“The best tax code is one that is simple and fair,” Treasurer Pack said. “There are a number of carve outs throughout our state tax code that benefit one industry and penalize another. Senate Bill 439 is a great first step towards leveling the playing field and ensuring West Virginia isn’t in the business of picking economic winners and losers.”

SB 439 would repeal tax breaks for wind power projects by removing the favorable salvage value in state code. Property tax collections in West Virginia aid counties funding important local services such as schools, law enforcement, and other essential government services.

“West Virginia played a crucial part in fueling the American industrial revolution as an energy state,” Treasurer Pack said. “We must continue to take an all-in energy approach as we try to promote American industries, while lowering energy costs for our citizens. I encourage our lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 439.”

Congressman Clay Higgins of Louisiana joined Congressman Moore in co-sponsoring the bill. Identical legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Jim Banks of Indiana.

The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action for America, American Principles Project, American Compass, Independent Women’s Forum, CatholicVote, Family Policy Alliance, Students for Life, Susan B. Anthony List, March for Life Action, and the Bull Moose Project.

Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

“For decades, conservatives have rallied around being pro-life, but far too often, the policy framework that came with it lacked strong, substantive ideas to reduce the burden on American families. Being pro-life means being pro-family, and with this legislation, we’re empowering families to choose what works best for them.

“This is just the first step I aim to take in ushering in a new era that makes raising a family great again.”

Here’s what others are saying:

“The Biden Administration’s burdensome overregulation increased the cost of childcare and withheld funding from the childcare arrangements many families prefer,” said Senator Jim Banks of Indiana. “Big government never works. The Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act puts families first and gives parents the freedom to choose what works best for them.”

“Parents know what is best for their children. When it comes to childcare, parents shouldn’t be penalized for wanting to choose a provider who aligns with their religious views, or for having a family member willing to step in to help out,” said Terry Schilling, President of American Principles Project. “Expanding the qualifying childcare providers to include these resources is a wonderful step in putting hardworking families first in America. APP is grateful to Senator Banks and Congressman Moore for taking the lead.”

“Parents across America need childcare that is accessible, affordable, and trustworthy,” said Janae Stracke, Vice President for Outreach and Advocacy at Heritage Action. “The Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act is a monumental bill that empowers parents with the freedom and flexibility to raise their children how they see fit, without facing penalties that complicate childcare coordination. Heritage Action commends Rep. Moore for putting families first and addressing this important need.”

“Households need greater access to affordable, high-quality childcare options, and the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act would help to achieve this,” said Carrie Lukas, President of the Independent Women’s Forum. “Moreover, this bill recognizes that childcare is a very personal choice, and families have different preferences for care. Thank you, Senator Banks and Congressman Moore, for your leadership on this issue.”

“The majority of Americans want the federal government to assist working families,” said Oren Cass, Chief Economist for American Compass. “However, they also want assistance to respect their preferences, which vary widely but most often include the flexibility to have a parent or relative provide care at home. This important legislation would provide families the flexibility they need to make the best decisions for their childcare.”

“The first line in the care and education of children is always the parents. Moms and Dads know what is better for their sons and daughters more than bureaucrats,” said Joshua Mercer, Vice President of CatholicVote. “Sen. Banks and Rep. Moore deserve praise for putting the rights of parents above a liberal big government agenda.”

“The Bull Moose Project has consistently advocated for policies that empower rather than restrict American families, which is why we strongly support the Respect Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. The reforms proposed in this legislation are necessary to give flexibility for families with childcare and encourage family development, which is why the bill delivers a rare combination in Washington: a policy that’s both more effective and more respectful of family autonomy.”  – Aiden Buzzetti, President of the Bull Moose Project. “

“To equip young families as they do the vital work of raising the people – the next generation — whom we will all depend on, Students for Life Action supports the Respecting Parents’ Childcare Choices Act. This measure helps empower families to make choices about who is best to care for their children, without forcing government daycare. The people most devoted to their children should have the freedom to decide who will best protect and love them, while parents are at work. Students for Life Action thanks Rep. Moore for his leadership on this bill.”  – Kristan Hawkins, President of Students for Life of America & Students for Life Action.

