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It’s Time for America To Remember How To Laugh

Traditional comedy has always been based on situations that all of us face during our daily affairs at home, work, and play. We need to return to such humanistic humor. The problem with some segments of society today is taking humor too seriously, feeling offended. Laughter is important to our mental health. And we need to be able to laugh at ourselves. It is good for the human spirit. Likewise, we are witnessing contemporary comedy that is based on “hate humor” focused specifically on individuals and various groups. This comedic approach is truly hurtful, biased, and ...

Marshall Memo: Creating an Ecosystem; Grand Vue Park; and Fall Festival

Five months ago, the Marshall County Commission made a 3-year commitment to people in Marshall County to develop a first of its kind Entrepreneurship Ecosystem. The Commission has partnered with Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Experts, Regional Economic Development Partnership, the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce, First Microloan of WV, and the West Virgnia Small Business Development Center to develop this program. The ecosystrem is launching this month, with team experts gathering data, interviewing business owners, and holding networking events to gather information and determine ...

Understanding the Inner Workings of the W.Va. PSC

The Public Service Commission includes more than me and my fellow commissioners. In addition to the three of us, the agency has a number of divisions to carry out all the things that allow us to supervise public utilities. We have lawyers, accountants, and engineers who each contribute specialized skills to the overall effort. There are also secretaries, inspectors, and the friendly staff at the front desk who receive your comments or complaints. One part of the commission that you might come in contact with if you ever need to file a formal complaint is our Administrative Law Judges ...

Playing the Special Session Waiting Game

Pick up a flower, assuming you have any after this dry summer. Begin picking off the petals and with each one, alternate between “there will be a special session next week” and “there won’t be a special session next week.” Signs as of today, according to the Magic 8-ball that is my brain, point to no. Speaking Friday with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, he is skeptical but keeping his options open. “At this point, we have not received a call and at this point I’m not necessarily expecting one for August,” Hanshaw said. “That could change on a dime ...

Random Acts of Kindness Can Have Great Impact

I heard a story the other day about a young college student who loved running. It was great exercise and made him feel better. One day he was running so long and feeling so good that he lost track of time and where he was in the city. The city was a small college town, but he was not familiar with every part of it. He needed directions and was very thirsty. He began to knock on doors in the small neighborhood he found himself lost in. After a number of unanswered doors, finally a young woman opened a door asking the question, “Can I help you?” The young man was so thirsty and tired, ...

Marshall Memo: First Day of School; and ‘Fools’ Parade’ Showing

Tuesday is the first day of school for Marshall County students in grades 1-12. The first day of school for kindergarten students will be Wednesday, Aug. 21. --- The Marshall County Board of Education approved several personnel matters at its meeting held this past Tuesday. Resignations included Rick Young, custodian, Glen Dale Elementary, effective Nov. 30, 2024. Employment/Transfers included Claudia Callahan, Teacher of Kindergarten, Cameron Elementary and Samantha Fouty, from Teacher at Plays to Teacher of Grade Five, Hilltop Elementary; Joseph Thomas from Substitute Aide to ...