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The fire happened around 4:30 a.m. June 1 along Park Drive.(John Green/WSAZ)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The Charleston Fire Department is asking for your help identifying someone who firefighters believe had something to do with a house fire.
It happened around 4:30 a.m. June 1 along Park Drive.
If you’re around the area, you’re encouraged to keep an eye out for a bicycle with no seat attached, as well as a backpack with light-up strips going down each side.
According to the fire department, it appears someone with these belongings may have had something to do with the fire.
The family who had been living there was out of town, however major renovations are going to have to take place.
Justin Alford, who is a lieutenant with the Charleston Fire Department, says while they continue with their investigation they’re asking people in and around the community to come forward with any information.
“If you see something, say something. Anything can help us,” Alford said.
There is a reward up to $5,000 for an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information can call Lt. Alford at 304-348-8058, ext. 423. | 2022-06-09T23:40:53Z | www.wsaz.com | Award offered after Charleston home catches fire | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/09/award-offered-after-charleston-home-catches-fire/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/09/award-offered-after-charleston-home-catches-fire/ |
Aaron Scott was found not guilty Thursday of murder in connection with a man's shooting death in December 2021.(Lawrence County Sheriff's Office)
IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – A man who faced murder charges in connection with a shooting last December in Ironton was found not guilty Thursday by a jury, Lawrence County Prosecutor Brigham Anderson said.
Anthony W. Pemberton, 48, of Kitts Hill, died in the shooting, which happened in December 2021 along County Road 7D in Ironton.
While acquitted of the murder charge, Aaron K. Scott was found guilty of trafficking marijuana and of tampering with evidence, according to Anderson. Investigators explained that Scott threw clothes he wore during the shooting over an embankment in Carter County, Kentucky, and took the gun apart and put it in a storm sewer in Huntington, West Virginia.
According to Anderson, the jury believed Scott acted in self-defense during the shooting.
“We believe justice was done, and the jury’s job is to determine the truth and what the facts are, and they determined Aaron Scott acted in self-defense, and we respect that decision,” Anderson said.
Scott is set to be sentenced at 10:30 a.m. July 18 in Lawrence County Common Pleas Court.
For prior coverage:
Suspect turns himself in after deadly shooting | 2022-06-10T01:12:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Man found not guilty of murder in victim’s shooting death | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/09/man-found-not-guilty-murder-victims-shooting-death/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/09/man-found-not-guilty-murder-victims-shooting-death/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - John Porterfield, the owner of JP Auto Repair, said today’s cars are made to get solid gas mileage.
“Our cars are very well-designed, and the government wants us to get good gas mileage, and the manufacturers have to adhere to those guidelines,” he said. “If we can get the most gas mileage from our cars or trucks, then we can save a lot of money on fuel, and fuel is very expensive right now.”
The average price of a gallon of gas in the United States is $4.99.
Porterfield said some ways to improve gas mileage is to mind driving habits.
“Safe driving, being very conscientious of how you’re taking off. What happens is when we stop at a stop sign and we take off, make sure you’re taking off not like a jackrabbit,” he advised. “When you’re on the interstate, use cruise control if it works.”
Porterfield said one of the simplest steps drivers can take to improve their mileage is to lighten the load inside the vehicle.
The less weight in the vehicle, the less gas it will take to move it.
Porterfield said it’s one of many things drivers can do themselves to make the most of what you’re paying at the pump.
“Make sure your tire pressure is up. A lot of people tend to run around with less mileage than they should and it takes more gas,” he said. “Mind the check engine light, brakes are very important, a lot of times brakes can be sticking and we’ll need to get them checked out.”
He added, “Routine upkeep makes a big difference, make sure that our cars are running very, very well because all this contributes to bad gas mileage if they’re not.”
While it may be a hassle to change habits, Porterfield said it’s worth it to save some money.
“People are different and people tend to have driving habits that aren’t conducive to good gas mileage, but you can change.” | 2022-06-10T04:14:47Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston mechanic offers tips to make the most of each gallon of gas | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/charleston-mechanic-offers-tips-make-most-each-gallon-gas/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/charleston-mechanic-offers-tips-make-most-each-gallon-gas/ |
It’s the middle weekend of the outdoor musical ‘Into the Woods’ as performed by the Huntington Area Regional Theatre... H.A.R.T. for short.
Tony Cavalier was on hand for last weekend’s opening show.
The show runs all weekend long and next Thursday and Friday. There is a kids pre-show at 7:30 p.m., with ‘Into the Woods’ starting at 8:30 p.m. and ending under the stars at 11 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and picnic basket! | 2022-06-10T19:37:22Z | www.wsaz.com | Into the Woods with H.A.R.T. in the Park | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/into-woods-with-hart-park/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/into-woods-with-hart-park/ |
HUNTINGTON/CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - WSAZ partnered with the American Red Cross to encourage the community to give back to their community through blood donation.
Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. Blood is essential to help patients survive surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. This lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation. The need for blood is constant and at this year’s Donorama many of you helped the Red Cross exceed their goal.
The Huntington organization hoped to collect 40 pints of blood and ended up having 42 pints donated.
In Charleston the goal was 45 pints and at the end of the day they hit 47.
If you weren’t able to give but would like to donate CLICK HERE. | 2022-06-10T21:08:24Z | www.wsaz.com | WSAZ Donorama exceeds donation goals | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/wsaz-donorama-exceeds-donation-goals/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/wsaz-donorama-exceeds-donation-goals/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - It’s the time of year when dancers of all ages take to the stage to show off what they’ve learned in extracurricular classes like ballet, tap, and jazz. It’s a lot of time and hard work, but one dance studio would not have been able to make it this year -- except a generous hand offered some help, and it came from a competing dance studio.
This year at the Nancy’s School of Dance recital there were some new faces in attendance. Those faces came from another dance studio, Huntington Dance Theatre.
“When our studio had a calamity - water damage that ruined our entire studio - she came to our rescue. She provided a place for us to stay,” said Huntington Dance Theatre board member, Sara Simpson.
Simpson was speaking about the owner of Nancy’s School of Dance, Nancy Carter.
Nancy is not only a performer, but she’s been in the dance business in the tri-state area for quite a while.
“She’s the grand dame of dance. She’s been in business for 58 years,” said dancer and instructor, Pam Carden.
When water ruined Huntington Dance Theatre’s studio, Nancy was the first one to step up.
“We didn’t advertise that it had happened. As soon as she heard about it, she must have reacted and reacted in a way that nobody else had,” said Erin Stephens the Director of Huntington Dance Theatre.
Carden has been teaching and dancing with Nancy for years, and she was not surprised at all when Nancy offered up her space to another studio.
“It’s like her instinct was to help those dancers. Their teachers came in. Their students came in. She had a waiting room set up for the parents so they could sit while their children had classes. I don’t know too many people who would open their studio or open their space for something like that,” Carden said.
Several leaders at Huntington Dance Theatre reached out to WSAZ to nominate Nancy, because she saw another studio’s need and went above and beyond to help keep their dancers in step.
“I think she sees that dancing is more than what you see on the stage. It reaches out into the community,” Carden said.
“It shows she cares about the arts in the tri-state,” Simpson said.
The connection has brought the two dance studios closer. Every year, Huntington Dance Theatre performs “The Nutcracker,” and this year some of the dancers from Nancy’s School of Dance will be a part of the performance as soldiers. It’s a part that requires a lot of tap skills, which is Nancy’s specialty. | 2022-06-10T22:22:34Z | www.wsaz.com | WSAZ Hometown Hero | Studio owner offers space to fellow business | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/wsaz-hometown-hero-studio-owner-offers-space-fellow-business/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/wsaz-hometown-hero-studio-owner-offers-space-fellow-business/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man wanted in connection with a deadly shooting that happened Saturday in downtown Charleston was arrested in Florida, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Meeko Harris, 23, of Beckley, West Virginia, was arrested in Osceola County, Florida, police said Friday.
James Daugherty, 27, died from gunshot wounds he suffered in a parking lot between Hale Street and Kanawha Boulevard in Charleston.
Police say Harris was arrested with the help of the U.S. Marshals Service.
ORIGINAL STORY 6/4/22
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Warrants have been issued for a man who is wanted in a deadly shooting that happened Saturday in downtown Charleston.
Charleston Police Department are looking for Meeko Harris.
He’s 23 years old and from Beckley.
Harris is wanted for first-degree murder and wanton endangerment.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - One man is dead after a shooting in downtown Charleston. | 2022-06-10T22:39:39Z | www.wsaz.com | Man arrested in deadly Charleston shooting | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/04/warrants-issued-man-wanted-murder-charleston/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/04/warrants-issued-man-wanted-murder-charleston/ |
CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WSAZ) - Broadband expansion upgrades are coming to improve strength and connectivity in Ohio.
The state plans to bring thousands of jobs to Ohio to help grow the workforce to build the infrastructure.
Melissa Goodwin, owner of Ohio Valley Outlet, said she relies on a strong and reliable internet connection to keep things running smoothly.
“I rely on it 24/7. I’m on a computer most of the day because I do a lot of sales online, EBAY, and customer questions. I’m on the internet all day long,” Goodwin said.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced a broadband and 5G-focused Individualized Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP) round. This is the third round of the initiative, which helps those who are low income, partially unemployed, or totally unemployed participate in a training program and receive a technology-focused credential at no cost. The goal is to grow the workforce to build the broadband infrastructure in Ohio.
Eligible credentials include Fiber Optics, Telecommunications Tower Technician, Fiber to Any Antenna (FTAA), and the 5G Readiness program.
“We are working to ensure that everyone can participate in the modern economy, education and health care system through broadband access, and to do that, the infrastructure has to be built from the ground up by skilled workers,” Husted said. “These short-term credentials can be earned quickly and will provide excellent employment opportunities for Ohioans to make an average of $50,000 per year or more.”
“As we expand our broadband and 5G footprint across Ohio, we will need the workers who can make that happen,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development, which administers the program. “The focus of this IMAP round will help more Ohioans enter the workforce of the future and put them on the path for success.”
Husted also announced Friday that four schools in Southeast Ohio will partner to offer a Certified Fiber Optic Technician program.
Washington County Career Center, Mid-East Career & Technology Centers, Belmont-Harrison Career Centers, and Noble Local School District worked with local industry partners to secure a donated mobile trailer that will be shared among the institutions. The schools will set a schedule for each institution to offer the program for six to eight-week intervals, and then the mobile trailer will move to the next institution for another cohort.
The IMAP application period for training providers runs through June 27. | 2022-06-11T00:02:29Z | www.wsaz.com | Thousands of jobs coming to Ohio through broadband expansion | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/thousands-jobs-coming-ohio/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/10/thousands-jobs-coming-ohio/ |
The chief says they try to learn from school shootings to become better prepared if they ever have to respond to such a call.
SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WSAZ) - Following the deadly shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed, the response by police is the subject of investigations by the U.S. Justice Department as well as Texas State Police.
South Point Police Chief Chris Majher, a father himself, says each school shooting is closely examined in an effort to become better prepared.
“We always want to take something away from that tragedy as far as what we can learn from it,” he said.
Family members of the victims have questioned why officers delayed entering the school and confronting the gunman for more than an hour.
“I for no moment think any of those officers down there were cowardly in their actions,” Majher said. “I think procedure probably got in the way of a response. Where is the incident command? I think that’s where some of the things possibly fell apart with that. I think that’s where we would probably fare well as far as doing ourselves justice by doing more training with that aspect of it.”
Majher talked about his department’s protocols for a scenario they hope is never realized.
“It is our standing policy here when we train, if it is a hostage situation or barricaded suspect situation, at the moment you hear gunfire, we have believed and assessed at that point negotiations have failed,” he said. “At that point we’re going to gain entry.”
The chief says all their new officers spend time at the North American SWAT Training Association in Columbus, where they do active shooter drills. That training was unavailable for the past couple years because of COVID-19, but it has resumed.
“We definitely want to keep up with our training, and that’s the only thing we can do as law enforcement right now, learn from the tragedy, try to learn something from a bad situation,” he said.
Majher says he encourages officers to keep certain items in their personal vehicles so they’ll be prepared to quickly respond to a call, even if they’re not on duty. | 2022-06-11T03:13:53Z | www.wsaz.com | Local police chief shares perspective on active shooter preparations | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/11/local-police-chief-shares-perspective-active-shooter-preparations/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/11/local-police-chief-shares-perspective-active-shooter-preparations/ |
while the law went into effect Monday, the rules are still the same when it comes to where you can and cannot take a gun.(WTAP News)
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) -- You no longer need a Carrying a Concealed Weapon permit to be packing heat in the state of Ohio.
Senate Bill 215, which passed the Ohio General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine back in March, has gone into effect.
It makes the Buckeye State the 23rd state in the nation to allow citizens to carry a concealed handgun without a permit.
The new law lets you carry a gun and conceal it, as long as you’re at least 21 years of age and a qualifying adult.
But while the law went into effect Monday, the rules are still the same when it comes to where you can and cannot take a gun.
“You can’t take them into bars, you can’t take them into schools, you can’t take them into government buildings,” said Lawrence County Prosecutor Brigham Anderson. “Also, you cannot have a firearm in your possession if you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”
CCW licenses aren’t going away though. Anderson says it may still be a good idea to take a CCW class.
“A CCW or Conceal Carry Permit still has several advantages. One of which is traveling in states that have reciprocity in Ohio. Under the current conceal carry law that went into effect today, you still can’t carry a firearm into states like Kentucky, our neighboring state,” Anderson told WSAZ. “It’s important that people be very vigilant and careful about how they’re carrying it and where they’re carrying it.”
Anderson says when it comes to being in the car, you’re still not allowed to carry a concealed weapon that is loaded and available to the driver within an arm’s reach.
Ammunition would still need to be kept somewhere else in the vehicle.
If you want to get some extra training and take those CCW classes, Anderson says to get a hold of your local sheriff’s office.
“Carrying a firearm comes with it great responsibility, because it can be deadly in an instant,” Anderson said. “It’s important for people to be well trained in their firearm, how their firearm works, so they don’t harm themselves, or harm others unintentionally.”
In a statement to WSAZ, Sgt. Brice Nihiser with the Ohio State Highway Patrol says, “We’re encouraging anyone who chooses to carry a firearm to make sure that you’re doing it safely and legally with the new law change, because it’s a big responsibility to take on.” | 2022-06-13T19:09:23Z | www.wsaz.com | Ohio’s “Constitutional Carry” law has gone into effect | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/13/ohios-constitutional-carry-law-has-gone-into-effect/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/13/ohios-constitutional-carry-law-has-gone-into-effect/ |
There is a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible.
GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - While driving around Ohio, it’s hard to miss Ohio Department of Highway (ODOT) crews hard at work, using machinery they depend on every day.
At times, crews will park their trucks and tractors at the Greenfield Township Volunteer Fire Department when working around that area in Gallia County.
However, ODOT worker Greg Russell couldn’t pick up his tractor for his next shift. Instead, he came back to ashes.
“Through the night [someone] came here and demolished it, caught it on fire,” Russell said. “We don’t have a tractor any more; it’s gone.”
According to Josh Hobbs, who is the Chief of Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau, two tractors caught fire around 1:21 a.m. June 1.
One of those tractors was operated by ODOT crews, and another was used in the county.
There have already been nearly a dozen arson-related fires in and around the Greenfield Township area, just during the last several weeks. Hobbs says while he believes this incident is connected to those other arson fires, it’s a slight escalation because someone set fire to government property.
“A lot of our mowings are getting behind because that tractor was so valuable,” James Lester, an ODOT worker, said. “They haven’t been able to mow the banks, the safety sight distance … and it’s really impacted the public, too, not seeing around these curves-- deer can jump out right at the front of the car.”
If you have any information, you’re asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 614-752-7106. This number will lead you to their Fire and Explosion Investigations department. | 2022-06-13T23:42:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Arson investigation underway in Gallia County | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/13/arson-investigation-underway-gallia-county/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/13/arson-investigation-underway-gallia-county/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Three weeks after the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting, West Virginia lawmakers received a briefing from state officials on preparedness efforts and school safety in the Mountain State.
Legislative leaders billed Tuesday’s presentation as a general session for informational purposes. Their members received three reports on current conditions and potential upgrades.
Rob Cunningham, deputy secretary for the state’s Department of Homeland Security, told lawmakers about the potential development of an app. He believes an app-based reporting system would be of more use to students, who favor text messaging and apps to telephone calls.
Cunningham, who also serves on the Putnam County Board of Education, told lawmakers he was tasked May 26 with looking at school safety issues.
A state Department of Education official outlined requirements that every district to have a crisis response plan. He also noted the need of one caring adult for every child, believing such attention could help help identify threats.
Lawmakers also learned about safety barriers that are built into new schools, such as entrance barriers strong enough to block a vehicle, numbering on every door and window to help first responders and trap doors that can help isolate an intruder to one area.
