Associated Press, Author at West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Fewer West Virginia High School Students Lighting Up

Youth tobacco use in West Virginia is declining based on just released data.

The 2013 West Virginia Youth Tobacco Survey indicates that the percentage of high school students who reported they have never tried or used any form of tobacco has gone from a little over 20% in 2000 to 46% in 2013.

The data indicates the programs and outreach efforts by the Bureau for Public Health are working, according to Dr. Letitia Tierney, State Health Officer and Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health.

In a statement today she attributes much of the anti-tobacco success to the West Virginia teen-led tobacco prevention movement called Raze, which has a membership of 4,000 youth.

Tierney said the improvements that have occurred over the last ten years are worth celebrating. She said we’re not where we want to be as a state, but we are seeing measurable improvements.

The report indicates 18% of West Virginia high school students are smokers, a 52% improvement from 38.5% in 2000.

State Supreme Court Upholds Monsanto Settlement

The state Supreme Court has upheld a judge’s approval of Monsanto Co.’s massive settlement with thousands of West Virginia residents.

     In a 4-1 decision Friday, the court affirmed a January ruling approving the class-action settlement of a lawsuit alleging that the Nitro community was contaminated with dioxin from the former Monsanto chemical plant. The plaintiffs said Monsanto polluted their community by burning waste from production of the defoliant Agent Orange.

     Under the $93 million settlement, thousands of Nitro-area residents will be eligible for medical monitoring and property cleanups.

     The Charleston Gazette reports that the court’s majority said it found “no substantial question of law and no prejudicial error” in various appeals of the settlement order.

     Chief Justice Brent Benjamin dissented.

WVU Board Narrows List for Interim President

West Virginia University board members hope to select the school’s interim president early next month.

     The university’s Board of Governors spent more than four hours in closed executive session Thursday. Later, board chairman James Dailey said the list of potential candidates was narrowed but he didn’t say how many remain.

     The board meets again Dec. 3. Dailey said he hopes the board can take the narrowed list and wrap up the selection process.

     The board is looking for a temporary replacement for Jim Clements, who accepted the presidency of Clemson University earlier this month.

60,000 More Residents Qualify for Medicaid

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen Bowling announced today that a second round of 61,000 auto-enrollment…

West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Cabinet Secretary Karen Bowling announced today that a second round of 61,000 auto-enrollment letters have been mailed to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients and parents of children covered by Medicaid notifying them that they may automatically qualify for health insurance coverage.

To date, the DHHR has determined that 58,390 consumers are eligible for Medicaid expansion.

The recipients of the second letter received a simple form asking if they wish to auto-enroll in Medicaid coverage. A response is requested by December 18.

The Affordable Care Act of 2010 gave states, including West Virginia, the option to expand their Medicaid program to include individuals who were not previously eligible. Governor Tomblin chose to expand Medicaid coverage.

Eligibility for Medicaid will depend on two factors: modified adjusted income and the size of the household.

Holiday Event Set for Dec. 3 at State Capitol

West Virginia’s annual Joyful Night celebration is set for Dec. 3.

     Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced that the holiday event at the State Capitol Complex is free and open to the public.

     Activities begin at the North Plaza with music by two high school bands. Tomblin and First Lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin will then light a tree donated by Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Fisher of Charleston, followed by a performance by a children’s chorus.

     Then it’s on to the South Plaza for music by another high school band, a tribute to first responders and military members, and another tree lighting.

     Other performances and events are set in the first floor Rotunda of the Capitol, the Governor’s Reception Room, the Governor’s Mansion and the Culture Center.

Companies Propose Ohio River Hydroelectric Project

Two companies are proposing to build a hydroelectric power plant at the Pike Island Locks and Dam along the Ohio River in Wheeling.

     American Municipal Power and Free Flow Power Project have submitted competing preliminary permit applications for the project, which must be approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The project would generate up to 256,000 megawatt-hours of electricity annually.

     The Intelligencer and Wheeling-News Register reports the commission is accepting public comments on the project.

     The project is being proposed as American Electric Power prepares to close its coal-fired Kammer Plant near Moundsville by the end of next year.

     Columbus, Ohio-based American Municipal Power currently operates the New Martinsville Hydroelectric Plant at the Hannibal Locks and Dam. Free Flow Power Project is based in Boston.