West Virginia State News

Poll Results: What goes on a hotdog? Chili or sauce

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 22:05:58 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - Last week, we asked our viewers to weigh in on one of the Mountain State's most debated culinary questions: Is it hot dog sauce or hot dog chili?

The results are in, and here's what our viewers said:

Out of the 240 votes from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1, we had 136 respondents vote for "chili" and 104 vote for "sauce." Several of our viewers also commented on Facebook with a majority saying they call it chili.

Along with voting in our poll and telling us their preference in the Facebook comments, some viewers also voiced their thoughts as to why they choose their preferred term on our social media post:

"Chili. They don’t call them sauce dogs do they?" said one viewer.

"Sauce! Chili is something you make that has beans in it," another answered.

Some viewers also gave diplomatic answers to try to help keep the peace.

"It’s chili in the south and sauce in the north. Of course, WV is in the middle, so people say both. In Huntington. Sam’s is Chili, Midway and Triple H are sauce, Stewart’s is chili sauce. You cant go wrong. Chili and slaw or sauce and slaw. Both or either," said a third viewer.

While the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council does use the term "chili dog" to refer to a hot dog with the meaty topping, WOWK 13 News reached out to two area restaurants known for their hotdogs - Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage and Super Weenie in Charleston - to get their take on what to call the popular hot dog topping when you're in the Mountain State.

Vance Swallow, son of the original Hillbilly Hot Dogs owners says when his parents first opened the restaurant, they used the term "sauce," but as the restaurant's popularity grew, especially with a feature on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives," tourists would get confused by the phrase.

Swallow says to combat this confusion, and because "chili" can have different ingredients depending on where you are in the country, the restaurant began using the phrase "chili sauce" so both local and visiting diners could both know what they were ordering on their hotdogs.

Super Weenie says they use "chili" because the term is the most common local term, but there are differences as to what people call it across the state. Owner Jason Myer says for example, much of Central West Virginia uses "chili" while "sauce" becomes more common as you head north or west. He says in the part of Wirt County where he's originally from, "sauce" is the more common term.

Myer says Super Weenie doesn't see much confusion among customers regarding what to call it. He says the most common question is from the folks who use the term "sauce" who want to make sure the chili doesn't have beans like in Cincinnati.

There’s also a bit of a discrepancy as to what makes chili for a hotdog different from the regular chili you eat from a bowl.

According to cooking blog, The Country Cook, hotdog chili is thicker than regular chili and uses tomato paste. The blogger also defines hot dog sauce as just a little thinner than hot dog chili. Another cooking blog, Gonna Want Seconds, however, defines hot dog chili as slightly thinner than regular chili. The blogger also calls hot dog chili “slightly sweeter,” pointing out it also does not include beans as an ingredient.

Gayle Manchin released from hospital after Alabama car crash

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:57:11 +0000

Previous video: Gayle Manchin crash in Alabama caused by suspect fleeing police

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WOWK) — Federal co-chair for the Appalachian Regional Commission Gayle Manchin has been released from the hospital after a car crash in Birmingham, Alabama, according to her husband, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV).

The senator said his wife was discharged from UAB Hospital on Thursday evening.

“My wife Gayle has been discharged from UAB Hospital and is being taken care of by family members in West Virginia," Manchin said. "We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support. Our prayers are with Guy Land as he continues to receive excellent care at UAB Hospital.”

The crash happened Tuesday while Gayle Manchin and her colleague Guy Land were on their way from the airport in Birmingham for an Appalachian Regional Commission event planned for that day.

According to reporting by Nexstar’s WIAT, the Homewood Police Department said the crash was caused by a suspect wanted on felony charges striking their vehicle while fleeing from authorities.

The Homewood Police Department said in a press release that law enforcement lost contact with the suspect, but found them after they hit the vehicle carrying Mrs. Manchin and Land at the intersection of 18th Street North and 15th Avenue North, according to WIAT.

The suspect was arrested without incident and is being held at the Homewood City jail.

Gayle Manchin was taken to UAB hospital for “a couple of days for precautionary measures” after the crash.

While Gayle was in the hospital, she and Land received well wishes from West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) and West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin.

“Charlie and I are thinking about our friends Gayle Manchin and Guy Land as they recover from a car accident. We hope for a speedy recovery and are thankful for the quick action of first responders,” Capito said.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin called Gayle a, “beloved member of our West Virginia family.”

“As a school teacher, education leader, child advocate, college faculty member, First Lady, West Virginia Arts and Education Secretary, and now Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission, she has worked tirelessly, and selflessly on behalf of West Virginia and the nation,” Del. Pushkin said.

WIAT contributed to this report.

Public meeting date set for comments on USPS facility in South Charleston staying open

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 20:41:07 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- The time, date and place have been set for a public meeting on the USPS facility near Southridge, two days after they announced the facility would stay open and even get modernized.

The U.S. Postal Service will hold a public meeting at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center on Feb. 14 at 6:30 p.m. If you are unable to make it, you can still submit comments by clicking here.

On Tuesday, they said their initial findings show a reason for a processing and distribution facility near Southridge to stay open with a $20 to $30 million investment to modernize the facility.

The facility’s state has been in limbo for a few months now. The USPS conducted a Mail Processing Facility Review to determine if they would consolidate the Charleston location to an out-of-state location like Pittsburgh or Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

The report says the facility would be modernized and turned into a Local Processing Center, which they say would expand the USPS’ services. This would bring in more revenue and make the facility have a bigger role in the local community.

While the report says more workers could be hired, there is also an estimated decrease of 24 craft and one management position after the initiative is finished. They say union workers will not be laid off but will be reassigned “made in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements.”

After the initial findings were made public, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said, “[W]hile I am glad to see that they have decided to invest in new equipment and upgrades to the facility, I am disappointed to see that they believe that some jobs being transferred to other locations—even if it is less than what was rumored—would be a positive step.”

Prominent politicians in West Virginia and Charleston have been against the closure of this facility, with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) previously doubling down on his opposition to the closure saying that West Virginians are the, “hardest working, most loyal workers in the nation.”

Workers have gathered outside the Charleston post office on Lee Street picketing to keep their plant from closing.

Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin also joined the picket line tonight with the union employees. She is just one of several West Virginia leaders including Governor Jim Justice (R-WV) and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) who have written to the U.S. Postmaster General urging them to keep the Charleston plant open.

You can read the full report by clicking here.

West Virginia Bill would ban "woke words" such as "pregnant people" from government communications

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:56:55 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTRF) -- The West Virginia Legislature has introduced a new bill that would ban "woke words" and agendas from being used in state government documents, websites, literature, and in person.

House Bill 5240 prohibits all state offices, departments, boards, and commissions from using "exclusionary, sexist language" and replaces them with accurate, female-affirming alternatives.

HB 5240 would prohibit the following words and substitutes:

Prohibited Words	Approved Substitutes
Pregnant people or pregnant person	Pregnant women or pregnant mom
Chestfeeding	Breastfeeding
Menstruating persons or menstruating people	Breastfed
Human milk	Breast milk
Birthing person or laboring person	Birth mom
Body-fed or person-fed	Woman or women
Birth giver	Woman
Womxn or womyn	Body fed or person-fed

If passed, the bill would take effect on June 1, 2024.

HB 5240 was introduced on Friday, January 26, by Del. Kathie Hess Crouse (R – Putnam, 019) and co-sponsored by Del. Mickey Petitto (R – Harrison, 070), Del. David Adkins (R – Lincoln, 030) and Del. Mark Dean (R – Mingo, 034).

Vehicle goes over hill in Kanawha County

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:17:43 +0000

TORNADO, WV (WOWK) — A single vehicle went over a hill in Tornado Thursday afternoon.

According to Metro 911, the crash took place on Coal River Road around 1:14 p.m. Police, fire and EMS are on scene, and one person has been transported.

Stick with 13 News for future updates as this situation develops.

Sen. Joe Manchin receives Lifetime Achievement Award for combating drug epidemic

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 19:09:42 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has received national recognition for his fight against the drug epidemic in American communities.

Manchin was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Community-Based Advocacy-Focused Data-Driven Coalition-Building Association (CADCA) at its 34th Annual National Leadership Forum. The association is the leading substance misuse prevention organization, representing more than 5,000 community-based coalitions across the United States and its territories.

"I am so honored to receive CADCA’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” Manchin said. “Combatting the drug epidemic continues to be my top priority, and this starts with preventing substance use by our youngest generations. Our youth are our future, and ensuring that they have the tools necessary to be successful and escape the vicious cycle created by the drug epidemic is essential."

As stated on its website, the CADCA represents more than 5,000 community coalitions with members from groups such as schools, law enforcement, youth, parents, healthcare, media and tribal communities. It has members in every U.S. state and territory, in addition to members in more than 30 countries.

Crews respond to apartment fire in South Charleston

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:54:32 +0000

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - Crews are on the scene of a working structure fire in South Charleston.

According to Kanawha County Metro 911 dispatchers, the call came in around 1:20 p.m. regarding a fire in the 5000 block of Kingswood Drive F in South Charleston. It happened at the Southmoor Hills Apartments.

Dispatchers say the response to the fire has not caused any road closures. They say there have not been any reports of injuries, but the South Charleston Fire Department says they are checking out a few residents on scene.