“During its 2022 Regular Session, the Legislature enacted a host of provisions relating to the timing and procedure of providing notice to landowners of delinquent property taxes, permitting ample opportunities for redemption and, ultimately, auctioning off such properties to cover the delinquent tax liens,” said State Auditor Mark Hunt, who credited the “dedicated and experienced” staff in the Auditor’s County Collections/Delinquent Lands Division for suggesting most of the updates and revisions included within Senate Bill 683.

“Since the comprehensive reforms enacted in 2022, we formulated a few tweaks and modifications to make the whole process smoother and, frankly, easier on the county and state personnel responsible for this large undertaking,” said Auditor Hunt, specifically referring to slight alterations to the dates by which county sheriffs must report delinquent property tax debts to their respective county commissions each year (May 15 changed to June 15) and the dates within which the Auditor’s Office “certifies” lands subject to sale (between March 1 and August 1 changed to between March 1 and July 1).

Another key component of Senate Bill 683, which now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration, enhances the “notice to redeem” served upon landowners whose properties have been auctioned off.

“We want landowners to have every reasonable opportunity to retain possession of their properties, even after being sold at public auctions due to delinquent property taxes,” said Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston), the lone sponsor of Senate Bill 683. “In cases where landowners have not received service of their notices to redeem, this new provision requires the purchasers of auctioned properties to make additional efforts to locate and serve such landowners with their notices to redeem, giving them yet another opportunity to satisfy the tax liens and retain possession of their properties.”

“During its 2022 Regular Session, the Legislature enacted a host of provisions relating to the timing and procedure of providing notice to landowners of delinquent property taxes, permitting ample opportunities for redemption and, ultimately, auctioning off such properties to cover the delinquent tax liens,” said State Auditor Mark Hunt, who credited the “dedicated and experienced” staff in the Auditor’s County Collections/Delinquent Lands Division for suggesting most of the updates and revisions included within Senate Bill 683.

“Since the comprehensive reforms enacted in 2022, we formulated a few tweaks and modifications to make the whole process smoother and, frankly, easier on the county and state personnel responsible for this large undertaking,” said Auditor Hunt, specifically referring to slight alterations to the dates by which county sheriffs must report delinquent property tax debts to their respective county commissions each year (May 15 changed to June 15) and the dates within which the Auditor’s Office “certifies” lands subject to sale (between March 1 and August 1 changed to between March 1 and July 1).

Another key component of Senate Bill 683, which now goes to the House of Delegates for consideration, enhances the “notice to redeem” served upon landowners whose properties have been auctioned off.

“We want landowners to have every reasonable opportunity to retain possession of their properties, even after being sold at public auctions due to delinquent property taxes,” said Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston), the lone sponsor of Senate Bill 683.

“In cases where landowners have not received service of their notices to redeem, this new provision requires the purchasers of auctioned properties to make additional efforts to locate and serve such landowners with their notices to redeem, giving them yet another opportunity to satisfy the tax liens and retain possession of their properties.”

“I appreciate Secretary Lutnick wanting to improve the BEAD program after learning the Biden administration added many unnecessary mandates that led to delays in getting broadband deployed in West Virginia. It has been nearly three and a half years since BEAD was signed into law and it hasn’t connected a single person in my state,” Senator Capito said.

“West Virginia has jumped through every hoop to deploy the $1.2 billion in broadband funding, which is sure to be a game changer for our state’s connectivity goals. While I am all for improving the program, I do not want to see West Virginia wait longer than is necessary or have to redo their proposals and application. I will continue to push to get the more than 97,000 unserved locations and nearly 15,000 underserved locations across West Virginia connected through the BEAD program as quickly as possible.”

In the coming days, the SBA will promulgate a new policy requiring SBA loan applications to include a citizenship verification provision to ensure only legal, eligible applicants can access SBA programs. Lenders will be required to confirm that applicant businesses are not owned in whole or in part by an illegal alien, consistent with President Trump’s executive order ending the taxpayer subsidization of open borders.

Additionally, the SBA will relocate six of its regional offices currently in municipalities that do not comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Over the coming months, the Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Seattle regional offices will be moved to less costly, more accessible locations that better serve the small business community and comply with federal immigration law.

