government, economy, even our society for many years to come, and may even come to truly define just who we are at this time. Your life and that of your children and grandchildren will be affected profoundly no matter who is elected. Don’t you want to have a say in the matter? To judge by voter turnouts in previous elections, many of your friends, family members, co-workers and neighbors simply ...

Boos & Applause

Applause to three local students whose art — including the artwork by the winner of the statewide contest — is currently on display at the State Capitol building. Artwork created by Mallory Koerber from Marlinton Middle School in Pocahontas County was selected as the statewide winner of the eighth Kids Kick Opioids contest. Artwork designs showcasing efforts to raise awareness of opioid abuse created by Isaac Simmons from Belington Elementary School in Barbour County, and Pheonix Austin of Jennings Randolph Elementary School in Randolph County, have been honored as being among the ...

No Answers

The ongoing saga of air quality issues at Elkins Middle School, and the student illnesses which many parents believe they have caused, has been both a mysterious and upsetting experience for all involved. Parents want answers and need to be able to trust that sending their kids to school won’t make them sick. The school administrators and staff want answers as well, but to this point any answers as to what is causing the illnesses have been frustratingly few and slow in coming. Dr. Shawn Dilly, the Randolph County superintendent of schools, released documentation Wednesday ...

Halloween

Forget about decades-old urban myths about razor blades and poisons hidden in Halloween candy, the real dangers tonight are more likely to come from inattentive drivers and children consuming candy that contains allergens. According to a report by The Hill, other risks include falls due to costumes that become a trip hazard (or reduce visibility), and candy that can lead to choking. Parents are advised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to feed children before sending them out for their candy, to reduce the chance they will snack on a treat that contains an ingredient to which ...

Good Partners

Across the Mountain State, United Way organizations provide resources and support for those who are vulnerable and in need. In a state like ours, that means there are a LOT of people who rely on them. But the United Way doesn’t do its work without good partners. Last week, the Highmark West Virginia Charitable Fund for Health proved itself just that by giving a total of $102,000 to United Ways across the state. “We are delighted to contribute to the important work of United Way organizations across the Mountain State, helping them to create positive change in the lives of ...

All In It Together

“I volunteered to get out before you all threw me out,” U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., said during a stop in Parkersburg Wednesday. Surely he knows how very much his work on our behalf has meant to Mountain State residents over the years, and that his determination to focus on that work — rather than the political theater and noise — has been deeply appreciated. It is likely Manchin would have been given the opportunity to leave on his own terms whenever he chose. But with the close of this chapter in his career comes the chance to speak freely about the state of politics in ...