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Foster Care

Gov. Jim Justice didn’t do Pamela Woodman-Kaehler any favors when he brushed off a reporter’s questions about the reason for her resignation as the first ombudsman of the state’s foster care system. When asked whether Woodman-Kaehler was leaving because of a problem with the office, Justice deflected: “ … This business of attacking people and everything and, you know, just, you know, digging into everything, coming and going. I mean, if she’s telling us she got a better job, why don’t we celebrate that?” It is always a wonder to behold a public official who pretends ...

Transparency

While state officials are bending over backward to protect themselves, rather than the children in their care, the former deputy secretary of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is speaking out. “There is just not enough transparency in the system to fill some level of assurance that while tragedies will always happen, at least we did our best as a state and a government to address them,” Jeremiah Samples said during testimony in a class action lawsuit involving the state’s foster care system. “And I don’t believe we are at that stage right ...

Super Fan Spirit

Some people are unforgettable. Their honesty, and their authenticity, make them stand out from the pack and lead us to remember them long after they’re gone. John Zirbs was such a person. Many in Elkins knew him as “Super Fan.” Others referred to him as “Mr. Forest Festival.” Still others knew him as a devoted carrier of The Inter-Mountain who served his customers for four decades. Zirbs, a special needs person, was a 1975 graduate of Elkins High School who became the biggest supporter of EHS sports in the school’s history by adopting the alter-ego “Super Fan.” For ...

To the Rescue

West Virginia’s National Guard repeatedly comes to the rescue when the state is in need. Whether it be a pandemic, a natural disaster or simple bureaucratic/governmental incompetence, we know we can count on the men and women of the Guard to make a difference. Nearly two years ago, Gov. Jim Justice declared a state of emergency for our 17 correctional facilities because of severe staffing shortages. More than 730 members of the WVNG stepped up to rotate into positions in those facilities. “Today I am ending our long-standing emergency as the National Guard has completed its ...

Give Blood

As the American Red Cross continues to get creative in enticing donors to give blood, its newest promotion may be the perfect fit for those willing to roll up their sleeves between now and June 9. Lovers of the video game Tetris may be willing to attend a blood drive over the next couple of weeks to receive not only a special Tetris + Red Cross t-shirt, but to get a chance at a trip for two to New York to meet Tetris creator Alexey Pajitnov. “As summer gets closer, the American Red Cross asks donors to come in to give blood now to help keep the blood supply as stable as possible. ...

Memorial Day

Since the years after the Civil War, Americans have looked for healing on one day each year dedicated to the memory of those who died fighting for this country. In fact, since 1775, nearly 1.4 million men and women have done so. Back in 1868, it was the Grand Army of the Republic commemorating the sacrifices made by Union soldiers. It sparked a nationwide understanding of the importance of honoring those whose lives paid for our freedom. Today that understanding seems to be fading. Maybe it is because war has changed. During the six years of World War II, 405, 399 died in service ...