HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — At least two are injured after a vehicle crashed into a gas station pump in Huntington. The crash was reported around 9:30 Wednesday evening at the Speedway in the 2800 block of 5th Street Road. When the wreck occurred, the gas pump caught fire. The vehicle involved was not damaged by the…

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Local lawmakers react to Governor Morrisey’s first State of the State address

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. –Local lawmakers sharing their thoughts on Governor Patrick Morrisey’s first State of the State address. Governor Morrisey gave the address Wednesday night at the state capitol. He talked about the budget, creating a new power center, a little bit on education in the state, and healthcare. Senator Tom Takubo, R-Kanawha, said that he…

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Former Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese sentenced after misappropriating funds

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. — Former Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese has been sentenced to one year of probation in a fraudulent financial activity case. Deweese entered an Alford Plea last December after allegations arose of him misappropriating $4,000 from 2017-2019while serving as the county’s sheriff. Those allegations stemmed from four $1,000 checks made out to…

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Huntington Mayor presents his proposed budget for the city to council members

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell presented his proposed fiscal year 2026 budget for city council members at Monday evening’s council meeting. He started his presentation with telling council members how he sees the current fiscal year 2025 budget before jumping in and saying the things that will be different for the FY 2026 budget.…

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Education leaders look at several priorities they plan to present to lawmakers during legislative session

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Education Association President Dale Lee says as the state’s largest teacher organization, they have a lot of priorities they want to work on with lawmakers in tackling several key issues the education system currently faces. Lee came on MetroNews ‘Talkline’ Tuesday a day before the 60-day regular legislative session was…

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Deputies ask for help in identifying four suspects in connection to salon break-in

JEFFERSON, W.Va. –The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department is asking the community for help in identifying the four suspects who were involved in a break-in Sunday night. According to surveillance video, two individuals, presumed to be male, can be seen entering Inspired Salon on MacCorkle Ave SW around 6 p.m. Sunday night. The video showed the first…

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School administrator talks to state senators on how she tackles behavior issues at her school

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –State senators are having important conversations with school administrators and their staff in order to help find a solution to the behavior issues in the classrooms. The education committee met at Mary C. Snow Elementary School Monday afternoon to hear from principal Destiny Spencer about the disciplinary actions they have in place to help…

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Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department honored for their work on highway safety enforcement

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. –The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department were honored Friday for the work that they have done and continue to do under the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. The program focuses on different initiatives, including the enforcement of drugs and alcohol, distracted driving, aggressive driving (speeding) and the monitoring of construction and school zones. Sergeant Joshua…

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New KRT bus schedules and routes to begin Monday

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The Kanawha Valley’s public transportation system will soon be seeing long awaited changes. KRT, the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority, voted in September of 2024, to eliminate Sunday services and change some of their bus routes to save money. Those changes will now go into effect Monday. Communications director for KRT Brianna Warner said…

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Humane society animals given a home following the threat of flood waters at the shelter

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Flooding that occurred at the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association Thursday turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Those at the humane society were alarmed to be receiving calls from Kanawha County Metro 911 Thursday morning informing them that water levels were dangerously high at the shelter following a round of overnight thunderstorms…

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Kanawha County Commission looking to be more proactive in cleaning out county culverts

CHARLESTON, W.Va.  — Officials in Kanawha County are looking to prevent future flooding from county creeks and streams after Thursday’s flooding. Kanawha County Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman reported 25 water rescues during Thursday’s county commission meeting — many of those being drivers stuck in high water. During Sigman’s report Thursday, the main dialogue centered…

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Officials respond following severe flash flooding that hit Kanawha and surrounding counties

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — “Turn around, don’t drown,” that’s the message officials are pushing Thursday after a rare February thunderstorm hit overnight that brought on severe flash flooding in Kanawha and surrounding counties. The National Weather Service had to extend the flash flood warning for Northern Kanawha County, Northeastern Lincoln County, and Central Putnam County until…

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Appointed state senator looks forward to serving residents in Kanawha County and bettering West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A former Municipal Court judge is going into her new role as state senator with open eyes. Anne Charnock was appointed to serve the 17th district which serves Kanawha County, by Governor Patrick Morrisey Tuesday afternoon. Charnock said that she is ready to take on the issues that plague the state. “I feel like…

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Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office looking for two suspects in Rural King shoplifting incident

CROSS LANES, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two individuals suspected of shoplifting. A male and female suspect were seen on surveillance video shoplifting from Rural King in Cross Lanes. The two bypassed the final checkout point with a $999 welder. The two loaded the welder into a black Volkswagen Touareg…

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Kanawha Valley FAME hosts open house

