Local News

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A multi-million dollar water and sewer infrastructure project that will support development in the southwestern end of Monongalia County is now a few finishing touches away from being complete. Morgantown Utility Board General Manager Mike McNulty announced on Wednesday during the MUB board’s regular meeting on Tuesday that the final directional drill…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Attorneys representing a 15-year-old transgender student from Bridgeport High School have filed a brief in their United States Supreme Court challenge of the West Virginia’s Save Women’s Sport Act passed by state lawmakers in 2021. Attorneys tell the court there are zero examples of transgender students taking athletic opportunities from biological females…

FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. — The Morgantown man accused in a Pennsylvania hit-and-run case died over the weekend at his home a day before he was to appear for a preliminary hearing. No details have been released about the death of Stephen Anthony Lemro, 74, who was accused in a fatal hit-and-run in August by Pennsylvania…

FAYETTE COUNTY, Pa. — Three people died in a Fayette County crash involving a tractor-trailer late Monday afternoon on National Pike. Pennsylvania State Police responded to the crash on National Pike near Dark Hollow Road at 5:30 p.m. Troopers said the tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound on National Pike and crossed into the westbound lanes, hitting…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The latest WVRC Media Cares for Community event raised more than $1,000 and 4,300 pounds of food. WVRC Media and Titan Roofing organized the event due to the lingering federal government shutdown, suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and some workers going without a paycheck. Staff from WAJR, WVAQ, and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One person was killed in a Monday morning crash on I-79 in Monongalia County. Deputies report the crash between a tractor-trailer and a passenger car was reported at mile marker 155 in the Star City area at 6:10 a.m. Five passengers in the passenger car were transported to JW Ruby Memorial Hospital…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A solution appears to be in the works to bring the longest federal government shutdown in history to an end. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate David McCormick, R, Monongalia, 82, said he will provide 100 turkeys to families affected by the stoppage of food benefits or federal workers who have…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is behind bars after the testimony of two juveniles about years of abuse and violent treatment. The investigation began in June when deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department learned about the testimony of two minors at the child advocacy center that Christopher Moore, 38, had abused and been…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission will make a final ruling on the Hope Gas rate increase settlement in December, and the rates will go into effect in February of 2026. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Hope Gas President and CEO Morgan O’Brien said the settlement was reached because all parties at the table were looking…

SHINNSTON, W.Va. — FirstEnergy has announced plans to pursue approval for the construction of a 1,200-megawatt combined-cycle natural gas plant. FirstEnergy Board Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer Brian X. Tierney said they plan to begin the permitting process with the Public Service Commission in the first quarter of 2026 for a new power generation…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A popular community event that is hosted monthly along High Street in downtown Morgantown is ready to put the 2025 season to a close while bringing in the holiday season. Main Street Morgantown, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Greater Morgantown, will host the final Morgantown Arts Walk of the year…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner officially reached Monongalia County as part of his statewide high school tour to encourage students who will be eligible to vote to register. Warner visited University High School on Thursday to discuss the importance of voting in state and municipal elections, where he was joined…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County residents in the southern part of the county will now have the opportunity to consider multiple broadband options to provide service at their home. Monongalia County Commissioner Sean Sikora announced during the closing minutes of their regular meeting on Wednesday that Frontier officially completed their broadband infrastructure project to serve…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County community continue to address food insecurity as the federal government shutdown continues to affect programs such as SNAP. With the shutdown now at Day 36 with no signs of a slowdown in sight, representatives that support the student food pantries at West Virginia University announced that select…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVRC Media, Titan Roofing, and the United Way of Monongalia and Preston County Helpful Harvest Food Program are teaming up to collect nonperishable food items for those affected by the federal government shutdown. The staff from WAJR, WVAQ, WKKW, Titan Roofing, and local agencies will be at the University Town Centre Giant…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg City Manager Tiffany Fell is facing an ethics complaint and a vote of no confidence from the city firefighters. Director of Community Development & Grant Projects, Dr. Shana Nicholson filed a formal complaint against Fell with the West Virginia Ethics Commission accusing Fell of serious and repeated violations of ethics standards,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —  An application for state approval to establish a new tax increment financing district in the City of Morgantown has now been formally approved by city officials. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved a resolution that would allow for the submission of a TIF application to the West Virginia Division of Economic Development…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission (PSC) and Charlotte Lane have granted the attorneys negotiating the Hope Gas rate increase an extension to reach a settlement in the case. The proposed increase would be an estimated 25% increase for current residential customers and a 35% increase for former Peoples Gas customers. The increase for…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the longest-standing traditions at West Virginia University is set to continue in the heart of the downtown Morgantown campus. The 78th Annual Mountaineer Week officially kicked off on Monday at the WVU Mountainlair, where different tastes of Appalachian culture will be showcased until Saturday, November 8. WVU Executive Director for…

STORY BY SOFIA WASSICK MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Center for Veteran, Military, and Family Programs at WVU will be partnering with the WVU Office Of Compliance and Prevention Education to host a Veteran’s Day breakfast at the Diversified Energy Terrace at the Milan Puskar Stadium on Nov. 11th. Doors to the event will open at…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — Westover City Council has voted unanimously to install Deputy Chief of Police Scott Carl as the next chief. Carl joined the department in May of 2021 when the department was battling serious problems with thepublic brought on by federal civil rights lawsuits. Former chief Joe Adams joined the department in October of…

LOST CREEK, W.Va. — A fatality has been confirmed in the I-79 tractor-trailer crash near Lost Creek Sunday. West Virginia State Police have identified the victim as the driver of the rig, Ronald Porrin. Trooper said Porrin was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The accident was reported at mile marker…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is facing multiple charges in connection with a break-in and sexual assault. On Saturday, deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a burglary in progress on Riddle Avenue and made contact with Zakariye Mohamad, 30, who claimed he had been assaulted by people inside…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board has plans for downtown work that will disrupt traffic this week. Crews will place a 26-inch water line as part of the Chaplin Hill Project that will disrupt traffic at several downtown intersections. The work will begin Tuesday, November 4 at 8 a.m. and continue through Wednesday, November…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania man is behind bars after a suspected brutal assault in a hotel over the weekend. Westover police charged Landin Shaffer, 19, of Buena Vista, Pa., with one count of malicious assault and one count of strangulation after an investigation at the Sonesta Hotel Saturday. Workers at the front desk called…

PHILIPPI, W.Va. — A Philippi man is behind bars after police allege he assaulted man in a wheelchair at a convenience store. On Oct. 29, Barbour County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the Sheetz in Philippi and learned Jessie Satterfield, 40, was in a verbal altercation with the disabled person he is charged to care for.…

WESTON, W.Va. — A 29-year old Pittsburgh man is behind bars after a pursuit early Sunday morning with speeds reaching 115 miles perhour. A deputy from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop the vehicle driven by Francisco Sanchez around 1:54 a.m. in Weston. The deputy said Sanchez drove the wrong way on local…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Since 2011, the City of Morgantown Urban Archery Deer Hunt has provided hundreds of pounds of ground venison to area churches and organizations that support feeding programs in the county. Last week, the group of volunteer hunters made a donation of 776 pounds of ground venison just as the government shutdown claimed…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Eddie Campbell will travel to Charleston to see if funds can be allocated to support improvements at Mountainview Elementary School. Campbell announced to the Monongalia County Board of Education during their last October regular meeting that he will be meeting with officials from the West Virginia School Building…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission (PSC) is accepting public comments on the proposed Brandonville Solar project that, if approved, could be operational by late 2027. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate George Street, R-Preston, 83, vice chairman of the House Energy and Manufacturing Committee, said many of his constituents believe the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – David McCormick, Assistant Majority Leader for the House of Delegates, was recently named Vice Chairman of the House Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism Committee. The committee works together to promote economic development, support local farmers and agribusinesses, and productively market the state to visitors. McCormick joined WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” to further…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The City of Fairmont is ready for the return of the city’s first craft beer festival just in time for the Halloween weekend. Main Street Fairmont will host the 2nd Annual Frank n Stein Craft Beer Festival on Saturday, November 1, starting at 2 p.m., where close to two dozen breweries as…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The local Marine Corps League is holding a “Stuff the Truck” event Saturday to support their “Toys for Tots” campaign. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Earl Anderson Marine Corps Detachment 342 coordinator Christina Miller said they’ll be collecting new toys at the Ollies Bargain Outlet, the first event for the 2025…

ROCK CAVE, W.Va. — One person died in an ATV crash in Upshur County Friday evening. Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department responded to the single ATV crash at 7:40 p.m. on Gougerville Road. The single occupant of the ATV died in the crash. No other information has been released. The investigation is ongoing.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard has begun to set up logistical and personnel support to mitigate the impact of the end of SNAP benefits due to the ongoing government shutdown. Over 200 service members have been officially authorized to be mobilized by Governor Patrick Morrisey, and they will assist communities with distributions…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Members of law enforcement have begun to make their preparations ahead of what is expected to be a busy Halloween weekend. West Virginia State Police Bridgeport Detachment Commander Sergeant Kyle Totten offered some safety tips on WAJR’s Talk of the Town ahead of the start of various trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat activities that…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Prosecutors in Marion County have filed charges against a Wheeling defense attorney alleging misconduct in a recent murder case. Defense Attorney Elgine McArdle is accused of violating an order issued by Marion County Circuit Court Judge David Janes in November of 2024 barring any disclosures of Child Advocacy Center evidence in the…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — No injuries have been confirmed in a train/vehicle collision in downtown Bridgeport. Police and fire were called to the train crossing at Main Street just before 9 p.m. and found the occupants were able to exit the vehicle prior to the collision. Other intersections in the downtown area were disrupted during the…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office has officially kicked off a tour of West Virginia high schools in an attempt to increase voter participation. Secretary of State Kris Warner has made appearances in high schools in Wood, Brooke, and Jackson counties, along with 22 other counties, as part of a statewide…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area community is ready to celebrate the annual clash of two high school football teams that are located less than a 20-minute drive away from each other. The 2025 iteration of what is now billed as the Hope Gas Mohawk Bowl will take place on Friday, October 31, starting at…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced that they have arrested three people after a drug investigation resulted in multiple substances seized inside a Fairmont residence. Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham reported via press release that Jessica Eagle, 35, Jimmy Howell, 40, and William Menendez, 46, have each been charged with possession with…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Marion County man was arrested for allegedly throwing a man off his porch during an altercation and then attempting to run him over with a riding lawn mower. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced that Scott Rager, 46, of Fairmont, is charged with one count of malicious assault after deputies responded…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County parents in the western end of the county are looking for solutions related to the long distance of travel to reach a school bus stop. The parents of students that live on Stewarts Run Road near Arnettsville addressed concerns during the Monongalia County Board of Education’s regular meeting Tuesday, where…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Members of law enforcement have begun to make their preparations ahead of what is expected to be a busy Halloween weekend. West Virginia State Police Bridgeport Detachment Commander Sergeant Kyle Totten offered some safety tips on WAJR’s Talk of the Town ahead of the start of various trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat activities that…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has formally approved a purchase of land by the county that was the former site of the Morgantown area Salvation Army. The agreement involving the county and Morgantown Community Resources Inc. to purchase the former downtown Morgantown location of the nonprofit was approved in a 2-1 vote during…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A former Bridgeport city councilor has been charged for investigating the alleged Pagan president Ryan Lane’s murder case without a license. The West Virginia State Police announced that Lowell “L.J.” Maxey, 73, was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for operating as a private investigator without a license. According to investigators, Maxey…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Marion County judge has ruled the sale of John Manchin Senior Health Care Center is legal and the sale is set to close at the end of the month. The deal $60 million transaction with Marx Development in August includes the sale of the John Manchin Center, plus the Hopemont Hospital…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. — The driver of a UTV is being treated for serious injuries after a crash over the weekend in the White Hall area. Members of the Valley Volunteer Fire Department found the UTV on it’s side Sunday at 4:30 p.m. off of River Run Road and the driver has been ejected. The…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An effort to allow for abandoned properties within the City of Morgantown affected by zoning to be put to use will move forward on the regular agenda of the Morgantown City Council. The council agreed to move an ordinance that would adjust Article 1373 of the Morgantown City Code as part of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County public officials continue to publicly call for donations to support local food banks that are expected to increase as the partial government shutdown continues. In response to reports of increased requests for food supplies from pantries across the county added to the incoming discontinuation of the SNAP program, members of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former West Virginia University President Gordon Gee is bookending a more than four-decade career in higher education by sharing his expertise with two institutions but made it clear he does miss the day-to-day environment of working with students on a college campus. “I’ve spent some time in executive residence at Ohio State…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In the Morgantown area, one agency is dealing with an astronomical increase in requests for food assistance. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom said they help families in need with food boxes that typically last for up to five days. In the last 30 days, Bloom said…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital has received a transformational gift from Thomas Golisano, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and civic leader that will change the name of the institution. The $28 million gift was announced Tuesday by Mr. Golisano with a delegation of WVU Medicine senior leaders at the Golisano Institute for Business and Entrepreneurship in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown will hold their Halloween Spooktacular at the Ruby Amphitheater from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director of Arts and Culture for the city of Morgantown, Vincent Kitch, said more than a dozen groups and organizations will be there…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — In an emergency session, commissioners in Preston County approved emergency funding for KAMP Ambulance. Commissioners voted to send $16,000 to KAMP in order for them to be able to meet payroll. EMS agencies have suffered financially in recent years and others are hurt even more by the federal government shutdown like…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The truck driver who pled guilty in connection with the I-68 crash that killed Kevin Lataille has been sentenced to the maximum in Monongalia County. In January of 2025, Singh was accused of driving a tractor-trailer recklessly on I-68 eastbound during a snowstorm and pushing a car driven by Kevin Lataille of…

