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Former Senator Jay Rockefeller Remembered for Bipartisan Legacy and Dedication to West Virginia

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller Remembered for Bipartisan Legacy and Dedication to West Virginia

Former U.S. Senator and West Virginia Governor John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller IV passed away, leaving behind a significant legacy of public service. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), who succeeded Rockefeller in the Senate, expressed deep sadness, remembering him as a true gentleman who treated her with respect, kindness, and encouragement. Capito highlighted Rockefeller's lasting accomplishments for West Virginia, including bringing the Toyota plant to the state, which created over 2,000 jobs, and establishing the Rockefeller Neurologic Institute. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin also praised Rockefeller's unwavering commitment to West Virginia, noting his dedication from his early days as a VISTA volunteer through his terms as Governor and U.S. Senator. Rockefeller was known for his ability to work across the aisle, forging a warm personal relationship with Capito despite his past political rivalry with her father, former Governor Arch Moore.

Operation Continue Service Launches 50-State Ruck March Initiative to Support Veterans' Emotional Well-being

Operation Continue Service Launches 50-State Ruck March Initiative to Support Veterans' Emotional Well-being

Operation Continue Service has initiated a new 50-state veterans support program, commencing with an inaugural ruck march at Clarksburg’s Veterans Park in West Virginia. The event, which brought together veterans and community members, utilized 'rucking'—a military term for carrying a weighted backpack—as a symbolic representation of the emotional burdens many veterans experience, such as grief, depression, and PTSD. Melvin Gatewood, president of Operation Continue Service, emphasized that the weight carried during the march symbolizes these emotional struggles, aiming to convey to veterans that they do not have to bear these burdens alone. Participants engaged in the march while also connecting with local resources and support services tailored for veterans. Gatewood, who was injured in Iraq, plans to extend this ruck march initiative to all 50 states to broaden access to support services and increase awareness regarding the challenges faced by military personnel after their service.

John D. Rockefeller IV, Former West Virginia Governor and Senator, Dies at 89

John D. Rockefeller IV, Former West Virginia Governor and Senator, Dies at 89

John D. Rockefeller IV, widely known as Jay, a prominent figure in West Virginia politics and a member of the famed Rockefeller family, has died at the age of 89. Mr. Rockefeller served two terms as West Virginia's governor from 1977 to 1985 and subsequently spent 30 years as a U.S. Senator. A Democrat in a family traditionally associated with wealthy Republicans, he made healthcare expansion a central part of his political career. He was a key supporter of President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton’s 1993 healthcare plan and later co-authored legislation creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides coverage for millions of low-income children. He also championed extended care services for veterans and voted for the Affordable Care Act in 2010. His commitment to healthcare stemmed from his early experiences as a social worker in Appalachia, where he witnessed the struggles of children without access to basic medical care.

Clarksburg Firefighters Undergo Specialized Natural Gas Emergency Training at Hope Gas Facility

Clarksburg Firefighters Undergo Specialized Natural Gas Emergency Training at Hope Gas Facility

Firefighters from Clarksburg, West Virginia, recently participated in specialized training for natural gas emergencies at Hope Gas’s Safety Town, an outdoor training area located at the Edward M. Smith Training Center. This initiative marks the first time Hope Gas has opened its facility, originally built for its employees, to first responders. The training involved practical exercises with hoses and fire extinguishers, focusing on the unique challenges presented by natural gas incidents. Clarksburg firefighter Jeffrey Wright highlighted the importance of this training, noting that his department rarely gets opportunities for such specific instruction. The facility features model homes equipped with gas, electric, and water hookups, allowing instructors to simulate various emergency scenarios, including those involving live gas, to better prepare crews for real-world situations in neighborhoods.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV

Jay Rockefeller, heir to famed dynasty and healthcare advocate in US Senate, dies at 89

Jay Rockefeller, heir to famed dynasty and healthcare advocate in US Senate, dies at 89

By Will Dunham WASHINGTON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV, the progeny of one of America's most famous and wealthiest families who during three decades in the US Senate sought expanded healthcare for the poor and excoriated President George W.

