CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — A section of Interstate 68 was closed for several hours Thursday after a semi-truck tipped over near Cheat Lake as a result of morning snow. According to West Virginia 511, the incident occured just before 4 a.m. near Cheat Lake, less than a half mile from the exit that’s located near…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Maryland man who allegedly stabbed his sister to death at a Morgantown motel while staying as resident a local homeless shelter has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. Karol Crosco, 49, of Garrett County, Maryland, waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Monongalia County Magistrate Court on Thursday to…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The City of Fairmont has received state funding to support the demolition of a structure that was ordered by City Manager Travis Blosser to address safety concerns around parts of downtown. Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser announced that the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection awarded the city approximately $332,000 as part…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Workers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are thanking their federal delegation after jobs were reinstated this week. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito met with Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy several times over the months NIOSH was closed. Despite small gains she and…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — An elected official who served in both major parties from Fairmont has passed away. Paul Edward Prunty died Sunday surrounded by his family after a lengthy illness. Paul was a graduate of East Fairmont High School, attended Fairmont State College, and served in the U.S. Army Reserve, attaining the rank of Staff…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The latest dose of winter weather should move out of the region by late Thursday afternoon in time for the next weather maker Friday into Saturday. National Weather Service Meteorologist Bill Modzelewski said the Morgantown area can expect about 1 inch of snow during the day Thursday as temperatures continue to fall.…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A Taylor County woman is in custody for allegedly allowing her stepdaughter to be malnourished to the point where she passed away. Taylor County Sheriff Randy Durrett announced that Shannon Robinson, 51, of Graton, was arrested Wednesday morning after an almost year-long investigation into the death of an 11-year-old girl who was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials with the City of Morgantown appear to have garnered some new perspective on how to increase housing options within the city. The first public input session involving city residents was hosted at the Marilla Center at Marilla Park on Wednesday night, where close to two dozen residents participated in conversations with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another step towards the start of construction for the Exit 155 Chaplin Hill Gateway Project has just been greenlighted by the Monongalia County Commission. The commission unanimously approved the distribution of right-of-entry letters to property owners located around the approximately $135 million project that will be supported as part of a three-way…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Alleged Pagans Motorcycle Club leader Ryan Lane will receive no jail time after pleading guilty to a charge of “organized criminal enterprise” as part of the 2022 murder case of Henry Silver. Lane was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine along with court costs as…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A new air carrier provider will now offer essential air services at the North Central West Virginia Airport in Harrison County. NCWV Airport Director Rick Rock announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that SkyWest Airlines, operating as United Express, was selected by the United States Department of Transportation to serve as…
CINCINNATI, Ohio — After nine months of sustained organizing and collective action, layoffs within the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) have been recsinded. All employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) who received layoff notices have been fully reinstated. In April 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) started…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board officially approved a new head of the utility’s governing body as a new member was officially welcomed into his seat. Erik Carlson was selected by the MUB Board to serve as Board Chair during their regular meeting Tuesday, where he will officially take over for longtime MUB board…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A recent appointment to the Morgantown Utility Board of Directors has prompted select members, along with county officials, to express concern over how the governing body of the utility represents ratepayers countywide. MUB Vice Chair Tom Witt expressed concern over the recent number of members on the board that currently live within…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Students at the Monongalia Technical Education Center who take part in the licensed practical nurse program now have more opportunities to work in the field. The Monongalia County Board of Education approved four clinical affiliation contracts as part of their regular meeting Tuesday night, which will expand the offerings for students taking…
BARBOUR COUNTY, W.Va – Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department have arrested one person who allegedly picked a woman up from a bar in Morgantown and sexually assaulted her there. Jacob Boyd, 34, had been messaging with the victim via social media before picking her up at a Morgantown bar to take her to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With about five months on the job, the West Virginia University Vice President of Enrollment Management, Fabrizio D’elosio, is working toward impressive numbers for the 2026-27 academic year. D’elosio came to Morgantown from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, which is a public, land-grant, R1 institution with nearly 39,000 students. As the chief…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The top elected officials in the city of Morgantown have released a statement regarding recent reports of agents from Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in the area. ICE took two people into custody last week in Harrison County. No other operations have been reported. Below is the complete statement: We want to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One person was hit and injured in downtown Morgantown Tuesday morning. Deputy Chief of the Morgantown Police Department Chris Ruehmer said an elderly male was hit in the intersection of Pleasant and High Streets around 8:45 a.m. Tuesday. “It spun him around and he dropped right in the street,” Ruehmer said. ”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University executive staff, including the newly hired provost and vice president of academic affairs, will attend the opening of the 60-day legislative session in Charleston Wednesday. President Michael T. Benson told members of the Faculty Senate that former WVU chemistry major, PhD recipient from Notre Dame, and House Speaker Roger…
WESTON, W.Va. — A Colorado man is in custody after leading police on a pursuit through Lewis and Braxton Counties. Sunday, Kyle Jitsuwo Ulysses Zercues Matsuoka Termin, 27, of Denver, Co., is accused of driving though Weston at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour around 10 p.m. Termin fled on Route 19 South…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The evolution of the delivery of social services continues in Monongalia County. About three years ago a group of local leaders established Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue as a clearinghouse for social services in the community. The facility is owned by Morgantown Community Resources and is now managed by the…
BELINGTON, W.Va. — A 32-year old Belington woman is facing charges after troopers with the West Virginia State Police said she hit her child with paddles she named “the attitude adjuster.” Five minor children under the care of Courtney Crites, 32, were interviewed at the Child Advocacy Center and she beat them, kicked them and…
GRAFTON, W.Va. –– Police in Grafton made an arrest in case involving the beating of a female victim and her 12-year old daughter. Joseph Sharp, 35, of Grafton, allgedly hit a woman in the head several times before ripping her pants off. Sharp is also accused of hitting thre 12-year old in the head several…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Led by a team at West Virginia University, in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and 60 additional regional partners, the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium (RETI) has been named as one of the 15 finalists for the grand $160 million National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another semester is about to begin for students and faculty at West Virginia University. Representatives with the WVU Office of Student Life, along with dozens of different student organizations, welcomed back the over 24,000 students who returned to campus over the course of three days. WVU Dean of Students and Associate Vice…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Commissioners in Preston County have elected their youngest leader in history. Hunter Thomas, 24, has been representing his constituents as a commissioner for the last three years. “I thought I had enough experience under my belt that I could lend to this position, and it would give me a continued platform to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Texas man convicted in the murder of Learfield Sports employee Jacob Lough will spend the rest of his life in a West Virginia state prison. In August of 2025 a jury convicted Jonathan Ramirez, 32, of first degree murder, burglary, and grand larceny in less than 30 minutes. One day later,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is ready to welcome back students for the start of the spring semester. WVU Dean of Students and Associate Vice President of Student Life Carrie Showalter reported on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that residents around the Morgantown area are expected to see some traffic delays around the downtown…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is thanking the public for tips leading to the capture of a suspect in a sexual assault case. In November of 2024 an investigation resulted in Steven Keith Waybright, 32, being charged with one count of sexual assault and two counts of child abuse. Waybright was featured…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Administrators at Morgantown area hotels have joined together to make a final push towards a community clothing drive aimed at keeping people warm during the winter. Hotel lobbies at six different hotels located within Morgantown have set up donation boxes that will be open as part of the 2025-26 Winter Clothing Drive…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — West Virginia-based, Allegheny Metallurgical, forecasts the creation of new high-paying jobs after powering up their state-of-the-art longwall. Chief Operating Officer Eric Lipinski said the company hold a job fair at the Bridgeport Conference Center Friday (Today) from 9 to 5 p.m. and Saturday, January 10, 2026 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.…
BARBOUR COUNTY, W.Va. — The Federal Aviation Administration has started an investigation into an aircraft that went down at the Philippi-Barbour County Regional Airport on Thursday afternoon. Officials at the Barbour County 911 Center reported that first responders were called to the scene at 12:34 p.m. where the brakes on the plane were reported to have…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials with the City of Morgantown plan to be busy to start the new year, with meetings related to city administration goals scheduled to take place in the coming months. Morgantown City Manager Jamie Miller announced to the Morgantown City Council during their regular meeting on Tuesday that information gathered from scheduled…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for Wheeling resident who last seen in our area. Brandon Troy Phillips, 33, of Wheeling, was last seen leaving a residence on Fairmont Road on December 21, 2025 wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt with a “Malibu’s” logo, black sweatpants and black boots. Phillips…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va – Preston County 911 officials have confirmed that three individuals were stabbed at USP Hazelton on Wednesday. It is unclear at this time whether those injured are inmates, staff members or other individuals. 911 officials said they received the call at 4:00 p.m., but were unable to provide more information about the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County commissioner Tom Bloom has been selected by his peers to serve as president of the body for the next year. Bloom accepted the nomination and said he wants to maintain the progress and development the county has experienced under the leadership of the two previous commissioners—Jeff Arnett in 2025 and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public outreach efforts are officially underway for the Monongalia County Schools Excess Levy Committee. Representatives with the committee have begun to speak with residents around the county in the months ahead of an impending county schools excess levy vote that is scheduled to take place in 2026, with the current five-year levy…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A former National Football League (NFL) player and Fairmont resident has been with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute following a routine traffic stop. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department stopped Rashod Kent, 45, due to an expired registration and smelled marijuana as they approached the Dodge Challenger…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the senior members of the West Virginia House of Delegates intends to dig further into state budget projections before fully supporting tax cuts proposed by legislatures. Less than two weeks before the start of the regular session of the 2026 West Virginia Legislature, Delegate Joe Statler (R-Monongalia, 077) discussed the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Adjustments to the Morgantown City Code related to how mobile food vendors can operate around the downtown area will be placed under consideration by city officials. The Morgantown City Council openly expressed support for considering changes to the permit requirements for mobile food vendors, as well as establishing a program that would…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect in the Morgantown Motel murder was a resident of Hazel’s House of Hope at the time of the crime. Court documents said the victim has been identified as his sister, and he purchased a knife the day before “specifically to use on his sister.” The vehicle used that night was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Flu cases are beginning to increase across the state, according to WVU Medicine epidemiologist Dr. Matt Lokant. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” he said bordering states are either experiencing “high” or “very high” flu activity rates. He added that our peak generally comes six to eight weeks after the peaks in…
AURORA, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) Board of Directors has announced a substantial grant for Jacob’s Ladder following a rigorous Direct Funding Model application and review process. Aurora-based Jacob’s Ladder is a nationally recognized six-month residential recovery program built on therapy, farming, the arts, outdoor engagement, and Twelve Step programming. Since its…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 40-year old Fairview man is behind bars after police said he left a child in a car unattended outside a hotspot while he was inside. Friday the child entered Casey’s Hotspot crying and asking where Matthew Wood was leading to a welfare check by deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Established in April of 2024, Monongalia County’s ‘Whole Blood Program’, which enables paramedics to give whole blood in the field to injured patients with severe bleeding, has taken off and changed the game of emergency care across the state. In November of 2023, Cabell County was the first county in the state…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A review of the officer-involved shooting in Monongalia County in December of 2025 shows policies were followed and the officers acted appropriately during the incident. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Sheriff Todd Forbes said officers fired on the suspect, Tommy Gorrell, when he refused to respond to commands during an investigation…
ALTOONA, Pa. — Former President, CEO, and Chairman of the Board, Stephen G. Sheetz, died Sunday evening at the age of 77. Sheetz graduated from Altoona High School in 1965 and began working fopr Sheetz, the store his brother founded at the age of 12. After graduating from Penn State University in 1969, he began…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Detectives with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department are piecing together what happened leading up to the stabbing death of an unidentified female victim in Morgantown. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Sheriff Todd Forbes said the sequence of events began to unfold just after 11 p.m. Sunday. “Last night at approximately 11:06…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect in an officer0involved shooting in Monongalia County has been identified and is expected to be arraingned over the weekend. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a domestic incident with shots-fired just after midnight Saturday, December 6. Tommy R. Gorrell, of Morgantown, was shot on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman is facing charges for allegedly causing a car crash in November 2025 that killed at least one person while she was DUI. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office announced via press release that Brandi N. Taylor, 40, was arrested Friday after deputies executed an active warrant. Taylor’s arrest occurred after…
NEWBURG, W.Va. — An investigation is underway into the cause of a large fire that damaged a Preston County wedding venue on the morning of New Year’s Day. According to the Preston County 911 Center, first responders were alerted to a structure fire at the M&M Wedding Venue located on Yorks Run Road in Newburg…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area hospitals have officially delivered their first births to start the new year. Representatives with WVU Medicine announced that a girl named Sansa was born just before 6:00 a.m. on New Year’s Day at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Morgantown. Sansa was born weighing 6 pounds and 4.9 ounces and was welcomed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The latest winter weather event brought anywhere from 2 to 4 four inches of snow in the Morgantown area and mostly reports of 6 inches to the east in the mountains. Meteorologist Jared Rackley said the strongest part of system moved into the region in the early morning hours of New Year’s…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials in the City of Morgantown are looking for input from the public regarding challenges identified in the 2020 Housing Needs Assessment. Residents are encouraged to offer their input on housing affordability issues in the city. Officials will provide information regarding the local housing issues and future possibilities for policies and programs…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area residents should expect to see some cold weather added with some snow as part of New Year’s Eve festivities. Metronews Accuweather meteorologist Andrew Kinzel reported on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Tuesday that a frontal system is expected to make a push into the North Central part of the…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — A Harrison County man faces drug charges after allegedly causing a fatal vehicle crash in Barbour County earlier this month while attempting to travel back to sell controlled substances. Chadley Claypool, 39, of Clarksburg, was charged with intent to deliver a controlled substance and conspiracy to deliver controlled substances after an investigation…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A carbon company that produces long-burning products with the use of wood waste products is expanding operations at their facility in Fairmont. Prime 6 Plant Manager Mike Wayne announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Tuesday that the total number of employees at the facility is expected to expand up to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A community effort to address roads through the Monongalia County Commission-approved orphan roads grant is now formally green-lighted for funding. The commission approved an allocation of $82,000 through the orphan road grant program to address road repairs on Alpine Street located within the county’s West Run Planning District. This included years of…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont man is in custody for allegedly striking a West Virginia State Police trooper in the face. 30-year-old Austin Ray Lamparter was arrested on December 21 after an attempt was made to take him into custody for an alleged domestic incident that took place earlier in December. According to a criminal…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is in custody after he allegedly abused a puppy, causing it to be placed in critical condition and its leg to be amputated. 35-year-old Jeremy Ganocy was arrested for allegedly beating the 12-week-old puppy that had been using the bathroom inside the home. According to a criminal complaint, the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A harm reduction program intended to minimize the spread of disease from intravenous drug use will now have participation from the Monongalia County Health Department. Monongalia County Commissioners announced during one of their final regular meetings of the year that the MCHD will work with Milan Puskar Health Right to take part…
HUNDRED, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania man who allegedly shot his parents and killed his mother has been taken into custody in West Virginia. The Pennsylvania State Police announced via social media that 18-year-old Jared Noll was arrested by West Virginia State Police on Saturday, less than 24 hours after he allegedly shot his parents. Police…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A new partnership involving the City of Morgantown and social service organizations will look to increase the stockpile of donations for local food banks. LifeBridge AmeriCorps and the United Way of Mon and Preston Counties will partner with volunteers involved in the Morgantown City Ambassadors program to host two separate donation drop-off…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Selections for administrative positions at West Virginia University’s main campus appear to be on track to be decided by the start of 2026. Interim Provost Paul Krieder announced to the WVU Board of Governors on Friday that the selections for the deans of the WVU College of Law and the Eberly College…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The City of Clarksburg wants to advise residents to potentially smell gas in various parts of the city during the weekend. A public notice was issued by the city via Facebook on Friday where they announced that a gas line purging will take place around Clarksburg on Saturday as part of regular…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A new addition to the University High School campus is ready to have the design of the project presented to the public. Representatives with athletic field Tarkett Sports reported to the Monongalia County Board of Education during their regular meeting Tuesday that a design of the multi-sport complex that will include facilities…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes released important statistics from his first year as the top law enforcement officer in the county. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Forbes said for the first time in about a decade the department is fully staffed with a list of candidates waiting for a phone call.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Thanks to the generosity of many in Monongalia County, many that would not have had food for the holidays will. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom said Pantry Plus More distributed more than 2,500 food boxes during the months of November and so far this December. The…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The official numbers have not been tallied, but the foot traffic tells statewide retailers this Christmas shopping season was better than expected despite worries about the economy. President of the West Virginia Retailers Association Bridget Lambert said this has been the busiest year in stores since the pandemic. The retailers have also…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is soliciting engineering firms that could design a trash collection system behind the Morgantown Lock and Dam on the Monongahela River. The Morgantown Trash Removal Initiative will be a federally funded project that will address a decades-old problem in a highly visible section of the city. On WAJR’s…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University (WVU) has modified their holiday schedule after the governor issued a proclamation giving state employees a half-day off Wednesday, Dec. 24, and a full day off on Friday, Dec. 26, for the Christmas holiday. Now, qualified WVU employees will be offered a half-day off Tuesday, Dec. 30 since Dec.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The president of a Morgantown development group says ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings will not interrupt infrastructure projects in the area. WestRidge President Ryan Lynch has confirmed the company will continue to make payments as part of three-way agreements with the Monongalia County Commission, the Morgantown Utility Board, and the state Department…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first commencement ceremony to take place for West Virginia University with new President Michael T. Benson is about to take place on Saturday, December 20. The 2025 December Commencement will take place at the Hope Coliseum over the course of two ceremonies, with the first taking place on December 20 at…
GRAFTON, W.Va — A Taylor County man is facing kidnapping charges after sheriff’s deputies allege he kidnapped two 18-year-old girls. Kemper Freeze, 20, of Grafton, picked the two girls up after they to be taken to McDonald’s for a birthday dinner Wednesday night. Freeze took the girls to McDoanld’s then instead of taking them home…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The City of Fairmont is ready to be a full participant in a multi-state trail corridor that aims to increase local economic development. Director of Planning and Development for the City of Fairmont Shae Strait announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that conversations are ongoing with members of the community to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has approved the first steps to be taken on a county level to address a state-induced tax exoneration caused by a clerical error. The commission approved the acceptance of the exonerations valued at around $237,000 in a 2-0 vote during their regular meeting on Wednesday (Commissioner Sean Sikora…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — Damage assessments and cleanup is underway at the Evergreen Assisted Living facility after residents were evacuated due to a flood. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said it’s believed sprinkler system pipes in the second floor burst due to the weather around 3:30 Tuesday afternoon. Within…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WestRidge president Ryan Lynch says they have received approvals in their Chapter 11 filing that will prevent interruption of two major infrastructure projects. Lynch has confirmed the company will continue to make payments as part of three-way agreements with the County Commission and the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) regarding the water and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Public works staff employed by the City of Morgantown have begun to take stewardship of a property that is currently pending legal appeals by the Monongalia County Board of Education. Members of the Morgantown City Council reported during the councilor report portions of their regular meeting Tuesday that the city has officially…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — A longtime public servant for the Town of Star City is confirmed to have passed away. Members of the Star City council took a portion of their regular meeting Tuesday to commemorate former Star City Mayor Herman Reid, who passed away in early December at the age of 72. Star City…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A levy call to support three years of funding for the Monongalia County School System has been formally given the green light to proceed. The Monongalia County Board of Education approved the 2027-2030 excess levy call during their regular meeting on Tuesday with plans to begin the public outreach campaign that will…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 26-year-old Fairmont man on home confinement has been arrested in connection with selling illegal drugs. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department searched the home of Brandon Scott Harding on Valley Forge Circle December 15 during a home confinement check and located more than three pounds of marijuana in 30 indivdual…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The attorney representing the suspected president of the Pagans Motorcycle Club in a Marion County murder case and her private investigator have been arrested for witness intimidation. Wheeling attorney, Elgine McArdle, and former Bridgeport City Council Member, Lowell ‘LJ’ Maxey, were arrested by state police Tuesday morning. McArdle is representing Ryan Lane…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Delegate John Williams, D, Monongalia, 80 announced his plans to run for the West Virginia State Senate seat in the 13th District from his kitchen table this morning. Williams has served in the House of Delegates since 2016 and has focused on affordability, cost-of-living pressures, healthcare costs, childcare, housing, and the everyday…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — One firefighter was injured while battling a blaze in the Terra Alta area early Monday morning. Firefighters from Terra Alta, Albright, Oakland, Mount Grove, Tunnelton, Masontown, Deep Creek and Aurora responded to the Spruce Run Road home to assist the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department at 3:30 a.m. The unidentified first responder…
MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Preston County man is facing charges after his daughter was injured during a fight with his wife on Bull Run Road. West Virginia State Police said Jeffrey Greathouse, 49, of Masontown, was angry and began breaking things and threatening to kill people in the home around noon when his mother refused…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Natural gas looks to be a significant contributor in the coming years as the power grid expands to meet Governor Morrisey’s goal of growing electricity production to 50 gigawatts by 2050. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Charlie Burd, the executive director of the Gas and Oil Association of West Virginia said…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Delegate David McCormick, R, Monongalia, 82, has won the final chunk of money to begin work to extend Morgantown Utility Board water service to the residents of Morgan’s Run. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” McCormick said the governor agreed to provide $1,221,580 that will fund the project completely. It’s taken…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mountain State veterans are ready to pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country this holiday season. Veterans from across North Central West Virginia will be joined by veterans from across the country as part of the 4th Annual National Wreaths Across America Day on Saturday, December…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Three years after a member of Morgantown city council was added to the Morgantown Utility Board of Directors city officials are requesting quarterly updates. City Manager Jamie Miller wouldlike to schedule quarterly meetings for membersof the board to brief city council members on activities andprovide updates. Current MUB board liaison, Sixth Ward…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The north campus of one of the largest charter schools in West Virginia officially graduated a new class of cadets as part of graduation ceremonies hosted at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. Graduating cadets from the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy were joined by family members from across the Mountain State at the Camp Dawson…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — MetroNews AccuWeather has issued a Winter Storm Warning for an event that could bring up to six inches of snow and drop temperatures into the teens. The Winter Storm Warning goes into effect Saturday at 1 p.m. and runs through 1 p.m. Sunday. MetroNews AccuWeather Meteorologist Bob Smerbeck said Friday the potent…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 21-year-old Morgantown man has been charged after allegedly sending child sexual abuse material via social media. Friday, troopers from the West Virginia State Police acted on a tip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and made contact with Brandon Spinelli During a search of Sinelli’s residence he…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police have issued a Community Notice following reports of online fraud and harassment schemes aimed at students. University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair is urging caution after at least five reports have been investigated in recent months. Some of the cases include multiple “sextortion” complaints where students have reported…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission is considering a staff recommended rate increase for a Preston County utility accused of poor financial management and poor water quality. Preston County Public Service District No. 1, serves Arthurdale residents who have filed 53 letters with the PSC of complaint alleging bad financial practices, poor water quality,…
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — A crash in Preston County closed a portion of Route 92 near Reedsville and sent one person to the hospital Thursday morning. The two-vehicle accident was reported around 9 a.m. at the intersection of Route 92 and Fleetwood Drive. One person was transported to the hospital by KAMP Ambulance. The road was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another step towards the start of construction of the planned Harmony Grove Interchange on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County has been completed by the West Virginia Division of Highways. DOH officials reported to the Monongalia County Commission that the bidding process is officially underway for the project aimed to support development around…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A dental hygiene argument resulted in a trip to the North Central Regional for a Fairmont man Tuesday. When officers from the Fairmont Police Department arrived at the residence, they were told earlier in the day Travis Walters, 31, had been arguing with a juvenile in the home about brushing their teeth.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A contract to move forward on final design and estimate work on sanitary sewer line upgrades around parts of Van Voorhis Road that will affect residents in close to a half dozen neighborhoods. The Morgantown Utility Board unanimously approved a contract with Thrasher Engineering valued at approximately $1.595 million to complete the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The lead administrator for the Monongalia County School System hopes to have focused conversations on funding for public schools in upcoming meetings with state legislatures. Monongalia County School Superintendent Eddie Campbell will be joined by fellow superintendents across the West Virginia Public School System to discuss legislative priorities, particularly adjusting the state…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. –– An Upshur County man is facing charges after crashing a car with an infant while suspected of being intoxicated. On December 8, Buckhannon police officers responded to a crash into an apartment on Hinkle Drive and learned while en route the suspected driver had fled the scene. Officers on foot located Xander…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A 52-year-old Bridgeport woman has been charged with the theft of more than $350,000 and could face up to 10 years in federal prison. United States Attorney Matthew L. Harvey said Christina Nolte admitted to falsifying medical records in an effort to receive disability benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Nolte…
THORNTON, W.Va. — A fight between roomates over a dirty house resulted in one arrest in Preston County over the weekend. Johnny Williams, 34, of Thornton, allegedly punched the victim in the face 12 to 15 times when he pulled into their driveway around 3 Saturday afternoon. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of two plaintiffs in the challenge to the 2021 charter school law in West Virginia says he is not opposed to the program but wants more community input. A recent ruling by Kanawha County Judge Jennifer Bailey said, “No independent free school district, or organization, shall hereafter be created, except with…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Deputies in Harrison County made one arrest after an attack with a steel rod left one man with a broken nose, cuts, and bruises. December 6, deputies met with the vicitm at United Hospital Center (UHC) after being injured at a home in Harrison County. The victim told deputies that 61-year-old Ricky…
BARRACKVILLE, W.Va. — An 82 year old Barrackville woman is facing several charges after deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department say she was providing dangerous drugs to teens in her home. The investigation began December 5 when deputies were told about Mary Kennedy, 82, providing methamphetamine and fentanyl to juveniles living in the home.…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One suspect and a victim are being treated in a Morgantown hospital after an officer-involved shooting over the weekend. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes said the suspect was shot on the front porch of the Ed Dunn Road residence after he ignored commands and failed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The No. 1 ranked Morgantown Mohigans defeated the No. 3 ranked Martinsburg Bulldogs on Friday afternoon to win its first state championship since 2005. Earlier in the year, the two teams faced off against one another, where Morgantown fell short 6 to 34. “It’s just been fantastic,” Coach Sean Biser, Morgantown High…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The warming shelter co-funded by the City of Morgantown and Monongalia County Commission is on track to be opened on schedule before the official start of winter. Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that the warming shelter for the 2025-26 winter season will be located at the…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The Preston County Economic Development Authority (PCEDA) has announced the purchase of the former Spirit Energy site in Hazelton for future economic development. PCEDA Executive Director Robbie Baylor said the site was the former TAZ Sawmill site that was purchased by Spirit Energy during the pandemic. The 41.8-acre site, including a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School is ready to host a family-friendly holiday celebration to help support the construction of the planned UHS Sports Complex. The 2025 UHS Winterfest will take place on the UHS campus on Sunday, December 7, starting at 5 p.m., where market vendors, food trucks, and University High athletes from over…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were involved in an officer-involved shooting Saturday. Deputies responded to a domestic disturbance with a firearm just after midnight on Ed Dunn Road. A suspect inside the residence opened fire when police arrived. Details about the incident have not been released yet, but two…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A popular holiday-themed 5K is ready to be hosted this weekend by the West Virginia University Medicine Rosenbaum Family House. The Run Santa Run 5k will take place at the Rosenbaum House parking lot starting at 8:30 a.m. with over 360 people scheduled to participate, another record high for the event. Rosenbaum…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– A Monongalia County Circuit Court ruling will send ownership of the former site of the Suncrest Primary School to the city of Morgantown to be used as a public park. The ruling comes after a year of legal wrangling between the Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) who is expected to appeal…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Health Department (PCHD) is monitoring two additional cases of Whooping cough, according to the latest information. One case had been confirmed at the Preston High School earlier this week. The two additional cases were reported Friday afternoon. Officials said other cases from those exposed at Preston High School or…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — The Town of Bruceton Mills is ready to celebrate the start of the holidays by hosting the popular Christmas Homecoming and Lighted Parade. The Bruceton Community Lions Club will host festivities that will begin on Saturday, December 6, starting at 9 a.m., where the annual Christmas Homecoming Craft and Vendor Show…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Fire Department has officially introduced a new accelerant detection canine as the newest member of the department. MFD Captain Jason Quinn and Deputy Fire Marshal William Lyons have started to introduce Chance, a 16-month-old Labrador Retriever who will serve in the department by sorting through the damage left in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Oglebay Plaza on the campus of West Virginia University was full for the 84th ceremony to remember the attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese. The keynote speaker for the event was former U.S. Navy SEAL Brentyn Jones. A Spokane, Washington, native, Jones served for nine years with SEAL Team 8 and…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a fatal crash in the Philippi area Tuesday night. The Philippi Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene on Elk Creek Road around 11:35 p.m. and found the vehicle with two occupants. One person in the vehicle was deceased and another person had been…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va.– The Cooper’s Rock overlook will be closed until the summer of 2026, according to the West Virginia State Parks. During the closure crews will be replacing the pedestrian bridge connecting the overlook to the main area of the park. “Ensuring the safety of our guests is our top priority,” West Virginia State…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department is warning the public about an email phishing scam. The emails use false justifications with the city logo to request funds. In some cases the emails reference pending meetings or transactions, and have even attempted to impersonate the city Planning Commission. The emails have reportedly targeted businesses and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University annual commemoration of Pearl Harbor Day will take place on Friday, December 5, with active-duty service members, ROTC students, veterans, and community members all expected to be in attendance. The ceremony will begin on Friday starting at 10 a.m. at the USS West Virginia mast and bell outside…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area Salvation Army is still on the lookout for volunteers to help with the Red Kettle campaign this holiday season. Salvation Army Captain Dennis Smith made the call on WAJR’s Morgantown Weekend on Thursday, where he encouraged Morgantown area residents to join the just over half dozen Salvation Army of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A popular holiday-themed 5K is ready to be hosted this weekend by the West Virginia University Medicine Rosenbaum Family House. The Run Santa Run 5k will take place at the Rosenbaum House parking lot starting at 8:30 a.m. with over 360 people scheduled to participate, another record high for the event. Rosenbaum…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School is ready to host a family-friendly holiday celebration to help support the construction of the planned UHS Sports Complex. The 2025 UHS Winterfest will take place on the UHS campus on Sunday, December 7, starting at 5 p.m., where market vendors, food trucks, and University High athletes from over…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. –– The campaign for a new shelter for Animal Friends of North Central West Virginia got a $50,000 shot in the arm from Your Community Foundation (YCF) Thursday morning. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” YCF President and CEO Patty Showers Ryan said the gift is made possible by the estate of…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Marion County judge officially denied the motion to dismiss the charge against former Bridgeport councilman and investigator Lowell “L.J.” Maxey for operating as an investigator without at license. The motion was denied on Wednesday after Maxey filed a motion to dismiss earlier in the fall. Maxey was charged for operating as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area residents are encouraged to be prepared for more snow over the course of the next week. After around four inches of snow hit the Morgantown area early Tuesday morning and caused first responders to assist over 70 motorists and investigate over 50 property damage calls, MetroNews AccuWeather meteorologist Dan Pedanowski…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Adjustments to the economic opportunity development district (EOD) for the University Town Center will move forward as new commercial developments open in the area. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved the modification of boundaries of the EOD district for the heavily traveled to commercial development in Granville that allow for a new…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University (WVU) will have a new provost in place in the next several days with the help of Greenwood Asher & Associates. Four candidates have been invited to campus, and the search committee, faculty, staff, and students have already had the opportunity to meet with Jennifer Roberts from the University…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is looking for help from the public to find a suspect in the distribution of child pornography. The investigation began when the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified investigators that David Conaway was soliciting a 16-year old girl via email. Officials said the girl’s…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown Finance Department has been given the formal go-ahead to move portions of funds saved in money market accounts to the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments Consolidated Fund. The Morgantown City Council passed a resolution in a 6-0 vote (Councilor Mark Downs was not in attendance) that will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A combination of Morgantown residents across multiple generations and West Virginia University students joined together to celebrate a time-honored tradition in the heart of the downtown campus. Close to 1,000 people gathered around Woodburn Circle early Tuesday night despite temperatures reaching near below freezing, where they celebrated the lighting of Woodburn Hall,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A contract is in place to have a private company address Monongalia County roads during snowstorms with a push from legislatures to get started early. Monongalia County Delegate David McCormick announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that the West Virginia Division of Highways has agreed to a contract bid to have…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was serving a 45-year sentence after being convicted of conspiring to import tons of cocaine into the United States, was released from U.S. Penitentiary Hazelton Monday night. Sources reported his release to WAJR News just hours after he was pardoned by President Donald Trump.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va — Sawyer Dennison, life-long West Virginian and West Virginia University graduate, is proud and prepared to be running for District 78 in the House of Delegates. Prior to running for the election, Dennison obtained a great background in politics. He worked full-time for Sen. Grassley, and interned on Capitol Hill with Gov. Morrisey…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first winter weather maker of the year will land overnight, bringing very different conditions across the state. National Weather Service Meteorologist Matt Brudy said the Winter Weather Advisory will be in effect from midnight Monday through 1 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall is expected to hit between 4 and 9…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The United States Marshals Service is searching for a suspect for violation of the conditions of his pretrial release in Clarksburg. Joseph Michael Angiulli, 32, was realeased following his November arrest for selling fentanyl withion 1,000 feet of a school and failedto report to court on November 14. Angiulli is described as…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg resident is behind bars after being accused of assaulting an 81-year old that was sharing his home, according to West Virginia State Police. On Thursday witnesses reported John Carter, 51, hit the 81-year-old man who is reportedly a blind cancer survivor. Carter has been charged with elder abuse causing injury…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va.. — An unidentified person is in custody following a suspicious blaze on Dawson Road early Monday. Membersof the River Road Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched to a report of a vehicle fire at 3 a.m. As crews made their way to the scene dispatchers told first responders there was also a camper…
AURORA, W.Va. — Officials in Preston County have dismissed students at the Aurora Elementary School due to elevated a gas CO2 levels caused by a natural gas leak. The leak was reported around 9:30 and a total of 27 people were checked out by EMS workers. Two students have been taken to the hospital. Preston…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, has announced plans to run for reelection. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” he said progress on lowering the tax burden for residents over the last three years has been a big achievement for the entire state and strengthens our position to bring new jobs to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) will temporarily close some Evansdale streets this week for inspection, cleaning, and repairs to the sanitary sewer system. Sections of roads will be restricted and at the end of each workday the excavated surfaces will be backfilled or covered with road plates. The work locations will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization plans improvements for a problematic intersection that could begin in the next year. The intersection in question- Point Marion, Stewartstown, Canyon and Farm View roads has been a very busy, confusing, and sometimes unsafe intersection with no crosswalks or other considerations for pedestrians. During peak travel…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials with the City of Morgantown area are ready to welcome in the holiday shopping season with the help of members of the community. Morgantown Mayor Danielle Trumble will take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate Small Business Saturday that will take place on November 29 starting at 11 a.m. at…
RIVESVILLE, W.Va. — Multiple departments responded to an overnight structure fire in Marion County that also damaged two other homes. Officials with the Rivesville Volunteer Fire Department reported that emergency crews were alerted to a fire on Stone Street in Rivesville at 1:07 a.m. on Friday. Crews on scene determined that two other homes close…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — An 18-year-old Fairmont man is facing charges after a Thanksgiving Day pursuit on I-79 in Harrison County. Charles Jonathan Roach, 18, was clocked on I-79 southbound by Bridgeport police traveling 92 miles per hour in a 70 mile per hour zone near the Jerry Dove Drive exit. Roach pulled into the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department wants to advise residents to be on the lookout for a missing Clarksburg teenager. 17-year-old Jacob Allen Cain was last seen at around 11:00 p.m. Tuesday night on Calico Drive in the East View neighborhood of Clarksburg. Cain is described as being 5’9″, weighing around 140 pounds,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Donations to Monongalia County nonprofits have resulted in an increase in food distributions ahead of the official start of the holiday season. Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced during the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday that Pantry Plus More will expand on food distributions for the holiday season with…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Board of Education and a middle school teacher who entered a plea deal in a classroom abuse case have been named in a civil lawsuit. Cassandra Diann Sisler, of Terra Alta, pleaded guilty to four felony counts of child abuse resulting in injury. She has agreed to permanently surrender…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to move forward with the 2025 Street Improvement Project, which includes plans to start repaving a heavily used road near downtown by the end of the year. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved a bid contract with Parrotta Paving to pave approximately six miles of road…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local businesses from around the Morgantown area are working with area nonprofits to support those who may be struggling to put food on the table this holiday season. Tattoo studio Pattysartspot has started a collection of nonperishable food items as part of a partnership with the United Way of Mon and Preston…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A lawsuit has been filed against Morgantown Deputy Mayor Brian Butcher for alleged defamation against a local developer that included claims of threats to physically harm a public official and their family members. Metro Properties developer David Biafora filed the lawsuit in Monongalia County Circuit Court for just over $1.25 million in…
BARRACKVILLE, W.Va.—Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Barrackville man; he was involved in a fight with his son that resulted in injury. On November 21, deputies met with a group of children, and one said he had been in a fight with his father that resulted in a call to police. The…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Deputies in Harrison County arrested a female after she reportedly harassed a neighbor’s dogs and threatened them with a knife. On Nov. 15, deputies arrived at a Clarksburg residence and made contact with Cassandra Nutter, who had a bleeding laceration on her left hand. Nutter told deputies she heard the neighbors’ dogs…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Federal Highways Administration has approved the Interchange Justification Report (IJR) for the proposed Harmony Grove I-79 exit to serve the Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP). The IJR is completed by the developer, Enroute Properties, and the consultant to show the scope of work to the state Division of Highways (DOH). State officials…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After quite a bit of time of feeling frustrated, the Marion County Board of Education made the executive decision to dispatch a letter to the state legislature, addressing specific concerns that they have observed and voicing a need for additional support. Addressed first in the letter, the Marion County Board of Education…
WESTON, W.Va. –– The state Supreme Court has ruled Mon Health/Vandalia Health will require a Certificate of Need to build a new Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital in Weston. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO of Mon Health David Goldberg, who is a proponent of the Certificate of Need (CON) process, said they…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Farmers Market Growers Association is ready to showcase homemade goods and homegrown produce from around North Central West Virginia. The first Morgantown Winter Farmers Market of the 2025-26 season will take place on Saturday, November 22, at the Monongalia County Center at Mylan Park starting at 8:30 a.m. Market Manager…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department has filled up all available spots for free dental care opportunities for county residents who are uninsured as part of their annual Healthy Smiles Day. MCHD Dentistry will provide free cleanings and checkups for adults 18 years and older who do not have dental insurance on Wednesday,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The suspected leader of the Pagan Motorcycle Club, Marion County resident Ryan Lane has accepted a plea deal in the Henry Silver murder case. The state has agreed to drop murder and conspiracy charges in exchange for a no contest plea to organized criminal enterprise, a felony. Lane could face up to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The final suspect in a downtown Morgantown attack from earlier this year has been arrested nine months after the attack. Dae’Sean Reeves, 18, of Monessen, Pa., faces malicious wounding, conspiracy, and now failure to appear and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail without bail. Reeves has pleaded not guilty…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Your Community Foundation of West Virginia has announced that a new round of distributions has been awarded to charitable organizations and schools around the North Central Region. YCF West Virginia President Patty Showers Ryan announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that the organization awarded just over $301,000 in grants to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County community are ready to take part in a popular fundraising event to support the Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center. The 2025 iteration of the annual Battle of the Bartenders fundraiser will take place on Thursday, November 20, starting at 5:30 p.m., where Monongalia County-based attorneys, nurses, and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways has awarded a contract to address around 8 miles of roadway on Interstate 79 between Saltwell Road and Anmoore. DOH District 4 Manager Earl Gaskins confirmed that the contract was awarded to Mountaineer Contractors Inc. at a value of approximately $19.09 million to reconstruct and repave…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The social service hub located at the former Ramada Inn site on Scott Avenue has officially changed the operating manager for the site. Monongalia County Commission President Jeff Arnett announced that Morgantown Community Resources (MCR) Inc. officially closed on an agreement with the United Way of Mon and Preston County to take…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Health System and Independence Health System have announced plans to merge, bringing five hospitals into the system—Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe, and Westmoreland Hospitals. The plans include doctors and other subsidiaries and will operate fully under the WVU Medicine brand in the fall of 2026. The agreement includes…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways (DOH) is preparing to make emergency repairs to a bridge in Monongalia County. One lane of the bridge on Birchfield Run Road/County Route 33 near Morgantown has been closed after a partial collapse Tuesday night. The damage happened when an overweight truck entered the bridge and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A suspicious vehicle report in Morgantown resulted in the arrest of a Clarksburg suspect for possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver. State police observed Paul Mathis, 43 on Chestbut Street near Pour Choices and began the investigation. When Mathis was searched troopers found paraphernalia used to smoke narcotics, a white substance,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is facing multiple charges after an attack on a woman at a Canyon Road residence. The victim told police she was at a residence on Canyon Road when she went for a walk and Jonathan Savin, 40, picked her up, Savin took her to another residence where the pair…
FAIRVIEW, W.Va. — Three miners were hurt in a collision at the Loveridge Coal Mine in Fairview Wednesday morning. Reports indicate two pieces of machinery collided at 9:42 this morning injuring three miners, two are being treated at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital. The miners were trasnported with unspecified injuries by the Marion County Rescue Squad.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Highways appears to have mixed public support on planned improvements for a heavily used roadway that leads into Morgantown. Engineers and project designers for the three alternate proposals for the improvements on Greenbag Road were hosted at Mountainview Elementary School on Tuesday, where 95 different residents who…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A youth program established as part of a partnership with the Monongalia County School System and West Virginia University Extension is seeing another increase in participation by county students. WVU Extension Agent Becca Flint Clark announced in front of the Monongalia County Board of Education during their regular meeting on Tuesday that…
RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. — A Fairmont man has been charged with malicious assault following an incident in the Valley Head area. Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department said Shaquille Evans, 32, threw a camping axe at another man during an altercation striking him in the hand. Deputies said the victim suffered a serious cut…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a new rule to redefine “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) to comply with the 2023 Sackett v. EPA Supreme Court decision and to cut government bureaucracy. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the proposal keys in on federal jurisdiction over relatively permanent, standing,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — “Leadership Under Fire: Lessons from Ukrainian Veterans” is an event hosted by the Ukrainian Mountaineers Association and the WVU Army ROTC, which gives members within the community the opportunity to hear from Ukrainian veterans and learn first-hand insight about modern drone warfare. The event will be held at the Rhododendron Room at…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A teacher from Grafton High School has been charged with a misdemeanor for allegedly not reporting the sexual assault of a student. Grafton High School teacher Christopher Rucker was allgedly told about the assault back in October and failed to report it to authorities. State law requires secondary school employees, like Rucker…
FAIRMONT, W.Va – A 48-year old Fairmont man has been charged with malicious assault after beating a victim with a brick. Christopher Dingess was arrested at the Friendship Room after an incident Friday afternoon. Fairmont police said around 3 p.m. they found the victim covered with blood with multiple cuts on his face. The victim…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways (DOH) will hear public comment on the next phase of Green Bag Road improvements Tuesday evening. The projects to be discussed are the proposed improvements from Deckers Creek Boulevard to Luckey Lane and from Don Knotts Boulevard to Mississippi Street. Executive Director of Communications for the DOH,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The final in-person opportunity for state workers to voice concerns about increases proposed by the Public Employee Insurance Agency (PEIA) for 2027 will be in Morgantown Monday night. The 3 percent total proposed increase also comes with a $200 monthly spousal surcharge increase that goes into effect July 1. On MetroNews Midday,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University President Michael T. Benson is embarking on a journey to earn an invitation into the Association of American Universities (AAU). On MetroNews “Talkline,” Benson said it can take up to 10 years to meet all the requirements to be welcomed into the association. The process will be a top-to-bottom…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The WVU College of Creative Arts and Media (CCAM) is excited to announce that it will be hosting four separate holiday performances in honor of the Christmas season. In addition, on Nov. 10th at 8 p.m., they will be presenting a free, non-ticketed saxophone performance with WVU’s saxophone professor, Jeff Siegfried, at…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. — The Valley Volunteer Fire Department (VVFD) has notified the Town of White Hall that they do not intend to renew their lease at the Public Safety Building. Town officials extended an offer of $10 per month for six months this week, but the members declined and will relocate to Pleasant Valley.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The suspected president of the Pagan Motorcycle Club will be back in Marion County Circuit Court in the Henry Silver murder case on January 20. A jury could not reach a verdict in the case against Ryan Lane for murder, conspiracy, and organized criminal enterprise during a September trial after two days…
ELKINS, W.Va. — A bicylcist in Elkins is dead after being hit while crossing U.S. Route 219 late Thursday afternoon. West Virginia State Police said Thursday at 5:45 p.m., Mark Spencer, 71, of Elkins, was on a bike trail crossing the highway near the intersection of Route 219 and Harpertown-Gilman Road. Spencer died at the…
GRAFTON, W.Va. – A Grafton couple is in custody for allegedly abusing a 9-year-old girl. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office announced that Lewis “Butch” Nuzum, II, 52, and Josephine Nuzum, 45, have each been charged with child abuse resulting in injury and child neglect resulting in injury after school staff reported signs of abuse. The…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Three people were hurt in a head on crash on the Grafton Raod Wednesday afternoon. Around 5 p.m. a northbound vehicle drifted across the centerline causing the crash, according to Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes. Christine and Harry Travis of Grafton, and Brandi Taylor were transp9orted for treatment of unspecified injuries.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A fire at an apartment building at Marjorie Gardens in Morgantown has resulted in multiple injuries and close to a dozen residents becoming displaced. The Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department was the first to respond among a half dozen different departments around the Morgantown area to the scene early Wednesday night, where a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education is prepared to consider creating a new bus line for students who live out in the Stewarts Run Road area. The motion to prepare options to address students who are reported to live over a 30-minute walk from the Moose Lodge bus stop for students in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — More than 600 professionals on the Morgantown Waterfront shared some of the latest threat and response techniques at the 2025 Mountain State Cyber Summit Wednesday. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director of National Security and Cyberspace Programs at West Virginia University Bill Walker said this event should not be considered…
ROANOKE, W.Va. — West Virginia University Extension is ready to showcase business ideas from West Virginia entrepreneurs and students as part of the first-ever Mountain State Innovators Summit at the Stonewall Resort. The summit will be hosted from Wednesday, November 12, through Friday, November 14, where Mountain State middle school and high school students will…
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…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Education is ready to host the first-ever Farm to School Conference that will involve educators, farmers, and students from around the Mountain State. The inaugural conference will begin on Tuesday, November 4, starting at 8 a.m. as part of a two-day event that will be hosted at…
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…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Harrison County man convicted in an insurance scam has ordered to serve more than seven years in federal prison. Jesse Levi Pumphrey, 31, of Clarksburg, staged accidents with others, then submitted false insurance claims for medical bills and damage. Pumphrey will serve 92 months in federal prison for filing false…
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…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The University Police Department is look for tips to solve a battery case on campus. Details about the case have not been released, but the department has provided images of the suspects. Anyone with information is asked to call UPD at 304-293-4357.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple crews responded to a vehicle fire that broke out on Interstate 79 in Monongalia County early Tuesday evening and caused significant delays just south of Morgantown. According to an initial report from West Virginia 511, a semi-truck fire broke out on I-79 south along mile marker 148 near the split with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials from the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office and an elected official are responding to the possibility of a state Board of Education (BOE) lawsuit against the office related to House Bill 2755. The legislation requires the state BOE to have rule changes authorized by the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education…
WESTON, W.Va. — The couple arrested in March after their toddler shot himself in the head and suffered a critical injury have been indicted by the grand jury in Lewis County. State police said they arrested Caleb Heckert, 29, and Corinda Heater, 30, both of Buckhannon, after an interview at their home in which Heater…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has announced plans for three open house meetings in July to collect public input on the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), which is currently under review. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Kieran O’Malley, Wildlife Diversity Unit Coordinator said the management plan focuses on…
WESTON, W.Va. — The former youth pastor accused of sexually assaulting several child over the course of many years has been indicted by the Lewis County grand Jury. John Radcliff, 58, of Nettie, was indicted for 47 felony charges that reportedly involved eight victims between 1987 and 2003. Radcliff also faces charges in Harrison and…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — The Marion County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash involving an overturned horse trailer and a driver who fled the scene. The vehicle and trailer went off Whetstone Road and overturned Sunday at 10:42 p.m. Members of the Mannington Fire Department responded to stabilize the trailer and get the horses free.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 50-year old Fairmont man is facing charges after police said he strangled a 11 year old boy Monday. The mother of the victim told police Damion McGinley got into an argument with the child and put him in a chokehold in a residence on Circle Drive. Police reported the child had…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Several public entities will not regularly scheduled meetings this week for a variety of reasons. The city of Morgantown announced plans to cancel their schedule regular meeting for tonight do to an administrative problem. In order to meet the provisions of the Open Governmental Meetings Act. The agenda must be posted by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown resident who attended the Butler, Pennsylvania rally where an attempt was made on Donald Trump’s life shared details of the experience one year later on MetroNews “Talkline.” Alex Soloman attended the rally with his mother and a family friend. They were allowed in the seating area behind the president because…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The investigation into the Dille Street fire in Morgantown is ongoing, and the leadership of the fire department is talking about their procedures. The fire was reported in the early morning hours of July 5th in a three-story apartment building with 13 units. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Lt. Ashley Jenkins…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — After ten days of leak detection and repairs, water service has been restored to customers in the Clinton Water Association service area, though the work is not yet complete. On WAJR’s Talk of the Town, representative Patrick Kirby of Carline Hauling and Excavation said crews worked through the weekend to get…
Story by Mia Henkins MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — 78 of the nation’s top junior golfers will join together to compete at the American Junior Golf Association Inaugural WVU Medicine United Hospital Center Junior Championships. The winner will accumulate points for the American Junior Golf Association tour. The WVU Medicine United Hospital Center is teaming up with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Beginning in the 2025–2026 academic year, elementary school students in West Virginia will return to classrooms governed by a newly implemented disciplinary framework. Senate Bill 199 introduces structured procedures and alternative interventions for addressing disruptive and violent behavior among young students. State Senator Mike Oliverio (R–Monongalia, District 13) explained that, during…
WASHINGTON D.C.— U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R–W.Va.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, addressed the potential role of West Virginia in advancing weather forecasting capabilities during the nomination hearings for Dr. Neil Jacobs as Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. Senator Capito began her comments and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Progress is being made with restoration efforts in the Clinton Water Association area, and many will get water service back very soon. The water distribution effort will continue today at the Hornbeck Road Walmart and the Clinton Water Association office at 703 Green Bag Road from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — In the Clinton Water Association service area, progress is being made to restore water, but it doesn’t look like customers will have water this weekend. Representative Patrick Kirby said that means the 11,000 customers in the district remain under a Boil Water/Conservation Advisory until further notice. Kirby said crews have made…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representatives with the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board want to meet with members of local law enforcement to review policies related to use of force. In response to anonymous written concerns submitted to the board members over a police interaction during St. Patrick’s Day weekend and unconfirmed reports of U.S.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representatives with AAA have started to advise residents of an expansion of a statewide law that mandates motorists to slow down and pull into another lane if they see a vehicle parked on the side of the road. Director of Public Affairs for the AAA East Central Office Jim Garrity discussed the…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The trend of declining overdose deaths in the state continues and is now setting a record nationally. Over the last two months, the state has recorded the largest drop in opioid overdose deaths, with a 41 percent decrease. According to the West Virginia First Foundation and the federal government, opioid-related deaths are…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont woman faces animal cruelty and neglect charges following an investigation by city police and child protective services. July 9, members of the Fairmont Police Department assisted agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) with a search warrant at a home on Hunsaker Street in Fairmont. Officers…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Clinton Water District customers along Grafton Road have been battling pressure and availability issues since July 3. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” representative Patrick Kirby said 15 percent of the 11,000 customers are directly impacted by the outage, and a total of 6,000 customers are included in the boil advisory/conservation…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Mountain State nonprofit that aims to support and advocate for West Virginia women in the workforce is ready to accept applications for their pre-apprenticeship program focused on construction. WV Women Work Inc. announced that an application portal is officially open for the Step Up for Women Construction Training Program, a 12-week…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission appears ready to have formal discussions related to the planned MidAtlantic Resiliency Link. After a long, steady stream of North Central West Virginia residents spoke out on the 105-mile transmission line that will go through at least two Mountain State counties, Commissioner Sean Sikora announced that a work…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board appears to be back towards making progress on multiple large-scale infrastructure projects. After delays caused by intense rainstorms earlier in the spring, MUB General Manager Mike McNulty and Assistant General Manager Rich Rogers offered updates involving multiple projects that have subcontractors that have returned to normal work schedules,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education will temporarily wait before making a potential vote on the county schools crowdsourcing policies. Board Member Christina Fattore Morgan recommended the decision as part of the BOE’s regular meeting Tuesday in order to have in-person conversations with School Superintendent Eddie Campbell, Board Members Shawn Smith and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown officials have announced the temporary closure of Hoffman Avenue for Popenoe Run drainage improvements. Hoffman Ave. will be closed for approximately 5 days on both sides of Popenoe Run to allow crews to continue drainage improvements in the area. Detour signs will be clearly posted. Detours: – North side: via Amherst…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — Roads in Marion County are slowly getting back to normal following the devastating flash flooding from Father’s Day weekend. The state Division of Highways (DOH) has reopened all roads, and while some are only one lane, residents are able to get around. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” DOH District 4…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has added a total of 12 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for the upcoming year. The university is in partnership with Greenspot for 12 charging stations—six in the upper-level parking garage at the Mountainlair (lot ST-2) and at the Mountaineer Station parking garage (lot ST-3). On WAJR’s “Talk of…
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — A side-by-side rider is being treated for unspecified injuries following a rollover accident Sunday night. Around 7 p.m., members of the Masontown and Bruceton-Brandonville Volunteer Fire Departments water rescue teams were called after the side-by-side rolled over an embankment. Because of the victim’s injuries, first responders made the decision not to…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was transported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital after a firework injury was reported from Big Bear Lake. Unconfirmed reports indicate Bruceton EMS, State Troopers and an off-duty deputy offered treatment and the victim was transported by ambulance. No other information about the incident has been released.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One person was hurt in a Morgantown structure fire over the Independence Day weekend. Morgantown firefighters responded just before 5 a.m. Saturday to the three-story 13-unit apartment building on Dille Street Friday. Within six minutes, firefighters were able to rescue the building residents and three pets. One resident was transported J.W. Ruby…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va – The Preston County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a rollover crash that injuredone Friday morning The crash was reported on I-68 near the Monongalia and Preston county line at 6:30 a.m. The passenger vehicle collided with a tractor trailer and rolled onto its top in the westbound lanes near the Cooper’s Rock…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The United States Army Ambassadors, part of the U.S. Army Field Band, are the featured act for the free Independence Day celebration Friday night at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” lead vocalist Staff Sergeant (SSG) Emily Perkins said she is a ten-year member of the U.S.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — New Morgantown City Manager Jamie Miller continues to make her rounds to meet face-to-face with other Morgantown area public officials. The Monongalia County Commission spoke with Miller during their regular meeting Wednesday, where she expressed excitement in working with the three commissioners as she begins to slowly work into the position. As…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — The town of Terra Alta is ready to host another celebration of the 4th of July with members of their area volunteer fire department. The Terra Alta Volunteer Fire Department will host their 99th Annual 4th of July Celebration and Carnival throughout the weekend, with the carnival taking place for the…
CHARLES POINTE, W.Va. — The 1,700-acre planned development of Charles Pointe is on the move with nearly 1,000 jobs and an estimated annual economic impact of more than $1 billion. The development by Genesis Partners and Jamie Corton is a diverse mix of retail, industry, education, community spaces, and entertainment. Charles Pointe is right off…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown invites the public to a free Fourth of July celebration at the Ruby Amphitheater. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director of Arts and Culture with the city of Morgantown Vincent Kitch said this is one of the most popular events of the year, and he recommends people…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Flash flooding concerns related to residential developments within the Willowdale neighborhood in Morgantown appears to have been addressed with the help of county officials and area developers. The Monongalia County Commission received an update on the flooding that affected residents of Acorn Village during the month of June during their regular meeting…
WESTON, W.Va. — One of the most historic properties in the Mountain State will have more portions of the site preserved for historic purposes. The cemeteries that are the final resting place for patients at the Weston State Hospital, or more known nationally as the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, have been approved on a state level…
COLFAX, W.Va. — The 49 year old woman found dead in the Colfax area has been identified as a long time West Virginia University employee. Erin Bunner was a Fairmont native and WVU employee since 2006. In 2006, she started as a professional technologist at the Health Sciences Center, and progressively worked her way up…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Rainfall totals in the Morgantown area for June and year-to-date each set top-five all-time records. The month of June was the fourth highest since records have been kept, with 8.65 inches of rainfall. The next highest total goes back to 1972, when the area received 9.42 inches of rain. “The fourth highest…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — New Morgantown City Manager Jamie Miller has officially made a formal introduction as part of city administration. Miller officially took part in her first official Morgantown City Council meeting as city manager on Tuesday, where she received endorsements from every single member on the council as well as many city administrators. With…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The new iteration of Morgantown City Council will have Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble as mayor and Seventh Ward Councilor Brian Butcher as deputy mayor. Trumble was selected in a 4-3 vote, with Butcher, along with new Second Ward Councilor Jodie Hollingshead and new Sixth Ward Councilor Mark Downs, voting in support…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The newly elected representatives for the Second and Sixth Ward seats on Morgantown City Council are now officially sworn in. Second Ward Councilor Jodie Hollingshead and Sixth Ward Councilor Mark Downs took their respective oaths of office during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday, where they offered appreciation towards the residents who voted…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — A Cross Lanes woman has been charged in Upshur County for allegedly threatening a 68-year-old man with a scoped rifle while wearing body armor. The West Virginia State Police announced that Jocelyn Krum, 28, of Cross Lanes, was arrested after the reported incident that occurred on Sunday at a Buckhannon home located…
ELKINS, W.Va. — A Valley Head man accused of injuring two Randolph County Sheriff’s deputies while driving drunk has been formally charged on multiple counts. The Randolph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that James Brice Scott, 19 of Valley Head, was indicted on three DUI related charges and three separate vehicle related offenses for allegedly…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — Police in Grafton have arrested three people after finding drugs within reach of a 16-year-old. Police conducted trash pulls at the home where Sheila Bowman, 43; Gary Moyer, 74; and Clyde Bowman, 45, resided with the child after receiving tips about drug-related activity for the last six months. Investigators said burnt foils,…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Upheaval continues in the city of Bridgeport. Former Director of Engineering and Public Utilities Beth Fox has filed a lawsuit accusing current and former employees of discrimination, harassment, and defamation. The suit was filed Monday in the Northern District of West Virginia and accuses former City Manager Pat Ford of sex discrimination…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Emergency repairs are underway on I-79 northbound at the Goshen Road exit following a truck fire that was first reported around 2 a.m. Monday. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” State Division of Highways (DOH) District 4 Engineer Earl Gaskins said speed is the likely factor in a crash that resulted…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. –– The Tygart Lake drowning victim has been identified as Dustin Nixon, 19. Nixon was swimming with friends Sunday afternoon at Tygart Lake near the Barbour/Taylor County line when he went under and did not resurface. Officials from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources said his body was recovered a 7 p.m.…
Story by Sofia Wassick MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After much reformation and revision, the ‘Adopt-A-Street’ program in Morgantown is back in full swing. The program, created by the Engineering and Public Works and Development Services departments, hopes to clean and polish city-owned streets across Morgantown through the help of local volunteers, organizations and businesses. Following their…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education wants members of the county schools community to take part in the process of how the system is funded. A call for volunteers was expressed by Monongalia County School Superintendent Eddie Campbell as well as members of the BOE during the closing minutes of their last…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. — A fundraiser aimed to support veterans suffering from PTSD will take place this weekend at White Hall Spirits. The first-ever Freedom Poured, Honor Served fundraiser will take place on Saturday, June 28, starting at 4 p.m., where representatives from the West Virginia National Guard will be on hand along with local…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The city of Bridgeport will begin the Robert Matheny era of leadership when he is sworn in Monday as mayor of one of the economic drivers of the state. After two terms as Harrison County Sheriff, Matheny will be the top executive for the city with one of the largest, busiest airports…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Preston County woman charged with killing her mother with insulin at her Grafton home has pleaded guilty to a charge of voluntary manslaughter. Taylor County Prosecutor John Bord announced on Thursday that Kelly Moore, 61, of Arthurdale, pleaded guilty to killing her mother, Ethel Moore, by injecting her with 20 units…
WHEELING, W.Va. — Former West Virginia State Senator Dr. Mike Maroney has entered an Alford plea in connection with an incident in Aug. of 2024 at a hot spot in Glen Dale. After previous efforts to keep the media out of the courtroom, Maroney entered the plea that maintains his innocence but still acknowledges the…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — West Virginia Treasurer Larry Pack is on the road to make visits across the Mountain State to present unclaimed property checks to West Virginia municipalities. Pack traveled to Preston County on Wednesday to present both a $58,000 check to the Preston County Commission and an approximately $46,000 check to the Preston County…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission continue to reach out to appropriate parties to address a floodplain that has affected residents in the Dellslow area. Commission President Tom Bloom and Commission President Jeff Arnett addressed members of the Richard community during the commission’s meeting Wednesday, where they stated that they maintain communications…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mon Metro Drug Task Force took part in a multi-force operation that resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of over 43 pounds of various drugs. According to a press release by the Morgantown Police Department, nine search warrants were executed across Monongalia and Marion Counties on Monday, June 16, where…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It appears that supply chain issues related to the installation of temporary traffic signals on both off-ramps for Exit 155 on Interstate 79 have caused another delay. Morgantown Monongalia Metropolitan Planning Organization Executive Director Bill Austin announced that traffic signals that would be located at the off-ramps intersecting Chaplin Hill Road, aimed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Dog Warden, Dana Johnson, wants residents to be mindful of their pets during this multi-day heatwave. With the issuance of a heat advisory by the National Weather Service in response to what will be almost five straight days of heat indexes reaching or getting close to 100 degrees, Johnson…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education has plans to address a policy towards how schools can use crowdsourcing as part of their respective fundraising efforts. After three representatives of parents on the parent-teacher organizations addressed the board to call for a formal discussion to discuss a policy that prevents crowdsourcing from being…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Contractors with the Morgantown Utility Board continue to address the water utility amidst a heatwave that will take up most of the week. As heat indexes reach as high as 105 degrees over the next few days, MUB Communications Director Chris Dale reported that contractors will be out over by the University…
CUZZART, W.Va. — Preston County residents are prepared to make their next trips down to Ohio and Marion Counties to support recovery efforts from the Father’s Day flash floods. Not even a week after making donations and physical labor trips to both the Wheeling and Fairmont areas that were significantly damaged by the floods, nurses…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The mobile home stuck at the intersection of Scott Avenue and Grafton is being moved Monday. The mobile home was donated to a family who lost their existing home to fire and was being transported to the new location when a breakdown occurred. A little more than two weeks after the truck…
SALEM, W.Va. — Officers with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources confirm that a body has been recovered from Upper Dog Run Lake in Salem. The West Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office has started an investigation into the cause of the death of a missing kayaker first reported late Friday morning. According to Harrison County…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University continues to support Marion County residents who have been affected by the flash floods that occurred on Father’s Day. After a week-long effort to help those affected by the floods that damaged several dozen homes and businesses around the Fairmont area, Fairmont State Chief of Staff Brian Selmeski announced…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Students from West Virginia University have taken the initiative to help Mountain State residents affected by the flash floods that occurred on Father’s Day. In response to the flooding that killed eight people in Ohio County and caused a significant amount of damage in Marion County, outreach events program coordinator with WVU…
SALEM, W.Va. — First responders were on scene at a Harrison County lake Friday after receiving reports of a missing kayaker. Harrison County 911 reported that multiple agencies responded to upper Dog Run Lake in Salem at 11:30 a.m., after witnesses saw a man in the kayak yelling and go under the water. According to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University J.W. Ruby Research Farm in Reedsville is ready to take part in a showcase of over 50 horses from across four states. The Mountaineer Open Horse Show Series will begin on Saturday, June 21, and will go through Sunday, June 22, at the research farm, where riders of…
