West Virginia State News

Marshall University suspends Professor after anti-Trump comments go viral

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:48:45 +0000

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) – Marshall University has suspended one of its faculty members after a video clip in which she says she wished Trump supporters would catch the COVID-19 virus and die before the election went viral on social media.

Professor Jennifer Mosher, of the school’s Biology department, was teaching a virtual class session Wednesday when she commented on supporters of President Donald Trump at an indoor political rally not wearing masks.

In the video, posted to Twitter by one of the students attending the session, Mosher stated “I’ve become the type of person where I hope they all get it and die. I’m sorry, but that’s so frustrating – just – I don’t know what else to do. You can’t argue with them, you can’t talk sense with them, uhm, I said to somebody yesterday I hope they all die before the election.

Once posted to Twitter, the comments went viral attracting intense criticism of both Mosher and the University with one person commenting “Unacceptable! Marshall must take appropriate action to discourage and extinguish this sort of behavior. She needs our prayers but also needs to be let go. A black eye for Marshall if nothing is done.”

Friday Marshall University released the following statement:

“Marshall University this morning announced it is aware of an overtly political statement made by a faculty member in a recent virtual classroom session and widely circulated on social media. The University does not support or condone the use of any of its educational platforms to elittle people or wish harm on those who hold differeing political views. The professor was removed from the classroom yesterday and is on administrative leave, pending an investigation. there will be no further comment on this personnel matter at this time.”

Map change cancels Friday night football in Fayette County

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:48:39 +0000

FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WVNS) – School sporting competitions scheduled for tonight, Sept. 18 in Fayette County have been canceled according to Fayette County Schools Superintendent Gary Hough.

Hough said the decision comes after the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reported the county is now red on the County Alert System map.

The action is in compliance with the restrictions set up by West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice and state health officials, according to Hough.

Guidance for alert system levels (Courtesy: West Virginia Department of Education website.)

Counties listed as red have “substantial community transmission” with 25 or more COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people. Schools in red counties must suspend in-person instruction and all school-related activities, including athletics and extracurricular activities, and move to remote learning the next school day.

Staff will continue essential student support services including meals, student engagement and special education services, according to the WV DHHR and West Virginia Department of Education. Students in grades 3-12 will be required to wear face coverings when school services are needed or required.

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

WV Gov. Justice defends changes to state’s color-coded COVID-19 map

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:43:04 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice held his latest virtual COVID-19 briefing Friday morning.

Fayette, Mingo and Putnam counties have joined Kanawha county in the “red” category on the state’s color-coded map, Justice announced.

If the state’s cumulative percent positive rate raises above 3%(it’s currently at 2.72%), Justice will have to look at putting more aggressive restrictions in place, he said.

The keys to improving colors in individual counties are: following COVID-19 guidelines, like wearing masks and social distancing; and doing more testing, the governor said.

The CDC is adopting a color-coded system that looks “tremendously close” to West Virginia’s, Justice said. The state’s version “is more strenuent(sic) and is much safer, Gov. Justice said.

When asked about criticism of the changes Justice and state officials have made to the Harvard Global Health Institute map, West Virginia coronavirus “czar” Dr. Clay Marsh said: “We certainly had no intention of taking their model in a reckless or any other way. We use it as a baseline, because of the respect we have for their knowledge, but we really have now reached the West Virginia Model. We’ve borrowed pieces now from many different public health models and we’ve combined those in way that we feel is going to be good for West Virginia.”

During Monday’s briefing, Gov. Justice voiced his displeasure with the Bible Center School, in Charleston, decision to ignore Kanawha County’s “red” status and hold in-person schools. On Friday, Justice said he believes a deal will soon be reached with the school where it will test all staff and students. The deal could be a model for other schools, the governor said.

WATCH LIVE: WV Gov. Justice defends changes to state’s color-coded COVID-19 map

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:27:32 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice held his latest virtual COVID-19 briefing Friday morning.

