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Education

While politicians and some homeschool advocates continue to ask for West Virginia’s laws (and enforcement) regarding homeschooling to remain unchanged, the West Virginia Department of Education has produced data that should change their minds. According to a report by WCHS, the data show only one-third of Mountain State homeschool families turn in the required assessments As WCHS points out, state law gives county school districts the authority to take nonreporting families to court. But it does not require them to do so. After the death of Kyneddi Miller in Boone County, it was ...

Blame Game

It seems as though plaintiffs in a lawsuit regarding the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation in West Virginia aimed for the wrong targets, according to a ruling by U.S. District Court Judge Irene Berger. She granted motions to dismiss the class action lawsuit against Gov. Jim Justice and state Department of Homeland Security Cabinet Secretary Mark Sorsaia on July 2. But importantly, Berger did not rule the accusation of poor conditions bordering on cruel and unusual punishment and complaints of alleged injuries were without merit. She ruled the plaintiffs did not establish a ...

Relief

The past year has been a marked improvement for taxpaying West Virginians when it comes to their overall tax burden. The state’s personal income tax dropped from 6.5% to 5.1%, and if you pay your personal property taxes on your vehicles correctly, you’ll qualify for a full refund of what you paid in 2024 during tax season next year. All in all, it’s been a good start to much-needed reform of the state’s tax code. But we must move quicker, with the goal being the total elimination of the state’s income tax. Consider those of us living in the Northern Panhandle, in an area ...

Boos & Applause

Editor’s note: During the course of a week, issues are covered that might not lend themselves to full editorial comment, but they are worthy of The Inter-Mountain weighing in — pro, con or neutral. Applause to everyone who has helped organize the July 4th weekend events at the Town Square in Elkins, which will culminate tonight with a fireworks display after dark. Things will heat up today when the 2024 Car Show begins at 9 a.m. Several streets in proximity to Town Square will be closed and lined with automobiles throughout the day until the show concludes at 6 p.m. Following the ...

Our History

Ever wonder how Americans got the idea that our Independence Day should be celebrated with fireworks? Credit John Adams, who wrote: “The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival … It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.” Readers will note Adams believed the celebration ...

Fireworks

It’s hard to drive very far recently without seeing one of those giant tents, covered with banners meant to entice Fourth of July revelers into buying fireworks and other such novelties to enhance their celebration. Should you choose to stop by, be sure to follow some safety rules while you celebrate. First: Be certain a sober adult is the one setting off the fireworks. But then, choose a level surface with plenty of cleared space around it, and have a bucket of water on hand. Keep them away from houses or other structures, and bear in mind how dry it has been lately. Try ...