West Virginia State News

WATCH: Honoring Black History, a 13 News special

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 01:01:11 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK)—In case you missed our "Honoring Black History" special at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, you can watch it in full here.

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Ben Franklin Career Center sees several former students returning to teach

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:44:43 +0000

DUNBAR, WV (WOWK) Ben Franklin Career Center in Dunbar has a legacy of preparing students for the workforce. But several students are coming back as teachers with a passion for vocational education.

Jerry Hicks is the Sheet Metal Instructor at the school. But before he was the teacher, he was a member of the school's first graduating class.

"A lot of them don't believe it," Hicks said of his students. "They are like 'really you were here' and I say oh yeah then when I tell them when I graduated they say 'wow you are even way older than my parents'."

Hicks isn't the only teacher here who was once a student. There are a total of five.

"I never dreamed twenty years ago I would be a teacher," said Machine Tool Metals Tech Instructor Matt Cole. He attended Ben Franklin from 2001-2004.

Christina Holston is the Honors Medical Assisting Instructor. When a student gets nervous she reminds them the sky is the limit.

"They are like 'we can't do this' yea you can I've been in your shoes before you have this," Holston said. "I always tell them my story because I never thought that I would be here."

Ben Franklin Career Center is operated by Kanawha County Schools. They also offer programs for adults.

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WATCH: Gov. Justice holds 2nd town hall on personal income tax repeal proposal

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 00:09:12 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK)—West Virginia Governor Jim Justice will hold his second virtual town hall discussing his proposal to eliminate the state's personal income tax on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

For local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

COVID numbers continue their decline in West Virginia; more vaccines needed

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:49:38 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- The number of active COVID-19 cases continues to decline in West Virginia, and the rate of new infections is dropping, too. Testing and vaccinations are up, and officials are excited that a new, third vaccine from Johnson and Johnson will soon be available. They say it has advantages over the others.

"Because of the ability to transport this vaccine easier. And the fact that it's one shot. There is benefit to moving to some of our more austere, rural parts of our state," said Dr. Clay Marsh, West Virginia COVID-19 Czar.

But getting vaccines everywhere has been a problem. Lawmakers in the fast-growing Eastern Panhandle say they aren't getting enough vaccine considering their booming population and closeness to Washington, DC.

"I think it is very clear that we are not getting our fair share in the Eastern Panhandle, and there are 28 counties across this state that are below the state average when it comes to the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine," said Del. Jason Barrett, (R) Berkeley.

State officials say the first priority was vaccinating people age 65 and older, and some counties such as those in the Eastern Panhandle, have a younger population. Also, severe weather across the whole state shut down many vaccination clinics

"You will see that as the weather issues resolve over the next two weeks, and over the next 30 days, we believe we will balance out. It's not just the Eastern Panhandle," said Maj. Gen. James Hoyer (Ret.), Joint Inter-Agency COVID-19 Task Force.

As of today, the Governor says more than 440,000 West Virginians have received at least the first dose of the vaccine.

And the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources says it is now taking applications for people who are home-bound, and not able to get to vaccination clinics. It has set aside two thousand vaccines, just for these people.

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Could WV suffer a Texas-style blackout? Energy experts weigh-in

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:24:37 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- As West Virginia continues to recover from weather-related power outages, some wonder whether a widespread state power outage like the one in Texas could happen in the Mountain State.

The answer is complicated, but energy experts say the causes for the Texas power outage and the recent ones in West Virginia are different.

In West Virginia, PJM is the name of the power grid the state gets its electricity from.

The state is only a small part of the 65 million people across the 13 states the Pennsylvania-headquartered grid serves.

PJM says to think of them like air traffic controllers: They don't own the power lines. They just manage the grid.

"And we do that for efficiency because it allows us to move power across the system; so if one area is short on one day they could take advantage of energy on other parts of the system, so PJM's job is to manage those flows and make sure there's enough supply anywhere on the system to meet demand," said Senior Vice President of PJM's operations Mike Bryson.

Supply was what was lacking in Texas, which is different from what Appalachian Power says caused their recent power outages.

"Here our problem is that we just had severe weather events, two back to back ice storms that brought down power lines and just caused extensive damage to the electric infrastructure, and so you couldn't get the power to where it needed to go," said Phil Moye with AEP.

At the outage's peak, more than 95,000 customers in West Virginia had no power, that number is now down to 13,000 says Moye.

PJM says they have weather safeguards in place including frequent drills.

"And, fortunately, because of the normal weather patterns in our region, most plants are constructed in anticipation of freezing temperatures," reads one of their lengthy manuals.

While Bryson didn't want to speculate on the causes of the failure of Texas' power grid—the only state with their own power grid—he says it's his job to make sure a blackout doesn't happen.

"We take a lot of precautions making sure we have sufficient reserves and making sure we can take power from our neighbors in New York, Tennessee and the Carolinas, just this last week we were exporting a lot of energy to our neighbors who had a higher demand than we did," said Bryson.

Follow Larisa Casillas on Facebook and Twitter for the latest local and breaking news

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Watching for a wet weekend

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:21:55 +0000

(WOWK) - After a wonderfully warm Wednesday, many people may be thinking about spring weather hanging around. However, the plan for the next week shows a return to normal and above normal temperatures and also the return of occasional heavy rain on the weekend.

Temperature trends

A cold front moves through the area Wednesday night returning the temperatures to the 40s for Thursday. A front then comes back from the south into the region and stalls overhead for the weekend. A series of disturbances moves along that front with repetitive rounds of rain on Saturday and Sunday.

Predictor model output for late Wednesday night

The heaviest round of rain appears to take place during from Sunday into early Monday.

Predictor model output for Sunday 7 a.m.

Predictor model output for Sunday 4:15 p.m.

The early estimates for rainfall now call for roughly 2 to 4 inches of rain depending on your location.

Predictor model output for rainfall now through 11 p.m. Monday, March 1

The forecast for large area rivers does not call for flooding as of Wednesday, but smaller streams and creeks could easily top their banks by the end of Sunday due to increased runoff rates.

Stay up-to-date with any possible new alerts, statements or advisories by downloading the StormTracker13 app which can be found right here.

In the Saf-T-Net Alert section, enable all alerts and on the app enable location services. This way you will receive the very latest weather safety information the instant it is issued.

Follow Spencer Adkins on Facebook and Twitter for the latest weather developments.

For local forecasts, weather alerts, live VIPIR Radar and more, download the FREE StormTracker 13 Weather App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Yeager outgrows military flight center, okays designing new one

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 23:00:00 +0000

An effort to promote Yeager Airport as the staging point for military air units conducting training exercises in southern West Virginia has proved successful enough to require a larger operations center for visiting air squadrons.

Mason County still without power almost two weeks after ice storm

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:29:27 +0000

LEON, WV (WOWK) -- The ice storms that hit West Virginia almost two weeks ago left thousands of customers in the dark. Rural areas like Mason County are still experiencing lingering power outages.

"Ever since the storm hit, we've basically been out of power," said Richard Clay from Leon, West Virginia.

Some people in the town of Leon have been out of power for over a week.

"It will be eight days today," said Gary Painter from Leon, West Virginia.