The South Charleston and Dunbar fire departments, the South Charleston Police Department and the Kanawha County Emergency Ambulance Authority are on scene.

Gayle Manchin released from hospital after Alabama car crash

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:38:11 +0000

Previous video: Gayle Manchin crash in Alabama caused by suspect fleeing police

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WOWK) - Federal co-chair for the Appalachian Regional Commission Gayle Manchin has been released from the hospital after a car crash in Birmingham, Alabama, according to her husband, US Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV).

The senator said his wife was discharged from UAB Hospital on Thursday evening.

“My wife Gayle has been discharged from UAB Hospital and is being taken care of by family members in West Virginia," Sen. Manchin said. "We want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support. Our prayers are with Guy Land as he continues to receive excellent care at UAB Hospital.”

The crash happened Tuesday while Gayle Manchin and her colleague Guy Land were on their way from the airport in Birmingham for an Appalachian Regional Commission event planned for that day.

According to reporting by Nexstar’s WIAT, the Homewood Police Department said the crash was caused by a suspect wanted on felony charges striking their vehicle while fleeing from authorities.

The suspect was arrested without incident and is being held at the Homewood City jail.

Gayle Manchin was taken to UAB hospital for “a couple of days for precautionary measures” after the crash.

While Mrs. Manchin was in the hospital, she and Land received well wishes from West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) and West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin.

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin called Gayle a, “beloved member of our West Virginia family.”

WIAT contributed to this report.

West Virginia's capitol building burned down twice within six years of each other

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 18:00:56 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — The early years of West Virginia's statehood were tumultuous to say the least. Along with dealing with the Civil War and its aftermath, a new government had to be established from the remains of the old, and a part of that process was finding a good location for the capitol.

Three Views of the Safe that Survived the Capitol Fire in Charleston, W. Va. (Courtesy of the West Virginia & Regional History Center)

The capitol bounced back and forth between Wheeling, Charleston, Wheeling again then finally settling back into Charleston.

The first Charleston capitol was built in 1869-70 at Capitol and Lee Streets, though was left behind when the capitol was moved back to Wheeling in 1875. When the state capitol returned to Charleston in 1885, thanks to popular vote, a new building was built on the old site and incorporated the previous structure.

This construction would remain the capitol building until January 3, 1921, when a fire mysteriously broke out, consuming most of the structure. Stored ammunition was also cooked off and helped feed the blaze. While many records were spared, they needed a new home.

And so, construction began on a temporary capitol building on Jan. 14, which was often called the "Pasteboard Capitol." The structure was hastily made in just 42 days from wood and wallboard at the future site of the Daniel Boone Hotel. Plans were also put into place to build what would become the modern day capitol building.

While construction was underway for the permanent capitol, the Pasteboard Capitol remained the seat of legislation for six years. Unfortunately, disaster struck twice, and on March 2, 1927, the temporary capitol building also burned down just across the street from the old one.

Jackson, Colonel Arnold in front of the Remains of the West Virginia State Capitol Building After Fire, Charleston, W. Va.

Old State Capitol Building on Fire in Charleston, W. Va.

(Courtesy of the West Virginia & Regional History Center)

Charleston Gazette reported several possibilities of the fire's cause at the time. A public service commission reporter said a fire burst out when he opened the door to the janitor's office and that his attempt to fight the blaze with a firehose failed when no water came out.

Other testimonies reported the fire starting in the attic, with the building custodian blaming faulty wiring. Officials with the state fire marshal's office said the fire likely began in the space "directly under the roof and over the second floor ceiling," the newspaper said. However, much like the previous fire, no official cause was ever given.

Despite the efforts of employees who braved the smoke and heat, the fire spread so quickly that many documents and records belonging to various departments were destroyed in the fire, along with personal belongings.

In response to the fire, the completion of the permanent capitol's East Wing was given greater importance, finishing the same year in December and followed by the main unit in 1932.

10 of the most romantic places to eat in West Virginia

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:50:03 +0000

West Virginia -- Valentine's Day is just around the corner, prompting many to look for that perfect date night with their special someone.

Don't fret. You don't have to look far because OpenTable has taken all of the guesswork out of finding the most romantic dining spots in Mountain State, and two are located right here in Wheeling. The review site analyzes restaurant views over a four-month period and sorts the results by location and category to help diners discover new favorites.

Guesthouse Lost River

The Guesthouse Kitchen and Bar is located inside the award-winning Guesthouse Lost River Inn. It offers fresh-from-scratch, American-inspired dishes in a comfortable mountain lodge setting in Lost River, West Virginia. The menu includes locally sourced proteins, ingredients, and seasonal produce. Dining reviews call the Guesthouse a gem in Lost River.

Christopher's Eats

Christopher's Eats is a family-owned, fresh-from-scratch restaurant that serves Americana cuisine. This Huntington restaurant also serves coal oven flatbreads, craft beer, and handcrafted cocktails and locally sources many of its ingredients.

Elle & Jack's

Local to the Ohio Valley, Elle & Jack's is located in the heart of downtown Wheeling and serves contemporary American cuisine. OpenTable says its seasonal menu adds modern flair to classic comforts. Some of the popular menu items include Seared Scallops, Braised Meatballs, and EJ's Burger.

Lightburn's

Lightburn's is located inside the clubhouse of the Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course at Stonewall Resort in Roanoke, West Virginia. It offers comfort food and casual dining with views of the surrounding lakes and vistas. This restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining in April through October.

Bricks and Barrels

Voted Charleston's Favorite Restaurant three years in a row in the annual People's Choice Awards, Bricks and Barrells is a steak and seafood restaurant. According to OpenTable, four semi-private dining areas feel like dining inside a whiskey barrel, with whiskey barrels used as dining tables contrasted against the rustic brick facade.

LBV Steak House

LBV Steak House, located inside of Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack, and Resort in New Cumberland, is an upscale restaurant that provides an intimate setting with impeccable service. OpenTable says that LBV rivals any fine-dining restaurant in Pittsburgh and is one of the best places in West Virginia to celebrate a special occasion.

Ihlenfeld Dining Room

Another local restaurant, the Ihlenfeld Dining Room, is located in Wilson Lodge at Oglebay and overlooks Schenk Lake. It specializes in artistic cuisine and decadent desserts, offering a superior dining experience ideal for any occasion. There is also a breakfast buffet offered on the weekends.

Bartini Prime

Bartini Prime is a steakhouse located in Morgantown. Bartini's boasts top ingredients and offers over 300 different wine choices and 20 hard-to-find bourbons. The dining style is considered casual-elegant, and there is a business casual dress code.

The French Quarter

Another Charleston restaurant, the French Quarter, is located inside the Mardi Gras Casino & Resort. According to OpenTable, the restaurant pairs comfortable fine dining with affordable prices. This restaurant is cash-free to enhance the dining experience.

Le Bistro

Located in Huntington, Le Bistro is a French-American-style restaurant that combines familiar flavors, quality ingredients, and innovative techniques for a fine dining experience. Some popular dishes offered include the Caesar Salad, French Onion Soup, and Shrimp and Grits.

(Video in the story shows the top stories for Thursday, February 1, 2024)

Cline to be released on home confinement, sexual assault charge dropped

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 17:09:22 +0000

LOGAN COUNTY, WV (WOWK) -- Michael Cline, the owner of the now-closed Hot Cup Coffee in Logan, is expected to be out of jail after his bond was reduced and a sexual assault charge was dropped, according to Logan County Prosecutor Dave Wandling

Cline's bond was originally set at $500,000 cash-only. Now, according to Wandling, it has been dropped to a $100,000 surety bond. As a part of the bond, Cline cannot leave his home, can't have social media and can't have contact with the alleged victims.

Two of Cline's family members have put up their houses to get him out of jail, which adds up to $100,000.

On Wednesday, Michael Cline was arraigned on new charges. Wandling says the superseding indictments bring one of the three-count indictments to six, and the other one is still a two-count with one of the charges changed. The indictments were filed on Jan. 11.

The six-count indictment includes two counts of distribution and exhibition of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct — fifty or fewer images, two counts of use of minors filming sexually explicit conduct, and two counts of soliciting a minor via computer to engage the minor in prohibited sexual activity. All of these incidents allegedly happened between Nov. 29, 2015, and Jan. 25, 2016.

The second indictment is on charges of distribution and exhibition of material depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct — fifty or fewer images, and soliciting a minor via computer to engage the minor in prohibited sexual activity. These charges allegedly happened between Nov. 9, 2018, and Nov. 11, 2018.

Cline was arrested in 2023 when the West Virginia State Police searched his business after girls came forward about their alleged experiences with Cline.

The indictments allege that Cline photographed and viewed explicit pictures of the teen victims who were all under the age of 18.

A new trial date has been set for April 15.

West Virginia's Groundhog Day with French Creek Freddie is back on

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:20:49 +0000

UPDATE: 2/1/2024, 11:13 a.m.

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek has been given one-day clearance to hold its annual Groundhog Day celebration featuring French Creek Freddie.

Although the closure of the wildlife center still stands, the state's Groundhog Day celebration will go on as usual.

