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WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Noted interior designer Carleton Varney has passed away, according to The Greenbrier resort where Varney spent much of his career.
According to the resort, Varney died Thursday morning. The Massachusetts native has had a close relationship with The Greenbrier for more than 60 years, a news release from the resort states.
Varney joined Dorothy Draper & Company in 1960, having visited the West Virginia resort with his mentor Dorothy Draper, who started decorating it in 1946, according to the release.
The Greenbrier said Varney’s touch is evident throughout the resort, including newer projects such as The Greenbrier Chapel and The Casino Club at The Greenbrier.
“Every guest who has visited The Greenbrier over the past six decades has seen the magical work of Carleton Varney,” said Jill Justice, D.O, President of The Greenbrier, in the release. “He has been an integral part of the story of America’s Resort. To all of us, he was our greatest friend.
According to the release, “Varney’s name is also on several areas of The Greenbrier, including Café Carleton, an upscale bar and lounge that overlooks The Casino Club at The Greenbrier. The two-bedroom Carleton Varney Suite, which overlooks the North Gardens and the West Virginia mountains, is one of the most popular suites inside the hotel.”
“Carleton Varney has provided the vision, the consistency and the dramatic beauty of our wonderful interiors by keeping a determined eye on every detail,” said The Greenbrier’s Historian Emeritus, Dr. Robert Conte, in his forward for Varney’s 2020 book, Romance and Rhododendrons: My Love Affair with America’s Resort — The Greenbrier. “In the big picture, it is all about the details. It has been my distinct pleasure to witness for all these many years the look of delight and wonder as guests stroll into the hotel’s upper lobbies and look about in awe at what they see.”
West Virginians at higher risk to cyber scams | 2022-07-16T00:13:38Z | www.wsaz.com | Noted interior designer for The Greenbrier passes away | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/16/noted-interior-designer-greenbrier-passes-away/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/16/noted-interior-designer-greenbrier-passes-away/ |
BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man has died after a single-vehicle motorcycle crash in Boone County.
West Virginia State Police say the crash happened around 7:45 p.m. Saturday along Route 119 in the Julian area.
Troopers determined 39-year-old Terrance Poindexter of Charleston, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed.
He was transported to Boone Memorial Hospital, where he later died from his injuries. | 2022-07-17T20:21:15Z | www.wsaz.com | Man dies in motorcycle crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/man-dies-motorcycle-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/man-dies-motorcycle-crash/ |
School administrators named Tyler Kratzenberg as the football team’s new head coach this summer. Players have been participating in workouts and 7-on-7s to get ready for the upcoming season. Coach Kratzenberg has been stressing the importance of paying attention to detail.
“It starts with little things; tucking your shirt in, being on time to places and holding everybody accountable. There’s a bigger picture. The weight room translates to the field,” said Kratzenberg.
A big challenge for this year’s squad will be their overall number of players. Players and coaches are working to get as many students to come out for the football team as they can.
“There are people coming in and they’re seeing what we’re doing, they’re liking it, and we’ve been working hard,” said senior AJ Harrison.
Harrison missed most of his junior season with a knee injury but expects to be healthy to return to the field this fall. The Oaks 1-9 record in 2021 hasn’t sit well with him and his goal is to have a winning season.
“Guys have got to step up and make big plays. We’ve just got to put work in the weight room,” said Harrison.
Harrison is a senior leader who has bought into the program and believes in the new staff. Coach Kratzenberg has a hard-nosed old school mentality when it comes to coaching.
“My biggest thing is that I’m going to be honest. I’m always going to be upfront and shoot it straight from the hip. That’s how I was raised and coached and I feel that’s the only way to be,” said Kratzenberg.
Creating a culture of winning is not something that happens overnight. It is established each and every by doing the little things right. Kratzenberg says that culture of creating good habits and taking care of business will help these players off the field as well.
“We have to help mold great young men in the world. It’s a big world and there’s a lot out there. For us to mold them with little skills of being on time, doing the right things when they’re supposed to, that is going to help them later as fathers and great young men,” said Kratzenberg.
“These kids work their tails off. You can’t teach blue collar toughness and these kids have that.”
Oak Hill begins it’s football season at home against Wellston on August 19th. | 2022-07-17T23:23:47Z | www.wsaz.com | Oaks work to get back to winning with new head coach | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/oaks-work-get-back-winning-with-new-head-coach/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/oaks-work-get-back-winning-with-new-head-coach/ |
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Contractors will be shifting traffic and paving in the westbound lanes of Interstate 64 near the Nitro-St. Albans interstate bridge from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, July 18, 2022, through Wednesday, July 20, 2022.
Paving will also be done on the median from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Thursday, July 21, 2022, through Friday, July 29, 2022.
New lane and edge striping will be put in place, requiring intermittent lane closures.
The westbound fast lane will be closed each night from mile marker 44 to mile marker 42 beginning Monday, July 18, 2022.
The area is west of the Nitro-St. Albans interstate bridge and is part of a widening project between the bridge and the US 35 interchange.
The approximately $225 million project will widen I-64 from four to six lanes and includes construction of a second bridge over the Kanawha River and replacing five more bridges between Nitro and US 35. | 2022-07-18T15:51:27Z | www.wsaz.com | Paving work near Nitro-St. Albans bridge to start Monday | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/paving-work-near-nitro-st-albans-bridge-start-monday/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/paving-work-near-nitro-st-albans-bridge-start-monday/ |
WELLSTON, Ohio (WSAZ) – Two police officers were assaulted while attempting to make an arrest on July 16.
According to the Wellston Police Department, two officers responded to the 1300 block of S. Penn Avenue to make an arrest in a felony domestic violence incident.
Officers found Reuben Ousley, 49, of Wellston, in a back bedroom of the home.
During the arrest, Ousley is accused of hitting an officer in the side of the face with a closed fist and kicking another in the midsection.
Reuben Ousley, 49, of Wellston, was arrested and charged with domestic violence, two counts of assault on a police officer and two counts of resisting arrest.
He received treatment at Holzer Medical Center in Jackson and then transported to the Jackson County Correctional Facility. | 2022-07-18T21:56:51Z | www.wsaz.com | Man hits, kicks officers during domestic violence arrest | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/man-hits-kicks-officers-during-domestic-violence-arrest/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/man-hits-kicks-officers-during-domestic-violence-arrest/ |
Flash flooding alerts leave Huntington flood victims anxious(WSAZ)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The city of Huntington warned residents Monday morning of possible flash flooding along Fourpole Creek.
Cabell County EMS sent out a phone alert to all residents with the zip code 25701 saying, “With recent heavy rains there is a potential for flash flooding. Please use caution and take appropriate actions.”
Pauly Opp, who was a flood victim from May 6 flash flooding says when it pours, it’s hard not to be nervous the creek will flow over its banks.
“You think, oh here we go again,” Opp said. “It brought all the emotions up again. My son served in the military and he said, ‘Mom this is PTSD.’”
From the outside of Opp’s house, it looks like the damage is cleaned up, but inside the floors are still ripped up.
“It’s incredible, something you can’t understand until you go through it,” Opp said. “There’s so many of us needing the same carpeting, the same repairs.”
Piles of belongings are scattered around the house that Opp says no longer feels like her home.
She says she has no estimates from contractors about when they can come replace the flooring.
“I know it can be fixed; it’s just I don’t wait well,” she said. “I know help is coming. I don’t know when.”
Through the cleanup, she’s trying to count her blessing, saying she’s better off than others in the flood.
“I still have a home. Some people don’t have a home, but I can still live here,” Opp said.
She says although she loves Huntington and her home, she does not know how much more she can take.
“They have to do something with the creek. It’s beautiful and I love it and I go sit by it, but we can’t live like this,” she said.
Opp says she still hasn’t received any money from her flood insurance and has had to pay out of pocket for any repairs. | 2022-07-18T22:13:42Z | www.wsaz.com | Flash flooding alerts leave Huntington flood victims anxious | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/flash-flooding-alerts-leave-huntington-flood-victims-anxious/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/flash-flooding-alerts-leave-huntington-flood-victims-anxious/ |
Testing begins at old terminal site
SCIOTOVILLE, Ohio (WSAZ) - An old terminal has sat vacant in Sciotoville for decades. Sixth Ward Portsmouth Councilman Dennis Packard would like to see the city of Portsmouth revitalize the area.
“This community has had this to look at every time they get up and go to work in the morning and when they come home at night. This is what they’ve seen for over 25 years,” Packard said. “It could be a place where people could picnic and have access to the riverfront.”
A sign at the gate of the terminal says that it is own by Buckeye Terminals LLC. Earlier in 2022, Portsmouth City Councilmembers passed a resolution to let the company know that they interested in it and would like to see some development on the property. Packard says the property owner has shown a willingness to work with the city to help make that happen.
“They’ve sent a crew in to see what it might take to clean this area up. They have given us permission to begin testing to see what might be involved in cleaning it up,” Packard said.
Packard says the air quality at the property was tested many years ago and everything is clear. Now, the ground must be tested. While the city continues to work with Buckeye Terminals with the hopes of one day taking ownership of the property, Packard says this is a good start to reach the ultimate goal.
“I see this project as a big piece to the finalization of the master plan. If this goes the way we’d like to see it go, this entire 11-acre area would be converted to a public area,” Packard said. | 2022-07-18T23:27:44Z | www.wsaz.com | Environmental testing to begin at old terminal site in Sciotoville | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/environmental-testing-begin-old-terminal-site-sciotoville/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/environmental-testing-begin-old-terminal-site-sciotoville/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - For around a year, one man said he’s contacted West Virginia’s Division of Highways, U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s office, and even the Governor’s office to try and get a slip fixed on the road where he lives.
An already narrow road, Harmon’s Branch Road slip takes up roughly half the road forcing cars to drive through one at a time.
Ronald Holston lives just down the road and has been trying for about a year to get someone to fix the slip.
“This road should have been fixed six, eight months ago,” he said. “We shouldn’t have to wait for a year or wait for somebody to lose their life to get something done.”
Holston said after reaching out so many times, he’s not sure what more he can do.
He just wants those who drive through to be safe without the risk of falling off the road.
“I didn’t really want to call and complain,” he said. “But, you know, we’ve, we gotta get something done.”
WSAZ started reaching out to the DOH Monday morning to get answers.
We first sent an email asking for an interview as well as additional questions without getting a response.
We tried calling, as well, but have not had a response yet. | 2022-07-18T23:27:56Z | www.wsaz.com | Road slip worsens despite man’s effort | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/road-slip-worsens-despite-mans-effort/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/18/road-slip-worsens-despite-mans-effort/ |
SISSONVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The names of two people killed Sunday in a shooting in Sissonville have been released.
Steven Sloan, 66, and Kathryn Sloan, 57, both of Sissonville, died from gunshot wounds, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office said Monday night.
Investigators say the Sloans were a married couple and died in an apparent murder-suicide.
The scene was discovered around 5 p.m. Sunday along the 3300 block of Walker Drive in Sissonville.
The scene was discovered around 5 p.m. in Sissonville along the 3300 block of Walker Drive.
Sgt. Ana Pile with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office says the male is believed to be in his 60s and the female in her 50s.
At this time they do not believe there is any danger to the public. | 2022-07-19T04:01:33Z | www.wsaz.com | Names released in deadly shooting | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/names-released-deadly-shooting/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/17/names-released-deadly-shooting/ |
BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - West Virginia State Police has released the name of the man at the center of a four-hour standoff situation that happened in the Van community of Mingo County Monday evening.
Law enforcement was called to Eastwood Lane after 911 received a call around 6:45 p.m. about a man in the neighborhood with a rifle.
Investigators say after firing shots, John William Tucker, 65, retreated into a mobile home and barricaded himself.
According to state police, Tucker has a history with law enforcement, including drug and weapon charges.
Troopers also report Tucker was heavily under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident.
Law enforcement on scene used a telephone to communicate with Tucker. They say he came out about four hours after the situation started.
Tucker is being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $250,000 surety bond. | 2022-07-19T16:12:53Z | www.wsaz.com | Standoff situation ends in an arrest after law enforcement negotiations | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/standoff-situation-ends-an-arrest-after-law-enforcement-negotiation/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/standoff-situation-ends-an-arrest-after-law-enforcement-negotiation/ |
Christopher Neal Smith(Western regional jail)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man accused of fatally shooting a woman during an argument over a pair of shoes was sentenced Tuesday to more than 25 years in prison, according to the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office.
Christopher Neal Smith, who’s in his late 30s, was charged with second-degree murder. He also was sentenced from three to 15 years for attempted murder with a handgun.
The shooting happened in July 2021 along the 800 block of Stockton Street in Charleston.
Amanda Dawn Burnette, 35, of Charleston, died in the incident, and a man was injured.
Investigators say Smith’s sentence is to be served concurrently pursuant to a binding plea. A binding plea means once the court accepted the plea, Smith had to accept it.
Fight over shoes leads to deadly shooting, man arrested for murder | 2022-07-19T22:17:59Z | www.wsaz.com | Man sentenced for deadly shooting involving argument over shoes | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/man-sentenced-deadly-shooting-involving-argument-over-shoes/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/man-sentenced-deadly-shooting-involving-argument-over-shoes/ |
BOONE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Some Boone County residents are shaken up after an hours-long standoff Monday night ended with one of their neighbors in custody.
According to West Virginia State Police (WVSP), John Tucker, 65, of Gordon, was taken into custody without incident after barricading himself in his home.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Boone County Magistrate Court, WVSP troopers were called to a home on Sharpe Street in Van around 6:45 Monday night regarding reports Tucker was aiming a rifle at his neighbors.
Kevin Cantrell said he was getting home from errands when he saw his home surrounded by law enforcement.
“I’d seen the state police, I think the sheriff but they weren’t doing anything yet so I went in the house and started to make the dog some food,” he recalled.
According to the complaint, two troopers arrived at the mobile home about half an hour after the initial call.
One trooper saw Tucker standing near the rear door of the home. When the trooper told Tucker to come out to talk with them, Tucker then shouted profanities at the officers and slammed the door.
Ricky Gunnoe said he’s lived near the scene for 20 years and while he said it is normal to see officers, nothing compared to Monday night’s events.
“We were nervous didn’t know what was going to happen,” he said. “Normally around here everything’s alright, someone might get drunk a little bit and quit talking. Next time, you know, something happens.”
According to the complaint, after an unknown amount of time, the troopers tried again to make contact with Tucker. One of the troopers saw Tucker pick up a long rifle-style weapon that to be in AR-style. Tucker began aiming the weapon toward the troopers, who then fired multiple shots from their handguns into the home in Tucker’s direction.
“Gunshots bam, bam, bam, bam, bam,” Cantrell said. “I have never seen that many cops in one place in West Virginia before, that’s just one of those things I had never seen anything like it.”