Over the past cold week, Richard Clay, who takes care of his 93-year-old mother, was able to get some help.

"Emergency management brought me out a 100-pound tank to keep it going, keep the house warm, and keep her warm," said Clay.

It has not been easy for anyone to get to the residents who live on these back roads. That is because over one hundred trees have fallen just in the Town of Leon.

"Nobody could get them! We had folks that were just a couple miles out of town here that their power was off an excess of ten days," said M. Bruce Riffle, the Mayor of Leon.

"It took me, my son, and my grandson two hours just to cut into where I live," said Painter.

Now that the trees have been clean up, the focus is on fallen power lines. However, many of these lines are not reachable by roads.

The community appreciates the help, but just wished that it happened earlier.

"They weren't considering Mason County a disaster zone, they were sending all the help everywhere else. We didn't get any major help here until Friday of last week," said Painter.

Crews from other states continue to work on getting the power back on.

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Bunkhouses for linemen hauled away

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:24:39 +0000

BARBOURSVILLE, WV (WOWK) — As the cleanup continues throughout the Tri-State region and with more power coming back into homes, out-of-town linemen can now find hotel rooms.

After last week's ice storms, hundreds of linemen poured into the area to help repair the damage.

They needed a place to stay as hotels and other accommodations were full, so Emergency Disasters Services constructed bunkhouses in the Huntington Mall parking lot.

However, they got hauled away Wednesday afternoon.

“We get a call, and in 24 hours we build a city.”
Matt Daley, director of communications and logistics, Emergency Disaster Services

The 'city' Matt Daley refers to features 27 bunkhouses, two shower units and two dozen 'porta-potties' for the linemen.

Stairs leading up to one mobile sleeper unit. (Photo Courtesy: 13 News Reporter Natalie Wadas)

However, they are no longer necessary.

“Crews are actually working to break down the bunkhouses that were set up for the storm restoration. We’ve actually found that the crews are now able to move back to like a hotel setting," says Jon Webster, the external affairs manager for Appalachian Power.

Appalachian Power officials want people to know: just because these units are going away, doesn't mean the crews are.

“That’s not to say that we’re not finished with the work, however the crews that are here are now able to move back into hotel rooms.”
Jon Webster, external affairs manager, Appalachian Power

Now, the bunkhouses are left to be cleaned and taken away.

“They’ll be serviced, they’ll make sure that they’re road-worthy, tires-wise," Daley says.

Emergency disaster services officials say from here, these bunks are getting rolled out to wherever they’re needed next.

The spokesperson from Appalachian Power also notes they've received an outpouring of community support in the area, and they're continuing to work to get everyone's power back on.

Follow Natalie Wadas on Facebook and Twitter for the latest local and breaking news

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WV House Passes Bill To Restrict Local Government From Banning Plastics

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 22:09:19 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. (WTRF)- A bill, passed by the West Virginia House, would limit local governments from banning or regulating certain plastics and to-go containers.

House Bill 2500 would disallow municipalities from banning “auxiliary containers,” which the bill defines as “ a bag, cup, bottle, or other packaging, whether reusable or single-use” that is used in the food or retail industries.

Examples include plastic grocery bags, to-go food containers, and plastic silverware.

Local governments would not be able to regulate, prohibit or impose a fee or tax to use these items.

The bill was introduced by Delegates Geoff Foster, Dean Jeffries, Brandon Steele, John Mandt Jr. and Joe Jeffries

The bill was passed 79 to 19 and will move onto the Senate.

Gov. Justice to hold next virtual town hall on Personal Income Tax Repeal Proposal tonight at 7:00 p.m.

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:27:27 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice will hold his next virtual town hall on his Personal Income Tax Repeal Proposal on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2021, at 7:00 p.m.

You can watch the virtual town hall on our website, WTRF.COM or on our Facebook page.

The Governor will answer as many pre-submitted questions as time allows.

HOW TO SUBMIT A QUESTION

ONLINE: CLICK HERE to submit a question

CALL: Call the Governor's Office at 304-558-2000 and a receptionist will take down your question.

Man wanted for several felonies in Kanawha County

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:18:54 +0000

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) -- A man is wanted for several felonies in Kanawha County.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office, James Richard King, 46, of St. Albans, is wanted for burglary, grand larceny, and conspiracy.

Officials say the charges are from a crime in February.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts can contact the KSCO by calling (304)-357-0169, sending an email to tips@kanawhasheriff.us, sending a Facebook message, or by reporting anonymously at www.kanawhasheriff.us.

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Sen. Manchin says he will vote to confirm Haaland as Sec. of the Interior

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 21:05:40 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WBOY) – Wednesday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on his decision to vote to confirm Representative Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

“Given the political divisions currently facing our country, I believe that every Presidential nominee and every Member of Congress must be committed to a new era of bipartisanship. That is the standard the overwhelming majority of Americans expect and deserve.
With respect to Representative Haaland and her confirmation hearing, while we do not agree on every issue, she reaffirmed her strong commitment to bipartisanship, addressing the diverse needs of our country and maintaining our nation’s energy independence. Her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Republican Congressman Don Young from the energy-rich state of Alaska, spoke to their productive working relationship, her bipartisan accomplishments and sincere willingness to work collaboratively on important issues. In addition, she reiterated the position of the Biden Administration that our country will continue to use fossil fuels for years to come, even as we transition to a cleaner energy future, through innovation not elimination. Further, she made clear her commitment to working to extend the critical Abandoned Mine Land fees set to expire this year that impact countless states.
For all these reasons, I believe Deb Haaland will be a Secretary of the Interior for every American and will vote to confirm her. I look forward to working with her to protect our public lands and ensure the responsible use of all our natural resources in a bipartisan manner.”
Sen. Joe Manchin

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Paving set to start this spring on latest section of Corridor H

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:50:02 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WBOY) – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday that he has approved the bid award for paving work on the section of Corridor H (U.S. Route 48) between Kerens and Parsons.

“To say this project is a big deal would be an understatement. We’re upgrading thousands of roads all across the state, but Corridor H has always been my number one priority in terms of our highways,” Gov. Justice said. “Finishing Corridor H will bring more people and businesses through our state than you can imagine, and with them will come more jobs, exposure, and countless other great opportunities.”

The contract for the project has been awarded to West Virginia Paving Inc., with a low bid of $29,970,497.14.

Work will include 7.5 miles of asphalt paving on Corridor H; from Kerens in Randolph County to where the corridor connects with U.S. Route 219, just east of Parsons in Tucker County.

Construction on Corridor H

The winning bid for the project was more than $6.5 million under the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) Engineer’s Estimate of $36,516,269.10.

“Time and again, we’re saving West Virginians millions upon millions of dollars on these major projects that we’re undertaking. I could not be more proud of the efforts of our Department of Transportation,” Gov. Justice said. “I also could not be more excited to get to work on this project. We call our efforts to upgrade our highways our ‘Roads To Prosperity’ program, and this project is truly going to bring a pipeline of prosperity to the eastern part of our state.”

Construction on Corridor H

When Corridor H is fully completed, it will connect Interstate 79 in Weston to Interstate 81 in Strasburg, Virginia.

