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* Local renewable energy projects are getting a little help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture: $300,000 for a photovoltaic solar array installed last year on the building housing the West Virginia Polymer Alliance Zone offices and PACTIV Evergreen in Davisville and $146,125 for a solar array to be placed at Blennerhassett Middle School. Both projects are by Pickering Energy Solutions LLC. "Investing in our communities is essential for economic development and creating long-term prosperity," said U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., in a press release. As more such projects surely will be popping up across the Mid-Ohio Valley, it is encouraging to know federal officials are paying attention, and willing to help.
* It is also encouraging to know state lawmakers are considering possible draft legislation that would improve transparency involving some child welfare cases -- particularly public disclosures of child welfare cases involving the death or near-fatality of a child. "Everyone wants the best for our children. I believe this one bill will help us get to that point as well," state Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, said last week. We want the best, and we want to remove any possibility state officials can hide behind their own interpretation of the law to cover up their own negligence or misdeeds. Early looks at what might be in the draft legislation are promising. Let us hope the work continues.