West Virginia
W.Va. Division of Forestry working to contain fires
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Kevin Arnold, a regional forester with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, said fires in the state haven’t been this bad in more than three decades.
“1991 was the last time we had something similar to this. We generally have fires every fire season but not to this magnitude just because of the drought,” Arnold said.
The Cora Volunteer Fire Department in Logan County said they’ve taken 43 calls for brush fires since Halloween. Many counties said the recent rainfall has helped, but Arnold said it wasn’t enough.
“That little bit of wind we had today dried out what little bit of rain we got in this area out completely, so it’s just as dry as it was last Wednesday.”
Arnold said the majority of fires are currently contained, but people should use caution even if the state’s burn ban is lifted.
“We haven’t had significant rainfall in a long time. If you don’t absolutely have to burn something just don’t burn it. Wait until we get some you know some snow or something this winter or whatever and do it.”
Arnold said crews have worked everyday for nearly two weeks with help from local fire departments to create firelines– a barrier created to stop the spread of these fires to local homes and neighborhoods. He said there is still a concern for fires to spread until there is more consistent rainfall.
“We need a couple inches or so to start with to get the groundwater back. All the smaller streams and stuff are dry. Usually by this late in the fall they got a little bit of water in them.”
The Division of Forestry said recent fires in Mingo County still need to be contained and crews from Northern West Virginia will be available to help since they saw more rainfall.
Copyright 2024 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
West Virginia
West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival showcases state’s dirt track racing history at Pennsboro Speedway
PENNSBORO, W.Va (WDTV) – Racing enthusiasts around the state had the chance to see vintage race cars and motorcycles at the annual West Virginia Racing Heritage Festival Saturday.
The festival teaches attendants about West Virginia’s history in dirt track racing with both cars and motorcycles.
The festival was held at Pennsboro Speedway, which opened in 1887 and hosted some of the nation’s top racing talent on its tracks.
“We’ve got so many national champions here,” WV Racing Heritage Festival President Ashley Ness said. “This racetrack has seen all these national champions. We’ve had the best in the United States, including Australia and New Zealand, come here and race at Pennsboro Speedway. It’s time to get them all back again.”
Racing legends who come from the Mountain State attended the festival to speak about their experience on the tracks.
One panel included six women who competed in flat-track motorcycle racing at a time when it was mostly dominated by men.
“We have six of the lady flat-track racers that were pioneers in the 60s and 70s,” Ness said. “It’s so important to get this documented, and that’s what the Heritage Festival is all about, documenting the history of dirt track racing, whether it be motorcycles or race cars.”
Vintage cars and motorcycles also got back in action with a parade lap on the tracks of Pennsboro Speedway.
The festival began in 2015 and will continue next year on June 5.
Editor’s note: The video for this story will be added once it airs. Please check back for the updated video.
Copyright 2026 WDTV. All rights reserved.
West Virginia
YSS offers West Virginia’s first transitional living recovery programs for young adults
Enter your email and we’ll send a secure one-click link to sign in.
WTRF is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
WTRF is provided by Nexstar Media Group, Inc., and uses the My Nexstar sign-in, which works across our media network.
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. is a leading, diversified media company that produces and distributes engaging local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across its television and digital platforms. The My Nexstar sign-in works across the Nexstar network—including The CW, NewsNation, The Hill, and more. Learn more at nexstar.tv/privacy-policy.
WHEELING, W.Va. — Wheeling is home to West Virginia’s first recovery program designed specifically for young adults, offering a new track aimed at people ages 18 to 24 who are working to overcome substance use disorders.
Youth Services System announced it will offer the recovery track at the McCrary Center in Wheeling for young adults dealing with opioid or stimulant use disorders. The program is designed to provide recovery-focused housing and support services, giving participants a safe, structured environment as they work toward long-term recovery and stability.
“Our transitional living program has been licensed by the Department of Human Services, as well as the Office of Health Facility Licensure. We also achieved the West Virginia Alliance of Recovery Residence certification so there will be a lot of oversight in this program. And we look forward to our continued work with them,” YSS CEO Jill Eddy said.
Youth Services System received a one-time grant through the West Virginia Bureau of Behavioral Health to help expand services and launch the new track in Wheeling.
“Research shows that the longer a person is provided a safe space while in recovery, the chances of their success in recovery and remaining sober is definitely increased,” Eddy said.
Services will include substance-free and MAT-friendly housing, peer recovery support, therapy, recovery planning, and overdose prevention education. The program also supports individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and prioritizes high-risk and underserved populations.
More information about Youth Services System is available here.
-
Los Angeles, Ca4 minutes agoMotorcyclist killed by hit-and-run truck driver in Sun Valley
-
Detroit, MI24 minutes agoClear skies give Metro Detroit perfect Blue Moon viewing weather
-
Dallas, TX34 minutes agoH-E-B files construction permit for Dallas location, next step towards 2028 open
-
San Francisco, CA34 minutes ago18-year-old dies in crash on I-80 near SoMa district
-
Miami, FL46 minutes agoLive Updates from Florida Gators vs. Miami Hurricanes in Gainesville Regional
-
Boston, MA49 minutes agoPolice Blotter: Cambridge meth chemist sentenced to prison; Boston firefighters make high-flying save
-
Denver, CO54 minutes agoColorado outdoor spirit, music comes to downtown Denver
-
Seattle, WA1 hour agoMild weekend weather in Seattle before 80s return
