CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A repeal of West Virginia’s 81-year-old Prevailing Wage Act is headed to the governor, after passing the Senate Thursday on a party-line 18-16 vote. Passage of the repeal bill (HB 4005) followed more than an hour of impassioned debate, during which eight Democrats spoke against the bill but[Read More…]
Month: February 2016
Freedom fined $900,000 for Elk spill, unlikely to pay
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A federal judge on Thursday hit Freedom Industries with a $900,000 criminal fine for the January 2014 Elk River chemical spill, but acknowledged that the bankrupt company is unlikely to ever pay the penalty. U.S. District Judge Thomas Johnston said he would make any payment of the[Read More…]
Religious objection bill bad idea for WV
An editorial from The Herald-Dispatch HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — When Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed the state’s religious objections law last year, the state was hit with a firestorm of negative publicity. The 2015 NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis was threatened with cancellations, and legislators quickly worked to rewrite the bill. But[Read More…]
Ohio County board to reconsider superintendent’s ouster
WHEELING, W.Va. — Ohio County Board of Education members will discuss Monday whether to reverse their decision not to renew Superintendent Dianna Vargo’s contract. The board is scheduled to meet at 6 p.m. Monday in the board office at 2203 National Road in Elm Grove. On the agenda for the[Read More…]
WV Wesleyan president retiring after 10 years
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — After more than a decade of service, the first female president of West Virginia Wesleyan College announced Thursday she plans to retire in December. Dr. Pamela Balch is a 1971 graduate of Wesleyan and is the 18th president of the institution. She has served as president of[Read More…]
Lawmakers focused on substance abuse
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the midst of a divisive legislative session, an issue that touches representatives on both sides of the aisle continues to be a major concern. The Select Committee on Prevention and Treatment and Substance Abuse began its work in the West Virginia House of Delegates in January.[Read More…]
Insurance exec sees more coverage, rising costs
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As more people have access to health care there is a push to care for people to prevent certain conditions from developing and costing the patients more down the line, a health insurance provider told reporters from around the state Thursday. Fred Earley, president of Highmark Blue[Read More…]
WV county health departments should merge
An editorial from the Parkersburg News and Sentinel PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — A local agency is serving as a potential model for the rest of the state, as economic strategists begin to take to heart suggestions from Drema Mace, executive director of the Mid-Ohio Valley Health Department. Mace has an idea that[Read More…]
Fayette Schools will cut 18 staff positions
BECKLEY, W.Va. — Fayette County Schools will eliminate professional jobs and service personnel in an effort to match funding the state allows for such positions. Fayette Superintendent Terry George said the county will reduce staff by 9.5 professional positions and 8.5 service jobs next school year. Some of these positions[Read More…]
Author comes to Fayetteville to rewrite first novel
FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — A West Virginia native has returned to Fayette County for a three-month residency. Author Mary Ann Henry, who lived on a farm near Meadow Bridge, said she’s glad to be home in West Virginia. Henry lives in South Carolina, but she will be staying in Fayetteville to[Read More…]