Local News

Students have big plans for summer break

By: Ali Barrett, News Editor | Posted: April 25, 2018 | Source: The Daily Athenaeum

Starting May 4, Mountaineers will be headed off in all directions to pursue their summer vacations, jobs and internships and other fun plans. We talked to several students about their plans for the summer. Here is what they said:

llse Turner

llse Turner

Ilse Turner, a junior international studies and political science student from Virginia Beach, Va., said, “I got a really amazing opportunity; I got accepted to study at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan this summer,” Turner said.

Turner will be spending a month in Japan to study the Japanese language, culture and political science.

“When I’m not in Japan, I run a summer camp for adults and children with physical and intellectual disabilities,” Turner said. The camp is called Camp Horizon and is in Norfolk, Va.

Aurora Beth Harper

Aurora Beth Harper

Aurora Beth Harper, a senior criminology student from Ivanhoe, Va. said she planned to go back to her hometown to work at a historical mansion, called Fort Chiswell Mansion.

“I’m [also] going to the beach three or four times,” Harper said.

She also plans to go to New York for a week.

Ally Supple

Ally Supple

Ally Supple, a freshman journalism student from Barberton, Ohio, said, “I’m going back home for the summer and working at a local restaurant that I worked at before I came to college,” Supple said.

Supple said she had two big plans: Going to a Logic concert and traveling to Myrtle Beach with her boyfriend’s family.

Supple said she’d never gone to Myrtle Beach before, so she was “really excited.”

Jocee Chapman

Jocee Chapman

Jocee Chapman, a junior geology student from Elkview, W.Va., said, “I might be going to the beach with my boyfriend and probably camping a few times with my family,” said Chapman.

“My family usually goes to this place in Burnsville, like you take a camper there and everything, but we recently sold our camper,” Chapman said.

Because of this, Chapman said her family is considering a stay in a Greenbrier cabin.

Chapman said she also plans to work at Wendy’s this summer.

Byron Querrey

Byron Querrey

Bryon Querrey, a senior marketing student from Ripley, W.Va., said had to take a class over the summer, but was also hoping to get a job.

“I had an internship over the spring, and they offered me a job at the beginning of summer,” Querrey said.

He work involved marketing campaigns and video work for Morgantown businesses.

“I think it’s cool making something that people will enjoy,” Querrey said.

Querrey said he may be going on vacation, but his main goal was making money.

April 26, 2018 in Education News, Local News, NEWS, Students

MarkWest Agrees to Pay Millions in Federal Settlement Over ‘Pig’ Emissions

A pig (pipeline inspection gauge) used in a 6″ refined petroleum pipeline in West Texas. WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

By: Brittany Patterson | Posted: April 26, 2018 | Source: WV Public Broadcasting

A natural gas energy processor has agreed to pay a $610,000 civil penalty and install millions of dollars worth of equipment to reduce harmful emissions at hundreds of facilities across western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. (more…)

April 26, 2018 in Business News, Legal, Local News, NEWS

Secretary of State Warner Announces Start of Early Voting in 2018 Primary

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Registered voters can now take advantage of early voting at county courthouses and designated satellite precincts across West Virginia this morning.

Early voting for the 2018 primary election opens today and ends Saturday, May 5th. County early voting locations are open during business hours during the week, and open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check with your local county clerk for specific weekday times.

“Early voting is a great way to get out there and use your voice,” said Secretary of State Mac Warner. “Early voting gives citizens an easy and convenient way to cast their ballot. Our Elections Division, our county clerks, their staff, and our poll workers stand ready to make it easy to vote and hard to cheat.”

There are 1,227,600 registered voters in West Virginia as of April 17th, the final day to register to vote in the May 8th primary. Of that total, 42.76 percent are registered with the Democratic Party; Republicans make up 32 percent; .17 percent are Mountain Party members; .48 percent are with the Libertarian Party; 21.80 percent are unaffiliated; and 2.79 percent are registered with minor parties (attachment).

This is the first statewide election taking place that will require voters to show a form of identification at the polls. Voters will need to show one of 17 forms of acceptable ID.

The Secretary of State’s Elections Division reminds voters that if they see something at the polls that doesn’t look right, say something. Just call our Election Fraud Tip Line at 1-877-FRAUD-WV to report any suspicious activity.

Voters looking for more information on Voter ID, needing help finding their polling place, or tracking an absentee or provisional ballot can go to GoVoteWV.com.

Attachment: Voter Registration Totals as of April 17, 2018

Link: GoVoteWV.com

April 25, 2018 in Local News, NEWS, Politics

Drug Take Back Day is on Saturday

By: Evan Bevins | Posted: April 25, 2018 | Source: The Marietta Times

PARKERSBURG — That prescription you got filled then never finished doesn’t have to take up space in your medicine cabinet anymore — or pose a potential health and safety risk.

