Opinion

Laws, Not Men

Local Columns

I have no blood connection with John Adams, one of our nation’s founding fathers and the second president of the United States. But I’ve read enough of his letters to find a real kinship with the underappreciated man. One of his famous quotes is often paraphrased, but below is a direct quote from an Adams letter to fellow Continental Congress delegate John Penn. “…The true Idea of a Republic, is ‘An Empire of Laws and not of Men’: and therefore as a Republic is the best of Governments so, that particular Combination of Power, which is best contrived for a faithfull ...

Don’t Wait To Get Children Vaccinated

Editorials

Despite the irresponsible “political” noise surrounding the matter, vaccines remain an important step for parents to take in keeping their children as healthy and safe as possible. For those with children old enough to enter school, state law — West Virginia Code 16-3-4 to be exact — continues to require “a child entering school or a state-regulated child care center in this state must be immunized against chickenpox, hepatitis-b, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough.” The start of another school year is creeping up on us more ...

A Welcome Tech Tool

Editorials

Most of us have run into a situation in the workplace where a little more tech knowledge — or maybe even a significant amount of training — could make a world of difference in our ability to do our jobs and better work toward our employers’ goals. But getting that training takes time and money. Fortunately, there is a state program aiming to do something about at least one of those factors. Ohio’s TechCred program awards employers funding to help their employees gain new skills. In May, the program awarded a record more than $9.9 million in funding to 622 employers. That money ...

Working To Advance West Liberty University’s Mission

Local Columns

Two years ago, my wife Susanne and I arrived on the West Liberty University Hilltop, excited about the opportunity to become part of this community. We felt genuinely at home right away because of the warm welcome we received. Since then, I have enjoyed working with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners to transform the lives of our students while strengthening our community and region. In a time when higher education faces significant challenges, West Liberty is stepping up with programs that build economic mobility, foster community partnerships, and ...

Getting in ‘Good Trouble’ To Redeem the Soul of America

Local Columns

Next month will be the 62nd anniversary of the March on Washington that took place on August 28, 1963. It is believed that between 200,000 and 300,000 people participated in the March. The last speaker was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was not on the original program, but because of his recent work during that time, two speakers who were to speak for 10 minutes each gave up their time to let this young pastor speak. That is when he gave the iconic speech called the “I Have A Dream” speech. It is interesting to note according to Dr. King’s own writing that he did not plan to ...

Pats on the Back

Editorials

- To the Rev. Mike Palmer and the volunteers working with him at Triadelphia United Methodist Church, for their latest project to help flood victims recover. The group will invite those whose homes were damaged by the flood to give them a list of construction items they need. The volunteers will then take the lists, figure a total estimated cost and start raising the funds to buy them. - To all of the fairs and festivals that have entertained the Ohio Valley this week. The Marshall County Fair, Grecian Fest and Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival have all offered opportunities ...