West Virginia
Lawmakers get behind $10 million request to fund programs for EMTs – WV MetroNews
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia EMS Coalition are going to request $10 million in the anticipated May special legislative session for what they describe as needed programs.
The legislature’s Joint Committee on Volunteer Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services talked about the funding last week at the state capitol.
The funding would offer mental health and training resources, leadership and management classes, and opportunities to apply for a state grant for an EMT to earn an emergency medical service certification, supporters said.
State Office of Emergency Services Executive Director Jody Ratliff said he believes the request is right in line with what is needed in the state.
“From an office standpoint, I have a job to do, but from a paramedic standpoint, in this state, I stand by their legislation,” Ratliff said. “I think what they’re presenting is perfect for what EMS needs across the state.”
Gov. Jim Justice recently approved $10 million to fund training for EMTs and Ratliff said for the first time in a decade, they’ve had back-to-back years of increases in numbers. Ratliff didn’t reveal the numbers and acknowledged the gains are modest but it’s a move in the right direction.
“For the second year in a row since, I think, 2011, we’ve had another net positive gain in the state, and that’s just EMTs,” Ratliff said. “It’s a small number, I’m going to lie but I’ll tell you where I stand; that’s a small win for us.”
The leadership and management classes are vital for agencies to continue operations. First responders have the critical skills to save lives, put out fires, and pull victims from car accidents but sometimes they lack the essential skills needed to properly maintain the books and pay bills, Ratliff said.
“If we teach the small agencies how to run their agencies and how to be profitable, at least break even; they are 501(c)(3) organizations—be profitable to that point,” Ratliff said. “If they float, the whole state floats. If they don’t load, we’ve seen it right now; nobody floats.”
Meanwhile, with a grant of $83,179, Ratliff told lawmakers they will hold the first ever Emergency Medical Services Symposium for Children. The event will be held at the Summit Bechtel Reserve from Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.
“It’s the first multi-day pediatric symposium we’ve had in the state,” Ratliff said. “What I’m really excited about is that we have instructors from Shriner’s Children’s National Hospital, WVU Medicine, CAMC, Florida-based Pediatrics, and the University of Kentucky—they’ve all committed so far.”
Some of the training sessions planned involve head trauma, snake bites, respiratory, pediatric abuse, and special needs for children. All hands-on activities will be held on day two, and Ratliff said they will have access to all of the Boy Scout training facilities on the property. For the children, there will be training sessions about gun safety, CPR and stopping the bleeding.
“The trucks with the high-fidelity mannequins and the simulation trucks will be involved in that also,” Ratliff said. “Command will come down and set up a temporary medical command, so providers can call into the company just like they normally would and go through the scenarios.”
West Virginia
West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Daily 3, Daily 4 on Feb. 26, 2026
The results are in for the West Virginia Lottery’s draw games on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.
Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 26.
Winning Daily 3 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
1-1-7
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
3-8-8-2
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 25 numbers from Feb. 26 drawing
02-03-09-11-13-19
Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
- Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
- Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.
West Virginia
WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala raises $2 million for West Virginia’s kids and families
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s raised more than $2 million at its annual gala, an event dedicated to expanding care for children and expectant mothers in West Virginia and the surrounding region.
Approximately 1,300 guests enjoyed the “Celestial” themed event on Saturday (Feb. 21) as they helped little stars shine bright at the Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place.
Donations from the community will go toward the greatest needs of WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, helping to ensure all families in need receive world-class care in a compassionate environment when they need it.
“Our community continues to show up in extraordinary ways for our patients and families,” Amy L. Bush, B.S.N., M.B.A., R.N., C.N.O.R., chief administrative officer for WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, said. “The generosity we witnessed at this year’s gala ensures we can continue growing our programs and enhancing the care we provide. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who believes in our mission.”
Engineer, TV host, and 100th woman to fly to space, Emily Calandrelli, served as emcee for the evening. The West Virginia University alumna is passionate about space exploration and inspiring children to pursue STEM careers.
Calandrelli spent time visiting patients at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s before the gala.
“As a Morgantown native who is passionate about science and children, I’m thrilled to play a small part in this beautiful evening that raises crucial funds for the lifesaving work WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital is doing right here in my hometown,” she said.
“The amazing doctors, nurses, and staff aren’t just healing sick kids, they are inspiring the next generation of curious explorers and adventurers who are one day going to change the world.”