STORY BY MIA HENKINS MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown High Boy’s Basketball program is ready to host the Hope Gas Morgantown Shootout on Saturday, June 21. The tournament will be played from noon to 6 p.m. and will host a total of 30 games at the Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center. The entry fee…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will host a unique celebration of Mountain State World War II veterans in honor of West Virginia Day. The WVU Downtown Library will host a presentation on Friday, June 20, starting at 2 p.m. that will feature Bryan Casey, the grandson of Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Hershel “Woody”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The historic mansion once owned by United States Senator Waitman T. Willey will be showcased as part of West Virginia Day. The Friends of the Morgantown History Museum will host self-guided tours of the Willey Mansion, located at 128 Wagner Road in the Greenmont Neighborhood, on Friday, June 20, starting at 5:30…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A Fairmont police officer was arrested after he admitted to sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl. In a release sent out by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff Roger Cunningham announced that Christopher Allen Guinup, 45, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a parent or…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Purse auctions, food and drinks will all be in attendance at the seventh annual Power of the Purse Fundraiser. Put on by Women United of United Way, the event raises money for early childhood education and “Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library” in Monongalia County. MVB Bank Market Leader Amy Armentrout joins WAJR’s “Talk…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Residents of a development located a short walk away from Milan Puskar Stadium hope to meet with the Monongalia County Commission to discuss the potential flooding-related consequences of another development. Community members of Acorn Village addressed the commission during their regular meeting Wednesday, where they expressed concerns over the development of Kings…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County offices and all municipal buildings in the City of Morgantown will be closed in commemoration of both a federal and state holiday. In recognition of Juneteenth and West Virginia Day, which will take place on Thursday and Friday, government buildings located within the City of Morgantown as well as any…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Student athletes with the Marion County School System have taken the initiative to help with cleanup efforts from the flash floods that occurred on Father’s Day Sunday. Less than a day after three inches of rain hit the county in the course of an hour, athletes from Fairmont Senior High School as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two of the longest-tenured members of Morgantown City Council officially took part in their final meetings on the council. Councilors Bill Kawecki and Dave Harshbarger officially took part in their final meetings on the council Tuesday, where they capped off two separate multi-term runs serving in the Second and Sixth Ward seats.…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — The town of Star City will have adjustments to the town tax increment financing (TIF) district in order to increase economic development. The Star City Council approved adjusting the requirements for development on the TIF primarily located on Boyers Avenue as part of a 4-0 vote (Councilor Gregory Epps and Recorder…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An amendment to the City of Morgantown Housing Code received an adjustment after it was originally placed on the consent agenda for the Morgantown City Council. The council unanimously approved an adjustment to Article 1751 of the city housing code on second reading during their regular meeting Tuesday, which mainly focused on…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Members of the Marion County School System have already started the first steps towards fixing up portions of schools affected by the Father’s Day flash floods. Marion County School Superintendent Donna Heston offered an update on the early cleanup efforts that began as early as Sunday afternoon, not long after three inches…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An annual event that involves Morgantown area restaurants to help donate to a charitable cause is about to kick off on Monday. Unique specials and food dishes will be served starting on Tuesday, June 17, as part of the new Tri-County Walk to End Alzheimer’s Restaurant Week. Organizer Janet Williams encourages Morgantown…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — Progress continues to be made on the Holland Avenue sewer line replacement project in Westover. Representatives from the Thrasher Group were on hand at Westover City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday to announce that the storm sewer pipe replacement portion of the project is complete, with crews scheduled to begin installing the 2,800…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County emergency crews continue to assess the damage caused by flash flooding on Sunday that led to damaged roadways and flooded homes. MECCA 911 Director Jim Smith offered an update on what parts of the county were affected the most by the Father’s Day storms, where over three inches of rain…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Emergency officials in Marion County continue to evaluate the level of damage caused by the flash flooding that occurred late Sunday afternoon. Marion County Sheriff Roger Cunningham met with Governor Patrick Morrisey on Monday as first responders began the first phases of cleanup efforts that ranged from road debris clearings to damage…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – West Virginia University has issued a community notice following reports of a black bear near the downtown campus. The notice was issued on Monday after at least one bear was reported near the PRT’s Maintenance Facility on 8th Street. Officers responded to the area. However, they were unable to locate the bear.…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The strong rainstorms that affected North Central West Virginia have also resulted in significant damage to Westover City Park. City of Westover Director of Public Works Jason Stinespring announced that the park will be closed for the immediate future due to severe flooding that made use of the fields virtually impossible. The…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — State Senator Joey Garcia (D-Marion, 13) plans to keep an open mind on Governor Patrick Morrisey’s recent plans related to the structure at the West Virginia Department of Transportation. The Marion County senator discussed the recent announcement made by the governor on WAJR’s Talk of the Town, where Garcia said he intends…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The City of Kingwood is ready to celebrate all things Preston County as part of the 3rd Annual Preston County Summerfest. Festivities kick off on Saturday, June 14, where local food vendors, live musical acts, and a variety of Preston County-themed activities will be hosted in downtown Kingwood starting at 10 a.m.…
GRAFTON, W.Va. –The town of Grafton will be host to a popular monster festival that will return after a popular inaugural event last year. The 2nd Annual Grafton Monster Festival will take place on Friday and Saturday at the CSX Grafton Yard in Grafton, where Mountain State monster specialists ranging from Bigfoot to Mothman will…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The residents of the Morgan Run Road area are getting new access to water thanks to the efforts of Senator Shelly Moore Capito, Delegate David McCormick, the United States Department of this Interior , the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Office of Abandoned Mines and Reclamation, Morgantown Utility Board, and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Your Community Foundation of North Central West Virginia has announced a new round of scholarship recipients for the 2025-26 school year. YCF of North Central West Virginia President Patty Showers Ryan announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town that over $303,000 in scholarships were awarded to over 109 recipients as part…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the premier events for USA Diving has officially kicked off at the Peak Health Aquatics Center at Mylan Park. The 2025 iteration of the USA Diving American Cup started on Thursday where over 120 competitors from across the world traveled to the Mountain State to compete. Visit Mountaineer Country CVB…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission are openly concerned about the increasing costs of health insurance coverage for county employees and how it could affect the ability to absorb costs in the coming years. Commissioners approved in a 2-0 vote (Commission President Jeff Arnett was unable to attend) to move forward with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A Monongalia County man accused of “hundreds” of incidents of sexual abuse will spend up to 75 years in prison after investigators say he admitted to the crimes. The Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office announced that William Ellis Wiley will serve between 45 and 75 years in prison for three counts of first-degree…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — The Town of Terra Alta has cleared a major hurdle after weeks of turmoil on an administrative level. In the midst of budget concerns that have resulted in the need to request legislative assistance, Terra Alta Town Clerk, now newly elected Terra Alta Recorder Kambra Sisler, reported that the town had…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mylan Park is ready to host one of the premier events for USA Diving at the Peak Health Aquatics Center. The 2025 iteration of the USA Diving American Cup will begin on Thursday, June 12, starting at 7 a.m., where over 120 competitors from across the world will be traveling to the…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny is on track to win the election for the Bridgeport mayoral seat. Preliminary results released by the Bridgeport City Clerk’s Office Tuesday night for the 2025 Bridgeport Municipal Election showed that Matheny defeated Bridgeport City Councilor Clayton Rice for the Bridgeport mayoral race. According to the…
GRANVILLE, W.Va. — The town of Granville conducted its final standalone municipal election on Tuesday ahead of taking part in the county-run primary ballot in May. According to unofficial results, 50 votes were cast in the election, with Patricia Forbes (35 votes received), David Bean (35 votes), Nicky Boyers (31 votes), Ron Clark (27 votes)…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board will move forward with a budget that will support both an increase in revenues while supporting long-term goals for the utility. The board unanimously approved the budgets for the stormwater, sewer, water, and Cheat Sewer utilities during their regular meeting Tuesday, which will cover estimated combined revenues valued…
NUTTER FORT, W.Va. — One person was reportedlykilled in a structure fire on Buckhannon Pike near Nutter Fort Tuesday morning. The fire was initially reported at 7:30 a.m. about half weay between Clarksburg and Nutter Fort. Firfighters brought the fire under control by 8:15 a.m. The name of the person killed in the blaze has…
WILSONBURG, W.Va. — A man wanted for attempted murder in Pennsylvania was captured after a chase with police in Harrison County Monday morning. Around 10:30 a.m. in a stolen vehicle, Trump led Clarksburg Police on a chase in the downtown area, through Summit Park then out Route 50 to the Wilsonburg area. At New Creek…
COVINGTON, KY. — More details have been released related to the arrest of former WVU defensive back Adam “Pacman” Jones. The Covington Police Department issued a media release that confirmed that Jones was arrested Saturday in a Kentucky suburb just outside of Cincinnati after a reported disturbance call at a local bar. According to the…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. –– Governor Patrick Morrisey announced sweeping reforms for the state Department of Transportation during a news conference at the Division of Highways (DOH) District 4 office Monday. Financial management, personnel, transparency, and the critical mission of the department will all change under the new administration. The $2.8 billion Roads to Prosperity program will…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Stonewood man has admitted to federal charges in connection with the sale of methamphetamine in Harrison County. James Leonard Bailey, III, 41, was found with 32 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm during the investigation in Harrison County. Bailey has pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute five grams…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University has entered into a new artificial intelligence partnership that will give students in the National Security and Intelligence program more opportunities. Director Andrew Cahall said their Open-Source Intelligence Exchange (OSIX) and ProWave AI will launch a summer pilot program focused on enhancing open-source intelligence (OSINT) capabilities. The program will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Looking at rainfall numbers alone, you would assume the severe drought of 2024 is over, but that is not the case. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt agreed the numbers look great—data shows the northern part of the state is only about a quarter inch short of the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A popular entrepreneurship pitch contest that is hosted annually in Harrison County is ready to expand on the number of eligible applicants for 2025. Title sponsor and committee chair of the 3rd Annual TANK Entrepreneur Pitch Contest Adam Rowh announced that applications will be accepted from any small business entrepreneurs in North…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Grace Shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope, operated by Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWVa), has been open and at or above capacity since Oct. of 2024. The 19-bed shelter and 22-bed Project Rainbow, which caters to the LGBTQ community, are the emergency shelter options in the Morgantown area as the camping ban…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The City of Fairmont continues ongoing efforts to improve the parks and recreation facilities in the city. Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser discussed the recent groundbreaking of planned renovations for the now named ‘Rotary Club of Fairmont Mini Park’ on WAJR’s Talk of the Town as part of what will be over…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department has released the identity of the person found on a construction site June. The West Virginia Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, has confirmed the remans have been identified as Andrew Tyler Sweitzer, 33, of Garrett County, Maryland. Officials said Sweitzer had been residing in Morgantown,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – A man was arrested and taken into custody by U.S. Immigration after a woman was found covered in blood in Morgantown on Thursday. Morgantown police officers arrested Clifbor Romero, 31, after he allegedly choked and hit a woman multiple times at an apartment on South Walnut Street. According to court documents, officers…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been found guilty of making threats to a family court judge through social media. The Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced that a Monongalia County jury found Emmanuel Jones, 35, guilty of the crime of retaliation against a public official. According to a press release, Jones was originally…
WESTON, W.Va. — One person has been accused of taking a car from a Harrison County car lot and leading police on a pursuit. On Thursday, the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department was notified about the theft of a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer from Black Bear Chrysler Jeep RAM. Just before 2 p.m., deputies observed the vehicle…
MOATSVILLE, W.Va. — A Philippi resident is behind bars after shooting an acquaintance in the head and threatening to kill his family. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office said Christopher Bolyard, 34, shot Justin White, 40, in the head at a residence on White Road in Moatsville at approximately 6 p.m. Wednesday. While deputies…
GLENVILLE, W.Va. — Two people have been arrested for allegedly getting in a fight that ended in a stabbing outside a Glenville State University residence hall back in May. West Virginia State Police announced that Tyler Anderson, 22, of Charleston, and Devan Gauldin, 22, of Prosperity, were taken into custody for their alleged involvement in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVRC Media is ready to host their annual Free Play Freedom Day, with the first event of the summer scheduled to take place at Mylan Park. Radio personalities from WVAQ will be on hand to welcome attendees on Friday, June 6th, at the Peak Health Aquatic and Track Complex at Mylan Park,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Residents and business owners located in the small Monongalia County community in Dellslow continue to be affected by a flood plain that has led to hundreds of gallons of water flooding the area on a regular basis. Dellslow business owner Chad Metheny offered an update to the Monongalia County Commission during their…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission now hope to find ways to fund long-term measures to address those affected by mental health or substance abuse disorders. The commission spoke with Catholic Charities West Virginia Grace Shelter Director Dr. Jessica Thompson as part of an overview of operations at the Grace Shelter in…
ROCK CAVE, W.Va. – An Upshur County couple is in custody after deputies found three children living among rotting garbage and piles of feces at a Rock Cave home. Deputies with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office arrested Catara White, 25, and Trevor Howell, 26, on Tuesday after a 2-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 15-year-old were…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Problems within the West Virginia Department of Health Facilities are a continuing issue for Disability Rights West Virginia. On WAJRs Talk of the Town,” Legal Director Michael Folio applauded changes made within the Department of Human Services (DHS) but said it is a “tale of two agencies.” While the DHS had made…
RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to a “swatting report” or a false report of a double murder Monday. Police said at 2:15 p.m. Deputies responded to a call from a male who reported he had shot his wife and son then attempted to commit suicide in Helvetia area.…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person is being treated for burns following a fire on Lock Deer Road near the Maryland state line. Multiple units were dispatched to the scene around 9:30 p.m. with a structure fully involved. The victim was later flown for treatment at a burn center. No information about the victim has…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Administrators with the City of Morgantown have decided to take some precautionary steps ahead of the full implementation of the voter-passed public property camping ban scheduled for June 4. Morgantown Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli updated the Morgantown City Council during their regular meeting Tuesday on conversations that have taken place with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has taken the first step to host its final two independent municipal elections in 2027 and 2029. In response to state legislation mandating that all West Virginia municipalities align their elections with the state by 2032, the Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a charter…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — The Town of Terra Alta is now in the hands of the state after their Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget was rejected at a state level. Terra Alta Town Clerk Kambra Sisler announced that the town was formally informed by the State Auditor’s Office on Monday that the town budget will not…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Construction workers on the site of the new bridge to cross the Monongahela River found deceased person Monday. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded to a wooded area between Scott Avenue and Smithtown Road where the body was found. The body has been transported to the office of the…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals has ordered a new trial in a Marion County murder case. David Hunter Lewis was originally convicted in 2022 of second-degree murder and the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony by a jury. He was sentenced cocncirrent sentences of 40 years…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — A Maryland resident has been accused of selling dangerous drugs in Terra Alta, according to the Preston County Sheriff’s Department. On Thursday, a search warrant was served in the 200 block of South Avenue Terra Alta and Earl Roscoe Diggs of Maryland was arrested. During the search police siezed 17 grams…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Police in Fairmont have arrested a 50-year old woman for neglect following a trespassing investigation in a vacant building. On Saturday, police responded to the building on Walnut Avenue and found a small child playing the street in front and several people on the porch. Police said the child ran to a…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — A gas station clerk is in custody for allegedly sexually assaulting a customer in Upshur County. Upshur County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Gurdeep Singh, 36, for allegedly grabbing a customer’s hand and kissing it before grabbing her breast while he was working at the Sunny Variety Mart on Mount Nebo Road on Friday,…
RIVESVILLE, W.Va. — A Marion County-based brewery and a North Central West Virginia-based construction company have teamed up to release a new beer, with a portion of sales proceeds going towards ALS research. Short Story Brewing and March-Westin have officially started the sale of the new “Topped Off” double dry-hopped IPA, with the initial can…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A motorcyclist suffered serious injuries in a crash at the intersection of Hartman Run Road and Mileground Road Wednesday. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded at 2:10 p.m. and found a vehicle traveling southbound on Mileground Road was making a left turn onto Hartman Run Road. As the motorcycle…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Volunteers with the Scott’s Run Settlement House are calling for residents willing to donate extra food. In response to low inventory after the Easter and Memorial Day holidays, Scott’s Run Settlement House Program Director Michael Richard announced that open donation periods will begin starting Thursday at their two locations. Four separate donation…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. An Albright woman is accused of taking jewelry from an elderly Monongalia County resident and selling it at the pawn shop in Westover. Family members said Julia Fowler, 51, was hired to care for their relative suffering cognitive decline and had worked in the home. Fowler is accused of taking jewelry the family…
ROWLESBURG, W.Va. –– Three people are being treated for injuries suffered in a crash on U.S. 50 in Preston County near Cool Springs Park. First responders were called to the scene of a headon collision around 7 p.m. and closed the road during the clean up and investigation. Three people were transported for treatment of…
TERRE ALTA, W.Va. — Terre Alta town council has appointed a new mayor and recorder in an emergency meeting Thursday. Former mayor Dan Hauger and former recorder Mikaela Bernard each resigned after the town failed to submit their budget to state officials on time. The late submission jeopardizes their ability to collect taxes and deliver…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A Fairmont man was arrested by Marion County Sheriff’s Department deputies for allegedly beating a pregnant woman while she was driving with two toddlers in the backseat. Deputies arrested Hannibal Ryan, 28, on Wednesday near the Price Cutter on Fairmont Avenue after he allegedly almost caused the vehicle to wreck in what…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Columbus, Ohio resident has been sentenced to six years in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm in Morgantown. Clyde T. Littlefield, was wanted for murder in Ohio when he was located at a Morgantown apartment. Members of the Morgantown Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service found Littlefield with…
FAIRMONT, W.Va – A Fairmont man has been sentenced to serve time in federal prison for selling a fentanyl analog in Marion and Harrison counties. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia announced that Darrel McHoney, 55, will spend nine years and two months in federal prison for selling para-fluorofentanyl,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Several different counties in the North Central part of West Virginia appears to have avoided any major incidents causing serious injuries from the result of rainstorms that took place most of Tuesday and Wednesday. After two days worth of rain that resulted in close to three inches of rain to hit the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A business owner in the community of Dellslow has called on the Monongalia County Commission on how to adjust the flood plane around property near Earl L. Core Road. Dellslow resident and property owner Chad Metheny addressed the commission during the public portion of their regular meeting Wednesday, where he reported that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia University Hospitals program aimed to increase workforce participation for high school students and recent grads with mild to moderate intellectual and developmental disabilities has celebrated another graduating class. Project SEARCH has officially graduated eight students as part of their fifth graduating class since the program was implemented in 2019.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An investigation is ongoing into a vehicle fire that took place by the Morgantown Motel Wednesday afternoon. MECCA 911 reported that multiple crews responded to the scene at about 4:50 p.m., where they were alerted to a vehicle fire at the motel Motel located off of Smithtown Road. 911 officials confirmed that…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Early voting for the 2025 municipal election for the City of Bridgeport is officially underway. Polls officially opened at the Bridgeport City Clerk’s Office on Wednesday to accept early voting ballots ahead of election day, scheduled to take place on June 10. Former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny and current Bridgeport City…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown is looking for volunteers to help with the community-wide clean-up planned for Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble said this would be an ideal event for individuals or organizations to help clean up and beautify…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council is moving ahead of the state mandate to align municipal elections with state primaries by 2032. In response to legislation passed during the most recent session hosted in Charleston, the council agreed to move a Morgantown City Charter change to their agenda for consideration as part of their…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Concerns over a decline in revenues for the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget have led the Monongalia County Board of Education to begin preliminary discussions on the 2026 excess levy vote. In the closing portion of the meeting where the approximately $176.3 million FY25-26 budget was adopted by the BOE in a unanimous…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is in the process of finalizing the implementation of an alternative sentencing program as part of the soon-to-be-active camping ban on public property. The program supported by a partnership with Valley HealthCare System will begin on June 4, around the same time that the ordinance that makes camping…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania man is in custody at North Central Regional Jail for allegedly strangling a woman and abusing an infant in Monongalia County. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Doryian Williams, 24, of Braddock, Pennsylvania, after they responded to a call of a dispute that took place at Timberline Apartments…
ELKINS, W.Va. — Police in Elkins have arrested a suspect in an attack on a woman in her home back in March. Brian Barrick, 38, is accused of attempting to kick in the door to the victim’s property before climbing through a window to gain access to the home. Police said when Barrick got inside…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Like many other sectors of our economy, technology has transformed and added opportunities for those looking for job opportunities in the construction trades. On WAJR’s Talk of the Town,” Justin Williams, Director of the Affiliated Construction Trades West Virginia (ACT WV), said technology has transformed many occupations and, in some areas, increased…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The second brick-and-mortar public charter school is preparing to welcome students in August of 2025 in the former headquarters building for Monongalia County Public Schools. On WAJRs “Talk of the Town,” Chairman of Wisdom Academy, Javaid Syed, said they have renovated the 15,000 square foot building to add six to seven classrooms…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The heavily anticipated Marilla Park Pool has officially opened its doors to the public. The over $14.7 million facility was formally introduced to the public by BOPARC on Friday ahead of a full-scale opening that took place as part of Memorial Day. BOPARC Executive Director Melissa Wiles was on hand with representatives…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — Mon Health Systems is on pace to open another small-format hospital in North Central West Virginia to serve Mountain State residents in rural areas. President and CEO David Goldberg announced that ground has been broken on the Bridgeport site located at Charles Pointe Crossing by the start of summer 2025, with…
GREENWOOD, W.Va. — The man accused of driving a tractor-trailer that hit a car on Interstate 68 in Monongalia County during a snowstorm and killed the driver inside it has been booked into the North Central Regional Jail. Officers with the West Virginia Division of Correction and Rehabilitation officially booked Sukhjinder Singh, 37, into jail…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The town of Grafton is ready to host one of the longest-running events in West Virginia history. The 158th Annual West Virginia Memorial Day Parade will take place in the heart of Grafton on Monday, May 26, starting at 10:00 a.m., where veterans, local leaders, and dozens of local organizations will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The popular outdoor summer concert series hosted at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Amphitheater in Morgantown has received national recognition. The Ruby Summer Concert Series was named as the third-best outdoor concert series by USA TODAY, where it was ranked ahead of similar events hosted in Houston, New York, and Maryland, among other…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday period from Thursday, May 22, through Monday, May 26. The forecast is an increase of 1.4 million travelers compared to last year and sets a new Memorial Day weekend record that was previously set…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Select counties in the northern part of the state are the site of Wild and Wonderful GeoWoodstock XXI through Saturday, May 24. On WAJRs”Talk of the Town,” Visit Mountaineer Country CVB President and CEO Susan Riddle said there are several thousand items spread across Monongalia, Marion, and Preston Counties for digital scavenger…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police are searching for a suspect in an early morning Friday burglary on North Nigh Street. The suspect, described as a white male 5-feet 10 inches, to 6-feet tall, tattoos on his hands, arms, and possibly his neck forced his way into 709 North High Street through window. The…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — New Department of Human Services Secretary Alex Mayer appears ready to tackle what is generally considered one of the more complex issues in the Mountain State. The West Virginia Department of Human Services officially wrapped up their statewide Child Welfare Listening Sessions in Morgantown on Thursday, where just over 80 residents gave…
ROWLESBURG, W.Va. — The Town of Rowlesburg is ready to welcome North Central West Virginians that want to take part in their annual festival that highlights local history, music, and the arts. The 16th Annual River City Festival of the Arts will begin on Friday, May 22, starting at 11 a.m. at the Historic Rowelsburg…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Progress appears to be moving in the right direction for two apartment complexes looking to develop property to support low-income housing. Proposals have begun to take shape for projects at Pierpont Landing and Hershman Landing II, which will be directed to the West Virginia Housing Development Fund to be considered for the…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — The town of Star City officially has a new police chief. Glen Staley was officially sworn in by Star City Mayor Sharon Doyle during Star City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday, where he will take over for his daughter, and current Star City Police Chief, Jessica Colebank. Staley will bring 47 years…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Residents are asking members of the Monongalia County Commission to find out the status of a bridge traffic restriction on westbound I-68 in the Sabraton area. Commissioner Tom Bloom read the letter during the Wednesday regular meeting in Morgantown asking for more information. The letter from a Cheat Lake area resident…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A lack of timely development around the Morgantown Waterfront that has affected the repayment of bondholders has prompted an adjustment to the TIF scheduling to be submitted to the West Virginia Division of Economic Development. The Morgantown City Council voted in favor 5-1, with Councilor Danielle Trumble being the lone dissenting vote…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The American Federation of Government Employees’ Council of Prison Locals has started a billboard campaign calling for support from members of Congress to speak out against executive orders that remove or significantly reduce their benefits. Union members are protesting the signing of Executive Order 14251, which stripped more than a million federal…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Cooler temperatures expected for the Memorial Day weekend will delay the opening of the Camp Muffly Pool. An official post on the Monongalia County Parks & Recreation Facebook page issued on Tuesday confirmed the delay, with a rescheduled opening planned for Saturday, May 31, starting at 12 p.m. According to officials with…
WESTON, W.Va. — Lewis County deputies are seeking help from the public to find a subject with multiple active warrants. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department said Corey Stephen Nelson has active warrants for forgery and uttering. Nelson is described as a white man 5-feet 6-inches tall, brown hair, green eyes, and about 150 pounds. Officials…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont house fire Monday morning is being blamed on an electric golf cart purchased hours before. Members of the Valley Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene at 10:46 a.m. and found the home to be on fire with what was thought to be a side-by-side, according to Deputy Chief…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 28 year old Fairmont man has been jailed after fighting and threatening police at the scene of an accident Friday. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department said Joseph Garrett, 28, was involved in the accident on Brush Run Road and when they arrived he became combative when they attempted to…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A Detroit man with a felony record is facing charges in Monongalia County after police allege he displayed a fire arm to a victim and was conspiring to sell dangerous drugs. On Friday, deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to a report of a subject brandishing a firearm…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — State police made multiple arrests in Clarksburg after finding drugs and a loaded gun within reach of a child Saturday. Troopers from the Harrison County detachment served search warrants at 80 and 89 Jones Road near Clarksburg and arrested eight suspects. Troopers said two juveniles were found close to drug paraphernalia and…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — Retail Operations and Security Officer for Clear Mountain Bank, Ashley Nicolas has completed Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) Education’s Certified Bank Security Officer program and has earned the professional designation Certified Community Bank Security Officer – CCBSO. The education division of the offers nine certification programs that are accredited by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University President Dr. E. Gordon Gee has officially wrapped up taking part in the final commencement ceremony hosted as university president. The final ceremonies of Gee’s over decade-long tenure as WVU president came to a close on an early Sunday evening where over 1,000 Eberly College of the Arts students,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University Center for Aviation Excellence has plans to add three aircraft over the next 18 months that will give them the capacity to expand the program. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director and Chief Pilot Joel Kirk said Fairmont State University offers degrees in Professional Flight and Aviation…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) plans to begin work on North High Street Monday, May 19 and the work is expected to continue for the next four weeks. MUB crews will replace an 8-inch water line on North High Street. The work requires significant adjustments to normal traffic patterns while crews work…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A benefit aimed to support suicide prevention efforts in the Mountain State is set to take place at one of West Virginia’s most well-known natural landmarks. The Hike for Hope will take place at Coopers Rock State Park starting at 10 a.m., where mental health advocates, construction workers, and those who advocate…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A new wave of West Virginia University graduates have officially walked the podium as part of the 2025 Spring Commencement Ceremonies. Over 500 graduates participated in three ceremonies that were hosted on Friday at the WVU Coliseum as part of 2025 Commencement Weekend. Families from all parts of the Mountain State as…
ELKINS, W.Va. — An Elkins resident has been ordered to serve four years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine. Richard Emery Delphey, 52, was selling methamphetamine in Randolph County and had prior convictions involving drugs and theft. Following his term in federal prison, Delphey must serve three years of supervised release. The Mountain Region Drug…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A tribute to an American hero who was born and raised in the Mountain State will be observed in Morgantown and parts of West Virginia. The 14th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day will be observed virtually and through a military flag ceremony on Saturday, May 17, as part of a commemoration of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A tribute to an American hero who was born and raised in the Mountain State is set to be hosted in Morgantown. The 14th Annual Gene Vance Jr. Day will be hosted virtually and through a flag ceremony on Saturday, May 17, as part of a commemoration of Military Appreciation Day. The…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University campus is ready to celebrate another round of graduates as part of the 2025 Spring Commencement ceremonies. The first round of ceremonies will take place on Friday, May 16, starting at 9 a.m., where the WVU College of Law will host the first ceremonies that will be hosted…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. — The 33rd annual “Stamp Out Hunger” provided twice as much relief to a slightly shorter list of local food pantries. Stamp Out Hunger is an important post-holiday event to restock food pantries. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” United Postal Service carrier technician and Stamp Out Hunger coordinator for the Morgantown area…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Preston County Clerk Linda Huggins has announced her plans to retire at the end of July after serving as clerk since 2011. Huggins said recently some close to her have had health issues, some have even passed away, and she wants to take time to enjoy her family. Huggins worked in the…
ELKINS, W.Va. — The City of Elkins is preparing to demolish the troubled Four Seasons Motel property. The property was recentl;y purchased by the city after numerous nusance complaints and suspected criminal activity. The propert was eclosed with a fence Wednesday by a private contractor to prevent people from accessing the site and getting injured.…
PARSONS, W.Va. — The Parsons Police Department has made two arrests in connection the fraud of an elderly resident. The investigation started March 6 when investigators learned one of the residents of the Tucker Manor was a potential victim of fraud. Police learned the victim contacted by Rosa Moore and Vida Cantwell, both of Philippi,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Area activists, healthcare professionals, and Morgantown area residents who could be affected by potential changes in Medicaid decided to voice their frustrations outside of the area office for U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito. Representatives with the West Virginia Citizen Action Group (WV CAG), along with mental healthcare and drug rehabilitation professionals as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A contract that is set to be finalized for a new development at the West Ridge Business Park has prompted county officials to greenlight the protocols to begin the release of funds for the project. The Monongalia County Commission approved the release of documentation needed to release funds categorized under ‘Tranche Two’…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) will greenlight a study involving Strand Associates to help with financing efforts for ten projects across their system. The MUB Board of Directors unanimously approved a contract with the firm to create detailed engineering reports, which could be used to support financing for the ten projects valued…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The United States Marshals Service is asking for help from the public in locating one of three men involved in an assault on High Street in Morgantown. Julian Reese, 21, of Clarksburg, is wanted on malicious wounding and conspiracy charges after a fight in the 300 block of High Street Sunday left…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — A Preston County man is set to be sentenced after he admitted to federal child pornography charges in federal court. The United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced that Steven Seeger, 46, of Bruceton Mills pleaded guilty to coercion and enticement of a minor for sex…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va — Officials in Bridgeport have released an additional statement regarding the pending lawsuit filed by former city manager Pat Ford against the city. The statement sais the city will fight the meritless allegation vigorously and will not try the case in the media. The full statement is below: “To the contrary, the City,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Schools System is expected to see only a minor change in total revenues despite a significant drop in tax funds for fiscal year 2025-26. The Monongalia County Board of Education unanimously approved an FY25-26 general fund budget valued at approximately $176.3 million, an approximately $549,000 decline in total revenues…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board has agreed upon a new contract to support the design of the new maintenance garage for the utility’s vehicles. A contract with OMNI Architects valued at approximately $213,000, to design the project that is projected to cost approximately $1.5 million, was unanimously approved during a regular meeting of…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, WVa. — Interstate 79 northbound remains congested from the state line to the Star City exit (Exit 155). MECCA 911 is reporting a crash involving a semi-truck was reported near the state line at 5 a.m. Initial reports indicate there were no serious injuries, but the crash did include a fuel spill. Officials…
GARRETT COUNTY, Md. — Maryland State Police have identified the 19-year-old victim of a fatal crash on Saturday evening in Garrett County as Hihaal Babu Grandhi, 19, of Ashburn, Virginia. May 10 at 7:10 p.m., troopers responded to a two-vehicle crash on eastbound I-68 at mile marker 13. The investigation shows an eastbound car driven…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department are conducting a death investigation after a body was found Monday off I-68. Just after noon Monday the body of Aaron Monette, 56, of New York, was discovered on the shoulder area of I-68 westbound at exit 1 The body has been transported to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Mountain Line Transit Authority (MLTA) propane testing program is showing increased efficiencies and fewer emissions, according to President and CEO Maria Smith. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Smith said propane was selected because of the high cost to establish an electrical infrastructure to support the buses. She said they would…
MORGANTOWN, WVa. — A Morgantown man is facing charges after being accused of robbing a hot spot and attempting to kidnap an employee. Police said Keith Bell, 52, of Morgantown, walked into Elle’s Café & Hot Spot barefoot around 1 a.m. Tuesday with a tire iron with his face covered. Bell then went behind the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways has announced the complete closure of the Dublin Bridge at the intersection of Elk and Wood Streets. The complete closure is expected to continue through late August of 2025. The bridge will be closed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and motorists should expect delays.
UPSHUR COUNTY, W.Va. — Six people have been arrested following a probe into dangerous drugs by the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force. The arrests were made Thursday during a felony drug offender arrest operation. 1. Kiley Ann Pason, of Buckhannon, has been charged with delivery of methamphetamine and delivery within 1000 feet…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — NextEra Energy Transmission is looking for public comment Monday on the proposed Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) at the Erickson Alumni Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Senior Director Kaitlan McCormick said they plan to build a new transmission line to help meet the needs of…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A cybersecurity company based in Marion County is looking to expand operations within the Mountain State and across the country with the launch of new cloud-based infrastructure technology. Agile5 Technologies has announced the release of their new Automated Compliance Engine (ACE), a cloud-based infrastructure system designed to tailor organizational needs to meet…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — An online-based community assistance platform that aims to connect churches and businesses to families in need is set to launch in Preston County. The CarePortal Initiative will officially launch on Tuesday, May 13, where county organizations, businesses, and families in need alike will be able to sign up and immediately receive responses…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The next Morgantown city manager, Jamie Miller, is looking forward to beginning her work in the community on June 23. Currently, Miller is the city manager in Paris, Kentucky, a city of about 10,000 people just outside Lexington. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Miller said the city is vibrant and she…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County woman will now spend over a decade behind bars for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced that Stephanie Ann Allen, 34, was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison after she…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Lauren’s Wish Fashion Show at the Erickson Alumni Center on Thursday was a sold-out celebration of the little over two years the organization has served as an addiction triage center at Hazel’s House of Hope. The namesake of the organization, Lauren Cole, had battled addiction for years prior to her fatal…
WALLACE, W.Va. – A pursuit of a motorcycle that began in Wetzel County on Thursday ended with two people dead after a crash near the Harrison and Wetzel county line. According to West Virginia State Police, Nicholas Littleton, 37, and passenger Michaela Collins, 29, were killed after a Harley Davidson motorcycle that Wetzel County deputies…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties is ready to team with area post offices to help keep children from going hungry at night. Members of the United States Postal Service will team with United Way MPC to host the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which will take place on…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — Local businesses in Monongalia County are opening up their doors for families looking to treat their moms with something fun to do for Mother’s Day. The WOW Factory will be among those businesses that will host activities during Mother’s Day weekend, which will start with a special themed ladies’ night that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A revised version of civilian complaint forms related to interactions with Morgantown police officers is set to be submitted by the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board. Members of the board agreed to prepare a submission of the new forms to Morgantown Deputy Police Chief Chris Ruehmer, which would expand on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVRC Media has teamed with a local business to help support West Virginia toddlers and mothers. The first annual WVRC Media Diaper Drive will take place on Friday, May 9, starting at 7 a.m. at the Greer Building in Sabraton. Members of the company, along with representatives from Saving Grace Septic and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg police have arrested three in connection with a beating and kidnapping in that city Wednesday. Police said Corey Baker, 19, Matthew Killian, 40, and Israel Jarvis, 20, are all facing felony charges in connection with the incident that was reported from Simpson Avenue. The trio are accused forcing the victim into…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — More details have been released related to the April 19 storm that affected the majority of Monongalia County as the Monongalia County Development Authority (MCDA) received formal approval for re-appointments of well-known members of the Morgantown community onto its board of directors. The Monongalia County Commission received a written update from First…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Marion County couple have been arrested for allegedly sexually abusing a child. Cody Offen, 36, and Evelyn Offen, 26, have been charged with sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian or person in a position of trust to a child. Evelyn is being held on one count of first-degree sexual assault,…
WORTHINGTON, W.Va. — A Marion County is in custody after deputies found eight children living in a home with feces everywhere. . The Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced that Edmond Todd, Jr., 54, and Nina Todd, 52, have each been charged with eight counts of child neglect after an investigation that began in November. According…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Clarksburg resident will serve time in federal prison for selling methamphetamine in Harrison and Lewis Counties. United States Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced that Kevin Cayemitte, 36, was sentenced to 300 months in federal prison for two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cayemitte…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) has announced lane restrictions on Monongahela Boulevard late this week for road repairs. Contractors working for MUB will close the left lane in both directions beginning the night of Wednesday, May 7 between the Star City Bridge and Sheetz Gas Station. Work will begin Wednesday evening and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The withholding of the camping ban on municipal property within the City of Morgantown has resulted in vocal supporters of the repeal voicing frustrations in front of Morgantown City Council. The public portion of the council’s regular meeting on Tuesday had members of the Morgantown community as well as an activist with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Additional property transfers towards the Morgantown Land Reuse and Preservation Agency have been given a formal green light by the Morgantown City Council, while extra sales tax revenues are approved to be allocated by the city. The council unanimously approved the transfer of 19 properties located within five wards during their regular…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Office of Sustainability is ready to accept donations for their annual end-of-the-year consignment sale. The well-known, community-wide, commercial-size donation bins have officially been placed in various parts of the city of Morgantown as items begin to be accepted for the popular Blue and Gold Mine Sale. The six…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Canvassing Board in Morgantown has declared the results from the most recent municipal election and a total of five ballots were added to the total count. Four absentee ballots arrived late and one provisional ballot was counted after the review of the canvassing board. The revised voter turnout of 14.13 percent…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A small number of tickets remain for the Lauren’s Wish Fashion Show Thursday night at the Erickson Alumni Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. with a reception until 6 p.m., and the show starts at 6:30 p.m. sharp. Lauren’s Wish is an addiction triage center named after Michael Cole’s daughter, who died…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — No injuries were reported in a crash involving a Monongalia County Schools bus Monday afternoon. The crash was reported at 2:06 p.m. at the intersection of Blue Horizon Drive and Chaplin Hill Road. No other information has been released.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has launched the “Ride with a Recruiter” program, designed to reach those interested in a career in law enforcement. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Police Chief Eric Powell said they are 14 officers short of their authorized strength of 76 officers, and he hopes this program will…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. –– Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department arrested a suspected intoxicated driver after a child was ejected from his vehicle during a crash. Deputies said Ryan Smarr, 33, was driving on Route 19 on April 23 when he drove off the side of the road, hit a utility pole, and rolled…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One WVU student is in custody and another is recovering following a stabbing Friday night. Police responded to a report of a fight at 10:30 p.m. in the 500 block of Price Street and found the victim with a stab wound to the leg. Police arrested Kaden James Vinar, 21, of Champlin,…
BRIDGEPORT W.Va – The North Central West Virginia Airport is finishing up construction on its new terminal, aiming to open in October, according to Airport Director Rick Rock. Rock said the terminal construction is complete, and now outside infrastructure is being finalized. The new terminal will allow for increased parking for aircraft and cars. Initially…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va – Former City Manager Pat Ford has filed a lawsuit against the City of Bridgeport after being terminated in early April less than six months into his tenure. The lawsuit was officially in Harrison County Circuit Court on Friday, which alleges that Ford was terminated in an attempt by the city to “hide…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — A police standoff that took place in Mannington on Wednesday and lasted for several hours resulted in two people being charged with child neglect. The West Virginia State Police announced that Jason Kellar, 34, of Mannington, and Christina Mackey, 41, of Mannington, have both been charged with child neglect after the residence…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The Bridgeport Police Department has received an unclaimed property check in the amount of $10,000 from State Treasurer Larry Pack. The check for $10,812 was the Bridgeport share of the firearm auction held in Charleston on March 27. The weapons are outdated, unclaimed, or evidence in cases that have been decided. Bridgeport…
MONONGAH, W.Va. — A suspect in a domestic violence incident Wednesday in Mannington who fled from police has been captured. Jason Kellar, 34, was arrested at 9 a.m. Friday morning at his mother’s home in Monongah. Police responded to a report of a dosmestic incident at a residence on Buffalo Street, but Kellar fled the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed and three injured in a Wednesday crash on Grafton Road. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said Brian Livengood, of Rivesville, was southbound on a motorcycle with a pickup truck behind him driven by Jerry Robinson, of Barbour County, at 6 p.m. when a northbound vehicle…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — A suspect remains at large following a Mannington standoff with West Virginia State Police Wednesday. Troopers responded to a report of a domestic incident in which Michael Jason Kellar, 34, may have barricaded himself in a residence with a firearm on Buffalo Street. A six-hour standoff followed, and police believe at some…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — The Preston County Health Department announced that a rabid fox has been reported in the county. According to a post on the Preston County Health Department Facebook page, an independent laboratory test confirmed rabies was found in the Terra Alta area after a fox and dog encounter that took place in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A nationally renowned trail developer is ready to present portions of a new trail network development that is ready to be put to use in the North Central West Virginia region. Village-to-Village Trails owner and co-developer of the Mountaineer Gravel project David Landis will make an appearance at the 3rd Annual Visit…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — First responders and the Marion County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team were called to the scene of a standoff in Mannington Wednesday evening that remained active late in Wednesday night. Officials with the Marion County 911 Center reported that crews have been on scene at the 174 Buffalo Street since 4:51 p.m. They…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Visit Mountaineer Country CVB is ready to showcase plans for their large-scale, multi-county cycling project and upcoming events for 2025. The 3rd Annual Visit Mountaineer Country Tourism Summit will take place on Monday, May 5, at the West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center starting at 8 a.m., where tourism specialists and political…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A truck driver accused of causing a deadly car crash over Cheat Lake in January will be extradited to West Virginia to face charges. A California judge served Sukhjinder Singh, 37, with a governor’s warrant Wednesday morning and ordered him into the custody of the State of West Virginia for extradition. Singh…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Insurance rates to cover Monongalia County employees will go down despite an increase in total costs for the county. The Monongalia County Commission approved to forward with an agreement to have the West Virginia Communities Risk Pool as county general liability and workers’ compensation insurance providers as part of a 2-0 vote…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Voters in Morgantown have voted not to repeal the ban on camping on public property and have rejected a proposal to allow the city manager to live outside city limits. After Article 1157, sponsored by Third Ward councilor Weez Michael, was passed in September of 2024, members of the Morgantown Coalition for…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials with the City of Morgantown have expressed open excitement over the increase in votes cast in the municipal election. Unofficial results released by the Morgantown City Clerk’s Office late Tuesday night reported that 1,886 ballots were cast for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election before accounting for provisional ballots and canvassing, beating…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The former president of Main Street Morgantown is now set to take over the Sixth Ward seat on the Morgantown City Council. Mark Downs defeated business owner Stephanie Hunt for the Sixth Ward seat in the 2025 Morgantown Municipal election, according to the unofficial results released by the Morgantown City Clerk’s Office.…
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Officials with the City of Fairmont have made the trip down to the nation’s capitol to advocate for Mountain State legislatures to support local projects. Fairmont City Manager Travis Blosser, Mayor Anne Boylard, and Fairmont Fire Chief Brian Starn, among others, traveled down to Washington, D.C., to speak with Senators Shelley Moore…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A former member of the Grafton Police Department has been indicted in connection with an Aug. 2024 assault on Grand Street. Police arrived to find the victim bleeding from the head and had marks around his neck. While waiting for EMS to arrive, the victim told police Andre Cosby, 35, of Grafton,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The former chief operating officer at a Morgantown medical clinic has been sentenced to three years in federal prison for bank fraud. Francisco Ortiz, 50, of Vacaville, California, diverted more than $650,000 from Wedgewood Physicians, Inc., for things like travel, home improve,ents, and online purchases. Ortiz is also guilty of diverting proceeds…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– University High School social studies teacher Erica Diaz has been selected as the 2025 Teacher of the Year. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Diaz said she came to Morgantown about 20 years ago to be a broadcast journalist and fell in love with Morgantown and the teaching profession. “Actually, I’m originally…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey made it clear as the legislative session ended there will be special sessions this year, and members of the West Virginia School Service Personnel Association (WSSPA) would like to see one before the schedule increases in the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On Tuesday, voters will end a continuing debate in the city of Morgantown—the proposed ban on camping in municipal areas. The Morgantown City Council passed the camping ban in September of 2024, and then members of the Morgantown Coalition for Housing Action successfully submitted an amended petition to have it repealed or…
WHEELING, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia Appalachian Laborers District Council are taking part in charitable activities across the Mountain State. Members have participated in a variety of activities as part of the Laborers Rising program, with the most recent being the Morgantown area community cleanups that were organized by Morgantown City Councilor Louise…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Early voting turnout numbers for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election have been released by the city that showed numbers nearly exact to the number of ballots cast in 2023. The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office announced that 716 early voting ballots were cast over a ten-day period that took place between April 16…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF) is encouraged by recent data released showing a continued decrease in overdose deaths statewide. Now, they want to better understand the data and work to find the most effective treatments for those suffering from substance abuse disorder. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director Jonathan…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Solid Waste Authority wants county residents to look around their homes to see if they have old electronics they’d be willing to recycle. The 2025 iteration of the annual Spring E-Cycling Event will take place at the Sam’s Club located in the University Town Center on Saturday, April 26,…
MORGANTOWN W.Va. –- Morgantown community members are invited to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 26th, an initiative to reduce access to unused, unneeded, and expired prescription medications. Executive Director for the West Virginia First Foundation, Jonathan Board, said the initiative, hosted nationwide by the Drug Enforcement Administration, aims to lessen…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Polls will be closed ahead of the final day of early voting for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election. Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Thursday morning that the early voting polls located at the Historic Train Depot at Hazel Ruby McQuain Park will be closed on…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 63 year old Fairmont man has been charged with attempted murder after police allege he stabbed a victim with a screwdriver. Fairmont Police Department were dispatched to Jefferson Street Thursday and determined the victim was stabbed and his left side slashed with a screwdriver. Police said Michael Gibbons is accused of…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The former EMS director for Taylor County has pleaded guilty to a felony count of forgery. The Taylor County Prosecutors Office announced that Gavin Watkins, 29, pleaded guilty to the charge before Taylor County Judge Shawn Nines on April 21 where he was ordered to pay restitution and serve at least 1-10…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In Morgantown, law enforcement, firefighters, and public works crews swiftly responded to the flurry of calls during severe weather Saturday. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Fire Chief Gary Freshour said his department and the police are the first agencies to get a sense of how serious an event is based on…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. – Harrison County first responders rescued two people entrapped in a vehicle after an accident on Wednesday night. Emergency crews responded to an accident with entrapment on Shinnston Pike in Clarksburg at around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday. According to 911 officials fire departments for Spelter, Lumberport and Clarksburg responded to the call, along…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — On Wednesday, a group of about 100 gathered near the Morgantown National Institute for Health and Safety (NIOSH) office to protest recent mass firings by the federal government. About 185 members of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3430 were terminated in early April , most by email. Local President Cathy…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department has officially hired new deputies to fully staff their police force. Sheriff Todd Forbes introduced incoming deputies Cadon Skavinsky, Andrew Mounts, Hunter Brewer, Ethan Weiss Knepp, Tavion Dillistone, Christopher Reseter, and Gavin Hissam in front of the Monongalia County Commission ahead of their formal approval to be…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Elkins man will serve time in federal prison after he was found guilty for being part of a Morgantown drug ring that trafficked drugs from Philadelphia. The United States Department of Justice announced that William Durnal, 60, will spend 100 months (8 years, 4 months) behind bars after he sold and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — More development planned for the Harmony Grove TIF District has received a formal green light on a county level. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved a combination of resolutions around both the original $21.5 million bond issuance for the TIF as well as an expansion of the TIF boundaries, both of which…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Marion County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Mannington man for allegedly impersonating an FBI agent after burglarizing a trailer. Kaleb Rhoades, 33, is accused of breaking into a trailer on Sycamore Hollow Road at approximately 1 a.m. Tuesday morning where he allegedly stole multiple items from the trailer including a pistol. According to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Owens & Minor medical warehouse originally set to open in the WestRidge development has found a new home near the Morgantown Industrial Park and will open in June. The $50 million project was initially planned to open in February of 2024 in the WestRidge development and it is not known why…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been sentenced to nearly 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to ilegally purchase firearms. The investigation began at a residence in Morgantown when police responded to a domestic incident involving Todd Houston, 36. Investigators later learned Houston was attempting to sell more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Around 500 people attended the 2025 Focus Forward: Long Live West Virginia in Morgantown on Tuesday. The event included the final fireside chat with soon-to-retire West Virginia University President Gordon Gee and current Marshall University President Brad Smith. After the fireside chat, Gee said the future of WVU is bright and that…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County School System will receive a slight increase in revenues in comparison to neighboring counties. The Preston County Board of Education approved general expense levy rates for Fiscal Year 2025-26 where the school systems is projected to receive approximately $9.91 million as part of state legislative allocations. The rates were…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The recent storms that took out power for nearly half of the Morgantown area have apparently led to representatives at Chestnut Ridge Park to cancel reservations scheduled for the upcoming weekend. As part of a damage assessment that took place in response to the weekend storms that reportedly took out over 100…
OAKLAND, Md. — A Good Friday crash at the Maryland, West Virginia state line over the weekend killed a mother and her teenage boy. Around 2:25 p.m. April 18, deputies with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office in Maryland responded to a two-vehicle head-on collision at the intersection of Hutton Road and Dilly Road. Deputies said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — FirstEnergy is using a mix of in-house and private contractors to get to complete power restoration following Saturday’s storms. The restoration time for all customers without power is April 23 at 11 p.m. Spokesman Will Boye said at one point there were 48,000 customers without power, and as of Tuesday morning, that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — During the first five days of early voting in Morgantown, 273 ballots have been cast. The historic train depot in Hazel Ruby McQuain Park has averaged a little more than 50 voters a day, and the highest total so far in early voting was Saturday, April 19, when 93 ballots were cast.…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The next stage of the Holland Avenue sewer line replacement project is expected to begin as early as Tuesday. City of Westover Director of Public Works Jason Stinespring announced that the sewer line portion of the project that also includes addressing the retaining wall near the Westover Bridge and the repaving of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has released a list of more than 20 goals to improve sustainability and reduce their impact on the environment. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Sustainability Director Traci Knabenshue said the campus is very similar to a small city, and they are taking this step to set an example…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg police arrested a soggy assault suspect after a foot pursuit of more than 30 minutes. On April 18, officers were dispatched to a location on Coleman Avenue on a report of a suspicious person looking into vehicles and spoke to Danny Payne, 47. Payne told police he was looking for his…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A Taylor County man is facing sexual assault charged after an alleged attack at a party over the weekend. Officers from the Grafton Police Department made contact with the victim who told them the attack happened the night before at a home on Lincoln Street. The victim told police she was sleeping…
WESTON, W.Va. –– An 84-year-old man is recovering after a Good Friday fall from a cross during a crucifixion reenactment. The man was assiting in the event with members of the Vandalia Community Christian Church at the Masonic Cemetery of Route 33 around 12:30 p.m. The man fell about 10 feet from one of the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Easter Sunday pursuit in Clarksburg resulted in the arrest of a convicted felon after suspicious activity was reported near a storage facility. Deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department observed the activity on Simpson Street, and when they attempted to make contact with the suspect, he fled on a motorcycle. The…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Severe storms Saturday knocked electricity out for nearly half of the Mon Power customers in Monongalia County and caused multiple reports of tree damage. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said damage reports began flooding the dispatch center around 6 p.m. Saturday and fielded more…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown Department of Arts and Cultural Development wants the community to take part in a nationwide vote recognizing the Ruby Summer Concert Series. City of Morgantown Arts and Cultural Development Director Vincent Kitch announced that voting is online to vote for the popular concert series hosted at Hazel Ruby…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Former Westover city councilman Ralph Mullins is due back in court Monday following a domestic incident in June of last year. The female told Westover police Mullins became angry during a verbal altercation that turned physical. The woman alleges Mullins threatened her with a ten pound weight, turned the treadmill over she…
CORE, W.Va. — A combination of local fire departments and state agencies responded to a brush fire in rural Monongalia County Friday afternoon that lasted until after dark. According to officials with the Monongalia County 911 Center, the fire occurred at about 2:39 p.m. near Smoky Run Road, near Core. Officials couldn’t confirm how large…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A local organization that aims to increase familiarity with the outdoor life in North Central West Virginia wants Morgantown area students to take part in a class where they can learn what edible items can be found out in the wild Saturday, April 19 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The Mountain…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny II is warning the community about a scam in which residents are asked to pay immediately to avoid arrest. Detectives said there is an ongoing phone scam where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers telling residents they’ve missed a court date. Because the court date has been missed,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the few Democratic Party representatives in the West Virginia House of Delegates does not consider the most recent legislative session to be productive. Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen addressed a variety of concerns that he felt were either unaddressed or ignored entirely during the session that wrapped up less than…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — Barbour County Clerk Laurie Austin is facing a series of misdemeanor charges after an office outburst in February. State police said Austin entered the office February 21 in a hostile manner and used a chain as a barrier to prevent other employees from leaving. Surveillance video shows the 59-year-old Austin verbally berating…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Representatives on the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board hope that newly appointed hires to city positions will help address struggles to acquire expanded data related to city resident interactions with officers. Board Vice Chair Rachel Fetty discussed the appointment of new Morgantown City Manager Jamie Martin and new Morgantown Deputy…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — An employee of a professional cleaning service is facing multiple felonies after police allege she took several thousands of dollars in jewelry from clients and sold them to a gold dealer. The theft involved multiple money and jewelry from clients of Buckhannon-based Integrity Cleaning LLC, served by Mikela Mitchell in Upshur, Barbour,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture and Resources is ready to sell plants raised and cared for by university students. The annual Davis College Store Spring Plant Sale officially kicked off on Thursday, April 17, as part of a three-day-long sales event. Davis College Store Business Manager Joe Woods encourages…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown now officially has a new city manager. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved to appoint Jamie Miller as the new Morgantown City Manager, the third for the city over the last five years. Miller follows Paul Brake, who served for a little more than three years, and most…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Four people were sentenced for their role in a drug trafficking organization that stretched from Philadelphia to Detroit to Morgantown, West Virginia. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Northern District of West Virginia announced that three people from West Virginia and one person from Michigan were sentenced for their involvement in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A student at West Virginia University has been charged in connection with a stabbing reported April 6. Morgantown Police responded to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospitaland found theunidentified victim with multiple stab wounds. Detectives said after learning the incident took place on Forest Avenue earlier that day they obtained surveillance video that showed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A member of the Monongalia County Commission has open concerns about the current status of area food banks. Commissioner Tom Bloom offered an update on the effects of recent decisions made on a federal level in the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, where he stated over a quarter of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Levy rates for the City of Morgantown appear to have remained unchanged for fiscal year 2025-26. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved levy rates of $.125 per $100 of Class I property, $.25 per $100 for Class II property, and a $.50 per $100 rate for Class IV property. Morgantown Interim City…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia residents were able to have lights by the end of Tuesday night after strong winds knocked out power for most of the afternoon. First Energy subsidiary Mon Power crews addressed calls as early as 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday after wind gusts that reached as high as over 40…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System has started to make reductions as part of an impending budget cut. The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) moved forward on the reduction of 5 positions within the school system as part of the approval of the levy rates for FY 2025-26 during a special meeting…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 65-yearold man has been killed in a Fairmont tree trimming accident, according to deputies from the Marion County Sherff’s Department. Monday around 11:30 a.m. the accident was reported on Ridgeview Drive, off Big Tree Drive. Jackie James Hess, Jr., was trimming pine trees when he fell out of the tree. EMS…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Highways will close a portion of southbound Interstate 79 to address the phase one demolition of the Uffington Bridge. Motorists are expected to see minor delays as a result of a lane closure from the southbound Interstate 79 off ramp at Exit 148 onto Interstate 68…
UPSHUR COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed in a crash on U.S. Route 33 Moneday afternoon in Upshur County. Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department at 1:23 p.m. they responded to a report of a single-vehicle over an embankment. Deputies found a truck owned by United Contracting Inc. of Buckhannon, driven by Daniel…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Kingwood resident has admitted to unlawfully possessing a firearm in federal court and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison. Pedro Antonio Pacheco, 46, was stopped for a traffic violation when the officer observed the firearm laying on the passenger seat. Due to prior felony drug convictions, Pacheco…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Ruby Summer Concert Series has been selected by the USA TODAY 10 BEST Readers’ Choice Awards program as a nominee for Best Outdoor Concert Series. The nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards are selected each year by a panel of travel experts, entertainment journalists, and industry professionals each year. Each venue…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, believes this legislative session was more about quality than quantity. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” he said progress was made on important issues, but things like PEIA didn’t get the attention expected after premium and deductible increases. He sponsored House Bill 2422 that sought to align…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Morgantown general contractor Adelheid Schaupp has earned the 2024 Young Professional award from the National Association of Home Builders. Schaupp was one of 16 being considered for the honor that recognizes hard work, achievements, dedication, and outstanding potential. After graduating with a degree in history, her father urged her to try a…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Two have been charged in connection with the theft of cash from the China One in Clarksburg. Around 5:30 a.m. on Thursday, April 10 Danielle Rinehart can bee seen on surveillance video pulling the drive thru window open, climbing through the window and escaping with a large roll of cash. She can…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The city of Bridgeport has released a statement providing more information on the investigation that resulted in the termination of former city manager Pat Ford. While acknowledging confidential employee information will not be released but said the investigation started after an employee resigned from the City, and threatened litigation due to treatment…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — For the first time in more than a decade, the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) appears poised to reach the number of enplanements needed to maintain the Essential Air Service status and qualify for the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program. With Southern Airways connecting to Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., the airport shuffled…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County has been announced as the first location in West Virginia that will use the community assistance platform CarePortal. CarePortal is an app and also online that harnesses the power of local churches, organizations, businesses, and private individuals to meet the needs of families in crisis. One of the key leaders…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center is ready to host its annual Walk With Survivors. The 2025 iteration of the event will take place on Saturday, April 12, at the Morgantown Farmer’s Market on Spruce Street starting at 3:00 p.m. RDVIC Victim Advocate Kay Powney encourages Morgantown residents to take part…
ELKINS, W.Va. — An Ohio man has been charged with attempted murder after trying hit a police officer and fleeing the scene. On March 27, Kevin Strickland, 33, of Sunbury, Ohio, was stopped by an officer with the Elkins Police Department for having non-working head light. When Strickland admitted to having marijuana in the car…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Members of Bridgeport City Council have unanimously selected Joe Shuttleworth as the interim city manager. Shuttleworth, the current Director of Parks and Recreation, will take over for Pat Ford, who was terminated by the council last week. He became the director of the Parks and Recreation Department in 2018 after more than…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Medicine has officially cut the ribbon on a new facility that will aim to train new nurses in the Mountain State. WVU Health System President and CEO Albert Wright, along with Chief Nursing Executive Melanie Heuston and Assistant Vice President of Nursing Education Tanya Rodgers, was on hand for the ceremony…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State legislatures are ready to make a final push on several proposals as the legislative session comes to a close. With less than three days left in the session, Monongalia County Senator Mike Oliverio offered an update on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Thursday regarding what he expects to see heading…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An 18-month food box program in Morgantown provided more than 1,500 households with food during the period. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” grant writer with the city, Robyn Hess, said there was an opportunity to apply for unspent coronavirus relief funds through the state Community Development Block Grant program Community Advancement…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A local youth focused robotics team has just returned home from competing in Tennessee. Mountaineer Area Robotics (MARS) team 2614, a Morgantown based team made up of 41 students from five different counties, competed in the Smoky Mountains Regional during the first weekend in April. The team competed for three days as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Attorney General J.B. McCuskey attended the coal-related executive order signing ceremony recently and won extra support for a New York lawsuit directed at the state. On WAJRs “Talk of the Town,” McCuskey said it was an unforgettable experience to witness in-person President start what could become the resurrection of the coal industry.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Board of Education (WVBE) has recognized two area schools as Exemplary Practice Schools. Mylan Park Elementary School in Monongalia County and the White Hall Elementary School in Marion County have been honored as members of the 2025 class of West Virginia Exemplary Practice Schools. Mylan Park Elementary School is…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials at West Virginia University have confirmed the visas of seven students have been revoked by the U.S. federal government. Director of News Communications, Strategic Communications and Marketing, Shauna Johnson confirmed as of Wednesday, April 9, one student and three alumni from the Morgantown Campus, and three students at WVU Institute of…
PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A Morgantown resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered firearm. Zachary Vincent Velling, 26, is accused of entering the Pittsburgh International Airport with a MK24 MOD 0,6 bang/flash diversionary hand grenade November 12, 2024. Transportation Security Administration workers noticed a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Efforts to support military families within Monongalia County Schools have been recognized by the State Department of Education. West Virginia Civilian Aide for the United States Secretary of the Army Frank Vitale was on hand to recognize the school system with a Purple Star Award designation for their efforts to accommodate military…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission will consider an agreement to have Enterprise Fleet Management Services provide vehicles that will be purchased for county use. The commission unanimously approved moving forward with the request for proposal during their regular meeting Wednesday as the only response to the RFP by the county. Commissioner Sean Sikora…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A longtime landmark in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Morgantown has officially made a grand return. The Morgantown Area Partnership took part in the ribbon cutting for the new Sunnyside Superette 2.0 that opened at the same University Avenue location of the former convenience store that was active in the Morgantown community for…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. –– The state police are now completing the investigation into the actions of the mayor of the city of Bridgeport. Troopers from the Bridgeport detachment of the state police said mayor Andy Lang was involved in a verbal altercation with another cuty employee in March. No details of the investigation have been released.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The work to improve West Virginia roadways appears to be an ongoing battle that state leaders hope to try and tackle in 2025. New West Virginia Secretary of Transportation Todd Rumbaugh took part in a presentation of a report issued by national transportation research nonprofit TRIP, where he reaffirmed a “crucial” need…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) will receive some support from the City of Morgantown to support renovations at Morgantown High School. The BOE unanimously approved an agreement with the city to have funds of up to $80,000 be directed towards the Monongalia County School System to support the Morgantown High…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A federally funded nonprofit headquartered in Marion County is ready to try and help West Virginians not covered by health insurance get processed to do so. WV Navigator will host a free, in-person health coverage enrollment event at the Marion County Health Department on Thursday, April 10, at their offices on the…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va – A crash in Buckhannon on April 7 allegedly caused by a man driving high on medical marijuana results in one death, a seriously injury and another person in police custody. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department arrested 27-year-old Matthew Whitehead after deputies arrived on the scene where he crashed into a sedan at…
DAVIS, W.Va. — A Virginia-based company has announced plans for a 300 acre self-contained power plant between Thomas and Davis for the apparent operation of a data center. The proposed “Ridgeline Facility” would be a natural gas-fired power plant with three 10 million gallon diesel fuel tanks onsite as a back up power source. Environmental…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police have confirmed an active investigation into the conduct of Bridgeport mayor Andy Lang. A city employee filed a complaint with personnel officials regarding language used by Lang during a meeting with former city manager Pat Ford. During a special meeting last week, mayor Lang said Ford was being…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Legislation that would allow for the West Virginia Division of Highways to contract out snow removal in Monongalia and Preston counties has been approved to be considered by the full Senate. The West Virginia State Senate Finance Committee approved that House Bill 2960 will be moved for full consideration on the Senate…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — A portion of the sewer line replacement work along Holland Avenue in Westover is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Thrasher Group Project Engineer Casey Young offered an update to Westover City Council during their regular meeting on Monday, where he announced that the retaining wall portion of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is ready to highlight the work completed by researchers at the university. The 2025 iteration of WVU Research Week officially kicked off on Monday, where close to two dozen different presentations and showcases will take place across campus until Friday. WVU Research Office Associate Vice President for Creative and…
PARSONS, W.Va – An investigation into an assault Saturday in Tucker County resulted in three arrests. On Saturday, April 5 just after 3:00 A.M., state troopers started the investigation on Overlook Drive in Parsons and learned a suspect, Trenton DiBartolomeo, fled the scene after EMS arrived. Troopers then caught up to and stopped the vehicle…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 20 recipients of the annual Bucklew Scholarship have been introduced and are set to begin their college careers at West Virginia University. Each year, the Bucklew Scholarship is given to 20 of the most talented and bright West Virginia students who will now also be considered for the WVU Foundation Scholarship,…
BUCKAHNNON, W.Va. — In Upshur County, a truck was left hanging from powerlines after a crash early Monday morning. Around 1:30 a.m. the truck crashed into a tree, mailboxes, a fence and a power pole before being suspended from power lines on Old Elkins Road. Deputies with the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department said the driver…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill that would remove tax subsidies for wind power projects has stalled in the legislature and is not likely to begin moving again before the end of the session on April 12. Senate Bill 439, sponsored by chairman of the Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, Chris Rose, R, Monongalia, 2,…
CHARLES POINTE, W.Va. — Mon Health System, a member of the Vandalia Health network, has begun construction on the latest small-format hospital, similar to the Mon Marion Neighborhood Hospital in White Hall. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Mon Health President and CEO and executive vice president of Vandalia Health David Goldberg said the new…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office will host a special voter registration event ahead of the upcoming municipal election. As part of the deadline to register to vote that will take place on April 7, Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced that a drive-up voter registration event will take place that Monday at…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Monongalia EMS plans a series of public forums to share operating data and get feedback from the public. The Western Monongalia Community Forum is Wednesday, April 9, at Mason Dixon Park at 6 p.m. The Morgantown Community Forum will be Thursday, April 10, at 6 p.m., and the Cheat Lake Community…
Submitted to WAJR MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation invite the public to attend the seventh annual statewide Focus Forward conference on Tuesday, April 22 at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place. Join more than 400 state and regional business, government and education leaders at Focus…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Office of Global Affairs is ready to present a showcase of music and cultures from around the world. Over a dozen different musical acts will perform as part of the International Street Festival that will take place on Sunday, April 6, where international students and Morgantown area residents…
WEST UNION, W.Va. — A March crash that has turned fatal has resulted in charges, according to state police. The two-vehicle crash happened at the intersection of U.S. Route 50 and W,Va. Route 18 on March 18 when Louis Oswalt, 46 ran a red light and hit a car driven by Angie Campbell Capbell was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Better Business Bureau serving Greater West Virginia will hold their first identity theft protection event in Morgantown Saturday. Laura Blankenship with the Better Business Bureau said residents can have documents shredded and electronics recycled from 9 a.m. to noon at the Monongalia County Center in Mylan Park. “Anything that is paper,…
MORGANTOWN W.Va – West Virginia University saw its highest-recorded freshman retention rate this year with 93.8% of freshmen returning for the spring 2025 semester, according to Interim Provost Paul Kreider. At a Board of Governors meeting Friday, Kreider said this retention rate gives administrators great hope that many current freshmen will continue their journeys as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is ready to officially coronate junior accounting major Cade Kincaid as the 71st Mountaineer mascot. The Fayette County native was selected out of four students as part of an official announcement during a WVU men’s basketball game in early March. Kincaid, a WVU student who was born and raised…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The Bridgeport City Council has voted to remove their city manager less than six months into his tenure. The council voted to remove Pat Ford from the city manager position in a 5-1 vote as part of a special meeting hosted on Thursday. The decision was made amidst numerous city employees who…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. – A Preston County woman is in custody for allegedly attempting to shoot her husband in the head on Wednesday. Preston County Sheriff’s deputies arrested Emily Chambers, 26, of Bruceton Mills, after she allegedly shot her husband, Josiah Chambers, during an argument that took place on Route 72 near Lick Run in Kingwood.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown will move forward on budgets related to a half dozen municipal funds for FY25-26. Morgantown Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented details on funds that account for the Morgantown Municipal Airport, allocations for the Municipal Sales Tax, and the City Opioid Settlement Fund, as well as three separate funds,…
