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Hearing From Young Voters And Writing About West Virginia This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, as the general election approaches, we hear from several Marshall University students that will be voting in their first general election, and an author discusses writing about West Virginia.

On this West Virginia Morning, as the general election approaches, polling analysts continue to break down the demographics of voters who might turn the tide in a razor close presidential race. Randy Yohe offers some 2024 election questions for several Marshall University students that will be voting in their first general election.

Also, author Joy Callaway isn’t a West Virginia native, but the state has figured into her writing. Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch spoke with Callaway about West Virginia and her latest book, “What The Mountains Remember”.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Maria Young produced this episode.

Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning

First Time Voters At Marshall Take On General Election 2024

With less than three weeks until the general election, polling analysts continue to break down the demographics of voters who might turn the tide in a razor close presidential race – including young voters.

West Virginia Public Broadcasting posed some 2024 election questions for several Marshall University students. All it turned out, will be voting in their first general election.

Braden Elswick, a Marshall sophomore from Huntington, said the economy, and particularly his wallet, is top of mind as he heads to the polls.

“I would enjoy some lower gas prices,” Elswick said. “We’re getting those now. I think that’s just because the elections are around the corner, and, you know, it’s a little scheme. That’s just my personal opinion.”

For Summersville sophomore Holly Belmont, immigration stands out as a national issue of concern.

“We were just talking in class about the social aspect,” Belmont said. “I think it’s a social injustice to some that people can’t cross the border freely.”

Belmont said for her, the economy looms as a state and local office issue. She said it’s hard to know what’s true.

“I think there’s a lack of, like, unbiased information out there,” she said. “I’d like to be able to buy a house someday, and with inflation levels, I don’t think I’ll be able to for a long time.”

Austin Conaway, a junior from Charleston, said he is anxious to vote, but has no opinion on issues or candidates. At least not yet.

“I haven’t done a whole lot of research yet,” Conoway said. “There’s only three weeks left, I know I gotta start locking in.”

Savannah Parsley, a freshman from southern Wayne County had specific issue concerns, but also a somewhat overriding, overall distrust of the 2024 election campaign process.

“Human rights, women’s rights, that’s the biggest thing for me, personally,” Parsley said. “It’s a lot of pointing fingers, and it’s a lot of bias, and I think it’s best we take a step back and look at facts.”

Williamstown sophomore Zach Cannon said the economy and gas prices are his key national issue concerns. His answer on paying attention to state and local offices echoed many other student responses.

“I have not, but I think I need to,” Cannon said. Why not? WVPB asked. “I’ve just been lazy.”

Maya Edwards, a freshman from the Eastern Panhandle city of Charles Town, said she will return home to vote. She’s deeply concerned over state and local issues, specifically getting a grip on growth in her part of the state.

“A lot of people are moving to the Eastern Panhandle now, because the cost of living is cheaper than the places they work,” Edwards said. “And it’s those people who are coming in with a lot of higher income. Jefferson County has the highest income per capita in West Virginia. So a lot of things are increasing up there, and it’s kind of scary as a person who you know doesn’t have an official job.”

The lone out-of-state student polled, Jack Sanchez, a sophomore from Florida, had a list of national issues that stirred his interest.

“One of them being concerned with the border,” Sanchez said. “I do know that a lot of people are getting through, sometimes bad people. I know we are trying our best today, but I want to see a more strict regimen on it, as well as more funding for schools. On top of that, some of the things that we’re going through as well, like opioid addiction, especially here in Huntington, I know that’s a huge problem here. I want to see more of a crackdown on that, just to help these people kind of move on and kind of like, bring them up.”

Finally, Braden Elswick had a message for fellow novice voters.

“It’s my first time being able to vote, so I think that’s good,” Elswick said. “Use your vote. I hope my vote counts, and I hope it goes towards something beneficial for this country.”

The 2024 general election is Tuesday, November 5.

Huntington’s Hal Greer Boulevard Upgrade Nears Completion

Road construction challenges around the state are not confined to the interstates. In Huntington, a nearly two year upgrade to one of the city’s main traffic arteries is nearing completion. But some are concerned that the traffic element of the upgrade will remain a challenge.

Milling and paving machines are grinding their way through several blocks of Huntington’s 16th Street, better known as Hal Greer Boulevard. In December 2022, Gov. Jim Justice announced a $13.5 million comprehensive upgrade of the corridor to run from Washington Boulevard to Third Avenue.

Hal Greer Boulevard leads people from I-64 to Cabell Huntington Hospital, the downtown area and Marshall University. When announced, the upgrade elements highlighted safety, accessibility, beauty and economic development. Huntington City Communications Director Bryan Chambers said once the repaving, and some road marking and striping are finished, the project will be complete.

“For all intents and purposes, all of the signalization work has been completed,” Chambers said. “The majority of the lighting work has been completed. All of the storm and sewer improvement projects, all of those projects have been completed.”