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kanawha Valley FAME is going into its third year of allowing students to go to college while also learning hands-on experience. FAME, Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education, is a program that allows students to complete an associate’s degree in advanced manufacturing technology at BridgeValley Community and Technical College tuition free. Students would…

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Kanawha County pastor on his plans to soon serve in 8th district senate seat

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A longtime Kanawha County pastor who Governor Patrick Morrisey recently appointed to serve a vacant seat in the state’s 8th district says he has several key concerns he plans to bring to light, including the stoppage of legalizing recreational marijuana. Sissonville native and Pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church in Sissonville Kevan Bartlett…

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Preschool enrollment opened for Kanawha County schools

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Kanawha County Schools have opened enrollment for 2024-25 preschool program. Johnny Ferrara, the Kanawha County Schools Preschool ERSEA Specialist and Jennifer Lilly, KCS Social Worker discussed the preschool program with Dave Allen on 580Live. The preschool provides free education to children aged four on or before June30, 2025. “If your child turns…

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Prosecutors look at recent human trafficking, child neglect case as learning experience

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Prosecutors in Kanawha County say they now have more of a guideline moving forward with charging people on crimes relating to human trafficking, child abuse and neglect. Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney Debra Rusnak and Kanawha County Sherriff Joe Crawford came on 580 Live Thursday after the Sissonville couple, Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and…

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Sissonville couple indicted on child neglect-related charges found guilty on nearly every charge

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Kanawha County jury convicted a Sissonville couple on 31 of 35 combined charges Wednesday bringing to a close an 11-day trial focused on how the husband and wife treated their adopted Black children. Jeanne Kay Whitefeather and Donald Ray Lantz were found guilty on charges of child abuse and neglect, forced…

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Jury deliberations for the Sissonville child abuse trial to begin Wednesday morning

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The jury for the Sissonville couple charged with child abuse, neglect and human trafficking will start deliberating the case Wednesday morning. The jury heard closing arguments Tuesday afternoon before deciding to go home, Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers presented 60 pages of instructions Tuesday morning to the 12-member panel which has been considering…

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Jury deliberations for the Sissonville child abuse trial to begin Wednesday morning

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The jury for the Sissonville couple charged with child abuse, neglect and human trafficking will start deliberations Wednesday morning. Prior to the jury deciding to reconvene Wednesday, the closing arguments bringing in a full courtroom Tuesday afternoon. Kanawha County Circuit Judge Maryclaire Akers presented 60 pages of instructions Tuesday morning to the around…

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Trial for Sissonville child neglect case to wrap up Tuesday; last witness gave testimony Monday

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 12-member Kanawha County jury is expected to begin jury deliberations Tuesday in the trial of a Sissonville couple indicted on 20-counts of child abuse, neglect, and human trafficking-related charges. The jury heard from the final witness Monday in the trial for Donald Ray Lantz and Jeanne Kay Whitefeather. Clinical, Medical, and…

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Friday deemed Maddox “MadDog” Potter Day in Charleston to honor brave teen

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin has officially proclaimed January 24, 2025, as Maddox “MadDog” Potter Day in the City of Charleston. Maddox Potter, a 16-year-old student at George Washington High School, passed away Friday after battling cancer since December 2023. Potter recently made the decision to halt chemotherapy treatments once coming to…

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Kanawha Valley Collective receives additional funding to help operate warming centers

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–The Kanawha Valley Collective will be one of 15 projects that will receive additional funding from the City of Charleston to help operate their warming centers. Tuesday evening, the city voted to allocate an additional $50,000 to warming centers if they go over their initial amount of $100,000 that they received last year. The…

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During the first week of the trial for Sissonville couple accused of child abuse and forced labor, jurors heard opening statements and witness testimonies

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–In the first week of the trial for the Sissonville couple who is charged with 20 counts of child neglect, child trafficking and forced labor, saw neighbors, Kanawha County Sheriff’s and Detective’s, forensic experts and the oldest child testify. Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz were arrested in October 2023 after police found two of…

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Annual Charleston event highlights the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston event is highlighting and honoring the work of a late, great civil rights leader through community building efforts. The Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Links, Incorporated hosted its Fourth Annual Community Birthday Celebration for Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event brought many out to the Martin Luther King Jr.…

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KRT Executive Director says they’re ready to show their passengers the finalized bus routes before their implemented

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— In three weeks, the Kanawha Valley Regional Transportation Authority plan on rolling out their new bus schedules and taking away services on Sunday. In September of 2024, KRT Board Members voted to eliminate some bus routes and eliminate the Sunday service because of their ongoing efforts to save money. Sean Hill, KRT’s Executive…

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Governor Morrisey continues announcing his cabinet appointments

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Governor Patrick Morrisey continues to round off his cabinet, as he reappoints secretary of Tourism and newly appoints someone as the Secretary of Transportation. Morrisey announced on Thursday that he has decided to reappoint Chelsea Ruby as Tourism Secretary. She has led the department for eight years, four of those as Tourism Commissioner, overseeing…

