High Points of the Valley (Graphic Illustration)

* Bankers and others who worry about those susceptible to vicious scams have been glad to see movement on a couple of efforts to address cryptocurrency kiosks in the state. House Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, took the lead on House Bill 5353, which would create a regulatory framework for those virtual currency kiosks — including requiring them to get annual licenses and adhere to disclosure and refund protocols. State Sen. Trenton Barnhart, R-Pleasants, is lead sponsor of Senate Bill 887, which is similar to HB 5353. “We’re literally watching people take thousands of dollars and put into these machines and not be able to recover,” Criss said. “Most generally it’s the senior citizens … that have accumulated some cash, and they are being duped to think they’re getting something for nothing.” In fact, West Virginians lost more than $7.6 million to cryptocurrency scams in 2024 alone, according to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. We join those who are applauding lawmakers’ efforts to help put a stop to it.

* President and CEO Mark Lewis and the rest of the folks at the Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau continue to do excellent work that helps draw thousands to our region. During last week’s annual partners’ meeting, Lewis was able to tout growth in visitation, expanded programing and stronger regional partnerships. “Our job is to reach out and to get people to come to Parkersburg, and we did have a very successful season with our marketing this past year,” Lewis said. Lewis, who has been a big reason for all that success, has announced he plans to retire this year. No doubt his successor will be primed to keep the momentum going. But we join everyone who understands how important the CVB’s job is to our region in congratulating and thanking Lewis for the work he has done on our behalf.