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Keeping the State Clean

As the weather makes it easier for many of us to get out and about to explore our beautiful state, it may shine even brighter thanks to the work of West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection workers and volunteers. In fact, more than 6,000 of those volunteers took part this spring in cleaning more than 140 tons of litter from roads, streams, public lands and trails. All that work was made possible through the Make It Shine and Adopt-A-Highway programs. “Protecting our environment starts at the community level, and this year’s cleanup efforts show just how deeply West ...

Business-Friendly Approach Needed

It came as no surprise Monday when, following more than an hour of discussion, presentation of graphics, traffic counts and more, Wheeling Planning Commission members again refused to move forward a plan to site a car wash on a properly zoned piece of property in the city. What made the refusal even more concerning this time around is that city staff, studying the same information provided to commission members — including information indicating there would be no adverse stormwater issues — had recommended approval of a preliminary site plan for Wash Rite Express Car Wash. The ...

Time To Issue Declaration

This weekend marks five weeks since lives in the Valley Grove and Triadelphia communities changed forever following flash flooding that killed nine of our friends, neighbors and family members. Mr. President, it’s time to sign the major disaster declaration that opens up funding and assistance from FEMA. Let us hope that happens early this week, as Sen. Shelley Moore Capito on Thursday predicted would take place. There’s no time to waste for those still trying to figure out how to replace furnaces, air conditioning units, washers, dryers and more. Mr. President, sign the ...

Pats on the Back

- To the folks still turning out each day to help rebuild the Valley Grove and Triadelphia communities. Much work remains following the June 14 flash flooding — namely continuing to clean out homes, replace appliances and help folks get back to some semblance of normal. Thank you to all those who have given of themselves over the past five weeks to help with the long rebuilding process. - To those taking part in the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game, set for Saturday at Wheeling Island Stadium. Play hard, stay healthy and enjoy the time with your friends. For many, this will be ...

Keeping Kindness in the Ohio Valley

Groups from all over the Ohio Valley are showing in impressive fashion that their thoughts ­— and deeds — remain with the people of Ohio County still rebuilding after the June 14 flash flooding. Fourth Street United Methodist Church recently donated $10,000 to the church’s West Virginia Conference for flood relief. It is one of a growing number of local organizations stepping forward to offer assistance to their friends and neighbors. The Rev. Gary Rankin, pastor at Fourth Street, said the church simply had the money in its accounts and felt the best way to use it was to help ...

A Major Power Problem

Heat across our region likely has many households cranking up the air conditioning and using plenty of electricity. Combine household need with that of Ohio’s industrial energy consumers and PJM Interconnection is advising the strain on our electrical grid may be too great. “At the current pace, we are projecting a shortfall of energy,” said David Souder, executive director of PJM operations, according to a report by WBNS. In fact, Souder said another heat wave could lead the system to experience reserve shortfalls. That means PJM has had to come up with a plan. “That’s ...