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Government Inaction Hinders Energy Opportunities

Appalachia, the country’s largest natural gas-producing region, is a core part of American energy security. The natural gas safely developed across Ohio and West Virginia has been central to the economic and environmental revival of our region, and now, we have the opportunity to do much more. In fact, we can become the epicenter of America’s clean energy future — but the federal government needs to step up and allow us to do it. The Ohio River Valley’s unmatched energy abundance, combined with our manufacturing prowess and industrial ties, make the Basin a prime candidate to ...

Community Banks Distinct From Speculators

The financial sector has been under intense scrutiny after the failure of two large financial institutions that specialized in high-risk industries, such as the cryptocurrency sector. Some depositors in local communities might be wondering what this means for their hard-earned money. But consumers — and policymakers in Washington — must distinguish between community banks like those in West Virginia and across the U.S., many of which have been serving consumers and small businesses for more than 100 years, and these very large banks with a much different business model and risk ...

Marshall Memo: Return of the Roller Derby; Wall of Fame; and Crutchfield at Cameron

The Moundsville Roller Derby is returning! Nate and Marcy Harler have purchased the building located on 10th Street between Tomlinson and Lafayette Avenue. They have been working on the building’s interior for several months in hopes of having it ready to open on Aug. 1. Marcy said she used to live adjacent to the Roller Derby on Ninth Street, and had spent a great period of time there while growing up. The first occupants of the current building were motor vehicles, and at that time it was known as Overland Garage. In the late 1930s the building was enlarged to become a ...

Spotlight on the West Virginia State Police

It seems, at least for the last four decades or so, the West Virginia State Police has had some new scandal or controversy.The most recent scandal that finally resulted in some hard information and the resignation of State Police Superintendent Jan Cahill broke Monday when Gov. Jim Justice released a handful of specific incidents involving State Police officials.The drama has been percolating behind the scenes for a while, mostly within the state TV news world. It all stemmed from an anonymous letter sent around in September, including to WCHS-TV reporter Kennie Bass. That started an ...

Marshall Memo: Health Department; Moundsville’s Four Seasons; Students of Month

Five general contractors were present this past Wednesday for a pre-bid meeting pertaining to the demolition of two current buildings and the construction of a new Moundsville-Marshall County Health Department. The five contractors will have until 9 a.m. April 18, to submit their bids, and that same morning the county commissioners will open the bids. Plans call for the awarding of the successful bidder on May 2. The commissioners hope that the successful bidder can begin work on June. Both structures are currently vacant. Health department personnel moved this month to the ...

Why Coal Is Necessary for Energy Transition

As the nation’s transition to renewable energy gains speed, with the rapid deployment of wind and solar power and grid-scale batteries, a misguided idea is taking hold: there’s no longer any need for coal generation and coal mining in the United States. There are major benefits from electricity produced at coal plants and mining. Coal will remain critically important as we usher in our energy future and rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Coal is more reliable and free of the intermittency risks that renewables have. In fact, premature efforts to push coal aside not only ...