Our state and county governments rely on citizens willing to step up and run for office. Some positions require special qualifications — such as judges, justices, and prosecuting attorneys. Other positions are typically held by individuals with specific training — such as magistrates, sheriffs, and the attorney general. However, most offices require no specific credentials or experience. Read the Full Story >>
Government
Jefferson County Commission Has A Backlog Of Unfinished Business
The agendas for the next few meetings will likely be contentious, as the Commission addresses some of the complex issues left unresolved over the past few months. Read the Full Story >>
November 30 Deadline for Public Comment On Ranson Planning Map
The City of Ranson’s project to update its Comprehensive Plan is getting closer to the finish line, with the City’s planning commission and council expected to review a final draft for approval in early 2024. November 30 is the last day for the public to make comments on the current draft (public comment is open Read the Full Story >>
Commissioners Attempt To Repeal Part Of County Zoning Ordinance
Multiple concerns and confusion about attempt to "repeal" Jefferson County zoning ordinance. Read the Full Story >>
Two Commissioners Refuse To Meet
The Jefferson County Commission failed to convene to conduct business at its regularly scheduled meeting on September 21. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Planning Commission Takes Comments On Future Land Use
The Jefferson County Planning Commission continues to work on updating the Jefferson County Comprehensive Plan and hosted two public input sessions in August. Read the Full Story >>
Stall Tactics On Jefferson County Commission
Jefferson County Commissioners Jackson and Krouse block routine county operations over political conflict. Read the Full Story >>
State Legislature Meets For Special Session In August
The West Virginia legislature passed 35 bills during a special session in August 2023. Read the Full Story >>
West Virginia Legislature’s Meeting Schedule
Explaining the schedule of the West Virginia Legislature. Read the Full Story >>
Comprehensive Plan Survey Open For Public Comment
The general discussion at the June 5 session drilled down to identify specific concerns in these general areas. There was strong agreement among participants that natural beauty is a key asset of the county. Looking at the concern of growth and lack of infrastructure, participants suggested clustering development around existing urbanized areas of the county and a focus on improving the roads in those areas. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson County Commission Deadlocks
Clare Ath announced at the end of May that she would resign, six months after she was first elected to the County Commission. Read the Full Story >>
West Virginia Retools Social Services Delivery
House Bill 2006, passed by the legislature in February of this year, is intended to improve DHHR services. The 2023 bill ultimately reorganized DHHR into three parts — the Department of Health, the Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Health Facilities. Read the Full Story >>
Some Bills That Failed in the Legislature This Year – Part 2
There have been many reviews of bills that passed and became law in West Virginia this year. However, there were far more bills that were introduced but not passed by the legislature. This month’s column points out some bills that did not pass but were sponsored by Delegate Hardy and Senators Barrett and Rucker Read the Full Story >>
Byrd Center Summer Fun
The Robert C. Byrd Center for Congressional History and Education will host its third Summer Fundraiser on Saturday, June 10 from 6 to 8 pm (rain or shine) on the grounds of historic Patterson’s Mill in Martinsburg. The event will support the Center’s civics education initiatives, including its intern program, and celebrate its twentieth anniversary as a non-profit organization on the campus of Shepherd University. Read the Full Story >>
Jefferson Orchards Requests Industrial Zoning Near Rockwool
A zoning change request in Ranson has prompted significant questions and concerns. Read the Full Story >>