West Virginia
New businesses booming in Putnam County
PUTNAM COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Putnam County is one of the fastest growing spots in West Virginia.
A new laundromat, sports complex in Hurricane, and apartment complex are just some of the new developments.
Ashley Alford Glance with the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce said there’s a reason why so many businesses choose the county as their new home.
“We are seeing a population growth and the reason we see that population growth is attributed to a couple different things. Our ease of access, of course, you know easily you can get wherever. We have that small town feel but we do have some of the amenities that you might want like in a city,” Glance said.
Residents have concerns about too much growth, but Glance said they try to make good decisions when picking locations for business.
“They choose to live here because of the ease of access and that they’re not sitting stuck somewhere because of an accident. We do try to make sure that we work with the DOT, the DOH to alleviate any problems that might come about,” Glance said.
Prestige Primary Care relocated to a building off Teays Valley Road after 25 years in South Charleston. Dr F. Scott Moore said they moved to remain an independent practice and be closer to home.
“Both myself and my business partner have seen nothing but positive growth in our business. We get a lot of phone calls on a daily basis as new patient requests, and it’s all been great,” Moore said.
Prestige Primary Care opened at its new location in early May, and Moore said he couldn’t ask for a better start.
“Biggest thing I’d say is just, the past three months from a business point of view has been probably three of the happiest months I’ve had.”
The Putnam County Chamber of Commerce said other new businesses will open soon.
Sunny Skies Boutique will open in the fall on Main Street in Hurricane, replacing Peyton and Poppi. Teays Valley Tire Service will be turned into three different unannounced businesses after renovations are complete, and Poca is also getting a new boutique called Lula Belle.
Alford Glance said new businesses have opened up in that area because of the newly developed shopping center in Poca.
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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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