Opinion

Guardians of Trust: Vital Role of W.Va.’s Notaries Public

In an age where identity theft, fraud, and misinformation are increasingly prevalent, the role of the notary public has never been more critical. Often working quietly behind the scenes, notaries serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents, helping to deter fraud and ensure the integrity of our legal and civic processes by verifying the identities of individuals who sign documents. In West Virginia, more than 35,000 commissioned notaries public are performing this essential function every day, each one a guardian of trust in our communities. Notaries are woven ...

The Free Market Really Works — Even in Energy

Who wants higher electricity rates? Ask just about anyone and they’ll agree that energy prices have risen. They’re not wrong. In recent weeks there has been significant attention in the Mountain State on what is driving those costs. The question has no doubt arisen from people seeing their electricity bills steadily rise, especially since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic five years ago. A review of data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration shows that electricity rates have risen for most states. For example: - West Virginia: +27.71% - Ohio: +30.11% - ...

Solving Homelessness Will Take a New Approach

“Very few see us as human. Too many people have given up on us now. The only people we have on our side is supposed to be you guys.” That, from Jess Truex, a resident of Wheeling’s homeless encampment, to members of Wheeling City Council during their Tuesday meeting. Then this, from Mike Jaeger, another homeless person in the city: “Whatever it takes for us to come together to find some common ground, that’s what needs to happen. There’s nowhere else to go. If we live on the streets, we get locked up for vagrancy. I ask that you please try to work with us and find a ...

Caring for Caregivers

Among the many other designations for November is National Family Caregivers Month — a time to recognize the role played by those who sometimes jeopardize their own long-term financial, physical and mental wellbeing to instead care for a loved one in need. According to data from AARP West Virginia, approximately 26% of Mountain State adults fall into the category of being a family caregiver. These people are often unpaid — and on their own — taking care of older parents, spouses and others for whom no one else has stepped up. In fact, AARP estimates there is approximately $3 ...

Steenrod Earns Its Blue Ribbon

Another Ohio County school earned yet another major honor this week, as Steenrod Elementary was named a West Virginia Blue Ribbon School for its overall excellence. Principal Michelle Dietrich said the school was on its way to National Blue Ribbon honors before they were notified that U.S. Department of Education was shuttering the program. Regardless of who is handing out the award, Steenrod is more than deserving. Long considered one of West Virginia’s top elementary schools, Steenrod has continued its great work. A veteran leader in Ohio County Schools, Dietrich has done a ...

Time To Work On Eating Healthy