KINGWOOD, W.Va.– A Kingwood resident has been charged after police allege he fired a weapon during an incident at a trailer park in the city. Friday, deputies with the Preston County Sheriff’s Department responded to the Cozad Trailer Park in Kingwood and observed a firearm outside the front door of a residence. When deputies made…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Work on the rail-trail in Monongalia and Marion Counties could affect some users this week. Crews are working on drainage and paving on a five mile section of rail-trail from Opekiska (mile 24) to Pricketts Fort State Park (mile 29). The trail will remain open but users should alert and vigilant while…

RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. — Two school districts are holding public hearings this week for closure and consolidation plans due to falling enrollment. The Randolph County Board of Education will hold a public hearing Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. at Elkins High School for the proposed closures of Coalton Elementary School and Midland Elementary School. The students…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. — The Valley Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) could be looking for a new home if White Hall officials move forward with a plan to close their substation. The department was established in 1962 in Pleasant Valley, and the White Hall substation has been in operation since 1992, according to Deputy Chief Zac…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Marion County Circuit Court Matthew Delligati has issued a a temporary restraining order pausing threplan the sell the John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center top a private firm. In August, Governor Morrisey announced the sale of Hopemont Hospital, Jackie Withrow Hospital, John Manchin Sr. Health Care Center, and Lakin Hospital to the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) has announced a deferred payment program for customers affected by the federal government shutdown. “We will work on a case-by-case basis with federal employees impacted by the federal government shutdown to defer water, sewer, and stormwater fees,” MUB Communications Director Chris Dale said. ” It’s important to understand…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Secretary of State Kris Warner will present the West Virginia Centurion Chamber of Commerce Award to mark one century of doing business in Morgantown. According to Warner, the Massullo family’s Morgantown story began with Domenico Massullo, who immigrated from Italy and established Massullo’s Tailoring on Pleasant Street in 1925. Domenico was a…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Martinsburg man who was wanted for violating federal supervised release was arrested in Clarksburg after an attempt to flee law enforcement. The United States Marshals Service announced on Thursday that Chad Berry, 37, is in custody for violating terms of supervised release following a 2017 felony firearm possession conviction after an…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It started in a townhouse after their graduation from West Virginia University and is now a global sustainability software company. Iconic Air has been acquired by Tokyo-based Asuene, Inc. to lead their Asuene USA operation. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Iconic Air co-founder and CEO James Carnes reflected back on their…

MOUNT CLARE, W.Va. — The suspect killed in a shooting with police following a pursuit with police in Harrison County Tuesday has been identified. Cpt. Jason Saurino said Tyrell Stephan White of Huntington has been identified as the driver of the vehicle. “The suspect is Tyrell Stephan White, and the last known address we have…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission appears to be steadfast on trying to establish an independent human resources department for the dealings of county employees. An update on the decision was announced during the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, where it was confirmed that the interview process has been ongoing to determine a potential H.R.…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The current federal government shutdown enters day 22 as the second longest in history, and the chances for a compromise appear to be remote. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito, a Senate Republican, has offered a continuing resolution on more than ten occasions, and each time it…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. — A Braxton County man has been arrested after police allege he kicked a four year old child at a White Hall motel. October 21, police from White Hall responded to the motel on Spence Drive and met two witnesses to theincident. The witnesses told police Dennis Knight, 45, of Sutton, kicked…

WESTOVER, W.Va. –– Westover Chief of Police Joe Adams has announced plans to retire after serving five years for the city. Adams came to Westover after 25 years of law enforcement service with the state police and West Virginia Supreme Court. Under his leadership, the city worked through civil rights lawsuits and a timultuous time…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown appears to have a priority on local road maintenance of state-operated roads and more clarity on recently passed legislation. The Morgantown City Council was given a list of proposed legislative priorities for the city during their regular meeting on Tuesday, which also included over a half dozen secondary…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — A man who is listed as homeless has been charged for allegedly robbing a Westover bank back in 2024. The Westover Police Department announced that Scott Beaucham, 53, was arrested for allegedly stealing $3,217 from the Wesbanco on Commerce Drive on October 23, 2024. According to a criminal complaint, Beaucham allegedly “provided…

KINGWODD, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission (PSC) has paved the way for a major solar energy project that could break ground as early as December of next year. Because the project requires no transmission line or poles, they waived that filing requirement and determined the Brandonville Solar application substantially complete. With the rulings,…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va — The accused gunman in the February 2024 killing of Dallion Lewis on Jack Run Road is on trial in Harrison County this week. Kameron Griffin, 25, of Akron, Ohio allegedly hid in the back of a vehicle Lewis was riding in and jumped out when the vehicle stopped and shot Lewis to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the leaders of a national trucking organization is pleased a driver involved in a fatal hit-and-run in Monongalia will be held accountable, but he believes there are thousands more unvetted truck drivers across the country presenting an immediate public safety issue. In January of 2025, Sukhjinder Singh was accused of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — No Kings protests that drew thousands across the state marked ten months in office for the Trump administration over the weekend. Chairman of the Monongalia County Democrat Party Executive Committee Cal Carlson said the crowds were respectful and orderly but were united in their opposition to Trump administration policies. The protestors came…

FAIRMONT, W.Va  – A 59 year old Fairmont woman has been arrested after backing over a man at a local establishment following a verbal disagreement. Employees of the Bellview Bar & Grill on Pennsylvania Avenue told police they asked Donna Batson, 59, and the male victim were asked to leave Sunday evening after the two…

TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — A Preston County couple are facing neglect charges after children in their care were found living in an apartment infested with bed bugs. September 5, deputies responded to the apartment on E Street after being notified by child protective services. After taking precautions, deputies went to the door of the residence…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The truck driver accused in the crash on Cheat Lake bridge that claimed the life of a Pennsylvania man has pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide. Sukhjinder Singh, 37, entered into a plea agreement Monday morning at the Monongalia County Justice Center. “He pled guilty to the charges, and pursuant to the plea…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was treated for unspecified injuries following a crash with a CSX train in Tunnelton Sunday night. First responders were called to the intersection of North Street and Gibson Street around 10:47 p.m. at the request of CSX. The driver of the vehicle was treated at Mon Health Preston Memorial…

WESTON, W.Va. — The case against the wife of a former youth pastor accused of sexual misconduct with several juvenile females has been continued in Lewis County. Kathy Radcliff, the wife of John Radcliff II, entered a motion to be continued until February. The same time frame for her husband’s case to move forward after…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Residents from across the North Central region participated in protests against the Trump administration that were hosted in downtown Morgantown on Saturday. As part of the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests that were in cities across the country, just over 2,000 residents took part in a similar demonstration that occurred late Saturday afternoon…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown firetruck is under evaluation for damage after it got stuck in a sinkhole in Morgantown on Wednesday evening. According to the Morgantown Police Department, which documented the incident, the truck fell at 475 Baird St., the location of the Central Place student apartment complex, The truck was removed by a…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County employees are about to see a switch in how health insurance will be provided heading into next year. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved the switch to administer Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements during their rescheduled regular meeting Friday, which also included the cancelation of the group health insurance plan…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Mannington man accused of disciplining children under his care with a belt to the point it caused bruising, along with other physically harmful punishments, has been indicted on one count of child abuse. A Marion County grand jury indicted Michael Gernstl, 61, on one count of child abuse resulting in injury…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An organization that is looking to establish a long-term traffic plan for the Morgantown area is seeking public input on several projects. Executive Director with the Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization (MMMPO) Bill Austin announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that a public hearing will take place on Wednesday, October 22,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A local healthcare organization that has offices in three counties around North Central West Virginia is working to help first responders become trained in crisis intervention. Valley Healthcare System officially wrapped up two separate weeklong Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training sessions as part of two separate collaborations in Monongalia and Marion Counties.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board is in the process of installing a failing storm line right by the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center. Work officially began on Wednesday after MUB contractors closed the right turning lane of University Avenue at the intersection of Van Voorhis Road in the direction of Star City.…

STONEWOOD, W.Va — A Jan-Care employee has been charged for stealing a medication case containing vials of fentanyl, Ativan, and Versed from the Stonewood station. The West Virginia State Police announced that Kenneth Arehart, 47, of Clarksburg, was arrested after he admitted to stealing the case during his shift on October 2nd. According to court…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Faculty and students at Morgantown High School are ready to celebrate another homecoming with an extended weekend’s worth of festivities. Traditional ceremonies for the Mohigans will begin on Thursday ahead of the homecoming game against Parkersburg South that will take place at Pony Lewis Field on Friday starting at 7 p.m. Morgantown…

CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — Representatives with the West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice (WATI) were joined by Cheat Lake area residents to continue to voice opposition to the proposed MidAtlantic Resiliency Link. Over 40 residents were joined by members of the West Virginia House of Delegates, the Monongalia County Commission, and even mayors from neighboring…

WESTOVER, W.Va. – A Westover woman is in custody for allegedly physically abusing her baby to the point that it suffered five broken bones, including two skull fractures, and possible brain injuries. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Cheyann Reichard, 21, after an investigation determined that an infant, who was 14 days old,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Police Department officially opened the doors to their new headquarters on the Evansdale Campus. Less than a year after WVU PD announced that they would relocate to a new headquarters located at 886 Chestnut Ridge Road in response to the former Elmer Prince Drive location being developed for…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A grand jury in Marion County has indicted a couple accused of sexually abusing a child. The Marion County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that Cody Offen, 33, and Evelyn Offen, 26, have each been indicted on multiple counts after they were arrested in May. The couple was originally arrested back in March,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A water and sewer infrastructure project that aims to support development towards two fast-growing parts of Monongalia County is expected to be completed in less than a month. Morgantown Utility Board General Manager Mike McNulty announced to the MUB board of directors during their regular meeting on Tuesday that the final stages…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System reflected a financial situation where services were able to be provided to students despite initial concerns over funding to start the year. Monongalia County Schools Treasurer Nicole Kemper reported to the Monongalia County Board of Education during their regular meeting Tuesday that the school system carried over…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County residents who have been actively vocal against the proposed MidAtlantic Resiliency Link by NextEra Energy want to hear more input from the public. County resident Juliet Marlier, who has also been one of the more vocal voices in opposition of the proposed MARL project, encouraged residents to take part in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police issued a campus warning in response to a series of burglaries near the downtown campus in Morgantown. According to a press release, the burglaries were reported to have occurred on Tuesday at 692 North High St. and 216 Belmar Ave. Investigators have identified three suspects, and there are…

