Editorial

Letter to the Editor: Amendment One and the Greater Good for the State of West Virginia

When considering the greater good for the state of West Virginia,
abortion should be freely available [but] extremely rare.  Reducing the
number of women choosing abortion requires workable solutions.  They
would include comprehensive sex education and free, available
contraception in all schools.  The need for a prescription for a
"morning after" pill could be eliminated.  Medical clinics throughout
the state could provide contraceptive and abortion services. Read more

COLUMN:Could Mayor Steve's Support of Needle Exchange Hurt His Re-election Chances?

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams has been a staunch supporter of The Cabell Huntington Health Department's needle exchange program. He considers it one of the major forces in his response to the drug epidemic. But as many Huntington citizens are growing weary of free needles being handed out to drug users, one has to wonder if his devotion to the program will hurt any re-election plans has he looks toward being the first Huntington mayor to win three terms as mayor.

Read more

Mark Caserta: Nation’s political discourse impacts local columnist

Our nation’s number one threat may no longer emanate from a foreign entity, a rogue leader or even threat of war.

Our nation’s single, most urgent peril may stem from within – the liberal media. Read more

Doug Smith: Progressive Programs Promise Political Zanadu

by Doug Smith Free State Patriot

There are some essential elements to every Progressive idea or program. These are worth bearing in mind as you vote for or against Santa Claus at the ballot box.  Senator Marco Rubio s latest proposal on a Paid Family Leave Act, paid for by government, provides an excellent opportunity to review a few of these.

 1)They are progressive. Read more

DAVID WILLIAMS: Huntington Fights Back Against Drugs

Mark Caserta: Has “The Swamp” come to Huntington, West Virginia?

During the past two years, I’ve written often about the so-called “Deep State” within our nation’s capital. This suspected syndicate of clandestine individuals wielding ominous power, possibly even elected by the American people, sanction an ideology antithetical to the peace and prosperity of our nation’s citizens. Read more

Norm Miller: Liberals have degraded American culture

By Norm Miller

There was a time when we used to be a nation that pushed freedom, responsibility, decency, patriotism and hard work. Some of us still believe in those things, but because of liberalism, much more destructive values have seeped into our culture like toxic waste. Read more

Senator Mike Woelfel: Drug Control Policy Must Be A Priority

CHARLESTON, WV— Senator Mike Woelfel (D-Cabell) expressed grave concern the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is not prioritizing the work of the Office of Drug Control Policy. Read more

COLUMN: SARAH THACKER Christianity and the Constitution

BY SARAH THACKER

I've read a lot of peoples' thoughts on the Constitution lately, and the consensus is that because the word “God” isn't specifically said in the document, the document itself wasn't written by Christians and shouldn't be read that way. I like reading various opinions, but this one is very short-sighted, and I'm going to tell you why in this column. By the end of it, you'll come away with a better understanding of the Constitution and the people who wrote it. Read more

MARK CASERTA COLUMN: The War on Christianity is one we can win

The liberal media avoids promoting Christianity as the remedy for our nation’s woes, like it was the Bubonic Plague of the 1300’s. Read more

COLUMN: When the Middle Leaves.....

by Steve Davis

The middle class is the heart of any city. They are business people of all kinds. They own or work for companies that keep the wheels of commerce turning in the city. 

Read more

MARK CASERTA: So, what is fake news and how do I recognize it?

The term, “fake news” has been bandied about a lot by both sides of the political spectrum.  Its definition seems to evolve based on its political expediency. Read more

COLUMN: Defending the Health Department's Free Syringe Policy

Editor's Note: To present both sides of the needle exchange program debate, HNN first features David Williamson supporting the program. The next column, links to Sarah Thacker's dissent in the Free Statesman.  What's your own perspectives?

by David Williams

In Defense of The Cabell Health Department Read more

COLUMN: Find Another Answer to Free Needles

From the Free-State Patriot

by Sarah Thacker

If you spend much time walking around Huntington, chances are you’ve seen the new state flower: the hypodermic needle. They pop up in the grass, on sidewalks, in alleys, and in massive heaps in parks. I’ve personally even seen them in the middle of the road, making me wonder how that even happened. Read more

MARK CASERTA COLUMN: Closing of HD door, opened others

by Mark Caserta

There was about to be a severe drought in the land of Israel. Elijah the Tishbit, from among the settlers of Gilead, confronted Ahab, the son of Omri, warning of a total drought, with “not a drop of dew or rain” until God said otherwise. Read more

MARK CASERTA COLUMN: Where are the Politicians?

