A bat has tested positive for rabies, according to the Beckley-Raleigh County Health Department.
The bat was discovered in the Bolt area of Raleigh County. The West Virginia Office of Laboratory Services notified the health department on Aug. 6 of a positive rabies test after the animal was submitted for testing.
As a result, the health department issued a public health alert.
Health department officials advise residents to avoid contact with wildlife, never pet, feed or house stray animals, and have pets and livestock vaccinated against rabies. If you come in contact with an animal that is acting suspicious or has been exposed to a bat, seek medical care and notify local authorities.
Officials remind pet owners that low-cost programs are available for rabies vaccinations.
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Sexual assault charge lodged against Princeton man
A Princeton man is facing a felony charge in Fayette County, according to Sheriff Shannon Morris.
In a press release, Morris said that deputies received notification from Princeton Community Hospital on July 10, 2023, of a patient in the ER who alleged a sexual assault in the Mossy/Paint Creek area of Fayette County.
A lengthy investigation resulted in the identification of a suspect, according to the release.
The suspect, Derrick A. Thompson, 51, was located in Princeton and taken into custody on Aug. 7 by the U.S. Marshal’s Southern West Virginia CUFFED Task Force.
Thompson was charged with the felony offense of second-degree sexual assault.
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DUI checkpoint Aug. 10 in Greenbrier County
The West Virginia State Police will conduct a sobriety checkpoint in Greenbrier County on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 6 p.m. to midnight.
The checkpoint will be located at the U.S. 60 and W.Va. 20 intersection in Charmco.
Alternate routes include U.S. 60 and Harts Run Road in White Sulphur Springs.
The focus of this checkpoint is driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement. Other enforcement activities may be conducted with police focusing on reckless driving, speeding, and seat belt violations, WVSP said.
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Oak Hill Council to have second reading for bond ordinance
The Oak Hill City Council will meet Monday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. in council chambers at City Hall.
The council will conduct the second reading for a bond ordinance authorizing the city to issue sewer revenue bonds for updates to the Oak Hill sewer system. The bonds are not to exceed $4,949,000, according to city officials.
The purposes of the bonds are for “financing costs of the acquisition, construction, renovation, improvement and equipping of certain additions, betterments and improvements to the existing public sewerage system of the City of Oak Hill, including without limitation, (i) additional costs of upgrades to the Minden Road wastewater treatment plant, and (ii) rehabilitating approximately 480 manholes in the Minden area, removing and replacing select sections of gravity sanitary sewer line, rehabilitating two existing pump stations, decommissioning two pump stations by constructing a new gravity sewer line, and constructing two new pump stations to reduce cycle times, and to pay costs of issuing the bonds and related costs.”
The meeting’s story map may be accessed at https://arcg.is/1mCKbH0.
New business will include several items:
• Planning Commission — Recommendation to add non-automotive sales lot to zoning definition
• Vacant building registration fees — Discussion
• Virginia Street sidewalks — Discussion
• Update on Optimum channel
• Consideration of a letter of support for the Hubcap Community Engagement Team
The September regular meeting will be Sept. 9.
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U.S. Senate bill would keep whale regulation intact
washington, d.c. – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., and Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., introduced the bipartisan Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2024 to prohibit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from enacting any rule that would modify or replace the current North Atlantic Right Whale vessel strike reduction (VSR) rule until at least 2030.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the proposed modifications to the current vessel speed regulations would jeopardize around 810,000 jobs and $230 billion in economic activity, devastating coastal economics built on recreational boating, fishing trips and ocean hospitality.
In 2022, NOAA introduced a new proposed VSR (Proposed Rule) that would broaden the current boundaries and timing of seasonal speed restrictions while simultaneously expanding who must abide by them, despite no scientific evidence that the Proposed Rule would further protect North Atlantic Right Whales.
This legislation would prohibit the Proposed Rule, or any rule that would modify or replace the existing VSR, from taking effect, as well as establish a research grant program dedicated to identifying and testing solutions to reduce harmful interactions between ocean users and North Atlantic Right Whales.
This legislation builds upon what Senators Manchin and John Boozman (R-AR) introduced in June, 2023. Senator Manchin also spoke during the Senate Appropriations Committee markup hearing last month to oppose the Proposed Rule. Representatives Mary Peltola (D-AK) and Buddy Carter (R-GA) introduced companion legislation in the House.
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Reward offered following theft from West Union cemetery
west union, w.va. – Police in West Union are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for theft from the Blockhouse Cemetery Mausoleum.
Police Chief Chris Garner said the theft of a set of iron doors and a small window likely occurred within the past week.
“It appears somebody took a motorized vehicle, a side-by-side or something like that, tied on to the mausoleum doors, and pulled them off and took off with the doors,” Garner said.
Information can be left by calling Garner at 304-666-1036.
“It’s actually an older cemetery, so there isn’t much in the way of electrical equipment or cameras in that area,” Garner said.
There is a $500 reward for any information that leads to the arrest and prosecution of the person or people responsible for the theft.
“I’m hoping information will get out because there is a $500 reward offered by the caretakers of the cemetery,” Garner said.
— Mike Nolting, MetroNews