A column by John Miller, executive editor of The Exponent Telegram
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Excuse us for bragging, but we’re proud to be Mountaineers. And whether you were born here or now claim it as your adopted home, we hope you join with us as we pause to celebrate all that is good here in West Virginia on its birthday.
From the throes of the Civil War, in a time of great hate, with brother pitted against brother, West Virginia grew from its past with Virginia into an independent, free state.
Over the past 153 years, the Mountain State has seen its share of ups and downs.
It has been a leader in the development of coal, natural gas and glass manufacturing, but has also struggled as those industries dip and swoon under market and regulatory pressures.
To help offset that — thanks to forward-thinking leaders like the late U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd — West Virginia is now technology-driven…