Opinion

A Call Home: McKinley Never Lost Touch With The People He Served

Local Columns

It became common practice over a dozen years in this editor’s chair that at least one or two Thursday or Friday afternoons each month were reserved for a phone call from then-U.S. Rep. David McKinley. McKinley, a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives during that time, would use at least an hour of his drive from Washington, D.C., back to Wheeling to call this newspaper and speak with either me or my predecessor, the late J. Michael Myer, to get a feel for what was happening in his district. McKinley understood that a politician who truly cares about doing what is ...

McKinley Always Put W.Va. First

Editorials

For those who followed his career, David McKinley’s legacy is neither complicated nor difficult to define. In more than four decades of public and professional service to his state, he consistently put West Virginia and its people first. McKinley died Friday at age 79. He is one of just a few local residents that have represented this area in Congress — and he did it very effectively. At a time when politics too often drifts toward division, sound bites and ambition, McKinley built his public life around something far more grounded: service to the communities he called home. ...

Even Little Things Are Important This Earth Day

Editorials

Earth Day is today, the annual celebration of this big blue and green ball on which we live and a reminder that she needs taken care of. There will be several big events scheduled around the country, and some nice-sized ones around the Ohio Valley to commemorate the day and make a significant impact on environmental awareness. Yet celebrating Earth Day doesn’t have to come with grand gestures or major events. We all can do our part in little ways this day and every day to ensure the Earth stays strong for a long time to come. For instance, if you’re leaving a room for a while, turn ...

Washington Ave. Bridge Progressing

Editorials

A welcome sight was seen on Washington Avenue this week, one that will continue evolving — and continue making folks in the neighborhood happier. Heavy machinery has been brought to the site of the Washington Ave. Bridge, and steel beams are coming with it. Those beams will be placed across Wheeling Creek in the next steps in replacing the bridge that has sorely needed repair for years. The best news was nestled in the advisory the City of Wheeling sent out about the traffic snarls that could happen during the evenings as the materials are being transported. No, the good news ...

Party Affiliation Important In This Primary Election

Editorials

If you’re planning to vote the Republican ticket during the May 12 primary election, remember this: only registered Republicans can participate this year. If you’re a registered Independent and you don’t change your party affiliation prior to end of day Tuesday, April 21, then you will not be able to cast your ballot in the GOP primary. That’s a change from past years when the Republican primary was open to Independents. Party leaders voted to close it this year. You can check — and change, if you so choose — your party affiliation at govotewv.com. Independents can ...

Don’t Forget to Register to Vote

Editorials

In many ways, the May 12 primary election is more important to West Virginians than if candidates for president were on the ballot. There are races for non-partisan offices that will be decided that day — county school boards, the state Supreme Court and more. There are countywide partisan races for which voters will select a candidate to move on to the November general election. There are levy issues to be decided. There are party nominations for local candidates to the state House of Delegates and state Senate. These are all matters and issues that will have much more impact on ...