West Virginia
West Virginia Government Issues Funding for Several Trails Projects Throughout the Eastern Panhandle
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Projects around the Panhandle will benefit from an allocation of taxpayer dollars to boost regional recreation and trails.
A statement from the city of Martinsburg Friday is praising the recent announcement from the governor’s office regarding the allocation of funds.
“We would like to thank Governor Jim Justice, WVDOT and West Virginia Tourism for awarding the City of Martinsburg two Transportation Alternative Grants totaling $1,150,000. These grants will be used to help fund additional phases of the Martinsburg Greenway Trail Project.
Specifically, these funds will be used to assist: (1) in the construction of the Creekside trail from N. Queen Street to Oatesdale Park along the Tuscarora Creek; and, (2) for the rehab, painting and preparation of the former Frog Hollow Rail Spur bridge across Route 9 into a pedestrian bridge.
When the multiple phases of the Martinsburg Greenway Tail Project are completed, the Project will extend to the Route 9 walking/biking trail through Martinsburg with its ultimate connection to War Memorial Park – all while making connections to the City’s major parks.
The City, along with Berkeley County Commission – WV and Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization, have applied for RAISE Grant to complete the entirety of the Martinsburg Greenway Trail Project. It is our hope that we will receive the award this summer so we can complete the Martinsburg Greenway Trail Project in its entirety.”
The statement referenced a more detailed look at the allocations for
61 projects from West Virginia Explorer:
BERKELEY COUNTY
The City of Martinsburg has been awarded $400,000 for Martinsburg Frog Hollow Rail-Trail Route 9 Overpass Bridge Remediation, which will upgrade the 103 feet bridge span to protect the structure and enhance the safety of the bridge for users, including the abutments and railings.
The City of Martinsburg has been awarded $750,000 for Martinsburg Creekside Trail. The funding will be used to construct a connector trail of approximately 0.6 miles connecting downtown Martinsburg (Queen Street) to Oatesdale Park and Frog Hollow Trail.
JEFFERSON COUNTY
The City of Charles Town has received $382,217.50 for the Charles Town Liberty Street Sidewalk upgrade on Liberty Street from George Street to Samuel Street.
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The Jefferson County Historic Landmarks Commission has been awarded $66,000 for Duffield’s Depot rehabilitation.
MORGAN COUNTY
The Town of Bath has been awarded $70,000 for Bath/Berkeley Springs Streetscape—Phase IV for new and replacement sidewalks on Congress Street, North Washington Street, Union Street, Fairfax Street, and Mercer Street.
The town of Paw Paw has secured $62,500 for the Paw Paw Sidewalk Improvement Project, which will install new and replacement sidewalks along Winchester Street and Moser Avenue for approximately 0.47 miles south from Town Hall to the intersection of Winchester Street and Moser Avenue and west to the library.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has been awarded $200,000 for Cacapon Resort State Park Trails. The funding will be utilized for the Appalachian Conservation Corp’s request to refurbish the old CCC trails.
West Virginia
PSC hears public comments on possible WV American Water takeover of Lincoln PSD
CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The West Virginia PSC held a public comment hearing on Tuesday regarding West Virginia American Water taking over Lincoln Lincoln Public Service District.
Only one person spoke out sharing what they’d like to see done if West Virginia American Water acquires the Lincoln PSD.
“If the company wants to get to folks who really need water, they should be looking at areas where drilling well is nearly impossible, like mine, which is actually closer to the lines than some of the places they mention in their filing. My neighbors and I live closer to the main water lines than the proposed Sugar Tree Road extension or the one and a half miles out to the campground that they plan on serving,” a Lincoln PSD customer shared during the meeting.
Lincoln PSD issued a boil water advisory on January 26th, and it wasn’t lifted until March 31st, leaving some customers not able to use what was coming out of their faucets.
Just last year, the Lincoln County Commission voted to move forward with the dissolution of the Lincoln PSD, but, in September, the district filed a petition to stop the sale to West Virginia American Water. Soon after in November, PSC staff submitted a request asking the applicants to give specific financial information.
West Virginia American Water issued the following statement at Tuesday’s meeting:
“West Virginia American Water has been working collaboratively with the Lincoln County Commission and the Lincoln County Public Service District Board regarding the possible acquisition of the Lincoln County Public Service District. The proposal would involve the purchase of the 2,532-customer system. We appreciate the opportunity for public input and look forward to continuing to work through the Public Service Commission’s review process.”
Lincoln PSD customers received a letter in the mail this week stating that the system violated drinking water monitoring requirements. The utility noted what was done to correct the situation and added that customers are not at risk.
Customers were also alerted Tuesday night of a boil water notice tonight due to a recent inspection concluding that the utility is not currently meeting the minimum disinfection requirements for surface water facilities.
