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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 ...

Independence

Independence Day is fast-approaching. Here in the Mountain State, we like to think of ourselves as being a fairly independent bunch. According to WalletHub’s “Most and Least Independent States (2024),” the data does not support that self-image. “Americans value independence,” the report’s authors write. “We fought hard for it during the Revolutionary War, and in the present day, we celebrate not only our freedom from the British crown but also our strong ability to rely upon ourselves as individuals. Now, with inflation affecting people across the country, many Americans ...

ARC Report

Each year, the Appalachian Regional Commission releases its report “The Appalachian Region: A Data Overview from the 2018-2022 American Community Survey.” This year’s is the 14th such update, and was a perfectly crafted blend of data to show improvement and progress toward fulfillment of the ARC’s mission, and the challenges that justify allowing the ARC to continue. This nearly 60-year-old federal agency meant to “strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation,” reports increased family income and decreased poverty ...

Boos & Applause

Applause to longtime Elkins radio host Roger Taylor and all the organizers and volunteers who have worked to put together today’s celebration of his career, as he retires from the air. The event will take place at the Rotary Amphitheatre at the Elkins Town Square behind the Elkins Depot Welcome Center. Activities will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. today, and the event will feature nonprofit vendors, giveaways and live local entertainment.The event’s giveaway prizes will consist of tickets to the Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, Tennessee, and a $400 “Pat’s Pick of Fireworks ...

Blood Drive

Give them credit, the American Red Cross knows when to make alliances with adversaries, if it will help it complete its mission. With the startlingly high number of tornadoes this season, the Red Cross notes “It’s vital for blood donors to make time in between summer celebrations to give blood and help ensure lifesaving blood products are ready the moment they are needed in times of disaster or where severe weather may prevent people from being able to donate.” And to encourage donors in July, the organization has teamed up with none other than Universal Pictures’ new movie ...

Protection Issue

The federal government is scrambling to boost the capacity of America’s power grid, and that will continue to be one of this nation’s most important pursuits for many years to come, due to demands associated with electric vehicles and artificial-intelligence capabilities. However, what must not become lost within that capacity-building endeavor is the companion necessity of beefing up power-grid protections. Unfortunately, there so far has been little, if any, substantive discussion emanating from Washington about the protection issue, and that is troubling. Such discussion could ...