“Over the last four years, the record invasion of illegal aliens has jeopardized both the lives of American citizens and the livelihoods of American small business owners, who have each become victims of Joe Biden’s migrant crime spree. Under President Trump, the SBA is committed to putting American citizens first again – starting by ensuring that zero taxpayer dollars go to fund illegal aliens,” Administrator Loeffler said.

“Today, I am pleased to announce that this agency will cut off access to loans for illegal aliens and relocate our regional offices out of sanctuary cities that reward criminal behavior. We will return our focus to empowering legal, eligible business owners across the United States – in partnership with the municipalities who share this Administration’s commitment to secure borders and safe communities.”

Under the last Administration, lax guardrails allowed illegal aliens to both apply for and get approved for SBA assistance. In June 2024, the agency approved a $783,000 loan application for a small business that was 49% owned by an illegal alien. Last month, under the leadership of this Administration, an internal SBA audit identified the illegal status of the individual and halted the loan from being disbursed – ensuring that $0 was distributed to the business.

The camp, designed to introduce young science enthusiasts to anatomical structures and their clinical importance, will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day. It allows students to receive hands-on clinical anatomy education in WVSOM’s gross anatomy lab and participate in interactive activities in the classroom, as well as offer them a snapshot of health care careers.

The 2025 camp is open to rising high school juniors and seniors as well as new high school graduates. Students can apply online at www.wvsom.edu/summer-camps by submitting a letter of recommendation from a teacher, a signed parent permission form and a one-page essay outlining their experience in learning anatomy and what they hope to gain from attending the camp.

Applications will be accepted through May 1.

Karen Wines, a member of WVSOM’s biomedical sciences faculty who leads the camp with the assistance of medical student interns, said she is eager to work with high-schoolers who are interested in entering the health care field.

“As this is the camp’s third year, we have some great activities and programming planned,” Wines said. “This is a wonderful opportunity to get a first look at medical education and talk with current students who are on the path to becoming the next generation of physicians.”

There is no cost to participate, but campers not local to Lewisburg will need to find housing. Campers who are selected to attend can apply for a scholarship to help with the cost of housing.

Prescribed fires planned for the north zone of the national forest include:

• -Upper Greenbrier North, 514 acres, Pocahontas County
• -Nursery Bottom, 54 acres, Tucker County
• Prescribed fires planned for the south zone of the national forest include:
• -Middle Mountain, 416 acres, Pocahontas County
• -Brushy Mountain Units 1, 3 & 5, 384 acres, Greenbriar County

Each prescribed fire area will be closed to the public on the day of ignitions and may be closed for several days after to ensure public safety. Signs will be posted on roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burning. Residents and visitors may see and smell smoke for several days. If you encounter smoke on the highway, slow down, turn on your vehicle’s lights and drive appropriately for the conditions.

Prescribed fires are conducted under specific weather conditions and are designed to accomplish pre-determined forest management goals. Monongahela National Forest follows strict guidelines for conducting prescribed fires, and takes into consideration environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, smoke dispersion and wind. If any environmental conditions are not within limits, the burn will be postponed.

County emergency operations centers and local radio stations will be notified when burning begins. Information will also be posted at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ and https://www.facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.

By Carl Holcomb

Moorefield Examiner

East Hardy Girls Basketball took the early lead for the first half of the opening frame, then the Wildcats slashed back to take a 21-15 halftime lead and commenced the third period on an 8-nil run en route to securing a 50-34 victory on senior night in Franklin.

“The difference was we had five turnovers to start the third quarter. We actually had six turnovers in a row as they scored off a turnover to end the second quarter. We came out and had five turnovers in the third quarter. That was the difference in the game. They went up by 12 and that was it. We can’t play from behind,” East Hardy coach Calvin Mongold noted.

Pendleton County senior Avery Townsend recorded a game-high 16 points, followed by Jameigh Miller and Susan Vincell with 11 points apiece.

East Hardy senior captains scored all of the points as Brooklynn Tinnell led the way with 15 points, followed by Chloe Miller with 12 points, Brooklyn Miller with five points and Addison Armentrout with two points.