RIVESVILLE, W.Va. – A Marion County man was arrested on one county felony animal cruelty after an incident at an encampment in Fairmont Wednesday. The Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced that Andrew Harrison, 39, of Rivesville, for allegedly abandoning puppies in an apartment on Clayton Street in Rivesville in the fall of 2024. According to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local officials report no serious damage or injuries following severe storms that included a tornado warning Thursday morning. Just before 5 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Monongalia County area. The storm started as a very powerful system tracking along the Ohio River when it crossed into…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A vital step to move forward a large-scale highway infrastructure project in Monongalia County has been formally given a green light. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved an agreement with the West Virginia Department of Transportation to transfer a $50 million National Infrastructure Project Assistance MEGA grant towards the DOT. The agreement…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Pierpont Community and Technical College is ready to host an on-campus job fair on Thursday, April 3. The job fair will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 3, with over two dozen different employment opportunities expected to be showcased at the Advanced Technology Center at 500 Galliher Drive on the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office wants to make sure that all potential voters who are eligible to vote in the 2025 Municipal Election are able to do so. Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade offered some forwarding advice on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Wednesday, where she encouraged those wishing to register or…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Members of Bridgeport City Council have scheduled a meeting for Thursday to potentially terminate newly hired city manager Pat Ford. The meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 5 p.m. Ford was sworn in as city manager in October of 2024. Ford was directed by councilors to investigate and correct the workplace…
MARTINSBURG, W. Va. — Washington-Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) has honored two Assistant United States Attorneys from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia and members of the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force for an investigation that dismantled a tri-state drug trafficking operation. Assistant U.S.…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Tobacco Free Day at the state capitol will be observed Wednesday, April 2, and the American Lung Association plans to bring 300 to 400 students from across the state. The students are part of a group called RAZE. Raze members said the name reflects the word “raze,” which means to destroy—the same…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Two more convicted in the 2022 Pagan Motorcycle Club murder of Henry Silver in Marion County have been sentenced. Judge Matthew Delligatti sentenced Derek Clem, 30, to life with mercy for first-degree murder and one to five years for conspiracy to commit a felony. Clem was convicted back in September. Dane Hull,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The lineup for the 2025 Ruby Summer Concert Series features 12 free community concerts on Fridays from June through August all show times start at 7 p.m. “Summer is coming and it’s hard to believe the Ruby Summer Concert Series only started three years ago, given all the accolades and community support…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — State Bancorp, Inc. has announced the addition of Chase Thomas to the board of directors. Thomas was elected to the board of the locally owned and managed financial services company that serves as the bank holding company for Clear Mountain Bank. Thomas has been with Clear Mountain Bank since 2013 and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– A Michigan man has been ordered to serve nine years in federal prison for the distribution of methamphetamine in the Clarksburg area. Jason T. (Rock) Scruggs, 42, of Clinton, Michigan, transported large quantities of dangerous drugs from Detroit to Clarksburg. On one trip, Scriggs was caught with 443 grams of methamphetamine and…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Members of Bridgeport City Council have scheduled a meeting for Thursday to potentially terminate newly hired city manager Pat Ford. The meeting is scheduled for this Thursday at 5 p.m. Ford was sworn in as city manager in October of 2024. Ford wrote to councilors and the mayor that he was directed…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One of six charged in the Pagan Motorcycle Club shooting of Henry Silver in 2022 has been sentenced to 55 years in prison. Austin Mullins, 28, was sentenced to 40 years for second degree murder, 10 years for use of a firearm during commission of a felony, and five years for being…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Intermed Labs partnership with the Mon Health System to develop and market improvements and medical devices has been expanded to include the Vandalia Health System. Intermed Labs started in 2020 as a startup for medical professionals who have concepts, ideas, or devices that improve the patient experience. The president and CEO…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — The members of the Clarksburg-based Notre Dame Baseball team are being credited with helping two distressed motorists Saturday afternoon within an hour. The first service was rendered in the parking lot of the baseball diamond, where a family from Pittsburgh had a flat tire. The boys used Fix-a-Flat; the family had…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown-based small business owner hopes to serve in the Sixth Ward seat on the Morgantown City Council. Stephanie Hunt is on the campaign trail as she talks to voters about what they hope to see for the city ahead of the Morgantown Municipal Election on April 29. A Morgantown resident for…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Separate pieces of legislation that could reshape several aspects of how schools operate in the Mountain State appear to be on pace to be heading to Governor Morrisey’s desk for signature. Ahead of the two-week deadline to the close of the legislative session, Monongalia County Delegate and House Education Committee Vice Chair…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Board of Education has officially selected a new member to take over for a recently vacated seat on the board. Beth Noss was selected out of eight potential candidates as part of a special meeting hosted by the Preston County BOE on Wednesday. Superintendent Brad Martin spoke highly about…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A small business owner with a history of local activism wants Morgantown voters to give her consideration for the Second Ward city council seat. Jodi Hollingshead is on the campaign trail as she makes her pitch to voters in the weeks ahead of the Morgantown Municipal Election on April 29. A mother…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Four people were arrested after a fentanyl investigation was conducted by the West Virginia State Police in Clarksburg. Gregory Shipley, 36, Iziah Hill, 30, Jordan Martin, 24, and Burgandy Abner, 33, were all taken into custody on drug charges in relation to an investigation that occurred over the course of a month…
TUNNELTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police arrested a Preston County couple after six children in their care were allegedly found to be living in “disgusting” conditions. Chester Keen, 47, of Grantsville and Brittany Nelson, 28, of Kingwood, were charged with two counts of child neglect after troopers with the Preston County detachment of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) has issued a precautionary boil water advisory for residents along Pennsylvania Avenue. The advisory was issued at around 9:30 a.m. Thursday with 23 customers living between 447 and 580 Pennsylvania Avenue to be affected until service is restored in the area. Once service is restored, affected customers…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Kingwood vape store has been accused of selling products to underage customers after a seizure of suspected marijuana and “a large amount of cash” was conducted by law enforcement and state officials. The Preston County Sheriff’s Office announced an investigation found that the King Tobacco & Vape on West Main Street…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission will move forward with a budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 that will see similar declines in revenue seen by other entities in the county. The commission unanimously approved a budget of approximately $43.67 million, which reflects a decline of over $3 million in revenues in comparison to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the more well-known active members of the downtown Morgantown community wants city voters to consider him for a spot on the Morgantown City Council. Former Main Street Morgantown President Mark Downs has continued to reach out to voters ahead of the early voting period for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal election,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A Morgantown man is in custody after Monongalia County sheriff’s deputies said they found approximately 450 images of child pornography on different online server accounts in his possession. Anthony Bankers-Beckett, 26, was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony distribution and exhibiting of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct after deputies…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A spill on I-79 at mile marker 148 will have all lanes of the northbound side closed at the I-68 split. I-68 westbound traffic is being diverted to southbound I-79 and I-79 northbound traffic is being diverted to I-68 west during the clean up. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said the…
GLEN DALE, W.Va. — Former state lawmaker Mike Maroney has been arrested for a reported bond violation and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail without bail. This is the third arrest for Maroney is the last year. On Tuesday, troopers from the West Virginia State Police and membersof the Glen Dale Police…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former state lawmaker and labor leader is ready to fondly remember the life of former State Senator, West Virginia House of Delegates member and former President of United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) Union District 31 Eugene “Gene” Claypole. Former Senator Mike Caputo addressed the passing of Claypole, in which he…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the oldest Morgantown area landmarks could be accepted by the city to be managed by the Morgantown History Museum. The Morgantown City Council agreed to move a proposal that would accept the Easton Roller Mill property into city possession to a future council agenda as part of the March committee…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — A Preston County woman has been accused of murdering her mother with a lethal dose of insulin in 2023. Investigators from the Grafton Police Department said Kelly Moore, 61, of Arthurdale, was living with her mother, Ethel Moore, 82, in Grafton in May of 2023 when she injected her with 20…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont man is custody for allegedly threatening to kill a victim at gunpoint in Marion County. Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department responded to an incident reported on Colfax Road in Fairmont on Monday where Logan Summers, 22, of Fairmont, allegedly pointed a handgun and made a threating statement towards…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Severe Weather Awareness Week in West Virginia runs from March 24 through 28 and includes a statewide tornado drill this Tuesday at 11 a.m. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordeen said at 11 a.m. Tuesday Emergency Alert System (EAS) broadcasts on local radio and TV stations, and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The owner of a Morgantown-based construction company has admitted to harboring illegal aliens and tax fraud. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia announced on Monday that Hetzon Marroquin Reyes, 40, owner of A&M Homes, LLC, admitted to hiring and harboring illegal aliens to work for his company…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – An accident involving a school bus was reported in Monongalia County Monday afternoon. Officials with MECCA 911 confirmed that the accident occurred at approximately 4 p.m. on 201st Memorial Highway in front of the Suncrest Towne Centre. It was also confirmed that no injuries reported as a result of the accident. West…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A man was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a home health worker in Morgantown. The West Virginia State Police announced that Pervous Badilishamwalimu, 81, was taken into custody for allegedly groping the victim while she was caring for his elderly sister in the Twin Knobs apartment complex. According to court documents, Badilishamwalimu…
LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — Troopers from the state police arrested a 33 year Lewis County resident after passing out from drug use while taking care of an infant. March 16, troopers responded to a residence on High Street in Jane Lew where an infant was in the care of Dylan Sharples. . The person who…
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The North Marion High School Marching Band has been selected to perform in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade coming up in December. On WAJRs “Talk of the Town,” Band Director Matt Morgan said when he opened the letter and read the news, he was in complete shock. Morgan said the first person…
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — Monongalia County lawmaker Delegate David McCormick, R, 82, is working with state and federal officials to make changes to the operation of the Lake Lynn Power Station. During the drought of 2024, operator of the facility Eagle Creek Renewable Energy released water from the lake in order to increase the dissolved…
FAIRVIEW, W.Va. – The Marion County Sheriff’s Department announced a body was found Sunday morning in Farview with an investigation active into what caused it to get there. According to officials, deputies were called to Jesses Road residence at approximately 10:00 A.M. by a property owner where Benjamin Duncan, 45, was identified. He was found…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board appears to be on pace to complete work on North High Street before the end of March. Senior Engineer Ken Hacker offered an update on the sewer work that has taken place in parts of the North High Street area since February that crews hope to have fully…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — The Mannington Middle School has been added to the Endangered Properties List; the move is expected to raise awareness and interest in the rehabilitation of the historic structure. project. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Marion County Schools Superintendent Dr. Donna Heston said the designation will lead to more visibility and community…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Harrison County woman has been arrested on murder charges for allegedly stabbing her own mother. The Clarksburg Police Department announced that Shanna Van Norman, 41, is in custody after officers responded to a disturbance call at 128 Laurel Lanes on Saturday, March. 22. Officers arrived on the scene at 8:45 P.M.…
ELKINS, W.Va. — After two attempts to consolidate schools in Randolph County and the uncertainty of state and federal funding, reduction in force (RIF) hearings begin this week in Elkins. Information from BOE agenda shows plans to terminate four school counselors, a special education teacher, and the coordinator of transportation. Earlier this year the BOE…
Morgantown, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee (MCREC) has launched a flood relief supply drive for the families in the southern part of the state recovering from recent floods. Residents are asked to bring non-perishable food items, especially children’s snacks and drinks, as well as monetary donations to All-Pro Photo & Framing at…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mountaineer Area Robotics (MARS) team 2614 recently returned from a three day competition at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The team of 41 students from five counties completed nine qualification matches with their robot Marvin XVII with a record of 6 – 3, placing them 12th among 54 teams. As the captain…
SHINNSTON, W.Va – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department has located two of three suspects in a Wednesday shooting in Shinnston. Police have located Cody Earl Hinerman, 27, of Fairmont, and Sierra Brook Huff, 31, of Fairmont, and the two are being interviewed about the incident. Justin Lee Newbrough, 24, of Mannington, remains at-large and is…
ELKINS, W.Va. — A Petersburg woman has admitted to her role in transporting quantities of methamphetamine from Monongalia to Grant County. Court documents said Theresa Marie Lipkey, 43, of Petersburg, was caught with 129 grams of methamphetamine while driving from Morgantown to Petersburg. Lipkey faces up to 20 years in prison for one count of…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police have announced creation of a new task force that will tackle cold cases and violent crime. The West Virginia Violent Crime Task Force )WVVCT) is a partnership with state police, the Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and will be an…
SHINNSTON, W.Va – The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department has identified three suspects in a Wednesday shooting in Shinnston. Justin Lee Newbrough, 24, of Mannington, and Cody Earl Hinerman, 27, of Fairmont, are wanted in connection with the incident and are considered armed and dangerous. Investigators believe the two suspects are traveling with Sierra Brooke…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Every family has its traditions. For some, it is a particular vacation destination. For others, it is a favorite holiday meal. For the Tallman family, it’s basketball. “When I was a kid, my grandfather, dad’s dad, this was our family vacation. The Tallman’s didn’t go Myrtle Beach, they came to Charleston,” said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System appears to have received positive feedback from students on the new cellphone-focused policy implemented for the 2024-25 school year. Monongalia County Schools Director of Student Support Mike Ryan reported that students and staff have both openly expressed the benefits of having a “smartphone-free” policy as part of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mon Rivers Trails Conservancy wants to invite Morgantown area residents to hang out downtown on Friday and help support the growth of area recreation. The Co-Op on Pleasant Street will host “Friday for a Cause’ on Friday, March 21, starting at 6 p.m., where specialized drinks will be served by “celebrity…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Officials with the Valley Volunteer Fire Department have offered more information on a car fire on Wednesday that took place on Interstate 79 and spread onto a nearby hillside. The department provided more information as part of a Facebook post on Thursday where it was reported that a hybrid vehicle caught fire…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The City of Fairmont announced that five Fairmont police officers will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. Officers Eric Hudson, Adrian Hayhurst, Jack Frost, Tyler Hall and Jared Martin were promoted as part of a ceremony on Thursday based on the recommendation of Fairmont Police Chief Steve Shine and other senior…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Harrison County man has been charged with cruelty to animals after animal control officers found a malnourished dog in his care while taking multiple dogs from a Harrison County residence. Jeremiah Todd, 25, of Harrison County was arrested after deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call on…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Senate Education Committee approved Senate Bill 54 that would require age-appropriate instruction beginning at grade 6 on the Holocaust in public schools. The bill sponsored by Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, will now go to the full Senate. Craig Hart, R, Mingo, 6, approved the first portion of the legislation presenting…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Executive Director of Communications April Kaull has announced plans to leave West Virginia University to serve as the associate vice president for strategic communications at Carnegie Mellon University. , According to a Carnegie Mellon release Kaull will begin her duties there on April 7. Kaull came to WVU in 2015 as spokesperson…
WESTON, W.Va. — The driver in an I-79 that seriously injured two children has been charged with child neglect resulting in serious injuries. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police said on March 14 that Fazila Kahn, 41, of Levittown, Pa., was southbound on I-79 at the 88-mile marker when she lost control and crashed,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Parcels of property that are home to the Beechurst Power Plant could be removed from the Sunnyside Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. Morgantown City Council unanimously approved a resolution that would consider an application to amend the boundaries of the TIF as part of the original Sunnyside Up Project Plan that would…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission hopes to correct remitted tax errors that involve two local levying bodies. The commission unanimously approved the issuance of letters to the City of Westover and the Monongalia County Board of Education on the need to have approximately $300,000 refunded back to the county due to a TIF…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Northbound traffic of Interstate 79 was shut down near the Marion/Harrison county line for several hours Wednesday while crews fight a brush fire. According to officials with the Marion County 911 Center, crews were alerted to a vehicle fire on I-79 North, near the 130 mile marker south of White Hall at…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Second District Congressman Riley Moore now has an office in Morgantown off Chestnut Ridge Road at 8 Suburban Court. Moore previewed some of the services his staff can help constituents with in front of a crowd of about 60 people Wednesday. “Sometimes it’s so difficult to talk to the federal government about…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A dedicated family of Mountaineer supporters will establish a new professorship at the WVU College of Law with a very important gift. The Deem family, of Bridgeport, established the Patrick D. Deem Professor of Law. The professorship will provide support to aid research, teaching and service and the first preference for the…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — Improvements on Holland Avenue in Westover are underway . Thrasher Group Senior Project Manager Doug Smith said this will start a 90-day timeframe for the work that will include the replacement of both gravity sewer line and storm sewer line along Holland Avenue, as well as an overhaul of the road affected…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The final report into the fatality at the Leer Mine near Grafton in September of 2024 has been released by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). The report said on On Sept. 28, 2024, Colton Walls, 34, of Bruceton Mills, was advancing longwall shields when a nylon rope and hook broke…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways has closed the Bull Run Road Bridge permanently citing deteriorating structural conditions. The 113 year old bridge is in an isolated part of the county accessible mainly to four-wheel drive vehicles is a popular tourist attraction, but there are no homes or business that depend on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department appears open to re-evaluating aspects of their bodycam policy. As part of a special meeting with the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board on Tuesday, Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell expressed open mindedness into exploring ways to refine aspects of the policy regarding bodycam activation. The consideration…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — The Town of Star City is looking to find more details into whether a portion of the City of Morgantown 2025 pedestrian safety improvements potentially took place on town property with just about no notice. Star City Council unanimously approved for the town to hire an independent surveyor to determine if…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A couple of Morgantown residents were sentenced to over six years in federal prison for their roles in a drug trafficking operation. The United States Attorney’s Office annnounced on Tuesday that Jennifer Clapper, 37, and Jamie Purtee, 33, were setenced for their roles as distributors for a drug organization that originated in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The president of Morgantown Firefighters IAFF Local 313 came to WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” to express deep concerns about a charter change on the April ballot that would allow the city manager to reside outside city limits. The current policy states a city manager must become a resident of the city…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. –– The state Division of Highways has announced an extended traffic restriction on I-79 on the Uffington Bridge. Workers from Triton Construction will begin placing concrete barriers and traffic control measures at mile marker 149 on the Uffington Bridge at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 18 through mid-November 2025. Tuesday night, March 18,…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Officials with the state Dicision of Highways have announced the immediate closure of the Bull Run Bridge until further notice. The bridge is on Kingwood-Kingston Road about two miles east of Bull Run Road. Officlas have closed the bridge to prevent serious damage by vehicular traffic.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, is the sponsor of House Bill 2381 that would non-residents of city to vote in a municipal election in the county they reside in if they have paid fees or taxes. Chiarelli used the city of Morgantown and the Municipal Service Fee of $3 that is automatically…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Strong storm swept the northern part of the state Sunday afternoon resulting in more the 40,000 power outages, doxens of trees down, and damaged powerlines. The storm included a record breaking wind gust at the North Central West Virginia Airport of 71 miles per hour at 12:22 p.m. beating the previous record…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Detroit resident will serve more than 12 years in federal prison for selling dangerous drugs in Harrison County. Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh sentenced Davonta D. Brogdon, 32, also known as “Tay” or “Zone,” of Detroit, Michigan, to 150 months in federal prison for working with on a larger…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A new proposal in the state legislature, Senate Joint Resolution 6, will take a different approach to eliminate the Business Inventory Tax. Lead sponsor Chris Rose, R, Monongalia, 2, said the proposed amendment to the Constitution also eliminates the personal property tax rebate system and provides revenue guarantees to county commissions. On…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The State Senate has passed Lauren’s Law (Senate Bill 584), which will increase penalties in cases involving dangerous illegal drugs. Lauren Cole was a 26-year-old WVU graduate seeking a master’s degree in social work when she died in July of 2020 after unknowingly ingesting a fatal dose of fentanyl. The Cole family…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Highways will conduct bridge inspections in downtown Morgantown this week that will disrupt traffic. From Monday, March 17 to Friday, March 21, crews will restrict one lane on the Walnut St. Bridge from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flaggers will be in place to manage the flow…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County GOP Executive Committee is ready to host another public official as part of their weekly update calls during the 2025 legislative session. Committee Chair Dale Sparks announced that West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack will take part in the free Zoom virtual meeting on Sunday, March 16, where he’ll…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia National Guard’s Port Security and Resilience Assessment (PSRA) team is working across the country to assess the security profile of several strategically valuable facilities. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Matthew Mackey said the PSRA team, based in the Army Interagency Training and Education Center…
MARION COUNTY, W. Va.— Work during business hours to replace a Marion County bridge will close Buffalo Brink Road next week. Crews will close Buffalo Brink Road from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, March 17 through Friday,March 21 to relocate a temporary bridge to prepare for construction of a new structure. The detour route…
DAVIS, W.Va. — More details have been released into what cause a skier to die at the Timberline Mountain resort in Tucker County on Wedneday. The Tucker County Sheriff’s Department announced that investigators determined that the out-of-state guest hit a treet while skiing. Life-saving medical attention was given, but the guest was pronounced dead at…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – A man was arrested Wednesday for allegedly following women around a Monongalia County apartment complex while nude. Tafadzwa Chapoto, 25, was taken into custody by West Virginia State Police for allegedly walking around the Mountain Valley Apartment complex fully nude on multiple occasions. According to court documents, one woman told police that…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. – A Marion County man is in custody for allegedly choking a woman and then striking a dog that was defending her with a shovel, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department arrested Geoffrey Anderson, 32, of Worthington, on Wednesday after the domestic incident that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first steps towards the demolition of the soon-to-be replaced Suncrest Middle School appears to be ready to move forward. The Monongalia County Board of Education unanimously approved a contract valued at around $115,000 to City Construction for the partial demolition of a non-active portion of the school. Monongalia County School Superintendent…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office asks for the public’s help in locating teenager who is reported as a runaway juvenile. Samira Perry, 16, of Morgantown was reported missing as a runaway on Wednesday at 4:57 P.M after she was last seen in downtown Morgantown. She was last seen in the area…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – A Parkersburg man was sentenced to 12 years and 10 months in federal prison for the unlawful possession of a firearm after a carjacking in Monongalia County. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that Michael McHenry, 23, was sentenced for leading police on a high-speed chase after carjacking a vehicle at gunpoint…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has chosen to offer more details into what prompted officers to use crowd-dispersing tactics at a North High Street house party the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell discussed the decision to use the tactics on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Wednesday, where…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Firefighters from three counties battled a fire in southern Monongalia County for about six hours Wednesday. Firefighters were called to a report of a trailer and barn on fire at 2:44 p.m. on 4H Camp Road. The fire spread to a nearby field and ultimately to a third structure. The trailer…
DAVIS, W.Va. — A skier has died at the Timberline Mountain resort in Tucker County. Via social media, the resort said the skier died on Wednesday, the investigation into the incident is ongoing, and no further information will be released. The full statement is here: We are heartbroken to share the news of a fatality…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Utility and service providers in the Morgantown area have started to adjust to the recent increases in rates for the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). After officials with the agency reported that rates will increase as much as 16 percent across several different plans, representatives with the Mountain Line Transit Authority as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has approved a tri-party agreement involving the old MECCA 911 call center and has offered an update on a tri-county partnership related to the West Virginia First Foundation. The commission unanimously approved an agreement between themselves, Monongalia Health System Inc., and the Monongalia County Building Commission to allow…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An Alaskan woman has been charged for allegedly hiding a juvenile from being taken into state custody in Monongalia County. According to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, Laura Jensen, 42, of Anchorage, Alaska was arrested on a kidnapping charge after the juvenile was found at a Grafton Road hotel. According to a…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va – The Greater Harrison County Drug & Violent Crime Task Force announced that they have arrested seven Clarksburg residents Tuesday following a federal indictment of ten individuals on fentanyl charges. Kimberly Goings, 44, along with Rebecca Keiper, 38, Roxanne Parker, 34, Caleb Hudkins, 30, Chad Mullooly, 40, Aaron Viglianco, 40 and William Russell,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va — A woman was arrested after Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies said her neglect of her incapacitated sister resulted in a brain bleed. Karen Hanson, 65, of Fairmont, was arrested for allegedly removing her incapacitated sister from medical care against medical advice and neglected to provide adequate care for her and leaving her health…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police announced that Sandra Kay Murray has been located after a Silver Alert was issued on Wednesday. The Silver Alert was issued Wednesday afternoon after she was last seen at a Sheetz on Beverley Pike in Elkins before traveling in a 2013 white Buick Lacrosse. According to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The man charged with negligent homicide in relation to Kevin Lataille’s death in Cheat Lake, will remain in California, after he was arrested last week. In a press release sent out Tuesday night, the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office announced that Singh Sukhjinder, has refused to waive his extradition regarding his negligent homicide…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) appears ready to accept another municipal utility into their coverage map. MUB board members unanimously approved a proposal from the Town of Star City to take over the town’s water utility after a presentation was shown to the board during their regular meeting Tuesday. Star City Mayor…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown business owner has been sentenced to serve 18 months in federal prison for fraud associated with a local broadband provider. Timothy Chad Henson, 35, former owner of Clearfiber, Inc., received $1.96 million in funding through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide high-speed internet services in Monongalia and…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Former Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has announced plans to run for the office of mayor in Bridgeport. Matheny is a life-long Bridgeport resident and has served in law enforcement since the 1980’s for multiple state and local agencies. His experience includes work at the National White Collar Crime Center and Chief…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Medicine Children’s is ready to kick off a popular local fundraiser with the help of local restaurants. The 2025 iteration of WVU Medicine Children’s Restaurant Week kicked off on Sunday, where over a half dozen local businesses across the Morgantown area will host exclusive lunch and dinner specials with…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police have begun an investigation into what lead a vehicle to cause multiple accidents going in the wrong on direction on Interstate 79. The accidents were reported on I-79 northbound at 1:50 p.m. on Monday between the Clarksburg and Meadowbrook Mall exits near mile marker 120. According to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Police Department released a statement after a video showing officers dispersing a large crowd at a St. Patrick’s Day house party showed up on social media over the weekend. According to the press release, officers responded to a residence on North High Street at approximately 2:40 p.m. on Saturday, March…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg police officer who assisted in the evacuation after a neighborhood gas explosion is being honored by the department. Via social media, Clarksburg Police Department Chief Mark Kiddy awarded the Meritorious Service Award for his actions on Kramer Driver after a gas explosion killed one resident, leveled a home and damaged…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Coal Association believes the First Energy plan to add natural gas to two power plants is not a good value for taxpayers or residents of Harrison and Monongalia Counties. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President Chris Hamilton said they hope their decision will change over the five-year implementation…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Pittsburgh man accused of kidnapping a woman and bringing her to Monongalia County in January was arrested in West Virginia on Wednesday. Rashaad S. Hairston, 28, of Pittsburgh, was taken into custody for allegedly driving a female victim out of Pittsburgh toward Monongalia County while threatening her and brandishing a gun…
By Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN W.Va — Singh Sukhjinder, the suspect in an I-68 eastbound fatality on Jan. 19, was misidentified and arrested earlier this week by the Phoenix Police Department, per a Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department press release on Friday. A man falsely believed to be Sukhjinder was arrested during a traffic stop on March…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Multiple agencies, mostly led by the Fairmont Police Department of the Three Rivers Violent Crime Task Force, arrested 30 this week on 87 different counts of drug activity during operation “Spring Cleaning.” Eighty-one of the charges were related to the sale of the deadly drug fentanyl. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…
WESTON, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, with the help of U.S. Marshals, has arrested a kidnapping suspect in Weston. Rashaad S. Hairston, 28, of Pittsburgh, is accused of kidnapping a female from Pittsburgh on January 23. An exhaustive investigation developed critical evidence pointing to Hairston as a prime suspect. Because of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The eighth suspect involved in the February 9 attack at a downtown Morgantown pizza shop has been identified. Travis Crutcher, 19, of Pennsylvania, has been charged with misdemeanor battery for his alleged involvement in the assault that took place at the Casa Di Amici restaurant where the victim was forced into a…
MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. — Investigators have started work into finding the cause of a residential trailer fire in Monongalia County on Wednesday that killed several animals. Firefighters responded to the call at around 4 p.m. on March 5 with first reponders finding the trailer full engulfed in flames when they arrived. The elderly woman who lived…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A Grafton man has been charged for allegedly attacking a woman with a knife over the weekend. Officers with the Grafton Police Department arrested Steven Barker, 29, of Grafton after they responded to a call on March 1 where an individual requested a domestic violence prevention order due to a fight. According…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials have announced the resumption of the Morgantown Police Department’s (MPD) Safe Streets Initiative as of March 1. The program was implemented in August of last year and extended through the holiday season to increase the visibility of police and safety of the public. “With St. Patrick’s Day and warmer weather coming…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 77, is one of several sponsors of legislation that would add more oversight to harm reduction programs across the state. House Bill 2378 in its current form would require harm reduction programs to have some form of regular local oversight. Chiarelli was also a sponsor of a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has released details into their capital improvement plans and the budget of capital escrow expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year. City Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented details of the City of Morgantown Capital Improvement Plan for Fiscal Years 2026-2030 where he detailed approximately $60 million in projected capital…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Police officers in Fairmont have arrested 30 people as part of a joint operation today called “Spring Cleaning.” In a release from the City of Fairmont, officers with the Fairmont Police Department, in collaboration with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department and five other law enforcement entities took part in 30 arrests in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is in custody after a Wednesday morning shooting in the Evansdale neighborhood left one person injured. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Herbert McDonald, 48, of Morgantown, shortly after the shooting tha occured at 725 Chestnut Ridge Road across the street from Ruby Memorial Hospital. Deputies responded to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission have begun to take steps towards working with other counties to discuss future goals for the West Virginia First Foundation. Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced in the closing minutes of the commission’s regular meeting Wednesday that representatives from three counties have reached out to see…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes has reported the truck driver involved in the fatal I-68 eastbound crash on I-68 has been arrested in Arizona. Singh Sukhjinder’s arrest in Phoenix, Arizona, was the result of coordinated efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies. He is currently in custody. The Monongalia County Prosecutor’s Office…
WESTON, W.Va. — A 3-year-old child is in critical condition, and the parents are facing neglect charges after an incident with a gun in February. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police say on February 17th they responded to a report of a 3-year-old who had suffered a gunshot wound. The investigation showed the parents,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first reading of the City of Morgantown’s General Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 has been approved by Morgantown City Council. The general budget projected at approximately $45.31 million for the FY 25-26 was approved in a 5-0 vote during the council’s regular meeting Tuesday (Morgantown Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin and Councilor…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Michigan man has been found guilty of murdering two Harrison County residents in 2022. Allen Leon Schaffer, II, 43, was found guilty on two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of Chasity Wilkinson Romeo, 33, and Corey Steven Snider, 43, after the jury deliberated for about four hours on Tuesday.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two more suspects involved in an attack at a Morgantown pizza shop have been identified. According to documents filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Cameron Diggs, 18, and Keith Cushenberry, 21, both of Pennsylvania, have been charged with malicious assault and conspiracy to commit malicious assault. They are charged for their alleged…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Grafton Road/U.S. 119 in Monongalia County experienced delays south of Morgantown following a reported mortocycle wreck Tuesday afternoon. Monongalia County Emergency Management Agency confirmed a post on their Facebook page that stated that Grafton Road was closed for close to a half hour in front of the West Virginia Division of Highways…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A fifth person has been arrested in connection to a Harrison County murder that happened in early 2024. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office announced that Taneil Thompson, who turned 18 on Tuesday, had his case moved from juvenile to adult status and has been charged with murder in connection to the kidnapping…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Any future law enforcement career for former Monongah Chief of Police Nathan Lanham will be determined by an administrative law judge. Lanham stopped Beth Delloma for an expired registration sticker on Aug. 7. The interaction, caught on video, spiraled out of control when Delloma asked for identification and Lanham refused. Lanham pointed…
WEST MILFORD, W.Va. –– Multiple departments responded to a structure fire in the West Milford area Monday afternoon. Firefighters from West Milford, Lost Creek, Mount Clare, Nutter Fort, Jane Lew and Anmoore responded to the home on Richman Lane at 2:45 p.m. None of the residents was home at the time of the fire. No…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Court documentation has revealed the charges against three of the men involved in an attack at a Morgantown pizza shop. According to documents filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Daniel Hudock, 20, Eric Adonis Hill, 21, and Darryl Ray, 18, all from Pennsylvania, have been charged with separate robbery and malicious assault…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Federal employees at Federal Correction Complex (FCC) Hazelton have appeared to have started leaving their posts with concerns that more will follow them. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 420 President Justin Tarovisky offered an update on the current status of morale for employees at the prison on WAJR’s Talk of…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The City of Westover now has an official starting date for the long-awaited Holland Avenue sewer line replacement project. Thrasher Group Senior Project Manager Doug Smith reported to the Westover City Council during their regular meeting Monday that the approximately $2.96 million project will officially begin on March 24. This will start…
ROANOKE CO., Va. — A former Morgantown city councilman and upstart lawyer arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglaries in northern Virginia was granted a continuance in his arraignment. Ryan Wallace, of Roanoke County, Va., had his initial arraignment hearing on Monday, according to the Roanoke County General District Court online database for…
MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Kingwood man is in custody after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase through Preston and Monongalia counties in early February. Richard Brandau, 41, was arrested on Sunday for the incident on February 2nd where he allegedly left the Circle K in Masontown and was followed by a deputy who was…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An aide at the North View Elementary School in Clarksburg has been arrested after a juvenile was allegedly exposed to sexually explicit materials in her home in Clarksburg. Troopers began an investigation after a domestic incident was reported at the home of Teresa Stutler, 45, of Clarksburg, November 1 when a juvenile…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown firefighters extinguished a fire in the apartments above the Phoenix Bakery at the intersection of Brockway Avenue and Kingwood Streets Sunday. The fire was dispatched just after 6 p.m. and was reported to be under control around 6:30 p.m. No damage estimate is available and the cause is under investigation. The…
MONONGALIA, COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have concluded the investigation into a fatal crash January 19 on the I-68 eastbound bridge over Cheat Lake. January 19 deputies from the sheriff’s department responded to a report of a jack-knifed tractor-trailer driven by Sukhjinder Singh, of New York. Singh told deputies he…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Mine Rescue team continues to stand out on both a national and international level. WVU Director of Mining and Industrial Extension Josh Brady announced that the team has once again won the Intercollegiate Mine Emergency Rescue Development competition, making it the third straight time the team has won…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mylan Park will soon add hockey to the long list of sports offered to the community when construction of the new hockey facility is complete. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” executive director of the Mylan Park Foundation Ron Justice said the estimated cost is $15 million and the Hazel Ruby McQuain…
STAR CITY, W.Va. –– Crews from the state Division of Highways plans to close North Main Street in Star City beginning Monday, March 3. For about a week, North Main Street will be closed to Saratoga Avenue off Monongahela Boulevard in Star City to make repairs to an eroded storm water outlet. Avoid the area…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Sheriffs Office Tax Division is proud to acknowledge the the efforts of staff to collect more than $12 million in delinquent taxes from January of 2017 through December of 2024. Under the leadership of retired Chief Tax Deputy Jim Terango and former Sheriff Robert Matheny Sr., collections totaled $12,007,897.65…
BEDFORD CO., Va. — Former Morgantown city councilman and upstart lawyer was arrested in connection with a series of commercial burglaries in Virginia. Ryan Wallace, of Roanoke County, Va., was arrested at his home Thursday after police found items linked to several burglaries in his home as part of the investigation, according to a report…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will host Merit Badge University for members of Scouting of America from six states this weekend. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” the first female President of the Mountaineer Area Council Executive Council Amy Garbrick said the scouts will be trained by the staff and faculty from WVU which…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The trial for a Michigan accused of a double murder in Harrison County extend into next week. Allen Leon “Unc” Schaffer, II, 43, of Carson City, Michigan, is on trial formurders of Chasity Wilkinson Romeo, 33, and Corey Steven Snider, 43. In June of 2022, firefighters responded to a fire in a…
GYPSY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department made one arrest after a pursuit involving a side-by-side Thursday in the Gypsy area. Deputies said James Short, 35, was operating a side-by-side on the Gypsy Bridge with a headlight out and no registration when they attempted to make a traffic stop. When deputies activated…
TAYLOR COUNTY, W.Va. — An unknown number of students were evaluated at the Grafton City Hospital after an accident involving a school bus Friday morning. Unconfirmed reports indicate a passenger car hit the side of a bus carrying students to class causing minor damage. All of the students on the bus and the driver were…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office announced that they have made multiple arrests in connection to a series of telecommunication cable thefts that have occurred over the past year. Garrett Weeder, 35, of Gans, Pennsylvania, Jeffrey Howell, 38, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania and Saviour McDonald, 25, of Morgantown, each face multiple charges for allegedly…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va – An employee has filed a lawsuit against the City of Morgantown that alleges that they failed to protect employees from persistent sexual harassment and a hostile work environment. The complaint was filed by Sarahlin Duley, an engineering technician in the city’s Engineering and Public Works Department, which details allegations of unwanted physical…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown and Anthony Rowand, through legal counsel from Mountain State Justice, have agreed to settle a class action lawsuit involving the city’s now-repealed panhandling law. According to a filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia Wednesday, the proposed settlement would stipulate that the…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) has notified members of government plans to cut special recruitment and retention pay. The move will affect 23,000 employees, and the union has asked the Trump administration to reconsider the decision. National AFGE president Brandy Moore White released a statement saying in part,” These…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University Board of Governors has announced plans to hire a consultant to conduct a presidential assessment for Dr. Michael Davis, who is under contract through June 30. Davis, the 27th president of the institution, began work as president in July of 2023 after serving as the chief of staff…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to move forward with an approximately $45.31 million city budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year. City Finance Director Jonathan Furgison presented the proposed budget in front of the Morgantown City Council during their monthly committee of the whole Tuesday night, where he reported that revenues and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — he Morgantown Utility Board announced that the quality of the water used by their customers has surpassed regulation standards. Chief Operator of the Morgantown Utility Board’s Robert B. Creel Water Treatment Plant, John Smerka, reported that the testing of the water supply that pumps nearly 3.7 billion gallons of water to MUB…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Funding allocations towards a Morgantown Utility Board infrastructure project will be allowed to be transferred over to another MUB-focused project. The Monongalia County Commission approved that approximately $300,000 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds allocated for sanitary sewer upgrades to the Morgantown Industrial Park can be transferred over to the…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – A deadly accident involving a dirt bike is under investigation in Harrison County. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Office reported a two-vehicle accident involving a dirt bike took place on Langtown Road in the Bridgeport area on Wednesday which resulted in at least one fatality. The accident reportedly occurred at around 11:30 a.m.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Three men, which included a key witness in an ongoing murder trial, have been charged after officers found a loaded firearm and fentanyl during a traffic stop in Clarksburg. The Clarksburg Police Department reported that officers observed a vehicle in the area of E Main Street “with a brake light that was…
MORGANTOWN, WVa. — The director and two members of the world-class WVU Esports team visited the students at South Middle School to talk about careers Wednesday. Director of WVU Esports Competitive Josh Steger and WVU Esports professionals Noah Johnson and Jarrett Birch talked to the 7th graders about video games, the WVU program, and career…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. –– The Fairmont State University Day of Giving is a 24-hour event to encourage alumni and the community to support the many programs at the institution. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President Mike Davis said this year he’ll be engaged for the entire 24 hours and will skip the three-hour nap he…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown doctor has been sentenced to six months in federal prison for filing false tax returns. Dr. David Anderson, 64, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income and falsely claimed a business loss of $143,599 over a four year period to the Internal Revenue Service. Anderson will also serve…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A capital improvement project to build a new athletic complex at University High School has reached a financial milestone. Co-Chairs of the Sports Complex at UHS Committee Heidi Metheny and her husband Greg announced to the Monongalia County Board of Education that over $2.6 million has been contributed by a combination of…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania man will serve up to 20 years in prison for charges related to a shooting at the Grafton Walmart in 2023 and a pursuit that followed. William Jenkins, 24, of Friendsville, PA, was sentenced on Monday to 14-20 years in prison for firing multiple shots inside the Grafton Walmart on…
WASHINGTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a fatal tree cutting accident in Washington County. James Krapp, 71, was killed at the scene of the accident in a wooded area off Meadow Road in Hanover Township. Investigators believe the accident happened Monday sometime between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Krapp was pronounced dead…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Maryland man has been charged with making terroristic threats after an incident in the Mon Health Medical Center emergency room Sunday. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said John Carbaugh, 71, of Frostburg, Md., was being discharged when he became agitated and threatened to kill workers and police. Carbaugh was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University announced that current president of Coastal Carolina University, Michael “Mike” T. Benson, will be the 27th president of the university. WVU made the official announcement on Monday after the WVU Board of Governors approved moving forward with contract negotiations with Benson in a 15-2 vote. WVU Board of Governors…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Mercer County-based nonprofit will host a donation drop-off in Morgantown to help those affected by severe flooding in the southern part of the Mountain State. Bluejay Rising will host ‘Hauling Hope’ on Tuesday, February 25, at the Morgantown Farmers Market Pavilion starting at 8 a.m., where trucks intended to travel to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The longtime winter tradition in the City of Morgantown has once again found multiple ways to contribute to the community. Organizers with the Morgantown Urban Archery Deer Hunt announced that 143 deer were harvested as part of the 2024 iteration of the hunt, which resulted in over 1,300 pounds of ground venison…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont resident has been charged after an investigation into animal cruelty. David Griffin, 57, was charged with five counts of animal cruelty after an investigation found four dogs and a deceased dog were left in a Gilboa Street home. The investigation began when deputies responded to a report of a dog…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Titan Roofing and WVRC Media will host a donation collection event at the Suncrest Towne Centre for flood victims in southern West Virginia. Trucks will be located across from the Five Guys and Jimmy John’s location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 21 to collect relief supplies. Staff will be…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Fire damaged a townhouse and displaced one family in Bridgeport Thursday morning. Bridgeport Fire Department Deputy Chief Greg Pigg said the call came in at 7:45 a.m. Thursday from the Meadow Creek Apartment complex. “It was a four-in-a-row townhouse,” Pigg said. “When we arrived, there was a heavy fire coming from the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Mountain Area Council of Scouting America has entered into a partnership with West Virginia University Rifle. Scout Executive for the Mountain Area Council, Scott Hanson The arrangement will be an exciting opportunity for the scouts, and WVU rifle members will have a place to practice closer than the Pennsylvania location that has…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) has reached out to state legislatures to discuss their priorities heading into 2025. Less than two months away from the 2024 general election and less than a month from the start of the special session in Charleston, representatives from the West Virginia House of Delegates,…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Chairman of the West Virginia Academy, Jon Treu, testified before the House Educational Choice Subcommittee Friday and talked about two concerns—money and oversight. Treu said they receive the opposite in both areas compared to traditional public schools across the state. Traditional public schools have access to funds from property taxes, funds through…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Traffic restrictions on North High Street are scheduled to begin Monday for sewer work. Monday, February 24 through Friday, February 28 crews from the Morgantown Utility Board plan to begin the process of re-lining sewer pipes between Fife and Prospect Streets between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Motorists should expect traffic disruptions…
Written by Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — With temperatures consistently below freezing this winter, many members of the unhoused community are left without shelter for several hours of the day due to staffing issues at the city’s emergency shelters. Morgantown is home to several shelters for the homeless, including Hazel’s House of Hope. The facility…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After an executive session lasting nearly seven hours the West Virginia University Board of Governors has confidentially selected their top candidate. BOG Chairman Richard Pill said the members had robust discussions about a range of topics but did not take any action, but did decide on their top candidate in the search…
REYNOLDSVILLE, W.Va. — A man was rescued and taken to the hospital after trying to save a dog that fell into a frozen pond Wednesday morning in Harrison County. The Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department and EMS crews responded to a call on a remote spot by Water Slide Road just before 8:45 a.m. on Feb.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman is behind bars after police allege she was using methamphetamine and hallucinating while taking care of a toddler. Casey Wiles, 33, called 911 around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday and reported that someone was trying to get into her home. When troopers from the West Virginia State Police arrived Wiles began…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An unidentified driver suffered unspecified injuries in a crash into the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place late Thursday morning. Around 11:25 a.m., the driver was northbound on Don Knotts Boulevard (heading into Morgantown) when officials believe he may have suffered a medical emergency. The vehicle went across the median and southbound lanes…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Titan Roofing and WVRC Media will host a donation collection event at the Suncrest Towne Centre for flood victims in southern West Virginia. Trucks will be located across from the Five Guys and Jimmy John’s location from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 21, to collect relief supplies. Staff will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Virginia woman will serve 30 years in prison for a 2022 Morgantown murder. Tracey Hamby, 33, was convicted of second-degree murder in October of 2024 in connection with the 2022 shooting death of Matthew Vaughn at an apartment on Van Gilder Avenue in Morgantown. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Cindy Scott…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The popular talent show hosted by students at Morgantown High School is ready to take place on Saturday. The 17th Annual Mohigan Idol will take place on Saturday, February 22, at 7:00 p.m. at the Metropolitan Theatre in downtown Morgantown, where 20 students from elementary school all the way up to high…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Another step towards the completion of the Longview Power pipeline project has been given the green light by the Monongalia County Commission. The commission unanimously approved a Measuring and Regulation Station easement as part of the project at the behest of Hope Gas during their regular meeting Wednesday. Monongalia County Commissioner Sean…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University announced that four finalists will compete in a cheer-off to see who will become the 71st West Virginia University Mountaineer. Senior marketing major Justin Waybright, Senior marketing major Rachel Morgan, Junior accounting major Cade Kincaid and third-year medical student Thaiddeus “Ted” Dillie were selected as finalist by the Mountaineer…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Newburg woman on charges of gross child neglect. Rita Osorio, 45, of Newburg, is in custody after deputies responded to an emergency medical services call to a residence on Foggy Bottom Lane in Newburg. According to the criminal complaint, Osorio was allegedly identified by authorities…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former coach for West Virginia University’s football team who was arrested last year shortly after Halloween has had the charge against him dropped. Jordan Lesley, 44, was arrested on Nov. 9 on a misdemeanor domestic battery charge and was placed in the North Central Regional Jail with bail set at $5,000.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Firefighters in Morgantown responded to two calls for help Tuesday night during very cold conditions. The first call just after 9 p.m. to the 100 block of Hoffman Avenue ended up being a malfunctioning furnace. Just after 11 p.m. firefighters got the secnd call to the 1200 block of Richwood Avenue. Firefighters…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has a new candidate eligible to run for city council in the upcoming municipal election as the call for more police officers to join the force continues. Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced during Morgantown City Council’s regular meeting Tuesday that Jason Reed has been approved to be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council has approved revisions to two separate city funds to account for health insurance benefits along with three projects and programs. The council unanimously approved adjustments to the City of Morgantown General Fund and the City Capital Escrow Fund that will be used to assist with insurance payments for…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been charged with animal cruelty after officers found a “severely emaciated” dog while responding to a dispute. Jerome Williams, 55, of Morgantown, was arrested after officers with the Morgantown Police Department were called to assist with a dispute at a residence on Maryland Street involving three people on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has arrested nine people in connection with an assault that took place in downtown Morgantown in early February. According to criminal complaints found in Monongalia County Magistrate Court, Eli Marva, 22 of Uniontown and Rylan Rock, 18 of Clarksburg have each been charged with felony malicious assault after…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. – A former Hopemont Hospital registered nurse who has been charged with malicious neglect of an incapacitated adult causing death will have her case heard in Preston County Circuit Court. Delilah Clyburn-Hill was determined by Preston County Magistrate Bo Ward to have probable cause to move the case over to circuit court as…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, has introduced two pieces of legislation that make major changes and settle a controversial issue. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chiarelli said House Bill 2382 would ban camping in municipal and public areas. Similar efforts have been attempted in other cities across the state, and in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area appears to have avoided serious flooding and ice-related damages after intense winter storms over the Presidents’ Day weekend. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith offered an update on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Monday, where he reported that no serious injuries were reported as first responders assisted just over…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials at West Virginia University, elected leaders, and faculty members are working through a plan by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Trump administration to cut research dollars. WVU, an R-1 institution, the highest research ranking for a college or university, could be limited in future efforts if the cuts…
MONONGAH, W.Va. — Two former officers of the Monongah Elementary School Parent Teacher organization have been charged with fraud in connection with spent funds from the organization. Former officers, President Kayla Davis and Treasurer Megan Colisino have been arrested by state police for several counts of fraud. Investigators sais the pair used funds from the…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. — After eight years as auditor, J.B. McCuskey is prepared to transfer those skills to continue helping counties and municipalities across the state. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” McCuskey said he’s very much accustomed to working with local government units. His efforts to establish WVCheckbook.gov and work with the Public Integrity and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Small business confidence in West Virginia is reserved based on a report from the National Federation of Independent Business. Director of the West Virginia chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), Gil White, reported on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Friday that the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index fell by…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Delegate Geno Chiarelli, R, Monongalia, 78, is the lead sponsor of House Bill 2382 that would ban camping in municipal areas. The bill by Chiarelli, Vice Chairman of the House Public Health Committee, makes camping on municipal property a misdemeanor. A first offense is punishable by a fine of up to $100,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area teens are prepared to compete in the 2025 Miss Morgantown Pageant for a chance to win scholarship prizes. The pageant is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 15, at the South Middle School Auditorium, where eleven contestants will compete for six titles as part of the Miss Morgantown and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Board of Education has released details on their investigation into a recent cyber attack on their computer network. In a post on social media, officials said it is likely that the information of some current, and past employees was likely compromised. The BOE acknowledges the importance in determining the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– West Virginia University Police and the campus community searched for a missing Berkley County teen Friday. A Community Notice was issued after Jason Busse, 19, was reported missing after last being seen entering the Core Arboretum near the Coliseum around noon. Hours later officials reported the second-year criminology major had been found…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia farms and small businesses are ready to welcome guests inside their establishments to see how all things with maple sugar are created. The 10th Annual Mountain State Maple Days will take place on Saturday, February 15, where farms across the Mountain State will offer free tours and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee wants to increase public engagement with their state leaders as part of the 2025 legislative session. Committee Chair Dale Sparks announced that they will host weekly legislative update Zoom calls starting on Sunday, February 16, as part of an effort to reach out to voters as…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Students from Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) will showcase their work at Career Technical Education (CTE) Day on Friday, February 14, in Charleston. MTEC Principal Greg Dausch said the students will be joined by several other programs in the state to advocate for CTE. “We’re gonna be sending 50 students down…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –One of the few elected Democrats a part of the West Virginia House of Delegates is prepared to have a contentious legislative session at the state capitol. Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen discussed some of his early struggles to pass basic legislation on WAJR’s Talk of the Town on Thursday, where he described…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the largest economic developments in Monongalia County is on track to be expanded. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved an application to the West Virginia Department of Economic Development that would expand the Harmony Grove TIF (Tax Increment Financing) District by 85 acres. This was approved at the request of…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania man a part of a year long child sexual abuse investigation was arrested by authorities at the Meadowbrook Mall. Members of the U.S. Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested Mark Wills, 60, in Bridgeport on Thursday Wills on charges of manufacturing and dissemination of child sexual abuse materials to…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A West Virginia resident has been sentenced for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in the northern part of the state. Joshua Noel, 42, of Elkins, West Virginia, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Noel was found guilty of his role…
TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — A 37 year old Terra Alta has been charged with felony hit-and-run after a January incident that injured a pedestrian. The investigation began January 17 on Gregg’s Memorial Drive when deputies responded and found the pedestrian suffering from extensive injuries. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kenneth McRobie, 37, of…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Kingwood resident has been charged after an investigation into child pornography by the Preston County Sheriff’s Department. On Wednesday, deputies arrested Oscaldo Ramirez, 63, after detectives determined he had downloaded numerous images of child pornography. Ramirez has been charged with distribution and exhibition of child pornography and is being held on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Voters in the Morgantown municipal election will have more ballot issues than candidates to decide in April. Wards 2, 4, and 6 are on the ballot, but the only contested race is in the Sixth Ward between Mark Downs and Stephanie Hunt. Voters will decide the fate of Morgantown’s camping ban legislation…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was hospitalized with injuries suffered in a Wednesday night house fire in Harrison County. Firefighters were called to the fire on Maken Road off U.S. 50 at 8:20 p.m. and found a working fire. One person was transported by ground ambulance from the scene with unspecified injuries. Firefighters from…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials from the Privacy and Security Center at Mon Health are cautioning residents about scammers trying to get personal information from current and former patients. Members of the community have received calls from scammers using a number spoofing technique to make it appear as if they are an official from Mon Health.…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. –– New state senator Chris Rose, R, Monongalia, 2, and chairman of the Senate Energy, Industry, and Mining Committee, has yet to chair a meeting but already has ideas to promote West Virginia energy options on a world stage. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Rose said regulations should be examined and policies should promote our…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A malfunction in a piece of machinery in a maintenance building on the Pratt & Whitney Engine Services campus in Bridgeport early Wednesday was quickly extinguished by multiple fire departments. Bridgeport Fire Chief Phil Hart said they received the dispatch at 4:50 a.m. Wednesday. “We conducted a quick attack on the fire…
AUDRA, W.Va. — Police in Buckhannon have arrested a 44 year old Audra man after he allegedly strangled a child. Woodie Cole, II, 44, is accused of kicking down a door Monday, smacking the child in the face and slamming him against a wall. Cole then took the child to the ground and started strangling…
RIVESVILLE, W.Va. — State police have charged a Rivesville man with child neglect causing injury after he fled the scene of a crash and did not seek treatment for injuries suffered in a traffic crash. Troopers were called to the accident scene on Fairmont Road on January 15 and learned Samuel Borelli, 32, fled the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The final candidate list of who is running for Morgantown City Council in the upcoming municipal election has been officially released. The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office announced that four of the six individuals who submitted candidacy packets to run for council have been verified by City Clerk Christine Wade and will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is ready to start the next phases of two multi-million dollar infrastructure projects after a brief delay to start in 2025. After nearly two weeks of delays caused by winter weather and sub-zero temperatures, MUB General Manager Mike McNulty announced that piping for the approximately $14 million…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The city of Fairmont is in the process of transferring ownership of up to 50 lots in the city as a result of recent blight removal efforts. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” City Manager Travis Blosser said the program was boosted by $468,000 received through the state Department of Environmental Protection…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. — The Barbour County Sheriff’s Department announced that one of their deputies has passed away. According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, Deputy Todd Deffet was reported to have died with no details released on the circumstances of his death. In the post left by the department, Deffet leaves behind a…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police arrested four suspects in an ongoing drug investigation after a search of a Pleasant Valley home. Troopers arrested Chad McGee, 52, Nicole Fike, 36, Denzil Masters, 50, and Larry Cleliand for their continuing felonious drug activities from the home. Troopers said methamphetamine, fentanyl, illegal and stolen firearms were…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Faculty Senate continues to express concerns over the changes to federal funding that could affect the long-term future of sponsored research. Less than two days after an executive order was issued by President Donald J. Trump that would cap the indirect costs for grants issued by the National…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Seasonal flu activity is on the rise, and statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show type “A” and “B” influenza strains are the most reported by health professionals. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Dr. Matthew Lokant from WVU Medicine said numbers are on the rise in the Mountain State,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation are looking for tips to find the person responsible for a power plant break in in December of 2023. Agents said a white male in his late 20’s or early 30’s, 5-feet 9-inches or 5-feet 10-inches tall, about 170 pounds is seen on surveillance video…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A homeless man engaged in a lawsuit against the city of Morgantown claiming his First Amendment rights have been violated is caught police body cam video saying his attorney told him he needs more citations. The exchange happened in October of 2024 in the middle of Route 119 at the intersection of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County and across the state line in Greene County, Pennsylvania, are building a relationship that could erase that border and increase economic development opportunities. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chairman of the Greene County Commission, Jared Edgreen, said meetings between the two elected bodies are ongoing in an…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Motorists were greeted Friday with a surprise closure of I-68 westbound for most of the day. The closure was first reported around 6 a.m. and extended until approximately 2 p.m. The closure resulted in some traffic taking to the I-68 median to reverse course or diverting to northbound I-79. Traffic diverted to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A second suspect has been charged in the November 2023 killing Richard Hall in Morgantown. Damir Swann, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, has also been charged with conspiracy and first degree murder in the case. Melvin Garth, 28, also of Detroit, was arrested earlier this week and also charged with conspiracy and first…
COOPERS ROCK, W.Va. — Snow or no snow, the Coopers Rock Winter Fest is planned for Saturday, February 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Coopers Rock Foundation Board member for more than 30 years Adam Polinski said the activities are free, proceeds from concession sales, and donations will…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Texas man convicted of leading a Morgantown-based drug operation has been sentenced to more than 15 in federal prison. Anthony Allen, 38, had drugs shipped to the Morgantown area from California and Texas. Investigators said Allen maintained dealer-level quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and crack cocaine. Allen maintained a storage unit in…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — West State Police have arrested a 63 year old man in connection with an attempted kidnapping at a Clarksburg bus stop last fall. Troopers said Kenneth Arnett grabed the girl’s wrist in October of 2024 at 6:30 a.m. and tried to pull into bushes as she walked to her East View bus…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department recovered a stolen car and arrested a suspect in an attempted murder investigation in Maryland Wednesday. The vehicle was reported stolen from the Cuzzart area and had been spotted just across the state line in Maryland in Cranesville. When deputies spotted the car, the…
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department report they are examining the role a semi-truck may have played in a fatal accident on I-68 eastbound on the Cheat Lake Bridge January 19. The driver of the passenger car, Kevin Lataille of Smithfield, Pennsylvania, 59, was killed in the accident. Sheriff Todd…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area avoided most of the severe weather conditions overnight Wednesday but set a rainfall record. The Morgantown area received 1.59 inches of rain Wednesday, topping the record of 1.41 inches recorded on the same day in 1955. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordeen said areas to the east received significant amounts…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Marion County School System will increase school safety measures with several new technology updates. One update includes adding facial recognition technology entrances to nearly half of the schools in the county, according to Superintendent Donna Heston. [We received] a grant from the school building authority for 2.7 million dollars to undertake…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Two Maryland men are behind bars following a pursuit that originated in Ohio and ended in Monongalia County. Troopers with the West Virginia State Police identified a car associated with a felony theft report in Logan, Ohio and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on I-79 northbound near the Goshen Road.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Clerk’s Office has officially presented an updated list of candidates running for city council in the upcoming municipal election. Less than a week before the deadline to file as a candidate for council for the April 29 election, Morgantown City Clerk Christine Wade announced that five candidates from the…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The suspect in a November 2024 bar shooting in Fairmont has been indicted on multiple counts connected with the incident. Anya Taylor, 32, allegedly shot a male victim twoce at TG’s Bar and Lounge during an altercation. The victim, identified as Joseph Douglas was later flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown firefighters responded to a two-story blaze in a single family home Wednesday morning. Firefighters were dispatched to the home on Montrose Avenue with flames showing through the roof at 7:05 a.m. and arrived in four minutes, 30-seconds. The fire was under control in less than 13 minutes. All occupoants in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– A Detroit man has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting in the 500 block of Brockway Avenue in November of 2023. Melvin Garth, 28 has been charged with first degree murder and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail. According to police, Richard Demoan Hall, 39, was found…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A fire on a railroad trestle in Clarksburg is under investigation. Units from Clarksburg police and fire were called to the bridge near Peck Street over Elk Creek at 3:30 a.m. and quickly put the fire out. Officials believe the fire may have been started by a person staying under the bridge.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the longest-tenured members on Morgantown City Council will not seek another term in office. Less than a week before the deadline to file as a candidate for council in the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election, Second Ward Councilor Bill Kawecki announced at the end of the council’s regular meeting Tuesday that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A lease that would move forward on the development of the largest hangar at the Morgantown Municipal Airport has been given the initial green light by the city officials. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an agreement between the airport and Shaft Drillers International, where the contracting company…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department made four arrests in an ongoing fentanyl investigation Monday. Deputies said they found evidence of drug use, paraphernalia, packaging materials, and 13 grams of a white powdery substance suspected to be fentanyl prepared for sale. Deputies arrested Mirranda Godrey, 44, Samantha Sease, 32, Jeremy Markley,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown man accused of attempting to buy a child in Mexico will serve 10 years in federal prison for failing to update his sex offender registry before traveling internationally. Scott David Bixler, 43, was arrested in Mexico, where investigators believed he attempted to purchase a 7-year-old girl. Court documents said Bixler…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 15-year-old reported missing from Kanawha County could be headed to the Morgantown area, according the St. Albans Police Department. Isaiah Kurtis Hawes, 15, was reported missing Jan. 29 and was last seen wearing a black hooded jacket, dark gray sweatpants and brown/tan Air Jordan shoes. The juvenile’s mother told police he…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has released the identity of remains found in the Owings area on January 29. The joint operation between the FBI and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department recovered remains now identified as Christa Merrill of Fairmont. Merrill had been reported missing in August of 2024. Additional testing is required…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Tracy L. Rose has been found after not being heard from for more than a week. Officials with the sheriff’s office announced in a Facebook post Monday night that Rose was found alive after she made contact with the office at around 4 p.m. that…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The City of Westover is still on track to start on two large-scale infrastructure projects following the West Virginia Department of Highways maintenance work on Holland Avenue to start the month of February. As DOH crews continue work on addressing potholes just north of the Westover Bridge near downtown Morgantown, Westover Director…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Warm Up Wednesday (Feb. 5) will be held in downtown Morgantown to help raise money for the Monongalia County Warming Shelter operated by Catholic Charities West Virginia. The night of music, comedy, food, and drinks runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Co-Op at 131 Pleasant Street. On WAJR’s “Talk…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman has been charged after witnesses told police she strangled a 15-year-old and hit a 12-year-old in the lower back, causing visible injuries. Thursday, Morgantown police responded to a domestic incident on Glenn Street and made contact with Shanna Rice, 37, and a 15-year-old. Witnesses told police Rice was arguing…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — TheMonongalia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a 57-year old female who has last had contact with her familys about a week ago. Tracy L. Rose is dewscribed as a white female, 5-feet 5-inches tall, 136 pounds, with red hair and blue eyes. According to family members, they last spoke to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Student Government Association (SGA) has called for more collaboration with the City of Morgantown to address sidewalk safety around campus. WVU SGA Local Governance Liaison Mimi Ferguson and SGA Senator Kate Magrogan presented details to city officials on their most recent biannual Safety and Accessibility walk that took…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The board that allocates opioid settlement funds to areas of the Mountain State affected by the crisis has plans to improve the application process for local organizations. West Virginia First Foundation Executive Director Jonathan Board and Board Chairman Matt Harvey discussed some of the changes that are set to be implemented by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The 2025 legislative session will start February 12 and run through April 12 in Charleston. Monongalia County Delegate Joe Statler, R, 77, wants to increase school safety, give more discipline tools to teachers, and find new funding sources for fire and EMS units in the state. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The state Division of Highways plans a pothole blitz on Holland Avenue next week that is expected to disrupt traffic. From Monday Feb 1 through Friday, February 7, 2025 crews will work from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. to repair potholes that have resulted from severe winter weather. Next month, construction on…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Officials from Hope Gas report activities associated with the Sunday explosion in the Chestnut Hill neighborhood have been completed. Crews are replacing a section of pipeline on South Chestnut Street that was not associated with the Sunday events. According to an update from the company, Hope Gas crews have been working around…
KINGMONT, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police and the State Fire Marshal are investigating a fire in a vacant Fairmont building. Firefighters from the Valley Volunteer Fire Department were dispatched 9:05 p.m. Thursday to a fire of unknown origin at a location in Pleasant Valley that was unclear. Firefighters then located an abandoned house on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Greer Industries has announced plans to open the Greer Asphalt plant on Feb. 4, 2025, to support ongoing road repair efforts. The opening will help the state Division of Highways address damage caused by harsh winter conditions. “We recognize the immediate need for quality asphalt to repair and improve our roads following…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will consider an amendment to the city’s charter that would replace masculine pronouns with non-gendered language. For example, current language in Section 3.04, Powers and duties of the city manager uses the pronoun “he,” saying, “He” shall appoint, and when “he” deems it necessary for the good of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials at the Morgantown Municipal Airport hope that new developments taking place in 2025 will help kick the tires on the long-awaited runway extension project. Airport Director Jonathan Vrabel announced that portions of the multi-phase project are expected to begin in February, around the same time that work is expected to begin…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The oldest stone building in Monongalia County will have its history shown in a museum exhibit. The Morgantown History Museum announced that an exhibit that commemorates the history of the Old Stone House will be open to the public at the end of January. The opening of the exhibit will be celebrated…
BURNSVILLE, N.C. — The Director of the Emergency Management Agency in Yancey County, North Carolina, Jeff Howell, is shocked at the progress the community has made since Hurricane Helene hit about five months ago. Through the WVRC Media Cares Campaign, listener participation across multiple radio stations, and the effort and resources from Titan Roofing, thousands…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Asphalt repairs on I-79 northbound are expected to disrupt traffic through 9 p.m. Thursday. Crews have the high-speed lane closed on the Goshen Road Bridge on Interstate 79 until 9 p.m. Motorists are expected to encounter delays until the operations have been completed. Poor weather or unknown circumstances could extend the…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has confirmed humans remains were found Wednesday during a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Matheny said they applied for and were granted a warrant to search the property in the Owings area near Shinnston after receiving a…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Two former workers at the Hopemont Hospital in Preston County have been arraigned for malicious neglect of an incapacitated adult causing death. Kylah Beard, a certified nursing assistant from Morgantown and Delilah Clayburn-Hill, a regeistered nurse from Buckhannon face 5 to 15 years and a fine of up to $5,000 if convicted.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, January 31, at 11:00 am in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for Patsy Trecost Snr., who served the city of Clarksburg in a variety of roles for nearly four decades. Trecost died Monday at the age of 79. On WAJR’s “Talk of the…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — Human remains found at excavation site in Harrison County Wednesday. A press release from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said the remains were discovered while excavating a property in the Owings area. The remains were discovered during a joint search warrant service with FBI. Unconfirmed reports said detectives and members of the…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. –– The Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department responded to a firey two-vehicle crash Wednesday morning at Route 7 and Walmart Drive. Firefighters arrived on scene at 8:30 a.m. to find one of the vehicles on fire. No injuries were reported. The intersection was closed for about an hour.
