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Opinion

Needing the spirit to be free

Columnists

In 1904, Lincoln Steffens published a series of essays entitled “The Shame of the Cities,” which inveighed against the "boss". But he added a spin by linking businessmen to political corruption and indeed saw them as the chief promoters. Steffens said it straight and true: "because politics is business. That's what's the matter with everything." It was not the tawdry actions of a few political hacks but "respectable" business types that tolerated dishonest government. Certainly, the administration of Donald Trump reflects the primacy of corporate supremacy over politics. Everything ...

Reader: Don't sell West Virginia out again

Letters to the Editor

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 ...

Remembering Another Flood

Editorials

The deadly flood in Upshur County on July 21 ranks as one of the worst in West Virginia's history, reminding many local residents of another natural disaster we experienced more than 40 years ago. This week, officials announced that, in Upshur and Lewis counties alone, 33 homes were destroyed, with 91 other homes experiencing major damage, 235 with minor damage, and 182 otherwise impacted. Using FEMA’s Individual Households Program Cost Estimator, the initial assistance needs for just these two counties are nearly $4.9 million, officials said. In Upshur County, around 5 inches ...

Obsessed with appearances, not results

Columnists

Jed Clampett, when shocked by Jethro's behavior or lack of discernment, moaned, "One day I'm going to have a long talk with that boy." White House aides must be having that same thought after Donald Trump's "address" to the nation. Instead of talking about the economy or Iran, the President focused on a non-existent election "crisis" which he failed to explain. Instead of making America great again, he turned MAGA into Make America Gripe Again. No one wanted to hear it. Even Fox was reduced to analyzing highlights rather than covering a speech that they believed was suspect in its ...

Images of Italy by Nasra Adan

Columnists

On Tuesday at 7 p.m., Nasra Adan will present her amazing travel photographs again this year for her fourth summer slide show at Kump Education Center. Nasra and her husband teach overseas and return to Elkins with their two sons each summer to visit his parents, John and Ginny Zuboy. Adan’s photos have taken us to Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Pakistan. This year she will share her photographs of Italy. We will see images of ancient Rome where Caesar Augustus was Emperor when Jesus was born. Also, we may see Vatican City where the popes have led the Catholic Church for ...

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. ...