West Virginia Central Newspaper

West Virginia Central Newspaper The WV Central Newspaper serving Wheeling and surrounding area since 2000.

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice reports $29.9 million revenue surplus for August 2021
CHARLESTON, WV – Today, Gov. Jim Justice announced that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for August 2021 came in at $29.9 million above estimates.

“The State of West Virginia continues just to percolate along and do absolutely wonderful,” Gov. Justice said. “If you'll think back a few years, we had doom and gloom all the time. Now, all I do is continue to report to you good number after good number.”

August collections of nearly $383.5 million were 15.7% ahead of prior year receipts.

Year-to-date collections of $689.3 million are $58 million above estimates.

“Our growth continues from the standpoint of all kinds of different sectors,” Gov. Justice said.

Personal income tax collections were nearly $5 million above estimate and 7.2% ahead of prior year. YTD collections were $19.7 million above estimate.

Consumer sales tax receipts were nearly $12.9 million above estimate and 7.3% ahead of prior year. YTD collections were $8.3 million above estimate and 4.3% ahead of prior year.

Severance tax collections totaled $45.9 million. Collections were $8.9 million above estimate and 213% ahead of last year. YTD general revenue fund severance tax collections were $19.9 million above estimate and $45.3 million ahead of last year. Current natural gas prices are roughly triple the price at this time last year. Average coal prices are also higher along with higher production for both natural gas products and coal.

“The State is doing wonderful,” Gov. Justice said. “We're on really rock solid ground and we're just gonna keep building on it.”

09/01/2021

MANCHIN ANNOUNCES $2.9 MILLION FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS AT WEST VIRGINIA AIRPORTS



Charleston, WV – Today, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced $2,986,835 from the American Rescue Plan and annual appropriations for five West Virginia Airports. This funding is distributed through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and will support airport improvement projects at five airports. Senator Manchin previously announced $1,953,098 to support improvement projects at the Martinsburg and Morgantown airports.



“The American Rescue Plan continues to provide critical relief to West Virginia and our economy. West Virginia regional airports play a key role in spurring economic growth by increasing tourism and serving as hubs for manufacturing and other businesses,” said Senator Manchin. “This funding from the American Rescue Plan will support various improvement projects at five regional airports, helping our regional and state economies recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. As a pilot myself, I am committed to helping West Virginia’s aerospace industry thrive and I will continue to advocate for our regional airports.”



Individual awards listed below:

$1,145,089 – Morgantown Municipal-Walter L Bill Hart Field
Senator Manchin previously announced $1,603,098 in funding for the same improvement project.
$626,584 – WV Regional/Shepherd Airport
Senator Manchin previously announced $350,000 in funding for the same improvement project.
$606,666 – Jackson County Regional Airport
$547,102 – Elkins-Randolph County Regional Airport
$61,394 – Upshur County Regional Airport

09/01/2021

GOVERNOR REMINDS WEST VIRGINIA GRANDFAMILIES ABOUT NEW VACCINE INCENTIVE PROGRAM
Gov. Justice also offered a reminder that he recently announced the launch of an initiative that will provide a $150 voucher for back-to-school supplies to all vaccinated grandfamilies in West Virginia – families where grandparents are the primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

To qualify, all vaccine-eligible members of the grandfamily – including grandparents and grandchildren ages 12 and older – must have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. The family must also be enrolled in West Virginia State University’s Healthy Grandfamilies program.

Healthy Grandfamilies – which provides information and resources to grandparents who are raising one or more grandchildren – will assist in the administration of the school voucher incentive. According to the organization, about 19,000 West Virginia children live in households with a grandparent or grandparents as their primary caregiver.

“What would we do with 19,000 kids if we lost their grandparents to this dreaded disease?” Gov. Justice said Wednesday. “We really need to get these families vaccinated.”

Registration for the school voucher incentive will begin next Tuesday, Sept. 7.

09/01/2021

HOSPITALIZATIONS CONTINUE TO SURGE AMONG UNVACCINATED WEST VIRGINIANS
During Wednesday’s briefing, Gov. Justice reported that 647 West Virginians are currently hospitalized with COVID-19; the highest number of hospitalizations in over seven months.

Of the patients currently hospitalized, 202 are in the ICU and 102 are on ventilators. Both of these numbers continue to rapidly approach the all-time records in West Virginia. The number of ICU patients topped out at 219 during the biggest case surge to-date in January. The number of patients on ventilators topped out at 104.

The Governor continued his urgent plea for more West Virignians to choose to get vaccinated immediately.

“You’ve got to help me by getting vaccinated. It’s the only way out of this,” Gov. Justice said. “This thing is doing anything but getting better; it continues to get worse, and as long as we still have a significant population that’s unvaccinated, it’s going to continue to get worse.”

