Governor Justice is addressing Dr. Cathy Slemp’s resignation as the state health officer and commissioner of West Virginia Bureau for Public Health. Justice says there were numerous things that caused his confidence level in Slemp to evaporate. Earlier this week he was upset about the inaccuracy of statistics in coronavirus reporting.
The City of Charleston will receive over three-and-a-half-million-dollars in CARES Act funding to cover COVID-19 related expenses for March and April. The money covers payroll expenses for police, fire, and sanitation workers, and expenses for cleaning supplies, PPE, and other essential items.
Governor Justice is outlining a plan to plan to spend West Virginia’s one-point-25-bilion-dollar federal CARES act money. Two-hundred-85-million will go to cover the budget short fall, and nearly 700-million-dollars will replenish the state’s Unemployment Fund. The plan also includes grants for city and county governments, and grants for small businesses. Justice says he believes the … Read more
A black bear is causing a buzz on social media. The bear has been spotted roaming around the Fort Hill community, and is gaining a following on Facebook. The state’s Division of Natural Resources is keeping an eye on it. Officials say, while it’s a cute, it’s dangerous for people and the bear. Another bear … Read more
State education officials are releasing three surveys to get public input on reopening schools in the fall. The surveys are posted on the West Virginia Department of Education website. The first survey gauges the impact of school closure, the second measures community reaction to possible reopening strategies, and third is for adult education.
The West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission has a new chancellor. Sarah Tucker was appointed to the position. She’s served as interim Chancellor since April of 2019, and also serves as the Chancellor of the West Virginia Community and Technical College System. Tucker is the first person to simultaneously serve in the two roles.
A volunteer firefighter is accused of setting a blaze that killed a fellow fireman. Thirty-six-year-old Robert Beckner confessed to lighting a piece of paper on fire and using an accelerant to burn down his home in Iaeger. The flames spread to a nearby mobile home, and 42-year-old Russell Roberson was killed trying to save a … Read more
The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after a man drowned in Lake Stephens. The body of 24-year-old Jaiquann Frazier was found in an isolated area of the lake. The Medical Examiner’s Office is determining the cause of death. No foul play is suspected.
The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles is accepting appointments, but many are frustrated because they were told to reschedule when the computer system went down. Customers say they’re not sure what to do next, fearful that their information will soon be invalid.
Jury trials can start again on Monday in West Virginia. Everyone involved in a trial must wear a face mask and practice strict social distancing. Vulnerable individuals will be excused from jury duty, as well as those caring for someone who is high risk.