Two fugitives from Wednesday saw several cases come before Judge Alan D. Moats of the Barbour County Circuit Court. Of those were Gary Wayne Clayton who entered a plea to Grand Larceny and Conspiracy. He was sentenced to one to ten years for grand larceny and one to five years for conspiracy. Judge Moats said the sentences will be served consecutively. Tyrick Banks was sentenced to one to five years for the delivery of a controlled substance. A total of nine cases came before the court on Wednesday. Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies, along with the Leading Creek Fire Department were called to a motorcycle accident early Thursday morning. The accident took place on Route 219 near Kerens. He was taken to the State Police in Elkins recovered stolen copper wire that had been reported missing from an area company. According to authorities close to 400 feet of copper wire had been reported missing from J. C. Welding. Not long after, Police discovered the wire at a local recycling area. Authorities are still following up on leads. Should you have any information, please contact the State Police at 637 - 0200. Two State Police arrested an Elkins man early Tuesday morning during a break-in. Taken into custody was 46-year-old James Wegman. Wegman had broken into a home in the The Parsons Detachment of the West Virginia State Police arrested a former The Coalton Fire Company was called to a structure fire Tuesday in the Norton area. The blaze was brought under control within a half an hour. Cause has not been determined and the name of the owner was not available at the time of this report. Coalton was assisted by members of the Elkins and Junior Fire Departments.
A new Principal was hired at Monday night’s Tucker County School Board meeting. By a unanimous vote, James Hamrick was hired to fill the position. Hamrick, a Mineral Wells native, brings his experience in administrative rolls with International schools. He and his wife have a summer home in
West Virginia State Police arrested a Weston man on five counts of sexual abuse that dates back 25 to 50 years. 76-year-old Harry Goldsmith was charged with sexual abuse by a parent or guardian. Four different women gave statements of the abuse with some of the abuse dating back to childhood. Goldsmith is currently being held in the Central Regional Jail on a $200,000 bond.
The Upshur County Sheriff’s Department is looking for a man who escaped from home confinement. 56-year-old John Shipman of Buckhannon left with 46-year- old Suzanne Halterman on Sunday. They are in an
The
The Weston City Police along with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Department were called out to a single vehicle accident Sunday morning in which one man died. 23-year-old Michael Allen Clevenger of
Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested one woman on drug charges. 38-year-old Tammy Freidman of Mill Creek was charged with the delivery of a control substance. The arrest took place around
A
A
More stores are coming to the Buckhannon area. The
The West Virginia Board of Education is sponsoring a citizens meeting / forum for interested persons to meet candidates the Barbour County Board of Education is interviewing for the position of Superintendent. The forum will be held Saturday, July 31st, at
Two new construction projects are underway in the
Friday, July 23, 2010
Senators Jay Rockefeller and Carte Goodwin, along with Congressman Alan Mollohan announced close to $1,300,000 in federal funding for six airports across West Virginia. The grants, which were awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Airport Improvement Program are being used to improve existing facilities by enhancing safety measures and upgrading airport runways and equipment. The airports include Philippi / Barbour County Regional Airport which will receive $100,663 and Elkins-Randolph County – Jennings Randolph Field will receive $250,000.
At this week’s Tucker County Board of Education meeting, the board agreed to set up a special meeting for Monday to discuss the hire of the new High School principal. According to the Parsons Advocate, the meeting is scheduled for 6pm Monday to hear recommendations from Superintendent Rick Hicks on the hiring of a new principal. The deadline for application is Friday and the board office has already set up interviews for those that have applied. To date, four have applied for the job.
A new addition has been added to the grounds of Tygart Lake State Park in Grafton. A New Nature Center. A display of animals will be on hand for the kids to see. Currently there is a display of a variety of reptiles. Other displays include pictures and posters. Officials are hoping to add to their center with collections from bugs to butterflies. Other additions will include taxidermy animals.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Authorities have released the name of the Nestorville woman found dead in her home last weekend. The Barbour County Sheriff's Office was called to the home of Maydell Frey late Sunday morning. Friends became worried about her when she wasn't in church that day, so they went to check on her and found her body. Police are not releasing any details but say they may investigate the death as a criminal matter. They're asking anyone with information is asked to call 304-457-2352.
State Police arrested a Tucker County man on drug related charges.30 year old Justin Simpson of Thomas was arrested around 10:00 Wednesday evening for possession or marijuana with the intent to deliver. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $20,000 cash-only bond.
