Two congressional Democrats want the U.S. Labor Department to investigate how West Virginia law firm Jackson Kelly has handled black lung benefits cases for its coal industry clients.
Reps. George Miller of California and Joe Courtney of Connecticut cite an investigation of the federal program by the Center for Public Integrity and ABC.
Miller is ranking Democrat on the House committee that oversees the program.
The reports say Jackson Kelly withheld medical records that could have helped miners prove they have the disease.
Jackson Kelly has represented coal companies since the mid-1800s.
The company declined comment to the Charleston Daily Mail but says in court documents it has no duty to turn over certain information.
Jackson Kelly says its obligation is to prepare the best case for its clients.
Author: Associated Press
Plane change expected to cut W.Va. Guard jobs
An aircraft change at the West Virginia National Guard 167th Airlift Wing’s base is expected to eliminate more than 80 full-time airmen jobs.
The Martinsburg base’s C-5A cargo aircraft will be replaced with smaller C-17s beginning in October 2014.
The unit’s wing commander, Col. Shaun J. Perkowski, tells The Herald-Mail of Hagerstown, Md., that 86 airmen are expected to be furloughed as a result of the change.
Perkowski says the Guard has reduced the potential number of furloughs by leaving positions unfilled.
He says the C-17 aircraft has greater flexibility, advanced capabilities and lower maintenance needs.
State council backs pseudoephedrine prescriptions
A state task force says West Virginia should require prescriptions for cold medications that contain an ingredient used illegally to make methamphetamine.…
A state task force says West Virginia should require prescriptions for cold medications that contain an ingredient used illegally to make methamphetamine.
The recommendation is one of several approved Wednesday by the Governor’s Advisory Council on Substance Abuse.
The Charleston Gazette says the council also recommended that Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin oppose any legislation that would legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use.
Council member the Rev. James Patterson says there’s evidence that requiring prescriptions for cold medications containing pseudoephedrine reduces the number of meth labs.
House health committee Chairman Don Perdue says the council’s pseudoephedrine recommendation is good news. Perdude plans to introduce such legislation in January.
W.Va. among most improved in energy efficiency
An organization that promotes energy efficiency puts West Virginia among the top five most improved states in this year’s annual scorecard.
The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy released its rankings Wednesday.
Executive Director Steve Nadel says many states are doing more and more each year, and they must constantly improve to retain their rankings.
Joining West Virginia among the most improved are Mississippi, Maine, Kansas and Ohio.
The report says that after years of virtually no activity, West Virginia utilities have begun to roll out some small-scale efficiency programs for its customers.
With residential consumers facing dramatic price increases, the report says energy efficiency is starting to gain traction as a way to lower energy bills.
Lawmakers showed interest in 2011, but proposed legislation failed.
Kanawha family court judge faces battery charge
A Kanawha County Family Court judge is facing a battery charge following an incident at a Charleston hospital.
Charleston police arrested 61-year-old Mark Snyder on Monday night. He’s accused of grabbing a nurse’s arm and trying to drag her down a hallway at Charleston Area Medical General Hospital.
A criminal complaint says the nurse told police that Snyder was upset about the care of a patient he was visiting. The complaint says Snyder refused several requests to leave and was escorted out of the hospital by a security guard.
Snyder was charged with battery on health care providers and emergency medical service personnel.
Snyder did not immediately return a telephone message Tuesday afternoon
Elkins fire victim's organs gave life to three others
The father of one of four children killed in a West Virginia house fire says his daughter’s donated organs are keeping three transplant patients alive, so she continues to bring joy to other families.
Dmitriy Bolgar said during a Monday night vigil in Elkins that 11-year-old Katie Bolgar’s liver went to a 1-year-old girl. Her kidneys went to two other people. All are doing well.
Bolgar is from northern Virginia.
Hundreds paid their respects to Katie Bolgar, 29-year-old Alan Chamberlain and his three children, 4-year-old Isabella Chamberlain and 2-year-old twins Brianna and Alanna Chamberlain. They died in the Oct. 28 fire in Elkins.
The children’s mother and uncle – 34-year-old Jennifer Chamberlain and her brother, Jeff Hyde – remain at the West Penn Burn Center in Pittsburgh.