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Rhetoric Heating Up in West Virginia Governor’s Race

Trump has entered the chat, as the kids say, but it’s not the Trump you think. Donald Trump Jr. — the son of former Republican president and likey 2024 GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump — took a swipe at both U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Republican candidate for governor of West Virginia Moore Capito on social media last week. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., voted for the amended national security supplemental last week that contained funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, as well as funding to replenish U.S. military munition stockpiles. Some on the MAGA right and ...

Congress Must Preserve Jobs, Reject Carbon Tax

West Virginia’s rich natural resources and robust oil and gas production long have been cornerstones of the nation’s energy sector and a significant contributor to our energy independence. Just as importantly, the industry is an economic engine for West Virginia workers and families by supporting more than 73,000 jobs and nearly $5 billion in income across the state. That is why it is so concerning to see important discussions surrounding environmental sustainability and foreign pollution give way to irrational legislation in Washington that would harm this vital industry and the ...

Marshall Memo: Queen of Queens; ‘Curtain Up;’ and History Bowl

Ten John Marshall High School girls will be competing in the school’s Queen of Queen’s Pageant to be held on Feb. 22 in the school’s Center for Performing Arts. The contestants are: Sydney Barnhart, Annadra Dudley, Grace Gatts, Victoria Henry, Amelia Kaste, Hailey McFarland, Lauren Rice, Marra Tharp, Rozzalin Wallace, and Reese Ward. Each contestant will be scored in three categories which include interview, talent, and poise/presentation. Tony Summers will be the Master of Ceremonies, and the Pageant Coordinator is Tracey Filben. Attendees showing their personalized Marshall ...

Feeling Nostalgic This 43rd Ohio Valley Toughman Weekend

It is the Original Toughman weekend. The 43rd annual Toughman/woman contest at WesBanco Arena will see new champions crowned on Saturday following two nights of fisticuffs. My thoughts turn nostalgia traveling back in time to 1980. I was just a few days past my 23rd birthday when I was asked to be the “cut man” at the first Ohio Valley Night of Toughman Contest, helping the late Richard “Dick” Wallace Sr. I grew up in a world of smoke-filled pool halls with chalk-covered floors, learning the fight game from the men who once boxed on the cards of Art “Pop” Rooney in the ...

Recapping The First Gubernatorial Debate

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited by the Raleigh County Republican Executive Committee to come cover their debate, featuring the top four GOP candidates for governor of West Virginia at the beautiful Resort at Glade Springs. The event was interesting for several reasons. For one, it was a paid event, meaning one had to pay to be there unless specifically invited (such as media). Despite this, the ballroom we were in was packed and it was filled with people from all across the state who made the trek to Daniels right outside Beckley. The level of interest in the debate ...

Marshall Memo: New School; Counselors; Jay Jacobs; and Updates

Another step toward a new Benwood-McMechen school took place when Gov. Jim Justice arrived this past Thursday with $9.2 million. It was in June 2021 that Marshall County Schools purchased the land for $1.2 million with hopes of building on the property. The field that was purchased was for many years called Ice House Field. That name was from a former owner, the B&O Railroad. It previously served as a baseball field and the home team was the Bud Roys. One of the major reason that the school system wanted to build on this lot was that students wouldn’t have to cross Marshall Street in ...