A Marlinton man is dead as the result of a motorcycle accident. According to State Police, the body of Robert Francisco, Jr. was discovered along Route 92 a ¼ mile from the intersection of Route 39. Investigators say the accident may have taken place sometime early Tuesday. According to Authorities, Francisco’s Motorcycle left the road over an embankment and struck a utility pole. The crash site could not be seen from the road and Francisco’s body had been there for some time.
A date has been set for the man responsible for setting fire to the Smoke Hole Caverns Restaurant and Gift Shop. Brent Michael Combs is scheduled for trial October 25th in Grant County Circuit Court. Combs is accused of setting fires in November of last year and is currently being held at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.
The Riverside School Association will present the 2nd annual Bluesfest all day tomorrow on River Street in Elkins. Several featured acts will perform, and special foods for the event will be served. The fun gets underway at 10am and will last till 11pm. All prceeds will go towards the restoration of the Riverside School.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
A Lewis County businessman died as the result of a motorcycle accident in Wood County. 54 year old Jeffery Dryja of Weston was riding his motorcycle last Sunday near Parkersburg when he lost control and was thrown from the machine. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Wood County EMTs. Dryja was vice – president of operations at Viking Pools in Jane Lew.
A 16-year-old girl who left the Mountaineer Challenge Academy last weekend has been found. According to the Sheriff’s Department, Becca Fullmer had only arrived earlier that day, when she decided to leave. She was found at home. The Mountaineer Challenge Academy is a volunteer program and officials say that the Academy was following it's protocol when they alerted authorities about Fullmer's disappearance.
Two people were seriously injured in an automobile accident yesterday on Route 50 near Pruntytown. According to reports, one of the drivers went left of center and collided with second vehicle. One driver was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital while the other was transported to the City Hospital in Grafton. The Taylor County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
A former middle school teacher was arraigned Wednesday in circuit court for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-boy. Autumn Faulkner pled not guilty to 3 counts of sexual abuse and 3 counts of 3rd degree sexual assault. Randolph County Circuit Court Judge Jaymie Godwin Wilfong originally set a trial date in August, however Faulkner's attorney said that her client was pregnant and due in 3 weeks. Wilfong moved the trial date to November 18th.
A Randolph County man convicted of sexually abusing a 7-year-old was sentenced yesterday. 59-year-old Richard Devine will spend the next 10 to 20 years in prison after he was found guilty of first degree sexual abuse and sexual abuse by a guardian. Devine was babysitting the girl when the abuse took place. Devine was also fined $5000 and will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.
Upshur County authorities are looking the driver of a green sedan that may have caused an accident that sent 3 people to the hospital. According to reports, the car was turning from the Childers Run Road onto Route 151 when it pulled into the path of a pickup truck driven by 34-year-old Dale Williams. Williams swerved to avoid the collision and wound up striking another pickup in the process. He was taken to St Joseph's Hospital, then on to Ruby Memorial. A passenger in the Williams vehicle as well as the driver of the other truck were also transported to St Joseph's Hospital. Upshur County Sheriff Virgil Miller said they're look for the green sedan, and charges may be pending.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
One adult and three juveniles were injured in a single car accident on Saturday afternoon. The driver of the car was Sally Holiday of Charleston, Mother to “Doc” Holiday Marshall University Head football Coach. The accident took place on Route 33, ½ mile east of Harman in Randolph County. Holiday lost control of the car clipping a utility pole and flipping. She and two of the three juveniles were taken to Davis Memorial Hospital and treated. The other juvenile was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital where their condition is unknown. The Elkins detachment of the West Virginia State Police is handling the investigation.
Barbour County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the Nestorville area Sunday morning in response to an unattended death. Found at the home was an elderly woman. Due to the suspicious nature of the death, authorities have considered it a criminal investigation. The woman’s name could not be released. No other information was available at the time of this report.
