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Dog Eat Dog at the Capitol

When I covered the dedication of the new murals at the State Capitol Building on West Virginia Day nearly two weeks ago, I did not notice the inclusion of Gov. Jim Justice’s Babydog in one of the murals. In fact, I wrote a pretty nice story about the dedication event, including positive quotes from Justice and Randall Reid-Smith, the recently renamed cabinet secretary of the Department of Arts, Culture and History. Frankly, I really like the murals and was happy to see them done. I love history. I’m a former co-captain of my middle school and high school quiz bowl teams. I never ...

Marshall Memo: A Busy Weekend; Some Personnel Matters; and New Officers

Several attractions will be taking place Saturday, June 29, in Marshall County. They include: - Farmers Market at the Marshall County Fairgrounds from 8 a.m. to noon. - Navajo Dineh Tah’ at the Grave Cheek Mound from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. - Historic Preservation: Meadowcroft and Historic Village at the Grave Creek Mound from 2-4 p.m. - Bingo at Richmond Hall at Grand Vue Park starting at 6 p.m. - Outdoor Summer Concert at the Hardy Media Stage at Grand Vue Park from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. - Twilight Tour of the former West Virginia Penitentiary from 7-10 p.m. - Public ...

Some Political Odds and Ends

For those sitting on the edges of their seats waiting to hear news that U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., has begun his signature drive to get on the November general election ballot as an independent candidate for governor of West Virginia by the Aug. 1 deadline, please don’t hold your breath. This Thursday, Manchin will be co-headlining a fundraiser for Huntington Mayor and Democratic candidate for governor Steve Williams with former one-term Democratic governor Bob Wise in the lobby of the Hotel Frederick in downtown Huntington. Much as I stated in a previous column, Manchin’s ...

U.S. Attorney’s Office Can Help If You’ve Been Scammed

He was a U.S. Navy veteran from Charles Town. After serving his country, he went to work for the federal government. He saved his money, invested it wisely, and accumulated enough to enjoy retirement. But he was lonely and so he passed his time at the local American Legion to be around other people. The veteran’s cognitive abilities were in decline, something recognized by Sam Bunner, an employee at the Legion. Sam befriended him, and became a caretaker of sorts, taking him to doctor appointments, and ultimately to a lawyer to sign a power of attorney. Sam used that power of attorney ...

Marshall Memo: West Virginia at 161; Mr. and Ms. Monarch; Personnel Changes

A lot of fun activities took place in Marshall County this past Thursday to mark West Virginia’s 161st birthday. Those stopping at the Cockayne Farmstead celebration took in several free events. There were different demonstrations such as those dealing in skills such as woodworking, blacksmithing, spinning and knitting. Kids also had the opportunity to make lanterns to take home. Others stopped by the Marshall County History Building on 13th Street to check out some of the “cool new displays.’’ Of course, the Moundsville Library was another attraction where visitors spent ...

‘Big Pharma’ Trying To Scare Supporters of 340B Pharmacies

Last month, I lost my primary election to continue representing the voters of West Virginia’s 15th Senate district. Normally, this is not something I would seek to draw attention to — no one likes losing. And normally, it’s not something that Americans across the country should be expected to pay attention to. But my defeat and the reasons for it are being egregiously mischaracterized by Washington, D.C., special interests posing as defenders of hard-working conservative voters in the Mountain State. The reasons I lost are evident to anyone on the ground here in West Virginia. ...