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice to unvaccinated: “You don’t need to die and you don’t need to get sick to make a point.”Pa...
09/01/2021

COVID-19 UPDATE: Gov. Justice to unvaccinated: “You don’t need to die and you don’t need to get sick to make a point.”
Patients in ICUs, on ventilators set to surpass record highs
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice and members of the West Virginia COVID-19 pandemic response leadership team held another news briefing today to update the public on the State’s latest pandemic response efforts.

WE WON WE WON
09/01/2021

WE WON WE WON

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency in all 55 counties due to increasing flood threat from Ida
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice has declared a State of Emergency for all 55 West Virginia counties due to the increasing threat of flash flooding and severe storms from now-Tropical Depression Ida.
State of Emergency Declaration
“All West Virginians need to absolutely be ready for the potential impact Ida may bring to our state,” Gov. Justice said. “West Virginians should pay extra close attention to emergency officials and media outlets. And please: do not endanger yourselves, your loved ones, or our first responders by trying to drive through flood waters.”

According to the latest forecast from the National Weather Service, a nearby cold front and the impending arrival of Ida will begin to spark periods of moderate to heavy rain today.

Rainfall amounts of 2 to 4 inches are expected to occur through Wednesday, with locally higher amounts of up to 6 inches possible. West Virginia has received several inches of rainfall recently, which has primed soils and rivers for potential flooding.

The State of Emergency allows state agencies to coordinate ahead of a possible weather event, including by pre-positioning personnel, vehicles, equipment and other assets.

The following is a summary of current preparations by various State agencies:

West Virginia National Guard:
“We are currently deep into planning and bringing online personnel, equipment and additional assets that are typically in high-demand during flood events,” stated Lt. Col. Walter “Wally” Hatfield, Director of Operations. “With Ida posing a risk to the entire state, we are working closely in support of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to stand up a whole-of-government response. Coordinating with the State Emergency Operations Center, multiple Community Assistance Teams and Liaison Teams of Guard personnel are being strategically positioned throughout the state to assume a proactive posture providing assistance to local communities as quickly as possible should we be called on to do so.”

“Gov. Justice has initially authorized State Active Duty status for up to 60 Guardsmen, and we are ready to activate as many as is needed should conditions deteriorate rapidly,” said Hatfield. “Our top priority is always the safety and survival of our fellow West Virginians, and we will do everything we can to meet any challenge Mother Nature might throw at us in the next 72 to 96 hours.”

West Virginia Emergency Management Division:
Emergency Management staff will operate the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on 12-hour shifts, with coordinating agencies on standby. The SEOC will monitor for overnight updates, including weather forecasts as well as river and stream level reports, and relay any alerts to the SEOC.

EMD is also hosting twice-a-day virtual briefings with the National Weather Service for county and local emergency agencies statewide. These briefings provide the latest Ida forecasts and operational updates, among other information.

EMD has been in contact with all county emergency management agencies, with no unmet needs or resource requests reported at this time.

West Virginia Division of Highways:
District Engineers and District Managers in all 10 West Virginia Division of Highways (DOH) districts were meeting with county administrators in their districts to brief them and ensure all counties are prepared to deal with heavy rainfall.

Employees will be on 24-hour standby through the duration of the weather event. Standard DOH storm protocols include making sure all equipment and vehicles are gassed up and ready to go and stored out of low-lying areas. Highways districts also have fuel reserves on-hand to fuel vehicles and equipment of the West Virginia National Guard if the Guard should be mobilized for flood response.

DOH is paying close attention to weather reports and stands ready to deal with any emergencies that may arise.
Weather forecast:
Portions of FEMA Region III – which includes West Virginia – have received several inches of rainfall over the past two weeks from Tropical Storm Fred, Hurricane Henri, and other systems, which has primed soils and rivers for potential flooding.

Local rises on creeks and streams and resulting flash flooding is anticipated. In addition to the flash flooding threat, there is a potential for some flooding on main stem rivers by midweek where the heaviest rain falls.

Gusty winds and thunderstorms are also forecast as Ida passes through the state. Tornadoes are possible Tuesday night in southeast West Virginia and Wednesday in the Eastern Panhandle.

Isolated power outages are also possible due to gusty winds that may exceed 30 miles per hour and saturated soils.

09/01/2021

Gov. Justice announces over $1 million in STOP Violence Against Women Act grants
CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has awarded $1,085,964.00 in STOP Violence Against Women grant program funds to 26 projects across West Virginia.

The purpose of these funds is to establish or enhance teams whose core members include victim service providers, law enforcement, and prosecution to improve the criminal justice system's response to violence against women.

“The people who commit these terrible acts against women need to be held accountable. We must always do what it takes to make sure they’re brought to justice,” Gov. Justice said. “I have great pride in this important grant program because I truly believe it is making a difference that matters.”

The grants provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the establishment or enhancement of these teams.

Additionally, statewide projects are funded to provide training and educational opportunities for all victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecution, and court personnel throughout the state.

