Local News

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Pittsburgh man accused of kidnapping a woman and bringing her to Monongalia County in January was arrested in West Virginia on Wednesday. Rashaad S. Hairston, 28, of Pittsburgh, was taken into custody for allegedly driving a female victim out of Pittsburgh toward Monongalia County while threatening her and brandishing a gun…

By Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN W.Va — Singh Sukhjinder, the suspect in an I-68 eastbound fatality on Jan. 19, was misidentified and arrested earlier this week by the Phoenix Police Department, per a Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department press release on Friday. A man falsely believed to be Sukhjinder was arrested during a traffic stop on March…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Multiple agencies, mostly led by the Fairmont Police Department of the Three Rivers Violent Crime Task Force, arrested 30 this week on 87 different counts of drug activity during operation “Spring Cleaning.” Eighty-one of the charges were related to the sale of the deadly drug fentanyl. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…

  WESTON, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, with the help of U.S. Marshals, has arrested a kidnapping suspect in Weston. Rashaad S. Hairston, 28, of Pittsburgh, is accused of kidnapping a female from Pittsburgh on January 23. An exhaustive investigation developed critical evidence pointing to Hairston as a prime suspect. Because of the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The eighth suspect involved in the February 9 attack at a downtown Morgantown pizza shop has been identified. Travis Crutcher, 19, of Pennsylvania, has been charged with misdemeanor battery for his alleged involvement in the assault that took place at the Casa Di Amici restaurant where the victim was forced into a…

MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. — Investigators have started work into finding the cause of a residential trailer fire in Monongalia County on Wednesday that killed several animals. Firefighters responded to the call at around 4 p.m. on March 5 with first reponders finding the trailer full engulfed in flames when they arrived. The elderly woman who lived…

GRAFTON, W.Va. — A Grafton man has been charged for allegedly attacking a woman with a knife over the weekend. Officers with the Grafton Police Department arrested Steven Barker, 29, of Grafton after they responded to a call on March 1 where an individual requested a domestic violence prevention order due to a fight. According…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials have announced the resumption of the Morgantown Police Department’s (MPD) Safe Streets Initiative as of March 1. The program was implemented in August of last year and extended through the holiday season to increase the visibility of police and safety of the public. “With St. Patrick’s Day and warmer weather coming…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 77, is one of several sponsors of legislation that would add more oversight to harm reduction programs across the state. House Bill 2378 in its current form would require harm reduction programs to have some form of regular local oversight. Chiarelli was also a sponsor of a…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has released details into their capital improvement plans and the budget of capital escrow expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. City Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented details of the City of Morgantown Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030 where he detailed approximately $60 million in projected capital…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Police officers in Fairmont have arrested 30 people as part of a joint operation today called “Spring Cleaning.” In a release from the City of Fairmont, officers with the Fairmont Police Department, in collaboration with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and five other law enforcement entities took part in 30 arrests in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is in custody after a Wednesday morning shooting in the Evansdale neighborhood left one person injured. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Herbert McDonald, 48, of Morgantown, shortly after the shooting tha occured at 725 Chestnut Ridge Road across the street from Ruby Memorial Hospital. Deputies responded to the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission have begun to take steps towards working with other counties to discuss future goals for the West Virginia First Foundation. Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced in the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday that representatives from three counties have reached out to see…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes has reported the truck driver involved in the fatal I-68 eastbound crash on I-68 has been arrested in Arizona. Singh Sukhjinder’s arrest in Phoenix, Arizona, was the result of coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies. He is currently in custody. The Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office…

WESTON, W.Va. — A 3-year-old child is in critical condition, and the parents are facing neglect charges after an incident with a gun in February. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police say on February 17th they responded to a report of a 3-year-old who had suffered a gunshot wound. The investigation showed the parents,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first reading of the City of Morgantown’s General Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 has been approved by Morgantown City Council. The general budget projected at approximately $45.31 million for the FY 25-26 was approved in a 5-0 vote during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday (Morgantown Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin and Councilor…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Michigan man has been found guilty of murdering two Harrison County residents in 2022. Allen Leon Schaffer, II, 43, was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Chasity Wilkinson Romeo, 33, and Corey Steven Snider, 43, after the jury deliberated for about four hours on Tuesday.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two more suspects involved in an attack at a Morgantown pizza shop have been identified. According to documents filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Cameron Diggs, 18, and Keith Cushenberry, 21, both of Pennsylvania, have been charged with malicious assault and conspiracy to commit malicious assault. They are charged for their alleged…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Grafton Road/U.S. 119 in Monongalia County experienced delays south of Morgantown following a reported mortocycle wreck Tuesday afternoon. Monongalia County Emergency Management Agency confirmed a post on their Facebook page that stated that Grafton Road was closed for close to a half hour in front of the West Virginia Division of Highways…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A fifth person has been arrested in connection to a Harrison County murder that happened in early 2024. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office announced that Taneil Thompson, who turned 18 on Tuesday, had his case moved from juvenile to adult status and has been charged with murder in connection to the kidnapping…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Any future law enforcement career for former Monongah Chief of Police Nathan Lanham will be determined by an administrative law judge. Lanham stopped Beth Delloma for an expired registration sticker on Aug. 7. The interaction, caught on video, spiraled out of control when Delloma asked for identification and Lanham refused. Lanham pointed…

WEST MILFORD, W.Va. –– Multiple departments responded to a structure fire in the West Milford area Monday afternoon. Firefighters from West Milford, Lost Creek, Mount Clare, Nutter Fort, Jane Lew and Anmoore responded to the home on Richman Lane at 2:45 p.m. None of the residents was home at the time of the fire. No…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Court documentation has revealed the charges against three of the men involved in an attack at a Morgantown pizza shop. According to documents filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Daniel Hudock, 20, Eric Adonis Hill, 21, and Darryl Ray, 18, all from Pennsylvania, have been charged with separate robbery and malicious assault…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Federal employees at Federal Correction Complex (FCC) Hazelton have appeared to have started leaving their posts with concerns that more will follow them. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 420 President Justin Tarovisky offered an update on the current status of morale for employees at the prison on WAJR’s Talk of…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — The City of Westover now has an official starting date for the long-awaited Holland Avenue sewer line replacement project. Thrasher Group Senior Project Manager Doug Smith reported to the Westover City Council during their regular meeting Monday that the approximately $2.96 million project will officially begin on March 24. This will start…

ROANOKE CO., Va. — A former Morgantown city councilman and upstart lawyer arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglaries in northern Virginia was granted a continuance in his arraignment. Ryan Wallace, of Roanoke County, Va., had his initial arraignment hearing on Monday, according to the Roanoke County General District Court online database for…

MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Kingwood man is in custody after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase through Preston and Monongalia counties in early February. Richard Brandau, 41, was arrested on Sunday for the incident on February 2nd where he allegedly left the Circle K in Masontown and was followed by a deputy who was…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An aide at the North View Elementary School in Clarksburg has been arrested after a juvenile was allegedly exposed to sexually explicit materials in her home in Clarksburg. Troopers began an investigation after a domestic incident was reported at the home of Teresa Stutler, 45, of Clarksburg, November 1 when a juvenile…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown firefighters extinguished a fire in the apartments above the Phoenix Bakery at the intersection of Brockway Avenue and Kingwood Streets Sunday. The fire was dispatched just after 6 p.m. and was reported to be under control around 6:30 p.m. No damage estimate is available and the cause is under investigation. The…

MONONGALIA, COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have concluded the investigation into a fatal crash January 19 on the I-68 eastbound bridge over Cheat Lake. January 19 deputies from the sheriff’s department responded to a report of a jack-knifed tractor-trailer driven by Sukhjinder Singh, of New York. Singh told deputies he…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Mine Rescue team continues to stand out on both a national and international level. WVU Director of Mining and Industrial Extension Josh Brady announced that the team has once again won the Intercollegiate Mine Emergency Rescue Development competition, making it the third straight time the team has won…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mylan Park will soon add hockey to the long list of sports offered to the community when construction of the new hockey facility is complete. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” executive director of the Mylan Park Foundation Ron Justice said the estimated cost is $15 million and the Hazel Ruby McQuain…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Sheriffs Office Tax Division is proud to acknowledge the the efforts of staff to collect more than $12 million in delinquent taxes from January of 2017 through December of 2024. Under the leadership of retired Chief Tax Deputy Jim Terango and former Sheriff Robert Matheny Sr., collections totaled $12,007,897.65…