An Ohio woman is dead and another injured as the result of a single car accident Sunday afternoon. Kimberly S. Todd of Kent, Ohio was pronounced dead on the scene by Lewis County EMS. The driver, Arlene M. Todd of Wellsville, Ohio was taken to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and treated for injuries. The accident took place on I-79 near mile marker 105, Sunday morning. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
Two Pennsylvania men were injured in a single vehicle accident on I-79 Saturday morning. The driver of the van, Ralph Bennett of Avella, Pennsylvania and a passenger who was ejected was identified as Earl Williams. Both were taken to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital with Williams then transported to Ruby Memorial Hospital. Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The President and CEO of the Pendleton Community Bank of Franklin, William Loving, was asked to testify Thursday during the hearing on the House Mortgage Disclosure Act before the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System. Loving who testified on behalf of the Independent Community Bankers of America, stated the community bankers understand the significant contribution the homeownership provides to their communities and are committed to serving the unique housing needs of their communities. Loving went on to make other suggestions to the Federal Reserve Board to better assist community banks around the country.
A new Superintendent has been sworn in. At last week’s meeting of the Pocahontas County Board of Education C.C. Lester took the oath of office. Also to be sworn in were three new board members. Emery Grimes, Leslie Cain, and Jan McNeel. Kenneth Vance was then named president of the board while Leslie Cain was named Vice President.
Parts of the downtown Elkins district will be briefly without water for several days. This will be due to waterline replacements that are taking place around the city. Due to the water shut-off Elkins City Hall will be closed on Monday and Tuesday from 7 am till 7 pm. Businesses and homes along Fourth Street and Third Street will be affected.
The Randolph County Board of Education along with Davis Health System and Direct Care will be offering free sports physicals to student athletes around Randolph County. This will take place through the month of July. For more information call 636 – 4585.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Three graduates of Buckhannon-Upshur High School were presented with the Union Elementary School Award. Sarah Nesbitt, Danielle Beets and Anthony McDaniels each received $500. It is presented to those who attend Union Elementary School and is based on academic achievement, Social Participation, leadership and community service. This fall Sarah Nesbitt and Danielle Beets will be attending West Virginia University while Anthony McDaniels will attend West Virginia Wesleyan College.
Five Student Athletes were selected from around the State to receive the $1,000 Higher Education Scholarship Award. Elkins High’s Morgan Johnson will receive the scholarship. Morgan was one of 41 recipients who applied. Johnson was a standout for the Lady Tigers in both Basketball and Volleyball. She will be taking her basketball talents to Shepherd University this fall. The West Virginia Secondary Schools Activities Commission gives this Scholarship out every year. Some of the qualifications include character and leadership. The student athlete must maintain a GPA of 2.5 to 4.0 and an ACT score of at least 16.
St. Joseph’s Hospital will be holding their Fourth Annual Charity Golf Ball Drop On Thursday, August 5th in conjunction with their 12th Annual Golf Tournament at the Raven Golf Course on Snowshoe Mountain. The ball landing closet to the pin wins $500. Proceeds will go towards the Electronic Health Records System. To purchase tickets for the Golf ball drop or the Golf Tournament you can call 473 - 6819.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
An Elkins man is arrested for a robbery in Belington. 26-year-old Gary Tacy was charged with the robbery of the Family Dollar Store around 11:30 Wednesday. Tacy came into the store wearing dark-colored sweats and ball cap with a hood pulled over his head and handed a note to clerk demanding money. According to Police he escaped with $250, leaving the area in a car. He was captured later following a tip from parole officers that recognized him as he passed by. Tacy was charged with second degree robbery and is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $100,000 bond. The investigation was handled by Patrolman D. J. Harris of the Belington City Police Department. In a related story, it was discovered that Tacy was also wanted by the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department for the Robbery of the Fast Break Store just outside of Beverly earlier this year. He is being charged with the robbery.
A new Strip Mall is coming to the Buckhannon area. According to the Record Delta, Marion Point LLC Developer Tom Messenger plans to put in a 30,000 square foot strip mall next to Wal-mart. According to Messenger, two separate building will be constructed with one facing Route 33 and the other to face Wal-Mart. Director of the Upshur County Development Authority, Steve Foster says this would be a $1.7 million dollar investment into the county. Should anyone have any interest in leasing space you can call 472-1757 or 363 - 7334.
Nine different cases came before Judge Alan D. Moats in Barbour County Circuit Court Wednesday. Charles M. Hutzler pled guilty to the manufacturing of a controlled substance and was sentenced to 1 to 5 years in the West Virginia State Penitentiary . Bobby L. Newlon pled guilty to the receiving of stolen property and was sentenced to 1 year in the Regional Jail. Shawn Ott was also sentenced to 1 to 5 years in prison for the delivery of a controlled substance.
Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Beverly man and charged him with kidnapping and domestic battery, 25-year-old Jesse L. McCune had struck his 19-year-old girlfriend several times when she asked to drive him home due to his intoxicated state. He then grabbed her and drove her to the southern part of the county. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. There is no bond.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The July session of the Lewis County Grand Jury convened on Monday. Indicted was Eric Metz of Weston on one count of solicitation of murder and 1 count of attempted robbery. Kayla McNish of Camden on 2 counts of first degree arson and 1 count of 4th degree arson and 2 counts of burning insured property. A total of 26 indictments were returned.
The U.S. Secretary of Labor, Hilda L. Solis on Tuesday announced for the second year, funding close to $66.7 million dollars in Youth Build grants to 183 communities around the country. One of those to receive funding is the Randolph County Housing Authority in the amount of just over $345,000. The Youth build program assists out-of-school youth in obtaining their diplomas or GEDs while providing occupational training in the construction industry.
A Preston County man pled guilty to two bank robberies. 21-year-old Eric Hudson confessed to robbing the Wesbanco Bank in Masontown and the BB&T in Reedsville in 2009. Hudson stated that he needed the money for debts. With the plea agreement with the State, Hudson will serve ten years for each count to be served concurrently.
Fire Companies from Marlinton and Shavers Fork responded to a minor tractor –Trailer Fire last week, on Route 219 South of Slaty Fork. The rear wheels of the trailer caught fire causing the load of lumber to shift. The fire was quickly contained. Route 219 was closed for around two hours for clean-up. The truck was owned by Dingess Transport out of Belington and was on the way to Edray.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
A Harrison County man is arrested by Philippi Police on burglary charges. 22- year-old Roy A. Moore of Stonewood was taken into custody and charged with nighttime burglary and breaking and entering. Several items were taken from the home of Mark E. Sims, one of which included a 9mm gun. Police will be obtaining petitions against three juveniles that may have been involved in the burglary. If Moore is convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison.
Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested an Elkins man on assault charges. Taken into custody was 61-year-old Samuel K. Roberts of Elkins. Along with assault, Roberts was also charged with daytime burglary of the home of Jeffery D. Burr. According to the report, Roberts claimed Burr was with his wife at an area Restaurant. Roberts entered the residence and began striking Burr and then left. Roberts posted a $25,000 bond.
An Upshur County Board of Education member has died. 77-year-old Aubrey Wilson was found slumped over his tractor late last week. It was determined that he had suffered a stroke. Wilson was the owner and operator of the Central West Virginia Nursery in Buckhannon, and a strong advocate of the Farmer’s Market. He was elected in May to his first term on the school board and had just taken his seat at the beginning of the month. The Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
State Police are investigating an accident which took place Monday in which 6 people were injured. The accident took place on the Crane Camp Road near Walkersville around 1:30pm. A mini-van appeared to have lost control and struck a tree. Five of the passengers were taken to Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital and the sixth person was flown by Health Net to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. No word on the condition of those involved.
Monday, July 12, 2010
An Upshur County Board of Education member has died. 77-year-old Aubry Wilson was found slumped over on his tractor late last week and taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital, where doctors said he'd suffered a stroke. Aubry was the owner and operator of the Central West Virginia Nursery in Buckhannon, and a strong advocate of the Farmer's Market there. He was elected in May to his first term on the school board and had just taken his seat at the beginning of the month. His funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time at the Poling-St Clair Funeral Home in
Buckhannon.
The Buckhannon Fire Department was called to a mobile home fire Sunday evening around 7:30 near the Teter Road / Murphy Station Road intersection at the Upshur / Barbour County line. The fire was under control within an hour. No one was home at the time of the fire. It is believed to be accidental in nature. Assisting Buckhannon were members of the Warren district, Hodgesville, the Washington District and Philippi Departments.
