Brandywine (Md.) Gwynn Park 2025 defensive lineman Aubrey Melvin made his first visit to West Virginia on his official and the experience surpassed even his highest expectations.
Melvin, 6-foot-3, 265-pounds, was impressed with the strength and conditioning aspect of the program especially the focus on the recovery aspect for student athletes.
You must be a member to read the full article. Subscribe now for instant access to all premium content.
CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice announced John McHugh as acting Secretary for the Department of Administration, replacing Mark Scott, who served in the position since 2021.
McHugh most recently served as the Deputy Secretary of Administration and Director of the General Services Division. A state employee since 2006, McHugh brings extensive knowledge and experience to his role, holding previous leadership positions in the Real Estate Division, Right of Way Division, and at the Board of Medicine.
Additionally, McHugh brings extensive experience from his tenure with the West Virginia Military Authority’s Construction and Facilities Management Office. He is also a licensed West Virginia Contractor.
McHugh graduated from the WVU College of Law and the United States Army War College, earning a master’s degree in strategic studies. In 2017, he retired from the West Virginia Army National Guard after over 30 years of service, attaining the rank of Colonel.
Advertisement
During his military career, he was Battalion Commander for the 771st Battalion Troop Command, Brigade Commander for the 77th Brigade Troop Command, and State Army Aviation Officer. He is a Desert Storm veteran and was awarded the Air Medal for meritorious service as a Medevac helicopter pilot.
Kanawha County Schools teachers selected for the master’s degree program with WVU President Gordon Gee, WVU College of Applied Human Sciences Dean Autumn Cyprès, KCS Superintendent Dr. Williams, and WVU Director of the School of Education Dr. Nate Sorber (Photo from Kanawha County Schools).
SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. — 50 educators in Kanawha County flocked to South Charleston High School Friday afternoon to be recognized for being selected for a paid-for master’s degree from West Virginia University.
WVU President Gordon Gee recognized the 50 teachers that applied and were selected to receive the master’s degree in Literacy Education with a Reading Specialist certification. The degree and textbooks for this online program will be paid in full for each teacher by Kanawha County Schools as part of the county’s dedication to furthering literacy education post-COVID.
Among the selected were teachers from all grade levels, but mainly K-5 teachers. Special education teachers were also included.
Advertisement
To be selected, the teachers in Kanawha County had to fill out an application with letters of recommendation from supervisors, as well as writing an essay explaining why they wanted to do the cohort.
Gee says this program shows that educators in the state want to serve.
“This program is a wonderful reminder that we, not just in Kanawha County but across West Virginia, have a high level of interest from teachers who want to be here and want to serve.”
The cohort will begin for these 50 individuals in August with an expected completion date of May 2026.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Gov. Jim Justice has declared a state emergency for all 55 counties because of drought conditions.
A Friday afternoon news release from the governor’s office said the proclamation was made in an effort to support West Virginia’s farming community.
“This drought has plagued West Virginia farmers, putting them at risk of losing everything,” Justice said. “We cannot and will not stand by and watch our hardworking farmers suffer from this severe lack of rain. We understand the immense stress and hardship this drought has caused. Right now, our Emergency Management Division is working tirelessly to secure disaster assistance for those in need. Until then, we are committed to doing everything we can to support our agricultural community during this challenging time.”
Justice, who himself has had a lot of experience with farming having owned and worked some of the largest farming operations east of the Mississippi River, has mentioned the dry conditions during several of his media briefings this summer. He has now activated the state’s Emergency Operations Plan.
Advertisement
MORE See current map of drought conditions
The activation instructs “personnel and resources to be ready to respond to any emergencies, and granted specific administrative powers to the Director of the West Virginia Emergency Management Division to ensure essential emergency services are provided efficiently.”
It is especially dry in the Eastern Panhandle, state Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt said last week.
“Right now the dryness in Jefferson County is the second worst in 130 years and Berkeley County and Morgan County it’s the third worst in 130 years,” Leonhardt said. “This is is a little more serious than we’re used to seeing.”
Leonhardt said if the drought conditions continue, it will continue to impact producing crops as well as those making hay for livestock.
“This is going to hurt second and third cutting of hay,” he said. “We’re going to end up with, maybe not as much volume. It’s one of those variables that we can’t control.”
Advertisement
According to the National Weather Service, Eastern Panhandle counties are considered to be under severe drought, the Northern Panhandle, Central West Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley are under moderate drought while the Huntington-Charleston corridor is considered abnormally dry.
Justice’s state of emergency proclamation for expire in 30 days unless Justice issues a new one.