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Day three of Whitefeather and Lantz trial continues Thursday morning with review of surveillance footage evidence

UPDATE 1/16/2025 7:20–The afternoon of day three in the trial for the Sissonville couple charged with 20 counts of child abuse and neglect, opened up with the last two surveillance footage. In the first video was from October 2, 2023, the day that Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz were arrested, showed the four children, two…

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Kanawha County deputies testify during Sissonville couple’s trial Wednesday morning

UPDATE 1/15/2025, 6:30 –The trial of Jeanne Whitefeather and Donald Lantz, the Sissonville couple charged with 20 counts of child trafficking, forced labor, civil rights violations and gross child neglect resumed Wednesday afternoon with the testimony of another law enforcement officer. A.C. Pile, a Detective with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department took the stand after…

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Opening statements, witness testimony presented in first full day of Sissonville couple child abuse trial

UPDATE: 1/14/2025, 7:28– Judge Maryclaire Akers and the 12-member jury continued hearing state witnesses’ testimony after they reconvened after lunch Tuesday afternoon. After they reconvened, the first state witness, Joyce Bailey continued her testimony answering questions from Jeanne Whitefeather’s attorney Michael Plants and Donald Lantz’s attorney John Balenovich. After the cross-examination of Bailey, the state…

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Inaugural parade held for West Virginia’s 37th Governor

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The sun breaking through the clouds a little during Monday’s inauguration parade welcoming in West Virginia’s 37th Governor Patrick Morrisey. Several community organizations, the Pride of the Mountaineers, the WVU Marching Band, Marshall University’s Thundering Herd Band, as well as around 20 high school marching bands filled up the Kanawha Boulevard in…

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State GOP to announce state senator vacancy as two plan to resign

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee Chairwoman Dianna Graves says with the interest she has already received about filling the two senator vacancies, she doesn’t foresee them failing to submit names to the governor when the time comes. “There’s so much interest in these seats already, it’s crazy the number of people who have…

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Putnam County receives $5 million grant to implement infrastructure for housing development

HURRICANE, W.Va. — The Putnam County Economic Development Authority is getting $5 million dollars to develop infrastructure and address future housing needs. Recently, Governor Jim Justice awarded the Economic Enhancement Grant through the West Virginia Water Development Authority to Putnam County Economic Development. It will go towards the needed infrastructure to help build more homes…

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Kanawha County Commission names Ben Salango president, discusses tighter budget for fiscal year

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Ben Salango will serve as the next president of the Kanawha County Commission. Commissioners Lance Wheeler and Natalie Tennant voted for Salango to be the president during the first meeting of 2025 on Thursday. “I appreciate the vote and the vote of confidence,” Salango said. Salango, who considered entering the 2024 race…

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Former doctor to spend three years in prison for unlawful distribution of oxycodone

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— A former Charleston doctor will spend time in prison for the unlawful distribution of oxycodone. Alexander, V. Otellin, 57, was sentenced to three years in prison Wednesday, to be followed by three years of supervised release. According to court documents and statements made in court, Otellin, on July 27, 2027, distributed a quantity…

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Huntington mayor speaks out about the drug and homelessness issues, after abandoned building catches fire overnight

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.— After a fire broke out in an abandoned building overnight in Huntington, Mayor Patrick Farrell said in a tweet that something needs to be done about the homeless and drug problems plaguing the city. The fire broke out around 1:55 a.m. Tuesday morning, at the 2700 block of 5th Avenue, where crews had…

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American Heart Association says it’s important to be more conscious of your health when temperatures drop

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — American Heart Association Marketing Communications Director Kevin Pauley says it’s important to be mindful about how much time you’re exposed to the cold as your body and health can take a toll. Health experts say extreme cold “or even prolonged exposure to normal winter temperatures” can have an effect on the heart,…

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Justice presents $5 million investment to Putnam County Residential Development

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. –– Governor Jim Justice has announced that the Putnam County Residential Development will be receiving a $5 million investment from West Virginia’s Water Development Authority.  The grant will assist with residential development of 600 units in proposed communities in both Hurricane and Frazier’s Bottom and will go towards supporting utility extensions, road…

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Gov. Justice presents $5 million in funding to CAMC for new neuroscience facility

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice is presenting a $5 million dollar check to Charleston Area Medical Center toward the creation of a new neuroscience institute. Justice met with CAMC officials and staff Monday afternoon for the check presentation.  The new $40 million facility will bring all neuroscience-related facilities under one roof. Justice said these…

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Appalachian Power addresses statewide outages amid Winter Storm Blair