Linda Kay Wellings, West Virginia Business Leader and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 78

Linda Kay Wellings, West Virginia Business Leader and Philanthropist, Passes Away at 78

Linda Kay (Mitchell) Wellings, a prominent business leader and philanthropist from Buckhannon, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, at the age of 78. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on November 11, 1947, she was the daughter of the late John Archibald and Gwendolyn Mae Braun Mitchell. Wellings was married to William Wellings III, who preceded her in death in 2012. She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Sweda and Christy Benson, two granddaughters, and two brothers. Wellings was known for her nearly four decades at the helm of MPL Corporation and made history as the first female chairperson of the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce. She was a strong advocate for small businesses, earning both the Distinguished West Virginian and Athena Awards. Her community involvement included serving as chair of the Freedom Bank Board of Directors and as a trustee for West Virginia Wesleyan College.

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller IV, a former Democratic senator who represented West Virginia for three decades, passed away on Friday at his Washington home at the age of 89. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Senator Rockefeller was a notable advocate for expanding healthcare access for the impoverished and was a critic of President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq War. He served five six-year terms in the Senate from January 1985 to January 2015, following two terms as West Virginia's governor. Born in New York, he was the great-grandson of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, and came from a family with a significant political and business legacy, including his uncle Nelson Rockefeller, who served as New York governor and Vice President, and his uncle David Rockefeller, who led Chase Manhattan Bank. His political career began after participating in a national service program in West Virginia's rural communities, leading to his election to the state legislature in 1966 and as secretary of state ...

Governor Morrisey Announces Plan to Restore Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Morrisey Announces Plan to Restore Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a new partnership between Vandalia Health and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) to restore labor and delivery services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Lewisburg, W.Va. This initiative comes approximately six months after the medical center ceased hospital-based deliveries, which had limited options for expectant mothers in the Greenbrier Valley. The plan includes re-establishing obstetric services at the Ronceverte-area hospital, creating a freestanding birthing center, and expanding physician training opportunities. Governor Morrisey also highlighted a $4 million award from the state's Rural Health Transformation Program to support these efforts. Additionally, he discussed West Virginia's participation in the federal Transforming Maternal Health model, a program launched in 2023 that provides up to $17 million over ten years to enhance maternal health services, focusing on patient safety, provider coordination, workforce development, and te...

Southeast Thanksgiving Weather Forecast 2026: Mild and Dry Conditions Expected

Southeast Thanksgiving Weather Forecast 2026: Mild and Dry Conditions Expected

The Farmers' Almanac has released its Thanksgiving weather forecast for the Southeast region of the United States, covering November 23-26, 2026. The outlook predicts generally mild and dry conditions, with sunshine expected to dominate the holiday period. This forecast is good news for those planning outdoor activities such as backyard football games, neighborhood strolls, or family gatherings on patios. The forecast applies to states including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. However, specific temperature or rainfall probabilities for individual cities are not provided, and travelers are advised to check local forecasts closer to the date.

Governor Morrisey Announces Reopening of Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Morrisey Announces Reopening of Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced plans to restore labor and delivery services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in West Virginia. This initiative is a result of a new agreement between Vandalia Health and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM). The announcement also includes a nearly $4 million Rural Health Transformation Program award aimed at establishing West Virginia’s second freestanding birthing center and addressing complex labor and delivery cases. The planned reopening will provide local access to hospital-based delivery services, including C-sections, epidurals, and care for high-risk pregnancies. Vandalia Health and WVSOM have signed a Letter of Intent for an Academic Integration Agreement, with WVSOM becoming Vandalia Health’s primary academic affiliate, phased implementation starting July 1, 2027. This partnership will also expand clinical training opportunities and create a rural obstetrics training program in Greenbrier County to attract and retain physicians.

Former West Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller Dies at 89

Former West Virginia Governor and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller Dies at 89

Jay Rockefeller, a prominent figure in West Virginia politics and the last member of his family's political dynasty, has died at the age of 89. Rockefeller, a Democrat, served as West Virginia's governor for two terms before spending 30 years as a U.S. Senator. He passed away Thursday night at his home in Washington. Born John D. Rockefeller IV, he came from one of the nation's wealthiest families but chose a path of public service in one of the poorest U.S. states. His career began in 1964 as a worker in an anti-poverty program, a transformative experience that he credited with shaping his political beliefs and passions. He was elected to the state House of Delegates in 1966 and steadily rose through the political ranks.