Editorials

Student Loan Issues Not Good for W.Va.

Among the concerns for some of those worried about their finances amid a federal government shutdown, continued increasing inflation, high interest rates and an unsteady jobs market, is the burden of student loan repayment. In West Virginia, that burden is especially heavy. According to personal finance company WalletHub, West Virginia carries the eighth most student debt in the country. The Mountain State is 25th for average student debt, but third for the proportion of students with debt and fourth for student debt as a percentage of income. Meanwhile, the state is 15th for the ...

A Sad Farewell to Viennese Ball

It was disappointing to hear the news last week that, after 44 years, the Viennese Ball would be ending. It had been a wonderful feature of Wheeling social life for so long. Yet, given the reasons, it’s understandable. The ball, a fundraiser for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra, had just become to expensive to put on and still serve its mission of supporting the WSO. “After last year, we knew things either had to change or we couldn’t go forward,” Ball Committee Chair Paula McClure said. “And it’s the rising cost of just about everything — whether it’s flowers or ...

Driving Safe at Any Age

Every once in a while, politicians will float the question of whether drivers should have to retake their tests as a requirement for license renewal after a certain age. With age comes the possibility of reduced vision, perhaps hearing loss, reduced reflexes and other changes we all laugh about as a fact of life until someone mentions them in the context of affecting a person’s ability to drive safely. Then pride kicks in. Well, pride and a little stubbornness as most of us bristle at the idea of the government telling us it’s possible we are less able to do something we’ve done ...

Making Progress in West Virginia Education

Despite the myriad challenges they have faced over the past few years and perpetual meddling from state and federal government, West Virginia public schools have managed to improve a little in key educational and operational areas, according to the state Department of Education’s annual report on county approval status and accreditation. When Deputy Superintendent of School Sonya White spoke to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability this week, she said 29 county school districts were listed this year as needing assistance for not meeting one or more ...

A Trusted Voice To Serve Our Region

We just marked National Newspaper Week, an important reminder of the vital role newspapers play in informing and uniting the communities they serve. Newspapers are more than a source of headlines — they are the heartbeat of democracy at the local level, providing trusted, accurate reporting that helps citizens understand the world around them. For generations, newspapers have stood as guardians of truth, holding those in power accountable and ensuring transparency in government. From your local city council to your county school board, no institution better chronicles the workings of ...

Paying for Lack of Growth

An increase in rates for those utilizing Wheeling’s municipal water and wastewater systems is, frankly, part of the cost of doing business. It is expensive to maintain those systems — let alone upgrade them. Wheeling City Council members on Tuesday did the responsible thing in voting in new rates, effective Nov. 15, that will allow for upgrades to both systems. However, what’s missing here is this: the 38% increase for water rates and 38% increase for sewer rates didn’t have to be such a shock. The city currently has identified about $66 million in projects that need ...