CHARLESTON, W.V. — As of Monday afternoon, Appalachian Power Company reports that just under 100,000 customers in their three-state service area are without power due to Winter Storm Blair, including over 42,000 in the Mountain State.  Appalachian Power Company spokesperson Debby Pannell says the bulk of the reported outages are coming from the southwestern part…

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West Virginia First Foundation undergoes change in brand identity

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation will be identifying themselves in a new way which they say encompasses their commitment to providing hope and recovery to the Mountain State. The foundation that’s charged with the effort of distributing millions of dollars in opioid settlement dollars across the state recently announced its new brand…

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Police looking for hit-and-run driver after pedestrian is struck by car

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— Police are looking for a driver of a hit-and-run after a person was struck by a car Thursday afternoon. The incident happened in the 600 block of Washington Street West in Charleston around 3:30 p.m. Police are looking for a maroon four-door car. According to Charleston Police, the victims’ injuries are considered non-life-threatening,…

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Senate President Craig Blair to take up leadership position within a leading lobbying and government relations firm

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Soon-to-be former West Virginia Senate President Craig Blair says his new position he will begin next week is not of a lobbyist but a consultant in government relations. Blair announced that he will begin serving as Senior Advisor of West Virginia for the LNE Group, a leading lobbying and government relations firm…

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Thousands without power across southern West Virginia after Tuesday storm

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Appalachian Power has reported that 12,000 customers were lost power during Tuesday afternoon’s rain storms coupled with heavy winds. Appalachian Power says two thirds of the affected customers were in West Virginia, with Kanawha, Logan, Mingo, Ohio, Roane, and Wyoming Counties being hit the hardest. As of 5:20 , Appalachian Power has…

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New and retiring WV AFT leaders come together to talk growing education concerns

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As one educational leader retires, a new president has stepped into the role with the same mission of serving the next generation of teachers and students. The West Virginia Chapter of The American Federation of Teachers recently welcomed 30-year veteran of teaching Kristie Skidmore to the position as AFT President for the…

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Habitat for Humanity of the Tri-State reflects on the impact of former President Jimmy Carter

HUNTINGTON, W.Va.— Habitat for Humanity taking time to reflect on the lifelong impact that former President Jimmy Carter had on the organization but also the people he helped after his death on December 29th. Carter served as the 39th President from 1977-1981 After losing in the 1980 election, Carter, and his wife Rosalynn Carter began…

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Miss Ruby’s Corner Market launch to make fresh produce accessible to West Side residents

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Keep Your Faith Corporation CEO Dural Miller says that the launch of Miss Ruby’s Corner Market will allow residents to have access to fresh produce and products. “A lot of folks in our neighborhood doesn’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” Miller said on 580 Live Monday December 23. “And we…

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Manchin says Biden should have considered Samantha Burns’ parents

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin says President Joe Biden should not have commuted the death sentences of Chad Fulks and Brandon Basham in the 2002 kidnapping and murder of Marshall University co-ed Samantha Burns. Joe Manchin Manchin said Friday on MetroNews “Talkline” that Biden should have considered the feelings of Burns’ parents who…

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Kanawha County EMS service is another to join growing statewide initiative of giving whole blood on ambulances

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority is one of the most recent organizations coming on board to a growing statewide initiative that gives first responders the ability to provide whole blood transfusions on ambulances in the field. After implementing the whole blood program last year for EMS workers, the West Virginia Department…

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Pair accused in 2002 murder of Marshall student to have death sentences commuted as part of Biden’s announcement

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –A pair of escaped inmates accused in the 2002 killing of a Marshall University student were part of President Biden’s list of commuted death row inmates. Brandon Basham and Chadrick Fulks will spend the rest of their lives in jail as opposed to receiving the death penalty after President Biden made the decision…

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Hundreds of bikers set to deliver toys to CAMC Women’s & Children in Southern WV Toy Ride

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — On every third Saturday in December, hundreds of bikers flock to CAMC Women’s and Children Hospital to drop off new toys for those battling illness during the Christmas season. Tomorrow, these bikers will meet at Daniel Boone Park in Charleston at 10 a.m. before taking the yearly ride. Corey “Mohawk” Hinkle, who…

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Village of Barboursville Elementary School principal set to retire at beginning of the year

BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va.— Village of Barboursville Elementary School students and staff saying to goodbye to beloved principal and educator Kelli Jordan as she is set to retire after 33 and half years at the beginning of the year. Kelli Jordan began her educator career in 1990 as an elementary school teacher before beginning a career in…

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Longtime Kanawha County Sheriff Mike Rutherford honored after over 50 years of service

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The longest-serving sheriff in Kanawha County history, Sheriff Mike Rutherford celebrated his retirement Thursday afternoon. Rutherford was recognized by a healthy crowd at the Kanawha County Courthouse, and he says he was honored to have a great group of co-workers by his side. “I was very humbled and surprised. It went very…

