West Virginia Week in Review – August 26, 2023

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

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.”

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

“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

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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.