West Virginia
New West Virginia GOP chair hopes to grow the party before 2026 primary – WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — New West Virginia GOP Chairman Matt Herridge says Republicans plan to encourage independent and non-affiliated voters to change their party affiliation before the 2026 Primary Election.
Herridge said a vote by the West Virginia Republican Party Executive Committee on Saturday to close the Primary to Republican voters only is allowing them two years to generate more members.
“I think it’s a responsible way to do that given the timeline that we’re facing right now with this election year,” Herridge said on Monday’s MetroNews “Talkline.”
The resolution initially would’ve closed the Primary starting with this upcoming May election. Committee members voted on an amendment that would change the closure from 2024 to 2026.
Delegate Jim Butler (R-Mason) said it’s an exciting election year to do that. He said the state is missing a big opportunity by waiting to implement this resolution. He voted for it.
“I’m disappointed that we’re not going to see the immediate benefits of this because with Donald Trump at the top of the ticket and some very important races, I think this Primary race could’ve made a big impact,” he said.
Butler said the vote was very divided with 65 in favor and 54 against the resolution.
“I think we came out of the meeting pretty well united. Some of us are sure that this is the right thing to do, but others are a little more doubtful, but I think we can make it happen and grow the party,” Butler said.
Herridge agreed and said his top priority is to help grow the party. He wants to reach independent and non-affiliate voters over the next two years.
“We’re going to invite them to join the party and encourage them to vote for our candidates. We’re going to be communicating in various ways through technology, direct mail, on the radio and other ways that we can communicate through media to let them know we’re ready for them to join the party,” Herridge said.
The committee’s move will limit the 2026 Primary to Republican voters only, but Herridge said those who are still undecided can vote Republican in the General Election that year.
“They’re still going to be voting for those Republican candidates in the General Election if they choose to stay unaffiliated, but I think we can make an awesome argument for them to go ahead and join the party,” he said.
Herridge succeeds Elgine McArdle as the new GOP chair.
There are currently 287,000 independent or non-affiliated voters in West Virginia, making up 25 percent of all registered voters.
The state Democratic Party has made no similar move to close its Primary.
The Primary Election in West Virginia this year is May 14.
West Virginia
Dangerous man committed for insanity escapes West Virginia mental hospital, state police searching
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. (WTRF) — West Virginia State Police are searching for a Huntington man after authorities said he escaped from River Park Hospital.
Troopers from the Huntington Detachment responded to the hospital on April 27, 2026, after receiving reports that James Ryan Yost, 50, had fled the facility.
Authorities said Yost is considered dangerous.
Law enforcement officers, including members of the Huntington Police Department, searched the surrounding area but were unable to locate him.
According to state police, hospital staff provided a Morgan County Circuit Court order showing Yost had been committed to the custody of the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources by reason of insanity. The order remains in effect until February 2098.
Yost has been entered into the National Crime Information Center database as an escapee.
He is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing about 140 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair.
The investigation remains ongoing.
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The West Virginia Angel Initiative is striving to provide easier access to addiction and treatment services statewide.
“We’re a direct partner with the West Virginia State Police and what the program is designed to do is provide confidential compassionate access for the people that they come across that are struggling with substance use a quick fast easy way to get into treatment,” program provider for HELP4WV Salwa Kirk said.
The Angel Initiative is being strengthened by partnering with West Virginia State Police, training new recruits and troopers to increase awareness of the mental health and addiction resources that are available statewide.
“We’ve seen a lot of engagement already and a lot of interest to be able to serve,” Kirk said.
She said recently, QR codes have been placed in troopers cars for people to scan to get these services with no delay, removing barriers to encourage more people to get help.
“The QR codes are a simple form that State Police can access when they do come across someone that needs treatment instead of a bunch of lengthy paper work,” she said.
She said last year, their calls totaled to almost 26,000 and they’re hopeful the QR codes will encourage more to reach out.
“It’s a way to get people these resources quick and a lot of times they’re connected with someone on the other end of the line that also has lived experience. We’re able to offer a passionate judgment-free zone to be able to confide in us,” she said.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder and want to connect to these services, call 1844-help, for a same day placement.
BUCKHANNON, W.Va (WDTV) – Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon caught a golden rainbow trout that set a new length and weight record for West Virginia’s Gold Rush event.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces 15-year-old Rohr caught a 28-inch, 11.84-pound golden rainbow trout from the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County.
Previously, Gerald Estep held the length record when he caught a 27.5-inch golden rainbow trout in 1987 at Stonecoal Lake in Lewis County. Charles Lilly Jr. held the previous weight record with a 9.72-pound golden rainbow trout during the Gold Rush in 2023 at Little Beaver Lake in Raleigh County.
The new state record was confirmed by WVDNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Jim Walker.
“We are proud to recognize Hunter’s accomplishment,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “His record-setting golden rainbow trout showcases the many fishing opportunities here in West Virginia and demonstrates the passion anglers of all ages bring to the sport.”
To learn more about state fish record categories, check out the West Virginia Regulations Summary here.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com, as well as a trout stamp when fishing for trout.
Copyright 2026 WDTV. All rights reserved.
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