State officials providing ‘simple process’ form, eligibility information — BECKLEY, W.Va. — Acquiring tax credits for historic properties is easier than many people expect, says a tax-credit program coordinator with the West Virginia Historic Preservation Office. “It’s a simple process that’s really a matter of completing one form,” Jennifer Brennan of the WVHPO[Read More…]
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Member newspaper- and West Virginia Press Association-generated news articles, series, photos, cartoons. This information is available for sharing and publication by other member newspapers.
Freshmen legislators react to lawmaking experience
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Freshman state legislators, a week removed from their first 60-day session in Charleston, had mixed reactions to what went on at the Capitol. Del. Jill Upson, R-Jefferson, said, “We got a lot of really positive reforms out of this session.” But Sen. Mike Romano, D-Harrison, said the Republicans “appeared to be hell-bent” on passing “self-serving legislation.” Del. Patsy[Read More…]
Legislative Session: Business, industry leaders’ opinions mixed
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The first West Virginia state Legislature controlled by the Republicans in 83 years left some people pleased and others aghast. Consider these different reactions: — Chris Hamilton, chairman of the West Virginia Business and Industry Council and vice president of the West Virginia Coal Association, said he is “very pleased with all aspects” of the recently completed session.[Read More…]
Weekly newspaper looking for editor to direct community news operation
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — If the opportunity to serve as editor of a weekly newspaper in the eastern portion of West Virginia interests you, now is the time to contact the West Virginia Press Association. A family-owned newspaper is looking for an editor to direct its community news operation. “This is a beautiful part[Read More…]
Editorial: Special session of the legislature isn’t warranted
The Herald-Dispatch of Huntington: Some West Virginia lawmakers are pushing for a special session of the legislature, presumably to allow an override of Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s veto of one controversial bill and perhaps for other reasons that aren’t so evident. The necessity for a special session hardly seems clear;[Read More…]
Editorial: The Charleston Gazette: Gov. Tomblin stands tall on veto of gun lobbyists
The Charleston Gazette: Hurrah for Gov. Tomblin, who stood up against the powerful gun lobby and sided with public safety. He vetoed a bizarre bill that would have let thousands of people carry hidden pistols without permits, without background checks and without safety training. Bravo. Tomblin did the right thing[Read More…]
Ramps & Rail Festival offers unique experience
ELKINS, W.Va. — Each Spring visitors to the Elkins Depot Welcome Center are greeted by a train whistle and the smell of ramps as the location hosts the annual Ramps & Rail Festival in honor of two of the region’s historic features. The mountains around the Randolph County community are[Read More…]
Op-Ed: Legislative session a refreshing change with progress on key issues
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Given the tide-turning November elections and the exceptional class of incoming legislators, expectations were high for the 81st Legislature. Now that the 2015 session is complete, it is the opinion of many Capitol-watchers that we have witnessed the most productive and efficiently run 60-day legislative session the[Read More…]
Gov. Tomblin vetoes concealed weapons bill
Governor cites law enforcement and public safety concerns in vetoing SB347 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today vetoed Senate Bill 347, creating Firearms Act of 2015. The bill, which some opponents had labeled the ‘Wild West’ bill in public discussion, would allow anyone to carry a concealed weapon without first obtaining a permit:[Read More…]
Longtime W.Va. agriculture chief Gus Douglass dies
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gus Douglass, West Virginia’s longest-serving agriculture commissioner, died Thursday at age 88 after a fall at his home in Mason County, his family announced the same day. Douglass served as commissioner for 44 years, first winning election to the statewide office in 1964, and holding the office[Read More…]
