Recent News Articles

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

Hoover Huskies march at Magic Kingdom

The Herbert Hoover High School Huskies marching band led the morning parade at Walt Disney World in Orlanda, Florida, on April 3. Photo courtesy Kanawha County Schools.

By: Clint Thomas, Metro Staff | Posted: April 23, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail Kanawha Metro

In June 2016, as torrential floodwaters annihilated the band room, its contents and, in fact, the entirety of Herbert Hoover High School along the banks of the Elk River, no band member probably considered the ebullient saying/slogan “I’m going to Disney World!” as a serious reply to what he or she would do after the ruinous waters subsided. (more…)

April 23, 2018 in Education News, Herbert Hoover High School Athletics, Local News, NEWS, Sports News

Kanawha Valley prep softball standings, leaders — April 23

By: Ryan Pritt, Staff Writer | Posted: April 23, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

TEAM RECORDS

Team W L Pct.
 Herbert Hoover 22  0  1.000 
 Hurricane 15 1 .938
 Nitro 19 4 .826
 George Washington 14 4 .778
 Cross Lanes Christian 15 8 .652
 St. Albans 13 7 .650
 Riverside 11 6 .647
 Buffalo 16 9 .640
 Poca 14 8 .636
 Winfield 10 12 .455
 Sissonville 7 15 .318
 South Charleston 5 12 .294
 Charleston Catholic 3 12 .250
 Capital 4 19 .174

BATTING AVERAGE

(Minimum 2 plate appearances per team game)

Player, school AB H Avg.
 Caiti Mathes, Hurr. 43 25 .581
 Kirsten Belcher, HH 56  31  .554 
 Lydia Sweat, Nitro 58 32 .552
 Jenna Thomas, Siss. 69 37 .536
 Emma Groe, GW 48 25 .521
 Madison Ramirez, Riv. 48 24 .500
 Rebekah Woody, HH 69  34  .493 
 Gracie Donato, Riv. 45 22 .489
 Hannah Pullen, Riv. 47 23 .489
 Haley Stepp, CLC 50 24 .480
 Kalissa Lacy, GW 44 21 .477
 Jayme Bailey, Hurr. 36 18 .472
 Kiersten Landers, Hurr. 53 25 .472
 Hannah McDermitt, Riv. 49 23 .469
 Katlynn Rasnake, Buff. 71 33 .465
 Grace Smith, GW 56 26 .464
 Jasmine Symns, Riv. 50 23 .460
 Kinsey Hudson, SA 61 28 .459
 Charity Stepp, CLC 62 28 .452
 Kenzie Hale, Winf. 73 33 .452
 Cortney Fizer, HH 49  22  .449 
 Bella Savilla, Nitro 65 29 .446
 Lauren Pauley, Riv. 61 27 .443
 Fran George, Catholic 25 11 .440
 Gracie Payne, SA 57 25 .439
 Morgan Larch, SC 44 19 .432
 Lindsey Russell, Buff. 70 30 .429
 Sara Stepp, CLC 70 30 .429
 Lindsey Phares, Hurr. 42 18 .429
 Kiersten Witters, CLC 54 23 .426
 Sydney Houck, Winf. 68 29 .426
 Presley McGee, HH 59 25 .424
 Jillian Holley, SA 57 24 .421
 Delani Buckner, HH 50 21 .420
 Elyssa Medley, Winf. 58 24 .414
 Kelsie Lanham, Riv. 39 16 .410
 Taylor Long, Siss. 66 27 .409
 Brianna McCown, GW 49 20 .408
 Aly Soblit, Siss. 49 20 .408
 Jess Canterbury, HH 52  21  .404 
 Hailey Harr, Nitro 57 23 .404
 Megan Seafler, HH 72  29  .403 
 Morgan Jennings, Siss. 63 25 .397
 Taylor Bonnett, Poca 61 24 .393
 Lauren Price, GW 49 19 .388
 Taylor McCray, Hurr. 47 18 .383
 Katy Darnell, GW 51 19 .373
 Zoey Dunlap, Hurr. 43 16 .372
 Mallori Chapman, HH 62  23  .371 
 Grace Denison, Winf. 68 25 .368
 K.K. Short, Winf. 57 21 .368
 Tori Green, Hurr. 41 15 .366
 Kayla Letart, SA 58 21 .362
 Maggie Bird, Buff. 61 22 .361
 Kennedy Buckley, Riv. 42 15 .357
 Brooke Persinger, Buff. 62 22 .355
 Mercedes Bush, Poca 65 23 .354
 Anna Falbo, SC 48 17 .354
 Jaelyn Beane, Siss. 54 19 .352

