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Opinion

Broadband Access Still Needs Work

Editorials

Federal money is helping a little when it comes to West Virginia’s broadband internet woes, but despite being one of the most improved states in the country on that front, we STILL are the worst connected state in the nation — worse than even Mississippi and Puerto Rico. That gives some idea of just how far behind we had fallen when it comes to getting Mountain State residents affordable access to the quality broadband internet service that is regarded as a basic utility in most of the rest of the United States. The average for connected households everywhere else is 93.2%. Here, ...

Make W.Va. CPS Better

Editorials

West Virginians knew our state’s child welfare system was a mess — and regularly failing children and families — toward the end of the Justice administration, but a report by the U.S. Department of Human Services Office of Inspector General shows us the situation may have been even worse than we thought. In a 100-case sample, the report showed the state’s Bureau of Social Services failed to comply with child abuse and neglect requirements 91% of the time: 74 reports did not include a required written notification letter; initial assessments were not completed within 30 days of ...

Flood Victims Aren’t Being Forgotten

Editorials

Even though it has been months since Ohio County residents suffered catastrophic damage in the deadly flash floods that hit several communities, organizations are making sure those survivors aren’t forgotten during the holidays. The Ohio County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Valley Grove and Triadelphia volunteer fire departments, held a “Stuff the Truck” event Wednesday at the Highlands Walmart. The groups hoped to collect shelf-stable food items to stock the pantry for flood survivors at Triadelphia United Methodist Church. “Having seen first hand the devastation of ...

Envelope Initiative Great

Editorials

The state of Ohio has a fantastic program that allows for better and more effective experiences between law enforcement and those with developmental disabilities during traffic stops and emergencies. The state’s Blue Envelope initiative promotes both safety and understanding. The Blue Envelopes provide quick clear details about the driver or passenger’s needs. The envelopes include information about their disability, communication preferences, or accommodations. It also contains their driver’s license, registration, and insurance information. A discreet decal on the back ...

Welcome To New American Citizens

Editorials

This past Friday, the Ohio Valley bid welcome to some of its newest American citizens. Thirty-six people from 23 different home countries around the globe took the Oath of Allegiance in United States District Court in Wheeling. The pathway to citizenship is neither short nor simple. It is an involved process. Those who complete it show their dedication to becoming a part of the nation’s fabric. Many of these folks have already lived here for a while, contributing to the betterment of their communities. Former U.S. Congressman David McKinley, who spoke at the naturalization ...

Make College Costs More Manageable

Editorials

Though a well-trained, well-educated and skilled workforce is more important than ever, students seeking a higher education to prepare them for their careers are having a harder time being able to afford it. Sure, many people still believe having a college degree will translate to higher earnings, but students are increasingly challenged to decide whether the expense of that education (or the long-term debt they may incur) is worth the risk. According to WalletHub, the cost of attending a four-year public college has risen by an average of 30% over the past 20 years. And that cost ...