Tag: The Huntington Herald-Dispatch

W.Va. County Extends Mask Mandate Through School Year

Students and staff in a county in southwestern West Virginia will likely be wearing masks in the classroom until the end of the school year.

The Cabell County Board of Education voted earlier this week to expand its universal indoor mask mandate through June 7, the date of the first board meeting after students have finished school for the year, the Herald-Dispatch reports.

“The measures that we put into place have been effective in making sure our schools are not superspreaders,” Superintendent Ryan Saxe said, according to the newspaper.

The policy is subject to change, based on the changing public health situation, officials said.

As of last month, around two-thirds of West Virginia county school districts required masks in schools — 35 out of 55, according to the state Department of Education. Most others had policies that trigger a mask requirement if cases in the state or school community reach a certain threshold.

Lawmakers Ask for Harsher Drug Laws After Crash Near Park

West Virginia lawmakers are calling for harsher drug laws following a possible overdose-related car crash that stopped feet away from a playground.

Sen. Mike Woelfel, D-Cabell, tells The Huntington Herald-Dispatch that he wants to create a “punishment that fits the crime.”

The executive director of Greater Huntington Park and Recreation District, Kevin Brady, says he’s working with a law firm to draft a bill extending crime penalty enhancements for schools and parks. And the newspaper reports that Cabell County legislators already are on board.

Thirty-four-year-old Tabitha Wyrick’s car smashed into a light pole near a park earlier this month. She was treated with an overdose-fighting drug and charged with driving under the influence. 33-year-old Bradley Stephen Wyrick also was treated and charged with possession of a controlled substance.

West Virginia Jail to Launch Addiction Recovery Program

A West Virginia jail is set to launch a new pilot program aimed at helping inmates overcome drug addiction.

The Huntington Herald-Dispatch reports the program was announced Wednesday by the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety secretary, Jeff Sandy. The Western Regional Jail’s pilot program will serve 32 men and 32 women in Cabell, Wayne and Putnam counties.

The regional jail system currently doesn’t offer addiction treatment services. Sandy says the new $440,000 program will be paid for by the state and administered by Prestera Center. It will continue existing treatment plans and help eliminate maintenance drug abuse. It also will assist released participants with making appointments to continue treatment.

The director of Correctional Substance Abuse Control, Jack Luikart, says the program will start by January 2019.

Huntington Mayor Drops Bid for US House Seat

Huntington Mayor Steve Williams says he’s ending his run for the U.S. House in West Virginia’s 3rd District.

Williams tells the Huntington Herald-Dispatch there are problems in the city that need his attention, including a drug epidemic and growing violence.

The Democrat is in his second mayoral term.

The House seat is being vacated by two-term Republican Congressman Evan Jenkins, who seeks the U.S. Senate seat held by Democrat Joe Manchin.

Announced Republican candidates include former West Virginia Republican Party Chairman Conrad Lucas; state delegates Marty Gearheart, Rupie Phillips and Carol Miller; former delegate Rick Snuffer; Dr. Ayne Amjad; and Charles “Chad” Shaffer of Kenova.

Announced Democrats include state Sen. Richard Ojeda, Delegate Shirley Love and Paul Davis, CEO of the Tri-State Transit Authority; and Edwin Ray Vanover of Bluefield.

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