Fayette, Mingo and Putnam counties have joined Kanawha county in the “red” category on the state’s color-coded map, Justice announced.

The keys to improving colors in individual counties are: following COVID-19 guidelines, like wearing masks and social distancing; and doing more testing, the governor said.

The CDC is adopting a color-coded system that looks “tremendously close” to West Virginia’s, Justice said. The state’s version “is more strenuent(sic) and is much safer, Gov. Justice said.

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

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

During Gov. Justice’s most recent briefing on Wednesday, the governor announced changes to the way West Virginia University students are counted in terms of the state’s color-coded school alert system.

Charleston fire truck involved in crash

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:22:55 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – Metro 911 officials say a Charleston city fire truck was involved in a crash this morning near Fire Station Number 2 at 808 Virginia Street West.

The fire truck was the only vehicle involved in the crash and one firefighter was taken to the hospital with a non-life-threatening injury.

No other information is available at this time.

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

AAA tells drivers not to hang masks from rear-view mirror

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:19:20 +0000

PITTSBURGH – AAA wants to remind drivers that hanging items from a rear-view mirror, including protective masks, is a safety hazard. With varying requirements about masks/facial coverings in place, many drivers are keeping masks in their vehicles, and many are hanging them from their rear-view mirrors as a way to keep them handy.

This has the potential to partially block their field of vision, putting them and others in harm’s way, AAA officials said.

“It is essential to have a completely clear field of vision while driving,” says Theresa Podguski, Legislative Director, AAA East Central. “Motorists should keep their masks in their glove boxes, middle consoles, or back seats to avoid this preventable hazard.”

In a typical city, a driver encounters as many as 200 different situations per mile, according to a news release from AAA.

The eyes provide nearly all of the information needed to respond to road conditions, traffic patterns, signals, and signs.

Obstructing this field of vision, even partially, can cause you to miss things that should be seen, such as signs, pedestrians, wildlife, motorcycles, bikes, or other vehicles, officials said.

AAA tells drivers not to hang masks from rear-view mirror

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:06:32 +0000

PITTSBURGH – AAA East Central wants to remind drivers that hanging items from a rear-view mirror, including protective masks, is a safety hazard. With varying requirements about masks/facial coverings in place, many drivers are keeping masks in their vehicles, and many are hanging them from their rear-view mirrors as a way to keep them handy. This has the potential to partially block their field of vision, putting them and others in harm’s way, AAA officials said.

In a typical city, a driver encounters as many as 200 different situations per mile, according to a news release from AAA. The eyes provide nearly all of the information needed to respond to road conditions, traffic patterns, signals, and signs. Obstructing this field of vision, even partially, can cause you to miss things that should be seen, such as signs, pedestrians, wildlife, motorcycles, bikes, or other vehicles, officials said.

Marshall University suspends Professor after anti-Trump comments go viral

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:53:51 +0000

Friday Marshall University released the following statement:

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

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

Coronavirus in north central West Virginia: a running total

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:37:38 +0000

CLARKSBURG, W.Va. – As the coronavirus outbreak continues to affect West Virginia and the United States, WBOY is working to keep people informed on the latest figures in north central West Virginia.

To that end, the following is a running list of counties and their totals, based on information from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and county health departments.

North central West Virginia counties include Barbour, Doddridge, Gilmer, Harrison, Lewis, Marion, Monongalia, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tucker, Upshur and Webster counties.

This list will be updated periodically as WBOY receives information from official sources. As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that people tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state, as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested.

The DHHR is now listing confirmed cases and probable cases. The total number of cases in West Virginia includes both of these values.

