Council asked to consider a committee to continue Blueprint Communities activities

August 11, 2023

KINGWOOD — The Blueprint Communities Program is wrapping up its efforts in Preston County, according to Kathy Mace. Mace asked Kingwood City Council members to endorse the appointment of a committee to continue activities started by the program. There are currently 11 individuals willing to work on the events and Mace said she is interested in getting more members for the committee. The activities include Business Halloween, for which she suggested a tentative date of Oct. 30. “I would like to propose a change. We could have business trunk-or-treats be held here at the ...

Lawmaker, firefighting leaders say more work to do on funding

August 11, 2023

BY MIKE NOLTING CHARLESTON — The last act of the House of Delegates during the special session call this week was to approve $12 million in funding for struggling volunteer fire departments and EMS units. The Senate amended the bill funding source from the state surplus to a permanent funding source igniting debate for delegates before agreeing to the move. Delegate Joe Statler, R-Monongalia, said the change to a permanent funding source now requires them to find a way to maintain it in the budget moving forward. That’s why Statler remained in Charleston Wednesday to lay ...

Sen. Mike Caputo will not seek reelection in 2024

August 9, 2023

MORGANTOWN — Sen. Mike Caputo, D-Marion, announced Monday he will not seek reelection in 2024. Caputo represents the 13th Senate District, which spans the most-populous portions of Marion and Monongalia counties along the I-79 corridor. “It has been truly humbling that the people ...

Special session continues as lawmakers advance bills

August 8, 2023

CHARLESTON — State lawmakers made progress on a long special session agenda Monday but will need at least today to finish the bills on Gov. Jim Justice’s agenda. A six-bill package that would make changes in the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation is on its way to ...

PSC tells legislators it’s received about half of the replies to its statewide fire hydrant safety survey — which were due July 28

August 7, 2023

MORGANTOWN — Only about half of the state's 301 water utilities had responded to a Public Service Commission fire hydrant safety survey — well after the July 28 deadline — the PSC told legislators Monday morning. They had about 150 responses so far, so the PSC will be issuing a ...

Legislators look at roads, health, education and more during August interims, starting Sunday

August 6, 2023

MORGANTOWN— Legislators return to Charleston today for the August interim meetings, which run through Tuesday. Here is a look at some of the highlights -- which could change it Gov. Jim Justice calls a special session, which hadn't occurred as of deadline Saturday. The Legislative ...