West Virginia

West Virginia Yeager International Airport launches ‘Behind the Journey’ campaign

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2026

West Virginia Yeager International Airport launches ‘Behind the Journey’ campaign

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — Every passenger traveling through the airport has a story and a meaningful reason to be heading to their destination.

But most passengers don’t know the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure they get there safely.

‘Behind the Journey’ is West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s campaign that helps passengers get a better understanding of airport operations and adds transparency and education to the travel experience.

The operations department is up early at 4 a.m. to search for foreign objects or debris that could create a dangerous situation for an aircraft.

“Our first job in the morning is to do a sweep of the entire airfield, the runway and the taxiways, just to make sure that there’s nothing on there that could puncture an aircraft tire or be sucked into an engine,” Joe Belcher, operations specialist, said.

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Once the runway is clear and safe, passengers can enjoy their flight with peace of mind.

Elizabeth Lynn, who flies to New Jersey once a month for work on Breeze Airways, says she loves the experience she has at a regional airport.

“One experience I had, I didn’t get here in time. I have to check my bag. And they were nice enough to actually take my checked bag down and let it in for me because I showed up a little late,” Lynn said.

Ned and Hercules are working hard to keep birds away from the runway and brighten up a passenger’s day.

“They will also go through the terminal. They’ll visit employees. They’ll also visit any type of passengers that are in the lobby. They’ll do meet and greets. They do a lot of things. They stay pretty busy throughout the day,” Blecher said.

Paige Withrow, marketing officer at CRW, says the campaign educates passengers on how the airport systems work.

“It’s important for passengers to know what happens behind the scenes so that they know who to contact if something goes wrong while they’re traveling. So if their baggage is delayed, they know to contact their airline. If they have an issue during their travel, don’t know exactly which vendor to contact,” Withrow said.

There are QR codes throughout the terminals for passengers to fill out surveys about their experience.

The campaign runs until June 30.

For more news from across the Tri-State, click here.

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West Virginia

Logan County man arrested after leading police on chase while drunk – WV MetroNews

Published

1 hour ago

June 7, 2026

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Logan County man arrested after leading police on chase while drunk – WV MetroNews

MALLORY, W.Va. — A Logan County man is in custody after leading police on a vehicle chase while intoxicated.

John Roger Adkins, 21, of Mallory, was arrested Thursday. He was charged with 21 counts, including driving under the influence, reckless driving, and destruction of property.

Adkins is accused of arguing with a gas station employee, bringing Logan County deputies to the scene.

When law enforcement arrived, Adkins allegedly got in his vehicle and recklessly departed the scene.

According to a criminal complaint in Logan County Magistrate Court, Adkins let a passenger out of the car before leading officers on a chase. Adkins reportedly violated several traffic rules during the pursuit, coming to stop only after the vehicle lost a tire.

Authorities said Adkins took off on foot after his vehicle stopped, even trying to break into another car. Officers were eventually able to put Adkins under arrest.

The criminal complaint said deputies found an open container of alcohol in the vehicle Adkins had been driving, and they were unable to find any insurance or registration.

Adkins is in the Southwestern Regional Jail on $100,000 cash-only bail.

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West Virginia

Strong wind at NCAA baseball tournament in West Virginia sends 5 people to the hospital

Published

11 hours ago

June 7, 2026

Press Room

Strong wind at NCAA baseball tournament in West Virginia sends 5 people to the hospital

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) — Five people were taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries sustained when a strong wind tore through an area occupied by fans at the Morgantown Super Regional NCAA baseball tournament game between West Virginia and Cal Poly on Saturday, according to the university.

Video from the storm showed rain and wind that reached speeds of 40 mph tearing up a tent, with one person flying through the air while trying to hold it down as another person rolls uncontrollably down a hill.

Other fans scrambled for safety from an area known as Randy’s Ridge near the Kendrick Family Ballpark.

“I was just trying to hold my weight on the pole with the cement block, and then it started sliding, and then another guy joined in, and he’s trying to hold another pole, and then a big gust of wind came,” West Virginia fan Keith Hill told WAJR radio. “It just started sliding really hard, and people got caught up in the ropes and the poles.”

West Virginia University police confirmed that five people were transported to a hospital.

The game was in a weather delay at the time.

“We have been in touch with health-care providers in the area to ensure those affected are supported in their recovery,” West Virginia athletics spokesperson Michael Fragale said in a statement.

West Virginia won the game 17-1 to advance to the College World Series for the first time in program history.

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AP college sports: https://apnews.com/hub/college-sports

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West Virginia

Fans injured at WVU baseball game after heavy winds blow over event tent

Published

21 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Press Room

Fans injured at WVU baseball game after heavy winds blow over event tent

Multiple West Virginia baseball fans were injured during Saturday’s Morgantown Super Regional between the Mountaineers and Cal Poly.

A spokesperson for West Virginia Athletics confirmed to USA TODAY Sports on Saturday that several fans sustained injuries during a weather delay after heavy winds blew an event tent over at an adjacent parking lot to Wagener Field at Kendrick Family Ballpark in Morgantown, West Virginia.

“WVU would like to thank the immediate response of EMS, law enforcement and fire first responders who immediately secured the area and treated the injured spectators. While it was a great day for Mountaineer baseball, all of Mountaineer Nation’s thoughts are with those who were involved,” the statement read.

Saturday’s game between the Mountaineers and Mustangs was delayed in the eighth inning for over an hour and a half due to weather in the area, which included thunderstorms and lightning. The statement said five people were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

“We have confirmed through the University Police Department that five people were transported for treatment. We have been in touch with health care providers in the area to ensure those affected are supported in their recovery,” the statement said.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), West Virginia athletic director Wren Baker asked for prayers for the fans who were injured.

On the field, No. 16 West Virginia defeated Cal Poly 17-1 to finish off the sweep of the Morgantown Super Regional and advance to the program’s first College World Series. Ben Lumsden and Tyrus Hall hit back-to-back home runs as part of the Mountaineers’ seven-run second inning.

West Virginia is set to open up play at the College World Series against Troy either Friday, June 12 or Saturday, June 13. The NCAA has not released official start times and dates for the CWS.

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