These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, and are administered by the Division of Administrative Services, Justice, and Community Services.

Funds were awarded to the following:

CABELL
Branches Domestic Violence Shelter Inc. - $53,763.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Cabell County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Cabell County Prosecutor's Office, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, CONTACT of Huntington, and the Huntington Police Department.

CALHOUN
Family Crisis Intervention Center - $19,667.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Calhoun County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Calhoun County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Intervention Center, and the Calhoun County Sheriff's Department.

FAYETTE
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $28,286.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Fayette County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Fayette County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department.

GRANT
Family Crisis Center Inc. - $5,503.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Grant County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Grant County Prosecutor’s Office, the Family Crisis Center, and the Grant County Sheriff’s Department.

GREENBRIER
Family Refuge Center - $39,478.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Greenbrier County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Greenbrier County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Refuge Center, and the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department.

HARRISON
Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE Inc." - $39,801.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Harrison County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Harrison County Prosecutor's Office, the Task Force on Domestic Violence “HOPE, Inc.”, the Bridgeport Police Department, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, and the Clarksburg Police Department.

KANAWHA
Kanawha County Commission - $16,232.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Kanawha County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Kanawha County Prosecutor's Office, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Department, and the Charleston Police Department.

LOGAN
Logan County Commission - $25,052.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Logan County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Logan County Prosecutor's Office and the Logan County Sheriff’s Department.

MARION
Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE Inc." - $44,508.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Marion County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, the Task Force on Domestic Violence, "HOPE, Inc.", and the Fairmont Police Department.

MARSHALL
Marshall County Commission - $22,221.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Marshall County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Marshall County Prosecutor's Office, the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program, and the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

MINERAL
Family Crisis Center Inc. - $5,503.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Mineral County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Mineral County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Center, and the Mineral County Sheriff’s Department.

MINGO
Tug Valley Recovery Shelter - $64,464.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Mingo County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Mingo County Prosecutor's Office, the Tug Valley Recovery Shelter, and the Mingo County Sheriff's Department.

MONONGALIA
R**e & Domestic Violence Information Center - $77,838.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Monongalia County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Monongalia County Prosecutor's Office, the R**e, and Domestic Violence Information Center, the Morgantown Police Department, and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Department.

MONROE
Family Refuge Center - $30,044.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Monroe County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Refuge Center, and the Monroe County Sheriff's Department.

NICHOLAS
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $28,747.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Nicholas County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Nicholas County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Nicholas County Sheriff's Department.

OHIO
Ohio County Commission - $64,508.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Ohio County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Ohio County Prosecutor's Office, the YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program, the YWCA Cultural Diversity, and Community Outreach Program, the Upper Ohio Valley Sexual Assault Help Center, and the Ohio County Sheriff’s Department.

PRESTON
R**e & Domestic Violence Information Center - $21,972.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Preston County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Preston County Prosecutor's Office, the R**e, and Domestic Violence Information Center, and the Preston County Sheriff's Department.

PUTNAM
Putnam County Commission - $27,332.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Putnam County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Putnam County Prosecutor's Office, Branches Domestic Violence Shelter, the Family Counseling Connection - REACH Program, and the Putnam County Sheriff's Department.

RALEIGH
Comprehensive Women's Service Council Inc. - $47,825.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Raleigh County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Raleigh County Prosecutor's Office, the Comprehensive Women’s Service Council, and the Beckley Police Department.

RANDOLPH
Women's Aid in Crisis - $21,347.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Randolph County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Randolph County Prosecutor's Office, Women's Aid in Crisis, and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Department.

ROANE
Family Crisis Intervention Center - $17,147.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Roane County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Roane County Prosecutor's Office, the Family Crisis Intervention Center, the Spencer Police Department, and the Roane County Sheriff's Department.

UPSHUR
Upshur County Commission - $23,332.00
These funds provide for the enhancement and the continuation of the Upshur County STOP Team to improve the criminal justice system's response to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence. The Core Team includes the Upshur County Prosecutor's Office, Women's Aid in Crisis, and the Buckhannon Police Department.

STATEWIDE
Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia - $58,240.00
These funds provide for continued training for court personnel in domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and dating violence.

West Virginia Coalition Against Domestic Violence - $51,300.00
These funds provide for the continued enhancement of the statewide domestic and sexual violence database; to provide training and technical assistance for STOP Teams, Allied Professionals, and Domestic Violence Programs on cultural diversity and cultural competency.

West Virginia Foundation for R**e Information & Services - $154,422.00
These funds provide for training activities, the ongoing development and capacity building of service providers to victims of sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking crimes, and to provide training and resources for these programs to provide services to sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking victims.

West Virginia Prosecuting Attorneys Institute - $97,432.00
These funds provide for the development and continuation of strengthening prosecution strategies and best practices as well as improving prosecution-based victim services in cases involving violence against women through training and the development of resources.

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