“As the Governor has pointed out, this may be the highest priority project in the state and we are committed to completing the entire corridor,” West Virginia Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Jimmy Wriston said. “Once that road is complete, it will open up that area of the state to economic opportunities, which lead to true prosperity. It all works together.”

Currently, 101 miles of Corridor H are open to traffic in West Virginia, with 31 miles left to open, including the section from Kerens to Parsons. To date, an estimated $1.93 billion has been spent on Corridor H. However, an estimated $1.10 billion-worth of work remains.

Construction on Corridor H

In June 2020, it was announced that West Virginia had been awarded $12 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation to help fund the section of Corridor H between Kerens and Parsons.

The paving project from Kerens to Parsons is scheduled to begin this spring. The project currently has an estimated completion date of late 2023.

For local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Sen. Manchin says he will vote to confirm Haaland as Sec. of the Interior

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 20:28:40 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Wednesday, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, released the following statement on his decision to vote to confirm Representative Deb Haaland to serve as Secretary of the Department of the Interior.

Sen. Joe Manchin

“Given the political divisions currently facing our country, I believe that every Presidential nominee and every Member of Congress must be committed to a new era of bipartisanship. That is the standard the overwhelming majority of Americans expect and deserve.
With respect to Representative Haaland and her confirmation hearing, while we do not agree on every issue, she reaffirmed her strong commitment to bipartisanship, addressing the diverse needs of our country and maintaining our nation’s energy independence. Her colleagues on both sides of the aisle, including Republican Congressman Don Young from the energy rich state of Alaska, spoke to their productive working relationship, her bipartisan accomplishments and sincere willingness to work collaboratively on important issues. In addition, she reiterated the position of the Biden Administration that our country will continue to use fossil fuels for years to come, even as we transition to a cleaner energy future, through innovation not elimination. Further, she made clear her commitment to working to extend the critical Abandoned Mine Land fees set to expire this year that impact countless states.
For all these reasons, I believe Deb Haaland will be a Secretary of the Interior for every American and will vote to confirm her. I look forward to working with her to protect our public lands and ensure the responsible use of all our natural resources in a bipartisan manner.”
Sen. Joe Manchin

WV House Passes Bill To Restrict Local Government From Banning Plastics

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:45:19 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. (WTRF)- A bill, passed by the West Virginia House, would limit local governments from banning or regulating certain plastics and to-go containers.

Examples include plastic grocery bags, to-go food containers, and plastic silverware.

Local governments would not be able to regulate, prohibit or impose a fee or tax to use these items.

The bill was introduced by Delegates Geoff Foster, Dean Jeffries, Brandon Steele, John Mandt Jr. and Joe Jeffries

The bill was passed 79 to 19 and will move onto the Senate.

West Virginia hospital reaches Medicaid fraud settlement

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 19:02:03 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (AP) — A West Virginia hospital has agreed to pay $320,000 to settle allegations that it made improper billings.

A settlement on Wednesday said Grant Hospital in Petersburg filed Medicaid, Medicare and other claims from September 2014 to March 2016 for services and items that were not provided by a credentialed physician.

State and federal officials say a hospital physician used another physician’s name as the service provider on claims and to access electronic health records for outpatient services. The hospital reported the error in February 2019.

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Former Fire Chief charged with embezzlement, fraudulent schemes

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:23:55 +0000

RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOWK) -- A former volunteer fire chief has been indicted for stealing from the Town of Sophia Volunteer Fire Department in Raleigh County.

Investigators with the West Virginia State Auditor’s Office say Kenneth Richard Churning, 60, took a total of $133,454.58 from the fire department from July 2017 through December 2019. Officials say the total was made up of $118,509.47 in ATM and cash withdrawals, $13,740 in
cashback transactions, and personal expense reimbursements totaling $1,205.11.

“This case is one of many where we worked with our local partners in the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, the Raleigh County Prosecutor, Sheriff’s Office, Fire Coordinator’s Office and the Town of Sophia. It takes so many players to come and work together to move complex cases forward – and that is what we all did here leading to this indictment.”
John B. McCuskey, State Auditor

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12k Appalachian Power customers remain without service

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 18:09:06 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - Appalachian Power says they have made "good progress" in restoring power to customers who lost power during the ice storms that hit the state Feb. 11 and Feb. 15.

Due to the back-to-back ice storms, outages peaked at 97,000 customers without power. Today, fewer than 12,000 customers remain without service. Officials say all stations and circuits, as well as most three-phase service have now been restored.

Most service is expected to be restored by Friday, Feb. 26 at 10 p.m.

The company is now turning its focus on repairing the smaller outages affecting fewer customers. A workforce of about 2,500 workers, including approximately 400 line crews, 200 tree trimming crews, as well as assessors, crew guides, flaggers and safety personnel are restoring power in the six counties hit hardest by the storms. Those counties include Cabell, 3,430 customers without power; Jackson, 447 customers; Lincoln, 914; Mason, 1,242; Putnam, 1,123; and Wayne, 5,475. In each of those counties, Cabell, where 3,430 customers are without service; Jackson, 447; Lincoln, 914; Mason, 1,242; and Putnam, 1,123 and Wayne, 5,475.

According to Appalachian Power's assessment teams, an estimated 600 broken poles and approximately 2,400 spans of wire will need to be replaced to restore service to all customers. Officials say drones continue to uncover more damage from downed wires and transformers to broken and splintered cross arms, poles, transmission towers and other equipment.

The company has identified around 1,080 outages where repairs will be needed before power can be restored. Only six of those affect more than 100 customers with the rest affecting only a few customers each.

Estimates for restoration times are available at AppalachianPower.com, the Appalachian Power app, or through text and email alerts.

One injured in WVSP lab explosion

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 17:32:55 +0000

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - One person was taken to the hospital after a reported chemical explosion created a small fire at the State Police Detachment in South Charleston.

Crews have now left the scene and say the building is secure. The incident happened just before 11 a.m. at the West Virginia State Police Forensics Lab. The South Charleston Fire Department and Kanawha County Ambulance Authority say all employees were quickly evacuated. Sources say a female received chemical burns and the building filled with smoke.

Officials say it is still unclear what caused the incident.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to update it on WOWKTV.com, the WOWK 13 News App, and on 13 News on air.

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Gov. Justice says West Virginia is in top 10 in the world in COVID-19 vaccination efforts

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:57:00 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – "I absolutely believe with all in us that we ought to be back in school," said West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice during Wednesday's virtual COVID-19 briefing.

Justice's statement comes following the state Board of Education's decision Tuesday, that pre K-8th grade students return to full five day instruction by March 3. Full-time instruction is encouraged for high schools as well, but they may remain with blended learning if the community infection rate is high, Justice said.

Masks Still Mandatory

Despite loosening many COVID-related restrictions, the governor wanted to make it clear that masks are still mandatory in public. Dr. Clay Marsh reminded residents to wear masks over their mouths and noses and encouraged double mask wearing.

Vaccination Efforts

West Virginia continues to lead the nation in COVID-19 vaccination rates and if the state were a country it would be the fifth(or seventh) best in the world, Justice said.

State officials are working to balance out vaccine distribution to all West Virginia counties, they said. Currently 28 counties are below the threshold of balance, Ret. Maj. Gen. Jim Hoyer said. A county-by-county breakdown of vaccinations can be seen on the state's COVID-19 dashboard.