In an effort to keep unused medication from finding its way into the possession of curious children and pets, experimenting teens or experienced drug abusers, the federal Drug Enforcement Agency is once again sponsoring National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday. There are 14 locations between Wood and Washington counties alone, and a number in surrounding counties as well, offering the service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“You prevent the possibility of a kid getting ahold of it or a drug addict getting ahold of it,” said Sgt. R.E. Richardson, with the Parkersburg detachment of the West Virginia State Police.

Take Back Day, now in its 15th year, has worked in concert with the DEA implementing stricter controls on prescriptions and better education for physicians and pharmacists to address crimes related to medication abuse, Wood County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Robert Sims said.

“We really had an issue a number of years ago with people breaking into homes looking for those prescription pills,” he said. The Take Back Day “has been a mechanism that has helped us in some ways.”

Sims said there is a limit on what items can be brought to the Take Back events.

“It’s for pills only,” he said. “They do not accept liquids or needles or any type of inhalers or nebulizers.”

The locations in the Mid-Ohio Valley listed online at takebackday.dea.gov are:

Wood County

  • Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department, 1695 Elizabeth Pike, Mineral Wells
  • CVS Pharmacy, 2323 Murdoch Ave., Parkersburg
  • Lubeck Volunteer Fire Department, 1340 Harris Highway, Parkersburg
  • West Virginia State Police barracks, 3828 Staunton Turnpike, Parkersburg
  • Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, 609 28th St., Vienna
  • Waverly Volunteer Fire Department, 15425 Emerson Ave., Parkersburg
  • Williamstown Police Department, 100 W. Fifth St., Williamstown

Washington County

  • White Oak Pharmacy, 8465 Ohio 339, Barlow
  • Belpre Senior Center, 1614 Washington Blvd., Belpre
  • Fort Frye High School, 420 Fifth St., Beverly
  • Corner of Second and Putnam streets, Marietta
  • Devola Medical Center, 4727 Ohio 60, Marietta
  • Hardware Components Inc., 1021 Park Ave., New Matamoras
  • Buckeye Hills Area Agency on Aging, 1400 Newport Pike, Reno

Athens County

  • Athens Elks Lodge, 600 W. Union St., Athens

Calhoun County

  • Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, 363 Main St., Suite 204, Grantsville

Doddridge County

  • Doddridge County Sheriff’s Department, 89 Court St., West Union

Jackson County

  • Kenna Volunteer Fire Department, West Virginia 21 at Pleasant Valley Road, Kenna
  • Ravenswood Volunteer Fire Department, 333 Virginia St., Ravenswood
  • Ripley City Hall, 203 South Church St., Ripley

Pleasants County

  • Phillips Pharmacy, 329 Second St., St. Marys

Roane County

  • Spencer Police Department, 116 Court St., Spencer

Tyler County

  • Sistersville Police Department, 200 Diamond St., Sistersville

Wetzel County

  • New Martinsville Fire Department, 400 Ohio St., New Martinsville
April 25, 2018 in Life & Style, Local News, NEWS

Roane County’s Lucille Westfall commits to Glenville State

Photos by Sue Knotts Roane County’s Lucille Westfall goes up for a shot against Wirt County’s Rylie Copeland. The Roane County senior chose Glenville State as her collegiate hoops’ destination on Monday.

By: Joseph P. Albright, Associate Sports Editor | Posted: April 25, 2018 | Source: The Parkersburg News and Sentinel

SPENCER — The Glenville State women’s basketball 2018 recruiting class added a big piece after one of West Virginia’s top high-school players elected to take her talents to the Waco Center Monday inside Roane County High School. (more…)

April 25, 2018 in Local News, NEWS, Sports News

WVU’s top seniors honored with 2018 Order of Augusta, Outstanding Seniors award

Posted: April 23, 2018 | Source: WVU Today

Eight students who collectively “reflect West Virginia University’s mission and vision” have been honored with the Order of Augusta, WVU’s most prestigious student honor.

“When we recognize some of our soon-to-be graduates with the Outstanding Senior award and the Order of Augusta, we celebrate their extraordinary achievements so far,” said Provost Joyce McConnell. “But perhaps even more exciting, we anticipate their future achievements, knowing they will make our world a better place, today and tomorrow.”

The students come from a variety of backgrounds, but share impressive academic achievements, profound volunteer efforts and Mountaineer spirit.

“This year’s outstanding seniors not only exceed expectations in the classroom, but collectively reflect our University’s mission and vision,” said Dean of Students Corey Farris. “They are among our most highly accomplished students who have excelled in undergraduate research, community service, leadership, and global opportunities. I am certain that this Mountaineer cohort will continue to accomplish great things after graduation-in West Virginia and beyond.”

These students, who are among 41 students named WVU Foundation’s Outstanding Seniors, will be honored at a ceremony Thursday (May 10) at 10 a.m. at the Erickson Alumni Center.

