HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – Through multiple steps, a West Virginia state senator’s proposal for the Mountain State to adopt counties from Virginia and Maryland could happen in theory if everything aligned.

After the November election, West Virginia State Sen. Christopher Rose introduced a resolution welcoming Republican voting counties in Appalachia to join West Virginia.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey also encouraged disgruntled Virginians to move to the Mountain State.

The resolution itself could not have counties transferred between states. However, there is a long process that is outlined in the United States constitution that makes it possible.

Article 4, Section 3 of the Constitution — sometimes referred to as the “Admissions Clause” — details the steps needed to admit new states into the Union. It also explains the formation of states from different territories within states.

These articles were used in the formation of West Virginia during the Civil War. The last time the Admissions Clause was used was Hawaii as the 50th state in the Union. Here are the steps needed to make this resolution possible:

• First, the resolution must be passed in all state legislatures. In this case, West Virginia, Virginia and Maryland would all need to support the measure.
• Second, a two-thirds majority must be achieved in Congress.
• The measure could face legal trouble at the Supreme Court if it progresses through Congress.
• Finally, the proposition would be signed off by the president to enact the law, just like any other bill Congress would pass.

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said this proposal would simply “not happen.” When WHSV first asked him about it, he was unaware of West Virginia’s messages to Appalachian Virginians.

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A coal miner remains missing and trapped after catastrophic flooding struck the Rolling Thunder Mine in Drennen, Nicholas County, in central West Virginia, over the weekend. The miner—a crew foreman whose name has not yet been released—was assisting his team to safety when he was caught by rising waters.

The torrent was unleashed deep inside the mine when an unknown pocket was struck. The incident occurred about three-quarters of a mile into the Rolling Thunder Mine, which is owned by Alpha Metallurgical Resources (AMR). Other crew members managed to escape, but the foreman was overtaken by the flood.

The accident was reported at around 1:30 p.m. Saturday to the county emergency management office; all other miners on the team have been accounted for. The area remains flooded and the extent of the devastation below ground is still unclear.

Rescue operations began promptly and have been complicated by challenging conditions such as murky water, unstable underground air pockets, and the sheer depth of the site. For three days, crews have coordinated with county officials, state agencies, and national cave rescue experts.

Divers are working to locate any air pockets that may have provided a temporary refuge for the missing miner. Teams have employed underwater drones to try and pinpoint his location while simultaneously pumping water from the flooded section and drilling boreholes to lower water levels more rapidly.

The complexity of the effort reflects both the seriousness of the situation and the persistent danger in the coal mining industry.

The West Virginia Office of Miners’ Health, Safety, and Training (OMHST) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) have been present on the scene. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, while covering for the $2 billion mining corporation, has postured as a friend of the miners saying, “There is nothing that we would spare to try to save the life of the miner,” and assuring that all available resources, including national experts, are being utilized in the search operation. The company has not issued a single word on the disaster.

Nicholas County Commissioner Garrett Cole described the scene as one of relentless work and notes that while divers have entered the mine more than once, the process of pumping out enough water to allow exploration remains an immense challenge.

AMR has not answered critical questions about safety protocols and mine conditions at Rolling Thunder Mine. Backing up the governor, UMWA President Cecil Roberts and Region 2 Director Mike Dalpiaz have stepped in to divert and contain the anger of coal miners.

Roberts issued a statement that did not hold the company or the government responsible, saying, “This disaster is a reminder of the risks our miners confront daily, and we will do everything possible to support our brothers, their families, and the teams working underground now.”

West Virginia (WOAY)- Communities across southern West Virginia are preparing to honor the men and women who’ve served our nation with a full slate of Veterans Day events.

In Summersville, a ceremony is set for 11:11 a.m. at Veterans Park.

Mayor Robert Shafer will deliver what will be his final public speech before leaving office at the end of December.

Beckley will host its annual Veterans Day Parade beginning at 11:00 a.m. The theme this year is “Service to our Nation, Forever Grateful.”

Lineup starts as early as nine at Park Middle School and the Beckley Intermodal Gateway.

A Memory and Honor Walk will allow families to march with photos or mementos of their loved ones.

An awards ceremony and musical performances will follow at the Bill Withers Plaza.

In Welch, the 107th Annual Veterans Day Parade steps off downtown at 10:00 a.m., celebrating this year’s theme “In Unity Comes Strength, In Honor Comes Veterans.”

Fayetteville’s Veterans Parade begins at 11:00 a.m., with lineup at Fayetteville PK-8 at 10. The parade will travel down Maple Avenue toward the courthouse.

And in Princeton, the city’s parade starts at 11:00 a.m. on Mercer Street, with the lineup at 10:00.

The route ends at the Mercer County Courthouse, where veterans and families are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration.

Organizers across the region are encouraging everyone to come out, wave a flag, and show appreciation for those who’ve served.

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