BEDFORD CO., Va. — Former Morgantown city councilman and upstart lawyer was arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglaries in Virginia. Ryan Wallace, of Roanoke County, Va., was arrested at his home Thursday after police found items linked to several burglaries in his home as part of the investigation, according to a report…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will host Merit Badge University for members of Scouting of America from six states this weekend. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” the first female President of the Mountaineer Area Council Executive Council Amy Garbrick said the scouts will be trained by the staff and faculty from WVU which…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The trial for a Michigan accused of a double murder in Harrison County extend into next week. Allen Leon “Unc” Schaffer, II, 43, of Carson City, Michigan, is on trial formurders of Chasity Wilkinson Romeo, 33, and Corey Steven Snider, 43. In June of 2022, firefighters responded to a fire in a…

GYPSY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department made one arrest after a pursuit involving a side-by-side Thursday in the Gypsy area. Deputies said James Short, 35, was operating a side-by-side on the Gypsy Bridge with a headlight out and no registration when they attempted to make a traffic stop. When deputies activated…

TAYLOR COUNTY, W.Va. — An unknown number of students were evaluated at the Grafton City Hospital after an accident involving a school bus Friday morning. Unconfirmed reports indicate a passenger car hit the side of a bus carrying students to class causing minor damage. All of the students on the bus and the driver were…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have made multiple arrests in connection to a series of telecommunication cable thefts that have occurred over the past year. Garrett Weeder, 35, of Gans, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Howell, 38, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Saviour McDonald, 25, of Morgantown, each face multiple charges for allegedly…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – An employee has filed a lawsuit against the City of Morgantown that alleges that they failed to protect employees from persistent sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The complaint was filed by Sarahlin Duley, an engineering technician in the city’s Engineering and Public Works Department, which details allegations of unwanted physical…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown and Anthony Rowand, through legal counsel from Mountain State Justice, have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit involving the city’s now-repealed panhandling law. According to a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Wednesday, the proposed settlement would stipulate that the…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has notified members of government plans to cut special recruitment and retention pay. The move will affect 23,000 employees, and the union has asked the Trump administration to reconsider the decision. National AFGE president Brandy Moore White released a statement saying in part,” These…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University Board of Governors has announced plans to hire a consultant to conduct a presidential assessment for Dr. Michael Davis, who is under contract through June 30. Davis, the 27th president of the institution, began work as president in July of 2023 after serving as the chief of staff…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to move forward with an approximately $45.31 million city budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. City Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented the proposed budget in front of the Morgantown City Council during their monthly committee of the whole Tuesday night, where he reported that revenues and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — he Morgantown Utility Board announced that the quality of the water used by their customers has surpassed regulation standards. Chief Operator of the Morgantown Utility Board’s Robert B. Creel Water Treatment Plant, John Smerka, reported that the testing of the water supply that pumps nearly 3.7 billion gallons of water to MUB…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Funding allocations towards a Morgantown Utility Board infrastructure project will be allowed to be transferred over to another MUB-focused project. The Monongalia County Commission approved that approximately $300,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for sanitary sewer upgrades to the Morgantown Industrial Park can be transferred over to the…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – A deadly accident involving a dirt bike is under investigation in Harrison County. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office reported a two-vehicle accident involving a dirt bike took place on Langtown Road in the Bridgeport area on Wednesday which resulted in at least one fatality. The accident reportedly occurred at around 11:30 a.m.…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Three men, which included a key witness in an ongoing murder trial, have been charged after officers found a loaded firearm and fentanyl during a traffic stop in Clarksburg. The Clarksburg Police Department reported that officers observed a vehicle in the area of E Main Street “with a brake light that was…

MORGANTOWN, WVa. — The director and two members of the world-class WVU Esports team visited the students at South Middle School to talk about careers Wednesday. Director of WVU Esports Competitive Josh Steger and WVU Esports professionals Noah Johnson and Jarrett Birch talked to the 7th graders about video games, the WVU program, and career…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. –– The Fairmont State University Day of Giving is a 24-hour event to encourage alumni and the community to support the many programs at the institution. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President Mike Davis said this year he’ll be engaged for the entire 24 hours and will skip the three-hour nap he…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown doctor has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for filing false tax returns. Dr. David Anderson, 64, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income and falsely claimed a business loss of $143,599 over a four year period to the Internal Revenue Service. Anderson will also serve…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A capital improvement project to build a new athletic complex at University High School has reached a financial milestone. Co-Chairs of the Sports Complex at UHS Committee Heidi Metheny and her husband Greg announced to the Monongalia County Board of Education that over $2.6 million has been contributed by a combination of…

GRAFTON, W.Va. —  A Pennsylvania man will serve up to 20 years in prison for charges related to a shooting at the Grafton Walmart in 2023 and a pursuit that followed. William Jenkins, 24, of Friendsville, PA, was sentenced on Monday to 14-20 years in prison for firing multiple shots inside the Grafton Walmart on…

WASHINGTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a fatal tree cutting accident in Washington County. James Krapp, 71, was killed at the scene of the accident in a wooded area off Meadow Road in Hanover Township. Investigators believe the accident happened Monday sometime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Krapp was pronounced dead…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Maryland man has been charged with making terroristic threats after an incident in the Mon Health Medical Center emergency room Sunday. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said John Carbaugh, 71, of Frostburg, Md., was being discharged when he became agitated and threatened to kill workers and police. Carbaugh was…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University announced that current president of Coastal Carolina University, Michael “Mike” T. Benson, will be the 27th president of the university. WVU made the official announcement on Monday after the WVU Board of Governors approved moving forward with contract negotiations with Benson in a 15-2 vote. WVU Board of Governors…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —  A Mercer County-based nonprofit will host a donation drop-off in Morgantown to help those affected by severe flooding in the southern part of the Mountain State. Bluejay Rising will host ‘Hauling Hope’ on Tuesday, February 25, at the Morgantown Farmers Market Pavilion starting at 8 a.m., where trucks intended to travel to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The longtime winter tradition in the City of Morgantown has once again found multiple ways to contribute to the community. Organizers with the Morgantown Urban Archery Deer Hunt announced that 143 deer were harvested as part of the 2024 iteration of the hunt, which resulted in over 1,300 pounds of ground venison…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont resident has been charged after an investigation into animal cruelty. David Griffin, 57, was charged with five counts of animal cruelty after an investigation found four dogs and a deceased dog were left in a Gilboa Street home. The investigation began when deputies responded to a report of a dog…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Titan Roofing and WVRC Media will host a donation collection event at the Suncrest Towne Centre for flood victims in southern West Virginia. Trucks will be located across from the Five Guys and Jimmy John’s location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 21 to collect relief supplies. Staff will be…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  The Mountain Area Council of Scouting America has entered into a partnership with West Virginia University Rifle. Scout Executive for the Mountain Area Council, Scott Hanson The arrangement will be an exciting opportunity for the scouts, and WVU rifle members will have a place to practice closer than the Pennsylvania location that has…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) has reached out to state legislatures to discuss their priorities heading into 2025. Less than two months away from the 2024 general election and less than a month from the start of the special session in Charleston, representatives from the West Virginia House of Delegates,…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Chairman of the West Virginia Academy, Jon Treu, testified before the House Educational Choice Subcommittee Friday and talked about two concerns—money and oversight. Treu said they receive the opposite in both areas compared to traditional public schools across the state. Traditional public schools have access to funds from property taxes, funds through…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Traffic restrictions on North High Street are scheduled to begin Monday for sewer work. Monday, February 24 through Friday, February 28 crews from the Morgantown Utility Board plan to begin the process of re-lining sewer pipes between Fife and Prospect Streets between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Motorists should expect traffic disruptions…

Written by Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With temperatures consistently below freezing this winter, many members of the unhoused community are left without shelter for several hours of the day due to staffing issues at the city’s emergency shelters. Morgantown is home to several shelters for the homeless, including Hazel’s House of Hope. The facility…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After an executive session lasting nearly seven hours the West Virginia University Board of Governors has confidentially selected their top candidate. BOG Chairman Richard Pill said the members had robust discussions about a range of topics but did not take any action, but did decide on their top candidate in the search…