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — The Federal Bureau of Investigation is excavating the property of a se offenders home in Shinnston Wednesday afternoon. A large lolice presence is at the home of Andrew Debolt on Owings Road who was most recently arrested in connectin with a stabbing in Enterprise and in December of 2019 was arrested fllowing…
MORGANTOWN,. W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have agreed to jointly fund a drainage project on the edge of city limits, heard concerns about wayward trucks on River Road, and thanked the DOH for recent repairs on I-68 eastbound. Commissioners have agreed to jointly fund drainage improvement for the proposed McCullough Avenue development to add…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va..– The West Virginia University Impact Challenge offers a taste of the spirit of innovation by bringing middle and high school students together with students and faculty to refine their ideas. The Impact Challenge is an immersive three-day, three-night event held on campus for primary school learners, and WVU students can participate and earn…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An agreement that would allow for an area contracting company to develop a new hangar at the Morgantown Municipal Airport is now under consideration of the Morgantown City Council. The council moved the ordinance that would approve a 25-year commercial lease agreement between Shaft Drillers International and the airport to their agenda…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Officials from Hope Gas and the Clarksburg Fire Department report the all clear has been given for all residents to return to their homes except the homes on Chestnut Street. There is no timeline to get the residents on Chestnut Street back into their homes, but residents can return to get important…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department’s (MCHD) Morgantown Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) office is a few days away from moving to a new location. The now-former Elmer Prince Drive headquarters of the MCHD Morgantown WIC department officially closed its doors on Tuesday ahead of the opening of the new offices located at…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — A Marion County couple was arrested and charged with child neglect after police accused them of locking a 12-year-old in the trunk of a car while they purchased drugs. Troopers have charged Travis Price, 32, and Nicole Holmes, 37, with child neglect creating risk of injury after an investigation into the…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was injured in a house fire in the Harrison County area of O’Neil Hill Tuesday morning. Firefighters from Spelter, Nutter Fort, Mount Clare, Stonewood, Reynoldsville, Salem, and Bridgeport responded just after 6 a.m. along with HealthNet, Harrison County EMS, and the state Division of Highways. As of 8:35 a.m.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Bridgeport police made one arrest after weekend pursuit with speeds of over 100 miles per hour. On Friday, police observed Ronald Gilmore, 43, operating a vehicle with a tail light out at the intersection of Barnetts Run Road and Johnson Avenue at 6:24 p.m. Police said when they turned around to get…
BIRMINGHAM, Al. — Diversified Energy has announced plans to acquire Maverick Natural Resources from EIG Global Energy Partners for $1.275 billion. The move will enhance Diversified’s asset base, commodity mix, and operational scale. “It’s a large scale acquisition, a 100 percent increase in our revenues and about a 57 percent increase in our free cash…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Trump administration plan to lower prices and unleash American energy could have an effect on grocery store prices before reducing inflation. By using executive action to declare a national energy emergency, federal agencies can use various emergency authorities to facilitate the identification, leasing, siting, production, transportation, refining, and generation of domestic…
CHEAT LAKE, W.Va. — Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes and investigators have confirmed the body in the car pulled from Cheat Lake Sunday is that of a missing man from Smithfield, Pennsylvania. Monday morning, investigators have confirmed Kevin Lattaille, 59, was inside the car pulled from Cheat Lake around noon Sunday. Investigators confirmed the car…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Police, firefighters, and divers from multiple jurisdictions recovered a vehicle with an unidentified occupant from Cheat Lake over the side of the eastbound bridge over I-68 Sunday. Dive teams received their final briefing around 9 a.m., according to Monongalia County Sheriff Todd Forbes. By 10:25 a.m. the first team started a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Friday fire destroyed a home on Bakers Cemetery Drive. Firefighters were called to the vicinity of Bakers Farm Kennel and Grooming around 10:30 p.m. and fought the fire for about two hours. The home is a distance away from the kennel, so it was not damaged and no animalswere hurt. Firefighters…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown High School math teacher Kerianne Smead is now nationally recognized as the recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Smead said she knows most students are not fond of math; some may even hate it, but she engages them and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office has announced plans to recover a car discovered partially submerged in Cheat Lake. Recovery specialists are preparing to deal with the unique challenges presented by the frozen lake. Ice rescue experts and diving units are planning to begin the operation on Sunday January 26th, 2025 during…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — No injuries were reported in a collision with a Marion County school bus Thursday morning. Unconfirmed reports indicate a student from East Fairmont High School was driving the car and collided with the bus on Airport Road in Pleasant Valley at 9:20 a.m. on Thursday. “A driver crossed the yellow line and…
BELINGTON, W.Va. — A 29-yearold Belington man is behind bars after a suspected meth lab caught fire in Barbour County. Thursday, deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a shed fire along Barbour County Highway just outside of Belington. Upon arrival, deputies learned glass beakers and chemicals were involved in…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va.– The Harrison County Board of Education and a cybersecurity expert are investigating a reported cybersecurity incident in their computer network last weekend. On socialmedia, officials from the Harrison County Boardof Education said the incident involved unauthorized access to some of the district’s computer systems. Officials said the network was immediately disabled and the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board have decided to speak out on issues they feel have avoided additional members joining their board. Board Chair Rich Burks and Board Secretary Bob Cohen addressed recent issues related to appointment approvals by the city on WAJR’s Talk of the Town, where…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Tickets to ride the tubing hill at Monongalia County’s Chestnut Ridge Park are now on sale for the first time this winter. Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom announced via correspondence from representatives at the park that tickets have officially gone on sale for sessions on the tubing hill that will be hosted…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A groundbreaking development located in the City of Morgantown is starting to take shape. The new development located along Richwood Avenue, being billed as the East End Village, is moving forward as both the demolition and the preliminary design phases for the 10-acre projects are close to being completed. Morgantown Area Partnership…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Bob Larson reports the Morgantown area has a new record low temperature for January 22. “We fell to 9 below zero, beating the previous record set in 1984,” Larson said. Larson doesn’t expect many records in the coming days to be broken as wind flows change increasing temperatures in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown are searching for a Pennsylvaniaman reported missing Sunday. Kevin Lataille, 59, is described as a white male 6-feet tall, 190 pounds and was last seen at the Kroger Fuel Center on University Avenue Sunday January 19. Lataille was driving a bronze 2013 Hyundai Tuscon with Pennsylvania plates. The Morgantown…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont Fire Department responded to a house fire on Old Monongah Road in subzero conditions Wednesday. Fairmont Fire Department Fire Prevention and Training Captain Dustin Lambert said the call came in around 7:40 a.m. Additional firefighters were called to the scene due to complications caused by the extreme cold weather. “The…
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — Former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates and leader of the Marion County Rescue Squad, Michael Angelucci has died. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Senator Joey Garcia, D, Marion, 13, said he campaigned with Angelucci in 2018 and 2020. Garcia remembered his work ethic and the way he used…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown’s “Snow Plan Operation” has been kicked into overdrive to start the new year. Amidst several days of ongoing winter weather, Morgantown Interim City Manager Damien Davis reported that city crews will continue to work on multiple shifts over the next couple of days to clear city roads that…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The City of Westover is now ready to start on two major water infrastructure projects and road improvements that will go along with them. Westover Director of Public Works Jason Stinespring discussed the replacement of over 2,000 sewer lines around Holland Avenue and the replacement of the Dunkard Avenue lift station on…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives in Monongalia County have arrested a 38-year old man in connection with a revenge porn investigation. Jay Griffin, 38, allegedly posted nude pictures of an ex on social media and offered to share. The post includes a statement that said Griffin is feeling unbvearable pain due to the person in…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — Police in Star City have filed charges against a 20-year-old woman after she left an infant in her care unattended to attend “Up All Night” in the Mountainlair on the West Virginia University campus Friday. Officers arrived at an apartment on Saratoga Avenue to conduct a welfare check and were told…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg man has admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell and faces a 20 year term in federal prison. Frederick Blaine Rinehart, Jr., 54, had been selling methamphetamine in Harrison County and investigators linked him to 100 grams of the drug. Rinehart is facing up to 20 years in…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A woman reported missing from Washington County, Pennsylvania has been found dead in Fairmont. Ellen Donahoo, 76, who suffered from dementia left her home Monday night and family members were unable tomake contact with her. Pennsylvania State Police said Donahoo’s body was found in Fairmont and foul play is not suspected. The…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Across six West Virginia University School of Nursing campuses, the first-time pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination—Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN) is 99 percent for 2024. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Dean Tara McComb Hulsey said the graduates of the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and the Bachelor of…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Chairman of the Black Heritage Festival, Jim Griffin expressed concern on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the apparent move away from diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives and a lack of young people about the life of the civil rights leader. The prayer vigil planned by the Black Heritage Festival has…
WHEELING, W.Va. — United States Attorney William Ihlenfeld resigned from the Department of Justice, effective today at 11:59 a.m. Monday “Serving as United States Attorney has been an honor and a privilege,” said Mr. Ihlenfeld. “I’m deeply saddened to leave, but as I walk out the door today, I do so with tremendous pride because…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Winter weather again swept through the area, causing multiple accidents, slide-offs, and event cancellations. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said in a 24-hour period they responded to dozens of requests for help. “We’ve had about 70 motorist assists; vehicles are just stuck and can’t get through the roads, and about…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have arrested a 59 year old Thornton woman in connection with the embezzlement of funds from the East Oak Grove Cemetery. Tammy Spring was arrested Friday and charged with embezzlement, document forgery, and fraudulent schemes after a year-long investigation. Detectives said Spring began a…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Marion County Rescue Squad (MCRS) has introduced a wellness app for employees and families to assist them in dealing with the unique challenges that are presented to first responders on a daily basis. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Donna Wade with MCRS said in order to provide quality life-saving care,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Five new School Safety Officers (SSO) have been deployed to patrol in and around elementary schools in Monongalia County. Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Eddie Campbell said a combination of SSOs and School Resource Officers (SROs) work in the middle and high schools in the district, and there has not been consistent coverage…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mylan Park is ready to host their first indoor activity event as part of their annual “Keep Your Kids Movin’” event series. The Mylan Park Indoor Field Day will take place on Monday, January 20, at the Hazel & J.W. Ruby Community Center starting at 11 a.m., where a variety of activities…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The southbound side of I-79 in Marion County reopened around 5:45 p.m. after at least four accidents Friday afternoon. Accident reports began coming in around 4:30 Friday afternoon and by 5 p.m. the southbound side was closed. No information has been released about the accidents as of 6 p.m. Friday.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The front entrance to the Mountainlair has been closed due to falling ice, according to a social media post from WVU Safety & Wellness. Officials are asking students to use the side door beside the Mountaineer statue, or the ADA entrance by the Student Engagement and Leadership offices. No other information is…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. — One person was transported after being hit by a vehicle in the Fairmont Walmart parking lot Friday morning. The incident was reported at 12:12 p.m. and the unidentified patient was transported with unspecified injuries. The White Hall Police Department, deputies from the Marion County Sheriffs Department responded and membersof the Valley…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The beleaguered crews clearing roads for the state Department of Highways (DOH) are preparing for yet another winter weather event. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Engineer for Special Projects Jacob Bumgarner said the workers have been working 24-hour shifts at least for the last four weeks. So far, the feedback…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Beginning this fall, West Virginia University is launching WVU Guarantee, a new last-dollar-in program that will provide funding to cover the costs of tuition and university fees for incoming and current in-state students. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Interim Vice President of Enrollment Management Steve Hahn said this is a very…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Thursday afternoon multiple vehicle crash on Cheat Road caused an extensive backup onto the Mileground Thursday. The four-vehicle crash was reported around 2:40 p.m. and there is no information about injuries. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department and firefighters from Brookhaven, Cheat Lake, and Morgantown responded.
WESTON, W.Va. –– The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a missing 31-year old male who has not been in contact with his family for an extended period of time. Jeremy McCartney is described as a 31 year old white mal, 5-feet 9-inches tall, 165 pounds, Brown hair and eyes with neck tattoos. Information…
MORGANTOWN,W.Va. — The latest winter weather system is expected to bring accumulating snow to the region Thursday into Thursday night, followed by another blast of very cold air. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jason Caterina said he expects snowfall to begin around mid-morning Thursday and continue into the evening. He said the existing ground conditions will likely…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Progress continues to be made on the installation of new traffic lights at the University Town Center in the Town of Granville. Granville Mayor Patty Lewis offered updates during the Monongalia County Commission’s regular meeting Wednesday, where she reported that light pole infrastructure has been built for one of the two University…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission appears to have a positive reaction to the new person appointed as the State Secretary of Transportation. Newly sworn-in Governor Patrick Morrisey submitted a letter received by the commission where he announced the appointment of Department of Highways Chief Engineer Stephen “Todd” Rumbaugh as the new State Transportation…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — In Taylor County, the director of the Office of Emergency Management has been arrested after admitting to using marijuana before driving to a Emergency Medical Services Board meeting last week. Officers from the Grafton Police Department responded Jan. 9 on a report of a DUI at the Taylor County Court House. There,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Schools has exhausted the balance of their Snow Days for the 2024-25 school year and continue to watch winter weather forecasts that provide no relief. Superintendent Eddie Campbell said transporting about 12,000 students to and from school buildings throughout the county requires a different set of considerations than parents experienced…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Contractors working with the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) projects appear to have been affected by the recent winter weather. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty offered updates on the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) project and the Westridge/Chaplin Hill Water and Sewer infrastructure project to the MUB Board of Directors during…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The addition of extra security at Monongalia County Schools has just been given another green light. The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the hiring of five school safety officers (SSOs) less than a month after the Monongalia County Commission approved employment conditions to allow for the new positions in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Visit Mountaineer Country Convention and Visitors Bureau (VMC) has announced a groundbreaking project to transform the region into a premier destination for gravel cycling and outdoor adventure- Mountaineer Gravel. The project is the largest taken on by VMC in the last eight years and Mountaineer Gravel is expected to be a key…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Three new West Virginia-made electric school buses and the charging infrastructure will be unveiled in Morgantown Wednesday. Monongalia County Schools will add three Green Power Motor “BEAST” buses to their fleet. Green Power Motor plans to have their buses in almost every county of the state following a purchase approved by the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed in an accident on Blue Horizon Drive in Monongalia County Tuesday morning. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said at 5:25 a.m. an SUV traveling northbound crossed the centerline and struck a semi-truck head on. The driver of the SUV was declared deceased at the scene.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Bridgeport pursuit reaching speeds of 120 miles per hour ended with a car through a Clarksburg home and one person behind bars. Bridgeport police observed Daylin Antonio Smith driving 93 in a 70 mile per hour zone on southbound I-79 on Jan. 5 around 2:28 a.m. When police attempted to stop…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont man faces up to 20 years in federal prison after admitting to his role in selling fentanyl laced pills in the area. Emmanuel D. Gibson, 34, fled from Westover police when they tried to make a traffic stop. Police recovered fentanyl laced pills, other controlled substances, and two firearms after…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It is municipal election season in the city of Morgantown. Election day in Morgantown is Tuesday, April 29 and the polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The application deadline for an absentee ballot is April 23, 2025 and the last day to register to vote is April 7,2025.…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two local lawmakers from opposing parties are attending the inauguration of Patrick Morrisey today. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Democrat State Senator Joey Garcia, Marion, 13, said it is important to show his support regardless of party affiliation. “As a person duly elected by the citizens of Marion and Monongalia Counties,…
BARBOUR COUNTY, W.Va. — An early morning fire at a Barbour County coal has been been extinguished and no injuries have been reported. The fire was reported at 1 a.m. at the Leer South Mine just outside Philippi. Unconfirmed reports indicate the fire was minor and the cause is under investigation. Operations at the mine…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Catholic Charities Grace Warming Shelter has had about 25 residents in recent days as the bitter cold temperatures briefly move out of the area. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director Dr. Jessica Thompson said they have yet to hit capacity since the shelter was expanded to 30 with approval from…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Cheat Lake Volunteer Fire Department led a water rescue Friday afternoon at the Cooper’s Rock Trout Pond. Firefighters responded at 12:28 p.m. and quickly recovered the patient from the icy water and put him in the care Monongalia EMS who also responded to the scene. The Brookhaven Volunteer Fire Department,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown will receive federal funding to support the Multimodal Morgantown Project planned for the Dorsey Avenue area. The Office of Senator Shelley Moore Capito and Morgantown city officials each made announcements that the city has been awarded $8 million to the city as part of the United States Department…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County elected leadership, approved the hiring of five school safety officers, and answered questions about residency questions at the Catholic Charities Grace warming shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope. Commissioners unanimously elected Jeff Arnett as president and Tom Bloom as president pro tem for 2025. Commissioners also approved five…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Members of the State Senate are selecting leadership as part of Organization Day in preparation for the 2025 legislative session. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, said members of the senate are selecting leadership and officers to include a new Senate President, Randy Smith, R, Tucker, 14.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Sixth Ward representative on the Morgantown City Council will not seek another term in office. Councilor Dave Harshbarger announced that he will not seek a third term ahead of the start of campaigning for the 2025 Morgantown Municipal Election. Harshbarger, who is the third longest-tenured member on the council, made the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The current pension plans for the City of Morgantown firefighters and police officers are now closed for future hires, as allocations will be made to account for the insurance funds of city employees. The Morgantown City Council voted 6-0 (Councilor Louise ‘Wheez’ Michael was not in attendance) to formally close the city-supported…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is reminding residents about the dangers of freezing pipes in cold weather and some simple steps to avoid it happening in your home. Some steps to take before the cold arrives are to wrap pipes with insulated covers, foam rubber, or heat tape. Heat tape can be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL) received $360,000 during the first round of grant awards from the West Virginia First Foundation to expand the transitional housing program. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Executive Director Jonathan Dower said there are many people in regional jails and state prisons that need a place to…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an apparent fatal crash near River Road and Lower Hilderdbrand Road. Deputies responded Monday after witnesses observed a 2003 Ford pickup truck on fire in the ditch. Deputies arrived to find the vehicle fully engulfed in flames. The River Road Volunteer Fire Department extinguished…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A winter storm warning continues for the Morgantown area through 7 p.m. Monday. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordeen provided overnight accumulation totals for Morgantown’s surrounding areas and said another three inches could fall during the day Monday. “We’re sitting around 2 to 4 inches in Morgantown…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former member of Morgantown City Council continues to make steps towards recovering from a near-fatal bicycle accident. Monongalia County Republican Committee member and former city councilman Wes Nugent has returned home after an over six-month hospital stay in a Georgia-based hospital and is officially on the long road towards recovering from…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Morgantown area is bracing for a major winter storm that will usher in bitter cold temperatures for the next week. According to MetroNews AccuWeather, a winter storm watch goes into effect Sunday at 1 p.m. and continues through 7 p.m. Monday. A low-pressure system moving out of the Rocky Mountains will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The rescheduled mercy phase portion of the murder trial for a Fairmont man convicted in the murder of a WVU student will begin next week. Shaudarius Reeder and accomplice Terrell Linear were convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting of Eric Smith at the College Park Apartments in February of 2020. The…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Catholic Charities West Virginia Warming Shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope is ready for the frigid temperatures and winter weather in the region. Shelter Director Jessica Thompson said the facility on Scott Avenue first opened on December 11 and will operate through March 15. Those in the shelter have access to…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — I-79 has reopened in Marion County after crews removed a powerline that had fallen across the roadway. The closure lasted for about 30 minutes at mile marker 130 until crews from Mon Power were able to repair the line. The Valley Volunteer Fire Department responded to the scene.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — City Councilors will consider a transfer of funds from the Financial Stabilization Fund to the Life and Health Fund in order to maintain healthcare benefits for city staff. The city uses a self-funded insurance plan for benefit eligible employees. The plan allows the city to tailor benefits to meet the specific needs…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two winter weather makers are inbound to the northern West Virginia area. A winter weather advisory is in effect for the Morgantown area from 4 a.m. Friday through 4 a.m. Saturday. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Kerry Schwindenhammer said the first system will arrive in the Morgantown area with snow showers around 3 to…
FAIRMONT, WV — Gov. Jim Justice delivered a $2 million investment to expand the Fairmont State University Aviation Center of Excellence Thursday. The money will be used to purchase two new planes, a used Cessna, a new engine, engine rebuilds, and allow an increase in enrollment capacity to 100 students. The investment will enable students…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The man accused in a Morgantown law office standoff has been charged with misdemeanor brandishing. On December 16, Jeremy Harp, 32, went to the Cranston Edwards Law Office to provide a statement regarding the recent conviction of his brother Christopher Harp, 39, for possessing and receiving child pornography. Cranston & Edward attorneys…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — More than 100 people attended a memorial ceremony for Preston County athlete Lane Sines. The nine-year-old died unexpectedly Monday, according to the state police. Sines was active in wrestling and football and was coached by Devin Taylor for the last five years in the Preston County Youth Football Program. “I was a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The new year will likely see increased activity at the social service hub on Scott Avenue in Morgantown. Catholic Charities West Virginia continues to establish their triage and warming shelter operations; Milan Puskar Health Right is expected to relocate their downtown Morgantown operation to the area, and the remaining partners continue to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — End-of-year storms damaged structures, toppled trees and powerlines, and left thousands without power in Monongalia and Marion Counties on Tuesday. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Bill Deger said the storm passed between Lumberport and Mannington at about 1:45 p.m. with high winds and isolated reports of pea-sized hail. “Producing wind gusts anywhere between 40…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — A New Year’s Eve storm knock about 8,000 Mon Power customer in the dark in Monongalia and Marion Counties. The latest information on the status of power outages is here. The storm passed between Lumberport and Mannington at about 1:45 p.m. with heavy rain, wind gusts of 50-miles per hour and…
ELKINS, W.Va. — Officials in Elkins are working with owner of a troubled property to close it down. The Four Seasons Motel on Harrison Avenue has been cited several times for code violations, and the residents have been accused of nuisance behavior and criminal activity. Last year, members of Elkins City Council authorized Mayor Jerry…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice will deliver a $2 million check to Fairmont State University this week to fund an expansion of the Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration program. The grant is coming from the Economic Development Authority and will help enhance the first FAA-approved (14 CFR Part 141) flight program in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department will be on patrol through the New Year’s holiday looking for the possibility of impaired or aggressive drivers to prevent traffic crashes, according to Chief Eric Powell. “They’re definitely mindful of that and paying particular attention to that and paying close attention when they are out doing their…
WASHINGTON D.C. — Second District Congressman-elect Riley Moore has been appointed to the House Appropriations Committee. On MetroNewsTalkline,” Moore said he’s looking forward to getting funding for important projects in West Virginia while trying to cut government spending. His aunt, Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee and did so for many…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have approved nearly $1 million in additional broadband expansion and a grant for a new road in Mylan Park to access the new KOA Campground. The most recent broadband expansion effort will be done with Frontier, according to commission president Sean Sikora. A total of 11 miles of…
ELKINS, W.Va. — Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department are looking for tips from the public to find those responsible for a single vehicle crash Friday on Georgetown Road. Deputies and emergency crews arrived to the accident scene early Friday and found the drive and passenger fled the scene. Any information about the crash…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commissioners believe 2024 was a year of relationship building, problem solving, and accomplishment. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” all three commissioners, President Sean Sikora, Commissioners Tom Bloom, and Jeff Arnett, said their staff has carried the load of their vision during the year and have performed admirably. The Commission…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are pleased with recent infrastructure accomplishments and spending strategy for money received through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Commission President Sean Sikora and commissioners Tom Bloom and Jeff Arnett reviewed projects and spending highlights for the year. Sikora said fellow commissioner…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The next phase of holiday weather is being influenced by a series of low-pressure systems that will produce rain and the possibility of wind gusts and thunderstorms. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Mike Kennedy said Saturday will be mostly dry, and the unsettled weather begins to arrive in the overnight. “When the front comes…
WESTON, W.Va. — Lewis County Sheriff David Gosa has released a statement regarding the recent child abuse investigation that resulted in two arrests. Gosa said his office and the West Virginia State Police office of Crimes Against Children have working the case since they were first notified on December 7, 2024. Gosa released the statement…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Broadband expansion in Monongalia County is advancing on multiple fronts, leveraging federal coronavirus assistance money to get the most value for the county taxpayer. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President of the Monongalia County Commission Sean Sikora provided a basic overview. “We have five projects that are now in execution…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The City of Morgantown and the Engineering & Public Works Department will operate the annual Christmas tree pickup and drop-off program from December 30, 2024 through January 10, 2025. The trees must be free of all decorations and lights to be eligible for drop-off or pickup. Pickups will be scheduled by ward…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The weather of 2024 will be remembered for high temperatures, drought, and a record number of twisters on the ground. The current weather system bring warmer air and the chance of precipitation to the area is courtesy of trough of air from the south. MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Brian Thompson said in the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged on suspect in a Christmas Eve knife attack. Deputies found a knife outside the residence Christmas Eve and found Robert Snell, 41, of Clarksburg, in the kitchen area with blood on his pants. Deputies said the victim, Jason Bell was located…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Agreements have been finalized to move forward with broadband expansion projects in Monongalia County. The Monongalia County Commission approved two separate contracts between the county and Comcast to support broadband infrastructure improvements in three parts of the county. The work will be completed at a combined cost of approximately $1.6 million with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University celebrated the accomplishments of Mountaineer students with their winter commencement. Ceremonies were hosted at the Coliseum on Saturday, where two separate commencements were hosted for WVU’s twelve colleges, with just over 1,200 graduates participating. Mountaineers and their families celebrated the occasion with WVU President E. Gordon Gee was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The American Red Cross wants to encourage residents to take part in an opportunity to save someone’s life. Blood drives will be hosted on Monday and on Tuesday, Christmas Eve, in the Morgantown area that will be hosted by the Allegheny Highland Chapter of the American Red Cross. Executive Director Jason Keeling…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown area Salvation Army is out around town to encourage donations supporting the community. Volunteers will be placed at the front of area grocery stores and big box stores around the Morgantown area from Monday through Christmas Eve as they try to garner donations as part of the well-known Red Kettle…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain Line Transit Authority announced that their service will have adjusted hours during the holiday season. According to a press release, Mountain Line buses will shut down service on Tuesday, December 24 after 6:00 p.m. with the final runs leaving Pifer Terminal at 5:00 p.m. There will be no bus service…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Salvation Army has kicked their holiday activities into overdrive. Over 100 volunteers from across North Central West Virginia have joined to help collect donations and give out some holiday cheer as part of their annual Angel Tree campaign. Captain Dennis Smith of the Morgantown area chapter of the Salvation Army…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will hold commencement this weekend (Dec. 21) in the Coliseum. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Director of University Events Kelly Flanagan said the in-person crowds have grown post-pandemic to the point the ceremonies need to be spaced out to accommodate traffic. The PRT will be closed. “Last year…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The Westover VFW Post 9916 will receive some help from the state to address repairs to their aging building. Monongalia County State Senator Mike Oliverio announced that the West Virginia Local Economic Development Assistance Grant Fund awarded $6,000 to help renovate parts of the VFW’s Holland Avenue headquarters in Westover. Oliveiro formally…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monday standoff at the Cranston & Edwards Law office standoff will get additional scrutiny, according to U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Bill Ihlenfeld. On Monday, Jeremy Harp went to the law office to make a statement regarding a recent case handled by the firm in which his…
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — Officials from West Virginia University report the fire at the WVU J.W. Ruby Research Farm near Reedsville in Preston County originated in a piece of equipment that was parked in one of the exterior stalls of the horse barn. The fire spread to the barn and caused an estimated $1,000,000 in damage.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School standout punter Jimmy Gregg has used his trade to raise a record amount of money for Kohl’s Champions benefits Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF). “We have been so honored to have Jimmy be a part of the Kohl’s Champions program this year,” said Daniel Silvernail, Community Engagement Coordinator for…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown appears ready to have future city firefighters and police officers placed into the state municipal pension plan. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the first reading of ordinances that would move newly hired first responders to the Municipal Police Officers and Firefighters Retirement System during their regular meeting…
GRANVILLE, W.VA. –– After a delay of more than 18 months, work on two stoplights in the University Town Centre area has begun. The poles were the latest item to bedevil the project. Mayor Patty Lewis said the poles arrived ahead of schedule, and Lost Creek-based Specialty Group Inc. (SGI) has started work on top…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The State School Building Authority has awarded Monongalia County Schools nearly $17 million for a new Suncrest Middle School. Monongalia County Schools received $16,982,966 to construct the proposed new Suncrest Middle School. The project will receive $11,400,437 in this cycle and another $5,582,529 in Fiscal Year 2026. “We applied for $17 million…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Elkins resident has entered a guilty plea to methamphetamine possession and and distribution in federal court. William Durnal, 60, was operating as part of a distribution network that supplied large amounts methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to the Morgantown area. Officers also found hundres of grams of methamphetamine in separate investigation in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — No injuries were reported in a more than five hour standoff at the Cranston & Edwards Law office in Morgantown Monday. Jeremy Harp came to the office Monday to provide a statement regarding his brother Christopher’s April2024 conviction for multiple counts of receiving child pornography. Once Harp provided that statement he produced…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple agencies responded to a standoff at the Cranston Edwards Law office on Dorsey Avenue in Morgantown Monday. Dispatchers at MECCA 911 confirm a call was received at 12:28 p.m. about a male subject who was not an employee and had a gun. As employees exited, officers from the Monongalia Sheriffs Department,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont couple is facing multiple charges after being accused of keeping a child in a dog kennel and using a taser as punishment for bedwetting. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged Franklin Ours, 60, and Sonya Daugherty, 54, with child abuse creating risk of injury, and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect charged with first degree murder in the disappearance of Kimberly Osborne has waived his preliminary hearing. Court documents said there was a text message exchange between Joseph Nevera, 51, of Morgantown, and Osborne on the day she went missing, May 12 that acknowledged she was in a relationship with another…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Multiple agencies are on the scene of a standoff at the Cranston Edwards Law office on Dorsey Avenue in Morgantown. The incident began at 12:28 p.m., according to dispatchers at MECCA 911. Dorsey Avenue is blocked in both directions on either side of the law office as the situation unfolds. No other…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker reflected on the process that resulted in the return of Rich Rodriguez to coach the Mountaineers. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Baker said everyone had an opinion about the former coach and how he left to take the head coaching job in Michigan.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va — An employee of the Rosa Spa has been arrested after police said she sexually assaulted a woman during a massage Saturday. Xiaofang Huang, 39, was working around 12:30 p.m. when the victim came in to the Fort Pierpont Drive location and requested a massage. The victim said the sexual assault continued for…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — A Westover resident has been charged after police found an electronic device he owns that contained images portraying sexual violence against children. Police started an investigation into Justin Weston, 41, in March when they seized the devices from a residence on Parkview Drive. A review of those devices uncovered six images of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will consider the appointment of an acting city manager and an increase in fire fees Tuesday. After notifying the city council he would retire in September, City Manager Kim Haws set his final day of work as December 20, 2024. Since Assistant City Manager Emily Muzzarelli is preparing to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Projects in Monongalia County funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will receive extensions for completion. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved Period of Performance extensions for infrastructure projects involving the Little Creek Public Service District, the Ministers Run Water Association, the Clay Battelle Public Service District, and the Monongahela…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police has issued a campus warning after a burglary was reported near the downtown Morgantown campus. The burglary was reported on Saturday, December 14 after one of two unidentified suspects entered into a Belmar Avenue residence through an unlocked basement window. Photos have been released by WVU Police and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are considering a change in employment conditions for contract security officers working for the school district. If approved, the plan could be put into action for the beginning of the 2025 spring semester. During a work session with commissioners, Director of Safe Schools and Athletics for Monongalia County…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown Mayor, M. Joseph Abu-Ghannam has been named one of the inaugural recipients of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Centennial Under 40 Impact Award. The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of elected officials under the age of 40 from NLC member cities, towns and villages. The winners were chosen from…
WESTOVER, W.Va. –– The City of Westover is ready to celebrate the holidays with their 1st Annual Westover Winterfest. The festivities will take place at the Westover VFW on Sunday, December 15, starting at 3:00 p.m., where Morgantown area residents are encouraged to stop by and enjoy a variety of Christmas-themed activities. This will vary…
REEDSVILLE, W.Va. — A fire was reported Friday afternoon at one of the West Virginia University Equine Studies barns in Reedsville. Officials said there were no horses, students, or staff in the building and no damage estimate is available. The barn is an older structure behind the indoor arena. The cause is under investigation.
LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — A Lewis County man has been charged with child abuse causing risk of serious bodily injury after causing possibly permanent injuries to a four-month-old child. The investigation began December 6 when the child was brought to Ruby Memorial Hospital with multiple injuries. The four-month-old was being treated for a brain bleed,…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Michigan resident has been sentenced to nearly six years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Drake D. Dodson-Williams, 33, of Southgate, Michigan, was sentenced to 70 months (5.8 years) after officers seuzed cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and cash during a traffic stop in Harrison County. Dodson-Williams has…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Two Monongalia County schools have been honored by the West Virginia Department of Health for their performance in the Inaugural West Virginia Healthy Habits Schools Contest. North Elementary School and Brookhaven Elementary School were top performers statewide in the competition that recognizes innovative efforts to promote student health and wellness. North Elementary…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines, begins service to Washington D.C. and Chicago Friday from the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW). On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country CVB and member of the local selection committee Susan Riddle said there will be 12 nonstop flights per week,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University alumni are ready to travel to Texas to support the Mountaineers during the Scooter’s Coffee Frisco Bowl. The WVU Alumni Association will team with the Mountaineer Athletic Club to host a Mountaineer Meetup that will take place on Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. central time, shortly ahead of the start…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The arrival of winter weather in the Morgantown area has prompted the warming shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope to open early. The Grace Shelter opened a few days ahead of its scheduled December 16 start date, where seven unsheltered individuals were able to avoid below-freezing temperatures that arrived on Wednesday. Shelter…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has released the final report regarding a fatal accident at the Arch Coal Leer Mining Complex in August. William Crandall, 57, was struck in the head in an accident on August 5 and passed away from his injuries on August 7. According to the final…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown area nonprofits with focuses on veterans and addiction treatment will team up to host their first-ever Winter Wonderland Ugly Sweater Bash. Aspire Services Center and Lauren’s Wish will host the bash on Thursday, December 12, at Tuscan Ridge on Stewartstown Road starting at 6 p.m. CEO for Aspire Services Hub Coordinator…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission has approved the letter of support for the Living in Good Health Together (LIGHT) program. Commission President Sean Sikora said they want to do what they can to improve the numbers and help people get to treatment. Ultimately, they want people to have access to the services…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been accused of sending sexually explicit material to minors using multiple accounts over the internet. During 2024, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received reports from MediaLab and Kik that their services were being used by Brandon Britner, 29, of Morgantown, to transmit sexual material involving…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council and members of the police and fire departments are working through options to fund pension plans for first responders at a rate the city will be able to afford. The city met with members each pension board Tuesday night to hear options to deal with an unfunded pension amount…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) announced that state approval has been granted for upgrades at the Cheat Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty reported during their regular meeting Tuesday that the West Virginia Water Development Authority approved the bond closing for the approximately $46 million project. McNulty expressed excitement…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — The Shinnston Police Department is searching for a subject considered to be dangerous wanted for a state parole violation after a pursuit Tuesday morning. Timothy James Lasure, 47, was last seen after fleeing from police on Saltwell Road around 9 a.m. Tuesday. In addition to state parole warrants, officials in Shinnston said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The “Pride of West Virginia” will bring their ensemble inside the Coliseum for a special performance Wednesday night. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Cheldon Williams said “Keynotes” will be a highlight reel of favorite performances from home game performances during football season. Each instrument section and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After more than 25 years of service in Morgantown, Municipal Court Judge Stephen G. Higgins has announced his decision to retire at the end of the year. “It has been an honor to serve this city and its citizens,” said Higgins in a letter provided to city leadership. “I have always endeavored…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways and crews from Triton Construction, Inc., repaired a hole in the I-79 southbound bridge deck in southern Monongalia County in less than 24 hours. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chief Engineer of Operations for the DOH Joe Pack said the hole occurred in a section…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordean said recent rains have brought the state out of exceptional and extreme drought conditions. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Nordean said combined rain totals for November (3.81 in the Morgantown area) and December (0.78 so far in the Morgantown area) have toned down some of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Luxury Laurel Highlands resort Nemacolin has opened the Hospitality and Innovation Lab at West Virginia University. Managing Director Dustin Dent said the commitment made by the Hardy family established a quality training facility with a direct interface to the industry. “It’s a testament to the Hardy family’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) filed an injunction with the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA) to stop facilities closures announced by the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). Thursday, the FBOP announced the deactivation of camps in Morgantown and five other states, plus the permanent closure of Federal Correctional…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways has announced plans toclose one lane of the Third Street Bridge (David Morgan Memorial Bridge) next for inspection. Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. crews will maintain one lane of traffic through the bridge while inspectors examine the structure.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways (DOH) reports right-of-way acquisition for the new bridge to cross the Monongahela River to serve the Morgantown Industrial Park is going as planned and the project is expected to start in the spring. St. Albans-based Triton Construction, Inc. was awarded the project for a contract price of…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — The Bruceton Mills Lions Club wants to celebrate the holiday season with members of the community. The 7th Annual Christmas Homecoming Lighted Parade and Celebration will take place on Saturday, December 7, starting at 2 p.m. at the Bruceton School as part of a community-wide celebration. Bruceton Mills Lions Club Treasurer…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been arrested and charged in connection with human remains found off Little Indian Creek Road November 16. The remains have been identified as Kimberly Osbourne, 47, of Morgantown who was last seen on Mother’s Day in the River Road area of the Monongalia County. Joseph Nevera, 51,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the West Virginia University community joined together outside of Oglebay Hall on a cold Friday morning to pay their respects to those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. The WVU Center for Veteran, Military, and Family Programs, along with veterans who served in foreign conflicts spanning the course…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department has released surveillance images from the November 30 robbery of Von Blaze on Wall Street in downtown. The suspect is accused of taking the cash register and damaging ortaking several other unidentified items. Anyone who may recognize the suspects in the photos is asked to contact detectives at…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The remains recently found in a shallow grave off Little Indian Creek Road November 16 have been identified as Kimberly Osbourne, 47, of Morgantown. Police and the family have been seeking tips about Osbourne since she was last seen on Mother’s Day in the River Road area. Preliminary identification is based…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A Bridgeport resident faces two felonies after a standoff with multiple agencies early Thursday. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call around 3:22 a.m. on Sunnybrook Lane. When police arrived a man later identified as Morgan Knapp, 40, barricaded himself in a building. Residents at the…
WHEELING, W.Va. –– A federal judge has accepted a plea deal from a former Buckhannon elected official accused in a child pornography investigation. David McCauley, 66, who served as the mayor and on the city council, entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography; in exchange, the prosecution has agreed to…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. — I-68 eastbound in the Hazelton area was closed for more than four hours during the Thursday morning commute. “There was a tractor-trailer that couldn’t climb the hill from Hazelton to the Maryland state line, went sideways, and caught everybody up behind it,” Deputy J.G. Rodeheaver said. Deputy Rodeheaver said there were…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Police in Fairmont have arrested a 34-year old male and accused him of putting a 9-year old in a choke hold. Police allege Matthew Hammons, 34, restrained the 9-year old, who is affected by a mental condition that causes erratic behavior in a choke hold when he lost his temper. While Hammons…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– After nearly 40 years of municipal service, Morgantown City Manager Kim Haws has announced he’ll retire officially on December 20, 2024. “We wish Kim and his family the best as he welcomes this new chapter of his life,” said Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam. “Being a city manager isn’t for the faint of heart.…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — A Connecticut man arrested for a cold-case sexual assault in Monongalia County has been extradited to West Virginia to face charges. Tyron Walker, 50, has been charged with second-degree sexual assault and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 bond. A 23-year-old woman reported a sexual assault…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The City of Morgantown has officially named Gary Freshour as the next Fire Chief of the Morgantown Fire Department (MFD). The follows the retirement of both Chief Eugene Deem and Interim Chief John Lemley. “I am honored to be the new Fire Chief of the Morgantown Fire Department,” said Freshour. “I feel…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are considering a contingency plan for trash and recycling services, received an update on new traffic lights in Granville, and heard an update on the campaign against blight. Monongalia County Litter Control Officer Alex Hall expressed concern about the contract negotiations underway between the city of Morgantown and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Councilors met with state lawmakers Tuesday evening to present three priorities for the upcoming legislative year. The priorities discussed were traffic cameras used to cite certain traffic violations, improved road maintenance, and help identifying funding sources for the Morgantown Municipal Airport runway extension project. Council asked for changes to state…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Morgantown City Council will meet with leaders of the city firefighters and police pension boards to contemplate moves to address fully funding both plans. The council agreed to meet with members of both pension boards during their regular meeting Tuesday as part of the placement of a multi-layered plan…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia veteran and former prisoner of war Jessica Lynch made an appearance at West Virginia University to discuss her experience and life back home. The Wirt County native and WVU alumnus addressed a near full capacity crowd at the Gluck Theatre, where she was joined by retired U.S. Army Major George…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council announced new leadership for the fire department and tabled action on an increase in trash fees and changing a street to one-way. Following the retirement of Morgantown Fire Chief Eugene Deem after 31 years of service in June, Gary Freshour was named the next chief of the department. Chuck…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont man found guilty in the beating murder of a Detroit resident has been sentenced to more than 85 years in prison. Marion County Circuit Court Judge Patrick Wilson sentenced Naquan Warren to life in prison for first degree murder, 70 years for first degree robbery, 1 to 15 years for…
WESTON, W.Va.-– A Weston woman was arrested and charged with child neglect Monday after responding to a report of a potential domestic violence report. Deputies with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said the Arnold Street home of Heather Horner, 38, was deplorable and four juveniles were living in it. In the kitchen, deputies found animal…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An inmate at the Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton has been sentenced to 36 months for stabbing another inmate. Sean Robin Howard, 22, pled guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and said the attack was the result of a verbal altercation. The inmate was treated at a…
MARION COUNTY, WV – The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced plans for night restrictions on I-79 in Marion County for lighting work. Work operations are planned from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. on northbound I-79 from Tuesday, Dec. 3 through Thursday, December 5 between exit 132 and exit 135 for Pritchard Signal and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown city council will hold a pair of meetings Tuesday night in City Hall on Spruce Street. At 5:30 p.m. councilors will meet with state lawmakers about legislative priorities and the regular December meeting is set to gavel in at 7 p.m.in City Council Chambers. Last year during the meeting with lawmakers,…
RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. — State police in Randolph County have charged a woman with two counts of malicious assault and fleeing with reckless indifference following a weekend pursuit Wednesday. Troopers tried to stop Ashley Welch, 32, for an expired registration sticker on Route 15 when she failed to comply. When troopers activated lights and sirens,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department is investigating a break-in at Von Blaze on Wall Street in downtown. The owners of the business said the cash till and several other items were taken or damaged at 3:30 a.m. Saturday. The owners made the following post on social media: Despite this setback, we’re working hard…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The Harrison County Commission will move forward with the purchase of a 20-foot, commercial-grade, reusable Christmas tree. The purchase was approved in a 2-1 vote as part of the commission’s regular meeting last week with the use of gambling funds raised at local hot spots. Harrison County Commissioner Patsy Trecost was among…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University School of Dentistry is set to receive a multi-million dollar expansion. The United States Department of Health and Human Services has awarded the school $12.6 million for a 50,000-square-foot renovation and expansion project. Dean of the Dentistry School Dr. Stephen Pachuta is excited for the start of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Shoppers and scammers will dominate the retail landscape of the worldwide web for the next few days, taking advantage of initial offers retailers hope will encourage consumers to open their wallets. Statistics from the National Retail Federation say Cyber has topped Black Friday in sales since 2019, with 2020 being the top…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Downtown Morgantown businesses are ready to welcome holiday shoppers for Small Business Saturday. Main Street Morgantown will team with local businesses and independent vendors to host what is being called ‘Small Business Saturday 2024: A Celebration of Small & Local’ on High Street starting Saturday at 11 a.m. Executive Director for Main…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A potential rate increase involving the Mountaineer Transfer Station is now on the agenda for the Morgantown City Council. An ordinance that would approve an increase of a waste deposit tariff from $61.25 per ton to $81.25 per ton by Republic Services subsidiary Allied Waste LLC was moved to the agenda after…
BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. — A crash Thandksgiving morning left about 100 without power in the Blacksville area. The accident was reported on Mason Dixon Highway between Kings Run and Days Run Roads at 6:50 a.m. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is listed as the investigating the accident. No details have been released. As of 11 a.m.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Thousands of Thanksgiving meals are being served across Monongalia County for those in need over the holiday weekend. On Thanksgiving Day from 2 to 4 p.m., the Salvation Army will offer a free meal at the Hope Cafe inside Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue, and veterans in need can get…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Students from University High School have teamed up with students from neighboring schools to help those with food insecurity during the holiday season. The University High Future Farmers of America (FFA) joined fellow students from Monongalia and Preston counties in the making of Thanksgiving-themed giveaway baskets to be given to less fortunate…
WHEELING, W.Va. – The former Buckhannon city councilman facing federal child pornography charges is scheduled for a plea hearing on December 5. David McCauley, 66, has been charged with two counts of production of child pornography and one count of felony possession of child pornography. In exchange for a guilty plea to felony possession of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– West Virginia University Police have issued a Campus Warning following burglary and larceny reports on and near the Downtown campus. In two incidents — one at Morgan House, 660 North High St., and one at Phi Kappa Tau, 692 North High St. — the suspect entered through unlocked windows. At least one…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The pension plans for Morgantown firefighters and police officers are now under consideration to be moved under the state-funded plan. The Morgantown City Council will consider a change to the respective pension plans towards the State Municipal Plan in response to potential financial windfalls related to city contributions to the plan. This…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The weather so far in the month of November is helping north-central West Virginia recover from the continuing drought. Since July, rainfall has been sparse, sending most of the region into severe drought status. Statewide, dry conditions have resulted in more than 450 fires that damaged over 15,000 acres, and low water…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Scott’s Run Settlement House has begun food distributions for North Central West Virginia residents for the Thanksgiving holiday. Over 1,900 residents will be served with a combination of food and gift card donations as part of the Scott’s Run Settlement House annual Thanksgiving food giveaway. Program Director Michael Richard announced that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Travel industry experts are predicting the busiest Thanksgiving travel holiday ever, with 80 million people traveling more than 50 miles over the weekend. On WAJR’S “Talk of the Town, spokesman for the auto club and insurance company, Jim Garrity, said many are planning to take a trip, and many will take the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain Line Transit Authority is on schedule to resume fare collections on the Route 50 Don Knotts line with some caveats. Mountain Line CEO Maria Smith offered an update on WAJR’s Talk of the Town Monday, where she discussed the December 1st timeline for the resumption of fare collections on the…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One of the six men arrested in the 2022 Pagan Motorcycle Club murder of Henry Silver in Marion County has been found guilty on two charges but not murder. After five hours of deliberation, Dane Hull, 29, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit a felony and possession of a firearm in commission…
GRANT TOWN, W.Va. — A Marion County couple has been charged after an investigation into suspected child abuse was conducted by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. On May 18, deputies received a report of potential child abuse from Grant Town and began their investigation. One of the three juveniles in the home told police Samantha…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown has announced plans to extend the Safe Streets Initiative by 8 weeks that was implemented in August of 2024. Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell said in the initial 12 weeks of the program police officers in Morgantown made 42 arrests and issued 58 criminal citations. The arrests included…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two prominent members of the West Virginia community will work in tandem to support the United Way of Mon and Preston County’s 2025 capital campaign. West Virginia University Health Sciences Executive Dean Dr. Clay Marsh and retired West Virginia National Guard Major General Jim Hoyer will co-chair what is called the United…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Donors are supporting West Virginia University at record levels, increasing the money they are able to dedicate to scholarships. health care, and fulfilling in land grant mission. WVU Foundation President and CEO Cindi Roth said 2024 was a record year for support for the university with more than $282 million pledged. “Our…
MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission (PSC) has granted a pair of extensions to two Longview Power subsidiaries to start and complete construction of a combined-cycle gas-fired power plant and solar array on the grounds of the existing site of the Longview coal-fired plant. Mountain State Clean Energy and Mountain State Renewables were given…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission has ordered Hope Gas to hold three public meetings to better explain their farm tap proposal. The total area includes 3,000 miles of pipelines that serve 15,000 customers, and the area to be converted impacts 1,000 feet of pipeline and three percent of the customers. The current condition…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Clarksburg resident has admitted to illegally possessing a firearm and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in federal prison. Martin Lynn Queen, 61, was found with a firearm during a traffic stop. When police searched other properties owned by Queen they found addional weapons and ammunition. Queen is…
VAN HORN, TX. — Morgantown native Emily Calandrelli, and host of Emily’s Wonder Lab and Emily’s Science Lab, became the 100th woman to blast off into space. Calandrelli made the flight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard vehicle. Calandrelli was one of six crewmembers on the New Shepard, including Sharon Hagle, founder of SpaceKids Global; Marc…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The West Virginia University Foundation has added a senior-level executive with nearly 20 years of experience in both health care and higher education fundraising at Rutgers, Villanova and Penn to serve as new senior vice president of development and chief development officer. William J. “Will” Green will begin service Jan. 6, according…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Professional Charter School Board has given their authorization to the Wisdom Academy. The Wisdom Academy will serve up to 100 students and operate from the former headquarters of Monongalia County Schools on South High Street. Executive Director of the state Professional Charter School Board James Paul told board members…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — North central West Virginia is in the path of the first winter weather event for the 2024-25 season that could result in a few inches of snow in the Morgantown area and a lot more in the mountainous areas. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordean said a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The closure of two Preston County schools now lies in the hands of the West Virginia Department of Education. The Preston County Board of Education approved the closure of Fellowsville Elementary School and the Rowlesburg School in a 3-2 vote as a result of rising costs to keep the schools open. Preston…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The camping ban on public property in the City of Morgantown will now go to ballot for the people to decide in April of 2025. In another contentious decision that included close to an hour of public comments, the Morgantown City Council voted to not rescind the previously passed camping ban in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– There will be a warming shelter for Monongalia County residents operated by Catholic Charities West Virginia (CCWV) and funded by the Monongalia County Commission and the City of Morgantown this year. The shelter will have a capacity of around 20 and operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. from December 15 through March…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Clarksburg resident has been sentenced to more than 17 years in federal for the distribution of methamphetamine. Police said Jack F. Gibbins, 47, had a criminal history involving domestic battery, escape from custody, violation of a protective order, and drug trafficking when he fled on a motorcycle from an attempted traffic…
WESTON, W.Va. — A former minister and his wife have been accused more than 60 cases sexual abuse and assault in Lewis County that date back 20 years. In October, a state police investigation into sexual misconduct in Nicholas County by John Radcilff, 57, uncovered the possibility of other evidence in claims that he sexually…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va –– More than 100 people attended the Public Employees Insurance Finance Board meeting at the Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown Tuesday night. Prior to the meeting, members of AFT West Virginia, the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA), and the United Mine Workers of America held a brief protest that included remarks from WVEA…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Officials in Monongalia County are investigating a report of human remains found in a shallow grave on Little Indian Creek Road Friday. Detectives with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department, members of the FBI Evidence Recovery Team, and a Forensic Anthropology team from Mercyhurst University secured the remains near the intersection of…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been charged with malicious assault in connection with a stabbing in Fairmont Monday. Fairmont police said John Parker, 61, was involved in a physical altercation on Locust Street and chased the victim down the street and stabbed him in the collarbone area and neck area. The victim was…
SALEM, W.Va. –– West Virginia State Police have arrested a 44-year old suspect in an arson on Salem Long Road on Nov. 13. Troopers were informed of the fire and told a subject that had been seen inside the home was fleeing the scene and claiming responsibility for the fire. The person who reported the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown made an arrested after an assault at a Willey Street apartment Friday. A resident at the apartment told police David Tustin, 28, on Morgantown, hit him in the head with a pipe during an altercation. Police reported the victim had an injury to the head and a cut on…
SALEM, W.Va. — Clean Water Act (CWA) violations will cost the city of Salem $25,000, according to a Consent Agreement and Final Order from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Among other violations, the city is accused of failing to comply with the effluent limits contained in its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A 25-year-old South Carolina woman is behind bars after fleeing from law enforcement with unrestrained children and suspected fentanyl all over the floorboard of the car she was driving. Ashlee Alexandra White was traveling through the area with three unrestrained children when she allegedly ran out of gas around 11 a.m. Sunday.…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State lawmakers are considering options for the operation of the seven state-run health care facilities. On MetroNews “Talkline,” House Speaker Roger Hanshaw, R, Clay, 62, and Senator-elect Joey Garcia, D, Marion, 13, shared their thoughts on where the process might end up. The state is working with Lument Securities LLC, an advisor…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountain Line Transit Authority will resume the collection of fares on the Route 50 Don Knotts. Mountain Line CEO Maria Smith announced that the resumption of fares will begin on December 1st that will coincide with the establishment of two new rider-friendly programs. This comes after months of negotiations with public…
HARRISON COUNTY, WV – The state Department of Highways plans to close a lane of I-79 on the northbound and southbound side beginning Monday in Harrison County. Crews will perform a bridge inspection during the day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. beginning Monday, November 18, 2024 through Thursday, November 21, 2024. Watch for workers…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– A Morgantown businessman has been named as West Virginia’s only Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army (CASA). Frank Vitale has been appointed as the West Virginia CASA by the 25th Secretary of the Army, Christine Wormuth, where he will help commanders at various levels build on relationships with the public.…
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — Sunday marks the 56th anniversary of the Farmington No. 9 Mine tragedy in Marion County that claimed the lives of 78 coal miners. The event will be held at the Farmington #9 Memorial site off Route 250 in Mannington at 1 p.m. On November 20, 1968, 78 miners were killed in a…
FARMINGTON, W.Va. — The United Mine Workers of American (UMWA) will observe the 56th anniversary of the Farmington #9 memorial service Sunday. The event will be held at the Farmington #9 Memorial site off Route 250 in Mannington at 1 p.m. On November 20, 1968, 78 miners were killed in an explosion and fire at…
PARSONS, W.Va. — The man accused of shooting and killing his brother over a land dispute has been sentenced to life in prison. A jury deliberated for about 30 minutes in October before convicting Robert Tennant of first degree murder. The jury also recommended no mercy for Tennant. Tennant shot his brother in April of…
MILL CREEK, W.Va. — A Randolph County student has been arrested after bring firearm to school, according to Superintendent Shawn Dilly. The unidentified student was arrested Thursday evening after students made the report to officials at the Tygart Valley Middle/High School. Dily released the following statement to the community: We are deeply grateful to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposed civilian complaint form related to the Morgantown Police Department will include opportunities to compliment interactions with officers. The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board unanimously agreed to move forward on the adjustments made to the proposed form, which include a combination of language clarity as well as the addition…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has ordered all United States and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and state-owned facilities in Taylor County to half-staff from Friday, November 15, 2024, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of United States Army Corporal Howard Godwin, Jr. Corporal Godwin Jr. of Grafton enlisted in…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have arrested a pair from Morgantown in connection with theft from mailboxes and fraud. Detectives say Jason Pancoast, 31, and Ashley Hoskins, 34, both of Morgantown, are accused of taking checks from mailboxes, increasing the amounts, and using the mobile deposit feature to slip…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have asked the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness (WVCEH) to conduct an investigation into operations at the Rainbow House after receiving a letter alleging serious issues at the facility. The Rainbow House is open to all but prioritizes members of the LGBTQ community and received a $250,000…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown have made two arrests following assaults in downtown. Samuel Woart, 25, of Morgantown, has been charged with malicious assault. Phillip Jean-Louis, 30, of Medford, Massachusetts, has been charged with attempted murder. On Nov. 1, police said a victim was attacked on Walnut Street in the early morning hours with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Fire Marshal in Morgantown is investigating the cause of a two acre fire off Forest Avenue. Firefighters responded after multiple reports of smoke in the area and found the fire at the end of Forest Avenue. After a second alarm was initiated, all on-duty personnel, including the Fire Marshals division, were…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have formally responded following an affirmative vote in Sept. by employees in the Assessor’s Office to be represented by the United Mine Workers of “West Virginia law in turn does not recognize the right of public employees to go on strike or be represented by a union for…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The second person involved in a Fairmont drug-related killing has entered a guilty plea and faces the possibility of life in prison. Zeighshawn Meade, 20, admitted to shooting Clayotn Peck, of Frostburg, Maryland, in March of 2023 at the Fairmont Hills Apartment complex during a transaction involving marijuana. Meade has been charged…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Residents in the Popenoe Run area have been infiltrated by engineers, construction companies, and laborers with the long-awaited start of drainage improvements. The project is funded by the city of Morgantown, the Monongalia County Commission, and the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB). The events resulted in a $40,000 contract with Strand Associates to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education has finalized the purchase of the future site of Suncrest Middle School. The land purchase agreement between the Monongalia County School System and West Virginia University was approved unanimously by the BOE, which accounts for just under 17 acres of land at the cost of $4…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After business hours Tuesday the city clerk of Morgantown officially deemed an amended petition for referendum sufficient in regard to a recent ordinance regulating camping on public property. This petition includes the required number of valid signatures from at least 10 percent of the total number of qualified voters registered during the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Bids for the multi-million dollar upgrade of the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant have been negotiated, and the project is expected to get underway soon. The project went out for bid when the market was flooded with federal relief dollars for utility upgrade projects, and General Manager…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Canvassing in Monongalia County resulted in a deduction of 341 provisional ballots and 9 absentee ballots received after the election. Clerk Carye Blaney said more than 75 percent of the ballots not counted was due to improper or no voter registration at all. A provisional ballot is one cast under protest and…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont woman has been charged with neglect after doctors reported injuries consistent with abuse that left an infant blind in one eye. The investigation started on Sept. 30 when officers from the Fairmont Police Department received information from Child Protective Services (CPS) that a 3 year old had been treated at…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– A Philadelphia man has admitted to his role in a drug operation that sent quantities of dangerous drugs to the area and could be sentenced to up to 20 years in federal prison. Rodney Johnson, 47, admitted to supplying large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine to North Central West Virginia. Court…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police are investigating a Monday crash on I-79 southbound involving two tractor-trailers and a passenger car. The accident was reported at mile marker 151 around 3 p.m. and the Mon County Hazmat Team was called to the scene due to a spill of fuel and coolant. The interstate…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor-elect Patrick Morrisey will provide a gubernatorial transition update Tuesday from the Attorney General’s Library in Charleston. “We want to make West Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family,” Morrisey said. “We want freedom to reign across West Virginia, drive up our standard of living, and advance educational…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Republican Joe Statler, R, Monongalia, 77, was unopposed in the Tuesday election, but watched the race for governor unfold to begin to understand what the legislative session could be like. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Statler said first he believes Morrisey will be at the Capitol frequently talking to lawmakers. He…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – With the 2024 general election over, a campaign to be the next Senate president is underway within the West Virginia Senate. Several names have been mentioned as possible replacements for outgoing Senate President Craig Blair (R-Jefferson), who lost a primary challenge in May. Senate Majority Leader Tom Takubo and Finance Committee Chair…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The worry and concern at the Marion County Humane Society were replaced with cheers when staff learned their levy had passed after a previous version failed in May. The levy needed 60-percent voter-approval and ended on election night .28 percent over that threshold. Shelter Director Jonna Spatafore said the wait since May…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University welcomed students and members of the community to celebrate the 32nd annual Peace Tree Ceremony. The Native American Studies Program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences hosted the ceremony inside the Mountainlair’s Gluck Theatre on Wednesday, where seasoned American Indian cultural and historical interpreter Kody Grant was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown City Council will move forward with four changes to the city charter out of five that were up for a second reading vote during their regular meeting Wednesday. Charter changes related to the expansion of the requirements for the number of councilors required to call for a special meeting, the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — After some tense debate, Morgantown City Council rejected the recently produced report from the Ward and Boundary Commission by a 4 to 3 vote. Mayor Joe Abu Ghannam, Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin, Second Ward Councilor Bill Kawecki, and Third Ward Councilor Weez Michael voted to reject the proposal, while Fifth Ward Danielle…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — A 30-year-old Star City woman has been arrested after a stabbing incident. Star City police allege Mykayla White stabbed a male through the hand with a serrated knife. Police said the two were arguing when White stabbed the man. Police said the victim also appeared to have wounds to his face…
