Local Columns

Protecting Our Kids From Social Media

Like many of you, I am concerned about the effect that social media is having on America’s youth. I have eight grandchildren, and while I am glad that we are able to connect and stay in touch via social media, I am devastated to see the negative effects these platforms can have on children. It’s important that we do all we can to protect our children from online threats that pose a great risk to their development and their safety. These platforms must be responsible for the content provided to our youth and tools must be in place to prevent harm. According to a U.S. Surgeon ...

Marshall Memo: OnTrac Award; Softball Tourney; and Entrepreneurs

Four representatives of the city of Moundsville — Mayor Sara Wood-Shaw, Vice Mayor David Wood, Secretary Sara Jasenec and City Manager Rick Healy — traveled this past week to Charleston for the OnTrac Award Ceremony. The four were presented with a Certificate of Recognition signed by Gov. Jim Justice for being designated as an OnTrac Community. Healy said, “We also had the first official training for the program.” It was announced that Mayor Wood-Shaw and Secretary Jasenec would be the co-liaisons for the program. “This is an exciting step forward for our Historic ...

Pandemic Aid Confusion Impacts Budget Process

A poor explanation of a federal obligation led to a panic last week that the state of West Virginia was going to have to give back $465 million to the U.S. Department of Education. Even the word “clawback” was used, but as it turns out, it’s not really a clawback at all, at least in the short term. But depending on negotiations with the department for a second and final waiver, the state might have to — heaven forbid — spend an additional $465 million on education. And if we don’t do that, then the clawback commences. As a colleague — Mountain State Spotlight state ...

Asking Our Veterans To Serve Us Once Again

Democracy runs on elections. And elections run on volunteer poll workers. In spite of the importance of these volunteers, in the past three national elections, our nation has seen a critical shortage of volunteer election workers all across the country. This lack of volunteers has forced election officials in several states to make tough decisions, such as combining voter locations and having fewer voter check in tables available. These changes created situations that often made it difficult for many Americans to exercise their right to vote. In every statewide election held in ...

Marshall Memo: Activity Passes; Supporting Music; and Lifeguards

If you are a Marshall County resident and didn’t obtain a Marshall County Free Activity Pass, you will be able to get one by going to the Board of Education Office in Moundsville on Monday, March 11 or Tuesday March 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. to have your picture taken for the pass. The Activity Pass can be used to attend every Marshall County Schools sponsored event. The pass is good for admission to the event only, and does not cover additional fees. Those with questions should call the Board of Education Office at 304-843-4400. --- Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby ...

Capito, Manchin Must Continue Policy To Help West Virginians

While we’ve become accustomed to hearing about the contention and gridlock in our political system, something remarkable happened in Congress at the end of January: A large, bipartisan coalition in the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024. This bill would temporarily expand the Child Tax Credit families rely on while also providing tax relief to businesses. Its passage through the Senate, which would make it law, would be an enormous boost to West Virginia families. The CTC was temporarily expanded during the early months ...