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Pressed for Information

As we get closer to the end of the administration of Gov. Jim Justice and transition to the incoming administration of Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey, I’m looking forward to a change in how state government communicates with the public and press. For example, once again the West Virginia Department of Human Services decided to take something that should not have been all that controversial and make matters worse all because of their dislike of media scrutiny. On Tuesday, DoHS announced the closure of the West Virginia Children’s Home in Elkins effective Dec. 31 due to issues ...

Changes Are Coming

Last week, Gov.-elect Patrick Morrisey provided the press and public a sneak peak of sorts on his transition plans for the next two months as he prepares to move into the Governor’s Mansion on Kanawha Boulevard East in Charleston. That’s an interesting sentence to read again: a governor who is actually going to reside in Charleston as constitutionally required and live in the Governor’s Mansion. What a thought! Morrisey spoke to media at an open, in-person press conference — again, it’s amazing to write that — announcing his seven-person transition team, two consultants ...

Made in America Matters Now More Than Ever

The Media’s Take: Will Americans Pay the Price for Import Tariffs? As discussions around proposed import tariffs gain traction, many companies are bracing for impact, and the media is abuzz with predictions of price increases for consumers. Headlines are painting a picture of potential economic challenges, with warnings that Americans could end up paying more as companies pass on their added costs. But at Warwood Tool, we have a different perspective. As a company that has proudly made every tool in the USA for over 170 years, we’re here to tell you: this doesn’t have to be the ...

Appalachian Power Official Outlines Rate Proposals

Appalachian Power has invested more than $1 billion since our last rate review five years ago to make your electric service more reliable. Since 2019, we have had to spend $118 million to repair damage after storms, and that doesn’t account for damage caused by Hurricane Helene. When we make repairs, we see what we can do to make the grid more capable of standing up to Mother Nature next time. We have also invested in our coal-fueled power plants, so they are ready to serve you when you need them. While we will continue to find ways to meet current and future energy needs, ...

Marshall Memo: Celebrating National Education Week, the Holidays and a 90th Birthday

Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines was joined this past week by representatives from the school district, board of education, teachers’ union, Marshall County Chamber of Commerce and Marshall County Commission at the BOE office to sign a proclamation declaring Nov. 18-22, as American Education Week in Marshall County. The theme this year is “Together for Safe, Just & Equitable Schools.’’ American Education Week spotlights the importance of providing every child in America with a quality education from pre-K through college, and the need for everyone to do ...

A Paradigm Shift

While the results remain unofficial until county commissioners begin their canvassing work, it looks like West Virginia’s voter turnout for the 2024 general election last week nearly broke the previous record. According to the unofficial results from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, 760,273 voters out of the more than 1.2 million registered voters in the state cast ballots last Tuesday, or 62.84% of the electorate. Compare that to 63.25% voter turnout for the 2020 election or 57.07% in the 2016 election. With that said, voter turnout in West Virginia will likely ...