The Tygart Valley Fire Department was kept busy with two vehicle accidents Saturday. The first took place on Route 219 / 250 south of Valley Bend at 12:30pm. A car had left the roadway and traveled through a fence. The driver, a woman, was injured and taken to Davis Memorial Hospital and then flown on to Ruby Memorial Hospital. Her condition is unknown at this time. The State Police is handling the investigation. The second accident took place around 11:00pm on the Bradley Road. When Police and Fire Crews arrived they found a truck that had left the roadway and came to rest against a tree. There was no one around at the time. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
Preston County Sheriff’s Deputies on drug related charges arrested nine people during the All-Good Music Festival in Masontown over the weekend. Charges by the Sheriff’s Department ranged from possession with intent to deliver to possession of a controlled substance as well as the delivery of narcotics. All are currently housed in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail. Bond set at $100,000 each.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Three Upshur County residents learned their fates last Friday in Circuit Court. 53-year-old Clifford Moore of Adrian was convicted on 3 counts of sexual assault. Moore was sentenced to 1 to 5 years in the State Penitentiary for each count. Troy Pickens of Buckhannon pled guilty to fraud and was sentenced to 1 to 10 years in the penitentiary, which was suspended. Pickens was placed on 5 years of probation. Christopher Davis was convicted on 3 counts of passing on stolen lottery tickets. His 3-year sentence was also suspended. Davis was sentenced to 120 days at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, followed by 5 years of probation.
City leaders in Weston are looking at exploring the idea of a low-interest bank loan as a way to pay off a $129,000 debt to the Internal Revenue Service. The city had hoped to pay the debt by next June, but say they can't do it now. The city is current paying $6000 a month to the IRS to cover payroll taxes that were deducted from employees
paychecks, but was never sent on the government. The city had tried to get a loan like this last year, but it was denied because the financial records appeared to be incomplete.
The Augusta Heritage Festival began it's five week run yesterday on the campus of Davis and Elkins College. First week activities include Cajun & Creole Week, Early Country Music Week, and Guitar Week. Each of the 5 weeks will offer Craft and Folklore classes. For more information, call the Augusta Heritage Center at 304-637-1209 or visit their website at Augusta Heritage dot com.
Friday, July 9, 2010
The Randolph County Development Authority broke ground this morning on an idea that has spent more than ten years in the planning stage. The rail yard project is expected to increase tourism in the Elkins area. It is hoped that more than 70,000 people will visit the downtown area this year.
Lewis County residents may see some relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Governor Joe Manchin announced that the area had been added to the disaster declaration following the storms that blew
through the area on June 24th. FEMA did an assessment shortly after and found that the storm had destroyed 4 homes, 7 others suffered major damage while 18 homes received minor damage. Those residents may now apply for help by calling 800-621-3362. That's 800-621-FEMA.
Randolph County School Superintendent Dr. James Phares gave what he called a “discussion starter” at a school forum held at the North Elementary School. The discussion revolved around the stressing the need to pass a levy to help fill in many of the cracks in the school board's budget. Phares said the system could not completely support the 15 schools in the county at this point. If it passes, the levy would provide an additional $3.5 million each year for the next 5 years, split almost evenly between instruction, maintenance and technology.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Buckhannon City Police arrested three male juveniles in connection with the May 24th fire on Meade Street. A 15-year-old male was charged with arson, daytime burglary and breaking and entering. The 16 and 17-year-old were charged with one count each of breaking and entering. Damage estimates for the fire were listed at $30,000.
The body of the 19-year-old drowning victim has been identified as Alexander Scott Heatherly of Upshur County. According to the Lewis county Sheriff’s Department, Heatherly and three other friends were swimming near the Skin Creek Road Bridge at the time of the drowning. Friends attempted to save him but, were unsuccessful. No alcohol is suspected. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 23-year-old Samantha Anderson of Buckhannon on the felony charge of the delivery of a controlled substance, Hydrocodone. Anderson is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $20,000 bond.
The Davis and Elkins College Athletic Department announced the hiring of a new women’s head softball coach. Kimberly Stiles will take over the reigns of the Lady Senators’ program. Stiles come to D&E by way of Midwestern State University of Texas. Stiles served as an assistant coach under a program that finished the 2010 season at 54 and 10. Also added to the Senators athletic department is marketing and promotions director Cary Sponagle. She brings her experience to the school from working with the Cleveland Browns promotional department, the Canadian Football league and Indoor soccer.
The Buckhannon City Council and the Sanitary Board will hold a joint meeting this Friday at 2pm in the City Hall Council Chambers to receive a report by the Waste and Wastewater Staff of the State Public Service Commission. The purpose of the meeting is to receive the recommendation of the Waste and Wastewater Staff regarding a possible sewer rate increase and necessary ordinances. While this is not a public hearing the public is certainly invited to attend and will be given an opportunity on the agenda to respond or ask questions.