BUCKHANNON, W. Va. — The Buckhannon Police Department arrested a suspected drunk driver in a crash that killed one person over the weekend. Police arrived at the scene in Liggett Addition off Route 33 and learned from a witness that Joshua Foster, 33, of West Milford, crashed into another vehicle around 3 a.m. and fled…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission and Mon Health Systems are in negotiations for the sale of the former MECCA 911 facility at 74 Mon General Drive. Mon General Hospital deeded the property to the Monongalia County Building Commission for the purpose of a new 911 center in 1996. The building commission built the…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The proposed Preston County Board of Education Levy has once again been rejected by county voters. Unofficial results from 28 precincts reported for the 2024 General Election showed that 7,788 Preston County voters cast ballots against the levy, accounting for approximately 56.39 percent of the county votes. The proposed levy, which would…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. –The race for Preston County Sheriff has been called in favor of Republican candidate Scott Spiker. Unofficial results from the 28 reported precincts in the 2024 general election have Spiker winning with 8,257 votes, defeating independent candidate Jim Fields, who had 5,317 votes. Spiker, a law enforcement veteran of close to 30 years…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Democratic candidate for Sheriff of Monongalia County Todd Forbes was elected Tuesday, beating out Republican candidate Jason Morgan. A first-time candidate, Forbes received 21,338 votes, compared to Morgan’s 18,375 votes. Forbes’ predecessor, current Sheriff Perry Palmer, reached his term limit this year after serving since 2017. Forbes previously served as a deputy…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 2024 general election in Monongalia County generated 41,749 ballots totaling a voter turnout of 63.9 percent. In the 2020 general election 42,503 ballots were cast from a possible total number of registered voters of 74,516 equaling a voter turnout of 57.04 percent. The 2024 turnout percentage was calculated with a total…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Democrat Tom Bloom won a third term on the Monongalia County Commission over Republican challenger Maryann Folz. Bloom received 21,477 votes compared to 18,128 for Folz. “I’m really pleased to be honored that I was elected for a third six-year term because it is very difficult to do,” Bloom said. “I’m thrilled…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – To win the open seat in the House of Delegates 82nd District, David McCormick had to run against two opponents. The first was the Democrat on the ballot, Bill Reger-Nash. The other, was the candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, by the same name. “That was a head-scratcher. No one saw that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – One of the few Democrats in the House of Delegates has been re-elected in Monongalia County. John Williams fended off a challenge from Republican Summer Hartley. Williams earned 3,261 votes to Hartley’s 2,292 votes. “It was a lot of work and I think people deserve campaigns where candidates put in a lot…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Republican Geno Chiarelli was re-elected to the House of Delegates for a second term. Chiarelli defeated a challenge from Democrat Diane Market Gaston 4,624 votes to 3,675 votes. Chiarelli is confident his message resonated with voters in the district. “I really want to focus on the quality of life in Morgantown. I…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Three Monongalia County delegates who were uncontested in their re-election bids are headed back to serve another two years in Charleston. Republican Joe Statler was re-elected to serve in the 77th District. He served in the House between 2014 and 2018 before falling short in the multi-member district in 2018. Statler was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Democrat Mark Musick has won a fourth term as Monongalia County Assessor over Republican Rich Jacobs. Initial results said Musick earned 24,059 votes while Jacobs ended with 15,598. Musick said for the last ten years his office and staff have treated everyday like a contested election year. During that time Music has…
VALLEY POINT, W.Va. — Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department made an arrest in a domestic incident that injured one Tuesday. Deputies said Jason Larman, 47, struck his wife multiple times in the head with a dog bowl, then set the recliner she was sitting in on fire. Larman has previous felony convictions and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In Monongalia County, polling locations have operated without many issues on Election Day. Clerk Carye Balney said the biggest recurring issue is the number of provisional ballots that have been required for this election. That number is expected to increase with voter turnout, and voter turnout numbers are nearing record territory. “We’ve got…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Michigan resident involved in an ongoing drug conspiracy in the Morgantown area has been sentenced to serve nearly 13 years in federal prison. Acording to court documents, Shakur Jones, 25, of Detroit, was a supplier of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl in Monongalia County. Police were able to seize a kilogram of…
WESTOVER, W.Va. –– A wanted fugitive used chairs to thwart his capture at the Morgantown Mall. Westover police were called to the mall on Oct. 31 on a report a fugitive with an outstanding warrant, Barry Dragovich, 46, of Morgantown, had outstanding warrants and was inside the mall. Officers identified Dragovich and observed him to…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — Three former United States Penitentiary Hazelton correctional officers have admitted to their roles in the assault of a prisoner. Robert David Sims, 42, of Bruceton Mills, pled guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Court documents said Sims repeatedly struck him in the face, head, arms, and torso, causing significant…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department is investigating a report of an unprovoked attack in downtown. Friday at 4:20 a.m., the unidentified male was attacked while sitting in a doorway on Walnut Street. Police said two male suspects attacked the victim, one with a blunt object resembling a baseball bat and the second suspect…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va.– A trooper from the Maryland State Police was hurt early Friday in an accident on I-68 near the West Virginia/Maryland state line. At 3:30 a.m., the trooper was completing an oversized load escort and was turning into the emergency crossover. As trooper made the turn, he was hit by a pickup truck.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney and staff are preparing for election day with a recording breaking early voting period in the books. Final early voting turnout reached a new record with 24,227 voters casting ballots. That represents 37 percent total voter turnout prior to election day. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The remains of a Grafton native who went missing during the Korean Conflict have been identified and will be interned later this month. In July of 1950, U.S. Army Corporal Howard Godwin Jr., 22, was reported missing while fighting against the North Korean Army in the Taejon are of South Korea. In…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont man has been sentenced to eight years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Police found Shawn Allen Burns, 46, in possession of a handgun when he was stopped because of an outstanding warrant. Burns is prohibited from having firearms due to prior convictions involving breaking and entering,…
TAYLOR COUNTY, W.Va. — The fatality report from the Mine Safety and Health Administration released Friday said the coal miner from Bruceton Mills suffered fatal injuries when a hook and strap assembly he was working near broke. Colton Walls, 34, suffered a head injury in the Arch Coal Leer Mining Complex Sept. 28 when the…
PINE GROVE, W.Va. — The extended drought has evolved into a dire situation in the Wetzel County community of Pine Grove, sending Valley High School to remote status through Friday. The town gets water from the creeks and streams, but the continued drought has dried them up. Wetzel County Commissioner Carla McBee said after conservation…
CHALRESTON, W.Va. — Former Monongah Police Chief Nathan Lanham was back in front of the state Law Enforcement Professional Standards (LEPS) Subcommittee Thursday, and the case has been continued. Lanham stopped Beth Delloma for an expired registration sticker Aug. 7. The interaction, caught on video, spiraled out of control when Delloma asked for identification and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University will host a special bell-ringing memorial ceremony to pay tribute to students who passed away over the summer. The ceremony will be held on Friday, November 1st, at noon at Oglebay Plaza, where the lives of McKenzie Wilt and Scott Saylor will be remembered by the ringing of the…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — Star City police have arrested a 41-year old resident following an alleged attack with a blunt object. Tuesday, officers were informed Jose Perez used a blunt object and attempted to hit the victim in the face. Perez has been charged with malicious assault and is being held in North Central Regional…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A former Bridgeport High School is awaiting sentencing after admitting to having a sexual relationship with a student. Courtney Rankin entered a guilty plea to sexual intrusion or sexual contact against a student by a school employee and faces 1 to 5 years in prison at sentencing. Rankin said she was in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man is facing charges after state police allege he solicited a 15-year old for sex. The investigation began in October when troopers learned Jose Menjivar, 43, had been exchanging messages with a 15-year old from White Hall. Through the messages Menjivar told the female he worked in downtown Morgantown and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 67-year old Morgantown man is facing charges after sexual misconduct was reported to state police involving two people on the autism spectrum, one a juvenile. Oct. 21, troopers were notified when a sexual assault kit and investigation was being performed at WVU Medicine. The victim told troopers on Oct. 20, Donald…
UPDATE 6:25 am: Both northbound and southbound lanes have been reopened. UPDATE 5:42 am: I-79 Northbound has been reopened. Both southbound lanes remain closed. Traffic is still be diverted at the Mount Morris exit. MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Interstate 79 is shutdown in both directions this morning after an overnight tractor-trailer accident. According to 911 officials, a tanker truck…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The opening for the new headquarters of Milan Puskar Health Right appears to have experienced a delay. The move to the soon-to-be new location for the nonprofit on 10 Scott Avenue has been put on hold due to the finalization of a nearby land transaction that has affected utility right-of-way, delaying the…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Preston High School teacher has been arrested and charged after allegedly bring a firearm to the school. Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department allege Adam McMillen, 31, brought the firearm to Preston High School and gave it to one of the students. McMillen has been charged with possessing a weapon…
PROSPERITY, Pa. — SPARKZ, an upstart battery manufacturing company, and the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) celebrated a $9.8 million U.S. Department of Labor grant to start manufacturing operations in West Virginia. By next year, the closed facility in Taylor County outside Bridgeport on U.S. Route 50 is expected to be producing the materials…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A bill to send $2 million to the West Virginia University Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute was in Morgantown by Governor Jim Justice Monday. During the ceremony, Associate Dean of Neuroscience at West Virginia University (WVU) and Executive Chair and Director of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI) Dr. Ali Rezai told the crowd…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — After serving four years as a member of the House of Delegates representing District 76, Democrat Joey Garcia is running for the state senate seat in the 13th District, covering portions of Monongalia and Marion Counties. The seat is currently held by Democrat Mike Caputo, who is not running for reelection. As…
PARSONS, W.Va. — A jury in Tucker County has returned a guilty verdict with no mercy to first degree murder against Robert Tennant in the shooting death of his brother in April of 2023. Tennant shot his brother, Edward Tennant during a property dispute in the St. George area of Tucker County. At the time…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — After 80 years classified as missing/non-recoverable, a World War II airman will be laid to rest in his hometown. The service for TBM-Avenger Pilot Lieutenant Jay Ross Manown is Tuesday at 11:30 a.m. in the Kingwood Funeral Home. Manown and a crew of Anthony Di Petta and Wilbur Mitts took off from…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board has sent about 20,000 notifications to customers as part of the annual Water Service Line Inventory required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Morgantown Utility Board Engineering Technician and manager of the Lead & Copper Program, Michael Kendall, said the inventory is mandatory and has not been triggered…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University Board of Governors has voted to freeze in-state tuition and consolidate out-of-state rates for the 2025 academic year. President Mike Davis said previously there were two tuition rate classifications for out-of-state students. Potential students in border states had access to the reduced “metro rate.” Students from other states,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An “Alert” was issued on the Morgantown West Virginia University campus following a chemical leak Saturday morning at the Agricultural Sciences Building. No injuries were reported in the incident that was dispatched at 9 a.m. The building was immediately closed as a precaution and will remain closed until further notice. Teams from…
ELKINS, W.Va. — The Elkins Middle School will reopen Monday for classes after an investigation into suspected elevated levels of carbon monoxide. Thursday, students complained about a strong odor from some adhesive glue being used by a roofing contractor at the building. Some classes were moved to other areas of the building while staff conducted…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — National Drug Take Back Day is is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at multiple locations throughout the Morgantown area. Unused, expired, and unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications can be dropped off at Kroger locations, the Pierpont Pharmacy, the disposal kiosk at the Univerisity Police Department on Elmer Prince Drive, and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown will accept bids for a new maintenance garage and reconfiguration of the building footprint at the intersection of Mississippi Street and Greenbag Road. Two previous times the project has gone out for bids, prices have come in above budget. Damien Davis, Director of Engineering and Public Works, said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The effort to repeal the Morgantown camping ban passed in September has been ruled insufficient by the city administration. Director of Communications Brad Riffie issued a statement Thursday morning that said the effort fell short by 392 valid signatures. The statement said,” The petitioners needed 1,310 signatures. Over 2,000 signatures were submitted.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– On the West Virginia University Morgantown campus University Police have issued a Community Notice after an uptick in thefts from vehicles has been reported. Since Oct. 19, four vehicle larceny investigations were opened following reports from parking locations at the Mountainlair, WVU College oif Law, and Fife Avenue. Wednesday, University Police officers…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – An effort to force Morgantown’s camping ban ordinance to a referendum vote has come up short. The city clerk has certified the petition “insufficient” because it did not include the required number of signatures. The city charter requires a petition to have valid signatures from at least ten percent of the qualified…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Early voting numbers are set at a furious pace for day one of early in-person voting; according to Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney, a total of 3,157 early ballots were cast at four locations. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” she said the good weather combined with the first opportunity to cast…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — A Marion County woman has been charged with child neglect causing risk of injury after admitting to using methamphetamine in the presence of her 1-year-old toddler. Wednesday, troopers from the West Virginia State Police and Child Protective Services workers conducted a home check at a residence on Underwood Street in Baxter…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WATT Corporation and Hope Gas are working on a solid oxide fuel cell (S) that will soon be available to residential customers. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Danielle Ramaley, said the SOFC is UL-Listed and can run efficiently on a variety of fuels, including natural gas, propane, renewable natural gas,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Commissioners plan to execute a series of broadband expansion projects by the end of the year and support Mountain Line Transit Authority (MLTA) bus passes for the less fortunate. Commission President Sean Sikora said they plan to spend $1.25 million by the end of the year to address small areas…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A jury in Monongalia County has found Tracey Hamby guilty of second-degree murder in connection with a domestic incident in March of 2022. Morgantown police were called to the Vangilder Street Apartments at 5:08 p.m. and found Matthew Vaughn with a gunshot wound to the shoulder. Vaughn died at the scene. Police…
UNIONTOWN, W.Va. — A 33-year-old Uniontown man has been charged after police allege he beat his fiancee’s two-year-old daughter to death. Emmanuel Thomas Dennis was charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault after he complained to detectives about the “terrible twos” and admitted to beating the child. Dennis also told police he didn’t want to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System hopes to improve the prospects of students affected by the opioid crisis with the help of the West Virginia First Foundation. Deputy School Superintendent Donna Talerico announced that the system has applied for up to $689,000 in funding as part of the process of distributing WV First…
TAYLOR COUNTY, W.Va. — A $9.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy is expected to help a lithium ion battery producer establish operations on U.S. Route 50 outside Bridgeport. The facility will manufacture lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for forklifts and agricultural applications and could create up to 75 jobs. Two years ago,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Despite no decision from the Morgantown Planning Commission, the Wisdom Academy is moving forward with plans to open the second brick and mortar charter school in Monongalia County- the Wisdom Academy. The proposed location for the school is the former headquarters of the Monongalia County Schools District on South High Street in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Jason Morgan is running as a Republican for sheriff in Monongalia County on the Republican ticket and wants to use his road experience and decades as a first responder. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Morgan said the residents of the county are ready for a different type of leadership. Morgan wants…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Health officials at West Virginia University have reported a rise in oral injuries associated with inhalant abuse. Student Health, WELLWVU, and Urgent Care Medical Director Dr. Carmen Burrell report an increase in the number of patients with injuries to the mouth and throat caused by “whippets” during the use of inhalants such…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing Dec. 9 for their proposed plan to retire portions of the distribution system for more than 600 customers on the “farm tap” system and provide alternate means to heat homes. Hope said the current condition of the pipeline that serves customers in portions…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Negotiations involving the Morgantown Utility Board on an agreement involving access to the private water system of Shorty Anderson’s Auto Service for the Upper Popenoe Run sanitary and storm water project continue to remain ongoing. After months of negotiations between the owners of the local business and MUB regarding a permanent easement…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown police arrested an Aurora man after allegedly stabbing someone with a turn signal lever over the weekend. The victim told police he was sitting in a truck in front of a residence when Carey Riggs, 52, came outside and attacked him. The victim told police Riggs ripped the turn signal lever…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Incumbent Democrat Tom Bloom is asking for your vote in November to serve another term on the Monongalia County Commission. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Bloom has been a Morgantown resident since 1971, a West Virginia University graduate, and a more than 30-year employee of Monongalia County Schools. Bloom has served…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg City Councilor Marc Jackson hopes their proposed camping ban ordinance will be a turning point in efforts to help the unhoused population, protect property owners, and ensure public safety. After the Clarksburg City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance that would ban camping in public areas and unauthorized private…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The new emergency triage shelter at Morgantown’s Hazel’s House of Hope is officially open. Catholic Charities West Virginia announced that the facility now known as the Grace Shelter is now fully operational and has reached near full capacity less than a month after being opened. Catholic Charities West Virginia President and CEO…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Monongalia County 4-H programs continue to report growth in the amount of youth participation for their yearly activities. As part of an overview presented to local officials, West Virginia University Extension agent and 4-H Program Director Becca Flint-Clark reported that the summer camps hosted at Camp Muffly and their numerous seasonal…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — By a vote of four to two, Clarksburg City Council has passed the first reading of an ordinance that would ban camping in public areas and unauthorized private property. If adopted, the first violation of Article 1120 would be a written warning, a second violation would come with a $200 fine, and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — This is Homecoming Weekend in Morgantown for West Virginia University and there are plenty of opportunities to welcome alumni and show some Mountaineer spirit. Friday afternoon WVU Alumni Association CEO Kevin Berry said there will be a food truck festival on Prospect Street as Mountaineers prepare for the Homecoming Parade down High…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An outdoor economic collaborative established by West Virginia University will receive a major financial contribution aimed at increasing Mountain State development of outdoor recreation. The WVU Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative (OEDC) is set to receive approximately $1.76 million in grant funding, which will consist of a just over…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission and the county Volunteer Firefighter’s Association call a disagreement over the distribution of state funds a misunderstanding. The county recently distributed funds received through the state All-County Fire Protection Fund based on population and the County Fire Protection Fund that is distributed to counties with a…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — An Albright man accused of killing his wife has been indicted by a Preston County grand jury. Edward Garletts, 29, was charged in February when Natasha Collins was found with a gunshot wound in a field where there was a report of a shooting. She died later at Preston Memorial Hospital. Garletts…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A veteran of the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department who also served as the Westover Deputy Police Chief continues to reach out to voters as part of his campaign for Monongalia County Sheriff. Democrat nominee Todd Forbes is on the campaign trail, where he has made his pitch as an over 30-year veteran…
WORTHINGTON, W.Va. — A Worthington resident has been arrested after police allege a three year old in his care came into contact with THC oil. Deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department were called to the scene of a medical incident on Hutchinson Drive in Worthington on Sept. 26 and were notified en route the…
ELKINS, W.Va. – The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded $1,897,134 through the POWER Initiative to Woodlands Community Lender on behalf of Mon Forest Towns Partnership for a series of projects to connect towns with the Monongahela National Forest. “ARC’s POWER initiative supports coal-impacted communities’ preparation for the next phase of Appalachia’s economy while ensuring that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– State police have arrested a Morgantown man for driving while impaired in an accident where witnesses reported a five-year-old child hanging out of a window of the vehicle. Monday troopers responded to the crash on Patteson Drive and made contact with Robert Phillips, 27, who appeared to be intoxicated. Troopers said witnesses…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 13 counties and more than 60 municipalities have reelected Jonathan Dower as the Region 4 representative to the West First Foundation (WVFF). Dower will serve a three year term Tuesday. The foundation was established to distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money. Dower was appointed to complete the term of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to begin a trial run on a portion of two roads heavily used by West Virginia University students as they hear concerns over work on another on the Evansdale campus. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved a trial run not to exceed 90-days designating a portion…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. –– One of three indicted in a drug-related killing in Fairmont has been sentenced to life in prison. Illes Wiiliams was 17-years old in March of 2023 when a plan he hatched with Zeighshawn Meade who was 18 at the time, and Jayden Cheriza to rob Clayton Peck of marijuana he brought to…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — Members of the U.S. Marshals Service are searching for an inmate who walked away from a satellite camp near U.S.P. Hazelton Monday afternoon. Roger Austin, 53, walked away from the camp at 4:15 p.m. Monday and is described as a white male, 5-feet 11-inches, 218 pounds with brown hair and eyes.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A fourth person suspected in cannabis poisoning of an infant was taken into custody driving a stolen car Monday. Misty Howell, 44, John Howell, 50, and Lacie Howell, 21, were arrested last month when an 11-month old was found unresponsive by Child Protective Services last month on Walnut Street. Officials confirmed then…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University President Gordon Gee delivered his State of the University address Monday at the College of Law, recalling a productive past and providing an optimistic look to the future. The last decade of Gee’s leadership has delivered innovation, expansion in medical research and options for the public, record-setting public support,…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — Students at the Lincoln Middle/High School in Shinnston will be off Tuesday following the sudden death of a student Friday. Samuel Flint, 17, died Friday. Flint was a senior at Lincoln High School in Shinnston and was active in many sports. According to his obituary, Flint was active in football, basketball, wrestline,…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – West Virginia State Police stopped an Uber driver over the weekend in the Bridgeport area and confiscated a substantial quantity of methamphetamine. On Sunday, troopers stopped the Uber on I-79 in the Bridgeport area and found Gregory Lindsay, of Charleston, with a backpack containing an estimated $63,000 worth of methamphetamine. Lindsey has…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former business executive who has returned to the community that she grew up in is now on the campaign trail for a Monongalia County Commission seat. Mary Ann Folz continues to reach out to voters in the weeks ahead of the start of early voting for the 2024 general election, where…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Antero Resources has donated a new pickup truck to Scouting America, Mountaineer Area Council, for use at the more than 1,000-acre Camp Mountaineer in Monongalia County. Regional Senior Vice President Kevin Ellis said the truck used for several years at the camp developed a mechanical problem at the time a fleet…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Police Department is adding two motorcycles with plans to patrol some areas that in the past have been difficult to access. “We’re always looking for ways to get our officers into the places where they need to be for the protection of the University community,” Chief Sherry St.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — John Williams, D, Monongalia, 80, is running for his fifth term in the House of Delegates to continue work to fight for fairness in PEIA, supports for child care costs, and parity in road funding. “I ran for office because I wanted to make the place I grew up an even…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg man has been ordered to federal prison for 10 years for selling methamphetamine in Harrison County. Court documents said Todd Eugene Haynes, 49, sold more than 100 grams of methamphetamine in Harrison County. Haynes has a criminal history including robbery, battery, domestic assault, stalking, and drug possession. Haynes will serve…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Comcast, the selected broadband expansion partner of the Monongalia County Commission, awarded $15,000 each to two non-profits Wednesday. The grants are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships. The Morgantown Area Partnership and West Virginia Women Work each will receive $15,000 to…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Ullico Inc. and Hope Gas, Inc. officially opened the Edward M. Smith National Career and Life Skills Development Center in Clarksburg Wednesday on Columbia Boulevard, about eight miles away from the North Central West Virginia Airport. Hope Gas, Inc., President and CEO Morgan O’Brien said the site is actually a small town…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. — A former guard at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton charged with inmate abuse was arrested Wednesday morning for violating the conditions of his release and interfering with a witness. Robert Sims, 41, of Bruceton Mills, and Joshua Sines, 39, of Friendsville, Maryland, have both entered not guilty pleas to deprivation of rights…
ELKINS, W.Va. State Treasurer Riley Moore delivered three unclaimed property checks totaling $37,808 from the September firearms auction Wednesday. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department received a check for $4,143.75; the Elkins Police Department received $5,703.50; and the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force received $27,960.75. Last month, the auction in Charleston included 627…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System has approved the hiring of more teaching aides to account for increased Pre-K enrollment and the hiring of more county school bus drivers. The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) unanimously approved the hiring of a new Pre-K Special Education teacher and teaching assistant at Skyview Elementary…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board got updates on major projects and announced plans to help neighborhood groups with storm and sanitary sewer system details. General Manager Mike McNulty described a future project for the residents of Oak Court and Briar Patch Lane to upgrade the storm system as part of the addition of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – An 18-year old St. Louis, Missouri resident has been arrested and charged in connection with a threat on the Morgantown High School last month. The investigation began August 28 when the Morgantown Police Department learned of a social media post describing the threat of a shooting at Morgantown High School. Detectives from…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Two Michigan men convicted of selling methamphetamine in Monongalia County been sentenced to a combined total of more than 20 years in federal prison. Giovanni George, 34, of Taylor, Michigan, was sentenced today to 141 months (11.75 years) in federal prison. Addonis Moore, 29, of Detroit, Michigan, was sentenced to 121 months…
TRIANGLE, Va. — The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) has endorsed Republican MaryAnn Folz for Monongalia County Commissioner. “Ms. Folz has demonstrated that she is on the side of working families in Monongalia County,” UMWA District 31 Vice President Michael Payton said. “We always say we support those politicians who support us. She’s supporting…
MANNIGTON, W.Va. — A Mannington man faces charges following a lengthy Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation. In late 2023 and early 2024, CPS investigators determined Michael Gernstl, 60, abused children ages 13, 11, qne 7-years old on multiple occassions. Investigators said Gernstl disciplined the 11 and 7-year by hitting then on the thigh with a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mon Valley Greenspace Coalition (MVGC) will present their Greenbelt concept to the BOPARC board this week with hopes of gaining future financial support for the project. Mark Brazaitis said investment into the multi-use trail system could encourage people to use alternate forms of travel, improve health, and remove some traffic from…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Buckhannon City Council member indicted last week in a federal child pornography investigation will stay in custody following his detention hearing Monday. David Walter McCauley, 66, entered a plea of not guilty to two counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. The defense said…
NEW MARTINSVILLE, W.Va. — The Wetzel County Republican Executive Committee has released a statement calling for the resignation or expulsion of Mike Maroney, R, Marshal, 2. The executive committee in Monongalia County also issued the same request, but asked lawmakers to take advantage of the special session to take action. Maroney was charged with disorderly…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A school teacher in Marion County has been indicted in connection with sexual misconduct with a student. Ernest Yeager, 34, of Mannington, was for soliciting a minor via computer and traveling to engage minor in sexual activity, prohibiting sexual intercourse, sexual intrusion or sexual contact against students by school employees, and sexual…
ELKINS, W.Va. — A 21-year old has been charged after police in Elkins allege he followed and threatened a woman and her three children last week. On Oct. 1, Gabriel Redmon, 21, is accused of following the female victim inn a vehicle while making threats and pointing a firearm while she had her children in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A late Sunday night storm that caused high winds and flash flooding in parts of the Morgantown area led to the closure of both sides of Interstate 68 near the Cheat Lake Bridge as a result of multiple accidents. As a result of the intense storm that caused over 1,500 Morgantown residents…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown Community Resources Inc. (MCRI), the owner and site manager at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue, has received $10,000 in Neighborhood Investment Program (NIP) tax credits. MCRI can give the vouchers to donors who make a minimum contribution of $500. The donor will receive a voucher for half of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The United States Department of Transportation has selected an Essential Air Service (EAS) for the Morgantown Municipal Airport. SkyWest Airlines, who will operate as United Express, was selected to provide the services for the next three years, making it the first time the airport will have jet service providers at the airport.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Virginia woman accused in a March 2022 shooting in Morgantown is expected to go to trial this week. Tracey Hamby, 47, of Suffolk, Va., has been charged with second murder in the shooting of Matthew Vaughn, of Charleston, at the Vangilder Street apartment complex in a family dispute. Vaughn was the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Spark! Imagination and Science Center wants Morgantown area families to be a part of their 13th Annual Science Day. The event will take place on Saturday, October 5, starting at 10 a.m., where dozens of hands-on science and artistic activities will be hosted until 1 p.m. Executive Director of the Spark!…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for a suspect wanted for multi0ple parole violations. Michael (Lil’ Mike) Daryl Long Jr., 38, is described as a white male, 5-feet 7-inches, 150 pounds, blue eyes, amd brown hair. Long is wanted by the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation for parole violations. His…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Incumbent Buckhannon City Councilor David McCauley is scheduled for his initial hearing in a federal child pornography investigation on Monday. Also next week, a special meeting is expected to be called to consider the impeachment and removal of McCauley from Council. In a statement, Mayor Robbie Skinner said the investigation into McCauley…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates 82nd District seat continues to make his campaign pitch to voters ahead of the general election in November. Businessman David McCormick is on the campaign trail, where he has traveled to various meetings and rallies to garner support in the weeks ahead…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A registered nurse with over a decade of healthcare is challenging for the 80th District West Virginia House of Delegates seat. Summer Hartley is on the campaign trail as she reaches out to voters and discusses her goals for the Mountain State. A Morgantown native who has a graduate’s degree from Johns…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County will meet soon with representatives from the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), and another election for the Region 4 representative to the West Virginia First Foundation will be held later this month. UMWA District 31 Vice President Mike Payton told commissioners during their regular meeting the vote…
MOUNT CLARE, W.Va. — The motorcycle rider killed in an early Saturday morning crash in Harrison County has been identified. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said Robert Starkey, 30, of Mount Clare, was found dead at the scene on Mount Clare Road at 2:28 a.m. Investigators believe there was no other vehicle involved…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown voters will not get an opportunity to vote on whether or not to change the date of the city’s elections. The charter change, which would’ve placed a proposal to eliminate the city’s standalone election to be aligned with the county, was voted down in a 3-4 vote with Morgantown Mayor M.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVRC Media and Titan Roofing have launched a supply collection event this week to benefit the hurricane Helene ravaged areas of North Carolina. On Thursday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the truck will be parked at the Suncrest Towne Center across from Five Guys, collecting supplies geared toward clean…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed in an accident on Hartman Run Road Tuesday morning in Monongalia County. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said at 7:18 a.m. a passenger vehicle traveling in the southbound lane crossed the centwer line and hit a Ford F-450 Super Duty Box Truck. The driver of…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. One has been arrested in Clarksburg after an argument and stabbing involving a sword. Saturday, the Clarksburg Police Department were dispatched to Clay Street on a stabbing and located video surveillance. The video evidence showed Ryan Davisson, 50, in a verbal argument with a group of subjects in the street. The video shows…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown custom home builder is facing numerous federal charges after using fake employment information for illegal immigrants he was smuggling from central America to work at his business. On MetroNews “Talkline,” U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia Bill Ihlenfeld said Hetzon (Hector) Marroquin Reyes, 40, operated A &…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. — Officers from the White Hall Police Department removed more than four ounces of cocaine from the street. Friday, officers conducted a search at a local hotel occupied by Benjamin Coffin, 50, and Brittney Jones, 32, and located $5,436 in U.S currency, 4.4 ounces of cocaine, and several sets of scales. Coffin…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a $3.2 million grant through the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the Benedum Airport Authority (North Central West Virginia Airport) for parking infrastructure improvements as part of the new terminal construction and expansion of the AeroTech Industrial Park. The improvements include four new parking…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. — A Morgantown business owner has been arrested and charged with harboring and concealing illegal immigrants who are not permitted to work in the United States. The owner of A & M Homes, LLC, Hetzon (Hector) Marroquin Reyes, 40, used the social security numbers of others to create tax documents for people who…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — A combined effort between Harrison and Marion counties is collecting relief supplies for Helene storm victims in North Carolina, with plans to leave for the Asheville, North Carolina, area Wednesday morning. Director of the Office of Emergency Management in the city of Bridgeport, Tim Curry, said they are collecting items to provide…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man accused of threatening and yelling racial slurs at a local family will have a preliminary hearing Monday. James Hamlin, 48, has been charged with violating civil rights by force or threat of force, failure to extinguish a fire before leaving, and burning during prohibited hours after an investigation by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — One of the tenants of the West Virginia University Innovation Corp. in Morgantown is upstart drug maker Yunigen. Officials hosted a tour Friday and launched a ground-breaking pediatric treatment for sickle cell disease. Yunigen officials, including Chief Executive Officer and Vice President Charles Otieno and President of Scientific Officer Wyclifee Omwancha, showed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Republican Delegate in the 78th House of Delegates District Geno Chiarelli is running for another term to continue his work that he believes is improving the quality of life. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Chiarelli said he is eager to continue the work he started by passing bills to make changes…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Hindu Religious and Cultural Center (HRCC) wants area residents to join them to celebrate the life of Mahatma Gandhi. The 18th Annual Gandhi Day Walkathon will take place on Saturday, September 28, starting at 3 p.m., where the HRCC will host an afternoon of celebration of Indian and Hindu culture…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania woman faces up to 20-years in federal prison after her conviction by a jury for possession with intent to distribute heroin and fentanyl. Members of the Greater Harrison Drug Task Force watched Jalisa Lashae Hawkins, 35, of Duquesne, Pennsylvania, at a Clarksburg residence that was under surveillance due to complaints…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) reports the employees of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office have voted to unionize. UMWA officials said the employees have won a significant victory by achieving the collective power and voice they’ve been seeking. “We are proud to welcome the employees of the Monongalia County…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Former Monongah Police Chief Nathan Lanham was in from the Law Enforcement Professional Standards (LEPS) Subcommittee Wednesday. LEPS Subcommittee members include members of law enforcement, municipal leaders, and the West Virginia Human Rights Commission who are asked to hear matters when a police officer’s certification could be in jeopardy. Lanham stopped Beth…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Representatives from the City of Bridgeport Office of Emergency Management want to advise residents to disregard a recent notice regarding the safety of the city water supply. After reports were received from residents related to the safety of water at Bridgeport and in Clarksburg, officials confirmed that the water supply for both…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The latest Clery Act report from WVU for the Morgantown campus has been released and shows declines in important categories and increases in categories that most would expect. University Police Department Chief Sherry St. Clair said the school makes it a top priority to educate students about safety, provide resources to promote safety,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County commissioners approved a request through the Orphan Road Grant Program and the county park system received a statewide award Wednesday. The commission created the Orphan Road Program in 2021 to address areas in the county with roads built decades ago that are failing now with no funding mechanism to fund…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two members of Morgantown City Council could soon be from the same ward. The Ward and Boundary Commission has recommended a plan to distribute the number of registered voters in each ward more equally. The proposal places 3rd Ward Councilwoman Weeize Michael’s home address in the 4th Ward, which Deputy Mayor Jenny…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A social worker with more than 30 years of experience, primarily in addiction treatment, Diane Market-Gaston is the Democrat candidate for the House of Delegates seat in the 78th District. Market-Gaston is running against incumbent Republican Geno Chiarelli and on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” believes she can better represent the district.…
FAIRMONT, W,Va. — A Fairmont man has been sentenced in connection with a drive-by shooting on Maple Avenue in April 2023 afterpleading no contest. Kenyatta Ephraim, 30, wassentenced to 3 to 15 years for first degree attempted murder and 6 additional years for the presentation of a firearm in the commission of a felony consecutively.…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways (DOH) plans to close U.S. 119 for core drilling Tuesday through Friday. From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. the northbound and southbound lanes of U.S. 119 will be closed at milepost 11.90 and at the intersection of US/County Route 73 (Smithtown Road) from Tuesday, September 24,…
PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. — The Pleasant Valley Elementary School is one of 356 schools nationwide to be named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The national award highlights schools that show significant gains or make notable progress in improvements for different student groups. Pleasant Valley was nominated from the Exemplary…
RIVESVILLE, W.Va. — State police have arrested a Rivesville man in connection with multiple sexual abuse allegations involving a female under the age of 16. Police said between 2020 and October 2023, William Bancic, 34, abused the teen at least 10 times near Marion, Monongalia County line. A witness told detectives that at one point…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — State police arrested a fugitive from Ohio on Thursday. On Sept. 19, troopers observed Justin Hess, 30, in the Stoneybrook Road Sheetz parking lot and recognized him as a subject wanted for a parole violation in Ohio. Troopers said Hess was briefly detained while the extradition order was confirmed. During that time…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — School safety technology is advancing in the state as Rank One Computing continues to deploy their ROC Watch system throughout the state. The Colorado-based company established an East Coast headquarters in Morgantown in 2022 to be closer to their facial recognition clients in the defense industry centered around Washington D.C. West Virginian,…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A local resident has developed an idea to highlight local facilities and raise money for local non-profits while celebrating the holiday season. Jamie Summerlin approached commissioners in Monongalia County with an event similar to the Charleston “Light the Nights” and reported similar events are held in 100’s of ballparks across the country,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown will open bids for a unique trail project centered around the Flegal Dam and Reservoir on October 9 at 2 p.m. The Flegal Dam and Reservoir is operated by the Morgantown Utility Board and was completed last year as an alternate water supply. The 370-million-gallon reservoir that can…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Morgantown Police Department is ready to welcome new officers to the force as they continue to address an over twenty officer shortage. Deputy Chief Chris Ruehmer announced that one officer will be ready to begin field training within the next few months, with two more officers currently approved to attend training…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Board of Governors got an update on student retention rates and the presidential search. Preliminary fall 2024 enrollment figures are very close to projections, and the freshman retention rate is the highest it has ever been. “We just learned last week that our preliminary freshmen retention rate is…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Police Department (UPD) has issued a Community Notice advising bicycle and electric scooter owners to take extra steps to secure and monitor their property. Since Aug. 25, UPD has received five reports of bicycle or electric scooter thefts from on-campus locations, including Reynolds Hall, Summit Hall and Boreman…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — I-79 southbound remains closed in southern Monongalia County due to a tractor-trailer accident Wednesday afternoon involving a corrosive spill. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Assistant Director of MECCA 911 Brad Wilson said the truck lost control and rolled around 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, and the clean-up has continued. “The truck was…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. One of the first academic or job training bridges for children aging out of foster care will officially open at Fairmont State University (FSU) Friday. Middle College is an FSU joint venture with KVC-West Virginia, a behavioral health organization dedicated to the welfare of children. KVC West Virginia can offer educational support, adoption,…
CLARKSBURG, W,Va. — The Harrison County Board of Education was already in the process of rolling out a series of security changes and upgrades as more than 170 school threats paralyzed school districts statewide. Harrison County Board of Education Director of Safety and Discipline Jason Snider said they are continuing Active Shooter Preparedness Training (ALICE)…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County are working with Assessor Mark Music on an oil and gas assessment error relating to a little more than 8,000 tax tickets. County Administrator Rennetta McClure said the error was discovered by a taxpayer who brought it to their attention. The tickets were issued with zero taxes owed,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown City Council approved the second reading of bonding ordinances for a $50 million Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) upgrade to the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant. General Manager Mike McNulty said the $39.6 million project scope includes upgrades to the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant and improvements to the Whites Run…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Hope Gas, Inc., acquisition of the Consumers Gas Utility Co. has been approved by the Public Service Commission of West Virginia. Morgantown-based Hope Gas, Inc. and Consumers, based in Huntington, filed a joint request with the PSC in May, and in September, both parties filed an agreement that would complete the deal.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local elected leaders question another five percent cut to the personal income tax, but for different reasons. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Senator Mike Oliverio, R. Monongalia, 13, said he needs to see state revenue and expense projections for a five-year span in order to have enough information to make an…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg resident has admitted to his role in a drug conspiracy and could serve up to 20 years in federal prison. Randy Joe Jones, 41, admitted to working with others to sell methamphetamine in Harrison County and entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman faces up to 40 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to her role in a drug conspiracy. Police searched the vehicle of Stephanie Ann Allen, 33, of Morgantown, after observing suspicious activity in a parking lot in the city. During the search, police found 73 grams of methamphetamine…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has put out a call for help in their search for Aaleah Park, 17, of Morgantown. Park was last seen in the Morgantown area on July 19, 2024, but few details are available about where she was or what she may have been…
LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — Two students were flown from the scene of a school bus crash in Lewis County Monday. School officials said the bus went off U.S. Route 19 Monday and drove into a ditch Monday injuring the driver and “several” students. Officials said some of the injuries are serious, but none are considered…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Classes in Monongalia County Schools are underway after a week of threats and cancelled activities. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Superintendent Eddie Campbell said they will never take a chance with the safety of students, so every threat is handled very seriously. Campbell said when a threat is detected, all normal…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A ribbon cutting will be held for the Middle College at Fairmont State University on Friday in Pritchard Hall at 1:30 p.m. Middle College is designed exclusively for youth aging out of the foster care system to give them options for a productive future. Statewide there are nearly 6,000 children are currently…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Plans to improve the Morgantown Ice Arena and construction on the Marilla Park Aquatic Complex continue to move forward. As part of an update on BOPARC capital improvement projects, BOAPRC Division Director of Marketing and Communications Bree Starsick announced that the plans to improve the Morgantown Ice Arena are moving forward with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Republican candidate for governor and current Attorney General, Patrick Morrisey, plans to support state and federal efforts in school threat investigations. A juvenile in Preston County and another in Logan County are the only charges so far in connection with dozens of threats to school systems nationwide. On WAJR’s “Talk of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Due to threats over the last several days, Morgantown High School has cancelled all extracurricular activities for tonight, including their road football game with South Charleston. Monongalia County Schools Superintendent Eddie Campbell said also postponed is the Clay Battelle trip to Wetzel County to play the Valley High School football team. Campbell…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Detectives in Morgantown have made an arrest in the burglary of a school annex and the power plant on Beechurst Avenue. Police have arrested and charged Dustin Vernon Gomes, of Morgantown, with two counts of breaking and entering and one count of grand larceny. August 31, 2024, police believe Gomes broke into…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — A fotrmer substitute teach with Monongalia County Schools has been arrested and charged with two counts of sexual abuse by a person of trust to a child. Brian Kain, 50, of Brick, New Jersey, turned himself in at theMonongalia County Sheriff’s Department, has been arraingned and is free on a $25,000…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Police have issued a campus warning for a domestic violence incident that occurred in the University Place parking garage located on University Avenue on September 10. The incident did not involve university employees or students. On Tuesday, officers arrived within minutes of the call and found the victim and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the Dominion Post transitions into a new era of ownership, the top priority will remain to provide quality local news coverage in the Morgantown Community. Wheeling-based Ogden Newspapers announced plans on Wednesday to purchase the Dominion Post from the Raese family and West Virginia Newspaper Publishing Company. John McCabe, Ogden Newspapers…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — In Kingwood, Preston High School and Preston County Schools Central are on “hold” due to a social media threat. Superintendent Brad Martin said they are working with law enforcement to investigate the matter. On “hold” means all doors locked with students and personnel inside and no outdoor activities. Martin said the “hold”…
ROCK CAVE, W.Va. — Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department took an intoxicated woman into for driving with two small children and explosives in the car. Ashley Galloway, 32, was stopped on Gaines Road in Rock Cave with children ages 3 and 5 in the car. During the stop deputies said Galloway was making…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. An Upshur County couple has been sentenced in connection with two shaken baby deaths in 2022. Thomas Cunnigham, 29, and Ciera Gillespie, 27, had a one-year-old and a two-year-old that died at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital about six weeks apart in 2022 from what doctors said was shaken baby syndrome. Cunningham was given…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Officials are prepared to turn the page on Southern Airways Express as the Essential Air Service (EAS) carrier and move to the first jet air service ever based at the Morgantown Municipal Airport. EAS is a federal program that subsidizes carriers to offset the actual cost of rural airport operations and ensure smaller…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) continues to make efforts to reassure parents of students about the general safety of schools. In response to calls from concerned parents after the school shootings in Georgia and Maryland that occurred last week, Monongalia County Schools Director of Safe Schools Adam Henkins presented a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) heard a presentation from Strand Associates, Inc., about system-wide capitol improvement needs and received updates on several important projects. The combined total of all the capitol improvement proposal is about $64.1 million. An engineer from Strand Scott Stearns said an evaluation determined the system will reach capacity,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Morgantown City Councilor from the Fifth Ward Danielle Trumble is providing insight into why she does not supprt the recently passed camping ban. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Trumble said the measure was approved with no workshop and was moved through the process with very little compromise leading up to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Army and Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets will hold a 24-hour vigil to remember the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States of America. Recruiting Operations Officer John Dowling said the idea came from the cadet class of 2001 and has become an annual event…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police have made an additional arrest in 2022 in Harrison County. Investigators from the state police said in May 2022 Candi Blake, 39, assisted Brock Corel Pearson after he alledegly murdered Juan Kas Trechsel-Valerio. Police said Blake helped Pearson avoid authorities and helped set fire to a shed that…
PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. — The deputy chief of the Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Dave Shields has passed away unexpectedly. Shields started working with the department in 1985 and was a nationally certified paramedic and had been so for the last 30 years. He was widely known in the fire fighting, motorcycle riding community as well.…
BELINGTON, W.Va. — A 28-year-old Belington woman has been charged with child abuse and child neglect after hitting one child and failing to report injuries to another. Deputies with the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department responded Sunday to the home of Jenny Peters on River Avenue and learned she had been in a verbal argument with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Presidential search listening sessions for West Virginia University begin this week across the state and run through Friday. Sessions for faculty, staff, and students are planned in Morgantown, Beckley, and Keyser, along with an online link for the public at large to answer the three questions in the survey developed with executive search…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown are preparing to enforce the new camping ban in urban areas on Oct. 4. The ordinance, “1157 Camping on Public Property,” will only allow camping in designated areas that have access to water, sewer, and garbage collection. Violations of the ordinance start with a warning and can be as…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Mylan Park officially opened six new pickleball courts with the help of financial support from the governor’s office, donations, and fundraising efforts of the Mylan Park Pickleball Club. Sarah Gnegy is the local pickleball pro, and she and her brother won the gold medal in the 2018 Pickleball U.S. Open in Naples, Florida.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont State University’s Board of Governors (BOG) held their first meeting with new leadership. Jennifer Kinty will serve as Chair of the BOG, Vice Chair is Jason Pizatella, and Kevin Rogers is secretary. Two new executives have also joined the management team George Wolf will serve as the Vice President of…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A federal judge added 25-years to the prison sentence of a former Mafia hitman in connection with the prison beating death of notorious mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger in 2018. Federal prisoner Fotios “Freddy” Geas was sentenced Friday in federal court in Clarksburg after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault resulting…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia First Foundation, the organization established to distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money, has opened the first round of applications. Applications are open to certified non-profit organizations that address the stated priorities in the first round. The deadline for non-profits to submit questions is Sept. 13, the deadline…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two new members were welcomed to the West Virginia University Board of Governors Thursday. Robert R.”Rusty” Hutson Jr. was installed to replace Taunja Willis-Miller and Steven R. Ruby will succeed Tom Jones. Hutson began his work life as a banker, founded Diversifies Energy, named the 2019 West Virginia Oil and Gas Man…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been sentenced to nearly seven years in federal prison for possession of child pornography. James Mansfield Davis, 67, was arrested after cyber tips about child pornography led investigators to his electronic equipment. During a search of devices belonging to Davis, police recovered 67 videos and 460 explicit images…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local officials are exploring the possibility of small structures on the grounds of Hazel’s House of Hope to meet the housing needs of the community. The proposal is timely with the recent passage of the city of Morgantown camping ban in urban areas that will go into effect Oct. 4. Hazel’s House…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has announced the reorganization of the University Relations department in order to focus on the critical priorities of enrollment and communications strategy. The renamed, Strategic Communications and Marketing unit will be comprised of Marketing, Creative, Communications, Outreach, Enrollment Management, Alumni Relations and operations for the WVU Purpose Center in…
FAIRMONT, W,Va. — A Fairmont woman has been sentenced for her role in the beating death and robbery of a Michigan man. Shekea Fox has been sentenced to 71 to 75 years for first degree robbery, assault during commission of a felony, and conspiracy to commit a felony. Fox and Naquan Warren conspired to rob…
MORGANTOWN, W.V. In Morgantown, elected leaders and the city administration are preparing for the enactment of the ban on camping in public areas. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin said the newly passed measure is an expansion of an existing ordinance enforced in city parks and on and around the rail-trail system. “We already…
GRAFTON, W.Va. –– The West Virginia Medical Examiner was called to the scene of a crash into a structure Wednesday. At 10 a.m., West Virginia State Police and deputies from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department were called to the home on Parkview Road. A deceased male was found in the pickup truck when first responders…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A suspect from Pittsburgh has been arrested and charged in connection with the theft of an Uber rental car last weekend. On Friday, deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a car jacking on Airport Boulevard. Deputies arrived and made contact with the victim, who quickly pointed to…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– The four suspects charged in the February 2024 shooting of a Clarksburg have been indicted by a grand jury. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department found Dallion Lewis, 37, of Clarksburg, on Jack Run Road dead of gunshot wounds on Feb 21. Dennis High, 37 of Salem, was initially charged with…
GRAFTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Medical Examiner was called to the scene of a crash into a structure Wednesday. At 10 a.m., West Virginia State Police and deputies from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department were called to the home on Parkview Road. A deceased male was found in the pickup truck when first responders…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — By a vote of 4 to 3 after more than four hours discussion, Morgantown City Council passed a citywide camping ban. Councilors Bill Kawecki, Dave Harshbarger, Lousie “Weezie” Michael, and Deputy Mayor Jenny Selin voted for the measure. Councilors Brian Butcher, Danielle Trumble, and Mayor Joe Abu-Ghannam voted against it. The vote…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — Westover City Council approved bids for improvements to the Holland Avenue sewer line and replacement of the Dunkard Avenue lift station. Council voted unanimously to accept the bid from Blue Gold Development, LLC, of $2,963,637 for the Holland Avenue sewer line work and a bid of $2,958,025 for replacement of the Dunkard…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A contract bid for Phase 4 of the Morgantown Municipal Airport Runway Extension Project has been given the green light. The Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the bid contract of approximately $6.5 million to Pennsylvania based firm Cast and Baker Corporation as part of their regular meeting Tuesday night. The bid was…
FAIRMONT, W.Va The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a preliminary report after a Friday crash at the Fairmont-Marion County Airport. The report said the Mooney M20k attempted a “go around” and crashed off the end of the runway. The pilot and passenger were on board, one was transported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for…
CORE, W.Va. — A Core resident has been charged with animal cruelty after admitting to police he strangled his dog with a zip tie. Daniel Wichhart, 62, told deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department he had to put the dog down because he was chasing chickens and roosters and had gotten away from him.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown police are investigating a car/motorcycle crash that was reported at 1:24 p.m. at the intersection of Monongahela Boulevard and Evansdale Drive. Police said the accident involved a car and motorcycle, both were towed from the scene. No information has been released regarding the extent of injuries. The accident remains under investigation.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The suspect in a Labor Day pursuit in a stolen vehicle through Marion and Monongalia Counties has been identified as a Volga resident who was a suspect in a burglary. On Labor Day, West Virginia State Police from the Monongalia County detachment received word of an active pursuit with Fairmont police on U.S.…
WESTON, W.Va. Police in Lewis County confiscated a large quantity of suspected fentanyl following a Labor Day weekend traffic stop. Deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department stopped a car driven by Ramon Sims, 27, of Pittsburgh, for running a stop sign on West Second Street in Weston. Deputies conducted an initial search for weapons…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Municipal Airport will host “Balloons Over Morgantown” presented by Mercedes of Morgantown Oct. 3 through 6 this year. “We’re so excited to welcome the balloons back to Morgantown! Our pilots love to fly here and enjoy the challenge of the hills and valleys. Our core group of organizers have been…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A traffic violation in Clarksburg led police to a large quantity of dangerous drugs over the weekend. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department stopped a car driven by Jennifer Garland, 33, for traveling in the wrong direction on a one-way street in the area of West Main Street and 6th Street…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont man is facing charges afterpolice allege he exposed himself tomotorists from the downtown bridge. Last week, police said Michael Hebner, Jr., 40, was standing in the area of Cleveland Avenue and Adams Street exposing himself and making inappropriate gestures as citizens were passing by and stopped at the red light.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One person was flown from the scene of a motorcycle-car crash in the Westchester area of Fairmont Labor Day. The accident was reported at 2:20 p.m. on Locust Avenue near the Fairmont Field Club. Crews reported the motorcycle and car collided seriously injuring one person. The victim was flown from the scene…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — City councilors in Morgantown are likely to pass the proposed camping ban during their regular meeting Tuesday. The new Article 1157 to the city code entitled “Camping on Public Property” passed on a 4 to 3 vote on August 20 after first being proposed on July 2. The article makes it illegal…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — One is behind bars following a pursuit that began in Marion County and ended in Granville Labor Day. The chase began in Fairmont at 12:25 p.m. on Pennsylvania Avenue, then to Rivesville and by the Paw Paw Fairgrounds in Monongalia County. Police pursued the suspect into the Granville area where the suspect…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — Two people were hurt in a side-by-side crash in Mannington Sunday night. Deputies from the Marion County heriff’s Department responded at 10 p.m. and found the side-by-side had hit a utility pole on Whetstone Road. No information about the extent of injuries is known. Volunteer firefighters from Mannington, Farmington, and the Marion…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Board of Education has granted a green light to move forward on a roof replacement at Suncrest Middle School. After a temporary relocation for a portion of the school’s students and staff due to a roof leak, the BOE approved school officials to move forward on final negotiations with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Hope Gas is celebrating 24-months since their inception with an add campaign keying in on the phrase “Bringing Hope Back.” The campaign seeks to highlight one of the first decisions made by President and CEO Morgan O’Brien following the acquisition—bringing back the original name from 1898, Hope Gas. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Vice…
MORGANTOWN, W.V. A jury in Monongalia County has convicted a former chief of the Bunners Ridge Volunteer Fire Department in a sexual assault case from the 1990’s. Court documents said Roger Channell had sexual contact with a female juvenile during the time she was between 9 and 11 years old. At the time, Channell was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — St, Albans-based Triton Construction is the apparent low bidder for the new bridge over Monongahela River. The new bridge will be additional access for the Morgantown Industrial Park (MIP) as an interim option while the proposed Harmony Grove interchange off I-79 moves through the approval process. The state Department of Highways (DOH)…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Thousands are descending on the Morgantown area for one, or all of the many events planned for the Mountaineer opening weekend with Penn State. The live airing of the “Pat McAfee Show,” Big Noon Kickoff, and of course the noon kickoff of the WVU/Penn State game. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A series of national media events are supercharging the city of Morgantown for the Mountaineer home opener with Penn State on Saturday. The Friday highlight is the live airing of the Pat McAfee Show from the Life Sciences Building at noon. The Pat McAfee Show is a top-rated three-hour sports talk show…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University student body is ready to make their presence felt ahead of the highly anticipated season opener against Penn State. Ahead of the nationally televised matchup, which includes appearances by former WVU punter and media personality Pat McAfee, along with the separate national broadcast of the Big Noon Kickoff…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A New Jersey man and three Morgantown residents are awaiting sentencing in an operation to illegally purchase fireamrs and transport them to east coast gangs. Kadir Reeves, 40, of Hackensack, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of two counts of aiding and abetting the false statement in connection with the acquisition…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — High temperatures, heavy traffic, and an opportunity to gain instructional time are factors in the decision to cancel classes for Monongalia County Schools students. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Superintendent Eddie Campbell said the uncertainty of how heavy the traffic will be combined with very high temperatures created a potentially dangerous…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A New Jersey man and three Morgantown residents are awaiting sentencing in an operation to illegally purchase firearms and transport them to east coast gangs. Kadir Reeves, 40, of Hackensack, New Jersey, was convicted by a jury of two counts of aiding and abetting the false statement in connection with the acquisition…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown and the downtown West Virginia University will be at ground zero for the opening of the 2024 NCAA college football season. Sabrina Cave, Executive Director in the WVU Office of Student Enrichment, said the day includes the on-air staff of the Fox Sports “Big Noon Kickoff” show, “The Pat McAfee Show,”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Schools will be closed Friday, August 30 due to anticipated traffic and Monday, September 2 for the Labor Day holiday. In a social media post, officials said the decision was made after close consultation with MECCA 911 and local law enforcement. The concerns center around anticipated traffic congestion and potential…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council has advanced the process to approve capital improvements at the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant. Council agreed to consider a project ordinance and a bond ordinance for first reading at its regular meeting next week. Bonds would be issued in two series. The Series A bonds would not…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School system is projected to have a steady number of students enrolled for the 2024-25 school year, despite a population trend. After the close of the first week of classes for the school year, early numbers presented to the Monongalia County Board of Education showed that 11,222 students are…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Morgantown is sounding the alarm about a scam aiming at residents associated with pending development applications or zoning map amendment requests. The scammers are targeting banking and personal information by requesting payment for invoices related to the requests. The Department of Development Services and the Morgantown Planning Commission did…
ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Pa. –– A Guatemalan wanted in connection with a 2022 sexual assault on the Caperton Rail Trail in Star City has been captured by U.S. Marshals in Pennsylvania. Acting U.S. Marshal for the Northern District of West Virginia Terry Moore said Antonio Gabriel Mendez, aka Emilio Pascual Guzman, 32, was arrested without incident…
