West Virginia

West Virginia hospital gets $8.5 million life-saving helicopter through partnership

Published

5 months ago

October 16, 2025

West Virginia hospital gets .5 million life-saving helicopter through partnership

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – It’s not every day a hospital adds a new team member that flies. But today, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital did just that unveiling a brand-new helicopter that’s ready to save lives from the sky.

The new helicopter, an Airbus H-135, was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at WVU Medicine hospital in wheeling, with HealthNet Aeromedical Services and WVU Medicine celebrating the addition.

“This aircraft represents an $8.5 million investment in health care in this region by WVU Medicine. It really is going to make a difference. The aircraft is absolutely loaded with the latest in technology to provide the safest platform we can give our patients, our crews and everything the pilots need to be totally effective.
Clinton Burley, President & CEO, HealthNet Aeromedical Services

The state-of-the-art H135 has a maximum speed over 150 mph, a maximum flight range of over 350 miles and can stay in the air for over 3 and a half hours.

Some of the advanced features on the aircraft include a Helionix Avionics Suite which is an advanced system to reduce the workload of the pilots, enhance situational awareness, and improve flight safety for the pilots and patients that are on board.

Another feature is the Single-Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) which allows the aircraft to operate in a wider range of weather conditions. Along with enhanced safety features where the design and technology are engineered to further protect the flight crew and patients that are on board.

The aircraft will be based in Marshall County, replacing a 12-year-old helicopter and joining four other new aircrafts being introduced statewide this year. It also features single-pilot instrument flight capability, allowing crews to operate safely in more challenging weather conditions.

Every time we dedicate a new platform to life-saving service, it’s special to me. People depend on this program to save lives, and our teams deliver it.”

Healthnet officials says this investment reflects their growing partnership with WVU Medicine and their ongoing commitment to improving emergency access across the Ohio Valley.

I think that the residents of the Ohio Valley can see that both WVU Medicine and Health Net aeromedical services are committed to this region… we’re always looking for. What’s next to this aircraft is a good example of that.”

With faster response times and advanced medical equipment, this new helicopter is ready to make a big impact here in Northern West Virginia one flight at a time.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

Published

11 hours ago

March 10, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia Returns Home to Face Maryland in Midweek Clash

The West Virginia Mountaineers (10-3) welcome the Maryland Terrapins (10-5) to Kendrick Family Ballpark Tuesday afternoon the first encounter between the two programs since 2023 and the first meeting in Morgantown since 2018. The first pitch is set for 2:00 p.m. EST and the action will stream on ESPN+.

The Mountaineers captured their fourth consecutive series of the season after taking two of the three games from Columbia over the weekend. West Virginia sophomore Matt Ineich and senior Brodie Kresser both blasted grand slams during the series. Ineich lifted WVU in game two with a walk-off grand slam in the 10th in game two, and Kresser ignited a 16-1 rout, capping a six-run second inning in the series finale.

Gavin Kelly leads West Virginia at the plate with a .436 batting average with a Big 12 leading nine doubles. Ineich and senior Paul Schoenfeld has raked in a team-leading 16 RBI apiece, while senior Matthew Graveline has clubbed a team-high three home runs.

On the mound, West Virginia is expected to start sophomore David Hagen. The right-hander has made four appearances on the season, including one start. He last started in the home-opener against Ohio where he pitched two scoreless innings and recorded a strikeout to collect his first win of the season. He holds a 1.00 ERA with five strikeouts on the season.

After starting 3-4, Maryland is 7-1 in its last eight games. The Terrapins won two of three at UNC Wilmington in the season opening series, followed by a midweek win against Georgetown before getting swept at Louisiana. The Terps bounced back with a pair of midweek wins versus Delaware and swept a one-win Wagner team.

Junior Brayden Martin is batting a team-best .443 to go with four doubles and 12 RBI. Redshirt freshman Ryan Costello leads the Terps in home runs (9) and RBI (21) and is third in batting average at .328, while freshman Ty Kaunus has a team-high seven doubles and has .269 batting average.

Maryland is scheduled to start freshman Nic Morlang. The right-hander has four appearances on the season, including four starts. He allowed five earned runs in his appearances, coinciding with his two starts, in six innings of work. In his last two appearances in relief, He’s allowed one earned run on five hits.

West Virginia leads the all-time series 8-5, including a five-game winning streak over Maryland.

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West Virginia

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

Published

23 hours ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Citations issued after big party weekend in Morgantown – WV MetroNews

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a series of parties in Morgantown over the weekend.

Morgantown police officers, West Virginia University Police and state police responded to reports of overcrowded parties, underage drinking, physical altercations and multiple injuries.

Morgantown Communications Director Brad Riffie said several citations were issued for open containers and underage consumption.

Two large parties were dispersed and six arrests were made without incident.

None of the reported injuries are believed to be serious or life-threatening.

The Morgantown Fire Department assisted in the operations.

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West Virginia

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Published

1 day ago

March 9, 2026

Press Room

Weir High senior Hailey Hans named 2026 West Virginia student journalist of the year

Hancock County, WV — A Weir High School senior has been recognized as the 2026 West Virginia Student Journalist of the Year.

Hailey Hans was selected for the statewide honor after building a journalism portfolio since her freshman year. She also serves as the staff manager of Weir Student Media, where she oversees articles and is in charge of deadlines.

“When I was a freshman I was placed in the journalism one class, and I actually tried to get pulled from the class. But, then after I sat in the class and I learned a little bit, that’s where my love grew and then from there I continued to take classes, I helped pass a law, and I got to these national conventions. Where it just lit a fire inside me,” Hans said.

Hans is planning to attend West Liberty University in the fall to study education with a minor in journalism, with the goal of becoming a journalism teacher. She will now submit her portfolio for the national-level contest.

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