The State Journal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Spilman Thomas & Battle (Spilman) announced that Christopher R. Arthur has joined the law firm as Counsel. Arthur previously served as General Counsel and Deputy Commissioner of West Virginia Division of Financial Institutions and, most recently, completed eight years of service as Assistant U.S. Attorney. Arthur’s work will span both the firm’s litigation and corporate departments, with emphasis on the areas of bankruptcy, consumer finance law, and workouts.

One of the major complaints we receive at the Public Service Commission deals with the reliability of service provided by utilities. This is a particular concern when it comes to the delivery of electric power. Nobody likes to be left in the dark, or without heat in the winter, or air conditioning in the summer. So, the Commission is looking forward to a report to be filed by the end of this year about the quality of electric service provided by Appalachian Power Company and Wheeling Power Company.

‘Tis the season. College commencements and high school graduations. I was fortunate to be a university commencement speaker several years ago, and it was quite a meaningful experience. I remember how much I poured into that speech. In the end, I can only hope the graduates took away a nugget or two, although I’ll never know. I’ve always been curious about commencement addresses, so it’s a good time to do a deep dive.

Quick take: Developers of the proposed 260-mile Valley North transmission line will begin public outreach this month as West Virginia communities continue debating the future of large-scale electric infrastructure projects.

Quick take: Ascend has received roughly 87,800 applications from remote workers across the country and abroad, with participants coming from 48 states and eight countries, according to Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.

Quick take: CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In a series of rulings late in the spring term, the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia issued decisions on how construction damages are calculated, when insurance companies can deny coverage, and the boundaries of trial judges in criminal and child welfare proceedings. The state Supreme Court issued multiple rulings of note as the spring term wound down.

Quick take: The additional funding could improve patient outcomes and workforce retention by providing better data and pay. CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Six behavioral health clinics in West Virginia will receive an enhanced Medicaid matching rate as part of a new federal demonstration program aimed at expanding access to care.

Quick take: MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program is midway through the third year of a National Science Foundation-funded initiative studying robotics in Appalachian environments, with officials now seeking additional funding to continue the work.

The Governor’s Schools of West Virginia offer unique learning opportunities for students to explore fields of interest like tourism and hospitality, computer science, creative arts and entrepreneurship.

Quick take: BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The new terminal at North Central West Virginia Airport is expected to open to the public in mid-August, marking the culmination of a yearslong project that officials say will position the airport for future growth. After two years of interior work, parking lot construction and installation of a traffic signal along W.Va. Route 279, airport officials are preparing to open the facility and celebrate the milestone with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.