West Virginia

State transportation chief says new initiatives will focus on driving behavior – WV MetroNews

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2024

State transportation chief says new initiatives will focus on driving behavior – WV MetroNews

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Transportation Secretary Jimmy Wriston is hinting at new initiatives to be introduced in the months to come that will focus on driving behaviors and training state residents years before they get behind a wheel.

Jimmy Wriston

“These are going to be dealing with–we call them–the behavioral issues, the way we operate our vehicles on the highway. That’s the critical part of this,” Wriston said during a recent edition of the WVDOT’s “On the DOT” podcast.

Wriston said there have been good initiatives over the years backed by the Governor’s Highway Safety Fund and various police agencies who have spent extra time trying to slow drivers down but it’s time for a culture change when it comes to driving.

“We have to start young. We have to build the education up on how to drive, that’s all there is to it. How you do this and not get killed,” he said.

MORE 2023 Governor’s Highway Safety Program Annual Report

According the 2023 Governor’s Highway Safety Program Annual Report, there were 207 traffic fatalities in West Virginia after nine months of last year. The state ended the 2022 colander year at 266 fatalities. Motorcycle fatalities were also up according to the latest annual report.

The report also said, “Pedestrian fatalities are a growing concern in West Virginia. These fatalities decreased from 36 to 21 between 2021 and 2022, but the five-year rolling average exceeded the target.”

The report listed a significant increase in deadly crashes of those not wearing seatbelts from 77 deaths in 2021 to 147 deaths in 2022.

Wriston said it’s time for an all-out effort to address the issue of driving behavior.

“This is serious. A mistake out there on that highway takes a minute and bad things happen quickly but the results of them can last a lifetime,” Wriston said. “We’ve got to really attack this and we’ve got to stay committed to it.”

Wriston predicts results.

“We’ve really focused on safety, particularly in our work zones, now we are committed,” he said. “We’re going to get results. We are going to take fatalities on our roads to zero. We’re going to make sure when accidents happen, when crashes happen, people have a better chance to survive.”

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West Virginia

Morrisey appoints Shane Stack to House District 4 seat – WV MetroNews

Published

6 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Press Room

Morrisey appoints Shane Stack to House District 4 seat – WV MetroNews

Governor Patrick Morrisey (Photo/MetroNews)

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed a new member of the state House of Delegates.

Shane Thomas Stack, of Triadelphia, was appointed Tuesday to represent District 4. Stack replaces former Delegate Bill Flanigan who resigned to join the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia following his election to the Division 2 seat.

“Shane Stack is an outstanding choice to represent the families and communities of the fourth district,” Morrisey said in a release. “With his deep roots in the local community, his background as a business owner, and his proven experience managing municipal finances, Shane understands what it takes to support economic growth and advocate for working West Virginians. He will serve his constituents well in Charleston.”

In Morrisey’s release, it said that Stack has a diverse background in small business ownership, municipal finance, and higher education administration. Stack currently is the owner, licensed auctioneer, and certified appraiser for Frio Stack & Associates, as well as the owner of Island Pawn & Gun.

Stack previously worked as the Town Treasurer for West Liberty.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in General Business from West Liberty University.

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West Virginia

Sentencing for man convicted of murdering West Virginia State Trooper; other top stories

Published

16 hours ago

July 7, 2026

Press Room

Sentencing for man convicted of murdering West Virginia State Trooper; other top stories

MINGO COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Sentencing is underway for Timothy Kennedy, the man convicted of murdering West Virginia State Police Trooper Cory Maynard.

Trooper Maynard was shot to death in June 2023.

The jury found Kennedy guilty on all counts: first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, first-degree disarming a law enforcement officer, and two counts of first-degree attempted murder.

Shannon Litton has has that, plus your other top stories for Tuesday, July 7th.

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West Virginia

11 Marshall student athletes suing NCAA over new rule – WV MetroNews

Published

1 day ago

July 7, 2026

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11 Marshall student athletes suing NCAA over new rule – WV MetroNews

Peyton Ilderton and Meredith Maier with the WNIT trophy (Photo from Bill Cornwell)

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Eleven players in various Marshall University sports are suing the NCAA over its new eligibility rule.

The student athletes are seeking an injunction in Cabell County Circuit Court over the new five years to play five seasons rule approved last month.

The lawsuit was first reported by the West Virginia Record.

The players say the new rule cuts them off because they graduated high school in 2022 and played four seasons and are now being denied a fifth season.

The lawsuit alleges the rule violated West Virginia Consumer Credit and Protection Act and the covenant of fair dealing.

The players want to play again in the 2026–27 sports year.

The players include Meredith Maier, Peyton Ilderton, Dewain “Boogie” Trotter, Bryce Blevins, Cam Harthan, Bailey Fisher, Johanna Strom, Blessing King, Paige Simpson, Ryan Holmes, Momo Diop and Hannah Wyler.

The student athletes are represented by Beckley attorney Steve New.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in other states. The NCAA has said making another change would create chaos.

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