Brooklyn Miller gave the Cougars an initial 3-nil lead with a perimeter basket at 7:37.

The Wildcats fumed the ball out of play, then Julia Mongold stole the ball before it was deflected out by the Cougars.

East Hardy’s Chloe Miller made a steal and save along the sideline, but the ensuing pass went awry.

Tinnell swiped the ball, then the Cougars hit the rim thrice.

Both teams would hit the rim three times over the next minute prior to one foul shot by Townsend at 4:21.

East Hardy’s Jenna Mongold collected a defensive rebound.

Chloe Miller drew a foul and added one point on the line to put the Cougars up 4-1 at 4:11, then Tinnell hauled in the carom and Pendleton County’s Susan Vincell blocked the ensuing attempt.

Pendleton County’s Julia Mongold notched a 3-pointer to tie the game at 3:45.

A steal by Jessica Parker led to a Wildcats miss, but grabbed the reobund and tied up for a jump ball.

Both teams came up empty prior to a putback from Jameigh Miller giving Pendleton County the lead for good at 2:37, 6-4.

Pendleton County’s Jenna Smith stole the ball and Vincell scored on the series.

Townsend forced a turnover on a back court violation and VIncell added a jumper to put the Wildcats up 10-4 with 1:25 left in the first period.

Townsend stole the ball, then Pendleton County hit the rim twice prior to a lane violation.

Both teams missed one final shot attempt to close out the frame.

The first two minutes of the second period featured a combined six errant field goals and steals by Pendleton County’s Mongold and Townsend.

Vincell scored inside the paint off an assist from Townsend to give the Wildcats a 12-4 lead at 6:08.

East Hardy answered with a long range jumper by Brooklyn Miller at 5:34.

The Cougars forced a turnover, but failed to connect.

Pendleton County hit the rim twice and missed free throws before a leaping save along the baseline by Chloe Miller turned into a blunder as the pass was caught by Addison Armentrout who was standing out of bounds.

Chloe Miller collected a defensive rebound, but Townsend stole the ball and was fouled leading to a pair of charity stripe buckets to make it 14-6 at 4:36.

Armentrout knocked down a jumper for the Cougars on the ensuing possession.

The Wildcats responded with a putback by Vincell doubling the lead to 16-8 at 4:01.

A defensive carom garnered by Chloe Miller resulted in a foul and two free throws made for East Hardy at 3:44.

Vincell notched one free throw just six seconds later, then the Cougars missed two free throws.

Smith swiped the ball and was fouled to add one free throw for the Wildcats at 2:43.

Pendleton County’s Julia Mongold stole the ball and dished to Townsend, who tripped and drew contact for one free throw made.

Tinnell was fouled and made both free throws as the Cougars cut the deficit to 19-12 with 2:21 remaining in the half.

A steal by Tinnell led to a layup by Chloe Miller at 1:30 as East Hardy kept the momentum going, 19-14.

After a charge by the Wildcats, the Cougars lost control of the ball.

Pendleton County missed several field goal attempts before fumbling the ball out.

Chloe Miller notched one free throw for the Cougars with 36 seconds left in the half.

The Cougars forced a jump ball, but Townsend swiped the ball and scored on a breakaway layup to close the first half giving Pendleton County a 21-15 edge.

East Hardy opened the second half with steals by Chloe Miller and Brooklyn Miller, but no points came to fruition.

The Wildcats went on an 8-nil run starting with a jumper by Jessica Parker at 7:10, then Townsend collected a defensive board and a foul led to two points on the line.

A steal by Chloe Miller turned into a walk for the Cougars, then Julia Mongold hit a jumper for the Wildcats.

Parker swiped the ball and found Townsend for a layup extending the lead to 29-15 with 5:42 left in the third period.

Tinnell drilled a 3-pointer for East Hardy to end the run at 4:56, 29-18.

Townsend and Chloe Miller traded one free throw apiece for a 30-19 score at 4:25.

Pendleton County’s Jameigh Miller hit a trifecta with 2:58 remaining.

The Cougars responded with a jumper from Tinnell on the ensuing series, 33-21.

East Hardy’s Jenna Mongold made a steal, but the ball was snatched back by Parker with a quick foul.