The Baseball park in Elkins known as Robin Harvey Memorial Field recently received a new scoreboard thanks to the family of a former Randolph County Baseball standout. Elkins Elks Babe Ruth President Steve Schumacher says “Barbara Judy, the widow of the late Joe Jeran wanted to do something in honor of her late husband and contributed the money to purchase the scoreboard.” Jeran, who hailed from Cassity, play his college ball at West Virginia University and in 1963 the Mountaineers complied a record of 29 and 1. Jeran held an ERA that season of 1.15 and made the All-Southern Conference Team and the All-East Team. Jeran later did a stint in the New York Yankees organization. A ceremony to dedicate the new scoreboard will take place Friday evening at 7:30pm before the opening pitch of the 2010 Babe Ruth state Baseball tournament.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Lewis County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a drowning Tuesday night near the Stonewall Jackson Lake. A 19-year-old man and three friends were swimming in the area near Skin Creek Road Bridge approximately 50 yards from the bank. The three friends attempted to save him but were unsuccessful. Due to the murky conditions of the water, divers had to suspend their search Tuesday night. The search continued Wednesday. The name of the victim was not released. The Lewis County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
A teenager boy who escaped the Rubenstein Center in Davis has been caught. 19-year-old Jeremy Allen was taken into custody Sunday night. He was located in Parkersburg over the Fourth of July weekend with his family. Allen is currently being held in the North Central Regional Jail, charged with escaping. Additional charges include grand larceny, destruction of property, obstructing police officers and fleeing. Allen and a 16-year-old male juvenile escaped from the Rubenstein Center last week. The 16-year-old has since been caught.
A new Principal was named to Philip-Barbour High School at Tuesday night’s school board meeting. By a unanimous vote the Barbour County School Board hired Lisa Heinbaugh as the new principal at Philip-Barbour High school. Heinbaugh comes to the position by way of the Career and Technical Center of which she was an administrator. Heinbaugh has worked for the Barbour County School System for 23 years.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Upshur County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Buckhannon woman early Monday on drug charges following a routine traffic stop. Taken into custody was 32-year- old Carissa Mae Confere. She was charged with operating or attempting to operate a clandestine drug lab. Confere was stopped on Route 151 near Ellamore. Found in the car were various items used for the manufacturing Methamphetamine. Confere has not been arraigned and is currently housed in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
A Randolph County man is dead after an accident Monday evening in Preston County. 26-year-old Hillary Dean-Strawser was traveling south on Route 72 in Preston County when she went left of center hitting a motorcycle driven by 48- year-old Thomas Ray Swisher of Elkins. Swisher was pronounced dead on the scene. Dean-Strawser was taken to Preston Memorial Hospital where her condition is unknown. The Preston County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation. Charges are pending. Swisher was an area contractor and owned Swisher Construction.
The nine year old Randolph County boy who suffered injures from an ATV accident has died. According to officials, the nine year boy passed away Saturday evening at Ruby Memorial Hospital. The boy was injured after an ATV accident Wednesday afternoon near the 4-H club Road. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department is handling the investigation.
An elderly woman was found after being missing for several hours. According to the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department an elderly woman wondered off in the Holly Grove area early Monday morning. She was later discovered in the area of Kay’s Diner. The Sheriff’s Department stated that the woman suffered from a medical condition.
Monday, July 5, 2010
The Fourth of July weekend kept area law enforcement busy with automobile accidents.
Police were called to a single vehicle accident Sunday afternoon around 1 pm. The accident took place between Belington and Dartmoor. A 50-year-old man traveling north swerved to miss an animal that was in the road, crossed the centerline and went over an embankment. He was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities responded to a single vehicle accident on Route 119 / 250 near the Barbour-Taylor County line. A 63-year-old woman from Franklin lost control of her car while rounding a curve. The car headed over an embankment and rolled several times before coming to rest. The woman was flown to Ruby Memorial Hospital with head injuries, her condition is unknown.
Help is on the way for residents of Lewis County hit hard by the storm of June 21st. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin made a request to FEMA to include Lewis County on the list of counties needing assistance. According to the National Weather Service, strong microbursts were the cause of damage to some homes and businesses in Lewis County.
The Grafton Fire Company responded to a single vehicle accident Friday in which one person was injured in Taylor County. A man traveling north in a van on Route 119, lost control in a turn and went over an embankment and rolled several times. The driver of the van was taken to Grafton City Hospital and treated for minor injuries. A passenger in the van was not hurt.
