Submitted photo In the West Virginia Senate chamber, from left, are Bob Boyles from the West Virginia Forestry Association, state Sen. Bill Hamilton, R-District 11, James Pennington, Lucille Pennington and state Sen. Robbie Morris, R-District 11.

CHARLESTON — A Pocahontas County company has been honored during the current West Virginia legislative session as the Logger of the Year.

On Feb. 2, the West Virginia Senate passed a resolution to recognize James and Lucille Pennington, of J & L Trucking in Bartow, as West Virginia’s Outstanding Logger of the Year.

The full Senate voted and passed the resolution unanimously.

The resolution was brought forth by state Senators Bill Hamilton and Robbie Morris, Republican representatives from District 11.

Hamilton introduced the husband-and-wife team to the full Senate prior to the adoption of the resolution.

The Penningtons were recognized by the West Virginia Forestry Association for “their outstanding work and dedication to forestry in West Virginia.”

“They were recognized for their excellent performance in harvesting, forest management, safety and civic service,” the WVFA web site states. “Attesting to their talents is the long waiting list of West Virginia landowners that desire their harvesting services.”

J&L Trucking was established in 2005 and specializes in interstate cargo transport.

In December 2024, J&L Trucking transported the Official WVU Children’s Christmas Tree, which was harvested in Pocahontas County, on its trip to Morgantown.