Appalachian Power Company said the blaze was contained by local firefighters to the external building.

“There was no immediate threat to the public. All plant personnel are safe and no injuries were reported. There was no impact to operations or our ability to generate power for customers,” the company said in a statement forwarded to MetroNews. “A full investigation into the cause and extent of the damage is underway. We appreciate the swift response of the emergency crews and will provide updates as additional information becomes available.”

The fire was reported at around 5 a.m. Sunday. Winfield fire crews led the response. It took about 45 minutes to bring the fire under control.

The post Fire on John Amos Power Plant property appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Education West Virginia Co-President Dale Lee said he’s disappointed but he said he remains hopeful because the 60-day session doesn’t end until Saturday at midnight.

“There’s still an opportunity with House Bill 5453 (school funding formula bill) that’s still active in the Senate and there could be parts of that you could make available immediately,” Lee said.

The bill as it left the House includes language where the changes in the formula won’t be made for three years. Lee said county school districts can’t wait that long in the special needs costs area.

“I would like to see amendments made where you could at least fund the special needs part in this next school year because our counties are going under a ton with coping with the needs of these special needs students,” Lee said.

The decades-old school aid funding formula doesn’t provide additional revenue for special needs. The numbers of those students have grown in recent years. Lee said there’s a variety of reasons for that growth including the impact of the opioid epidemic. County school systems have lost student enrollment but the overall percentage of special needs students has grown.

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Jason Barrett, R-Berkeley, acknowledged on MetroNews “Talkline” Friday a Senate bill calling for additional funding for special education needs further review. He said it carried a price tag of $45 million. Barrett left the door open that he House-passed bill, HB 5453, may good a look this week that Lee is hoping for.

“We’re going to take a really hard look at that bill over the next week and see if there are some things that we can work on and tweak where we can have an affordable price tag with it but also help our public education,” Barrett said.

Senate Education Committee Chair Amy Nichole Grady, R-Mason, told reporters Friday that she’s received a proposed amendment from Del. Joe Ellington, R-Mercer, the chief sponsor of HB 5453, to help with special education costs through the bill.

“This would take care of those Tier-II and those Tier-III students right away,” Grady said. “I wasn’t a huge fan of the bill waiting until 2029 (for funding). I think this will make it a lot better.”

The bill is on the agenda for Grady’s Senate Education Committee meeting set for 9:30 a.m. Monday.

Lee said even though lawmakers have passed the budget bill he believes they can still find money for the special education issue. He said it could be done through a budget supplemental.

“It’s all about priorities and you can find money if it’s a priority and this really should be a priority for the legislature to address the needs of our counties with the special needs students,” Lee said.

Barrett sounded hopeful Friday.

“I think in the last week we’re going to make a push to see what can be done as it relates to some modifications in the school aid formula,” Barrett said.

The post School aid funding formula bill may get consideration for special needs funding this year appeared first on WV MetroNews.

“It is with a heavy heart that we share the heartbreaking news that an Elkins High School student has tragically passed away, and several other students were seriously injured this weekend,” Dilly said. “This loss is deeply felt across our entire school community.”

Dilly didn’t release any names or specifics.

“Our hearts go out to the family of the student that we have lost, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time,” Dilly said. “We also continue to keep the injured students and their families in our thoughts and prayers as they receive care and begin the road to recovery.”

Dilly said counselors would be available at Elkins High School.

This story will be updated when more information is released. 

The post Superintendent reports Elkins High School student death, others injured appeared first on WV MetroNews.

The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.

The counties included in the watch are:

Brooke, Hancock, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, Monongalia, Marion, Harrison, Doddridge, Ritchie, Preston, Tyler, Wood, Pleasants, Taylor and Wirt.

The post Tornado Watch for northern counties appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Eggleton said Angela McFarland Born did not survive the collision.

“This is a tragedy. Mrs. Born, driving down the road minding her own business and is struck by someone running from police,” Eggleton said.

Joseph Elswick, 23, of Putnam County, is charged with vehicular homicide and fleeing police. Eggleton said he had stolen a car a few minutes earlier and wouldn’t stop when spotted by deputies.

