Editorials

Help West Virginia Working Mothers

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, but WalletHub gave West Virginia working moms nothing that could be construed as a gift. The website recently released its 2026 list of the best and worst states for working moms. West Virginia found itself near the bottom of that list. In a ranking of the 50 states and the District of Columbia, the Mountain State was a dismal 44th. In seven categories, West Virginia finished in the bottom half of the country in six of them. The only category where it finished better than the 50th percentile was the quality of its day cares, where it ranked ...

Cheering Champions Of Our Children

The children of the Ohio Valley are among our most precious resources, if not the most precious. Their safety is paramount. And during April’s Family Strengthening and Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Ohio County Family Resource Network has honored four individuals for their work caring for those children. The Deborah Doleski Allen Champion of Children awards recently were handed out with four members of the community being lauded for their endeavors in supporting children. “This team is just a partial representation of the dedicated service providers and community members all ...

Early Voting Is An Option

Election day is not the only day on the calendar on which you, as a voter, can have your voice heard. Early voting in West Virginia begins Wednesday and is set to take place at local courthouses from April 29 through May 9. Early polls will be open during regular business hours on weekdays during that time, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and Saturday, May 9. Let’s face it, with busy lives in a fast-paced world, not everyone will have the time to stand in line on Election Day to cast a ballot. Early voting periods give us the freedom to drop in to the courthouses when ...

Helping West Virginia Students Reach Their Potential

Gov. Patrick Morrisey chose Wood County this past week for a ceremonial signing of House Bill 5438, which is meant to improve instructional programs and technology; and teacher and leader induction and professional growth. Among the highlights of the bill is the LETRS initiative. Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling should support our teachers in improving student literacy outcomes. That’s a big deal in a state that perpetually struggles with bottom-of-the-barrel performance when compared with other states. “Our state needs to rise in those rankings,” ...

Investments In Center Wheeling Make Sense

In introducing an ordinance to spend nearly $700,000 to replace the roof on the Lower Market House on Centre Market, the City of Wheeling made a prudent move for the future of that neighborhood, and not just in the obvious areas. First, let’s talk about the obvious. Centre Market has been a hub of commerce in Wheeling for so long. It’s crucial that it remains healthy and free from structural issues. Yet, that expenditure means so much more for Center Wheeling because of what isn’t there yet. The WVU Cancer Institute St. Joseph Regional Cancer Complex is beginning to take shape ...

Grand Vue’s Growth

Tucked away in Moundsville, Grand Vue Park is a hidden gem that gives Ohio Valley residents another place to play outdoors. The park recently broke ground on a project that will make it even more attractive. The park is spending $3.8 million to build four new cabins at the park. Two will look like the conventional cabins found around Grand Vue. The other two will be elevated cabins, similar to the treetop cabins already found in the park. Park General Manager Craig White said all four cabins will have the comforts of home and then some. Each will be equipped with a state-of-the-art ...