The director of the state School Building Authority, David Roach, told lawmakers half of the state’s schools lack safe entrance construction. He estimates retrofitting all remaining schools would cost the state $164 million.
WSAZ asked lawmakers what concerns still need addressed.
“What concerns me is that we need to expand our talks,” said Del. Sean Hornbuckle, D-Cabell. “I think this was a good start. We have to look at this from a holistic standpoint. I didn’t hear enough today about the mental health of our students and having more social workers and therapists in the classroom. I think that is highly important.”
Del. Dana Ferrell, R-Kanawha, pointed to the need for better cell service at some schools, believing communication is crucial in an emergency.
“So you can imagine, you’ve got a school building, as we mentioned here, outside authorities are unknown to what’s going on inside, there’s very few windows that they can see in there, so communication is vital,” he said. “Right now we are sorely lacking in the state of West Virginia with cell phone coverage in our school buildings.”
Other lawmakers asked about alarm systems to notify school administrators when a door is ajar, as well as the percentage of schools with prevention resource officers at the facility.
Cunningham estimates about 25% of schools in West Virginia have one of those officers.
No action was taken Tuesday. Any legislation would require a special session or have to wait until lawmakers convene in regular session next January. | 2022-06-14T22:32:43Z | www.wsaz.com | W.Va. lawmakers briefed on school safety | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/14/wva-lawmakers-briefed-school-safety/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/14/wva-lawmakers-briefed-school-safety/ |
Thousands of people are dealing with the scenario after Monday night's storms knocked out power.
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - Dangerous heat combined with no electricity is making for a challenging mix for thousands of people in our region waiting for their power to be restored following Monday night’s storms.
Elderly neighbors along Wilson Ridge in the Willow Wood area of Lawrence County are trying to cope with the high temperatures without the benefit of air conditioning.
Lloyd Shuff uses an oxygen machine for his sleep apnea, but Tuesday he faced his second consecutive night without it.
“It’s hard to breath,” Shuff said. “It makes it really rough.”
Laura Romine couldn’t tolerate the stifling heat at her own home any longer. She went to stay next door with her daughter, who has a generator. The generator doesn’t power the AC, but large fans offer relief.
“I couldn’t take it any more,” she said. “It’s too hot, and I just feel weak.”
A spokesperson with Buckeye Rural Electric says they’ve brought in five contractors to help crews deal with broken poles and downed lines, but it could be days before power is restored for some.
According to their Facebook page, as of 5:30 Tuesday evening, more than 4,000 members remained without power. That number was around 10,000 at the peak of the storm.
“There are many factors that affect the restoration speed, and the widespread damage that we are seeing takes a lot of time and manpower to fix,” a post on the page said. “At this time, we are still unable to provide estimated restoration times, but crews will continue to work throughout the night.” | 2022-06-15T03:06:17Z | www.wsaz.com | Coping with oppressive heat without electricity | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/coping-with-oppressive-heat-without-electricity/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/coping-with-oppressive-heat-without-electricity/ |
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - When an Army Intelligence Officer returned to his hometown of Portsmouth in 2007, he saw the devastation caused by the opioid epidemic. After serving two tours in Iraq, he brought those skills home and put them to use.
Dale King has been trying to find ways to help the community cope and heal. He found power and strength when he started a local CrossFit gym.
Now, a feature documentary is in the works to showcase the work, dedication and perseverance of a small town, looking to make a comeback.
“Small Town Strong” is a feature film from Vaughn and Violet Productions and Spartan Solutions Group, telling the story of addiction, recovery, compassion and fitness.
Filming wraps up Saturday, at “The Gauntlet” CrossFit competition. Thirty 4-person teams will compete in a 90-minute test of strength, endurance and physical challenges.
More details will be announced once the documentary is ready to be released. | 2022-06-15T03:06:30Z | www.wsaz.com | Portsmouth becomes backdrop for documentary | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/portsmouth-becomes-backdrop-documentary/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/portsmouth-becomes-backdrop-documentary/ |
WASHINGTON (NBC NEWS) - Senator Mitch McConnell, who leads the GOP Senate minority, is suggesting he will support a gun safety bill.
The senior Senator from Kentucky said he is “comfortable” with the framework of the legislation worked out by a bi-partisan group of senators, and if the legislation is similar to the framework - the bill will have his support.
“Senator Cornyn, who as you know I asked to be the point person on our side to see if we could come to an outcome after these horrible school shootings. And his teammates indicated, as you have reported, are coming together behind the framework which hopefully can be turned into legislative language and passed. For myself, I’m comfortable with the framework and if the legislation ends up reflecting what the framework indicates, I’ll be supporting,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R) Kentucky.
“I’ve already told you my view of the framework, if it leads to a piece of legislation, I intend to support it. I think its progress for the country and I think the bipartisan group has done the best they can to get total support. And the background check enhancement for that age group, I think it’s a step in the right direction,” Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, (R) Kentucky. | 2022-06-15T14:20:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell says he supports framework deal on guns | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/senate-minority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-says-he-supports-framework-deal-guns/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/senate-minority-leader-mitch-mcconnell-says-he-supports-framework-deal-guns/ |
Community Action Organization’s (CAO) Hygiene Trailer sets up outside of the Salvation Army in Portsmouth, Ohio.(WSAZ)
(WSAZ) - Thousands across the region remain without power Wednesday following Monday night’s severe weather.
New Hope United Methodist Church in Proctorville, Ohio has opened a cooling station in its fellowship hall.
People hoping to escape the heat can stop by June 15 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, June 16 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
New Hope is located at 111 Township Road 1130 Proctorville, Ohio 45669. For any questions call 740-886-5311.
The Community Acton Organization’s (CAO) Hygiene Trailer set up outside of the Salvation Army in Portsmouth Wednesday.
The trailer is available from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wednesday for anyone needing to take a shower or do laundry
The trailer will be outside of the Salvation Army Thursday as well between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Salvation Army in Portsmouth has also opened its lobby to the public.
The Excessive Heat Waring remains in effect until 8 p.m. Wednesday. | 2022-06-15T15:51:24Z | www.wsaz.com | Cooling centers open as heat wave hits the region | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/cooling-centers-open-heat-wave-hits-region/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/cooling-centers-open-heat-wave-hits-region/ |
Huntington officials break ground on new fire station named after former mayor(WSAZ/Emily Bennett)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Huntington city officials broke ground at the site of a future fire station Wednesday at the corner of 9th Avenue and 20th Street Wednesday morning.
“We will not be satisfied with anything less than the Huntington Fire Department being the best professional fire department in the nation,” said Mayor Steve Williams.
The station will be named after former Huntington Mayor Joseph L. Williams Jr. and it will replace the current University Fire Station at 6th Avenue and 20th Street.
The new station will be south of the viaducts and will enhance response times, especially in bad weather.
“This allows us to have resources on both sides of that divide in the event of a catastrophe of some sort,” said Fire Chief Greg Fuller.
Chief Fuller says the new station will have a drive-through design, eliminating the problem they have at the current station with single-door garages, which make it hard for trucks to get in and out.
He says they also have concerns with the sleeping quarters at the old station.
“Being in a situation where you don’t have firefighters whose sleeping quarters are directly above the diesel exhaust, gives us a safety enhancement that we’re very very pleased with,” he said.
Chief Fuller said it’s also important to place a fire station in the Fairfield community as they respond there the most.
“From statistics, Fairfield is the area where we have the most fires in the city of Huntington, and unfortunately, we’ve had the most fatalities,” said Fuller. “This station is going to serve a very important purpose by being here and allowing us to quickly get to folks needing help.”
Mayor Williams Jr. who the station is named after is a longtime resident of the Fairfield neighborhood, where the station will be located.
“It’s something I never expected,” said Williams Jr. “I’ve only done what I felt I should do throughout my life and because there are so many people that have done so much to make our nation great but never receive recognition, I feel somewhat guilty that I received the recognition that they should have received.”
Williams served on Huntington City Council from 1981-1985 and was appointed by his fellow council members to serve as mayor in 1984-85 when the City of Huntington operated under a council-manager form of government.
“Being associated with a group of men and women who would put their own life on the line in order to save people their home and property, I couldn’t think of a better group of individuals that I would want to be associated with,” said Williams.
The project will cost $4.9 million to complete, and construction will begin later this month. Fuller says he hopes it will be in operation in July of 2023.
This is one of two new stations that will be open before January of 2025. Mayor Steve Williams says they are currently working on a design and finances for one in Westmorland.
Mayor Steve Williams also said for the 2023 fiscal year, the fire department will have the largest budget in history with nearly $14.5 million.
The new station also will provide a training room with classroom space. | 2022-06-15T17:22:48Z | www.wsaz.com | Huntington officials break ground on new fire station named after former mayor | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/huntington-officials-break-ground-new-fire-station-named-after-former-mayor/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/huntington-officials-break-ground-new-fire-station-named-after-former-mayor/ |
A portion of U.S. 23 is blocked Wednesday after a driver was shot by authorities following a police pursuit.(Wymt)
PIKE COUNTY, Ky (WSAZ) - A driver was shot by authorities following a police pursuit in Pike County Wednesday, according to Kentucky State Police.
The chase was initiated by officers with the Pikeville Police Department.
The driver is alive, but injuries are unknown at this time, according to Kentucky State Police.
Kentucky State Police has not released a location of where the chase began, but a portion of U.S. 23 in Pike County is currently closed as state police investigates.
Police are expected to be on scene for several hours, so they suggest drivers find an alternate route. | 2022-06-15T17:23:01Z | www.wsaz.com | Police pursuit ends with driver shot by authorities | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/police-pursuit-ends-with-driver-shot-by-authorities/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/police-pursuit-ends-with-driver-shot-by-authorities/ |
The kids may be out of school for the summer, but if you’re a parent, you know sports never stop.(Sarah Bankston/WSAZ)
CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- The kids may be out of school for the summer, but if you’re a parent, you know sports never stop.
Wednesday morning, both the Cabell Midland Football and Boys Soccer Team held practices.
The football team was already scheduled to practice at 8 a.m., but the soccer team wasn’t supposed to start until 7:00 p.m.
But with temperatures in the 90s at that hour, the athletic trainer told coaches they needed to have all practices done by 11 a.m. if they planned on holding them.
“It’s a lot easier for me to be proactive by looking at the heat, what’s coming, and tell my coaches to adapt beforehand, rather than being in a hot practice and have to react to a player that may have lost consciousness or is going through a possible heat stroke,” said Andrew DeMoss, who is the athletic trainer at Cabell Midland High School.
Student athletes recognize the dangers, too.
“In the heat like this, anybody can pass out, but as long as you’re hydrated, that’s the key thing for this heat,” said Shawn Rouse, a senior on the football team.
With extreme temperatures still expected to be a factor tomorrow – the soccer team will once again practice tomorrow morning. | 2022-06-15T18:54:12Z | www.wsaz.com | Practice moved up ahead of extreme heat | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/practice-moved-up-ahead-extreme-heat/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/practice-moved-up-ahead-extreme-heat/ |
World Music Day is a time to spotlight the power of music and the impact it can have on your body, mind, and soul.
Interestingly, those powerful physical reactions, like goosebumps, that happen when listening to a certain song, can also be harnessed to help with chronic neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
For more information, visit msinharmony.com. | 2022-06-15T19:51:03Z | www.wsaz.com | Music therapy and multiple sclerosis | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/music-therapy-multiple-sclerosis/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/music-therapy-multiple-sclerosis/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Just like many public pools in the region, Kanawha County Parks and Recreation is having a hard time staffing lifeguards.
Coonskin pool is short about eight lifeguards, forcing officials to close the pool on Mondays.
The director tells WSAZ.com the main problems are work ethic and extracurricular activity conflicts.
“These kids, they don’t work like they used to when I was a kid,” said Jeff Hutchinson, Kanawha County Parks and Recreation. “If they’re playing sports, most of the lifeguards are cheerleading, they’re in the band, their season never ends. It’s all summer long, all year long, they’re always doing it. So, it’s tough, it’s tough to employ them.”>
Hutchinson says attendance has been down. He sited inflation costs and families purchasing their own pools are contributing factors. | 2022-06-15T21:22:19Z | www.wsaz.com | Lifeguard shortage reducing pool hours | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/lifeguard-shortage-reducing-pool-hours/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/15/lifeguard-shortage-reducing-pool-hours/ |
Powermate 4500 Watt Dual Fuel Portable Generator(PRNewswire)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Power outages have been the source of headaches throughout the tri-state area this week.
Many tend to turn to using portable generators to power their homes.
“When the storms come, it’s common for folks to lose power and it’s common practice for household generators to be used,” Charleston Fire Captain David Hodges said.
However, incorrectly using one could pose the risk of starting a fire.
He said safely using a generator starts by picking the best spot to keep it, which should be outside.
“The best spot is going to be a predetermined area, that way it’s going to be easy access and minimal use of electricity and electrical cords to run to the power supply, he said. “It has to be on a firm surface so it doesn’t roll away.”
Hodges said generators should be kept back 5 feet away from any object.
Keeping it outside prevents carbon monoxide from turning the home into a danger zone.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that people will leave it indoors in a garage and assume enough air will flow through a garage but that’s not true,” he said. “Carbon monoxide will continue to flow a poisonous gas throughout your home.”
He said ahead of severe weather, test out the generator.
“Pull it outside to make sure it’s going to work properly,” he said. “I’d encourage you to not leave it outside during the storm so it doesn’t get blown away. It does pose the risk of fire growth, especially with all that fuel on top of it.”
Hodges says working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors should also be in use if there are plans to use a generator. | 2022-06-16T01:55:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston fire official talks generator safety | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/charleston-fire-official-talks-generator-safety/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/charleston-fire-official-talks-generator-safety/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Any time we’re dealing with temperatures in the high 90s, heat stroke is one of the most dangerous illnesses you can get.
If you leave your dog, cat, or any other pet outside for too long, they can get dangerously sick too.
“It’s really important to limit breaks outside particularly while the sun is up,” said Sarah Tolley with the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association. “Limit the breaks and the number of times they go out in a day and how long they’re out for each time.”
Tolley said there are signs in animals of heat exhaustion including excessive panting and pacing around for shade.
If it escalates to heat stroke, they may not be able to stand or suffer a seizure.
So, if you’re taking your dog for a walk, you want to avoid the middle of the day.
“It needs to be early in the morning or late in the evening when you’re going for a long walk to really stretch their legs,” she said. “If you are from home for the day, quick breaks, five minutes. Set a timer on your phone and bring them back in.”
At the Humane Association, they’re taking care of dozens of dogs and cats.
When it gets this hot, they start coming in at 6:30 a.m. to make sure they can take everyone outside.
They can’t take their dogs to their normal play areas because there’s a chance they’ll burn their paws.
“If it’s too hot for you to hold your hand or foot on the pavement for ten seconds, it’s too hot for paws as well,” Tolley said.
Cement surfaces can already hurt pets’ paws, but when it comes to asphalt, extra caution is needed. Tolley said a 10-minute walk can result in first-degree burns to their paws. | 2022-06-16T03:27:01Z | www.wsaz.com | Keeping your pet safe in the heat | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/keeping-your-pet-safe-heat/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/keeping-your-pet-safe-heat/ |
Community members gathered across the street from where Zsailynn Conley was shot and prayed for justice.
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - Community members came together Wednesday night to honor the life of a 4-year-old boy who was shot and killed Sunday night by a stray bullet in Portsmouth.
Zsailynn Conley died after police say he was hit as he was sitting on a porch with his mother.
Three days after the tragedy, dozens gathered in Mound Park, just across the street from where Conley was shot. They prayed and sang hymns by a memorial set up in the child’s honor.
“He was a sweet little thing and also had a silly side to him,” LaDonna Brady, a friend of the family, said. “This is heartbreaking. He had so much life ahead of him.”
Tracy Perry worked at the daycare where Conley went and began to babysit him outside of work. She says he became like family.
“He was the sweetest little kid,” she said. “He had the prettiest eyes that would make you smile. I can’t even explain it.”
Portsmouth police were called to Grant Street around 11:35 Sunday night after shots were fired.
The chief says it’s believed at least two guns were used, and a stray bullet hit the boy as he was on a porch with his mother.
The mother tells WSAZ she heard a couple shots coming from the direction of the park, but it was dark and she didn’t see anyone firing. Then she became hysterical when she saw her son had been hit.
He was pronounced dead at SOMC.
“It’s not supposed to be like this,” the mother said. “You’re not supposed to outlive your own child.”
Perry says whoever is responsible should come forward.
“This was a child, a child who had no reason to even be involved in this,” Perry said. “He had a good future ahead of him, and you just wiped that out for him, so I hope you step up to the plate and take what you get.”