“We will continue to investigate and charge whatever possible to make sure that Mr. Elswick pays for his crime because he alone is responsible for this,” Eggleton said.

Born grew up in St. Albans. Eggleton said the McFarland family (Born’s maiden name) is well-known. Eggleton said Born was also well-known in the Elk River community where she and her husband settled. The couple has six children.

“Angela was known for her strawberries, her strawberry farm and many other things, just the salt of the earth,” Eggleton said.

She and her husband owned Country Road House and Berries Bed Breakfast in Clendenin including a farm where visitors could pick their own strawberries.

Eggleton said Elswick is also well-known but for the wrong reasons.

“He’s known to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office but not for anything good,” Eggleton said.

Elswick tried to plead guilty during his arraignment in Putnam County Magistrate Court Thursday night. The magistrate first asked him he wanted to apply for a court-appointed attorney. He said he didn’t.

The magistrate asked, “You don’t want to apply for a court-appointed attorney?”

Elswick said, “I just plead guilty.”

“You can’t do that here,” the magistrate said.

Elswick is being held in the Western Regional Jail on $500,000 cash-only bail.

The post Putnam sheriff says victim in I-64 crash well-known in St. Albans, Elk River communities appeared first on WV MetroNews.

It’s important to remember, Charleston Fire Captain Austin Smith said.

“The loss of the lives just doesn’t affect firefighters,” Smith said. “It affects the entire community, it affects their families, their friends for generations, 77 years later we are still thinking about it.”

Their sacrifice does not go unnoticed, Smith said.

“It’s our responsibility to honor those firefighters,” Smith said.

Firefighters responded to the blaze in the basement of the former Woolworth building. As they worked to extinguish the flames, the first floor of the building collapsed on top of them. Some were able to escape, but the seven could not. There were 13 firefighters who were injured.

Smith said firefighter is still as dangerous today.

“The men and women who respond as the Charleston Fire Department put their lives on the line on a daily basis,” Smith said. “We always want to make sure we are prepared and doing our jobs at the best of our abilities.”

The seven firefighters who lost their lives in 1949 were George Coates, James Paul “Jiggs” Little, Frank Miller, Richard McCormick, Emory Pauley, T. Frank Sharp, and Freddie Summers.

Smith credited the administration of Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin has working well with firefighters today.

“The city has stepped up over and over again to provide us with everything we need to help us do our job 100 percent,” Smith said.

There’s currently construction underway to improve the city’s fire stations.

MetroNews Reporter Daniel Woods contributed to this story. 

The post Charleston firefighters look back to tragedy 77 years later appeared first on WV MetroNews.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A flood warning remains in effect for the U.S. Route 50 Corridor from Parkersburg to Clarksburg until 8:30 this morning.

The flood warning covers Wood, Wirt, Ritchie, Doddridge, Harrison, Pleasants, Lewis, Roane, Gilmer, Calhoun and Braxton counties.

The National Weather Service says the South Fork Hughes River in Ritchie County is flooding this morning near MacFarlan.

The weather service has approximately 12 other counties under a flood watch into this afternoon.

The post Flood warning remains in effect through early afternoon for Parkersburg, surrounding area appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office said the blaze in the 4000 block of Prenter Road in Seth claimed the lives of a 79-year-old man and 84-year-old woman.

Volunteer firefighters from Racine, Whitesville and Van were on the scene. The call came in around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday.

The Fire Marshal’s Office said the cause of the blaze could not be determined because of the severity of the damage.

The bodies of the victims have been taken to the state Medical Examiner’s Office for positive identification and autopsies.

The post Fire claims 2 lives in Boone County appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Heavy rain began Tuesday afternoon through the mid-section of the state and spreading into the eastern mountain counties.

“Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible,” the NWS watch said.

The counties under the watch include Wayne, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Wood, Pleasants, Tyler, Lincoln, Putnam, Kanawha, Roane, Wirt, Calhoun, Ritchie, Doddridge, Boone, Clay, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, Upshur, Barbour, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas and Randolph counties.