The state did experience a computer glitch Tuesday that caused some issues with vaccination scheduling through Walgreens in Harrison County, officials said.

DHHR employees are working to register home-bound residents, as well as people who live in group homes, for vaccinations, officials said.

The state is still looking for more people from many counties around the state to pre-register to be vaccinated.

Tax Town Hall

The governor has scheduled a town hall for 7:00 p.m. Wednesday to go over his tax plan, which includes repealing the state income tax. State residents can submit questions to the governor online or by calling 304-558-2000.

Hatfield-McCoy Trail System Sales Record

Justice lauded an announcement that the Hatfield-McCoy Trail System broke sales records for permits in 2020, despite COVID-19 shutdowns. "The system is a gem unlike any other," Justice said.

West Virginia Power Finds New Home

The governor also expressed his pleasure at Wednesday morning's announcement that the West Virginia Power, Charleston's minor league baseball team, has been added to the independent Atlantic League. "This is the absolute home run for Charleston," said Justice.

Prayers for Tiger

Gov. Justice asked for prayers for Tiger Woods, following his Tuesday car accident in California. The governor said that Woods had played golf with Justice's son at The Greenbrier.

WV Power announces future of baseball in Charleston

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:40:01 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - After being cut from Minor League Baseball in December 2020, the West Virginia Power says baseball is coming back to the Capital City.

The team will join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2021 season, which will begin Friday, May 28. With the new league comes a new face. The team says Mark Minicozzi will now take over as the team's manager, Andy Shea will take over as Managing Partner & CEO and Jesse Scaglion will be the club’s Chief Operating Officer. Officials say Tim Wilcox will stay on as a partner in the Power’s ownership group.

WE’RE ADDING THE @wv_power TO OUR RANKS! We are thrilled to have them! For more info visit our website. https://t.co/tDY5SO8myJ pic.twitter.com/QFLfMD7kdX
— Atlantic League (@AtlanticLg) February 24, 2021

Are we headed back to $3 per gallon gas?

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:35:03 +0000

(NEXSTAR) - It may feel like gas prices are high right now, but come summer you may be wishing the winter fuel prices would return.

The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline jumped 14 cents a gallon over the past two weeks to $2.64, according to the Associated Press. The price at the pump has climbed 46 cents since Nov. 20.

Some of the rise this past week was attributable to the deep freeze in the South, which temporarily shut down production at about a dozen refineries in and around Texas. Resumption of production there could bring some temporary relief, but the long-term outlook is not as rosy.

Industry analyst Trilby Lundberg of the Lundberg Survey told the AP Sunday that gas prices will likely continue to rise as crude oil costs remain high. Analysts at Gas Buddy see a similar trajectory emerging.

"As we near spring weather, we’ll likely see another longer term rise in prices begin as refineries start to transition to summer gasoline," Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis for GasBuddy said in a blog post this week.

De Haan told USA Today that $2.80 is a more likely average peak this spring, but Phil Flynn of the Price Futures Group told the paper the $3 mark is a real possibility. Even if the $3 average barrier isn't broken, rising crude oil prices likely mean averages near $2 per gallon we saw last year are long gone.

“The era of low gasoline prices has ended and we are entering a new era of higher prices,” Flynn says.

Yahoo Finance points to service disruptions and the pricier summer blends as contributing factors to the price rise but also sees an increased likelihood of post-vaccination travel and stimulus spending as reasons demand will surge.

On average, residents of California and Hawaii were already paying over $3 per gallon this week, with the average price in Washington State sitting at $2.98. The lowest average is $2.20 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Structure fire reported at state police detachment

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:21:43 +0000

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - Metro 911 officials say a structure fire has been reported at the West Virginia State Police Detachment on Jefferson Road in South Charleston. According to dispatch, the fire is now out, and one person was reportedly burned. Their condition is unknown at this time..

The northbound lane of Jefferson Road is shut down. We have a crew on the way to the scene.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to update it on WOWKTV.com, the WOWK 13 News App, and on 13 News on air.

For local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

120k West Virginians recovered from COVID-19

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:10:56 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- Mountain State health officials say more than 120,000 West Virginians have recovered from COVID-19.

WV COVID-19 data as of Feb. 24, 2021. (Photo Courtesy: WV DHHR)

As active cases were declining in West Virginia, the number of recovery cases has increased. The decline in active COVID-19 cases since reaching its peak of 29,257 active cases on Jan. 10. Of the 130,382 total cases of COVID-19 in the Mountain State, 8,067 are currently active.

Of the active cases, 292 people are currently hospitalized with 74 patients in the ICU and 40 on ventilators.

The state has received a total of 2,127,566 confirmatory lab results for COVID-19 with a current daily percent positivity rate of 3.02% and a current cumulative rate of 5.49%.

DHHR health officials have confirmed the deaths of an 89-year old female from Mercer County, a 95-year-old female from Mercer County, an 80-year-old male from Berkeley County, an 84-year-old female from Grant County, a 76-year-old male from Wood County, a 90-year-old male from Kanawha County, a 78-year-old male from Boone County, a 79-year-old female from Mercer County, a 58-year-old male from Mercer County, a 76-year-old male from Marion County, and a 57-year-old male from Logan County.

West Virginia has reported 2,285 total COVID-19 deaths.

WV County Alert System map as of Feb. 24, 2021. (Photo Courtesy: WV DHHR)

According to the DHHR, 169,832 West Virginians have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine; 273,391 people already received their first dose of the vaccine. Due to additional doses in the vaccine's vials, the state has used 103% of the vaccines currently allotted to the state. West Virginians can pre-register to get a COVID-19 vaccine at vaccinate.wv.gov.

Today's County Alert System map, Raleigh, Wyoming, Jefferson, Hardy, Ohio and Doddridge counties moved into yellow. Meanwhile, Logan, Putnam, Wirt, Barbour, Lewis and Webster counties moved into gold.

West Virginia has 21 green counties, seven orange counties, 12 gold counties and 15 yellow counties.

Number of COVID-19 cases per county: Barbour (1,182), Berkeley (9,605), Boone (1,553), Braxton (769), Brooke (2,009), Cabell (7,740), Calhoun (224), Clay (371), Doddridge (466), Fayette (2,622), Gilmer (706), Grant (1,054), Greenbrier (2,381), Hampshire (1,511), Hancock (2,577), Hardy (1,261), Harrison (4,804), Jackson (1,649), Jefferson (3,592), Kanawha (11,941), Lewis (1,026), Lincoln (1,215), Logan (2,668), Marion (3,626), Marshall (2,989), Mason (1,758), McDowell (1,340), Mercer (4,184), Mineral (2,574), Mingo (2,107), Monongalia (7,837), Monroe (937), Morgan (927), Nicholas (1,170), Ohio (3,609), Pendleton (618), Pleasants (799), Pocahontas (584), Preston (2,518), Putnam (4,172), Raleigh (4,636), Randolph (2,375), Ritchie (616), Roane (493), Summers (700), Taylor (1,081), Tucker (499), Tyler (612), Upshur (1,660), Wayne (2,586), Webster (305), Wetzel (1,074), Wirt (349), Wood (6,991), Wyoming (1,730).