According to a press release from Gov. Jim Justice, the event is happening at 9:50 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 and is open to the public. French Creek Freddie will emerge to make his predictions on a long or short winter at 10 a.m.

After the event, visitors will be able take photos with French Creek Freddie, enjoy refreshments and explore the State Wildlife Center, the release said.

"Despite the challenges posed by the relicensing process, I am thrilled to announce that the West Virginia State Wildlife Center has received clearance to host our Groundhog Day celebration tomorrow,” Gov. Justice said in his release. “We extend our gratitude to the USDA for their support."

Although the West Virginia Wildlife Center is still dealing with the licensing issues, Justice said the he and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources "look forward to reopening the Wildlife Center to the public soon."

ORIGINAL: 2/1/2024, 10:59 a.m.

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — After West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced on Wednesday that the state's Groundhog Day celebration in French Creek was canceled, Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) now says that the event will still happen on Friday.

In a press release Thursday, Manchin said that he spoke with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack who assured him that "French Creek Freddie will have the opportunity to look for his shadow tomorrow (Friday) morning."

French Creek Freddie is West Virginia's version of Punxsutawney Phil and has been predicting the state's weather for years. The event was canceled for 2024 after the USDA decided to not renew the center license due to a variance in a secondary containment fence. Although the decision has not changed, Manchin said that "the festivities will proceed tomorrow."

Manchin said that he and Vilsack have stayed friends since he was governor and that they will continue to work together "to fully re-open the WV Wildlife Center."

Manchin also echoed frustrations voiced by Gov. Justice on Wednesday, saying, "I join West Virginia State officials in their frustrations about bureaucratic delays from federal agencies, but I will continue to use my time in the Senate to remove these hurdles, improve the permitting process and so much more!”

Manchin did not give any other details about the festivities on Feb. 2, including whether it will still be held at the wildlife center or be open to the public.

Regardless, Manchin said he hopes that French Creek Freddie will not see his shadow so that West Virginia will have an early spring.

Freddie's reprieve: West Virginia rodent's public event back on for Groundhog Day

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 16:20:00 +0000

West Virginia creates a new operation to kill potholes called "RIP Potholes"

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:55:03 +0000

West Virginia has created a new operation called "RIP Potholes"

With current warmer weather and temperatures expected to climb into the 50s and 60s over the next couple of weeks, the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has made arrangements with asphalt plants in Princeton and Morgantown, to open on Monday, February 5, 2024, to build on the momentum from the opening of a plant in Poca the week of January 29.

The early opening will allow the WVDOH and its contractors to make hot mix pothole repairs in southern and north-central West Virginia.

“Our partners in the asphalt industry are cooperating with us to open during the off-season to provide us with hot asphalt to make needed repairs,” said Joe Pack, P.E., WVDOH Chief Engineer of Operations.

A recent freeze/thaw cycle of snow and very cold temperatures, followed by warm temperatures and rain, has wreaked havoc on West Virginia Roads. WVDOH road crews have been patching potholes with cold asphalt throughout the winter, but these repairs are only temporary. What the WVDOH and contractors need to make permanent pothole repairs is hot asphalt.

The WVDOH and its contractors depend on asphalt plants throughout the state to provide asphalt for paving and patching. Those plants shut down during the winter for maintenance and usually don’t reopen until spring.

However, with a recent stretch of warmer weather, the WVDOH has negotiated with several asphalt plants to open temporarily to make needed pothole repairs now rather than in a few months.

An asphalt plant in Poca opened on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, allowing the WVDOH and contractors to make permanent, hot asphalt patches on interstates, roads, and work zones in Kanawha, Boone, Clay, Putnam, Mason, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, and Wayne counties.

The opening of the Princeton plant will allow patching in McDowell, Mercer, Raleigh, Wyoming, Monroe, Summers, and Fayette counties in southern West Virginia. Opening the plant in Morgantown will allow patching in Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties in upper north-central West Virginia. In areas where the hot mix is still not available, such as areas where the asphalt plants themselves are down for winter maintenance, crews will be out in full force patching with temporary methods to allow a smooth ride for motorists.

As Operation RIP Potholes continues, the DOT will keep the public informed through regular press announcements.

(Video in the story shows the top stories for Thursday, February 1, 2024)

West Virginia provided updates on bridges in Northern Panhandle

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:53:42 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTRF) – The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) released the following statement Wednesday afternoon on the status of Ohio Valley bridges:

The West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) has noteworthy bridges in the Northern Panhandle, with some of the oldest bridges in the state, and eight bridges cross the Ohio River as the Northern Panhandle hugs the Ohio River the entire length of its western border.

Our bridge safety inspection program in West Virginia is robust and exceeds the requirements of the National Bridge Inspection Standards,” said Tracy Brown, P.E. West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) State Bridge Engineer.

Market Street Bridge

Builtin 1905 as a private venture, the Market Street Bridge connects WV 2 with the town of Steubenville, Ohio. On Thursday, December 21, 2023, the WVDOH decided to close the bridge to vehicle and pedestrian traffic after quarterly inspections revealed increasing deterioration in the span’s steel support cables.

The 1,800-foot bridge is supported by two massive steel cables. Each support cable is made up of 14 bundles of steel, with each bundle made up of 107 individual strands of wire.

In June 2022, WVDOH bridge inspectors put the bridge on a three-month inspection cycle due to deterioration of the steel support cables within the cable anchorages at the ends of the bridge. At that time, inspectors identified that one of the 14 bundles of wire on the upstream support cable had deteriorated inside the cable anchorage.

The WVDOH then reduced the weight limit on the span to three tons and put the bridge on a three-month inspection cycle to track the deterioration of the support cables. Despite lowering the weight on the bridge, the support cables continued to deteriorate.

The WVDOH planned another inspection in late January 2024 to see if the deterioration stopped without traffic on the bridge.

The massive steel cables that hold up the bridge are anchored in steel boxes at each end of the span. The 14 bundles of wire that make up the cables come into the box and are covered with a protective lead covering.

The steel boxes where the cables are anchored are about 12 feet long, five feet deep, and four feet wide.

To get into the boxes to inspect the cable bundles, a steel cover must be removed. Bridge inspectors can then crawl into the hole, remove the protective covering, and use hand tools to scrape away lead and look at the individual wires that make up the cable bundles.

It’s cramped, demanding work.

On Thursday, January 25, 2024, WVDOH bridge inspectors went down into the bridge anchorage boxes to uncover more cable bundles and look for damaged wires. Inspection continued on Friday, January 26, and Monday, January 29, 2024.

Even with no cars on the bridge for a month, inspectors found additional broken wires in some of the cable bundles.

“Once the inspection is complete, we will need to incorporate their findings into our structural analysis of the bridge to determine the extent and cost of the repairs that would be required before the bridge could safely be reopened to traffic,” Brown said

Jennings Randolph Bridge

On Monday, December 11, 2023, WVDOH bridge engineers closed the Jennings Randolph Bridge, which carries US 30 across the Ohio River between Chester, West Virginia, and East Liverpool, Ohio.

A federally mandated inspection discovered cracking in two welds on the steel bridge structure. The cracks were not visible to the naked eye, but the WVDOH, in an abundance of caution, decided to close the bridge while repairs were completed.

Bridge inspection consultant Modjeski & Masters then identified 18 additional internal defects on welds on the bridge that needed to be repaired before reopening the bridge. Those defects on the bridge have since been repaired.

The bridge reopened on Monday, January 8, 2024. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained on the structure as Triton Construction finishes other work on the span.

“Steel plating is currently being fabricated to install on the bridge, and we expect it will be available to us around the middle of March,” Brown said. “Once we receive the steel plating, we will need to close one lane in each direction on the bridge in order to install the steel plates on the bridge and paint the areas that have received repairs.”

Wheeling Suspension Bridge

Completed in 1849, the Wheeling Suspension Bridge was the first bridge to span the Ohio River. The 1,010-foot bridge was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1975.

The bridge has been closed since 2019, after an oversized tour bus ignored weight restrictions on the span and damaged the structure.

In 2021, Advantage Steel & Construction LLC was awarded a contract for $17.9 million to make repairs to the span, but contractors found the bridge to be more heavily damaged than initially thought.

CONSOR Engineers currently have a contract for inspecting the Wheeling Suspension Bridge. CONSOR is planning to conduct an additional load analysis of the span to determine whether the bridge can reopen to foot traffic.

“The Wheeling Suspension Bridge is a national treasure,” Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston, P.E. said. “We have a responsibility to preserve that bridge for public use.”

Wellsburg Bridge

On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, Gov. Jim Justice cut the ribbon officially opening the new Wellsburg Bridge, which connects the towns of Wellsburg, West Virginia, and Brilliant, Ohio. Local citizens had been talking about a bridge to connect the two towns for about 100 years.

Colorado-based Flatiron Construction was awarded a contract for $131 million for the construction of the span. Flatiron decided to build the 830-foot main span of the Wellsburg Bridge on the banks of the Ohio River and float it into place.

On Monday, April 26, 2021, the main span of the bridge was floated downstream and lifted into position. It was the largest bridge float in North America.

Interstate 70 bridge project

WVDOH awarded a $215 million project in August 2019 to either substantially rehabilitate or replace a total of 26 bridges along a 5.5-mile section of Interstate 70 between the Ohio state line and Elm Grove, West Virginia. Funded through Gov. Justice’s $2.8 billion Roads to Prosperity program, it would be one of the largest and most expensive construction projects in state history.