Total cases in West Virginia: 13,683 (+253); 297 (+3) deaths
Barbour County: 42 (+3); 1 death
Doddridge County: 17
Gilmer County: 20(+1)
Harrison County: 332 (+6); 7 deaths
Lewis County: 38; 2 deaths
Marion County: 252 (+2); 2 deaths
Monongalia County: 1,836 (+45); 5 deaths
Preston County: 147 (+2); 4 deaths
Randolph County: 233; 1 death
Ritchie County: 10
Taylor County: 117 (+2); 4 deaths
Tucker County: 15
Upshur County: 60
Webster County: 7

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

60,000 veterans and health care providers hit in VA data breach

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:20:04 +0000

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WOWK) – West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin is demanding answers from the Veterans Administration (VA) following word that personal and corporate information may have been stolen.

Manchin, in a letter co-signed by nine other U.S. Senators, says the data breach compromised the personal information of 46,000 veterans and some 17,000 VA community care providers.

Calling the breach “unacceptable”, Manchin said the breach “…exposes the fact that VA has not taken the necessary steps to ensure oversight, accountability, and security of the fast financial, health, and other personal data it collects and processes to perform its critical services for America’s veterans.”

In the letter to VA Secretary Robert Wilkie the senators say the breach is not unique by rather “is a long-standing weakness of the department as indentified by independent reviews conducted by the VA OIG (Office of Inspector General) and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for more than 10 years.”

The letter also accuses the VA of being “reactive rather than proactive” in countering threats to it’s data bases.

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

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

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:07:11 +0000

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

Yesterday, West Virginia capitol police shut down an anti-mask protest inside the state capitol on Thursday.

This week has seen two different lawsuits filled against Gov. Justice.

One lawsuit was filled by Wheeling Attorney Paul Harris, and a group of small Wheeling businesses claiming Gov. Justice is hindering first amendment rights in WV.

Another lawsuit is calling for Governor Jim Justice and the DHHR to put an end to the color-coded map which helps determine schools reopening status.

Earlier this week, WV added a new color, gold, to the county alert color coded system map

https://www.wtrf.com/news/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-in-west-virginia-dhhr-confirms-3-new-covid-19-related-deaths-253-new-cases/The WV DHHR confirmed 3 additional COVID-19 related deaths and 253 new positive cases.

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

WV DHHR confirms 253 new COVID-19 cases, 3 additional deaths on Friday

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:06:41 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources confirmed 253 new COVID-19 cases and three additional deaths in its report on Thursday.

234 new cases, along with 4 additional deaths were announced by the DHHR on Thursday.

The report from the DHHR stated that as of 10 a.m. on Friday, September 18, there have been a total of 502,803(+4,841) laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 13,683 (+253) total cases and 297 (+3) of those cases resulting in deaths.

The DHHR has confirmed the deaths of DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 83-year old man from Mingo County, an 87-year old woman from Mason County, and a 62-year old man from Logan County.

“As we extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones, we also encourage all West Virginians to recognize the continued need to take every possible step to slow the spread of this disease,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary.

According to the DHHR’s website, there are currently 3,375 (+43) active cases and 10,011 (+207) recovered cases in the state.

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

CASES PER COUNTY: Barbour (42), Berkeley (929), Boone (191), Braxton (10), Brooke (106), Cabell (707), Calhoun (23), Clay (33), Doddridge (17), Fayette (524), Gilmer (20), Grant (150), Greenbrier (119), Hampshire (100), Hancock (140), Hardy (78), Harrison (332), Jackson (244), Jefferson (413), Kanawha (2,194), Lewis (38), Lincoln (153), Logan (559), Marion (252), Marshall (150), Mason (130), McDowell (86), Mercer (394), Mineral (161), Mingo (346), Monongalia (1,836), Monroe (146), Morgan (49), Nicholas (79), Ohio (349), Pendleton (51), Pleasants (16), Pocahontas (59), Preston (147), Putnam (471), Raleigh (470), Randolph (233), Ritchie (10), Roane (43), Summers (34), Taylor (117), Tucker (15), Tyler (15), Upshur (60), Wayne (336), Webster (7), Wetzel (49), Wirt (10), Wood (346), Wyoming (94).

