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Cops and Courts

Commission updated on courthouse renovation work

KINGWOOD — The bids to reconstruct the second floor of the Preston County Courthouse will be out by April 15, according to Michael Mills, managing principal of the Mills Group LLC. Mills said his company has worked with both the West Virginia Supreme Court and Circuit Judge Stephen Shaffer to come up with a plan for the second floor. The changes being made are to make room for an office and courtroom for a second circuit judge, who will take office January 2025. “Cost is a big thing,” Mills told Preston County commissioners. “We need to be mindful of spending. This is an ...

House jails committee approves bill creating ombudsman to investigate jail complaints

CHARLESTON — The House of Delegates is advancing a bill that would create an ombudsman program in the state’s Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation. According to HB 5358, the ombudsman would work in the Office of the Inspector General in DCR and review complaints against a state agency or correctional facility. The staff attorney for the House Jails and Prison Committee told committee meetings Thursday the agency currently has an assistant commissioner that reviews grievances. The bill would create a further review option. “This would be an independent person that ...

Justice asks for less focus on debts during campaign

CHARLESTON — With an auction of the Greenbrier Sporting Club announced to satisfy a portion of $300 million debt to his longtime lender, Gov. Jim Justice says his family businesses will make some moves in response. Justice alleged that the family’s longtime banker, Carter Bank, has been engaging in unfair business practices — although the governor said he was bound by a confidentiality agreement to not further describe supporting details. The Justices already have an active federal lawsuit against Carter Bank, and he suggested there will be another action. “I don’t ...

Hazelton workers enraged by lack of response to assaults

Staff members at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton are infuriated, claiming administration is taking no measures to respond to several assaults, two against prison staff, that occurred inside the facility Wednesday and Thursday.  Justin Tarovisky, American Federation of ...

Driver charged with DUI after allegedly hitting suspected panhandler

The driver accused of hitting a suspected panhandler on Monday afternoon at the Venture Drive/Cheat Road intersection has been charged with driving under the influence causing bodily injury.  Monongalia County sheriff’s deputies were called to the Pierpont Centre intersection ...