STAR CITY, W.Va. A doctor with medical practices in different locations across the state has been arrested after a sexual abuse in Star City. Star City police responded Aug. 2 to a report of an assault at Star City Nutrition, in the same building as the medical practice of Dr. Virgil McMillion, 49, of Morgantown…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — LG Nova officially opened its first office in Morgantown on the West Virginia University campus in the Vantage Ventures office on University Avenue. This is the next step in the launch of the NOVA North American Innovation Center project in West Virginia, which is expected to bring advancements to many aspects of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Pennsylvania man has reportedly drowned in Cheat Lake and his body was recovered near the Morgan Run Road Dock area. Jeffrey Gerhardt, 61, of Smock, Pennsylvania, was with his wife and dog Sunday at 12:30 p.m. when he jumped into the water to retrieve a dog toy. Gerhardt went under the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 30-year old Morgantown man has been charged after police allege he tried to steal money from a doorman at a local night spot. Michael Mayle has been charged with attempted robbery after trying to take money from an employee who was at the door collecting the cover charge from patrons Friday.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Students at the Victory Elementary School in Clarksburg were evacuated as a precautionary measure after officials reported the smell of natural gas. Monday around 8:30 a.m. school officials smelled the odor and made the decision out of an abundance of caution. Students were out of classrooms for about 20 minutes, according the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A plan to lower the level of Cheat Lake by three feet could be getting a second look following the efforts of Republican candidate for the House of Delegates seat in the 82nd District, David McCormick. Lake Lynn Generation submitted the request due to decreasing oxygen levels in the hydroelectric project tailrace caused…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A doctor listed as an emergency medical provider in Monongalia and Preston Counties has been admitted to filing a false tax return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). David M. Anderson, 63, of Morgantown, filed false tax returns that understated his taxable income, leading to a $143,599 loss to the federal government.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Commission is reflecting on the life of the longest-serving public official in the Mountain State. Former Monongalia County Circuit Clerk Dorothy “Jean” Friend passed away at the age of 95, leaving an over-six-decade legacy of public service. Friend served as circuit clerk from 1962 to 2022, where she is…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department has issued an advisory for impending rabies vaccine baits that are scheduled to be dropped over the county. Residents were issued an advisory on Thursday that states that the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will begin to drop the oral rabies…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Instead of the typical golden shovels that are synonymous with groundbreaking ceremonies, officials in Morgantown swung golden sledgehammers to mark the start of demolition on a project to revitalize a section of town near the West Virginia University campus. Officials from Morgantown, Monongalia County, Monongalia County Development Authority and West Virginia University…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Funding has been formally approved by two local government entities to support the Richwood Redevelopment Project. The Monongalia County Commission and Morgantown City Council each separately approved resolutions that would fund $500,000 towards the refinancing of the project with parameters to increase further economic development once the project is complete. Monongalia County…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System appears to have made progress on filling job vacancies for the 2024–25 school year. As students begin their first week of classes, School Superintendent Eddie Campbell announced that seven secondary teaching positions are expected to be filled by the end of the week as part of a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposed ordinance that would expand on a camping ban in the City of Morgantown has passed first reading. The ordinance, which explicitly prohibits camping on any street, park, trail, or public property within Morgantown city limits, was passed on a 4-3 vote by Morgantown City Council as part of a heavily…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — New student move-in and Welcome Week activities get underway at Fairmont State University on Thursday. Associate Director of Student Engagement Justin Rader said the Welcome Week activities help students feel at home, make friends, and get excited about fall classes. “Building those peer-to-peer relationships that are a crucial part of their success,”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An ordinance that would enforce camping restrictions within the City of Morgantown will be discussed by Morgantown City Council on Tuesday. The first reading of the proposed ordinance is on the agenda for the council’s regular meeting, which is expected to bring dozens of Morgantown residents and unsheltered individual advocates to voice…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System is ready to welcome back students for the first day of the 2024-25 school year. School buses will be out in full force on Tuesday as thousands of students across the county reunite with classmates, prepare to meet new teachers and get acquainted with new surroundings and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Fair, themed Buckles, Bikes, and Bulls this year, will be at the Fairgrounds at Mylan Park from August 20 through 24. Fair week gets underway Monday, August 19, at 7 p.m. with the Mon County Fair Parade featuring Grand Marshal Steve Harper from Biker Bros. and Bo. Biker Bros.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office asks for the public to keep an eye out for a 55-year-old man who’s been reported missing. Andrew Mark Bell, of Yost Road, was last seen between Thursday evening and Friday morning, according to a post on the MCSO’s Facebook page. According to the post, Bell was…
MONONGAH, W.Va. The former Monongah Chief of Police caught in a viral video of a seemingly violent traffic stop will go before the West Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standards Subcommittee later this month. Delloma was stopped on August 1 for an expired registration sticker by Lanham, who was not in a typical uniform or a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The suspect in the July 11 shooting of Rashad Alton on Mountain Valley Drive in Monongalia has waived his preliminary hearing. Arnold Johnson, III, 19, of Montgomery Village, Md., is being held in the North Central Regional charged with first-degree murder. It’s believed Johnson fled to the Washington, D.C. area following the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County jury has found Terry Lynn Ford, Sr., guilty of malicious assault, domestic battery, and burglary. In 2022, Ford attacked the home of his ex-girlfriend in the Second Ward. Testimony in the case showed Morgantown police quickly arrived and found Ford hiding in the basement, interrupting his assault. In April…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — After three days of testimony, a jury in Marion County has found Naquan Warren guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, burglary, assault during the commission of a felony, and conspiracy. Warren was accused of conspiring with Shekea Fox, 33, of Fairmont, to steal drugs and money from Sean Gardiner, of Detroit, Michigan,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Three major Morgantown Utility Board projects will go out for bid and likely start this year. The Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), Chaplin Hill Water and Sewer Extension and drainage upgrades in Popenoe Run are all on track to get underway. The final approval for the Cheat Lake WWTP has…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is ready to welcome back current Mountaineers and incoming freshman as part of Student Move-In Weekend. The first part of Welcome Week will kick off on Thursday, August 15, where residence halls campus wide will be opened for students and their families. That will continue through Saturday, August 17,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The search of a Clarksburg home by the Greater Harrison County Drug Task Force resulted in one arrest ant the seizure of a stole pistol, drugs, and cash. On Wednesday, officers served the warrant at the homeon Hart Street and made contact with Anthony Coles, 37, in a bedroom. During a search…
VALLEY HEAD, W.Va. — Deputies in Randolph County are searching for the driver of a utility truck they believe fled the scene of a rollover accident on U.S. Route 219. On Tuesday, an aerial lift truck was northbound and traveled across the centerline, hitting the guardrail on the southbound side. The truck then hit a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The city of Wheeling, like many other West Virginia communities, is working through issues related to increased homelessness and drug addiction. In Wheeling, when a ban on public camping was passed, city councilors added a provision that gave the city manager authority to establish an exempted area within the city that could…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have voted to move dilapidated properties into the complaint phase and honored the accomplishments of the mayor of a local municipality. Monongalia County Litter Control Officer Alex Hall described the complaint process for dilapidated properties and encouraged property owners to respond to notifications from the county. Once a…
LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. — The Lewis County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a woman who was last seen about one month ago in Gassaway. Jillian Ruth Cain is described as a 32-year old white female, 5-feet 2-inches, 160 pounds, green eyes with a bat tattoo on her ribs and a dreamcatcher on her shoulder blade.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County School System will move forward with guidelines that would limit the amount of time students would be able to use their phones during a regular school day. The new guidelines were announced as part of the Monongalia County Board of Education’s (BOE) regular meeting Tuesday and will require students…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Sixth graders from the Suncrest Middle School Annex will have a new home to start the year due to roof problems that have recently been uncovered. An investigation into the ten-year-old roof determined a leak developed some time ago that was concealed by the water being absorbed into foam insulation. When the…
WEST MILFORD, W.Va. — Fire destroyed a home and garage in West Milford early Monday. Volunteers from West Milford, Lost Creek, Mount Clare, and Nutter Fort responded at 2 a.m. to thehome on Vesta Drive and found the fire started in the garage and spread to the residence. No injuries were reported. The cause remains…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A former resident of the South Park neighborhood has been sentenced for multiple instances of sexual abuse. Austin Rempel, 34, of Morgantown, was sentenced to two consecutive terms of 1 to 5 years in prison for separate instances of first-degree sexual abuse and a year with time served for sexually motivated battery.…
COMMENTARY Conversation on the best way to deal with homelessness and the problems associated with it has reached a fever pitch in Morgantown. City Council is considering an ordinance that would ban encampments throughout the city. Petty crime, open drug use, property damage, and a general perception that downtown is unsafe are all frustrations that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Medicine Center for Nursing Education (CNE) is ready to kick off the application process for its new nursing diploma program. Online applications for the 21-month program will begin to be accepted on Thursday, August 15 at 9 a.m. as part of an effort to offer a quality, hospital-based,…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Two area charter schools will receive sub-grants through the Professional Charter Schools Board (PCSB). The PCSB was awarded $12.2 million over five years from the U.S. Department of Education through the Expanding Opportunity Through Quality Charter Schools program. The applications are reviewed by a peer panel of three, and approval is based on…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia has announced the sentencing of eleven inmates for smuggling or attempting to smuggle drugs into various correctional institutions statewide. The facilities included in the investigation are Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Hazelton, Secure Female Facility (SFF) Hazelton, and Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Gilmer. The…
MORGANTOWN – The proposed citywide camping ban has the attention of the Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board which will decide how it wants to address the issue in the coming weeks. The board agreed to form a three-member panel to examine the issue and bring information back for consideration at the Sept. 12 meeting.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 16 for a teenager charged with murder in Monongalia County. Arnold Johnson, III, 19, of Montgomery Village, Md. surrendered to detectives Wednesday evening. He is charged with first-degree murder, accused of shooting Rashad Alton, 21 at the Moutain Valley Apartments on July 11. Witnesses told…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board is moving forward with focus group data collection to work toward establishing a baseline for community perceptions of the police department. Board member Megan Gandy said the initial process has included three groups and will expand as the year progresses. “We’ve been able to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Metal detectors will greet fans for the first time at Milan Puskar Stadium when the Mountaineers take on Penn State Saturday. The devices produced by CEIA OPENGATE are part of the Campus Self Defense Act that into effect July 1 this year and will become a fixture at home games this season.…
WEST UNION, W.Va. — Police in West Union are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for they from the Blockhouse Cemetery Mausoleum. Police Chief Chris Garner said the theft of a set of iron doors and and asmall window likely occurred within the past week. “It…
(Written by Joe Nelson) DAYBROOK, W.Va. — The towns of Daybrook and Fariview are ready to celebrate the conclusion of the summer with the annual Clay District Fair. The festivities will begin on Wednesday, August 7 in the southern side of Daybrook and will continue at the Clay District Fairgrounds in Fairview until Saturday, August…
ELKINS, W.Va. — A worksite fight in Randolph County has left one worker recovering at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital with a brain bleed and several broken bones in his face. On Aug. 2, deputies with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department were called to the Davis Medical Center on a report that a victim of a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Commissioners in Monongalia County have approved a request from the town of Granville to place a charter change on the November ballot to align their elections with the state. The measure will appear on the November ballot, and if approved, the final independent election will be held in June 2025 for one-year…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Members of Teamsters Local 175 employed at River Oaks in Clarksburg have voted by a 93-percent margin to reject the latest offer from the company and authorize a strike. The approximately 45 Teamsters on staff are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and workers in housekeeping and dietary. Union officials said many employees are…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. A Bridgeport police officer has been arrested and charged with two counts of stalking and one count of obtaining confidential public information after a series of incidents with his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend. Between July 2023 and April 2024, William Townsend, who during that time was employed as a police officer in the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg police have identified the man killed in the Monday motorcycle accident on Emily Drive as Daniel Critchfield, 37. The investigation showed that the SUV was turning left onto Emily Drive and striking Critchfield, who was driving north. Critchfield was transported to the United Hospital Center, where he later died. The accident…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. The newest small-format hospital from Health/Vandalia Health Care in Harrison County could be operational by 2026, according to Vandalia Executive Vice President David Goldberg. The facility will be located in the community of Charles Pointe in Bridgeport, along I-79. Final approvals from the state have been received, March-Weston has been selected as the…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A pair of DOH projects are expected to cause traffic delays in Preston County. Beginning Wednesday, August 7, delays are expected on Brown Avenue, from the intersection of South Price Street, to the intersection of Tunnelton St, and on South Price Street, from the intersection of Brown Avenue, to just past the…
ARTHURDALE, W.Va. — A Masontown resident is facing multiple charges after an Arthurdale woman told police he put a knife to her throat and threatened to kill her. On July 20 just before midnight, James Albright, 47, grabbed the woman and held a knife to her throat and attempted to drag her away near front…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown City Council will consider a new proposal to limit camping or the use of camping equipment within the city at a future date. Proposed Article 1157 states,” It is the purpose of this article to prevent harm to the health and safety of the public and to promote the public health, safety,…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. Construction of the new $25 million terminal building at the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) is on budget and on time, according to Director Rick Rock. Pittsburgh-based Mascaro Construction, Co., LP, is the general contractor for the $25 million project that has been decades in the making. “We hope it will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown native Chelsea Elliott is one of the recipients of the Gilman Scholarship to study abroad. The eight students, along with six others selected earlier this year, earned the scholarship funded by the U.S. Department of State in a national competition. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Elliott, a senior landscape architecture…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown woman is facing charges after violating a circuit court order to turn her children over to Child Protective Services. On July 3, Megan Grimm, 34, was ordered to turn the five children over to CPS due to an “imminent threat to their wellbeing.” The order went on to say officials…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A federal inmate who served as lookout while inmate Whitey Bulger was beaten to death at FCI Hazelton in 2018 has been sentenced to four additional years in federal prison. Massachusetts gangster Paul J. DeCologero, 50, could have been sentenced to 10 additional years, but lawyers successfully argued he was only a…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has admitted to failing to update his sex offender registry after being arrested in Mexico attempting to purchase a 7-year old girl. When Scott David Bixler, 43, was arrested in Mexico last August authorities said he had two tranquilizer air guns, methamphetamine, a cell phone jammer, and $5,000 in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) will hold the annual Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day on Saturday, August 3, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. MUB Communications Director Chris Dale said there will be flaggers on Greenbag Road to direct residents into the commercial MUB entrance to drop off their items. “Last year,…
(Written by Joe Nelson) FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University is ready to host youth robotics teams from across the country as part of the bi-annual West Virginia Robotics Extreme (WVROX) endurance competition. The 2024 iteration of the event will be hosted at the Falcon Center from Friday, August 2, through Saturday, August 3, where…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. Three people involved in a Morgantown methamphetamine distribution have entered guilty pleas. The most recent guilty plea came from Shakur Jones, 25, of Detroit, Michigan, who admitted to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Previously, Nolan Eickleberry, 27, of Morgantown, and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Between the combined efforts of state and local officials, some improvements are being made to first responder communications to the western end of the county. Problems developed in the western end of the county in late 2020 when the original 480-foot Catherines Knob tower was replaced by a slightly smaller 340-foot tower.…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A horse and a woman were injured when a trailer disconnected from a truck driving westbound at mile marker 13 near the Preston County line. The driver told investigators the trailer became disconnected and traveled about 1/2 mile down the highway before crashing. The driver sustained minor injuries, and the passenger was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Morgantown Church of Christ shared their recent interactions with the homeless community and presented a proposal for non-congregate shelters. Youth Minister Brandon Brammer said about six months ago he began an outreach into the Morgantown homeless community and said he was saddened by what he found. On Sundays, Brammer…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Educators across the state are in Morgantown for the annual Communities in Schools (CIS) conference. The educators heard comments from founder Bill Milliken, Governor Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice. Communities in Schools is designed to prevent students from dropping out of school. Data from the program shows it is operational in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The homeless issues across the state are serious and solutions are slightly different in every community. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Executive Director of the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, Zach Brown, said effective programs are managed with clear goals, regular contact with advocate agencies, and a “team approach” to identifying the most…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MORGANTOWN W.Va – Less than a month before West Virginia University students return to campus, conversations surrounding campus safety are swirling among city and university officials. University President E. Gordon Gee and University Police Chief Sherry St. Clair sent a letter to the Morgantown City Council on July 11, listing off-campus…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The WVU Board of Governors Ad Hoc Governance Committee met for nearly two hours in an executive session Monday. “The committee engaged in dialogue on various topics but there were no actions taken as results of today’s executive session discussions,” Committee Chair Dr. Patrice Harris said. The agenda heading into the meeting…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The second defendant in the drug-related murder of Matthew Moore in Morgantown, Arlo Romano, was sentenced to the maximum of 40 years for second-degree murder. Co-defendant Cleotis “Ghost” Eppes was sentenced earlier this month to two consecutive life terms in state prison for his role in the crime. “I do not know…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — One person was killed in a side-by-side accident in Monongalia County this weekend. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched at 8:11 p.m. Saturday to River Road near the area of the dam for a single vehicle accident. Deputies arrived to find a Polaris 1000 that had rolled on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown has officially introduced leaders for two city departments. John Furgison has been named the Director of Finance and Brad Riffie has been named the Director of Communications. John Furgison was formally introduced in front of Morgantown City Council on Tuesday as part of a presentation of an approximately…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Through August 7, about 650 junior divers are competing at the Peak Health Aquatic Center at Mylan Park to advance to the world championship event in Rio de Janeiro in October. President and CEO of Visit Mountaineer Country CVB, Susan Riddle, said it’s vital for our community to support the event by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 29-year-old Morgantown man is behind bars accused of driving recklessly while legally drunk with a 7-year-old girl in the car. On Friday, West Virginia State Police said a car driven by Alexander Kerns was stopped near Airport Boulevard after allegedly passing multiple vehicles on Route 705. Troopers determined Kerns had a…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a 15-year-old male reported missing over the weekend. Jacob Thomas Miavitz was last seen Monday morning at 2:30 a.m. at his residence on Bennett Drive in Brookhaven. Miavitz is described as a 15-year-old white male, 5-feet 7-inches tall, and 145 pounds. Miavitz was last…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The top junior divers in the country are coming to the Peak Health Aquatic Center at Mylan Park for the 2024 USA Diving Junior National Championship. The competition runs from Monday, July 29 through Wednesday, August 7, according to USA Diving Event Coordinator Owen Weymouth. “This is one of the largest diving…
(Written by Savannah Jones) CHEAT LAKE W.Va – Locals gathered at beloved family-owned restaurant Ruby and Ketchy’s Friday to celebrate its last day of service after a 66-year run in Cheat Lake. The restaurant, which opened in 1958 across from the Morgantown speedway, announced it would close its doors and reside under new management last…
ELKINS, W.Va. Deputies in Randolph County arrested a 31-year-old man after making false crime reports Thursday at the Walmart off Beverly Five Lane. Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of an attack on a male juvenile in the bathroom that was made by Stephen Mason, 31. At the scene. Mason…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– A contractor working for the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) will completely close Van Voorhis Road from Sunday, July 28 at 5 a.m. through Monday, July 29 at 5 a.m. As part of the state Department of Highways project to widen Van Voorhis Road, crews with the contractor will be replacing 60-feet of…
CAMP DAWSON, W.Va. The West Virginia National Guard and the Irregular Warfare Center are conducting a major exercise with two training goals. On MetroNews “Talkline,” West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General Bill Crane said Ridge Runner trains soldiers on how to conduct operations in potentially contested areas, and Ridge Healer trains soldiers on how to…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. Members of the Preston County Sheriff’s Department were able to diffuse a mental health episode on Wednesday on the I-68 overpass at exit 29 in Hazelton. Deputies responded after several 911 calls describing a male, possibly in mental distress, getting ready to jump from the bridge. Deputies arrived to find the man…
AURORA, W.Va. Deputies in Preston County have arrested a 39-year-old man after he allegedly fired a weapon near his home while a family was inside. On Wednesday, deputies responded to a residence on Brookside Road in Aurora for a shots fired call and observed Donald Nair, 39, of Aurora, with a loaded firearm in his…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police have arrested a 48-year-old Morgantown man after they allege he threatened and yelled racial slurs at a family on Majestic Drive on Sunday, July 14. The family told troopers; they were driving down the street when James Hamlin yelled at them that they did not belong there while…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Schools are looking to fill several teacher openings as the 2024–25 school year approaches. The numbers change frequently, but at press time there were nine elementary school, three high school, and two pre-K/Headstart teaching positions available. Superintendent Eddie Campbell said the district has an engaged board of education and a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Paving operations in Morgantown on Brockway Avenue are expected to be done in the eveing hours from the intersection of Sruce Street to Hartman Run Road to ease traffic congestion during the day. Beginning Wednesday, July 24 from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m., crews for the state Department of Highways (DOH) will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 2023 Community Report from Monongalia EMS details accomplishments and challenges over the period and shows the importance of support from the community and elected officials. Executive Director Forest Weyen said the agency responded to 21,440 calls for service and was only able to bill for about 75 percent of the total.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Advanced Placement program at Monongalia County Schools allows high school-level students to take entry-level college courses and earn college credit. Director of Assessment, Accountability, and School Counseling, Courtney Crawford, said in 2024, 718 students took more than 1,400 tests. The program includes seven subject areas with 38 course opportunities to earn…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The NIOSH black lung screening mobile unit is at Mylan Park through Thursday to provide free and confidential screenings for the disease. The unit will be at Mylan Park Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Public health analyst with the NIOSH Respiratory Health Division and field coordinator for the Health Surveillance…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced a four week closure of West Run Road for widening. The closure begins Wednesday, July 24 and will be on West Run Road from the intersection of U.S. 119 and the West Run Apartments and Canvass Townhomes. During this closure crews will be excavating…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In Monongalia County, K–12 students return to the classroom on August 20, and pre-K students return the following day for the 2024–25 school year. Families have about three weeks left to enjoy the summer break, and two Monongalia County Schools employees have ideas to keep your children engaged. On WAJR’s “Ask the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown couple have been charged with child abuse after a juvenile in their care said they used a belt as a form of discipline. Investigators learned the information May 28 during an interview at the Morgantown Child Advocacy Center. The adult who filed the complaint told West Virginia State Police that…
GRANVILLE, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been charged with third degree sexual assault after an incident with a juvenile Saturday. Police were called to a residence in Granville on Madden Road on a report that Jaysiah Dawson, 21, had been involved sexually with a juvenile despite know the childwas underage. The person who filed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In Morgantown, downtown property owner Tricia DiCenso is providing first-hand accounts of damage she has suffered and dangers encountered by property owners and visitors. DiCenso, with Red Brick Properties is one of several downtown business owners who have documented damages and have called for action from the city council for at least…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A couple from Pennsylvania faces child neglect charges following an accident investigation on I-79 on Saturday. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police made contact with the driver, identified as Christin Bernhisel, 42, of Waynesborough, Pennsylvania, at the 139-mile marker, who police said showed signs of impairment. She failed field sobriety tests,…
MOATSVILLE, W.Va. A suspect from Moatsville is behind bars after police say he assaulted a woman and fled from police over the weekend. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene in the Arden area Saturday and witnessed Christopher Wagner, 33, slamming a woman to the ground by the throat. When deputies…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — University High School in Morgantown will host the Mathematics Revised Standards Rollout at INVEST (Infuse, Network, Value, Engage, Support, Target) Conference Monday, July 22 through Wednesday, July 24. Academic Support Coordinator Tim Flatley said about 150 teachers from across the state will have two days to review updated standards and get familiar…
SUMMERSVILLE, W.Va. — The body of a 44-year old Morgantown man missing near Summersville Lake has been recovered. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police confirmed the body Scott David Saylor, of Morgantown, was recovered from the lake around 8:20 a.m. Friday in the Battle Run Beach area. Saylor was last seen in the area…
WORTHINGTON, W.Va. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department are looking for help from the public to solve a hit-and-run involving an 81-year-old victim. Detectives believe the man was walking along Route 218 near Worthington on Tuesday evening or early Wednesday when he was struck. The impact threw the man into nearby Helens Run Creek,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department detectives have identified the victim and suspect in the July 11 deadly shooting on Mountain Valley Drive. Deputies said Rashad Malik Alton, 21, of Morgantown, was shot by Arnold Johnson, 19, of Montgomery Village, Maryland. Alton died at Ruby Memorial Hospital. Police are looking for Johnson, who is…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The suspect in the July 16 stabbing at the Fairmont Bowling Center has been arrested. Richard Moore, 39, of Fairmont, faces a charge of malicious assault and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail. Tuesday, around 9:30 p.m. Moore allegedly got into an argument with another male. The dispute moved outside…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mon Power is warning customers about a telephone scam recently reported to them. Spokesman Will Boye said scammers are telling customers they have a past-due balance and their electricity will be shut off if they do not make an immediate payment. Boye said it is not, and it has never been their…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Metropolitan Theater, in partnership with Morgantown Magazine and Visit Mountaineer Country CVB, wants residents to celebrate the life and career of a local entertainment icon. In commemoration of the 100th birthday of Don Knotts, the annual Don Knotts Festival will be hosted from Saturday, July 20…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Service League of Morgantown will hold the PaperPie Book Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Old Stone House Gift Shop. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” member Gayle Truman said the sale will be at their gift shop at 313 Chestnut Street in downtown Morgantown. The building…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown city council has set aside about $213,000 for the operation of the triage and warming shelter for the 2024-25 winter and transportation. The funds are part of the allocation of $1.3 million in carry over funds. Council approved the transfer of $150,000 for the operation of the triage shelter. That will…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A pedestrian was hit in the parking lot of the Sheetz on Milford Street in Clarksburg Thursday afternoon. First responders were dispatched at 2:45 p.m. and transported the victim to United Hospital Center in Bridgeport. The Clarksburg Police Department is investigating, no arrests have been made. No information on the extent of…
ANMOORE, W.Va. — An Anmoore man is facing a single count of child neglect after police there said he kicked a juvenile out of his house. Police observed a male juvenile on a bike near Joyce Street on a bicycle when they were informed the boy had been reported missing for about three hours. Anmoore…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown businessman, Todd Stainbrook, is weighing in on the homeless situation in Morgantown. The issue has been at the forefront for business owners for several years, and debate is ramping back up following a proposal to expand the organization that governs camping in the city. Third Ward Councilor Louise Michael requested…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The Fairmont Police Department is searching for a suspect involved in a stabbing at a Fairmont bowling alley. Fairmont police officers responded to the call reported at 1 Kirkway Drive at around 10:45 p.m. where responding officers found one male, 29, with a single stab wound to the right of his chest.…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Morgantown community have voiced their views on a potential camping ban focused on the downtown area. Representatives from Main Street Morgantown, West Virginia University, as well as Morgantown area unsheltered homeless advocates and many others, each expressed a combination of approval and disapproval of the…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — One person was flown from the scene of motorcycle-car crash in Shinnston Tuesday night. The accident was reported at 9:39 p.m. at the intersection of East Avenue and Harp Lane. Officials have not specified if the motorcycle or driver of the car were flown from the scene. The cause remains under investigation.…
(Written by Joe Nelson) FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont State University will receive $6.89 million in federally directed spending to go towards three improvement projects. The offices of United States Senators Joe Manchin and Shelley Moore Capito announced that the university will receive Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funds to support upgrades to the nursing program facilities,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A former Detroit resident will serve 10 years in federal prison for selling dangerous drugs in Monongalia and Taylor Counties. A jury found Kalen Daevon Lee, 31, of Detroit, Michigan, guilty of using a motel room in Morgantown to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Court documents said Lee went by…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Bruceton Mills resident is facing multiple charges related to sexual misconduct with juveniles after an investigation that started in West Virginia and ended in California with the arrest. Stephen David Seeger, 45, has been indicted for coercion and enticement of a minor for sex and child pornography. Seeger allegedly communicated with…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– A Clarksburg resident has been sentenced to nearly 30-years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl. Four others have also been sentenced for their roles in the crimes. A jury convicted William Glover in March 2024 of seven counts of drug trafficking and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. The…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Four have been indicted for violating federal firearms laws in northern West Virginia. Todd M. Houston, 35, of Morgantown, and Kayla N. Taylor, 33, of Montrose, have been charged with conspiracy to straw purchase firearms in Monongalia County. Court documents said Taylor falsified documents to purchase firearms for Houston, who is prohibited…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Work continues to move forward on the West Virginia Department of Highways efforts to include private contractors to address Monongalia County roads. State Senator Mike Oliverio updated the Monongalia County Commission on an agreement reached with the DOH and local contractor Anderson Excavating LLC. to address state run…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — Officials in Harrison County expect I-79 southbound to be closed for an extended period due to a recreational vehicle fire. The fire was reported mid-afternoon at mile marker 126, but as of 4:15 p.m. traffic backups were reported by motorists all the way back to the Pleasant Valley area. Three people…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MORGANTOWN W.Va – Nonprofit legal services firm Mountain State Justice expressed their opposition to a proposed camping ban downtown in a letter to the Morgantown City Council on July 5. Third Ward Councilor Louise Michael proposed expanding the camping ban mentioned in Sec. 941.05(c) of the Morgantown City Code from just…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MORGANTOWN W.Va – A public ice rink is set to open in late 2025 at Mylan Park, according to Mylan Park Foundation President Ron Justice. The arena’s exact design is still in the early stages, but Justice said the rink will most likely include one sheet of ice with locker rooms…
WORTHINGTON, W.Va. A Worthington resident has been following a series of forensic interviews with juveniles about sexual abuse. Deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department were told by the victim that Tyler Swiger, 33, had performed sexual acts when they were 6 or 7 years old but did not remember the exact date. In one…
FAIRMONT, W. Va. — A Fairmont woman has been charged after state police said she failed to get help for a juvenile female who she knew was being sexually abused. Chelsea Nice, 34, has been charged with child neglect resulting in injury and is being held in North Central Regional Jail on a $200,012 bond.…
MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A Masontown man has been charged after police say he hit a dog on the snout with a shovel and caused a serious injury. On July 12, deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department were called to investigate a report of an injured dog at Plum Hill Terrace. Deputies were shown picture…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Marion County Prosecutor Jeffery Freeman will hold a press conference Tuesday to release information relating to the shooting death of Charles “Duddy” Echols in 2023. The press event comes about one week after the family held a protest at the Marion County Courthouse because no arrests have been made nearly a year…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MONONGALIA COUNTY W.Va – Diane Market Gaston, a first-time Democratic candidate for the House of Delegates seat in District 78, said she wants to take care of West Virginians that often get overlooked if she is elected. “We have all kinds of folks that fall through the cracks, and those are…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Mountaineer Area Council of Scouting America wants Morgantown area residents to help them celebrate the 70th anniversary of the opening of Camp Mountaineer. Former camp staff, leaders, and attendees are expected to take part in the festivities that are scheduled to begin on Sunday, July 14, starting…
SALEM, W.Va. — Troopers from the West Virginia State Police confiscated a large quantity of methamphetamine and made three arrests in Salem Thursday. Troopers executed the search warrant at an apartment on Main Street and made contact with Clarence Rheinhardt, Jonie Mayle and Raymond Thompson and found a large amount of methamphetamine, about $200 in…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MORGANTOWN W.Va– The West Virginia Wellness Festival is set for Saturday, July 13, at the Mylan Park Community Center, offering services for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health. The event, hosted by nonprofit organization Forgiven Warrior, will feature 90 exhibitors from all across North Central West Virginia, ranging from medical professionals…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local organizations that aim to increase affordable housing options in Monongalia County have received endorsements to apply for the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh Affordable Housing Program. The Monongalia County Commission approved resolutions to endorse three organizations that aim to use facilities around the Morgantown area to…
(Written by Savannah Jones) PRESTON COUNTY W.Va – The Arthurdale Heritage New Deal Festival is occurring Saturday, July 13, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., marking the 90th anniversary of the homestead community. Arthurdale Heritage was the first of 100 homestead communities established by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt during the New Deal era in 1934,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A 58-year old Morgantown man is facing charges after a reported sexual assault on July 4. Police the victim alleges Richard Braham Jr. assaulted her throughout the night and into the morning. Police said Braham also sent inappropriate messages and in some of the messages acknowledged the sexual conduct. Braham was charged…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An investigation is ongoing into the cause of a tractor trailer accident that caused parts of Grafton Road outside of Morgantown to be closed Friday afternoon. The accident was reported by Monongalia County Emergency Management at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, when the tractor trailer crashed just short of the on and…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MORGANTOWN W.Va – Several parties have voiced opposition to the proposal of an expanded camping ban downtown by a Morgantown City Councilor. The proposed ban is an addition to Sec. 941.05(c) of the Morgantown City Code, which prohibits camping in the park without the consent of the city manager. Third Ward…
(Written by Joe Nelson) TERRA ALTA, W.Va. — Members of the Preston County farming community are ready to host the 6th Annual Preston County Farm Crawl. The crawl will kick off on Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m., when eight locally owned farms will open their doors and show off what is being grown and…
(Written by Savannah Jones) MONONGALIA COUNTY W.Va – Delegate Geno Chiarelli R. Monongalia said his main goal pending his re-election is to improve the quality of life in Morgantown. Chiarelli said he feels Morgantown has taken a steep quality decline since he arrived in 2013 to attend West Virginia University, and he hopes to improve…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Fire Marshal’s Office has begun to investigate the cause of a house fire that occurred on Pennsylvania Avenue early Thursday morning. The fire was reported at around midnight on Thursday, when Morgantown firefighters arrived to find the house engulfed in smoke on both the first and second floors. According to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is on the hunt for a suspect involved in a deadly shooting that occurred early Thursday morning outside of Morgantown. Deputies responded to a call for a shooting on Mountain Valley Drive at around 1:40 Thursday morning, where a man was found with a gunshot wound as…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The hiring of a social worker for the Morgantown Police Department has resulted in the discovery of new aspects to help law enforcement. Kelly Rice, who has served as the Morgantown PD social worker for the past year, has begun to reflect on her experiences with the department…
(Written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County State Senator Mike Oliverio made an appearance in front of the county commission Wednesday to offer updates on state efforts to help fund the triage shelter formerly operated by Bartlett Housing Solutions. Oliverio addressed the commission at the end of their regular meeting on Wednesday, where…
HUTTONSVILLE, W.Va. — An investigation into the pedestrian death in the parking lot of the Huttonsville ParMar shows the incident was an accident and the driver will not be charged. Randolph County Sheriff Rob Elbon said around 1:52 a.m. Debbie Bennett, 41, was walking near Route 250 wearing headphones, using her phone and facing away…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for a potentially violent subject and are looking for help from the public. Carl Leon Nicholson, 60, is wanted for failure to update sex offender registry, sexual assault, and domestic violence in Gilmer County. Nicholson ia a white male, 5-feet 9-inches, 150 pounds, with brown hair…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is moving forward with upgrades to the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant. The upgrades would come with the first rate increase since 2014 for Cheat Lake area customers, which could be as much as 90 percent. General Manager Mike McNulty said the project scope includes upgrades…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The suspect in the Route 7 hit-and-run that killed one person has waived his preliminary hearing. David Blaine Emerson, 28, of Morgantown, is accused of speeding and wearing no seatbelts when state troopers attempted to stop the car. Emerson crossed the centerline with police pursuing and hit an amublance traveling in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A shoplifting investigation in Morgantown resulted in the arrest of a Bruceton Mills woman for drug possession. On July 5, Morgantown police were dispatched to the Walmart and observed surveillance footage showing Jessica Bodkin, 28, concealing unpaid items in a bag. After placing Bodkin under arrest, police said they found more than 16…
(Savannah Jones is the author of this story) HAZELTON W.Va – A hiring process change at Hazelton Federal Prison in Preston County is chipping away at the longstanding staffing shortage and looking to improve working conditions for officers. American Federation of Government Employees Local 420 President Justin Tarovisky said the Federal Bureau of Prisons’ recent…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. An Independence Day traffic stop resulted in drug charges for two. Morgantown police stopped a car driven by Robert Kilngensmith, 32, of Morgantown, for a malfunctioning brake light. When police made contact with Klingensmith and passenger Jennifer Downey, 41, of Charleston, each offered false identification. Downey ultimately gave the police her real name…
(Joe Nelson is the author of this story) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Foundation now has three new members on its board of directors. Christine Hayhurst Davis, Erika Cramer, and Dave Gruver were all named to the board after they were formally approved by the WVU Foundation board in July. Each of the…
MORGANTOWN, W, Va. — The effort to reopen the triage shelter in Morgantown is moving forward on several fronts and appears to be gaining traction. On WAJRS ‘Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom said he had just learned that $167,500 that was pulled from Bartlett Housing Solutions earlier this year could be…
THORNTON W.Va – After representing West Virginia for a year, Taylor County native Grace Austin-Trboyevich was named Mrs. Agriculture USA 2024. Miss Agriculture USA, a national nonprofit organization, runs through all 50 states, inviting all ages from two years old and beyond. Austin-Trboyevich started her journey with the organization by applying to be West Virginia’s…
MASONTOWN, W.Va. A fire at the old Masontown School did little damage Wednesday afternoon, but the availability of water to fight the blaze was a concern. In a post on social media, members of the Kingwood Volunteer Fire Department said the water system was down for maintenance at the time of the fire, so tanker…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown is ready to welcome area residents to come celebrate Independence Day. A day of family-friendly activities, live music, and 4th of July fireworks will kick off at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park Amphitheater. City of Morgantown Arts and Culture Director Vincent Kitch encourages residents…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An agreement to help improve wi-fi services at Mylan Park will officially move forward. The Monongalia County Commission approved a request from the Mylan Park Aquatic and Track Center to allocate approximately $7,750 towards installing an “advanced firewall” to help upgrade wireless internet capabilities around Mylan Park facilities. This follows the announcement…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Firefighters in Morgantown are concerned as new policies are enacted by the city to comply with Senate Bill 557. The bill, sponsored by Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, requires municipalities to pay firefighters during holidays for their entire shift, even if it spans two calendar days or equal time off. Morgantown firefighters…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Fire Department responded to a fire that killed the family dog on Brockway Avenue Tuesday morning. Firefighters were dispatched to 545 Brockway Avenue at 9:58 a.m. and found the family had escaped unharmed. Firefighters did locate a dog that died in the blaze. Investigators believe the fire started in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown city council members elected leadership for the coming year and called for action on homeless issues and support for the police department. First Ward Councilor Joe Abu-Ghannam was elected mayor after dual nominations. Abu-Ghannam, Jenny Selin, Dave Harshbarger, and Bill Kawecki voted for Joe Abu-Ghannam. Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble received votes…
(This story was written by Joe Nelson) MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Catholic Charities of West Virginia has offered the City of Morgantown their services to host a year-long emergency triage shelter within city limits. President and CEO of the Catholic Charities of West Virginia, Mark Phillips, presented a request for proposal during Morgantown City Council’s regular…
LUMBERPORT, W.Va. — One person was flown from the scene of a motorcycle accident on Wallace Pike yesterday afternoon. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene at 4:37 p.m., about seven miles outside Lumberport. The investigation determined a single motorcycle crashed, injuring the rider, who was flown from the scene. Firefighters…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The University Police Department is looking for help from the public to find the suspects involved in a fraternity house burglary Tuesday morning. A cleaning crew arrived at 633 Spruce Street around 9 a.m. and found three suspicious people in the building owned by West Virginia University that houses a fraternity. A…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police (WVSP) are investigating a crash at the Pennsylvania state line on southbound I-79 reported around 5 p.m. Tuesday. WVSP said the slow lane southbound side of the interstate reopened at 6:57 p.m. No information has been released.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A Detroit man who was found guilty of a Monongalia County murder will serve consecutive life sentences. Cleotis Eppes was sentenced in Monongalia County Circuit Court Tuesday on charges of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy in the May 2022 drug debt death of Matthew Moore. The ruling from Judge Paul Gwaltney comes less…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. –– The ambitious multi-year Richwood Avenue redevelopment project is about to make a major advancement. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO of the Morgantown Area Partnership (MAP) Russ Rogerson said the bid date for structure demolition will be July 18, just about three weeks away. “The tearing down of about…
By Savannah Jones BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. — After 23 years of service at Clay-Battelle High School, David Cottrell retired as the school’s principal at the end of the year to take up the role of president of the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference. Cottrell came to Clay-Battelle High School as the assistant principal in 2001, moving into…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A record number of Americans will take to the road for the Independence Day holiday this year, according to a report from the Mid-Atlantic Division of Triple A. Spokesperson Tiffany Stanley said this holiday falls toward the end of the of the week, encouraging people to take the week before or after…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — An Albright woman has been charged after an altercation reported at the Circle K on West Main Street in Kingwood. On Friday, police made contact with the victim who had blood in and around her mouth and holding an ice pack on the right side of her head. The victim told police…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — A Bruceton Mills woman has been charged after troopers from the West Virginia State Police allege she crashed while intoxicated causing injuries to a 4-year old child. On June 22, troopers responded to a report of a two-vehicle crash in the area of Compressor Station Road in Bruceton Mills involving a driver…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Changes proposed to firefighter pay in Morgantown are in step with compliance for the implementation of Senate Bill 557, sponsored by Mike Oliverio, R. Monongalia, 12. The law, which took effect 90 days after passage, dictates that municipalities must compensate firefighters who are required to work holidays for their entire shift, even…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The ongoing dispute between the City of Morgantown and its firefighters over holiday pay is headed in a different direction. According to a memo from City Manager Kim Haws, beginning Monday, a firefighter will be eligible for holiday pay equal to the length of his or her shift. The policy also creates a…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. Officials with the Bureau of Prisons have announced a significant change to the hiring process that is expected to help relieve staffing shortages at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Hazelton. Reports indicate FCI Hazelton has up to 90 open positions for prison guards. The change comes more than a year after protests and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. –– The first case of rabies in 2024 has been confirmed on property at the Preston-Monongalia County line. The owner of the property off Gladesville Road in Independence found a racoon fighting with a barn cat. The owner euthenized the racoon and tests at the Office of Laboratory Services in South Charleston…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Detroit area resident will face multiple drug charges after police said he was caught bringing bulk quantities to Marion County. On Thursday, members of the Three Rivers Drug Task Force raided a home on Morgantown Avenue that Tristan Thomas, 47, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, was staying at and found a large…
CARMICHAELS, Pa. The first annual Officer Zane Breakiron Memorial Ride, presented by Carmichaels Riders and Zane’s parents, Garret and Mindy, will be held on Saturday, June 29. Officer Zane Breakiron died in an off-duty vehicle crash in the early morning hours of June 3 last year near the Pennsylvania state line, three days before he…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The family of a boy who suffered a medical emergency at the Krepps Park Pool earlier this month is thankful for his recovery and the work by lifeguards and first responders that made it possible. Jason Pauley’s son, Jackson, suffered a medical emergency, and the lifeguards and staff at the pool quickly…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Detroit resident is behind bars after Morgantown said they found 80 grams of fentanyl in the car he was driving. Police saw Deante Hurt, 27, driving a vehicle that was implicated in a hit-and-run from the previous day on High Street. Hurt was standing near the vehicle, but when he saw…
Monongalia County Board of Education President Ron Lytle and longtime member Nancy Walker have officially ended their over decade long runs as part of the BOE. The two longest-tenured members of the BOE were commemorated as part of their final meeting in June, where they were recognized for their roles in helping the county school…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Michigan man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for selling methamphetamine in Harrison County. Bacarre Curtis, 23, of Eastpointe, Michigan, was sentenced for possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of methamphetamine, but federal officials believe Curtis, also known as “TJ” was responsible for transporting and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown city councilors heard encouraging news about the potential reopening of the triage shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope and the beginnings of talks for transportation for the less fortunate. Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble announced the triage shelter at Hazels House of Hope could be reopened as a joint venture between…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown mother is facing child neglect charges after a 1-year-old fell and hit her head early Monday. Morgantown police were called to the emergency room at 2 a.m. Monday on a report of a child who had hit her head and made contact with Ashley Bennett, 36. Bennett told police her…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — A Fayetteville woman is facing charges after police allege she rolled her car on I-79 with child in tt while intoxicated. Westover police said Vickie Gay, 52, flipped the vehicle its side on I-79 at the Westover exit and flipped on its side. Gay and the juvenile were briefly trapped inside. During…
This was written by Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice awarded $1.3 million to fund a SteppingStones inclusive playground for disabled children and adults at Mylan Park Monday, closing the fundraising gap on the project. SteppingStones is a nonprofit organization that offers several recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities, such as…
ELKINS, W.Va The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department has arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a high-speed pursuit Saturday night. Deputies were called to Huttonsville Par Mar for reckless driving on Saturday at 11 p.m. The 15-year-old driver fled from deputies on Route 219 into Mill Creek, almost hitting a pedestrian. The pursuit ended when the…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A suspected member of the Pagan Motorcycle Club found guilty in a Marion County murder has been sentenced to life with no mercy. John Wolfe was convicted in April of this year in the Sept. 2022 killing of Henry Silver at an apartment complex in Carolina. The investigation showed Wolfe ordered other…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny has hired the first female deputy in agency history. Kaleigh Wetzel comesfrom Lewis County and is already a certified police officer and can start upon completion of the Field Training Program. Matheny also announced the hiring certified police officer from the city of Dunbar, Roger King. Both…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Governor Jim Justice came to Morgantown Monday to recognize the two newest Distinguished West Virginians. West Virginia University Professors Maura McLaughlin and Duncan Lorimer were co-recipients of the Shaw Prize last year for their work in the discovery of fast radio bursts (FRBs). The two join the list of recipients that includes…
By: Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN W.Va. – The Monongalia County Commission was highly honored by the County Commission Association of West Virginia, earning County of the Year and Administrator of the Year awards. Monongalia County Commissioner Sean Sikora said the county’s awards are a testament to the efficiency of the commission, noting that the county has…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded $6.4 million to West Virginia University for renovations to the PRT stations and guideway. The funding was secured through a Congressionally Directed Spending request by U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito during the current fiscal year that ends this month. “Since I came to the Senate,…
STAR CITY, W.Va. — PACE Enterprises plans to break ground for the one-of-a-kind independent housing facility June 26 at 10 a.m. The 12-unit affordable, independent housing facility for individuals with disabilities will be located at 420 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Star City, the original location of Pace Enterprises. In January of this year Pace…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Great Race, an event featuring pre-World War II automobiles running from Owensboro, Kentucky, to Seal Cove, Maine, will stop in Morgantown on June 24. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Morgantown First Ward Councilor Joe Abu-Ghannam was able to secure Morgantown as a stop with the help of local car enthusiast…
GOOD HOPE, W.Va. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department are investigating a stabbing that seriously injured a person a person on Friday night. Police began the investigation near Puckett’s Processing on Good Hope Pike around 7:26 p.m. Friday. The victim was flown from the scene for treatment. No information about the extent of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Board of Governors approved a tuition and fee increase and received updates on the presidential search and academic transformation, and selected a new set of officers for the coming year. The BOG approved a $228 per semester tuition increase (4.7%) for resident undergraduate students and $624 (4.5%) per…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown have arrested a local after he allegedly pointed a gun at a co-workers head Tuesday. Police said the female victim was working at the Burger King on Patteson Drive when the sound of a gun cocking was heard. When the victim turned around she said Daniel Garcia, 23, was…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Detectives with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department have made another arrest in the Sept. 2022 murder of Henry Siler at a Carolina apartment complex by members of the Pagans Motorcycle Club. Sheriff Jimmy Riffle reports Ryan Lane, 36, of Fairmont, has been arrested Tuesday and charged with first degree murder after detectives…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Great Race, an event featuring pre-World War II automobiles running from Owensboro, Kentucky, to Seal Cove, Maine, will stop in Morgantown on June 24. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Morgantown First Ward Councilor Joe Abu-Ghannam was able to secure Morgantown as a stop with the help of local car enthusiast…
This story was written by Joe Nelson MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A graduate of University High School has pledged to donate up to $1 million towards the funding of a new baseball and softball complex. Nancy Pride Raley, the sister of UHS Athletic Hall of Famer Ronald “Duke” Pride, has agreed to donate $750,000 towards the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In recognition of West Virginia Day, Mountain Line Transit Authority (MLTA) is offering rides on all local routes on Thursday, June 20. Officials said this is an opportunity for former riders to rediscover MLTA or for new riders to try new routes the system provides. Click here for more information about bus…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council approved partial funding to continue subsidizing the Mountainline Transit Authority (MLTA) route to and from Hazels House of Hope and announced efforts to secure a contractor to operate an Extreme Weather Warming Center next year. Free rides started at Hazel’s House of Hope in September 2021 for the less…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department offered a young county resident with muscular dystrophy a chance to see the ins and outs of how a sheriff’s office operates. Young David Burnworth and his mother were shopping at Retail Circle when he saw Monongalia County Court Security Officer David McDougal and struck up conversation.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Beginning in late July or early August, the Mountain Line Transit Authority will test propane-powered buses. General Manager Maria Smith said the many benefits of propane price stability were very attractive. Gasoline and diesel prices are subject to wild swings due to weather conditions, world tensions, and supply and demand influences, none…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –Commissioners in Monongalia County approved a one-time payment to ensure the Bartlett House can meet payroll obligations through the month of June. Commissioners and the city of Morgantown will each allocate a one-time payment of $17,500 as a stop-gap while officials work on negotiations to bring a new operator to the facility. “This…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council has formally passed an increase in compensation for council members as efforts to fund city streetscapes continue. The second reading of an ordinance that would increase per-meeting pay from $250 to $350 for council members and from $350 to $450 for the mayor was passed in a 6-1 vote…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, WV – The state Department of Highways (DOH) is warning motorists about potential delays on West Run Road from the intersection of Stewartstown Road to the intersection of Point Marion Road beginning Wednesday, June 19. Crews will be relocating underground utilities and traffic will one lane through the area controlled by flaggers. Motorists…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown Fire Chief Eugene Deem has announced plans to retire. Deem has served Morgantown for the last 31 years, the last three as chief following the retirement of Mark Caravasos. “Through decades of leadership, education, and unwavering commitment to the fire service, Chief Deem has shaped a legacy of professionalism and knowledge…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown have arrested a Detroit man who they said had three different types of narcotics in his possession. Members of the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested Zaeonne Patrick, 19, as he left a home on Kingwood Street in Morgantown. Inside the home, agents seized 100 grams…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The parents of a 9-week-old in Fairmont have been arrested after a welfare check determined the child was starving despite there being ample food in the home. On June 13, Fairmont police conducted a welfare check at the home of Wendie Elicky, 21, and Michael Newlin, 27, and brought CPS workers back…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Retention among employees of the city of Morgantown is raising concerns for at least one member of the city council. Fifth Ward representative Danielle Trumble said when two key members left the Finance Department, she called for an executive session to find out what has caused multiple employees to leave across several…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A 45-year old Fairmont subject is facing charges after police allege he robbed a another man at gunpoint. Raymond Barnett, 45, went to a man’s tent on 9th Street at approximately 1 p.m. Friday, threatened him with a firearm and took two backpacks containing $500 in merchandise. According to the victim, the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Senatorial District 13 Republican Senatorial Committee is seeking applications from party members interested in running for the State Senate seat in the the 13th District representing portions of Monongalia and Marion Counties. Jonathan Board was on the ballot for the primary, but has been selected to serve as the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A heat advisory is in effect for the entire listening area through Friday, and MetroNews Accuweather Meteorologist Jeff Nordean said the similar heat wave was six years ago, nearly to the day. “The last time we saw a seven-day stretch of 90-degree weather was back in 2018, specifically between July 4 and…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. The state Department of Highways has announced plans to close an entrance ramp on southbound I-79 in Marion County beginning Monday, June 17. The closure will begin at the entrance ramp at mile marker 135.6 at 6 p.m. and continue through Tuesday, June 18 at 6 p.m. for bridge cleaning and sealing.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — The city of Fairmont is preparing to demolish the largest industrial dilapidated structure in the city and build a section of local trail that will also be part of the Parkersburg to Pittsburgh (P2P) corridor and the Industrial Heartlands Trail Corridor. “A lot of work in the last couple of years has…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Delegate Joey Garcia, D, Marion, 76, and candidate for the State Senate in the November election has concerns about what direction leaders might take with state-run nursing facilities. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Garcia talked about his recent visit to the John Manchin Snr. Health Care Center in Fairmont with members…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A film maker and Morgantown native, Sharon Lee, is hopeful the recent passing of Jerry West will renew interest in a film project about the woman referred to as the” the woman behind WVU’s golden age of basketball,” Ann Dinardi. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Lee said a commitment to tell…
SALEM, W.Va. — One person is in custody following an attempted robbery in a store on East Main Street in Salem. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department said John Livingston walked into the Broken-In Treasures store where the victim was checking out. Livingston approached the victim with two knives and hit him in the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. A 10-year-old Clarksburg boy is being called a hero after saving his family from carbon monoxide poisoning this week. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, the boy was awake playing video games while six other family members slept. The young man heard ringing, which he thought was part of the game, but…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia State Police are investigating a single vehicle crash Friday that injured one person. The crash was reported on the I-79 southbound side of the I-68 split around 2:30 p.m. Witnesses said the vehicle rolled multiple times. There is no word on the extent of injuries. No names have been released.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Members of the West Virginia National Guard will celebrate the 149th birthday of the U.S. Army across the state on Friday, June 14. Public Information Officer Bo Wriston said the day will start with a U.S. Army tradition at the Capitol Complex in Charleston. Units that are unable to celebrate in Charleston will…
This story was written by Joe Nelson MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Main Street Morgantown is ready to celebrate the 161st birthday of West Virginia with a family friendly festival that will take place on Saturday, June 15. The annual celebration will take place on High Street starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with fun activities planned…
This story was written by Joe Nelson MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The highly anticipated Marilla Park Aquatic Center is on track to be completed by the projected December 2024 finish date. BOPARC Executive Director Melissa Wiles offered an update on the construction of the approximately $14.6 million project, where she reported that the construction of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– Lifeguards at Krepp’s Park Pool are credited with saving a young child’s life who suffered a medical emergency on Saturday, June 8. According to a report from the Dominion Post, the 11-year-old son of Jason and Elizabeth Pauley had a medical emergency that caused him to fall into the water. BOPARC lifeguards…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — One person is facing charges after allegedly setting a car on fire near a Clarksburg apartment complex Tuesday. Clarksburg police said Sarah Dehaven, 42, intentionally set a 1999 Buick Century on fire in front of the apartment building on Maple View Drive. The investigation determined Dehaven disbaled a “Ring” doorbell system before…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Mon Metro Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested a Detroit, Michigan resident and confiscated a large amount of fentanyl in Morgantown. Task force members confiscated 60 grams of fentanyl, cash, scales, and packaging materials from Lance Harris, 31, during a raid on a home on Statler Street. Officials…
This story was written by Joe Nelson MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Scott’s Run Settlement House has begun the recovery process after flood damage affected their old headquarters. Almost a week after a water line at the charity organization’s long-time Osage location caused a flood in the basement and thousands of dollars worth of damage, Scott’s…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia State Police have charged a Morgantown woman with embezzlement after an alleged theft from Cheat Lake area business. Catherine Kinsey, 32, is accused of taking $11,104 during her employment at Spa Roma between February 12, 2024 to May 10, 2024. Troopers initiated the investigation after the owner contacted them May…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. Less than 24-hours after the robbery of the MVB Bank on Main Street in Clarksburg police have arrested a suspect. During a traffic stop at 10:30 Wednesday morning Clarksburg police arrested Chantal Skinner, 38, of Clarksburg for robbery of a banking institution. Police Skinner fled the bank Tuesday with $1,147. Skinner has confessed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) continue their dialog with the Monongalia County Commission on behalf of employees in the county assessor’s office. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” UMWA Director of Communications Erin Bates said in recent weeks the back and forth has included questions about pay, benefits,…
This story was written by Joe Nelson MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An agreement is in place to have Pierpont Community and Technical College host surgical technician classes for students at the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC). The Monongalia County Board of Education unanimously approved the contract that will be one-year long as part of their…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Police in Clarksburg are searching for a female suspect in connection with a bank robbery in downtown. Police said they responded to a panic alarm that was triggered at 4:30 Tuesday afternoon from the MVB Bank on Main Street. The white woman displayed a gun and ordered the teller to put the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board heard a presentation about a study into developing a water feature on Deckers Creek and adopted the budget for the 2024–25 year. President of Main Street Morgantown Mark Downs and downtown business owner L.J. Giuliani told the board they’re working with Lyons, Colorado-based S20, a well-known creator of…
MAIDSVILLE, W.Va. — Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged a Maidsville woman with malicious assault after allegedly hitting a woman with a metal pipe. Early Tuesday morning, deputies were called to the home on Mason Dixon Highway after a report that Holly Hinerman, 48, hit another woman with a 23-inch…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. One person was killed in a Monday afternoon crash on Grafton Road. Deputies were called to Grafton Road near the intersection of Horseman’s Trail at 3:45 p.m., where a northbound vehicle was making a pass and hit an ATV head-on. The ATV rider died at the scene. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department…
DELAWARE, Oh. — A former city manager in Morgantown has been named to the same position in the community of Delaware, Ohio. Paul Brake served ascity manager in Morgantown from 2017 to 2020 before taking the same post in Royal Oak, Michigan. Brake left the job in Royal Oak in November of 2023. In Delaware,…
ELKINS, W.Va. An Elkins man is facing multiple charges following a dispute over drugs at a home in Randolph County Tuesday. Deputies from the sheriff’s department responded to a home on Gun Dog Road on a report of a physical altercation. While responding to the scene, deputies were informed that the suspect, Nathan Yokum, 34,…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A Masontown man is facing drug charges after a routine traffic stop with troopers from the West Virginia State Police. On Thursday, troopers stopped a car driven by Terry Sanders, 49, on Route 7 for not using a turn signal. Troopers said Sanders appeared nervous and sweating and refused to make eye…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Monongalia County magistrate has sentenced the former chief of police in Monongah to six months in jail after being convicted on a harassment charge. Gregory Knight, 57, of Core, was sentenced to six months in jail recently following his April 2 conviction. Knight was following a woman in Monongalia County. He…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Commissioners in Harrison County will consider a 15-year extension of the Charles Pointe Tax Incremental Tax District (TIF) this week. The Charles Pointe TIF District expires in 2035, and a measure passed during the 2023 regular legislative session allows a 15-year extension. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Harrison County commissioner Patsy…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been arrested after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal accident on Route 7 in Richard Friday. Troopers attempted stop Daniel Emerson, 28, and a female passenger for not wearing seatbelts just before 11 a.m. Friday. Emerson crossed the centerline and struck an ambulance killing a female passenger…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– Multiple departments responded to a small fire at Liberty High School Monday morning. Around 10:30 a.m. crews were performing maintenance on apiece of equipment at the back of the building that caught fire. Some smoke did enter the building, but firefighters were able to quickly ventilate the area. Firefighters from Clarksburg, Bridgeport…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The West Virginia Medical Examiner is working to identify remains found in the Monongahela River by a fisherman Friday afternoon. Officials reported the body was so badly decomposed they were not able to confirm a gender or age. The Fairmont Fire Department, Marion County Rescue Squad and Fairmont Police Department responded to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Night work operations on Brockway Avenue are planned next week and motorists should expect some delays, according to the state Department of Highways (DOH). Mountaineer Contracting will conduct milling, paving, and shoulder work at night from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, June 10. Crews will be working from Spruce Street…
GRAFTON, W.Va. The EMS director in Taylor County has been charged with falsifying records after a state police investigation into ambulance repairs funded by the county commission. West Virginia State Police have arrested Gavin Watkins, 28, of Grafton, for allegedly forging a receipt for $28,945 for the work done by Atlantic Emergency Solutions in the…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — A Meadowbrook man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms charges and faces up to ten years in prison. Brock Corel Pearson, 42, admitted to illegally possessing an unregistered short-barreled shotgun. At sentencing, Pearson could be ordered to federal prison for up to 10 years. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and…
RICHARD, W.Va.— West Virginia State Police have reopened Rote 7 in the Richard area following a serious crash Friday morning. One person was killed in the multi-vehicle crash and there are unconfirmed reports that one person involved in the accident fled on foot from the scen. No other details have been released.