A vigil was also held Wednesday night at Millbrook Park in New Boston. | 2022-06-16T03:27:08Z | www.wsaz.com | Vigil held for boy shot and killed in Portsmouth | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/vigil-held-boy-shot-killed-portsmouth/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/vigil-held-boy-shot-killed-portsmouth/ |
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky (WSAZ) - Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced Thursday that action by his Special Prosecutions Unit resulted in the indictment of a school administrator, for alleged crimes involving the sexual assault of minors.
On June 15, 2022, a Floyd County Grand Jury indicted April Bradford, 50, of Weeksbury for eleven counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, first degree; one count of sodomy, second degree; and seven counts of sodomy, third degree.
The charges are related to allegations made by two victims who were minors between 1997 and 2007, at the time the alleged crimes occurred. | 2022-06-16T14:05:54Z | www.wsaz.com | Ky AG announces indictment of Floyd County school administrator | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/ky-ag-announces-indictment-floyd-county-school-administrator/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/ky-ag-announces-indictment-floyd-county-school-administrator/ |
Free Smoke Detector Day
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The City of Huntington, the Huntington Fire Department, the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office and the American Red Cross are teaming up to bring smoke detectors to an area in need.
Free smoke detector installation day will take place on June 22, 2022 from 1-4 p.m.
You can register for the program here. | 2022-06-16T20:11:05Z | www.wsaz.com | Free smoke detector installation program comes to Huntington | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/free-smoke-detector-installation-program-comes-huntington/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/free-smoke-detector-installation-program-comes-huntington/ |
Emergency Preparedness Kit(KSPR)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The effects of extreme heat to powerful storms can change the way a home runs in an instant.
Kanawha County Emergency Management Director C.W. Sigman believes now makes the best time to build an emergency preparedness kit in case there is a power outage.
Sigman said kits are essential all throughout the year.
“You kind of forget about needing it in the summertime, but with all these power outages due to the heavy storms the other night, it’s even more important,” he said.
He said keeping a kit handy makes a difference when hardship strikes.
According to Sigman, the kit should be kept in a cool, dry place like a pantry.
He said basic essentials go a long way.
“Think about your whole neighborhood going out of power and you can’t see a thing. Having a flashlight takes that fear out a little bit. You can see what you need to do; it takes that fear factor out,” he explained.
“Have some wipes to clean up, if you’re out of power for a long time you might lose what’s in your refrigerator so non-perishable food items are very important.”
He advised having at least three days worth of supplies in the kit.
“I advise you to make sure you’re stocked up with non-perishable foods you already eat, like condensed milk and peaches,” he said. “Buy stuff you’ll eat anyway so you’re not panicking about what you will eat.”
Other options include military-style meals like contained vegetable lasagna.
Sigman said it is best to build a kit as soon as possible, and given recent extreme heat, he expects storms will not be far behind.
“Think if you’re without power what are you going to need? A full tank of gas to get somewhere? Water, alternate sources of power?” he asked. “No one knows more of what you need than you do.”
He said similar kits can be made for the car, just be sure the car is frequently kept in the shade and food is rotated regularly to avoid expiration. | 2022-06-16T20:11:11Z | www.wsaz.com | Kanawha County Emergency Management walks through preparedness kit building | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/kanawha-county-emergency-management-walks-through-preparedness-kit-building/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/kanawha-county-emergency-management-walks-through-preparedness-kit-building/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Part of the Kanawha Turnpike is closed late Thursday afternoon due to an accident involving multiple utility poles and power lines down in the roadway, Metro 911 dispatchers say.
The incident was reported just after 4 p.m. No injuries were reported.
All of the Kanawha Turnpike from Jefferson Road to the Interstate 64 West exit ramp (Exit 55) is shut down at this time, dispatchers say. They said it could be closed for “an extended time.” | 2022-06-16T21:42:23Z | www.wsaz.com | Accident closes part of Kanawha Turnpike | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/accident-closes-part-kanawha-turnpike/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/accident-closes-part-kanawha-turnpike/ |
CABELL COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Monday night’s storm knocked out power to more than 73,000 Appalachian Power customers and, as of Thursday afternoon, AEP officials say about 90% of customers have their service restored.
For the 10% still out of power, the last three days they say have been nearly unbearable.
“Even at 10 p.m. it took your breath away stifling hot,” said Josh Coleman who was out of power.
Coleman lives in Rush Hollow near Ona with his elderly mother. He was one of thousands who lost power during Monday night’s storm.
He was on vacation when the power went out, and his mother called him to tell him about the storm -- telling him she’d probably be out of power for the night.
He said she called AEP Tuesday and they told her it would be on by Wednesday, but when he came home Wednesday evening it was still out.
“Every single one, even my neighbor over there were back on, but these two homes weren’t which concerned me,” Coleman said.
He called AEP who said, according to the online outage map, the outage had been fixed.
“I said, ‘I think that’s inaccurate because I’m standing right here and it’s not on’,” Coleman said.
When he walked into his house, he says he found his mother nearly passed out due to the heat.
“She didn’t have her wits about her whatsoever. She was just kind of ‘Josh, Josh are you there are you there?” said Coleman. “I said, ‘Yeah mom it’s me’ and she said, ‘is it morning is it night?’ completely disassociated from her normal self.”
Coleman says his mother’s dogs also got heat exhaustion and one nearly died.
Thursday morning, he noticed the map was updated to show his outage, which said fewer than five customers.
“It’s just frustrating that you make sure that you pay a power bill on time, because power is essential. There’s always a lot of words of ‘we’re going to get this done as fast as possible’ but actions always speak louder than words,” Coleman said.
Coleman’s neighbor, Brittany Cook, also lost power Monday. She says she’s trying her best to keep her five children and her disabled veteran father-in-law from getting heat exhaustion.
“We’ve just been doing our best to try to keep him cooled down put air on him but it’s definitely been a struggle,” Cook said.
She says they’ve spent about $600 to buy a cooler, ice, food and battery-operated fans.
“We are literally just trying to survive at this moment,” Cook said.
Coleman told WSAZ that his power came back on around 2 p.m. Thursday. He said he was called to confirm the power was working.
He says it is a slow process to cool the house down, but he still plans to put his mother in a hotel Thursday night so she can recover.
We also found out Thursday evening that Cook’s power has since been restored. | 2022-06-16T23:52:55Z | www.wsaz.com | AEP customers waiting for power restoration endure heat | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/aep-customers-waiting-power-restoration-endure-heat/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/16/aep-customers-waiting-power-restoration-endure-heat/ |
LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - An actor known for his roles in the “Anchorman” films and the hit tv show “The Office” was arrested in Lawrence County, Ohio on his way to a comic con event in Huntington.
David Koechner is accused of drunk driving, his second such charge in the past six months.
Bodycam video from Ohio State Highway Patrol shows a deputy telling a trooper he pulled over actor David Koechner on US 52 for lane violations.
“Glossy eyes, could smell it walking up to the car,” you can hear authorities say in the bodycam video. “I know who you are. I was going to say, I thought that looked like you.”
Koechner told the trooper he’d flown to Cincinnati and was driving to Huntington for an appearance at a comic con event.
In the video recorded just after 1:45 a.m. Saturday, June 4, he told the trooper he’d only had one beer before driving.
“How much have you had to drink tonight?” “one.” “one beer or one shot of liquor?” “no, no. one beer.”
Koechner is seen in the video being given field sobriety tests.
The California native was placed in handcuffs. He told the trooper this is his second OVI charge since December.
According to court records, Koechner is also charged with driving under suspension and refusing to provide a breath sample.
The incident report says he was polite, cooperative, and respectful throughout the encounter.
The actor could face up to six months in prison if found guilty.
Koechner is scheduled for a pretrial hearing in Chesapeake, July 8. | 2022-06-17T19:01:12Z | www.wsaz.com | ‘The Office’ and ‘Anchorman’ actor arrested during drive to Comic Con event | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/office-anchorman-actor-arrested-during-drive-comic-con-event/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/office-anchorman-actor-arrested-during-drive-comic-con-event/ |
WVU logo(WSAZ)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Crews fought a fire Friday afternoon at an academic building on West Virginia University’s downtown campus, according to a WVU news release.
Just before 3 p.m., firefighters with the Morgantown Fire Department responded to reports of flames showing from the roof of Armstrong Hall. Crews put out the fire within 20 minutes.
According to the release, less than 20 people were in the building at the time. They were mainly faculty and staff. No classes were being held then.
A cause is unknown, but the State Fire Marshal’s Office is involved with the investigation. | 2022-06-17T21:23:51Z | www.wsaz.com | Crews fight fire at WVU academic building | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/crews-fight-fire-wvu-academic-building/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/crews-fight-fire-wvu-academic-building/ |
ST. ALBANS, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Alvin Trail has lived on Washington Street in St. Albans for 50 years.
“It’s usually a very quiet neighborhood. Everyone tends to their own business and their yards, and we normally don’t have a whole lot of problems in this neighborhood,” he said. “It’s usually quiet here.”
It is why he said he was surprised to learn of a deadly shooting that happened up the street Thursday night.
“I was sort of shocked by the whole thing because,” he said. “Nobody’s had a house broken into that I know of, but now of course you never know what’s going to happen.”
St. Albans Police Chief Mark Gilbert said the homeowner was doing some housework around 8 p.m. Thursday when he came across 47-year-old James Kennedy in his garage.
Law enforcement said the homeowner asked Kennedy to leave.
The homeowner then called the police and returned to find Kennedy still inside. After a slight altercation, the homeowner then fired one gunshot at Kennedy.
Kennedy died from his injuries Friday morning.
St. Albans Police Lt. Michael Elkins said the homeowner and Kennedy did not know each other, but it’s not the first time the homeowner has dealt with break-ins.
“[In the past] he had discovered someone had gotten into his garage and stolen some bicycles,” Elkins recalled. “He discovered another time they got in his deep freezer and was taking food out and cooking it.”
Elkins said there is no current threat to neighbors but the incident serves as a reminder for people to be proactive in protecting themselves and their households.
“Keep all their houses locked up and all valuables secured if they see something, report it that’s what we’re here for,” he warned. “If you see someone on the street that you believe shouldn’t be there or shouldn’t be in the area, report it, that’s what we’re here for.”
Alvin said the warning is just part of his routine.
“I’ve always been overly cautious when I get out of my car,” he said. “I lock it when we go in the house even for a minute we lock it up just a matter of habit.”
Elkins said Kennedy is from St. Albans but it is believed he was homeless at the time of the incident. Elkins said Kennedy also had some criminal history but no felonies.
The homeowner has been cooperating with police.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the St. Albans Police at 304-348-8111 or submit to the tipline. | 2022-06-17T23:08:30Z | www.wsaz.com | Neighbor ‘shocked’ by deadly shooting following St. Albans burglary | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/neighbor-shocked-by-deadly-shooting-following-st-albans-burglary/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/17/neighbor-shocked-by-deadly-shooting-following-st-albans-burglary/ |
A church that had to replace its roof after last year's ice storm is finding itself in an unfortunately familiar scenario.
RUSH, Ky. (WSAZ) - Many people began their weekend by cleaning up storm debris after severe weather left a mark on the region Friday afternoon.
Tree after tree was brought down by powerful winds along a stretch of state Route 854 in Rush, Kentucky.
Kyle Cantwell was on his front porch when the storm hit around 1:30 p.m.
“It happened so fast,” he said. “You couldn’t see probably 15 yards for all the hail and rain.”
At Rush Baptist Chapel, members are feeling an unfortunate sense of déjà vu.
A huge chunk of a sycamore tree collapsed onto its roof nearly overtop of the pulpit.
“It probably broke three or four rafters and a couple hundred square feet of roof metal and siding,” Geoff Riffe, a contractor who’s a friend of the congregation, said. “It made a big mess in the floor, and it got a little bit wet when it rained.”
During the ice storm last year, dozens of trees fell on the same church, and the roof had to be replaced. Now at least part of the roof will have to be replaced again.
“Things happen, and we have no control over that,” Riffe said, “but you roll with the punches, get back up, and go again.”
Riffe is the contractor who did the job last time severe weather hit the church.
“We’ve got the Lord to rely on,” he said. “That’s our hope and prayer, and we’ve got good people that we can call on, and they can make a few phone calls and get people out here, and we don’t care a bit to do it, not at all, and it’s for the Lord’s work. The Lord blesses.”
The church will hold its service Sunday in its fellowship hall. | 2022-06-18T04:03:51Z | www.wsaz.com | Severe weather damages church again | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/18/severe-weather-damages-church-again/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/18/severe-weather-damages-church-again/ |
WHEELERSBURG, Ohio (WSAZ) - A motorcyclist died during a crash Sunday along Ohio River Road, according to Ohio State Highway Patrol.
The crash involving a motorcycle and an SUV happened just before 1 p.m. at the intersection of Downtown Hayport Road in Porter Township.
According to highway patrol, Rodney L. Jenkins, 33, of Portsmouth, was traveling on his motorcycle northbound on Ohio River Road when he collided with the driver of an SUV who was turning left onto Ohio River Road from a business.
Jenkins was ejected from his motorcycle and sustained life-threatening injuries. He was pronounced dead Sunday evening at a hospital.
Highway patrol reports Jenkins was not wearing a helmet.
The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries and was transported to the hospital. | 2022-06-20T16:25:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Motorcyclist killed in crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/20/motorcyclist-killed-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/20/motorcyclist-killed-crash/ |
The mother of two sisters who were shot and killed is calling for justice.
IRONTON, Ohio (WSAZ) - Friends and family are grieving following the loss of two sisters who were found shot and killed in Ashland during the weekend.
Dozens gathered Monday night at 9th Street Park in Ironton, where the sisters were from, for a candlelight vigil and balloon release.
The mother of the girls, Donna Algarakhuly, was among those who attended.
“I’m in denial right now,” she told WSAZ. “I’m trying so hard to not lose it, because my girls were my best friends. They weren’t just my kids. They were my best friends.”
Ashland police say they’ve gotten warrants for several charges against the suspect, including two murder charges.
The victims, Selina Easter and her sister Summer Algarakhuly, were 20 and 18 years old.
Police say the suspect, John Tooson, stole Easter’s car after the shooting and was later found at a home in Toledo, Ohio.
Police say Tooson shot himself there following a barricade situation, and at last check he remained in the hospital in critical condition.
Both Selena and Summer had one child each.
Their mother says it’s heartbreaking her grandchildren now have to grow up without their mothers.
“They did not deserve that either,” she said.
The mother says the accused shooter was Selina’s boyfriend of two years, and she says this totally blindsided her.
“He seemed to be a good guy,” Algarakhuly said. “My daughter and him had disagreements like any relationship would. I didn’t really see anything wrong with him. I assumed they were happy. I never, never would’ve imagined this would happen.”
She says if the accused shooter does recover and get out of the hospital, they will do everything they can to see that justice is served.
“I have no words,” Selina’s friend Kymbria Williams said. “It’s just cowardly, sickly. I don’t know how somebody could shoot two girls who are so young. They have so much life to them.”
The mother says Summer had just moved in with her older sister a few days before the shooting.
They say Selina had been selling insurance in Huntington, and Summer had graduated from Ironton High School last year. | 2022-06-21T04:35:26Z | www.wsaz.com | Vigil held for Ashland murder victims | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/vigil-held-ashland-murder-victims/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/vigil-held-ashland-murder-victims/ |
BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Boone Memorial Hospital will now be known as Boone Memorial Health.
While, the building will still function as a hospital and emergency facility, the new name reflects the effort to improve the community’s health and disease prevention.
Leaders of Boone Memorial Health have also formed the BMH foundation for community health.
The foundation will work with the community on projects that improve and promote a healthy lifestyle.
“For example, we are working on putting lights on a walking bridge. We’re focusing on resurfacing tennis courts. We’re focused on building a new volleyball court and a new splash park,” Virgil Underwood with Boone Memorial Health said. “And so, things I think will potentially bring some jobs to the community, and at the same time allow our community to become more active.”
The foundation has already distributed more than 200-thousand dollars in grants. | 2022-06-21T17:20:36Z | www.wsaz.com | Boone Memorial Hospital becomes Boone Memorial Health | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/boone-memorial-hospital-becomes-boone-memorial-health/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/boone-memorial-hospital-becomes-boone-memorial-health/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ/CNN) -
Four words: Krispy Kreme ice cream.
It’s called ‘original glazed soft serve ice cream,’ a new addition to Krispy Kreme’s lineup.
It is made with whole milk and some of the same secret ingredients in the donuts themselves.
You can eat it straight up in a cup or ask for the sweet treat in a cone or milkshake.
If you’re feeling really indulgent, there are a variety of toppings to choose from, like dehydrated glazed donuts.
You can order the ice cream in a few stores for now, including the Charleston location. | 2022-06-21T18:47:54Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston gets new Krispy Kreme line of ice cream | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/charleston-gets-new-krispy-kreme-line-ice-cream/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/charleston-gets-new-krispy-kreme-line-ice-cream/ |
ST. ALBANS, W.Va. (WSAZ) - At just 6 years old, Deonco Howard was already showing a bright, vibrant personality.