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WV Gov. Justice gives COVID-19 update

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:03:20 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is set to give a semi-daily COVID-19 update in the Mountain State on Wednesday, Feb. 24.

West Virginia continues to see declining active COVID-19 numbers. The West Virginia Department of Health and Resources has reported 22 deaths and 528 new cases.

WATCH LIVE: Gov. Justice schedules Wednesday's COVID-19 briefing for 11 a.m.

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:51:10 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has scheduled Wednesday's virtual COVID-19 briefing for 11 a.m.

The briefing will be streamed live on WBOY.com and the 12 News App. Video of the full briefing and a written recap will be added to this story following the briefing’s conclusion.

Watch the briefing in the live player above or at this link.

During Gov. Justice's most recent briefing on Monday, he once again encouraged more West Virginians to register to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and announced a virtual town hall to discuss his proposal to eliminate the state income tax.

WATCH LIVE Coronavirus In West Virginia: Gov. Justice holds a 11:00 AM press briefing on COVID-19 coronavirus update

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:50:59 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. (WTRF)- Gov. Jim Justice will hold a news conference on Wednesday at 11:00 AM to provide the latest updates on the coronavirus in West Virginia.

On Friday, Gov. Justice signed an executive order that would allow that restaurants and bars can increase capacity to 75 %.

The West Virginia DHHR announced that 11 people have died due to COVID-19 related deaths and 243 coronavirus cases have been confirmed.

West Virginia was the first state to launch an online vaccination scheduling system. You can click here to schedule.

If you have issues with the stream, you can watch the briefing on the 7News Facebook page or on WTRF.com.

WV DHHR confirms 243 new COVID-19 cases, 11 additional deaths on Wednesday

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:15:46 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed 243 new COVID-19 cases and 11 additional deaths in its report on Wednesday.

The DHHR confirmed 285 new COVID-19 cases and 11 additional deaths in its report on Tuesday.

The report from the DHHR stated that as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, February 24, there have been a total of 2,135,914 (+8,348) laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 130,382 (+243) total cases and 2,285 (+11) of those cases resulting in deaths.

*Residents from North Central West Virginia counties are in bold*

The DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 89-year old female from Mercer County, a 95-year old female from Mercer County, an 80-year old male from Berkeley County, an 84-year old female from Grant County, a 76-year old male from Wood County, a 90-year old male from Kanawha County, a 78-year old male from Boone County, a 79-year old female from Mercer County, a 58-year old male from Mercer County, a 76-year old male from Marion County, and a 57-year old male from Logan County.

“As West Virginians, we must not tire of preventive measures that ensure the health and safety of West Virginians,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary. “Our sympathies are extended to these families for their loss.”

According to the DHHR’s COVID-19 dashboard, there are currently 8,067 (-461) active cases and 120,030 (+693) recovered cases in the state.

Listed below are the total numbers of COVID-19 cases per county, according to the DHHR’s latest report:

CASES PER COUNTY: Barbour (1,182), Berkeley (9,605), Boone (1,553), Braxton (769), Brooke (2,009), Cabell (7,740), Calhoun (224), Clay (371), Doddridge (466), Fayette (2,622), Gilmer (706), Grant (1,054), Greenbrier (2,381), Hampshire (1,511), Hancock (2,577), Hardy (1,261), Harrison (4,804), Jackson (1,649), Jefferson (3,592), Kanawha (11,941), Lewis (1,026), Lincoln (1,215), Logan (2,668), Marion (3,626), Marshall (2,989), Mason (1,758), McDowell (1,340), Mercer (4,184), Mineral (2,574), Mingo (2,107), Monongalia (7,837), Monroe (937), Morgan (927), Nicholas (1,170), Ohio (3,609), Pendleton (618), Pleasants (799), Pocahontas (584), Preston (2,518), Putnam (4,172), Raleigh (4,636), Randolph (2,375), Ritchie (616), Roane (493), Summers (700), Taylor (1,081), Tucker (499), Tyler (612), Upshur (1,660), Wayne (2,586), Webster (305), Wetzel (1,074), Wirt (349), Wood (6,991), Wyoming (1,730).

*Note – Please note that delays may be experienced with the reporting of information from the local health department to DHHR. As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. Such is the case of Braxton, Hardy, Harrison, McDowell, Mineral, Preston, and Wyoming counties in this report.

Please visit the dashboard located at www.coronavirus.wv.gov for more information.

According to the dashboard, as of Wednesday morning, 273,391 (+1,384) first doses of the vaccine have been administered, and 169,832 (+1,879) people have been fully vaccinated.

Free COVID-19 testing is available daily to all West Virginia residents. Please visit https://dhhr.wv.gov/COVID-19/pages/testing.aspx to view the testing site map and location list.

West Virginians may now pre-register for their COVID-19 vaccination at vaccinate.wv.gov.

Editor’s note: The numbers received from the West Virginia DHHR include cases that have already been resolved. Therefore, these counts need to be viewed as historical cases, rather than active cases.

Editor’s note 2: The total number of cases confirmed by the DHHR now includes probable cases, which are individuals that have symptoms and either serologic (antibody) or epidemiologic (e.g., a link to a confirmed case) evidence of disease, but no confirmatory test.

Baseball's back!

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 15:12:38 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - After being cut from Minor League Baseball in December 2020, the West Virginia Power says baseball is coming back to the Capital City.

The team will join the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball for the 2021 season.

WE’RE ADDING THE @wv_power TO OUR RANKS! We are thrilled to have them! For more info visit our website. https://t.co/tDY5SO8myJ pic.twitter.com/QFLfMD7kdX
— Atlantic League (@AtlanticLg) February 24, 2021

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the decision. The senator has been involved in working to protect the state's teams since the MiLB restructuring was announced in November 2019. In December 2020, the team was officially cut as an affiliate.

“West Virginia Power has given West Virginia families countless hours of entertainment and family time, and I am incredibly pleased that these time-honored traditions will continue on in Charleston. Since November 2019 I’ve fought to save our baseball teams across the state and I am pleased that every team has found a league to call home. I am proud of the resiliency of the team and coaches and truly believe that the Atlantic League will give West Virginia Power the opportunity to grow and thrive. I look forward to seeing our team play at the Appalachian Power Park again soon,” Manchin said.

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WV Power announces future of baseball in Charleston

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:56:33 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - West Virginia Power and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin are makingt 10 a.m. this morning, Feb. 24 about the future of baseball in the Capital City.

Late last year, it was announced that the West Virginia Power was not included again as an Affiliated Minor League team. At that time, it was not clear if that meant baseball in Charleston was done for good.

For local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

Middle school unveils a different kind of vending machine for students

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:23:53 +0000

LOGAN, WV (WOWK) — A different type of vending machine can now be found in Logan Middle School.

Happy Tuesday! Today I am in Logan, checking out a new vending machine... and this one isn’t for snacks

Legislature debates controversial changes to how health departments are run

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:21:52 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - A big battle is brewing over who controls the county health department's decision making in West Virginia. On a vote of 21-to-13, the State Senate voted today, to give county commissions the final say on health policies. Backers say some health departments were shutting down businesses like furniture store deliveries, for no health reasons during COVID-19.

