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West Virginia Week in Review – August 26, 2023

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West Virginia Week in Review – August 26, 2023


Gov. Justice signs bills allocating $12 million to fire departments and first responders

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Gov. Jim Justice held a ceremony at the Point Pleasant Volunteer Fire Department, where he signed SB 1021, SB 1022, and SB 1023, which passed in the recent Special Session of the West Virginia Legislature, providing $12 million in supplemental funding to fire departments and first responders across the state.

“You are the people who literally run to the fire,” Gov. Justice said. “I cannot thank you enough for the work you do and the lives you touched. There is no way that we make it without our first responders, and my goal is to supply you with everything you need to continue protecting our communities. Today is a monumental day because of what has been accomplished. Again, I cannot thank you enough for everything you do for our state.”

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Gov. Justice signs bill providing funds to Marshall University to build state-of-the-art institute for cyber security

Gov. Justice held a ceremony at the Arthur Weisberg Family Applied Engineering Complex in Huntington to sign HB 117, which allocates a $45 million supplemental appropriation to Marshall University to build a new cybersecurity center.

 

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“I cannot tell you what it means to see Marshall University succeeding, and I am so proud to be here today,” Gov. Justice said. “I love that we are prioritizing cybersecurity in West Virginia and thrilled to see that this University is leading the way in preparing students for successful careers. Together with the Legislature we do what we do because of these students here today. The students are so important, and giving them meaningful career opportunities is why we are here.”

Gov. Justice signs bill providing over $3 million to West Virginia National Guard for use at Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy

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Gov. Justice held a signing ceremony for Senate Bill 1038, which provides a $3,039,900 million supplemental appropriation to the West Virginia National Guard for use at the Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy – South (MCA South), located in Montgomery, and elsewhere.

The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy, which has now graduated over 5,000 West Virginians, is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education. 

“These young men and women face challenges today that most of us never had to deal with growing up,” Gov. Justice said. “This academy is changing lives for the better and giving many of these kids a second chance. When I think about our West Virginia National Guard, I salute them over and over. I cannot thank them enough for everything they do, including their incredible work here at MCA South. With this bill, we are going to make it even better.”

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Gov. Justice announces new anti-vaping initiative between DHHR and WVBE

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Gov. Justice announced the start of a new anti-vaping campaign for students: West Virginia’s Clear Future: Don’t Let Vaping Cloud It initiative, will will offer the evidence-based, peer-led CATCH My Breath vaping prevention curriculum to every county in the state over the next three years.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources and West Virginia Department of Education are partnering to get this program started in schools around the state.

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West Virginia Department of Tourism releases 2023 fall foliage projection map

In anticipation of the quickly-approaching  autumn season, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has released its annual fall foliage projection map.

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The map, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, estimates when fall color is expected to begin appearing  across the Mountain State in an effort to help travelers plan their fall getaways. Recent rainfall could lead to the most stunning fall the state has experienced in decades.  

Beginning mid-September, the Department of Tourism will start releasing weekly fall foliage updates which will  include  real-time color reports, as well as roadtrips with suggested stops and hikes that will guide travelers through the state’s prime leaf-viewing opportunities.

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Gov. Justice announces nine arts grants at Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center

Gov. Justice joined West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History (WVDACH) Curator Randall Reid-Smith in presenting nine grants to arts organizations from the surrounding area at the Keith-Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington.

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Gov. Justice announces 21 art grants at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg

Gov. Justice joined West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History (WVDACH) Curator Randall Reid-Smith in presenting 21 grants to arts organizations from the surrounding area at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre in Lewisburg.

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Gov. Justice appoints Stephanie Abraham as judge for the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court serving Kanawha County

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Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Stephanie Abraham, of Kanawha County, West Virginia, to the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court serving Kanawha County. She is set to fill the seat vacated by Judge Duke Bloom, who retired from the bench effective June 30, 2023.

Abraham has a career in civil litigation, corporate matters, and representing governmental agencies. She served as a staff member for a former Republican United States Congressman and is a small-business owner. She’s represented school boards, county commissions, and government agencies. Most recently, she served as the General Counsel to the West Virginia State Board of Education. 

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Gov. Justice appoints Michael Asbury as judge for the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court serving Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, and Webster counties

Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Michael Wayne Asbury, Jr., of Clay County, West Virginia, to the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit Court serving Braxton, Clay, Gilmer, and Webster counties. He is set to fill Judge Richard A. Facemire’s seat, who retired from the bench effective June 30, 2023.

Asbury owns his own law practice in Clay County and has served clients throughout the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit.

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Community Care of West Virginia receives $500,000 from Biden-Harris Administration to expand hours of operation

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Community Care of West Virginia receives 0,000 from Biden-Harris Administration to expand hours of operation


The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently announced a $60 million investment in 125 HRSA-funded community health centers that serve nearly 4.2 million people to expand their hours of operation to improve access to health care services.

Community Care of West Virginia received $500,000 in funding.

Health centers receiving this new funding will add an additional 20 hours of operation a week on average to support the critical clinical and administrative staff necessary to add early morning (before work), night and weekend hours.

Since health centers see patients regardless of their ability to pay, this expansion of operating hours will be particularly critical for people who are uninsured, underinsured, or have Medicaid coverage and struggle to find affordable care outside of traditional business hours and cannot afford expensive visits to urgent care, retail clinics or emergency departments. This funding will also help health center patients with common challenges in accessing health care such as taking a child to the doctor after work or getting a timely appointment when not feeling well on the weekend. It will help connect patients to preventive services and resources for health-related social needs to improve health outcomes. Many patients currently forgo care altogether in these circumstances, putting their health at greater risk and leading to more expensive visits to emergency departments when conditions get more serious.