RICHARD, W.Va. West Virginia State Police are on the scene of a fatal accident on Route 7 in the Richard area and expect the road to be closed for an extended period of time. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said the initial dispatch came into the emergency operations center at 10:48 a.m. Friday. “State…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Fayette County man is behind bars after being accused of sexually assaulting a woman outside a Morgantown nightclub in March. The investigation began on March 3 when Morgantown police were alerted by the victim in downtown. Police learned Jordan Gray, 25, of Scarborough, met the victim, who was reportedly a highly…
This story was written by Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN W. Va. – In honor of the WVU Mountaineer Baseball team reaching the NCAA super regionals for the first time in program history, Mylan Park is hosting a live viewing of the team’s debut on June 7 at 6 p.m. at the Track and Field Complex. The…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Vandalia Health will soon celebrate the second anniversary of the merger between Mon Health and the Charleston Area Medical Center. Now, the health system has 14 hospitals, from the far south in the state to the full service offerings in Charleston, the Davis Health System, Mon Health facilities in Morgantown, and affiliations with…
This story was written by Brad McElhinny The executive director of the board overseeing charter schools in the state today described concluding an investigation of practices at West Virginia Academy, one of the state’s original charter schools in Morgantown. James Paul The review and some corrective actions generally focused on whether West Virginia Academy has appropriate…
ELKINS, W.Va. — Detectives with the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department have made three arrests following a multi-week theft investigation. The initial breaking and entering report came on May 14 in the Mingo area, where multiple structures on the property had been broken into. Richard McCune, Patrick New, and Eric Robinson have been charged with felony…
Story written by Joe Nelson MONTROSE, W.Va. — A Randolph County man was arrested for allegedly trying to murder a woman by giving her drugs. Brian Broseker, of Montrose is in custody on charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, retaliation against a witness and conspiracy after he allegedly gave a woman a line of methamphetamine and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A group of workers in the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office say they have no confidence in the Monongalia County Commission and that’s why they want to join a union. A member of the Monongalia County Assessor’s Office addressed county commissioners Wednesday about their efforts to organize with the United Mine Workers of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Union workers at WVU Hospitals have approved a new contract. Members of the Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 814 have ratified the deal with WVUH that will be in place through March 2027. LIUNA Local 814 Business Manager Kristi Snider said the contract was ratified by a vote of 369-235. Approval…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A woman is accused of stabbing her daughter in Morgantown. On Tuesday, at 9:04 p.m., Morgantown Police officers were dispatched to a stabbing report on Cobun Ave. When police arrived, an adult female immediately admitted to stabbing her 17-year-old daughter. The child was transported to WVU Medicine Children’s Hospital for treatment. The…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. — One person was flown from the scene of an ATV accident in the Shinnston area Tuesday. Harrison County EMS and the Shinnston Fire Department responded around 7.p. m. and called HealthNet to evacuate the victim. The accident remains under investigation. No information has been released about the extent of injuries.
WESTOVER, W. Va.. — A former Westover city councilman is facing domestic assault and battery allegations after an incident reported Sunday evening. Westover officials said a woman made the report at the police station around 6:50 p.m. Sunday and wanted to press charges against her husband, Ralph Mullins, 58. His wife woman told police during…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A pair of contractors are set to begin work on the 2024 Street Improvement Plan in Morgantown. Morgantown-based Anderson Excavating, LLC will begin work on the $792,000 2024 Street Improvement Plan Wednesday, June 5. The scope of work includes milling and repaving Harding Avenue, Country Club Drive, portions of Oakland Street and…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — The Preston County teacher accused of using duct tape on a student during class has been indicted by a grand jury. Cassandra Sisler, 43, of Terre Alta, was a teacher at Central Middle School when she was charged with four counts of child abuse last October. Sisler allegedly used duct tape from ear-to-ear…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Officials from the City of Morgantown are looking to try to address the low number of enplanements at the Morgantown Municipal Airport. Morgantown City Manager Kim Haws announced that the city and carrier Southern Airways are in the process of beginning to subsidize flight costs in order to increase the number of…
Written by Savannah Jones MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — When Hope Crichigno was born, her parents were unsure that she would ever breathe on her own, let alone graduate from high school nineteen years later. Born at merely 24 weeks, Crichigno spent the first six months of her life in the hospital and was ultimately diagnosed with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Police Department announced that an investigation is underway into the death of a young child on Collins Ferry Road on Wednesday. According to a press release by MPD, the young child was found by EMS personnel in a parked SUV at 3610 Collins Ferry Road on Wednesday afternoon. The officers…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia State Police are searching for a missing woman who was last seen in Morgantown. Kimberly Osborne, 47, was last seen on Sunday, May 12 on River Road wearing a bright pink shirt. She’s described as 5’2″ weighing 120 pounds. Anyone with information about Osborne is asked to call the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Despite being massively outspent, Chris Rose defeated two-term state senator Mike Maroney, R-Marshall, in the May primary election by more than 2,800 votes in his first run for political office. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Rose said the campaign was won on hard work and face-to-face contact with voters in the district…
WESTOVER, W.Va. — The city of Westover hes settled the lawsuit brought against the city by former councilman Ralph Mullins. U.S. District Judge Thomas Kleeh dismissed seven of the nine counts filed against the city, former mayor Dave Johnson, attorney Tim Stranko, clerk Sandy Weiss and five current and former members of council. The remaining…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) is conducting a community health survey to inform the public about the services they provide. MCHD Executive Director Anthony DeFelice said the department is in the implementation phase of a strategic plan developed with the help of Morgantown-based Forge Business Solutions. MCHD services touch many aspects of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia Morgantown Metropolitan Planning Organization (MMMPO) will be a part of a committee to meet with DOH officials to get an update on the scheduling of the Transportation Improvement Plan. The motion to establish the committee was approved by a near unanimous vote after discussions related to the planned…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. Police in Fairmont have arrested a 25-year-old who allegedly attacked a group of people in an apartment while high on LSD. On Thursday, when police arrived at the apartment on Ridgely Avenue, residents were fleeing, and police found Tyreese Files inside with a gun fighting with other occupants. Police said the basement door…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) dedicated what leaders are calling the most important piece of infrastructure after former slave and African-American entrepreneur John Edwards. More than 20 family members from all over the country came to the dedication ceremony on Don Knotts Boulevard on Thursday. The four-mile, 30-inch raw water line from…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. During press availability on Thursday, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito offered her thoughts on the outcome of the recent primary election. Her son, Moore Capito, finished second in voting totals to Patrick Morrisey in the race for the Republican nomination for West Virginia governor. Moore Capito served in the West Virginia House of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. —The Clay-Battelle Cee Bees have hired their next head football coach. The Monongalia County Board of Education has hired Aaron LaPoe. He takes over for Ryan Wilson, who has served as the head coach for the past 29 years. LaPoe has been on various coaching staffs, but this will be his first time…
SALEM, W.Va. An argument while hanging a star on a barn in Doddridge County that led to a domestic dispute has a Salem man behind bars. On Monday, deputies from the Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department were called to the residence on Elkhorn Road and found William Fragmin, 49, mowing the grass. When deputies asked Fragmin…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Police in Morgantown have arrested a 20-year-old subject after allegedly throwing nearly 100 grams of marijuana out of a car during a traffic stop in downtown. On Tuesday, police observed a vehicle with an expired registration on Spruce Street near the intersection of Willey Street. Police attempted to stop the vehicle near…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. — Commissioners in Preston County have named James Fields the interim sheriff following the sudden passing of Preston County Sheriff Paul Pritt Monday. Fields has served as Preston County Sheriff in the past and was once hired by Pritt. No other information has been released. Efforts to reach Fields have been unsuccessful. Pritt…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — State police arrested a subject in Buckhannon after he allegedly stabbed a man sitting on his front porch eating a cheeseburger Monday. Troopers arrived at the home Little Sand Run Road and found the victim with a stab wound in the chest and two more in the back by a suspect identified…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As part of National Police Week, Morgantown and the Monongalia County community came together Wednesday for Peace Officer Memorial Day. A formation of officers stood at attention while Monongalia County Commission President Sean Sikora read a proclamation recognizing the sacrifices of those who have lost their lives and conducted a wreath-laying. As…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Voter turnout for the May 2024 primary election in Monongalia County was slightly over 28 percent. Of the 62,829 registered voters, 17,651 participated in the election. By party, Republicans cast 8,741 ballots, Democrats cast 8,143 ballots, 725 ballots were cast by the Mountain, and 15 nonpartisan ballots were cast. Steven Neuenschwander cast his…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — Thanks to House Bill 3332 Monongalia County now has six total magistrates. The last time there at least five magistrates in the county was 20-years ago, that fifth judicial official was moved in the early 2000’s to Mercer County. Since that magistrate was moved case loads in Monongalia County increased to…
Shawn Smith and Christina Fattore Morgan were elected to the the school board Tuesday night.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposed Monongalia County Schools Renaissance Academy $142.6 million bond call failed to pass the muster with voters and failed by a nearly two-to-one margin of 11,578 against and 5,404 for. The facility was billed as the first comprehensive high school in the county devoted to a career-focused delivery system that offered…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Local attorney Michael Simms has been elected as the next Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge in the Division 1 seat on the 21st West Virginia Judicial Circuit. Simms won the race with 6,324, incumbent Paul Gwaltney finished second with 5,196, and Natalie Sal finished third with 3,645. Gwaltney was appointed in 2023…
KINGWOOD, W.Va.-– Preston County Sheriff Paul “Moe” Pritt passed away Monday night at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital due to complications from an infection. Capt. Thomas Mitter told WAJR News,” All we know is that he had an infection of some sort, and it kept progressing and got worse.“ Pritt was a lifelong resident of the…
WASHINGTON — The inmates charged in the 2018 prison killing of notorious Boston gangster James “Whitey” Bulger have reached plea deals with prosecutors. Plea deals for Fotios “Freddy” Geas, Paul J. DeCologero and Sean McKinnon were announced Monday, six years after the 89-year old was bludgeoned with a padlock on the end of a belt.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Gilmer serving a 125 month sentence for mailing threatening communications to officials has been sentenced to additional time for the same charge. Stephen Elbert Boykin, 52, has been sentenced to an additional 52 months for mailing threatening letters to President Barrack Obama and Michelle Obama, Florida…
ELIZABETH, Pa. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Pittsburgh District plans a public information meeting to provide an update on the Lower Monongahela River Project as it nears the final phase. The meeting will be held Thursday, May 16 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Elizabeth Forward High School at 1000 Weigles Hill…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — A Mannington woman is facing charges after police allege she reported her child missing while she was under the influence of drugs. Cheyenne Carr, 29, allegedly told operators she had woken up approximately 20 minutes ago and could not find her child and had no idea where could be, but that the…
CHALRESTON, W.Va. — A former West Virginia University student from Charleston was arrested over the weekend for an on campus assault back in November 2023. Shawn Higginbotham, 19, of Charleston, allegedly choked, punched, and slapped a female who attempted to wake him up when he was intoxicated. The West Virginia University Police Department was called…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The end of the widening and bridge repair project on I-79 from Harrison County to the Pennsylvania state line is nearing an end, according to state Department of Highways officials. Widening on southbound I-79 will wrap up later this summer and operations on the northbound side are expected to be completed in…
BRUCETON MILLS, W.Va. –– One person was flown from the scene of a crash into a home in Bruceton Mills early Monday. Members of the Bruceton Brandonville Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene off North Preston Highway at 12:21 a.m. Volunteers had to stabilize the structure before the vehiclecould be removed. One person…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. A suspect wanted for multiple warrants has been taken into custody following a recent pursuit in Fairmont. On Tuesday, April 30, officers with the Fairmont Police Department observed Sidney Walker, 50, in the driver’s seat of a parked maroon Chevy Trailblazer in the 400 block of Quincy Street with two women in the…
Over 6,000 voters came out for early voting this year, according to Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney.
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for the suspect in a Sunday afternoon robbery on Mid-Atlantic Drive. The robbery was reported at the tobacco, vape, and cigar shop at 3:09 p.m. The suspect allegedly grabbed two jars of Venera THC valued at $1,200 and fled the store. Information about the incident…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. — A Fairmont Senior High School teacher has been charged after allegedly paying a 17-year old student for sex. Police said, on Tuesday, May 7 around 8 p.m., Ernest Yeager, 33, of Mannington, met a 17-year-old male Fairmont Senior student at the parking lot of the Walmart on Tygart Mall Loop and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. May primary voters in Monongalia County will have three choices in the race for the Board of Education on Tuesday. Each candidate has children in the school system and includes one incumbent, BOE President Ron Lytle; Christina Fattore Morgan, a WVU professor; and industrial engineer Shawn Smith. The district remains one of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Over 3,000 West Virginia University students are now among the ranks of Mountaineer alumni. West Virginia University President Gordon Gee, the heads of the thirteen WVU colleges, and several honorary degree recipients were on hand as part of nine ceremonies that were hosted as part of Spring Commencement Weekend. Tens of thousands…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. About 80 people attended a peaceful pro-Palestinian protest that started on the West Virginia University (WVU) Morgantown campus at the Mountainlair and marched down to the Monongalia County Courthouse on Saturday. Vice President of the WVU Muslim Student Association (MSA), Omar Sabbagh, said the top priority of the group is an immediate ceasefire…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) is conducting a community health survey and plans two town hall meetings to inform the public about the services they provide. “We touch the community in so many different areas—inspecting restaurants, providing health care, and training food workers,” said Anthony DeFelice, MCHD’s executive director. In addition…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health (DH) is thanking the public for cooperation in successfully containing the first case of the measles in 15 years. All first-degree contacts cleared their monitoring period for the disease Friday, May 10th, 2024. The case in Monongalia County has been linked to international travel and was…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. West Virginia State Police made two drug-related arrests at the Petty John/Royal Inn in Fairmont after an alleged drug sale to a confidential informant on Wednesday. Troopers from the Marion County Detachment of the state police said the informant bought $20 worth of crack cocaine from Michael Holloway, 29, of Fairmont. The informant…
GRAFTON, W.Va. The Pennsylvania man facing multiple charges in a Memorial Day shooting at the Grafton Walmart last year has agreed to plead guilty to all charges. William Jenkins, 24, of Friendsville, Pa., pleaded guilty to attempted second-degree murder, wanton endangerment involving a firearm, use or presentation of a firearm during a commission of a…
BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. The Blacksville area was pounded with storms that the National Weather Service (NWS) and MECCA 911 officials are calling straight line winds. NWS spotters began to report tree damage as early as 6:50 p.m., and by 7:21 p.m., the storm was in full swing based on calls to the new Mon County 911…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has announced the recipients of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Scholars are from Morgantown High School in Monongalia County and Wheeling Park High School in Ohio County. Lauren Jiayi Shen from Morgantown High School and Grant Carter Kenamond from Wheeling Park High School were named along…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board plans to begin a data analysis of arrests and traffic stops conducted by the police department. Board Chair Rich Burks said the disproportionate number of African-American arrests over the years has been blamed on drug dealers that don’t reside here, and this is an…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The members of Region 4 of the West Virginia First Foundation (WVFF), the organization created to distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money, have selected Jon Dower as the next representative. The initial selection was Jonathan Board, who was selected to serve as Executive Director of the WVFF after being elected…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Health Sciences Center-North building was evacuated Thursday morning due to a localized gas leak. WVU Safety and Wellness released a statement at 11:20 a.m. giving the all clear to reenter the building. “The evacuation is out of an abundance of caution and to allow utility crews to more…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble came to the Monongalia County Commission asking for a meeting with county municipalities and agencies to review recent challenges that have developed in the social services network. In addition to the potential closure of the Bartlett House due to financial issues, Trumble, who is also a…
For the third straight meeting homeless advocates implored council to take action.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The 100-year-old Morgantown City Hall officially reopened Tuesday night following the completion of a two-year, $3.5 million renovation project. Director of Engineering and Public Works Damien Davis said the renovation was long overdue, and now the building is historic yet prepared to serve the 21st century mission of serving the Morgantown community.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An inmate formerly at United States Penitentiary Hazelton has been sentenced to 6 1/2 years for assaulting a correctional officer. Dwight Foster, 50, was convicted following a two-day of assault of a correctional officer involving physical contact and possession of a weapon. Documents said Foster hit the officer with a fist after…
ELKINS, W.Va. Witnesses to a shooting in Elkins Monday told officers during the investigation they were being harassed by the victim shortly before he was shot and killed at the Heavener Acres Trailer Court. Melvin Phillips Jr., 62, was charged with murder after he admitted to shooting Mark Wirth, 67. At the scene, a witness…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Researchers from West Virginia University (WVU), Marshall University, and Florida International University are exploring the cybersecurity needs of artificial intelligence technologies with a $1.75 million grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Professor and Chairman of the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources in the Lane Department of Computer…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The United States Marshals Service is looking for a suspect known to frequent Randolph, Barbour, Monongalia, and Harrison Counties and hopes members of the public can help. Officials said Jason David Davis, 34, is wanted for a federal bond violation related to an original charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.…
GRAFTON, W.Va. An alert Taylor County Sheriff’s Department deputy arrested a woman with three children who had an assortment of drugs and an open container over the weekend. Deputies say they stopped a car driven by Malissa Sampson, 32, after smelling a strong odor of marijuana. Sampson admitted to smoking marijuana in the car earlier…
SHINNSTON, W.Va. West Virginia State Police arrested a Lumberport man in a suspected road rage incident on Friday. Troopers said Ernest Leggett, 67, was driving on Route 20 near the Harrison Power Station when he thought another motorist had cut him off and was driving too slowly. Leggett allegedly shot a semi-automatic pistol out the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown man accused in the April 19 shooting of his, Rick Allen Cordes, 49, has waived his preliminary hearing in Monongalia County Magistrate Court. Cordes has been charged with first degree murder in the shooting death of his wife Jennifer L. Hribar, 39, of Morgantown, at their home on Falling Water…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– The West Virginia University Board of Governors met Monday and approved the rule that will govern the search for a new WVU president. The rule was approved following a 30-day comment period. Stephanie Taylor “We appreciate the comments that were submitted and each one was carefully reviewed. Several resulted in revisions, including…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The financial troubles for Bartlett Housing Solutions developed over the last few years, and it will take time and the work of multiple entities to reverse them. The situation first came to light in a letter to commissioners in Monongalia County from Bartlett Housing Solutions Board President Nick DeMedici asking for $300,000…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. Deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department believe the recent fire reported at the recycling center was arson and have arrested and charged a Clarksburg man. Deputies believe Richard Coffman, 29, set the blaze at the Harrison County Recycling Center Sunday afternoon and is being held in the North Central Regional jail…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont woman will serve 10 years in prison and serve another three years of supervised release for a federal weapons violation. Rachel Sara Hardesty, 39, was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm following a home visit while she was on parole supervision in which police found a pistol, drugs, and…
ROCK CAVE, W.Va. An 81-year-old in Upshur County was one of three people killed in fires across the state over the weekend. The elderly male died in a fire reported in Rock Cave around 2 a.m.Saturday in the 2100 block of Gaines Road that is believed to be accidental, according to the West Virginia State…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — Due to the continuing widening project on I-79 in Marion County motorists can expect more lanes closures beginning Monday, May 6. The lane closure will affect both the northbound and southbound sides at mile marker 135, the Millersville/Pleasant Valley exit, from 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 6 through Wednesday,…
WESTOVER, W.Va. The West Virginia Department of Highways has announced plans to close the I-79 exit ramps to Westover for night work operations beginning next week. Crews will be milling, paving, and conducting shoulder work at exit 152 beginning Wednesday, May 8 through May 31 from 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. that I-79’s Exit 152…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Highways will close the Caperton Rail Trail for shoulder work next week. Beginning Monday, May 6 the trail will be closed from the Arboretum to just north of the University Commons Parking Lot through Friday, May 17. Work operations are scheduled between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday…
BEVERLY, W.Va. — A Beverly resident faces multiple charges after threatening to shoot two people at a Randolph County apartment complex on Tuesday. Troopers with the West Virginia State Police made contact with Justin Lewis, 35, who had allegedly pointed a handgun and threatened to shoot two people at an apartment on Main Street in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Bartlett House Board of Directors has sent a letter to the Monongalia County Commission asking the community for an immediate financial bailout of $300,000, or it could be forced to close their facilities on Scott Avenue and West Run within 60 days, where 81 people are currently sheltering. Board President Nick DeMedici…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. A West Virginia State Police search for a wanted subject led troopers to a stash of dangerous drugs in Preston County. On Wednesday, troopers served an arrest warrant for a resident of a home on Hielman Road in Bruceton Mills and encountered a vehicle in the driveway occupied by two people. When…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Crews from the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) will begin a $115,000 waterline replacement project on North High Street that will close a portion of the street for about four weeks May 6. MUB Senior Engineer Cory Jones said the work is in response to a customary review of facilities prior to street…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A subject wanted on an outstanding warrant for sex crimes has been arrested in Monongalia County and is being held in the North Central Regional Jail. Police got a tip Jacob Hammer, 23, was in the area of a home on Community Drive and had an outstanding warrant from Wichita, Kansa for…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. — Marion County Schools have been named one of 16 districts in the state to earn the Purple Star Award given by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and Common Ground Partnership. The award recognizes districts and schools that dedicate support and services to military families. Superintendent Donna Heston said this…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — It’s donation time for the 2024 Blue and Gold Mine Sale. The “rummage sale” repurposes household items for new owners, and the proceeds benefit local non-profits. The event is hosted by the WVU Office of Sustainability and the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties. Marissa Earle is the graduate assistant in…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — Detectives from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department have made four drug-related arrests after serving a search warrant at a home on Randolph Street. Detectives and members of the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested Crystal Blankenship, 38; Eric Bellomy, 34; Joseph Lane, 34; and Jordan Sines, 27, for possession…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Through a team effort between the Morgantown Area Partnership (MAP) and the Preston County Economic Development Authority (PCEDA), the area is now included in the BUILD WV territory to incentivize the construction of affordable housing. President and CEO of MAP, Russ Rogerson, said qualifying housing development projects within a 20-mile radius of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Appointed Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Paul Gwaltney continues to speak to voters as part of his bid for a full term on the Division 1 seat on the 21st West Virginia Judicial Circuit. Gwaltney, a long-time attorney who has served on the bench since he was appointed by Governor Jim Justice…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County voters will be asked to approve the Additional Fire Services Levy in the May primary election. From 2025 through 2029, the levy would generate about $3.4 million for 12 Monongalia County volunteer fire departments: the Monongalia County Hazardous Incident Response Team, the Monongalia County Brush Fire Team, the Monongalia County…
CAMP DAWSON, W.Va. — Five high schools in the state gathered at Camp Dawson for the West Virginia National Guard’s Future Leaders Program (FLP) and held the North Schools competition at the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy gymnasium. Retired U.S. Army Command Sargent Major and FLP Executive Director Deborah Patterson said teams from Brooke High School, Buckhannon-Upshur…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. — Acting on a tip, the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Mountain State Fugitive Task Force arrested a wanted subject in Mannington. Jason Lee Barr, 50, of Mannington, was arrested at 3 p.m. Wednesday at a residence on Highland Street. Barr was wanted by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department for possession of a concealed…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown could see the implementation of new permits in blue curb parking neighborhoods and a rate increase in parking garages within city limits. Morgantown Parking Authority (MPA) Director Dana McKenzie presented proposals in front of Morgantown City Council during their monthly committee of the whole, where they requested permission…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Muslim Student Association (MSA) led a protest and march Sunday from the Mountainlair to the Monongalia County Courthouse calling for lasting peace for the Palestinian people. President of the MSA, Omar Ibraheem said Palestinian people have been suffering at the hands of the Israelis for decades and they…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. A Mannington man has been arrested and charged with violating state marriage laws. Deputies from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Department allege Christopher Carpenter, 28, was already married to a woman in Maryland when he tied the knot with another woman in Marion County in March of 2021. The couple now lives in Taylor…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The proposed Renaissance Academy in Monongalia County came from planning discussions with local leaders to address changing academic needs in a digital world and to broaden the curriculum to prepare students for the future. Voters will be asked to approve a bond request on the May 14 primary ballot for $142.6 million…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Detectives in Morgantown are looking for those involved in a shooting outside the Liquid Lounge early Saturday that injured two people. Police responded to a shots fired call at 2:51 a.m. and found a female with a graze wound at the scene. She was transported to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment. Another…
RANDOLPH COUNTY, W.Va. –– A Randolph County resident is facing multiple felonies after firing a weapon to “scare cats away.” Police responded to the East Dailey area of Randolph County and made contact with Seth Dewitt, 33, who told them he had no knowledge of shots being fired in the area. The police then went…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. A high-speed chase in the city of Philippi resulted in two arrests on Sunday. Police clocked four motorcycles traveling at 78 miles per hour in a 45-mile per hour zone on US Route 50 in Philippi. Police began to pursue with lights and sirens at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour. As the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. After more than 100 years serving the county and 97 years in their Osage location, the Scott’s Run Settlement House has announced plans to move to the Cheat Lake area. Executive Director Michael Richard said their new home is the former location of the Cheat Lake United Methodist Church at 750 Fairchance…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A retired West Virginia University Police Department K-9 officer has died due to complications from cancer. Ginger was a golden retriever who served for 12 years in explosives detection and security at large events in Milan Puskar Stadium and the Coliseum. Giner retired and passed away in April. She was named the…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Monongah woman is accused of being involved in a crash that injured a 7-year-old while under the influence of alcohol over the weekend. On Saturday, officers from the Fairmont Police Department responded to a crash at Mary Lou Retton Drive for a single vehicle. At the scene, police determined that Amanda…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The City of Morgantown Arts and Cultural Development Department has released the line up for the 2024 Ruby Movie Series. Films will be shown Saturday nights at the Ruby Amphitheater in Hazel Ruby McQuain Park from June 8 through October 26. Each Saturday a family-friendly movies will begin at 5 PM and…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Twenty-five years ago, the Mylan Park vision began with 30 acres of abandoned mine land, and today the park spans about 400 acres with the most diverse mix of activities in the state. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Mylan Park Foundation Board President Ron Justice said the park has grown with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The state Department of Agriculture is working to increase food production, maintain forests and waters and create jobs. State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt said they have used abandoned mine lands in many cases to establish businesses like Buzz Foods in Charleston. The company operates the Appalachian Abattoir, distributing locally produced meats…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — FirstEnergy subsidiaries Mon Power and Potomac Edison are proposing a customer refund, including interest, due to miscalculated costs from a previous base rate case and misapplied overhead costs. The proposed $2.5 million refund is for a misallocation of costs from the 2013 test year in the last base rate case filed by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The American Lung Association has released the 25th annual State of the Air report. While on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” director of Advocacy for the American Lung Association Aimee Van Cleave said the Clean Air Act is to thank for the level of clean air in our area. “The Clean Act,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – In May, Marion County residents will be asked to support the animal shelter program. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President of the Marion County Humane Society Executive Board Donna Long said the organization is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping abused, abandoned, neglected, and owner-surrendered dogs and cats. The shelter, located…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department has identified the person killed in a Wednesday evening truck crash as Bradley Fairman, 57, of Fairmont. Deputies were called to Smithtown Road near the intersection with Smithtown School Road at 7:21 p.m. and found a truck had struck a large culvert. When the first responders got…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A jury has found a 39-year-old Morgantown man has been convicted of possessing and receiving child pornography in federal court. FBI agents identified the IP address of Christopher Harp active in sending and receiving illegal images via a peer-to-peer network. A subsequint search located hundreds of illegal images and videos, some with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at several locations across Monongalia County. Spokesman for the United States Drug Enforcement Agency Kevin McWilliams said nationwide they expect to collect hundreds of thousands of pounds of unused or expired medications. In West Virginia, that number…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The largest and most complex international live-fire cyber defense exercise in the world has wrapped up in the West University Coliseum. Locked Shields 24 involves 40 countries, 3,000 participants, 193 in West Virginia and is presented by the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defense Centre of Excellence. Vice President for Economic Innovation at West…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – On Thursday, detectives from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department arrested Rick Allen Cordes, 49, of Morgantown for first-degree murder in connection with the shooting on Fallen Water Lane on Friday, April 19. Detectives said the victim, Jennifer Hribar, 39, of Morgantown, died of an apparent gunshot wound to the back of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. –– State and local leaders broke ground for a $11 million KOA campground and officially opened the new turf fields and pickleball courts on Wednesday. Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Tourism Chelsea Ruby celebrated the day as a win for local residents and a win for the growing state tourism industry.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University Athletics has entered into a deal with the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) that designate the facility as the “The Official Airport of WVU Athletics.” The agreement will last through 2027. “We are pleased to welcome the North Central West Virginia Airport to our team as the Official…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Joint Force Headquarters – Department of Defense Information Network (JFHQ-DODIN) are holding Locked Shields 24 at the West Virginia University Coliseum. Locked Shields 24 is considered the most complex live-fire cyber exercise and includes 40 nations and 3,000 people from around the world participating in real time. In Morgantown, 190 cyber experts,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. During a special meeting on Tuesday, Morgantown City Council made decisions on the replacement of Jonathan Board as Region 4 Representative to the West Virginia First Foundation and added public safety to their list of federal grant requests. The West Virginia First Foundation, tasked with distributing hundreds of millions in opioid settlement money,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University Police Department has issued a Community Notice following the sighting of a black bear at the Core Arboretum Tuesday afternoon. Officers immediately responded and searched the area but could not find the bear. Police ask anyone who sees the bear to call 911. Experts from the West Virginia…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Morgantown High School Team 1 won the Academic Showdown championship Tuesday and Bluefield High School was the runner-up at the West Virginia Culture Center. Students received questions in the areas of math, science, history, fine arts, general knowledge, pop culture and more through intense, fast-paced rounds of questions. Teams consisted of students…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown native and veteran attorney Natalie Sal is one of three candidates for Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge in Division 1. Natalie Sal is a Morgantown native and WVU College of Law graduate. Her law firm, Sal, Sellaro, and Culpepper Legal, won the West Virginia Legal Aid 2021 Pro Bono Law Firm Award.…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — A Harrison County man is facing charges after an investigation into a domestic incident. West Virginia State Police responded to the home on Monday with a report that David Buckhannon, 51, was trying to kill the victim and had hit her so hard that one of her teeth had been dislodged.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Mountain State Justice has filed a lawsuit against the city of Morgantown on behalf of a homeless resident that has been arrested several times for panhandling. The lawsuit accuses the city of “ramping up efforts to criminalize panhandling” that have resulted in the arrest of her client seven times since June of…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A former inmate from United State Penitentiary Hazelton has been sentenced in the death of another inmate in December of 2023. Stephen C. Crawford, 45, has been sentenced to 188 months in prison for voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault resulting in serious bodily harm. Crawford was convicted in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University (WVU) and Fairmont State University are finalizing rules and working toward the implementation of the Campus Self Defense Act on July 1, 2024. During a meeting of the WVU Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Dean of Students Corey Farris said the University Police Department is offering training and the administration…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Ohio man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison for selling dangerous drugs while in possession of a firearm. Tyler Jordan Sands, 23, of Akron, Ohio, admitted to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and unlawful possession if a firearm. Court documents said Sands was under…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown police made one arrest following an investigation into a knife-point robbery over the weekend. On Saturday, officers were asked to file a report against a subject known as “bald-headed Vinny” about a robbery that allegedly occurred on Spruce Street at an apartment. The victim told police he and another were at…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management Dr. Steve Feldgus announced $140 million from fiscal year 2023 from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to address dangerous and polluting abandoned mine lands (AML) in Morgantown Monday. The plan is expected to create good-paying, family-sustaining jobs, and catalyze economic opportunity in…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Morgantown resident will serve more than five years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm. Jaja Kiambu Fitzpatrick, 51, has ordered to serve 63 months in federal prison being found in possession of a loaded 9mm handgun after a previous armed robbery conviction in Michigan. The judge also ordered…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — WVU Medicine officials have confirmed a patient in Monongalia County has tested positive for measles. According to a press release, the unidentified Adult patient came to an out patient clinic last week and the positive test was confirmed Monday, April 22. The patient did not require hospitalization and is recovering at home.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Clarksburg resident will serve ten years in federal prison for selling dangerous drugs within 1,000 feet of a playground. Antwann Terrance Horton, 29, will serve 121 months in federal prison and another six years of supervised release for selling methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a public playground in Clarksburg. The Greater…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Green Bag Road improvement project is moving forward despite some opposition to the roundabouts included in the design. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom responded to a claim that 17 school bus drivers have protested the addition of roundabouts at Mississippi Street and Kingwood Pike. “Let’s be…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a Friday fatal shooting in the Cheat Lake area. Deputies went to the Falling Water Lane area at 8:30 p.m. and found a female with a fatal gunshot wound. The female was pronounced dead at the scene. Monongalia County Sheriff’s Detectives are conducting the investigation.
UNIONTOWN, Pa. Thanks to a $750,000 Area Development Grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission, the labor and delivery unit at the WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital will reopen in January 2025. WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital President, CEO, and executive vice president of health system integration and business development said the ARC money will be used to…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A team from Morgantown High School will be one of 14 competing in the 2024 West Virginia Academic Showdown Finale on Tuesday in the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. The welcome ceremony begins at 8:15 a.m. and will reflect the festive atmosphere of the championship competition. The festive welcome for the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC) wants to invite Morgantown area residents to participate in their annual Walk With Survivors. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Morgantown, where members of the West Virginia RDVIC will be joined by survivors of domestic violence, local…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Fairmont State University’s Police Academy will end the basic officer academy in FY 2024-25 and transition to offering continuing education courses. “Among our primary focus is to provide learning opportunities that benefit the state of West Virginia in addition to our students,” said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr.…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The expanded Mon County Classic, now the Mon County Baseball and Softball Classic this weekend, will feature wall-to-wall action at Dale Miller Field in Mylan Park and at the Kendrick Family Ballpark. Morgantown High School head baseball coach Pat Sherill are hosting the event Friday and Saturday. “We have four top-10 teams…
Simms is one of three candidates seeking the seat on the bench.
GRANVILLE, W.Va. The Granville Police Department investigated a report of a car crashing into the main gate at the Kenfrick Family Ballpark at the Monongalia County Baseball Complex. Granville Police Department Lieutenant Brian Hill said units responded to the incident around 1:45 a.m. Wednesday and found the car off the road and into the gate.…
HOUSTON, TX. A Trinity High School group has been selected as a NASA App Development Challenge (ADC) Top Team and spent the last week with NASA engineers in Houston. Team Spaghetti is made up of Carmelo Kniska and Ben Lohmann, juniors Lucas Kniska and Ethan Tomlinson, and sophomore Marcos Kniska were in Houston from April…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. During a special meeting of the Morgantown Utility Board on Wednesday, all bids for the demolition of the Dinsmore Tire facility were rejected, and the project will be rebid. The project had been awarded to Parrotta Paving for $291,000 on April 11. The project, a demolition on a contaminated site, is not typical…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council has approved the city levy rates for Fiscal Year 2025 and has officially approved the amended Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) ordinance into city code. Levy rates for Class I, II, and IV real estate, public utilities, and personal property were unanimously approved by the council, which is projected…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown City Council heard a procession of comments calling for changes to policies and better treatment of the homeless community. Sarah Hutson explained that a tent could be the first step to transitional housing. Allowing existing camps in the city to be removed forces those residents to lose important documents they need to…
COALTON, W.Va. A student from Coalton Elementary School was struck by a car in the school parking lot and injured Tuesday. Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department said the incident happened when a motorist traveling in the parking lot looked left to turn onto Broadway Avenue when the student came from the right and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. A suspect in a 2023 murder in Clarksburg has died of unspecified causes. Ulices Pineda was charged with first-degree murder and being a felon in possession of a firearm in June 2023 after allegedly shooting Clarksburg resident David Mazza in the back four times. Detectives identified Pineda through surveillance that showed a confrontation…
KINGWOOD, W,Va. – The Preston County Sheriff’s Department has earned about $20,000 windfall from the sale of unclaimed firearms through the office of State Treasurer Riley Moore. “Since 2021, my Office has raised more than $588,000 for the men and women who work tirelessly in law enforcement to keep our communities safe for West Virginia…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Ukrainian Mountaineers Association and the Ukrainian Community of Morgantown, in collaboration with the Vovk Foundation, will host ” The Future Political Landscape in Ukraine by Oleh Medunytsya on Thursday, April 18, from 5 to 7p.m. in the Mountaineer Room in the Mountainlair. Khrystyna Pelchar, born and raised in Ukraine and a…
STAR CITY, W.Va. A Morgantown man has been arrested and charged in connection with vandalism to facilities in front of the rail trail bathrooms in Star City. Star City police said Ralph David Miller, 56, set fire to a bike rack located in front of the rail trail bathrooms in Star City, causing damage worth…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney and her staff are preparing for the May primary election, and she recommends registered voters get ready for the expansive ballot that awaits on May 14. In addition to non-partisan races for magistrate, judge, board of education, and conservation district supervisor, there are also four levy renewals…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways will hold a public meeting regarding the proposed bridge over the Monongahela River to the Morgantown Industrial Park this week. Chief Development Engineer for the DOH, Jason Foster, said the meeting will be Wednesday, April 17, at Westwood Middle School from 5 to 8 p.m. The preliminary…
WEST UNION, W.Va. State police have arrested an Ohio man after he allegedly attacked another person with a shovel on Sunday. Troopers from the Doddridge County detachment were called to a residence on Orchard Street in West Union on a call for assistance. Troopers said when they arrived, they found the victim, who had a…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced a total closure of County Road 17/1, Happy Road in Monongalia County for culvert replacement. The closure will be from Tuesday, April 16, 2024, through Wednesday April 17, 2024. Work operations are planned from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Total closure means there…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Utility work that will reduce Van Voorhis Road to one lane will begin Monday, April 15 and last for two weeks between the U-Haul location and Northside Hills. Contractor for the Morgantown Utility Board, Snider & Son will install about 400-feet of 8-inch waterline as part of Phase I of the state…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two of the 18 projects valued at about $150 million approved by the School Building Authority (SBA) and Governor Justice this week will benefit Monongalia County Schools. The Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) will get a Science, Technology, and Math (STEM) addition and a safe school entrance valued at $4,430,544; and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the Monongalia County Commission are encouraged by the addition of a state Department of Highways (DOH) employee to address local road maintenance issues. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Commissioner Tom Bloom said that employee, J. David Vaughn was on Owl Creek Road assessing some serious and urgent repairs that…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The annual West Virginia University International Street Festival will be held on Sunday, April 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. om the Monongalia County Courthouse Plaza. In addition to cultural displays, groups will also highlight foods from different nationalities represented on campus, according to Rebecca McDaniel is an advisor with the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The western end of Monongalia County has again felt the brunt of spring storms and rain. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MECCA 911 Execution Director Jim Smith said the rainfall totals from Morgantown to Wadestown tell the story. “We have only had.82 inches of rain in Morgantown,” Smith said. “We haven’t…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Friday, 20/20 Investigates on ABC will air a special two-hour program about the murder of Skylar Nesse in 2012. Neese vanished in July of 2012, and after months of searching, her two best friends admitted to the killing. Rachel Shoaf and Shelia Eddy, then 18, admitted to stabbing their university high school classmate…
GRAFTON, W.Va. One person was transported following a garage fire in Grafton on Thursday. Firefighters from Boothsville, Flemington, Bridgeport, and Taylor EMS responded around 4:45 p.m. and said the fire started when wind blew a transformer onto the garage. Officials said the person transported from the scene was being treated for smoke inhalation. No other…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board plans to move forward with a community survey to better understand the perceptions of policing in the community, which could cost about $10,000 or less. Vice Chair Rachel Fetty said they want to have a clear understanding of what the community wants, not one specific…
BELINGTON, W.Va. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department arrested a Belington woman for drugs after a search of her home on Wednesday. While executing a search warrant at the home of Heather Poe, 43, on Centre Avenue, deputies said they found paraphernalia with fentanyl residue, 3.5 grams of psilocybin mushrooms, a large amount of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney is making a push for poll workers and alternates as the May 14 primary election nears. A list of names is being assembled now in advance of the required training scheduled for next week. This May, voters will have several non-partisan races and levies to vote on in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Commissioners in Monongalia County are thanking Senator Mike Oliverio, R. Monongalia, Delegate Joe Statler, R. Monongalia, Governor Justice, and state Department of Highways leadership for the recent contract awarded to Anderson Excavating LLC. After years of debate and requests, the DOH has agreed to use a private contractor for some core maintenance…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two Michigan residents have been arrested after being found with controlled substances in downtown Morgantown early Monday. Deputies with the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department stopped a vehicle with a Pennsylvania registration driving on Chestnut Street with no taillights at 12:30 a.m. Deputies identified the driver as Quantrez Gibson, 26, of Sterling Heights,…
MILL CREEK, W.Va. Deputies from the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department have arrested and charged a teacher at Tygart Valley High School with possession of methamphetamine. Deputies were deployed to the school parking lot with a K-9 unit to perform free air sniffs on Tuesday, April 9, after they received tips that a teacher at the…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. A business-class 30-passenger jet made an emergency landing Tuesday afternoon at the North Central West Virginia Airport due to a suspected landing gear issue. Airport Director Rick Rock said around 1 p.m. in the afternoon they were alerted there could be a problem. At that point, the airport staff developed a plan to…
Longtime assistant coach Eric Snyder takes over for John Kelley who announced his retirement earlier this year.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Christina Fattore Morgan is running for Monongalia County Board of Education and wants to defend teachers and get more parents involved in public education. Fattore Morgan is an Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the John D. Rockefeller IV School of Policy and Politics. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,”…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) is preparing for their role as part of the Public Service Commission’s (PSC) Fire Hydrant Maintenance and Testing Task Force and receiving updates on several major projects. MUB General Manager Mike McNulty and engineer Cory Jones will join 13 individuals and groups, including the Commission Legal Staff,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A Fairmont woman is facing felony drug charges after police made contact with her ude to multiple warrants. Monday, Fairmont police oberserved Angela Tresize, 47, walking in Hull Alley and knew she multiple warrants for her arrest. When police made contact with Tresize she threw her purse and attempted to prevent police…
UPSHUR COUNTY, W.Va. – A commercial truck crash in Upshur County on Route 20 near Hodgesville could have been caused by excessive speed. Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department said the truck carrying scrap metal failed to negotiate a curve and rolled. The driver was treated forminor injuries at St. Joseph Hospital in Buckhannon.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two people have been charged in Monongalia County in connection with a deadly overdose in January 2023. Deputies were called to an apartment at Viewcrest Village for a cardiac arrest but found four overdose victims upon arrival. Police thought the group was using suspected cocaine, but a lab test determined the substance…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A suspect from Alabama is accused of setting brush fires in Monongalia County. Firefighters from the River Road Volunteer Fire Department and West Virginia State Police were dispatched to the intersection of Wiseman and Glory Barn Roads at 5:15 p.m. Monday on a report of a fire. While responding, first responders received…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Lieutenant R. A. Titchenal has announced his retirement from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department. Lieutenant Titchenal began his law enforcement career as a patrolman for the city of Nutter Fort and was hired by the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office on February 17, 2003. During his tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Titchenal…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department announced that the body found in the Monongahela River on March 27 has been identified. Arthurdale resident James Weaver, 48, was found dead about a month after he was reported missing to the Westover Police Department on February 14. Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer reported that the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. In an effort to relieve some of the core maintenance work load for state Department of Highways workers, bids have been received to complete ditching in Monongalia, Preston, and Harrison Counties, according to Senator Mike Oliverio, R. Monongalia. The apparent low bidder for the work in Monongalia County is Anderson Excavating LLC…
MASONTOWN, W.Va. — A new faith-based alternative school in Masontown is accepting K–12 registrations for the fall of 2024. The free Hope Scholarship-funded school is operated from the Preston County Youth Center, has room for 160 K–12 students and 100 students in grades 7–12, and will offer free lunches to students. Principal Glenn Larew said…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Through a team effort including West Virginia Sober Living (WVSL), the Monongalia County Health Department’s Quick Response Team (QRT), and Wise Path Recovery Center, the first naloxone vending machine in the state has been relocated. WVSL Executive Director Jon Dower said when the Hope Hill Sobering Center closed, they needed to find…
PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. Due to weather concerns, the Dave McRobie Fly-in Memorial at the Fairmont Municipal Airport has been postponed until April 13. The event was originally scheduled for Saturday, April 6. The Fairmont State University Aviation Center of Excellence (ACE) will host the event on April 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. David…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia Rape and Domestic Violence Information Center (RDVIC) wants to invite Morgantown area residents to participate in their annual Walk With Survivors. The event will take place on Saturday, April 20, in downtown Morgantown, where members of the West Virginia RDVIC will be joined by survivors of domestic violence, local…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A Morgantown man has been charged after being caught in bed under the covers with a child in Monongalia County. On March 10, deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were called to a River Road home on a report of a sexual assault of a child in progress. Upon arrival, deputies…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Following a two day trial a jury in Monongalia County has found Anthony J. Williams, guilty of strangulation and domestic battery. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Paul Gwaltney presided over the trial and will sentence Williams at a later date. Williams faces 2 to 6 six years behind bars at sentencing. This…
STAR CITY, W.Va. – Star City police are investigating vadalism to the bathrooms along the rail trail. Police said the vandals kicked in doors and set a fire. Investigators with the Star City Police Department is reviewing surveillance video and is also looking for tips from the public. Information about the crime can be left…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A new scholarship program in memory of George W. Longenecker has been approved by the board of directors of the West Virginia Nursery & Landscape Association (WVNLA). The scholarship is an incentive for high school seniors to apply and enroll in the Landscape Architecture or Horticulture programs at West Virginia University’s Davis…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Waynesburg man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for failing to update his sex offender registration. Police were called to a Morgantown apartment complex where a resident believed Larry Collins Bryan, 65, inappropriately touched her child. Bryan was convicted of statutory rape in 1992 in Greene County, Pennsylvania,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The 27th President of Fairmont State University will be inaugurated Thursday in the Falcon Center at 4 p.m. in a public ceremony. Dr. Michael Davis officially began serving as president on July 1, 2023, after serving as the Chief of Staff at James Madison University. In the nine months since taking office as…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Storms in Monongalia County forced the closure of two schools and a few roads due to high water, but no injuries have been reported. Classes at Clay Battelle High School and Mason Dixon Elementary School were cancelled Wednesday due to rising water and continued rain. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” MECCA…
FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. Upshur County Sheriff’s Department deputies arrested two, including a convicted felon, during a warrant service as part of a wanton endangerment investigation. During a search of the home on Route 20 South Road, deputies found marijuana plants and nine firearms on Tuesday. Deputies made contact with John Cathell III at the home,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that amends the license and liability aspects of the new Private Outdoor Designate Areas (PODA). The ordinance was approved unanimously as part of an effort to have a full rollout of the economic initiative by May 15. The amended changes to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Several speakers at the regular meeting of Morgantown City Council on Tuesday called for new and improved partnerships within the community to help people struggling with homelessness. Resident and non-profit worker Dani Ludwig told council members the policy of removing camps has forced homeless people into abandoned homes, where she said four…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust has made a $50 million gift to WVU Medicine for the construction of a new cancer hospital to serve as part of the WVU Cancer Institute. Trustee Stephen Farmer said the gift is seed money for a new, state-of-the-art cancer treatment center to be called the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Volunteer firefighters extinguished a blaze in a single-wide trailer at Healthy Heights Village Tuesday morning. Triune-Halleck Volunteer Fire Department chief Josh Morgan said the fire was reported to MECCA 911 just after 8 a.m., and a firefighter confirmed the blaze who was nearby in his personal vehicle. “One of the Clinton District…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Retired West Virginia Air National Guard General and Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in the Second District, Chris “Mookie” Walker, reports robust fund-raising efforts with the May primary a little more than one month away. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Walker said he has been in the race for Congress for…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Monday afternoon, House Democrats presented what they wanted and didn’t want in the proposed May special session. House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D. Cabell, 25, said the special session should not be a second attempt for Republicans to pass measures related to their cultural agenda. Hornbuckle said too much time was wasted debating…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The leader of the foundation designated to distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement money, the West Virginia First Foundation, believes the task at hand is generational in nature. West Virginia First Executive Director Jonathan Board said Monday this distribution is a single opportunity to make a positive impact in one of…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The Public Service Commission of West Virginia has approved the Hope Gas Inc. acquisition of two smaller gas utilities and the service to customers of two gas suppliers. As a result of the deal, Hope Gas will add an estimated 530 customers. The approval is the final step in the acquisition of…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – MetroNews Accuweather advises residents in northern West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania to prepare for the possibility of severe weather through the end of the week. Meteorologist Kerry Schwindenhammer said heavy rainfall is expected before a cold front enters the picture, bringing with it the chance for severe weather. Creeks, streams, and poor…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Fairmont man has been charged with wanton endangerment after police allege he accidentally discharged a weapon, sending the round through the wall of his neighbor’s home. On Saturday, a resident of the Boothsville Apartment complex told police a bullet went through his wall and into the ceiling while he and his…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont resident has entered a guilty plea to charges in connection with lying on government form to purchase a firearm. Jermel Matthew Williams, 32, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in connection with firearms that were later encountered by law enforcement during crime investigations in California and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways (DOH) worker hit in Harrison County and critically injured last month by a suspected intoxicated driver is now recovering at a rehabilitation facility. Around 9:45 p.m. on March 14, the worker was setting up a traffic control device on U.S. Route 50 when he was hit critically.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – One has been hospitalized following a crash in Clarksburg Monday morning. The two-car crash was reported on West Pike Street at 11:30 a.m. Monday morning. Officials said congestion was a problem when the road was reduced to one lane for the clean-up and investigation. There is no word on the medical condition…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. – Food programs operated by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties touched thousands of households during 2023, according to the 2023 Annual Report. Food and hunger issues generated the third-most calls for help to WV 211. The free and confidential method allows residents in need to access services across the region.…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. –– Federal Emergency Management officials are asking disaster relief recipients to complete U.S. Small Business Administration loan application forms by April 1, 2024. The SBA grants low-interest loans to businesses of all sizes, landlords, homeowners, renters and eligible private nonprofit organizations that sustained disaster damage or losses during the severe storms and floods…
RITCHIE COUNTY, W.Va. — Antero Resources is offering a $3,500 reward for information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the theft of copper from their facilities. The thefts have been reported in Ritchie, Doddridge and Tyler counties. Official said about 200-feet of copper were taken from five locations in Ritchie…
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. – An attack with a cast iron skillet resulted in the arrest of a Marion County woman for malicious wounding. Police arrested Autumn Thobois, 25, after admitting to police that she struck the male subject in the head with the metal pan during an argument. Police said the victim had blood running…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Members of the Monongalia County Board of Education (BOE) want to make sure voters and property owners understand the cost and impact of the proposed Renaissance Academy. On May 14, voters will be asked to affirmatively answer a $142.6 million bond call to finance the project. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” BOE…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County is expected to see a significant increase in tax revenues as we get deeper into Fiscal Year 2025. The Monongalia County Commission unanimously approved the amended county budget as part of their regular meeting on Wednesday, where an approximately $44.2 million spending plan was approved for the fiscal year. This…
GRANVVILLE, W.Va. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department have located a body in the Monongahela River Wednesday afternoon. Granville police were called to Lazzelle Union Road near Scotts Run Road for a body found in the river around 1:09 p.m. Officers turned the case over to the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department once they determined…
WEIRTON, W.Va. – The Weirton Medical Center (WMC) has signed a letter of intent to become an affiliate of the West Virginia University Health System. WMC has been a clinical affiliate of WVU Medicine since 2020, and the approval to become a health system affiliate is expected to be complete by January of 2025. “Since…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The city of Morgantown has released the list of scheduled performers for 2024 Ruby Summer Concert Series at the Ruby Amphitheater. The schedule features 12 free concerts that begin June 7 and run through August 30 that include a wide variety of genres that span decades of music history. The lineup for…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Morgantown City Council has proposed an ordinance to amend the zoning code to establish a classification for smoke shops and touted strategic plan accomplishments. Kay, Casto, and Chaney attorney representing the city, Ryan Simonton, said city planning officials don’t have regulations that provide clarification under the current code on where smoke shops and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The addiction triage center in Morgantown, Lauren’s Wish, has received a Congressionally Directed Spending Grant of $838,000 from the office of U.S. Senator Joe Manchin. The center is located at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue and has a 28-bed capacity, common areas where those in recovery can relax, socialize, and…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A man has been sentenced in Fairmont in connection July 2021 fight that turned deadly. Dorian Clay was initially charged with unlawful assault after the incident, but charges were upgraded to murder after the victim, Gregory Lamb, died and an autopsy tied his death to trauma injuries from the fight. In January…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Detectives with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department have charged two people with stealing more than $17,000 from a disabled, elderly person. The complaint originated from Adult Protective Services on March 8 about potentially fraudulent charges shown on an elderly victim’s bank statement. Detectives were told that Amy Owens, 27, of Fairmont, had…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University officials have selected the Med Fields on the Health Sciences Campus as the future home of the Pride Practice Field and facility for the Mountaineer Marching Band. “The convenient location next to the Health Sciences Center PRT Station, which was not previously available due to potential development plans, addresses…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced the closure of a portion of Range Road this week due to a large rockslide. Range Road will be closed from Wadestown Road to County Route 11 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, March 26 and 27. School buses and…
GLENVILLE, W.Va. State police have arrested two in Gilmer County after an investigation into alleged child neglect at the Oak Valley Apartment complex. On March 23, troopers with the West Virginia State Police responded to a call about a child playing in the street who was wet and wearing light clothing. Troopers arrived to find…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Two officials from the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) have been selected to serve on the Fire Hydrant Rules Task Force. MUB general manager and senior engineer Cory Jones will serve along with the with the Public Service Commission (PSC) engineering staff, the Consumer Advocate Division, and representatives to be determined from West Virginia…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Mon Valley Green Space Coalition has released details of a proposed Morgantown Greenbelt in order to increase local partnerships. The map of the greenbelt, which is split into a northern belt and a southern belt in between a central loop that encompasses downtown Morgantown, was released as part of a partnership with…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Marion County Board of Education is hoping voters and the School Building Authority approve of their $19.9 million bond for the district improvement plan. Superintendent Donna Heston said the proposed projects are a mix of repairs, renovations, and new construction for academic and athletic facilities. The projects include a new elementary…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The future of the emergency shelter operated by Bartlett Housing Solutions (BHS) remains unclear, but local leaders are developing potential options. The options range from supporting BHS to looking for another similar agency to expand operations in the Morgantown area. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Morgantown Fifth Ward councilor Danielle Trumble said…
ELKINS, W.Va. A new $4 million broadband expansion initiative in one of the most underserved areas of the state has been announced. The Woodlands Route 33 Middle/Last Mile Fiber Deployment Project will connect communities in Randolph and Tucker Counties. The project is partially funded through the Partnerships for Opportunity, Workforce, and Economic Revitalization (POWER) program…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. — Federal officials have indicted a Clarksburg resident in connection with firearms violations and fentanyl charges. Martin Lynn Queen, 61, is accussed of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Court documents allege investigators conducted multiple vehicle and property searches, uncovering fentanyl stamps, fentanyl, drug paraphernalia, and…
ELKINS, W.Va. The Tygart Hotel in downtown Elkins has reopened following a $18 million renovation project spearheaded by Woodlands Development & Lending and community leaders. The project is funded largely through tax credit investments, investors, and financing from Davis Trust Company, Pendleton Community Bank, and Freedom Bank. The building was built in 1907 and boasted…
STAR CITY, W.Va. Among the many area volunteer fighters that have answered the call to assist with fires in Hardy, Grant, Hampshire, and Pendleton Counties, five are from the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. Chief Justin Knotts told WAJR News that his five volunteers are in Hardy County, where firefighters are battling three fires. “They…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Maryland resident has admitted to attempting to distribute 400 grams of fentanyl while carrying a handgun in Harrison County. Court documents said in August of 2022, William Phillip McDowell, 44, of Bowie, Maryland, was driving a rental car through Harrison County with two passengers and was stopped by police for speeding.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The seventh annual West Virginia University (WVU) Day of Giving set a new record for future events, according to vice president of communications at the WVU Foundation, Bill Nevin. “More than $30 million, and in that number, we had 8,500 gifts, and both of those numbers are records,” Nevin said. The WVU…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – State Senator Mike Oliverio, R, Monongalia, 13, had a potential funding fix for Bartlett Housing Solutions days before the termination of executive director Keri Demasi and believes a community of our size needs to have options to meet the needs of the homeless community. “We’re a large county of more than 100,000…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Late Tuesday afternoon, Keri Demasi announced she was no longer employed by Bartlett Housing Solutions, and the issue became a major concern for members of the city council in Morgantown during their regular meeting. Via social media Demasi said in part, Effective today, I am no longer the Executive Director of Bartlett Housing…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Following a years-long struggle to maintain staffing levels, WVU Medicine has gone back to a familiar concept to give more people at any point in their work lives the opportunity to earn a nursing degree. The West Virginia RN Board has approved their plans for a 21-month diploma program through the WVU…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. – A global aluminum recycler and manufacturer has announced the impending closure of their facility in Buckhannon, which will idle as many as 80 workers. Senior director of corporate communications, Julie Groover, said due to a mandatory quiet period for a potential confidential IPO filing, she is very limited in the information she…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Second District Republican Congressman and candidate for the U.S. Senate, Alex Mooney took a tour of north-central West Virginia this week, talking about closing the gap between him and the frontrunner in the May primary, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. Mooney made a variety of stops including Aurora Flight Sciences at the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The state Department of Highways (DOH) plans milling, paving, and shoulder work on I-79 near the exit 146 ramp on Wednesday, March 20 through Tuesday, April 30. Crews will be working on the southbound side from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. for daytime operations only. Motorists should expect delays or find an…
BLAWNOX, Pa. The Allegheny County Police Department responded to a shooting in Blawnox at the Tri-Arc Manufacturing warehouse Tuesday morning. At 6:35 a.m., police were dispatched to the 300 block of Fountain Street on a report of an active shooter. When police entered the building, a male was taken into custody immediately, without incident. In…
Wilson announced Monday morning now was the right time to step aside.
