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Editorials

WVU lacking transparency

It was somewhat of a shock on Friday when Coastal Carolina University — in Conway, S.C. — announced that West Virginia University’s next president would be Michael Benson. This happened a day after WVU’s board of governors, in a self-imposed cone of silence as it sought a new leader to replace departing president E. Gordon Gee, announced it had chosen its finalist — but failed to disclose the candidate. Benson, who was Coastal Carolina’s president officially until this weekend, has accepted the job. He appears to be an excellent fit for WVU and Morgantown, and the ...

Working to keep pharamcy access

A significant percentage of Ohioans rely on prescription medication to maintain their health. As the region’s population grows, so, too, does the number of people in need of the services of a local pharmacy. Yet, according to a report by the Ohio Capital Journal, pharmacies in the Buckeye State are closing at an alarming rate. The number of openings of retail outpatient pharmacies peaked in 2015. Then, the trend reversed. In 2016, there were a record number of closings. Closures continued — in 2023 there were 55 closures, and in the following year there were 191. Using the Ohio ...

It’s important to spay, neuter pets

It’s a proven fact — spaying and neutering are effective, and humane, ways to save the lives of animals. These procedures are among many important responsibilities that come with owning a dog or cat. So along with providing a safe, warm home, food and water and daily exercise, we ask that animal owners please have their animals spayed or neutered to help stave off pet overpopulation problems. This also is the plea made on World Spay Day — it’s Tuesday — to remind pet owners of their obligations. The most recent estimates compiled by the American Veterinary ...

A chance to learn about the county

Among the most common complaints that are lobbed at elected officials at every level is a perceived lack of availability. That’s not the case with those who hold those positions in this area — the men and women who are willing to serve also are willing to provide their constituents with answers — and if they can’t do that on the spot, they will find the information and provide an explanation. Residents of Jefferson County will get to experience that for themselves Tuesday, when the second State of the County forum is held. Scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. in the auditorium ...

REAL ID deadline is approaching

It seems like a lifetime ago — in 2005, as a response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — Congress passed the Real ID Act. At the time, the idea was to have the program implemented by 2008, but opposition and other delays pushed the timeline. Most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic extended more than once the deadline for individuals getting identification documents that satisfy Real ID Act standards. But now, the agreed-upon deadline is approaching rapidly — it is less than three months away. Across the country, states are urging residents who have not already done so to ...

Completing FAFSA an important step

It would be hard to blame high school seniors and their parents for being uncertain about the financial aid landscape for post-secondary education right now. But it still might come as a surprise to know that now — and for years — fewer students are applying for available college scholarships. The National College Attainment Network examined the number of completed Free Applications for Federal Student Aid as of June 30 before each academic year, as a percentage of the number of high school seniors in each year. In 2018-19 (the high school class of 2018), 54 percent of seniors ...