Good morning, Meigs County. Behind the walls of America's power plants lies a complex story of ownership and accountability. The General James M. Gavin Power Plant—one of Ohio's largest energy producers—has changed hands yet again, raising environmental concerns even as electricity demands surge from the region's growing data center industry. The $40 million in required upgrades tells just part of a complicated energy equation that affects both our economy and health.
Life's unexpected chapters continue to unfold across our community. A Parkersburg business owner faces consequences after employing an undocumented worker for a decade in an unusual arrangement that included housing her at his laboratory. Meanwhile, we bid farewell to a remarkable cultural champion in Josephine Silman, whose 90-year journey from West Virginia arts advocate to President General of Americans of Royal Descent leaves behind a legacy spanning three generations and countless creative contributions.
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0%☕️ What's Brewing Locally
🏭 Private equity firms trade dirty Ohio coal plant like a hot potato. The General James M. Gavin Power Plant, considered one of America's deadliest coal plants, has been sold from Blackstone and ArcLight Capital Partners to Energy Capital Partners. Environmental groups are concerned the new owners won't improve the facility, which reportedly causes 224 premature deaths annually due to toxic emissions. The plant requires $40 million in upgrades to meet coal ash storage regulations, but with electricity prices rising due to Ohio's data center boom, retirement seems unlikely. Meanwhile, private equity firms have heavily invested in fossil fuels while contributing significantly to political campaigns.
🏢 Parkersburg man fined for employing illegal immigrant for a decade. John Robert Coe, 66, paid $54,740 in restitution and a $500 fine after admitting he continued to employ a Madagascan national at his water testing laboratory despite knowing her illegal status. The foreign worker, who entered on an expired fiancée visa, performed customer service, shipping, and accounting duties while living at the business in a converted office bedroom. Coe's business partner Frederick Anderson, who originally obtained the visa, received three years of probation and a $75,000 fine. Federal authorities ultimately removed the worker from the business in May 2021.
🕊️ Josephine Silman's remarkable 90-year journey ends unexpectedly in Texas. The former Parkersburg resident, who passed away on August 7, 2025, leaves behind a legacy of dedication to arts advocacy and historical preservation. As president of the WV Artists and Craftsmens Guild and host of arts programs on radio and TV, she championed West Virginia's creative community. Silman's passion for genealogy earned her membership in numerous hereditary societies, including Americans of Royal Descent where she served as President General. She is survived by her three daughters, six grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
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🍞 Daily Bread Crumb
Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.
-Psalm 55:22
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