This week, ballads tell stories about all kinds of real-life events, but after Hurricane Helene, one group of ballad singers felt some topics were still too raw. Also, the author of a new book on ancient Ohio credits a former grad student with introducing him to the region’s mysterious earthworks. And, the legacy of Affrilachian poet Norman Jordan includes a summer camp for teens to study their heritage.
Green Lights, Stiff Fines, Pothole Repairs: Coming To Roads In W.Va.
Drivers who speed, text or drive dangerously through work zones now face significantly increased penalties.
Randy Yohe/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
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Potholes across West Virginia are on track for repair in the next month, according to Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
“Since January of this year, we’ve already patched more than 18,000 miles of potholes,” Morrisey said at a press event Tuesday afternoon. “We’re doing our best to get every pothole paved by the end of May. And I want to ask people, if you have potholes in your area, you please call.”
The state is also stepping up safety efforts for workers.
Drivers who are distracted or speeding through work zones in West Virginia face significantly higher penalties.
Photo Credit: Mirror-images/Adobe Stock
The penalties for speeding or distracted driving in work zones have jumped. They’re now up to $1,000 for serious violations, thanks to House Bill 4538.
“The bill is also going to increase some penalties for behaviors like texting while driving or ignoring a flagman. When drivers ignore these warnings, they’re putting lives at risk, and if you’re going to make that choice, there’ll be consequences and accountability,” Morrisey said.
Another change that may be seen by year’s end: green flashing lights on Division of Highways vehicles to improve visibility during inclement weather. They were approved under Senate Bill 692.
Morrisey ceremonially signed both pieces of legislation at the event.
Roadway issues can be reported through the Division of Highways by calling 1-833-WV-ROADS.
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Throughout the Southern United States, you’ll often find three-pronged leaves with hairy vines swallowing entire sections of forests. It can be a beautiful sight at first glance. But the invasive plant causes persistent ecological problems in the region. We look at the efforts to tackle the ‘vine that ate the south.’
President Donald Trump is again seeking to boost the struggling U.S. coal industry, announcing a plan Thursday to spend nearly $700 million to support coal-fired power plants and coal exports nationwide. It was not immediately clear exactly how much in total will be spent in West Virginia.