The post National Weather issues flood watch for more than 2 dozen counties appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt signed an agreement Tuesday with West Virginia American Water Company President Scott Wyman completing the sale of the Nitro Regional Wastewater Utility including the sewer plant for $20 million.

The water utility will now own and operate the city’s water and wastewater systems. The state Public Service Commission recently approved the deal.

Casebolt said it’s good to get the long-talked-about agreement signed. He said the city can’t afford to make the improvements required at the sewer plant.

“We’re looking at needing between 40 and 50 million dollars of upgrades to our system and expecting our four-thousand customer base to try to offset those costs is not even practical,” Casebolt said.

Casebolt said sewer bills are going to go up but he said they were going to go up regardless. He said the city was facing increasing rates by as much as 50 percent.

West Virgina American is planning $42 million in upgrades to the sewer system over the next five years, Casebolt said.

“It’s a much-need investment and actually allow the system to handle rainwater much better where it’s not backing up into people’s homes,” Casebolt said.

The post Nitro completes utility deal with West Virginia American Water appeared first on WV MetroNews.

State Revenue Secretary Eric Nelson said collections for personal income tax and consumer sales tax did well for the month.

“When you look at what’s driving the economy you look at those two line items and of course those two line items also make up three-quarters of our general revenue,” Nelson said Monday during an appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”

Personal income tax collections were $31 million above estimate while consumer sales tax was $2.3 million above estimate.

Nelson said the collections on the state’s other taxes were mainly flat for the month.

Nelson said a solid February builds on a revenue collection surplus eight months into the fiscal year.

“Year-to-date almost $160 million above estimate which is about four percent above estimate which is about four percent over the prior year,” Nelson said.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey liked the new numbers.

“I’m encouraged by the continuing growth in overall collections,” Morrisey said. “Current trends bode well for a significant year-end surplus in comparison to the estimates for this year.”

Morrisey also announced Monday that longtime state Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow is retiring this month after 44 years with state government.

“I would like to acknowledge the tremendous commitment and dedication we have received from Deputy Revenue Secretary Mark Muchow,” Morrisey said. “Mark has been directly responsible for setting our state’s revenue estimates for more than 35 years, and his contributions have been invaluable. Join me in thanking Mark and wishing him the very best in retirement.”

Other information released Monday:

Personal Income Tax: February collections reached $109 million, which is $31 million above estimate and 7.8% higher than last year. Year-to-date totals exceed $1.404 billion, outperforming estimates by more than $73 million despite tax rate cuts and the introduction of the refundable motor vehicle tax credit.

Consumer Sales Tax: February collections totaled $155.2 million, up 8.4% from last year and $2.3 million above estimate. Year-to-date collections stand at $1.301 billion, exceeding expectations by $31.3 million.

Severance Tax: Collections of more than $57 million in February were significantly above estimate by $24.6 million, buoyed in part by an early-February carryover. Year-to-date totals of $261.3 million are 35.2% higher than the previous year.

Corporation Net Income Tax: February collections reached $5.6 million, $1.8 million above estimate, contributing to year-to-date totals of $178.6 million.

Tobacco Excise Tax: February collections totaled $11.5 million, with year-to-date totals of $90.8 million, reflecting a continued shift in consumer purchasing patterns.

Insurance Premium Tax: February collections were $2.9 million, impacted by a larger-than-expected shift of payments into March.

Interest Income: February collections of $11.6 million brought year-to-date totals to $102.1 million, performing $25.6 million above estimate.

The post Nelson: Revenue collections exceed estimates in February by $50 million appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Troopers said two fishermen discovered a burned out car and a man’s body by the riverbank in the Shanklin’s Ferry area of Monroe County Friday at around 9:40 a.m.

The man has been identified as James Jeffries, 55, of Peterstown.

The death is being treated as a homicide.

An investigation is underway.

The post Man’s body found in Monroe County; state police say it’s a homicide appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Police officers were dispatched to a residence in the 1000 block of 40th Street at around 12:10 a.m. and found a man who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Police and EMS crews attempted life-saving measures but he man died at the scene.

