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K-3 bill goes through some drama, but passes at deadline

CHARLESTON — A bill meant to bolster educational resources for students in kindergarten through third grade had an adventure in the final days of the regular legislative session, but it finally passed at 11:34 p.m. Saturday. Put down your No. 2 pencils. That’s 26 minutes ahead of deadline. “I couldn’t be happier it’s going to be over with and we’re going to have something that’s going to help our students,” Senate Education Chair Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason, said at the Capitol. Both the House and Senate went into this legislative session making a priority of ...

Morgantown, Star City, MUB among those looking for federal earmarks

They’ve been called pork, earmarks and, most recently, congressionally directed spending. Regardless of what these federal set-asides are called, they represent an opportunity for a long list of governmental bodies and state and local agencies appealing to Senators Joe Manchin and ...

Michael unopposed on the ballot in Morgantown’s 3rd Ward

MORGANTOWN — For the first time since the 2017 election, Morgantown’s 3rd Ward will have the name of a candidate on the ballot who wants to be elected. Louise Michael. But you can call her Weezie. “I actually prefer to go by that. I don’t know how many people even know my name is Louise,” she said. “When I owned a business it was called Weezie’s and so that’s just how I’m always addressed.” That business, Weezie’s Pub and Club, operated in Star City, then Westover, for a decade or so before Michael sold it in 2014. Since then, she worked primarily at ...

A running look at House of Delegates action on Friday: Day 59 of 60

MORGANTOWN – The House of Delegates churned through a long list of Senate bills on Friday, in preparation for Saturday – the last day of the session. Topics included charter schools, the TikTok ban and city outdoor refreshment areas where alcohol can be served. Here is a running look ...

Mayfield Road residents say traffic, road conditions becoming dangerous

MORGANTOWN — The dance. That’s how longtime Mayfield Road resident Brent Field described the forced negotiation that occurs when two vehicles meet on the one-lane country road. These days those meetings aren’t as rare as they used to be. In fact, Field said, they’re becoming ...

As balloons drop, Gov. Justice celebrates by signing tax cut bill

CHARLESTON — Gov. Jim Justice celebrated a broad-based tax cut Tuesday, signing the bill at the state culture center while surrounded by supporters. State officials have estimated the overall financial impact of the tax bill is $695 million in fiscal 2024 and $817.8 million upon full implementation. “Great day. That’s all there is to it,” Justice said Tuesday morning on MetroNews’ “Talkline.” Early in the regular legislative session, the governor and the House majority advocated for a straight 50% income tax reduction over three years. Senators advocated for a ...