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Get Outside

Editorials

Though the weather is still warm enough to make us forget, cooler temperatures are on their way. As the cold gray of winter appears on the horizon, it’s a good time for those who love the outdoors to remember: There’s no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices. The Mountaineer Mile has been a tool to help West Virginians stay healthier for months now. But representatives of Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s office took the chance last week to visit a couple of parks in Pleasants and Wetzel counties to remind us there are walkable opportunities outdoors in the Mountain State ...

Comparing talking points to the truth

Columnists

On Twitter, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer tweeted, “Let me be perfectly clear: Undocumented people CANNOT AND WILL NOT receive ACA premium tax credits BY LAW. PERIOD. This is a LIE from Republicans to divert attention from their shutdown. Republicans are refusing to lower healthcare costs for the American people.” The capitalization was his. It is a talking point to distract from the truth. CNN’s Jake Tapper pointed out to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, “What you support does bring back funding for emergency Medicaid to hospitals, some of which does pay for ...

Reading comprehension

Columnists

Much like a lot of things these days, a speech given last week by West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty has become a Rorschach test depending on where you stand on the issue of public education versus “school choice.” During the state Board of Education’s regular meeting last week, Hardesty’s message was simple: if you believe in the notion of competition improving the quality of education, then lawmakers need to untie the hands of their local teachers and educators so they can better compete with private schools and home schooling. To demonstrate how ...

Risk vs. returns

Columnists

You would think that the Jimmy Kimmel affair might have given President Donald Trump pause about his “retribution” campaign. After being cocky in the week when Kimmel was off the air, MAGA operatives were surprised when he returned to late-night television. Furthermore, his ratings were higher than ever, so high that Sinclair and NEXSTAR instructed their affiliates to rescind their ban on Kimmel‘s show. But the lessons were not learned. Trump then turned his fury on James Comey, former FBI Director. He was indicted on vague and thin charges, with a rookie prosecutor handling the ...

MSFF reflections of 20th Century

Columnists

Forest Festival is a time of beautiful autumn memories. This year with Sterling Anne Kump becoming Queen Silvia LXXXVII, it is truly a new time to “Embrace Nature’s Charm” and remember that our local traditions are creatively inspired by a desire for excellence. The name Sterling means excellent and valuable like the British pound sterling. It stands for both honest government and reliable currency. Our tour through the Kump House with Sterling Kump featured family photos and the Forest Festival dresses that her relatives wore in the last century. There is a lovely pink velvet ...

Employee performance: Better to prevent than intervene

Columnists

I read an article on performance improvement plans (PIPs). It got me thinking about how companies can better approach employee performance. When a person in a workplace is not achieving outcomes, they are placed on a performance improvement plan. The PIP includes details on performance shortfalls and actions the person is expected to improve. It ensures that the supervisor is documenting issues and that the person is aware of the outcomes needed if they’re to stay on the job.   Being placed on a PIP can be seen as a last resort. Some people resign. Others go on to achieve ...