Cantrell and Gunnoe said what stands out the most is the hours they spent waiting to get back to their homes as they hoped for a peaceful outcome.
Both shared relief that no one was injured.
“Keep on going, that’s all you can do, it’s nerve-racking but you gotta do what you can do,” Gunnoe said.
“You don’t want sadness like that,” Cantrell said. “I don’t have any words of wisdom. It’s a sad situation.”
WVSP said Tucker has a lengthy criminal history including out-of-state arrests.
Investigators say he appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the standoff.
He is being held at the South Central Regional Jail and faces two counts of wanton endangerment. | 2022-07-19T22:18:05Z | www.wsaz.com | Timeline of Boone County standoff detailed in criminal complaint | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/timeline-boone-county-standoff-detailed-criminal-complaint/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/timeline-boone-county-standoff-detailed-criminal-complaint/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Arthur Taylor says a walk around his block isn’t an option, simply because he says one particular house along Jackson Avenue in Huntington isn’t safe.
“It’s really terrible sometimes. There’s rats, racoons, gophers or whatever creatures in here. It’s just getting to the point where it’s unsafe to walk,” Taylor said.
Where do these critters hide? Well, it’s tough to pinpoint an exact location.
Taylor says they could be under mounds of clothes, behind broken pieces of furniture, or inside the refrigerator sitting in the front yard nibbling on a snack covered in bugs.
Nonetheless, Taylor says the issue causes concern for his safety and health.
“It’s kind of a musty, kind of trashy smell. Like I’m standing here now and it’s starting to bother my asthma now. Probably because of all the mold and mildew that I’m allergic to,” Taylor said.
Taylor says whenever he moved to the area in March, he and his wife reached out to the city to come clean up the trash.
“The city came out and cleaned up, and they did a good job on that, and it was a pretty quick response … but now this is back. It’s becoming a dumping area, people just driving by and dumping their garbage here or trash, and that’s it,” Taylor said.
Since then, he’s reached out to the city repeatedly, using Huntington’s 311 platform.
A former employee replied to one of those complaints saying: “We will have our building inspector visit the property and update status.”
However, that reply was back in April and there was no response to their last complaint.
We reached out to the city with all of the information to find out what’s being done, but a spokesperson told us they would have to do some research which could take a day or so.
“What we want to do is maybe have the city come in and straighten this up and maybe keep an eye on it and catch the people who are dumping here,” Taylor said. | 2022-07-19T23:49:04Z | www.wsaz.com | Neighbors concerned about trash-filled property | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/neighbors-concerned-about-trash-filled-property/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/19/neighbors-concerned-about-trash-filled-property/ |
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - A man from Pike County died after a head-on crash in Elkhorn City, Kentucky State Police say.
James Kelly, 44, of Pikeville, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers say the accident happened just before 9:30 p.m. Saturday on Elkhorn Creek and involved a Kia Spectra driven by Kelly and a Dodge Ram pickup truck.
Investigators say the woman who was driving the Ram went left of center, striking the Kia.
A KSP accident reconstructionist is investigating the crash. | 2022-07-20T01:37:41Z | www.wsaz.com | Man dies in eastern Ky. crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/man-dies-eastern-ky-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/man-dies-eastern-ky-crash/ |
Portsmouth will open a cooling station Wednesday to help people in need beat the heat.(KKCO)
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio. (WSAZ) - With temperatures expected in the 90′s Wednesday, Scioto County will open a cooling station.
The Salvation Army at 1001 9th St. in Portsmouth will open its lobby for anyone wanting to get out of the heat on Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be a hygiene trailer on site that will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., for anyone wanting to take a shower or do laundry. | 2022-07-20T07:42:59Z | www.wsaz.com | Cooling station opens Wednesday as temperatures rise | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/cooling-station-opens-wednesday-temperatures-rise/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/cooling-station-opens-wednesday-temperatures-rise/ |
One of Officer Johnson’s closest friends addressed the court first saying Phillips ‘deprived this world of the most beautiful soul.’
Phillips was also found guilty of simple possession of a controlled substance. For that charge, he was sentenced to 6 months. Both sentencings will run consecutively.
Phillips will also pay restitution of $8,000.
Prior to his sentencing Wednesday, Phillips spoke to the court saying, “I’m sorry for the grief I’ve caused. If I could trade places with her I would.” | 2022-07-20T19:36:19Z | www.wsaz.com | Man convicted in Charleston officer’s death sentenced | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/man-convicted-charleston-officers-death-sentenced/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/man-convicted-charleston-officers-death-sentenced/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man from Pennsylvania was sentenced Wednesday to more than seven years in prison for soliciting a 14-year-old girl in Clay County, West Virginia, for sexual activity.
James Russell Loar, Jr., 40, of Washington, Pennsylvania, received a sentence of seven years and three months, followed by 15 years of supervised release, the U.S. Department of Justice said. Loar also must register as a sex offender.
Investigators say Loar traveled from his home to Clay County to have sex with the 14-year-old victim. He had been communicating with the girl for nearly a year by social media. After the girl’s parents advised Loar of her age, he continued communicating with her.
According to the news release, the girl’s mother discovered her in a truck with Loar and intervened. Investigators say after Loar was arrested, he continued corresponding with the girl including sending a pornographic picture.
West Virginia State Police and the FBI are among agencies that investigated the case. | 2022-07-20T21:08:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Pennsylvania man sentenced for soliciting 14-year-old girl for sex | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/pennsylvania-man-sentenced-soliciting-14-year-old-girl-sex/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/pennsylvania-man-sentenced-soliciting-14-year-old-girl-sex/ |
COAL GROVE, Ohio (WSAZ) - The area near Paul Porter Park in Coal Grove is an active construction site. Residents will see crews working to renovate the old building that once housed the police station. Upon completion, it will be the Coal Grove Community Center.
“We’re hoping to have it under roof within 90 days,” said Village Administrator Steve Patton.
Patton says the building will be a versatile multi-purpose space that will also house the Coal Grove Betterment Club. The club spearheaded this project in order to provide the citizens of Coal Grove with a space for social gatherings.
“It’s going to be a 30′ by 60′ open floor plan. There will be drop down TVs on each side. There will be a stove, refrigerator and sinks,” Patton said.
The Coal Grove Betterment Club started by asking for donations around the community and quickly received more than $75,000 from private donors, nearly the total cost of the $82,500 project.
“Once that came in, we were like, we can do this!” Patton said. “Anybody can come in and rent it and have weddings, birthday parties, family reunions. The community can use it for whatever they want to use it for.”
That means more revenue for the Coal Grove Betterment Club to be used for many of the community events that it hosts each year.
“That’s revenue for them and they can add things like Christmas decorations during Christmas time and more stuff at the park with different events. Now they have a place they can call home,” Patton said. | 2022-07-20T22:39:11Z | www.wsaz.com | Community Center project underway in Coal Grove | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/community-center-project-underway-coal-grove/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/20/community-center-project-underway-coal-grove/ |
Nearly three weeks after a deadly ambush attack, the officers who were killed were honored in Frankfort.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (WSAZ) - Nearly three weeks after the deadly shooting in Floyd County, Kentucky, where three officers and a K-9 were killed, those who died were honored Wednesday in Frankfort.
The General Assembly’s interim committee on veterans, military affairs and public protection heard from officers with the Prestonsburg Police Department and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Kevin Thacker talked about knowing Deputy William Petry.
“He was an idol to our office,” Thacker said. “The most important thing about Petry, he was a family man.”
Prestonsburg Deputy Chief of Police Ross Shurtleff spoke about how he’s finding solace following the loss of Capt. Ralph Frasure.
“He knew what he was doing the day he died, and that helps me cope a little bit,” Shurtleff said, “because he went to those first two officers that came as backup, who you couldn’t make three years of experience between both of them, and he went straight to them, and he didn’t go down without a fight. He was at peace with it.”
Shurtleff also shared memories of working with Officer Jacob Chaffins.
“He wanted to be a police officer, and he would not quit until he got hired,” he said.
Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, who represents the district where the shooting happened, presented citations of memoriam from the House of Representatives to be taken back to the officers’ families.
“They were loved and valued in our community in more ways than one,” Laferty said.
The Kentucky House also presented the officers wounded in the shooting with challenge coins. | 2022-07-21T03:12:49Z | www.wsaz.com | Fallen Floyd County officers honored at Kentucky Capitol | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/fallen-floyd-county-officers-honored-kentucky-capitol/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/fallen-floyd-county-officers-honored-kentucky-capitol/ |
According to the sheriff's office, the men have already spent approximately $4,000.(Cabell County Sheriff's Office)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The Cabell County Sheriff’s Office is working to identify two men accused of using stolen credit cards.
Deputies say the credit cards were stolen from a car in Grayson, Kentucky overnight Saturday, and then used at several locations between Kenova and Barboursville.
Those locations include an Exxon gas station in Kenova around 8 a.m. Saturday, and later at the Huntington Mall in five different stores.
According to the sheriff’s office, the men have already spent approximately $4,000.
Deputies say the men were seen getting in a black Cadillac at the mall.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Hatfield at 304-634-4672. | 2022-07-21T16:55:18Z | www.wsaz.com | Men accused of going on shopping spree with stolen credit cards | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/men-accused-going-shopping-spree-with-stolen-credit-cards/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/men-accused-going-shopping-spree-with-stolen-credit-cards/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- An unlicensed plumbing contractor has been accused of defrauding at least seven people of more than $5,700 in unfinished plumbing projects, according to the West Virginia Attorney General’s Office.
The lawsuit targets Jerry Smales who operates Mountaineer Plumbing and Beckley Plumbing from a UPS store in Beckley, according to the civil complaint filed in Raleigh County Circuit Court.
Attorney General Morrisey accuses Smales of pretending to be a plumbing contractor even though he lacked any licensing.
The lawsuit seeks to block him from any future contracting work in West Virginia, in addition to the payment of restitution and penalties. The alleged violations occurred through his operation of Mountaineer Plumbing and Beckley Plumbing.
AG Morrisey says Smales collected individual payments totaling $5,766.78, but never completed the work on any of the seven projects. He also never provided refunds, despite being asked to do so by consumers. | 2022-07-21T19:58:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Unlicensed plumber targeted in suit filed by WV Attorney General | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/unlicensed-plumber-targeted-suit-filed-by-wv-attorney-general/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/unlicensed-plumber-targeted-suit-filed-by-wv-attorney-general/ |
FBI teaches active shooter training(WSAZ)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Walking by the Kanawha County School District Board of Education building Thursday morning, you would have heard gunshots.
This was all part of an exercise to prepare for the worst-case scenario: an active shooter.
“This is a real and tangible thing we’re trying to deliver to these people,” FBI Supervisory Special Agent Tony Rausa said. “And one of those is an acoustical appreciation of gunfire in the place they work.”
Using blanks, members of the FBI fired shots inside the building using different types of guns to mimic an active shooter situation.
Kanawha County Schools Superintendent Tom Williams said this is an important experience they needed to go through.
“In West Virginia a lot of us have been around guns our entire lives but most of it’s with hunting and outside shooting and ranges and things like that,” he said. “But gunshot sounds differently in a building.”
The training covered a lot of ground, talking about previous school shootings such as Columbine to describing how profiling potential school shooters doesn’t work.
When it was all over, Rausa said he hopes people know how to react.
“Jumping into that decision tree of run, hide, fight, and getting to that point where you can make that decision as soon as possible,” he said. “So understanding what you’re hearing and understanding, what’s happening in the environment around you as it unfolds is critical to them.”
To try and prepare for any situation like this, Williams said they’re in the process of signing an agreement with Metro 911.
“If we would have an emergency in one of our schools, if a shooter would be in there, or we would have another type of an emergency in one of our schools, and the police are involved Metro 911 would have access to the security cameras and our buildings,” he said.”
Williams added this kind of access would only be used in extreme situations.
This training is not limited to just school districts.
Rausa says it’s a free program provided by the FBI, and they’ve done demonstrations for religious organizations and businesses, as well. | 2022-07-21T21:29:31Z | www.wsaz.com | FBI shares Active Shooter training with Kanawha County School District BOE | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/fbi-shares-active-shooter-training-with-kanawha-county-school-district-boe/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/fbi-shares-active-shooter-training-with-kanawha-county-school-district-boe/ |
Loaded .40-caliber weapon confiscated at TSA checkpoint at Huntington Tri-State Airport.(Transportation Security Administration)
WAYNE COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man from Kenova was cited Thursday for carrying a loaded handgun through the security checkpoint at Huntington Tri-State Airport, according to a release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Investigators say the .40-caliber weapon was loaded with 12 bullets.
Local police were notified after a TSA officer spotted the gun in a checkpoint X-ray machine. The man, who told officer he forgot he had the firearm with him, was cited on a weapons charge.
“It’s important to know where your gun is at all times, especially when you are packing for a flight,” said Simone Beyer, TSA’s Acting Federal Security Director for West Virginia, in a news release. “Guns at security checkpoints are a serious concern. There’s a right way to transport a gun for a flight and a wrong way. The wrong way is to bring it to a checkpoint. The right way is to make sure it’s unloaded, packed in a hard-sided locked case and brought to the airline check-in counter to be declared. The airline will make sure it is transported in the belly of the plane where nobody has access to it during a flight.” | 2022-07-21T21:29:44Z | www.wsaz.com | Man cited for carrying loaded handgun into airport security checkpoint | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/man-cited-carrying-loaded-handgun-into-airport-security-checkpoint/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/man-cited-carrying-loaded-handgun-into-airport-security-checkpoint/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Charleston Mayor Amy Goodwin said she knew bringing back the Sternwheel Regatta would be a worthy challenge.
“We all knew Regatta would certainly have a monumental impact,” she said at a Thursday news conference.
What she did not expect was the full scope of its economic success.
City officials said the five-day event brought $31.5 million to Charleston along with 210,000 visitors.
Initially, Goodwin said organizers estimated the Regatta would generate a minimum of $10 million.
She said several factors, including pleasant weather and nostalgia, contributed to the prosperity.
“There are a lot of things that play into an event and a successful event, especially an outdoor event., Mother Nature was kind,” she said. “I think also the energy of bringing Regatta back, yesteryear, remembering if it will it be the same and the things we remember about it.”
Data from the Charleston Convention and Visitor’s Bureau showed about 29% of visitors to the Regatta came from out of state.
The top five states for out-of-state attendees were Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Kentucky.
More than 15% of visitors traveled over 500 miles to get to the Regatta.
Fife Street Brewing was one of many businesses that benefited from Regatta being in town.
The restaurant opened Memorial Day weekend. Assistant Manager Cody Fauber said the Regatta sealed the bar as a Charleston staple.
“I think Regatta really helped us get our name out there because so many people stopped through we’ve had lots of people come in,” he said. “We’ve been selling lots of beer, so Regatta definitely helped.”
Goodwin said one thing she believed helped organizers was knowing families would gravitate to the event, many for years to come.
