Alert (March 11, 2026): Our TV translator in Flatwoods is experiencing technical issues. Our engineers are troubleshooting the problem. Thank you for your patience.
The hillbilly stereotype is frequently used to shame mountain people, but there are gentler versions, like Snuffy Smith, the long-running comic strip character. Snuffy Smith originally started out as a supporting character in his comic strip, which first launched in 1919 when Billy DeBeck created Barney Google. Artist Fred Lasswell was brought in during the ‘30s to create Snuffy Smith and his friends. And now the strip is written and drawn by John Rose, who lives in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
A Bill To Restructure DHHR On The Move And Lawmakers Weigh In On Education Legislation
Listen
Share this Article
On this episode of The Legislature Today, dozens, if not hundreds, of bills have been introduced in the West Virginia Legislature this year that involve education. Randy Yohe spoke with Senate Education Chair Sen. Amy Grady, R-Mason, and teacher Del. Jeff Stephens, R-Marshall, about what some of those bills mean for public education in West Virginia.
Also, in the House, the bill to officially rename the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) has now passed both the House and Senate. Bills increasing penalties for child abuse and candidate residence passed on third reading. Randy Yohe has the story.
The Senate completed action on a bill that makes it a felony to give someone drugs that cause them to die. The chamber introduced other bills today and sent the Controlled Substances Act, Senate Bill 219, over to the House of Delegates. Briana Heaney has the story.
And, tourism industry partners and organizations from across the state gathered at the Capitol to recognize Tourism Day. Briana Heaney has the story, and she found a potentially underserved market.
Finally, the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia held its winter meeting in Charleston last week. Curtis Tate stopped by and has this story.
Having trouble viewing the video below? Click here to watch it on YouTube.
The Legislature Today is West Virginia’s only television/radio simulcast devoted to covering the state’s 60-day regular legislative session.
Watch or listen to new episodes Monday through Friday at 6 p.m. on West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Add WVPB as a preferred source on Google to see more from our team
"Verity Vox and the Curse of Foxfire" is a young adult novel set in Appalachia. Written by West Virginia native Don Martin, the book follows the story of a witch-in-training who uses her magic to help a forgotten mountain coal town. It was an instant New York Times bestseller after it was released last year. Inside Appalachia Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Martin about the book and his podcast "Head on Fire."
On this West Virginia Week, Gov. Patrick Morrisey vetoed 12 bills that made it through the legislative process. We also hear the latest in the battle over which vaccines are required for school attendance in the state. And, a growing interest in data centers has the attention of people around West Virginia – both for and against.
This week, having a very specific talent can lead to a dream job. It’s how cartoonist John Rose got his foot in the door to draw the comic strip Snuffy Smith. Also, there are dos and don’ts for treating poison ivy. And, a young, old-time musician wants to save her family’s lost ballads.
