Decade in Review: 2009
As the nation celebrated the inauguration of Barack Obama as the first black President of the United States, another political milestone was being celebrated in West Virginia in 2009. Sen. Robert C. Byrd made history when he became the longest-serving member in the history of the U.S. Congress.

Decade in Review: 2008
A West Virginia University scandal put the state in the spotlight in 2008 after it appeared high-ranking officials awarded the governor's daughter a master's degree she didn't fully earn more than 10 years after she had stopping attending classes at the university.

Decade in Review: 2007
Race relations were at the forefront in 2007.

Decade in Review: 2006
The Jan. 2, 2006, Sago mine disaster reminded everyone just how dangerous coal mining can be, when an explosion filled the Upshur County mine with smoke and deadly gas, killing 12 men.

Decade in Review: 2005
Former Secretary of State Joe Manchin was sworn in as governor at the start of 2005, after running a successful campaign against Republican candidate Monty Warner and receiving 64 percent of the vote.

Decade in Review: 2004
The presidential race between George W. Bush and Democratic challenger John Kerry dominated much of 2004, with both candidates taking time on the busy campaign trail to visit West Virginia multiple times.

Decade in Review: 2003
There was a bit of scandal in the Governor's Mansion in 2003, as Gov. Bob Wise became the first West Virginia governor since 1970 not to seek re-election.

Decade in Review: 2002
Less than 10 months after severe flooding in the southern coalfields devastated many communities, another flood hit the region in May 2002, bringing a wave of destruction on top of an already crippling region.

Decade in Review: 2001
West Virginians were hit hard with tragedies in 2001, when they reeled with the rest of the nation after the 9/11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, and a few months prior when severe floods ravaged the southern part of the state.

Decade in Review: 2000
The new millennium started out like few expected. The lights stayed on. Phones worked and the banking system didn't crash.