“This portion of I-70 was constructed in the 1950s, and it was felt that the best way to address the issues and needs for this portion of aging infrastructure was to incorporate them all under one construction contract rather than piecemeal them out one by one over an extended period of time,” Brown said.

“This section of I-70 can see over 30,000 vehicles each day, so we felt that addressing these 26 bridges under one singular contract would provide the least amount of impact and inconvenience to the public,” Brown said. Without Gov. Justice’s Roads to Prosperity program, it would have been next to impossible for the WVDOH to tackle such a huge project at once.

Market Street Bridge, downtown Wheeling

The WVDOH keeps tabs on small bridges, too. In June 2022, the Market Street Bridge in downtown Wheeling was closed after a fire in a homeless encampment under the bridge damaged the bridge deck.

Contractor Charles I. Merlo Inc. is currently replacing the deck on the bridge. On December 1, 2023, Charles I. Merlo Inc. was awarded a contract for $1,351,000 for the job. The bridge is expected to reopen in the late summer of 2024.

(Video in the story shows the top stories for Thursday, February 1, 2024)

Wheeling sends out overdose spike alert; 3rd alert in 9 days

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:51:38 +0000

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The Wheeling Police Department issued a possible overdose trend or spike alert on Thursday morning.

This is the 3rd overdose alert sent out in the last 9 days. An alert was sent out on January 24 and 27, and today, February 1.

The alert is in effect for the next 48-96 hours. Police advise that Narcan is available at the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

These alerts are enacted when at least three overdoses are recorded within a day or two and within the same geographical region.

You can sign up to receive overdose alerts, as well as other crime and weather-related alerts specific to your area here.

(Video in the story shows the top stories for Thursday, February 1, 2024)

West Virginia's Groundhog Day with French Creek Freddie is back on

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 15:23:42 +0000

UPDATE: 2/1/2024, 11:13 a.m.

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek has been given one-day clearance to hold its annual Groundhog Day celebration featuring French Creek Freddie.

Although the closure of the wildlife center still stands, the state's Groundhog Day celebration will go on as usual.

According to a press release from Gov. Jim Justice, the event is happened at 9:50 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 and is open to the public. French Creek Freddie will emerge to make his predictions on a long or short winter at 10 a.m.

After the event, visitors will be able take photos with French Creek Freddie, enjoy refreshments and explore the State Wildlife Center, the release said.

ORIGINAL: 2/1/2024, 10:59 a.m.

Manchin said that he and Vilsack have stayed friends since he was governor and that they will continue to work together "to fully re-open the WV Wildlife Center."

Manchin did not give any other details about the festivities on Feb. 2, including whether it will still be held at the wildlife center or be open to the public.

Regardless, Manchin said he hopes that French Creek Freddie will not see his shadow so that West Virginia will have an early spring.

West Virginia-based pharmacy says it's losing money due to PEIA

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 14:48:28 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — Charleston-area pharmacy chain Fruth said that it is losing money due to the state's insurance plan for employees, Public Employees Insurance Agency (PEIA). It also said it is costing taxpayers and patients millions of wasted dollars.

The PEIA has had financial issues for years, and now Fruth Pharmacy is saying that it's becoming a victim.

The local chain, which operates 27 stores across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky, accepts PEIA but says state reimbursements are often less than what it costs to fill the prescriptions.

At the same time, big national chains are often paid a lot more for the same medications.

Here's a look at how much Fruth is being paid compared to big chains for a popular seizure medication, according to information from a PEIA member that shows details of their drug benefits:

Fruth - $307
Large Chain - $601

There are also disparities in the patient's co-payments. For a cholesterol drug, a patient would pay $130, and at a large chain, the patient would pay $170 out-of-pocket.

Fruth Pharmacy President Lynne Fruth said this is unfair to patients, taxpayers and small businesses.

"We've become aware of significant overcharges to the patients that are on PEIA," Fruth said. "And then thirdly, the State of West Virginia is being overcharged. And as a citizen and as somebody who pays taxes, I don't want my money wasted."

Fruth said a big part of the problem is so-called "Pharmacy Benefit Managers" who set the varying rates between pharmacies and insurance plans. She said they give the big national chains an advantage.

Senate Bill 453 in the West Virginia Legislature is looking to reign in the Pharmacy Benefit Managers and price disparities.

12 News' Charleston-area affiliate 13 News has reached out to PEIA. When we hear back from them, we will update you.

As Human Trafficking Awareness month comes to an end, local groups pledge to continue the fight

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 10:17:24 +0000

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) - We're nearing the end of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, but that doesn't mean local groups will be stopping their fight against it.

Tonight at St. Michael Parish in Wheeling, several groups came together to educate the public on the issue, and to introduce them to organizations they can volunteer with.

Amy Carlson-Miesel, the head of the Pro Life Group at St. Michael Parish in Wheeling, tells us that a lot of the human trafficking we see in this area goes hand in hand with drug addiction.

"Of course that's an expensive addiction to have, so in order to fuel that, that underlies a lot of this. So people get exploited into a lot of different types of labor, but mostly into sexual labor."
Amy Carlson-Miesel, head of Pro Life group at St. Michael Parish

"We want to continue that forward movement, educating our community members is most important to be aware of the things to look for."
Laura Albertini-Weigel, Director of Programming at the YWCA

Carlson-Miesel says that one of their biggest goals is to educate young and give them the tools they need to handle themselves if they ever find themselves in a situation involving human trafficking.

'Life will never be the same': Family honors loved ones killed in car crash

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:55:32 +0000

LOGAN, WV (WOWK) - After Deanna Early, Donovan Larson, and Dylan Larson tragically lost their lives in a car accident earlier this week, their family is honoring them by keeping their memory alive.

Jarelle Larson lost her husband, son, and mother and she's still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

She says there are many moments with her loved ones she wishes she could get back. Now, she wants to ensure no one takes life for granted.

She and her brother Jimmy Early Jr. are taking it one moment at a time, cherishing the memories they shared with their loved ones.

"When I think of my mother, I think of a spitfire because she was. She was strong and resilient if she was your friend, you knew it," Larson says Wednesday evening.

Larson describes her husband as a supportive person and "if you were an underdog, you needed Donovan in your corner because he believed in people when they didn't believe in themselves."

Dylan was a second-grader at Culloden Elementary School and also a well-known athlete in the region. "He loved sports. My life was spent with sports, I used to always complain and I hate to say that I never had a weekend and now I have all these weekends," Larson says emotionally referring to her son's love of sports.

Larson and Early say while these moments are past, they live on in the hearts and minds of their loved ones and so many others.

"I knew he had been friends but I didn't know he had all these examples of people whose lives he touched at 8 years old. You touched a whole community… how do you top that?" Jarelle Larson says talking about her son's impact on the lives of people across the region.

What dog breed do West Virginians trust the least?

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:45:44 +0000

(WTRF) - Each week seems to bring a fresh headline featuring a dog attack, stirring public debate and concern, according to Bisnar Chase. This trend has led authorities in recent years to implement breed-specific legislation, with measures that often include bans or severe restrictions on certain breeds, notably pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, and other large breeds.

Pit Bull owners are perceived as the least trustworthy in West Virginia.

These laws have sparked a counter-argument among large breed enthusiasts who contend that it's not the dogs that are inherently dangerous, but rather the training and treatment they receive from their owners. In response to this debate, movements advocating for responsible dog ownership have gained momentum across the country, presenting a humane alternative to breed-specific bans.

Personal injury law firm Bisnar Chase undertook a comprehensive study to examine this contentious issue. Their goal was to gauge whether public skepticism is directed more towards the so-called 'dangerous' breeds or the owners who may fail to provide proper training. They surveyed 3,000 people, asking them to reflect on their personal encounters and identify the dog breed owners in West Virginia they find least trustworthy.

Public Perception Rankings: The Breeds and Their Owners

#1 Pit Bulls: Topping the list, Pit Bull owners are perceived as the least trustworthy in West Virginia, a stigma fueled by media portrayals and controversial headlines. However, advocates argue that pit bulls can be among the most loyal and affectionate breeds when raised in a loving environment.

#2 German Shepherds: German Shepherds are second on the list among West Virginians, which may surprise some given their esteemed role in police and service work. Nevertheless, the breed's strong protective instincts can be misinterpreted as aggression, highlighting the need for thorough training and socialization.

#3 Wolf-Hybrids: Landing in 3rd place are owners of wolf-hybrids. Known for their close genetic ties to wild wolves, these canine owners face skepticism due to the unpredictable nature often associated with these animals. The debate continues on whether their wild instincts can be entirely domesticated.

#4 Rottweilers: The fourth least trusted dog owners are those who own rottweilers. Owners of this German breed are often met with skepticism. Despite the breed's capacity for loyalty and guardianship, the imposing nature of rottweilers can be intimidating if not paired with rigorous and consistent training.

#5 Akitas: Akitas carry a noble stature and a reserved temperament, and while they can be fiercely loyal, they require an owner who understands the nuances of the breed to prevent aggressive tendencies.