MANNINGTON, W.Va. — A Mannington man is in custody for allegedly attacking an individual who was collecting money for a school fundraiser with a baseball bat and stealing his car. Troopers with the Marion County detachment of the West Virginia State Police arrested Mark Reel, 44, of Mannington, after they were dispatched to a residence…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A middle school in Marion County was put under a precautionary lockdown in response to a reported incident that took place on Tuesday morning. The Marion County School System confirmed that West Fairmont Middle School was placed under a ‘code yellow’ at approximately 9:30 a.m. due to an incident that involved no…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representatives of the West Virginia University faculty appear prepared to implement new strategies to help increase enrollment at the university. WVU Vice President for Enrollment Management Fabrizio D’Aloisio discussed plans to follow through on strategic priorities to prevent declines in student enrollment during a meeting of the WVU Faculty Senate on Monday.…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The estate of a man who died while fleeing from Harrison County sheriff’s deputies two years ago has filed a lawsuit in Harrison County Circuit Court. Trevor Moore, acting as the administrator of Bryan Howard’s estate, filed a lawsuit on Monday that names the Harrison County Commission (as the governing body of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to introduce a new essential tool-sharing initiative that aims to help residents complete projects around their property. The MOTO Toolbox program was officially unveiled to city officials in early October as part of an effort to introduce resident-friendly programs that work to reduce financial barriers for…

ELKINS, W.Va. — The Randolph County Board of Education is making difficult consolidation decisions, and Superintendent Shawn Dilly believes the state funding formula is playing a big part. The shrinking pool of dollars caused by falling enrollment of nearly 700 students forced the board to agree to close the Harman K-12 and consolidate those students…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) has serviced the community and West Virginia University for decades but hasn’t been established as an economic engine for the future. Members of Morgantown City Council and the Monongalia County Commission could consider operating the airport under the umbrella of an “authority.” Managing the airport through an…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A local nonprofit that focuses on providing resources and assistance to Monongalia County agencies addressing food insecurity is ready to host an annual fundraiser that directly supports services within the county. Empty Bowls Monongalia will host the 7th Annual Fall Fun Raiser on Saturday, October 11, at the West Virginia University Erickson…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Sheriff’s Department is working to address staffing shortages as deputies leave for higher-paying jobs with other agencies in the region. Sheriff Scott Spiker said Kingwood is the only municipality with a police force, and they typically patrol until around midnight. Municipalities like Reedsville and Terre Alta had one officer…

GRANVILLE, W.Va. — Members of the Granville Volunteer Fire Department assisted a Norfolk Southern train in distress Wednesday. Crews were dispatched to the railroad crossing at Dents Run Road where firefighters learned the engine was overheating. The roadway was closed for a short period of time while water was provided for the coolant tanks. No…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – A Monongalia County high school student is facing charges after bringing a gun to school, according to officials. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department began their investigation after being notified by the school safety officer. It is believed the student brought the firearm to school to show it to other students.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown native who has worked in the city parks and recreation system since he was a teenager is now set to become the new Executive Director of BOPARC. Members of the BOPARC board unanimously approved the appointment of current Division Director of Programs, Athletics, and Facilities Greg Travinski as the new…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Members of the US Marshals Service Mountain State Fugitive Task Force with assistance from multiple agencies arrested a suspect in an aggravated murder investigation in Ohio Wednesday. Waymon Donat, 19, was apprehended in the 1200 block of Cales Road in the Masontown area without incident. Donat is accused of shooting and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The location for the 2025-26 warming shelter in Monongalia has been determined after a special meeting of Morgantown Community Resources Wednesday morning. MCR board member and Monongalia County Commissioner Jeff Arnett said the Nitor Suites facility on West Run Road, operated by the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, will be the…

SUTTON, W.Va. — A former youth pastor accused of sexual misconduct with young girls facing nearly 100 charges in Lewis, Harrison, and Nicholas Counties faces a new indictment for the same charges. John Radcliff has now been indicted in Braxton County for three counts of abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian, three counts of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Ronald McDonald House, located in Morgantown, will be hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 9th at 10 a.m. to celebrate both its 35th anniversary and recent major renovations and expansions they have made to the house. In addition, the Ronald McDonald House will also be hosting an open house and offering…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Parameters on how the Marilla Park Improvement Project will be supported through lease revenue bonds have now been given formal approval by the Morgantown City Council. The council unanimously passed a supplemental parameter resolution during their regular meeting Tuesday, which authorized the conveyance of real property to the Morgantown Building Commission to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission hope to have more input into the developments at the Morgantown Municipal Airport. The commission met with all seven members of the Morgantown City Council along with Morgantown Airport Director Jonathan Vrabel as part of a special meeting hosted by the council on Tuesday, where Commissioner…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Flood recovery efforts continue across the state, but the response has been quantified, and leaders said they are preparing for change with the next disaster that could require assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Acting Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security Doug Buffington told members of the Joint Legislative…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge County kicked their 2026 campaign, “United Lights the Way” off this year at the North Central West Virginia Airport with a “Plane Pull” Tuesday. As a result of the 2025 campaign, nearly 5,000 families received primary healthcare services, almost 900 senior citizens received a meal…

ELKINS, W.Va — Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department have made one arrest after a lengthy investigation into an unlicensed contractor. Charles Simmons, 53, of Elkins, has been charged with four felony counts of fraudulent schemes in Randolph County Officials allege on several occassions Simmons was hired to complete work he was paid to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — At the recent 2025 Governor’s Conference for Tourism at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Visit Mountaineer Country CVB won three awards and played a key role in another. The tourism industry generates more than $9 billion each year in economic development and supports 60,000 jobs. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…

CRAIGSVILLE, W.Va – One person was arrested following an altercation and shooting Nicholas County over the weekend. Deputies with the Nicholas County Sheriff’s Department said Simeon Spencer, 24, of Richwood, abd three others went to the home of Kenneth Butler, 62, of Craigsville, and a physical altercation took place. Butler pulled one handgun that was…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. –The state Division of Highways has announced plans to temporarily close I-79 northbound north of the I-68 interchange Tuesday for guardrail repair. From 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7 through 1 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8 crews will be replacing a damaged impact attenuator at mile marker 149. Major delays are expected. A…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Global Health Program, WVU Health Sciences, welcomed Dr. Rahul Gupta to deliver keynote remarks Monday for Global Health Week 2025, “Health Without Borders: Innovation, Access, and the Future of Global Health.” Gupta is currently president of a $5 billion AI-driven technology company focused on drug discovery, precision medicine,…

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department arrested one after finding weapons and a marijuana growing operation within reach of a child. Sunday, a deputies searched the home of Edward Williams, 40, on Booney Hull Road and located two .22 caliber rifles under a kitchen table, evidence of growing and processing marijuana…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 61 year old Marion County man has been charged after police allege he sexually abused a 12 year old girl. Thomas Scritchfield is accused of sexually abusing the girl, who is reported to be a family member from 2020 when the juvenile was 8 until recently. Scritchfield was arrested during a…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Declining populations, school consolidation, and more education choices are pushing the state public school system to reform. That process could begin to take shape during legislative meetings this week as lawmakers prepare for the 2026 legislative session. Growth of the Hope Scholarship, homeschooling, and the emergence of the charter system have steadily…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Officials in the city of Fairmont have declared an emergency and plan to demolish the partially collapsed structure on Adams Street. The City of Fairmont has declared the structure at 200 Adams Street an imminent danger due to the location, condition, and potential threat to public safety and has authorized an emergency…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – A man accused of sexually assaulting a teen relative in Monongalia Copunty has been extradited back to West Virginia. Luis Mejia, 50, of Dallas is accused of sexually assaulting a 16 year old female relative in a motel room and is now being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A planned power outage by Mon Power will close a small portion of Cheat Road Saturday evening. The outage is planned from Saturday, October 4 from 9 p.m. through Sunday October 5 at 6 a.m. Customers in the vicinity of Brandywine Estates, Canyon George Road, Canyon School Road, Champagne Drive, Chardonnay…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A building collapse early Friday morning in Fairmont is under investigation. The building collapse was reported at 1:30 a.m. on Monroe Street. Monroe Street is now closed from Adams Street to Hull Alley. The investigation is underway, and it is unclear how severe the collapse is or if there are injuries.

LOST CREEK, W.Va. — All lanes on I-79 northbound in Harrison County are reopened after two crashes caused significant delays Thursday afternoon. Around noon a tractor-trailer carrying cake mix rolled at mile marker 109 in the Lost Creek area. The crash and spill closed the left lane of the northbound side. Officials said 42,000 pounds…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Wednesday for the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department was a busy one. A significant crash on I-79 northbound at the I-69 split during the morning commute, a terroristic threat investigation, and an emergency aircraft landing in the western end of the county. Forbes said at about 2:44 p.m. deputies and other emergency…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A multiple vehicle crash on Route 50 Westbound in Clarksburg has injured one person and caused extensive traffic delays. Three accidents involving seven vehicles were reported around 7:30 Thursday morning just beyond the Joyce Street exit and was described as a chain reaction incident. One person was transported with unspecified injuries.

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Emergency responders in Monongalia County mobilized around the western part of the county Wednesday afternoon after a small aircraft made an emergency landing just south of Core. Officials with MECCA 911 confirmed that the small aircraft landed just before 3:00 p.m. Wednesday near the area of Little Indian Creek Road and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department announced that one person was taken into custody after county schools were placed on a ‘Code Silver’ alert Wednesday. According to a press release, the county sheriff’s department was made aware of an individual making terroristic threats at around 11:30 a.m., which prompted an immediate investigation. After…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The rash of financial problems forcing mostly rural school systems to consolidate is largely being blamed on two factors: the state school funding formula and the addition of options like homeschooling or charter schools. The growing list of counties includes Preston, Wetzel, Randolph, Barbour, and Wood Counties. On WAJR’s “Talk of the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It appears that steady progress continues to be made on establishing a locked-in location for the Morgantown area warming shelter. Representatives with Morgantown Community Resources were on hand for a special meeting of Morgantown City Council on Tuesday, where they were joined by representatives with the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Reported concerns over unmarked utility vehicles working in the western end of Monongalia County have prompted the county commission to give formal approval to contractors working on broadband infrastructure. Commissioners unanimously approved a letter of authorization to be utilized by Comcast and independent contractors working with the firm to allow for them…

ELKINS, W.Va. — An Ohio man accused of attempting to run over an Elkins Police Department officer has agreed to plead guilty to one count of fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference. Prosecutors dropped the charged of attempted murder against Kevin Allen Strickland, 32, of Sunbury, Ohio, in the plea agreement. Assistant Randolph County…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — State officials appear to have a plan to maximize the tourism industry in West Virginia and a way to execute it. Governor Patrick Morrisey joined over 400 tourism officials from around the Mountain State, where he addressed the over $9 billion in economic impact generated by the tourism industry just last year…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The negative response to the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) hasn’t shifted at all since the release of the preferred location by NextEra Energy Transmission. The more than 100-mile 500-kilovolt line would run from Pennsylvania to Virginia via several West Virginia counties to quench the power demand for data centers there. Delegate Rick…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The pension funds for the Morgantown firefighters and police officers appear to be on a significantly better financial footing in comparison to less than a year ago. Morgantown Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented the annual reports for the Morgantown Policeman and Firefighters Pension and Relief Funds, where he reported that both funds…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Detectives from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department are looking for help from the public locate a suspect in the Sunday evening stabbing at Christine’s Hot Spot. Detectives have a warrant for the arrest of Devante Lavell-Maurice Smith, 32, of Detroit, Michigan, for malicious or ubnlawful assault. Smith is described as a black…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposal to establish a tax increment financing (TIF) district in the area of a new development in Morgantown will now have a chance to receive public input. The proposed sixth tax increment financing district that would be located within city limits was discussed by the Morgantown City Council as part of…

