West Virginia
SUMMER SAFETY MESSAGE
Charleston, W.Va. – From hiking to biking, camping to climbing, on a boat or ATV, safety first is the message from the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration (WVABCA), West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and the West Virginia Fire Commission Office of the State Fire Marshal.
Adults who are legally allowed to consume alcohol are advised that the sun and heat may cause a negative physical reaction and have unintended consequences. Some alcohol and mixers may increase dehydration and cause your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) to reach a higher level more rapidly and lead to impaired judgment, lowered inhibitions, slowed reactions and a loss of coordination. Elevated BAC levels could impact the body’s ability to process the alcohol consumed and could lead to sickness or a life threatening situation, such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
Recreational activities on the water pose a greater risk of injury and death when alcohol is consumed. In 2023, there were 8 boating incidents, with 2 fatalities in West Virginia. The WVDNR will be working throughout the summer season to enforce the laws and keep everyone safe. Their efforts increase for “Operation Dry Water,” a nationwide enforcement campaign designed to heighten awareness will take place over the Fourth of July weekend. According to Capt. Goodson with the WVDNR, last year 70 DNR officers participated in “Operation Dry Water” and 857 vessels were contacted. During this 3-day campaign, 32 citations were issued, 2 BUI’s were issued, and 98 boating warnings were issued.
As much as pools, lakes, and rivers are part of summer, so is true of cookouts and fireworks. According to WV State Fire Marshal’s Office public information officer Tim Rock, there were over 15,600 emergency room (ER) visits in 2020 in the United States (US). Sparklers account for nearly one-fourth of these ER visits. According to the National Fire Protection Association there are on average 19,700 ER visits due to grilling accidents and 10,600 homes fires caused by grilling.
WVABCA Commissioner Fred Wooton said, “Keeping everyone safe during the summertime is our goal. I would encourage ALL West Virginians to join together and look out for one another this summer season.”
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.
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.
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.
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