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Putnam Career Center fire management services class takes part in live Christmas tree burn demonstration

ELEANOR, W.Va. — It’s always important to water your live Christmas tree as it can potentially pose a major fire hazard if left forgotten. The Emergency and Firefighting Management Services Class at Putnam Career and Technical Center came together with fire and rescue squads from Buffalo, Hurricane and Eleanor Thursday afternoon for a live Christmas…

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Natalie Tennant sworn in as new Kanawha County Commissioner

CHARLESTON, W.Va.–Natalie Tennant officially taking oath of office to serve as the newest member of the Kanawha County Commission. An investiture ceremony was held for Commissioner-elect Natalie Tennant at the historic Kanawha County Courthouse Thursday. It marked a particularly pivotal moment in Kanawha County history as Tennant becomes the first woman to serve on the…

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Four year anniversary of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve soon approaching

GLEN JEAN, W.Va. — Chief of Interpretation for the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve Eve West says there has been nothing but steady growth in visitation since the park’s redesignation four years ago. “Typically after a redesignation, numbers will settle out at about a 20-percent increase, but we’re almost double that,” said West.…

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Kanawha and Putnam County awarded funds to help with construction of their new schools

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— The state School Building Authority awarded $65 million to a dozen West Virginia counties at their Tuesday morning meeting. They originally had requests totaling $250 million from 30 different counties. Kanawha County and Putnam County were among the counties awarded funding, both of which needed funding in order to start the process of…

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West Virginia Lottery announces first major win through new digital platform

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The newly-launched iLottery platform through the West Virginia Lottery is seeing its first big prize Powerball winner with a $100,000 dollar winning ticket. Although Mega Millions continues to stand at the forefront of national draw games with its $740 million jackpot, a winner confirmed the $100,000 ticket through its new digital iLottery…

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Moss receiving support from fellow in-state NFL star following cancer diagnosis

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former NFL cornerback and Marshall University star Carl Lee is standing in support of fellow Marshall football legend Randy Moss as he battles cancer. Moss revealed his cancer diagnoses last Friday on Instagram, just a short time after stepping away from ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. Lee, the 12-year NFL veteran and three-time…

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Declining enrollment and interest in pharmacy causes UC to cut program

CHARLESTON, W.Va.— University of Charleston’s President Marty Roth says last year’s enrollment decline into the pharmacy program made it clear to UC’s administration that cutting the program was the right thing to do. “Unfortunately, last year they kind of reached a point where the tuition was no longer covering our operating costs,” Roth said. “The…

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Charleston Dirty Birds Light the Night event breaks attendance records at GoMart Ballpark

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Charleston Dirty Birds’ second annual Light the Night event broke a record of over 11,000 visitors on Saturday night. The Salango Law Dirty Birds Light the Night broke a record of approximately 11,263 visitors. This well surpassed the just over 8,000 people the holiday light event at Charleston’s GoMart Ballpark brought…

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Charleston will evaluate year one of return of football championships

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Those associated with brining the high school football championships back to Laidley Field who now do a self-evaluation. Organizers said they were generally pleased with all things went but there were also things learned that will be improved for next year. The four championship games drew large, enthusiastic crowds. The AAA championship…

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Education officials turning to new initiatives to help alleviate disruptive classroom behavior

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State legislatures and educators are continuing to put their heads together to look at how to better address concerning behaviors in schools across West Virginia. The Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability heard from West Virginia Department of Education officials recently on new initiatives they are working on to implement in a…

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Auxiliary coach in Boone County arrested, charged with child sex crimes

BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. — An auxiliary coach in Boone County has been arrested after West Virginia State Police say he exchanged nude photographs with juveniles. Eric Maloskey, of Bloomingrose, was arrested Friday after State Police investigated a complaint that Maloskey had “sent and/or received nude photographs with juveniles via a social media platform.” Maloskey was…

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Nearly 30 small West Virginia business owners graduate through Goldman Sachs program at BridgeValley

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly 30 small business owners are the first cohort in West Virginia to be graduating from a $100 million dollar national funding initiative through America’s leading multinational investment bank Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs graduated 26 small business owners from its signature business-education program, 10,000 Small Businesses, at BridgeValley Community & Technical…

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130th Airlift Wing of the Air National Guard in Charleston unveils new renovations to major facility

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A $25.6 million dollar project is transforming a 73-year-old aircraft hanger into a new, cutting-edge facility. Members of the 130th Airlift Wing at the McLaughlin Air National Guard Base in Charleston unveiled a newly-renovated building Thursday, Building 107, which was first completed in 1951 and was originally home to the Wing’s first…

