Local Columns

Marshall Memo: Musical Talent on Display; and a PROM

The Historic Cockayne Farmstead is celebrating the success of its inaugural Beginner Knitting Classes and, due to popular demand, has announced a new lineup of hands-on workshops over the coming months. Crafters of all ages can look forward to a variety of offerings at the Farmstead’s Visitor Center, starting with Beginner Knitting, a class for ages 10 and up that teaches the basics while creating a simple project, running from 5-6 p.m. Tuesdays, April 1 through April 22. Also on Tuesdays, from 4-5 p.m. during the same period, Beginner Crochet will introduce participants aged 10 and ...

Physical, Mental and Sexual Abuse Led to BRIM Claims

In his op-ed in this newspaper, Greg Thomas, representing Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse (CALA), claimed that “lawsuit abuse” is burdening West Virginia taxpayers. The basis of this dubious claim are the insurance claims paid by the West Virginia Board of Risk and Insurance Management (BRIM). He said it’s lawsuit abuse. The truth paints a different picture. The column failed to provide readers with context or facts. West Virginians deserve accurate information. John Adams said it best: “Facts are stubborn things . . . they cannot alter the state of facts and ...

Midterm Report

Thursday marks Day 30, the halfway mark of the 60-day annual legislative session, but as I write this, I’m having trouble predicting how productive this session will be by the time we get to April 12. According to the Legislature’s website, only two bills have completed the legislative process and have been signed by Gov. Patrick Morrisey. Those bills are the annual bills to update terms in the state’s personal income tax and corporate net income tax acts to align with federal terms. These two bills are always passed at the beginning of each session quickly. Otherwise, the only ...

Prayerful Gathering for Our Homeless Neighbors

As people of faith our biblical call is clear: Love our neighbors, especially those in need. This past Tuesday at Wheeling’s city council meeting one of our councilors, blaming service providers, threatened to close the only homeless camp that has survived last year’s otherwise sweeping homeless, or camping, ban. The municipal homeless ban, now alongside introduced statewide homeless bans, legislates legal penalties for people cooking, eating, sleeping, and storing personal belongings in public (the state ban also incentivizes busing violators away). Panhandling bans have also ...

Providing Tools To Oversee Homeschool Students

Ohio County Schools has a long tradition of excellence and has aimed to serve the community well as the second largest employer in the county. We educate nearly 5,000 students, 180 days a year. Our teachers work tirelessly to implement curriculum, participate in quality professional development, individualize instruction, monitor attendance, and create a climate and culture that fosters optimal learning. Public schools across the state and country are required to record and report attendance, monitor student progress, evaluate staff, and provide social and emotional support. In our ...

Marshall Memo: County To Mark 190 Years; Scholarships; and Much More

The Marshall County Historical Society is set to host its annual installation banquet at 6 p.m. Monday, March 17 at the historic Strand Theater, offering attendees an evening of fine dining and cultural entertainment. Tickets are $25 per person, with reservations required. To secure a spot, individuals can contact Kara Gordon at the Cockayne Farmstead or call 304-845-1411. The meal will be provided by Alexander’s on 7th Street. The evening’s program promises to be a highlight, featuring Stan Bumgardner, a prominent figure in West Virginia’s cultural scene. Formerly the editor ...