WESTON, W.Va. — The case against the former Lewis County youth pastor accused of sexually assaulting several young girls has been continued until February. The prosecution has notified the court of new evidence, recorded interviews from when Radcliff’s alleged victims went to the police years ago. The continuance gives both sides the opportunity to prepare…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Ruby Summer Concert Series, hosted by the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust and the City of Morgantown, has been an annual tradition since 2022. Each year, the concert series hosts 12 free community concerts on Fridays spanning in June through August. In 2023, the Ruby Summer Concert Series drew in an…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Detroit man has been found guilty of multiple counts opf selling dangerous drugs in Harrison County after a four day trial. Emmitt Renand Richardson, 52, of Detroit, Michigan, was found guilty of six charges related to the sale of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Harrison County area. Court documents said Richardson…

WILSONBURG, W.Va — One person was flown for treatment following a stabbing at a Harrison County hot spot. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department responded around 10:30 p.m. at Christine’s Hot Spot next to the BFS on Wilsonburg Road. The Clarksburg Fire Department property in North View was sued as the landing zone for…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia Democratic lawmakers are on their statewide “Kitchen Table Tour” to listen to voters prior to the start of the 2026 legislative session. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate Evan Hansen, D, Monongalia, 79, said the tour began Thursday in Huntington, and they want to address voters in person at…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The most recent Clery Act report from West Virginia University (WVU) is comparable to the report from the previous years, with some increases. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair addressed incident reports at Boreman Hall specifically that were highlighted in a recent report from the Daily…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) officially launched Vision 2030 to the public earlier this week. Vision 2030, developed in collaboration with RTI International and Keen Point Consulting, is a plan designed to make West Virginia more competitive when it comes to science and technology grants and create a skilled…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is accepting applications through Oct. 10 at noon for the Momentum Initiative Grant cycle. A total of $19.2 million dollars will be awarded to agencies across five areas targeting substance abuse disorder and recovery. Recent data has shown West Virginia is leading the nation in the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police have issued a Campus Warning following the theft of a vehicle owned by a contractor from the Health Sciences area of campus. The white 2012 GMC Sierra truck with a Pennsylvania license plate ZXP4905 was last seen at 8:30 p.m. Thursday and was reported strolen the following afternoon.…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh denied a motion by the City of Morgantown to dismiss a compensation case filed by nearly 60 city current and former firefighters. Judge Kleeh also left both parties with the option to seek a summary judgment after discovery is complete. Morgantown firefighters argue the city has not…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Two in Fairmont are facing charges after a female toddler who was locked in a home fell out of a two-story window. Fairmont police said Victoria Frampton, 23, and Anthony Grogg, 22, placed a child lock on the door to prevent the child from getting out. Police noted that the child was…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A rock slide and vehicle accident is under investigation in Marion County. Around 6:25 a.m. a rock slide and accident with entrapment was reported on U.S. Route 250/Husky Highway near Pine Grove Road. One person was transported with unspecified injuries and the road has reopened. The accident is being investigated by The…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner wants to see an increase in partnerships that have been used to develop growing parts of the Mountain State in areas of decline. The topic of private-public partnerships was highlighted by Warner as part of the West Virginia Economic Development Council Annual Fall Conference in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After an extended period of dry weather, wide spread rain has finally returned across the Mountain State. MetroNews AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill said from 8 a.m. Tuesday to Thursday morning, rainfall totals have been adding up across the region. The rain has been heavy at times but has also included some of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee is ready to welcome a nationally recognized guest to take part in their annual fundraising event. The 15th Annual Regan Dinner will be hosted at the Lakeview Golf Resort on Thursday, October 16, starting at 6:00 p.m., where members of the Monongalia County GOP and local…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A 38-year old Salem man has been sentenced to life with mercy in a murder over a $100 drug debt. In addition to the sentence for murder, Dennis Allen High, 38, was also ordered to serve up to 5 years for conspiracy to commit kidnapping. High’s sentences will run consecutively and he…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. —Harrison Circuit Judge Joseph F. Shaffer Jr. sentenced the woman guilty of hitting a DOH worker while driving drunk to 2 to 10 years of home incarceration. Kiley Michelle Wagner registered a BAC of .20 after the accident in March of 2024. The judge cited a lack of prior criminal history, good behavior…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — An assistant manager at a Westover retail store has been charged with embezzling the night deposit of more than $1,300 earlier this month. The investigation began Sept. 10 when Westover police were notified by the management of the Dollar Tree on Fairmont Road that assistant manager, Angela Orinick, 46, of Westover, was…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The move for Milan Puskar Health Right to their new Scott Avenue location appears to have suffered another delay, and it has resulted in members of the Monongalia County Commission speaking out in frustration. After the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, where email correspondence from Milan Puskar Health Right Executive Director Laura Jones…

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Police in Buckhannon have charged a male suspect after he allegedly set a tent on fire with a woman inside and threatened to cut her throat over an apparent debt. The victim met with the Buckhannon Police Department Sept. 13 and told them the incident occurred behind the former Novelis plant. The…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The city of Fairmont has released their redevelopment plans for the former Fairmont Box Factory site, estimated to cost around $4 million. According to the Director of Planning and Development for the city, Shea Strait, the site will serve as the second major trailhead in the city and be home to the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department is prepared to participate in the free annual distribution of naloxone, a substance used to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Representatives with the MCHD Quick Response Team will be joined by local volunteers at 10 different locations around the Morgantown area to take part in…

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department are looking for a suspect accused of selling dangerous drugs within 1,000 feet of a school. Dale Cutright, 36, AKA “Cutty,” has numeroud tattoos and is thought to be in the Upshur County area. Cutright was indicted earlier this month for delivery of a controlled…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education hopes to continue to see county school systems be supported by legislatures that represent the county in Charleston. The County BOE hosted seven elected officials as part of their annual legislative meetings that were hosted on Tuesday, a record number for the number of legislators that…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The portion of the Mason Dixon Highway that was closed for several hours after a crash that involved two tractor-trailers has reopened. The crash and hazardous materials cleanup closed the Mason Dixon Highway for several hours, according to Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes. The crash was reported to MECCA 911 at…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Police Department has released the 2024 edition of the Clery Act report. The report shows no major increases from the 2023 edition and has added hazing information to the data. “Every day, our sworn officers, campus safety officers, dispatchers and other staff members work diligently to ensure our…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg police made an arrest and a dog was euthanized as a result of a recent incident in that city. On June 24th, police responded to the property of David Weekley in Clarksburg to assist with an investigation into suspected animal cruelty. Police said the dog had been laying in feces, had…

TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — City Hall in Terra Alta has reopened following an exposure to narcotics on Monday. Clerk Cam Sisler said a resident found a wallet around noon and turned it in at city hall. Sisler and her co-worker, the only two in the building, went through the wallet to find identification and stumbled…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. -For the first time in a decade, the state Economic Development Conference is being held in the city of Bridgeport at the Conference Center in the planned community of Charles Pointe. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President of the West Virginia Economic Development Council and Executive Director of the Huntington Area Development…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department are for a missing 39 year old woman and are looking for tips from the public. Brittany Nichelle Brown was last seen at 3:45 p.m. on Monday at the Aldi store in the Eastpointe Center and again in the Sardis are. Brown is described as…

GRAFTON, W.Va. — The Arthurdale woman accused of killing her mother with a lethal dose of insulin has been sentenced to 15 years in state prison. In May of 2023, Kelly Moore, 61, of Aurthurdale, was living with her mother in Grafton when she injected her mother with 20 units of insulin. Taylor County Prosecutor…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As many initiatives come to fruition, both Mon Health and Vandalia Health are excited to announce that they will be expanding their programs and services across the state of West Virginia. To kick their expansions off, Preston Memorial Hospital, which will be celebrating its 70th anniversary shortly, will be expanding. After Preston…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Federal Reserve has lowered the lending rate for the first time since 2024 by 0.25 percentage points. That puts the rate at its lowest level since 2022, in a range between 4 and 4.25 percent. On MetroNews “Talkline,” John Deskins, Director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — State police have charged a Monongalia County man in connection with a sexual assault that happened years ago. A juvenile told troopers Ryan Osborn, 27, of Flemington, sexually assaulted them four-to-five years ago. The victim told police Osborn told them to be quiet and not to turn their head. Troopers also confirmed…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU will be hosting its 4th annual Week of Purpose this upcoming week on campus. A week full of interesting events, the Week of Purpose will begin on Sept. 22nd and conclude on Sept. 26th. Throughout the years, this event has been molded to aid students in deciding what impact they would…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown and West Virginia University skyline will get an upgrade in the coming months with a new look for the University Water Tower on the Evansdale campus. “The heartfelt pride we all feel for this University should be physically reflected on our campus grounds which serve as a critical initial introduction…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., has opportunities planned this month for students interested in learning more about an appointment to one of the nation’s military service academies or applying for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) scholarships. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” she said each year she helps qualified students learn…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department has charged a Pennsylvania man in connection with the crash into a power pole on the Mileground early Friday morning. Police said Hunter Price, of Smock, PA, was charged with DUI with a BAC greater than .150., arraigned, and released on bond. The crash was reported at…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The state Higher Education Policy Commission has given final approval for changes to the contract of Fairmont State University President Mike Davis endorsed by the Board of Governors (BOG). In August of this year, the FSU BOG approved an increase in compensation from $295,000.00 to $310,000.00, an approximate increase of 5%. Upon…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Preston County man will spend three decades in federal prison for convincing juvenile females to send him explicit videos and images. Steven Seeger, 46, of Bruceton Mills, will spend 30 years in federal prison after admitting to communicating with multiple girls as young as 13 convincing them to send him the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – Two college students are now facing charges after burning furniture following the recent Backyard Brawl. One student is enrolled at West Virginia University, and the second suspect is reportedly enrolled at Washington & Jefferson College. The students have been charged with malicious burning. Three other suspects in the incident helped with the…

STAR CITY, W.Va. — At the most recent regular meeting of Morgantown City Council, there was a call for other municipalities in the county to take a more active role in helping the homeless population. Officials continue to finalize plans for the area warming shelter that would be available for the 150 homeless people noted…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the public, along with a member of the Morgantown City Council, took part in an open regular meeting of the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board with statistics as the primary conversation piece. The board convened at the Ascend West Virginia headquarters in downtown Morgantown early Wednesday evening, where…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission will officially voice disapproval over the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link to officials on a state level. A formal letter disapproving the just over 105-mile transmission power line project proposed by NextEra Energy was unanimously approved during the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday ahead of being sent to the offices…

WESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Supreme Court heard arguments in a case regarding a new Vadalia Health facility in Weston. The case, St. Joseph’s Hospital of Buckhannon Inc. vs. Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital Co., involves the proposed new $56 million, 29-bed Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital located at the intersection of Rt. 33 and I-79,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue will likely not be the home for the warming shelter for Monongalia County residents this year. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Morgantown mayor and Morgantown Community Resources Board member Danielle Trumble said the issues surrounding the homeless population have been cited as the reason…

