New bill would speed up payments for kinship caregivers

A new proposal in West Virginia would give kinship caregivers full foster care payments within 30 days of children entering their homes. Right now, relatives who take in children removed from their parents do not receive the same $790 per child monthly payment as certified foster families until they complete a certification process that can … Read more

Roads closed in Nelsonville, Ohio after building collapses

A partial building collapse in Athens County, Ohio led to evacuations and road closures in Nelsonville. City officials say about six feet of brick wall gave way at The Mine Tavern on Sunday, prompting an emergency inspection. A structural engineer determined the building is unsafe and poses a risk to nearby businesses. The tavern will … Read more

New Mountaineer mascot to be announced later this month

Four West Virginia University students are competing to become the 72nd Mountaineer mascot during a cheer-off at Wednesday night’s men’s basketball game against Utah at the Hope Coliseum. The finalists will be judged on their performances and crowd interaction as they lead traditional cheers. The finalists are Reese Allen of Bridgeport; Amelia Bolden of Oakland, … Read more

New shop opens in South Charleston

South Charleston welcomed a new locally owned business Friday as Wild Willow Metaphysical and Consignment Shop celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The boutique features spiritual and wellness products, along with consignment space for local artists and makers. Wild Willow also plans to serve as a community hub, offering workshops and hands-on activities, … Read more

Grant funding will go toward new flood warning system

Patrick Morrisey addressed two major water issues in West Virginia on Friday — infrastructure and flooding. The governor announced $9.5 million in grant funding for five water and sewer projects in Mingo and McDowell counties, including a new water storage tank in Kermit. Morrisey also renewed his push for the Smart Environmental Notification Threat Response … Read more

New esports center opens in South Charleston

The competitive gaming industry now has a new home in South Charleston. The South Charleston Community Center opened its new esports space to the public Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. City leaders say the facility is part of a broader effort to modernize recreational opportunities and reflect growing interest in competitive gaming. Mayor Frank Mullens … Read more

Sales agreement is pending for Black Diamond Power Company

A meeting over ongoing issues with Black Diamond Power Company was suspended Friday after attorneys indicated the utility is considering a sale. The company, which serves nearly 5,000 customers in Clay, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, has faced months of complaints over billing and service reliability. The West Virginia Public Service Commission had scheduled an evidentiary … Read more

Be on the lookout for a packet of seeds in the mail

Agriculture officials are warning of a biosecurity threat stemming from unsolicited packages being mailed in from China. Packets of seeds are being sent to addresses in the state, according to a social media post from the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. The post seed packets are part of a brushing scam, meaning unsolicited packages without … Read more