Opinions
West Virginia ahead of the game with industrial hemp
One agricultural initiative that West Virginia has been way ahead on is the development of industrial hemp.
How long must we wait for an intermediate appellate court?
A bill to establish an intermediate appellate court was introduced again last week at the opening session of the Legislature. In his address to the assembly, Gov. Jim Justice endorsed the measure and encouraged the lawmakers to pass it.
One Stop Business Center celebrating one year anniversary with open house
CHARLESTON – “Moving at the Speed of Business” is the motto of the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Business and Licensing Division. Advances in technology and a new user-friendly website have given our office the opportunity to communicate more effectively and respond quicker to the needs of the state’s business community and entrepreneurs.
Anti-growth mentality hurts West Virginia
CHARLESTON – West Virginia is certainly making progress on several fronts, but some in the state are determined to sabotage our potential for progress by trying to outlaw or restrict one of our most successful economic development tools.
U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of – not from – religion
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof....” Though the First Amendment protects our right to follow our faiths, courts have often misinterpreted it to justify restrictions on religious freedom.
We need the full story on Warner and BRIM settlements
CHARLESTON – A true story with information left out becomes highly deceptive. The media has reported extensively on the settlement cost involved in the termination of 12 individuals in the Secretary of State's Office when Mac Warner took office.
It’s time for the state to invest in agriculture
If you believe agriculture should be part of our effort to diversify our state’s economy, lend us your voice. Tell your elected officials to join our cause. It’s time we invest in agriculture.
Fired SOS employees fill it to the rim with BRIM
When he took office last year, West Virginia’s Republican Secretary of State Mac Warner chose to replace some of the personnel left over from Democrat Natalie Tennant's eight-year tenure.
New chairs of education committees will have their hands full
MORGANTOWN – When the 2019 legislative session begins later this month, we should watch even more closely than usual what happens on the education front, particularly with two new committee chairs.
At last, someone’s regulating the regulators at the EPA
Morrisey was on the scene last week when acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced a proposed change that “would replace the Obama EPA’s 2015 definition with one that respects the limits of the Clean Water Act and provides states and landowners the certainty they need to manage their natural resources and grow local economies.”
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2018: A new awareness for West Virginia agriculture
CHARLESTON – Freshman college quarterbacks in their first season make a lot of mistakes. But every year after, they continue to hone in on their craft becoming the field commander of their dreams.
Supreme Court follies land state back on watch list
“The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals experienced a tumultuous year with justices being charged with unnecessary and lavish spending of taxpayer dollars, followed by the Legislature calling for impeachment of all five justices,”said ATRA President Tiger Joyce.
Starting, growing a business in West Virginia has never been easier
Recently, in one 48-hour period, 63 new business organizations formed across West Virginia. Perhaps there has been no better time in decades to be in business in the Mountain State.
Hey, Jude, don’t make it bad!
Assuming the needle wasn’t planted there, you have to wonder how Taco Bell employees could have prevented some other patron or non-paying person from leaving it behind, or be discovered in time to harmed no one else.
Tips for a secure, happy holiday season
CHARLESTON – The holidays are a time for shopping and charitable giving, and while this is a time for sharing with family and friends, be careful not to inadvertently share your personal information with strangers who may be identity thieves.
When your number’s up ...
The Powerball jackpot was up to $700 million and it was the last day to buy a ticket. A set of numbers popped into your head: a combination of your age, your IQ, etc. Or maybe it was completely random, but something told you that this was your lucky day.
Trump’s energy policies are paying off for workers and consumers
WASHINGTON – With the liberal media busy looking for excuses to attack President Trump and his administration, you might have missed some good news on the energy front. American energy jobs are being created, gas prices are dropping, energy imports are dropping and energy exports are rising.
Big Jim is making himself look small
Prior to his recent retirement, 79-year-old Big Jim Hatfield had been Mingo County Clerk for 16 years. He assumed the position in 2002 at the age of 63, right about the time most people are retiring. Prior to that, he was a county commissioner and deputy sheriff. He is well known throughout Mingo County and the rest of southern West Virginia.
General election a huge success for West Virginia
CHARLESTON – I am very pleased to report that West Virginia hosted a very successful November General Election.vHere are a few of the highlights from my perspective as the state’s chief elections officer.
Allen Loughry’s long goodbye
Yes, Allen Loughry, the convicted and suspended state Supreme Court justice who looked like he’d never leave, is finally gone – from the Court, at least – but he’s liable to dominate headlines in state and local media for months to come.