West Virginia

New scam text illegally uses West Virginia State Seal

Published

3 hours ago

April 26, 2026

New scam text illegally uses West Virginia State Seal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is warning people of a new text scam that is illegally using the State Seal.

The Secretary of State’s Office said in a release Saturday that the scam texts are telling recipients that they failed to pay a fine for a parking or traffic violation, and that they need to use a QR code to pay immediately or go to municipal court on Monday.

Those who receive the scam text are advised not to click on any attachments or use the QR code.

“This is clearly an illegal use of the State Seal to make the message and demand for payment appear legitimate,” Secretary Kris Warner said. “The use of the WV State Seal is clearly prohibited for this kind of message.”

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Example of the scam message (Courtesy: WV Secretary of State’s Office)

Warner said that under WV State Code 521, those guilty of illegally using the WV State Seal can face penalties for fraud or forgery.

Those looking to report a scam email or text can send an email with a screenshot of the scam message to Investigations@wvsos.gov.

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West Virginia

Officials warn public of scam texts utilizing West Virginia State Seal

Published

15 hours ago

April 26, 2026

Press Room

Officials warn public of scam texts utilizing West Virginia State Seal

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Officials have issued a warning following reports of a text message scam that utilizes the West Virginia State Seal.

Residents are receiving messages regarding bogus fines for parking or traffic violations, according to a news release from West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner’s Office.

The release said texts include the seal along with a QR code for payment and scammers are threatening legal action against potential targets.

Warner noted those found guilty using the State Seal without authorization may be subjected to penalties for fraud or forgery.

Anyone receiving the scam texts are advised against opening any attachments.

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To report the message, send an email with a screenshot to investigations@wvsos.gov.

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West Virginia

Shooting leads to arrests in Parkersburg – WV MetroNews

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2026

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Shooting leads to arrests in Parkersburg – WV MetroNews

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — A shooting in Parkersburg leaves two men behind bars.

According to the city police, Christen Hall, 24, of Waverly, West Virginia fired multiple shots from a handgun toward a home on Lynn Street Friday evening. Police were quickly on the scene and arrested Hall charging him with 13 counts of wanton endangerment, one for every shot fired.

Investigators said Hall was in an argument with the victim, Kenton Barker, 28, of Parkersburg. The two were arguing about a relationship with a mutual acquaintance.

During the course of the investigation, police learned Barker was also armed, although he fired not shots. However, he’s prohibited from possession of a firearm. He too was arrested. Hall was

being held on a $520,000 bond while Barker’s bond was set at $50,000.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Department of Commerce announces National Apprenticeship Week events

Published

2 days ago

April 25, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia Department of Commerce announces National Apprenticeship Week events

CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Department of Commerce announced two events celebrating National Apprenticeship Week from April 26 to May 2.

The week features two opportunities for employers, job seekers and students to explore the value of apprenticeships for workforce and career development through the WV Apprenticeship Showcase and the West Virginia Apprenticeship Summit.

“West Virginia is committed to providing our employers and citizens with the workforce tools and networking opportunities they need to stay competitive,” said Deputy Secretary for Economic Development and Workforce Participation Christine Davies. “By hosting these events, we are bridging the gap between talent and opportunity, ensuring the Mountain State can be competitive in modern workforce development.”

The events begin with the WV Apprenticeship Showcase on Wednesday, April 29. Hosted by WorkForce West Virginia in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Education Career Technical Education, the public event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Virginia State Capitol in the Upper Rotunda.

The showcase is designed for job seekers and students to learn about apprenticeship pathways in fields such as construction, manufacturing, culinary arts and technology. No registration is required for the showcase.

The following day, Thursday, April 30, the West Virginia Division of Economic Development will host the West Virginia Apprenticeship Summit. The forum is for industry leaders and workforce partners seeking to enhance their workforce readiness and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Capitol Campus, Building 3, in the first-floor conference room.

The summit will deliver updates and insights on workforce development topics, including fundamentals of registered apprenticeships and how they differ from other workforce development models, funding opportunities to cover training costs and industry apprenticeship program spotlights, including energy, technology and nontraditional pathways.

Registration is required for the Apprenticeship Summit. Interested participants can register online.