#6 Bullmastiffs: Known for their strength and protective nature, Bullmastiffs can be gentle giants under the guidance of a firm, caring owner.

#7 Alaskan Malamutes: Similar to Siberian huskies in their thick fur and robust build, Alaskan Malamute owners are challenged to meet their high exercise needs, often a point of contention for those unfamiliar with the breed.

#8 Siberian Huskies: Taking the eighth spot, Siberian Husky owners often face trust issues from the public, largely due to the breed's independent nature and resemblance to wolves. Owners must actively work to channel the breed's energy and intelligence in positive ways.

#9 Doberman Pinschers: In the ninth position, Doberman Pinschers and their owners are often viewed warily. Historically bred for protection, these dogs can exhibit a powerful presence that demands an owner who is committed to their disciplined training.

#10 Boxers: At tenth, boxer owners are often perceived as having their hands full managing the high energy and playful antics of their pets. While boxers are generally friendly, their boisterous behavior requires dedicated training to manage effectively in public spaces.

"As a personal injury law firm handling dog attack cases, we have witnessed firsthand the complex issues surrounding large dog breeds and public safety. The majority of dogs, if given proper training and care, are not inherently a threat to public safety. The real issue arises when owners neglect their fundamental responsibility to train and socialize their pets. In most states, the law is clear: owners can be held strictly liable if their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten before. This means owners could face not only civil penalties but also criminal charges in severe cases of negligence,” says Brian Chase of Bisnar Chase.

He continues: “Furthermore, many state laws stipulate that owners are liable for the damages suffered by any person who is bitten by their dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place. It's imperative that dog owners understand the gravity of these laws and the very real consequences of an attack, which can include extensive fines, destroying the animal, restitution, and even jail time. Responsible ownership is the cornerstone of preventing unnecessary harm and upholding the legal standards set forth by our community.”

Ozzie the Reading Dog competes to be America's Favorite Pet

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 01:10:10 +0000

FAIRMONT, W.Va. (WBOY) — Ozzie, Marion County’s favorite dog, is taking his talents national as he competes to be America’s Favorite Pet.

Ozzie the Reading Dog is in first place in his group as of Jan. 31 and the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County are asking for the public's help to keep him there.

America’s Favorite Pet Contest is based on votes and the winner will receive a monetary prize of $10,000 and a feature on Modern Dog Magazine. Ozzie, who already does so much for Marion County, would use his prize money to better his program “Reading with Ozzie.”

“Just to be able to share Ozzie with, with these kids and it’s not just kids, we have adults that read to Ozzie, and just to be able to share him with them and see that he is bringing as much joy and love to other people as he does to me, it just doesn’t get any better than that,” Literacy Volunteers Executive Director Susan May said,

You can vote for Ozzie the Reading Dog by going to the Literacy Volunteers of Marion County’s Facebook page, or by visiting this link.

Renderings of new Duval PK-8 School released

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:44:35 +0000

LINCOLN COUNTY, WV (WOWK) -- A project to rebuild Duval PK-8 is moving forward thanks to supplemental funding that was awarded to the school district on Monday.

Demolition of the old building began earlier this month, according to Lincoln County Schools Superintendent Frank Barnett, but funding issues have kept the project on hold the last three years.

“The excitement of having the project done and it goes out to bid and comes back and everyone is thinking ‘We’re going to get a school,’” said Barnett. “And then it comes back way over budget and we have to start over again.”

Renderings of the new Duval PK-8 School have been released after the original building was found to not be structurally sound. (Photo Courtesy: Williamson Shriver Architects, Inc.)
Renderings of the new Duval PK-8 School have been released after the original building was found to not be structurally sound. (Photo Courtesy: Williamson Shriver Architects, Inc.)
Renderings of the new Duval PK-8 School have been released after the original building was found to not be structurally sound. (Photo Courtesy: Williamson Shriver Architects, Inc.)
Renderings of the new Duval PK-8 School have been released after the original building was found to not be structurally sound. (Photo Courtesy: Williamson Shriver Architects, Inc.)
Renderings of the new Duval PK-8 School have been released after the original building was found to not be structurally sound. (Photo Courtesy: Williamson Shriver Architects, Inc.)

After Duval PK-8 was condemned back in 2021, Barnett said the school district was awarded $27 M by the School Building Authority. However, after the plans were created that ended up being $14 M too short.

Barnett said those plans were reviewed again to cut costs. Thanks to the extra money announced this week and the school district contributing another $5 M, they’ll be able to move forward.

“The excitement is just overwhelming,” Barnett said. “To be able to walk into something brand new and something they’ve been waiting for, for a long time.”

For almost three years, students and staff members have been operating out of the board of education office. While adjustments were made to make room for the students, the years haven’t been without their challenges.

"Since the building itself closed, we've had kids transfer to other school, some home school things happen,” said Joshua Barnett, Principal of Duval Pk-8. “We've lost probably well over 100 students in enrollment since that happened, but I’m confident the new facility will change that.”

Frank Barnett said they plan to break ground in late February, early March. Once that happens, it will take about 810 days to build the new facility.

The new school building is expected to be done by the start of the 2026-27 school year and will house over 500 students that includes those attending Duval PK-8 and Midway Elementary School.

WVDOH opening two more hot asphalt plants for pothole repairs

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:41:47 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - The West Virginia Division of Highways and West Virginia Governor Jim Justice's office have launched a plan to take advantage of the upcoming streak of warmer weather and get potholes on West Virginia roads fixed.

The announcement for Operation R.I.P. Potholes comes on the heals of the DOH and West Virginia Paving Inc. announcing they would be temporarily opening a plant to make hot asphalt for permanent pothole repairs. That plant opened Tuesday, and according to the governor, the DOH has now made arrangements with asphalt plants in Morgantown and Princeton to open on Monday.

According to the WVDOH, the months that the most potholes form on roadways are the winter months of December, January and February due to water getting into cracks, freezing and then thawing. Scott Eplin, WVDOH assistant deputy and District 1 manager, said Tuesday winter is also the hardest time to fix potholes because the asphalt plants shut down in the fall. Opening these plants will allow the state to get a head start on repairing those potholes.

The WVDOH said Tuesday that they would only be able to make repairs within approximately an hour radius of the plant in Poca because trying to get the asphalt to farther away areas would cause it to cool down too much before they get to that area. Opening the Morgantown and Princeton plants will allow the state to target roads in the southern and north central parts of the state.

The DOH announced yesterday that the Poca plant would provide hot asphalt for roads, interstates and work zones in Boone, Cabell, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mason, Mingo, Putnam and Wayne counties.

The governor's office says the Princeton plant will allow the DOH to cover patching in parts of Fayette, McDowell, Mercer, Monroe, Raleigh, Summers and Wyoming counties, and the Morgantown plant will allow crews to make repairs in Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston and Taylor counties.

Justice and DOH officials say in counties where hot asphalt is still not going to be available, crews will use temporary methods to help make roadways safe until permanent repairs can be made.

USPS facility in South Charleston should stay open and be modernized, initial report shows

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:41:14 +0000

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- The U.S. Postal Service on Tuesday said their initial findings show a reason for a processing and distribution facility near Southridge to stay open with a $20 to $30 million investment to modernize the facility.

The facility's state has been in limbo for a few months now. The USPS conducted a Mail Processing Facility Review to determine if they would consolidate the Charleston location to an out-of-state location like Pittsburgh or Warrendale, Pennsylvania.

The report says the facility would be modernized and turned into a Local Processing Center, which they say would expand the USPS' services. This would bring in more revenue and make the facility have a bigger role in the local community.

While the report says more workers could be hired, there is also an estimated decrease of 24 craft and one management position after the initiative is finished. They say union workers will not be laid off but will be reassigned "made in accordance with the respective collective bargaining agreements."

After the initial findings were made public, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said, "[W]hile I am glad to see that they have decided to invest in new equipment and upgrades to the facility, I am disappointed to see that they believe that some jobs being transferred to other locations—even if it is less than what was rumored—would be a positive step."

Prominent politicians in West Virginia and Charleston have been against the closure of this facility, with Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) previously doubling down on his opposition to the closure saying that West Virginians are the, "hardest working, most loyal workers in the nation.”

Workers have gathered outside the Charleston post office on Lee Street picketing to keep their plant from closing.

You can read the full report by clicking here. You can also make comments on the future of the facility by clicking here. They say comments are due on Feb. 29.

A Day in the Life at a West Virginia pet resort

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:32:05 +0000

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) - We all need a vacation every once in a while, including our furry friends!

Whether it's an extended stay or just doggie daycare, Country Roads Pet Resort has you and your pup covered.

You can watch 13 News Anchor Andie Bernhardt have a paws-itvely fun time working at the resort in the video player above!

Robotics competition set to have a big economic impact

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:28:00 +0000

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF) - The robotics tournament at The Highlands Sports Complex is not only stimulating for science and technology reasons. It's also creating a huge boost to the local economy.

The tournament competitors, parents and coaches all need places to eat and sleep. Fairfield Inn and Suites couldn't be happier about that. They welcome the competitors, and say they're honored to be a partner hotel.

The visiting parents are impressed.