A defensive carom was corralled by Chloe Miller, then Tinnell drew a foul and added two free throws at 2:07.

The Wildcats answered with a jumper by Julia Mongold for a 35-23 lead at 1:44.

Both teams hit the rim prior to a 3-pointer connected by Julia Mongold for a 38-23 advantage with one minute to go in the third frame.

The Cougars hit the rim twice before Tinnell blocked a shot and forced a jump ball, then added a bucket in the paint to close the gap to 38-24 entering the final stanza.

“This was very special. These are wonderful girls who have been playing together since recreation league. I was looking at pictures of them as kids today. They are a good, hard working group of girls. We had a really tough game on the road at Tygarts Valley last night spending a lot of emotion and energy, but they bounced back tonight. We hd some good balance tonight with a lot of people in the scoring column. I am proud of the overall effort. Now we have to get ready for the playoffs and give these seniors a chance at going to teh state tournament,” Pendleton County coach Donnie Kopp said.

Vincell and Townsend netted putbacks in the first minute of the fourth period to extend the Wildcats lead to 42-25.

Chloe Miller knocked down a mid range jumper for the Cougars at 6:54.

Pendleton County came back down the floor with a 3-pointer by Jameigh Miller.

Townsend and Tinnell traded a free throw over the next minute for a 46-28 score.

Townsend recorded two field goals sandwiching a block from Jameigh Miller as the Wildcats secured a 50-28 lead with 4:12 remaining.

There were eight combined missed field goals over the next several minutes.

East Hardy’s Chloe Miller drilled a 3-pointer with 20 seconds to go, then the Cougars forced a turnover and Tinnell nailed another perimeter bucket with 14 seconds left to slice the deficit to 50-34.

Pendleton County survived the attack on senior night in the Franklin Den.

East Hardy defeated Tygarts Valley 42-32 in the opening round of the Class A Region II playoffs, while Pendleton County beat Paw Paw. 

The Cougars face top seeded Tucker County on the road in the Class A Region II championship co-final tonight, while Pendleton County hosts Pocahontas County in the other co-final with the winners advancing to the state tournament in Charleston.

“I’m excited to be hosting my first Lookahead,” said WVPA executive director Betsy Miles. “It’s a great opportunity to hear what’s on the minds of the state’s leaders and for reporters to get a head start on covering the legislature for their readers.”

Three panels — Legislative Leadership, Economic Development and Healthcare — will be featured. For those who can’t attend in person, the Lookahead will be recorded and posted on wvpress.org. Lunch is included.

The event is presented by WV Press with support from AARP West Virginia, WVU University Relations and WVU Today, Vandalia Health and the West Virginia Press Association Foundation.

Miles added that in addition to the Lookahead, WVPress is hosting a Media Social at the Culture Center on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Here’s the agenda:

10 a.m. — West Virginia Legislative Leadership

Summary — up to 75 minutes: The panel will discuss areas of focus and legislation they expect in the 2024 session. Each speaker will have 15 minutes for a statement. There will be questions from the media at the end.

Panelists:

Senator Craig Blair, R-Berkeley, president of the West Virginia Senate

Delegate Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates

Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, minority leader, West Virginia House of Delegates

11:15 a.m. — Economic Development

Summary — 75 minutes: The discussion will focus on the existing economic development in West Virginia, what has transpired, and what is expected in the future. There will be questions from the media at the end.

Panelists:

Mitch Carmichael, secretary, West Virginia Department of Economic Development

Bill Bissett, president, West Virginia Manufacturers Association

Erienne Olesh, executive director, Office of Student and Faculty Innovation, WVU

12:30 p.m. — Lunch and networking

Featuring comments from Jane Marks, state president, AARP WV

1:30 p.m. — Healthcare

Summary — up to 75 minutes: The panel will discuss healthcare needs (including oral health, rural healthcare, and general access to proper healthcare), expected legislation, and what legislation can do to improve the system and/or related insurance issues. There will be questions from the media at the end. 

Panelists:

Stephen Pachuta, DDS, MS, MABe, ABGD, dean, School of Dentistry, WVU

David Goldberg, executive vice president, CEO North Region, Vandalia Health

Representative from the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine