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W.Va. Day

It was 162 years ago today when the nation first learned that “Mountaineers are Always Free.” Since then, we West Virginians have worked hard to make our mark on bettering not only ourselves and our beloved Mountain State but also this great land in which we are so privileged to live. June 20, 1863 saw West Virginia born from the Civil War as the 35th state. Since then, our natural resources — coal, natural gas and timber — have helped to power a growing nation. Our natural beauty and wild and wonderful landscape are a playground for many seeking to connect with the ...

Juneteenth

For the first time since 2017, West Virginia will not host a Juneteenth event today. Last month, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the measure that ended diversity, equity and inclusion in state government and education programs. In addition, deputy press secretary Drew Galang told the Associated Press “Due to the continued fiscal challenges facing West Virginia, state government will not be sponsoring any formal activities.” Fair enough, but the federal holiday is still an important time to reflect on all of our country’s history. The observance marks the anniversary of the ...

New Approach

Parents and communities as a whole often lament the exodus of young people who move away to pursue opportunities that they don’t envision being close to home. Leaving home for college studies or to enter military service are pursuits that don’t usually spawn a mountain of dread. After all, no matter where the higher-education studies might be, they are seen as a path hopefully to a prosperous life. Meanwhile, those who choose to serve this country in one of the military services become a source of pride “back home” and for this nation as a whole. But what about those who ...

Deadly Rain

As the rain kept coming down over the weekend, West Virginians watched in horror while the number of deaths ticked up and damage mounted because of flash flooding in the northern part of the state. At this writing, six people are dead; others are missing. Buildings have collapsed; thousands are without power; homes, businesses and cars have been washed away — the devastation is painful to witness. Gov. Patrick Morrisey wasted no time declaring a state of emergency to get what resources are available to where they are needed. Meanwhile, across the region most of us are asking: How can ...

Common Sense

West Virginia’s Prosecuting Attorneys Association injected a little common sense and decency into a conversation that reached intrusive absurdity after Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Tom Truman earlier this month made the chilling claim that women could face potential criminal charges if they do not inform law enforcement of miscarriages. “Call your doctor. Call law enforcement, or 911, and just say, ‘I miscarried. I want you to know,’” Truman said to WVNS-TV in a June 2 interview. Ludicrous, isn’t it? To be sure Truman’s claim didn’t do any more damage than it ...

Trust

Free, fair and trusted elections are integral to making our nation work. When that system comes under attack, it truly is necessary to identify those involved and allow the matter to work through the system. The West Virginia Secretary of State’s office and Wetzel County Prosecutor Timothy Haught deserve credit for seeing through a local case in which illegal mailers were sent to thousands of voters during Wheeling’s municipal election. Just recently, Haught, a special prosecutor in the case, brought 22 misdemeanor charges against 41-year-old Anand Patel of Wheeling over his ...