-
Appalachian phrases and words that you may still use
People who live in the heart of the Appalachia region, which spreads across the mountains of West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia, and into parts of North Carolina, South Carolina, and eastern Tennessee, can easily be identified by their dialect. It still amazes me that when we travel away from the area, people can guess…
-
Trying to stay cool during the hot days of summer
It looks like the temperatures have gotten very hot the last few days as we officially start summer. We have actually had some mild weather before this heat wave began. I have always liked summer, especially when I was younger and more active. But now that I have gotten older, it is tougher to take…
-
Remembering West Virginia legend Jerry West
Jerry West, perhaps the most famous person and athlete ever from the state of West Virginia, passed away last week at the age of 86. A native of rural Kanawha County and hailing from Cheylan, he led East Bank High School to a state title back in 1956. West is the most decorated athlete ever…
-
Remembering my dad for Father’s Day
As I pondered what topic to write my column on this week, I asked my wife Vicki for her input. She reminded me that Father’s Day was coming up. Bingo! I love being a father to three and a grandfather (Pawpaw) to five young ladies. That is one of the most important things I’ve done…
-
We are spoiled without internet, cable TV and phones
The recent thunderstorms that moved through the region on Memorial Day weekend knocked out the internet, cable television and land phone lines for our neighborhood. It made me think about what society did before we had social networks like Facebook, hundreds of television channels to pick from and, for many, even a telephone. Growing up,…
-
Graduation is a big moment in life
As I prepare to travel to another state to see my oldest granddaughter Grace Bevins graduate from high school, I could only think back to my own graduation 50 years ago. Yes, I’m that old – although I was the youngest in my class at Williamson High back in 1974, barely 17 years old. (There…
-
WVSSAC makes major changes to basketball tournament
I guess I’m old school, but I am not sure I like the major change that is coming to the tournament in West Virginia high school basketball. On Thursday, the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission (WVSSAC) board of directors approved a change in the preliminary rounds of the boys and girls basketball postseason to…
-
Campus protesters have gone too far
The First Amendment gives U.S. Citizens the right to free speech. They can even protest peacefully in things they believe strongly in or against. However, this amendment does not give people the right to break the law. This is the case we are seeing on college campuses across the country. These “students” are vandalizing statues,…
-
New EPA regulations will make it tough on the power grid
Fossil fuel power plants still generate 60% of the electricity supply in the United States. However, the latest Biden administration EPA guidelines will reduce that even more. The law adopted during the Obama administration really hurt the coal mining industry, which, of course, greatly affected West Virginia and Kentucky when it came to jobs. Not…
-
Exercise your right to vote, or do not complain
You have probably heard this before, but if you do not vote, then do not complain. We hear people complain about politicians and officials all the time. However, you may be surprised that many of those same citizens won’t get out and vote. We have the right to vote and choose our political leaders in…