According to a news release from the Parkersburg Police Department, police soon received information about a possible suspect. Officers took Claudia Torres, 19, of Clarksburg, into custody about a mile from the residence. She has been charged with first degree murder.

Torres was set to be arraigned Saturday morning in Wood County Magistrate Court.

The victim’s name was not immediately released.

Police are continuing their investigation.

The post Woman charged with murder after Parkersburg shooting appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Trump announced the operation early Saturday morning.

“A short time ago, the United States military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump said. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.”

Capito said in her most recent media briefing with West Virginia reporters back on Thursday that she was hoping for a diplomatic solution but understands that Iran is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the world and the Iranian people are taught to hate Americans.

“We have to remember that–who we are dealing with here,” Capito said.

Capito said the Iranian regime’s regard for human life is also non-existent.

“The capabilities of them to get a nuclear weapon should frighten every single one of us,” Capito said.

Some National Guard units from across the country were deployed to the Middle East in advance of the military action.

In response to questions, the governor’s office said West Virginia National Guard leadership has provided Gov. Patrick Morrisey “with a comprehensive briefing on current mobilizations  and worldwide operations involving the West Virginia National Guardsmen.”

Because the Guard fulfills both state and federal mandates, the governor’s office said, “some operations are classified for national security and must remain confidential.”

Morrisey said, “I remain immensely proud of our Soldiers and Airmen as they continue to respond in stellar fashion to state emergencies and natural disasters while simultaneously supporting our nation through overseas deployments, on the southwest border of the United States, and safeguarding our nation’s capital.

“Our men and women are well-trained, prepared to serve wherever they are called, and trusted to carry out any task. I am proud to serve with them and proud of the way they represent our state.”

The post Trump announces major combat with Iran; U.S. casualties possible appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Troopers said they tried to stop the motorist heading south on I-77 between Pax and the North Beckley exits at about 3:15 p.m. Thursday after observed traffic violations.

The driver wouldn’t stop.

Troopers said the vehicle was then involved in a wreck with a tractor trailer closer to the North Beckley exit. He ran from the scene near Maple Fork Road in Raleigh County. Troopers said someone may have given the driver a ride to the Mount Hope area where he again fled the scene.

The suspect has not been identified.

Anyone with information is asked to contact West Virginia State Police Turnpike at 304-256-6786.

The post Turnpike state police looking for driver who ran from crash scene appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Listen to today’s podcast here.

The post MetroNews This Morning 2-27-26 appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Trump spent approximately five minutes of his lengthy speech describing how Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot while patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C. on the day before Thanksgiving. Beckstrom, 20, of Webster Springs, died Thanksgiving evening while Wolfe, 33, continues to make a miraculous recovery.

Trump called the Afghan national charged in the shootings a “terrorist monster.”

Beckstrom’s parents stood and acknowledged the crowd as Trump described their daughter as a “true American patriot.”

Wolfe was in the viewing gallery Tuesday night as Trump described the faith of his mother who told Trump not long after the shooting that her son was going to be okay.

“I’ve never met a more positive person,” Trump said Tuesday night.

Trump described Andrew Wolfe as being on “the edge of death.”

Trump called him “good looking” as he looked up in the gallery.

West Virginia Adjutant General Jim Seward was introduced by Trump to pin the medals on Beckstrom’s parents and Wolfe. Gov. Patrick Morrisey called it a solemn and unforgettable moment.

“I thank President Trump and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for recognizing these two extraordinary West Virginians in such a meaningful way. I formally requested these awards in December because their actions met the highest standards for this distinction. Tonight’s recognition brings lasting honor to their service, offers comfort and affirmation to their families, and reminds our country that the men and women of the National Guard stand ready, and willing, to defend our freedoms.

“West Virginia will never forget their service, their bravery, or their sacrifice,” Morrisey said.

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito posted on X,

“An incredible tribute to Spc. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe—true West Virginia heroes.

