Zombie drug ‘tranq’ hits streets of West Virginia

February 25, 2023

BY CARRIE HODOUSEK CHARLESTON — U.S. Attorney Bill Ihlenfeld says he fears a powerful drug that’s turning fentanyl addicts into “zombies” will lead to more overdose deaths in West Virginia. Xylazine, known as “tranq” or “zombie drug,” is an animal tranquilizer that is often mixed with fentanyl. The drug leads to skin-rotting symptoms, including leg wounds, swollen hands and even missing limbs. “Amputation is necessary in some cases in order to stop the spread of whatever is going through these individuals’ bodies,” Ihlenfeld said on Friday’s MetroNews ...

House aides-to-teachers bill and PFAS protection bill head to Senate, but with some GOP dissent

February 24, 2023

MORGANTOWN — It's been clear this session that the House Republican supermajority doesn't walk in lockstep, and that was evidenced in two bills passed on Friday and sent to the Senate — one addressing the teacher shortage and one tackling “forever chemicals” in water supplies. HB ...

MPD investigating Walnut Street stabbing

February 24, 2023

The Morgantown Police Department is investigating a reported stabbing that took place shortly after 8 p.m. Thursday on Walnut Street, near the Spruce Street intersection in downtown Morgantown. The Public Safety Building, which houses the Morgantown Police Department, is at the corner of ...

Star City PD hiring full- and part-time officer positions

February 23, 2023

The Star City Police Department is looking to add to its ranks and is accepting applications for full- and part-time probationary police officer positions. Police Chief Jessica Colebank said the department is looking for “someone that is willing to help people in need and run towards ...

Litigation continues in Dalton civil service hearing

February 23, 2023

Day two of the civil service hearing for fired Westover Police officer Aaron Dalton concluded Wednesday after Westover Civil Service Commissioners Justin White, Jessica Thompson and Robert Berryman heard over seven hours of testimony from six witnesses. In continuation from Monday’s ...

Burglary suspect gets additional charges for threatening police

February 21, 2023

A New Jersey man arrested early Sunday for an alleged burglary is facing additional charges for threatening the lives of arresting officers during processing. At approximately 12:30 a.m. Sunday, Morgantown Police were dispatched to a reported burglary in progress on Naomi Street. The ...