*Note – As case surveillance continues at the local health department level, it may reveal that those tested in a certain county may not be a resident of that county, or even the state as an individual in question may have crossed the state border to be tested. Such is the case of Monroe and Tucker counties in this report.

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

West Virginia governor updates state on COVID-19

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:51:07 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is scheduled to give an update on COVID-19 in the Mountain State at approximately 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

The governor’s briefing follows this morning’s update from the Department of Health and Human Resources, which showed three new counties, Fayette, Putnam and Mingo, in red on the state’s County Alert System. Kanawha County remains red after moving into the level Wednesday.

While the rest of the West Virginia Department of Education School Alert System map will be updated Saturday, Sept. 19, Fayette, Putnam and Mingo have already been added as red on that map as of today.

The WV DHHR also reported three additional deaths in the Mountian State this morning. State health officials say an 83-year old male from Mingo County, an 87-year old female from Mason County, and a 62-year old male from Logan County have died due to COVID-19.

Wednesday, state health officials said they are hoping to double daily testing in West Virginia. Kanawha County, which has a current seven-day rolling average of 25.66 daily cases per 100,000 people, has already announced several testing locations this weekend.

State leaders also said Wednesday, around 50,000 checks with supplemental “Lost Wages Assistance” benefits should have gone out Wednesday and Thursday of this week, and claimants should receive those checks by the end of this week or early next week.

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

Wheeling Attorney/Small Businesses file lawsuit against Gov. Justice

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:51:06 +0000

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF)- Wheeling Attorney Paul Harris, and a group of small Wheeling businesses (plaintiffs) have filed a lawsuit against West Virginia Governor, (defendant)Jim Justice.

The lawsuit was filled in federal court yesterday afternoon.

The plaintiffs stated that the complaint focuses on first amendment rights and that Gov. Justice has limited large groups outside which is a violation of freedom of assembly.

Harris told 7News that he believes Gov. Justice is making his own laws and that state legislature should have been called to make the laws for the Mountain State.

The complaint was also filled by educators in the region, Harris said, but they were not mentioned in the lawsuit.

7News will be speaking to Harris about the complaint later today.

You can read the full lawsuit below.

(If you’re viewing this on the 7News app, please click here to view the full complaint)

iframe src=”https://www.wtrf.com/complaint-against-justice-filed/” width=100% height=800px scrollbars=yes frameborder=0>

Three more West Virginia counties go red

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:25:44 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) – State health officials are reporting three more counties have gone red on West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources County Alert System.

Fayette County has a seven day rolling average of 25.94 daily cases per 100,000 people, Mingo has 27.44, and Putnam has 25.31. Kanawha County remains red at 25.66.

Boone County and Monongalia County are listed as orange, and Pocahontas, Ohio, Jackson, Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln, Logan and Wyoming are gold. 24 counties are yellow, and 17 counties.

While the rest of the West Virginia Department of Education’s School Alert System map will be updated tomorrow, Sept. 19, Fayette, Mingo and Putnam counties have already been added as red on that map today.

The WV DHHR reports three additional deaths in the Mountian State. State health officials say an 83-year old male from Mingo County, an 87-year old female from Mason County, and a 62-year old male from Logan County have died due to COVID-19.

As of 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18, the WV DHHR confirms 253 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the state to a total of 13,683 cases and 297 deaths since the pandemic began. The total includes 3,375 active cases, 175 current hospitalizations and 10,011 recoveries.

The state’s current daily percent positive rate is 4.85%, down from yesterday’s rate. The cumulative percent positive rate is continuing to rise, listed at 2.72%.