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Fans react to familiar face Rich Rodriquez being named WVU’s head football coach

CHARLESTON, W.Va.——-WVU has a familiar face stepping in as its 36th head football coach. Rich Rodriquez was announced as the program’s head coach Thursday morning after news broke Wednesday evening that Rodriguez . Rodriquez previously served as the university’s 32nd head coach from 2001-2007, where he racked up four Big East Conference championships, a Sugar…

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Charleston Police Department encouraging more to come out to their annual Wonderland and Toy Drive

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Santa Clause will be arriving in the Capitol City later today to help bring in the crowd for the Charleston Police Department’s fifth annual Wonderland and Toy Drive. The two-day donation event started up Wednesday and will last through Thursday until 7 p.m. on the parking lot of the Beni Kedem Temple.…

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Charleston Mayor thrilled for opportunity to host high school football title games

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin says the WVSSAC High School Football Championship games have left the Capital City almost completely booked on both hotel accommodations and restaurant reservations. “That’s music to any mayor’s ears when you hear hotels are at capacity and it’s going to be really hard to get a supper…

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Boone County School’s former maintenance director indicted on 18 charges in alleged $3.4 million scheme

BOONE COUNTY, W.Va.—– The former maintenance director at Boone County Schools is in custody after a federal grand jury returned an 18-count indictment Tuesday that alleges the director defrauded the county’s Board of Education out of $3.4 million. Michael David Barker, 47, has been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 11…

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Arrest made and warrants issued in accidental shooting investigation

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va.——-An arrest has been made and warrants issued following an investigation into an accidental shooting that occurred last month. Kanawha County deputies responded to a shooting around 21 Diagnon Drive. With their investigation, they discovered that convicted felon, James Wesley Brogan, had unintentionally shot himself in the leg with a .38-caliber pistol. The…

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CAMC Vandalia Health adds two new mobile medical units to their fleet

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Those at Vandalia Health and Charleston Area Medical Center are continuing their initiative of meeting patients where they are. CAMC officials held a ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony Tuesday for two new additions to their mobile medicine fleet known Medicine in Motion– a 36-foot mobile mammography unit and a 48-foot mobile lung CT…

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Grady responds to educator’s asking for help with disruptive violent behavior in their classrooms

CHARLESTON, W.Va.——- State lawmakers will be reintroducing Senate Bill 614 into their regular session next year, that will allow elementary school educators to remove especially disruptive students from their classrooms. The bill was originally introduced last year in the regular session but didn’t get through the House before they ran out of time to review…

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West Virginia educators ask for lawmakers help with student behavioral issues in their classrooms

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—— School principals and teachers came together at the state capitol Monday afternoon during legislative interim committee meetings; to give chilling accounts of behavioral issues they have encountered in their classrooms and pleading for something to be done. This comes as state lawmakers are expected to start talking about a bill that would allow…

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Kanawha County man will finish GED in jail before being released on supervised probation

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—– A Kanawha County man will have to finish his GED in jail after originally being sentenced to six months to two years to a youth correctional facility before being released on supervised probation. In April, Zachary Atkinson was sentenced to Anthony Correction Facility, after he pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding in February for…

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Woman’s arraignment set for Monday afternoon, in connection with her baby’s death

WINFIELD, W.Va. — A Hurricane women’s arraignment is set for Monday afternoon, in connection to the death of her 16-day-old baby girl. Brooke Kessler (WVRJA) Brooke Kessler, 33, was arrested in June after a trooper was called because the baby girl was unresponsive and had injuries including a broken arm, six broken ribs, bruising around the…

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Indiana woman convicted of first-degree murder for involvement in 2023 Fayette County murder

FAYETTE COUNTY, W.Va. — An Indiana woman has been convicted of first-degree murder in relation to a Fayette County homicide. Amanda Don Soultz, 32, of Elkhart, Indiana, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder charges Friday in relation to the shooting death of Michelle Smith, 41. Soultz and co-defendant Andres Torres, Jr., came to Fayette County in…

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Women pleads not guilty to stealing an ambulance and leading police on pursuit

KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va.—– A woman who is accused of stealing a Kanawha County ambulance and leading police on a cross-county pursuit last November, pleaded not guilty Friday at her arraignment in Kanawha County Circuit Court. Amanda Holstein, 35, was indicted October 11, on grand larceny, fleeing with reckless indifference to the safety of other and…

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Dunbar Police Civil Service Commission releases reports, finds violations in officers involving deaths of two men

DUNBAR, W.Va. — The Dunbar Police Civil Service Commission released two different reports Thursday showing that two officers failed to follow regulations in two separate incidents that resulted in deaths. Lt. Adam Mason and Zachary Winters were the officers involved, and the reports stem from the deaths of citizens Michael Scott and Robert Hensley. The…

