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Salute

April is National Volunteer Month, a period to honor those who graciously give their time every day to help others. It’s one of the younger of such celebrations, established by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 as part of his 1,000 Points of Light initiative, but youth doesn’t take away from its importance. Because there’s no taking away from the importance of volunteers in our communities. They’re in our churches, our schools and our nursing homes. Nonprofit organizations couldn’t exist without them, as their compassion and call to serve provide essential assistance and ...

Mine Safety

Last week, two West Virginia communities suffered losses that have become much rarer — thank goodness — but still are thought of as something to be accepted as a risk taken by those who work in our coal industry. Two coal miners died within a 24-hour stretch late last week — Thursday evening in Raleigh County and Friday morning in Marshall County. Shuttle car operator Aaron Warrix of Chapmanville was hit by a piece of rock at the Alpha Metallurgical Resources Panther Eagle Horse Creek Mine in Raleigh County. Miner Darin Reece is believed to have been crushed between two ...

Shrinking

The population numbers for West Virginia contained in the recent U.S. Census Bureau county population estimates release are, frankly, not surprising. The Northern Panhandle has been losing population for years. The estimates, based on county populations as of July 1, 2025, confirm the decades-long trend of people leaving that area. Consider this: there are 7,300 fewer people in the Northern Panhandle than on July 1, 2020. A six-county region that in 1970 had 201,940 residents today has 140,138. That loss — 61,802 people — is roughly equivalent to the current combined population ...

Big Election

It is the opinion of some people that this year’s midterm elections could be the most consequential of this nation’s history. That viewpoint might be accurate over the long run; there’s no way now of knowing. However, there is an important message contained within that opinion that’s not premature to acknowledge even so far out from the Nov. 3 general election. That is that voters already need to kick into proverbial high gear close attention regarding specific issues in play in 2026 America — not only within the state and, otherwise, within the nation’s borders, but also ...

Underrated

Those of you who have visited New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will have trouble believing anyone would fail to see it as a top destination for hikers, climbers, lovers of the outdoors and those who seek adventure amid unparalleled natural splendor. But according to U.S. News and World Report, the park is the No. 1 most underrated travel destination for 2026. “With its majestic forested hills and deep canyons, New River Gorge is often compared to the Smokies, but with shorter peaks, a more compact footprint and much smaller crowds,” according to U.S. News. “Adrenaline ...

Happy Easter

For Christians, Sunday is the holiest day of the year — Easter. It is a day of celebration; commemorating the resurrection of the Son. For millennia, this season has also been a time to celebrate the return of the sun, when our minds are on a kind of rebirth and living again in the light. Easter brings us joy, yes. It also teaches us about sacrifice and love; and gives us a brightly colored reminder that we are supposed to love one another, too. For many, it is a day of dressing up, perhaps attending church, having a meal with family and then giving in to modern traditions ...