Confirmed cases per county include:

Barbour (42), Berkeley (929), Boone (191), Braxton (10), Brooke (106), Cabell (707), Calhoun (23), Clay (33), Doddridge (17), Fayette (524), Gilmer (20), Grant (150), Greenbrier (119), Hampshire (100), Hancock (140), Hardy (78), Harrison (332), Jackson (244), Jefferson (413), Kanawha (2,194), Lewis (38), Lincoln (153), Logan (559), Marion (252), Marshall (150), Mason (130), McDowell (86), Mercer (394), Mineral (161), Mingo (346), Monongalia (1,836), Monroe (146), Morgan (49), Nicholas (79), Ohio (349), Pendleton (51), Pleasants (16), Pocahontas (59), Preston (147), Putnam (471), Raleigh (470), Randolph (233), Ritchie (10), Roane (43), Summers (34), Taylor (117), Tucker (15), Tyler (15), Upshur (60), Wayne (336), Webster (7), Wetzel (49), Wirt (10), Wood (346), Wyoming (94).

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

WATCH LIVE: WV Gov. Justice’s Friday COVID-19 briefing scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Friday

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:20:00 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice has scheduled Monday’s virtual COVID-19 briefing for 11:00 a.m., according to a release from his office.

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

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

Coronavirus In West Virginia: DHHR confirms 3 new COVID-19 related deaths; 253 new cases

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 14:15:04 +0000

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) reports as of 10:00 a.m., September 18, 2020, there have been 502,803 total confirmatory laboratory results received for COVID-19, with 13,683 total cases and 297 deaths.

DHHR has confirmed the deaths of an 83-year old male from Mingo County, an 87-year old female from Mason County, and a 62-year old male from Logan County. “As we extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones, we also encourage all West Virginians to recognize the continued need to take every possible step to slow the spread of this disease,” said Bill J. Crouch, DHHR Cabinet Secretary.

CASES PER COUNTY:Barbour (42), Berkeley (929), Boone (191), Braxton (10), Brooke (106), Cabell (707), Calhoun (23), Clay (33), Doddridge (17), Fayette (524), Gilmer (20), Grant (150), Greenbrier (119), Hampshire (100), Hancock (140), Hardy (78), Harrison (332), Jackson (244), Jefferson (413), Kanawha (2,194), Lewis (38), Lincoln (153), Logan (559), Marion (252), Marshall (150), Mason (130), McDowell (86), Mercer (394), Mineral (161), Mingo (346), Monongalia (1,836), Monroe (146), Morgan (49), Nicholas (79), Ohio (349), Pendleton (51), Pleasants (16), Pocahontas (59), Preston (147), Putnam (471), Raleigh (470), Randolph (233), Ritchie (10), Roane (43), Summers (34), Taylor (117), Tucker (15), Tyler (15), Upshur (60), Wayne (336), Webster (7), Wetzel (49), Wirt (10), Wood (346), Wyoming (94).

West Virginia Governor, Jim Justice, will hold his coronavirus briefing at 11:00 AM today.

You can watch the briefing on the 7News Facebook page or on WTRF.com.

AG Morrisey: City Police Reforms Must Not Run Afoul of State Code

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 13:44:13 +0000

CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey urged the Morgantown City Council to reconsider moves aimed at reforming local police operations due to concern the efforts may run afoul of state law.

“Improving officer training and preventing the unwarranted use of deadly force are worthy goals that I share,” Attorney General Morrisey wrote. “However, the Office of the Attorney General is of the opinion that the Morgantown City Council does not have the legal authority to enact any municipal ordinance purporting to conduct investigations of complaints relating to members of the Morgantown Police Department, as any such ordinance would conflict with the provisions of W.Va. Code.”

The Attorney General cites state precedent in writing the state Supreme Court of Appeals has repeatedly held that a municipality has only the powers granted to it by the Legislature and that state code prevails whenever a city ordinance or resolution is inconsistent or in conflict with state law.

Specifically, the Attorney General writes that state law gives exclusive authority to the Policemen’s Civil Service Commission of each city to investigate allegations that could lead to punitive actions against a paid police officer. State law also prohibits cities from appointing, promoting, reinstating, removing, discharging, suspending or reducing in rank any member of their paid police departments through any manner other than their individual Policemen’s Civil Service Commission.

