Opinion

West Virginia Stunned in ‘Backyard Brawl’

Editorials

Since the start of his term, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has promoted an “Economic Backyard Brawl” between West Virginia and its neighboring states. The mission, he said, is to make the Mountain State “the most attractive state to live, work, learn, play and run a business.” He likely didn’t expect one of those neighboring states to take the opening kickoff and run it back 90 yards for a touchdown. President Donald Trump recently visited Pittsburgh to announce more than $90 billion in new investments in energy and artificial intelligence in Pennsylvania. Nearly two dozen ...

Marshall Memo: Scholarships Awarded as Students Prepare To Kick Off School Year

Local Columns

Each year, the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce is proud to award scholarships to graduating seniors from Cameron High School and/or John Marshall High School. These scholarships support a mission of encouraging academic achievement and helping local students take the next step toward their future. The scholarship criteria include GPA, community involvement, attendance, studies and future plans. Essays are submitted to the Marshall County Chamber of Commerce committee, which reviews and selects winners. Support is always welcomed by the Scholarship Fund, where 100% of the ...

Remembering TJ’s

Editorials

The announcement Thursday that TJ’s Sports Garden would be closing its doors on July 31 was met with both sadness and fond memories of a restaurant that had become a staple of Ohio Valley dining. In its 35 years, TJ’s developed into a community hangout, a place where people could relax, watch the big game and have fun. When TJ Radevski first opened the restaurant, there weren’t many sports bars around the Ohio Valley. Now they’re abundant. Whoever has purchased the property ­— Radevski said it will soon reopen under new management after some renovations — has some ...

Farmers, Families Have Earned Help

Editorials

Understanding the strain economic uncertainty can put on both farmers and those vulnerable to food insecurity, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., has joined forces with Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., to introduce the Strengthening Local Food Security Act. The effort is meant to tackle a variety of challenges, including reinforcing the food supply chain, improving economic opportunities for farmers and other food producers, and improving access to local food in communities and in schools. It is being pitched as an amendment to tack on to the Agricultural Marketing Act of 1946. A permanent grant ...

988 Is Crucial Lifeline

Editorials

It’s not a subject most people want to dwell on, but Ohioans are fortunate some did a great deal of thinking about how best to help those who are struggling and in crisis — perhaps even having thoughts of suicide. When the 988 Lifeline was established, it was meant to give those experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis somewhere to turn — somewhere to get much-needed support. Since its establishment in July 2022, it has received 592,294 contacts, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal. People can reach out through calls, chats or texts, according to the Ohio ...

Remembering Jack Cera

Editorials

We have reflected on the life of Bellaire’s own Jack Cera since his passing July 13, at age 69 after battling cancer for more than two years. A trusted public servant, Cera represented Eastern Ohio in the state House of Representatives from 1983-96 and again from 2011-20. During his time at the Statehouse, he served on many committees — especially those related to energy — and as Minority Whip for a year. More importantly, though, he was always willing to reach across the aisle. Cera knew that bipartisanship was a key to getting things done, and he never hesitated to listen to ...