Local News

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…

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…

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 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…

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…

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…

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…

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…