The upgrades reduce Hal Greer Boulevard from two wide lanes of traffic in one direction to one narrower lane going into the city and another going out. That change has created intermittent traffic back ups, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours. DoorDash driver Ethan Peltier is one of a few workers and business owners complaining about the narrowed roadway.

“If you’ve ever been to the Baskin Robbins across from the hospital, or the McDonald’s in that area, I get frequent pickups there, and usually, traffic can get pretty backed up,” Peltier said. “I’ve actually been late on a few of my orders, and everything’s time based, so it can be quite an inconvenience.”

When asked about the lane reductions, Chambers said traffic improvement will come with the changes made to traffic signals along Hal Greer.

“We do anticipate that this will ease traffic congestion overall,” Chambers said. “And we are really excited about this project being completed for all users of it being pedestrians, motorists and also bicyclists.”

New bike lane and walkways on upgraded Hal Greer Boulevard.

*Randy Yohe/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

Marshall University student Alex Grimes said the wider bike lanes and sidewalks, the new lighting and extensive landscaping doesn’t help with his car commute to class.

“It’s terrible to drive through,” Grimes said. “I can count on more than one occasion where it’s not even rush hour and I was backed up because of traffic. It’s too busy of a road to only just have one lane.”

Chambers said the pedestrian and bike paths make the busy corridor safer and the lighting and landscaping offers stimulus toward future economic development along Hal Greer. At the December 2022 project announcement, Huntington Mayor Steve Williams spoke of expected growth.

“With all of the business development that is planned on Hal Greer Boulevard, in five years, anybody who’s coming through here right now will not recognize Hal Greer Boulevard,” Williams said at the project announcement. “It will be absolutely transformed.”

Chambers said the hope continues that this project does stimulate economic activity along Hal Greer Boulevard.

“We are certainly hopeful that that will occur. We don’t have anything to announce just yet,” Chambers said. “Obviously everyone is also focused on the Northcott Court former property, which is owned by the Huntington Housing Authority.”

Northcott Court was a long-standing, low-income Hal Greer Boulevard housing complex that was demolished in 2018.

As a pedestrian, Marshall University Senior Emma Johnson said crossing at the busy corner where Fifth Ave and Hal Greer meet has offered evolving challenges.

“For the longest time, there was no crosswalk that kind of matched up with the lights, and it was very dangerous to cross that part of the street,” Johnson said. “It still kind of is, especially with the lane changes. People are still getting used to it, so it’s always a risky move to cross any of those crosswalks there.”

Chambers said there will be some growing pains, but congestion will ease overall when the construction and upgrade are completed.

Emma Johnson is one of many who embrace the aesthetic and safety upgrades to the boulevard, with a caveat.

“There are some things that could be done a little better, such as working ways out that traffic isn’t going to get backed up, or setting plans into place to make the streets a little safer to cross,” Johnson said. “I think those were bigger issues, rather than making it look pretty. But… I’m always for the improvements, because I think when it is eventually done, it will look nice and all of the safety features and stuff like that will be up to date.”

Chambers anticipates the Hal Greer Blvd project will be completed this fall.

Smartphones In Schools And StoryCorps In Huntington, This West Virginia Morning

On this West Virginia Morning, smartphones are often presented as modern tools that offer us the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. But the past several years have proven they can also be a serious distraction to all age groups.

As Chris Schulz reports, schools across West Virginia are starting to restrict access to smartphones in the hopes of directing students’ attention back to the front of the classroom.

Plus, twelve million National Public Radio listeners hear StoryCorps stories weekly on Morning Edition. These recordings are collected in the United States Library of Congress and in an online archive, which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered.

Randy Yohe reports that the StoryCorps Airstream is parked on the Marshall University campus with its recording studio at the ready.

West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.

Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Randy Yohe produced this episode.

Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning

Recording America’s Stories, StoryCorps National Mobile Tour Visits Huntington

The StoryCorps Airstream is parked on the Marshall University campus with its recording studio at the ready. The independent nonprofit believes that everyone has an important story to tell, and every story matters. Since its founding in 2003, StoryCorps has helped nearly 700,000 people across the country have meaningful conversations about their lives.

Twelve million National Public Radio listeners hear StoryCorps stories weekly on Morning Edition. These recordings are collected in the United States Library of Congress and in an online archive, which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. StoryCorps also shares select stories with the public through its podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms and best-selling books.

Sam Berkrot is a bilingual mobile facilitator on the national StoryCorps mobile tour. He said Huntington is a refreshing stop after a stint in Philadelphia.

“I’ve been hanging out a lot by the river and hanging out in the parks,” Berkrot said. “It’s been a breath of fresh air. We really want to hear from the people in and arouind Huntington. We want to hear what you all have to say, really about anything. You know, everyone has a story.”

Berkrot said the free-to-use Huntington recordings run from 15 minutes to an hour. He said local stories so far have ranged from West Virginia history to personal and social issues.