“When people are looking to create jobs in the city to see the energy and enthusiasm a local community brings with their events that’s important,” the mayor said. “I can’t give you dollars and cents because it’s priceless.”
You can give feedback to this year’s Regatta by emailing: charlestonregatta@gmail.com. | 2022-07-21T23:01:18Z | www.wsaz.com | Sternwheel Regatta generates $31.5 million for Charleston | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/sternwheel-regatta-generates-315-million-charleston/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/sternwheel-regatta-generates-315-million-charleston/ |
Public restrooms vandalized
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Clogged toilets and broken materials -- nothing but a mess was left behind in some public restrooms at parks in Point Pleasant.
“This is sickening … they destroyed this where these big rolls go in. It’s just unbelievable,” Mayor Brian Billings said.
Billings says while this isn’t the first time he’s seen public restrooms at parks tampered with, this time around is unlike any other.
“Nothing like these past two weeks. These past two weeks have been horrid,” the mayor said.
So, for the time being, public restrooms at both Riverfront Park and Krodel Park will be closed at all hours of the day. Instead, people will have to wait in line for a porta-potty.
“It’s something I didn’t want to do, but it’s something we have to do until we can get a control on this,” Billings said.
It’s an adjustment people in the community will have to get used to for now.
“People don’t seem to realize how their actions affect other people and they need to think sometimes before they do stuff like that, because this is a historic town and people come here to visit … and they come up here and ruin everything for other people. It’s just not right,” one community member said.
The mayor says they’ll gather for a City Council meeting next month to talk about next steps, including how much longer the public restrooms will remain closed. | 2022-07-22T00:28:33Z | www.wsaz.com | Public restrooms vandalized at parks, replaced by porta-potties | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/public-restrooms-vandalized-parks-replaced-by-porta-potties/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/21/public-restrooms-vandalized-parks-replaced-by-porta-potties/ |
Childbirths will no longer take place at St. Mary’s Medical Center effective Nov. 18.(unsplash.com)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Childbirths will no longer take place at St. Mary’s Medical Center effective Nov. 18.
The chief operating officer of St. Mary’s Medical Center made that announcement Thursday, saying the decision was made “to best serve the needs of patients” in the Mountain Health Network.
Childbirths will continue at Cabell Huntington Hospital, also a member of Mountain Health Network. The decision was due, in part, to a decline in childbirths nationally and regionally.
“While childbirths have steadily decreased nationally over the past decade, the decline is even greater in our region due to a reduced number of women of childbearing age,” said St. Mary’s COO Angie Swearingen in a statement. “As such, the SMMC obstetrics unit will transition to a medical/surgical department with a focus on Women’s Health. Throughout the process, we will seek input from staff, providers, and leadership to ensure a seamless transition and utilize beds most effectively.”
Swearingen’s statement went on to say, “We value the outstanding service of our devoted SMMC obstetrics team members and are pleased to share they will have a choice of caring for patients at either Mountain Health Network hospital.
“We also will be working with obstetricians and pediatricians in the area to assist expectant mothers with their childbirth plans.
“We honor the thousands of babies that have been born at SMMC and the fond memories they hold. We cherish being a part of those important moments and look forward to serving the new mothers, babies, and families of our region.” | 2022-07-22T00:28:39Z | www.wsaz.com | Childbirths to end at regional medical center | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/childbirths-end-regional-medical-center/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/childbirths-end-regional-medical-center/ |
A family is forced to start over after flames from a parked car quickly spread, leaving their home destroyed.
WEST HAMLIN, W.Va. (WSAZ) - What firefighters call an apparent case of freakishly bad luck cost a family first a car and then their home.
It happened a little after 3 p.m. Wednesday along Tyler Creek Road in West Hamlin.
The mother who lives there with her husband and 6-year-old daughter says she and her daughter were at a relative’s home when the fire started.
Her husband told her the car’s engine wasn’t running, but he had the key in the ignition so he could play music. He said he was doing work at the property when he heard a loud bang. He then turned around and saw the car was on fire.
They say the fire quickly spread from the car to the home, and by the time fire crews arrived, both were already destroyed.
The West Hamlin fire chief says the cause of the fire in the car is undetermined, and it’ll be up to the insurance company whether to investigate.
The Red Cross is helping pay for a hotel room for the family and getting them new clothes.
Neighbor Julia Swims lost everything herself in a fire a few years ago and says she understands all too well the heartache the family is going through.
“It really is heartbreaking,” Swims said. “I know how it feels to start over with everything, even more with a child.” | 2022-07-22T03:35:14Z | www.wsaz.com | Fire spreads from car to home | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/fire-spreads-car-home/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/fire-spreads-car-home/ |
Fire shuts down Route 60 in Cabell County, West Virginia.(WSAZ)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Update 11:52 a.m. | All lanes of U.S. Route 60 have reopened following a vehicle fire.
A car caught fire in a garage and spread to another nearby vehicle just before 10:45 Friday morning.
Firefighters and first responders are still on scene.
Green Valley Volunteer Fire Department, Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department, and Ohio River Road Fire Department, the West Virginia State Police, and Cabell County EMS responded.
At this time, it’s unclear how long the WB lanes will remain closed.
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A portion of US 60 is shut down before the lunchtime rush hour.
A car caught fire in a garage and spread to another nearby vehicle.
Dispatchers tell WSAZ.com that the fire broke out just before 10:45 Friday morning near the 29th exit. | 2022-07-22T16:05:25Z | www.wsaz.com | UPDATE | All lanes of U.S. Route 60 reopened | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/fire-shuts-down-route-60/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/fire-shuts-down-route-60/ |
A photo of Merrick Creek Road after rain on Monday.(Nikita Parsons)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- People who travel and work along Merrick Creek Road are continuing to grow frustrated with state agencies as they say the road floods almost every time it rains.
Jacqueline Chevalier who owns Merrits Creek Veterinary Center says this has been a problem since 2009. She says she’s had to close up shop five times this year due to the flooding.
Chevalier says people use her parking lot to get around the high water when it rains, and that they drive on it like it’s any other stretch of road.
“This is a parking lot and a little old lady carrying her dog out almost got hit on Tuesday morning,” Chevalier said.”
Nikita Parsons, who uses the road daily, says she and others started calling the West Virginia Department of Highways a couple of years ago about issue.
“They put high water signs out there. But, that’s about all we’ve gotten,” Parsons said. “We haven’t seen anybody really do any work on it.”
In a statement to WSAZ, DOH said, “Our District Engineer confirmed that a privately owned drain pipe connected to a WVDOH drainage system may be clogged or damaged. The pipe in question is very deep, and in close proximity to buildings. At this time, WVDOH has surveyors looking at the area. Our primary objective is to prevent flooding on the road.”
“I will happily dig the hole,” Chevalier said. “I have equipment at our farm and I’ve already offered myself. I understand that it’s on private property, but it’s their responsibility to make the road not flood.”
Those who work, travel, and live in the area are also worried about emergency services being able to get to them when it floods, because it would take much longer to get to them if ambulances, police, or fire departments have to take an out-of-the-way detour. | 2022-07-22T18:16:11Z | www.wsaz.com | Constant road flooding leads to frustration | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/constant-road-flooding-leads-frustration/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/constant-road-flooding-leads-frustration/ |
Edriene Sutton, 24, was indicted by a grand jury in Kanawha County in connection with a crash that killed two people on I-77 in Charleston.(WVRJA)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A woman accused of driving under the influence and causing the death of of two people in a crash on Interstate 77 in late February has been indicted by a grand jury, the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office says.
Edriene Sutton, 24, will appear at 9 a.m. Aug. 5 before a judge to face the charges.
Sutton is in custody in the South Central Regional Jail. Her bond is $100,000.
The crash happened Feb. 26 near the Leon Sullivan Way exit in Charleston.
Earlier this year during a hearing, Sutton’s lawyer argued that she was not drunk at time of accident but did have one drink earlier in the day.
Police didn’t do a field sobriety test at the crash scene due to Sutton’s injuries which required hospitalization.
Two people killed; one injured in crash on I-77 | 2022-07-22T23:43:19Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman indicted in crash that killed two people | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/woman-indicted-crash-that-killed-two-people/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/22/woman-indicted-crash-that-killed-two-people/ |
Huntington Police investigate a shooting in the Rotary Park area that injured two people.(WSAZ/Andrew Colegrove)
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Huntington Police are on the scene of a shooting Friday night and confirm two people have been shot.
Officers have Perry Drive, the road leading to Rotary Park closed off.
They say the injuries are not believed to be life threatening for either victim.
Police say one victim was found in the park, and the other was found nearby.
Officers can be seen on the road that runs parallel to the park.
They say they do not have any suspects in custody, and there’s no further information at this time on what happened or what led up to the shooting, which was reported just after 9 p.m. | 2022-07-23T02:07:14Z | www.wsaz.com | Two people shot in Huntington | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/23/two-people-shot-huntington/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/23/two-people-shot-huntington/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Temperatures were off and running on Saturday, already reaching the low 90s just after noon. However, a storm complex that developed all the way back towards Chicago in the early morning hours and fed off the hot and humid air when it moved in locally during the afternoon quickly cooled things off with gusty winds and heavy rain. Storms push out by Saturday evening, and no rain is expected on Sunday meaning temperatures will peak in the low to mid 90s with the added humidity making it feel closer to 100 degrees. Then, the main weather story shifts from heat to an elevated flood risk for the entire work week ahead as numerous rounds of showers and thunderstorms are expected.
Storms clear southern portions of the area by 7 p.m., with quiet conditions for the rest of the evening and overnight. Expect a mainly clear sky as low temperatures fall to the upper 60s. Patchy fog is likely.
Storm chances return on Monday and last through the entire work week. Each day sees a mostly cloudy sky as showers and storms pass. High temperatures generally rise to the low to mid 80s but may stay in the 70s on Tuesday. Due to the numerous rounds of rain, the flood risk will be elevated.
Rain chances linger on Saturday, but the coverage and intensity should be less. High temperatures top out near 80 degrees. | 2022-07-24T00:08:44Z | www.wsaz.com | First Warning Forecast | Heat peaks Sunday before cooler, unsettled pattern sets up | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/23/first-warning-forecast-heat-peaks-sunday-before-cooler-unsettled-pattern-sets-up/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/23/first-warning-forecast-heat-peaks-sunday-before-cooler-unsettled-pattern-sets-up/ |
The call came in around 8:30 a.m. Sunday Morning.(AP)
PRATT, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A woman died when she was hit by a train Sunday morning according to Kanawha County Deputies.
Deputies said the woman was walking on the train tracks in Pratt W.Va. near MacCorkle Ave. and Paint Creek Rd when she was hit by the train.
The call came in around 8:30 a.m. Sunday Morning.
The Kanawha County Sheriff’s office is investigating.
This is a developing story, keep checking WSAZ for the latest. | 2022-07-24T16:56:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman hit by train dies | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/24/woman-hit-by-train-dies/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/24/woman-hit-by-train-dies/ |
JACKSON, Oh. (WSAZ) - The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Police Department are in pursuit of a suspect on foot as of 8:30 p.m.
According to an alert from dispatchers, officers are in the area of Mill Street and Logan Street.
The subject is described as a male in a black cut-off t-shirt, wearing a black hat.
The public is asked to use caution if in the area. | 2022-07-25T00:56:20Z | www.wsaz.com | Sheriff’s office warns of foot pursuit | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/sheriffs-office-warns-foot-pursuit/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/sheriffs-office-warns-foot-pursuit/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The final game of Sunday’s TBT from Charleston was an easy win by #1 seed Best Virginia as they defeated Virginia Dream by a score of 75-45. Kevin Jones led the team with 18 points with three other players scoring in double figures.
The defense by the WVU Alumni team was stout in the third quarter where they held their opponent to just six points.
Here’s the highlights and post-game reaction as seen on WSAZ Sports Sunday night. | 2022-07-25T14:48:15Z | www.wsaz.com | Best Virginia rolls in Round One | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/best-virginia-rolls-round-one/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/best-virginia-rolls-round-one/ |
PRINCETON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A large fight in Princeton ended with shots fired and two people transported to the hospital, according to West Virginia State Police.
The report from state police states the incident happened Sunday, July 24 at 9:30 p.m. along Middlesex Avenue.
When troopers arrived, they discovered two people had been shot. Both were taken to a hospital. | 2022-07-25T16:05:12Z | www.wsaz.com | West Virginia State Police investigating after two shot during fight | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/west-virginia-state-police-investigation-after-two-shot-during-fight/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/west-virginia-state-police-investigation-after-two-shot-during-fight/ |
SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A woman faces kidnapping and rape charges after deputies say she sexually assaulted a 12-year-old boy.
Sheriff David Thoroughman said his office was notified Sunday about possible sexual assault of the boy.
The boy’s parent told investigators she thought her son was spending the night with a friend but later found out that wasn’t the case.
According to a release from Thoroughman’s office, Polachek would have the boy over to her apartment when her husband was away at work, including allowing him to smoke marijuana.
The boy was taken to Adena Regional Medical Center for treatment, according to the news release.
Polachek is in custody in the Scioto County Jail. Her bond is $400,000. She’s scheduled to appear Tuesday in Portsmouth Municipal Court.
Sheriff Thoroughman said more charges are possible in the case. | 2022-07-25T20:42:49Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman accused of kidnapping and rape of 12-year-old boy | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/woman-accused-kidnapping-rape-12-year-old-boy/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/25/woman-accused-kidnapping-rape-12-year-old-boy/ |
Those involved with the fair are hoping rain doesn't become too big of a problem.
MILTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The Cabell County Fair is set to get underway Wednesday, and fair officials are crossing their fingers the weather doesn’t play out quite the way it’s being forecasted.
“We’re prepared for the rain, but we don’t want it,” fair President Anita Robinson said.
Numerous rounds of showers and storms are expected this week.
“That is a concern if we get major amounts of rain, and if that would happen, we would have to close the fairgrounds down,” Robinson said. “There would be a lot of upset people that have worked a lot of volunteer hours to put this on. A lot of kids would be disappointed.”
The ballfields next to the fairgrounds have been known to flood after a significant rainfall. Fair activities are held on slightly higher ground.
“The river does come up on the backside of the fairgrounds,” Robinson said. “We’d have difficulty putting on a fair with that.”
She says they are concerned high water could become an issue in the parking area.
“We’ve already added extra gravel and have extra gravel on standby,” she said.
Robinson says they’ll have volunteers with tractors and a towing crew on hand to pull cars out if they get stuck.
Charlie Simpson, the fair’s livestock chairman, says the rides will stay open as long as there’s no lightning.
“There are buildings to get inside of to shelter while it’s raining,” he said. “It’s supposed to just be pop-up showers. Hopefully it’ll just hit and miss.”
The fair was cancelled two years ago due to the pandemic. Last year, COVID restrictions were still in place.