“Everything he did with football, basketball whatever sport he did he wanted to make sure you knew who Deonco was,” his mother, Joniesha Johnson recalled of her youngest son.
“His smile was the world, my baby’s smile was the world, that’s what I have to always remember is my baby’s smile.”
Johnson said loving those around him was a natural instinct, already showing protection over his 5-month-old sister calling him “my beautiful girl.”
“He always looked up to his brothers, his sisters,” Johnson said.
“He always said ‘Mommy, you’re so beautiful.”
The six-year-old drowned Saturday morning in the Kanawha River on a night fishing trip, a visit he was talking about the entire week leading up to the excursion.
Johnson described her kindergartener as a natural outdoorsman, who mentioned his excitement about the trip the hours before the accident.
“We were outside just a normal day outside kids running around, playing like they always do having us a cookout,” she recalled.
“He was determined the whole week to go fishing my sister promised him she was going to take him fishing.”
Johnson’s sister, 31-year-old Michelle Godsley, also drowned in the river that night.
Johnson said night fishing was a family tradition from their childhood they were already passing to their own children.
“Our closeness was out of this world and for you to know her was to know me,” she said of Godsley. “She got a heart of gold, we got a heart of gold we don’t see no fear and that’s how my babies were, both of them.”
Howard just finished kindergarten at Alban Elementary and could not wait for the first grade and loved by all his classmates and teachers.
“I can remember dropping him off here at school, getting off with a smile with his bookbag happy, he’d come home and tell me all about his day,” she said. “He lived his life, he loved his life and he was so happy.”
“Deonco was such joy,” Principal Johnna Jacobs said in a statement to WSAZ:
He had a smile on his face every single day. He hugged me every morning and was excited to be at school to see his friends. He was liked by everyone because he was such a kind and positive person. He would seriously light up a room the second he walked in. He had something special about him that he could make people happy when he was around. No matter how stressful things got, Deonco knew how to make you feel better with a hug and a smile. He will be so missed by everyone.
In a separate statement, Deonco’s teacher, Brittany Lovejoy said:
Man, I cant even tell you how grief-stricken I am after hearing this news. He was one of my favorite little buddies of all time.
I have so many great things to say about this little guy. Things like he was always smiling, laughing, and having a good time.
He was also athletic. His peers would watch in awe as he kicked a soccer ball with accuracy, caught a football with ease, swooshed the basketball at a height most six year olds couldn’t throw, and he’d run around the track so fast it was as if he had been training for a race.
But none of those compares to the compassion he had for others. He understood the people around him, always tried to make sure they were feeling their best about themselves and having a good time.
Deonco was an individual that everyone enjoyed being around. The whole class would light up the minute he walked through the door, broadcasting his name the minute they saw him.
But it’s easy to have tons of friends when you have that sort of charisma about you. His status and number of friends is not what I truly loved about him though, nor was it his athletic ability.
The day Deonco Howard took one particular boy under his wing and offered him second chances, understanding, concern, and most importantly friendship. It meant everything to this child, because he struggled to connect with others. And to finally see this other child smile and beg to be around someone, it was a huge deal and it influenced other children to do the same. To take time out and brighten someone else’s flame instead of their own.
In no time at all, the anxiety in the room dropped dramatically and we were all getting along, showing those kinds of characteristics to each other. And I stood in awe of that kind of gentle but powerful influence.
Sometimes you can force good behavior in a room. But positive peer pressure is by far the best motivator. That was what I was most astonished about with Mr. Howard. His wonderful compassion and the way he might very well have influenced so many around him to look inside themselves and give of themselves instead of take.
For a six year old to accomplish that is a rare thing.
He’ll be sorely missed by me and so many others. I pray that with time and comforting thoughts, everyone can look back and think about how someone so young had already begun to influence the world around him in a positive way.
Johnson said the sunshine of her loved ones is what she believes will get her through the grief.
“I have no regrets about letting my baby go fishing, I know that’s what he wanted to do,” she said. “They’re just laughing and having themselves a good time, I feel them around me and I know that’s what’s keeping me going helping me keep myself together.”
The family has an account for final expenses at City National Bank. Anyone interested can make a donation to the Lynn Claytor/ Deonco Howard fund at any regional chapter.
Portsmouth Public Library Board of Trustees hear public comments on controversial "pride" display | 2022-06-21T23:25:50Z | www.wsaz.com | ‘He lived his life, he loved his life’ | Mother of drowning victim remembers her son | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/he-lived-his-life-he-loved-his-life-mother-drowning-victim-remembers-her-son/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/he-lived-his-life-he-loved-his-life-mother-drowning-victim-remembers-her-son/ |
A popular gun range caught fire during the weekend, leaving employees to clean up the damage.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A popular gun range caught fire during the weekend, leaving employees to clean up the damage.
It happened during the weekend at Bare Arms Indoor Range & Training Center in Huntington.
William Bare, the owner of the business, says the fire happened on Father’s Day. At the time, about eight customers were inside the gun range. All of a sudden, someone smelled smoke, and everyone was immediately evacuated.
When you think of a fire happening at a gun range, you may wonder if there was any ammunition close by. The owner says all of their ammunition is stored in a separate vault area, built with concrete walls with fireproof doors, in case an unexpected fire were to happen.
“You know in business, like life, you have your peaks and valleys and we’re just in that valley, but we’re coming out of it. We’ll be back on that peak here in a few months and people will see a new and improved Bare Arms,” Bare said.
The owner says their gun shop and restaurant, Bombshells, Burgers, and BBQ, are set to be back up and running this week.
As for the gun range, the damage is being assessed. They’re hoping to re-open in the next few months.
Bare says they are very appreciative for the responding firefighters and staff who helped put out the fire. | 2022-06-22T00:22:22Z | www.wsaz.com | Cleanup process begins after gun range fire | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/cleanup-process-begins-after-gun-range-fire/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/21/cleanup-process-begins-after-gun-range-fire/ |
SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - For weeks, a man in Sissonville has been reaching out to West Virginia American Water, asking them to fix a leak near his home.
Richard Johnson first noticed something was wrong around Memorial Day.
“I had water standing there and I couldn’t figure it out ... no rain or nothing,” Johnson said. “I couldn’t figure out why there’s water standing around my bush.”
Shortly after, he said he contacted West Virginia American Water to let them know about the problem.
He said crews came out twice and spray-painted part of the pavement but didn’t fix anything.
Since then, he said he’s called repeatedly and didn’t hear anything for weeks despite the area getting worse.
“Well, my yard is saturated and you can’t run a mower up,” Johnson said. “Just going out of my way for them to ignore what they should be doing.”
Looking at only the water on the side of the road, it doesn’t look that bad. However, when you start walking through Johnson’s lawn, it’s completely waterlogged.
It wasn’t until after we reached out Tuesday to West Virginia American Water that Johnson finally heard back.
“We have a crew for a scheduled repair there tomorrow morning,” a voicemail recording said. “They said it wasn’t that bad, about five gallons a minute. A small leak in the blacktop.”
Despite the assurance that crews will come Wednesday, Johnson isn’t convinced they’ll show up.
“They called before on a Thursday saying they’d be out here and didn’t show up,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t bet money that they’ll be there in the morning. If they are it’ll just be because y’all call them is the only reason.”
When texting back and forth with the spokesperson for West Virginia American Water, they said:
“Our records indicate that the customer reached out to us on 6/16 and indicated this was a small leak in the blacktop in front of his home.”
Johnson said this is wrong as crews have already been to his home.
“It sounds to me like there is no communication with the water company or either they’re lying about it because I know when I called,” he said.
West Virginia American Water also told us they’ve been working on several emergency orders in Sissonville during the last two weeks, forcing all non-emergency orders to be delayed. | 2022-06-22T03:59:48Z | www.wsaz.com | Standing water ongoing issue for Sissonville man | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/standing-water-ongoing-issue-sissonville-man/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/standing-water-ongoing-issue-sissonville-man/ |
Vaccinating young kids against COVID-19
The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department has placed their first order for vaccines for children five-years-old and younger. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will be offered.
“We are in the process of training additional staff to give the shots so that we are ready to begin serving the public as soon as the vaccines arrive,” said Dr. Steven Eshenaur, Health Officer and Executive Director at KCHD. “As soon as the vaccines are here—which is anticipated within the next week—we will make another announcement as to their availability,” Dr. Eshenaur added.
The health department says the Pfizer vaccine is for kids six months to four years, and is given as a series of three shots. The first two shots are three weeks apart, and the third shot is eight weeks after the second shot.
They say the Moderna vaccine is for kids six months to five years. It is given in a eries of two shots, four weeks apart.
Vaccines are given Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at the health department located at 108 Lee Street East in Charleston. | 2022-06-22T13:07:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Health Department places order for vaccines for kids under five | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/health-department-places-order-vaccines-kids-under-five/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/health-department-places-order-vaccines-kids-under-five/ |
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced the opening of a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Driver Licensing Regional Office in Pikeville.
This will add a modern, secure licensing and credentialing services to customers.
The office is located at 126 Trivette Drive. It is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A second location is set to open in Lexington this summer.
One of the service changes include requesting, replacing, or renewing a driving credential at any regional office in the state.
You can visit drive.ky.gov to schedule an appointment online. | 2022-06-22T14:04:14Z | www.wsaz.com | New Driver Licensing Regional Office open in Kentucky | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/new-driver-licensing-regional-office-open-kentucky/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/new-driver-licensing-regional-office-open-kentucky/ |
Reason to Hope Breakfast(wsaz)
Supporters of the West Virginia chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association gathered at the Capitol Market for the Chapter’s Annual Reason to Hope Breakfast.
The breakfast serves as a way to speak about the disease and report on how the funds raised are being spent.
Most of that is spent on the support groups, both in person and remotely.
“We have some education programs now and support groups that are available by Zoom or to call in like conference call, where as before, everything we did before was in person,’ said Sharon Covert with the Alzheimer’s Association of W.Va.
To get information about the Association’s support groups in your area, you can call 800-727-3900, any day, any time.
They also announced they will have the Walk to End Alzheimer’s on Saturday, October 29 at Appalachian Power Park. | 2022-06-22T15:35:43Z | www.wsaz.com | Reason to Hope Breakfast with W.Va. Alzheimer’s Association | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/reason-hope-breakfast-with-wva-alzheimers-association/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/22/reason-hope-breakfast-with-wva-alzheimers-association/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -Marshall’s football players left the weight room and the indoor facility behind to board some vans and do some good in Huntington.
The players worked in conjunction with the state Fire Marshal’s office and the Huntington Fire Department to distribute and help install smoke alarms in houses in the Fairfield community.
The players fanned out throughout the neighborhood to bring the smoke alarms to individual homes and also took the opportunity to interact with fans.
West Virginia Football Club U-15 girls’ team on to nationals | 2022-06-23T00:43:21Z | www.wsaz.com | Herd football players lend a hand in Huntington | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/herd-football-players-lend-hand-huntington/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/herd-football-players-lend-hand-huntington/ |
Magnifying glass on blue background.(MGN)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A search is underway late Wednesday night for a lost hiker trying to get out of the Kanawha State Forest, according to the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say the man was hiking with two friends when they split apart and he didn’t know how to make it back to his vehicle. They say the man was in cellphone contact with county dispatchers.
As of 10:30 p.m., crews from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, a volunteer fire department and the park superintendent were involved with the search. Rescuers were having to cut some fallen trees at the scene after strong to severe thunderstorms moved through earlier.
Other details are unavailable. | 2022-06-23T03:45:54Z | www.wsaz.com | Search underway for lost hiker | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/search-underway-lost-hiker/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/search-underway-lost-hiker/ |
LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – State Route 17 in the Kelly Mountain area of Logan County remained shut down Thursday morning following a deadly helicopter crash.
Ray Bryant, the Chief of Operations for the Logan Emergency Ambulance Authority, confirmed six people died as the Bell UH-1B model came down.
According to the West Virginia Division of Highways, crews are still working to remove the helicopter from the roadway due to downed power lines; however, no customers nearby are experiencing an outage. Appalachian Power reports it is not a company line.
The West Virginia Division of Highways reports a state trooper stayed at the scene of the wreckage all night.
He says the helicopter was a Vietnam-era Huey based out of the Logan airport and was used for tourist flights.
Bryant says at this time it’s not confirmed exactly what went wrong during the flight. The helicopter crashed onto state Route 17 along Blair Mountain. Bryant says the aircraft was on fire when crews arrived at the scene, and firefighters put the fire out.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board will be investigating. The road is blocked off about a mile from the crash site.
The FAA reports that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be in charge of the crash investigation.
Thursday, officials with the Federal Aviation Administration and members of the National Transportation Safety Board were on the way to the site from Washington, D.C., according to WV DOH. | 2022-06-23T12:45:01Z | www.wsaz.com | FAA and NTSB investigating southern W.Va. helicopter crash that killed 6 | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/faa-ntsb-investigating-southern-wva-helicopter-crash-that-killed-6/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/23/faa-ntsb-investigating-southern-wva-helicopter-crash-that-killed-6/ |
LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) spokesman Peter Knudson sat down Thursday afternoon and spoke with WSAZ at length about the investigation into the deadly helicopter crash that killed six people in Logan County.
The Bell UH-1B model, often referred to as the Huey, crashed early Wednesday evening on state Route 17 along Blair Mountain. Another NTSB investigator said the victims were three pilots qualified to fly the Huey, as well as the wife of another pilot who was not aboard, and two passengers.
Knudson said the crash site is about 3 miles from Logan County Airport where the flight originated. It took off around 4:48 p.m. Wednesday and was airborne about 15 minutes before the crash.
Knudson said an investigation team arrived at the site around 3 p.m. Thursday to begin the first phase of the investigation. He said the team will be focused on documenting perishable evidence during the next three to five days. That includes documenting the entire site to see if investigators can determine the angle of flight before the crash and determine if there are witnesses.
“We are very interested in speaking with any witnesses or anyone with relevant information to the investigation,” Knudson said, saying that witnesses can email investigators at witness@ntsb.gov.
Knudson said investigators will interview people with a company that was giving rides to people from the airport, as well as examining air traffic control communications.
After the initial investigation is complete, investigators will write up a preliminary report that will outline the facts that were gathered. He said the goal is to have that within about two weeks and then doing a more extensive investigation into the pilot, the helicopter and the operating environment.
He explained that the entire process can take 12 to 24 months to complete, saying being thorough is the ultimate goal.
“We are committed to a very thorough investigation,” he said. “These do take 12 to 24 months to complete, but we want to make sure we get it right.”
Knudson said it’s unclear if the Huey had a black box due to the age of the aircraft, which was used in military operations in Vietnam. He said investigators will approach the investigation in three different ways: the pilot, the machine and its operating environment.
They also will look at the pilot’s ability to safely operate a flight, including medical records.
Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information. For related coverage: | 2022-06-24T01:17:41Z | www.wsaz.com | NTSB official: Agency dedicated to ‘a very thorough’ investigation in helicopter crash that killed 6 | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/ntsb-official-agency-dedicated-very-thorough-investigation-helicopter-crash-that-killed-6/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/ntsb-official-agency-dedicated-very-thorough-investigation-helicopter-crash-that-killed-6/ |
BROOKLYN (WSAZ) - The Portland Trail Blazers used their first pick in the 2022 NBA draft on Shaedon Sharpe, who suited up for Kentucky last season but didn’t play a second for them on the court. He was on the team but opted to use practice as a means to prepare for tonight’s NBA draft.
Sharpe did worked out for the Portland at their facility just over a week ago and played in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League. During that time, he shot 36.4% on threes while averaging 22.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. | 2022-06-24T01:17:54Z | www.wsaz.com | UK’s Sharpe selected by Portland | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/uks-sharpe-selected-by-portland/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/uks-sharpe-selected-by-portland/ |
Logan County Commission President Danny Godby said he hasn't slept since learning of the six lives lost in a fatal helicopter crash.
LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Logan County Commission President Danny Godby said he has not slept since learning of the fatal crash that killed six people on a Bell UH-1B “Huey” helicopter in Logan County on Wednesday.
“No matter who it is, we are in deep sadness over the loss of six lives,” Godby said by phone Thursday.
“Those are six lives that can’t be brought back again we send our prayers and our condolences to the families of those people, I know they are hurting right now.”
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, the victims have not been publicly identified.
In a brief news conference Thursday evening, Lynn Spencer, an Air Safety Investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said the six victims included three pilots who were qualified to fly the helicopter, the wife of a different pilot not on board, and two passengers.
Spencer said local officials would provide details on the victims’ identities.
Workers at Logan County airport said Thursday MARPAT Aviation, which has a hanger located at the airport, was operating the Huey flights on Wednesday.
Representatives from MARPAT Aviation at the airport Thursday declined to comment.