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WV kicks off Christmas season with “Joyful Night” at State Capitol

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –It’s officially Christmas season in West Virginia, as Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice watched as the state Christmas Tree was lit during Wednesday evening’s “Joyful Night “celebration. The event brought people from across the area out to the West Virginia Capitol Complex in Charleston to celebrate the season by listening…

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Equipment failure to blame for major power outage in Mason County

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — An equipment failure at an Appalachian Power Company substation in Point Pleasant has knocked service off to several thousand customers in Mason County. Appalachian Power spokesperson Karen Wissing said the equipment failure happened at shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday and initially cut power to 7,560 customers, which is about half of…

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Charleston holds final public meeting for large Capital Connector Project

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The City of Charleston, in partnership with GAI Consultants, held its third and final public meeting regarding the Capital Connector Project Tuesday evening. The Capital Connector is aimed at utilizing and enhancing Charleston’s riverfront area, while connecting the city’s West Side with its East End. The project starts at Magic Island on…

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Details from two police misconduct reports come from Dunbar civil service meeting

DUNBAR, W.Va. — Dunbar officials released more details regarding two investigative reports of misconduct by members of the Dunbar Police Department. The reports were released at a Dunbar civil service meeting Monday, those being from two different investigations that the Dunbar Police Civil Service Commission launched after two different citizens were killed. According to Commission…

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Goodwin says the draft panhandling bill is going through the correct process

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—- The City of Charleston is set to continue their discussion Monday night on the proposed draft bill that would prohibit interactions between motor vehicles and pedestrians. This ordinance emulates, the panhandling ordinance that was passed in Wheeling last month and the ordinance that was passed in Morgantown last year, in which they limit…

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Retail experts map out what consumers can expect for the holiday shopping season

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Consumers are currently starting to check off their Christmas lists as what’s predicted to be a record-breaking year for holiday shopping gets underway. The National Retail Federation is estimating that approximately 183.4 million shoppers will be hitting the in-person and online stores between the five-day period from Thanksgiving, Black Friday, and Cyber…

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Veltri Dinner volunteers celebrate their Thanksgiving family

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Charleston tradition is well underway. The 58th annual Frankie Veltri Thanksgiving Dinner will be held at St. George’s Greek Orthodox Church in downtown Charleston Thursday afternoon. Dozens of volunteers were busy Wednesday getting preparing the food and getting everything in place. Frank Veltri Those volunteers will deliver 1,500 to 1,700 meals…

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SC fire chief says it will be difficult to nail time specific cause of Gestamp fire

Story by Chris Lawrence  South Charleston Fire Department investigators said it may be hard to know what caused an electrical fire earlier this week in one of the area’s largest manufacturing facilities. The South Charleston and Dunbar Fire Departments responded to the Gestamp Plant on MacCorkle Avenue late Tuesday night when fire broke out in…

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Cathy Justice reveals 2024 Limited Edition Christmas Ornament

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—- First Lady Cathy Justice’s 2024 Limited Edition Christmas Ornament commemorate the eight years Jim Justice has been the state’s governor while also highlighting the amazing dome on the West Virginia State Capitol building. Cathy Justice, along with Governor Jim Justice and History Curator Randall Reid-Smith revealed the design during a celebration at the…

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Charleston native and former NFL wide receiver Ryan Switzer named interim head coach at Tulsa

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Charleston native and former standout wide receiver Ryan Switzer has been named the interim head coach for the University of Tulsa football program. Switzer will replace two-year Head Coach Kevin Wilson and lead the Golden Hurricane for their final game on Saturday against Florida Atlantic, who has gone through a mid-season coaching…

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Cabell County man arrested after leading police on high-speed chase; allegedly streaming the incident

MASON COUNTY, W.Va. — A Cabell County man has been arrested after he allegedly live streamed a police chase that spanned across two counties. Justin Bo Coyle, 39, of Barboursville, was arrested Friday in Mason County after leading police on a chase that began in Barboursville. Coyle allegedly crossed into Mason County traveling 120 mph…

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Two elementary schools in Nicholas County face consolidation

NICHOLAS COUNTY, W.Va.—— Last Week the Nicholas County Board of Education proposed to close and consolidate Zela and Birch River Elementary Schools. If the school board votes to consolidate students from both schools would start going to Summersville Elementary School beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. Board President Chip Perrine says that like other counties,…

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Judge grants bond modifications and competency evaluation in the case of Boone County teen starvation death

MADISON, W.Va. — A judge is modifying the terms of a grandmother’s bond agreement and ordering a competency evaluation for the mother who are both charged in the death of a 14-year-old Boone County girl after she was found emaciated in their Morrisvale home in April. Donna Stone, 76, of Morrisvale was indicted in September…