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“No one should have to delay or skip a trip to the doctor because of work or school. The millions of Americans who can’t miss their daytime work shift, whose kids are in school, who have limited child care, or who face transportation challenges deserve the same access to quality care,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “These investments will help to extend operating hours, especially for patients in rural or underserved communities nationwide. I’m proud to be part of an Administration that leaves nobody behind.”

“Today’s action is another example of the Biden-Harris Administration taking action to address the challenges families face in getting health care services,” said HRSA Administrator Carole Johnson. “Having the option to get to the doctor before or after work or on the weekend not only helps families get the care they need, but it also helps relieve some of the stress and burden on families trying to arrange care. HRSA’s investment is expanding access to care in a way that recognizes the day-to-day realities of working families across the country.”

HRSA-supported health centers provide access to primary care services — regardless of an individual’s ability to pay — for over 31 million patients at more than 15,000 service sites in high need communities. More than 90 percent of health center patients have incomes below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level.

For a list of the awardees, visit: https://bphc.hrsa.gov/funding/funding-opportunities/expanded-hours/fy-25-awards

To find a health center, visit: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov

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How to Watch & Listen to No. 20 West Virginia vs. Colorado

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How to Watch & Listen to No. 20 West Virginia vs. Colorado


The West Virginia Mountaineers (13-3, 3-2) host the Colorado Buffaloes (12-4, 3-2) for game two of the season series and the second ever meeting between the two schools.

West Virginia vs. Colorado Series History

Colorado leads 1-0

Last Meeting: Colorado 65, West Virginia 60 (Dec. 21, 2024, Boulder, CO)

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Last Meeting: OSU 68, No. 24 WVU 61 (Feb. 27, 2024, Stillwater, OK)

When: Wednesday, January 15

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia, WVU Coliseum (14,000)

Tip-off: 7:00 p.m. EST

Stream: ESPN+

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Announcers: Nick Farrell and Meg Bulger

Radio: Andrew Caridi (PBP) Mountaineer Sports Network from Learfield IMG College(Radio affiliates)

WVU Game Notes

– Frida Forman paces Colorado’s scoring production, averaging 13.9 points per game, while two more Buffs average double figures in Lior Garzon (11.5) and Jade Masogayo (12.6). Sara Smith leads with 6.3 rebounds per game and Kindyll Wetta leads the team with 6.1 assists and 1.9 steals.

– Colorado’s two losses in league play come on the road to then No. 11 TCU and RV Baylor and both came by double digits. CU adds two more league wins, defeating UCF and Kansas at home in their last two contests.

– Senior guard JJ Quinerly (18.3), junior guard Jordan Harrison (14.2) and junior guard Sydney Shaw (12.5) pace the Mountaineers scoring production this season. Harrison’s 5.1 assists per game leads WVU and ranks 8th in the Big 12. Senior guard Kyah Watson has grabbed 7.6 rebounds per game which ranks sixth in the Big 12 while her 3.1 steals per game ranks second and Quinerly’s 3.2 steals per game is first.

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– The Big 12’s leaders in steals last season, Watson (50), Quinerly (38) and Harrison (31), are at it again this season averaging over two steals per contest. Junior guard Sydney Shaw and Senior guard Sydney Woodley have also gotten in on the action with 32 and 29 steals this season, giving WVU five players with 29+ steals through 16 games.

– The Mountaineers have forced 15+ turnovers in every game this season, including 20+ in 13 games to average 25.7 per game. The mark ranks fifth in the nation. The Mountaineers have forced 30-plus turnovers in five games, including a season-high 44. WVU ranks second in the nation with 14.8 steals per game and holds a +9.5 turnover margin.

– West Virginia is averaging 80.3 points per game while outscoring their opponents by an average of 28.4 points.

– Quinerly currently sits 11th in points at 1,638, and behind WVU Hall of Famer Liz Repella (2008-11) with 1,641. She also ranks 4th in steals with 279 and is just another Hall of Famer in Rosemary Kosiorek (1989-92) with 293.



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Princeton Offensive Line Transfer Will Reed Discusses Visit to WVU, Decision Timeline

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Princeton Offensive Line Transfer Will Reed Discusses Visit to WVU, Decision Timeline


West Virginia still has some work to do in terms of replenishing the offensive line room, and over the weekend, they hosted former Princeton offensive tackle Will Reed for an official visit.

“Coach Bicknell and Coach Dressler were awesome,” Reed told West Virginia On SI. “Coach Bicknell’s experience in the NFL is really impressive, not to mention his college experience. The facilities were some of the best I have seen on any visit. Probably the best. It seems like they are bringing in a lot of talent and want to turn things around quickly. It has given me a lot to think about over the next week or two.”

Reed is also considering Georgia Tech, Nebraska, and Virginia but has also received interest from Arizona, Arizona State, Memphis, Pitt, Stanford, UNLV, and Wake Forest.

Coming out of Eastside Catholic High School as a highly-rated three-star prospect in Sammamish, Washington, Reed originally committed to Cal. He decided to flip his commitment to Princeton, choosing the Ivy League route over offers from Air Force, Army, Colorado, Duke, Hawai’i, Kansas, Michigan, Michigan State, San Diego State, Tennessee, UNLV, Utah, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Washington State, and a few others.

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He will have one year of eligibility remaining. A decision is expected to be made within the next two weeks.

MORE STORIES FROM WEST VIRGINIA ON SI

WVU Battling Bitter Rival for Reigning AAC Defensive Player of the Year

Another Transfer QB for WVU? Evaluating Where Each QB Stands Entering the Offseason

ESPN Bracketology: West Virginia Not Heavily Penalized for Arizona Loss

The Recipe for West Virginia to Cook Up an Upset of No. 10 Houston

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