MORGANTOWN, W,Va. — The Jim Dunn Run will be held on the Morgantown in the Wharf District Friday, Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Darlene Dunn, Dunn’s wife said Jim always ran in the Twilight Five Miler and after his passing they renamed the vent in his honor and established…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Clinton Volunteer Fire Department location on Grafton Road has been designated as the drop off point for items to help a family recover from a Monday fire. No injuries were reported in the blaze on Owl Creek Road that was fought by eight departments on Owl Creek Road Monday afternoon.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Select members of the Morgantown City Council have openly called on municipalities located around the city to increase their efforts to support the area’s supported warming shelter. Morgantown Deputy Mayor Brian Butcher openly pointed out officials with the Town of Star City, the Town of Granville, and the City of Westover, as…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Fire Marshal’s Office has now been given formal approval to have a dog trained to detect fire accelerants be a part of their team. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved an intergovernmental agreement with the city and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms to have an accelerant detection canine…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A judge in Marion County has set bond for the leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Club after a mistrial was declared in his murder trial. Ryan Lane was the sixth defendant accused in the Oct. 2022 killing of Henry Silver in Carolina. After nine days of testimony and two days of deliberations…

BELINGTON, W.Va. — A couple in Barbour County couple has been charged after failing to report an incident of sexual assault and officials believe that failure to report resulted in an assault of an additional juvenile. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department interviewed Robert Bremingan, 41, and Shawnel Bremingan, 40 Sept. 11 regarding a…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Multiple agencies are on the scene of a fire on the grounds of the Lakeview Golf Resort. Members of the Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department were the first called to the scene at 1:23 p.m. according to MECCA 911. Unconfirmed reports indicate the fire has been restricted to the building behind…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Detectives with the Fairmont Police Department have arrested the suspect in an early Monday shooting and filed attempted murder charges against him. Antonio Evans, 29, was taken into custody Tuesday morning, according to police. Evans has been charged with attempted murder for the Monday incident and arson, destruction of property related to…

TRIANGLE, Va. — The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has announced a new contract with American Consolidated Natural Resources, Inc. (ACNR) and Iron Senergy. “This is a critical win for our members and their families,” said International President Cecil E. Roberts. “At a time of growing uncertainty in the coal industry, these agreements are…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mountain State residents and West Virginia University students, along with state representatives, stood in solidarity at the Life Sciences Quad on Monday night to remember the life of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Representatives from Turning Point USA at WVU hosted a candlelight vigil right outside of the Life Sciences Building, where the…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Multiple fire departments were called to the scene of a structure fire on Owl Creek Road Monday afternoon. The structure in the 3100 block of Owk Creek Road is believed to be owned by Owl Creek Contracting. The Clinton District, Triune-Halleck, Cool Springs, Brookhaven, River Road, Reedsville, Valley and Winfield volunteer…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Police in Fairmont are searching for a suspect in an early Monday morning shooting. Police are searching for Antonio Marquise Evans, 29. Evans is a black male, 6-foot 2-inches tall, 190 pounds with brown eyes and black hair. Evans was involved in a gunfight on Spence Street with another suspect and fled…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Following social media comments made after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Delegate Anitra Hamilton, D, Monongalia, 81, is facing the possibility of disciplinary action from her peers in the House of Delegates. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, confirmed the discussions include expulsion, as suggested by…

FAIRVIEW, W.Va. –– A Marion County woman has been charged with malicious assault in connection with a weekend attack on an unidentified male in Fairview. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department said Andrea Boone, 38, stabbed the victim with a fork, bit him before fleeing the scene during a verbal altercation. The attack occured…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Recovery Centers in Ohio and Marion Counties will remain open to process relief applications through September 22 as a result of Father’s Day floods. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” public affairs specialist John Frederick said the centers in Ohio County…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Diversified Energy Terrace was at capacity to start a tour for former U.S. Senator Joe Manchin’s, I, W.Va., memoir, Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense, Friday night. The tour includes five stops and one virtual event through September 22. The Friday stop at Milan Puskar Stadium was a moderated discussion…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple agencies will direct traffic and be assigned to crowd control operation for the Backyard Brawl in Morgantown this weekend. The participating agencies include the University Police Department, Morgantown Police Department, Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, and the West Virginia State Police. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Sherry St. Clair provided…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — All lanes of I-68 in Preston County reopened around 1 a.m. Saturday following a crash involving a hazardous material spill. After hours of cleanup, one westbound lane was reopened around 4 p.m. while eastbound traffic continued to be detoured onto Old Route 73. No other information has been released. ORIGINAL STORY:…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A high-speed chase that began on Kingwood Pike and ended on Emerald Drive in Kingwood has resulted in the seizure of multiple drugs and two arrests. The Preston County Sheriff’s Department announced via press release that Vince McMillen and Amanda Kidd (age and town of residence not released) were arrested on Tuesday…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Morgantown community commemorated those who passed away from the September 11 attacks with the help of Mountain State veterans and first responders. The Valley Healthcare System First Responder-Veteran Resource Fair was hosted at the Morgantown Armory on Thursday, where just over 50 people, along with representatives from the Morgantown…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Alumni Association is ready to celebrate the Backyard Brawl with events and activities scheduled throughout the weekend. The first night of Backyard Brawl weekend will kick off with the 29th Annual Marmaduke Dent Dinner that will take place at the Erickson Alumni Center starting at 6 p.m. This…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission will work with the Town of Star City to help support development within the town’s tax increment financing (TIF) district. The commission unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with Star City officials that will allow for the commission to take part in the marketing and selling of property…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) topped 10,000 enplanements as of the Sept. 1 meeting, meeting requirements for additional federal funding for the first time in 13 years. On WAJRs “Talk of the Town,” MGW Director Jonathan Vrabel said the big driver was the regional jet used by SkyWest as opposed to the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman was killed in a crash Tuesday afternoon on Smithtown Road, according to West Virginnia State Police. Troopers said around 4:25 p.m. Tuesday a car driven by Marlena Dawn Sloan, 44, of Morgantown, was northbound on Smithtown Road when she crossed the center line and struck a box truck. Troopers…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The water quality at the Cheat Lake and Star City Wastewater Treatment Plants has been awarded recognition on a national level. The Morgantown Utility Board announced that the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized both wastewater treatment plants with Peak Performance Awards, which maintains an over 20-consecutive-year run of clean…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System announced that increases in state-mandated assessment scores were reported across the board for elementary, middle, and high school students. County Schools Director of Assessment, Accountability, and School Counseling Courtney Crawford reported during the Monongalia County Board of Education’s regular meeting Tuesday that the West Virginia Summative Assessments…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Senator Ben Queen, R, Harrison, was pleasantly surprised with the state financial portfolio presented to lawmakers during legislative interim meetings. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Queen said the financial forecast was better than expected, and there are many areas of agreement with the governor as preparations for the next regular session…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Senator Ben Queen, R, Harrison, was pleasantly surprised with the state financial portfolio presented to lawmakers during legislative interim meetings. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Queen said the financial forecast was better than expected, and there are many areas of agreement with the governor as preparations for the next regular session…

JEFFERSON COUNTY, W.Va. — Residents in Jefferson County are calling for state lawmakers to help oppose a series of transmission lines proposed across the state to support the expansion of data centers in Virginia. Keryn Newman is a member of West Virginians Against Transmission Line Injustice (WATI); she came to WAJR’s “Talk of the Town”…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 20-year old Maryland man has ordered to state prison for 40 years in connection with a killing Mountain Valley Drive last year. Arnold Johnson, III, 20, of Montgomery Village, Maryland, shot and killed Rashad Alton in July of 2024. Alton was transported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital but died later of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Ticket scammers ruin big events for fans, and all too often the scammers seem to get away scot-free. Laura Blankenship from Canton, Greater West Virginia, urges potential secondary market ticket buyers to be careful with the Backyard Brawl just days away in Morgantown. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Blankenship said ticket…

MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department investigated a crash involving a school bus Monday morning in Mannington. Five students were on the bus when the crash with another car happened on Margaret Road at 6:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. The Marion County Rescue Squad assisted at the scene.  

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown stopped a parking garage attack in progress and made two arrests over the weekend. Saturday, police intervened when they witnessed Aden Metheny, 18, of Carmichaels, Pa., on top of an unidentified victim punching him while bystanders attempted to pull him off inside the University/Chestnut Street Parking Garage. As police…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced that a local engineering firm has reached out to the commission to see if traffic can be eased around one of the busiest pedestrian crosswalks in Morgantown. In the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, Bloom reported that Morgantown-based firm Alpha Associates reached out…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee is ready to welcome a nationally recognized guest to take part in their annual fundraising event. The 15th Annual Regan Dinner will be hosted at the Lakeview Golf Resort on Thursday, October 16, starting at 6:00 p.m., where members of the Monongalia County GOP and local…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Effective Oct. 31, hundreds of West Virginia University Research Corporation (WVURC) employees will transition to direct employment for WVU. In addition to streamlining processes and improving access to resources, officials said the move will better align the infrastructure and mission of the institution. Executive Director of Strategic Communication released the following statement::…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The current iteration of Morgantown City Council is about two months old, and at least one member is sharing ideas to address affordable housing and an inadequate number of shelter beds. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Sixth Ward Counselor Mark Downs acknowledged the most recent Point in Time (PIT) count revealed…

BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. – Members of the Bruceton Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department responded to an I-68 crash Saturday afternoon. Crews responded to a vehicle on it’s side in the median with one person trapped inside at the 15 mile marker of I-68 westbound at 2:44 p.m. One victim was pulled from the vehicle with unspecified…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Safe Streets is back with the return of West Virginia University students in Morgantown. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Deputy Chief of the Morgantown Police Department Chris Ruehmer said in about one week the population of the city doubled, not to mention a significant increase in vehicle traffic. The…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Technical Education Center wants motor vehicle enthusiasts around the county to show off their favorite ride. The 2025 MTEC Car, Truck, and Motorcycle Show will be hosted on Sunday, September 7, starting at 12:00 p.m. at the MTEC parking lot, where all makes and models will be welcomed for…

VOLGA,W.Va. –– West Virginia-based, Allegheny Metallurgical, forecasts the creation of new high-paying jobs after powering up their state-of-the-art longwall. The company announced the advancement as a result of their recent $1 billion investment into the mine site, facilities, and employees. “We have built a world-class team and facility here at Allegheny Met,” stated Eric Lipinski,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As several cases related to vaccine exemptions—cases involving religious exemptions—are moving through the courts in Raleigh, Gilmer and Berkeley counties, two medical experts, one retired with pre-vaccine experience and another aligned with the American Academy of Pediatrics, are weighing in. Retired Dr. James McJunkins described his experience during the polio outbreak when…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Multiple agencies responded to a single vehicle accident at mile marker 17 of I-68 eastbound Thursday morning. First responders were called to the scene at 11:23 and found a vehicle pulling a gooseneck trailer went off the right side of the road and hit an embankment. The slow lane of the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has now formally approved an endorsement of an economic development project that has been in the works for close to 40 years. The commission unanimously approved a resolution that supports the development of the I-68 Energy Manufacturing Corridor during their regular meeting Wednesday. The endorsement comes a week…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representatives with the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond have their focus on increasing economic development in the Mountain State. Vice President and regional executive for the Baltimore branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond Andrew (Andy) Bauer took part in the first ‘District Dialogue’ forum hosted in West Virginia on Wednesday…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va — Bridgeport police have a arrested a male suspect after he reportedly attempted to take money from a cash drawer at a convenience store. Troy Cunningham, 49, is accused of pushing the employee away from the cash drawer at the BFS gas station after being told he was not allowed to borrow things…