HOME RUNS

11: Thomas, Sissonville

9: Mathes, Hurricane

6: Payne, SA

5: Ramirez, Riverside

4: Holley, SA; Donato, Riverside; Pullen, Riverside; Hale, Winfield; Medley, Winfield

3: Belcher, Hoover; Bailey, Hurricane; Soblit, Sissonville

2: Russell, Buffalo; C. Stepp, CLC; Groe, GW; Smith, GW; Darnell, GW; Fizer, Hoover; McGee, Hoover; Woody, Hoover; Savilla, Nitro; Bonnett, Poca; Tori Gibeaut, Poca; Honesty Bragg, Sissonville; Houck, Winfield; Denison, Winfield

RBI

38: Mathes, Hurricane

37: Belcher, Hoover

36: Thomas, Sissonville

33: Sweat, Nitro

30: Payne, SA

29: C. Stepp, CLC

25: Woody, Hoover; Holley, SA

24: H. Stepp, CLC; Groe, GW; Savilla, Nitro

23: Hale, Winfield

22: Fizer, Hoover

21: McCown, GW; Ramirez, Riverside

20: Persinger, Buffalo; Donato, Riverside

Triples

6: H. Stepp, CLC

5: C. Stepp, CLC

4: Darnell, GW

3: Falbo, SC

2: Smith, GW; Fizer, Hoover; Chapman, Hoover; Pauley, Riverside; Symns, Riverside; Buckley, Riverside; McDermitt, Riverside; Emily Taylor, Sissonville; Medley, Winfield

Doubles

11: Sweat, Nitro

9: Groe, GW; Houck, Winfield; Medley, Winfield; Hale, Winfield

8: S. Stepp, CLC; Price, GW; Chapman, Hoover; McCray, Hurricane; Savilla, Nitro; Bonnett, Poca; Hudson, SA; Thomas, Sissonville

7: Belcher, Hoover

6: McCown, GW; Smith, GW; Jaelin Overton, GW; Fizer, Hoover; Bailey, Hurricane; Harlie Vannatter, Hurricane; Molly Collins, Poca; Donato, Riverside; Payne, SA

Stolen bases

31: Kerigan Moore, Nitro

28: Rasnake, Buffalo

25: Morgan Burdette, Nitro

18: Symns, Riverside

17: Landers, Hurricane

16: Bush, Poca

14: S. Stepp, CLC

13: C. Stepp, CLC; Gibeaut, Poca

10: Bailey, Hurricane; Jennings, Sissonville

Pitching wins

17-4: Savilla, Nitro

13-0: Buckner, Hoover

11-1: Vannatter, Hurricane

11-4: Bonnett, Poca

10-5: Hudson, SA

10-6: Russell, Buffalo

9-0: McGee, Hoover

9-2: McCown, GW

8-2: Pauley, Riverside

7-5: Elizabeth Witzke, CLC

6-3: Bird, Buffalo

5-2: Smith, GW

5-4: Aly Grover, SC

5-6: Faith Gaylor, Winfield

ERA

0.38: Buckner, Hoover

1.08: Vannatter, Hurricane

1.20: McCown, GW

1.36: McGee, Hoover

1.57: Bonnett, Poca

2.06: Witzke, CLC

2.31: Savilla, Nitro

3.06: Pauley, Riverside

3.24: Hudson, SA

3.97: Smith, GW

4.61: Grover, SC

4.70: Gaylor, Winfield

4.75: Medley, Winfield

Strikeouts

156: Buckner, Hoover

144: Savilla, Nitro

128: Bonnett, Poca

114: Hudson, SA

107: Witzke, CLC

101: McCown, GW

99: Russell, Buffalo

89: Vannatter, Hurricane

87: Olivia Corbett, Catholic

72: McGee, Hoover

53: Alexis Bailey, Sissonville

48: Bird, Buffalo

44: Gaylor, Winfield

41: Pauley, Riverside

Reach Ryan Pritt at 304-348-7948, ryan.pritt@wvgazettemail.com or follow him @RPritt on Twitter

April 23, 2018 in Herbert Hoover High School Athletics, Local News, Sports News

Three Republicans, one pro-union, vie for Armstead’s seat in WV House

By: Phil Kabler, Staff Writer | Posted: April 18, 2018 | Source: WV Gazette-Mail

With House Speaker Tim Armstead, R-Kanawha, stepping down after nearly 20 years in the West Virginia Legislature, the House of Delegates’ 40th District is a wide-open race, with one Democrat and three Republicans vying for the open seat.