The 2018 Order of Augusta scholars are all members of the WVU Honors College:

Daniel Berrebi, from Morgantown, will graduate with degrees in biology and Spanish and a minor in business administration. He is the president of the TriBeta Biological Honors Society, fundraiser chair for the WVU Global Medical and Dental Brigades, and serves as a student ambassador for the WVU Foundation and Undergraduate Admissions.
Read more about Berrebi.

Sara Berzingi, from Morgantown, will graduate with degrees in biology and English with a concentration in professional writing and editing. She is a two-term president of the Muslim Student Association, has served as the diversity executive for the Student Government Association, and a former student ambassador for the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Read more about Berzingi.

Garrett Burgess, from Elkview, will graduate with degrees in political science and Russian studiesand a minor in foreign literature in translation. He is the former wing commander of the Air Force ROTC Detachment at WVU, president of the WVU Model United Nations, president of the Russian Club, an avid runner, and was named the 2017 Mr. Mountaineer.
Read more about Burgess.

Tanner Filben, from Glen Dale, will graduate with a degree in biomedical engineering and a minor in computer science. He is the assistant executive director of the Mountaineer Maniacs, a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, and a former intern to the director for athletics of the Student Government Association.
Read more about Filben.

Anna Gilpin, from Martinsburg, will graduate with a degree in biomedical engineering and a minor in statistics. She is the vice president of the Biomedical Engineering Society, member of the Society of Women Engineers, associate editor for the Mountaineer Undergraduate Research Review, and former executive director for recruitment and retention for the Student Government Association.
Read more about Gilpin.

Trevor Kiess, from Elkins, will graduate with an accounting degree and a minor in pre-law and legal studies. He is the director of community service for the Mountaineer Maniacs, a member of Mountain Honorary, Mortar Board Senior Honorary, and has held several leadership positions in the Student Government Association.
Read more about Kiess.

Savannah Lusk, from Covel, will graduate with a degree in exercise physiology. She is a member of the Helvetia Honorary, Chimes Junior Honorary Society, the WVU chapter of Our Children, Our Future, Model United Nations Club, Mortar Board Honorary, and has served at the 2016-17 alternate Mountaineer Mascot.
Read more about Lusk.

Grant Robertson, from Wheeling, will graduate with a degree in biochemistry and minors in biology and sociology. He serves as the technology chair of the American Chemical Society, community service chair for Alpha Epsilon Delta, a member of WVU Collegiate NCAAP Chapter, and WVU Students Optimistic for Curing Kids.
Read more about Robertson.

Established in 1995 to signify the 40th anniversary of the WVU Foundation, the Outstanding Seniors award recognizes students for their contributions and achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.

The Order of Augusta further recognizes the students’ superior scholarship, demonstrated leadership and record of community and public service. The award is named for its historical significance in the state. Augusta was among the original names considered by the Legislature when the state seceded from Virginia in 1863.

The remaining 33 WVU Outstanding Seniors are:

Rosalynn Andrade; Beckley (Honors College)

Jessica Arvon; Charleston (Honors College)

Faith Baldwin; Saint Clairsville, Ohio

Megan Barthelmess; Hurricane (Honors College)

Cassidy Bland; Wellsburg (Honors College)

David Buch; Beckley (Honors College)

Emily Columbus: Brentwood, Pennsylvania

Wijdan Dabeek; Mecca, Saudi Arabia

Alyssa Diehl; Chardon, Ohio

Lindsay Elliot; Moseley, Virginia (Honors College)

Yacine Feliachi; Morgantown (Honors College)

Audrey Geise; Allentown, Pennsylvania (Honors College)

Morgan Goff; Weirton (Honors College)

Ahmed Haque; Bridgeport (Honors College)

Nicole Hegele; Odd (Honors College)

Jason Horvath; North Royalton, Ohio (Honors College)

Riley Imlay; Huntington (Honors College)

Allyson Karnell: Cincinnati, Ohio (Honors College)

Elizabeth Keim; Glen Dale

Raven Kennedy; Paynesville

Morgan King; Charleston (Honors College)

Zachary Koenig; Charleston (Honors College)

Abigail Lusk; Man

Arin Migaiolo; Morgantown (Honors College)

Jared Peterson; Morgantown

Courtney Pyatt; Fayetteville (Honors College)

Jordan Riggs; Wheeling (Honors College)

Morgan Stemler; Nestorville (Honors College)

Luke Stover; Saxon (Honors College)

Rachel Tallman; Morgantown (Honors College)

Patrick Thomas; Hurricane (Honors College)

Hunter White; Clendenin (Honors College)

Jeffrey Zopp; Milton

-WVU-

ta/4/18/18

CONTACT: Corey Farris
Student Life
corey.farris@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.5811

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.

April 24, 2018 in Academic Achievements, Education News, Local News, Students