The Attorney General cites prior, albeit failed, legislative efforts as demonstrating the Legislature also understood that cities lack the legal authority to create any separate police or law enforcement review boards.

Notwithstanding the Morgantown City Council’s goals, the Attorney General also believes potential hiring quotas and several other aspects of its plan would conflict with various provisions of state code, as well as the state and federal constitutions.

The letter alludes to other potential problems, but closes with encouragement for Morgantown City Council to engage and communicate closely with law enforcement as it strives to improve outcomes when city police officers encounter members of the public. The Attorney General believes the officers’ input and personal experiences may provide the Council with valuable insight to help accomplish its goals.

Read a copy of the Attorney General’s letter at https://bit.ly/2Egp1W0.

MUST READ

Anti-mask protest at West Virginia capitol shut down

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 11:39:57 +0000

Charleston, W.Va. (AP/ WTRF) — West Virginia capitol police shut down an anti-mask protest inside the state capitol on Thursday.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that about a dozen people entered the capitol building without wearing face masks.

That goes against an executive order that requires masks inside the building.

Capitol police officers confronted the group in a hallway and blocked the protestors from proceeding, the newspaper reported.

A spokesman for the demonstrators, Roy Ramey, told the paper that he believed the mask requirement is unconstitutional.

He wanted to speak with Gov. Jim Justice, who has pleaded with residents to wear masks and practice social distancing.

Below is Ramey’s account of what happened that was posted on his Facebook Page.

Ramey ran for office this past year for Agriculture Commissioner of West Virginia.

MUST READ

Bulletin Board: Sept. 18, 2020

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 04:00:00 +0000

Free COVID-19 testing at WVSU

Feeding program for children continues despite challenges

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 02:04:18 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) The “Food Shack” is a mobile food truck with a very specific goal of making sure no kids in our area go hungry. But a few weeks ago the truck was involved in an accident and hasn’t been able to make it to the usual stops.

Getting visits from the “Shack” has been a highlight of the summer for many kids in the Charleston area.

The truck that feeds children for free launched June 1st. Since then they’ve handed out 4,000 meals.

But the truck hasn’t been on the road since the end of August.

“The food shack had a little accident a few weeks back and it has been out of commission,” said Jim Strawn, board member with the The Underprivileged Children Foundation.

Even with this unexpected challenge giving up was never an option.

They’ll be feeding people this weekend just in a different way than they usually do, shifting the focus to non-perishable or meals prepared in advance.

“We are doing ‘Food Shack on the Go’ this weekend,” Strawn said. “We are going to 12 different spots, a lot of the normal spots that we’ve been hitting, handing out meals no questions asked to families in need.”

Since the truck has been off the road they’ve also been visiting communities to distribute school supplies. They’ll be able to provide an update on the “Food Shack” once they get a report from their insurance company. For a complete list of days, times and locations where the team will be this weekend visit them on Facebook.

WV labor unions picket plant with out- of-state workers

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 01:52:39 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — West Virginia labor union members and supporters were picketing all morning outside the U.S. Methanol plant in Institute. Union members say most of the 300 construction jobs at U.S. Methanol went to out-of-state workers, instead of West Virginians.

“Well if they hire West Virginia people that means they’re going to stimulate the economy here. We’re going to buy houses here. We’re going to buy cars here. People that come in from out of state is going to stay in campers. And then they are going to leave and take all the tax money with them. They’re not going to file any taxes here,” said Craig Mosteller, Plumber & Pipefitters Union Local 625.

U.S. Methanol sent us a statement saying, in part, quote; “, the company has utilized those in trade organizations and those who are not, and will continue this approach… U.S. Methanol has contractors that are both local and regional.”

And in the midst of a political campaign season, a number of candidates were out supporting West Virginia unions.

“There’s no reason a project like this can’t be using West Virginia jobs, West Virginia labor. So, I’m just here to support their demands,” said Cathy Kunkel, (D) Nominee for U.S. House WV-District 2.