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Monongalia County Sheriff Perry Palmer reports a Pennsylvania man has been charged in connection with a fiery crash on I-79 at mile marker 149 that killed two people on January 3. Thomas H. Horner III, 39, has been charged with two counts of negligent homicide and one count of reckless driving with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The first full business day since the fire at The Lofts in Morgantown was a busy one for the administrators at West Virginia University working to help displaced students. Assistant Dean and Executive Director of Campus and Community Life, Carrie Showalter, said the Lofts property manager has not provided the numbers or names…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – House Bill 5105 would allow private and parochial schools to set their own vaccination policies and is waiting for approval from Governor Justice. Monongalia County Commissioner and retired guidance counselor formerly with Monongalia County Schools for more than 30 years, Tom Bloom, said if the measure becomes law, it will endanger…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. Two people have been charged in Barbour County after police discovered fleas crawling in a child’s hair on Friday. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department made the discovery at a residence on Perin Street in Century when they made contact with Isaac Gordon and Brenda Upton, both 22. Deputies also learned about…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. Police in Buckhannon have made an arrest following a report of someone discharging a firearm at the Zickefoose Trailer Park on Friday. Police found multiple witnesses at the scene who heard the gunfire and heard yelling coming from one of the residences. As police approached the trailer, they could hear a man later…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Many across the state are praising the selection of Jonathan Board as the executive director of the West Virginia First Foundation, the body that will manage and distribute nearly $1 billion in opioid settlement funds. Monongalia County Commissioner Tom Bloom understands why the selection was made. Board was selected as the Region 4…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Monongalia County Delegate Evan Hansen hopes that the state budget and a potential $465 million in coronavirus relief “clawback” will be sorted out in the anticipated special legislative session this spring. After legislatures passed the state budget in the closing hours of the regular session, despite the additional extra day implemented by…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Highways has announced a lane closure on U.S. 50 in Harrison County, beginning Monday and lasting through the end of May. One eastbound and westbound lane will be closed near the Bristol Bridge from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday, March 18, through Friday, May 31,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The first cases involving the pedestrian and vehicle safety ordinance in Monongalia County have been adjudicated. The ordinance is the first of it’s type in the state designed to promote safety within the rights-of-ways on public roads. Chief Monongalia County Magistrate Jim Nabors levied a fine of $200 plus court costs each following…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department are looking for a potentially dangerous fugitive. Robert “RJ” Beam Jr. bonded out of the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on March 13 and reportedly cut his ankle monitoring device just before midnight the next day, March 14. Beam is wanted for felony escape, and deputies believe…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Harrison County woman who was the alleged driver of a vehicle that struck a male West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) worker has been charged with DUI causing serious injury. Kiley Wagner, of Bridgeport, is in custody after the Clarksburg Police Department responded to a call on a reported auto-pedestrian accident…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Lightning is the suspected cause of a fire early Friday morning at the Lofts in Morgantown, off West Run Road. Multiple departments were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. to 5000 Station Street and reported smoke and flames showing from the top floor upon arrival. Executive Director, American Red Cross of the Allegheny Highlands, Jason…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Lightning is the suspected cause of a fire early Friday morning at the Lofts in Morgantown. Multiple departments were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. to 5000 Station Street and reported smoke and flames showing from the top floor upon arrival. An unknown number of residents were evacuated. No other information has been released.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of the City of Morgantown Citizens Police Review and Advisory Board have voiced their support of their recent case review with Police Chief Eric Powell. Less than a week after the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 87 of Monongalia and Preston Counties issued a vote of ‘no confidence’ toward Powell over…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of Monongalia County Commission and Visit Mountaineer Country CVB will participate in a multi-county effort to bring an international competition to the Morgantown Area. Representatives from the Greene County (Pennsylvania) Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with the Greene County Commission, will join Monongalia County Commissioners and Visit Mountaineer Country as part…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – Get ready for more work and delays on I-79 southbound in Monongalia County. The DOH plans milling, paving and shoulder work near the exit 146 ramp on southbound I-79. Crews plan to conduct the operations between 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. beginning Wednesday March 20, 2024, through Tuesday, April 30, 2024.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The new Monongalia County 911 Call Center is a few weeks away from becoming fully operational. MECCA 911 Director Jim Smith offered an update on the relocation to the new $10 million facility, which includes a goal to have all the operations set up in the facility by the end of March.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Jurors in Monongalia County have found Brandon Lee Franks guilty of recklessly fleeing from an officer. Franks will be sentenced at a later date and could receive up to five years in prison. Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Erik Brown handled the case and the investigation was conducted by Sgt. Jonathan Alexander of the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two projects that will support the relocation of the Morgantown Utility Board’s (MUB) Van Voorhis Road water and sewer lines have been given the green light. To account for the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) expansion project expected to begin in 2024, MUB board members approved the contract for the relocation…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced that over $191 million has been secured for 151 West Virginia-based projects as part of the Senate Appropriations Committee. In a press release from Sen. Machin’s office Monday, details were released on 13 Monongalia County-based projects that will receive approximately $13.68 million of the appropriations. The majority…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Bartlett Housing Solutions now has a timeline for the transfer of clients ahead of the planned June 30 closure of the emergency triage shelter at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue. Plans to transfer 28 people currently housed in the shelter were released on Monday, days after the decision to close…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The 6th annual Focus Forward conference, sponsored by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative (WVPEC) and the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, is coming to the Morgantown Marriott Waterfront Place on March 27 beginning at 9 a.m. Focus Forward 2024: West Virginia’s Digital Destiny will feature forums on how technology is revolutionizing society…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The announcement of the closure of the Bartlett Housing Solutions emergency triage shelter sent a shockwave through the community, but Fifth Ward councilor Danielle Trumble did see some warning signs. Trumble said she had heard about the loss of state funding and that priorities at the federal level had changed. The end result…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The leadership of Monongalia and Preston County Lodge #87 of the Fraternal Order of Police is providing more insight into their no-confidence vote for Morgantown police chief Eric Powell. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Lodge #87 vice president Matt Starsick said a combination of lack of involvement by the administration and a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The defense will begin presenting its case Monday in a Monongalia County murder trial. Detroit resident Cleotis Eppes allegedly killed Morgantown resident Matt Moore in May 2022. Co-defendant Arlo Romano has already pleaded guilty to related charges. The prosecution rested its case Friday after a full day of testimony from Monongalia County…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) has named Robert C. Byrd High School senior Alexis Brewer winner of the 2024 Arts Alive poster contest. Her design was chosen from among 120 student submissions. Arts Alive is the WVDE’s yearly showcase of arts education and student accomplishments across the Mountain State. In…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Bartlett Housing Solutions announced that they will close their emergency triage shelter by June 30. This announcement comes just a week after the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness pulled $166,000 of their $500,000 budget for the upcoming 2024–25 fiscal year. The shelter in the area that will be funded is Rainbow…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Akron, Ohio, man who was wanted for murder in Harrison County is now in police custody. Kameron Griffin, 23, of Akron, was arrested in Ohio on Friday by the U.S. Marshals Service Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force for the alleged kidnapping and murder of Dallion Lewis. Griffin also allegedly attempted…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A West Virginia University alumnus will be a part of the new renovations that will take place at the baseball facilities at Monongalia County Ballpark. The WVU Foundation announced that Arizona Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendrick will provide a donation to the WVU Baseball program, which will bring a new 8,200 square-foot structure…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Members of Monongalia and Preston County Lodge #87 of the Fraternal Order of Police have taken a vote of “no confidence for Morgantown Police Chief Eric Powell. The lodge has about 150 current and former police officers in its two-county area. Members said Powell has held the top two positions in the department…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Former North Elementary School vice principal, Carol Muniz, has been found not guilty of battery against a student. The charges were filed after detectives from the Morgantown Police Department reviewed classroom surveillance footage from January 2023. The footage showed Muniz, a member of the safety response team, striking the student with ADHD in…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — North Central West Virginia residents who were affected by the intense storms that occurred during August 2023 are being encouraged to explore Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance before the April application deadline. Residents affected in Harrison, Calhoun, Kanawha, Clay, and Boone counties are urged to visit a designated FEMA assistance site…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. The Westover resident charged in a 1985 Preston County cold case murder is now facing a superseding indictment involving sexual misconduct charges. David Adams, 57, has now been charged with four counts of first-degree sex assault and three counts of second-degree sex assault. Adams was charged in February of last year in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A longtime member of the Kanawha County Board of Education visited Morgantown as part of his campaign for a judgeship on the West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals. Charleston attorney Ryan White met with the Monongalia County Commissioners during their final meeting in February, where he discussed his goals if he’s elected…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Bartlett Housing Solutions will not receive any state funding from the West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness or the West Virginia Department of Human Services this year. The designated emergency triage shelter in the community has traditionally received $166,000 of its half-million-dollar operating budget from those two organizations. Instead, the Rainbow House, an…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Star City Volunteer Fire Department is calling on the community they serve to help them repair a donated pumper truck. A new Square donation account has been set up on the department’s Facebook page, where they look to gather up to $15,000 to fix the engine on the fire truck. This…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Members of Morgantown City Council approved the first reading of the 2024-25 budget with an adjustment made towards extra funding for the city library. The first reading of the ordinance to approve the $45,031,858 budget for 2024–25 that included an adjustment of $20,000 towards library operations was unanimously approved by council during…
MORGANTOWN, W. Va. An effort to standardize holiday pay for firefighters statewide passed out of the House Committee on Government Organization and remains alive with less than one week to go in the 60-day legislative session. Senate Bill 557 is sponsored by Mike Oliverio, R. Monongalia, 13, because he said many municipalities across the state…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB)has announced emergency repairs in downtown Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. MUB director of communication Chris Dale said crews will close the southbound lane and left turning lane (heading toward downtown) of Beechurst Avenue between 6th Street and 7th Street (in front of the Seneca Center).…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. An intoxicated Clarksburg woman is facing a single count of child neglect after a small child in her care was in a soiled diaper while she was more than three times over the legal limit. Clarksburg police made the discovery while conducting a welfare check at the home of Michelle Faraco, 55, on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Quick Response Team (QRT) will distribute free naloxone and drug testing strips at the Mountainlair Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members of the team will also offer training on how to use the items correctly. “The big reason we are doing this at this time of year…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Contractors will conduct blasting operations at the Morgantown Municipal Airport Monday, March 4 through Friday, March 8 as part of the runway extension and construction of the I-68 Commerce Park. Airport Director Jonathan Vrabel said Phase III blasting will take place between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. and an alternate session from…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. A resource fair is planned Tuesday at Kingwood Christian Fellowship on State Route 7 from 10 a.m. to noon and in the afternoon from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. for displaced Allegheny Wood Products (AWP) workers. The Grant County-based business abruptly closed after failed attempts to either sell the 50-year-old company or bring investors…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Teams from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have been meeting with flood victims in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties for the last 30 days. A major disaster declaration was issued by President Biden following Aug. 28 through 30 storms in 2023. FEMA media relations specialist Leyla Gulen said as of…
ELKINS, W.Va. Elkins High School senior Kaelan Lovett has been selected as the 2024 West Virginia Journalism Student of the Year and will represent the state at the Journalism Education Association’s National High School Journalism Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, April 4 through 6. His submission to win the honor included a narrative about his…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – More than 400 statewide leaders will come to Morgantown Wednesday, March 27 for Focus Forward: West Virginia’s Digital Destiny. The event will be held at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The sixth annual event is hosted by the West Virginia Public Education Collaborative and the…
SALEM, W.Va. Detectives in Harrison County have made a third arrest in the killing of Dallion Lewis on Feb. 21. On Friday, Douglas Steiner, 35, of Mount Clare, was charged with being an accessory after the fact of murder. Shortly after the killing on Feb. 21, police arrested Dennis High, 36, of Salem, and charged…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The second man charged in the drug-related killing of Morgantown resident Matt Moore is scheduled to go to trial in Monongalia County Circuit Court Tuesday at 9 a.m. Cleotis “Ghost” Eppes, of Harper Woods, Michigan, allegedly shot Moore because he was missing drugs and money on Round Bottom Road on May 7, 2022.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board has completed a review of their first case with the Morgantown Police Department. When the committee was first formed, it was to have investigative powers, but after a suit was filed by the members of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #87, that authority was removed…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The hours of operation for state-federal disaster centers have changed in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison, and Kanawha counties. Beginning Feb. 29, 2024 the centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Boone County center is located at 38 John Slack Circle in Racine. The Calhoun County…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W. Va. – The West Virginia Fishing, Hunting, and Outdoors Show comes to the JW Ruby Community Center at Mylan Park on March 2 and 3. The largest sports show in the region features 200 vendors in 100,000 square feet of everything outdoors. NASCAR driver, disabled Marine Corps veteran, and host of Josh…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The first North-Central West Virginia Outdoors Community Meetup was attended by more than 100 people on Wednesday at the Morgantown Ascend WV Basecamp on University Avenue. The event was hosted by the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Collaborative at West Virginia University (WVU). Staff engineer for the city of Morgantown, Drew…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The 24-hour Fairmont State University Falcon Day of Giving is a community effort to recognize the contribution of the institution and support its’ efforts. The event has a goal of $375,000, and President Dr. Michael Davis will kick the event off at 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, February 29, personally online. All of the activities…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – The Bridgeport Utility Board has successfully met monitoring requirements for lead and copper in the water system and has been reinstated as a reduced monitoring utility system. In the summer of 2021, surveillance testing found three cases of high lead levels in the Clarksburg Water System, the primary provider of water to…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two new stoplights on University Town Center Drive are being delayed again. The project, valued at $675,000, is a joint-funded effort between the Monongalia County Commission, WestRidge, and the city of Granville and has been a year in the making. One traffic signal will be on University Town Centre Drive where WVU…
WASHINGTON D.C. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed legislation to designate the Clarksburg Federal Courthouse as the “Irene M. Keeley United States Courthouse.” The legislation was authored by authored by U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.). The legislation will now proceed to consideration in the House of Representatives. Judge Keeley was…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — A Fairmont man has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison for distributing heroin and fentanyl near public facilities. Cedric Pierre Young, age 33, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison to be followed by six years of supervised release. Young, also known as “Billy,” sold heroin and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The new Citizens Police Review and Advisory Committee made a formal presentation to Morgantown city council members during the Tuesday committee of the whole meeting. Committee chairman Rich Burks said the very young committee has seven of the nine members seated, and they are looking for help to fill the remaining spots from…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The draft Morgantown 2024–25 budget was presented to city council and got the first official vote at their next regular meeting on Tuesday, March 5. Kevin Tennant, Morgantown finance director told councilors the total general fund budget is $45,031,858 for the 2024–25 budget, up from $43,031,447 the year before. “Revenues remain strong; I…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. A scholarship fund has been established in the memory of former Liberty High School journalism teacher and assistant football coach Ryan Lantz. Lantz was hit and killed last week in the parking lot of Liberty High School. The Ryan Lantz Ridgerunner Scholarship Fund is for Liberty High School seniors. The “Ridgerunner” name pays…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Meteorologists predict bands of showers and thunderstorms to roll across north-central West Virginia Tuesday night into Wednesday. A flood watch is in effect from 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 through 7 p.m. Wednesday, February 28, according to MetroNews Accuweather. “At about 8 p.m., we should see the first round of rounds come…
WEST UNION, W.Va. The superintendent of Doddridge County Schools, Dr. Adam Cheeseman, has announced his resignation and plans to join Rank One Computing as the director of school and community safety. Rank One Computing supplies facial, object, and text recognition software to the U.S. military, law enforcement, commercial organizations, and schools, with an office on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – One of two suspects in a Monongalia County drug-related murder has accepted a plea deal in Monongalia County Circuit Court and will be sentenced in May. Arlo Romano, 43, was originally charged with first-degree murder along with Cleotis “Ghost” Eppes, 48, of Harper Woods, Michigan, in the shooting death of Matt Moore…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Mine Rescue Team from the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources is the champion of the 2024 Intercollegiate Mine Emergency Response Competition (IMERC) for the second straight year. The competition was held in Squamish, British Columbia, Canada, on February 23 and 24 and hosted by…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – A 36-year-old Fairmont man has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the abuse and death of his girlfriend’s 4-year-old son in 2021. Walter Richardson, 36, of Fairmont, was originally charged with child abuse resulting in serious injury, but that was upgraded to first-degree murder and death…
CHARLESTON, W. Va. – Public informational meetings are scheduled this week in Cross Lanes, Morgantown, and Shepherdstown to discuss West Virginia’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) plan. The meeting in Cross Lanes will be Wednesday, February 28, at the Public Library; in Morgantown the meeting will be held at the Marilla Center; and in Shepherdstown…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a concerning phone scam in which callers falsely identify themselves as deputy and demand money to pay a fine. Sheriff Robert Matheny said police officers will never demand payment over the phone for any reason. Residents should try to verify the identity of the…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — An Anmore woman is facing drug charges after a traffic stop in Clarksburg Friday. Officers from the Clarksburg Police Department stopped a car on West Main Street for having an illegible license plate. During the stop one of the vehicle occupants fled on foot, but was captured a short time later. Police…
WESTON, W.Va. A Weston woman has been charged with two counts of wanton endangerment after what West Virginia State Police are calling an accidental shooting. Troopers responded to the residence on Brookview Drive in Weston and learned that Rebecca Donaldson, 34, pointed a loaded pistol and fired two gunshots during a domestic dispute that hit…
WESTOVER, W.Va. –– Police in Westover Police Department are searching for a missing 48-year-old male last seen in the Morgantown area Jan. 14. Police said James Roy Weaver, 48, was last seen Jan. 14 in the Forest Avenue area of Morgantown. Weaver is described as a whote male, 6-feet 4-inches, 220 pounds, blue eyes, with…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission is expected to rule soon on a settlement that will impact the solar energy industry in West Virginia. Mon Power and Potomac Edison, with subsidies from First Energy, have reached a net metering settlement that will affect homeowners, businesses, non-profits, and schools that use solar panels. The…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Recently, Governor Jim Justice and the West Virginia Water Development Authority (WDA) awarded $19.8 million from the Economic Enhancement Fund for 10 projects in the state. The Morgantown Utility Board (MUB) received $6,750,000 in that round of grants for improvements and upgrades to the Cheat Lake Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) and…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways will be patching on US 50 in Harrison County Monday and motorists are advised to expect delays. Crews will work between mile markers 81 and 82.5 from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. February 26, 2024. One lane will be maintained through the work area. Motorists should…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University is making preparations for the implementation of the Campus Self Defense Act that goes into effect on July 1. The law, created by state lawmakers last year, will allow people to carry concealed deadly weapons, with an exception, as long as the person has a valid permit to carry…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Southern Airways reported the highest number of passengers in 2023 since first landing at the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW) in 2017. A total of 13,871 people flew from Morgantown in ’23, up from 13,530 in ’22. “Southern Airways boarded almost 14,000 passengers this year, which is a new record for them,” Morgantown…
SALEM, W.Va. – Detectives in Harrison County have made a second arrest in the murder of Dallion Lewis in Salem area this week. In addition to Dennis High, 36, of Salem, police have now charged Jennifer Kirk, 48, of Clarksburg, with felony murder as well. Wednesday, Febuary 21 Lewis was shot to death at a…
Listen to live coverage of Morgantown vs. Wheeling Park in the Region 1, Section 1 Final.
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MARION COUNTY, W.Va. – A dump truck crash in the Mannington area has resulted in a fuel spill, according to Marion County 911 officials. 3 It is believed 55 gallons of diesel fuel have leaked after the truck crashed on Buffalo Brink Road around 2:30 Friday afternoon. No injuries have been reported. The road will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Police issued a Campus Warning following burglary and arson reports at the same Life Sciences Building location on the WVU Downtown Campus. On Feb. 21 at 9:04 a.m., UPD received a report of a burglary that was not in progress on the fourth floor of the Life Sciences Building.…
SALEM, W.Va. Detectives in Harrison County are looking for help from the public in connection with the Wednesday murder on Jack Run Road. Residents who may have video footage or photographs, including security or surveillance cameras, doorbell cameras, or trail cameras that show a view of Jack Run Road or Glen Falls Road between 2:16…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Mountaineer Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America has appointed Amy Garbrick as the president of the Executive Board. The appointment makes Garbrick the first female to lead the Executive Board. Garbrick has four years of experience on the Executive Board and most recently served as vice president. The board…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Changes mandated by Congress in 2019 and 2020 to the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process are causing delays and frustration among families and students. Following a brief test period, the system went live on December 1, about 60 days later than students and their families would normally have the forms.…
GRAFTON, W.Va. – A twenty-five year old male has been killed in a traffic crash in Taylor County. The Grafton Police Department is investigating the single-vehicle crash reported on Route 50 at 5 a.m. Thursday. No other details have been released.
ELKINS, W.Va. — A gastroenterologist with an office and manufacturing facility in Elkins has been charged with tax fraud after allegedly withholding payroll taxes from his employees’ paychecks and not making the required payments to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of West Virginia, Bill Ihlenfeld said Nitesh Ratnakar, 48,…
Deputies have one man in custody and more arrests are expected.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A Morgantown man is facing robbery charges after helping himself to the food preparation line at the Subway location on High Street Tuesday. Morgantown police said David Clark, 48, went behind the counter and began to help himself when employees ordered him to stop and leave. Clark raised his fist in a threatening…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. West Virginia University (WVU) and many others will participate in Undergraduate Research Day (URDC) in Charleston on Thursday. Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, Amy Hessl, said nearly 50 students and their research mentors will make the trip to share their research in-person with lawmakers. “They meet up with undergraduate students from…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Renovations to Morgantown City Hall are wrapping up, and city workers could be moving back into the building around the middle of March, according to Director of Engineering and Public Works Damien Davis. The original contract for the work was $2.9 million, and after digging into the nearly 100-year-old structure, about $500,000 in…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Lane closures on I-79 in Marion County are expected to cause major delays Wednesday night and Thursday morning, according to the West Virginia Division of Highways. On the northbound side between mile marker 133, Kingmont, and mile marker 135, Millersville/Pleasant Valley, crews will install overhead signs between 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21,…
ALBRIGHT, W.Va. Deputies from the Preston County Sheriff’s Department have charged an Albright man after he allegedly shot and killed his wife Tuesday. Deputies responded to the Woolen Mills Road in Albright and learned Natasha Collins had been shot and found her in a nearby field. According to deputies, her husband, Edward Garletts, 29, was…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Area fire departments are watching the forecast after reports of at least two brush fires. At least seven departments have responded to brush fires in the last two days in Harrison and Monongalia Counties. MetroNews Accuweather meteorologist Bill Deger said this time of year, the countryside can quickly become a tinderbox. “It…
MARION COUNTY, W. Va. — The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced the closure of County Route 60, Vinegar Hill Road through Friday, February, 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Crews will be drilling the pile plug wall on Vinegar Hill Road during daytime operations only. The road will be open to local…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council has approved the application for $8 million in grant funding as part of the United States Department of Transportation’s (U.S. DOT) Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Program. The funding would support planning and feasibility studies for multimodal improvements and the roadway modernization of Dorsey Avenue and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The owners of the building to be used as a home for the proposed K–6 Wisdom Academy Charter School want members of Morgantown City Council to look into the planning and zoning approval processes. AST Morgantown Properties now owns the former Monongalia County Schools main office at 13 South High Street and…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Monongalia County Delegate Joe Statler is ready to vote on a controversial measure within a week after voting no on another earlier this week. After becoming the lone Republican against House Bill 4654 (Library and Museum Obscenity Bill), Statler is ready to vote for an amended version of House Bill 4299, which…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a fugitive with Georgia connections wanted for several violations after failing to show up for a court appearance while out on bond. George Singleton, 39, has outstanding warrants for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a concealed firearm, possession of a…
SALEM, W.Va. Multiple agencies responded to a five-acre brush fire in the Salem area on Tuesday. The call came in from the Grass Run Road area around 3 p.m. Firefighters from Salem, Lumberport, Reynoldsville, Nutter Fort, and Spelter responded. No injuries were reported.
MONONGAH, W.Va. Deputies in Marion County have made one arrest in connection with a vandalism and shots fired investigation in Monongah. On Monday, deputies were called to investigate a report of shots fired into a home on Pike Street. While responding, deputies observed a car matching the description of the suspected shooter, later identified as…
ROMNEY, W.Va. A missing West Virginia man was found dead at the scene of a vehicle accident near Romney on Monday afternoon. Jason Shingleton, 26, of Purgitsville, was reported missing around 7:15 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19. Shingleton was last seen in Romney around 2:30 a.m. on Feb. 18, and soon after deputies from the…
LUMBERPORT, W.Va. – A pedestrian was flown from the scene of an accident in Lumberport Monday afternoon. Officials from the Harrison County 911 Center said the accident happened on Main Street around 3:30 p.m. and the patient was flown to J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment. No other injuries were reported and the driver is…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The proposed 350,000-square-foot Owens & Minor medical warehouse that will employ up to 100 people to start is being delayed. The warehouse will supply clinical supplies, surgical supplies, and custom procedure tray assembly and sterilization to WVU Medicine and others. The $50 million project was initially planned to open in February 2024…
CASSVILLE, W.Va. – A semitrailer became disconnected from the tractor Monday afternoon causing a closure of Mason Dixon Highway in the Cassville area. Around 3:30 p.m. the trailer disconnected near Walnut Hill Road and rolled causing the road to be closed for about 90 minutes. No injuries were reported.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University has announced the interim suspension of Greek organization Phi Sigma Phi while a hazing investigation is conducted. On MetroNews “Talkline,” Director of the Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership and Project 168, Dr. Matthew Richardson, said the announcement was made promptly on Friday to inform the campus of the…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Tax Division appears to be in a time crunch to fix the miscalculations of natural gas property tax revenues for eight counties. To address millions of tax dollars that were unaccounted for due to a clerical error from the State Tax Office, representatives have been in contact with commissioners…
ELKINS, W.Va. A Randolph County jury has found an Elkins man guilty of five counts of first-degree sexual assault and five counts of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, or custodian. In the spring of 2021, a young girl came forward with accusations of abuse by Clyde Huffman, 69, when she was in kindergarten or…
PLEASANT VALLEY, W.Va. The help from the town of White Hall The Valley Volunteer Fire Department has purchased an important piece of life-saving equipment. First responders will now have a Hurst E3 battery-powered hydraulic extraction tool for use during personal injury accidents. The system is faster and safer for accident victims and firefighters. The system…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. A proposal to require pornographic websites to seek reasonable age verification has passed the full House of Delegates and is bound for the Senate. House Bill 4867, which would require websites hosting adult content to utilize age verification methods to prevent minors from accessing content, is sponsored by Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, 79. “It…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Clerk’s Office is accepting applications for absentee ballots and is ready to start training poll workers for the 2024 primary election. County Clerk Carye Blaney announced that the absentee ballot application period is underway ahead of the acceptance of poll worker applications scheduled over the next several months. This…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. — WVU Medicine is taking another step in their $110 million revitalization of the Fairmont Medical Center announced in 2020. Work is underway on a energy plant that is expected to be running by late this year or early 2025. A ground breaking ceremony was held last week. The project will replace the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University has notified the Phi Sigma Phi fraternity of an immediate interim suspension after an allegation of hazing. The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities received the complaint from the Center for Fraternal Values and Leadership. No details about the complaint have been released, but the Student Code of Conduct…
STONEWOOD, W.Va. – A Clarksburg woman is facing charges after police allege she was driving under the influence with a small child on Thursday. Officers from the Stonewood Police Department stopped Courtney Hardy, 28, on Woodland Avenue because she was traveling 10 miles an hour over the posted speed limit. When officers approached the vehicle,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In Morgantown, work is underway on the new Marilla Park Aquatic Center, and some visuals of the final product have been released. March-Westin was awarded the job in November 2023 to replace the 65-year-old pool in the lower part of the park with a new aquatic center in the upper part of…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Following a two-day trial in Monongalia County Circuit Court, a jury has found Steven Ray Desantis guilty of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust and first-degree sexual abuse. Monongalia County Prosecuting Attorney Gabrielle “Gabe” Mucciola said Desantis faces up to 45 years in prison…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – In Fairmont, the Fairmont State Campus Carry Committee, a panel of 14 members, is developing recommendations for implementation of the Campus Self-Defense Act that takes effect statewide on July 1, 2024. The new law will allow residents with a valid concealed carry license to carry a pistol on college campuses and in…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Due to a clerical error by the West Virginia Tax Division, additional tax bills are coming to about 2,700 properties that are assessed for oil and gas production. The issue centers around the passage of House Bill 4336 during the 2022 legislative session, which changed the way the valuation of properties is…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources has passed House Concurrent Resolution (HCR) 43 to study the possibility of establishing a state park in the Cheat Lake area. The area is currently the home of the West Virginia Geological and Economic Survey and is near Lake Lynn Power Station. HCR 43…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two major Morgantown Utility Board projects are being delayed, and another long-awaited important demolition project is expected this year. Clearing for the Popenoe Run area drainage improvement project was to start this spring; however, bids for that portion of work are overestimated. Now, clearing and drainage work will be combined into one…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. The effort to expand the state DNA data base is moving on the senate side after a measure in the House of Delegates died after a vote of 66-30 in late January. Under current state law, DNA samples are taken from anyone convicted of a felony and select misdemeanors. House Bill 4627 would…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. FirstEnergy Corp. is reminding those celebrating Valentine’s Day with metallic helium balloons to stay away from powerlines. Spokesperson Hannah Catlett said last year there were more than 100 outages blamed on metallic balloons in powerlines across the six-state service area. “We consider it a success that it is a decrease compared to recent…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Efforts to upgrade the water distribution system in Clarksburg got a major boost from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the office of U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.). Capito, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $6.88 million…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – In the coming months, the West Virginia Academy (WVA), the first brick-and-mortar charter in the state, will begin construction on a new multipurpose facility adjacent to the Falling Waters neighborhood in the Cheat Lake area. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” WVA Chairman John Treu said the project will be partially funded…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. Workers at United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton are calling attention to unsafe working conditions caused by staffing levels and a failure of leadership to address recent violent acts. American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 420 President Justin Tarovisky said during an appearance Monday on MetroNews “Talkline,” a female guard was sexually…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The first reading of an ordinance that would designate the Norwood Fire Station in Morgantown as a child safe-surrender site was passed by Morgantown City Council. The ordinance was approved 6-0 by the council, which green lights the installation of a room called a “child surrender box” as part of the $1.7…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. — The Monongalia County Child Advocacy Center (MCCAC) appears to have served more families who have been affected by abuse. As part of a release of service statistics for 2023, the MCCAC announced that they served 629 clients throughout the year and conducted twice the number of forensic interviews in comparison to…
The Warriors seek their fourth OVAC Class 1A Championship against top-seeded Cameron.
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. – A New York resident is behind bars after deputies from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department discovered marijuana during a stop for a speeding violation. Deputies clocked a car traveling at 81 miles per hour on I-79 and conducted a traffic stop at mile marker 118. Deputies then performed a free-air sniff,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. State Treasurer and Republican candidate for the Second Congressional District, Riley Moore, came to the Monongalia County Technical Education Center (MTEC) Friday morning to do some welding and promote the Jumpstart Savings program. The program allows family members, employers or the account holder to make tax-free contributions to a savings and investment account…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Two teams from Morgantown High School placed first and second in the West Virginia University (WVU) regional competition of the 2024 Academic Showdown in Morgantown Friday. Morgantown High School Team 2 tokk the first place honors and Morgantown High School Team 1 finished second. The wins cement a spot for each team…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The first police review advisory board in the state of West Virginia held its first public outreach meeting Thursday night in Morgantown. Chairman of the Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board, Rich Burks, was excited to share their plans for the next year with about 40 residents. “We want to take a…
GRANVILLE, W.Va. One was arrested after an alleged attack on two Walmart employees at the University Town Center. Police said Joseph Hailey punched and elbowed one worker after being told he was trespassing. Another employee witnessed the attack but was unable to help. Police said Hailey was taken into custody without incident and smelled like…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is warning residents about a phone scam being reported. The caller identifies himself as Lt. James Perry and says he is collecting civil service taxes and demands payment. Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Mark Ralston reminds residents that police officers will never demand payment for a…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – State Attorney General Patrick has joined the state of Indiana and others to challenge the Colorado Supreme Court ruling to remove former President Donald Trump from the May primary ballot. The successful legal battle against 2024 Republican candidate for president from Texas John Castro’s effort to remove Trump from West Virginia resulted…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. – A Marion County woman is behind bars after leading police on a pursuit with speeds reaching nearly 110 miles per hour. On Thursday, police attempted to stop a vehicle that disregarded a traffic signal on Fairmont Avenue. The driver, later identified as Ashleigh Helmick, stopped briefly, then fled from police, reaching…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Monongalia County Commission has approved $250,000 to help the Mon County Development Authority (MCDA) refinance their stake in the Richwood Avenue redevelopment area. The 11-acre parcel was purchased by the authority three years ago for $11.8 million. The highlight of the three years was Morgantown City Council approving the rezoning of the…
UNIONTOWN, Pa. – The 1st Officer Zane Breakiron Memorial Ride has been set for this summer by Carmichaels Riders, according to Zane’s father, Garret Breakiron. Breakiron, a Morgantown Police Department K-9 officer, died in an off-duty vehicle crash in the early morning hours of June 3 last year near the Pennsylvania state line, three days…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. One person was killed in a single-vehicle crash on eastbound I-68 in Preston County on Tuesday. West Virginia State Police troopers responded to mile marker 26, Tuesday at 12:37 p.m. where a car driven by a 51-year-old male struck a concrete pylon and burst into flames. Another motorist stopped to put the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Fifth Ward councilor from Morgantown Danielle Trumble has been appointed to serve a one year term on the National League of Cities (NLC) 2024 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. President of the committee and Mayor of the city of Rancho Cordova, California made the announcement Wednesday morning. During that term Trumble will…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Civilian Police Review and Advisory Board will hold a public forum on Thursday, Feb 8. The event will be held at the Morgantown Public Library from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Board member Bob Cohen encourages the public to come on board to learn more about the organization and even…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Monongalia County school system still plans to purchase electric school buses despite being turned down for a full grant from the federal EPA. Monongalia County School Superintendent Eddie Campbell said the district will now receive grant money to reduce the cost of the full-size BEAST clean bus from GreenPower Motor from…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The full Senate will consider Senate Bill 614, a bill focused on discipline in schools after being approved by the Senate Education Committee. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” sponsor of the bill Amy Grady (R, Mason), and also a teacher said after hearing from numerous teachers about serious problems in the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown City Council heard a list of concerns from firefighters involving pay, benefits, and the proposed new downtown fire station. Chuck Campbell, President of Local 313 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, told councilors firefighters have been incorrectly paid since a new pay system was implemented in December. Campbell questioned why…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance establishing a Private Outdoor Designated Area encompassing the Wharf District and downtown. The designation allows member establishments to sell alcohol that customers can take with them throughout the district. The ordinance’s passage was met with a round of applause from those gathered at Tuesday’s meeting,…
LOST CREEK, W.Va. Deputies in Harrison County have charged one with arson following an investigation into a Lost Creek structure fire. On Monday, deputies were dispatched to a home on Orchard Street to investigate a report of a structure fire. On the scene, deputies made contact with Randolph Murray, 54, who rented the residence and…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – One year after the Morgantown Police Department took the keys of the former privately owned Defense in Depth facility, Chief Eric Powell said they were welcoming outside agencies and training their own members. “We’re getting a lot of usage out of it, and other agencies are utilizing it through contractual agreements, and…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Fairmont man has admitted to using bad checks to purchase firesrma he would later sell to individuals and pawn shops. Court documents said Jaeson Wayne Marbury, 30, bought 19 firearms from licensed dealers in Morgantown with checks he knew were not good. The guns were then sold by Marbury in the…
WESTOVER, W.Va. The city of Westover is preparing to launch two major projects on one of the busiest roads in the area that will come with a major increase in sewer bills for residents. The reconstruction of Holland Avenue includes extensive storm and sanitary sewer work, replacement of the Dent’s Run pump station, retaining wall…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The Clarksburg Water Board (CWB) has issued boil advisories for select regions of their service area. The boil advisory is in effect for the city of Bridgeport, Adamston, Broad Oaks, Chestnut Hills, and the downtown area, including Main Street, Pike Street, and all intersecting streets. Bridgeport officials said the CWB is their…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are in Clarksburg, prepared to meet with Harrison County residents who suffered damage during the August 2023 storm event. Bridgeport Director of Emergency Management Tim Curry said FEMA representatives will be here for the next several weeks and no appointments are needed. “From 8…
WHITE HALL, W.Va. – An investigation into a bag of drugs and paraphernalia has resulted in the arrest of a Mannington woman. On Jan. 23, White Hall police were called by workers at a business who found a bag left outside their business that had drug paraphernalia in it. In the bag, police found bags…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – In Clarksburg, W. Main Street between the intersection of Ferry and W. Pike Streets is closed until further notice for storm drain cleaning. Currently, one lane is closed, but on Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8:30, both lanes will be closed. A recommended detour provided by the city to get to U.S. Route…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. An unidentified suspected panhandler is recovering after being hit by a vehicle this week near the Pierpont Centre. The driver, Steven Carpenter, 57 of Masontown, has been charged with driving under the influence and arraigned with bond set at $5,000. Deputies say Carpenter drove over the median at the intersection of Venture Drive…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a report of a suspected panhandler hit near the Pierpont Center Monday afternoon. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department were called to the scene at 12:17 p.m. on a report that one person was injured. Traffic on Venture Drive reportedly backed up all the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Monongalia County Circuit Court Judge Paul Gwaltney has announced two opportunities for special marriage service for the month of February. Couples can reserve time for ceremonies for Valentine’s Day on February 14 and Leap Day on February 29. Ceremonies can be scheduled on either day from 1 to 5 p.m. Couples are…
UPSHUR COUNTY, W.Va. Threats against a judge made at a Community Corrections Day Report Center in Upshur County have resulted in one arrest. On Feb. 2, police learned of the threat made against Judge Kurt Hall, allegedly by Matthew George. When police encountered George outside the building, he denied making a threat, but quickly changed…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. Two are facing charges after a traffic stop and a drug investigation. On Sunday, police observed a suspect vehicle leave Rhea Terrace, an area known for drug activity, and cross the centerline several times while braking erratically. Police then stopped the vehicle on the Fairmont Gateway Connector and made contact with the driver,…
The goal is to begin work by the end of 2024.
BLACKSVILLE, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways (DOH) has announced a road restriction on Route 7 for maintenance and repairs next week. Crews will be working just west of the Clay Battelle High School on Route 7 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6. Motorists should allow extra time for travel in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The charter school movement in West Virginia is gaining attention on the national level as a model for success. During a visit to Morgantown with the Yass Foundation to recognize the award-winning West Virginia Academy, Founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform, Jeanne Allen, said people across the country are…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Republicans in Monongalia County will use the time between now and the May primary to continue closing the voter registration gap. In recent years, Republican registrations in the county have made a comeback, and while Democrat voter registration numbers have eroded, they still maintain a lead over the Republicans, according to Ethan Moore,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The state Department of Highways (DOH) has reached an agreement to open an asphalt plant in the Morgantown area to begin milling and filling potholes as part of Operation R.I.P. Potholes. “Our partners in the asphalt industry are cooperating with us to open during the off-season to provide us with hot asphalt…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. A pedestrian is being treated at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital after being hit by a vehicle at the intersection of Evansdale Drive and Fine Arts Drive. Around 4:30 p.m., the pedestrian was hit and suffered non-life-threatening injuries. University Police are investigating the incident.
MARION COUNTY, W.Va. – The Marion County residents are facing charges after police allege they worked together to defraud a resident out of more than $17,000. The investigation began Monday when a report of several fradulent charges on a bank statement was reported. Police then learned of 142 fraudulent charges totalling $17,938.58 and got the…
Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is reacting to a ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to rescind award funding Monongalia, Mineral, and Harrison Counties to purchase zero or low-emission school buses. As part of the Bipartisan Law Clean School Bus Program $18,560,000 was made available for Cabell, Clay, Calhoun, Kanawha,…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A Monongalia County man has been charged with making terrorist threats following a confrontation with dispatchers at MECCA 911 and deputies. Deputies said on January 28, a man later identified as Moses Tennant told dispatchers to send police with body bags; he didn’t care if they killed everyone on earth and finished…
MORGANTOWN, W,Va. – A Morgantown man who has legal custody of his children is stuck in Columbia, trying to get them from his former wife and is seeking help. Part of the court ordered divorce between King and his former wife requires the two children, ages 14 and 9, to spend summers with their mother…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is seeking public comment relating to the proposed Hope Gas, Inc. acquisition of two smaller gas utilities and the service to customers of two gas suppliers that serve a total of 530 customers. Hope Gas, Inc., Bazzle Gas Co., and Standard Gas Co. filed a joint petition with…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An ordinance that would designate the Norwood Fire Station in Morgantown as a child safe-surrender site is now a part of the city council’s agenda. The ordinance would allow for the service to be provided at the fire station, which would include enhanced video monitoring of the station so children aged 30…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Republic Services requested a rate increase with the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC) for the transfer station about a year ago, and Morgantown city council members learned that the new rate was approved. The last rate increase for transfer station operations was in 2013. Republic Services Manager of Municipal Sales for…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Multiple tips and hard investigative work resulted in the arrest of a Michigan man who was running a drug operation in Morgantown. The operation was allegedly run by Damir Swann, 28, of the Detroit area, whose group was reportedly well-armed and willing to use firearms to protect their money and drugs, according…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Morgantown Police Department has located a woman reported missing over the weekend. A multi-agency investigation began January 29 for Taylor Mras. At approximately 1:30 p.m. on January 30, Ms. Mras was located safe. No other information has been released.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. A bill that would restrict the use of air quality information collected by community air monitoring systems. Evan Hansen, D. Monongalia, 79, said the text of the bill tells the leadership of the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection not to use the independently collected data from community air monitoring systems for any…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Police in Clarksburg have made an arrest following the discovery of notes threatening racial violence found in a local hotel. On Monday, staff at the Days Inn on Tolley Drive reported notes found on the property saying, “It’s time for white America to take the country back.” The notes went on to…
MANNINGTON, W.Va. An arrest has been made recently after an investigation into a November 2023 accident in the Mannington area. On November 19, 2023, police were dispatched to Flat Run Road on a report of a single-vehicle accident. Police found the vehicle over an embankment with the airbag deployed, Christina McCarty, and an unnamed juvenile…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A woman in Monongalia County has been charged with animal cruelty after deputies found a dog living in deplorable conditions. Deputies went to the Scott’s Run Road address on Sunday, January 7, on a tip that there was a severely malnourished dog at the home. The tip came from a person who…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. Fairmont State University Day was celebrated in Charleston on Monday. President Dr. Michael Davis took over leadership of the school in July 2023, and this was his first visit to Charleston during the legislative session. “I think we’ve always done a great job talking about how wonderful things are on our campus,” Dr.…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. State senator Mike Caputo, D. Marion, 13, has proposed a measure he believes could solve the Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA) woes, but the state would first have to legalize recreational marijuana use. Caputo, who is not running for reelection, is the sole sponsor of Senate Bill 585. “Anytime I go into a…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Monongalia County officials are moving the pieces into place to begin work on the Chaplin Hill Gateway in the next several months. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Commissioner Jeff Arnett described the state and federal funding sources. Last month, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin announced a $54.3 million grant from…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. – Officials in Harrison County have closed Hidden Valley Road to all traffic until further notice. The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) said Monday that County Route 19/20, Hidden Valley Road, and also sometimes called Hackers Creek Road, is closed to all traffic, including emergency vehicles and school buses. The near-three-mile…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Reports of bullying in Monongalia County Schools are handled quickly and by a team of professionals inside the organization and, if needed, local law enforcement. Director of Safe Schools and Athletics, Adam Henkins, told board members that bullying can start off on school grounds and be brought into the school building. Henkins…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Health Department will hold the 14th annual Give Kids a Smile event Friday, February 2 from 8 a.m. to noon. Children 18 years old and under without dental insurance are eligible for a 30- to 40-minute appointment. The visit includes a dental checkup, a cleaning and a fluoride treatment…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department is searching for a missing man last seen in the 600 block of Cheat Road. Larry Napper is described as a white male, 5-feet 10-inches, 120 pounds, with short brown hair, a short brown beard, and brown eyes. Napper was last seen wearing a black Under Armour…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The Clarksburg Fire Department quickly extinguished a fire in the old Parsons Hotel Building Friday night. Firefighters were dispatched to the corner of Clark and North 5th Streets around 8:36 p.m., found smoke, and began searching for the source of the fire. The source of the fire was copper wire that had…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – One of three convicted in the 2020 murder of a 5-year-old in Harrison County has been denied an appeal. The grandmother of the victim, Michelle Boggs, 52, argued there was insufficient evidence to uphold the conviction in the abuse and death of Keeton Boggs. Boggs and her daughter, Chasity Wodzinski, were both…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. The ownership of the remaining assets of Alderson Broaddus University will be decided in an auction on January 31 after an Elkins businessman submitted a bid as the deadline fell. Owner of Elkins-based CGP Construction, Craig Phillips, submitted a bid of $5 million and the required $10,000 deposit. In December, Buckhannon-based DACK Investments,…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont officials have closed most of the East Grafton Road Extension and Connecticut Avenue near Dairy Creme Corner after the discovery of a void under the road Friday that presents a public hazard. The closure of the East Grafton Road Extension is from the intersection of Morgantown Avenue to the BP Gas…
WESTOVER, W.Va. The Monongalia County Republican Executive Committee invites everyone regardless of party affiliation to the “Red, White, & You: A Republican Mixer” Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Westover VFW Post 9916 at 340 Holland Avenue from 1 to 4 p.m. The event includes refreshments, pizza, and the WVU-Oklahoma State basketball game at 2 p.m.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The city of Morgantown will open bids for asbestos sampling and testing for the structures in the approximately 10-acre area off Richwood Avenue on February 13 at 2:30 p.m. Russ Rogerson, President and CEO of the Morgantown Area Partnership (MAP), and the Monongalia County Development Authority (MCDA) have worked to move the…
HAZELTON, W.Va. The death of an inmate at Federal Correctional Institution Hazelton is now being investigated as a homicide, according to a source who provided the information to the Dominion Post. Kenneth Harrington, 68, was found unresponsive in an undisclosed area of the prison on Sunday afternoon. According to the report from the Dominion Post,…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – A Pennsylvania woman has been charged after troopers with the West Virginia State Police confiscated a large amount of cash and marijuana during a traffic stop Tuesday. Troopers stopped Elisabeth Szymczak while on routine patrol for an obstructed registration on I-79 in Harrison County and made contact with the driver, who did…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University Police are investigating an attempted robbery in the Downtown Campus Library that was reported on Wednesday. The victim said an unknown subject entered a study room uninvited around 3:30 p.m., asked questions, and then attempted to take a vape pen from the victim. No weapons were involved. The victim…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) has announced a lane closure on I-79 northbound for Friday, January 26 in Marion County. One lane of the northbound side of I-79 at mile marker 135 near the Millersville bridge in the Pleasant Valley area will be closed from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.…
ARLINGTON, Va. A former assistant West Virginia University women’s basketball coach has been charged in Virginia with sexual misconduct with underage victims. Officials from the Arlington County, Virginia, Police Department have charged George Porcha, 53, of Winterville, North Carolina, with carnal knowledge of a minor and taking indecent liberties with children. According to a press…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Work on Green Bag Road from Luckey Lane to Mississippi Street is at least two years away, and residents in the area continue to express concerns about moving forward. During the regular meeting of the Monongalia County Commission, resident Shawn Commodore said not enough research has been done on roundabouts or engagement…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department investigated a fatal crash on I-79 Tuesday night. Deputies were called to the single vehicle crash on southbound I-79 at mile marker 144 at 11:30 p.m. Names have not been released pending notification of family. No other details have been released, but investigators would like to…
PRESTON COUNTY, W.Va. A Morgantown man has been indicted in a kidnapping and murder case that originated in Maryland and ended at a cabin in Preston County. Andrew Wassick, 26, was indicted for kidnapping, concealment of a deceased human body, and conspiracy. The investigation began with the kidnapping of Jimmy Barkley from Oakland, Maryland, in…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A Morgantown man is facing sexual assault and sexual abuse charges after a lengthy investigation. In Sept. of 2023, Morgantown police received a report of hundreds of cases abuse involving William Wiley, 65 between 1985 and 1992 when the victinm was 10 to 15 years old. Wiley told detectives he accepts responsibility…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The residents in the Morgan’s Run area are one step closer to getting water service from the Morgantown Utility Board (MUB). Commissioners in Monongalia County have approved $2,000 for each water hookup in the area, totaling $56,000. Director of Communications for MUB, Chris Dale, said they are working with the West Virginia…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Lambda Chi Alpha chapter is under a interim suspension for an alleged underaged alcohol consumption-rerlation violation. The violations allegedly occurred during a registered event on Jan. 12, in which WVU Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities said,”the fraternity endangered fellow students as well as members of the Morgantown…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Mon Health Medical Center celebrated many accomplishments in 2023 that will provide momentum into 2024. Chief Administrative Officer Krystal Atkinson said their commitment to continuous improvement and maximizing the use of technology have paved the way for their accomplishments. “One of the things that they really challenge each other with is looking…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) hosted a West Virginia Farm Bill Priorities Roundtable in Morgantown with U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-Ark), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and primary author of the upcoming farm bill. Senator Boozman has made the roundtable presentation in 20 other states. Last…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A woman has been arrested in Monongalia after allegedly attacking her husband and forcing him and the children into the basement until police arrived. The male victim told deputies he thought Dana Thel was intoxicated and was in a bedroom upstairs, but wasn’t sure because he fled to the basement with the…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. A Virginia fugitive was arrested following a routine traffic stop in Upshur County on Monday. Deputies made the traffic stop on Route 20 near Buckhannon Antique Mall after witnessing the vehicle speeding and crossing a double yellow line. Police quickly identified the passenger as Coleman Ray Young Jr., wanted on a felony warrant…
Voters approved the levy in 2016 and renewed it in 2020.
Possible DEI legislation and implementation of the Campus Self-Defense Act were part of the conversation.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine and the WVU Medicine Transplant Alliance have completed their 100th solid organ transplant surgery. The 100th organ transplant recipient, David Wildesen, 51, of Mountain Lake Park, Maryland, received a kidney. Wildesen is doing well and was discharged home after a short stay in the hospital. Michael Shullo, Pharm. D., WVU…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – It did not take long for Chris Ruemher, the new Morgantown Police Deputy Chief, to make up his mind to make the move to the mountain state after he experienced firsthand West Virginia’s long reputation for hospitality. During Ruehmer’s last visit to Morgantown as part of the interview process, he got a…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The West Virginia Professional Charter School approved the application for the Clarksburg Classical Academy late last year. The school will operate from a building at 1636 West Pike Street in the former location of Adamston Elementary School and is expected to conduct the first semester of instruction in the fall of 2024,…
LEWIS COUNTY, W.Va. – The owners of Shockeyhaus, a Lewis County dog training and breeding business, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty. Sydney and Daryl Shockey each face three counts of animal cruelty following complaints from several pet owners to the West Virginia State Police that dogs suffered chemical burns, injuries that required…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Monongalia County residents seem to be dealing well with the most recent winter weather event. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith said they responded to eight accidents and three motorist assists. Snowfall is forecast to continue through Saturday, and Smith advises people to be prepared if they do get on area roads.…
CLARKSBURG, W. Va. A Flemington woman has been sentenced to more than 12 years in federal prison for her role in a methamphetamine distribution operation. Kayla Marie Cline, 32, was sentenced to 148 months for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Court documents said Cline ran the operation from a…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. A deal has been reached to add the Morgantown Fire Department to the county fire protection levy, expected to be on the May ballot. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Volunteer Fire Association President Mickey Rinehart said the Morgantown Fire Department will be added to the list of 14 units…
CHARLESTON, W.Va. A Terra Alta woman has been arrested in connection with arson at two businesses she was employed at in the past year. Rachel Lin Giffen, 23, of Terra Alta, is charged with second-degree arson in connection with the Jan. 9 fire at the End Zone/PARMAR store on Veteran’s Highway in Terra Alta. Firefighters…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University and the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute made a big splash in the national media, and the effects are still rippling. WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute Director Dr. Ali Rezai featured their research into the use of ultrasound to help people suffering from substance abuse disorder on Jan. 14. The procedure…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Police in Morgantown were able to make an arrest less than 24 hours after the reported murder of Jacob Lough, 26, in his Milford Street residence. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Police Chief Eric Powell said good police work and a quick response were key in the arrest of Jonathan Ramirez,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University has released the new names and leadership of two merged units Thursday. The College of Creative Arts and the Reed College of Media have merged to form the WVU College of Creative Arts and will be lead by current Creative Arts Dean Keith Jackson. The WVU Extension, the WVU…
HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. One person was rescued from a fire near Maple Lake on Wednesday evening. Firefighters from departments in Bridgeport, Anmoore, Nutter Fort, and Clarksburg were dispatched to the scene at 5:18 p.m. on Saint Francis Way and quickly learned one person was inside the home. One unidentified person was rescued from the home.…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Fairmont State University has received a $2,548,265 grant over the next five years from the Katherine Johnson NASA Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) to fund the operations of the Education Resource Center (ERC). Chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Professor of Geoscience Education, Dr. Deb Hemler, told WAJR News that…
NEW MILTON, W.Va. A Doddridge County woman is facing charges after an unresponsive two-year-old in her care tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. Deputies initially responded to the complaint at the United Hospital Center in November 2023. As the investigation developed, deputies learned Gabrielle Charles, 24, used marijuana in front of the child and was…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. Troopers from the West Virginia State Police made two drug arrests following a warrant service in a Clarksburg home. Troopers searched the home on Liberty Avenue Tuesday and made contact with Mikayla Springer, 29, and Michael Sine, 41. During the search, troopers randomly found a large plastic Tupperware container that contained a substance…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Morgantown City Council is moving forward with plans for a new downtown fire station and the Richwood Redevelopment project. Council voted 6-2 to purchase 1.45 acres at the corner of Don Knotts Boulevard and Prairie Avenue for $725,000. The two dissenting votes were Louise Michael from the Third Ward and Danielle Trumble.…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – For the first time this year the emergency warming shelter in Monongalia County at Hazel’s House of Hope on Scott Avenue could be pressed into service. Morgantown Fifth Ward Councilor Danielle Trumble made the announcement during the city council regular meeting that the Bartlett House, also located at Hazel’s House of Hope…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — An ordinance that would offer Downtown Morgantown and Wharf District businesses a chance for private outdoor designated areas (PODA) for alcoholic beverages has been approved by Morgantown City Council. The first reading of the ordinance was approved unanimously by the council after some changes that were made ahead of the vote. The…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. First responders in the Monongalia County area reported a relatively safe commute, despite a dose of snow and cold weather. MetroNews Accuweather reported 2 to 4 inches of snow had fallen in the Morgantown area through 11 a.m. Tuesday. MECCA 911 Executive Director Jim Smith told WAJR News that the call volume…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. The Mon Health Marion Neighborhood Hospital is celebrating two years in Middletown Commons and ensuring quality health care options remain nearby. The future of local quality health care options was in peril when California-based Alecto announced the closure of the Fairmont Regional Medical Center in February of 2020. Mon Health was one of…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. A Farmington man has been charged after deputies with the Marion County Sheriff’s Department allege he pointed a loaded shotgun at a female. Monday, deputies responded to the Jolly Lane home and found Ricky Fluharty lying in bed with a shotgun at his feet. Through the investigation, deputies learned Fluharty became angry with…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. One person is behind bars after threatening to shoot an officer with the Philippi Police Department in the face following a traffic stop Monday. Clifton Findley was stopped by the officer, then hours later went to the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department to speak with a deputy who had assisted. When the deputy explained…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The West Virginia University (WVU) Mountainlair Ballrooms were filled for the Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast Monday. Interim Director of the Center for Black Culture, Javier McCoy, says we are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the “I Have a Dream” speech, and many continue to fight for their own dreams today. “We…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Several events are planned to observe Martin Luther King Day across the region. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Banquet celebration begins Sunday night at the Martinsburg Holiday Inn at 4 p.m. During that event, 12 college students from Berkeley, Jefferson, and Morgan counties will be awarded $1,000 scholarships. Previous scholarship winners…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – Former Mountaineer standout offensive lineman and Fairmont native Zach Frazier will hold a meet and greet with fans today at the UScellular store in Clarksburg from 1 to 3 p.m. Frazier played in 35 games, including 34 starts and 25 straight starts at center. The event is an opportunity for fans to…
GRAFTON, W.Va. – Taylor County Circuit Court Judge Thomas Hoxie has sentenced a former Taylor County Schools employee for theft of money from the district. Prosecutor John Bord had originally charged Jessica Efaw with 17 counts but reached a plea deal in which she admitted to one count each of embezzlement, falsifying documents, and fraudulent…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. Motorists on westbound I-68 encountered a pavement failure that damaged several tires. State Department of Highways District 4 Engineer Mike Daly said the problem was reported mid-morning and involved an expansion joint on the east end of the right lane of the westbound I-68 Cheat Lake bridge. “Some of the metal on…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The statewide fire hydrant survey has been completed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) and released some recommendations, including a 10-year, $70 million plan to replace aging hydrants. The survey began after multiple hydrants used during a Charleston house fire were unable to maintain the pressure needed to adequately fight the blaze. The…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The two people killed in the January 3 crash on I-79 at the 149-mile marker have been positively identified by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department. The two who perished in the crash have been identified as Zaquan George, 21, and Margaret Erdie, 19, both of Morgantown. Sheriff Perry Palmer said the accident…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Police Review and Advisory Board in Morgantown, the only such entity in the state plans their first case study with the police and is making a push to recruit members to serve. The board will review an arrest made by Morgantown police on August 30, 2021, at the Sheetz location downtown on…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. A Fairmont is facing multiple charges after allegedly holding a woman against her will and threatening to kill her and her pet cat. Officers from the Fairmont Police Department were called to Merchant Street Wednesday to investigate an altercation. Police met with the victim, who said William Thompson, 18, of Fairmont, became angry…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Police in Morgantown are investigating a report of shots fire in the area of Cornell and Mansion Avenues from Tuesday night. Police said residents reported four to five gunshots around 11 p.m. At the scene, police identiufied two suspects and located the weapon. No injuries or damage was reported. Anyone with information…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – West Virginia University has received a grant of nearly $47 million from the Higher Education Policy Commission to address maintenance issues throughout the system. Ted Svehlik, associate vice president for auxiliary and business services, said the improvements will be completed on the campuses in Morgantown, Potomac State College in Keyser, and the…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The city of Morgantown has made a request to join the list of departments included in the Fire Protection Levy on the May Ballot. “We can only deal with what is presented to us,” Monongalia County Commissioner Jeff Arnett said. “We’re not into the formation process of it, nor are we in…
VALLEY HEAD, W.Va. An elderly Valley Head man apparently drowned in his basement during the recent storm event this week. Deputies were called to the home by the Valley Head Fire Department on a drowning report Wednesday after a 69-year-old man’s wife found his body in the water. On Tuesday, the man went to the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. First responders in Morgantown spent Tuesday cleaning up after saturated ground conditions resulted in several downed trees and power lines. At the peak around noon Tuesday, First Energy reported that about 2,800 customers in the Morgantonw area were out of electricity. By 8 p.m. Tuesday, crews had all but 47 customers restored. As…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The Morgantown Utility Board of Directors got an update on major projects and welcomed a new board member during the Tuesday regular meeting. On a day when heavy rains were causing some localized flooding and high winds toppled trees and powerlines, there were no reports of infrastructure or property damage in the Popenoe…
DODDRIDGE COUNTY, W.Va. Jury selection in the sexual misconduct case against former Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department deputy Andrew Menendez begins Wednesday. Menendez was charged with soliciting a minor via computer, sexual abuse by a person of trust, and sexual abuse in the third degree following an investigation in October 2020. The prosecution alleges that Menedez…
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. The aircraft that slid off a runway at the North Central West Virginia Airport (CKB) Monday was operated by Fairmont State University. Airport officials said there was a “general aviation aircraft incident” around 3:10 Monday afternoon for the small twin-engine aircraft. Fairmont State University officials called the incident minor and said no students…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. West Virginia University Faculty Senate got an update on academic transformation activities and has begun to lay the foundation to combat anti-DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) legislation from state lawmakers and students using artificial intelligence. The committee to restructure the Teaching Learning Commons has determined that the current structure of the unit does…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The candidate filing period is officially open state-wide until Saturday, January 27 at midnight. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Monongalia County Clerk Carye Blaney said they have lanes prepared for candidates and the process has been smooth. Blaney said for the last day of filing on Saturday, their office will be…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The 60-day legislative session gets underway Wednesday in Charleston and John Williams, D, Monongalia, 80, is open minded, but yet has an agenda of his own in Republican controlled state government. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” Williams said road maintenance and the statewide funding formula and clean up the Private Outdoor…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has awarded the contract for widening West Run Road to Anderson Excavating, LLC, of Morgantown for a price of $14,475,154.74. The project is expected to ease congestion and improve safety and is funded through the $2.8 billion Roads to Prosperity program. The project scope is to…
Del. Geno Chiarelli is thinking about legislation that would ban needle exchange programs across the state.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Morgantown City Council will move an ordinance that establishes private outdoor designated areas within city limits to their agenda. In response to the passing of Senate Bill 534 by the West Virginia Legislature, an ordinance that establishes the boundary lines of the Downtown/Wharf Private Outdoor Designated Area (PODA) was passed unanimously by…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia legislative leaders, business leaders, and heads of academia are ready to explore more ways to promote business growth across the state. Ahead of the start of the 2024 Legislative Session, representatives from the West Virginia State Senate, House of Delegates, and West Virginia University met in Charleston for the West…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – PACE Enterprises of WV has been awarded a $750,000 grant through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh for an independent living facility in Star City called PACE Place, part of their Vision 2025 program. Director of Marketing and Development Joe Lefkay told WAJR News that the grant amount puts them in…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Highways plans to close a lane of I-79 northbound in Monongalia County for 12 days next week. The closure from Monday, Jan. 8 through Friday, Jan. 11 between mile marker 159 to 161 will be daytime during work operations from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. while…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. When Joe Manchin exits the United States Senate, the next senator from West Virginia will have big shoes to fill. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” he cited the Inflation Reduction Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, but said the state has garnered hundreds of millions in grants through the work of Manchin…
KINGWOOD, W.Va. An investigation is underway in Kingwood after one hospital patient was scolded by very hot water. Detectives from the Preston County Sheriff’s Office said a water tank thermostat at Hopemont Hospital in Terra Alta malfunctioned on Thursday, causing water temperatures in one residential unit to be “unsafe.” The West Virginia Department of Health…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Employees of Monongalia Emergency Services have filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations board. The petition was filed Wednesday with the Region 6 office in Pittsburgh under the umbrella of the International Association of EMT’s and Paramedics (IAEP), National Association of Government Employees (NAGE). Listed to be organized are…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department made an arrest following a stabbing at the Bartlett House Annex on Thursday. Deputies reviewed video surveillance that reportedly showed David Deal, 57, back another client into a corner and stab Hum with a large blade. The victim attempted to protect himself with a trash can…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. Crews from the West Virginia Department of Highways (DOH) have been treating roads for the last 24 to 16 hours in preparation for the weekend winter forecast. DOH District 4 Engineer Mike Daly told WAJR News crews are fully staffed and will be working 24-hour shifts through the event. “We’ve had our trucks…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. State Treasurer Riley Moore kicked off the, “2024 When I Grow Up Essay Contest,” at Mountainview Elementary School in Morgantown on Thursday. Moore told the assembly of students that regional winners get $500, and one grand prize winner will receive an additional $4,500. Regional winners will come from three age groups in five…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A London native fighting in a Ukrainian mechanized unit, Ariah Ben Yehudah, 58, is visiting Morgantown and talked to WAJR News about the importance of support from the west and battlefield conditions. When Russian military hardware rolled across the border in Feb. of 2022, Ben Yehudah was volunteering in Israel. Before the…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The historic investment announced by Fortune 200 company LG Electronics is being called a significant development for the future of economic development, jobs, technology development, and alternative energy. On WAJR’s “Talk of the Town,” President and CEO of the Morgantown Area Partnership, Russ Rogerson, said this will get the attention of other…
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – The U.S. Marshals Service is searching for a subject convicted of 2nd degree arson that could be in the north central West Virginia area. Snider was convicted in the arson of an outbuilding of a residence on Creekwood Road in Four States back in April of 2020. Benjamin J. Snider is described…
MONONGALIA COUNTY, W.Va. The Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed two were killed in a Wednesday morning crash on I-79 northbound at mile marker 149. Officials said the crash involved both the northbound and southbound side of the interstate. Deputies were dispatched at 7:30 a.m., and the interstate was closed for about five hours during…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The Monongalia Prosecutor’s Office will become the statewide clearinghouse for previously unsubmitted sexual assault kits (SAKs). A grant from the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative will completely fund the services of retired Morgantown Police Department detective Lawrence Hasley. The grant is from the Bureau of Justice’s National Sexual Assault Kit Initiative through the…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. A pair in Fairmont are facing charges after police allege they restrained a child to a chair with a leash and a dumbbell. On Tuesday, the Fairmont Police Department learned of a CPS investigation into reports that a 2-year-old child was allegedly being abused at a residence on Gaston Avenue. CPS workers told…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – A single-vehicle crash at the Suncrest Town Centre yielded one drug arrest and no injuries. Deputies from the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department said Gary Shugars, 40, of Morgantown, hit a light pole in the parking lot Tuesday. During the investigation deputies said they observed a glass smoking device in plain view and…
The accident happened Wednesday morning and has traffic at a stand still.
The new fire station will replace the current South High Street facility.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — A one-year contract between the Morgantown Municipal Airport and Southern Airways is getting the all clear. Morgantown City Council unanimously approved the standard airline agreement, which continues the original contract that has been in place since 2020. The contract also includes an opportunity to extend the contract in 2025, which would be…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The Marion County Board of Education will place a 19.6 million dollar bond on the ballot for the May 14th primary election. The five-year bond proposal is a scaled-back version of the initial proposal presented to the board. Bond committees representing regions of the county originally assembled a list of renovations totaling…
GRANVILLE, W.Va. A shoplifting investigation in Granville ended with the arrest of two Pennsylvania residents on multiple charges. Members of the Granville Police Department were dispatched to the Walmart on University Town Center Drive on December 30 on a shoplifting report. Store employees told the police Kenneth Courie, 39, of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, and Christopher Davis,…
MORGANTOWN, W.Va.– Emergency departments (EDs) across WVU Medicine are recovering from a holiday surge in cases of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Dr. Christopher Goode, chair of WVU Medicine and Emergency Medicine, said RSV has been the leading respiratory ailment reported in this early surge. “That, along with a very…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. Two people were seriously hurt and one arrested in a suspected drunk driving crash on Saturday. Deputies from the Barbour County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash on Dec. 30 at 10 p.m. at the intersection of Arden and Center Hill Roads in Philippi. The front seat passenger reportedly suffered a…
PHILIPPI, W.Va. A man in Philippi is facing a charge of making a terrorist threat after telling officers he was going to kill the members of the police department. At 6:00 a.m. Sunday, Orlandis Funderburke, 36, allegedly called the Barbour County 911 Center and said he was going to kill members of the Philippi Police…
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Highways has announced a temporary road closure for work on I-79 in Marion County. County Route 60, Vinegar Hill Road, will be closed Thursday while crews conduct a concrete pour on the I-79 Tygart River bridge retaining walls. The work will be done between 9 a.m. and…
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. Deputies from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department confiscated three-quarters of a pound of marijuana, prescription drugs, six guns, and made one arrest over the weekend. Deputies served a search warrant at a property on Gladys Fork Road between Weston and Horner on Saturday and made contact with William J. Lacey. During the search,…
Major federal funding for the project is helping to move discussions forward.
Southern Airways relationship with Morgantown Municipal Airport expected to continue.