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Marshall Memo: Moundsville Updates; Schools; and Graduations

At Tuesday’s Moundsville City Council meeting, officials announced openings on the Historic Landmarks Commission, the Building Commission, the Housing Authority, and the Board of Zoning Appeals. If you’re interested in serving your city, contact Rick Healy at rhealy@cityofmoundsville.com to learn more or apply. While residents step up for city boards, Moundsville’s municipal building project took major steps forward recently. Crews wired breaker panels, installed interior and exterior lighting, and completed underground conduit to a new Morton Avenue pole for fiber internet. ...

Capitol Records

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve made my nearly annual trip to the U.S. Capitol Building to spend time with members of West Virginia’s congressional delegation. I’m writing this on Thursday afternoon from the U.S. Senate’s press gallery. I spent part of the day with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, and U.S. Rep. Riley Moore. The first time I made this trip was in March 2021 to shadow Capito, R-W.Va., and then-senator Joe Manchin, following them to votes and meetings. That was already a pretty surreal visit. I’m someone who loves going to ...

Microgrid Legislation Offers Bright Future for W.Va.

As the president and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the West Virginia Legislature and Gov. Patrick Morrisey for their bold leadership in passing HB2014, the Microgrid bill, during the recently concluded 2025 legislative regular session. This landmark legislation is a game-changer for our state, securing the future of our coal industry while paving the way for unprecedented economic growth. HB2014 is not just a bill; it’s a blueprint for prosperity that honors our heritage and embraces innovation. Let me explain why this ...

Plenty Going on in Marshall County; Schools, Chamber and More

Marshall County schools continue to shine, starting with a proud moment for Sherrard Middle School’s History Bowl Team 2, coached by Dan Gatts and Jeff Stephens. They clinched the 2025 West Virginia History Bowl state title, defeating Team 1, 28-20, at the West Virginia Capitol Complex, earning their fourth consecutive championship. Team 2—Brady Barnhart, Drew Marling, Abby Allman, and Griffin Sturgill—and Team 1—Kabe Blake, Colsen McCutcheon, Izzie Dougherty, and Chloe Weekley—received trophies and electronic devices. Their journey began at our Grave Creek Mound’s 9th annual ...

Tools of the Trade

I had the great pleasure to go to the Media Innovation Center at West Virginia University last week and attend an enlightening presentation on the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in new reporting. You hear a lot today about artificial intelligence, or AI. Just about every digital product or electronic device advertises some AI feature. There are AI-generated news stories now, AI-generated images, videos, and even podcasts. AI has the same problem that many different phrases have in that it has become an empty bag one can put whatever they want into it. Ask five people what AI is ...

Working With President To Secure Coal’s Future

America needs coal. For generations, our nation has tapped into coal’s unparalleled benefits as an affordable and reliable energy source to power us to greatness. Coal miners continue to fuel everything from the cutting-edge manufacturing jobs and data centers of the future to the lights over our kitchen tables. As attorneys general from Kentucky and West Virginia who proudly represent coal country, we are grateful to President Trump for taking bold steps to protect America’s bright, coal-powered future. At the White House, President Trump recently signed four executive ...