News Staff Thursday marked 70 days on strike for the 450 workers at Special Metals who walked out Oct. 1 over contract negotiations. WCHS TV reported that union officials with United Steelworkers Local 40, who represent the workers, are hoping by the end of next week, they will have a new contract. Local 40 President Chad Thompson … Read more
The West Virginia Department of Education’s transportation manager, David Baber, said the state has been feeling the effects of a bus driver shortage since before the pandemic. This week the state board of education voted to waive a policy allowing former school bus drivers and current bus drivers from out of state to become West … Read more
Gov. Jim Justice implored the public on Thursday to get booster shots. The governor said 92.2% of the deaths being reported were among those who are unvaccinated. Justice also provided more details on a new incentive program the state is rolling out aimed at encouraging older West Virginians to get their booster shots. West Virginians … Read more
The director of West Virginia’s Office of Emergency Medical Services has been suspended pending an investigation. The West Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services oversees the emergency care system throughout the state. WCHS TV reported that the current deputy secretary of the DHHR, Russ Crane, has been named acting director during the investigation. No information … Read more
Two cities in our region are getting grants from T-Mobile for community improvement projects. St. Albans received $8,550 from the company. They plan to use the money to install a wheelchair accessible merry-go-round at St. Albans Roadside Park. The other grant recipient is Prestonsburg Kentucky. City leaders are hoping to make the square across from … Read more
Thomas Memorial Hospital celebrated its 75th anniversary on Thursday. The hospital opened its doors for the first time on Dec. 9, 1946 with just 35 beds and now operates a 383-bed health system and is West Virginia’s 17th largest employer. Thomas Health operates Thomas Memorial Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital and Thomas Health Physicians and serves … Read more
A federal appeals court affirmed former coal executive Don Blankenship’s conviction this week after he alleged prosecutors violated his due process rights with suppressed evidence. Blankenship was found guilty in 2015 of misdemeanor conspiracy to violate mine safety regulations. A three-judge panel recognized the merit of the appeal, but said in the ruling that the … Read more
More than 100 young West Virginians were named winners in the latest round of the “Do It For Babydog” COVID-19 vaccine sweepstakes. Maddalyn Paris, of Weirton, was named the winner of the individual grand prize, a $50,000 Educational Savings Fund, according to a news release from the Gov. Jim Justice’s office. An additional 25 West … Read more
The playground on the East End of Charleston called Celebration Station is getting an upgrade. There will now be two main areas, one for Piedmont Elementary School students and one for the community. WCHS TV said the new playground includes new swings, climbing equipment, standalone play sets, sensory-sensitive equipment, accessible equipment, seating areas and more. … Read more
After a year and a half postponement due to COVID-19, the United Way of Central West Virginia Dancing With The Stars competition kicked off again Tuesday evening with a reveal party. Six couples will practice a variety of dances over the coming months, with the competition set to take place April 22 at the Charleston … Read more