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Local Government

Salango says he won’t repeat bid for governor

CHARLESTON — Ben Salango, who was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2020, says he is no longer considering a run for that office this political cycle. “I want to thank those that have reached out and encouraged me to seek the 2024 Democratic nomination for governor of West Virginia. Your support and encouragement truly mean the world to me,” Salango stated Wednesday. “Running for public office is a tremendous commitment, both personally and professionally. After months of consideration, I’ve decided that I will not seek the Democratic nomination for ...

State ends fiscal year $1.8B over estimate; $590M over last year

West Virginia’s state government ended the fiscal year $1.8 billion over estimates. Much of the surplus is already spoken for through legislative appropriations, and state officials will determine what to do with the rest. Political views differed on whether the surplus is a sign of careful budgeting, a product of setting estimates artificially low, a matter of running a tight ship or an example of underpaying for the maintenance of public programs. Gov. Jim Justice praised the year-end figures in a news release and in a video from the seat of a vehicle. Justice had ...

Reedsville Mayor addresses grant during meeting

KINGWOOD — Reedsville Mayor Dennis Pierson addressed Preston County commissioners Thursday during their regular meeting, telling them the town recently applied for a $100,000 Congressional Direct Spending Grant. He said the money would be used for the Town Hall Project and for work on the lower park. He also thanked commissioners for the help they had provided the town in the past. “You gave us $37,000 for our sewer project. We hired an engineer to do an assessment. They found three areas and did the repair,” Pierson said. “You gave us $1,700 for a picnic table. We ordered ...

Gov. Justice declares holiday for state employees on Monday

Gov. Jim Justice has issued an executive order declaring that Monday will be an official holiday for all public employees of the state. “It’s immeasurably important to pause on Independence Day every year and remember all the freedoms we have in our great country and all the sacrifices made by our veterans and active duty military members,” Justice said. “Their sacrifice is the reason we can all celebrate in peace, knowing that we live in the greatest country in the world. I hope all our state employees take time to reflect on this and spend time with their family and friends ...

New code inspector contract still up in the air in Kingwood

KINGWOOD — Kingwood City Council answered questions from Mike Neel concerning the search for a building code inspector during its recent meeting. During their June 13 meeting, council members met with Code Inspector Trenton Cooper, from Elkins, and discussed the possibility of his helping with dilapidated buildings and condemned properties. Cooper told council members he was busy, but could commit to a couple days a week. If hired, council indicated Cooper would be contracted by job and would not receive insurance or other benefits. Council has discussed the need for a code ...