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PEIA Finance Board concludes spirited public meetings regarding increases in Charleston

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Roughly 100 people flocked to the state Culture Center Thursday evening to attend the PEIA Finance Board’s final public meeting regarding proposed increases. Nearly 30 educators, state workers and retirees under the agency addressed the board and posed their concerns and how the increases will affect their lives and careers moving forward.…

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Charleston woman pleads guilty to aiding and abetting the sale and offer of unregistered securities

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—- A Charleston woman pleaded guilty Thursday to aiding and abetting the sale and offer of unregistered securities. According to court documents and statements made in court, Deanna L. Drumm, 60, became vice president of operations for Bear Industries LLC, a West Virginia company solely owned and operated by her son Theodore Miller, in…

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St. Albans woman sentenced to five years federal probation for COVID-19 fund scheme

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—- A St. Albans woman was sentenced to five years of federal probation and ordered to pay a $25,830 receipt of stolen money. According to court documents, Jessica Nutter, 39, admitted to a scheme to defraud the Paycheck Protection Program of $20,830 in COVID-19 relief loans that were guaranteed by the Small Business Administration…

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West Virginia American Water and City of Nitro in agreement for sale of Nitro wastewater system

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia American Water Company will purchase the Nitro Regional Wastewater Utility for $20 million. West Virginia American signed an agreement with the City of Nitro Wednesday and the agreement has been sent to the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. Nitro City Council voted to sell the nearly 100-year-old utility to…

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Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese’s misappropriated funds as sheriff came from agreement with a sponsored calendar company

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. — A special prosecutor said the money in question in the case of Putnam County Commissioner Steve Deweese was tied to a sponsored calendar which the Sheriff’s Department agreed to be part of each year. Deweese was named in an information filed this week in Putnam County Circuit Court by Wayne County…

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Appalachian Power makes progress on outages

Update 3:30 a.m. Thursday   Appalachian Power Company reporting 2,792 customers without power. Mon Power reporting 3,392 customers without service CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Nearly 14,000 Appalachian Power customers are without power due to Wednesday afternoon’s heavy rain paired with strong wind gusts. West Virginia’s two biggest cities, Charleston and Huntington, are the most affected areas, as…

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Elementary school students see sneak peak of circus before it hits Charleston for two weeks

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Elementary school students in Charleston are getting a taste of “The Greatest Show on Earth” for the first time following a nearly decade-long hiatus of the circus in the Capitol City. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus came to Elk Center Elementary School Wednesday for a special interactive show. The students…

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Charleston City Council Ordinance and Rules Committee beginning discussion on panhandling ordinance

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The City of Charleston is beginning the discussion process for a potential ordinance to limit driver and pedestrian interactions. Discussion began on Monday night when the Charleston City Council Ordinance and Rules Committee brought up a draft bill. The bill mirrors the City of Wheeling’s recent ordinance, which prohibits the interaction between…

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Putnam County man sentenced to federal probation after fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 and unemployment benefits

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A Putnam County man has been sentenced for fraudulently obtaining COVID-19 relief funds and unemployment benefits. Gary Lomax, 62, of Hurricane, was sentenced to five years of federal probation Tuesday, as well as four months of home detention for the theft of public money, property or records. In March 2020, Lomax was…

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Putnam County Commissioner and former sheriff Steve Deweese resigns after investigation for misappropriated funds as sheriff

PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. — Putnam County Commissioner and former sheriff Steve Deweese has stepped down from his role after an investigation surrounding misappraised funds while he was the county’s sheriff. Deweese, who was elected to a six-year term in November 2022, has entered an information plea on a misdemeanor charge of fraudulent schemes, according to…

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WVSU hosts groundbreaking ceremony for $50 million agriculture lab

INSTITUTE, W.Va. — After being the only land-grant higher education institution in the entire country lacking an agriculture research laboratory, that is all changing now on the campus of West Virginia State University. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $50 million agriculture lab was held at WVSU Tuesday. WVSU President Ericke Cage was joined Tuesday…

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Law enforcement, mental health experts reflect on progress being made in fighting the state’s drug crisis

DUNBAR, W.Va. — Over the past few years, new developments into the nature of substance use and West Virginias’ ongoing opioid epidemic has prompted novel and proven effective ways on how we respond. More than ever before, it’s being recognized that response to the opioid crisis goes beyond just the need for law enforcement, but…

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RHL Boulevard connector from Jefferson Road now open in Charleston

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The RHL Boulevard connector from Jefferson Road has officially re-opened, marking progress in the ongoing Jefferson Road widening project. The 420- foot bridge and connector road now features traffic signals that allow left turns between Jefferson Road and RHL Boulevard, helping ease congestion just in time for the holiday season. This…

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