West Virginia

Report reveals 40 percent of W.Va. schools have no safe entrances

Published

8 months ago

November 8, 2023

Report reveals 40 percent of W.Va. schools have no safe entrances

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – West Virginia Board of Education President Paul Hardesty spoke Wednesday about the lack of safe entrances at schools throughout the state.

“I would have parents call board offices and ask them, is all your schools secure, does all the schools in your district have secure entrances? Call them and if they tell you ‘no’ ask them the second question, why?” Hardesty said.

The West Virginia School Safety and Security Report was presented to board members.

The report said of almost 700 schools in the state, more than 40% percent do not have safe school entries or mantraps.

“Somewhat shocking in the fact that we have got 299 schools that do not have secure entrances,” Hardesty said.

The report said more than 50 schools do not have an exterior door number system that is visible from 200 feet in low light.

“Some rooms are not categorized in the proper way. These are things that are not real cost prohibitive. It is just things they have to get done. It is kind of lazy, if you will,” Hardesty said.

Rob Cunningham, Deputy Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security, said the DHHR and the Department of Education are working with the Homeland Security to address safety issues.

Counties, charter schools and multi-county centers have requested funding for safety and security needs from lawmakers totaling more than $173 million.

That funding includes safety entrances, resource officers and weapon detection systems.

“You start looking back at the mass shootings that we have had. A lot of it is tied to complacency propping the door open, not locking your classroom door,” Cunningham said.

He said the exterior door number systems at more than 50 schools will be addressed.

“One of the things that sticks with me on a daily basis is when is it going to happen here in West Virginia? It is not a matter of if,” Hardesty said.

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West Virginia

West Virginia organizations receive generous donation to support community programs

Published

4 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

West Virginia organizations receive generous donation to support community programs

OHIO VALLEY (WTRF) — It was a generous donation that will benefit two local organizations in a big way.

On Friday, the Ohio Valley Jaycees Charitable Fund presented two checks totaling $10,000.

That money was split between the Appalachian Christmas Project and Ohio Valley Young Life.

The Young Life Organization serves teen parents and underprivileged and disabled children throughout the area.

The Appalachian Christmas Project offers hope and encouragement to area seniors, veterans, and the homeless. They distribute personal hygiene items to individuals, service agencies, and drug rehab centers.

We are so thankful for all of the generosity of the Jaycee’s fund. Young Life has been serving the Ohio Valley for over 50 years. We are using this for general programing, mentoring for teen parents and their children and disabled middle and high school students.”
Sean McCartney, Area Director, Young Life

We serve other areas as well. Anywhere from locally into Kentucky. But this is designated money for Ohio and Marshall County and I’m just thankful we have it because we serve so many in these two counties as well.”
Diane Reineke Stout, CEO Appalachian Christmas Project

Last year the Appalachian Christmas Project serves over 1,000 people in Ohio County and over 800 in Marshall County.

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West Virginia

Oglebay Welcomes Newest Almost Heaven Swing

Published

11 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

Oglebay Welcomes Newest Almost Heaven Swing

Visitors encouraged to complete summer bucket list for a chance to win a free fall getaway

WHEELING, W.Va. (WTRF) — The West Virginia Department of Tourism, in partnership with Oglebay and Wheeling Park Commission, has announced a new Almost Heaven swing located in the state’s northern panhandle.

This swing is perched upon the scenic mountains of Oglebay, just off the Susan Wheeler Walking Trail on the western side of the arboretum.

“We are proud to participate in this West Virginia Tourism-led initiative, generously supported by a gift from Cindy and Chris Freeman,” said Oglebay Marketing Director Wendy Hodorowski. “The swing is located to showcase one of the park’s most amazing views, which will undoubtedly become a social media moment that generates both statewide and national attention for Oglebay Park.”

There are now more than 20 Almost Heaven photo-op swings available throughout the state, making it easy for travelers to check off this adventure on the West Virginia Summer Bucket List.

Visitors are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #AlmostHeaven.

“Visiting the newest Almost Heaven swing location in Wheeling is the perfect way to start checking off your West Virginia Summer Bucket List,”said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “Our summer bucket list will make your travel planning easier and offers an opportunity to win a free autumn getaway.”

Oglebay encompasses more than 2,000 acres of year-round activities including a golf course, pool, zoo, walking trails, Bissonnette Gardens, horseback riding, on-site restaurants and more.

To view the 2024 West Virginia Summer Bucket List and begin checking off your adventures, visit wvtourism.com/summer-bucket-list. For a complete list of swing locations, click here.

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West Virginia

14-year-old West Virginia boy bitten by shark in North Carolina

Published

18 hours ago

June 28, 2024

Press Room

14-year-old West Virginia boy bitten by shark in North Carolina

Why and how often do shark attacks happen?

Why do shark attacks happen and how common are they?

06:41

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A 14-year-old boy from West Virginia was bitten by a shark as he was swimming at a beach in North Carolina.

Blayne Brown of Cabell County, West Virginia, was bit on the leg and ankle by a shark at Topsail Beach Access No. 4 in Pender County, North Carolina, on Sunday, The Herald-Dispatch reported. The boy was reportedly swimming in waist-deep water at around noon with a friend when he was bitten. Brown was about 30 or 40 feet away from the shore, the newspaper reported.

The newspaper reported that beachgoers helped provide medical attention to the teen before first responders arrived and took him to Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune.

“I didn’t know what it was,” he told The Herald-Dispatch. “I just felt something that hurt a lot.”

He underwent surgery and a specialist was brought in because the injury was more extensive than doctors originally thought, the newspaper reported.

Brown returned home to West Virginia on Tuesday, though his mother said he may need another surgery.

The Associated Press reported that there were 69 unprovoked shark bites worldwide last year, and 10 of those were fatal, according to the International Shark Attack File. That was higher than the recent average of six deaths per year.

Michael Guise

Michael Guise is a web producer for CBS Pittsburgh who has worked for KDKA-TV since 2019.

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