Opinion

Armstead A Good Justice, Good Man

Editorials

“He set an example of honesty, integrity, faith and service that was second to none. He was an example of leadership with grace, a man who had a deep faith in God, and loved his family with all of his heart.” Those words from State Senate President Randy E. Smith, R-Preston, must be close to what leapt to many West Virginians’ minds when they learned of the passing of State Supreme Court of Appeals Justice Tim Armstead Tuesday. Armstead was a state legislator for 20 years — minority leader from 2007 to 2014 and then Speaker of the House for four years as he very capably led ...

Safety Progress Derailed

Editorials

Those hoping for railroad companies to move on their own toward improved safety for their workers and the communities through which their trains run will have to wait a bit longer. More than two and a half years since a Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, not one of the larger freight railroads in the country has signed on to the Confidential Close Call Reporting System, a voluntary federal program that was meant to reduce rail hazards and prevent accidents. According to a report by the Associated Press, BNSF and Norfolk Southern did attempt partial trials, but have not ...

West Virginia Moving to Offense in Economic 'Backyard Brawl'

Local Columns

For too long, West Virginia has sat at the bottom of health, education, and economic rankings. Policymakers have spent decades trying to solve these problems, but frustratingly little progress has occurred. Action, not platitudes, is needed for true growth. If we want to truly move the needle, we must stop treating the symptoms and instead focus on the real disease: for too long, our state simply didn’t do enough to create an attractive enough investment and regulatory climate. That’s why I signed an Executive Order establishing an economic Backyard Brawl on my first day in ...

School Board Hosts Debate Done Right

Editorials

The Ohio County Board of Education offered a perfect example Monday evening of how debate over a controversial subject could — and should — be done. At its latest meeting, the board discussed whether to allow Lifewise Academy to transport students off campus during school hours for a Christian education course. Groups representing both sides of the argument were in attendance. Some touted Lifewise as a program that helped students perform better at school in both behavior and academics. Others decried the insertion of religion into public schools, as well as voice concerns about ...

‘Team Tressel’ a Winner

Editorials

Ohio is getting ahead of the game in terms of student fitness with a new plan from the lieutenant governor. The Team Tressel Fitness Challenge for students in grades 4-8 is a program developed by Jim Tressel — who has some experience in keeping students fit and healthy. His idea is a solid one. Rather than outdated and intimidating goals that might throw a young person off track, the Team Tressel Fitness Challenge would let students pick their own activities and set their own goals over 90 days. He worked with educators to fine tune the program, which starts Sept. 8. “Educators ...

Be Careful Around School Buses

Editorials

School is already in session for many students in Ohio and West Virginia. With the beginning of the school year comes the return of school buses and students riding them. Get back in the mindset of giving yourself plenty of time to get to your destination during pick-up and drop-off hours. School buses may be a little slower and make frequent stops, but the drivers are not out to get you, personally. Their job is to make sure kids get to and from school safely. And they can do that because (most) drivers follow a few rules. Never pass a bus while the stop arm is extended and the red ...