More Changing of the Guard

September's end marks the departure of several more figures from state government:

* Billy Jack Gregg is retiring after 26 years at the Public Service Commission as "the only Consumer Advocate West Virginia has ever had," as MetroNews reports.

"Gregg says he is most proud of his office's efforts during his tenure to thwart the attempted deregulation of the electric industry in West Virginia and the successes, he says, they had in limiting the increases for customers when natural gas prices shot up a few years ago," the MetroNews piece said.

* Ben Beakes is leaving as chief of staff to Secretary of State Betty Ireland. With Ireland deciding not to seek another term next year, Beakes is joining Petroleum Products Inc., The Associated Press reports.

Beakes gained a reputation as a tireless and knowledgeable aide to Ireland with county election officials, voters and the press. A Friday Parkersburg News article underscores the often touchy terrain facing the state's chief elections office.