While the platforms of two of the Republicans, business owner Dean Jeffries and lawyer Kenneth Tawney, check off several of the traditional GOP boxes — anti-abortion, pro-Second Amendment, less government and lower taxes — the third candidate is a bit unique.

Ron Shamblin, a longtime union crane operator, shares many of the traditional party values, but also objects to the Republican majority’s votes to repeal West Virginina’s prevailing-wage law and to enact the right-to-work law, and supports increasing the severance tax on natural gas to fund state programs.

Shamblin first ran against Armstead in 2016, irate over repeal of prevailing wage and enactment of right to work.

He said repeal of prevailing wage sent a message to construction workers that, “We are not worth what we were being paid.”

Shamblin said he believes measures such as right to work, which he considers anti-union, not only hurt the state, but, ultimately, the Republican Party itself.

“Probably about 60 percent of our union membership are Republicans, and when the Republicans sit there and blast the unions, they’re not realizing they’re blasting their own people,” he said.

While many of the projects Shamblin has worked on in recent years involve natural gas drilling sites, he also supports increasing severance taxes on natural gas, and said he was irritated that legislative leadership would not even consider an increase to fund education and teacher pay.

Shamblin said he believes the booming natural gas industry would hardly notice a small severance tax increase, adding, “When it comes right down to it, this belongs to our state.”

Shamblin faces formidable opposition in the May primary election.

Elkview insurance agent Dean Jeffries bills himself as a “Christian Conservative Republican,” and has endorsements from Armstead and the Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee, which said that, as a small-businessman, Jeffries knows the challenges business owners face in the Mountain State.

“Mr. Jeffries is a vocal supporter of the Second Amendment, right to life, [and] supports limited government and fiscal responsibility,” the endorsement states. “He stood side-by-side to help those who were affected by the 2016 flood.”

Jeffries said the aftermath of the flooding in the Elkview area was one of the reasons he decided to run.

“We’ve watched a lot of people leave since then,” he said. “It’s been kind of an unfortunate opportunity for a lot of people to leave.”

Likewise, he said, it is difficult when his teenage children discuss possibly having to leave the state at some point for job opportunities.

“As a local businessman, as you watch your population decrease, you want to do something about that,” Jeffries said. “I want to do things to bring jobs back to West Virginia.”

Jeffries said he is optimistic going into the primary, particularly with Armstead’s endorsement.

“I’ve known Tim for a while. I’ve worked with him on some things,” Jeffries said. “We feel pretty good about it.”

Lawyer Kenneth Tawney could not be reached for comment, but his campaign website says he wants to use his “experience, skills and conservative values to keep our State moving in a positive direction toward prosperity.”

Tawney’s platform includes promoting economic growth by “lowering the barriers to new businesses,” cutting state government spending, promoting better roads and infrastructure, including expanding high-speed internet access, and “protecting Constitutional rights, including the right to life and right to bear arms.”

Like Jeffries, Tawney worked on flood recovery efforts in 2016, noting, “I am frustrated every time I drive from Big Chimney to Clendenin and see so much that remains to be done. One thing I am confident about is that ‘Elk River Strong’ is not just a cliché. We can and will meet this challenge, and I want to do everything I can as a legislator to provide the resources and the assistance required to rebuild our communities.”

Shamblin, meanwhile, said he believes his 2016 primary race, when he got nearly 25 percent of the vote running against Armstead, bodes well for the May 8 primary, and said he believes mainstream Republicans will not be dissuaded by his pro-union positions.

“I have conservative values,” he said. “I’m a Christian. I’m pro-life. I’m very, very strong Second Amendment pro-gun, but I’m also a 21-year union crane operator. I know the value of labor, and the Republican Party used to know the value of labor, as well.”

The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Melissa Riggs Huffman in the general election. Huffman, an Elkview teacher, is running unopposed in the 40th District Democratic Primary.

