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West Virginia hits a milestone

It was 162 years ago today when the nation first learned that “Mountaineers are Always Free.” Since then, West Virginians have worked hard to make their mark on bettering themselves and their beloved Mountain State but also this great land in which we are so privileged to live. June 20, 1863, saw West Virginia born from the Civil War as the 35th state. Since then, its natural resources — coal, natural gas and timber — have helped to power a growing nation. The state’s natural beauty and wild and wonderful landscape are a playground for many seeking to connect with the ...

Juneteenth offers chance to reflect

Residents from across the Tri-State Area will be joining with those from across the country during the next several days to commemorate Juneteenth. There will be fun activities and games for children, vendors offering a wide variety of items and information, and there will be food — lots of it — including some of the best homemade dishes you can find in the region. But the annual celebration is about more than being able to enjoy a few days of entertainment and fun — it is a recognition, a chance to reflect on the significance of the Juneteenth holiday. The holiday ...

Flooding has devastated area

As the rain kept coming down over the weekend, West Virginians watched in horror while the number of deaths ticked up and damage mounted because of flash flooding in the northern part of the state. At least six people are dead, and others are missing. Buildings have collapsed; thousands are without power; homes, businesses and cars have been washed away — the devastation has been painful to witness. Gov. Patrick Morrisey wasted no time declaring a state of emergency to get what resources are available to where they are needed. The National Guard is ready to help. Meanwhile, ...

Annual drive a chance to help

Area residents will have an opportunity to perform a simple and selfless act Wednesday. That’s when this year’s Jefferson County Media Day Blood Drive is scheduled to be held at the St. Florian Event Center in Wintersville. The doors will be open from noon to 5:30 p.m., and we hope that everyone who is eligible will participate in the annual event. Late spring and early summer often bring a need for blood that sometimes isn’t met. Regular donors might be on vacation or involved with other activities that keep them away from donation centers. That said, the need for blood ...

Fathers help to shape children

Fathers don’t always receive the attention they deserve, often because many fathers garner attention that isn’t so good. Tales of single fathers and stay-at-home dads are not as common as tales of fathers gone wrong, fathers who succumb to the terrible pressures of supporting a family in a tight economy or fathers who simply never even tried to meet those pressures in the first place. But all fathers don’t simply act as a genetic donor who then goes away or goes wrong. The fathers who stick around, who work at the job of caring for and supporting children while trying to ...

Remember what the flag represents

It proudly flies in front of schools. It is raised in front of public and private buildings. It is displayed from the porches and in the front yards of countless homes around the nation. It stands near the podium when speeches are delivered. It is raised each day at outposts in the far reaches of the world. It stands tall and is recognized before the start of sporting events. It stirs patriotism as it is marched past us at the front of parades. It draws salutes from battle-tested men and women who remember what sacrifices must be made to defend it. It covers the caskets ...