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Reporter's Notebook: Nothing But The Truth

Local Columns

The spread of misinformation (inaccurate information spread by mistake) and disinformation (false information spread deliberately) is nothing new in the history of humanity, but it sure seems like it's been getting worse lately. While my colleagues in local news media work to confirm information for stories that you may not see until later the same day or the next day, bad information is spread within seconds on social media platforms, such as Facebook and TikTok. For example, some on TikTok were accusing Gov. Patrick Morrisey of being absent and criticizing Parkersburg Mayor ...

John McCabe: A Quick Look at Spending in Marshall County Schools

Local Columns

It was interesting to read Wednesday that Marshall County Schools already is planning to get its five-year excess operating levy, which does not expire for nearly two years, on the ballot for renewal this fall during the midterm general election. School districts typically choose to run levy renewals, when possible, during primary election cycles, when fewer voters turn out to cast ballots. Certainly, if the levy would fail (I would not expect that to happen), this does give time for the board to get it back before voters again in the 2028 primary election. In the meantime, our ...

A Sound Proposal

Editorials

The historic homes and buildings of Wheeling have been a wonderful asset to the city over the years. As Jeanne Finstein recently told Wheeling City Council, those structures have been an enticement for those from outside to come to the Friendly City. The city already has procedures in place to make sure historic buildings are given more scrutiny before it’s decided to tear them down, but Finstein offered the council a new approach to decide which face the wrecking ball and which are attempted to rehabilitate. The suggested steps are: -- A list of contributing structures in an ...

No Need To Worry About The Nailers

Editorials

For the first time in decades, the city of Wheeling had to deal with the perils of professional sports. The Hoffman Family of Companies, the new owners of the Pittsburgh Penguins, formally announced Thursday that its ECHL affiliation would switch from the Wheeling Nailers to the Florida Everblades, a team the group already owns. This came as no surprise. Company president David Hoffman said weeks ago that he would be “run out of Naples” ­— the home region of the Everblades — if he didn’t make the change. If you look at it from a strict business angle, it makes sense. The ...

Stay Safe In This Summer Heat

Editorials

It’s summer. Obviously, it’s hot. This week, it will be especially so. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for the area from noon to 8 p.m. Wednesday, with temperatures reaching an expected high of 94 degrees. That plus higher humidity will make it even more hazardous to stay outside too long. The rest of the week isn’t much better, with highs not falling under 90 until the weekend. With that in mind, everyone in the Ohio Valley needs to be careful what they do and how much they do outside during this heatwave. People may not realize just how quickly hot ...

New Sistersville Ferry A Good Move

Editorials

The Sistersville Ferry won’t be out of commission much longer, thanks to the act of the Sistersville City Council, which voted Monday night to approve the funds for a new boat, after the previous boat had sank into the Ohio River and was beyond repair. Funds for the purchase are being raised through state legislators, the Sistersville Ferry Board and the insurance settlement the city received to cover the purchase price of the new tug. The replacement vessel is expected to cost approximately $250,000. The ferry could resume operations as early as September, allowing it to return in ...