A community in shock, a plant not negotiating, local politicians missing.

Where are you elected officials? Read more

Mark Caserta: Nation’s political discourse impacts local columnist.

Our nation’s number one threat may no longer emanate from a foreign entity, a rogue leader or even threat of war.

Our nation’s single, most urgent peril may stem from within – the liberal media. Read more

Op-Ed: West Virginia Leading the Country in Election Security and Preparation

By Mac Warner

WV Secretary of State

While there is considerable banter about election security throughout the United States, West Virginia voters can be proud of steps taken by election officials in the Mountain State to lead the nation in security and the integrity of our election system. 

Read more

MARK CASERTA COLUMN THE HD DID NOT WANT YOU TO READ: Count Lies and Scandals Before Trump took Office

Editor's Note: Mark Caserta has been a weekly conservative columnist for the Herald-Dispatch for 14 years. However, his column did not run this week. His submission was turned down. He was told his columns were not in the best interest of the paper. They will run no more of his columns which has been described as the "token" conservative columnist. Read more

Op-Ed: Continuing The Fight Against Opioid Abuse

EDITORIAL: Government Accountability

by Daniel Linville 

Over the last year, we’ve seen waste in Charleston come to light like we’ve never thought possible. The DHHR spends over $1 Million on rent for a space they moved out of years ago. The state has no idea how many cars and trucks that we own, upkeep, and insure. Land the state has acquired through eminent domain remains unused, unmarketed, and untracked. Read more

OPINION: "Drug Days" of Summer Setting In

What is happening to society.... during the mid morning hours Monday, June 11 scanner dispatches report a girl shooting up drugs under a tree on 6th Street and 4th Avenue and someone shooting up drugs in Wal Mart on Route 60. Read more

COLUMN: The New Ice Age for Huntington

The New Ice Age is bringing about the biggest change in Huntington's illegal drug acttivity since the shift from oxycontin to heroin a few years ago. Meth and Ice have always been big players in West Virginia but they are on their way to becoming Huntington's biggest problem and may soon replace Heroin as Huntington's problem child. Read more

LETTER TO EDITOR: Michigan Mom OD's after Touching Son's Needle

Dear Editor,

                I’ve been learning a lot about the opioid crisis.

                I read things about and learn about it from the television and radio. Read more

Op-Ed: Early Voting Provides Extended Opportunity to Participate in Primary Election

COLUMN: Rejoice, but Keep it Up

While I am very proud of today's performance by HPD and other agencies that helped and very pleased at the fentanyl that is off the streets and won't kill anyone.....it is going to take many more raids. Read more

Column: Standing Up for West Virginia's Seniors

LETTER TO EDITOR: Ryan’s exit….a blow or a gift to the GOP?

Paul Ryan (R-WI) will soon be adding “Former” to the title of Speaker of the US House of Representatives.  After  serving for 28 years, Ryan made an announced Wednesday  that not only will he not seek to return as Speaker, but in fact is not running for re-election to Congress all together. Read more

An Open Letter to the #MeToo Victims

by L. G. Gibson

Over the years, I have spoken with countless sexual abuse victims. It is as if we all have that day or period in time frozen in our minds. The trauma of what happened to us made such a huge memory in our brains that it is as if nothing else will ever match it. 

Column: W.Va. Sues DEA, Reforms National Drug Policy

OP ED: The Second Amendment Must Be Respected, Period

by Conrad Lucas

There is no population in America more adamant about protecting our constitutional rights than West Virginians, and chief among these God-given rights is the Second Amendment. As a candidate for Congress in Southern West Virginia’s third district, my promise to the voters is this: I will always defend your right to keep and bear arms, and I pledge to be a tireless voice for our pro-gun values on every possible occasion. Read more

OP ED: Power Plan's Defeat Brought Real Change

Op-Ed: Success and Accomplishment in Year One