Upshur County Commission meeting preview: Chief deputy promotion, fire funding and rising jail costs
The commission meets Thursday with a relatively light agenda. Here’s what I’m watching.
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Future of Appalachian Hydrogen Hub in doubt as federal government considers funding cut
A regional hydrogen project that was set to receive nearly $1 billion in federal funding may be on the chopping block as the government continues axing clean energy grants.
Q&A: Evan Feinman led broadband expansion under Biden. Here’s what he thinks of West Virginia’s high-speed internet plan.
Evan Feinman, who led the BEAD program during the Biden administration, reflects on how West Virginia’s broadband plan is unfolding. He discusses what went right and wrong at the federal level and what it will take to get every household connected.
Worth watching: Buckhannon City Council agenda highlights
From potential addressing changes to a water plant property acquisition, Thursday’s Buckhannon City Council meeting agenda has a few items worth watching.
Federal government approves West Virginia broadband plan
The federal government approved West Virginia’s broadband development plan, clearing the way for the state to connect more than 73,000 locations to high-speed internet. The plan includes nearly $546 million for 142 deployment projects across the state.
Retired WV Hive executive director Judy Moore joins Secretary Warner for “Just Three Questions!” to discuss resources for entrepreneurs
Judy Moore, former longtime executive director of the WV Hive, and West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner discussed how the WV Hive provides increased access to resources for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Tobacco Prevention Coalition urges Upshur County to limit vape shop locations and restrict signage
Members of the Tobacco Prevention Coalition asked the Upshur County Commission to consider an ordinance limiting where vape and smoke shops can open and restricting their signage, citing rising youth vaping rates and similar ordinances in other West Virginia counties.
Buckhannon City Council officially approves phased water rate increase to fund new treatment plant
After listening to community feedback during a public hearing, Buckhannon officials approved a three-step water rate increase that will raise rates about 62% by 2028 to help pay for a new $47 million water treatment plant. Just one person outright opposed the measure.
With SNAP benefits delayed, state officials steer thousands of West Virginians to overwhelmed food banks
A delayed federal SNAP payment left roughly 270,000 West Virginians without benefits Nov. 1, pushing food banks and volunteers to scramble as the state pledges millions and the National Guard helps distribute emergency aid.
City of Buckhannon begins removing unhealthy trees around Charles W. Gibson Public Library
Buckhannon officials voted to remove four trees around the Charles W. Gibson Public Library after an inspection found two were dead or dying and another showed significant decay. The board also discussed replacing them with saplings and revisiting angled parking for the library.
Retiring UMWA President Cecil Roberts talks about where the coalfields have been and where they could be going
Cecil Roberts, retiring after 30 years as president of the United Mine Workers, reflects on the decline of coal jobs, failed protections for miners, politics’ impact on coal communities and the challenges of reviving the industry without new technology.
West Virginia clarifies after-school child care reimbursement, providers warn of closures
The state Department of Human Services says it clarified reimbursement rules for after-school care — but providers say the change will cost centers tens of thousands monthly, risking layoffs and closures across West Virginia.
