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Letters to the Editor

Walk to raise awareness of disease

I am very excited to announce our fifth annual Huntington’s Disease Walk, taking place at The Barbour County Fairgrounds in Belington on Sept. 13. Registration begins at 1 p.m. Many people may wonder, “What is Huntington’s Disease?” In short, Huntington’s Disease is a genetic disorder that causes a progressive breakdown of the brain, affecting a person’s physical and mental abilities. It is often described as having ALS, Parkinson’s Disease, and Alzheimer’s Disease simultaneously. Unfortunately, this devastating disease is a reality for our family and many others in ...

A better use of data center revenue?

There are many concerning provisions to the recently passed state law (HB 2014) dealing with Data Center and Microgrid projects, but a recent article in The Inter-Mountain detailing how tax revenue from these projects would be used to benefit the citizens of West Virginia was particularly concerning. The law allocates 50% of such revenues to reduce or eliminate the state income tax. While the idea is appealing, it will benefit the wealthiest West Virginians disproportionately, while providing little or no tax relief for less wealthy citizens, whose tax burden is largely through ...

Homestead Center asking for help

As a board member and volunteer of the Homestead Community & Event Center (the former Homestead Elementary School), I am writing to the community to help support this endeavor. When the school closed and the center was turned over to the Tygart Valley Homestead Association, the board had a vision of continuing to provide this space as a resource hub for the valley. With hundreds of youth in football, cheer, basketball and soccer we have enabled the kids of the valley a place within their home area to participate in sports. Our grounds, playground, and walking track are available ...

Entertainment or animal cruelty?

Just as my letters asking people not to bring dogs to public events fell on deaf ears, this letter will also probably fall on deaf ears.  The Randolph County Fair is in progress and Saturday’s schedule lists an event that is nothing more than animal cruelty. I am talking about the greased pig contest. The kids chasing the pig may be having fun and the people watching the event may be enjoying it but the pig is terrified, fearful for its life. How anybody can derive enjoyment from tormenting animals passes my understanding. It is just wrong. I am asking the organizers of the ...

How to help shelter animals

Animals, through no fault of their own, end up in shelters. There are many reasons: strays, abandoned animals that came from people, surrendered pets, deceased or sick owners, court ordered shelter care till cases are resolved in court, and injured animals that owners can't afford  to pay vet bills. Some of these animals need to be euthanized due to injuries or bad behavioral problems. Some of the animals don't do well in a small kennel. The Randolph County Humane Society is landlocked, so dogs aren't able to go outside to use the bathroom or enjoy the outside. They need to go out ...

Reader: Don’t sell West Virginia out again

Honorable governor, ladies, gentlemen, West Virginia has been exploited since its beginning. Beginning with the coal mining and timber harvesting moguls of the 20th Century. Why stop now? I will not quote the many resources that list the dangers of Ultra High KV transmission lines. Both sides of the argument have their evidence or lack of it. The age-old question is, “Would you live under or nearby such a transmission line?” It does boil down to a simple country wisdom, doesn't it? I think I know your answer! If it is to be forced down our throats, I would choose the most ...