REYNOLDSVILLE, W.Va. — A man was rescued and taken to the hospital after trying to save a dog that fell into a frozen pond Wednesday morning in Harrison County. The Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department and EMS crews responded to a call on a remote spot by Water Slide Road just before 8:45 a.m. on Feb.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman is behind bars after police allege she was using methamphetamine and hallucinating while taking care of a toddler. Casey Wiles, 33, called 911 around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and reported that someone was trying to get into her home. When troopers from the West Virginia State Police arrived Wiles began…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An unidentified driver suffered unspecified injuries in a crash into the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place late Thursday morning. Around 11:25 a.m., the driver was northbound on Don Knotts Boulevard (heading into Morgantown) when officials believe he may have suffered a medical emergency. The vehicle went across the median and southbound lanes…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Titan Roofing and WVRC Media will host a donation collection event at the Suncrest Towne Centre for flood victims in southern West Virginia. Trucks will be located across from the Five Guys and Jimmy John’s location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 21, to collect relief supplies. Staff will be…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Virginia woman will serve 30 years in prison for a 2022 Morgantown murder. Tracey Hamby, 33, was convicted of second-degree murder in October of 2024 in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Matthew Vaughn at an apartment on Van Gilder Avenue in Morgantown. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Cindy Scott…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The popular talent show hosted by students at Morgantown High School is ready to take place on Saturday. The 17th Annual Mohigan Idol will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Morgantown, where 20 students from elementary school all the way up to high…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another step towards the completion of the Longview Power pipeline project has been given the green light by the Monongalia County Commission. The commission unanimously approved a Measuring and Regulation Station easement as part of the project at the behest of Hope Gas during their regular meeting Wednesday. Monongalia County Commissioner Sean…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University announced that four finalists will compete in a cheer-off to see who will become the 71st West Virginia University Mountaineer. Senior marketing major Justin Waybright, Senior marketing major Rachel Morgan, Junior accounting major Cade Kincaid and third-year medical student Thaiddeus “Ted” Dillie were selected as finalist by the Mountaineer…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Newburg woman on charges of gross child neglect. Rita Osorio, 45, of Newburg, is in custody after deputies responded to an emergency medical services call to a residence on Foggy Bottom Lane in Newburg. According to the criminal complaint, Osorio was allegedly identified by authorities…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former coach for West Virginia University’s football team who was arrested last year shortly after Halloween has had the charge against him dropped. Jordan Lesley, 44, was arrested on Nov. 9 on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge and was placed in the North Central Regional Jail with bail set at $5,000.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Firefighters in Morgantown responded to two calls for help Tuesday night during very cold conditions. The first call just after 9 p.m. to the 100 block of Hoffman Avenue ended up being a malfunctioning furnace. Just after 11 p.m. firefighters got the secnd call to the 1200 block of Richwood Avenue. Firefighters…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has a new candidate eligible to run for city council in the upcoming municipal election as the call for more police officers to join the force continues. Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced during Morgantown City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday that Jason Reed has been approved to be…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council has approved revisions to two separate city funds to account for health insurance benefits along with three projects and programs. The council unanimously approved adjustments to the City of Morgantown General Fund and the City Capital Escrow Fund that will be used to assist with insurance payments for…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been charged with animal cruelty after officers found a “severely emaciated” dog while responding to a dispute. Jerome Williams, 55, of Morgantown, was arrested after officers with the Morgantown Police Department were called to assist with a dispute at a residence on Maryland Street involving three people on…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has arrested nine people in connection with an assault that took place in downtown Morgantown in early February. According to criminal complaints found in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Eli Marva, 22 of Uniontown and Rylan Rock, 18 of Clarksburg have each been charged with felony malicious assault after…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. – A former Hopemont Hospital registered nurse who has been charged with malicious neglect of an incapacitated adult causing death will have her case heard in Preston County Circuit Court. Delilah Clyburn-Hill was determined by Preston County Magistrate Bo Ward to have probable cause to move the case over to circuit court as…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, has introduced two pieces of legislation that make major changes and settle a controversial issue. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chiarelli said House Bill 2382 would ban camping in municipal and public areas. Similar efforts have been attempted in other cities across the state, and in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area appears to have avoided serious flooding and ice-related damages after intense winter storms over the Presidents’ Day weekend. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith offered an update on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Monday, where he reported that no serious injuries were reported as first responders assisted just over…

MONONGAH, W.Va. — Two former officers of the Monongah Elementary School Parent Teacher organization have been charged with fraud in connection with spent funds from the organization. Former officers, President Kayla Davis and Treasurer Megan Colisino have been arrested by state police for several counts of fraud. Investigators sais the pair used funds from the…

MORGANTOWN, W,Va. — After eight years as auditor, J.B. McCuskey is prepared to transfer those skills to continue helping counties and municipalities across the state. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” McCuskey said he’s very much accustomed to working with local government units. His efforts to establish WVCheckbook.gov and work with the Public Integrity and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Small business confidence in West Virginia is reserved based on a report from the National Federation of Independent Business. Director of the West Virginia chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Gil White, reported on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Friday that the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, is the lead sponsor of House Bill 2382 that would ban camping in municipal areas. The bill by Chiarelli, Vice Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, makes camping on municipal property a misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area teens are prepared to compete in the 2025 Miss Morgantown Pageant for a chance to win scholarship prizes. The pageant is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, at the South Middle School Auditorium, where eleven contestants will compete for six titles as part of the Miss Morgantown and…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Board of Education has released details on their investigation into a recent cyber attack on their computer network. In a post on social media, officials said it is likely that the information of some current, and past employees was likely compromised. The BOE acknowledges the importance in determining the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– West Virginia University Police and the campus community searched for a missing Berkley County teen Friday. A Community Notice was issued after Jason Busse, 19, was reported missing after last being seen entering the Core Arboretum near the Coliseum around noon. Hours later officials reported the second-year criminology major had been found…

BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia farms and small businesses are ready to welcome guests inside their establishments to see how all things with maple sugar are created. The 10th Annual Mountain State Maple Days will take place on Saturday, February 15, where farms across the Mountain State will offer free tours and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee wants to increase public engagement with their state leaders as part of the 2025 legislative session. Committee Chair Dale Sparks announced that they will host weekly legislative update Zoom calls starting on Sunday, February 16, as part of an effort to reach out to voters as…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Students from Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) will showcase their work at Career Technical Education (CTE) Day on Friday, February 14, in Charleston. MTEC Principal Greg Dausch said the students will be joined by several other programs in the state to advocate for CTE. “We’re gonna be sending 50 students down…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –One of the few elected Democrats a part of the West Virginia House of Delegates is prepared to have a contentious legislative session at the state capitol. Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen discussed some of his early struggles to pass basic legislation on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Thursday, where he described…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the largest economic developments in Monongalia County is on track to be expanded. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved an application to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development that would expand the Harmony Grove TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District by 85 acres. This was approved at the request of…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man a part of a year long child sexual abuse investigation was arrested by authorities at the Meadowbrook Mall. Members of the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested Mark Wills, 60, in Bridgeport on Thursday Wills on charges of manufacturing and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials to…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A West Virginia resident has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in the northern part of the state. Joshua Noel, 42, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Noel was found guilty of his role…

TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — A 37 year old Terra Alta has been charged with felony hit-and-run after a January incident that injured a pedestrian. The investigation began January 17 on Gregg’s Memorial Drive when deputies responded and found the pedestrian suffering from extensive injuries. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kenneth McRobie, 37, of…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Kingwood resident has been charged after an investigation into child pornography by the Preston County Sheriff’s Department. On Wednesday, deputies arrested Oscaldo Ramirez, 63, after detectives determined he had downloaded numerous images of child pornography. Ramirez has been charged with distribution and exhibition of child pornography and is being held on…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Voters in the Morgantown municipal election will have more ballot issues than candidates to decide in April. Wards 2, 4, and 6 are on the ballot, but the only contested race is in the Sixth Ward between Mark Downs and Stephanie Hunt. Voters will decide the fate of Morgantown’s camping ban legislation…

HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was hospitalized with injuries suffered in a Wednesday night house fire in Harrison County. Firefighters were called to the fire on Maken Road off U.S. 50 at 8:20 p.m. and found a working fire. One person was transported by ground ambulance from the scene with unspecified injuries. Firefighters from…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials from the Privacy and Security Center at Mon Health are cautioning residents about scammers trying to get personal information from current and former patients. Members of the community have received calls from scammers using a number spoofing technique to make it appear as if they are an official from Mon Health.…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –– New state senator Chris Rose, R, Monongalia, 2, and chairman of the Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, has yet to chair a meeting but already has ideas to promote West Virginia energy options on a world stage. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Rose said regulations should be examined and policies should promote our…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A malfunction in a piece of machinery in a maintenance building on the Pratt & Whitney Engine Services campus in Bridgeport early Wednesday was quickly extinguished by multiple fire departments. Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart said they received the dispatch at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday. “We conducted a quick attack on the fire…

AUDRA, W.Va. — Police in Buckhannon have arrested a 44 year old Audra man after he allegedly strangled a child. Woodie Cole, II, 44, is accused of kicking down a door Monday, smacking the child in the face and slamming him against a wall. Cole then took the child to the ground and started strangling…

RIVESVILLE, W.Va. — State police have charged a Rivesville man with child neglect causing injury after he fled the scene of a crash and did not seek treatment for injuries suffered in a traffic crash. Troopers were called to the accident scene on Fairmont Road on January 15 and learned Samuel Borelli, 32, fled the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The final candidate list of who is running for Morgantown City Council in the upcoming municipal election has been officially released. The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office announced that four of the six individuals who submitted candidacy packets to run for council have been verified by City Clerk Christine Wade and will be…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is ready to start the next phases of two multi-million dollar infrastructure projects after a brief delay to start in 2025. After nearly two weeks of delays caused by winter weather and sub-zero temperatures, MUB General Manager Mike McNulty announced that piping for the approximately $14 million…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The city of Fairmont is in the process of transferring ownership of up to 50 lots in the city as a result of recent blight removal efforts. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” City Manager Travis Blosser said the program was boosted by $468,000 received through the state Department of Environmental Protection…

PHILIPPI, W.Va. — The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department announced that one of their deputies has passed away. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, Deputy Todd Deffet was reported to have died with no details released on the circumstances of his death. In the post left by the department, Deffet leaves behind a…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police arrested four suspects in an ongoing drug investigation after a search of a Pleasant Valley home. Troopers arrested Chad McGee, 52, Nicole Fike, 36, Denzil Masters, 50, and Larry Cleliand for their continuing felonious drug activities from the home. Troopers said methamphetamine, fentanyl, illegal and stolen firearms were…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Faculty Senate continues to express concerns over the changes to federal funding that could affect the long-term future of sponsored research. Less than two days after an executive order was issued by President Donald J. Trump that would cap the indirect costs for grants issued by the National…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Seasonal flu activity is on the rise, and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show type “A” and “B” influenza strains are the most reported by health professionals. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Dr. Matthew Lokant from WVU Medicine said numbers are on the rise in the Mountain State,…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation are looking for tips to find the person responsible for a power plant break in in December of 2023. Agents said a white male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, 5-feet 9-inches or 5-feet 10-inches tall, about 170 pounds is seen on surveillance video…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A homeless man engaged in a lawsuit against the city of Morgantown claiming his First Amendment rights have been violated is caught police body cam video saying his attorney told him he needs more citations. The exchange happened in October of 2024 in the middle of Route 119 at the intersection of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County and across the state line in Greene County, Pennsylvania, are building a relationship that could erase that border and increase economic development opportunities. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chairman of the Greene County Commission, Jared Edgreen, said meetings between the two elected bodies are ongoing in an…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Motorists were greeted Friday with a surprise closure of I-68 westbound for most of the day. The closure was first reported around 6 a.m. and extended until approximately 2 p.m. The closure resulted in some traffic taking to the I-68 median to reverse course or diverting to northbound I-79. Traffic diverted to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A second suspect has been charged in the November 2023 killing Richard Hall in Morgantown. Damir Swann, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, has also been charged with conspiracy and first degree murder in the case. Melvin Garth, 28, also of Detroit, was arrested earlier this week and also charged with conspiracy and first…

COOPERS ROCK, W.Va. — Snow or no snow, the Coopers Rock Winter Fest is planned for Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Coopers Rock Foundation Board member for more than 30 years Adam Polinski said the activities are free, proceeds from concession sales, and donations will…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Texas man convicted of leading a Morgantown-based drug operation has been sentenced to more than 15 in federal prison. Anthony Allen, 38, had drugs shipped to the Morgantown area from California and Texas. Investigators said Allen maintained dealer-level quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. Allen maintained a storage unit in…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — West State Police have arrested a 63 year old man in connection with an attempted kidnapping at a Clarksburg bus stop last fall. Troopers said Kenneth Arnett grabed the girl’s wrist in October of 2024 at 6:30 a.m. and tried to pull into bushes as she walked to her East View bus…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department recovered a stolen car and arrested a suspect in an attempted murder investigation in Maryland Wednesday. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Cuzzart area and had been spotted just across the state line in Maryland in Cranesville. When deputies spotted the car, the…

CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department report they are examining the role a semi-truck may have played in a fatal accident on I-68 eastbound on the Cheat Lake Bridge January 19. The driver of the passenger car, Kevin Lataille of Smithfield, Pennsylvania, 59, was killed in the accident. Sheriff Todd…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area avoided most of the severe weather conditions overnight Wednesday but set a rainfall record. The Morgantown area received 1.59 inches of rain Wednesday, topping the record of 1.41 inches recorded on the same day in 1955. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordeen said areas to the east received significant amounts…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Marion County School System will increase school safety measures with several new technology updates. One update includes adding facial recognition technology entrances to nearly half of the schools in the county, according to Superintendent Donna Heston. [We received] a grant from the school building authority for 2.7 million dollars to undertake…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Two Maryland men are behind bars following a pursuit that originated in Ohio and ended in Monongalia County. Troopers with the West Virginia State Police identified a car associated with a felony theft report in Logan, Ohio and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on I-79 northbound near the Goshen Road.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office has officially presented an updated list of candidates running for city council in the upcoming municipal election. Less than a week before the deadline to file as a candidate for council for the April 29 election, Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced that five candidates from the…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The suspect in a November 2024 bar shooting in Fairmont has been indicted on multiple counts connected with the incident. Anya Taylor, 32, allegedly shot a male victim twoce at TG’s Bar and Lounge during an altercation. The victim, identified as Joseph Douglas was later flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown firefighters responded to a two-story blaze in a single family home Wednesday morning. Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Montrose Avenue with flames showing through the roof at 7:05 a.m. and arrived in four minutes, 30-seconds. The fire was under control in less than 13 minutes. All occupoants in the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– A Detroit man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the 500 block of Brockway Avenue in November of 2023. Melvin Garth, 28 has been charged with first degree murder and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail. According to police, Richard Demoan Hall, 39, was found…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A fire on a railroad trestle in Clarksburg is under investigation. Units from Clarksburg police and fire were called to the bridge near Peck Street over Elk Creek at 3:30 a.m. and quickly put the fire out. Officials believe the fire may have been started by a person staying under the bridge.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the longest-tenured members on Morgantown City Council will not seek another term in office. Less than a week before the deadline to file as a candidate for council in the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election, Second Ward Councilor Bill Kawecki announced at the end of the council’s regular meeting Tuesday that…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A lease that would move forward on the development of the largest hangar at the Morgantown Municipal Airport has been given the initial green light by the city officials. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an agreement between the airport and Shaft Drillers International, where the contracting company…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department made four arrests in an ongoing fentanyl investigation Monday. Deputies said they found evidence of drug use, paraphernalia, packaging materials, and 13 grams of a white powdery substance suspected to be fentanyl prepared for sale. Deputies arrested Mirranda Godrey, 44, Samantha Sease, 32, Jeremy Markley,…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown man accused of attempting to buy a child in Mexico will serve 10 years in federal prison for failing to update his sex offender registry before traveling internationally. Scott David Bixler, 43, was arrested in Mexico, where investigators believed he attempted to purchase a 7-year-old girl. Court documents said Bixler…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 15-year-old reported missing from Kanawha County could be headed to the Morgantown area, according the St. Albans Police Department. Isaiah Kurtis Hawes, 15, was reported missing Jan. 29 and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, dark gray sweatpants and brown/tan Air Jordan shoes. The juvenile’s mother told police he…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has released the identity of remains found in the Owings area on January 29. The joint operation between the FBI and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department recovered remains now identified as Christa Merrill of Fairmont. Merrill had been reported missing in August of 2024. Additional testing is required…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Tracy L. Rose has been found after not being heard from for more than a week. Officials with the sheriff’s office announced in a Facebook post Monday night that Rose was found alive after she made contact with the office at around 4 p.m. that…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — The City of Westover is still on track to start on two large-scale infrastructure projects following the West Virginia Department of Highways maintenance work on Holland Avenue to start the month of February. As DOH crews continue work on addressing potholes just north of the Westover Bridge near downtown Morgantown, Westover Director…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Warm Up Wednesday (Feb. 5) will be held in downtown Morgantown to help raise money for the Monongalia County Warming Shelter operated by Catholic Charities West Virginia. The night of music, comedy, food, and drinks runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Co-Op at 131 Pleasant Street. On WAJR’s “Talk…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman has been charged after witnesses told police she strangled a 15-year-old and hit a 12-year-old in the lower back, causing visible injuries. Thursday, Morgantown police responded to a domestic incident on Glenn Street and made contact with Shanna Rice, 37, and a 15-year-old. Witnesses told police Rice was arguing…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — TheMonongalia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a 57-year old female who has last had contact with her familys about a week ago. Tracy L. Rose is dewscribed as a white female, 5-feet 5-inches tall, 136 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. According to family members, they last spoke to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Student Government Association (SGA) has called for more collaboration with the City of Morgantown to address sidewalk safety around campus. WVU SGA Local Governance Liaison Mimi Ferguson and SGA Senator Kate Magrogan presented details to city officials on their most recent biannual Safety and Accessibility walk that took…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The board that allocates opioid settlement funds to areas of the Mountain State affected by the crisis has plans to improve the application process for local organizations. West Virginia First Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board and Board Chairman Matt Harvey discussed some of the changes that are set to be implemented by…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The 2025 legislative session will start February 12 and run through April 12 in Charleston. Monongalia County Delegate Joe Statler, R, 77, wants to increase school safety, give more discipline tools to teachers, and find new funding sources for fire and EMS units in the state. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways plans a pothole blitz on Holland Avenue next week that is expected to disrupt traffic. From Monday Feb 1 through Friday, February 7, 2025 crews will work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to repair potholes that have resulted from severe winter weather. Next month, construction on…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Officials from Hope Gas report activities associated with the Sunday explosion in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood have been completed. Crews are replacing a section of pipeline on South Chestnut Street that was not associated with the Sunday events. According to an update from the company, Hope Gas crews have been working around…

KINGMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police and the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fire in a vacant Fairmont building. Firefighters from the Valley Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched 9:05 p.m. Thursday to a fire of unknown origin at a location in Pleasant Valley that was unclear. Firefighters then located an abandoned house on…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Greer Industries has announced plans to open the Greer Asphalt plant on Feb. 4, 2025, to support ongoing road repair efforts. The opening will help the state Division of Highways address damage caused by harsh winter conditions. “We recognize the immediate need for quality asphalt to repair and improve our roads following…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will consider an amendment to the city’s charter that would replace masculine pronouns with non-gendered language. For example, current language in Section 3.04, Powers and duties of the city manager uses the pronoun “he,” saying, “He” shall appoint, and when “he” deems it necessary for the good of the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mylan Park is ready to host their first indoor activity event as part of their annual “Keep Your Kids Movin’” event series. The Mylan Park Indoor Field Day will take place on Monday, January 20, at the Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center starting at 11 a.m., where a variety of activities…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The southbound side of I-79 in Marion County reopened around 5:45 p.m. after at least four accidents Friday afternoon. Accident reports began coming in around 4:30 Friday afternoon and by 5 p.m. the southbound side was closed. No information has been released about the accidents as of 6 p.m. Friday.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The front entrance to the Mountainlair has been closed due to falling ice, according to a social media post from WVU Safety & Wellness. Officials are asking students to use the side door beside the Mountaineer statue, or the ADA entrance by the Student Engagement and Leadership offices. No other information is…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. — One person was transported after being hit by a vehicle in the Fairmont Walmart parking lot Friday morning. The incident was reported at 12:12 p.m. and the unidentified patient was transported with unspecified injuries. The White Hall Police Department, deputies from the Marion County Sheriffs Department responded and membersof the Valley…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The beleaguered crews clearing roads for the state Department of Highways (DOH) are preparing for yet another winter weather event. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Engineer for Special Projects Jacob Bumgarner said the workers have been working 24-hour shifts at least for the last four weeks. So far, the feedback…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Beginning this fall, West Virginia University is launching WVU Guarantee, a new last-dollar-in program that will provide funding to cover the costs of tuition and university fees for incoming and current in-state students. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management Steve Hahn said this is a very…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Thursday afternoon multiple vehicle crash on Cheat Road caused an extensive backup onto the Mileground Thursday. The four-vehicle crash was reported around 2:40 p.m. and there is no information about injuries. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department and firefighters from Brookhaven, Cheat Lake, and Morgantown responded.

WESTON, W.Va. –– The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a missing 31-year old male who has not been in contact with his family for an extended period of time. Jeremy McCartney is described as a 31 year old white mal, 5-feet 9-inches tall, 165 pounds, Brown hair and eyes with neck tattoos. Information…

MORGANTOWN,W.Va. — The latest winter weather system is expected to bring accumulating snow to the region Thursday into Thursday night, followed by another blast of very cold air. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jason Caterina said he expects snowfall to begin around mid-morning Thursday and continue into the evening. He said the existing ground conditions will likely…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Progress continues to be made on the installation of new traffic lights at the University Town Center in the Town of Granville. Granville Mayor Patty Lewis offered updates during the Monongalia County Commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, where she reported that light pole infrastructure has been built for one of the two University…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission appears to have a positive reaction to the new person appointed as the State Secretary of Transportation. Newly sworn-in Governor Patrick Morrisey submitted a letter received by the commission where he announced the appointment of Department of Highways Chief Engineer Stephen “Todd” Rumbaugh as the new State Transportation…

GRAFTON, W.Va. — In Taylor County, the director of the Office of Emergency Management has been arrested after admitting to using marijuana before driving to a Emergency Medical Services Board meeting last week. Officers from the Grafton Police Department responded Jan. 9 on a report of a DUI at the Taylor County Court House. There,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Schools has exhausted the balance of their Snow Days for the 2024-25 school year and continue to watch winter weather forecasts that provide no relief. Superintendent Eddie Campbell said transporting about 12,000 students to and from school buildings throughout the county requires a different set of considerations than parents experienced…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Contractors working with the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) projects appear to have been affected by the recent winter weather. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty offered updates on the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) project and the Westridge/Chaplin Hill Water and Sewer infrastructure project to the MUB Board of Directors during…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The addition of extra security at Monongalia County Schools has just been given another green light. The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the hiring of five school safety officers (SSOs) less than a month after the Monongalia County Commission approved employment conditions to allow for the new positions in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMC) has announced a groundbreaking project to transform the region into a premier destination for gravel cycling and outdoor adventure- Mountaineer Gravel. The project is the largest taken on by VMC in the last eight years and Mountaineer Gravel is expected to be a key…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Three new West Virginia-made electric school buses and the charging infrastructure will be unveiled in Morgantown Wednesday. Monongalia County Schools will add three Green Power Motor “BEAST” buses to their fleet. Green Power Motor plans to have their buses in almost every county of the state following a purchase approved by the…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed in an accident on Blue Horizon Drive in Monongalia County Tuesday morning. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said at 5:25 a.m. an SUV traveling northbound crossed the centerline and struck a semi-truck head on. The driver of the SUV was declared deceased at the scene.…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Bridgeport pursuit reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour ended with a car through a Clarksburg home and one person behind bars. Bridgeport police observed Daylin Antonio Smith driving 93 in a 70 mile per hour zone on southbound I-79 on Jan. 5 around 2:28 a.m. When police attempted to stop…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to his role in selling fentanyl laced pills in the area. Emmanuel D. Gibson, 34, fled from Westover police when they tried to make a traffic stop. Police recovered fentanyl laced pills, other controlled substances, and two firearms after…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It is municipal election season in the city of Morgantown. Election day in Morgantown is Tuesday, April 29 and the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The application deadline for an absentee ballot is April 23, 2025 and the last day to register to vote is April 7,2025.…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two local lawmakers from opposing parties are attending the inauguration of Patrick Morrisey today. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Democrat State Senator Joey Garcia, Marion, 13, said it is important to show his support regardless of party affiliation. “As a person duly elected by the citizens of Marion and Monongalia Counties,…

