By Beth Vorhees and Cecelia Mason One of the main issues that had to be settled when western Virginia broke away from Virginia to form a new state- was slavery.
 | Photo courtey of the WV Govenor's Office |
Imagine this: each of the 86-ton columns of the capitol building transformed into 3-D scenes representing the history and culture of West Virginia. That's what's in store for anyone in Charleston who wonders down to the capitol building beginning Thursday night to celebrate a century and a half of statehood. With a dozen specialized projectors and a crew that’s been working since Monday to build the scene, this event promises to be the most extravagant and high-tech display during the state’s 150th birthday celebration.
 | Chad Matlick |
By Roxy Todd, Allegheny Mountain Radio And here's an unusual way to celebrate West Virginia's 150 years. In memory of the Battle of Droop Mountain, park superintendent Mike Smith is planning to invite hikers to walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought it. He’s leading a memorial march into battle, along steep mountain trails and a federal highway.
 | Ashton Marra |
The state House of Delegates has officially elected a new leader to take former Speaker Rick Thompson’s position. Delegate Tim Miley of Harrison County was elected by members of the House during a special session yesterday, but it still remains to be seen if some committee chairs will hold their positions under the new leadership.
 | Cedit Legislature's Office of Reference & Information |
House Judiciary chairman Tim Miley (D) Harrison County has been elected Speaker of the West Virginia House of Delegates.
Public hearings across southern West Virginia are allowing community members to voice their concerns on a proposed rate hike. West Virginia American Water proposed the 20 percent increase last year which could affect hundreds of thousands of West Virginians.
.JPG) | Ashton Marra |
As folks across the state prepare to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday, a West Virginia based theater company is wrapping up rehearsal’s for their original musical commemorating the long history of the state. The Vintage Theater Company based in Clarksburg will present “The Golden Horseshoe” this week.
Rep. Nick Rahall of WV’s Third District says the state’s 150 birthday is an opportunity for reflection. He says it’s been a time of conscience gratitude for him – gratitude to the state’s forefathers and to his own family’s forefathers.
 | Jessica Y. Lilly |
Last week, more than seventy railroad enthusiasts chugged into Twin Falls State Park for an annual convention. The rail-fans are members of the Norfolk and Western Historical Society.
 | credit helmickforwv.com |
Commissioner Walt Helmick says the state is not clear when they transfer deeds between agencies or sell real estate to outside entities.
The state Board of Education finalized a policy detailing new teacher hiring practices. Those new practices, created under Senate Bill 359, allow principals and faculty senates to become more involved in the hiring process.
 | (Rachel Lippmann/St. Louis Public Radio) |
Twelve demonstrators have been arrested following a protest by the United Mine Workers of America and their supporters in a dispute with St. Louis-based Patriot Coal.
Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin today issued a proclamation calling the members of the House of Delegates into Extraordinary Session, beginning at noon on June 18, 2013, in its chambers at the State Capitol to elect a new Speaker for the House of Delegates.
Most years the West Virginia Regional History Center in Morgantown celebrates West Virginia Day. This week, however, a special celebration is in the works.
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