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Local Government

Council will OK water system bond

KINGWOOD — Kingwood City Council voted unanimously to do the third and final reading of the $848,000 water system bond during its next meeting. Members will also provide final approval and sign the documents. Money from the bond loan will be used for engineering soft costs to get some of the Phase I projects going. The project includes a variety of high priority improvements to all stages and phases of the water system, including source water, treatment, distribution, storage and operations. When completed, the project will increase water system capacity, increase the ...

Manchin intrigued by term limits and ranked choice voting

CHARLESTON — Sen. Joe Manchin has decided not to run for reelection, and he has indicated he is open to the possibility of running for president on a third-party ticket. What he’s doing in between is still taking shape, but on local West Virginia radio appearances, Manchin has described an interest in electoral reforms like term limits or ranked choice voting that could shake up the system and bolster the political middle. “I’ve been invited to different areas up in different battleground states, just to be able to speak to different groups and if I can get them what you ...

Busy calendar for Justice hearings on $300M and wayward chopper goes blank

CHARLESTON — This week shaped up as a momentous one for Gov. Jim Justice’s legal and financial conflicts, but the calendar has been clearing. Originally scheduled for Wednesday was a hearing in Martinsville, Va., on whether Justice and his family businesses truly owe $300 million after defaulting on loans. But lawyers for Justice moved for that hearing to be rescheduled, and the judge agreed to move the hearing to Dec. 11. And today, a federal judge had called a hearing to sort out who should rightfully have possession of a helicopter the Justice family uses for business. But ...

Monongahela National Forest to provide a second Christmas tree to Washington

BY CHRIS LAWRENCE CHARLESTON — The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Friday. However, the Monongahela National Forest Staff has been busy this week providing a second tree to Washington. According to the Forest Service, for the first time ever the National Park Service has collaborated with the agency to provide the National Christmas Tree to be placed on the Ellipse of the White House. That tree this year will also come from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. “The NPS ...

MUB pursuing funds to extend water service in Cheat Lake area

MORGANTOWN -- The Morgantown Utility Board is hopeful it can work with the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council to bring water to 30 or so homes near Cheat Lake.  Specifically, the properties are located off Rugh Lane, Lubbuck Lane and Longhorn Lane in the Morgans Run ...

PEIA Finance Board hears comments against proposed increases while in Charleston

BY JARETT LEWIS CHARLESTON — For the fourth time this month, the Finance Board for the Public Employees Insurance Agency took public comments regarding the proposed premium increases for state workers. The PEIA Finance Board is proposing: 10.5% premium increases and no benefits changes for state employees who get the insurance. 13% premium increases for employees of local governments that opt into PEIA, plus the addition of a surcharge for eligible spouses of about $147. No changes in premiums or benefits for retirees who are eligible for Medicare. 10% premium ...