BARBOUR COUNTY, W.Va. — An early morning fire at a Barbour County coal has been been extinguished and no injuries have been reported. The fire was reported at 1 a.m. at the Leer South Mine just outside Philippi. Unconfirmed reports indicate the fire was minor and the cause is under investigation. Operations at the mine…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Catholic Charities Grace Warming Shelter has had about 25 residents in recent days as the bitter cold temperatures briefly move out of the area. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director Dr. Jessica Thompson said they have yet to hit capacity since the shelter was expanded to 30 with approval from…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department led a water rescue Friday afternoon at the Cooper’s Rock Trout Pond. Firefighters responded at 12:28 p.m. and quickly recovered the patient from the icy water and put him in the care Monongalia EMS who also responded to the scene. The Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown will receive federal funding to support the Multimodal Morgantown Project planned for the Dorsey Avenue area. The Office of Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Morgantown city officials each made announcements that the city has been awarded $8 million to the city as part of the United States Department…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County elected leadership, approved the hiring of five school safety officers, and answered questions about residency questions at the Catholic Charities Grace warming shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope. Commissioners unanimously elected Jeff Arnett as president and Tom Bloom as president pro tem for 2025. Commissioners also approved five…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the State Senate are selecting leadership as part of Organization Day in preparation for the 2025 legislative session. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, said members of the senate are selecting leadership and officers to include a new Senate President, Randy Smith, R, Tucker, 14.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Sixth Ward representative on the Morgantown City Council will not seek another term in office. Councilor Dave Harshbarger announced that he will not seek a third term ahead of the start of campaigning for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election. Harshbarger, who is the third longest-tenured member on the council, made the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The current pension plans for the City of Morgantown firefighters and police officers are now closed for future hires, as allocations will be made to account for the insurance funds of city employees. The Morgantown City Council voted 6-0 (Councilor Louise ‘Wheez’ Michael was not in attendance) to formally close the city-supported…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is reminding residents about the dangers of freezing pipes in cold weather and some simple steps to avoid it happening in your home. Some steps to take before the cold arrives are to wrap pipes with insulated covers, foam rubber, or heat tape. Heat tape can be…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL) received $360,000 during the first round of grant awards from the West Virginia First Foundation to expand the transitional housing program. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director Jonathan Dower said there are many people in regional jails and state prisons that need a place to…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an apparent fatal crash near River Road and Lower Hilderdbrand Road. Deputies responded Monday after witnesses observed a 2003 Ford pickup truck on fire in the ditch. Deputies arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The River Road Volunteer Fire Department extinguished…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A winter storm warning continues for the Morgantown area through 7 p.m. Monday. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordeen provided overnight accumulation totals for Morgantown’s surrounding areas and said another three inches could fall during the day Monday. “We’re sitting around 2 to 4 inches in Morgantown…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former member of Morgantown City Council continues to make steps towards recovering from a near-fatal bicycle accident. Monongalia County Republican Committee member and former city councilman Wes Nugent has returned home after an over six-month hospital stay in a Georgia-based hospital and is officially on the long road towards recovering from…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Morgantown area is bracing for a major winter storm that will usher in bitter cold temperatures for the next week. According to MetroNews AccuWeather, a winter storm watch goes into effect Sunday at 1 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. Monday. A low-pressure system moving out of the Rocky Mountains will…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The rescheduled mercy phase portion of the murder trial for a Fairmont man convicted in the murder of a WVU student will begin next week. Shaudarius Reeder and accomplice Terrell Linear were convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting of Eric Smith at the College Park Apartments in February of 2020. The…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Catholic Charities West Virginia Warming Shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope is ready for the frigid temperatures and winter weather in the region. Shelter Director Jessica Thompson said the facility on Scott Avenue first opened on December 11 and will operate through March 15. Those in the shelter have access to…

MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — I-79 has reopened in Marion County after crews removed a powerline that had fallen across the roadway. The closure lasted for about 30 minutes at mile marker 130 until crews from Mon Power were able to repair the line. The Valley Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — City Councilors will consider a transfer of funds from the Financial Stabilization Fund to the Life and Health Fund in order to maintain healthcare benefits for city staff. The city uses a self-funded insurance plan for benefit eligible employees. The plan allows the city to tailor benefits to meet the specific needs…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two winter weather makers are inbound to the northern West Virginia area. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Morgantown area from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Kerry Schwindenhammer said the first system will arrive in the Morgantown area with snow showers around 3 to…

FAIRMONT, WV — Gov. Jim Justice delivered a $2 million investment to expand the Fairmont State University Aviation Center of Excellence Thursday. The money will be used to purchase two new planes, a used Cessna, a new engine, engine rebuilds, and allow an increase in enrollment capacity to 100 students. The investment will enable students…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The man accused in a Morgantown law office standoff has been charged with misdemeanor brandishing. On December 16, Jeremy Harp, 32, went to the Cranston Edwards Law Office to provide a statement regarding the recent conviction of his brother Christopher Harp, 39, for possessing and receiving child pornography. Cranston & Edward attorneys…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — More than 100 people attended a memorial ceremony for Preston County athlete Lane Sines. The nine-year-old died unexpectedly Monday, according to the state police. Sines was active in wrestling and football and was coached by Devin Taylor for the last five years in the Preston County Youth Football Program. “I was a…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The new year will likely see increased activity at the social service hub on Scott Avenue in Morgantown. Catholic Charities West Virginia continues to establish their triage and warming shelter operations; Milan Puskar Health Right is expected to relocate their downtown Morgantown operation to the area, and the remaining partners continue to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — End-of-year storms damaged structures, toppled trees and powerlines, and left thousands without power in Monongalia and Marion Counties on Tuesday. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Bill Deger said the storm passed between Lumberport and Mannington at about 1:45 p.m. with high winds and isolated reports of pea-sized hail. “Producing wind gusts anywhere between 40…

MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — A New Year’s Eve storm knock about 8,000 Mon Power customer in the dark in Monongalia and Marion Counties. The latest information on the status of power outages is here. The storm passed between Lumberport and Mannington at about 1:45 p.m. with heavy rain, wind gusts of 50-miles per hour and…

ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials in Elkins are working with owner of a troubled property to close it down. The Four Seasons Motel on Harrison Avenue has been cited several times for code violations, and the residents have been accused of nuisance behavior and criminal activity. Last year, members of Elkins City Council authorized Mayor Jerry…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice will deliver a $2 million check to Fairmont State University this week to fund an expansion of the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration program. The grant is coming from the Economic Development Authority and will help enhance the first FAA-approved (14 CFR Part 141) flight program in the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department will be on patrol through the New Year’s holiday looking for the possibility of impaired or aggressive drivers to prevent traffic crashes, according to Chief Eric Powell. “They’re definitely mindful of that and paying particular attention to that and paying close attention when they are out doing their…

WASHINGTON D.C. — Second District Congressman-elect Riley Moore has been appointed to the House Appropriations Committee. On MetroNewsTalkline,” Moore said he’s looking forward to getting funding for important projects in West Virginia while trying to cut government spending. His aunt, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and did so for many…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have approved nearly $1 million in additional broadband expansion and a grant for a new road in Mylan Park to access the new KOA Campground. The most recent broadband expansion effort will be done with Frontier, according to commission president Sean Sikora. A total of 11 miles of…