West Virginia
Former WVU QB Will Grier is Headed Back to Where His NFL Career Started
One of the best quarterbacks in recent memory to come through West Virginia, Will Grier, is approaching his eighth year in the NFL, which is quite the accomplishment for a backup. According to multiple reports early Tuesday morning, Grier is headed home, signing a free agent deal with the Carolina Panthers.
Grier was selected in the third round (100th overall) by the Panthers in 2019 and, at the time, was viewed as someone who could potentially be the future face of the franchise. That plan got messed up pretty early as Ron Rivera was fired during his rookie season, ultimately replaced by Matt Rhule. That offseason, the Panthers decided to cut ties with Cam Newton and bring in Teddy Bridgewater, giving Carolina a completely different direction at quarterback.
Following his second season with the Panthers, Grier was let go and began bouncing around the league. He spent time with the Dallas Cowboys, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and then back to the Cowboys in 2024 and 2025.
Although he has only played in two regular season games in his career, Grier is widely viewed as a tremendous veteran quarterback who can bring depth to a room and serve as an extra voice for the starter to lean on. In this case, he and former Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett will fill that role for Bryce Young.
Where Grier ranks among WVU QBs in the NFL
Statistically, he’s not going to catch anyone unless he somehow gets thrown into a starting role at some point, but as far as longevity goes, he’s been able to stick around in the NFL longer than most former Mountaineer quarterbacks.
Geno Smith (still active) is entering his 14th year in the league, and Jeff Hostetler made it 13 years. Those are the only two WVU quarterbacks who played longer. Marc Bulger played eight years, so as long as he makes it through this season and plays in 2027, he’ll surpass him. The others? Charles Seabright (six years), Oliver Luck (four years), Pat White (one year), and Fred Wyant (one year).
Grier will forever be remembered as one of the best to ever suit up for the Old Gold and Blue, tossing for 7,354 yards and 71 touchdowns in just two seasons in Dana Holgorsen’s offense. Following the 2018 season, he finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting, marking the highest finish for a Mountaineer since Steve Slaton in 2006.
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West Virginia
AIA West Virginia honors design excellence at 2026 gala in Morgantown
MORGANTOWN, WV — The American Institute of Architects West Virginia (AIA WV) recognized design excellence, honored distinguished service and celebrated emerging talent at its 2026 Design Awards Gala and Scholarship Benefit, held at Hotel Morgan in Morgantown.
The annual program highlights architectural work that demonstrates design quality and meaningful impact on communities across West Virginia and beyond. This year’s awards were determined through a blind jury process led by Christopher Meyers, FAIA, of Meyers+Associates in Columbus, Ohio. Projects were evaluated on clarity of concept, execution and long-term impact.
The program’s highest recognition, the Honor Award for New Construction, was presented to the Library and Active Living Center at Afton Ridge in Kannapolis, North Carolina, designed by Silling with design architect HBM Architects, and the Marshall County Health Department in Moundsville, West Virginia, designed by Silling.
Merit Awards for New Construction were awarded to the WVU Medicine Thomas Hospital Orthopedic Hospital Entry Addition in Charleston, West Virginia (Silling); Coalfield Elementary School in Welch, West Virginia (The Thrasher Group); and Northwood Health Systems in Wheeling, West Virginia (M&G Architects & Engineers with MSA Design).
Citations for New Construction were presented to Alderson Elementary School (The Thrasher Group) and the Oglebay Park Resort Wilson Lodge Porte Cochere (Mills Group).
A Merit Award in Renovation/Restoration was awarded to the Cabarrus County Courthouse – Phase 2 in Concord, North Carolina, designed by Silling with HBM Architects.
In the Interiors category, a Merit Award was presented to Building 2000 Renovation in Friendly, West Virginia (Pickering Associates), while Cedar Grove Elementary School (ZMM Architects and Engineers) received a Citation.
A Citation in Small Projects was awarded to the Cabell County Courthouse Clock Tower Restoration in Huntington, West Virginia (Edward Tucker Architects).

The Community Impact Award was presented to the Woody Williams Center for Advanced Learning and Careers in Barboursville, West Virginia, designed by ZMM Architects and Engineers, recognizing its impact on education and workforce development.
The 25 Year Award, honoring enduring architectural significance, was presented to the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia, designed by Silling.
AIA West Virginia also presented the James L. Montgomery Award, the organization’s highest individual honor, to William E. Yoke Jr., AIA Emeritus, in recognition of a lifetime of distinguished service to the profession and lasting contributions to the built environment.
The evening also recognized the next generation of architects, with the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture (WVFA) awarding scholarships to ten students pursuing degrees in architecture. These awards reflect the Foundation’s continued commitment to supporting emerging talent and strengthening the future of the profession.

The AIA West Virginia Design Awards program underscores the role architects play in shaping communities through thoughtful, enduring design. This year’s recipients reflect a continued commitment to advancing the quality of the built environment while responding to evolving community needs.
Additional information, including detailed project descriptions and photography, is available in the Awards Gallery at www.aiawv.org.
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