PHILIPPI, W.Va. — A Philippi woman is alive today thanks to a malfunctioning revolver and the help of a family member. On August. 30, Anthony Mayle, 72, reportedly returned to his Proudfoot Road home from the Barbour County Fair intoxicated and looking for his revolver. As he continued to search for the revolver witnesses told…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With the official start of fall just weeks away, Morgantown residents are asking city council members about the warming shelter for the 2025-26 season. Last year, the shelter was operated by Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWV) at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue and funded by the city and county. Resident…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown will submit a formal request to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to use leftover grant funds to address blighted areas around the city. The Morgantown City Council unanimously passed a resolution that would submit a request to HUD to allow for approximately $830,000 in…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The judge in the murder trail of Pagan Motorcycle Club member Ryan Lane has declared a mistrial. The jury heard nine days of testimony and began deliberations on Friday before the Labor Day holiday. The jury continued deliberations Tuesday for six hours and was unable to reach a verdict leading to the…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The KOA Holiday Campground at Mylan Park is open for business. General Manager Frank Witt said KOA has three levels of campgrounds- Journey, Holiday, and Resort. The Journey sites are located near highways providing a place for travelers to rest before continuing their trips. The Holiday offers camping along with a…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Mylan Park Ice Pavilion is opening about one month ahead of schedule and next week will host the hockey version of the “Backyard Brawl.” On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Mylan Park Foundation President Ron Justice said funding for the project came from a variety of community sources, but the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 27 year old Morgantown man has been arrested after police said he attacked a woman holding an infant in Monongalia County. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were called to a report of a disturbance on Arrowwood Drive Saturday. At the scene, the victim told deputies that she had gotten…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond will host its first District Dialogues event in West Virginia at West Virginia University in the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown Wednesday. The community is encouraged to attend the program, “Unlocking Rural Potential: Identifying and Addressing the Barriers to Rural Investment.” The program will highlight research…

MANNINGTON, W.Va. — After leading the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) for 30 years, Cecil Roberts attended his final Labor Day Picnic in Mannington’s Hough Park. Roberts assumed the presidency in 1995 when then-president Richard Trumpka left the UMWA after being elected as secretary-treasurer of the AFL-CIO. Roberts won the first of many elections…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV – The state Division of Highways plans daytime traffic restrictions on County Route 857/2 (Cheat Road) next week. Paving and shoulder work is planned on County Route 857/2, Clark Road, from the intersection of County Route 857, Fairchance Road, to the intersection of County Route 88/1, Bowers Lane. The work will be…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The popular annual celebration of Italian heritage in the Mountain State has officially kicked off in Clarksburg. The 46th Annual West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival officially started the festivities on Friday, with events and activities scheduled to take place until Sunday, August 31st. Chair of the Italian Heritage Festival Board Bill Boyles…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways (DOH) has announced a two year maintenance project on the I-68/US Route 119 overpass bridge that will begin next week. Crews will be replacing the bridge deck, bearings and expansion joints beginning Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 7 a.m. through mid-fall 2027. During work operations two…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —  A Texas man who was found guilty of first-degree murder for stabbing 26-year-old Jacob Lough to death inside his Morgantown home was given a recommendation of life without mercy. A Monongalia County jury deliberated for less than ten minutes in County Circuit Court on Friday, where Jonathan Ramirez, 24, of Watuga, Texas,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — AAA Mid-Atlantic is forecasting a busy Labor Day travel holiday weekend, but not as busy as recent holidays. The total travel numbers are down slightly due to school, college, and work routines returning to normal for many families. Spokesman Jim Garrity said leaving on either end of your trip is the best…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The jury that convicted Jonathan Ramirez of first degree murder has denied mercy to the Texas resident. Ramirez will spend the rest of his life in a state prison for the murder of Learfield Sports employee Jacob Lough. Ramirez, 24, of Watauga, Texas, traveled to West Virginia in mid-January 2024 to meet…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Salem man has been convicted in the February 2024 drug-related killing over a $100 debt. A jury in Harrison County found Dennis High guilty of first-degree murder with mercy and guilty of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in the killing of Dallion Lewis, 37. Prosecutors said High played a key role in…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Texas man who was accused of brutally stabbing a Learfield employee to death while he was sleeping in his Morgantown home has been found guilty of first-degree murder. Jonathan Ramirez, 24, of Watuga, Texas, was found guilty of killing Jacob Lough in his Milford Street home in January 2024, along with…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — All lanes are open and the cones are gone on an Interstate 79 widening project in Marion County. The new six-lane widening opened to traffic Thursday about 48 hours before WVU’s home opener against Robert Morris. Work on the three-mile section of highway began shortly after Pennsylvania-based Swank Construction Company was awarded…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A long-awaited project that aims to involve several West Virginia counties along with neighboring states appears to have gained traction with Mountain State leaders in Charleston. Monongalia County Delegate Joe Statler announced during the Monongalia County Commission’s regular meeting Wednesday that plans are in place to determine the next steps to get…

FAIRCHANCE, Pa. — A Morgantown man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Stephen Lemro, 74, of Morgantown, is accused of hitting Paula Silvis, 70, at the intersection of West Church and Morgantown Streets Wednesday. Officials said Lemro fled the scene, then returned and was taken into custody by…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County jury has found a Pennsylvania man guilty on all charges related to a January 2024 crash on Interstate 79 that killed two Morgantown residents. Thomas Horner III, 39, of Bobtown, was convicted in Monongalia County Circuit Court on Wednesday of two counts of negligent homicide and one count of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The second day of the first-degree murder trial of a Texas man who allegedly stabbed Jacob Lough to death in his home came to a close late Wednesday afternoon at the Monongalia County Justice Center in Morgantown. Half a dozen expert witnesses took the stand in Monongalia County Circuit Court, where they…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — There are 50 K through grade 6 students in classes at the Wisdom Academy, a public brick-and-mortar charter school in the city of Morgantown. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chairman Javaid Syed said they have transformed the former Monongalia County Schools headquarters building on South High Street from 84 offices to…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va Polixce in Clarksburg have charged a 31 year old women with amnimal cruelty after she threw a small dog in a Clarksburg restaurant. Ida Eckenrode, 31, of Clarksburg, is charged with cruelty to animals, according to the Clarksburg Police Department. Police said Eckenrode got into an argument with her grandmother and threw her…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 27th president of West Virginia University, Michael Benson, has announced key changes for his leadership team. First, the nationwide search for a new provost and vice president of academic affairs continues, and listening sessions for the campus community are now planned. Listening sessions with different groups are scheduled in Morgantown, Beckley,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council offered the public an opportunity to hear a local perspective on the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) while moving forward with an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After a request by Third Ward Councilor Louise ‘Weez’ Michael to have a formal presentation on the approximately $450 million project…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former state Senator Sarah Minear died Tuesday at Harmony at White Oaks in Bridgeport at the age of 84. Minear, who most recently lived at Heritage Point in Morgantown, was first elected to the Senate in 1994 and served for 12 years. Minear was based in Tucker County. She was the first…

GRAFTON, W.Va. — Multiple agencies are investigating a shooting on Maple Avenue in Grafton Tuesday morning. Police said the shooting was reported around 1:10 a.m. and the West Virginia Crime Scene Response Team was dispatched to the scene. The Grafton Police Department, West Virginia State Police, the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department, Taylor County EMS and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department is proactively investigating reports of sexual assault on or near the rail-trail system. Officials said no criminal complaints have been filed, but they would like to speak with anyone who may know about assaults in recent weeks. Residents will notice an increased law enforcement presence in areas along…

JANE LEW, W.Va. — Members of the Greater Harrison County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force and the FBI arrested a fugitive from the Pittsburgh area after a lengthy search. Anthony Kraus, 20, of Duquesne, had been a fugitive since failing to report for a recent Pennsylvania drug trial and a hearing on a firearms…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Close to a dozen testimonies were heard on the first day in the murder trial of a Texas man who is accused of killing a Learfield/Mountaineer Sports Properties employee in Morgantown and stealing his vehicle back in January 2024. Jonathan Ramirez, 24, of Watuga, Texas, was in Monongalia County Circuit Court on…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Crews from the Morgantown Utility Board plan to briefly close High Street Wednesday, August 27. the closure is planned around 10 a.m. on High Street between Fayette and Walnut streets for 5 to 15 minutes to flow test a fire hydrant. The road will be reopened as quickly as possible.

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– A 34-year old man in Harrison County is facing charges after police said he left a child alone in a garage for a week without food, water, a bathroom, supervision of medical care. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department went to the home of Juan Jose Benitez-Chacon on a tip and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Texas man accused in the murder of a Learfield/Mountaineer Sports Properties employee will go on trial in Morgantown this week. Jonathan Ramirez, 24, of Watauga, Texas, allegedly killed Jacob Lough in his Milford Street apartment in January of 2024 and was indicted by a grand jury for first-degree murder, burglary and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University officials have released a community notice warning students and their parents about apotentital scam. Students are reminded that university officials will never contact parents or other family members directly to demand payments. University Police have received several reports of scammers falsely claiming officers have arrested students and payments are…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va – The state Division of Highways (DOH) has announced traffic restrictions on I-79 next week near the Pennsylvania state line that is expected to cause delays. Beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, August 26 through 6 a.m. on Wednesday, August 27 the northbound and southbound slow lanes will be closed from mile marker 155.5,…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — The Westover VFW Post 9916 has experienced flooding from recent storms. Water shooting up to two feet out of toilets and sewage smell were the main concerns from the rain. Commander Wilbur England joined WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” to give details. “We had just spent three years putting the Post back…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. — The White Hall Police Department is investigating a hit-and-run crash involving a Marion County Schools bus. The bus was hit by a pickup truck at the intersection of Holbert Road and U.S. Route 250 at 3:21 Thursday afternoon. Middle school children were on the bus and no injuries were reported. The…

WHITE HALL, W.Va. –– The Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Exchange Bank, James A. Boyers, has announced plans to retire from his role as Chief Executive Officer after 32 years of dedicated service. The Board has appointed Clayton Rice, current Chief Lending Officer, as the next CEO, effective November 1, 2025. “The…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va – A Preston County resident has been arrested after police said he threatened a victim and family if they did not provide transportation to the White House. Roy Whaley III, 26, has been charged with harassment by cell phone for using a social media app to send a message asking for transportation…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. -An alleged leader of an area motorcycle gang is on trial in Marion County in connection with the 2022 murder of Henry Silver. Ryan Lane, 37, is reported to be the president of the Pagan Motorcycle Club chapter that is accused of shooting Silver to death because they believed he was romantically involved…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WestRidge family of development companies, WestRidge Inc., WestRidge Land Holdings LLC and WestRidge Commons LLC have for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the Northern District of West Virginia. The businesses have been operated by the Lynch family and Ryan Lynch and the Lynch family, each filed separately. According to the filing, West…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown entrepreneur, author, and Civilian Aid to the Secretary of the Army (CASA), Frank Vitale has now been selected to serve as the President of the West Virginia National Guard Foundation (WVNGF). Vitale is the president and CEO of Forge Business Solutions in Morgantown and a graduate of the Valley Forge Military…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Today makes the beginning of the WVU Medicine Children’s and WVRC Media Cares for Kids Radiothon to benefit patients and families in need. The event runs through Friday, Aug. 22, and will be broadcast live from the Hostetler Family Resource Center on the 10th floor of WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital. “We’re excited…

BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. — Sanitary sewer issues in Blacksville are testing the town council, and state and local leaders are stepping in to lend a hand. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Delegate Joe Statler, R, Monongalia, 77, said he and commissioners in Monongalia County are doing what they can to help them find the money…

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — In the city of Bridgeport, the city council has voted to proceed with one internal investigation and put another on a temporary hold. Investigation “A” was requested by the previous administration with Flannery Georgalis, LLC, and former U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld when allegations of employee misconduct and possible harassment were brought to…

