Boone County eligible for public assistance for damage caused by Hurricane Sandy
by FRED PACE, EDITOR
Tuesday, November 27, President Obama declared a major disaster to reimburse the state and local governments of West Virginia and certain private non-profit organizations for eligible emergency work or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities caused by Hurricane Sandy between October 29 and November 8, 2012. Boone County was deemed eligible for public assistance. West Virginia will receive a grant under FEMA's mitigation program to fund selected projects statewide that are designed to save lives and protect property in natural disasters. Mitigation grants are based on the amount of federal disaster assistance a state receives from a federal- declared disaster, FEMA officials said. According to officials, FEMA's Public Assistance program can fund eligible infrastructure costs for debris removal, emergency protective measures (fire, police, and emergency medical services), roads and bridges, water control facilities, public buildings and contents, public utilities, and other eligible infrastructure costs. "We are extremely appreciative of this assistance FEMA will be providing. Many towns across West Virginia experienced extensive damage, and these federal funds will go a long way in helping these communities recover," said West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin. "I know we still have West Virginians who are struggling, and I've requested additional help for these families. While I'm hopeful we will hear back soon, my request is still under review by FEMA." Hazard Mitigation grants also became available with the declaration, Tomblin added. “All counties are eligible to apply for this financial assistance for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards,” he said. “Having travelled to several counties in the aftermath of the storm and seen first-hand the ferocity with which Hurricane Sandy struck West Virginia communities, I welcome the Federal aid for repairing our State’s public facilities and critical service infrastructure, as well as for implementing long-term hazard mitigation measures to reduce the impact of future storms,” said Third District U.S. Congressman Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), who serves as the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with jurisdiction over the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). “As families and businesses recover and rebuild, I will continue to fight for all of the Federal disaster assistance our State is entitled to receive.” “I’m very thankful for our first responders and National Guard members who worked so hard to take care of families whose lives were uprooted by this storm,” U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) said. “And I’m also grateful that our request for a Major Disaster Declaration was approved; it’s an important step toward rebuilding. That being said, I’m continuing to press FEMA to take the next step in approving Individual Assistance for property owners in West Virginia.” “The people of West Virginia are so resilient, but in the past few months, we’ve faced major storms that have done incredible damage to businesses, homes and our state’s infrastructure. I appreciate the Administration’s quick approval of this disaster declaration, which is so important in helping our citizens recover,” U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said. “I want to especially thank my friend Secretary Janet Napolitano, who personally visited our state during the disaster to see the hard work of our first responders and make sure that they had everything they needed. I know that the people of West Virginia will put these resources to good use rebuilding our communities and lives.”
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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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7.95x6      DakotaBall          South lineman  Dakota Ball  of Scott High School .   photo by chris dorst
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slideshow
Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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7.95x6      DakotaBall          South lineman  Dakota Ball  of Scott High School .   photo by chris dorst
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slideshow
Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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7.95x6      DakotaBall          South lineman  Dakota Ball  of Scott High School .   photo by chris dorst
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slideshow
Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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7.95x6      DakotaBall          South lineman  Dakota Ball  of Scott High School .   photo by chris dorst
7.95x6 DakotaBall South lineman Dakota Ball of Scott High School . photo by chris dorst
slideshow
Boone County organization to be honored by governor
by Fred Pace
fpace@civitasmedia.com
Jun 19, 2013 | 93 views | 0 0 comments | 7 7 recommendations | email to a friend | print

CHARLESTON – A passionate and hard working group of volunteers have made the dream of a beautiful and fitting mining memorial a reality.

On Wednesday, August 7, Governor Earl Ray Tomblin will honor The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group for its dedication to service at the annual Governor’s Service Awards banquet at the Charleston Civic Center. The banquet is held as a part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.

Presented since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors individuals, families and organizations that exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group is one of three recipients in the Organization category.

In 2011, local volunteers formed The Upper Big Branch Mining Memorial Group with the intention of raising funds and in-kind donations to create a fitting tribute to the miners who lost their lives in the Upper Big Branch mining disaster in 2010. The town of Whitesville donated the land and work began.

Officially opened and dedicated in July 2012, The Upper Big Branch Miners Memorial now stands as an enduring tribute to the miners who died that day as well as a place to honor all of the emergency response crews who worked tirelessly during the crisis. The site serves as a quiet place of reflection for the families, friends and community affected by the Upper Big Branch Mine explosion.

Beautiful native plants and landscaping highlight the granite structure with etched images and text memorializing the coal miners. The volunteers take responsibility for the upkeep and the continued development of the site.

The memorial not only brought a whole community together, but it has become a destination for people visiting the area and interested in coal mining history.

The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s Commission for National and Community Service. A volunteer review committee reads and selects the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.

Other recipients of the 2013 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:

Ø Lifetime Achievement: Delbert “Duke” Horstemeyer, Hancock County; Ruth Thayer, Wayne County

Ø Youth: Tiffani Webb, Cabell County

Ø Adult: Thomas McChesney, Cabell County; Nancy Kissinger, Raleigh County

Ø Senior: Gloria Martin, Greenbrier County; Larry Rogers, Logan County

Ø Family: Pamela and James McPeak, Monroe County

Ø National Service: Colleen Barnhart, Pleasants County

Ø Organization: The Carpenter’s Corner, Raleigh County; Alderson Ministerial Association, Greenbrier County

For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by email at moya.doneghy@wv.gov.

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EDITORIAL: This is W.Va. history as it should be told
by Charleston Daily Mail
Jun 19, 2013 | 24 views | 0 0 comments | 4 4 recommendations | email to a friend | print

(MCT) June 17—West Virginia will celebrate the 150th anniversary of its statehood on Thursday, June 20. The sesquicentennial deserves to be celebrated, for the state’s history is mighty unusual.

But it’s a much richer history than just those facts communicate. Thanks to the Tuesday Morning Group of Charleston, the history of the state’s African-American citizens will play a central role in celebrating the state’s history as well.

The Celebration of Juneteenth — “The Black Presence in West Virginia” — takes its name from June 19, 1865. That was the day federal troops actually freed slaves in Galveston, Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation said this was law.

West Virginia’s Juneteenth celebration was to begin Sunday with “A Community Forum & Celebration” at the Cultural Center.

The celebration continues this week:

—At 6 p.m. today at Mary C. Snow West Side Elementary School, “The Black Presence in Politics for Social Change,” begins with the Rev. Matthew J. Watts moderating.

Presenters include attorneys Tom Rodd on J.R. Clifford and other advocates of social justice; Larry L. Rowe on Booker T. Washington’s legacy of self help; and a clip from “The Teacher,” a documentary on Mary C. Snow.

—At 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Fine Arts Building at West Virginia State College, “The Black Presence in Educational Achievement” will begin.

Presenters include professors emeriti Ancella Bickley and retired Army Lt. Col. Charles Ledbetter of West Virginia State University; Joe William Trotter Jr., a native of McDowell County and professor at Carnegie Mellon University; and Ralph Miller of the Charleston Community & Family Development Corp. on closing the educational gap.

—At 7 p.m. Wednesday, in cooperation with the Charleston Black Ministerial Alliance, it’s “A Juneteenth Revival Celebration” at First Baptist Church of Charleston with Executive Director Arley Ray Johnson of Advocates for the Other America.”

The sponsoring groups are correct that the story of African-American residents has been only marginally visible to their fellow West Virginians.

The Juneteenth celebration is a way to begin telling West Virginia history as it should be — in its fullness.

___

(c) 2013 the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.)

Visit the Charleston Daily Mail (Charleston, W.Va.) at www.dailymail.com

Distributed by MCT Information Services.

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