The MARPAT Aviation website shows a photo of the Huey helicopter.
MARPAT’s website also details the Seventh Annual Huey Reunion Tour based at Logan Airport. On the website, the event is described as offering rides in the historic Vietnam-era helicopter. The website states people interested can ride or fly the Huey with a donation.
At Thursday’s news conference Spencer said the NTSB was investigating the pilot’s flight experience.
MARPAT’s website also states the helicopter had also been in several movies.
Contacts listed on MARPAT’s website did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
Godby said in years past, the event had brought a lot of tourists and business to Logan. He said he was saddened to learn an event with good intentions ended in tragedy.
“[The event] represents all that is good, it creates a remembrance of our veterans and what they did,” he said.
“Any loss of life is important, especially the way it occurred trying to something good it’s weight heavily on each of our minds.”
Godby said each member of the Logan County Commission is “deeply troubled” by the events.
“I have never known of any incident of this occurrence, I was so concerned I didn’t sleep I was so worried,” he said. “There’s a deep concern for the family and we certainly hate what had happened and we just hope and pray that they can go along and survive this situation.”
He said it will take time for the community to move forward.
“In life, we’re hit with a lot of tough hardships and the only way to [move on] is to try to go through it and learn from this situation and hope and pray something like this never happens again,” Godby said. | 2022-06-24T01:39:01Z | www.wsaz.com | Logan Co. commissioner ‘deeply troubled’ by fatal helicopter crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/logan-co-commissioner-deeply-troubled-by-fatal-helicopter-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/logan-co-commissioner-deeply-troubled-by-fatal-helicopter-crash/ |
The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours, according to fire officials.(Sissonville Fire Department)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Emergency crews responded to I-77 northbound on Friday following a crash involving a tractor trailer.
Drivers should avoid the northbound lanes near the 104.5 mile marker, or close to the I-77/I-79 split, just south of the Eden’s Fork Exit.
Both northbound lanes are closed and will remain closed until crews can remove part of the wreckage.
The roadway is expected to be closed for several hours. | 2022-06-24T13:40:55Z | www.wsaz.com | I-77 northbound shut down due to crash involving tractor trailer | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/i-77-northbound-shut-down-due-crash-involving-tractor-trailer/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/i-77-northbound-shut-down-due-crash-involving-tractor-trailer/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The new home of Marshall baseball will be on a plot of land at 2nd avenue and 22st Street.
The Marshall University administration presented a revised baseball stadium project statement Friday which was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors during a special meeting in Huntington.
The decision comes after a board meeting in April where Marshall University President Brad D. Smith thanked Herd Nation for its patience and passion as the final details, “dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s,” were being worked out for the stadium.
The new station will be adjacent to the Marshall University Dot Hicks Field.
Smith said while the stadium was originally slated to be built along 5th Avenue, the newly designated site was selected because it will be developed at a lower cost, with an accelerated time to completion and will leave the 5th Avenue and 24th Street site for future development.
In the coming weeks, the university will begin the RFP process to identify a development partner with the goal of making a final selection in October to begin moving dirt. Detailed criteria, including a public-private partnership and a desired construction timeline of 15 months, will be part of the initial request. Initial work on the 2nd Avenue site will include an environmental analysis and other pre-development tasks.
Marshall Board of Governors Athletics Committee Chair Chris Miller said Friday, “The Board of Governors continues to be supportive and steadfast in its commitment to have a baseball stadium on the campus of Marshall University.”
“Too many times we have heard, ‘I will believe it when I see it’ and we are all eager to hear the sound of equipment moving dirt to begin construction of our new baseball facility,” Miller said.
Huntington Mayor Steve Williams said he is confident there will be collegiate baseball played in the city in the coming months.
“I’m pleased that President Smith, Athletic Director (Christian) Spears and the Marshall University Board of Governors have settled on an aggressive plan for the construction of the new baseball stadium,” Williams said. “My conversations with them have reinforced my confidence that I have a determined and trusted partner in Marshall University. Marshall is the heart of our city, and I am enthused that we can take on big projects that will benefit our university, city, state and region. We are demonstrating what ‘We are Marshall’ means.”
Fundraising for the baseball stadium continues through the Herd Rises campaign and Athletic Director Spears is confident and focused on the future.
Spears said there are multiple ways for donors to give, including texting GOHERD to 801801 or by calling the Big Green at 304-696-4661 or going online to herdrises.com
The goal is for the stadium to be ready for the 2024 season. | 2022-06-24T15:12:07Z | www.wsaz.com | Marshall University announces site of new baseball stadium | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/marshall-university-announces-site-new-baseball-stadium/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/marshall-university-announces-site-new-baseball-stadium/ |
(WSAZ) - The Supreme Court has ended constitutional protections for abortion that had been in place nearly 50 years in a decision by its conservative majority to overturn Roe v. Wade.
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued the following statement Friday after the Supreme Court of the United States’ decision in Dobbs returning abortion law to the states:
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear responded to Friday’s decision on Twitter writing, “Today’s decision triggers an extremist Kentucky law that creates a total ban in Kentucky that will eliminate all options for victims of rape or incest. As the former chief prosecutor of Kentucky, I know that these violent crimes happen, and not having options for victims of rape and incest is wrong.”
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), released the following statement on the decision by the Supreme Court of the United States to overturn Roe v. Wade:
U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) released the below statement following the Supreme Court’s decision:
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court:
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization:
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron released the following statement regarding the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey issued the following statement Friday:
Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams issued the following statement:
W.Va. advocates weigh impact of abortion ruling | 2022-06-24T15:12:13Z | www.wsaz.com | Region’s leaders react to Supreme Court Roe v. Wade ruling | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/regions-leaders-react-supreme-court-roe-v-wade-ruling/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/24/regions-leaders-react-supreme-court-roe-v-wade-ruling/ |
The crowd voiced their disappointment and frustration with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling.
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A crowd gathered Friday night in front of the Cabell County Courthouse to speak out against the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Those who attended lit candles, held signs, and cheered when they got honks from drivers on 5th Avenue.
The event in Huntington was organized by the Women’s March West Virginia group.
“It’s a really scary day to be a woman, especially a 25-year-old woman,” Jessica Kimble said. “I have a lot of years left to have reproductive organs that are active, and it’s a really scary day for me. I’m very upset.”
“I personally do not believe life begins at conception, I think it’s a lot more complicated than that,” said Dr. Hilary Brewster, the director of women and gender studies at Marshall University.
With states now getting the power to come up with their own abortion laws, those at the protest say they’ll be making it clear to West Virginia lawmakers where they stand.
“I’m hoping our governor and our House and Senate will take the time to listen to our voices and really see there are people in this state who are against this ban on abortion and that we take it seriously, and we take women’s rights seriously as a medical issue,” Kimble said.
“It really punishes women who can’t afford to travel or take off time from work in order to travel to a state where it will remain legal,” Brewster said. “It’s really just an absolute atrocity when it comes to bodily autonomy. Only the person and their medical provider should be able to make that decision for themselves and or their family.” | 2022-06-25T03:22:31Z | www.wsaz.com | Crowd in Huntington protests overturning of Roe v. Wade | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/crowd-huntington-protests-overturning-roe-v-wade/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/crowd-huntington-protests-overturning-roe-v-wade/ |
LOGAN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Logan County leaders believe there has been a noticeable tone shift in the area since Wednesday’s helicopter crash killed all six people on board.
“Everyone was walking around like zombies,” Logan County Commissioner Diana Barnette recalled Friday. “You couldn’t believe this happened. We all were just waiting for better news, and it’s just something that takes the breath out of you.”
Barnette said she first heard of the crash from a friend, called her son-in-law who is a first responder and headed to the airport.
Barnette, who serves on the Logan County Airport Board, said the Annual Huey Reunion ran by MARPAT Aviation is well-organized and there were few concerns going into the event.
West Virginia State Sen. Rupie Philips, who represents Logan, said he had ridden on the Huey multiple times in the past and was planning to ride it later in the week.
He said the reunion tour represents all that is good about West Virginia, bringing people from all over the country to see the mountains and check out the area.
“It’s very said for Logan County, and the aviation group is tight when you get down to Hueys choppers,” he said. “I’ve flown a lot of choppers and it’s just sad. We’ve just lost six good people.”
No victims have been publicly identified.
The National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday the victims included three pilots who were qualified to fly the Huey, the wife of another pilot and two passengers.
Barnette praised the work of the first responders on scene and the other investigators in their recovery efforts. She said the immediate future will be a learning experience.
“We learn, we don’t know exactly what happened but I think we get a little more training,” she said. “When something like this happens, you want to make sure that people are protected, that victims’ identities are protected and their families are protected and taken care of.”
Philips said the future will take a lot of healing.
“In Southern West Virginia, we’re all one big family and we all hug each other, we’ll get over it, get through it embrace each other comfort each other,” Philips said. “It’s hard to say you can’t put it in words but the community will come together.” | 2022-06-25T03:22:37Z | www.wsaz.com | ‘It takes the breath out of you’: Logan Co. leaders react to helicopter crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/it-takes-breath-out-you-logan-co-leaders-react-helicopter-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/it-takes-breath-out-you-logan-co-leaders-react-helicopter-crash/ |
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man arrested earlier this month in connection with a deadly shooting in downtown Charleston was arraigned Friday night on a first-degree murder charge, the Charleston Police Department said.
Meeko Harris, 23, of Beckley, West Virginia, was arrested in Osceola County, Florida, six days after the June 4 shooting along Hale Street in Charleston.
James Daugherty, who was shot several times, was taken to CAMC General where he later died. The shooting happened at a parking lot along Hale Street.
According to Kanawha County Court records, the incident was captured by surveillance cameras. Investigators say Harris posted on a social media account, showing the same shirt and necklace worn during the shooting. | 2022-06-25T03:22:43Z | www.wsaz.com | Man arraigned in deadly Charleston shooting | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/man-arraigned-deadly-charleston-shooting/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/06/25/man-arraigned-deadly-charleston-shooting/ |
HURRICANE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Around 2 a.m. Friday, a woman lost control of her car while driving east on Virginia Avenue in Hurricane -- an incident that turned deadly.
Hurricane Mayor Scott Edwards said the woman’s car ended up on the side of the road near railroad tracks after flipping many times.
By the time first responders arrived at the corner of Virginia Avenue and Emerald Drive, Edwards said the woman had already died.
“It’s so sad when anyone dies. This person was a Hurricane resident that passed away,” he said. “We don’t really don’t know anything about the why, you know, why two o’clock in the morning?”
Edwards said he knows the woman who died and identified her as 42-year-old Stacy Russell of Hurricane.
He said he knows the family and is heartbroken by her passing.
“Just a good-hearted person,” he said. “I mean, what do you say? I absolutely hate it that she passed.”
Edwards said the Hurricane Police Department is handling the investigation. While there are a lot of questions, Edwards said speed played a factor.
“It appeared that this person was traveling much faster and because they rolled and ended up on the train tracks, you know. Just to get there you’d have to be going pretty fast to make that happen,” Edwards said.
One neighbor who didn’t want to go on camera says he saw the crash and the sound woke him and his wife.
He added after seeing the damage and taking in everything, it has left both of them feeling numb. | 2022-07-01T23:52:43Z | www.wsaz.com | Hurricane woman dies in early morning car accident | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/01/hurricane-woman-dies-early-morning-car-accident/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/01/hurricane-woman-dies-early-morning-car-accident/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Madison Ellis said he is a regular at some of the businesses around the 200 block of Leon Sullivan Way.
“The only thing you have here you look, you see is the post office, the Clay Center, the bank and a couple of businesses and they’re not rowdy or anything. They’re pretty peaceful,” he said Friday. “It’s a real quiet area here no heavy traffic, no drugs, no violence none of that.”
It is why he said he was shocked to learn of shots fired in that very area late Thursday afternoon.
Charleston Police said multiple shots were fired and a possible suspect ran into a business. Two people were detained, and multiple firearms were recovered. Later, Kevin Denson, 35, of Charleston, was charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Daniel Quarequio did not share Ellis’ shock.
“That’s pretty frequent unfortunately like everywhere in America pretty much any city,” he said. “It’s kind of surprising and shocking glad no one was killed or injured but not really surprising, that’s a pretty common occurrence. I’ve heard gunshots go off; I feel like that’s any urban area in America sadly.”
According to law enforcement, the shooting did not cause any threats to the Sternwheel Regatta Zone Area.
Earlier this week, the Charleston Police Department shared they would be increasing their presence around the Regatta area. Knowing this, Ellis and Quarequio said they feel safer moving around town.
“From going in past years [to the Regatta] they had huge crowds, thousands and thousands of people generally well-managed lots of cops. I think it’s a positive thing; watch out for pickpockets but usually well-policed,” Quarequio said. “I feel a little safer in a crowd with lots of cops around even though stuff still happens.”
“The people coming here, they’re going to the Regatta, so they’re here for the Regatta and that’s a beautiful event so I don’t feel a threat whatsoever or anything,” Ellis said. “I feel safe anyway but even when the regatta’s not here the police presence is always around.”
Denson has been charged with being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Charleston Police said more charges could be added. | 2022-07-01T23:52:49Z | www.wsaz.com | Shots fired in Charleston causes mixed reactions from residents | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/01/shots-fired-charleston-causes-mixed-reactions-residents/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/01/shots-fired-charleston-causes-mixed-reactions-residents/ |
ROANE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Interstate 79 is closed Friday night in the Amma area of Roane County after a tractor-trailer crash, dispatchers say.
The accident was reported before 9 p.m. in the northbound lanes near the 29.5-mile marker.
Both the northbound and southbound lanes are closed. It’s unknown when the interstate will reopen. | 2022-07-02T01:23:56Z | www.wsaz.com | Tractor-trailer crash closes I-79 | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/02/tractor-trailer-crash-closes-i-79/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/02/tractor-trailer-crash-closes-i-79/ |
WVSP investigate a fatal crash.(MGN)
MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia State Police are investigating a deadly crash that happened Saturday afternoon.
According to a news release, Sgt. L.D. Hensley was called out to Laurel Creek Road near Lenore for a single vehicle crash just before 2:30 p.m.
Medical personnel declared the driver, Mellissa Copley, 52, of Delbarton dead at the scene. | 2022-07-03T03:55:23Z | www.wsaz.com | Single-vehicle crash leaves one dead | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/single-vehicle-crash-leaves-one-dead/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/single-vehicle-crash-leaves-one-dead/ |
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky (WSAZ) - A vigil is planned Sunday evening to honor three officers killed Thursday during a shootout in the community of Allen, Kentucky.
Community members are urged to come to Prestonsburg High School Sunday, July 3 for a memorial to honor Capt. Ralph Frasure with the Prestonsburg Police Department, Deputy William Petry with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department and Prestonsburg Police Officer Jacob R. Chaffins.
The vigil will take place on the high school football field at 9:30 p.m.
The service will also honor the life of a K9 officer who was also shot and killed during the nearly four hour shootout.
Four others were injured during the exchange of gunfire Thursday.
Investigators say officers were attempting to serve an emergency protective order prior to shots being fired at the home along Railroad Street.
Lance Storz, 49, of Allen, has been arrested and is now being held at the Pike County Detention Center on a $10 million cash bond.
Storz faces several charges, including two counts of murder of a police officer. He also faces charges in connection with the death of K-9 Drago who served with the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department. A not guilty plea was entered on Storz’s behalf during a virtual court hearing. | 2022-07-03T20:00:56Z | www.wsaz.com | Vigil to be held for fallen officers | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/vigil-be-held-fallen-officers/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/vigil-be-held-fallen-officers/ |
Funeral service is held for America’s last WWII Medal of Honor recipient Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, W.Va.(WSAZ)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – America’s last WWII Medal of Honor recipient Hershel ‘Woody’ Williams will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) announced Sunday,
During a memorial service for Williams at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, Sen. Manchin said one of Williams’ wishes was for ‘those who served in the greatest generation and WWII Medical of Honor recipients’ to be honored at the nation’s Capitol.
Manchin said Williams requested the last WWII Medal of Honor recipient lie in state at the U.S. Capitol to honor the ‘greatest generation.’
“Now that’s not an easy feat,” said Sen. Manchin. “Well, since last Sunday Shelley (Sen, Shelley Moore Capito) and I have been on the phone. I found Nancy (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi) in Europe yesterday and we had a nice, long conversation and this is a really, really tough situation to get to lie in state. There’s so much requests for that. But, I wanted to announce today, that I got a phone call at 11 this morning that our friend is going to lie in state at the national Capitol.”
Manchin’s announcement received a standing ovation from those there honoring Williams’ legacy at the Culture Center.
Williams passed away Wednesday, June 29 at 3:15 a.m. at the VA Medical Center which bears his name. | 2022-07-03T21:32:17Z | www.wsaz.com | Woody Williams to lie in state at U.S. Capitol | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/woody-williams-lie-state-us-capitol/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/03/woody-williams-lie-state-us-capitol/ |
A gas station and convenience store closed Sunday evening following a stabbing near the front door of the building.
