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BUS DRIVERS UPSET - School bus drivers around the state are upset because House
Education Chairman Jerry Mezzatesta said that West Virginia "bus drivers had priced
themselves out of the market." The legislature has apparently been discussing a bill
which would allow county school boards to contract bus services like public transit
systems.
Bus drivers fear the step would be moving toward using private contractors for
school transportation.
Mezzatesta shot back at bus drivers after they became critical of the plan. Drivers
are saying the state has the lowest number of accidents of most any system in
America.
A 1999 consultants report said West Virginia drivers are paid more than their
counterparts in neighboring states. School systems have been looking at ways to
reduce costs.
MOST WV WAGE EARNERS DON'T GET BUSH TAX BREAK - The "working poor," which
accounts for many West Virginia wage earners, earn less than $26,625 a year. Most
wage earners in this category will not get a tax break, or if they do it will be
unnoticed. Sen. Jay Rockefeller-D said "Tax cuts that help working families got
squeezed to make room for tax cuts for wealthy investors."
FEDERAL STUDY DEFINES MINING PROBLEMS - A 4 1/2 year study of mountaintop
removal in West Virginia clearly defines problems related to the operation, but does
not propose protection to the environment. The report details major damage to
streams and forests, with over 700 miles of streams buried by valley fill, with
thousands of acres of forest land destroyed.
The report does not increase protection guidelines or support significant efforts to
protect the Appalachian mountains and valleys.
RITCHIE PROJECT ON HOLD - The long awaited construction of the Spectrum Astro
plant at Harrisville is being delayed again, with the fate of the project in balance.
Groundbreaking ceremonies were held in 2000. The project would bring some new
jobs to the area, but word on the street is - it will not get off the ground.
GILMER BOARD HAS "OPEN MEETING" PROBLEMS - At least two members of the
Gilmer County Board of Education are questioning a recent re-organizing meeting for
board officers. They contend the open meetings law was not followed, which
requires public notification three days prior to the decision. The members contend
the previous board election should be considered "null and void."
COLDWATER CREEK POSTS HIGH EARNINGS -
Coldwater Creek Inc. saw a 35 percent increase in revenues between the second
quarter of 2002 and 2003, according to a company press release. Net income rose
by $500,000 to $1.9 million, or 12 cents per diluted share. Net sales increased by 8
percent to $115 million.
Coldwater Creek retails women's apparel, jewelry, footwear, gift items and
accessories through direct-mail catalogs, on-line sails and a growing number of retail
stores.
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