West Virginia

W.Va. Senate majority may lead to less debate

Published

2 years ago

January 2, 2023

W.Va. Senate majority may lead to less debate

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Republicans will quickly management practically 90% of the West Virginia Legislature, leaving Democrats to occupy simply 15 of 134 seats between each chambers.

Such an amazing majority carries with it — important energy. It means sufficient energy to simply override objections from the governor, and sufficient votes to move laws in simply someday.

“While you principally don’t have any opposition to one thing, and all people’s in settlement with what’s happening, there’s no cause to have that invoice learn three separate days,” stated Sen. President Craig Blair, R-Berkeley. “You’ll be capable to expedite the method.”

Blair stated which will occur extra usually within the Senate. He predicts better debate in committee rooms and fewer debate on the Senate flooring.

Higher effectivity — WSAZ NewsChannel Three Investigative/Political Reporter Curtis Johnson requested — at what value?

“Is much less debate higher for presidency?” Johnson requested.

“Look, the controversy that you just see on the Senate flooring, by the point it involves passing a invoice, is nothing however theater to start with,” Blair replied.

Incoming Senate Minority Chief Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, agrees. He stated much less grandstanding and extra committee debate might equal a greater course of.

That’s so long as the controversy occurs public view — not when Republican senators meet behind closed doorways. Woelfel alleges that occurred in 2022.

“The dye was forged,” Woelfel stated. “A whole lot of of us are relying on the minority celebration, our celebration, to talk for them. Not simply Democrats — Independents and Republicans, so our voice must be heard and contained in the caucus that can’t happen.”

Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R-Clay, says fast votes are doable – however will probably be restricted within the Home.

“The Republican majority might move that movement on each single invoice, if we select to,” he stated. “That might be not simply irresponsible on our half, but in addition sloppy. The explanation we now have payments learn on three separate days is so individuals have an opportunity to consider them, to contemplate amendments.”

Blair says the Senate will make it to the place you possibly can monitor any invoice at any time from the consolation of you dwelling or workplace.

“We’ve acquired transparency by means of and thru right here, whether or not or not it’s the cameras, the microphones, the recordings, the archives, the committee construction,” he stated. “The listing goes on and on and on.”

The 60-day, common session will start Jan. 11, 2023, every week from this Wednesday.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program applications now open

Published

2 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program applications now open

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) – Applications are now open for the 2024/25 West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program.

This program supports traditional artists and their apprentice in a year-long apprenticeship in a variety of traditional art forms.

Apprenticeships may include those in traditional music, dance, foodways, storytelling and more in any cultural community in the state, officials said.

Artists and apprentices must apply for the funds together.

West Virginia Folklife will award $3,000 to support the teaching artist and $800 to the apprentice. They may also request an additional $400 to cover expenses such as documentation or public presentation supplies, necessary tools and/or travel.

Applications for the program opened July 1st and will close on August 26th. Winners will be notified in October of this year.

To apply, visit https://wvfolklife.org/folklife-apprenticeship-program/.

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West Virginia

Skydivers celebrate 4th of July

Published

8 hours ago

July 5, 2024

Press Room

CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Skydivers were jumping out of planes to the sounds of an eager crowd, waiting for them to do it again. It’s just the way the West Virginia Skydivers celebrate the 4th of July.

For skydiver Todd Crawford, he said skydiving is symbolic of Independence Day.

“One of the things that we think is most important about freedom is that really kind of embodies that is the spirit of aviation and the freedom it all symbolizes,” Crawford said.

Crawford and other divers with the West Virginia Divers kick off the night by jumping out a plane, holding both the American and the West Virginia State flag.

“We absolutely love doing this, this is what we all love, I’m all about it,” Crawford said.

The night, also brought some to tears in the past since the event not only has skydivers but, one of the jumps includes the flags and the Star Spangled Banner.

“It’s pretty exceptional,” said Christy Boster. “It’s really cool when they play the national anthem and they come down with the flag. It means a lot especially being a mom to two service members, and my husband was also in the service so it’s extra special on the Fourth of July.”

Boster was at the event, watching her son and husband take to the sky and making the holiday extra special.

“It is absolutely a blast. I love it, this is my place to come. I just, think it’s laidback, but also there’s a lot of people here but, it’s very laidback. You’ll see kids running around, dancing, having a good time,” Boster said.

Kids running to candy after the plane passes over a field for kids to take part made the day special, too.

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West Virginia

Entry deadline approaching for State Fair of West Virginia

Published

15 hours ago

July 4, 2024

Press Room

Entry Deadlines for the 99th Annual State Fair of West Virginia are quickly approaching, with livestock due by midnight on July 6, 2024 and home, arts and garden by midnight July 12, 2024.

“Seeing the hard work exhibitors put into their entries and projects is always a highlight of the State Fair,” CEO Kelly Collins stated. “From the quilts, art, food, flowers, and vegetables in the West Virginia Building, to livestock exhibits in the barns, it is a tradition we hope to continue to grow for years to come.”

All entry information and registration can be found by visiting www.statefairofwv.com/competitions or by calling 304-645-1090. No late entries will be accepted.

The 10-day State Fair of West Virginia is celebrating 99 years on Aug. 8-17, 2024. The State Fair of West Virginia, with a $16.9 million economic impact on the state of West Virginia, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation committed to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. For more information, please visit www.statefairofwv.com, or follow fair events on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter. Join the conversation by using #sfwv2023!

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