Friday, July 2, 2010
Upshur county Sheriff’s Deputies arrested a Cleveland, WV man on drug charges. Taken into custody was 25-year-old Ervin W. Hinkle for the Delivery of a controlled substance. He is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail.
Fire broke out at a mobile home near Marlinton. Fire crews were called to the Back Mountain Road where they found a mobile home with an addition built on fully engulfed. The blaze was brought under control within an hour. Marlinton Fire Chief David Peacock declared the home a total loss. No one was home at the time and the cause has not been determined. The home belonged to Samantha Teter. The investigation is being handled by the Pocahontas County Sheriff’s Department and the State Fire Marshall’s Office.
What activities will take place in North Central West Virginia this weekend?
Friday - Over 300 antique and classic cars and trucks willl take over the streets of Elkins this Fourth of July weekend. It will all start with the cruise-in this evening at 5 pm. At 7pm WDNE Radio will present the Colgate Country Showdown. And a fire works display will take place at 9:30pm. In Taylor County, the 18th Annual Mountaineer Round-Up World Championship Rodeo will kick – off at the 4 -T Arena at 8 pm tonight and continue on into Sunday.
Saturday - The Barbour County Fairgrounds will be the location for a fireworks display with a salute to the troops and veterans. Gates will open at 4 pm. The Buckhannon-Upshur High School Football Field will be the location Saturday for the Fourth of July Fireworks celebration. The gates will open at 4 pm with the entertainment to start at 5pm. Saturday evening Canaan Valley Resort Ski area will be the place for the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra as part of the celebration of the Arts. The concert will get underway at 2 pm and is free to the public. Fire works will be held at Thomas at 9pm.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
A nine-year-old boy was life-flighted following an ATV accident this afternoon. According to The Randolph County Sheriff’s Department a young boy was riding the ATV near the 4-H club road around noon, when the ATV overturned throwing him. He was rushed to Davis Memorial and then on to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. His condition is not known at this time. At the time of the accident, the boy was not wearing a helmet.
Pocahontas Sheriff’s Deputies arrested three men on sexual assault charges. 39-year-old John F. Rogers of Hillsboro, 21-year-old Beau R. Hawkins and 18- year-old Luca J. Byrd both of Marlinton were taken into custody for the third degree sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The Department of Health and Human Services had contacted the Sheriff’s Department that they received information on the possible sexual assault of one or more juveniles. Rogers is currently housed in the Tygart Valley Regional jail on a $50,000 bond. Hawkins on a $25,000 bond, Byrd was released from the Regional Jail on Tuesday.
Concerns have hit the Tucker County area concerning the TRAIL project, the high voltage power line that will stretch through the county. According to the Parsons Advocate, residents have expressed their concerns that more damage could be done to the terrain. One location, the Kempton Road located near Fairfax Stone is dealing with the constant traffic of big trucks coming through the area and further damaging the road. The TRAIL high voltage power line will stretch from Southern Pennsylvania into Maryland.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
A Dailey man is arrested after threatening his ex-wife. 30-years-old Henry D. Conrad was charged with stalking, domestic assault, daytime burglary and DUI first offense. Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies received a call around 4:30pm Monday afternoon of a woman in distress. While in route, Deputies made a traffic stop of a vehicle which contained the suspect. Conrad is currently being held in the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $25,000 cash surety bond.
The June session of the Randolph County Grand Jury met Tuesday. Of those to be indicted was Daniel A. Moore on 21 counts of the unlawful use of company credit cards belonging to Appalachian Timber Services. Douglas A. Simmons on three counts of threatening to maim or kill a woman. Also indicted was Autumn F. Faulkner on six counts of sexual abuse by a person in a position of trust. A total of sixteen indictments were brought down.
With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, families are planning their weekend picnics and will be hitting area State Parks to celebrate. One of the more popular is Audra State Park located just off Route 119 in Buckhannon. Park Superintendent Jon Teets says that some of the reasons why the State Park maintains it’s popularity is it offers families a low-cost vacation, a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Teets went on to say that it maintains a family friendly atmosphere and that is what Teets and his staff of Audra want to maintain. One of the rules that they strongly maintain is the no-alcohol policy. Teets stated that this is maintained through such actions as asking to look at the contents of a cooler. Teets wants to ensure that all that visit the state park have an enjoyable and safe stay.