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Finding Hope After Tragedy

Editorials

Tuesday, July 21, 2026 will be remembered as a terrible night for our local community. In Upshur County, around 5 inches of rain fell by 7:26 p.m. Tuesday, leading to massive flooding, which caused tremendous property loss, much of which is still being evaluated. On Thursday afternoon, it was confirmed that two people lost their lives in the flooding. What can we learn from the worst of times? How can we find hope, a glimmer of sunlight in the gloom and tragedy? First of all, this week we learned, once again, that our emergency response personnel in this part of the state is peerless. ...

50 years of business and marriage

Letters to the Editor

I recently read an article about a friend and colleague, Greg Morgan, whose years at a local bank were recognized. I worked with Greg for 34 and a half years and know about his excellent character and professionalism. After reading the article, I felt spurred to bring to the attention of our great city and surrounding area another person who should be mentioned: Dr. Jerry M. Metheny, DDS, who just acheived 50 years of dental practice in Elkins. Dr. Metheny, who I will refer to as Jerry because he never asks to stand out in a crowd, has served this area as an outstanding dentist, but ...

Little League program exceeds expectations

Letters to the Editor

I am writing to recognize the outstanding Little League All-Star program that has made this season truly special for our community's young athletes. The coaching staff deserves immense praise (Anthony Severino, Justin Arbogast, and Dalton Schneider) for their excellence. Their patient guidance, skill development, and positive approach have helped the boys grow not only as players but as confident, team oriented young men. The progress I've seen in my son has been remarkable. Equally impressive has been the incredible support from the parents. Their dedication, from organizing meals ...

Pride versus patriotism

Letters to the Editor

What is patriotism? At a time when Americans are being asked how proud they feel of their country, it is worth remembering that pride and patriotism are not the same thing. A recent NBC poll asked Americans how they feel about the state of the nation as we celebrate the 250th anniversary. Questions ranged from one’s confidence in the economy to whether we still had shared values. But pundits are zeroing in on a different issue. A guest editorial in The Inter-Mountain by Rich Lowry even suggested the poll revealed a Democratic “patriotism gap.” A closer look at the actual ...

Illusions reign supreme

Columnists

Illusions reign supreme in this summer of moral rectitude. Both Donald Trump and his opponents celebrate the glories of American exceptionalism, although they greatly differ on what that means. Broadly, the idea of "exceptionalism" holds that the United States is so superior to other states and cultures that it has the right to lecture any nation on its behavior. To Trump, America is an example of a successful nation because it allows people to go as far as their talents or connections can take them. But both of these interpretations are somewhat limited. Many Democratic views rest on ...

Looking at Humane Society funding issues

Letters to the Editor

The following was sent to Randolph County Commission President David Kesling: Here we go again. I may be the only one to speak up, but I will do all I can to defend and support these innocent animals and dedicated volunteers that give so much time and heart to helping these animals. Is it because they are building a cat house? Are you saying they must have money if they can do that? You do know the building was unsalvagable. Two volunteers are building this place. That's why a year from starting it's not finished yet. Is it because dead people leave them money? That's how they have ...