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A Swing That Lifts an Entire Community

Editorials

A new swing may seem a small addition to a town. But in Wellsburg, the installation of the “Almost Heaven” swing represents something much bigger — pride, partnership and opportunity. Wellsburg’s new swing is part of a statewide initiative to place handcrafted wooden swings at scenic destinations. Each is designed to encourage visitors to stop, enjoy the view and share their experiences. Wellsburg’s location — framed by the Ohio River and the city’s historic downtown — provides a serene setting that tells the town’s story in a single snapshot. This is the sixth ...

Working Together To Keep the Region Healthy

Editorials

It’s always good to see organizations work together for the greater good — and that’s exactly what’s happening right now on both sides of the Ohio River. As the J.B. Chambers YMCA in Elm Grove undergoes major renovations, the Martins Ferry Recreation Center is stepping in to help ensure opportunities to stay active don’t skip a beat. For the next three months, the Wheeling YMCA will run several programs at the rec center — including senior fitness classes, adult evening workouts, and a youth basketball skills and drills clinic led by former college player Asia Roby. ...

Cleaning Up Moundsville

Editorials

Moundsville officials are taking necessary — and overdue — action to address serious safety concerns at several rental properties in the city. The sight of cockroaches and rats overrunning homes on Center, Cedar and Cypress streets is more than disturbing; it’s a public health crisis that no community can tolerate. Residents have every right to be alarmed. When vermin spill from one property into others, when neighbors are forced to endure swarms of roaches and the stench of decay, local government must intervene. City Manager Rick Healy and the Marshall County Health Department ...

Let Babydog Eat Cake

Local Columns

You’d be forgiven if you were to think that West Virginia only has one U.S. senator instead of two. Because based on appearances, Sen. Jim Justice appears to be doing the bare minimum. Sure, Justice is casting votes. If he has missed any, I’m unaware. The same goes for committee meetings. Justice is attending meetings, casting votes, and sometimes making speeches, though many times those speeches have little to do with whatever the committee is discussing that day. But is doing the bare minimum enough? One of my favorite movies is “Office Space.” In one scene, a server played ...

Morrisey Move Works for West Virginia

Editorials

This week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that the state will extend its “donor agreement” to keep open the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. At $7,000 a day, Morrisey is likely correct that such a decision is worth the money, given the consequences if New River was to be closed for Bridge Day, or visitors were disappointed when they tried to visit our parks during what should be peak leaf-viewing season. “The political gridlock in Washington, it’s hurting a lot of people, but we took swift action in one area where we felt ...

It’s Time for a New Direction in Wheeling

Editorials

A $2 weekly user fee. Water and sewer rates increasing. Power rates that have increased about 50%, on average, over the past two decades. The cost of living in Wheeling, while still much lower than many other parts of West Virginia and across the nation, is now on the rise. And if the city, Ohio County and the surrounding region can’t find a way to attract new residents here — and soon — that burden only will increase and lead to additional issues for residents. A shrinking population, quite simply, leads to fewer residents shouldering more of the burden for essential government ...