West Virginia

Morgantown on course to ban homeless encampments – WV MetroNews

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2024

Morgantown on course to ban homeless encampments – WV MetroNews

Morgantown is about to become the next West Virginia city to adopt a broad camping ban in an attempt to clean up homeless encampments. The city council advanced the ordinance through first reading last week on a narrow 4-3 vote.

The vote came after a contentious debate over several hours. Supporters believe the prohibition is necessary to protect public spaces, as well as the interests of businesses and citizens. Opponents argue the ban is cruel and ignores the deeper issues impacting homelessness.

Erin Shelton, board chair of Project Rainbow which provides housing services for the LGBTQ+ community, was among those who spoke at the council meeting against the ordinance. “I’m asking you now not to be the people who add more barriers and make access to housing even harder,” Shelton said. “And when you do it anyway, know it’s an act of cruelty and not an act of compassion.”

The community is not short on compassion. The city and county provide a range of services for the unhoused, for individuals with substance abuse issues and for anyone looking for a meal or health care. Advocates for the homeless argue there must be more services, but how much is enough?

City council hears continually from citizens and downtown business owners frustrated with issues associated with homelessness—open drug use, petty crime, litter and unsanitary conditions. The four council members who voted for the ordinance are not ignoring the problems of the homeless, but they are responding to the legitimate complaints of their constituents.

Earlier this summer, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 overturning a Ninth Circuit decision and affirmed an ordinance in Grants Pass, Oregon that prevents sleeping in public spaces. The majority found that such ordinances do not violate the 8^th Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.

Since then, communities across the country and even some states have passed public camping bans. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom issued an executive order following the court’s decision authorizing state agencies to clear homeless encampments on state property. Newsom himself even pitched in to help clear an encampment in Los Angeles County.

Neither Morgantown nor any of these communities prohibiting camping on public property are criminalizing homelessness as advocates often like to argue. Most of these communities are still searching for remedies to the homeless issue, but they do not feel compelled to allow the homeless to take over public spaces or private property with encampments.

Allowing these encampments does nothing to address the issues associated with homelessness. It only generates resentment in those communities.

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West Virginia

West Virginia DoHS reports decrease in children waiting for Wraparound services

Published

4 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

West Virginia DoHS reports decrease in children waiting for Wraparound services

WEST VIRGINIA (WCHS) — The West Virginia Department of Human Services said it saw a significant drop in the number of children waiting on Wraparound services in 2025, reflecting progress its made in strengthening support for children in the Mountain State.

The average weekly Wraparound waitlist declined from 137 children in January 2025 to 14 by November, representing nearly a 90% reduction, according to a news release from the DoHS. Wraparound refers to intensive and individualized support in all areas of their life that aims to prevent children from being placed in out-of-home care.

The agency said the steady downward trend is the result of targeted efforts to expand provider capacity, improve timely access and better align services with family needs statewide.

“Reducing wait times for Wraparound services means children and families receive the right support sooner, when it matters most,” Alex Mayer, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia DoHS, said in the news release. “Every child deserves the opportunity to heal, grow, and stay connected to family and community. This progress reflects deliberate efforts to strengthen the workforce, expand provider capacity, and remove barriers that delay care.”

The DoHS said it also expanded service capacity and strengthened coordination across the behavioral health system, including onboarding five new providers and expanding service areas with existing providers.

The Bureau for Behavioral Health further reduced waitlist pressure by providing Intro to Wraparound training to alternative service providers outside of the wraparound network, helping families connect with appropriate supports and further reducing waitlist pressure, the news release said.

To further address ongoing challenges, the DoHS said it is focusing on implementing Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide, boosting provider recruitment and outreach, authorizing telehealth where capacity is limited and expanding the Safe at Home program in high-need counties.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Lottery results: See winning numbers for Powerball, Lotto America on Dec. 22, 2025

Published

16 hours ago

December 23, 2025

Press Room

Are you looking to win big? The West Virginia Lottery offers a variety of games if you think it’s your lucky day.

Lottery players in West Virginia can choose from popular national games like the Powerball and Mega Millions, which are available in the vast majority of states. Other games include Lotto America, Daily 3, Daily 4 and Cash 25.

Big lottery wins around the U.S. include a lucky lottery ticketholder in California who won a $1.27 billion Mega Millions jackpot in December 2024. See more big winners here. And if you do end up cashing a jackpot, here’s what experts say to do first.

Here’s a look at Monday, Dec. 22, 2025 results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

03-18-36-41-54, Powerball: 07, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

01-09-18-19-44, Star Ball: 02, ASB: 05

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

0-1-4

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

2-9-0-4

Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Cash 25 numbers from Dec. 22 drawing

05-06-13-16-18-20

Check Cash 25 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the West Virginia Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 11 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 10:59 p.m. ET Tuesday and Friday.
Lotto America: 10:15 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Daily 3, 4: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday through Saturday.
Cash 25: 6:59 p.m. ET Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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West Virginia

West Virginia State Parks expands original bourbon sales

Published

1 day ago

December 22, 2025

Press Room

West Virginia State Parks expands original bourbon sales

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY) — West Virginia State Parks is expanding its partnership with a popular distillery to sell its bourbon across the Mountain State.

The Lewisburg-based distillery Smooth Ambler has partnered with the state parks since 2023 to offer unique blends of its Old Scout Bourbon exclusively at restaurants and lounges located at Cacapon Resort, Canaan Valley Resort, Pipestem Resort, Blackwater Falls, Chief Logan, Hawks Nest, Stonewall Resort and Twin Falls Resort state parks.

On Monday, the state parks and Smooth Ambler have announced an expanded collection to be served at Audra, Blennerhassett Island, Cass Scenic Railroad, Coopers Rock, Babcock and Lost River state parks. The new line will also be available for purchase at select stores around West Virginia.

Andrew Robinson, Smooth Ambler’s blending and processing manager, is happy to see the partnership continue.

“We are pleased to honor our state parks with special labeling that showcases the natural beauty and spirit of West Virginia,” Robinson said. “We hope folks will enjoy our hand selected bourbon as much as they enjoy exploring the trails and nature in our state parks.”

The original line of drinks will still be available at their respective lodge restaurants.

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