Delaney Wells, Author at West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Monongahela National Forest Prohibits Fireworks

If you are planning to celebrate July 4th at Monongahela National Forest, reconsider what you are packing. Possessing, igniting, discharging or using any kind of fireworks is prohibited on National Forest System Lands.

The Fourth of July is coming up and a great place to spend it is in Monongahela National Forest. While packing for the weekend, remember to leave your fireworks at home. While they are perfect for the holiday, possessing, igniting, discharging, or using fireworks of any kind is prohibited on national forest system lands.

“We encourage forest visitors to enjoy public fireworks displays in one of the communities in and around Monongahela National Forest.” said Aaron Kendall, fire management officer for Monongahela National Forest.

Setting off fireworks is illegal, but also hazardous and can cause injury or may start wildfires.

Law enforcement in the national park will be watching closely this Fourth of July. Fireworks will be confiscated, and users can be fined up to $5,000 or serve up to six months in prison.

Report any fire-related incidents to the Mid-Atlantic Coordination Center 24-hour dispatch at (717) 980-3230.

DHHR Accepting Applications For Emergency LIEAP

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources is accepting applications for the Emergency Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) June 26 – 30.

The LIEAP program assists eligible residents in paying home energy bills. Under the emergency program, a household whose source is gas or electricity must have their shut-off notice when they apply for emergency LIEAP. Residents who are using primary energy sources or bulk fuel could meet the requirements if their energy fuel is at a low level at the time they apply.

Households that received a direct payment of regular LIEAP benefits must show it was used for home energy by submitting a receipt with their application. If a resident fails to submit a verified payment, their application may be denied.

Eligibility for this program is based on income, household size, and if it is responsible for paying the home energy bill.

Families must meet all the guidelines to qualify. Residents must go to their local DHHR office to apply.

Visit the DHHR website for a list of local offices.

DHHR Names New Medical Director For OEMS

State Health Officer and Commissioner of the West Virginia DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health, Dr. Matt Christiansen, announced Martin will replace interim director, Dr. Beth Toppins who served since April 2023.

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) named Dr. PS Martin as the new medical director for the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS).

State Health Officer and Commissioner of the West Virginia DHHR’s Bureau for Public Health Dr. Matt Christiansen, announced Martin will replace interim director Dr. Beth Toppins who served since April 2023.

“Dr. Martin brings a wealth of knowledge to this critical position with hands-on experience as a physician in emergency departments and as the medical director for multiple EMS agencies,” Christiansen said. “His unique and specialized background in the field of emergency medical services will be an asset to West Virginia, and will continue the work of Dr. Toppins. We are grateful for her service during a period of transition.”

Martin is an associate professor of emergency medicine at WVU’s School of Medicine and an emergency room physician at West Virginia University’s Ruby Memorial Hospital.

“I am honored to lead this office, which does incredible work to support West Virginia’s EMS systems and residents,” said Martin. “I look forward to working with OEMS staff and partners to optimize the quality of emergency care across the state and improve the job satisfaction of our dedicated EMS providers.”

Dr. PS Martin

*Credit: West Virginia University*

Martin earned his bachelor’s degree and doctor of medicine from West Virginia University.

Martin will replace Toppins on June 23, 2023.