West Virginia Capitol Beat

09/11/2025

On this September 11, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost in the terrorist attacks of 2001. We honor the first responders, military members, and everyday Americans whose courage and sacrifice carried us through one of our nation’s darkest days.

At West Virginia Capitol Beat, we believe remembrance is more than looking back - it’s carrying forward the spirit of unity and service that defined us in the days after 9/11.

Wherever you are today, we invite you to take a moment of silence to reflect, to honor, and to never forget.

09/10/2025

Political violence has no place in America - period. Our country was built on the principle that you can speak your mind without fear of being silenced with a bullet.

Today, that principle was shaken. Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot while attending an event at Utah Valley University. Agree with him or not, Charlie was exercising the very right that makes America unique: free speech.

Political violence should be condemned in any and all forms. We also extended heartfelt condolences to Charlie’s wife and two young children, who are now left to carry on without their husband and father.

01/06/2025

Parkersburg City Council is set to meet tomorrow, Tuesday the 7th, at 7:30 PM. New City Councilmembers will be sworn in, executive nominations will be voted on, and a new President/Vice President for the year will be voted on. Come down tomorrow and be apart of your local government!

PARKERSBURG — Parkersburg City Council will hold its first meeting of 2025 on Tuesday when a president and vice president will be selected. Also on the agenda are the nominations by Mayor Tom Joyce for city attorney, municipal judge, development director and personnel director. The council organiz...

06/03/2024

Volunteers are needed for the Oil and Gas Museum! Get involved today!

Summer visitors to the Blennerhassett Island are discovering the WH Smith Hardware historic site and the incredible Oil and Gas Museum. They need help for a few hours on weekend afternoons.

Volunteers give one or two weekend afternoons a month and enjoy the chance to tell the real story of the oil and gas industry and the history of our state and the greater Parkersburg area.

Call 304.485.5446 or email: [email protected] for more information.

05/17/2024

Coming Friday, May 24, 2024!

The Market St. PODA was developed through collaboration, with the Parkersburg Police Department, Public Works, Planning Division, Sanitation, as well as close partnership with Downtown PKB, many downtown businesses, and the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration.

A “Private Outdoor Designated Area” means public property that has become a legally demarcated area established by an ordinance set forth in §8-12-26 for the consumption of liquor, wine, nonintoxicating beers.

A person 21 and over may purchase, from an approved permit holder, a permitted alcoholic drink within an approved container for consumption outdoors, within a Designated Area.

For more information about participating locations and program restrictions, please visit our website at parkersburgwv.gov/poda

05/15/2024

Unfortunately, we came up 45 votes short last night. I want to commend Councilwoman Sharon Kuhl for running a positive campaign, and thank everyone who participated in this year’s election. I wish her the best of luck, and the best for District 2. Stay tuned in the near future! Just because we lost doesn’t mean we can’t continue to work to make Parkersburg a place where families can grow, businesses can thrive, and youth can evolve into the leaders of tomorrow! Thank you!

05/15/2024

Thoughts and prayers to the family of Senator Bob Ashley. Bob was a fantastic man who always helped guide me through the scouting and political realm. He will be missed by many!

05/09/2024

If Jimmy Carter can vote you can too! West Virginia’s primary election is next week, May 14th. Be sure to vote and let your voice be heard! Many local, state, and federal offices are up for election this year.

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day! I hope everyone has a great day and enjoys this beautiful weather, have a great Monday!

04/19/2024

Are you registered to vote for the 2024 Primary Election? The deadline, April 23rd, is quickly coming up! Stop by the Wood County Clerk, WV office to register or follow the link below!
https://ovr.sos.wv.gov/Register/Landing

03/11/2024

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/local-news/2024/03/parkersburg-city-council-to-consider-manufactured-housing/

PARKERBURG — Parkersburg City Council will consider a change in code to allow manufactured homes to be built in more areas of the city during its regular meeting Tuesday, before resuming municipal budget hearings Wednesday. There will also be time for public hearings on the proposed 2024-25 budget...