"By a local health board, it caused your business to shut down, because you're not an essential business. That's one example. And that's how the family put food on their table," said State Sen. Mike Maroney, M.D., (R) Marshall - Health Chairman.

Supporters say it puts a check and balance on the decision making. But critics worry about the potential for bad decisions, such as individual counties making their own smoking rules. Or county Commissions could over-rule their local health officials on policies such as clean needle exchange programs for substance abusers.

"I think it takes away the health experts decisions. That's what I think it does. I think it puts in the hands of elected officials, who might be swayed for a political reason," said State Sen. Ron Stollings, M.D., (D) Boone.

But some leaders, including Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper, say not one lawmaker ever contacted him on the bill, and he is against it.

"In a recent COVID-19 briefing I asked Governor Jim Justice if he planned to sign or veto this bill. He said he was undecided, and his staff was looking into the issue," said Mark Curtis, 13 News Chief Political Reporter.

Food pantries see jump in need among seniors during pandemic

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:15:18 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) Seniors are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to COVID-19. But the pandemic has put older Americans at risk in other ways as well. Local food pantries are trying to fill the void.

"There are seniors, what we call shut-ins, that kind of fall through the cracks," said John Roberts at Mountain Mission in Charleston.

Since the pandemic Mountain Mission has recorded a 60% jump in the number of people over 62-years old who requesting help. Often those individuals are making the choice between eating and paying bills.

"Some of it is food. Some of it is utility services. Some of it is medication. You know that is kind of tough," Roberts said.

Isolation has been a significant factor. Seniors who used to get help from loved ones or neighbors have found themselves cut off from resources because of fears of spreading the virus.

"Seniors are pretty much living on what they have always lived on but then a reduction in support," said Vicki Ballengee at Heart and Hand Outreach Ministry in South Charleston, WV. Her organization saw a shift as well. "A lot of times we weren't seeing the families with children because they did have other resources, SNAP benefits being higher and the schools providing food and things like that. Then there were these people who had never needed help before and seniors and people with a fixed income not necessarily benefitting from anything that was going on."

They've also had to change some of the ways they serve seniors.

"God forbid that somebody would come out just trying to get food and get sick with this terrible virus so we are trying to be unique in the way that we help people," Roberts said.

Both groups are working with seniors to process their requests for help over the phone.

"We've learned to use technology even better," Ballengee said. "If we need a copy of an electric bill we are now taking pictures and that is being texted or sent through email or Messenger."

They are also changing the ways they distribute the food to keep seniors as safe as possible.

Even before COVID-19 more seniors were finding themselves raising grandchildren and great grandchildren often times without receiving any additional benefits from government programs.

Both organizations said the community has stepped up to help them meet the need but they are always seeking additional support.

Follow Nicky Walters on Facebook and Twitter for the latest local and breaking news.

West Virginia School Board votes to send students back to in-person instruction

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 04:09:42 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. -- The West Virginia School Board of Education unanimously voted to send students back to the classrooms Tuesday.

The Board heard from COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh before voting.

Dr. Marsh stated in-person classroom instruction is safe, both for teachers as well as students and school personnel so long as masks and distancing are followed.

The board voted to mandate in-person K-8 instruction for five days a week and recommended five days a week for grades 9- 12.

COVID-19 transmission rates, according to Dr. Clay Marsh are only about 50% of what county transmission rates are under the DHHR map for the K-8 group.

The West Virginia Education Association and AFT of West Virginia gave comment before DR. Clay Marsh spoke and asked the board to let the decision of in-person instruction be at the discretion of the local school boards 'who know their communities best.'

As snow and ice disappear, long lines at car washes increase

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:49:37 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - If you drove by just about any car wash in the tri-state, you probably saw long lines of people waiting to wash their cars.

At the five-star car wash near the intersection of Virginia and Clendenin streets in Downtown Charleston the line stretched down the block.

Customers say they waited a long time to go through. “I’d say at least 40 minutes, 40 minutes or so.” said, one person. Another person adding, "Now it’s been close to an hour.”

But store manager Jeremy Long says this is normal for them. “It’s a fairly typical day, we have a high volume of cars. Snow, rain, doesn’t really matter, sunshine like today. It’s just a good day for it."

How do you know it’s the first nice day in awhile? The car-wash line at the 5-star in Charleston will remind ya!

Bridge Street Middle School hosts Black History presentation

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:41:38 +0000

OHIO COUNTY, W.VA (WTRF) -- Bridge Street Middle School hosted a Black History presentation today for all of their students and their family.

Bridge Street Principal Jessica Broski-Burch says many time Black History Month encompasses the Civil Rights Movement and highlights their leaders, and although that's important-- she wanted to put a local touch on it.

So-- she invited the YWCA's Ron Scott Jr, local NAACP chapter presidents, local Black business owners, and local Black musicians to join in on the presentation. Something she hopes allows the students to connect to more.

I think every single student will be able to say, "I learned blank about our Wheeling area." and something that they didn't know before, and really have a sense of pride in our area.
JESSICA BROSKI-BURCH, PRINCIPAL, BMS

Our community has been so involved and, "yes! Let's send you a video and yes let's do it this way! And let's incorporate this all together." Safety has been our priority all along so the fact that we're able to bring it together and present it in a safe manor is very important to our school. We're really excited about that.
KAREN BUTYN - ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, BMS

The event was held completely through the school's online platform, schoology.

Drug executives: Big jump in vaccine supply is coming soon

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:15:00 +0000

WASHINGTON — COVID-19 vaccine makers told Congress on Tuesday to expect a big jump in the delivery of doses over the coming month, and the companies insist they will be able to provide enough for most Americans to get inoculated…

Child shot in head; couple facing multiple charges

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 03:07:24 +0000

FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOWK) - A Fayette County couple is facing charges related to the accidental shooting of a juvenile in December.

Deputies say Craig and Angela Webster of Mount Hope face gross child neglect and conspiracy to commit a felony charges.

Investigators say seven juveniles were in the home under their care when one was shot in the head and needed to be hospitalized.

During the investigation, deputies found a large amount of heroin in the home as well as evidence of drug trafficking between Fayette County and Detroit.

For local and breaking news, weather alerts, video and more, download the FREE WOWK 13 News App from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

WATCH: Video of arrest behind 2nd federal lawsuit against Westover police officers

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 01:39:45 +0000

WESTOVER, W.Va. – 12 News has obtained video that shows the arrest at the center of a second civil rights lawsuit against Westover police officers.

The location on Dunkard Avenue is a familiar one: months before and only a property line away, Officer Aaron Dalton and Officer Zachary Fecsko arrested Andre Howton on January 1, 2019, during a domestic call. The violent encounter sparked a lawsuit against the officers and its former police chief Richard Panico, thrusting this small West Virginia town into the national spotlight.

More than eight months later, Dalton and Officer Justice Carver arrested William Cox.

Attorneys with Bailey Glasser and Shaffer Madia Law filed the latest suit in January 2021 in U.S. District Court on behalf of William Cox, against the City of Westover and Westover Police officers Aaron Dalton and Justice Carver. The suit claims the officers falsely arrested Cox and used excessive force against him.