The recording studio inside the StoryCorps Airstream trailer.

*Randy Yohe/West Virginia Public Broadcasting*

“We had a couple friends come in who were talking about their work advocating on behalf of victims of sexual assault, which was really important,” Berkrot said. “We’ve had the local food bank come in quite a bit, telling some really excellent stories about the work they’ve done in the community. We’ve really had all kinds of things, and there’s no right or wrong way to do it.”

Berkrot said StoryCorps has no agenda and sets no bar.

“We want the people to come to us and tell us the stories that are important to them,” Berkrot said. “That can be the work they do in the community, that can be how they met a loved one, that can be even just family history. We’ve had people come in and just get a high-quality recording talking about their family history that they can share with you know, their grandkids. They will have a high-quality recording that’ll be preserved in the Library of Congress for years to come.”

StoryCorps is at Marshall until Oct. 4. To learn more about how to participate, visit the StoryCorps website.

Marshall University Expands Aviation Program To Eastern Panhandle

Marshall University has expanded its degree program for professional pilots into the Eastern Panhandle. This fall, students can pair online classes with in-person training at an airport in Martinsburg.

Eastern Panhandle Reporter Jack Walker spoke with Nancy Ritter, director of Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School, about the program expansion and efforts to recruit new pilots more broadly.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Walker: What led Marshall University to expand its academic program for pilots into Martinsburg?

Ritter: Marshall University entered the aviation space for three reasons. The first is to produce the highest quality aviation professionals in the industry. The second is to grow and develop Marshall University’s educational mission. And the third is to provide line-of-sight opportunities to the citizens of West Virginia in the field of aviation.

The way that the university is approaching that is that every part of this state has an opportunity to have either its young individuals or career-changing individuals enter aviation. For many families and many individuals, they don’t really understand the opportunities that are available to them.

So the more places that we can expand to and provide training about the aviation industry and the different careers open to people and the opportunities that exist right now — because of a pilot shortage and a mechanic shortage and every other kind of personnel shortage — the closer we can be to those communities, and the easier it is to serve them.

Walker: What are some of the careers that people in the aviation industry can pursue?

Ritter: So the Marshall degree that we’re starting first in Martinsburg is the professional pilot program. So the students that are starting this fall in Martinsburg are doing a four-year degree that includes all their licensing to be a professional pilot inside of that degree. It’s the one that Marshall started with, and it’s probably the need we as citizens know about. Everybody’s been at an airport now and had our flight delayed because there’s not enough crew, so it’s really on the forefront of everybody’s list priorities. We started our expansion in Martinsburg with professional pilot, because we’ve gotten so many requests for information about that program from the Martinsburg area. So that’s the easiest one to talk about.

However, Marshall has several different career opportunities in Marshall aviation. So there’s an opportunity to become an airframe and powerplant mechanic or an aircraft maintenance technician. We do that currently in Huntington, and eventually will lead to Martinsburg this fall. We start UAS, our unmanned aircraft training here, which will also be offered in Martinsburg. Coming very quickly following that is flight attendant and dispatcher, which are certification programs.

Walker: You mentioned that there’s been a shortage of pilots. Can you speak to how that impacts rural and smaller airports, and what role it plays in pilot recruitment efforts like these?

Ritter: It’s really numbers. I don’t think these shortages are focused on rural areas. I think that the areas with the least population suffer the most because they don’t have a lot of flights going in and out. I think it’s more dramatic. If you have a pilot shortage in Atlanta, there’s so many flights that go in and out of Atlanta that it’s less perceivable to the individual passenger. When you have one flight going in and out of an area, and that [has] a shortage of pilots, obviously it stops the transportation in its tracks, so it becomes a much more magnified problem.

A lot of the West Virginia airports that only have one or two flights daily, if there is an overall pilot shortage, they may feel more of that impact than say, if you were very close to Atlanta’s airport, where you had thousands of flights to choose from every day if one flight was canceled. So I think that’s perhaps the reason that smaller-population areas feel the shortage the most.

Walker: What’s the response from the community been like so far? Has there been a lot of new interest in pursuing this program among residents of Martinsburg and the general area?

Ritter: It’s been really great reception from the area. A lot of community involvement, a lot of excitement from different military units in the vicinity, and a lot of outreach from school districts within the counties that border Martinsburg and really the whole Panhandle area. So we were surprised at how warm and welcoming [they were]. We always knew it was a great airport with a lot of positive supporters about growing the aviation industry, and Nick Deal and his team have just done a wonderful job in encouraging businesses and education to come into that airport. But not only did the airport and their team welcome us, but the community has come out in droves to welcome us. So it’s very exciting to be a part of that reception when everybody is so positive about the addition of higher education and flight training into that area. So we feel really lucky with it.

For more information on Marshall University’s professional pilot academic program in Martinsburg, visit the university website.