"And we're staying here at the Fairfield Inn. It's almost in the same parking lot so super convenient. And we've been running up and down this little strip here for shopping and breakfast. Awesome breakfast at the hotel here. And lunch and dinner, everything is right here when we need it."
Tara Wallace, Mom of competitor, Bristow, VA

"The venue is nice, it's new, it's well set up to handle the competition. And the area has everything we need, coming in from so far out of town. We've got, been able to stop and pick up supplies and have good places to eat and do things while we're out here. So this has been a great location for the competition."
Jessica Holmes, Mom of competitor, Bristow, VA

During breaks, some parents say they've been able to do some shopping. Visit Wheeling WV embraces the tournament.

"And this is a great opportunity for us to roll out the red carpet and welcome them all and make them feel at home while they're here."
Michael Biela, Marketing Assistant for Visit Wheeling WV

The robotics tournament is a rare event, one of only 25 worldwide. At The Highlands, with hotels, eateries and shopping opportunities, it's beyond convenient.

You might say it's perfect.

"So while they are here for the tournament, maybe they'll think about coming back sometime to experience all the great opportunities we have for families here."
Michael Biela, Marketing Assistant for Visit Wheeling WV

The team from Bristow, Virginia, said they have reservations to take everyone to Bubba's Burghers tonight for dinner.

Highlands Sports Complex hosts signature robotics four-day competition

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:26:58 +0000

OHIO COUNTY, W.Va (WTRF) - After years of hard work, Ohio County Schools is proudly presenting their first ever Gateway to the West Signature event.

Over the next four days, people from all over the nation and even Ontario, Canada will be making their way to the Ohio Valley to compete in the VEX VRC Robotics Competition at the Highlands.

HAPPENING NOW: Ohio County Schools presents Gateway to the West Signature Event. VEX VRC Robotics competition at The Highlands is happening for next four days!

Mason, Kanawha county animal shelters team up to help 30 puppies with Parvo

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:20:35 +0000

MASON/KANAWHA COUNTIES, WV (WOWK) - Two animal shelters in two West Virginia counties are working together to treat over 30 dogs diagnosed with Parvo.

According to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association, the Mason County Animal Shelter reached out Wednesday for help retrieving nearly 40 dogs and puppies from a single home. The KCHA says along with helping collect the dogs, they were also going to help with intake as the Mason County shelter has not had a case as large as this one before.

The Mason County shelter says they were closed for the day while they handled the case.

According to the KCHA, the plan to split the intake changed after volunteers noticed the puppies were not "acting like normal puppies." They were taken to the Mason County shelter where 30 puppies and one of the mother dogs tested positive for Parvo.

The Mason County shelter says along with the dogs who had Parvo, one of the rescued adult dogs is being treated at their shelter for a broken leg.

The dogs who tested positive were taken to the KCHA for treatment as the Mason County shelter is not equipped to treat parvo cases, especially at such a large number. Officials with the Mason County shelter say they will be brought back to them after they are treated and cleared.

"When a neighboring shelter needed help, we couldn't say no - these puppies deserve another chance at life," said KCHA in a Facebook post.

The KCHA says bringing the 31 Parvo-positive dogs into their shelter brings the total number to 50 dogs in their Parvo isolation ward. They were already treating 19 dogs before this intake.

The shelters say they are in need of donations to help treat the ill and injured animals. The KCHA says they expect the costs for treating the dogs with Parvo to be approximately $700 per animal.

To find out more about how to help the shelters, visit their Facebook pages at Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association and Mason County WV Animal Shelter.

Teen in custody following deadly shooting, robbery in Charleston

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:19:44 +0000

UPDATE: (1:30 p.m.) -- The Charleston Police Department is releasing more details on the shooting death of a 19-year-old tobacco store employee during a robbery Tuesday night after a 14-year-old was taken into custody Wednesday morning.

According to CPD Interim Police Chief Scott Dempsey, the investigation began when a passerby flagged down Kanawha County deputies around 8:40 p.m. Tuesday regarding a deceased person in the Tobacco and Pipe store on Charleston's West Side. CPD was called the scene where the victim, 19-year-old Caden Martin, of Dunbar, was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds.

The CPD says after investigating the scene and speaking with people in the area, they found evidence and "developed a suspect very fast."

Through the investigation, authorities found the 14-year-old suspect in the area of Hunt Avenue and brought into custody without incident. The teen has been charged with murder. Dempsey says more charges are possible.

Dempsey says authorities are still investigating how the suspect obtained a gun and are looking into if any other people were involved because it is believed to have arrived on scene and fled by foot. They say at this time, there were no other people that they know of in the store at the time of the shooting.

According to Dempsey, authorities do not believe that the suspect and the victim knew each other, but they are continuing to look for any possible connections.

Police say while they believe the robbery and shooting were an isolated incident at this time. What was stolen during the alleged robbery is still under investigation, according to Dempsey.

According to the CPD, the suspect is not known to have any past criminal history. However, Dempsey says he has been looking into the rise in juvenile crimes across the country.

"I did see that trend, nationally, that juvenile crimes, especially violent crimes, are getting higher and higher," Dempsey said. "It is very concerning. It really is, 'cause, you know, we need to find out the root cause of what are driving young people to do these type of violent acts."

He says despite these national statistics, this type of crime involving a juvenile suspect is "very rare" in the Capitol City, and that the last time a juvenile that young was charged with murder in Charleston was 2009. That was when Thomas Mallo, then 14, stabbed his neighbor, Phyllis Phares, 82, almost 50 times in June 2009. The probable cause statement said she had allegedly told him to be quiet when he was standing in front of his home yelling. Mallo, now 29, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in February 2010 and was sentenced to 40 years in prison that July.

UPDATE: (8:36 a.m.) -- Charleston Police says a 14-year-old is in custody in connection to the shooting death of a tobacco store employee.

The 14-year-old is charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery. Charleston Police says the juvenile was taken into custody at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday.

The incident happened at the Tobacco and Pipe store on Charleston's West Side. Officials say 19-year-old Caden Martin was found dead of multiple gunshot wounds.

CPD says the juvenile allegedly robbed the store, pulling out a gun and demanding money and merchandise. They say the suspect shot at the victim before leaving the store and fled on foot.

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- A homicide and robbery investigation is underway in the city of Charleston after police say a man was shot and killed while at work.

The incident happened just after 8:30 Tuesday night at a tobacco shop in the 2800 Block of 7th Avenue in North Charleston.

Charleston Police were looking for a suspect late Tuesday night but did not release a description.

No other information has been released at this time.

Keep checking the 13 News App for updates.

Operation Valentine sending love to our troops and veterans for the 11th year

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:11:59 +0000

BROOKE COUNTY, W.Va. (WTRF)

Operation Valentine is back for its 11th year!

Chambers and James Funeral Home has once again collected Valentines from schools, churches, and residents who wanted to participate in sending them to veterans and active duty military soldiers for Valentine's Day.

For those serving overseas, mail call still remains one of the highlights of their day so to receive a handmade or handwritten card makes it a little more special for the holiday.

Owner of Chambers & James Funeral Homes, Eric Fithyan, says the response for this event every year is so overwhelmingly positive.

"You know we come off of Christmas when they've got care packages and things and then January is so dark and cold and here we are with Valentine's Day. Just a little pick me up for the winter months right before we get to spring. So it's heartwarming for us to even see the valentines that come in the door and what they say from the kids, children, but also from seniors and adults."
Eric Fithyan - Owner Chambers and James Funeral Homes

He says over the years they have collected more then 22 thousand valentines.

If you want to participate you can still drop them off at either location.

Chambers Funeral Home 1030 Main St. Wellsburg, WV
James Funeral Home 1245 Main St. Follansbee, WV

To follow along you can check out their Facebook Page.

They will start distributing them on February 5th.

Gayle Manchin crash in Alabama caused by suspect fleeing police

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:00:32 +0000

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WOWK) -- A crash that hospitalized Gayle Manchin, Sen. Joe Manchin's wife and federal co-chair for the Appalachian Regional Commission, was caused by a suspect fleeing police, according to reporting by Nexstar's WIAT.

Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said the crash happened after Gayle and her colleague Guy Land left the airport for an Appalachian Regional Commission event planned for Tuesday.

WIAT reports that the Homewood Police Department said the crash was caused by a suspect wanted on felony charges hit their vehicle.

The Homewood Police Department said in a press release that law enforcement lost contact with the suspect but was found after they hit the vehicle carrying Gayle and Lane at the intersection of 18th Street North and 15th Avenue North, according to WIAT.

The suspect was arrested without incident and is being held at the Homewood City jail.

Gayle, 76, is in stable condition, but is at UAB Hospital for "a couple of days for precautionary measures."

“We want to thank the first responders who answered the call and were first on-site to provide assistance and support,” Sen. Manchin said.

Gayle Manchin is the Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission and has been in that role since 2021, according to The Hill.

Fellow West Virginia Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R) sent well wishes to Gayle and Land following the crash. She said, “Charlie and I are thinking about our friends Gayle Manchin and Guy Land as they recover from a car accident. We hope for a speedy recovery and are thankful for the quick action of first responders.”

West Virginia Democratic Party Chair Mike Pushkin called Gayle a, “beloved member of our West Virginia family.”

WIAT contributed to this report.

