West Virginia

West Virginia hospital gets $8.5 million life-saving helicopter through partnership

Published

5 months ago

October 16, 2025

West Virginia hospital gets .5 million life-saving helicopter through partnership

Wheeling, W.Va. (WTRF) – It’s not every day a hospital adds a new team member that flies. But today, WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital did just that unveiling a brand-new helicopter that’s ready to save lives from the sky.

The new helicopter, an Airbus H-135, was officially dedicated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at WVU Medicine hospital in wheeling, with HealthNet Aeromedical Services and WVU Medicine celebrating the addition.

“This aircraft represents an $8.5 million investment in health care in this region by WVU Medicine. It really is going to make a difference. The aircraft is absolutely loaded with the latest in technology to provide the safest platform we can give our patients, our crews and everything the pilots need to be totally effective.
Clinton Burley, President & CEO, HealthNet Aeromedical Services

The state-of-the-art H135 has a maximum speed over 150 mph, a maximum flight range of over 350 miles and can stay in the air for over 3 and a half hours.

Some of the advanced features on the aircraft include a Helionix Avionics Suite which is an advanced system to reduce the workload of the pilots, enhance situational awareness, and improve flight safety for the pilots and patients that are on board.

Another feature is the Single-Pilot Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) which allows the aircraft to operate in a wider range of weather conditions. Along with enhanced safety features where the design and technology are engineered to further protect the flight crew and patients that are on board.

The aircraft will be based in Marshall County, replacing a 12-year-old helicopter and joining four other new aircrafts being introduced statewide this year. It also features single-pilot instrument flight capability, allowing crews to operate safely in more challenging weather conditions.

Every time we dedicate a new platform to life-saving service, it’s special to me. People depend on this program to save lives, and our teams deliver it.”

Healthnet officials says this investment reflects their growing partnership with WVU Medicine and their ongoing commitment to improving emergency access across the Ohio Valley.

I think that the residents of the Ohio Valley can see that both WVU Medicine and Health Net aeromedical services are committed to this region… we’re always looking for. What’s next to this aircraft is a good example of that.”

With faster response times and advanced medical equipment, this new helicopter is ready to make a big impact here in Northern West Virginia one flight at a time.

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West Virginia

West Virginia Mountain Bike Association holds Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi

Published

1 hour ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

West Virginia Mountain Bike Association holds Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi

PHILIPPI, W.Va (WDTV) – The West Virginia Mountain Bike Association kicked off its cross country series Sunday with the Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi.

The event had options for all skill levels. Bikers had the choice to race 6 miles, 14 miles, or 19 miles.

Each race had a mix of straight track biking, and twisting and climbing through the woods. Bikers of all ages could participate, and each age group had its own race and results.

“I really do think that trails build community, and if you can get outdoor activity where people can come out and hike and bike,” said George Finly, a mountain biker and trail volunteer. “This is as much as a hiking trail as it is a biking trail. It’s right along the river, which is beautiful. Eagles were flying back and forth yesterday, and today is great because we’ve got a lot of kids out here.”

The next WVMBA cross country mountain bike race will be April 19 in Buckhannon.

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West Virginia

Second-annual Rhododendron Roll brings thousands to West Virginia State Capitol

Published

13 hours ago

March 29, 2026

Press Room

Second-annual Rhododendron Roll brings thousands to West Virginia State Capitol

Thousands of people attended the second annual Rhododendron Roll event at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia on March 28, 2026, featuring an Easter egg hunt, entertainment activities, and a speech by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.

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West Virginia

No Kings protests draw crowds nationwide, including in Wheeling, West Virginia

Published

1 day ago

March 28, 2026

Press Room

No Kings protests draw crowds nationwide, including in Wheeling, West Virginia

OHIO COUNTY, WV — Protesters lined Kruger Street and National Road in Wheeling on Saturday as part of “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country.

People were already packed along the streets before the protest began at 11:30 as participants cited rising gas prices and the controversial Iran war. Protesters chanted and voiced their opinions during the event.

Teddie Grogan said the group gathered to push back against what they see as undemocratic leadership and unnecessary conflict. “We’re here today to protest the fact that we want our country we want it run as a democracy we don’t want wars that are somebodys choice and not a necessity,” Grogan said.

Former U.S. military member Cody Cumpston also criticized the current administration and said he is frustrated by the cost of living and the direction of the country. “I’m here today because of the current administration we’re in a new war we didn’t need to be in prices are still skyrocketing I’m just tired of it I feel like they’ve forgotten all about us and they keep forgetting about us,” Cumpston said.

Another protester, April Pascoli, said she believes many people are not aware of what the administration is doing internationally and at home. “If I don’t go to work one day and I ask people do you know what’s happening in this country? And somebody says, we’re at war right now? Really? People my age don’t even know that we have troops on the ground, that they are bombing. Bombing our bases in the middle east. Do you know that, do you realize that?” Pascoli said.

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