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Have a Safe And Happy July 4th

Given all this area has seen over the past few weeks, we need something to celebrate. But let’s make sure we do it safely — and legally. Fireworks are as much a part of summer celebrations as food, parades and pool parties. Of course, as we approach the Fourth of July, there will be fireworks aplenty — many set off as part of private celebrations, rather than the big community shows. Here in West Virginia, it is important to know the rules where you live. State law makes the use of consumer fireworks legal, but that does not mean every municipality agrees. For example, Wheeling ...

Hospital Plans Could Impact City’s Future

The first words of a new chapter landed on the page of Martins Ferry’s story last week when it was announced that East Ohio Regional Hospital had been acquired by 360 Healthcare Inc. — and that company President Harold Ramsey has launched efforts to reopen the facility this fall. The announcement was received by many as good news, though some people responded with skepticism about the facility’s future. Its history in recent years provides good reason for some doubt that Ramsey will have an easy road to reviving its operations. EORH most recently closed in March, when it was ...

Understand Health Impact

It took long enough, but federal officials will now study the possible health outcomes after the February 2023 train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio. The National Institutes of Health is launching a $10 million research initiative. In announcing the effort, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. thanked Vice President JD Vance for continuing to press the matter. “You helped drive the first large-scale, coordinated, multi-year federal study dedicated to the long-term health effects of the East Palestine, Ohio disaster,” Kennedy said. “The people of ...

Ruby Sets Standard for West Virginia

During June’s legislative interim meetings, lawmakers got a glimpse at the drive — and success — of Chelsea Ruby, who was reappointed as cabinet secretary for the Department of Tourism by Gov. Patrick Morrisey after having already served in that capacity for eight years under Gov. Jim Justice. During those years, Ruby has guided the department through changes in the tourism industry and state government’s approach to it as a priority. “I will say that the mission of the Department of Tourism has changed over the years,” Ruby said. “You’ve seen over the last eight ...

Give — And, If You Can, Give Some More

Repeated reminders of our need to take care of one another have often come with pleas from vital non-profits for support over the past few years. Charitable giving is a priority for many who are able to make it part of their budget — and the number of people who share that priority appears to be growing. According to the recent “Giving USA” report, charities received approximately $592.5 billion in donations in 2024 — a 3.3% increase over 2023. The donations data used for this report came before the layoff of tens of thousands of workers for non-profits for 2025 due to ...

State Stepping Forward To Assist Communities

There’s no question Gov. Patrick Morrisey has gone all in when it comes to helping Ohio County residents recover from the June 14 flooding. The governor on Wednesday traveled to Ohio County to meet with flooding victims and update the public on several important matters — his fourth such visit in the first 11 days following the flooding. The governor has shown strong leadership in this tragedy — recall, nine lives lost, dozens of home destroyed, and millions of dollars in property damage. Morrisey made his first visit to the flood-impacted area about 15 hours after the tragedy ...