Letters to the Editor

SAVE Act Is Wrong For West Virginia

Editor, News-Register: Hello, my name is Donald Shriner. I am a registered republican; The SAVE ACT is not an acceptable piece of legislation. Requiring proof of citizenship in the manner that is articulated in the bill would be very cumbersome and costly for the citizens of the state of West Virginia. More than 146 million American citizens do not have a valid passport. Obtaining a passport can be a lengthy and costly process, and many people who lack the time and money to get one would be deterred from voting. In New York and California, over 70% of citizens have passports. ...

Praying for Change In Steubenville

Editor, News-Register: Steubenville is on the threshold of a historic transformation. Having completed our Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant, our city is now eligible for a $26 million federal Implementation grant. While $26 million is a massive sum, its true power is its ability to act as a magnet. By securing this grant, we unlock a capital stack of state and federal loans and tax credits totaling over $76 million for the North End. With careful stewardship, this investment will turn our vision into reality: 256 new or modernized dwellings. We already possess one of the finest ...

Appalachian Christmas Project Was a Success

Editor, News-Register: The Appalachian Christmas Project had a very good 2025, made possible by the volunteers, churches, schools and businesses that ensured people in need throughout Appalachia were served. Based in Wheeling, the Project provides its services in association with Bethlehem Alliance Church. The group serves victims of natural disasters, seniors, the disabled, veterans, nursing homes, the homeless, victims of domestic violence, children and babies, and families who are impoverished or in at-risk areas. Those served reside locally, as well as Eastern, Central and ...

Suspension Bridge Still Has a Bright Future

Editor, News-Register: Although I must admit that I am a bit disappointed that the historically iconic Wheeling Suspension Bridge will remain permanently closed to vehicular traffic, it will nonetheless continue as a pedestrian bridge, as recently announced by the West Virginia Division of Highways. However, it does appear quite evident that every effort was made to attempt to make the suspension bridge open once again to vehicular traffic, as a reported $17.9 million was spent to rehabilitate the bridge. But after completion, in spite of all the excellent work performed to ...

No Winners With End of Viennese Ball

Editor, News-Register: Twelve years ago, after being present at its preparations for a decade and serving as a page, I declined an invitation to be a member of the cotillion in the Viennese Winter Ball. While leaving Wheeling to go to university a year early was the right decision for me, giving up the position offered me was a sacrifice; now that the Ball is permanently ending after 44 years, everyone loses. The Ball functioned as a fundraising event for the Wheeling Symphony; having little information about the committee’s reasons for cancelling the event other than “rising ...

Salute to Preservationists Who Paved the Way

Editor, News-Register: As our community focuses on the conclusion of the Streetscaping Project, we should not forget some of the people that invested their time, personal funds and passion in preserving our historic culture of Wheeling. Without their involvement Wheeling’s historic landscape would certainly not be interesting as it is today. Yes, government officials provided some of the funds for various projects, but the efforts of three local women stand out. Betty “Snookie” Nutting invested personally in preserving numerous buildings throughout the downtown. Her grasp of ...