Reach Phil Kabler at philk@wvgazettemail.com,304-348-1220 or follow @PhilKabler on Twitter.

April 18, 2018 in Local News, NEWS, Politics

Clay County Schools announces winners of Young Writers Contest

Miss Stover and  Lucy Gonzales of Clay County Middle School.

Posted: April 17, 2018 | Source: Clay County Free Press

For over 30 years, the West Virginia Young Writers Contest has celebrated student writing in the state.  The YWC grows out of a deep commitment to writing in all subjects, and to the publishing, displaying and celebrating of student writing. (more…)

April 18, 2018 in Academic Achievements, Education News, Educators, Local News, Students

DNR announces Archery in the Schools State Tournament winners

Posted: April 17, 2018 | Source: WV Divison of Natural Resources

News Release: April 17, 2018

Media Contact: Samantha Smith, Commerce Communications Director
(304) 957-9364 | samantha.smith@wv.gov

Contact: Kayla Donathan, Wildlife Resources Section
(304) 558-2771 | kayla.m.donathan@wv.gov

DNR announces Archery in the Schools State Tournament winners

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Logo

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Approximately 500 students from 55 schools participated in the 13th annual Archery in the Schools state tournament, hosted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources at the Summersville Arena and Conference Center on March 24. (more…)

April 18, 2018 in ANNOUNCEMENTS, Celebrations & Achievements, Education News, Local News, Sports News, Students, Youth Sports

Applications Now Being Accepted for KCS Virtual Online Middle School Pilot Program

By: Briana Warner, Communications Director | Posted: April 16, 2018 | Source: KCBOE

Press Release

For Immediate Release

Charleston, W.Va. – Kanawha County Schools announced today that they’re accepting applications for their new virtual online school pilot program for middle school students, which will begin this Fall. The pilot program will allow 30 Kanawha County 6-8 graders to participate in a full-time or part-time virtual school program. This program is free to students who are currently being homeschooled and public school students in Kanawha County. Applications are available at the Kanawha County Schools board office or on the KCS website.

“Our high school pilot project has been going very well and we are pleased to be able to offer the program to middle school students,” said Kanawha County Schools Executive Director of Virtual School, Valery Harper. “The virtual online school option meets the needs of so many students and provides another tool to give our students a world class education, no matter their situation.”

The Kanawha County Schools virtual program, and other virtual programs across the state, are possible after state lawmakers passed Senate Bill 630 – the Accessibility and Equity in Public Education Enhancement Act – during the 2017 regular legislative session. The bill allows for the creation of virtual programs by county boards.

The Kanawha County Schools Virtual School Policy is available on the KCS website through this link.

###

You can reach Briana Warner at bwarner@mail.kana.k12.wv.us or (304) 348-6675 x117.

April 18, 2018 in Education News, Local News, NEWS, Students

Mayor of Hundred offering extra supplies to flood victims

By: William Dean | Posted: April 17, 2018 at 6:20 p.m. | Source: The Dominion Post

HUNDRED — Floods seem to be a fact of life in West Virginia the past several years, but one city official who has seen his share of high water is sharing knowledge and supplies.

Governor Jim Justice declared a state of emergency in 10 counties Monday, following heavy rain. Counties affected are: Barbour, Braxton, Gilmer, Lewis, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Randolph, Tucker, Upshur and Webster.

“If you haven’t been through it before it’s hard,” Hundred Mayor Charles Goff said. “You don’t know what the first steps to take are.”

Goff said when the July 2017 floods hit Hundred he was a first responder and lost a firetruck attempting to get to his family, who he didn’t hear from until 7 a.m. He said flooding is an emotional time and he personally lost three vehicles and his home was flooded.

Extra supplies are available to any organization with the infrastructure to give them to those in need, Goff said. Those interested should contact the Hundred Volunteer Recovery Center at 304-775-2575.

Supplies include bleach, buckets, muck boots, brooms, mops, gloves and all kinds of cleaning supplies.

Goff also said he’s available to offer advice to those who need it. He said after his community was devastated, he visited Clendenin and White Sulphur Springs, in Greenbrier County, for advice on how to deal with flooding.

One suggestion Goff has is to hire a consultant to help with the process of getting money from FEMA, should there be enough damage to declare a federal disaster.

April 17, 2018 in Uncategorized