Huntington police say 45-year-old Kahmal Dillahunty, from Pontiac, Michigan, was arrested just before 10 p.m. Sunday.
A victim was transported to the hospital with serious injuries, officers report, and has passed away.
The store has closed for a time but has since reopened.
Dillahunty is at Western Regional Jail.
Click here for our previous story. | 2022-07-04T12:14:39Z | www.wsaz.com | Man arrested for stabbing in Huntington | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/man-arrested-stabbing-huntington/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/man-arrested-stabbing-huntington/ |
Rowan County fire leaves one dead(wsaz; farmer's volunteer fire department)
ROWAN COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) -
A fire at a mobile home killed a woman in Rowan County, according to Morehead 911.
The fire happened around 12:53 a.m. Monday at Shiloh Mobile Home Park on US 60 West.
Dispatch says Morehead firefighters were on scene about 5 minutes after dispatched.
The 64-year-old woman was found in the living room and pronounced dead at 1:35 a.m. by Rowan County Coroner John Northcutt. Her remains were sent to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Frankfort for an autopsy.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Dispatch says no foul play is suspected. | 2022-07-04T19:51:35Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman dies in mobile home fire | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/woman-dies-mobile-home-fire/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/woman-dies-mobile-home-fire/ |
The United States’ “Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration” brought full crowds down to Church Street in Ripley on Monday.
RIPLEY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The United States’ “Largest Small Town Independence Day Celebration” brought full crowds down to Church Street in Ripley Monday.
Festivities started with a moment of silence before a performance of the National Anthem where spectators paused to remember the three officers who died in Floyd County, Kentucky as well as the late Woody Williams, World War II’s last surviving Medal of Honor recipient, who served as the parade’s Grand Marshal last year.
Ripley Mayor Carolyn Rader said Ripley’s American pride is a longstanding tradition.
“We definitely stand on the shoulders of giants and those are the people who preceded us that exemplified what we truly believe,” she said. “We have had many giants in our community and they instill that love of country, family and Lord in our city.”
Ripley resident Mike Spiker served in the Army during the Vietnam War. He said Independence Day offers a chance to reflect on his service.
“Ripley supports the veterans as much as anyone, if not so more than anyone else,” he said. “If you’re a veteran you appreciate them understanding that when you spent your time in the service, they were giving your time to the country.”
Jeannie Scarberry came up from South Charleston to watch the parade. It’s a ritual that she said allows her more time with her grandchildren.
“This is a small town, loving, caring, everybody, family being together and celebrating the family, being together and the flag.”
Rader said the shared values throughout Ripley will keep the city on the forefront of national pride for years to come.
“I’m just excited about being an American, no one’s more proud than we are to proclaim we are America’s Largest Small-Town Independence DayCelebration and no one’s more proud than we are.”
A replica of the tomb of the unknown soldier will be on display in the showcase room of the former Chevrolet garage for free from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. | 2022-07-04T23:24:04Z | www.wsaz.com | American pride on full display at Ripley’s July 4th Celebration | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/american-pride-full-display-ripleys-july-4th-celebration/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/american-pride-full-display-ripleys-july-4th-celebration/ |
COAL GROVE, Ohio (WSAZ) - The village of Coal Grove loves its student-athletes. The Hornets are the pride of the village, and the community rallies around them at ever chance they get.
“That’s why you see what you see when you come into Coal Grove. This place is special,” said head football Coach Jay Lucas.
Coal Grove is proud of its current athletic facilities, but new upgrades are in the works. This summer, the fieldhouse that houses locker rooms at the football stadium will be demolished. A brand new, state-of-the-art fieldhouse will be built in its place. Beyond the right field fence of the baseball field, an indoor turf/multi-purpose building will also be constructed.
“If you look good, you play good and that’s what we want. We want to offer our kids the best possible opportunities we can here, and this is a good start,” said Board of Education President Jessica Bryant.
The all new fieldhouse will be comprised of two stories, including lockers rooms for various sports, a weight room and office spaces. The indoor turf of the multi-purpose building will provide extra practice space for various extracurricular activities, and will also house an auxiliary classroom.
“We hope to break ground within the next couple of weeks and we figure it will probably take at least a year to complete the project,” said Superintendent Steve Easterling.
The total cost of the project is around $3.5 million, and the school is handling the cost through lease-purchase financing at a low interest rate. Treasurer Bradley Miller is excited that they can finally move forward with construction.
“It’s going to be an inconvenience and a mess for a year, but I think the end product is going to be more than worth it,” Miller said.
“For such a small community to have so much support from its community members, our school board, our superintendent, I think everybody is behind this project and we are very excited about it,” said Co-Athletic Director Shaun Smith. | 2022-07-04T23:24:10Z | www.wsaz.com | Dawson-Bryant to break ground on new athletic fieldhouse and indoor facility | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/dawson-bryant-break-ground-new-athletic-fieldhouse-indoor-facility/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/04/dawson-bryant-break-ground-new-athletic-fieldhouse-indoor-facility/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - After five days of fun, the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta is coming to an end Monday night.
And for many, it has been an experience like no other.
“To be out here in 2022, it’s surreal,” Thomas Taylor with Island Rhythm Jamaican Cuisine said.
Taylor said he grew up in Charleston and the last time he was at the regatta was in his 20s. He described having it back as an incredible experience.
“It was mind-blowing because as kids we want to get on the rides and everything. So, you know, to see it come back after missing so long, it’s like a full circle,” Taylor said.
He isn’t the only one enjoying the regatta.
Brad Fontalbert says he came to the regatta when he was only 7 years old.
And with the news he’s going to be a grandfather, he can’t wait to bring them to share in the fun.
“It’s very nostalgic,” he said. “Got chills a few times just remembering what it used to be.”
While the regatta may be ending, some nearby roads will remain closed Tuesday as the area is cleaned up. | 2022-07-05T03:27:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston Sternwheel Regatta comes to a close | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/charleston-sternwheel-regatta-comes-close/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/charleston-sternwheel-regatta-comes-close/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - In light of a deadly accident involving a pedestrian near Marshall University’s campus, the University and leaders with the City of Huntington are making changes to enhance pedestrian and student safety.
West Virginia Department of Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston has issued a temporary order reducing the speed limit to 25 mph from 35 mph on 3rd and 5th Avenues between 6th and 20th Streets. Speed limit signage modifications in the affected areas will begin this week.
The City of Huntington has also completed a new crosswalk on 20th Street between 3rd and 5th Avenues.
Leaders say the enhancement will make it safer for pedestrians to access the Marshall University Recreation Center or Joan C. Edwards Stadium.
The City of Huntington’s Public Works and Planning and Development departments coordinated with Marshall’s administrators, public safety officials and the Marshall University Recreation Center to build the 20th Street crosswalk with a median that includes a safe area for pedestrians to stand while crossing the roadway.
Pedestrian push buttons on each side of the crosswalk trigger beacon lights that flash when the buttons are pressed to alert motorists in both lanes of traffic that pedestrians are preparing to enter the crosswalk. The crosswalk also includes signage alerting motorists to yield to pedestrians.
In November of 2021, a Marshall University student was hit and killed by an SUV crossing 3rd Avenue at the 18th Street intersection.
Marshall student hit and killed by SUV near campus
Marshall University formed a Pedestrian Safety Task Force that began meeting in January. In late winter, the task force recommended two items to Smith – reduce the speed limit around campus and deploy a public awareness campaign for pedestrian safety.
This fall, the university will implement a pedestrian safety awareness campaign targeting students and employees. The campaign will align with other similar initiatives at universities across the country and will also include information from the West Virginia Department of Transportation. In addition to traditional public awareness strategies like posters and public service announcements, every faculty member will be asked to discuss pedestrian safety in their classrooms during the first days of classes, complete with materials provided by the university.
“Marshall University President Brad D. Smith and I share the same vision of enhancing safety surrounding Marshall’s Huntington campus in every regard,” Williams said. “I am pleased to see that the West Virginia Division of Highways has ordered a temporary speed reduction on 3rd and 5th Avenues as it continues to analyze potential long-term solutions in its traffic safety audit. The Huntington and Marshall University police departments will work collectively to enforce this new speed limit in the affected areas, and my administration will take proactive measures to alert the public to this change.”
“We are pleased to be part of the multi-disciplinary team to review highway safety around the Marshall University campus area of Huntington,” said Cindy Cramer, PE, with the West Virginia Department of Highways, Traffic Engineering Division. “The best solutions are derived from a comprehensive approach with all partners working together from the various perspectives of engineering, education, and enforcement. The Division of Highways is committed to implementing countermeasures that will improve overall safety for all users.”
“The safety of our students, faculty and staff is Marshall’s highest priority and I am encouraged with the news of the speed reduction around campus,” Smith said. “As we wait for the traffic safety audit to be completed, this temporary speed reduction, the new crosswalk on 20th Street and our upcoming educational campaign on campus will add tools for keeping everyone as safe as possible.” | 2022-07-05T14:06:47Z | www.wsaz.com | Speed limit reduced around MU’s campus following deadly accident involving pedestrian | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/speed-limit-reduced-around-mus-campus-following-deadly-accident-involving-pedestrian/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/speed-limit-reduced-around-mus-campus-following-deadly-accident-involving-pedestrian/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - One day after Huntington and Cabell County lost their case against the nation’s three largest opioid distributors, a trial set to begin Tuesday for several other cities and counties against the same defendants has been postponed, according to an attorney in the case.
Trial had been set to begin at 8:30 a.m. The postponement followed a request by the cities and counties for a continuance. The distributors did not object.
On Monday evening, U.S. District Court Judge David Faber ruled in favor of the distributors. That case involved the City of Huntington and Cabell County in a lawsuit filed the lawsuit nearly five years ago against AmerisourceBergen Drug Co., Cardinal Health Inc. and McKesson Corp.
The plaintiffs were seeking $2.5 billion in damages.
Faber’s ruling read in part, “The opioid crisis has taken a considerable toll on the citizens of Cabell County and the City of Huntington. And while there is a natural tendency to assign blame in such cases, they must be decided not based on sympathy, but on the facts and the law. In view of the court’s findings and conclusions, the court finds that judgment should be entered in defendants’ favor.”
According to the ruling, causation wasn’t proven during the trial and there was not sufficient evidence of “pharmacy-level diversion” with one exception -- a Barboursville pharmacy that was shut down by law enforcement in 2014.
“Any diversion of prescription opioids that occurred in the City of Huntington or Cabell County after the medicines were distributed to and dispensed by bona fide pharmacies involved criminal actions of third parties over whom defendants had no control, including the persons to whom the medicines were prescribed and those involved in diverting the prescription opioids. The court finds that plaintiffs did not prove that defendants supplied opioids to pharmacies engaged in diversion,” the ruling reads in part. | 2022-07-05T14:37:09Z | www.wsaz.com | Major opioid trial delayed after federal ruling | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/major-opioid-trial-delayed-after-federal-ruling/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/major-opioid-trial-delayed-after-federal-ruling/ |
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - Flames lit up the Monday night sky in Portsmouth. Portsmouth and New Boston Fire Departments both responded to a fire in the 1600 block of 6th Street.
It was reported at 10:32 p.m.
When crews arrived, the fire had already engulfed two homes. Nearby residents watched as crews battled to put out the flames.
“We were afraid it was going to catch multiple houses on fire,” said Jon Anderson, who lives nearby.
Fire crews say nobody was injured in the fire, but two homes are a total loss. The intense heat also damaged two neighboring homes. Firefighters were on scene for hours and finally put the fire out just before 3 a.m.
Portsmouth Fire Department’s arson investigation team is now partnering with the Ohio State Fire Marshal’s office to conduct an investigation into what caused the fire to start. As of Tuesday evening, the cause of the fire remained unknown.
“Brown Street to Lincoln Street was filled with people. Everyone was worried about the other houses catching fire, the trees catching on fire. But thank God, thank God that did not happen,” Anderson said. | 2022-07-06T00:46:04Z | www.wsaz.com | Fire destroys two houses in Portsmouth; cause under investigation | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/fire-destroys-two-houses-portsmouth-cause-under-investigation/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/05/fire-destroys-two-houses-portsmouth-cause-under-investigation/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Clean-up crews down Kanawha Boulevard and vendors packing up signal the end of the first Sternwheel Regatta in more than a decade.
Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin said she is excited by the event’s success and its “good problems.”
“One of the things that I’m really proud of is that, yes, this was an event in the area of the city but the positive ripple effect it had,” she said. “You couldn’t get a hotel room in the city of Charleston, I can’t tell you how many business owners told me we ran out of food, we ran out of inventory, which is a food and beverage supplier’s nightmare but a mayor’s dream; they’re thrilled.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Mark Boggs, co-owner of Local Eats Food Truck. The business made their debut during the event.
“We had people that ate from our truck literally all five days, four days, three days. We had people coming up and saying ‘that’s the best cheeseburger I ever had’ it was really something.”
“It was an excellent weekend for community engagement and overall fellowship we had a strong police presence to make sure everyone had a fun and safe time and I think that happened,” Charleston Police Chief Tyke Hunt said. “There was a lot of planning that went into this. We had a lot of police presence, and it wasn’t just the Charleston Police Department. There were several other agencies. Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the State Police, DNR, the Coastguard. We had a lot of other folks making sure we had the amenities to keep everyone safe.”
“People really wanted it back, and we really worked hard to make all those connections happen, but I was just blown away with the feedback,” Goodwin added. “Crowds of people coming in, lots of enjoyment lots of kids downtown, and that’s what we want to see families coming downtown enjoying a good time together.”
Planning for next year’s Regatta is already underway. Ways to give feedback for this year’s Regatta will be available soon. | 2022-07-06T02:17:37Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston leaders reflect on first Sternwheel Regatta in a dozen years | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/charleston-leaders-reflect-first-sternwheel-regatta-dozen-years/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/charleston-leaders-reflect-first-sternwheel-regatta-dozen-years/ |
By Brandon Butcher
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Tropical air remains entrenched across the Tri-State, with roving bands of storms developing to our north and tracking southward through our region. The set-up is known as the “Ring of Fire”, where the dome of heat centered over the southern Mississippi valley pushes outward/northward, forcing all the moisture-rich air into a narrow zone along the edge of its extent of influence. Thunderstorms would form within this narrow zone, and travel along the outer rim of the heat, feeding on its energy. The persistence of this pattern ends up developing several lines of storms and pressing them across the same areas. Flood Watches are in effect for the day today, and we may well need them again in the coming days.
Temperatures will vary considerably depending on where the storms are at, but those that manage to evade the storminess in the morning will only get hotter, allowing for the potential of a severe storm when the next round arrives. Generally, we’ll be on one side of the 80s or the other in the area, dropping to around 70° overnight. There will be stretches of relatively quiet hours, but then the atmosphere will only be re-loading before the next round. It’ll will be quite confounding for the many events we have around the region. Some will get flooded out while others may change their plans only to see the rains miss them for other folks. Everyone should expect to ‘have their turn’ with the downpours though, so at minimum precautions are advised.
A weak front to our north that has helped birth these storms will be sliding south over the next few days, and it will take all the way through Friday before it passes through, effectively taking this zone for storm formation southward out of our area with it. Saturday morning should still carry a lingering rain risk in the southern counties, but eventually we’ll get an actual break around here, with more seasonable temperatures and humidity. The weekend would certainly be a desirable timeframe for this to occur, and enjoy it while you’ve got it... The 90-degree heat won’t be held back for long.
Thunderstorm potential(WSAZ) | 2022-07-06T14:28:21Z | www.wsaz.com | SUMMER STORM ALERT | Bands of storms to elevate flash flooding risk | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/summer-storm-alert-bands-storms-elevate-flash-flooding-risk/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/summer-storm-alert-bands-storms-elevate-flash-flooding-risk/ |
A warrant for wanton endangerment has been obtained against Jamon Woodson, 39, of Charleston, according to the Charleston Police Department.(Charleston Police Department)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The Charleston Police Department is searching for a man wanted in connection with an incident where shots were fired.
Investigators say officers responded to the 200 block of Leon Sullivan Way Thursday, June 30 just before 5 p.m.
According to the Charleston Police Department, investigators found evidence that multiple shots were fired and bullet holes in the front door of a nearby building.
Charleston Police say a warrant for wanton endangerment has been obtained against Jamon Woodson, 39, f Charleston.
Officers say two other people were detained and firearms were recovered.
Investigators believe the shooting was an isolated incident. | 2022-07-06T17:30:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Man wanted by police after shots fired | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/man-wanted-by-police-after-shots-fired/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/man-wanted-by-police-after-shots-fired/ |
Storm precautions to be taken
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Early this July evening, waves of thunder squalls are coming at us in clusters. With alerts for possible high water (flash flooding) and high winds (thunderstorm watch) there is a dual risk for severe weather.