“Grateful to see @POTUS award them the Purple Heart in recognition of their courage and sacrifice in defense of our nation.

“God bless them and their families, and thank you for your service.”

U.S. Senator Jim Justice said, “Having Sarah’s parents in the chamber tonight was deeply moving. Sarah represents the best of West Virginia, and her family’s courage and grace remind us of the sacrifices our service members and their families make every single day. Andrew is an absolute fighter and has epitomized true resilience in the face of insurmountable odds.”

The post Trump awards Purple Hearts to WV Guard’s Beckstrom, Wolfe during State of Union Address appeared first on WV MetroNews.

The bill, HB 4842, says a person taking part in the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images can be sued.

The official name of the bill is “Relating to civil remedies for the unauthorized disclosure of intimate images.”

Bryce Tate, 15, a sophomore at Nitro High School, was found Nov. 6 with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

According to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, an investigation into his cellphone revealed he had been the victim of sextortion, a form of online exploitation in which offenders coerce or manipulate victims into sending sensitive or intimate images, often threatening to share them.

House Judiciary Committee Chairman J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, said his committee has been working closely with Bryce’s father, Adam Tate.

Akers said was pleased to learn lawmakers passed a bill last year, before his son’s death, that enhances the penalties for sextortion. Earlier this session, the House passed amendments to existing code to add sexual extortion to the state’s sexual offender registry and its sexual abuse registry.

Akers said the civil lawsuit bill, passed Tuesday, fills what appears to be a missing gap.

“It adds the crime of sexual extortion to those who may be liable for the threatened to potential disclosure of these intimate images,” Akers said.

The bill passed on a unanimous vote and was sent to the state Senate for consideration.

The post Sextortion bill linked to civil lawsuits passes House of Delegates appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, asked for a moment of silence during Monday’s floor session in remembrance of Adrian Phillips, 26, and Phillips’ brother, Derious Johnson, 39.

The pair died from gunshot wounds suffered in a 14th Street parking lot at around 2:30 a.m. Friday. A third man was injured and remains hospitalized in stable condition.

U.S. Marshals, working with Huntington police investigators, arrested Kevante White. 27, of Akron, Ohio, Sunday in Ohio and charged him with two counts of first degree murder and one count of malicious wounding.

“This past weekend the city and community of Huntington experienced a huge loss to senseless gun violence in an attempt defend and protect other people,” Hornbuckle said.

Phillips worked for the City of Huntington, his other brother, who Hornbuckle referred to as “DJ” coached the St. Joe’s Middle School boy’s basketball team.

“A lifelong friend of mine,” Hornbuckle said about Johnson. “He was a father of three, an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and an up and coming basketball coach who just recently won the middle school county basketball championship for St. Joe Middle.”

Huntington Police Captain Ryan Bentley, the commander of the department’s Criminal Investigations, said responding officers arrived at a chaotic scene early Friday morning.

“There was a little bit of mayhem. It was outside a bar, as you can imagine, there’s a lot of people and emotions were high. The initial (priority) is to try and get them aid,” Bentley said Monday on MetroNews Midday.

He declined comment when asked if Phillips and Johnson were shot while trying to protect the third man from White. The third man has not been identified.

Bentley did say the investigation would continue to be a top priority.

“This is a large undertaking with a lot of moving parts,” Bentley said.

White is being held in the Stark County (OH) Jail awaiting extradition.

The post Hornbuckle talks about Huntington murder victims in brief floor remarks appeared first on WV MetroNews.

The protests occurred last Monday-Wednesday at Spring Mills, Martinsburg and Hedgesville high schools.

Berkeley County School Superintendent Ryan Saxe told the Panhandle News Network Monday that out of the 99 students who protested at Spring Mills, 91 received in-school detention, four students were suspended for two days and three students for three days.

There were a total of 84 students at Martinsburg High School that took part in the protest. Saxe said 32 of those students received in-school detention while 52 others were suspended because they left the school campus and did not return.

At Hedgesville High, 40 students took part. Saxe said 20 students got detention and 19 students were suspended for one day.