"Most police officers in our state are tremendous, hard-working, great people. And that's not what this lawsuit is about," Morgantown Bailey Glasser partner Travis Prince told 12 News. "The harsh reality is, there are individuals who do not deserve to wear the blue, and to carry a badge. And that is what we have in this case."

12 News obtained both surveillance video of the arrest captured by a local business and reports filed by both officers on the day of Cox's arrest.

On the morning of August 25, 2019, Cox was waiting for a bus at the Mountain Line stop on Dunkard Avenue, when Dalton and Carver drove by in a Westover Police cruiser. As the officers drove by, Cox began recording them with his cell phone. The officers' accounts say they noticed Cox recording them and turned around to speak with him. That is where the similarities in the suit and the officer accounts end.

Justice Carver's ReportDownload

Supporting Report by Aaron DaltonDownload

In his report, Carver states, "I advised Lt. Dalton I thought the male may need assistance and asked if he [sp] we could check on him to make sure he didn't need anything." The case complaint states that the officers questioned Cox as to why he was recording them, to which he responded it was "his right to do so" and that Cox told the officers he was “relieved that they had body cameras and if necessary, he would submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for the video footage,” to which Dalton replied that Cox was “too stupid to know what FOIA means,” the suit alleges.

The officers' reports paint Cox as the aggressor, stating he was shouting "I want your name and badge numbers" while shouting at Dalton to "turn your body camera on." They say a witness familiar with Dalton walked up to the cruiser and engaged in conversation -- and Cox re-approached their vehicle. The reports state Cox repeatedly used profanity and refused to leave the area before Carver advised him to "put his hands behind his back he was being placed under arrest."

Whatever the exchange between William Cox and the officers, Prince emphasized that it doesn't justify violence.

"William Cox did nothing illegal," he said. "Whether it be using a cell phone or speaking to a police officer [...] there's no justification."

FULL SURVEILLANCE VIDEO: Arrest of William Cox on August 25, 2019

Carver can be seen on the video exiting the passenger side vehicle to approach Cox. In the following melee, Prince says Carver initiated contact.

“There is an allegation that Mr. Cox was an aggressor, but clearly in the surveillance footage, he was not," he said. "One officer, that we believe to be Officer Carver, exits the passenger side vehicle and immediately raise his fist and takes a swing."

The officer reports read much differently: "The male then shoved me in the chest area and took an aggressive stance as if he was going to fight me. I proceed towards the male and which he then struck me in the face with a closed fist. I then grabbed the male and struck him in the face with a closed fist in order to defend myself."

In the video, Dalton exits the vehicle and tackles both to the ground.

The suit alleges that rather than de-escalating the situation, “Officer Dalton and Officer Carver immediately exited the police cruiser and violently attacked Mr. Cox, subjecting him to a merciless onslaught of punches, kicks, and pepper spray when he was defenseless, and posing no threats to the Defendant Officers.”

As a former law enforcement officer, WVU sociology professor James Nolan stated that the situation appears, at the very least, questionable.

“For three minutes, it just doesn’t seem like he was perceived as a threat [...] and then suddenly erupted as it did. That’s strange in my mind.”

There is no further mention by either officer of William Cox's cellphone, which is visible in the video. 12 News has not been able to find any mention of the phone in records or reports. Prince detailed that attorneys on the case have never seen it.

“He was never returned his cell phone, and we do not know, right now, the status of the cellphone," he said. "There is an evidence collection policy at the City of Westover that police officers must abide by, and it appears they did not. In this case, for Mr. Cox, either the evidence was collected and destroyed, being his cellphone, or it was left on the street."

Despite the reportedly heated exchange about body cameras, neither officer mentions activating their body cameras in their report, and no body camera footage of the arrest ever surfaced.

You can read an in-depth report about the body camera policy in Westover here.

Nolan said for both the public and officers' safety, the decision not to use the body cameras is concerning, particularly after one officer was already involved in a lawsuit.

“It’s somewhat reckless to keep people on the street [...] and give them the discretion to have their videos on or not.”

This is the second time Westover police officer Aaron Dalton has been named as a defendant in a federal civil rights lawsuit while working for Westover. He was also named in a lawsuit before he was asked to resign from Fairmont Police Department in 2013.

On October, 12 News obtained a letter signed by 11 Westover Police officers, calling for Dalton's resignation and labeling him a "threat to life."

Prince stated that the lawsuit is about failure in the City of Westover.

"The failure of the City of Westover to hire appropriately qualified officers, a failure in the City of Westover to train police officers on the department policies, and a failure to discipline officers who fail to adhere to the policies of the department."

In a world now shifting its focus towards police brutality issues, Nolan seems to agree.

"Most problems in policing today are not this kind of thing," he said. "It seems like this is the exception, one of the small exceptions to the problem... is related to this officer and the departmental policies that keep him on the street."

Aaron Dalton is currently on paid administrative leave with the department, pending an investigation.

15,000 still without power in WV brace for start of third week without electricity

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 01:06:00 +0000

KENNA — On Tuesday, the drone of portable generators in a variety of pitches reverberated from the yards of homes along Kentuck Road as it wound its way through narrow creek valleys and along ridgetops in the usually peaceful Jackson…

Melting mountain snowpack could lead to high water concerns

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:59:03 +0000

PARSONS, W.Va. - Rounds of wintry weather during the month of February have dropped several inches of snow for the mountains of West Virginia.

While this snowpack is both beautiful and great for the area ski resorts, warming temperatures this week in combination with a wetter than average next six to ten days could lead to rising rivers. Tucker County Emergency Manager Kevin White says that this is the something he is monitoring closely.

"In Davis and in Canaan Valley on the eastern side of Tucker County, we have around a 24-inch snow pack right now," said White. "Which is an extreme amount when you're looking at the snow ratio vs water."

Latest analysis by the National Weather Service shows that this snow pack has roughly 3 inches of snow to water equivalence. Current water levels for the Cheat and Tygarts Valley rivers are right at average but latest modeling shows these areas could potentially have minor flooding issues by the middle of next week due to the melting of this snowpack and additional rainfall.

"Seven of our highest river crests have occurred during January through March," explained White. "In Tucker County we are more aware of the ranging type of weather and the snow melt during that time of the year."

While there is no immediate threat, Tucker County officials in coordination with the Pittsburgh National Weather Service are working together to stay ahead of any issues.

"We communicate with all of our responders when we start seeing things, maybe even as far as two, three, four days or even a week out," said White. "We also try to start putting out information to be prepared for 72 hours of self sustainability in case something would happen."

The StormTracker 12 Weather Team will be monitoring the snowpack as well as any potential high water issues throughout the next few weeks.

House advances governor's bill that shields hospitals, businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 00:30:00 +0000

A bill that would provide immunity from COVID-19 related lawsuits for health care facilities, essential businesses, and employees at those places is hitting many of the same notes in the House of Delegates that it did in the Senate this…

West Virginia School Board votes to send students back to in-person instruction

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:47:38 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. -- The West Virginia School Board of Education unanimously voted to send students back to the classrooms Tuesday.

The Board heard from COVID-19 Czar Dr. Clay Marsh before voting.