“Well I’m just out here to support labor and really just trying to emphasize the need for West Virginia to get folks employed,” said Kathy Ferguson, (D) Nominee for House of Delegates – District 35.

In its statement, U.S. Methanol promises to communicate more, with the community, about its hiring practices as construction continues.

“Now if this was a public project such as road or bridge construction, it would be subject to the West Virginia Jobs Act. That requires that 75 percent of all workers be from West Virginia and neighboring states. But this is a private project and that law does not apply here,” said Mark Curtis, 13 News Chief Political Reporter.

Marshall graduate student studies rattlesnakes for thesis project

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 01:43:49 +0000

KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The West Virginia Department of Natural Resources and Marshall University have teamed up for a first-of-its-kind herpetology study that is at the center of one graduate student’s thesis project.

Under Marshall’s Biological Sciences Department, Elizabeth Johnson is studying the movement of timber rattlesnakes here in the Mountain State to help conserve the species.

The project is called “Translocation of Timber Rattlesnakes at Two State Forests in West Virginia”, which are Kanawha State Forest and Cooper’s Rock State Forest.

“We are sort of experts in our field and to me, working with timber rattlesnakes, there’s not a huge line of people doing that, so it sort of feels cool, it’s really special to me to be able to work with an animal like this,” said Johnson.

The Lexington native says studying this serpent is a passion she stumbled upon a few years ago.

“I got to see a timber rattlesnake for the first time in Indiana. Something just clicked for me and I knew that I wanted to work with rattlesnakes, so I started looking for rattlesnake positions and ended up here,” said Johnson.

Here in West Virginia, she has relocated six snakes at KSF and monitors their behaviors, helps them thrive and fights the species decline due to habitat loss.

Johnson tracks the rattlesnakes using radio transmission. She ID-ed each snake with a transmitter.

“My antennae picks that up and in all the fuzziness I can hear a ‘beep… beep’ and that’s how I know which direction the snake is in,” said Johnson.

For others, it’d be like looking for a needle in a haystack, but with the right tools, you can slither right up to the snake.

Once Johnson locates the snake, she jots down the GPS coordinates and takes some notes.

“Did the snake move? Is it shedding? Can you tell if it has eaten? But the most important thing out of all those for us is if the snake moved or not,” said Johnson.

The data is used to calculate the snake’s home range. Johnson tracks the snakes every three days or so.

The field season ends in March where the transmitters will be removed and then replaced in the summer for the start of the new season.

Johnson is also studying timber rattlesnakes at Cooper’s Rock State Forest in Monongalia and Preston Counties, with help from WVDNR supervisors Vincent Spade, Kevin Oxenrider and Marshall Advisor, Jayme Waldron.

Johnson says if you see a timber rattlesnake at KSF or in your own backyard, it’s encouraged to report the sighting to a park ranger, call your local DNR office or email kevin.j.oxenrider@wv.gov.

Destination West Virginia: Jefferson County

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 01:41:44 +0000

JEFFERSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WDVM) – Nestled between the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, Jefferson County has a lot to offer.

Whether you’re looking to breathe in some fresh mountain air or looking for a relaxing weekend getaway, there’s something for everyone in today’s Destination West Virginia.

Overlooking West Virginia’s Potomac River lies the Bavarian Inn, a cozy getaway with a touch of European elegance.

“It’s a taste of Europe here in West Virginia and in this time of day where it’s difficult to travel, or expensive to get a plane ticket, or you don’t want to get on a plane, you can experience Europe right here in your own backyard,” said Christian Asam, president of the Bavarian Inn.

The Shepherdstown vacation spot is a popular location for outdoor activities, with everything from tennis courts, to biking and hiking. Guests are surrounded by West Virginia’s natural beauty. One of the most well-known features? The inn’s infinity pool.

“It’s called ‘Infinity 101’ because it’s perched 101 feet above the Potomac River and there’s a pool bar there as well, so you can get a cocktail refreshments and watch the river roll by,” Asam said.