Sax said school administrators did a good job implementing plans to make sure instruction continued for those who stayed in class and to enforce policy violations.

“Our approach from Berkeley County Schools standpoint, was to protect instructional time and keep our students safe and supervised and apply our code of conduct in a fair and timely way,” Saxe said Monday.

Saxe said planning for the walkouts appeared to mostly happen online.

“It was not really happening at the school level,” Saxe said. “When social media and outside voices influence student behavior that obviously raises the stakes for safety and supervision.”

WEPM Radio reporter Luke Wiggs contributed to this story. 

The post Various discipline for more than 200 students who took part in ICE protests in Berkeley County high schools appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Thomas Jeffrey Lawson Jr., 33, of Iaeger, allegedly shot and killed his father, Thomas Lawson Sr. just hours before he showed up at the casino.

Lawson Jr. allegedly came up to a Nitro police officer in the casino at about 1 a.m. Sunday, yelled an obscenity and ran, he had no clothes on. The officer tackled him and took him into custody.

Niro police then learned of the murder.

McDowell County Sheriff James Muncy said the investigation into Lawson Sr’s. death is continuing.

The body was found in the Trail Hollow area.

Lawson is in the South Central Regional Jail where charges from Kanawha and McDowell counties are listed.

The post Man found naked in casino allegedly murdered father in McDowell County appeared first on WV MetroNews.

A statement from Huntington Police Chief Phil Watkins said Kevante White. 27, shot and killed Adrian Phillips and Derious Johnson in a parking lot on 14th Street. Phillips worked for the city and Johnson was a middle school basketball coach at St. Joseph’s Middle School.

White was also charged with malicious wounding after a third man was injured. He remains in a Huntington hospital in stable condition.

No motive has been released.

According to Watkins’ statement, “On Sunday, February 22, White was located and arrested in Stark County, Ohio, by the US Marshals Service and the Stark County Sheriff’s Office on two counts of first-degree murder and malicious wounding warrants. He will be held in a correctional facility in Stark County, Ohio, as a fugitive from justice awaiting extradition to West Virginia.”

The post Ohio man arrested in Huntington double murder appeared first on WV MetroNews.

National Weather Service meteorologists said 5 to 12 inches of snow is possible with wind gusts up to 45 mph for an area stretching from Bluefield north and east through the Kanawha Valley into the eastern mountains and Potomac Highlands.

The warning is posted from 1 a.m. Sunday to 1 a.m. Tuesday.
 

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Charleston WV
324 PM EST Sat Feb 21 2026

WVZ027-028-030-032-039-040-515>523-525-526-220430-
/O.CON.KRLX.WS.W.0004.260222T0600Z-260224T0600Z/
Clay-Braxton-Lewis-Taylor-Upshur-Barbour-Northwest Raleigh-
Southeast Raleigh-Northwest Fayette-Southeast Fayette-Northwest
Nicholas-Southeast Nicholas-Northwest Webster-Southeast Webster-
Northwest Pocahontas-Northwest Randolph-Southeast Randolph-
Including the cities of Gassaway, Prosperity, Craigsville, Holly
River State Park, Weston, Meadow Bridge, Cowen, Sutton, Webster
Springs, Elkins, Summersville, Oak Hill, Buckhannon, Beckley,
Grafton, Birch River, Richwood, Clay, Snowshoe, Montgomery,
Burnsville, Fayetteville, Sophia, Belington, Harman, Philippi,
and Bradley
324 PM EST Sat Feb 21 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM SUNDAY TO 1 AM
EST TUESDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and
  12 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph.

* WHERE...Portions of central, northeast, northern, and southeast
  West Virginia.

* WHEN...From 1 AM Sunday to 1 AM EST Tuesday.

* IMPACTS...Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will
  likely become slick and hazardous. Whiteout conditions are
  expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially
  life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult to impossible.
  The hazardous conditions could impact the Monday morning and
  evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches

The post Winter Storm Warning posted for most counties appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Heavy rain Thursday night and early Friday morning has Boone, Lincoln, Logan, Mingo, Raleigh and Wayne counties under a flood warning until late Friday afternoon.

