West Virginia
Copperhead Bites Send Former House Minority Leader To ICU – West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Doug Skaff, former minority leader for the West Virginia House of Delegates, was bitten by a pair of copperhead snakes three times Wednesday.
He was later admitted to the intensive care unit of the Charleston Area Medical Center for treatment, and will likely remain in the facility for several days. Skaff’s injury occurred while he was taking down promotional signs for his secretary of state campaign in the town of Danville, located in Boone County. On Tuesday, Skaff was defeated in the race for the Republican nomination for secretary of state during West Virginia’s primary election.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bites from venomous snakes like copperheads can affect breathing, blood flow and, in severe cases, limb function.
Skaff did not respond to requests for comment on this story, but told MetroNews that he is grateful for the medical care he has received.
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West Virginia
Morrisey signs Baylea’s Law, increasing criminal penalties in W.Va. for DUI causing death
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey officially signed House Bill 4712 into law on Friday.
The bill, better known as Baylea’s Law, increases criminal penalties against those who are convicted of driving under the influence resulting in death. The bill is named after Baylea Bower, a 24-year-old woman from Boone County who was killed in a car crash on Easter in 2025 caused by a drunk driver.
The bill passed the House in February, with several of Bower’s family and friends gathered at the West Virginia Capitol in support of the bill.
“Obviously we’re going to be heartbroken,” Bower’s friend India Henderson said. “We have the lifetime sentence of not having Baylea. But if this does help save a life in the future and cause someone to not want to go out and cause this tragedy, then that is a win.”
In accordance with the passage of the bill, Baylea’s Law will take effect on June 12.
“West Virginia will no longer allow those who drive while impaired to escape the full weight of justice,” Morrisey said Friday in a press release. “Baylea’s Law gives our legal system the teeth to demand absolute accountability for the most heartbreaking crimes. Today, our laws stand firmly on the side of victims and their families.”
Specifically, Baylea’s Law introduces the offense of aggravated DUI resulting in death, which will carry the following mandatory sentences, according to a release from Morrisey’s office:
- Five to 30 years in prison
- Fine of $2,000 to $10,000
- Lifetime revocation of the offender’s driver’s license
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