ELKINS, W.Va. — Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department are looking for tips from the public to find those responsible for a single vehicle crash Friday on Georgetown Road. Deputies and emergency crews arrived to the accident scene early Friday and found the drive and passenger fled the scene. Any information about the crash…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commissioners believe 2024 was a year of relationship building, problem solving, and accomplishment. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” all three commissioners, President Sean Sikora, Commissioners Tom Bloom, and Jeff Arnett, said their staff has carried the load of their vision during the year and have performed admirably. The Commission…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are pleased with recent infrastructure accomplishments and spending strategy for money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Commission President Sean Sikora and commissioners Tom Bloom and Jeff Arnett reviewed projects and spending highlights for the year. Sikora said fellow commissioner…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The next phase of holiday weather is being influenced by a series of low-pressure systems that will produce rain and the possibility of wind gusts and thunderstorms. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Mike Kennedy said Saturday will be mostly dry, and the unsettled weather begins to arrive in the overnight. “When the front comes…

WESTON, W.Va. — Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa has released a statement regarding the recent child abuse investigation that resulted in two arrests. Gosa said his office and the West Virginia State Police office of Crimes Against Children have working the case since they were first notified on December 7, 2024. Gosa released the statement…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Broadband expansion in Monongalia County is advancing on multiple fronts, leveraging federal coronavirus assistance money to get the most value for the county taxpayer. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President of the Monongalia County Commission Sean Sikora provided a basic overview. “We have five projects that are now in execution…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The City of Morgantown and the Engineering & Public Works Department will operate the annual Christmas tree pickup and drop-off program from December 30, 2024 through January 10, 2025. The trees must be free of all decorations and lights to be eligible for drop-off or pickup. Pickups will be scheduled by ward…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The weather of 2024 will be remembered for high temperatures, drought, and a record number of twisters on the ground. The current weather system bring warmer air and the chance of precipitation to the area is courtesy of trough of air from the south. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Brian Thompson said in the…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged on suspect in a Christmas Eve knife attack. Deputies found a knife outside the residence Christmas Eve and found Robert Snell, 41, of Clarksburg, in the kitchen area with blood on his pants. Deputies said the victim, Jason Bell was located…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Agreements have been finalized to move forward with broadband expansion projects in Monongalia County. The Monongalia County Commission approved two separate contracts between the county and Comcast to support broadband infrastructure improvements in three parts of the county. The work will be completed at a combined cost of approximately $1.6 million with…

  MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University celebrated the accomplishments of Mountaineer students with their winter commencement. Ceremonies were hosted at the Coliseum on Saturday, where two separate commencements were hosted for WVU’s twelve colleges, with just over 1,200 graduates participating. Mountaineers and their families celebrated the occasion with WVU President E. Gordon Gee was…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The American Red Cross wants to encourage residents to take part in an opportunity to save someone’s life. Blood drives will be hosted on Monday and on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, in the Morgantown area that will be hosted by the Allegheny Highland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Executive Director Jason Keeling…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area Salvation Army is out around town to encourage donations supporting the community. Volunteers will be placed at the front of area grocery stores and big box stores around the Morgantown area from Monday through Christmas Eve as they try to garner donations as part of the well-known Red Kettle…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain Line Transit Authority announced that their service will have adjusted hours during the holiday season. According to a press release, Mountain Line buses will shut down service on Tuesday, December 24 after 6:00 p.m. with the final runs leaving Pifer Terminal at 5:00 p.m. There will be no bus service…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Salvation Army has kicked their holiday activities into overdrive. Over 100 volunteers from across North Central West Virginia have joined to help collect donations and give out some holiday cheer as part of their annual Angel Tree campaign. Captain Dennis Smith of the Morgantown area chapter of the Salvation Army…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will hold commencement this weekend (Dec. 21) in the Coliseum. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director of University Events Kelly Flanagan said the in-person crowds have grown post-pandemic to the point the ceremonies need to be spaced out to accommodate traffic. The PRT will be closed. “Last year…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — The Westover VFW Post 9916 will receive some help from the state to address repairs to their aging building. Monongalia County State Senator Mike Oliverio announced that the West Virginia Local Economic Development Assistance Grant Fund awarded $6,000 to help renovate parts of the VFW’s Holland Avenue headquarters in Westover. Oliveiro formally…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monday standoff at the Cranston & Edwards Law office standoff will get additional scrutiny, according to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Bill Ihlenfeld. On Monday, Jeremy Harp went to the law office to make a statement regarding a recent case handled by the firm in which his…

REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — Officials from West Virginia University report the fire at the WVU J.W. Ruby Research Farm near Reedsville in Preston County originated in a piece of equipment that was parked in one of the exterior stalls of the horse barn. The fire spread to the barn and caused an estimated $1,000,000 in damage.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School standout punter Jimmy Gregg has used his trade to raise a record amount of money for Kohl’s Champions benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). “We have been so honored to have Jimmy be a part of the Kohl’s Champions program this year,” said Daniel Silvernail, Community Engagement Coordinator for…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown appears ready to have future city firefighters and police officers placed into the state municipal pension plan. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the first reading of ordinances that would move newly hired first responders to the Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System during their regular meeting…

GRANVILLE, W.VA. –– After a delay of more than 18 months, work on two stoplights in the University Town Centre area has begun. The poles were the latest item to bedevil the project. Mayor Patty Lewis said the poles arrived ahead of schedule, and Lost Creek-based Specialty Group Inc. (SGI) has started work on top…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The State School Building Authority has awarded Monongalia County Schools nearly $17 million for a new Suncrest Middle School. Monongalia County Schools received $16,982,966 to construct the proposed new Suncrest Middle School. The project will receive $11,400,437 in this cycle and another $5,582,529 in Fiscal Year 2026. “We applied for $17 million…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Elkins resident has entered a guilty plea to methamphetamine possession and and distribution in federal court. William Durnal, 60, was operating as part of a distribution network that supplied large amounts methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Morgantown area. Officers also found hundres of grams of methamphetamine in separate investigation in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — No injuries were reported in a more than five hour standoff at the Cranston & Edwards Law office in Morgantown Monday. Jeremy Harp came to the office Monday to provide a statement regarding his brother Christopher’s April2024 conviction for multiple counts of receiving child pornography. Once Harp provided that statement he produced…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple agencies responded to a standoff at the Cranston Edwards Law office on Dorsey Avenue in Morgantown Monday. Dispatchers at MECCA 911 confirm a call was received at 12:28 p.m. about a male subject who was not an employee and had a gun. As employees exited, officers from the Monongalia Sheriffs Department,…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont couple is facing multiple charges after being accused of keeping a child in a dog kennel and using a taser as punishment for bedwetting. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged Franklin Ours, 60, and Sonya Daugherty, 54, with child abuse creating risk of injury, and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect charged with first degree murder in the disappearance of Kimberly Osborne has waived his preliminary hearing. Court documents said there was a text message exchange between Joseph Nevera, 51, of Morgantown, and Osborne on the day she went missing, May 12 that acknowledged she was in a relationship with another…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Multiple agencies are on the scene of a standoff at the Cranston Edwards Law office on Dorsey Avenue in Morgantown. The incident began at 12:28 p.m., according to dispatchers at MECCA 911. Dorsey Avenue is blocked in both directions on either side of the law office as the situation unfolds. No other…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker reflected on the process that resulted in the return of Rich Rodriguez to coach the Mountaineers. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Baker said everyone had an opinion about the former coach and how he left to take the head coaching job in Michigan.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va — An employee of the Rosa Spa has been arrested after police said she sexually assaulted a woman during a massage Saturday. Xiaofang Huang, 39, was working around 12:30 p.m. when the victim came in to the Fort Pierpont Drive location and requested a massage. The victim said the sexual assault continued for…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — A Westover resident has been charged after police found an electronic device he owns that contained images portraying sexual violence against children. Police started an investigation into Justin Weston, 41, in March when they seized the devices from a residence on Parkview Drive. A review of those devices uncovered six images of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will consider the appointment of an acting city manager and an increase in fire fees Tuesday. After notifying the city council he would retire in September, City Manager Kim Haws set his final day of work as December 20, 2024. Since Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli is preparing to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Projects in Monongalia County funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will receive extensions for completion. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved Period of Performance extensions for infrastructure projects involving the Little Creek Public Service District, the Ministers Run Water Association, the Clay Battelle Public Service District, and the Monongahela…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police has issued a campus warning after a burglary was reported near the downtown Morgantown campus. The burglary was reported on Saturday, December 14 after one of two unidentified suspects entered into a Belmar Avenue residence through an unlocked basement window. Photos have been released by WVU Police and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are considering a change in employment conditions for contract security officers working for the school district. If approved, the plan could be put into action for the beginning of the 2025 spring semester. During a work session with commissioners, Director of Safe Schools and Athletics for Monongalia County…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown Mayor, M. Joseph Abu-Ghannam has been named one of the inaugural recipients of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Centennial Under 40 Impact Award. The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of elected officials under the age of 40 from NLC member cities, towns and villages. The winners were chosen from…

