The 6^th Annual Friends of Coal Bowl is now in the books and, despite the weather-shortened game, the weekend was a success with broad participation by Association members and numerous guests from the Legislature, state government and both Universities.  The pre-game activities and the game, itself, were record setting with many “first to ever occur” events.  It was exciting and memorable.

The lightning-shortened game was the longest and shortest to ever be played in the history of either WVU or Marshall. From kickoff to the point when it was finally cancelled, by agreement of both schools, the game lasted 6 hours and 50 minutes, yet there was nearly a quarter (14:35) of regulation playing time remaining.  Thus, the longest and the shortest!  WVU was ahead 34-13 at the declared end and thereby was declared the winner of the traditional Governor’s Trophy.

by Jared Hunt
Daily Mail Capitol Reporter

CHARLESTON, W.Va. - State tax revenue receipts are running slightly higher than expectations two months into the fiscal year.

West Virginia's general revenue fund was running a $9.1 million surplus, according to the latest August revenue report from the state Budget Office. The 2012 fiscal year began July 1.

Lawrence Solomon: Science getting settled

The science is now all-but-settled on global warming, convincing new evidence demonstrates, but Al Gore, the IPCC and other global warming doomsayers won’t be celebrating. The new findings point to cosmic rays and the sun — not human activities — as the dominant controller of climate on Earth.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. -- West Virginia University's Mountaineer Mantrip made its debut Sunday.

Mountaineer players and coaching staff walked from the corner of Don Nehlen and Medical Center drives to the field along the pathway that divides the Blue Lot and the Light Blue Lot.

The walk took 10 to 15 minutes, and WVU students and fans lined the path to create a tunnel of enthusiasm.

About 35 members of the 350-piece Pride of West Virginia marching band played the fight song as they walked along with the team and cheerleaders.
Coach Dana Holgorsen, who brought the idea with him to WVU, and most of his staff made the walk, as well.

This weekend, America takes a moment to recognize the men and women by the work of whose hands our nation was built. Americans are no stranger to hard work. We didn't become the nation we are by waiting for someone else to do something.  We didn't create an economy that is the envy of the world by asking for handouts.  Our nation was built by the hard work, sweat and determination of generations of Americans who wanted a better life for themselves and their families. They came early ... stayed late ...  They weren't content with second best. They made the label "Made In America" the very symbol of excellence. 

All the while, West Virginia coal miners provided the fuel that powered our nation. Our coal fueled our steel mills, electrical generators, ships and trains. With West Virginia coal, America helped win two world wars. We overcome challenges when we're allowed to pull together for one another.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let's revive our commitment to once again make America the envy of the world.

A message from The Friends of Coal.