West Virginia has below-average rates of certain STIs: CDC

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:51:56 +0000

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released their annual sexually transmitted infections surveillance report for 2022 — the most recent year with complete data — and it shows an alarming spike in one type of infection nationwide.

Although the rate for chlamydia has remained relatively unchanged and the rate for gonorrhea has decreased overall in the U.S. since 2021, the rates for syphilis and congenital syphilis have jumped up significantly, leading the CDC to note that the "syphilis epidemic is worsening."

In 2021, a total of 173,858 syphilis cases were reported. That increased to 203,500 reported cases in 2022 — an increase of 17%.

Syphilis, a bacterial infection, often first shows up as sores. If left untreated, it can progress to cause rashes, fever, weight loss, fatigue and other symptoms. In some cases, it can cause severe neurological issues. Syphilis can be latent in your system for years, but once identified it is curable by antibiotics.

Even more alarming than the spread of syphilis are the recent rates of congenital syphilis, which occurs when an infected mother passes it to her baby during pregnancy. That rate skyrocketed 30.6% from 2021 to 2022. Some babies with early congenital syphilis are born without obvious symptoms, while others who have later stages of syphilis can have severe birth defects.

The states with the biggest syphilis problem were:

Rank	State	Cases	Rate per 100K population
1	South Dakota	767	84.3
2	New Mexico	761	36.0
3	Arkansas	1,001	32.9
4	Oklahoma	1,278	31.8
5	Mississippi	913	31.1
6	Arizona	2,151	29.2
7	Montana	325	28.9
8	Nevada	902	28.4
9	Louisiana	1,225	26.7
10	Oregon	1,117	26.3

(Data: CDC)

When it comes to congenital syphilis, the type passed on to babies while in the womb, the states with the biggest problem are:

Rank	State	Cases	Rate per 100K births
1	New Mexico	76	355.3
2	South Dakota	40	351.8
3	Arizona	219	281.1
4	Texas	922	246.8
5	Oklahoma	110	227.2
6	Mississippi	73	207.6
7	Louisiana	115	200.2
8	Nevada	65	193.0
9	Arkansas	69	191.9
10	Hawaii	27	172.9

(Data: CDC)

Fewer people were diagnosed with gonorrhea nationwide in 2022. The number of cases dropped by about 9% from 2021 to 2022. However, cases are still about 11% higher than they were five years prior.

Gonorrhea was most common in Mississippi, South Dakota, Louisiana, Alaska and Georgia, according to the CDC.

Meanwhile, cases of chlamydia have remained pretty steady. The states where it was most common were also largely in the South: Louisiana, Mississippi, Alaska, South Carolina and Georgia.

West Virginia is actually on the below-average end for chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis cases. The Mountain State was 47th in chlamydia cases, 45th in gonorrhea cases, and 30th for primary and secondary syphilis, all below the U.S. total. For congenital syphilis, the rate is still below the U.S. total, but only by a little, seeing a rate of 75.6 per 100,000 live births.

The CDC urges prevention and testing to help stop the spread of STIs. Chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis are all curable if caught early and given the right treatment.

West Virginia-based pharmacy says it's losing money due to PEIA

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:42:48 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- Local pharmacy chain Fruth says that it is losing money due to the state's insurance plan for employees, PEIA. They also say it is costing taxpayers and patients millions of wasted dollars.

The Public Employees Insurance Agency, or PEIA, has had financial issues for years, and now Fruth Pharmacy is saying that it's becoming a victim.

The local chain — which operates 27 stores across West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky — accepts PEIA, but says state reimbursements are often less than what it costs to fill the prescriptions.

At the same time, big national chains are often paid a lot more for the same medications.

Here's a look at how much Fruth is being paid compared to big chains for a popular seizure medication, according to information from a PEIA member that shows details of their drug benefits:

Fruth - $307
Large Chain - $601

There are also disparities in the patient's co-payments. For a cholesterol drug, a patient would pay $130, and at a large chain, the patient would pay $170 out-of-pocket.

President of Fruth Pharmacy, Lynne Fruth, says this is unfair to patients, taxpayers and small businesses.

Lynne Fruth says a big part of the problem is so-called "Pharmacy Benefit Managers" who set the varying rates between pharmacies and insurance plans. She says they give the big national chains an advantage.

Senate Bill 453 in the West Virginia Legislature is looking to reign in the Pharmacy Benefit Managers and prince disparities.

13 News has reached out to PEIA. When we hear back from them, we will update you.

West Virginia Wildlife Center shut down, French Creek Freddie ceremony canceled

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:33:35 +0000

UPDATE: 1/31/2024, 12:02 p.m.

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — During an administrative update on Wednesday, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice said that the state's Groundhog Day ceremony with French Creek Freddie has been canceled because the West Virginia Wildlife Center, where the event is held, has been shut down.

Justice said that an "abrupt decision" was made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to no longer recognize the wildlife center in French Creek. The change was made after a variance was found in a secondary containment fence at the center. Justice said that the fence has been approved by the federal government for the last 24 years.

The center was temporarily closed for its planned annual inspection on Dec. 31, 2023, but was expected to reopen on Jan. 5.

During the briefing, Justice called the closure "the last thing that our federal government needs to be doing."

Because of the closure, visitors are not allowed at the center, and even photos of the groundhog French Creek Freddie will not be allowed on Groundhog Day Friday.

ORIGINAL: 1/31/2024, 11:36 a.m.

FRENCH CREEK, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia's annual Groundhog Day event in French Creek will not be held this year, the West Virginia Wildlife Center confirmed to 12 News Wednesday.

French Creek Freddie. Credit: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The spokesperson did not give a reason why the event is not being held or any further comment.

On Feb. 2 each year, while most Americans wait to see if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow in Pennsylvania, West Virginians wait to see if French Creek Freddie sees his shadow in Upshur County.

The West Virginia tradition has happened annually for years, including in 2021 during the COVID pandemic.

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is expected to comment on French Creek Freddie during his administrative update on Wednesday, which is scheduled for 11 a.m.

12 News will update this story as more details become available.

'No go' for French Creek Freddie on Groundhog Day? Justice says 'weaponized' feds to blame

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 22:30:00 +0000

Gov. Jim Justice on Wednesday called on the Biden administration to halt what he termed an “all-out war on West Virginia by his federal agencies.”

West Virginia DOH begins patching potholes early in some counties

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:53:15 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) is making use of the warmer weather expected over the next few weeks by getting a head start on pothole repairs.

According to a press release, as part of "Operation R.I.P. Potholes," the state is opening several asphalt plants by Monday, including the one in Morgantown. This will allow more permanent repairs to take place mid-winter in north central West Virginia, instead of waiting to make all the repairs in the spring.

The recent freeze and thaw in the state has "wreaked havoc on West Virginia Roads," the release said. Although DOH crews normally patch with cold asphalt in the winter, the partnership with the asphalt industry will allow for hot asphalt repairs, which is much more permanent.

Although not all the plants in the state will open, plants in Morgantown, Princeton and Poca will be open by Monday, allowing for repairs in Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Taylor, McDowell, Mercer, Raleigh, Wyoming, Monroe, Summers, Fayette, Kanawha, Boone, Clay, Putnam, Mason, Cabell, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo and Wayne counties.

In areas where hot asphalt is not available, the DOH said it will continue to do temporary pothole filling with cold asphalt.

Threatening message leads to lockdown at Tug Valley High School

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 21:46:58 +0000

MINGO COUNTY, WV (WOWK) -- Tug Valley High School was placed on lockdown on Wednesday after a student sent a threatening message, according to the Mingo County Sheriff's Office.

They say the message was brought up to the school resource officer and the school was put on lockdown.

The student who sent the message was found to not have any weapons, according to the sheriff's office.

Number of streams being cut from West Virginia trout stocking program

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:50:07 +0000

This story has been updated with information from a press release from Gov. Jim Justice's office.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The grant that West Virginia uses to fund its trout stocking has not been renewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Gov. Jim Justice announced during his administrative update on Wednesday that trout stocking in West Virginia will be drastically cut back moving forward. He said that the USFWS has barred West Virginia from stocking in a number of rivers and streams because it said that the stocking threatens the endangered candy darter, Guyandotte River crayfish and Big Sandy crayfish.

Some rivers and streams will not be affected, but Justice said Camp Creek in Mercer County, Laurel Creek of Cherry in Greenbrier/Nicholas counties, North Fork of Cherry in Greenbrier County, and Pinnacle Creek in Wyoming County will be.

Stocking will continue in the affected rivers and streams with a modified schedule until April "and then that's it," Justice said. Other streams, including the Cranberry, will be placed on a modified schedule.

The $19 million federal grant that funds West Virginia's trout stocking is normally renewed every three years. Justice said that he and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources asked the USFWS for a one-year approval instead so that West Virginia University could perform a study on the trout's effects on candy darters, but that was also denied.

During his briefing, Justice called the removal of funding by the federal government "targeted," saying it "came out of left field."

Moving forward, Justice said that he plans to communicate with West Virginia's U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D) and Shelley Moore Capito (R)—who is a ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works—to ensure that West Virginia is treated fairly.

In the past few years, West Virginia has drastically increased its trout stocking with several contests, including the annual West Virginia Gold Rush and Monster Trout Contest.