They’ve been looking forward this year to finally being back in full force, and they’re hoping the weather doesn’t change that.
Robinson says the last time high water caused significant problems at the fair was the late 90s. She says the fair has moved up to higher ground since then. | 2022-07-27T01:52:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Cabell County Fair officials hoping weather cooperates | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/cabell-county-fair-officials-hoping-weather-cooperates/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/cabell-county-fair-officials-hoping-weather-cooperates/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - At Tuesday evening’s Public Service Commission hearing, the community got the chance to speak their mind about Appalachian Power asking for a $297 million rate increase.
An increase Appalachian Power said would add $12 to $13 a month to the average customer’s bill but in a prior story we found would add around $18 a month.
This proposed increase has people like Stephanie Hysmith asking the Public Service Commission to deny the rate increase.
“I think they need to figure out how to budget their budgets themselves better without raising the rate the rates for customers,” she said.
Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper also spoke out against the rate hike, arguing there shouldn’t be any increase.
“They’ve had all the rate increases they need,” he said. “They don’t need any more rate increases. They need to take a timeout on this.”
Only a couple of people decided to speak to the commission. However, one Public Service commissioner said they received nearly 300 written statements in opposition to the proposed increase.
Appalachian Power spokesperson Phil Moye said they don’t want to increase rates but they need to.
“This is a case about fuel,” he said. The rise in energy sector costs whether that’s coal, natural gas, purchase power; all those things have risen dramatically over the past year.”
Moye said the company is operating at a loss when purchasing fuel for producing electricity but that overall the company is doing OK financially.
However, Carper doesn’t think the power company is making a strong argument because of their past rate hikes.
“In the last 15 years before this one, your power bill has gone up almost 200%,” Carper said.
Moye said he hopes there can be an agreement beneficial for all parties, but Carper said he doesn’t think there should be an increase in rates at all.
There will be an upcoming evidentiary hearing. However, a date has not been announced yet.
High water causes problems in Mingo County | 2022-07-27T03:24:31Z | www.wsaz.com | Public addresses PSC commission about Appalachian Power request to raise rates $297 million | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/public-addresses-psc-commission-about-appalachian-power-request-raise-rates-297-million/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/public-addresses-psc-commission-about-appalachian-power-request-raise-rates-297-million/ |
“As a city, we have to figure out what we’re going to do for regulation,” Dunne said.
Dunne’s legislation establishes a registration program with annual charges applied to addiction treatment facilities. That registration comes with requirements on how to operate, and the city would enforce those requirements. The mayor believes this could improve success rates and lead people to safe rehabilitation.
Jay Hash is the CEO of Hopesource in Portsmouth. He is not against having a standard of care but believes the city is overstepping its legislative authority with this legislation.
“We are held to a standard of care by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, so we’re not opposed to that. But for city government to come and say, well that is not enough, it is not in response to any substantiated complaints or problems,” Hash said.
At a City Council meeting in July, Hash responded to the proposed legislation with a letter to councilmembers. In the letter, Hash says that the legislation is unconstitutional and exceed the city’s legislative authority. If the legislation passes as written, he will consider legal action against the city.
“And that is the last thing we want to do,” Hash said. “But this legislation is unfair, it’s harmful, it’s unconstitutional, it’s discriminatory and it duplicates what other people, such as the state of Ohio, are here to oversee.”
At that same City Council meeting, Dunne and other council members chose to table the legislation in order to explore different options of adjusting the language.
“I think what we want to balance is, on one hand, making sure people have the best treatment possible and the best chance of success, but also ensuring people in Portsmouth that facilities are being regulated,” Dunne said. “If there is extra burden on our police and fire and first responders, then that is putting a financial stress on our city. It’s something that we’ll balance as we move forward.” | 2022-07-27T23:16:25Z | www.wsaz.com | City Council considers regulation of addiction treatment facilities in Portsmouth | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/city-council-considers-regulation-addiction-treatment-facilities-portsmouth/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/27/city-council-considers-regulation-addiction-treatment-facilities-portsmouth/ |
A vigil was held in the South Webster High School gym to pray for Jeremy Sheppard and his family.
SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A 16-year-old boy who disappeared Tuesday into the Scioto River near Lucasville still hasn’t been found after two days of searching.
Police say at least six boats and a rescue dog have been in the river looking for Jeremy Sheppard.
Wednesday night, community members gathered for a vigil in the gym at South Webster High School, where they prayed Sheppard is able to begin his sophomore year in a few weeks.
“Jeremy was a very popular student here, a member of our basketball team, a great kid,” Principal Brett Roberts said.
Roberts says while they fear the worst, they’re holding onto hope and praying he somehow turns up safe.
“The hard part is seeing some of the updates,” Roberts said. “You know they’re on the river looking for a body. Your first thoughts are not good, but you hold onto hope that maybe he made it to the bank. Maybe he’s crawled some place out of the water, and he’s just hanging on for dear life, and hopefully a first responder will get to him soon. That’s just kind of what we’re hoping for and praying for right now.”
Superintendent Marc Kreischer says Sheppard is in the same grade as his daughter.
“You care about them all, but it hits home when your own kid is around that student quite often,” he said.
They are also praying for the safety of those involved in the search.
Counselors were on hand at the vigil and will be available in the coming days for students and staff members.
The Scioto County sheriff said the search was expected to be halted Wednesday night when it got dark if they still hadn’t found him. | 2022-07-28T03:51:56Z | www.wsaz.com | Vigil held for teen who disappeared into river | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/28/vigil-held-teen-who-disappeared-into-river/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/28/vigil-held-teen-who-disappeared-into-river/ |
Live on the Levee cancelled due to weather(City of Charleston)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Live on the Levee activities have been cancelled Friday evening due to rain and high river levels, according to the event and the city of Charleston.
Friday’s event at Haddad Riverfront Park was scheduled to include a concert by Holly Forbes, a finalist on NBC’s The Voice, and opening act Corduroy Brown.
“As always, the safety of our talent, vendors, staff and attendees is top priority,” the event’s organizers posted on social media. | 2022-07-29T01:55:39Z | www.wsaz.com | Live on the Levee cancelled due to weather | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/live-levee-cancelled-due-weather/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/live-levee-cancelled-due-weather/ |
Crews work to remove debris in the Virgie area of Pike County.(WSAZ/Andrew Colegrove)
PIKE COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - As the floodwaters in Eastern Kentucky receded Thursday, the long process of cleaning up began.
Employees at a funeral home in the Virgie area of Pike County were tasked with clearing mud out of the building.
Phyllis Newman, who lives on Long Fork Road in Virgie, says water got up higher than a foot into her house.
“It’s just a muddy mess,” she said. “There’s just a thin film of mud all over the entire house.”
She says water actually rose and got into her home twice Thursday morning.
“About 5 o’clock this morning, we saw the water was coming in,” she said, “so we made it upstairs, stayed up there a while. The water started receding, and we thought we were in the clear. We didn’t have that much, and then the water came the other way from the other fork, and it came in worse that time. “It’s just unbelievable. You think you’re in the clear, and suddenly it’s coming at you again.”
She says it’s the first time water has gotten into homes in that area since 1984.
Down the road, Tammy Rowe was helping clean up after water got into her mother’s house.
“It’s devastating,” Rowe said. “This is the second time this has happened. We’re trying to clean up and get things straightened back up for her. It’s going to take a long time to get her back in.”
The Pike County Emergency Management director says volunteer organizations have reached out to see what they can do to help. He says they’ll be working on coordinating those efforts to get those helpers where they’re needed most. | 2022-07-29T03:31:44Z | www.wsaz.com | Cleanup begins after Eastern Kentucky flooding | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/cleanup-begins-after-eastern-kentucky-flooding/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/cleanup-begins-after-eastern-kentucky-flooding/ |
Jeremy Sheppard Jr., 16, went missing in the Scioto River Tuesday, July 26, according to Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman.(South Webster High School)
SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - The body of a 16-year-old has been found following the teen’s disappearance Tuesday while swimming in the Scioto River near State Route 348.
Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman says he received a call from the Rapid Response Services Search and Rescue Team at approximately 5:30 P.M. on Thursday, July 28 stating they had recovered a body believed to be that of Jeremy Sheppard Jr.
The body was located approximately ¼ to a ½ mile downstream from the State Route 348 bridge, near State Route 104. This bridge goes over the Scioto River.
Multiple rescue crews have been searching the river and surrounding riverbanks since Tuesday, July 26 when Sheppard, 16, was reported missing while swimming with at least three other teens.
The Scioto County Coroner, Dr. Darren Adams, was contacted and responded. He ordered the body to be sent to the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office for an autopsy.
Crews are searching for a 16-year-old boy who disappeared Tuesday in the Scioto River near Lucasville, Ohio.(Scioto County Sheriff David Thoroughman)
Wednesday night, community members gathered for a vigil in the gym at South Webster High School. | 2022-07-29T14:35:35Z | www.wsaz.com | Body of teen, 16, recovered following disappearance in Scioto River | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/body-teen-16-recovered-following-disappearance-scioto-river/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/body-teen-16-recovered-following-disappearance-scioto-river/ |
PRESTONSBURG, Ky (WSAZ) - In light of devastating flooding in the county, the rescheduled 4th of July fireworks display for the City of Prestonsburg has been postponed yet again.
The show was postponed earlier this month following a mass shooting in Allen, Kentucky that killed three police officers and injured many others.
City officials say the display will be rescheduled at a later date. | 2022-07-29T14:35:41Z | www.wsaz.com | City of Prestonsburg fireworks display postponed again | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/city-prestonsburg-fireworks-display-postponed-again/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/city-prestonsburg-fireworks-display-postponed-again/ |
The Rebel Rally is August 5 at Tolsia High School in Fort Gay, West Virginia.
This is a fundraising event for the Tolsia High School Cheerleading Team headlined by local artist, Dale Bowen, and two stars from ‘The Voice,’ Holly Forbes and Rachel Messer.
Admission is $10 per person. Two-year-olds and under are free.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., music begins at 7 p.m.
Tolsia High School cheerleaders have had several local sponsors to help contribute to make this event possible. | 2022-07-29T18:06:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Rebel Rally at Tolsia High School | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/rebel-rally-tolsia-high-school/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/rebel-rally-tolsia-high-school/ |
As people work to clean the wreckage left behind, they do so with a forward looking mentality, reaching into their deepest source of strength.(Shannon Litton/WSAZ)
GARRETT, Ky. (WSAZ) -- Flood waters in eastern Kentucky have receded after flash floods destroyed neighborhood and businesses., which left hundreds trapped in their homes.
In Floyd County alone, there were more than 50 swift water rescues to get now-displaced residents into safe shelters.
Friday morning, the cleanup efforts began as many returned to their neighborhoods to get a first look at the damage left behind.
“This part, we really need a lot of help, for the poor people that’s been flooded,” said Reggie Scott.
He is among the many trying to figure out how to clean up the mess left by historic floods Thursday.
He owns a home along Magnolia Street that he rents to some folks.
He checked on the house Thursday around 5 a.m., and thought the area would be spared.
“The water was at the bottom of the grass, just starting to come up. I figured we bit the bullet,” Scott said. “I left, came back in two hours, and then it was starting to move into the house.”
Some neighborhoods in Garrett saw those waters rise more than six feet.
A few blocks down on Front Street, Paul Mullins rents out a building to a salon and a flower shop.
Several feet of water made it into the building, too.
The majority of folks in the region don’t carry flood insurance.
Scott and Mullins say they have seen their premiums double and triple, forcing them to go without it.
The only grocery store in the town, Campbell’s Grocery, has been handed down from generation to generation; but it, too, took a hit, getting around five feet of water inside.
As people work to clean the wreckage left behind, they do so with a forward looking mentality, reaching into their deepest source of strength.
“[We have] a really strong faith,” said Mullins. “Because when I look at my basement, I want to start crying. But I know when I do go down there, I will break down, so I’m just waiting on that. That’s where my valued possessions over the years I’ve had, stereos, albums, mementos, family photos. But you just can’t get up high enough.”
A community challenged with no electricity or water while they work to rebuild an unfamiliar sight all around the place they call home.
“I tell folks we’re resilient here in Floyd County. We understand there’s going to be bumps in the road. We’re in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. We’re fighters. We’re folks that have always had to dig in and do what we need to do to survive,” said Floyd County Judge Executive Robbie Williams. “But the one thing that separates us from a lot of other places; we’re all family, we help each other. A lot of times, you just can’t explain how people go out of their way to help their neighbors, their family members. It makes you feel good about where you live.”
If you want to volunteer or bring supplies to help those in Floyd County, Williams says they’re in need of water, fans, and cleaning supplies.
Those can be dropped off at the Floyd County Community Center on KY-80.
You can also make donations to help eastern Kentucky here. | 2022-07-29T19:37:26Z | www.wsaz.com | Residents begin cleaning up after historic flooding | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/residents-begin-cleaning-up-after-historic-flooding/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/residents-begin-cleaning-up-after-historic-flooding/ |
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - Many flash-flood victims in Floyd County are trying to figure out their next steps. More than 30 displaced residents took refuge Friday at the Floyd County Community Center in Langley.
The Community Center had been used as a command center during flooding in March 2021.
This week was the building’s first usage as a Red Cross-designated shelter.
Missy Allen, who works for the Floyd County Fiscal Court, said the building’s history facilitated the process for helping flood victims.
“Sadly, in the area we live, it’s hills and valleys, and it’s not if it’s gonna flood, but when and that’s our biggest problem, is flooding” she said. ” So, if we know, and we’ve got a plan in place, which I think is what we’ve done a pretty decent job at, of making sure we’ve got a plan in place and everybody in the county knows where they can go and access help, then that’s what we want to do.”
However, she said outsiders often have wrong assumptions about residents.
“People are quick to say ‘they just need to move’ and that’s just not possible especially if they own the property and it’s their family’s property,” she said. “It’s not that easy to pick up and move and it takes money and a lot of folks just don’t have that money to do that so they’re kind of stuck in the situation at times.”
David Silver, a shelter operator with the American Red Cross, said he lives about two hours away from the Community Center. He said it is at times challenging to see other Kentuckians facing hardships. However, he said neighbors helping neighbors is the Kentucky way.
“They are very despondent but like a young man said to me, ‘I’m from eastern Kentucky; we can do this,’ ” he said. “Be strong, everyone is with you you can get through this somehow and you’ve done it before you can do it again, you are from eastern Kentucky you can handle this.”
“We want to take care of as many people we can because at a time like this the giant eraser comes out,” Allen said. “We erase those county lines. We just try to help whoever we can.”
People who are interested in donating items like toiletries and food can take it to the Community Center located at: 7199 Highway 80, Langley, KY 41645.
The Community Center is open 24 hours a day as a shelter until the Red Cross closes it.
