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Finding Pockets of Success in W.Va.

Editorials

While the narrative tends to focus on the rapid rate at which West Virginia’s population is shrinking, there are some spots in the state where population is actually growing. It’s worth taking a look at why. WorldAtlas compiled a list of the communities bucking the trend here, noting something that should be common sense, but seems to have escaped many policy makers: “Jobs and housing explain why these towns add residents while the rest of the state loses them.” So which communities are growing? Martinsburg, Charles Town and Ranson, in the Eastern Panhandle, which has ...

An Inspiration For All West Virginia

Editorials

Sometimes it is the legislation that seems smaller — perhaps grabs fewer headlines — that can make the biggest difference for individuals. That is the case for state House Bill 4089, which recently became law in West Virginia after legislators finally supported it during this winter’s legislative session. Also called Jessica Huffman’s Law, the effort was inspired by Huffman’s own experience while receiving chemotherapy treatments a couple of years ago, according to Wrap Up, the West Virginia Legislature’s official blog. Though Huffman was unprepared by the loss of her ...

Letter: Is Dog Racing In Its Final Lap in Wheeling?

Letters to the Editor

I've been going to the Wheeling Island dog track since it first opened in the 1970s and know it's only a matter of time until enough politicians will figure out a way to get rid of the sport. Sooner or later the right amount of campaign donations will make it happen. The owners of the two casinos don't want it, and I'm pretty sure those involved in the sport know it's inevitable. When was the last time anyone saw an advertisement in the media or even something on billboards while driving on the interstate? To research and argue the financial issues of dog racing is useless at this ...

Facts Matter — So Does Communication

Editorials

The conversation this past week on a proposed data center project at the former Centre Foundry site on River Road in Warwood has been dominated by something other than facts — primarily, speculation. Since Saturday, rumors on the potential project spread very quickly. Information found online about data centers amplified concerns. An impromptu town hall even took place at the Warwood Vets on Tuesday, with a state senator and state delegate in attendance. Both admitted they knew absolutely nothing about the proposed development yet offered their thoughts anyway. In the absence of ...

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito: Holding Broadband Providers Accountable

Local Columns

Rural America is a special and unique place, filled by a collection of small towns united by their desire for freedom and determination to take care of one another. No state in our union displays this better than my state of West Virginia, which I am honored to serve and fight for in the U.S. Senate. West Virginia is the only state in America entirely encompassed by Appalachia and is recognized around the world for the kindness of our people, the strength of our communities, the trust we place in one another, and the beauty of our mountains. Our natural landscape and features have even ...

John McCabe: Is Downtown Wheeling Finally Finding Its Rhythm?

Local Columns

For most of this past Saturday, downtown Wheeling just felt different. A trip through the central business district and parts of Center Wheeling Saturday afternoon and evening showed the sidewalks full. Restaurants and bars buzzed with conversation. People wandered from one venue to another, laughing, greeting friends, discovering new businesses and enjoying a day filled with live music. Families celebrating West Virginia Day at West Virginia Independence Hall mixed with others making their way through downtown streets. Most importantly, people stayed throughout the afternoon and ...