West Virginia
Buckhannon teen caught record-breaking golden rainbow trout for Gold Rush event
BUCKHANNON, W.Va (WDTV) – Hunter Rohr of Buckhannon caught a golden rainbow trout that set a new length and weight record for West Virginia’s Gold Rush event.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces 15-year-old Rohr caught a 28-inch, 11.84-pound golden rainbow trout from the Smoke Hole section of the South Branch of the Potomac River in Pendleton County.
Previously, Gerald Estep held the length record when he caught a 27.5-inch golden rainbow trout in 1987 at Stonecoal Lake in Lewis County. Charles Lilly Jr. held the previous weight record with a 9.72-pound golden rainbow trout during the Gold Rush in 2023 at Little Beaver Lake in Raleigh County.
The new state record was confirmed by WVDNR District 3 Fisheries Biologist Jim Walker.
“We are proud to recognize Hunter’s accomplishment,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “His record-setting golden rainbow trout showcases the many fishing opportunities here in West Virginia and demonstrates the passion anglers of all ages bring to the sport.”
To learn more about state fish record categories, check out the West Virginia Regulations Summary here.
All anglers 15 and older must have a West Virginia fishing license, which can be purchased online at WVfish.com, as well as a trout stamp when fishing for trout.
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OHIO COUNTY, WV — A longtime public servant and former West Virginia congressman was remembered Sunday afternoon in Wheeling, where David B. McKinley lay in state at Independence Hall.
Community members and political leaders gathered to honor McKinley, a former engineer and legislator who died April 17.
Funeral services are scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Matthews Episcopal Church.
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.”
W.Va. Latest News:
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.
For more news from across the Tri-State, click here.
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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