The inn, a perfect place to stay while exploring some of Jefferson County’s other natural sites. Taking a ride down to the other side of the tracks is historic Harper’s Ferry. The scenic national park is filled with plenty of nature trails amongst history hidden in the trees.

“Harper’s Ferry is an incredibly important site in our national history. There are six major themes that we talk about at Harper’s Ferry. They are natural heritage, the rocks and rivers that surround us; industry; transportation; John Brown, the Civil War, and African American history,” Isaac Wickenheiser, a Harper’s Ferry park ranger.

Harper’s Ferry is perfect for a day trip to learn more about the area or for a casual afternoon walk.

“This is a unique spot in terms of the amount history that happened here, but also in terms of the natural, scenic beauty,” Wickenheiser said.

Both the Bavarian Inn and Harper’s Ferry have COVID-19 guidelines in place for visitors’ safety.

Cabell County Schools has a solution for your technical difficulties

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 01:36:54 +0000

HUNTINGTON, WV (WOWK) — With schools going fully or at least partially virtual across the mountain state, it’s not a huge surprise they are having to deal with some technical issues.

The Cabell County School District has nearly 12-thousand students, all of whom need to be doing online school in some capacity. Anticipating glitched and issues, the district created resource to help.

Lenora Richardson at work on the Cabell County Help Desk.

“Hi, this is Lenora Richardson with Cabell County Help Desk, and I’m returning a call, I believe you called for some assistance?”
Lenora Richardson, Cabell County Help Desk worker, and retired former Director of Curriculum and Assessment

Lenora Richardson is one of the retirees and service members who answered the call for help when the Cabell County School District reached out as part of it’s E-learning plan.

“I’ve always felt like the kids come first, and for the kids to have a good education, we have to be there and be supportive.”
Lenora Richardson, Cabell County Help Desk worker, and retired former Director of Curriculum and Assessment

Supportive of the thousands of students and parents who are learning either partially or fully virtual right now.

“As we started the school system up, we realized that, ‘hey some of our parents may need a little bit more assistance with log in information, usernames, where do they access their virtual school information, where do they find their blended school information?’ And the help desk was derived out of that.”
Jason Jackson, Director of Technology and Information Systems, Cabell County Schools

So, they started up the Cabell County Schools Help Desk, right in the Board of Education Building.

A help desk worker assists in solving a technical issue.

There are about seven retirees manning the help desks around the building—to keep them socially distanced—and they’re fielding hundreds of calls a day.

“They are frustrated, and I can understand that because some of the parents have three and four children and you’ve got elementary and middle and high school, and they’re all on different sites.”
Lenora Richardson, Cabell County Help Desk worker, and retired former Director of Curriculum and Assessment

The help desk started up last Wednesday, but currently the district plans to shut it down at the end of the week—three weeks into this very different world of schooling.

Parents say this service needs to be extended.

“I really think that this being the first time they’re doing the virtual schooling I really think the hotline is needed for an extended time.”
Kris Bays, mother of a student in Cabell County Schools

Lenora and her fellow ‘helpers’ aren’t involved in that decision—they just keep helping—no matter who’s on the other end of the line.

“One of the calls I had, the grandmother was trying to help, and the kindergartener took the iPad away from her and said ‘let me do it, meemaw.’”
Lenora Richardson, Cabell County Help Desk worker, and retired former Director of Curriculum and Assessment

Cabell County Schools will hold a meeting next week to discuss the possibility of extending this service.

For more information on the help desk and the help line, visit the district’s website.

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13 News Now webcast, Thursday September 17: Live at 9 p.m. EST

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 00:32:18 +0000

CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — WATCH LIVE: 13 News Now with Rob Macko: Live at 9 p.m. EST. You can stream it live here.

13 News Now brings you the latest headlines and current weather from the tri-state area.

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MU graduate student studies rattlesnakes for thesis project

Thu, 17 Sep 2020 23:46:03 +0000