- Details
By Shari A. Stout
While searching for the catalog numbers for mining lamps, a collection manager discovered an impressive photo archive shot in 1884
As a collection manager at the National Museum of American History, I often have access to things no one else gets to see, including the mining collection, one of the oldest at the Smithsonian. Recently, I worked with a team to inventory thousands of objects in the museum's Division of Work and Industry. In the process, I cataloged hundreds of mining lamps.
- Details
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ & AP) -- In a report released Wednesday by the Associated Press, Boone County will receive the most money from the coal severance reallocations.
The bill, signed by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin Monday, will increase coal severance tax revenue by 1percent per year for the next five years.
The counties who do the most coal mining will get the most money.
The AP reports that Boone County is projected to receive about $3.3 million by 2017.
Marshall County is expected to receive about $2.5 million by the end of the five-year phase-in.
Logan County is third on the list, projected to receive about $2.3 million by the end of that period.
- Details
By Mannix Porterfield Register-Herald Reporter
CHARLESTON — Boone County leads the league when it comes to the new recipe for West Virginia’s coal severance pie, in line to get the biggest slice — $671,481 — next year.By fiscal 2017, the final year of the annual 1 percent phase-in over five years, Boone is projected to have received $3,357,403, based on production figures.
Under a law approved Tuesday by acting Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, coal-producing counties will start sharing the initial 1 percent of the tax that now is poured directly into the general revenue account.
Once the five-year period ends, the counties will get the first 5 percent thereafter, with an annual $20 million cap.
The difference actually begins next year, at the start of the new fiscal year, and Boone County will take in 16.8 percent.
http://www.register-herald.
- Details
CHARLESTON, W.Va - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, today, signed Senate Bill 1002, which dedicates an additional percentage of coal severance tax revenues to the counties where the coal was mined.
"West Virginia is enjoying a stable economy at a time of uncertainty elsewhere in the nation," Gov. Tomblin said. "This dedicated revenue will allow the counties whose natural resources are contributing to the health of our state's economy a greater share of the benefits those resources provide."
Senate Bill 1002 reallocates revenue from the coal severance tax in 1 percent increments over the next five years, beginning July 1, 2012. Ultimately an additional 5 percent will be directed to the counties by fiscal year 2017. The revenue dedicated by legislation will be placed in a special fund called the Coal County Reallocated Severance Tax Fund to be used on economic development and infrastructure projects. Senate Bill 1002 caps the amount distributed to the counties at $20 million per year.
- Details
by Jared Hunt
Daily Mail Capitol Reporter
CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The number of West Virginians working or looking for work has dropped to its lowest level since 1993, according to new data from Workforce WV.
Last week, state officials touted that unemployment fell to 7.4 percent in July, down from 8.6 percent the month before. They pointed to the growth of 1,700 private sector jobs as a good sign for the economy.
However, if you dig into the numbers a bit further, the news is not so good.
For starters, the 7.4 percent rate is not seasonally adjusted, meaning it doesn't account for some of the regular seasonal trends in the jobs market.
The state's unemployment rate tends to rise in the winter months and fall in the summer months. Adjusting for seasonal factors helps reduce the noise in labor market data and helps bring out the broader overall direction of unemployment in the state.
- Details
By The Associated Press
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- A Chinese delegation joined officials at West Virginia University on Friday in formalizing a partnership to develop so-called "clean coal'' technologies.
WVU said the agreement to share research was signed Friday in Morgantown.
- Details
Former football coach addresses Moundsville event
By JOSELYN KING
MOUNDSVILLE - Former West Virginia University head football coach Don Nehlen thinks those in Washington who regulate coal need to come to West Virginia and get to know the industry better.
He also believes the key to the industry's survival is voting out President Barack Obama in 2012.
Nehlen - who now serves as spokesman for the "Friends of Coal" organization - was among those speaking during the "Rally in the Valley for Coal" Thursday night at Riverfront Park in Moundsville.
It was noted during the rally that the U.S. coal industry is actually booming, as producers are exporting much of their product to foreign countries that continue to use coal.
"It makes no sense," Nehlen told the crowd. "Everybody wants our coal. We're one of the few countries where our natural resources are a liability, and that's ridiculous.
"I'm just a football coach, I don't know how to turn things around," he continued. "But I can vote that guy (President Barack Obama) out of the White House. That's a start."
- Details
CHARLESTON -- More than 500 Marshall University fans packed the Embassy Suites Grand Ball Room Wednesday evening, joining with coaches and friends to participate in the 13th Annual “Paint The Capital City Green” event sponsored by Friends of Coal.
Hailed as the largest indoor pep rally for Thundering Herd alumni, fans and friends, the event is co-hosted by the Big Green Scholarship Foundation, The Marshall University Alumni Association , the Greater Kanawha Valley Alumni Association and the Charleston Quarterback Club.
- Details
Remember The Miners, a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring coal miners and their legacy through public awareness campaigns and charitable contributions, is excited to announce Alpha Natural Resources as a presenting sponsor during IRWIN Tools Night at Bristol MotorSpeedway on August 27th.
Remember The Miners partnered with Bristol MotorSpeedway to offer a special hospitality ticket package, including live music, a meet and greet with stars of Spike TV’S COAL, and commemorative memorabilia. Musical talent at IRWIN Tools Night will include Southern-Rockers Neal Spears and Unit 31, and acclaimed singer/songwriter Reagan Boggs with The Coal Men. Reagan Boggs is also an Alpha employee, making this partnership even more meaningful.
- 'Rocket Boys the Musical' Launches in the West Virginia Mountains and Headed for Broadway
- 'Rocket Boys the Musical' Launches in the West Virginia Mountains and Headed for Broadway
- Friends of Coal Outreach Activities
- 22nd Annual Hatfield Scramble Golf Outing
- Coal River Council to Host Annual Golf Outing
Join Friends of Coal
Be part of West Virginia's coal industry future. Together, we can continue building a stronger, more prosperous Mountain State by supporting our miners and communities.
West Virginia Coal Association
The West Virginia Coal Association has been the voice of the coal industry for over 100 years, advocating for safe, responsible mining practices and supporting the communities that depend on coal.
Join the FOC
Become a Friend of Coal and download our app to stay connected and support the industry.
