COAL MINER BECOMES SENATE LEADER

A former coal miner is now leading the West Virginia Senate.  Randy Smith, who spent more than three decades in the mining industry, became emotional as his colleagues unanimously selected him as the new Senate President yesterday.  Smith replaces Craig Blair, who lost his primary election bid last year.  The Preston County Republican promised to keep working hard for West Virginia’s progress.  The regular legislative session begins February 12th.