Call the Floyd County Judge Executive’s Office for information about what else can be donated at 606-886-9193. | 2022-07-29T22:40:27Z | www.wsaz.com | Floyd County Community Center opens as Red Cross Shelter | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/floyd-county-community-center-opens-red-cross-shelter/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/29/floyd-county-community-center-opens-red-cross-shelter/ |
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - For many people in eastern Kentucky ravaged by flooding, having a shoulder to cry on is the only way neighbors are getting by.
In the Wayland community, much of the neighborhood roads are covered -- with thick mud reaching up to a few feet around homes.
Several neighbors who we’ve spoken with say they have lost everything -- as mud, water and debris swept away and tarnished their belongings.
Small business owners are also having to rebuild. We spoke with a husband and wife who just moved to the Wayland area four months ago and started business at a convenience store, only to have it destroyed by flooding.
Click on the video with this story for more coverage from WSAZ’s Marlee Pinchok who was in Wayland on Friday. | 2022-07-30T01:00:34Z | www.wsaz.com | Neighbors ravaged by flooding challenged to rebuild | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/neighbors-ravaged-by-flooding-challenged-rebuild/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/neighbors-ravaged-by-flooding-challenged-rebuild/ |
South Webster High School students are sharing memories of their friend Jeremy Sheppard.
SOUTH WEBSTER, Ohio (WSAZ) - As the upcoming school year approaches, South Webster High School students say their minds are on their classmate who won’t be returning with them.
The Scioto County sheriff says a body believed to be that of 16-year-old Jeremy Sheppard was found Thursday evening by a search and rescue team.
Crews had been searching the Scioto River and its banks since Tuesday, when Sheppard was reported missing while swimming near Lucasville with a few other teens.
Classmate Casey Horr says it hasn’t set in yet that their friend is gone.
“He was such a selfless person,” Horr said. “You could always talk to him if you needed to.”
Eli Roberts played basketball at South Webster with Sheppard.
“He loved basketball,” Roberts said. “He was always excited to get in the game.”
Horr says they’d been holding onto hope that somehow as the search went on that this situation would have a different outcome.
“It’s just crazy,” Horr said. “You see that stuff on the news all the time, but someone you actually know, it really hits close to home.”
“I couldn’t really believe it was all real,” Roberts said. “It was all setting in that they finally found him.”
The school district made a Facebook post saying their condolences are with Sheppard’s friends and family, he’ll be missed, and counselors will be available for students, staff, and parents.
“He was a really energetic, off-the-wall kind of guy,” Horr said. “It’ll be different for sure not seeing him in the hallways. He was the type of guy who would really cheer your day up. If you were having a bad day, he’d make you feel better.”
Horr says he’s trying to focus on the fond memories.
“I’m trying to keep that positive mindset,” he said. “We all are. Don’t be sad he’s gone, be glad he was there with you the whole time.” | 2022-07-30T02:40:41Z | www.wsaz.com | Classmates mourn teen who drowned | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/classmates-mourn-teen-who-drowned/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/classmates-mourn-teen-who-drowned/ |
AP(Source: AP Photo/Jenny Kane)
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - Floyd County Schools Superintendent Anna Shepherd has announced showers are available for flood victims this weekend.
Starting Saturday and continuing on Sunday between the hours of 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., showers will be available at South Floyd Elementary School and from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Floyd Central High School.
Every day from today until next Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. meals will be provided at all Floyd County schools except Betsy Layne High School, Renaissance Learning Center and Prestonsburg Elementary School.
People can also charge their phones and devices.
The school district also announced tetanus shots will be available to the community at South Floyd Elementary Gym Sunday at 11:00 a.m.
“We are working hard to get supplies delivered to different areas throughout the county. We are also working with multiple agencies and organizations to get any help we can get for those affected by this disaster,” said a Facebook post by the district. | 2022-07-30T20:48:10Z | www.wsaz.com | Showers, meals available at Floyd County schools | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/showers-meals-available-floyd-county-schools/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/showers-meals-available-floyd-county-schools/ |
MILTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - According to dispatchers, around 4:20 Saturday afternoon, two vehicles crashed in the 1200 block of S. Main Street in Milton.
Dispatcher say one vehicle was flipped onto it’s roof.
One person had to be extracted from the car and transported to the hospital with a potential head wound.
A lane was closed due to the crash.
Cabell County EMS, the Milton Police Department, and Milton Fire Department all responded to the scene. | 2022-07-30T21:36:10Z | www.wsaz.com | Two vehicle crash sends one person to the hospital | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/two-vehicle-crash-sends-one-person-hospital/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/30/two-vehicle-crash-sends-one-person-hospital/ |
BREAKING: UK to help with flood relief
UK to help with flood relief
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WSAZ) - Just as they did when devastating tornadoes ravaged western Kentucky, the UK basketball team is doing their part to aid those affected by massive flooding in the eastern part of the Commonwealth. The Cats announced on Twitter Sunday night that they will be having an open practice Tuesday with the doors opening at 5 p.m. They also said a telethon will happen to aid the flood victims and proceeds from the event will be going to the Red Cross.
UK is preparing for a trip to the Bahamas in August.
#BBN, we need you on Tuesday.
Join us for an open practice at Rupp Arena and the Kentucky Flood Relief Telethon with proceeds going to the @RedCross to those affected by the floods in Kentucky. pic.twitter.com/khuCgi1iAT | 2022-08-01T00:01:13Z | www.wsaz.com | UK to help with flood relief | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/31/uk-help-with-flood-relief/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/07/31/uk-help-with-flood-relief/ |
Governor Andy Beshear is going to be updating Kentuckians on the flooding and relief efforts Monday morning. You can watch a livestream of the conference below.
In his update, the Governor announced 30 people have been killed in the flooding. He said there have been seven in Breathitt County, two in Clay County, 16 in Knott County, two in Letcher County and three in Perry County. | 2022-08-01T13:20:27Z | www.wsaz.com | New flooding reported Monday morning in Letcher and Knott County | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/01/new-flooding-reported-monday-morning-letcher-knott-county/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/01/new-flooding-reported-monday-morning-letcher-knott-county/ |
MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Flash flooding is being reported in parts of Mingo County, West Virginia Monday morning after a round of heavy rain.
According to the National Weather Service, there are reports Williamson creek is out of its banks and flooding Vinson Street.
According to AEP, 2,215 customers are without power in Mingo County, as of Monday,
WSAZ has a crew headed to the area. | 2022-08-01T16:06:19Z | www.wsaz.com | Reports of high water in Mingo County, W.Va. | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/01/reports-high-water-mingo-county-wva/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/01/reports-high-water-mingo-county-wva/ |
People all over the region are finding ways to try to help the flood victims in need in Eastern Kentucky.
CHESAPEAKE, Ohio (WSAZ) - People all over the region are finding ways to try to help the flood victims in need in Eastern Kentucky.
Jim Galloway is the president of Pickett Concrete in Lawrence County, Ohio.
He says the video of the devastation was so disturbing, he’s had difficulty sleeping.
“I talked to the employees and asked what we could do to help,” he said.
Galloway says they’ll be collecting supplies and items for flood victims at their location at 300 Marion Pike in Coal Grove at noon next Monday, Aug. 8, and hauling them down in a tractor-trailer.
He says they’ll make multiple trips if they collect enough items.
“These are Americans,” Galloway said. “These are people that need our help.”
On the day of their first football practice of the season, Cabell Midland football head Coach Luke Salmons said an upcoming 12-team scrimmage at their stadium Aug. 12 and 13 will be a fundraiser to help schools affected by the flooding.
“It’s very sad,” Salmons said. “People of Eastern Kentucky are great. I used to coach there in Lawrence County. When you’re a football program, all that goes by the side, and you want to do what you can to help other schools.”
Abbie Fisher is the director at Adventure Academy Daycare and Preschool in Winfield. She’s from Ary, Kentucky, which was among the places hit hard in Perry County.
“A lot of the homes in the hollow I was raised in were swept away,” she said.
She’s also collecting items and supplies at her daycare, and she and others will be delivering them next week.
“I always feel if there is someone nearby enough that you can help, to absolutely put that out there and try your best to do all you can to assist in a situation like that,” she said.
She says anyone interested in donating can drop off items at their two locations in Winfield. Their addresses are 11624 Unit 1 Winfield Road, which is across from the Dairy Freeze. The other is 11660 Unit 6 Winfield Road beside the veterinary clinic in downtown Winfield.
Items requested include clothing for adults and children, water, baby wipes, diapers, toys, shampoo, soap, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, pet food, pet bedding, blankets, towels, and pillows. | 2022-08-02T03:49:30Z | www.wsaz.com | Businesses, groups helping Kentucky flood victims | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/businesses-groups-helping-kentucky-flood-victims/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/businesses-groups-helping-kentucky-flood-victims/ |
By Cody Wilson
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - With horns polished and drums tuned, the Marshall University School of Music hosted the annual Drum Corps International, or DCI competition Monday evening in Huntington.
Band students, fans and music lovers from across the region gathered in the Joan C. Edwards Stadium at 7:30 p.m. to witness the competition.
The event began Monday night with an exhibition performance by the Marshall University Marching Thunder, accompanied with local high school band members, from a number of high school band programs.
“This is great for Marshall because it brings some of the best marching arts performers to our area for everyone in the Tri-State area to see,” said Dr. Chris Schletter, Marshall University, director of athletic bands. “We have a great venue, a great town, in a great location.”
One local high school trumpet player, who participated in the opening ceremonies, said it was the opportunity of a lifetime.
“I thought it was awesome, like the way that they’re so coordinated,” Kayty Bennett, from Lincoln County High School Band, told WSAZ. “I liked how they switched into different costumes and like how they’re so all over the place. I think it’s cool.”
Monday night’s lineup included:
The Blue Knights - Denver, Colorado
The Colts - Dubuque, Iowa
Gold Drum and Bugle Corps - San Diego, California
The Legends - Kalamazoo, Michigan
Pacific Crest - City of Industry and Diamond Bar, California
Phantom Regiment - Rockford, Illinois
High school and college-aged band students audition for a number of different corps throughout the nation to compete in contests during the summer, leading up to the final competition in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, happening this year on Aug. 13, 2022. | 2022-08-02T04:37:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Drum Corps International competition comes to our region | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/drum-corps-international-competition-comes-our-region/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/drum-corps-international-competition-comes-our-region/ |
UPDATE: 8/2/2022 8:15 a.m.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man was shot and killed Monday night on Charleston’s west side.
According to the Charleston Police Department, Dominque Poindexter, 22, of Charleston was shot in the 500 block of Wyoming Street just after 10:30 p.m.
Officers say Poindexter and another man were drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana Monday evening prior to the shooting.
At one point, the men began ‘playing’ with a firearm that they believed to be unloaded, officers say.
A release by the police department states the man with Poindexter pointed the firearm at him and pulled the trigger.
Poindexter was hit in the head and pronounced deceased at the scene.
The man accused of pulling the trigger immediately called 911 and officers say he has been fully cooperating with the investigation. | 2022-08-02T14:01:10Z | www.wsaz.com | Police | Man shot, killed along Charleston’s west side while ‘playing with gun’ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/police-man-shot-killed-along-charlestons-west-side-while-playing-with-gun/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/police-man-shot-killed-along-charlestons-west-side-while-playing-with-gun/ |
Journeys with the Messiah art exhibit
As a part of its sesquicentennial celebration, Fifth Avenue Baptist Church is hosting Journeys with the Messiah, a photography exhibit by award-winning photographer. Michael Belk.
In 2008, Michael traded his glamorous globe-trotting lifestyle of success for a “mission of significance.” He embarked on a journey to explore the modern day relevance of Jesus through the lens of his camera.
Michael’s photography shows first-century Jesus interacting with 21st-century people from all walks of life. The result is the compelling collection of fine art photography known as Journeys with the Messiah.
23 of the images are on display at the church during August, and Michael Belk will be at Fifth Avenue Baptist on August 20 and 21. On Saturday, August 20 (9 a.m.), he will be available for a “meet the artist” and on Sunday, August 21 (8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.) Michael will present a photographic multimedia presentation with images, Biblical messages, and behind-the-scenes film footage from the creation of Journeys with the Messiah. | 2022-08-02T17:30:47Z | www.wsaz.com | ‘Journeys with the Messiah’ art exhibit | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/journeys-with-messiah-art-exhibit/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/journeys-with-messiah-art-exhibit/ |
Schools install new security cameras for more safety measures.(WGEM)
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSAZ) - Gov. Mike DeWine on Tuesday morning spoke at Ohio’s School Safety Summit in Columbus, announcing grant money and new training for school leaders.
The governor announced that 1,183 schools in 81 counties will receive nearly $47 million in grant funding for security upgrades that enhance the safety of students and staff.
Grants equal the amount requested by each school up to $50,000. Funds will be used to cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements such as security cameras, public address systems, automatic door locks, visitor badging systems and exterior lighting.
“With that intention in mind, we start out at least with the idea of helping those schools that are further behind and helping those schools who do not yet have what’s considered the core basic focus in regard to basic safety,” DeWine said.
The governor first launched the K-12 School Safety Grant Program in 2021 with an appropriation of $5 million. This year, the governor and Legislature partnered to increase the grant program by an additional $100 million with support from the American Rescue Plan Act.
“There’s nothing more important than our kids. There’s nothing more important than keeping our kids safe,” DeWine said.
For a list of the schools that received money, click here.
The governor also discussed legislation passed requiring all schools to have a threat assessment team in place by the end of March 2023.
He says the purpose of these teams is to assess the intent of a student who might be making a threat and assess the ability of the student to carry out that threat. He says this will help schools identify the problem
“You go back after the tragedy has occurred and find out there was a threat that was made, there was indicators that this person could be dangerous, and maybe nothing was done or the appropriate things were not done,” DeWine said.
He says the first trainings are happening during the school safety summit, and more will happen throughout the month and in September.
Gov. DeWine also announced on Tuesday that Mary Davis, former executive director of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy, has been selected to serve as the as chief training officer overseeing OSSC’s new Safety & Crisis Division.
“The question about whether or not a school deems it necessary to have a teacher who is armed is certainly something that should be discussed at the school board level with public hearings, and public notices, and the public having the right to weigh in on this,” the governor said.
Teachers who carry guns will be required to take an initial 24 hours of training, and then an additional eight hours each year after.
The Ohio School Safety Center will provide curriculum schools can follow, if districts want to require more hours of training.
The governor says the school safety center is developing curriculum for scenario-based training and hiring about 16 mobile field trainers.
“We think this is very, very valuable and very, very important if a school makes a decision to arm someone in that school,” DeWine said. “So, when you see the curriculum come out there will be a significant emphasis on scenario-based training.”
