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Opinion

Is this all necessary?

Columnists

As the retribution tour hits the road in cities such as Chicago and Portland, tensions are increasing between Democrats and Republicans. The question must be asked: “Is all this necessary?” as well as the use of National Guard personnel, which is an unnecessary strain on the military. Soldiers are not police officers, and this places them in a vulnerable position. And of course, the role of ICE in all this places the military in a dicey situation due to the public reaction. Now the Trump administration has a point in arguing that open borders made all this necessary. Moreover, ...

Vaccines

Editorials

Despite a delay while unelected bureaucrats in Washington, D.C., argued over messaging and content, the West Virginia Department of Health has finally been able to release its annual respiratory vaccine guidelines for health care providers and patients. That is a relief to health care professionals who had been worried about having the guidance they needed to properly advise patients about how to stay healthier and safer. “We have had so much different messaging given to us, much different information. People saying this. People saying that. We didn’t have a set group of ...

What being a lifelong learner looks like

Columnists

When it comes to learning, technology can be very helpful. But we can’t put so much emphasis on tech that we stop learning from others in our field. We win on ideas and what we can learn from each other. We need to be lifelong learners—and it’s important to go to where ideas are flowing in our industry.  Yes, reading and listening are big parts of lifelong learning. That means books, blogs, articles, and podcasts both in your field and outside of it. Find a few authors and podcasters you like and commit to regular reading or listening—however you best learn—about issues ...

Harman resident reacts to BOE vote

Letters to the Editor

I grew up in a small town in Zimbabwe called Chakari. I’d walk 10 minutes to school each morning for primary school (elementary). I remember conversations pertaining to my cousins in Gokwe, the more rural areas of Zimbabwe, who would have to walk 30 minutes to an hour, each way to school. Growing up I knew they were a disadvantaged bunch, simply because the main resource to lift them out of poverty, education, was so difficult for them to access. One really had to want to learn to continue going to school in those areas. Secondary education was a bit more expensive, so a few of my ...

Barbour County welcomes in Barktober, Halloween

Columnists

Hello from Barbour County. We have received some much-needed rain recently, but the river is still pretty low. Animal Friends of Barbour County will be having Barktober Fest today at 17 North in Philippi. Come on out for music, food and fun. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. The Mikey Hart Memorial Scholarship Fund will be having its annual purse Bingo at the Junior Volunteer Fire Department on Sunday, Oct. 12 at 1:30 p.m., with doors opening at 12:30. For more information, contact Judy at 304-614-3118. Out of the Darkness Community Walk is coming to Philippi on Sunday, Oct. 12. ...

Education

Editorials

Despite the myriad challenges they have faced over the past few years and perpetual meddling from state and federal government, West Virginia public schools have managed to improve a little in key educational and operational areas, according to the state Department of Education’s annual report on county approval status and accreditation. When Deputy Superintendent of School Sonya White spoke to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability this week, she said 29 county school districts were listed this year as needing assistance for not meeting one or more ...