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An Inspiration For All West Virginia

Sometimes it is the legislation that seems smaller — perhaps grabs fewer headlines — that can make the biggest difference for individuals. That is the case for state House Bill 4089, which recently became law in West Virginia after legislators finally supported it during this winter’s legislative session. Also called Jessica Huffman’s Law, the effort was inspired by Huffman’s own experience while receiving chemotherapy treatments a couple of years ago, according to Wrap Up, the West Virginia Legislature’s official blog. Though Huffman was unprepared by the loss of her ...

Facts Matter — So Does Communication

The conversation this past week on a proposed data center project at the former Centre Foundry site on River Road in Warwood has been dominated by something other than facts — primarily, speculation. Since Saturday, rumors on the potential project spread very quickly. Information found online about data centers amplified concerns. An impromptu town hall even took place at the Warwood Vets on Tuesday, with a state senator and state delegate in attendance. Both admitted they knew absolutely nothing about the proposed development yet offered their thoughts anyway. In the absence of ...

‘The Hole’ Has No Place in Our Schools

Every few years an issue arises within Ohio County Schools that demands a full explanation from school administrators. Several years ago it was a kindergarten student that walked out the front door of the Warwood School and headed for home in the middle of the day. School administrators never fully explained how that occurred. There also was an incident years ago on a local school bus carrying a sports team back to Wheeling from a West Virginia University basketball game in Morgantown where a student alleged inappropriate sexual behavior. Again, no explanation was given to the ...

Supporting the Most Vulnerable Residents

The West Virginia Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program has provided grant funding for some important efforts in the state. More than $700,000 will be distributed to programs ranging from the West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence Inc., which serves rural communities across the state, to more focused efforts such as the Branches domestic violence shelter in Huntington. These organizations provide victim advocacy, help in finding resources, housing assistance, court accompaniment, and crisis intervention, among other supports. Knowing ...

DeWine Taking a Stance

There are 27 states in which the death penalty is still legal. Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine would like to make it 26. Last week he said he believed the death penalty should be abolished in the Buckeye State. His position is that the death penalty is no longer a deterrent to violent crime. “I do not believe that argument today can be successfully made, nor do I believe that there’s any chance in the future the facts that I’ve cited to support that belief will change,” he said. “Therefore, I believe Ohio should abolish the death penalty.” DeWine’s position is no surprise. He ...

Flooding Issues in Elm Grove Need Addressed

For too many residents and businesses in Elm Grovea, heavy rainfall no longer means simply worrying about a trickle of water seeping into the basement. Instead, it now means grabbing the sand bags to divert water rushing down the hill away from your home or business in the hopes your basement will be spared from flooding. It means watching the water rise as the city’s storm sewer system is overwhelmed. Yes, the rainfall we had Monday was intense, and it lasted most of the day. But should it have led to vehicles being trapped in the late afternoon as Kruger Street flooded? Should it ...