The main line of storms is plowing toward our region by way of the Cincinnati-Frankfort area. The history of these cells is to produce high winds (up to 60 mph) with power hits, frequent lightning and torrents of rain. Areas that had heavy rains on Tuesday are most susceptible to flooding.
The main line times are to the Scioto Trail (U.S. 23) by 5 p.m. in Ohio, then the River Cities of Huntington-Ashland-Ironton by 6 p.m. and finally to the Kanawha Valley by 7 p.m.
Precautions recommended ahead of the storms includes parking on high ground if you live in a flood zone, parking under a carport or in a garage in the event storm force winds fall trees and keeping the kids playing close by (within shouting distance) as the skies go from hazy to threatening. | 2022-07-06T20:33:37Z | www.wsaz.com | Severe storm risk this evening | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/severe-storm-risk-this-evening/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/severe-storm-risk-this-evening/ |
Also requests ARC to approve Pikeville Medical Center grant
More than $2.3 million in funding was announced Wednesday to build a new senior center in Pikeville, Kentucky.(WSAZ/Kimberly Keagy)
PIKEVILLE, Ky. (WSAZ) – More than $2.3 million in funding was announced Wednesday to build a new senior center in Pikeville, according to a release from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s office.
Beshear made that announcement, saying the project will benefit the community at large.
“All of these projects will make the lives of Pike County residents better,” Beshear said in a release. “We are supporting communities all across the commonwealth, and today’s funding will help Eastern Kentucky for generations to come.”
Also, the governor recommended that the Appalachian Regional Commission approve a $780,444 grant to Pikeville Medical Center.
According to the release, “if approved, the funding would provide educational equipment and materials for a nursing training complex at the Pikeville Medical Center. The grant would assure the complex has adequate classroom equipment and fixtures, science lab equipment and simulation lab equipment.”
On Wednesday, Beshear presented $1 million to Pike County in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to construct a new senior center in Pikeville.
It will be built at 134 Bank Street. The current Pikeville Senior Center closed due to structural cracks and movement in the building’s foundation.
According to the governor’s release, “the new senior center will be accessible to everyone and compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and will include a modern HVAC system.” | 2022-07-06T22:04:47Z | www.wsaz.com | Gov. Beshear announces more than $2.3 million in funding for eastern Ky. senior center | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/gov-beshear-announces-more-than-23-million-funding-eastern-ky-senior-center/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/gov-beshear-announces-more-than-23-million-funding-eastern-ky-senior-center/ |
“Jeremy Burnside was a force of nature just because of his level of energy and enthusiasm. It was off the charts,” said Mayor Sean Dunne.
Dunne helped nominate Burnside for the award in February. Dunne says Burnside’s positive impact on the city made him an obvious choice. He was instrumental in Portsmouth’s comeback and helped to revitalize the downtown area with new, locally-owned businesses. He also helped establish civic organizations such as the Portsmouth Unity Project and Friends of Portsmouth.
Bryan Smith is the current Executive Director of the Friends of Portsmouth and considered Burnside a great friend.
“All of the light poles you see on Second Street, that is me and Jeremy 40 feet in the air painting those! He would be reaching over painting, not really supposed to be,” said Smith with a laugh. “Just us up there jamming to big hair 80s bands.”
At the time of Burnside’s death, the city was still unsure if Burnside would be selected for the All-America Leader Award. But once the news reached Portsmouth that he had won, Dunne said it would be another accomplishment to be added to Burnside’s long list.
“It’s just one more record of his legacy that he’s left here in Portsmouth. I think it is now up to the rest of us to continue on with his enthusiasm,” Dunne said.
“So many good and positive things are happening in our area, and that is really what we want to continue. We want to keep that positive momentum going that Jeremy strived so much for and continue everything that he loved. He loved this city,” Smith said. | 2022-07-06T22:35:14Z | www.wsaz.com | Burnside named ‘All-America Leader’ by National Civic League | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/burnside-named-all-america-leader-by-national-civic-league/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/burnside-named-all-america-leader-by-national-civic-league/ |
LINCOLN COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The creek along Laurel Fork Road is normally a source of joy for Lisa Fisher and her children.
Tuesday, however, the creek became one devastation. She said the rainfall is unlike anything she has seen since she moved to the area nearly five years ago.
“Usually when it rains pretty hard we do get some minor flooding, usually it does get over the bridge,” Fisher said Wednesday.
“This time, the rain made it into our chicken’s coop it got onto the second step of our porch so luckily it didn’t get into our house.”
She said it all came down during a brief period when she left the house to pick up her children.
“It had just started to rain when I left and I knew I had to leave to go pick them up before it got too bad,” she said. “Within 10 minutes, my mom had called me and told me that I would have to find somewhere to stay for a while because I couldn’t get home.”
The storm came with a long list of damages.
“We have breakage off our banks we’ll need to fix we’ll have to re-gravel our driveway more than we normally have to and we’re going to have to fix our chicken coop as well,” she said. “Then we’ll have to replace a few of our chickens that were unfortunately lost. It’s really devastating. Our kids really love the chickens; they’re like family to us.
Fisher said with inflation affecting everything damaged by the storm, the family’s stresses are only increasing as they try to rebuild while preparing for other storms.
“We’ll definitely need to have more 2x4′s and stuff to fix the coop it definitely hurts with our budget and the cost of absolutely everything from food to even the price of chickens going up.”
She said the family is figuring out options for other storms.
“We’ve changed our mindset on where we’ll keep the chickens if it does come again we’ll move the coop up but if it does happen again we’ve had this discussion our kids come first,” she said. “You take it day by day, and you hope for the best.” | 2022-07-06T23:36:07Z | www.wsaz.com | Lincoln Co. residents balance storm cleanup with prep for future rainfall | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/lincoln-co-residents-balance-storm-cleanup-with-prep-future-rainfall/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/06/lincoln-co-residents-balance-storm-cleanup-with-prep-future-rainfall/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man was shot Wednesday night in the area of West Side Middle School in Charleston, according to the Charleston Police Department.
Officers say the victim walked into CAMC Women and Children’s Hospital with a gunshot wound to the leg.
Police say the man is expected to be OK.
A suspect is unknown now, officers say.
We’re working to get more details. Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest. | 2022-07-07T03:09:17Z | www.wsaz.com | Man shot near middle school | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/man-shot-near-middle-school/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/man-shot-near-middle-school/ |
The child doesn’t appear to have been injured, the chief said.
NITRO, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A driver will face charges of leaving the scene of an accident and running a stop sign after a young child was clipped Thursday afternoon by a vehicle, the Nitro Police Chief said.
He said the incident happened at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and 21st Street.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office says it located the suspect’s vehicle in the Poca area and arrested them.
Deputies said the driver is charged with fleeing in Putnam County.
The Nitro Police Department said the suspect is also charged with leaving the scene of an accident and running stop sign.
The suspect’s name has not been released at this time. | 2022-07-07T22:26:01Z | www.wsaz.com | Driver facing charges after allegedly hitting child with car and fleeing | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/driver-facing-charges-after-allegedly-hitting-child-with-car-fleeing/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/driver-facing-charges-after-allegedly-hitting-child-with-car-fleeing/ |
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - City councilmembers in Portsmouth are considering a resolution to take a stand against Ohio House Bill 327. The resolution will appear on council’s agenda at their next meeting on Monday, July 11.
House Bill 327 is currently under committee review. If passed, it prohibits the teaching of “divisive concepts” in schools.
“I think it’s important for us to learn about all different parts of our past and present,” said Mayor Sean Dunne.
The “divisive concepts” reference in the bill are centered around subjects of nationality, color, ethnicity, race and sex. A resolution to oppose the bill was first discussed at council’s last meeting in June. At the July 11 meeting, councilmembers could choose to vote on it.
“We want students to hear about a variety of different topics,” said Mayor Dunne.
Dunne tells WSAZ that he believes the bill is an example of government overreach.
“We want students to adopt different types of critical thinking. Sometimes, that involves learning about terrible things. Sometimes it involves learning about things that make you feel uneasy. We want students here to have a quality education and, in order to have a quality education, we want teachers to have the ability to explore a range of different topics in the classroom,” Dunne said. | 2022-07-07T23:57:40Z | www.wsaz.com | Portsmouth City Council to vote on resolution opposing House Bill 327 | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/portsmouth-city-council-vote-resolution-opposing-house-bill-327/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/07/portsmouth-city-council-vote-resolution-opposing-house-bill-327/ |
“It’s going to come through a lot more clear and, if you’re not ready for some football, you will be,” said McKnight Friday afternoon.
McKnight was referring new upgrades to the press box and sound system at Tanks Memorial Stadium. The old press box is being demolished and a new, three-story press box will be constructed in it’s place.
“There was a lack of space and you’re crammed in there on Friday night. You worry about people falling through the roof that are up their filming,” said McKnight.
Head Football Coach and Athletic Director Trevon Pendleton says those who frequent the press box during football season have been asking for a new one for quite some time. Now, the time to grant that wish has come.
“Not only a facelift, but a total transformation,” said Pendleton.
Not far behind the press box and next to the track, there is another active construction site.
“We’re building four new tennis courts. We ripped out the old tennis courts and repositioned the new ones. They will be brand new courts, brand new surface, nets, fencing, lighting and everything,” said Pendleton.
Both projects are on pace to be complete sometime this fall. Pendleton says the press box will be complete and ready for Ironton’s home opener on Saturday, September 10th.
“We ask a lot of our kids whether its effort or time, so I think this is a way of repaying them and making sure they have state of the art facilities,” said Pendleton.
Pendleton says this is only the beginning in regards to upgrades to athletic facilities. He says there will be more announcements in the future. | 2022-07-08T23:17:45Z | www.wsaz.com | Ironton begins first phase of athletic facility upgrades | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/08/ironton-begins-first-phase-athletic-facility-upgrades/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/08/ironton-begins-first-phase-athletic-facility-upgrades/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A handful of people have been forced to find another ride home Friday afternoon, after high water stranded their cars along 3rd Avenue and 24th Street in Huntington.
One woman, whose car got stuck, tells WSAZ she is not from this area and her GPS directed her this way.
According to Brian Bracey, who is the Executive Director of the Huntington Water Quality Board, storm water and sewer lines are combined in this area. It all flows towards Fifth Avenue and 31st Street.
Bracey says their goals are to create more storage capacity, as well as separate storm water from sewer.
“This has been a hot spot for flooding, both here and on 5th Avenue. Especially there by Gino’s and Cookout. Those particular areas are the ones we’re concentrating on. We received ARPA funds from the city to be able to do this project and we’re in the planning stages right now -- so we understand the amount of water that’s coming through this area,” Bracey said.
Bracey says it could be a couple of years before we see these improvements go into effect -- a lot of planning has to be done. | 2022-07-09T00:18:25Z | www.wsaz.com | Cars stranded in high water | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/08/cars-stranded-high-water/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/08/cars-stranded-high-water/ |
Saturday morning starts with areas of light rain/drizzle/mist and fog. Temperatures are in the upper 60s to low 70s.
Passing showers can be expected throughout the day on Saturday, looking to be most widespread around midday before breaking up towards the evening hours. A few thunderstorms with the risk for gusty winds and heavy rain may move across southeastern Kentucky and southern West Virginia as well. The day stays rather cloudy, though some breaks can be seen out west towards sunset. High temperatures only rise to the upper 70s due to the clouds and rain.
Saturday night turns quieter under a partly cloudy sky with areas of fog settling in over the damp ground. Low temperatures fall to the mid 60s.
On Sunday, expect a partly cloudy sky with just an isolated shower or two possible. High temperatures rise to the mid 80s.
Wednesday sees a mix of sun and clouds with showers and thunderstorms likely, especially across southern parts of the region. High temperatures reach the mid 80s.
Thursday sees a partly cloudy sky with an isolated shower or two possible. High temperatures rise to the mid 80s. | 2022-07-09T11:27:55Z | www.wsaz.com | First Warning Forecast | Damp start to weekend | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/09/first-warning-forecast-damp-start-weekend/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/09/first-warning-forecast-damp-start-weekend/ |
JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A fatal accident on Interstate 77 South Monday left one person dead and area drivers nervous about being on the road.
Multiple agencies responded to reports of a single-vehicle rollover crash around 9:30 a.m. near the Kenna exit.
Jackson County Sheriff Ross Mellinger said the cause of the accident is unknown but does appear to be a “driver error of some sort”.
The accident is a worry for Roy Davis, a lifelong county resident whose grandson, Kyle, is new to driving.
When asked how driving is on that portion of the interstate he replied, “It depends on the traffic and sometimes you gotta keep three eyes open”.
“You gotta keep your eyes on the road, keep the eyes on the people, even in the other lane, sometimes you know they’ll right go and cross me again.”
Roy wants all the members of his family and drivers to keep one thing in mind:
“Watch, make sure they watch and don’t speed, they should be old enough to know to watch how they drive,” he said.
“I’ve actually seen tires leave the ground people coming off here.”
The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident. | 2022-07-12T03:13:58Z | www.wsaz.com | Fatal crash on Interstate 77 leaves drivers uneasy | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/fatal-crash-interstate-77-leaves-drivers-uneasy/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/fatal-crash-interstate-77-leaves-drivers-uneasy/ |
CLENDENIN, W.Va. (WSAZ) -A man from Clendenin tells WSAZ he hasn’t had phone service since June 20th.
Despite reaching out to Frontier Communications multiple times, John Ditchman said he can’t get an answer as to why it’s out.
“I would like to be able to call that customer service number get a person and find out exactly what’s going on,” he said.
Ditchman said he doesn’t have a cell phone because there isn’t service inside his home and not much in the area.
With no cell phone and numerous health problems, he said being able to use his home phone is a necessity.
“I’m a cardiac patient. I have bad kidneys, I’m diabetic. So any of these can require medical attention. You know, sometimes walking from my house to the neighbor’s to say can I use your phone is difficult.”
We reached out to Frontier Communications asking to do an interview but have not yet heard back.
We also asked them questions like:
“Is there any sort of timeline as to when his service will be restored?”
“Are there other customers in the area who do not have service?”
WSAZ will provide an update once we hear from them. | 2022-07-12T03:14:04Z | www.wsaz.com | Man frustrated after being without phone service for weeks | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/man-frustrated-after-being-without-phone-service-weeks/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/man-frustrated-after-being-without-phone-service-weeks/ |
CARTER COUNTY, Ky (WSAZ) - A person has died following an accident in Carter County, according to Kentucky State Police.
A vehicle went over an embankment on Aden Road and U.S. 60, troopers report.
First responders got the call around 5:30 a.m.
Officials say next of kin has not yet been notified. | 2022-07-12T14:02:01Z | www.wsaz.com | Fatal accident reported in Carter County | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/fatal-accident-reported-carter-county/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/fatal-accident-reported-carter-county/ |
Christopher Burdette, 22, of Spencer, was taken into custody by the Clendenin Police Department Monday, July 11.(Clendenin Police Department)
CLENDENIN, W.Va. (WSAZ) – A man wanted on a malicious wounding charge was discovered by officers hiding, according to the Clendenin Police Department.
Officers say Christopher Burdette, 22, of Spencer was arrested and charged with malicious wounding in connection with an incident that happened on July 6.
Burdette was arrested Monday, July 11.
When officers arrived at his home, the Clendenin Police Department took off inside the home and attempted to hide from law enforcement. | 2022-07-12T15:29:33Z | www.wsaz.com | Police find man wanted for malicious wounding hiding in home | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/police-find-man-wanted-malicious-wounding-hiding-home/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/police-find-man-wanted-malicious-wounding-hiding-home/ |
The former Sears Department Store at the Charleston Town Center is set to be demolished after permits were approved.(WSAZ)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A motion to halt demolition of the Sears building at the Charleston Town Center Mall was denied on Tuesday.
Kanawha County Circuit Court Judge Maryclaire Akers denied the motion in court today.
The demolition was initially set for approval in May after a delay due to a lawsuit filed in February 2022. | 2022-07-12T21:30:05Z | www.wsaz.com | Motion to halt mall construction denied | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/motion-halt-mall-construction-denied/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/motion-halt-mall-construction-denied/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Marshall University’s Bill Noe Flight School’s second class comes amidst a nationwide pilot shortage.
School officials believe the shortage creates an opportunity to motivate their students to help fill those gaps.
“Being part of the aviation industry for a number of years you know the need, you understand that airlines don’t have enough to complete their schedules,” Nancy Ritter, the school’s director said.
“You know that there’s an opportunity for these young adults to come out and become professional pilots, but we’re also in a place where the industry is looking for unique and innovative ways to meet the pilot shortage.”
Julius Rembrandt IV said he has wanted to take to the skies for years.
“My father was a loadmaster in the Air National Guard on Yeager,” he recalled.
