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NEW: Facing school safety concerns and domestic violence, Wetzel and Tyler county residents want to know lawmakers’ plans to protect them buff.ly/3z44lwO

Some of Del. David Kelly’s constituents in Tyler and Wetzel counties work in oil, gas or chemicals. But many work in low-wage industries and need more income. “To me, it’s heartbreaking and I’m not sure what we do on the state level to fix that,” he said. buff.ly/4cRCAW2

Residents in Tyler, Wetzel and Ritchie counties were asked what’s on their minds this election season. They’re worried about violence like bullying, abuse, gun violence and school safety. buff.ly/3z44lwO

Del. Charles Sheedy, R-Marshall, said some students are bullied because their parents have substance use disorder, but he said more legislation won’t end bullying. His Democratic opponent, Devon Tennant, wants “robust action.” buff.ly/4g4GyNM

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Del. Trenton Barnhart’s constituents are worried about school and campus safety, bullying and mental health and family violence. Barnhart, a Republican representing Pleasants, Ritchie and Tyler counties, said solutions will come by listening to experts. buff.ly/4cVa3yW

As the November election approaches, residents in northwest West Virginia want to see their lawmakers work to prevent violence. We asked their representatives and candidates how they’d address family violence and school safety. buff.ly/3z44lwO

Del. Charles Sheedy’s constituents in Wetzel County said they are struggling to make ends meet. Sheedy, R-Marshall, noted the Legislature cut the personal income tax. His Democratic opponent Devon Tennant wants to raise the minimum wage. buff.ly/4g4GyNM

In Tyler, Wetzel and Ritchie counties, residents told Mountain State Spotlight they’re worried about child abuse and neglect and domestic violence. And when survivors of violence leave, they’re heavily reliant on local charities. buff.ly/3z44lwO

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Del. Thomas Clark, R-Webster, said he’s invested some of his local economic development funds into the Richwood Community Center. “We’ll try to put some more funds into that next year as well,” he said. buff.ly/4fLRTSL

Devon Tennant, the Democratic challenger in the House of Delegates 7th district (Wetzel and Marshall counties), wants to see a pay increase for tipped employees, since many potential constituents work in service industries. buff.ly/4g4GyNM

From Kingwood to Keyser, Chester to Chapmanville, tell us what we should know about your corner of West Virginia. Help us investigate. Email us at [email protected] or call/text (304) 506-TIPS. i.mtr.cool/fzwpqjhdmv

As families in several West Virginia counties prepared for school to start, they told us school administrators aren’t taking bullying and mental health crises seriously enough, and some had to rely on charities to feed their families. buff.ly/3z44lwO

Residents in Del. Trenton Barnhart’s district said they’re financially struggling. A five-year Republican lawmaker who represents Pleasants, Ritchie and Tyler counties, Barnhart praised the Legislature’s efforts to significantly cut income taxes. buff.ly/4cVa3yW

From Glen Dale to Gauley Bridge, Weston to Wardensville, tell us what we should know about your corner of West Virginia. Help us investigate. Email us at [email protected] or call/text (304) 506-TIPS. i.mtr.cool/nfqooqfhrw

Students from Tyler, Wetzel and Ritchie counties say they are worried about school safety, gun violence, mental health and bullying. Some public officials or candidates want to do more. Others pointed toward better parenting. buff.ly/3z44lwO

ICYMI: “I know that there are great people doing great work, but they develop these programs and these projects to service the poor, when no one is focusing on helping the poor, not being poor,” said Dr. Shanequa Smith. buff.ly/3tTAEvO

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