Meteorologists have posted a wind advisory for the Potomac Highlands until 10 p.m. Friday with wind gusts up to 50 mph expected.

The majority of the rest of the state is under a special weather statement through Friday for windy conditions.

“Strong winds are moving through the area behind the passage of a cold front. Southwest winds of 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 50 mph may continue for the rest of the afternoon before diminishing
toward evening,” the NWS said.

The weather service has posted a winter storm watch for Clay, Braxton, Lewis, Taylor, Upshur, Barbour, Raleigh, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster, Pocahontas and Randolph counties for late Saturday night through Monday evening with lake effect snow expected.

“Total snow accumulation between 5 and 12 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph,” the weather service said.

The post Variety of weather impacting West Virginia, mountains to see lake effect snow appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Huntington police said Adrian Phillips, 26, and Derious Johnson, 39, both of Huntington, were found in a parking lot in the 300 block of 14th Street at around 2:30 a.m. One of them died at the scene, the other died at a hospital a short time later.

A third man showed up at the hospital.

“No further details concerning this incident will be released at this time,” police said in a Friday afternoon news release.

Johnson was the middle school basketball coach at St. Joseph Catholic School in Huntington. Principal Dr. Carol Templeton posted a message on Facebook about Johnson.

“Our entire St. Joseph School family, our students, families, and staff, mourns the tragic loss of our beloved coach, mentor, parent, and friend, Derious Johnson, earlier today.
As our school community begins processing this unbelievable grief, our chaplain, grief counselors, and mental health professionals will be on hand to be with our students and staff during this time. We especially thank the administrators of Cabell County Schools for their outreach and support of our students and school.”

House of Delegates Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, knew both victims. He also posted on Facebook.

“Lot of pain and hurt for the city right now. We’ve got to be better than this. Love you my guy. Thinking and praying for the Phillips, Johnsons, and the community,” Hornbuckle said.

Johnson’s team just won the Cabell County middle school basketball championship after going undefeated.

According to the City of Huntington Facebook page, Phillips worked in the city’s Public Works Division in the Street’s Division. He began working there in 2023. The post also stated that Phillips and Johnson were brothers.

In the post it said “Phillips was always eager to learn and improve, and he was never without a smile. He will be remembered and deeply missed,”

Huntington Mayor Patrick Farrell also put out a statement saying “This tragedy has devastated a family and shaken our community,” the statement said. “This violence is unacceptable. We will not tolerate this brutality in our city. Law enforcement is fully engaged, and we will use every available resource to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those responsible.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cabell County 911 or the HPD at 304-696-4420 Ext. 1083. Anonymous tips may also be left by calling 304-696-4444.

The post One of the men killed in Huntington shooting was well-known basketball coach appeared first on WV MetroNews.

State police troopers said Katelyn Lester, 36, of Lerona, falsified the document so she could check a student out of school. She did so multiple times, troopers said.

Troopers said Lester also “allegedly forged the student’s mother’s signature on a permission slip for an out-of-state field trip.”

Lester is charged with four counts of forgery and uttering and four counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

She was arraigned Thursday in Mercer County Magistrate Court and released on bond.

The investigation into the case began last November.

The post Troopers charge teacher with forging student emergency contact information for early checkouts appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Meteorologists said quick-hitting rainfall is possible from a system set to move through the state. Strong thunderstorms could produce up to an inch of rain.

“Combined with already elevated streamflows, this poses a threat for localized flooding,” the NWS said. “Additionally, elevations above 3,500 feet will see the added hydrologic element of snow and ice melt further.”

Streams and creeks, already running high, could come out of their banks, the NWS alert said.

Counties under the watch include Wayne, Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Lincoln, Putnam, Kanawha, Roane, Wirt, Calhoun, Ritchie, Doddridge, Boone, Clay, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Harrison, Taylor, Upshur, Barbour, Fayette, Nicholas, Webster and Randolph counties.

The post Flood Watch in effect for more than 2 dozen West Virginia counties appeared first on WV MetroNews.