Dr. Marsh stated in-person classroom instruction is safe, both for teachers as well as students and school personnel so long as masks and distancing are followed.

The board voted to mandate in-person K-8 instruction for five days a week and recommended five days a week for grades 9- 12.

COVID-19 transmission rates, according to Dr. Clay Marsh are only about 50% of what county transmission rates are under the DHHR map for the K-8 group.

2021 Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Cancelled

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:17:36 +0000

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF)- The 2021 Ogden Wellness Weekend, originally set for Memorial Day weekend, May 29-30, has been canceled due to ongoing concerns over COVID-19.

The Wellness Weekend, sponsored by WVU Medicine, consists of the Ogden Newspapers Half Marathon Classic, the Tough as Nails Urban Challenge presented by The Health Plan and the Ohio Valley Trail Partners Heritage Trail Bicycle Tour.

It also includes a 5K run and two events for children.

The decision to cancel the Wellness Weekend came after much deliberation and consultation with local health officials, event organizers said.

“Due to the continued pressures and hardships that COVID-19 is putting on our communities and area health care providers, we believe it is in the best interest to cancel the 2021 event and focus on the 2022 Wellness Weekend,” said Perry Nardo, general manager of The Intelligencer and Wheeling News-Register. “This is a difficult decision, but one I believe is in the best interests of our runners, walkers, Tough as Nails participants and also our volunteers.”

Looking to see if an event near you was canceled? Click here.

Huntington native recognized with Rhododendron Award

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 23:16:15 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice presented her seventh Rhododendron Award to Missy Clagg Morrison, Marshall Psychiatry Residency and Fellowship Programs Administrator at Marshall University's School of Medicine in a virtual ceremony, today Tuesday, Feb. 23.

“Missy, you are most impressive, and I want to thank you for all that you've done in your many, many years of service to your community,” First Lady Justice said. “You've improved so many lives in the Huntington area and we know that it’s so greatly appreciated.”

The award was created to recongnize West Virginians who have "demonstrated goodness and worked for the betterment of their communities," particularly, the "unsung heroes" throughout the Mountain State whose work has made a difference in others' lives.

“I'm so honored to be selected as a recipient of this lovely Rhododendron Award. I'd also like to thank the ones who sustain my outreach efforts; the sponsors and donors, as well as the ones who give freely of their time to help," Morrison said. "My role is just to make needs known and then to bridge those needs. I've seen it demonstrated, time and again, that people want to help, they just need an opportunity to do so. Watching the items come in, and then being matched with the need, is such a blessing and it reminds us of the importance of compassion.”

Morrison, a native of Huntington and Marshall University graduate, is known for her volunteer efforts and passion in serving homeless and addiction recovery communities, according to the office of the first lady. She has hosted and organized community-wide collections, programs and events, inviting her community to join in the effort.

This is not the first award Morrison has received for her philanthropy, including the Cabell Huntington Hospital Women’s Philanthropy Society’s 2015 Focus Award, the 2015 Herald-Dispatch Citizen Award, and the Marshall Alumni 2015 Community Achievement Award. She was also selected by both the Cabell-Huntington Coalition for the Homeless and Recovery Point/The Healing Place of Huntington.

“You have, no doubt, inspired many to work along with you, and your generosity of time and spirit have given others the opportunity to work as well,” First Lady Justice continued. “We thank you for all you've done. I'm thrilled to honor you today, Missy. You're very deserving of this award.”

Morrison was also selected to join the 2021 cohort of the John Marshall Leadership Fellows Program, as well as the Marshall University Alumni Association's Board of Directors.

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Antero Resources presents a check to the Mountaineer Food Bank for $150,000 to help battle food insecurity

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:26:47 +0000

GASSAWAY, W.Va. - An Oil and Gas company has teamed up with the Mountaineer Food Bank to help end food insecurities throughout West Virginia.

The Antero Foundation from Antero Resources presented a check for $150,000 to the Mountaineer Food Bank this afternoon in Gassaway. Antero promised to match every dollar raised during the food bank's annual; We're Here Campaign.

"Being a newly launched foundation, we were looking for ways that we could help positively in our community and our operating area," explained the Regional Vice President of Antero Resources, Kevin Ellis. "We also knew that the pandemic had created quite a bit of need, if you will, in terms of food insecurity in West Virginia. We wanted to be helpful to our friends and neighbors who we work with and know."

In West Virginia, more than 250,000 people struggle with hunger, and, of them, nearly 75,000 are children. Located in Gassaway, Mountaineer Food Bank provides food and other household items to homes in 48 counties across the state.

The Food Bank is also involved in organizing soup kitchens, backpack programs, mobile food pantries, senior programs, and shelters. As the state’s largest emergency food provider, it supplies 20.7 million pounds of food annually in collaboration with the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

The foundation's check has helped the campaign raise $300,000 to combat food insecurity.

"And this is so important right now, especially with the pandemic," Strategic Gifts Officer Mountaineer Food Bank Laura Hedrick explained. "A lot of people think that the need is going away, but it is still just as present as ever. Currently, one in seven West Virginians doesn't know where their next meal is going to come from and struggles with food insecurity.

If you want to help with the ongoing problem of food insecurity or learn more, you can visit the food bank's website.

Bill to amend West Virginia's dated alcohol laws

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:23:45 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- If you go to an outdoor festival in the Mountain State this summer, you may be able to sample alcohol for the first time.

Some West Virginia lawmakers want to move the state's liquor laws into the 21st century.

"Most of our laws were written in the '30s," said Deno Stanley, owner of Adelphia Sports Bar and Grille.

The is to get the changes approved as COVID-19 restrictions begin to fade.

"Once we get to the Spring and Summer as vaccinations are more prevalent and as these new regulations go into place, we are really hoping to provide the best framework to hit the ground running," said Richie Heath, the Executive Director of the West Virginia Hospitality and Travel Association.

The tourism officials found the state's economy would benefit if the liquor laws suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, are removed permanently.

"Fairs and festivals, or distilleries or craft breweries can bring their samples in now…where previously they were not able to do that," said Stanley.

The belief is allowing samples and open containers in restricted outdoor areas will attract more people to those events, most of which were canceled last summer.

"Other states already do this so we need to be competitive," said Stanley.

Members of the food and beverage industry hope that taking away these alcohol restrictions will increase tourism.

"For every dollar, we spend we get eight dollars back. So people will come here spend their tourism dollars and see the wonderful things West Virginia has to offer," said Stanley.

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Kanawha County reports another COVID-19 death

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:06:41 +0000

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) - Another person in Kanawha County has died in connection to COVID-19.

The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department confirmed the Feb. 12 death of a 73-year-old female, bringing the total number of virus-related deaths reported by the KCHD to to 252.

Health officials also say 28 more cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the past 24 hours. The county has recorded a total of 12,076 cases since the pandemic began, with 10,318 of those cases confirmed and 1,758 probable cases. Active cases are down by more than 150 since Monday and the number now stands at 842.

A total of 10,982 people in Kanawha county have recovered from the virus. As of 10 a.m., Kanawha County was yellow on the state's County Alert System map.

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Bill's best ... way to get back on your diet

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 22:00:00 +0000

Remember back at the beginning of the year when you made that list? You know the one.