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Local Government

OSMRE provides funds to restore Sovern Run watershed

As part of the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to clean up legacy pollution, protect the environment and revitalize the economy of coal communities, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement has awarded $100,000 in a cooperative agreement for a watershed restoration project in Preston County. OSMRE’s Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program provides funds to nonprofit organizations for the construction of acid mine drainage treatment facilities that help restore the health of local streams. “Healthy watersheds are essential for communities, supplying ...

Marshals sent to seize helicopter owned by Jim Justice business

CHARLESTON — U.S. marshals are being instructed to seize a 2009 Bell helicopter belonging to a company owned by Gov. Jim Justice and his family because of unpaid debt. Caroleng Investments Limited, parent company to the Russian mining company Mechel that bought and sold properties with Justice, is seeking the seizure over a debt of $8.4 million already recognized and awarded in the federal court system. A supplemental writ of execution filed in federal court Thursday instructs marshals to seize the helicopter located at the Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport in Virginia “or ...

Mooney says ousting speaker is step too far

Congress is without a speaker, and Congressman Alex Mooney has a blunt assessment. “It was a rough day.” For the first time in history, the House of Representatives voted to oust the speaker, Kevin McCarthy. Eight Republicans joined all the congressional Democrats in the 216-210 vote to vacate. Mooney and Congresswoman Carol Miller, both Republicans, voted against the motion to expel McCarthy from his House Speaker role. The effort was led by a Republican, Matt Gaetz of Florida. He had longstanding criticism of McCarthy that came to a head after McCarthy led the effort ...

Mon Commission to explore new hours for the county courthouse

MORGANTOWN — The Monongalia County Commission is exploring a move away from its traditional 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. hours of operation for the Monongalia County Courthouse.   During a Wednesday work session, Assessor Mark Musick said the consensus among the county’s constitutional office holders is that 8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. would be preferable.  Court security personnel at the courthouse explained that while foot traffic tapers off significantly after 4 p.m. or so, it’s fairly common for people to show up at the building prior to 9 a.m. and be left waiting at the front ...

Justice provides minimal details on debt, loans

Gov. Jim Justice, when asked about several noteworthy liabilities on his U.S. Senate financial disclosure form, said they’re a sign of a tenacious approach to finances and positive personal relationships. For many years, Justice was described as West Virginia’s only billionaire, but Forbes downgraded him after 2021 debt disputes. U.S. senators and candidates have to submit financial disclosure forms that list sources of income, assets and liabilities. Justice submitted his last week, revealing assets valued at millions of dollars – with many listed as providing little or no ...

Commission gets updates on repairs

KINGWOOD — Progress continues at the Preston County Sheriff’s Department, according to Joe LaRue, county facility manager. In December, a water line break sent 700,000 gallons of water through the building causing damage. LaRue said dry wall and drop ceiling panels are being replaced in the basement and electrical updates are ongoing. He said four smaller breaker panels will replace the two large circuit breaker panels in the basement. LaRue said he is waiting for the state fire marshal to approve the change. He thanked Mayor Jean Guillot and the city sewer workers who ...