  MORGANTOWN, WVa. —The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is reporting a school bus violation by a motorist on the first day of classes. On Tuesday, the first day of classes, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department began a new initiative to enforce school bus safety, and it was put into action, leading to immediate results. Samuel…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first day of school for students in Monongalia County Schools is in the books and looks to be a successful start. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Superintendent Eddie Campbell said after months of preparation he was glad to get out and watch the return of students to buildings. He recognized…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Battle of the Badges’ blood drive will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 20th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church of Morgantown. A friendly battle between the IAFF Local 313 and WV FOP Lodge #87, the goal of this event is to see which organization can…

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Three are facing felony charges following an investigation into a July fight at a Terre Alta residence investigated by the West Virginia State Police. Troopers responded to a report of a fight on Sanders Street and found Timothy Kenneth Zerfoss, 32, of Falling Waters, on the ground with multiple facial lacerations, visible…

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio State University has announced plans to bring former West Virginia University President Gordon Gee back this year as an advisor. The 81-year old with more than four decades in higher education management will hold academic residencies over the next year in the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, the Moritz College…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — As the Democratic Party fights to maintain their majority status in Monongalia County, their leader reports a lot of energy. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Democrat Executive Committee Chairman Cal Carlson said he is the leader of the Democrat stronghold in the state. Carlson, the second youngest committee…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The popular student-only concert hosted by West Virginia University brought thousands of Mountaineers to the Evansdale Rec Fields to put Move-In Weekend festivities to a close. The 2025 iteration of FallFest was hosted on Monday, where four-time Grammy winner and Charleston native Sierra Ferrell headlined the night of acts, which also included…

PARSONS, W.Va – A motorcycle rider is recovering at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital a crash involving an ambulance accident early Sunday morning. State police were called to the scen on Seneca Trail, near the Tucker County High School just after midnight. HealthNet transported the victim for treatment. No other information has been released.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University students have officially returned to Morgantown for the start of the fall semester. Over 25,000 students from across the United States and dozens of countries from around the world made their way back into the Mountain State as part of Student Move-In Weekend that started on Thursday and wrapped…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board is ready to move forward on the next phase of a highly anticipated water and sewer infrastructure project. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty announced that the directional drill setup for the Chaplin Hill/Westridge Water and Sewer Infrastructure officially commenced on Thursday with a goal to be completed by…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple departments from the Morgantown area responded to an apartment fire on Saturday at The Villages at West Run in Morgantown. The fire occurred late Saturday afternoon, with at least two apartments considered a total loss. WAJR field reporters on site confirmed that the Morgantown Fire Department, the Star City Volunteer Fire Department,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 2025 FallFest line up at West Virginia University is heavy on local talent and scheduled for Monday night at the Rec Center Fields on the Evansdale campus. The headliner is Sierra Ferrell, a Mountain State singer-songwriter, roots musician, and four time Grammy winner. Also on the stage will be Seneca, a…

MORGANTOWN, W. Va. — Former Independent U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will release a memoir in September entitles Dead Center: In Defense of Common Sense. , what the self-styled maverick from West Virginia calls his “declaration of independence from the extremes on both sides.” Manchin, 77, served in the Senate since 2010 and announced last year…

DAVIS, W.Va. — Tucker County-based Timberline Mountain has filed a lawsuit against the newly-enacted special EMS fee. Resort officials said the lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court challenging the two percent special emergency ambulance fee imposed on recreation and entertainment businesses passed by the Tucker County Commission and took effect January 1st. The resort…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Motorists who plan to use West Virginia University parking lots this year will have a new policy to comply with. Drivers must register accurate license plate information in the WVU Parking Portal by Sept. 1. License Plate Recognition (LPR) Technology is being used by the Parking Management team that will enable them…

VOLGA, W.Va. — A 20 year old Upshur County man has been charged with first-degree arson in connection with a blaze in an abandoned property. Bricen Siron is accused of setting the home in the Volga area of Barbour County on fire Saturday. Investigators from the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office said Siron confessed…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Georgia man who was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the Morgantown home explosion that killed former West Virginia University student Carly Grozier was found not guilty. The verdict was announced in Monongalia County Magistrate Court late Wednesday afternoon, where John Bland was delivered the verdict by a six-person jury who deliberated…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After a stormy Wednesday morning and flash flood warning in the afternoon, MetroNews AccuWeather Meteorologist Bob Larson tells WAJR News another round of possibly heavy rain is expected this evening. Larson said the sagging cold front hasn’t pushed through the area yet, and as a result, the Morgantown area could have another…

FAIRMONT, W.Va — State police have arrested a Fairmont man after finding drugs and a neglected dog at his home in Fairmont. State police arrested Gage Hoit, 27, after troopers found opioid pills and narcotis at the home. During the investigation, troopers said they found a dog with visible signs of neglect with an infected…

ELKINS, W.Va. — Police in Elkins say two were killed in a Tuesday evening rollover accident. The crash was reported on North Randolph Avenue at 5:22 p.m. No other information has been released at this time. The crash remains under investigation.  

STORY BY SOFIA WASSICK FAIRVIEW, W.Va. — The Town of Fairview is ready to host the Clay District Fair, which is set to begin on Wednesday, August 13. The multi-day festival full of great entertainment and delicious food will take place at 2097 Daybrook Road in Fairview and will continue through August 16. On Wednesday…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Votes over two resolutions by the Morgantown City Council have resulted in some members calling for a change in how they are presented ahead of regular meetings. Ahead of votes on resolutions to formally support federal funding to support disabled coal miners and formally oppose the NextEra MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) project,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education appears ready to have a formal vote on whether to change a heavily discussed policy by parent-teacher organizations (PTOs) countywide. The decision to move a formal vote on the school system policy related to crowdsourcing was made after discussions by the BOE during their regular meeting…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The acquisition of water and sewer utilities of the town of Star City by the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) has cleared another hurdle. The MUB board of directors formally approved the acquisition of the system with just over 875 as part of a 4-0 vote during their regular meeting Tuesday night. Board…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– The contract for the next phase of the Morgantown Municipal Airport Runway Extension Project has been given the formal green light. The Morgantown City Council unanimously passed a resolution that approved a contract to be awarded to Tucker County-based company Mountaineer Infrastructure LLC at a total bid of approximately $6.74 million. Morgantown Municipal…

HAZELTON, W.Va. — Correctional officers at federal prison in Hazelton are battling an influx of dangerous substances into Preston County lock-up. American Federation of Government Employees Local 420 President Justin Tarovisky said two incidents involving carfentanyl were reported last week with a total of three officers exposed. Tuesday morning, Tarovisky said during a search of…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Eleven suspects are in custody as a result of a drug investigation in Marion County Tuesday. Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham said detectives served warrants at a home on Maryland Avenue around 1:30 a.m. Police cofiscated 21 grams of fentanyl, cocaine, meth and paraphernalia during the operation. The only names that have…

MOUNT CLARE, W.Va. — State officials have confirmed the Mount Clare fire Saturday did involve a fatality. The State Fire Marshal provided the information and said additional information will be released later in ther week. The fire was reported Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. on Jerome Avenue. The West Virginia Medical Examiner was also called…

HAZELTON, W.Va, — For the second time in a week a guard at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Hazelton has been transported after being exposed to an unknown substance. The first incident happenedon Wednesday and the second was reported Saturday at 10:15 a.m. Officials have not disclosed what they believe the substance was. No other injuries…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance is flowing in Fairmont following torrential Father’s Day weekend rains and flash flooding. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” City Manager Travis Blosser said residents should prepare themselves for the process. In a word, Blosser said it’s all about your documentation, and the more you…

REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — The community of Reedsville is ready to take part in the 38th Annual Valley District Fair. The Reedsville Volunteer Fire Department will host the near week’s worth of festivities right behind their firehouse on Kingwood Street. The festivities started on Sunday, with the Ron Smith Memorial Car Show. That kicked off a…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Crews for the Morgantown Utility Board will begin cleaning operations next week that could lead to foul odors during work operations. The grit chamber at the Deckers Creek Pump Station will be cleaned Tuesday, August 12 through Thursday, August 14. During cleaning, unpleasant odors could be released in the immediate vicinity of…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The wild and wonderful state of West Virginia is in need of 8,255 poll workers for its next election. Being registered to vote and completing a basic, two-hour training session are the only requirements needed to participate. Unlike last election, where it was a last-minute scramble to keep the 1,651 precincts operating,…

WORTHINGTON, W.Va. — The Town of Worthington continues work to repair the sanitary sewer system, and the Plan of Corrective Action has been submitted as required by the state Department of Environmental Protection. Mayor Debbie Heflin said problems started in June of 2024 during an extreme rain event that overwhelmed the system. The plant operator…

HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — A motorcyclist is recovering after a pursuit with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department Friday evening. Rocco Miller, 43, of Clarksburg, was being stopped for having no vehicle registration around 10 p.m. on Rock Camp Road and refused to stop. Miller continued for three to four miles at speeds of about 50…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) has announced plans to begin night operations at the intersection of University Avenue and Walnut Street beginning Sunday, August 10. MUB crews will temporarily close a single lane in both directions of University Avenue at the intersection with Walnut Street beginning at 8 p.m. Sunday. The far…

FARMINGTON, W.Va. — One person was flown from the scene of a two vehicle accident on U.S. Route 250 near North Marion High School. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and volunteer firefighters from Mannington and Farmington were dispatched to the scene at 6:53 a.m. One crash victim had to be extricated from the…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The current mayor of the capital of West Virginia is now set to be the next president of the WV Municipal League. Charleston Mayor and current Vice President of the WV Municipal League Amy Shuler-Goodwin was announced as the next president, where she will take over for League President and current St.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia branches of Northwestern Mutual have once again teamed up with local child advocate organizations to give area children in need the materials to be ready for the 2025-26 school year. Members of the CASA for Kids of Monongalia and Preston Counties were at the Morgantown offices of Northwestern Mutual on…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University graduate Doug Skaff Jr. was known for being a Mountaineer to the core. Following his tragic passing, his family is honoring his legacy with a scholarship gift to benefit future students at the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics. The Douglas J. Skaff Jr. Mountaineer Spirit Scholarship…

SHINNSTON, W.Va. — A former mainstay within the Harrison County community appears to be on pace to be redeveloped into a new facility for Harrison County Animal Control. Harrison County Commissioner Patsy Trecost announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that plans to make use of the just over 40-acre site of the former Sunset…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Monongalia County commissioners have announced the move of their recycling facility and a utility theft problem in the western end of the county. Beginning around 11 a.m. Wednesday the current recycling drop-off site at Westover City Hall will close, and county workers will begin moving bins to the new site at…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown and BOPARC have officially received money from the West Virginia Treasury’s Office as part of a return of unclaimed property. State Treasurer Larry Pack was in attendance on the second day of the 2025 WV Municipal League Conference hosted in Morgantown, where he presented two separate checks to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — North Central West Virginians in at least two counties appear to remain openly against the MidAtlantic Resiliency Link (MARL). A four-person panel that was hosted in a practice gym inside University High School in Morgantown spoke in front of just over 150 people on Tuesday, including multiple members of the West Virginia…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public officials from across the Mountain State have begun to take in the sights in Morgantown to take part in the 2025 WV Municipal League. Day Two of the annual conference officially wrapped up on Tuesday at the Marriott Waterfront in Downtown Morgantown, where the mayors of multiple Monongalia County-based municipalities participated…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) is warning the public about a recent involving people impersonating law enforcement officials. Residents have reported receiving calls from people identifying themselves as members of the U.S.Marshals Service or other agencies attempting to collect a fine for not reporting for jury duty or other court-related matters. The…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposed construction of the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) will be the focus of a public meeting in Morgantown Tuesday night. The 105-mile, 500,000-volt transmission line would originate in Greene County, Pennsylvania, and end in Frederick County to power a data center while passing through portions of West Virginia. County Commissions in…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways announced plans a lane closure on I-68 at the Sabraton Overpass Bridge. The lane closure is scheduled from Tuesday, August 5, through Friday, August 22. Crews are working on bridge bearings in the superstructure of the bridge. The exit ramp will remain open during work operations.

