Local Columns

Microgrid Legislation Offers Bright Future for W.Va.

As the president and CEO of the West Virginia Coal Association, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the West Virginia Legislature and Gov. Patrick Morrisey for their bold leadership in passing HB2014, the Microgrid bill, during the recently concluded 2025 legislative regular session. This landmark legislation is a game-changer for our state, securing the future of our coal industry while paving the way for unprecedented economic growth. HB2014 is not just a bill; it’s a blueprint for prosperity that honors our heritage and embraces innovation. Let me explain why this ...

Plenty Going on in Marshall County; Schools, Chamber and More

Marshall County schools continue to shine, starting with a proud moment for Sherrard Middle School’s History Bowl Team 2, coached by Dan Gatts and Jeff Stephens. They clinched the 2025 West Virginia History Bowl state title, defeating Team 1, 28-20, at the West Virginia Capitol Complex, earning their fourth consecutive championship. Team 2—Brady Barnhart, Drew Marling, Abby Allman, and Griffin Sturgill—and Team 1—Kabe Blake, Colsen McCutcheon, Izzie Dougherty, and Chloe Weekley—received trophies and electronic devices. Their journey began at our Grave Creek Mound’s 9th annual ...

Tools of the Trade

I had the great pleasure to go to the Media Innovation Center at West Virginia University last week and attend an enlightening presentation on the use of AI (artificial intelligence) in new reporting. You hear a lot today about artificial intelligence, or AI. Just about every digital product or electronic device advertises some AI feature. There are AI-generated news stories now, AI-generated images, videos, and even podcasts. AI has the same problem that many different phrases have in that it has become an empty bag one can put whatever they want into it. Ask five people what AI is ...

Working With President To Secure Coal’s Future

America needs coal. For generations, our nation has tapped into coal’s unparalleled benefits as an affordable and reliable energy source to power us to greatness. Coal miners continue to fuel everything from the cutting-edge manufacturing jobs and data centers of the future to the lights over our kitchen tables. As attorneys general from Kentucky and West Virginia who proudly represent coal country, we are grateful to President Trump for taking bold steps to protect America’s bright, coal-powered future. At the White House, President Trump recently signed four executive ...

Powering Ohio’s Future: Coal Still Matters, Innovation Can’t Wait

Right now, California faces rotating power outages previously only seen in third world countries. Pretty soon, they’ll be coming to Ohio too — unless we do something about it now. Fortunately, President Donald Trump took a major step earlier this month to address this looming crisis by issuing three executive orders to revive the coal industry — keeping aging coal plants online, accelerating mining leases on federal lands, and rolling back burdensome climate regulations. Coal shouldn’t be treated like a four-letter word in America; we should embrace it. Last year, the rest ...

Marshall Memo: Strings Concert; City Building Progress; and Some Odds and Ends

The Marshall County Strings Program will present its annual spring concert on Tuesday, April 29, at the John Marshall High School Center for Performing Arts. The concert will be presented in two performances. Elementary and middle school students will perform at 6 p.m., and high school students will perform at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to attend one or both performances. Additionally, the strings program will present a check to CASA for Children Inc. This donation was made possible with funds collected at the strings benefit concert this past February. Admission for the ...