CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Legislators closed out the first regular session of the 82nd West Virginia Legislature on Wednesday, approving a 2015-16 budget bill that includes $4.3 billion in spending from tax revenue while also continuing to correct an upsurge of bills vetoed for technical errors. The budget bill (HB2016) takes $22.7[Read More…]
Month: March 2015
W.Va. broadband panel to get new duties, no funds
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A governor-appointed panel charged with expanding high-speed Internet in West Virginia is getting a new name, members and duties – but no money for projects. Last week, state lawmakers passed a bill (SB488) to establish the Broadband Enhancement Council, a replacement for the former Broadband Deployment Council,[Read More…]
Five correct syllables and a victory dance
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Robert L. Bland sixth-grader Andrew Gould cinched the RESA 7 Regional Spelling Bee Wednesday night by correctly spelling “batik” and “coloratura.” Thirty-three students in fourth to eighth grades from eight counties competed in the event held at the Bridgeport Conference Center. Gould receives an expense-paid trip to[Read More…]
Quarterly losses mount at Hancock County casino
WHEELING, W.Va. — Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort saw revenue drop nearly 12 percent during the last three months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013, as the Chester-based gambling facility faces increased competition from both Ohio and Pennsylvania. For several years, Mountaineer have seen profits slide as[Read More…]
Legislative session was productive
An editorial from The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — Republicans newly in control of the West Virginia Legislature were disappointed in some of their initiatives this winter – but still put together an important package of reforms. It needs to be noted that while Democrat lawmakers fought tooth and nail on[Read More…]
Logan County miners testify in Washington
LOGAN, W.Va. — Congressman Evan Jenkins (R-W.Va. 3) and two local miners testified before the House Appropriations Committee on Wednesday, March 18, about problems with the coal industry that they caused see as being caused by the Obama administration’s regulatory structure around coal extraction. Jordan Bridges of Logan, a heavy equipment[Read More…]
Lawmakers fix bills vetoed over technical errors
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Legislature spent part of its last day in extended session Wednesday fixing technical errors in bills. The Legislature met Wednesday to approve an amended Fiscal Year 2016 budget, but during its final day also amended and returned multiple vetoed bills. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has[Read More…]
Bridge Day panel backtracks on security plan
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Bridge Day 2015 vendors, BASE jumpers and rappellers may be able to choose this year to either pay for a background check with a contracted security company or submit to a biometric fingerprint scan for free. The Bridge Day Commission in Fayette County passed a motion Wednesday[Read More…]
The Associated Press shares 10 things to know Thursday, March 19
Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, March 19, 2015. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers. 1. TUNISIA FINDS NO LINKS TO TERROR GROUP But[Read More…]
U.S. Rep. Jenkins invites W.Va. coal miners to testify before Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Evan Jenkins, R-W.Va., invited two Logan County coal miners to testify before Congress today about the impact of the Obama administration’s regulations on their jobs. Jordan Bridges of Logan and Douglas Killen II of Chapmanville testified before the House Appropriations Committee’s Interior, Environment and Related Agencies[Read More…]