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Busy calendar for Justice hearings on $300M and wayward chopper goes blank

CHARLESTON — This week shaped up as a momentous one for Gov. Jim Justice’s legal and financial conflicts, but the calendar has been clearing. Originally scheduled for Wednesday was a hearing in Martinsville, Va., on whether Justice and his family businesses truly owe $300 million after defaulting on loans. But lawyers for Justice moved for that hearing to be rescheduled, and the judge agreed to move the hearing to Dec. 11. And today, a federal judge had called a hearing to sort out who should rightfully have possession of a helicopter the Justice family uses for business. But ...

Monongahela National Forest to provide a second Christmas tree to Washington

BY CHRIS LAWRENCE CHARLESTON — The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest will be delivered to the U.S. Capitol on Friday. However, the Monongahela National Forest Staff has been busy this week providing a second tree to Washington. According to the Forest Service, for the first time ever the National Park Service has collaborated with the agency to provide the National Christmas Tree to be placed on the Ellipse of the White House. That tree this year will also come from West Virginia’s Monongahela National Forest. “The NPS ...

MUB pursuing funds to extend water service in Cheat Lake area

MORGANTOWN -- The Morgantown Utility Board is hopeful it can work with the West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council to bring water to 30 or so homes near Cheat Lake.  Specifically, the properties are located off Rugh Lane, Lubbuck Lane and Longhorn Lane in the Morgans Run ...

PEIA Finance Board hears comments against proposed increases while in Charleston

BY JARETT LEWIS CHARLESTON — For the fourth time this month, the Finance Board for the Public Employees Insurance Agency took public comments regarding the proposed premium increases for state workers. The PEIA Finance Board is proposing: 10.5% premium increases and no benefits changes for state employees who get the insurance. 13% premium increases for employees of local governments that opt into PEIA, plus the addition of a surcharge for eligible spouses of about $147. No changes in premiums or benefits for retirees who are eligible for Medicare. 10% premium ...

Pay increases for Westover mayor, council coming back for a final reading

The third-and-final readings of amendments to Westover’s city charter increasing the pay for the positions of mayor and city councilor are expected to be a part of Westover City Council’s agenda when the body meets Monday evening.   If approved, the changes will bump the mayor’s pay ...

Justice orders flags to be at half-staff in honor of Judge Robert Stone

Gov. Jim Justice has issued a proclamation ordering all United States and West Virginia flags at the Capitol Complex and all state-owned facilities in Monongalia County to be displayed at half-staff from dawn to dusk today, in commemoration of the distinguished life and service of former West Virginia Judge Robert Brand Stone. Stone died at J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital on Monday, following a six-month illness. Stone was first elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates in 1971, serving in this position until 1974. In 1981, he served as the assistant prosecuting attorney in ...