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — U.S. News & World Report has ranked the J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital as the best in the state for the 2025-26 year. WVU Medicine President and CEO Albert Wright has also been awarded a six-year contract extension as the system celebrates several other accomplishments. On MetroNews’s “Talkline,” Wright said the view from…

  MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The community is encouraged to attend a public meeting Tuesday night regarding the proposed transmission line from Pennsylvania to Virginia to power a data center there. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” resident Juliet Marlier said the 500,000-volt line would go through Monongalia County property that has been in her family…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced the activation of Clean and Sanitize Assistance (CSA) for eligible residents of Marion and Ohio Counties under the federal disaster declaration (DR-4884-WV) made by President Donald Trump. The residents can receive a one time payment of $300 for cleaning supplies and sanitation necessities. “West Virginia will leave…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Rivesville man is facing multiple charges after police allege he shot at subjects in a car at Palatine Park in Fairmont. Officers from the Fairmont Police Department said on July 31 Joshua Smith, 21, is accused of pulling a gun and firing at a vehicle with five occupants. At the scene,…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department will be celebrating National Night Out as they host a block party on Tuesday, Aug. 5th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will take place in the parking lot outside of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department on 609 West Main Street. Originating in 1984, National…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public officials representing the City of Morgantown are ready to take part in the 2025 West Virginia Municipal League Conference that will be hosted at the Waterfront Marriott starting August 4. Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble expressed excitement for the opportunity to take part in the first conference hosted in Morgantown since 2022,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public officials for the City of Morgantown have begun to ponder the next steps to address a significant budget shortfall in the general fund. Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble discussed the approximately $3.2 million deficit for FY26 on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Friday, where she stated that cuts are being considered to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways has announced plans to close a portion of the ramp system at the intersection of I-68 and I-79. The I-79 south ramp to the ramp to I-68 east will be fully closed during the evening next week. The closures begin at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 4,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board announced that an unplanned outage occurred in the Chaplin Hill area due to a water main break that is currently under repair. The outage is reported to have affected approximately 248 customers in just over two dozen locations in the Chaplin Hill area. The affected areas include 341-1095…

TERRE ALTA, W.Va. — A Terre Alta man faces multiple charges after allegedly fighting with his mother and police during. State police responded after receiving a report from a woman saying her son was trying to kill her. The victim told police she said she didn’t know where her son, Shane Sager, 35, was because…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department announced that a case of rabies was confirmed after a wild animal was captured in the northwestern part of the county. The case was confirmed by Monongalia County Health Officer Dr. Brian Huggins late Thursday afternoon after a raccoon was captured in the New Hill area near…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Delegate David McCormick, R, Monongalia, 82, wants to see more effort at the state level to bring data centers and take advantage of the provisions of House Bill 2014. House Bill 2014, the Power Generation and Consumption Act, establishes a certified microgrid program. The bill encourages data centers to locate in the…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Volunteer firefighters pulled two dogs from a Fairmont structure fir Thursday morning. Members of the Winfield District Volunteer Fire Department were called to the structure on Colfax Camp Road around 10:20 a.m. Firefighters extinguished the fire on the deck and breezeway before it advanced into theliving area. Two dogs were rescued during…

HARRISON COUNTY, WVa. –– A Harrison County elementary school teacher is one of five being considered for the 2026 Teacher of the Year. The finalists were announced Thursday by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE). Big Elm Elementary School teacher Renee Powell is among the finalists. Powell has six years of experience as an…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A suspect in a Berkley County kidnapping of a child was arrested in Monongalia County Wednesday night. Officials from the Berkley County Sheriff’s Department were notified by deputies in Marion County that Tiffanie Dokes-Klauser was at the truck stop at I-79and Goshen Road and had an active felony kidnapping warrant. At…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A new paving plan for the City of Morgantown appears to be on track to be given a full green light. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved moving the 2025 City Street Paving Plan to their agenda, where just over 40 roads are currently projected to be paved within six wards at…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Post 5 Mine Rescue and West Virginia State Mine Rescue Competition is being held at Mylan Park through Aug. 1. The director of WVU’s Academy for Mine Training and Energy Technologies Josh Brady said 21 teams from three states are participating. Two teams were unable to compete due to ongoing operations…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two people are recovering after being pulled from Deckers Creek after a Monday crash involving an SUV. MECCA 911 dispatched first responders to Route 7 near the intersection of Pixler Hill Road at 10:30 p.m. West Virginia State Police troopers said the SUV on its top with the two occupants trapped inside.…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University President Mike Davis is on the final leg of his 2025 “Tour of West Virginia,” which continues through August 1. The tour fulfills a commitment Davis made in 2023 to visit all 55 counties in the Mountain State—a promise he will have kept by the end of this trip.…

WESTON, W.Va. — State police are investigating a three vehicle crash Sunday on I-79 in Lewis County involving an ambulance that injured nine people. An ambulance operated by Harrison County EMS ambulance collided with a personal van while merging onto the roadway. The impact caused the personal vehicle to hit another car. Troopers closed the…

WESTON, W.Va. — A statewide organization with a lawsuit pending against the state Department of Health Facilities (DHF) is responding to the recent armed standoff at the William R. Sharpe Jr. Psychiatric Hospital. Disability Rights West Virginia has filed a lawsuit in Cabell County, alleging the agency is withholding documents that would demonstrate mismanagement and…

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — With a federal disaster declaration now in place, officials in the city of Fairmont are providing space for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff to assist residents impacted by the flash flooding over Father’s Day weekend. Speaking on WAJR’s Talk of the Town, Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser said that while residents…

WESTOVER, W.Va. — A benefit concert held in honor of the late Tonie Renner Gentile, who passed from breast cancer in early 2023, will be held at the Westover VFW on July 26th at 6 p.m. Gentile, a beloved individual who grew up in Granville, made it her mission to assist others as she worked…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WV Wellness Festival, sponsored by Dynamic Physical Therapy, will occur on Saturday, Jul. 26th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mylan Park Community Center. Expecting to educate while being fun, the fair will host over 80 interactive exhibitors and provide tons of free giveaways and health screenings for all.…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The comprehensive Clarksburg water system upgrade due to lead services is one of three major projects residents and businesses are enduring. There are active projects with the Thrasher Group in the Stealey, Hartland, North View, Main Street, and Pike Street areas of the city that are expected to be completed by December…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department released the inaugural ‘Wanted Wednesday’ list of featured felons on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town.” The program segment will be a regular offering on Talk of the Town to help law enforcement capture those wanted for outstanding felony warrants and to promote the new MCSD web page.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown has announced a series of budget adjustments in order to provide a consistent framework for forecasting. City Finance Director Jonathan Furgison said the reconciliation will result in a decrease of $1.01 million for the FY 26 general fund. In prior years the modified accrual basis was used to…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The city of Morgantown has received a $9.52 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support the next phases of the runway extension project at Morgantown Municipal Airport. Airport Director Jonathon Vrabel said the funding will cover construction work included in Phase 6 as…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va — A Clarksburg police officer has been placed on administrative leave following an incident Friday. Officer Elijah Helsley is seen in a video hitting the suspect, Aaron Mayfield in the head on the morning of July 18. Police said Mayfield was found laying on the ground sat the intersection of Locust Avenue and…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown police have arrested a Waynesburg woman in connection with an assault at a downtown church. July 18, police responded to the Trinity Church on Willey Street and made contact with the victim who had wounds to both legs and was bleeding badly. The victim was receiving first aid from people in…

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Crews with the Clarksburg Water Board and the state Department of Highways teamed up to make repairs to a watermain and section of roadway in Adamston Monday. At 9:45 a.m. Monday, responded to West Pike Street in Adamston to investigate a water main break. After the water was shutoff in the area,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The League of Women Voters of West Virginia has released its 2025 Legislative Scorecard. Co-president Judy Ball said the organization began the scorecard three years ago as a way to give voters insight into what happens when lawmakers are in Charleston. Ball said she wanted to disseminate the information so voters could…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown is now facing a second lawsuit related to alleged misconduct by a former city employee. Dan Fluharty, who served as deputy director of Engineering and Public Works from October 2022 to April 2023, has been named in two lawsuits that accuse him of inappropriate touching, sexually charged behavior…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The St. Francis Alumni Association has honored Paul Massullo, class of 1978, with the Lance Corporal Russell Cyzick Veteran award. The award was created in 2021 to honor Rusty Cyzick, class of 1981, who killed in the Oct. 1983 terrorist bombing of the United States Marine barracks in Beirut. The bombing killed…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested a local man for several felony warrants after he returned to the property he had been evicted from. Deputies arrested Tommy John Watson without incident following a trespassing complaint at the property then learned he was wanted for severalother active warrants. “The safety…

PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department arrested a fugitive from Maryland while serving a warrant on Aurora Pike Thursday. Police arrested Michael Ray Reckart on an active warrant involving multiple felony drug charges out of Frederick County. During the warrant service Christina Watson and Lori Rodeheaver were also taken into…

Story written by Sofia Wassick FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University has recently instituted the Martin “Mike” Arcure Memorial Impact Scholarship, an award honoring the late Mike Arcure. This $1,000 annual scholarship will benefit full-time Fairmont State University undergraduates who are in need of financial aid and are former graduates of Marion County, West Virginia,…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board has greenlighted a contract with Anderson Excavating to address damage to the Deckers Creek Sanitary Sewer Main Line. The contract valued at approximately $504,000 was unanimously approved as part of an emergency meeting with the MUB board of directors on Thursday in response to a recent landslide that…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded to a multi-vehicle accident that took place near the Cheat Lake Bridge late Thursday afternoon. WV511 reported that the accident took place near mile marker 10 along westbound Interstate 68 near the Cheat Lake Bridge at around 4:50 p.m. Thursday. MECCA 911 confirmed that two vehicles…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board announced that a portion of University Avenue will be closed to repair a sinkhole. MUB Communications Director Chris Dale announced via press release that due to inclement weather and public safety concerns, University Avenue will be closed between Falling Run Road and Stewart Street beginning Friday, July 18.…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Statler College of Engineering celebrated the last days of a weeklong STEM camp for West Virginia high school female students with the use of real-world technology. The SpaceTrek Engineering Camp welcomed 17 high school-aged students from across the Mountain State to the WVU campus, where they took part…

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mobile Black Lung Screening program operated by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is back on the road and will be in northern West Virginia and Maryland later this month. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” spokesperson Tia McClelland said they’ll be at Mylan Park July 29 through July…

LOST CREEK, W.Va. — Four people were transported with unspecified injuries following a crash early Thursday in the Lost Creek area. The crash involved a vehicle into a garage at 1:30 a.m. in the 3300 block of McWhorter Road. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department three of the occupants suffered serious injuries and another…

BAXTER, W.Va. — A Marion County man has been charged for allegedly engaging in sexual acts with a minor who “suffers from mental deficiencies” in the Baxter area. The Marion County detachment of the West Virginia State Police announced that Connor Garoutte, 26, of Fairview, was arrested for multiple instances of alleged sexual acts with…

MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Water service has been restored in the Clinton Water Association area, and the boil water advisory has been lifted. However, the water conservation order remains in effect. Speaking on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Patrick Kirby, a representative and employee of Carline Excavating and Hauling, confirmed that water is back on…

WESTON, W.Va – A shooting in Weston injured one and resulted in charges for another resident Tuesday night. Police said Mark Goldsmith, 63, allegedly shot his neighbor, Gregory Borowske, in the abdomen outside his residence on North River Avenue. Goldsmith told officers with the Weston Police Department he shot Borowske after he came on his…