DeWine hopes the curriculum will be completed and trainers hired by September. | 2022-08-02T22:23:29Z | www.wsaz.com | Gov. DeWine announces safety and security support for Ohio schools | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/gov-dewine-announces-safety-security-support-ohio-schools/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/gov-dewine-announces-safety-security-support-ohio-schools/ |
Charleston Police say 22-year-old Dominique Poindexter and a friend thought a handgun was empty when they were playing with a handgun on Aug. 1, 2022 when the night turned tragic.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A night of fun between two best friends ended with tragedy Monday night.
Charleston Police Lt. Tony Hazelett said Dominque Poindexter, 22, was killed at a home in the 500 block of Wyoming Street while the victim and his friend were playing with a gun they thought was unloaded.
Hazelett said the two had spent the night drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana when they started playing around with a firearm.
Poindexter’s friend pointed the gun at him and pulled the trigger. The gun went off and Poindexter was shot in the head. The man then called police. Hazelett said the man attempted life-saving measures on Poindexter before law enforcement arrived.
Poindexter was pronounced dead at the scene.
“In this incident here, obviously, the combination of alcohol and marijuana you don’t want to have a firearm, but rule one in firearm safety is to treat every firearm as if it’s loaded and pointed in a safe direction,” Hazelett said. “They were drinking alcohol and that’s a depressant and your thought process, body functions, slow down so you mix playing with firearms, you’re not thinking with your right mind, so at this instance, he thought the gun was unloaded, which it wasn’t he pulled the trigger and shot and killed his best friend.”
Robert Burton has lived on the West Side for several years. He said the incident is a loss for everyone involved.
“I feel very sorry for the victim’s family and I feel very sorry for the young man involved in that,” he said. “In a sense, we lost two people because this person has also been victimized, these are things we’re trying to get people to avoid.”
Burton said he does not want events like this to harm the area’s reputation.
“Regardless of what you see, it’s just an isolated incident and it doesn’t happen like this all the time now it hurts, it’s painful,” he said. “We can come together and we have to look at the situations realistically not theories, not statistics we have to look at what actually happens here and come up with some preventative measures.”
Hazelett said the handgun was legally owned, however, it was not clear who owned it.
The name of the man who shot Poindexter has not been released but Hazelett said he had been fully cooperative with the investigation. | 2022-08-02T22:58:27Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston Police pushing firearm safety after man killed on West Side | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/charleston-police-pushing-firearm-safety-after-man-killed-west-side/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/02/charleston-police-pushing-firearm-safety-after-man-killed-west-side/ |
MADISON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Flooding in Kentucky has affected just about everyone and everything in the region, including law enforcement departments in the region.
Boone County Sheriff Chad Barker said the Whitesburg Police Department in Letcher County, Kentucky, lost seven police cruisers.
“They need transportation for their officers right now,” Barker said. “He said he has people to work, but he doesn’t have any transportation for them, you know, where their cars were destroyed.”
Barker said they wanted to find a way to help, and with two retired cruisers they’re not using, the perfect opportunity arose.
Both were taken Tuesday afternoon to Whitesburg.
“Try to do good to others; it’s going to come back to you,” he said. “We try to reach out and help people when we can because we know that one day we’re gonna be on the other end of this.”
That’s not the only way the county is helping its neighbors to the west.
At Madison Funeral Home, they’re collecting all sorts of supplies -- from cleaning materials to diapers -- to take to Kentucky.
“It’s just unimaginable what all they’ve lost,” Madison resident Judy Hall said. “And if there’s any small thing we could do to help that, we would be more than willing to do that.”
It’s donations from people like Hall that has Bryan Justice, executive director of the Ambulance Authority, hopeful that the haul they’ve gathered on their first day will multiply by Friday.
“We want them to know that we have their backs. We’re going to help them out as much as we can,” Justice said. “And as long as we can, if we have to do it another week or so, then we will be there to do it another week if we can.”
Supplies will be collected at the Madison Funeral Home from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday and from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Friday.
All supplies will be taken to Letcher County. | 2022-08-03T03:07:25Z | www.wsaz.com | Sheriff’s Office donates police cruisers to Kentucky department | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/sheriffs-office-donates-police-cruisers-kentucky-department/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/sheriffs-office-donates-police-cruisers-kentucky-department/ |
Cabell County to appeal being left out of opioid settlement(Keith Srakocic | AP)
Cabell County’s and Huntington’s case against Amerisource Bergen, McKesson and Cardinal Health was heard by a federal judge last summer. Earlier this summer, the judge ruled in favor of the big three --not having a major role in the opioid epidemic in Cabell County.
The county’s case was among the first in the nation to be heard by a federal judge, considered a test trial, and they were not included in the lawsuit with the other West Virginia counties and cities.
However, Rusty Webb, an attorney who has the Huntington-Cabell County case and who also represents other cities and counties in the larger settlement, said Huntington and Cabell will be able to apply for money put in a public-private trust fund called “West Virginia One.”
If the appeal in the federal lawsuit is successful or a settlement is reached, they’ll be able to keep that money.
“Huntington and Cabell will still get monies from manufactures that have been settled and pharmacies that have been settled and future pharmacies that have been settled. However, they won’t get any monies from the $400 million,” Webb said.
It’s not clear when Cabell County’s and Huntington’s case will be heard. | 2022-08-03T04:39:08Z | www.wsaz.com | Cabell County to appeal being left out of opioid settlement | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/cabell-county-appeal-being-left-out-opioid-settlement/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/cabell-county-appeal-being-left-out-opioid-settlement/ |
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WSAZ) - To help with the recovery from devastating floods in Eastern Kentucky, the UK basketball team opened practice on Tuesday and then held a telethon to raise money to help. After a few hours, the effort had already reached over the $2 million dollar mark.
Here’s more from the night of giving by the Cats. | 2022-08-03T05:05:20Z | www.wsaz.com | Cats raise over 2 million for flood relief | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/cats-raise-over-2-million-flood-relief/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/cats-raise-over-2-million-flood-relief/ |
The Meeks Mountain Trail Alliance is hosting the inaugural Hurricane 100k Trail Run and Relay with a $7500 prize purse.
They are expecting top trail runners from all over the region to compete in the 62 mile trail race as well as three person relay teams.
They are hosting the race to showcase the Meeks Mountain Trails, the community of Hurricane, and all of the local businesses that have supported the development of the trails.
Click here for more information about Meeks Mountain Trail.
Click here to follow along on Facebook. | 2022-08-03T19:09:54Z | www.wsaz.com | Meeks Mountain Trail to host first of its kind run in W.Va. | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/meeks-mountain-trail-host-first-its-kind-run-wva/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/meeks-mountain-trail-host-first-its-kind-run-wva/ |
(West Virginia International Yeager Airport)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -- Flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport are on the horizon for West Virginia International Yeager Airport (CRW).
CRW officials say the airport has been awarded a Department of Transportation Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant to support the new service.
The grant can be used for a revenue guarantee, start-up costs, recruitment costs, and marketing to initiate and support new, nonstop service to DFW or IAH.
The grant will support CRW’s effort to restore nonstop air service to a significant hub west of Mississippi.
“We are thrilled and thankful to have been selected to receive this opportunity and share it with our loyal passengers,” said Airport Director and CEO Nick Keller. “West Virginia’s economy is experiencing significant growth, and we’ve noticed the increasing demand for air service here. Great air service is critical to our region, quality of life, and the ability to attract new visitors and business.”
CRW was one of 25 grant proposals to be selected, and we are grateful for the community participation, local funding, and letter of support American Airlines filed for the project.
Previously, CRW was able to attract service to Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Spirit Airlines with the support of a SCASDP grant. | 2022-08-03T20:25:05Z | www.wsaz.com | West Virginia International Yeager Airport secures grant for new service to Texas | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/west-virginia-international-yeager-airport-secures-grant-new-service-texas/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/west-virginia-international-yeager-airport-secures-grant-new-service-texas/ |
A man died Wednesday in a head-on crash on state Route 93 in Vinton County, Ohio.(Pixabay via MGN)
VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A man died Wednesday in a head-on crash on state Route 93 in Vinton County, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said.
The accident was reported just after 6:45 a.m. near mile post 16.
Troopers say Casey Jordan, 22, of Albany, was driving a Ford Ranger pickup truck that crossed the center line of the northbound lane into the path of a Dodge Ram headed south.
Jordan was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a 62-year-old man from Lancaster, Ohio, was taken to Ohio Health O’Bleness Hospital in Athens then later flown to Grant Medical Center in Columbus.
His condition is unknown at this time, but he suffered “incapacitating injuries,” according to the release. | 2022-08-03T20:41:20Z | www.wsaz.com | Man dies in southeastern Ohio crash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/man-dies-southeastern-ohio-crash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/man-dies-southeastern-ohio-crash/ |
Several reports of presumptive swine flu cases in people are being investigated in Jackson County, West Virginia.(Source: CNN)
JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Several reports of presumptive swine flu cases in people are being investigated in Jackson County, according to the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources’ (DHHR) Bureau for Public Health (BPH).
The agency made that announcement Wednesday, saying those who contracted the illness had worked closely with pigs that showed signs of respiratory symptoms and fever at the Jackson County Fair.
Health officials say a presumptive positive strain of influenza A H3N2v was found Tuesday in at least one person.
The sample has been forwarded to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for confirmation, according to the state DHHR.
“If experiencing symptoms such as fever, runny nose, sore throat, cough or congestion, it is extremely important to let your healthcare provider know if you or your loved one has visited a recent outdoor event with animal livestock, such as pigs, and to be appropriately evaluated,” said Dr. Ayne Amjad, DHHR’s State Health Officer and BPH Commissioner, in a news release. “These symptoms usually show up 1-3 days after exposure.”
Health officials say swine flu among pigs doesn’t usually infect people. The same influenza antiviral drugs used to treat seasonal influenza can also be used for treatment of swine flu infection in people.
Those who work with or visit animal exhibits are advised to thoroughly wash their hands and not to eat or drink in swine barns. | 2022-08-03T22:13:04Z | www.wsaz.com | Swine flu cases connected with county fair investigated | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/swine-flu-cases-associated-with-county-fair-investigated/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/swine-flu-cases-associated-with-county-fair-investigated/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Joanna Warren has been a Frontier customer for more than a decade. In early 2022, she found out she would be getting a new router mailed to her.
“I was informed around January or February they were going to be upgrading the network in this area,” she recalled. “I’ll say around April, I received a notice I was going to have to change routers.”
The flyer included with her new router said her old one did not need to be returned and even provided instructions on how she could recycle it.
She said typically, she would have gotten rid of the old router right away, but a family tragedy kept her preoccupied.
“I lost my son in March, and so I didn’t have time to do like I normally do in my house, everything I’m not gonna use is going out to the trash,” she explained. “I didn’t have time to get around to discarding, I would’ve discarded but like I said I had a death in my family.”
She had not thought about the old router again until this week when she noticed her latest Frontier bill was $100 more than usual.
The charge was listed as “unreturned equipment” and the model and the serial number of the equipment matched Warren’s old router.
She called Frontier about the charge and was told it would be removed once the router was returned to them.
“I complained to them they were misleading when they said it didn’t need to be sent back,” she said. “Thank God, I kept it, thank god I didn’t get around to it, I don’t know why they would tell me they need it back when they told me they don’t need it back.”
In response to an email inquiry from WSAZ, Frontier said they would look into the issue right away saying it had to have been a mistake.
Joanna said she only paid her normal without the additional charge. She wants to warn other people so they do not get in a similar situation.
“I was thinking of other people, I didn’t know how to get the message out or who to get it to so I thought maybe if I put it out this way everyone would at least know,” she said. “If they hadn’t got out of their old router, to hold on to it that’s my purpose.”
As of 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, Frontier has not given any further details as to why Warren had been charged. | 2022-08-03T23:26:46Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston woman’s Frontier bill spikes after not returning equipment | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/charleston-womans-frontier-bill-spikes-after-not-returning-equipment/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/charleston-womans-frontier-bill-spikes-after-not-returning-equipment/ |
By Buddy Forbes and Jordan Mullins
The “Together. We Give.” telethon kicked off at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, inviting people to donate to the cause, to bring in money to help flood relief efforts across the region.
“We understand that our care goes outside these walls,” said Executive Director of Emergency and Transfer Services Dale Morton. “You know, we want to be a part of our community because our people are part of this community.”
Throughout the telethon, viewers heard stories of those impacted by the raging waters and snapshots of the efforts pouring in to help them rebuild.
“Not just in their time of sickness, but in their time of devastation, also,” said PMC COO Kansas Justice. “So, we want to make sure that we’re giving back to our friends, and our neighbors, and our family, and, just like I said, our PMC family.”
“Our employees, most of them were actually raised in Eastern Kentucky and they chose to make this their home forever. They’ve raised their kids here. So, you know, the people of Eastern Kentucky are our families, our work families, our neighbors. And, you know, we’re just heartbroken over the devastation that’s happened,” said Justice. “You know, we are a family. We come together when things like this happen. We work... together is the keyword. Together we’re gonna give, but together we’re gonna rebuild. We’re gonna help those areas that that need it the most right now.”
At the end of the telethon, PMC CEO Donovan Blackburn announced that they had raised nearly $110,000 for flooding relief, but you still have several opportunities to give, including donating online now, or ordering a Team East KY shirt.
“All of the funds are going directly to the flood victims. that is one of the things that we wanted to make sure happens, they stay right here in Eastern Kentucky and will go directly to those in need,” said Justice. “Whether it be a food item, whether it be a couple of dollars that you can spare, just anything to help us help out flood victims be able to rebuild. Surround them with love and let them know that Eastern Kentucky is here to support them in their time of need.”
You can also drop off donations at PMC locations in Pikeville, Prestonsburg, and South Williamson including items such as cleaning supplies and non-perishable foods.
You can watch the entire telethon here: | 2022-08-04T02:29:33Z | www.wsaz.com | ‘Together. We Give.’: PMC telethon to strengthen flood relief efforts raises more than $100,000 | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/together-we-give-pmc-telethon-strengthen-flood-relief-efforts-raises-more-than-100000/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/03/together-we-give-pmc-telethon-strengthen-flood-relief-efforts-raises-more-than-100000/ |
DOH workers repairing bridge in Jackson County(WSAZ)
JACKSON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Strong rains Monday night into Tuesday morning washed away a bridge in Jackson County around 100 feet downstream.
Brandon Hall, who lives in Evans, West Virginia, woke up to go to work Tuesday morning, but there was no way for him to get across.
“Walked out the scene, it was flooded,” he said. “And then my dad realized and pointed out that our bridge was gone.”
Hall and around 30 other people live on the other side of the creek on Round Knob Road.
For more than a day, there was no way to drive across.
However, Hall said Division of Highway workers quickly arrived and got to work.
“Means a lot,” he said. “It shows that they’re actually showing the initiative and want to to keep traffic as it should be in and out.”
Hall said a footbridge was installed Tuesday afternoon as a temporary way for people to get across when there was no way to drive.
