CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin wants to avoid a special session to change the bill crafted after the massive chemical leak and water contamination this year, despite calls from state House and Senate leadership for the session. “The governor agrees a special session is a valid option, but if appropriate[Read More…]
Month: August 2014
West Virginia sees shortage of truck drivers
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The trucking industry is facing a driver shortage that is expected to worsen over the coming years. Jeff Foster, who runs the Boone County Truck Driving Academy in Chapmanville, said the root cause of that shortage is trucker retirement. “Right now America is short about 30,000[Read More…]
The Associated Press shares 10 things to know Thursday, Aug. 28
Dorothy Abernathy, The Associated Press bureau chief for West Virginia and Virginia, shares the 10 things you need to know Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014. Look for full stories on these late-breaking news items, upcoming events and stories in West Virginia newspapers.1. OBAMA CONTEMPLATES CONGRESS’ ROLE IN SYRIAN CRISISThe big question[Read More…]
Track officials upset as Hancock smoking ban OK’d
NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Despite emotional, last-minute pleas from Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort employees, the Hancock County health board on Tuesday unanimously approved an indoor, countywide smoking ban with no exemptions for gaming facilities. The long-anticipated action makes Hancock County the 29th county in West Virginia to adopt[Read More…]
Bluewell man watches giant grow near his home
BLUEWELL, W.Va. — Giant puffball or Calvatia gigantea does little justice to the monstrous fungi harvested by a Bluewell man Tuesday. Bobby Turner watched the mushroom over three weeks as it grew to an enormous size. “It was on the side of my driveway,” Turner said. “No one has ever[Read More…]
W.Va. ag agency audit finds possible fraud
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Investigators found “additional instances of possible fraud or abuse” during the final 18 months of former state Agriculture Commissioner Gus Douglass’ tenure, according to a follow-up audit of the state Department of Agriculture released Tuesday. That includes the questionable spending of $661,790 of federal stimulus funds in[Read More…]
Home rule in moderation is the best approach
An editorial from The Exponent Telegram CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — As was readily apparent during Home Rule hearings Monday, there is growing concern about cities having the ability to increase the sales tax. Several cities seeking Home Rule approval have included a 1 percent increase in sales tax charged to consumers[Read More…]
WVU seeks partner to build 400-room hotel
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU is looking to see if a viable partner exists to help design and manage a hotel and conference center near the Erickson Alumni Center. WVU released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a hotel and conference center project Tuesday, Aug. 26. Bids are due on Nov.[Read More…]
Rehabilitating W.Va. criminals
An editorial from The Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia’s campaign to reduce jail and prison overcrowding is succeeding, state legislators were told Monday. But what about the second part of the initiative, to “rehabilitate” those who have committed crimes? During interim committee meetings in Bridgeport, W.Va., lawmakers heard[Read More…]
Inter-Mountain staff up to icy challenge
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