Local Columns

Working To Advance West Liberty University’s Mission

Two years ago, my wife Susanne and I arrived on the West Liberty University Hilltop, excited about the opportunity to become part of this community. We felt genuinely at home right away because of the warm welcome we received. Since then, I have enjoyed working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to transform the lives of our students while strengthening our community and region. In a time when higher education faces significant challenges, West Liberty is stepping up with programs that build economic mobility, foster community partnerships, and ...

Getting in ‘Good Trouble’ To Redeem the Soul of America

Next month will be the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington that took place on August 28, 1963. It is believed that between 200,000 and 300,000 people participated in the March. The last speaker was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was not on the original program, but because of his recent work during that time, two speakers who were to speak for 10 minutes each gave up their time to let this young pastor speak. That is when he gave the iconic speech called the “I Have A Dream” speech. It is interesting to note according to Dr. King’s own writing that he did not plan to ...

Marshall Memo: Scholarships Awarded as Students Prepare To Kick Off School Year

Each year, the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce is proud to award scholarships to graduating seniors from Cameron High School and/or John Marshall High School. These scholarships support a mission of encouraging academic achievement and helping local students take the next step toward their future. The scholarship criteria include GPA, community involvement, attendance, studies and future plans. Essays are submitted to the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce committee, which reviews and selects winners. Support is always welcomed by the Scholarship Fund, where 100% of the ...

Political Hack Job?

We have another alleged case of hacking of a lawmaker. Last Monday, Del. Charles Sheedy, R-Marshall, posted on the Marshall County WV Republican Club Facebook page that he sent a letter to Gov. Patrick Morrisey and the state congressional delegation regarding the lack of a federal disaster declaration for Ohio and Marion counties. The following is taken directly from that letter as he (allegedly) wrote it: “Constituents in District 7 are asking why President Trump has not issued a FEMA Disaster Declaration for Ohio and Marion Counties? My constituents are also yours and they ...

Session of Foundational Improvement for Families

As your state senator, I am proud to provide a summary of the transformational legislation that passed earlier this year. Under the leadership of Gov. Patrick Morrisey and others, we passed an incredible array of bills that will make generational improvements for our Northern Panhandle families. We passed school security measures and protections for our most vulnerable children in foster care. The Legislature expanded economic development and exponentially increased the potential for high-paying employment. We passed legislation to unleash West Virginia energy and cut regulations and red ...

Marshall Memo: Book Signing; Community Trust; and City Updates

There will be a book signing from 2-4 p.m. Wednesday at the Moundsville Library. Authors Gary Rider and Roseanna Dakan Keller announced the release of their latest volume of Marshall County Patriots and Heroes. This is volume 15 in the series and features more stories of our local veterans. There are stories from the Spanish American War, World War I and II, Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan. Copies of the book will be available for sale at the signing. They will also have other books available that they have written in the past if you need to update your collection, with volume 16 currently ...