The pay raise under HB 4765 will average about $1800 for those three groups of workers including about $1500 for teachers and $900 for school service personnel.

State law requires lawmakers to pass bills for pay raises for those three groups of workers because their salary schedules are in state code.

The House provides three percent raises for the remaining state workers in its proposed state budget that was passed by the House Finance Committee Thursday morning.

House Minority Leader Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell, said the House should have included more workers in the bill and higher raises.

“West Virginia state employees on average, salaries are 25 to 30 percent less than our surrounding states,” Hornbuckle said.

Hornbuckle’s proposed amendment for a six percent raise was found not to be germane to the bill in Wednesday’s floor session.

Hornbuckle said state workers are being hit with a three percent increase in PEIA premiums in July so the pay raise is really a wash.

House Finance Committee Vice Chairman Clay Riley, R-Harrison, disagreed Thursday.

“On average a three percent pay increase for our state employee will be about 180-hundred dollars…the three percent PEIA premium on the best plan–176 dollars. We want to pay more but do not confuse three percent for three percent,” Riley said.

The pay raise heads to the state Senate.

The post House passes pay raise bill for teachers, school service personnel, troopers appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Potter, who has been in the school system for more than 30 years, was chosen as superintendent last July to replace Tom Williams who retired.

Kanawha County Board of Education President Ric Cavender said board members know they want Potter’s steady hand for the next several years.

“We’re all very impressed with the level of detail that Dr. Potter is paying when it comes to leading the system,” Cavender said.

Cavender said Potter, who will continue to be paid $180,000 a year, is making data-driven decisions. He said she’s also operating with transparency was apparent with a Facebook post Monday detailing the reasons the system has to cut 140 jobs by next fall.

“When you’re a public entity, like a school board, and tax dollars are funding your system, it’s important that you are as transparent as possible,” Cavender said. “And you’re also getting the right information out there so the public can better understand why these really difficult decisions have to be made at the administrative level.”

Cavender said Potter has also been very visible since she was hired last July including school visits and showing up at extra-curricular activities. He said that’s an important part of the job.

“Making sure the public understands the decisions we’re making and making sure the public also sees all of the the great opportunities your students can have in Kanawha County schools,” Cavender said.

A three-year contract extension was important to the school board, according to Cavender.

“We wanted to make sure we were able to offer a multi-year contract because we need that stability, we need that respect that Dr. Potter has. We’re really happy with our decision,” Cavender said.

Potter is a Kanawha County graduate and has worked in all levels of the school system including time in the administrations at Riverside and South Charleston high schools before moving to the administrative offices.

The post Kanawha County Schools extends Potter for 3 years appeared first on WV MetroNews.

Morrisey and Hardesty have indirectly traded barbs in recent weeks. Morrisey has called members of the state Board of Education unelected bureaucrats.

Hardesty said he texted with Morrisey over the weekend and it was a pleasant exchange. He said he “most gracious.”

Hardesty said he has also texted with House Speaker Roger Hanshaw and Senate President Randy Smith.

“We decided we are going to try and get together and find some things we can work one,” Hardesty said.

The system is broken, Hardesty said.

“We’re not trying to cast blame at the executive or the legislative branch, we’re not doing that,” Hardesty said on MetroNews “Talkline.” “We all have to have the realization that there are three basic components that have to be addressed and be addressed now.”

Hardesty said those three areas are the school aid funding formula, over-regulation of West Virginia schools in code and the 55-county education delivery model.

Hardesty said there must be a way for the public school and school choice models to co-exist.

He said he’s looking forward to what he believes can be productive meetings.

“I still like Patrick Morrisey, he’s the governor of West Virginia and I want him to be successful. I want West Virginia to be successful. I want our children to be successful. It’s time for all parties to put their personal interest and let’s do what’s best for the children in this state,” Hardesty said.

Hardesty also said Monday he’s looking forward to serving with new state Board of Education member Dr. James Paul who was appointed by Morrisey last week.

The post Hardesty offers olive branch in education discussions appeared first on WV MetroNews.