Marion Republican incumbent falls to Dem challenger, 1 of 5 seats in state to flip in “Blue Splash”

December 23, 2018

The so-called Blue Wave that helped switch the majority party in the U.S. House of Representatives was more of a Blue Splash in West Virginia — which saw its House of Delegates GOP majority shrink by five, from 64-36 to 59-41. The main thrust of the splash was in Monongalia and Marion counties, where the three incumbent Republicans all fell to Democrat challengers. In Marion County, the 50th District,  the GOP incumbent was edged out by just 72 votes — a 15th of a percent. The candidates, in order of votes tallied, were Democrat incumbents Mike Caputo and Linda Longstreth, and ...

W.Va. native pens novel telling story of growing up in Italian family, Vietnam war

December 23, 2018

Decades after coming home from Vietnam, a West Virginia native and WVU graduate used his experiences from childhood and service overseas to write a novel. “I never expected this to be published,”said author John Brown. “It was a bucket list item. I was doing it for myself and family.” “Augie’s War” follows Augie Cumpton from the fictional Jewel Town. Brown said the name is inspired by a song from the ‘40s or ‘50s which described Clarksburg as the Jewel of the Hills. Clarksburg’s Northview neighborhood, where the 73-year-old grew up, became Riverview. Brown worked ...

Land trust gets $400K grant from Gov. Justice to purchase, restore 900 acres in Tucker County

December 23, 2018

West Virginia Land Trust recently received a $400,000 grant from Gov. Jim Justice’s office. The statewide conservation organization, with offices in Morgantown, is the recipient of a state grant for protecting West Virginia’s Highlands. Justice made the announcement Dec. 10, along with more than a dozen other grants to northern West Virginia recipients. “These grants are essential as we continue to grow West Virginia and provide programs that help our communities and citizens,” Justice said. “The multiplier effect on our return is at least eight times, and many times, it is ...

Considering a run for city council? Filing begins Jan. 7

December 22, 2018

MORGANTOWN — Morgantown residents interested in running for Morgantown City Council can obtain a Candidate’s Packet beginning Jan. 2. Candidates must be 18 years of age by the election date, must be a qualified voter of the state of West Virginia, and must live in the Morgantown city ...

Library will eliminate overdue fees in 2019; goal is to increase access, use

December 22, 2018

MORGANTOWN — The Morgantown Public Library System is pleased to announce that beginning in 2019 it will no longer charge overdue fines for items returned after the due date. The libraries will continue to charge replacement costs for lost or damaged items. The Morgantown Public Library ...

Smokin’ Jack’s to open second location at University Town Centre

December 22, 2018

MORGANTOWN — University Town Centre in Granville is gaining another restaurant and entertainment venue. Smokin’ Jack’s will open its second Monongalia County location. The company signed a deal with Wal-Mart and will be located in the super store’s parking lot, across from Premier Chevy, said J.D. Mann, chief executive officer for Smokin’ Jack’s. Construction is expected to be complete in August 2019, he said. “We have been embraced by the greater Morgantown area, and our new Granville location will knock everybody’s socks off,” Mann said. The restaurant offers a ...