Entertainment was provided by Party on the Moon, whose high-energy performance capped off the night’s festivities.
A highlight of the celebration was the recognition of inspiring patients and dedicated teams who care for kids across the state.
Carter Casey from Sod in Lincoln County was introduced as the 2026 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® Champion Child for West Virginia. He received care at WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals in Charleston and WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for life-threatening injuries after a go-kart accident.
Pavithra Ellison, M.D., M.M.M., F.A.S.A., associate chief quality officer and vice chair of anesthesiology, was presented with the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital Award for her leadership, service, and lasting impact on pediatric healthcare.

The Community Service Award was presented to Little General, Inc. The company’s generosity has provided vital support to the children and families who turn to WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s for care. The Little General team across the state is committed to creating a better future for West Virginia’s families.
More than 80 sponsors contributed to the gala’s success. Leading sponsors included Iron Senergy, Dr. Christopher and Beth Mascio, Hope Gas, Infinity Electric & Service Co., CJL Engineering, HED Design, Morgantown Marriott at Waterfront Place, Trilogy Innovations, Mark Carter and Amy Wildasin, PJ Dick, Triple H Enterprises, Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration, Prolacta Bioscience, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Daniel’s Men’s Store, and StudioKat Photography.
David A. Rosen, M.D., Michelle Rosen, and the Rosen Family Foundation served as presenting sponsors and helped spearhead fundraising efforts. Dr. Rosen, a pediatric anesthesiologist at WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s and professor and vice chair of research in the WVU School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology, emphasized the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.
“I am proud to continue my support of the WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s gala. This commitment is deeply personal — not only as a pediatric cardiac anesthesiologist who has had the privilege of serving WVU Medicine for more than 30 years, but also as someone who was personally affected by polio as a child,” Dr. Rosen said.
“That early experience shaped my lifelong appreciation for the critical role compassionate, specialized pediatric care plays in changing lives. Supporting WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital reflects both my professional dedication and my personal mission to advancing exceptional care for children with complex medical needs and supporting the families who rely on it.”
All gala contributions were made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities. Visit Childrens.WVUMedicine.org/Giving to make a gift to WVU Medicine Children’s.
For more information on WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s, visit WVUKids.com.
West Virginia
Instant Takeaways from WVU’s Second Half Thrashing of UCF
The Mountaineers earned their second win over the UFF Knights by a score of 74-62 on Wednesday night in Orlando at Addition Financial Arena. The Mountaineers went into the half trailing, but battled back for a comfortable win.
Here are some instant takeaways from West Virginia women’s hoops’ 23rd win of the season.
West Virginia Proves They Can Overcome Slow Starts
It was a very slow first half for the Mountaineers. West Virginia trailed 27-25 at halftime, but came out in the third quarter firing on all cylinders. Within the first minute of the third quarter, the Mountaineers had regained the lead off of a Gia Cooke layup and a tough finish inside by Carter McCray.
West Virginia went on to have a 31-9 run in the third quarter, leading by as many as 21 to propel them to victory. The way that the Mountaineers were able to regroup and go on a run in the second half shows that this team is built to win in many ways. They have depth at guard in particular that can keep them in the game against almost any team in the nation.
The Mountaineers Have Depth Everywhere
When the Mountaineers came out of the second half, it ended up being guards Gia Cooke and Jordan Harrison who led the way, scoring the ball. Harrison, who scored 16 points against UCF, in particular, has displayed through her three seasons at West Virginia that she fits perfectly into head coach Mark Kellogg’s defensive style of basketball. Harrison has also been molded into a solid offensive player. Cooke leads the team in points per game and leads the team with 19 points tonight. When the Mountaineers need a bucket, they can count on the experience of Cooke and Harrison down the stretch.
Meme Wheeler and Carter McCray had nearly identical stat lines that included 12 points and 7 rebounds each. Having Wheeler and McCray capable of rebounding with just about anybody in the Big 12 is part of what West Virginia has been missing during Kellogg’s tenure. This truly does feel like the most complete team of the Kellogg era thus far.
The win moves West Virginia to 14-4 in Big 12 play and 24-6 overall. The Mountaineers sit behind only TCU in the Big 12, with Baylor a game back and WVU owning the head-to-head victory over the Bears. Kellogg and his crew will finish their 2025-26 regular season campaign on Sunday against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Hope Coliseum. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ with tipoff scheduled for 1 p.m.
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