This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
Skaff said he plans on using the extra time to focus more energy on his businesses and coaching his three sons at soccer.
“I have enjoyed working with Republican Speaker of the House Roger Hanshaw to deliver common sense solutions for the people of West Virginia,” Skaff said in a statement. “In my role as Minority Leader, I worked with Speaker Hanshaw to focus on attracting businesses to our state and creating jobs here as we traveled the country to encourage companies and major corporations to Choose WV.”
Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, the current Minority Leader Pro Temp, will become the new Minority Leader. Skaff said Hornbuckle is a “strong leader, delegate and friend — I know that he will lead the caucus well.”
House Minority Leader Pro Temp Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell.
Credit: Perry Bennett/WV Legislative Photography
Hornbuckle will be the first Black floor leader in modern record keeping for the state House of Delegates, according to Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director of the House Ann Ali.
West Virginia Senate Minority Leader Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, issued a statement following the announcement. Woelfel wished Skaff well and spoke highly of Hornbuckle’s appointment.
“I can think of no better incoming Leader than Delegate Sean Hornbuckle. I have known Delegate Hornbuckle for many years,” Woelfel said. “He is a pillar in our community and a man of integrity. Sean’s acumen, character, and work ethic are superb. He is bold in action but also pragmatic. His service on behalf of the citizens of Cabell County absolutely merits his elevation to this leadership position.”
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An heir files suit to keep his community hospital open, disparities in the distribution of school choice vouchers, and a West Virginia lawmaker is among those targeted in White House UFC fight plot.
When Marion County attorney Scott Summers realized Grant Town was planning to tear down an historic building, he decided to see what he could do to stop it.
Indigenous people created hundreds of earthen monuments in what is now Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. John E. Hancock, a professor of architecture and design at the University of Cincinnati, spent years studying these earthworks. He published a guidebook for visiting them. Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch spoke with Hancock about the book.
