Latest news with #PaulWeber
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Salem University requests to remain exempt from B&O tax
SALEM, (WBOY) — Earlier this week, Salem University President and CEO Paul Weber released a statement on Facebook asking for the institution to continue to be exempted from the Business and Occupation (B&O) Tax ordinance, as it's one of the largest employers in the area. However, local leadership disagrees. In his statement, Weber said that the university brings 'substantial and ongoing economic benefits to the area. From job creation to student and visitor spending, we contribute significantly to the local economy in ways that ripple far beyond our camp borders.' Salem is a private university. 2 West Virginia communities continue battle with Corridor H Salem's Mayor Brandie Garner released a statement to 12 News in response to the university president's request, stating that because the university is for-profit, it should be charged a B&O tax. Currently the University is exempted from B&O by ordinance. However, since they are for profit they should be charged B&O tax. This was found while going through our ordinances. For now we are allowing the attorneys to work out the interpretation of the law. At that time we will revisit the ordinance. Salem University is a huge part of the history of Salem, and I look forward to working together for the betterment of the community for many years to come. I'm grateful for President Weber's letter. It has opened up a meaningful dialogue about collaboration and future opportunities Both the university and the mayor said they want to work together to find a suitable solution. Salem University's full statement can be found below: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Despite low turnout, those who cast ballots say local elections are crucial
Just 16% of registered voters in Effingham County turned out for Tuesday's consolidated election. That's 3,799 ballots cast out of 24,428 registered voters. Election Day ballots tabulated: 2,903. Vote-By-Mail ballots tabulated: 468. Early voting ballots tabulated: 419. Provisional Ballots tabulated: 9. Those who did venture to the polls on Tuesday say local elections are crucial. Pat Copple, 78, of Effingham has voted in every election that's applied to her. 'Voting is a responsibility that we have in this country that a lot of countries don't have,' she said on Tuesday. 'I don't think I've ever not voted since I was old enough to vote.' Paul Weber of Teutopolis also votes in every election. 'It's my civic duty,' he said. Also important are those who make sure elections runs smoothly. In the Effingham County Office Building, election judges Karen Probst, 72, and Shirley Beckmier, 73, oversaw voting. They both have been election judges for several years; neither remember when they started. 'This one here is really more important personally for all of us,' said Beckmier. 'On our ballot this time are our personal things that are direct to us, kids and roads and mayors, things like that.' 'You want people in office who share your views, what's important to you,' said Probst. In Altamont, Bob Mercier, 62, has been an election judge for eight years. He said that overseeing the voting was good but slow. 'If you don't come out and vote, you don't know what kind of leaders you're going to get, and voting is one of the simplest patriotic things you can do,' said Mercier. 'You got to vote in every election you have a chance to.' Shelly Gardner, 65, has been an Effingham election judge for several years. 'If you don't vote, you can't complain,' said Gardner. Teutopolis election judge Mark Willenborg, 62, has been overseeing the vote for three years. 'These are some of the more important elections because this is all local stuff, you know, your school board, your town board,' said Willenborg. 'Those are all positions that are held by people that you know, and you want to try to help impact them being in there or not. That's why it's important.' Effingham County election results can be viewed at