“He’d come back with all these stories and pictures all around the world and that made me want to be a pilot or be in a flying position.”
After serving in the air force, he became a student in the inaugural class of the Bill Noe Flight School at Marshall University.
What he was not expecting was to be learning during the pilot shortage.
“[The shortage] is worse than I thought it’d be, I mean there was already a pilot shortage before COVID and with the furloughs and people who could retire early,” he said.
“It has only gotten exponentially worse, so it’s the perfect time to get into aviation.”
Ritter said what helps the students is getting a wholistic aviation education filled with skills beyond simply learning to operate a plane.
“The Bill Noe Flight School really is very focused on one thing and that’s creating the professional aviator who is immediately, upon graduation, ready to assume the duties of a first officer in a professional flight environment and that’s just very different than learning to fly,” she said.
“The students all understand what’s required soft and technical skills by the time that these graduates reach their four-year degree level and graduate they will immediately be qualified to carry passengers for hire so that’s super exciting.”
Rembrandt said he is ready to soar to the challenge.
“It’s definitely helped me grow as a person, similar to the military it’s made me take on a lot of responsibility. Every time I go up in the air, I’m responsible to make sure the plane gets down safely,” he said.
“There is a little pressure because you want to excel as well as you can because the faster you get through the program the sooner you can get out into the workforce helping the pilot shortage and start your own career.” | 2022-07-12T23:10:12Z | www.wsaz.com | Marshall University students take to the skies amidst pilot shortage | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/marshall-university-students-take-skies-amidst-pilot-shortage/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/12/marshall-university-students-take-skies-amidst-pilot-shortage/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A Charleston family said they’ve been without home phone service for 28 days despite reaching out to Frontier to find out why they don’t have service.
Larry and Lois Abshire said they’ve called Frontier every one of those 28 days to try and find out when their home phone will be working again.
Despite their persistence they haven’t heard anything.
“No messages, no phone calls, no nothing,” Larry said. “And every time we would call, and we’d call them every day. And it was always the same story. They would say well we know we’re aware of it as an outage and we’re working on it.”
Both thought their phone may finally come back Tuesday afternoon after seeing a Frontier truck on their street.
However, so far there service hasn’t returned.
Both have health problems and said they need their home phone. At this point, they’re not sure what else they can do.
“I have a pacemaker and a defibrillator and I’ve got a machine over there that sends information to my doctor,” Larry said.
The Abshires are not the only ones who’ve reached out to us about Frontier.
WSAZ has received numerous emails from viewers that tell us they’ve also not had service in weeks without getting an answer as to why.
We’ve sent multiple emails to to Frontier Communications as well as called their customer service number to try and speak with a person. So far, they haven’t responded.
With no answer, families like the Abshires feel like the only thing they can do is wait.
“Just keep calling and hopefully maybe somebody would do something,” Larry said. | 2022-07-13T03:43:56Z | www.wsaz.com | Couple without phone service for weeks can’t get answers | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/couple-without-phone-service-weeks-cant-get-answers/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/couple-without-phone-service-weeks-cant-get-answers/ |
Last year, Nasa and its partners launched the James Webb Space Telescope, the next generation of great space observatories. Not, it’s settled into orbit and fully functional, so it’s first observations have just been released.
The Executive Director of the NASA Exoplanet Science Center, Charles Beichman, joined Susan on Studio 3 to talk about the full color images. | 2022-07-13T18:57:22Z | www.wsaz.com | First observations kick off new era of space exploration | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/first-observations-kick-off-new-era-space-exploration/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/first-observations-kick-off-new-era-space-exploration/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia’s Summer Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) benefits for students and non-students has been approved, according to Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE).
The program, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and administered by the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) and the WVDE, will provide a one-time summer feeding benefit valued at $391 per eligible child. This benefit will be deposited onto the child’s WV-PEBT card. The state will not utilize the Mountain State EBT card during this round of distribution.
On February 18, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved issuance of a third round of P-EBT for students who would have received free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program if their schools were not closed or operating at reduced attendance hours due to COVID-19.
Eligible students are those enrolled during the school year 2021-2022 in a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program as of May 31, 2022, and qualifies for free or reduced-price meals.
Eligible children not yet enrolled in school are those that are under the age of six and reside in a household that receives SNAP. Any child under six who becomes eligible for SNAP, or any individual student who becomes eligible for free or reduced-price meals (during the covered summer period) will be deemed eligible for Summer P-EBT and will be issued the full benefit in an exception process at the end of the covered summer period.
Students at participating schools who did not qualify for free or reduced-price meals during 2021-2022 school year and have experienced a change in status that could deem them eligible for free or reduced price meals, should contact their county or school child nutrition contact to complete a free/reduced-price meal application before July 31, 2022. | 2022-07-13T18:57:53Z | www.wsaz.com | Summer P-EBT benefits approved for W.Va. | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/summer-p-ebt-benefits-approved-wva/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/summer-p-ebt-benefits-approved-wva/ |
SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WSAZ) – Human remains were discovered Saturday, July 9 in Lawrence County, Ohio, according to the South Point Police Department.
The discovery was made in a wooded area along 4th Street near the Train Bridge Saturday just before 3 p.m., officers say.
The remains are being sent off for possible identification. | 2022-07-13T19:05:48Z | www.wsaz.com | Human remains discovered in South Point | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/human-remains-discovered-south-point/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/human-remains-discovered-south-point/ |
A man from Gallia County, Ohio, pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal drug crime involving fentanyl,.(KTVF)
GALLIA COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A man from Gallia County pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal drug crime involving fentanyl, according to a release from U.S. Attorney Kenneth Parker’s office.
Michael D. Valentine, 39, of Bidwell, pled guilty to dealing and possessing hundreds of grams of deadly fentanyl on a rural property in southeastern Ohio.
The six-month investigation took place in parts of Ohio and West Virginia, according to the news release. Investigators say Valentine dealt about 141 grams of fentanyl from rural property and stored about 677 more grams to sell.
Investigators say Valentine faces from 10 years to life in prison on one of the charges alone. | 2022-07-13T20:50:13Z | www.wsaz.com | Man pleads guilty to federal drug charges in southeast Ohio | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/man-pleads-guilty-federal-drug-charges-southeast-ohio/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/man-pleads-guilty-federal-drug-charges-southeast-ohio/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Wednesday in a unanimous vote, the West Virginia Board of Education voted to continue the state of emergency in Lincoln County for six more months.
For nearly two years, the Lincoln County school district has been under a state of emergency after the county failed to comply with several policies within the finance and transportation indicators.
Lincoln County Superintendent Jeffrey Kelley said this continuation of the state of emergency for the district isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
“I trust that they make the right decision and that, you know, we have a good relationship with them,” Kelley said. “And we’ll continue to work with them to bring further progress.”
Even though the state of the emergency was extended, the board said they’re happy with the steps the district has taken.
“Impressive progress has been made thus far in all areas including special ed,” Board Member Debra Sullivan said. “We want to do all we can to ensure continuity of this progress to benefit the children of Lincoln County.”
Superintendent Kelley said they’re operating at a much higher level than before.
New Lincoln County School Board President David Bell said he’s hoping next time they come back they’ll be able to operate without any oversight.
I hope after six months everybody’s on board and aiming at the right goals,” Bell said. “And the state says, ‘hey, we don’t worry about you any longer. We’ve got it covered.’”
The West Virginia Board of Education said both Superintendent Kelley and President Bell need to return in six months to provide an update on the school’s progress. | 2022-07-13T21:59:48Z | www.wsaz.com | Lincoln County School District state of emergency extended | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/lincoln-county-school-district-state-emergency-extended/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/13/lincoln-county-school-district-state-emergency-extended/ |
The Spring Valley Presbyterian Church Food Pantry has been going strong for more than 25 years, but they’re running a much smaller operation now, and it’s due to things beyond their control.(Shannon Litton/WSAZ)
WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- It is no secret food insecurity affects many families across our region.
“It’s like having gas for a car, but a flat tire,” said Marcus Albert, the music director at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. “We need to get a new tire so we can run this car and run this vehicle for the program.”
“We want to make sure we can accommodate everyone that comes in so they can flow freely through the pantry and select what they need,” Albert said. “[The] food is here, the monies for the building and the facility are not.” | 2022-07-14T17:07:49Z | www.wsaz.com | Food pantry still struggling from 2021 ice storms | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/food-pantry-still-struggling-2021-ice-storms/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/food-pantry-still-struggling-2021-ice-storms/ |
Adem was arrested and transported to the Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail on a parole violation.(Southeast Major Crimes Task Force)
ATHENS, Ohio (WSAZ) – A well-being check by deputies ended with an arrest and a large quantity of drugs in the hands of law enforcement.
According to the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force, deputies with the Athens County Sheriff’s Office responded to apartments located along State Route 682 on July 13 after a caller claimed a woman had been assaulted.
While speaking to a person at the front door of the apartment, deputies reported smelling marijuana coming from inside the apartment. At that time, the apartment was secured by deputies and the Southeast Major Crimes Task Force was contacted for assistance.
Deputies say Ahmed Adem, also known as Ace, is accused of using apartments 101 and 102 to traffic narcotics.
According to the sheriff’s department, Adem, 35, had been a target of an investigation by the task force for several months. Agents received information that Adem was trafficking several different types of narcotics in the Athens area.
Athens County Sheriff Smith states “Agents applied for and were granted search warrants. Suspected fentanyl, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, U.S. Currency, and a handgun were seized from the apartments.”
Adem was found to be on parole through the Adult Parole Authority out of Franklin County.
The seized narcotics will be sent to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations Laboratory.
Additional charges will be presented to an Athens County Grand Jury pending the lab results. | 2022-07-14T18:39:08Z | www.wsaz.com | Fentanyl, cocaine, meth seized by task force following assault complaint | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/fentanyl-cocaine-meth-seized-by-task-force-following-assault-complaint/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/fentanyl-cocaine-meth-seized-by-task-force-following-assault-complaint/ |
The Charleston Fire Department has found a new way to make learning about safety fun.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The Charleston Fire Department has found a new way to make learning about safety fun.
The Department just purchased an inflatable fire safety house as part of their public outreach programming to teach children about how to safely handle a situation involving fire.
The building has different rooms similar to those in a house. A kitchen, living room area and bedroom all model scenarios where a fire can start. On the walls are different fire handling tips.
“Smoke is the first factor we have that kills people, and smoke alarms are the first prevention in your house,” Lt. Justin Alford said. “You need to make sure they work and get out as soon as possible and everything can be replaced, your belongings can be replaced but your life cannot.”
Alford said the house is meant to get kids to kickstart their thinking about fire safety.
“It’s used to teach kids about fire prevention, how to call 911, where to look in the house and what to do if the smoke alarm does go off in your house,” he said. “It also reminds kids to have an escape plan to work with their parents and make sure smoke alarms do work.”
Alford said practicing the situations over and over will stick in children’s memory.
“With kids, when they get scared they tend to hide, we do not want that to happen in a house fire,” he said. “If a smoke alarm goes off, we want them to react because they had the repetition of going through a smokehouse and getting out of the house.”
Alford said the plan is to take the inflatable house to events where kids will be like Live on the Levee. | 2022-07-14T22:20:55Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston fire officials make safety fun with new initiative | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/charleston-fire-officials-make-safety-fun-with-new-initiative/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/charleston-fire-officials-make-safety-fun-with-new-initiative/ |
WHEELERSBURG, Ohio (WSAZ) - In August 2018, we reported about a man, Leroy Seeley, who died in a house fire with his 2-year-old son at their home in Wheelersburg.
WSAZ’s Marlee Pinchok has new information from investigators who now believe the deadly fire was no accident. They say you, our viewers, could help heat up this cold case.
For Leroy Seeley Sr., a picture is the closest he can get to holding his grandson in his arms, as that laugh and smile are gone forever.
“It’s indescribable, unbelievable. I keep thinking he’ll come home,” Seeley said.
Better known as L.J., Leroy Seeley Jr. was just 2 years old when investigators say he died in a fire with his father. It happened at their mobile home along North Street in Wheelersburg.
“You could not open the door without feeling the heat from the flames,” the grandfather said.
He said when he saw the fire next door, he knew his son and grandson were likely inside and frantically called 911.
“It’s your family, it’s your blood, it’s your family. There’s nothing I could do,” he said.
Although a cleaned-up yard now sits where the remnants of their home used to be, the scene is burned into the memory of those closest to the Seeley family.
After years of hoping and searching for answers, investigators say they have new information in the case -- with reason to believe the fatal fire was intentionally set.
Josh Hobbs, the chief of Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau with the state Fire Marshal’s Office, said the motive isn’t clear at this time but confirms there is a person of interest. Investigators ask for your help connecting the remaining dots.
“I think there was a specific reason this fire was set, and I do believe the outcome of the fire may not have been the intention of the person doing it,” Hobbs said. “But nonetheless it was the result.”
WSAZ’s Pinchok asked how people could feel comfortable coming forward with that information.
Hobbs responded, “I think that we are comfortable with the person of interest we have, that the public can come forward without any risk of feeling that there would be harm or threatened in any way. I think now is an ideal time for them to do that, and I believe there are multiple people that know what happened here, and now is a great time for them to come forward, and I think it’s the right thing to do. When you have a death not only of an adult, but a death of a small, innocent child and you have information, I think that there is an internal obligation to come forward for something like that.”
Although there is a reward offered for on the table for anyone with information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible, Hobbs said the ultimate reward is justice.
“Not that you wouldn’t be motivated to seek justice for the adult, but the innocence of a child motivates you even more to seek justice,” Hobbs said.
Seeley Sr., the grandfather, said, “I hope somebody does know something that they would please tell ... you know? If you do know something out there, you’re talking about a little baby and my son and beautiful grandson, that somebody did do something. I hope somebody does have the nerve to come forward and say something.”
While investigators do have a person of interest, they’re not sharing that person’s name at this time. But they say the person knew the Seeley family.
If you have information to share about the case, please contact the Fire and Explosion Investigations Department at the state Fire Marshal’s Office at 800-589-2728.
Mother returns to scene where son and father died in fire | 2022-07-14T23:13:07Z | www.wsaz.com | WSAZ Investigates | Searching for Justice | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/wsaz-investigates-searching-justice/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/14/wsaz-investigates-searching-justice/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Roughly $7,000 worth of merchandise was stolen from a pawn shop early Friday morning, according to the Huntington Police Department.
Guns, gaming systems, tablets, computers, and games were all taken during the heist at Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry that took roughly 15 minutes, officers say.
To get inside, police told WSAZ.com the men broke a front window of the store and climbed through.
Huntington Police report the store was wiped clean of all gaming systems such as an Xbox and the men managed to get away with two long guns that were located behind a locked gate.
General manager Cher Kiser says she received an alarm call at 4:40 a.m. due to broken glass.
Kiser also says the store’s surveillance video system can be accessed through a phone, so management watched the theft in real-time.
After witnessing the men walking around grabbing items, management called 911.
Huntington Police is now working to identify the men seen in surveillance video.
Around 4:40 a.m. Friday, two men broke into Tri-State Pawn and Jewelry on 29th street in Huntington, according to police.(Huntington Police Department)
The store located along 29th Street in Huntington has been the victim of a break-in once before, but management says that time, nothing was stolen. | 2022-07-15T18:04:02Z | www.wsaz.com | Guns, expensive electronics stolen during smash-and-grab break-in at pawn shop | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/15/guns-expensive-electronics-stolen-during-smash-and-grab-break-in-pawn-shop/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/15/guns-expensive-electronics-stolen-during-smash-and-grab-break-in-pawn-shop/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - With a line nearly out the door of Lion’s Club in downtown Greenup, it takes an assembly line to get the orders out on time.
The Community Engagement group is hosting a hotdog fundraiser by donation, raising funds for beautification projects.
Among the Community Engagement volunteers, Amy Dowdy led the charge. She’s known for her smile and her passion for the community.
Dowdy loves to lend a helping hand when she can, working the hotdog fundraisers once a month.
“We started this group with a couple of people I went to church with, and not it has grown to a large group of volunteers,” Dowdy said.
The Community Engagement Group raises money to fund murals, put up Christmas lights around the holiday season, and clean up storefronts.
When the group started, Dowdy said they looked through their own garages to find shovels and cleaning supplies to help businesses cleanup their storefronts.
“I’m leaving a mark on the future so that when my grandkids and kids come down through Greenup, they’ll still see what I saw when I was a kid -- a beautiful town,” Dowdy said.
Dowdy was nominated as a WSAZ Hometown Hero for her outstanding work in the community and her commitment to keeping Greenup beautiful for all to enjoy.
Dowdy said she couldn’t do the work without the help of her friends, so you’ll likely find her alongside them working together. | 2022-07-15T22:02:54Z | www.wsaz.com | Hometown Hero | Amy Dowdy | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/15/hometown-hero-amy-dowdy/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/15/hometown-hero-amy-dowdy/ |
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