By Wednesday afternoon, people were finally able to drive across, but Hall says DOH workers told him they still have more to do.
Even so, he said the fast response is appreciated.
“It’s a relief to finally have a way out,” he said. “So we can get feed for animals, get supplies for ourselves, get to work.”
Hall says members of DOH told him they’re coming back in the morning to start working on a permanent fix.
We reached out to DOH to find out more details about the repairs they need to make in the area, but we’ve yet to hear back. | 2022-08-04T02:29:45Z | www.wsaz.com | Destroyed bridge traps people in Jackson County community for more than a day | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/destroyed-bridge-traps-people-jackson-county-community-more-than-day/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/destroyed-bridge-traps-people-jackson-county-community-more-than-day/ |
Following historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky, the concern now is extreme heat will pose a danger for those without power.
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - Following historic flooding in Eastern Kentucky last week, the concern now is extreme heat will pose a danger for those without power.
The heat index is expected to peak near or above 100 degrees in some spots this week.
In response, eight cooling centers have opened in parts of Kentucky affected by the flooding to offer a place for people to cool off.
Gov. Andy Beshear says if you have a family member who’s older or has medical conditions, you should make sure they can get to a place where they’ll be cool enough.
“Don’t be too proud to go to one of these places,” Beshear said. “It’s going to be really hot and really dangerous.”
The Floyd Community Center along state Route 80 in Langley is among the designated cooling centers. It’s also been serving as a place where flood victims can collect items that have been donated, get a meal, register with FEMA, and spend the night.
Dianna Smith says her home in Maytown was destroyed, and she’s spent every night since the flood at the community center.
“It’s better than being out here homeless and now place to go,” she said.
Missy Allen is the ARPA grant special projects director serving at the Floyd County Community Center.
“As the temperature is rising, and it’s difficult for folks who are trying to clean mud out of their homes, if they need to take a break and come down here and just rest, this area is open to them,” Allen said.
She says they also have bags of ice available.
Allen says one item in particular they’re requesting to get more donations of for flood victims are coolers. | 2022-08-04T04:00:55Z | www.wsaz.com | Cooling centers open in parts of Kentucky affected by flooding | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/cooling-centers-open-parts-kentucky-affected-by-flooding/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/cooling-centers-open-parts-kentucky-affected-by-flooding/ |
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - A man from Portsmouth was arrested Wednesday on drug charges in a bust that turned up more than $7,000 worth of suspected heroin, according to a release from the Southern Ohio Drug Task Force.
Ronald Dee Swords, 20, of Portsmouth, was arrested around 8:45 a.m. from his home in the 1500 block of Summit Street.
Officers seized nearly 59 grams of heroin, $2,530 cash, digital scales, and more evidence of drug trafficking.
Swords is charged with both drug possession and trafficking, according to the release.
The case will go to the Scioto County Prosecutor’s Office, and more charges are possible after a grand jury reviews the evidence. | 2022-08-04T04:18:25Z | www.wsaz.com | Man arrested on drug charges | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/man-arrested-drug-charges/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/04/man-arrested-drug-charges/ |
Nitro residents are hoping a community staple will be back in business after a fire tore through Nitro Supermarket late Thursday night.
NITRO, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Nitro residents are hoping a community staple will be back in business after a fire tore through Nitro Supermarket late Thursday night.
No one was hurt, but the power was knocked out during the fire, causing the store’s dairy and meat supplies to spoil.
Firefighters spent Friday trying to figure out how the blaze started.
Nitro Fire Chief Casey Mathes said the initial call was thought to be for an incident connected to the business’s air conditioner.
“Upon the first arrival, there was heavy to moderate smoke coming from an office area,” he explained. “The building crews immediately got to work, and advancing hose lines, they found heavy fire on the second floor which would be a storage/office area.”
Susie Willard makes going to the grocery store part of her daily walks.
“Basically, this is where I do all my shopping,” she said and called the store’s employees the “sweetest people there ever was.”
Chief Mathes expressed confidence the store could rebuild. He said there are no other specific grocery store in the city of Nitro and residents would need to travel to St. Albans or Cross Lanes to get their basic needs. Otherwise, Nitro shoppers would need to head to dollar stores.
“It’s a hub for the city, a lot of people come here a lot of elderly so they depend on this,” he said. “You see the same faces, you see a lot of the same people, you know a lot of people you go in. It’s where a lot of people see each other. The times you’re in here, it’s a staple piece of the community, and we hope to get it back in operation.”
Willard said it would help her a lot.
“I don’t drive. I could always get someone to take me other places, but I like to be as independent as I can be,” she said. “I sure do hope they come back.”
West Virginia sales tax holiday underway this weekend | 2022-08-06T00:02:16Z | www.wsaz.com | Nitro residents hoping supermarket comes back after fire | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/05/nitro-residents-hoping-supermarket-comes-back-after-fire/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/05/nitro-residents-hoping-supermarket-comes-back-after-fire/ |
FLOYD COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) - Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputy Darrin Lawson is back home for now -- escorted into town Friday with a hero’s homecoming.
Lawson was recovering at UK Hospital in Lexington after being wounded in the Floyd County shooting in late June that killed Capt. Ralph Frasure, Deputy William Petry, Officer Jacob Chaffins and K-9 Drago.
Friday afternoon, Lawson was reunited with his law enforcement brothers and sisters at the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office.
While he has a long road to getting back to 100%, Lawson is finally home -- at least for a few days.
“Incredible feeling. I really, I kind of expected something about it and realized it was going to be like that,” Lawson said. Just seeing all those people out there -- I said being able to see people that I got to see at least two or three times a week. I’m glad to to be able to experience the things that I experienced today. Just being able to have everybody in one room.”
Some of Deputy Lawson’s friends said he was only excited about the Diet Mountain Dew he was finally able to have after 37 days in the hospital. But he says seeing those he loves, even if only for a few days before heading back to the hospital, is exactly what he needed. | 2022-08-06T04:14:36Z | www.wsaz.com | Deputy Darrin Lawson welcomed back with hero’s homecoming | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/06/deputy-darrin-lawson-welcomed-back-with-heros-homecoming/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/06/deputy-darrin-lawson-welcomed-back-with-heros-homecoming/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ)- Multifest returns to Haddad Riverfront Park in Charleston this weekend.
The festival, which kicked off Friday, brings together different cultures through art, music, education, programs and food.
Jon B will no longer be performing Saturday evening, according to Multifest organizers.
Flight issues prevented the artist from arriving in Charleston on time.
Joe Little III, founding member of Cleveland R&B group The Rude Boys, will take the stage instead.
Vendors from throughout the country have made their way to the Capital City to celebrate diversity. | 2022-08-06T21:30:02Z | www.wsaz.com | Changes in Multifest entertainment line-up | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/06/changes-multifest-entertainment-line-up/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/06/changes-multifest-entertainment-line-up/ |
LEXINGTON, Ky. (WSAZ) - Kentucky football fans were able to get up close and personal Saturday morning as the school hosted their annual fan appreciation day at Kroger Field. Some proceeds from the event went to the Red Cross for flood relief in Eastern Kentucky. Here’s what aired on WSAZ Sports Saturday evening. | 2022-08-07T00:32:57Z | www.wsaz.com | UK holds fan day | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/07/uk-holds-fan-day/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/07/uk-holds-fan-day/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -Police are investigating a shooting that happened along a busy road in Charleston, West Virginia.
It happened just after 7 o’clock Saturday evening in the 1500 block of Washington Street West.
Charleston Police said one female was shot with a BB gun.
CPD said the victim suffered minor injuries. | 2022-08-07T00:33:03Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman injured in shooting | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/07/woman-injured-shooting/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/07/woman-injured-shooting/ |
Charleston Police investigate deadly shooting.(MGN)
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man died following a shooting along 6th Street and Hunt Avenue in Charleston on Friday.
Officers with the Charleston Police Department say they responded to a shooting call just after 2 p.m. Friday.
When they arrived, they say they located James Hambrick, 42, of Charleston with a gunshot wound to the head.
Hambrick was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. He died on Sunday due to injuries sustained in the shooting.
Witnesses told police Hambrick was exiting an apartment on 6th Street when two vehicles pulled up. They say Hambrick and the occupants of the vehicles started to exchange words, when the occupants pulled out firearms and starting firing at him, striking him in the head.
The vehicles then fled the scene.
Five suspects have since been detain in relation to the shooting, which is now being ruled a homicide investigation.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact the Criminal Investigation Division, 304-348-6480 or Metro Communications, 304-348-8111. | 2022-08-08T14:36:48Z | www.wsaz.com | Charleston Police investigate deadly shooting | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/charleston-police-investigate-deadly-shooting/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/charleston-police-investigate-deadly-shooting/ |
A man has been arrested following a deadly shooting in Vinton County, Ohio.(WSAZ)
VINTON COUNTY, Ohio (WSAZ) - A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder following a deadly shooting early Friday morning.
The Vinton County Prosecutor’s Office says Sammy Vongsouthy was arrested in Franklin County, Ohio.
According to witnesses, Vongsouthy fired multiple shots, two of them hitting the victim. That victim’s name has not yet been released.
The Prosecutor’s Office says witnesses fought Vongsouthy for the gun.
During the struggle, he was shot in the hand and shoulder.
Vongsouthy then fled the scene, according to prosecutors.
He couldn’t be arraigned at the time because of his wounds.
The case will be presented to a grand jury on other possible charges.
This is a developing story. Keep checking WSAZ for the latest information. | 2022-08-08T19:50:15Z | www.wsaz.com | Suspect arrested in deadly shooting investigation | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/suspect-arrested-deadly-shooting-investigation/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/suspect-arrested-deadly-shooting-investigation/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - One of the major preseason polls was released Monday afternoon and some familiar names are atop the first USA Today Coaches rankings. The top five teams are Alabama, Ohio State, Georgia, Clemson and Notre Dame.
The Kentucky Wildcats are ranked 21st. Here’s the complete list as voted on by the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Board of Coaches who are 66 head coaches at Bowl Subdivision schools and all are members of the American Football Coaches Association. | 2022-08-08T19:50:21Z | www.wsaz.com | USA Today Coaches preseason poll is out | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/usa-today-coaches-preseason-poll-is-out/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/usa-today-coaches-preseason-poll-is-out/ |
By Hunter Ellison
HURRICANE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Golfers had a chance to tee off in a tournament for a good cause.
About 120 golfers participated Monday in the 5th annual Fruth Golf Tournament in Hurricane.
All of the participants paid to get a chance to play, and all of that money raised goes toward the Bridge of Hope Foundation and scholarships for Fruth Pharmacy workers.
On Monday, a $20,000 check was presented to the Bridge of Hope Foundation, and 18 scholarships were handed out to employees.
“It will be a great help to me, honestly, because I’m an art major, and we’re usually expected to get our own supplies,” said scholarship recipient Joseph Hayslette. “And usually at the beginning of the semester it’s hard for me because I can’t get my supplies until I get my scholarship money.”
Bridge of Hope provides those who have successfully graduated recovery programs assistance in the next steps of their lives, including going back to school and starting a career, and helps fight the stigma of recovering addicts. | 2022-08-08T20:42:32Z | www.wsaz.com | Golfers tee off for good cause at Fruth Golf Tournament | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/golfers-tee-off-good-cause-fruth-golf-tournament/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/golfers-tee-off-good-cause-fruth-golf-tournament/ |
Gov. DeWine declares August 9 to be ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Ohio.
OHIO (WSAZ) - Gov. Mike DeWine has announced that Tuesday, Aug. 9 will be honorary ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Ohio.
The announcement comes ahead of the singer’s visit to Columbus, during which she will celebrate the success of her Imagination Library of Ohio.
Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio currently mails a free book to more than 327,000 children in the state every month.
The program is open to children up to the age of five in all the state’s 88 counties.
Parton has performed at various locations across the state of Ohio, including the Ohio State Fair.
She will be inducted Nov. 5 into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. | 2022-08-08T22:14:03Z | www.wsaz.com | Gov. DeWine declares Aug. 9 to be ‘Dolly Parton Day’ in Ohio | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/gov-dewine-declares-august-9-be-dolly-parton-day-ohio/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/gov-dewine-declares-august-9-be-dolly-parton-day-ohio/ |
LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WSAZ) - Preparations are beginning in Lewisburg for the 97th annual State Fair of West Virginia.
Gates are set to open at 9 a.m. on Thursday, with carnival rides beginning at 11 a.m.
The fair will hold a variety of special discounts for opening day, including $7 gate admission and $25 ride passes.
The theme of this year’s fair will be “Mountain Grown Fun.” | 2022-08-08T22:52:59Z | www.wsaz.com | Preparations begin for 97th annual State Fair of West Virginia | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/preparations-begin-97th-annual-state-fair-west-virginia/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/08/preparations-begin-97th-annual-state-fair-west-virginia/ |
Mayor Dunne sees it as a potential way for the city to reduce litter and waste, but some business owners fear that it could incur a greater financial cost.
“I do keep some paper bags, I buy them, but it is not cost-effective to buy and use exclusively,” said Sharon Bender who owns Ghosts In The Attic.
Bender says she is not a fan of the potential plastic bag ban.
“Unnecessary rules are just that. They are unnecessary. We use plastic bags, we also use paper bags and they are a lot more expensive,” Bender said.
Mayor Dunne says the idea came from similar legislation in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Although he believes it could have a positive environmental impact, he understands why some shop owners might be worried.
“Rather than cleaning up litter, let’s stop producing it. For visitors to come here and see that we keep things clean and there is not very much litter and so forth, it will encourage them to come back,” Dunne said. “I think there are collaborative ways of wanting to improve the environment, but also we don’t want to hurt small businesses or large businesses in the area.”
Some local shops such as Gigi’s Kiss of Style Boutique have already quit using plastic bags. But even those who work there worry about the financial impact that a plastic bag ban could have on other small stores.
“Environmentally, it makes sense. But it’s a big expense, and we have to provide that with every single purchase,” Nichole Miller said.
“This would now become an option for a group of people to advocate to put on the ballot and just have people let us know what they think. If they want to go forward with it, we do. If not, then we won’t,” Dunne said.
Council tabled the measure by a 6-0 vote. | 2022-08-09T01:55:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Portsmouth City Council tables potential plastic bag ban | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/portsmouth-city-council-discusses-potential-plastic-bag-ban/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/portsmouth-city-council-discusses-potential-plastic-bag-ban/ |
Huntington City Hall
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The city of Huntington has taken another step toward designing and building a connection between segments of the Paul Ambrose Trail for Health.
On Monday night, City Council passed an ordinance authorizing Mayor Steve Williams to enter into an agreement with the West Virginia Division of Highways.
E.L. Robinson Engineering was chosen to design the connection along Washington Boulevard that will go all the way from Hal Greer Boulevard to Spring Hill Cemetery.
