By Charles Owens, Bluefield Daily Telegraph, W.Va. Jul. 28--WELCH -- The recent upswing in coal mining activity across southern West Virginia is also helping to generate new tax revenue for local coal-producing counties and municipalities.

By Davin White davinwhite@wvgazette.com State Schools Superintendent Steve Paine hired new superintendents Tuesday to fill voids left in Lincoln and McDowell counties, two state-controlled school systems. David Roach, 58, was picked to head Lincoln County schools.

By Ken Ward Jr. kward@wvgazette.com More than 15 years after lawmakers fought the "Garbage Wars," another battle is brewing at the state Capitol over West Virginia's solid-waste laws.

By Ken Ward Jr. Coal operators are hoping to avoid a repeat of 2006, which was the West Virginia mining industry's most deadly year in a quarter- century. But 2007 has already started off rough, with the Jan. 13 deaths of two miners in a roof fall in McDowell County.

By JESSICA M. KARMASEK WELCH - Resting back in his office chair, reflecting on his last day as Superintendent of McDowell County Schools, Mark Manchin said he had a good run. "My dad always said, 'If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life,' and that's true.