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Turn the Page and Keep Writing

On Wednesday, we observed World Semicolon Day, a day that symbolizes hope and resilience for those facing mental health challenges. The semicolon, used when an author chooses to continue a sentence rather than end it, represents the decision to persist through hard times and adversity. This symbol has become a powerful emblem in the mental health community, signifying that one’s story is not over. In West Virginia, the need for mental health awareness and resources is pressing. Approximately 337,000 adults in our state live with a mental health condition — more than seven times ...

Marshall Memo: Cleaning Up; Resource Fair; and Finances

The annual Marshall County Spring Clean up has begun and will continue at various locations throughout the county each week through the end of May. Dumpsters will be available from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be no provisions at any location to accept tires, white goods, scrap metal, car parts, fuels, hazardous chemical, or household trash. Today (April 12) the locations are the VFD Headquarters on Roberts Ridge and Coal Mine Property at Rosby Rocks. On April 26 the Limestone Fire Department and Sherrard Middle School will have dumpsters available. On May 3rd Todd Kelly Trucking in ...

The Legislature Is Doing Real Damage to W.Va.’s Future

A friend of mine from high school used a colorful saying to explain the unexplainable. I’ve often thought of that phrase while watching this legislature in action. The late James Dent, who once wrote a definitive critique of the 1988 Legislature, calling it the “do-nothing legislature,” would surely have a few choice words for the 2025 edition. If only he could see what we’ve got now. I try to avoid sweeping generalizations, because there are always exceptions. But with all due respect, this is the worst legislature we’ve ever had. By far. The worst. From changing ...

W.Va.’s Cultural Heritage Should Be Defended

The West Virginia Encyclopedia Online? Deleted from the internet. The West Virginia Folklife Program’s preservation of our unique traditions and culture? Gone. Hundreds of annual History Alive! presentations to schools, libraries, churches, and community centers across West Virginia? Cancelled. Last week, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) targeted the National Endowment for the Humanities with devastating funding cuts, putting West Virginia’s rich history, cultural tourism, and community programs at immediate risk. These cuts will pull nearly a million dollars ...

The Final Countdown

Finally, we’ve come to the final six days of the 60-day legislative session. At midnight on Saturday, the lawmakers will complete their work and adjourn sine die. The budget bill is in the process of being worked on, with the House of Delegates passing its budget Friday and the state Senate set to insert its version of the budget bill this week. The budget can be somewhat of a game, even though it’s literally the only bill required to be done. It also must be balanced in compliance with the state Constitution. But by game, I mean it’s the job of the House to defend its version ...

Marshall Memo: Ladies Luncheon; Relay for Life; the Strand; and Municipal Updates

The Marshall County Chamber of Commerce invites you to the annual Ladies Luncheon at noon April 10 at the Moundsville Country Club. At the event, they’ll announce this year’s Pioneer Woman of the Year. Tickets are $25, so call Cheryl Kaczor at 304-845-2772 to reserve yours fast. Expect raffles, door prizes, and a wine and chocolate basket raffle at $5 each or 5 for $20. The winner will be drawn at the event, but you don’t need to be there to claim it. --- While we’re on the topic of community gatherings, Relay for Life Team Limestone for Angels & Survivors hosts the ...