Opinion

The Hospital Factor in West Virginia’s Economic Future

Local Columns

As Chair of the West Virginia Hospital Association (WVHA) Board of Trustees, I want to commend Governor Morrisey and the West Virginia Legislature for their leadership and focus on job growth and economic development as the legislative session begins. From my perspective, working at the intersection of healthcare delivery and economic development, these priorities directly support the sustainability of our healthcare system. That’s why I want to speak directly to West Virginia’s business leaders about why hospital sustainability must remain on the radar this session. The work being ...

Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy, Now More Than Ever

Local Columns

The following are remarks Vincent deGeorge has written in accepting an award from the Martin Luther King Jr. Committee. I am honored and humbled to be receiving recognition from our MLK Committee, and compelled by the weight & responsibility attached to the legacy of Rev. Dr. King to live into that legacy with these remarks. The Rev. Dr King’s legacy spans so many traditions, that are so needed today: In the tradition of faith, Rev. King spans Abraham, Moses, Jesus, so many saints and faithful to we people of faith today. In the tradition of thought, Dr. King, seeking truth, ...

Questions Remain for Hancock County Schools

Editorials

The next couple of weeks could very well determine much of the future for Hancock County Schools. A meeting held Tuesday between local officials and the West Virginia Department of Education included discussion as to whether the district will receive an advancement of funds to meet payroll; an issue Superintendent Dan Enich said was the result of a late drawdown of $475,000. On Jan. 26, the school board — and anyone else attending the board’s regular meeting — are scheduled to hear from Jeff Davis (not the former Hancock County commissioner) of Educational Consultants LLC, who ...

Stay Safe When on the Roads

Editorials

Though there have been some points of solace when it comes to winter weather, the skies over the last couple of days have reminded us that it’s that time of year when roads can get treacherous before you realize it. Even the slightest amount of snow or ice on the road can turn a quick trip into a dangerous one. Here are some reminders from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on how best to avoid those accidents. First, slow down. It’s a simple, but crucial rule. When roads are icy, it’s harder to stop and control your vehicle. And when you’re behind someone, ...

Transparency in Marshall County

Editorials

Marshall County Schools Superintendent Shelby Haines’ report to the county’s Board of Education on Tuesday was an encouraging sign for how the school district will handle one of the biggest black eyes it has suffered in years. Haines briefed the board and the audience about the steps the administration is taking following the arrests of former McNinch Primary teacher Kiersten Moses, former McNinch Principal Jane Duffy and district Director of Special Programs Erin Cuffaro in connection with the alleged strangling of a nonverbal autistic McNinch student. (To recap, Moses is ...

Mental Health Care Important

Editorials

With increasing talk about a growing sense of anxiety and fragile mental wellbeing, it makes sense that some Ohioans are seeking needed mental health care. For most of them, finding timely care is a challenge. Health Policy Institute of Ohio says 75 of the state’s 88 counties are mental health shortage areas, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. Only 11 facilities in Ohio offer youth inpatient services, the study found. The only counties that are not mental health shortage areas are Hancock, Marion, Delaware, Montgomery, Butler, Clermont, Lorain, Ashland, Lake, ...