Also during Wednesday's update, Justice said that the West Virginia Wildlife Center in French Creek has been shut down by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, effectively canceling this year's Groundhog Day ceremony with French Creek Freddie.

West Virginia bear harvests increased 'dramatically' in 2023, WVDNR says

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 20:22:24 +0000

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) reported on Wednesday that black bear harvests in West Virginia increased dramatically in 2023 during the firearms and archery seasons.

According to a release, there were 2,830 black bear harvests in West Virginia, a 64% increase over the 1,727 bears that were harvested in 2022. WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said that this year's harvest is a prime example of the "wealth of hunting opportunities" in West Virginia besides just deer.

In 2023, the WVDNR reported that 1,898 bears were harvested using firearms, one of which was harvested using a muzzleloader. The report also said that 932 bears were harvested using vertical bows and crossbows.

The increase coincides with the WVDNR's 2022 prediction that West Virginia would see an increase in 2023 for both firearms and archery harvests. Wildlife biologists with the WVDNR said that the increase can be attributed to "favorable mast conditions."

The top counties for archery bear harvests were as follows:

Fayette County (83)
McDowell and Wyoming Counties(71)
Nicholas County (62)
Raleigh County (59)
Greenbrier County (55)

The top counties for firearms bear harvests were as follows:

Boone County (152)
Nicholas County (144)
Randolph County (133)
Pocahontas County (124)
Kanawha County (124)

A full breakdown of West Virginia's bear harvest numbers for 2023 can be found below:

2023_bear_harvest_012224 Download

West Virginia could start sending migrants to sanctuary cities

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:58:05 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia could join states like Texas and Florida in sending migrants who've been processed and released into the country by the United States government but not admitted under the Immigration and Nationality Act to sanctuary cities.

House Bill 5400 was introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates on Wednesday and would authorize the creation of the Unauthorized Alien Transport Program by the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The bill's summary states it would "allow for the deportation of illegal aliens to sanctuary city locations across the country," but the bill text does not specify which cities people will be sent to, leaving DHS' Division of Administrative Services to adopt rules to implement the program.

Other states have sent migrants to places like Martha's Vineyard, New York City and Chicago.

Texas has been doing so since 2022, with Gov. Gregg Abbott (R, TX) saying that the goal is to ease the burden on border cities. Illegal border crossings from Mexico recently reached the highest number on record, with 302,034 encounters in December 2023. The previous record, 269,735 encounters, had only been set in September 2023.

HB5400 was introduced by Del. Eric Brooks (R - Raleigh, 045) and was co-sponsored by Asst. Maj. Whip Carl Martin (R - Upshur, 065), Del. Elias Coop-Gonzalez (R - Randolph, 067), Del. Geoff Foster (R - Putnam, 020) and Del. Larry D. Kump (R - Berkeley, 094). It's currently in the House Judiciary Committee.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

University of Charleston sees increase in student enrollment

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 19:31:07 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- The University of Charleston is seeing an increase in enrollment for the 2024 spring semester, according to a press release.

The more than 20% increase includes programs across all locations and degree levels.

From spring to spring, the university said there was a 3% increase in new and returning student enrollment.

"In what is a very challenging time for higher education across the country, to have even a small increase in enrollment year over year is a victory," Dr. Beth Wolfe, University of Charleston Executive Vice President of Enrollment Management, said.

Why the name of Homer Hickam's 'Rocket Boys' was changed to 'October Sky' for movie

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:45:01 +0000

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY) — If you're from West Virginia, odds are you've heard of Homer Hickam's 1998 book "Rocket Boys." You might have even watched the movie adaptation, "October Sky," in eighth grade West Virginia history class.

The movie, which was released in 1999 and starred Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam, was a decently accurate adaptation of the original memoir; both follow Homer's story of growing up in Coalwood, West Virginia with a dream of building rockets. Although some details had to be adapted to fit the length of a movie, did that really warrant the complete change of the title?

In a 1999 blog post about working with the movie crew, Hickam said that the name of the movie was changed from "Rocket Boys" to "October Sky" to make the movie more appealing to women.

"After marketing surveys by Universal Studios indicated that 'Rocket Boys' as a movie title would not attract the female over age thirty demographic, the film was retitled and released as 'October Sky,'" Hickam said in the post.

October Sky is also an anagram of Rocket Boys, meaning they have the same letters just switched around in a different order. Hickam said that director Joe Johnston discovered the anagram after the new movie title was already chosen and considered it "cosmically inspired."

Although that 1999 blog post is no longer on Hickam's website, more information about the conversion from book to movie is detailed in Hickam's 2013 book "From Rocket Boys to October Sky." According to Hickam's website, the book answers questions like “What are Jake Gyllenhaal/Chris Cooper/Laura Dern, etc. really like?” and “What’s it like to have a movie made about your life?” and “Why are the book and movie different?” and “Why are they still popular after all these years?"

Hickam also announced in 2023 that a sequel movie called "December Sky" is in the works.

He also released a sequel memoir to "Rocket Boys" called "Don't Blow Yourself Up" in 2021, and even toured across West Virginia at that time promoting the book.

Several streams being cut from West Virginia trout stocking program

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:43:18 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — The grant that West Virginia uses to fund its trout stocking has not been renewed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).

Some rivers and streams will not be affected, but Justice said Camp Creek, parts of the Cherry River, Pinnacle Creek, Buffalo Creek, parts of the Greenbrier River and the Upper Guyandotte River will be.

Stocking will continue in the affected rivers and streams with a modified schedule until April "and then that's it," Justice said.

During his briefing, Justice called the removal of funding by the federal government "targeted," saying it "came out of left field."

In the past few years, West Virginia has drastically increased its trout stocking with several contests, including the annual West Virginia Gold Rush and Monster Trout Contest.

Why name of Homer Hickam's 'Rocket Boys' was changed to 'October Sky' for movie

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:38:44 +0000

In a 1999 blog post about working with the movie crew, Hickam said that the name of the movie was changed from "Rocket Boys" to "October Sky" to make the movie more appealing for women.

Hickam also announced in 2023 that a sequel movie called "December Sky" is in the works.

He also released sequel memoir to "Rocket Boys" called "Don't Blow Yourself Up" in 2021, and even toured across West Virginia at that time promoting the book.

71yo woman killed in Huntington fire, cause still unknown

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:34:23 +0000

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) - A deadly fire in Huntington earlier this month is still under investigation.

The fire happened just before 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 19 on Braxton Drive in Huntington. The West Virginia State Fire Marshal's Office says the victim of that fire was a 71-year-old woman. Her name has not been released at this time.

According to the WVSFMO, the woman died at the scene, and she was taken to the West Virginia state Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy and positive identification.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the fire. The WVSFMO says no other people were injured in the fire.

FEMA assistance now available for those impacted by August 2023 flooding in West Virginia

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 17:26:53 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) -- People who were impacted by major flooding that destroyed dozens of homes are now able to apply for federal assistance, according to a release from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA.

The funding is available to residents and business owners in Boone, Calhoun, Clay, Harrison and Kanawha counties who were impacted by the flooding that took place from Aug. 28 to Aug. 30, 2023.

The funding can be used for temporary housing, home repairs, loans to cover uninsured property and other programs, according to the release.

If you want to apply, you can click here to go to their website, call 1-800-621-3362 or by using the FEMA app. If you use something like a video relay service or captioned telephone service, give them the number for that, the press release says.

Kanawha County 911 dispatchers said on Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, that they took more than 700 calls in the morning hours due to the severe weather that caused flooding throughout communities in eastern Kanawha County. Around 10:30 a.m. that morning, crews were on the scene of 12 active water rescues, and at least 22 had been completed by 3 p.m.

There were no injuries or fatalities due to the flooding, according to officials. The storms produced more than nine inches of rainfall in some areas.

A State of Emergency was issued for the following counties: Kanawha, Braxton, Calhoun, Clay and Roane counties. The West Virginia National Guard was also deployed.

One lane shut down after two-vehicle crash on Corridor G

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 14:22:16 +0000

SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) - The fast lane has been shut down after a two-vehicle crash on Corridor G.

Metro 911 dispatchers tell 13 News the accident happened around 6:30 a.m. on Eagle Drive heading north. Dispatchers say there are injuries, but there is no word on the extent of them.

South Charleston Police is on scene.

The Food Guy: A banner week for WV chefs and restaurants

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The two West Virginia chefs named semifinalists for the prestigious James Beard Awards as “Best Chef: Southeast” last week weren’t the only home-grown talents to get a little national love.

Travis Tritt coming to State Fair of West Virginia in 2024

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 00:40:15 +0000

FAIRLEA, WV (WVNS) -- A big name in 90s and early 2000s country music is coming to the 2024 State Fair of West Virginia's 2024 Concert Series.

Country Artist Travis Tritt was just announced as the newest artist in this year's concert series lineup.

Tritt will take the stage alongside special guests War Hippies. The concert is set for Aug. 17, 2024 at the State Fairgrounds in Fairlea, West Virginia.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2, 2024.

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West Virginia Wildlife Center shut down, French Creek Freddie ceremony canceled

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Several streams being cut from West Virginia trout stocking program

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Travis Tritt coming to State Fair of West Virginia in 2024