Michael Smith, previously convicted of killing a woman and dumping her body in a well, appeared in Kanawha County Court Monday for a trial on unrelated robbery charges. The state sought harsher penalties under a recidivist law, which could make him eligible for a life sentence if convicted of a qualifying felony. The trial focused … Read more
The Kanawha County Public Library system launched a new software system Monday, offering more online features like mobile reading trackers and bookshelf search tools. The upgrade is completely late-fine free, and patrons can now borrow up to 100 books and five video games at a time. Librarians say all cardholders just need to reset passwords … Read more
A man has been charged with DUI in connection with a crash that killed former West Virginia lawmaker Tony Whitlow last month. Chad Noel faces a charge of DUI resulting in death after a head-on collision in Princeton on November 12. Troopers reported smelling alcohol, noticing slurred speech, and finding open vodka bottles in Noel’s … Read more
More winter weather is headed our way at the end of the week, following the biggest December snowstorm in years. A blizzard warning is in effect through today in West Virginia’s highest elevations, with heavy snow and 45-mile-per-hour gusts. Locally, another round of snow moves in late Thursday night, with one to three inches expected … Read more
More details are emerging about why the Smithers Volunteer Fire Department is shutting down. Mayor Anne Cavalier says a state review found it was in the best interest of public and firefighter safety to close the department, citing years of financial mismanagement, poor leadership, training issues, and low recruitment. Problems reportedly date back to 2011 … Read more
A man wanted in a deadly Charleston shooting has been taken into custody. Jack Rolfe of St. Albans was arrested Tuesday in connection with a shooting early Sunday, according to the Charleston Police Department. Rolfe was wanted on a first-degree murder charge in the shooting death of 31-year-old Joshua Walls in the 800 block of … Read more
State education officials will not move forward with a proposed elective Bible class in Mingo County Schools. A Tug Valley High School teacher recently petitioned the county board to add the class, but the Freedom From Religion Foundation urged the state to reject it, calling it a constitutional risk. According to the group, legal counsel … Read more
Police in Floyd County are investigating after a memorial mural honoring three fallen officers and a police K-9 was vandalized. The mural, located in Prestonsburg, depicts Deputy William Petry, Capt. Ralph Frasure, Officer Jacob Chaffin and K-9 Drago — all killed in a 2022 shooting in Allen. Someone spray-painted over each of the faces. Anyone … Read more
Six people graduated Cabell County Drug Court this week at the Cabell County Courthouse. Eyewitness News said the program is one year, but can take longer if there are setbacks. In the program, participants have meetings with probation officers and day court, get drug tested, and have therapy. They also work on repairing family and … Read more
The West Virginia National Guard is sharing encouraging news about the recovery of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. In a video update, the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, joined Wolfe’s mother to thank the public for supporting Wolfe and the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who died in the same shooting incident. Leaders say Wolfe’s … Read more