Human trafficking a problem, even in West Virginia

January 18, 2020

Before the dust has settled on the case of Jeffrey Epstein, who died in jail after being accused of sexually trafficking girls, an eerily similar story emerged from Florida. This time, it’s centered on a man who launched a nonprofit to purportedly help children in the foster care system but was actually grooming them to be prostitutes. Foster children, along with runaways, are two very vulnerable groups when it comes to falling victim to sexual trafficking, noted Andrew Cogar, an assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District of West Virginia who prosecutes federal cases of human ...

Proposed policy sets seven standards for effective schools

January 18, 2020

KINGWOOD — A proposed state education policy revision would change the way county schools are evaluated. “Basically, under Policy 2322, the state is going back to seven standards for effective schools,” Preston Schools Superintendent Steve Wotring said. The seven standards are: Clear and focused mission, instructional leadership, high expectations for success, positive and safe environment, equitable opportunities to learn and effective instruction, frequent monitoring of student progress and family and community partnerships. “Those seven things are how we are required to ...

Sentencing hearing delayed after concerns raised

January 17, 2020

KINGWOOD — A sentencing hearing for Clay Conor Johnson was delayed Friday after a woman raised questions about his mental health and sobriety. Johnson, of Bruceton Mills, was indicted in January 2019 on charges of fleeing while DUI, fleeing with reckless indifference and two counts of destruction of property, in relation to a June 2018 incident in which his vehicle hit two police cruisers. In August 2019, he was charged with misdemeanors in another incident, after his wife called police and said he had taken an entire bottle of medicine and was trying to leave the house. In ...

White Park water pipeline installation to begin next week

January 17, 2020

The trees have been cleared and installation of the Morgantown Utility Board’s 30-inch raw water pipeline is expected to begin next week in White Park. Work on the water line resumed Jan. 6, following a monthslong break, during which MUB, the city of Morgantown and community members ...

Marion County Historical Society honors war hero

January 17, 2020

On May 1, 1945, Pvt. Richard Earl Gregor, of Farmington, was killed in action in Okinawa, just two weeks before his 19th birthday. On Friday, the Purple Heart he earned that day found its way home. Gregor’s Purple Heart was given to his half brother, 83-year-old Robert Gregor, by the ...

Man charged with wanton endangerment and intent to deliver

January 17, 2020

A Morgantown man is accused of having multiple drugs in his possession while shooting a firearm, causing a hazard. Daniel J. Cruz, 19, is charged with wanton endangerment involving a firearm and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver by the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department. Cruz allegedly had 19 grams of marijuana, 81.5 Xanax bars, five Oxycodone, $1,041, two iPhones, a rifle and a .40 caliber pistol, according to a criminal complaint. Deputy J. Ward went to Luke Street, behind Scott Avenue, for a foot patrol assignment, about 11:15 p.m. on Wednesday, ...