WESTOVER, W.Va. –– The City of Westover is ready to celebrate the holidays with their 1st Annual Westover Winterfest. The festivities will take place at the Westover VFW on Sunday, December 15, starting at 3:00 p.m., where Morgantown area residents are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a variety of Christmas-themed activities. This will vary…

REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — A fire was reported Friday afternoon at one of the West Virginia University Equine Studies barns in Reedsville. Officials said there were no horses, students, or staff in the building and no damage estimate is available. The barn is an older structure behind the indoor arena. The cause is under investigation.

LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — A Lewis County man has been charged with child abuse causing risk of serious bodily injury after causing possibly permanent injuries to a four-month-old child. The investigation began December 6 when the child was brought to Ruby Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries. The four-month-old was being treated for a brain bleed,…

CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Michigan resident has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Drake D. Dodson-Williams, 33, of Southgate, Michigan, was sentenced to 70 months (5.8 years) after officers seuzed cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cash during a traffic stop in Harrison County. Dodson-Williams has…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Monongalia County schools have been honored by the West Virginia Department of Health for their performance in the Inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits Schools Contest. North Elementary School and Brookhaven Elementary School were top performers statewide in the competition that recognizes innovative efforts to promote student health and wellness. North Elementary…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, begins service to Washington D.C. and Chicago Friday from the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country CVB and member of the local selection committee Susan Riddle said there will be 12 nonstop flights per week,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University alumni are ready to travel to Texas to support the Mountaineers during the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. The WVU Alumni Association will team with the Mountaineer Athletic Club to host a Mountaineer Meetup that will take place on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. central time, shortly ahead of the start…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The arrival of winter weather in the Morgantown area has prompted the warming shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope to open early. The Grace Shelter opened a few days ahead of its scheduled December 16 start date, where seven unsheltered individuals were able to avoid below-freezing temperatures that arrived on Wednesday. Shelter…

GRAFTON, W.Va. — The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released the final report regarding a fatal accident at the Arch Coal Leer Mining Complex in August. William Crandall, 57, was struck in the head in an accident on August 5 and passed away from his injuries on August 7. According to the final…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area nonprofits with focuses on veterans and addiction treatment will team up to host their first-ever Winter Wonderland Ugly Sweater Bash. Aspire Services Center and Lauren’s Wish will host the bash on Thursday, December 12, at Tuscan Ridge on Stewartstown Road starting at 6 p.m. CEO for Aspire Services Hub Coordinator…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has approved the letter of support for the Living in Good Health Together (LIGHT) program. Commission President Sean Sikora said they want to do what they can to improve the numbers and help people get to treatment. Ultimately, they want people to have access to the services…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been accused of sending sexually explicit material to minors using multiple accounts over the internet. During 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received reports from MediaLab and Kik that their services were being used by Brandon Britner, 29, of Morgantown, to transmit sexual material involving…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council and members of the police and fire departments are working through options to fund pension plans for first responders at a rate the city will be able to afford. The city met with members each pension board Tuesday night to hear options to deal with an unfunded pension amount…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) announced that state approval has been granted for upgrades at the Cheat Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty reported during their regular meeting Tuesday that the West Virginia Water Development Authority approved the bond closing for the approximately $46 million project. McNulty expressed excitement…

SHINNSTON, W.Va. — The Shinnston Police Department is searching for a subject considered to be dangerous wanted for a state parole violation after a pursuit Tuesday morning. Timothy James Lasure, 47, was last seen after fleeing from police on Saltwell Road around 9 a.m. Tuesday. In addition to state parole warrants, officials in Shinnston said…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The “Pride of West Virginia” will bring their ensemble inside the Coliseum for a special performance Wednesday night. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Cheldon Williams said “Keynotes” will be a highlight reel of favorite performances from home game performances during football season. Each instrument section and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After more than 25 years of service in Morgantown, Municipal Court Judge Stephen G. Higgins has announced his decision to retire at the end of the year. “It has been an honor to serve this city and its citizens,” said Higgins in a letter provided to city leadership. “I have always endeavored…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways and crews from Triton Construction, Inc., repaired a hole in the I-79 southbound bridge deck in southern Monongalia County in less than 24 hours. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Engineer of Operations for the DOH Joe Pack said the hole occurred in a section…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordean said recent rains have brought the state out of exceptional and extreme drought conditions. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Nordean said combined rain totals for November (3.81 in the Morgantown area) and December (0.78 so far in the Morgantown area) have toned down some of the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Luxury Laurel Highlands resort Nemacolin has opened the Hospitality and Innovation Lab at West Virginia University. Managing Director Dustin Dent said the commitment made by the Hardy family established a quality training facility with a direct interface to the industry. “It’s a testament to the Hardy family’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed an injunction with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to stop facilities closures announced by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). Thursday, the FBOP announced the deactivation of camps in Morgantown and five other states, plus the permanent closure of Federal Correctional…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways has announced plans toclose one lane of the Third Street Bridge (David Morgan Memorial Bridge) next for inspection. Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. crews will maintain one lane of traffic through the bridge while inspectors examine the structure.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways (DOH) reports right-of-way acquisition for the new bridge to cross the Monongahela River to serve the Morgantown Industrial Park is going as planned and the project is expected to start in the spring. St. Albans-based Triton Construction, Inc. was awarded the project for a contract price of…

BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — The Bruceton Mills Lions Club wants to celebrate the holiday season with members of the community. The 7th Annual Christmas Homecoming Lighted Parade and Celebration will take place on Saturday, December 7, starting at 2 p.m. at the Bruceton School as part of a community-wide celebration. Bruceton Mills Lions Club Treasurer…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been arrested and charged in connection with human remains found off Little Indian Creek Road November 16. The remains have been identified as Kimberly Osbourne, 47, of Morgantown who was last seen on Mother’s Day in the River Road area of the Monongalia County. Joseph Nevera, 51,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia University community joined together outside of Oglebay Hall on a cold Friday morning to pay their respects to those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The WVU Center for Veteran, Military, and Family Programs, along with veterans who served in foreign conflicts spanning the course…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has released surveillance images from the November 30 robbery of Von Blaze on Wall Street in downtown. The suspect is accused of taking the cash register and damaging ortaking several other unidentified items. Anyone who may recognize the suspects in the photos is asked to contact detectives at…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The remains recently found in a shallow grave off Little Indian Creek Road November 16 have been identified as Kimberly Osbourne, 47, of Morgantown. Police and the family have been seeking tips about Osbourne since she was last seen on Mother’s Day in the River Road area. Preliminary identification is based…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A Bridgeport resident faces two felonies after a standoff with multiple agencies early Thursday. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call around 3:22 a.m. on Sunnybrook Lane. When police arrived a man later identified as Morgan Knapp, 40, barricaded himself in a building. Residents at the…

WHEELING, W.Va. –– A federal judge has accepted a plea deal from a former Buckhannon elected official accused in a child pornography investigation. David McCauley, 66, who served as the mayor and on the city council, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography; in exchange, the prosecution has agreed to…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — I-68 eastbound in the Hazelton area was closed for more than four hours during the Thursday morning commute. “There was a tractor-trailer that couldn’t climb the hill from Hazelton to the Maryland state line, went sideways, and caught everybody up behind it,” Deputy J.G. Rodeheaver said. Deputy Rodeheaver said there were…