From 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Meadows Elementary School, the city will hold a public hearing to get input on the design, location and other details. | 2022-08-09T04:19:25Z | www.wsaz.com | City takes another step in expanding Paul Ambrose Trail for Health | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/city-takes-another-step-expanding-paul-ambrose-trail-health/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/city-takes-another-step-expanding-paul-ambrose-trail-health/ |
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man from Mason County pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to having an extensive collection of child pornography.
Joseph Curtis Hubman, 50, of Henderson, allegedly had more than 12,000 videos showing child pornography, according to a U.S. Department of Justice news release.
In November 2020, investigators seized several external hard drives, mobile phones, two desktop computers and a micro SD memory card from Hubman’s home. They say the content included videos of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit activity.
Hubman is set to be sentenced Nov. 14. He faces up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He also must register as a sex offender. | 2022-08-09T04:19:38Z | www.wsaz.com | Man pleads guilty to numerous child pornography charges | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/man-pleads-guilty-numerous-child-pornography-charges/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/man-pleads-guilty-numerous-child-pornography-charges/ |
Man arrested in connection with Barboursville purse snatching(WSAZ)
BARBOURSVILLE, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man wanted in connection with a purse snatching at a Barboursville grocery store on July 15 has been arrested.
Deputies say Merson Weh stole a car in Ashland County, Ohio before traveling to Barboursville and stealing the purse.
From there, deputies say he then went to Jackson County, West Virginia, where he stole a cellphone from someone at a restaurant in Ripley.
Weh also began a pursuit with Pennsylvania State Police and evaded them.
On July 18, he turned himself in to authorities in Centre County, Pennsylvania.
Weh is facing charges in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania. | 2022-08-09T14:59:19Z | www.wsaz.com | Man arrested in connection with Barboursville purse snatching | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/man-arrested-connection-with-barboursville-purse-snatching/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/man-arrested-connection-with-barboursville-purse-snatching/ |
Frontier is being asked to provide all trouble tickets from West Virginia customers submitted between June 8, 2022, and Aug. 5, 2022
Frontier service truck in Huntington, West Virginia to restore internet service to customers after a month-long outage.(WSAZ)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – The WSAZ newsroom has been fielding Frontier complaint calls for months. Disconnected and dissatisfied customers have been contacting the station about service outages they say linger for days, weeks and in some cases - even months.
Now, according to a document from the Public Service Commission of West Virginia, Frontier is being asked to provide all trouble tickets from West Virginia customers submitted between June 8, 2022, and Aug. 5, 2022, and explain steps the company is taking to handle extended outages.
The request comes following a petition by the Kanawha County Commission to initiate an investigation into the conduct of Frontier Communications about service provided to customers in the Laurel Fork and Ben’s Fork areas.
The petition states, “Recent filings with the Commission regarding quality-of-service metrics show Frontier has failed to meet objectives.”
The document by the PSC lists 18 points of information be released by Frontier, including but not limited to: how many trouble tickets are past due, the status of all trouble tickets and service orders, as well as a daily list of outages reported to Frontier that includes the customer’s name, telephone number, date, and verification with the customer of the repair.
Frontier is also being pressed about how the company handles repairs following storm damage and the use of contractors to expedite restoration time.
Another area of concern is Frontier’s lack of customer service, according to the PSC. Officials say state customers are complaining about not having an option to talk with a Frontier representative about an outage, just being left with a recording that disconnects the call.
The goal of the information and documentation petition is to determine the number of customers affected by recent Frontier Communications statewide.
Frontier has been given a deadline of noon, Monday, Aug. 29 to turn over the information as well as what will be done to reduce these types of extended outages in the future. | 2022-08-09T20:12:48Z | www.wsaz.com | PSC wants answers from Frontier about extended outages | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/psc-requests-answers-frontier-regarding-extended-outages/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/psc-requests-answers-frontier-regarding-extended-outages/ |
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A woman who worked at the Kanawha County Clerk’s Office is accused of embezzling more than $21,000 from county funds for her own personal use, according to county court records obtained Tuesday.
Elizabeth Marie Sampson, 44, of Elkview, is charged with embezzlement.
According to the criminal complaint, Sampson is accused of taking multiple payments from transactions that involved residents paying cash to the county for back taxes owed on property.
The complaint goes on to say that Sampson was responsible for taking funds received from residents and having them transferred to a different department for deposit.
Sampson admitted to taking the cash and using it for personal reasons, including paying bills, the complaint states.
We will have more on this developing story. Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest. | 2022-08-09T21:44:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Woman accused of embezzling more than $21,000 from county funds | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/woman-accused-embezzling-more-than-21000-county-funds/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/woman-accused-embezzling-more-than-21000-county-funds/ |
Opening night, on and off the midway
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) -Scioto County Fair among oldest in America
There is a rich tradition in Ohio when it comes to the state and county fairs. That heritage is on display this week in Lucasville where the Scioto County fair has set up shop. Tony traveled to what he calls the “Grand-daddy of them all” for this week’s county fair showcase.
On and off the mid-way, find out why it’s the best of both worlds this week in Lucasville. | 2022-08-09T23:15:16Z | www.wsaz.com | Scioto County fair among oldest in America | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/scioto-county-fair-among-oldest-america/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/scioto-county-fair-among-oldest-america/ |
PORTSMOUTH, Ohio (WSAZ) - Second and Market streets in Portsmouth will soon be getting a major upgrade. A $1 million project to construct Market Square Park is taking shape.
“There’s a lot of energy down here and there has been for the last few years,” said Dr. Michael Raies.
Raies and his wife are proud to be part of that positive energy. They envisioned this project after seeing how successful Winter Fest has been in this same area of the city’s downtown.
“We got to thinking that this would just be a good location for a year-round park. It’s a magical month of December, but we thought, what about the other 11 months and can we do something to form a park here to keep that energy going?” Raies said.
Raies says the park will include a fountain and pavilion that could be used for outdoor events. Folks who use this same area as a farmer’s market will be able to utilize a covered vendor village in the park.
“We’re still in this planning and designing phase and we are hoping for three phases. Phase one this summer will be to just get the land surveyed and up to grade to start some of it,” Raies said.
Project coordinators hope to avoid delays but citizens should start seeing some movement in the area during the fall.
“By November, you’re really going to be able to tell that we’re doing something here and hopefully shoving around some dirt and gravel,” Raies said.
Market Square Park is estimated to have about $75,000 worth of annual expenses for upkeep. An endowment fund has been established by The Scioto Foundation where you can donate to support the park. | 2022-08-09T23:23:52Z | www.wsaz.com | Market Square Park to be constructed in downtown Portsmouth | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/market-square-park-be-constructed-downtown-portsmouth/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/09/market-square-park-be-constructed-downtown-portsmouth/ |
Chase Patrick Lilly, 19, of South Charleston, faces charges in connection with an assault Tuesday night on his brother, investigators say.(WSAZ/Dominick Groves)
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A man faces charges in connection with an assault Tuesday night that sent his brother to the hospital with a head injury, Kanawha County court records show.
The incident was reported around 7:15 p.m. along the 1100 block of Sand Plant Road in the South Charleston area.
Chase Patrick Lilly, 19, of South Charleston, is charged with malicious assault.
According to the criminal complaint, Lilly stabbed his brother with a shovel. The victim was taken to the hospital with a cut to his left eyebrow.
Deputies with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office say the victim’s injuries are not considered life-threatening.
Groves was taken to the South Central Regional Jail. His bond is $5,000.
A preliminary hearing is set for 1:45 p.m. Aug. 17. | 2022-08-10T03:10:07Z | www.wsaz.com | Man accused of stabbing brother with shovel | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/man-accused-stabbing-brother-with-shovel/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/man-accused-stabbing-brother-with-shovel/ |
GILBERT, W.Va. (WSAZ) - For five days, some in Gilbert, West Virginia, haven’t been able to make calls from their landline.
Local resident Tim Rutledge said when you live in a place like Gilbert where there’s almost no cell service, your landline becomes even more important.
“If you don’t have good cell service and you need a fire engine, if you need police, need an ambulance or you need medical monitoring, you’re dependent upon that landline,” he said. “And it is more than just a means of communication, it can be an actual lifeline.”
Rutledge isn’t only someone lacking phone service, he’s also an elder at Gilbert Presbyterian Church.
He said for the past couple of days, a phone has been sitting out front for anyone who needed to make a call.
“If there’s a need there, you have to try to help meet it.”
Rutledge said he reached out to Frontier trying to explain the problem but said they didn’t understand the issues.
" I said look, the phone lines down in the street,” he said. “You need a crew here.”
Tuesday afternoon, we reached out to Frontier via email and called them asking them to do an interview with us.
A couple of hours later a Frontier communications representative denied our interview request and sent us an email that says in part:
“Repairman are hanging new cable today and folks finishing the job this evening. I can assure you our team acted as soon as possible to get this fixed.”
Rutledge said this is all he’s wanted to see since he began reaching out to them.
He reached back out to us Tuesday evening to let us know service has been restored. | 2022-08-10T03:49:16Z | www.wsaz.com | Phones restored five days after loss of service | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/phones-restored-five-days-after-loss-service/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/phones-restored-five-days-after-loss-service/ |
Person taken to hospital after shooting on Charleston’s west side
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A person was taken to the hospital Tuesday morning following a shooting on Charleston’s west side, according to Charleston Police.
The shooting was reported at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and Central Avenue.
One person was injured, but police do not know the extent of the victim’s injuries. | 2022-08-10T13:14:57Z | www.wsaz.com | Person taken to hospital after shooting on Charleston’s west side | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/person-taken-hospital-after-shooting-charlestons-west-side/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/person-taken-hospital-after-shooting-charlestons-west-side/ |
Students head back into classroom
This school year marks the first time since the beginning of the pandemic that kids will start the year without having to wear a mask.(Sarah Bankston/WSAZ)
“It’s bittersweet, you have that really good time with them over the summer and then you just watch them grow up,” said Cody Anderson, whose son Colten is going into 5th grade. “It’s just one of those things as a parent, it’s bittersweet.”
“My teacher said she had a snow cone machine, so I’m looking forward to using the snow cone machine,” said 5th grader Jordan Gibbons.
“As a second grader, you’re 7, 8 years old. Well, 2.5 years ago they were going to school, they were in a virtual setting, so it was different for them,” said Ed Dixon, the school principal. “It’s an awesome opportunity to be able to smile, see the facial gestures, it means a lot.” | 2022-08-10T17:31:43Z | www.wsaz.com | Students head back into classroom | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/students-head-back-into-classroom/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/students-head-back-into-classroom/ |
Huntington church hold backpack bash
Free backpacks filled with school supplies and free books will be available to children of the community at Enslow Park Presbyterian Church on Friday, August 12th from 3 p.m.-5 p.m. on the side lawn.
There will also be a ‘Noah’s Ark’ petting zoo, story time, food, and more. | 2022-08-10T18:24:10Z | www.wsaz.com | Huntington church hold backpack bash | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/huntington-church-hold-backpack-bash/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/huntington-church-hold-backpack-bash/ |
Back-to-school spending is expected to hit an all-time high this year, even as inflation soars and parents everywhere feel the pinch of skyrocketing prices.
According to the National Retail Federation’s latest survey, a third of families plan to cut back on other spending areas in order to cover the cost of must-haves for the new school year.
The number one priority? Electronics.
Tech-life expert Jennifer Jolly joined Susan on Studio 3 with ideas on how to get what you want and need for less. | 2022-08-10T19:03:07Z | www.wsaz.com | Back-to-school tech guide | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/back-to-school-tech-guide/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/back-to-school-tech-guide/ |
KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) - The man accused of shooting and killing a high school student while he stood on a street corner has accepted a plea agreement, according to the Kanawha County Prosecutor’s Office.
The prosecutor’s office confirmed Wednesday afternoon that Dekotis Thomas pleaded guilty to first-degree murder.
Thomas is accused of murdering Capital High School student KJ Taylor in April of 2021.
Taylor, 18, was shot and killed on the corner of Central Avenue and Glenwood Avenue.
Taylor was a senior at Capital High School, set to graduate.
The plea agreement, accepted by Thomas on Wednesday, dismisses all other charges.
According to the prosecutor’s office, Thomas was advised by the court and acknowledged that he could be sentenced to life without mercy.
Thomas will be sentenced November 7, according to the prosecutor’s office.
In addition to the murder of Taylor, Thomas has also been indicted in the murder of Antwan Curnell. Officials say Curnell was killed in October of 2019.
Troopers say the 2019 shooting and the shooting that resulted in the death of KJ Taylor are not connected.
Man wanted for murder of high school senior indicted in second murder | 2022-08-10T20:34:39Z | www.wsaz.com | Man accused of murdering high school student accepts plea deal | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/man-accused-murdering-high-school-student-accepts-plea-deal/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/man-accused-murdering-high-school-student-accepts-plea-deal/ |
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) - A boy is recovering from being shot in broad daylight on Charleston’s West Side early Wednesday morning.
Charleston Police Lt. Tony Hazelett said the boy was shot once in the leg and once in the lower stomach. He believes the injuries are non-life-threatening.
Police were called to the intersection of Glenwood and Central avenues around 8:30 am to find the boy lying in the street.
Pam Harper, who lives in an apartment across the street, said her routine was interrupted.
“I was watching the news and I heard pop, pop, pop, pop pop,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘oh crap, not again’”
Hazelett said several witnesses reported seeing a man wearing dark clothing running from the scene.
”We’ve provided extra patrols in this area this shooting here happened very early in the morning,” he said. “It’s one of those things where it just happened, we were on patrol, we responded very quickly we were right in the area it just so happened it happened really early.”
The shooting took place just across the street from Harper’s apartment. She said incidents like this are becoming normal.
“There are still things we can do to make our neighborhood safer,” Harper said. “You hear these gunshots not once in a blue moon, once every two or three weeks at least, you hear it and you’re like ‘wonder if that was gunshots, oh well’”
She said she is worried about her and her neighbors’ safety and wants to make sure the city’s most vulnerable residents can feel at peace in their own neighborhood.
“What is it that people want us to do? Just sit up, curl up in a ball and die?”
“Well, I’m not going to, I’m a fighter and I will fight tooth and nail for my people that live here, my friends and neighbors, I will do whatever I have to do if I have to go on every news station in the country, I will because something’s got to be done for us old and disabled people. We’re old; we ain’t dead yet.”
The suspect is still on the run.
Charleston Police are asking people who live in the area or run a business that has security cameras who captured anything to contact them. | 2022-08-10T21:27:06Z | www.wsaz.com | Neighbor frustrated after boy shot twice on Charleston’s West Side | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/neighbor-frustrated-after-boy-shot-twice-charlestons-west-side/ | https://www.wsaz.com/2022/08/10/neighbor-frustrated-after-boy-shot-twice-charlestons-west-side/ |
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