News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

WV House approves legislation requiring cities to hold elections on same day as state’s

Published

1 week ago

April 7, 2025

westvirginiawatch.com – Lori Kersey – 2025-04-07 13:24:00

by Lori Kersey, West Virginia Watch
April 7, 2025

The West Virginia House of Delegates has signed off on legislation that would require municipalities to hold their elections on the same day as state elections. Delegates passed Senate Bill 50 Monday with a vote of 96 to 2.

Supporters of the bill say requiring municipalities to have their elections along with state elections will save cities and towns money and encourage voter turnout. According to the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office, 113 municipalities across the state will have their elections in 2025, which is not a year for state elections.

Morgantown’s election, for instance, is scheduled for April 29. Bridgeport’s election will be June 10.

Under the version of the bill passed by the House, cities and towns have until 2028 to hold their elections on the same day as state elections. Delegates approved the change in a floor amendment offered by Del. Geno Chiarelli, R-Monongalia, on Friday.

The Senate passed the bill unanimously on March 3. In the Senate’s version of the bill, the deadline was 2032. Those who advocated for a later deadline have said that some municipalities established their election dates in their charter, and that changing the charters may require an election. Others argued that state law would supersede municipal law and allow cities and towns to change the dates sooner.

The Secretary of State’s Office also supported a later deadline, saying in a statement that it would allow more time for municipalities to conduct local redistricting for any conflicts with geographic, precinct and political districts. Redistricting is especially an issue for smaller municipalities, a spokesman for the office said.

Del. Larry Kump, R-Berkeley, spoke in support of the bill Monday, saying that in his district, Hedgesville and Martinsburg have low voter turnout because of “weird” election days.

“By mandating that all West Virginia elections are held on normal election dates, Senate Bill 50 will eliminate the taxpayer burden of holding these special elections, but importantly, will also increase voter awareness and election turnout,” Kump said.

He relayed a story about moving to West Virginia years ago and asking about cities’ having “weird” election days. He said he was told that the off-year elections entrench government officials by ensuring that their friends come out to vote for them but others stay home, unaware of the election.

The bill will now go back to the Senate to consider the change the House made to the bill.

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West Virginia Watch is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. West Virginia Watch maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Leann Ray for questions: info@westvirginiawatch.com.

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Heart disease survivor spends 15th birthday raising money for American Heart Association

Published

17 hours ago

April 14, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WCHS Eyewitness News – 2025-04-14 15:00:11

SUMMARY: Jacob Baker, a 15-year-old heart disease survivor, celebrated his birthday by raising funds for the American Heart Association. Born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, Jacob defied early predictions, undergoing three open-heart surgeries and airway reconstruction. Now advocating for heart disease research, Jacob also faces bilateral vocal cord paralysis and autism. His goal is to raise awareness and funds for lifesaving research, hoping to find a cure for conditions like his. His story inspires others, and he continues to attend follow-up appointments, fighting for a future with more treatment options. Jacob’s legacy is one of perseverance and advocacy.

Jacob Baker was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, something that only happens to 1-in-100 babies. His mom said doctors didn’t think he would make it past the age of five.

After three open-heart surgeries and a complete airway reconstruction, Jacob just celebrated his 15th birthday and advocates for those with heart disease.

FULL STORY: https://wchstv.com/news/local/heart-disease-survivor-spends-15th-birthday-raising-money-for-american-heart-association
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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

Financial Literacy Month

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WSAZ NewsChannel 3 – 2025-04-11 15:18:07

SUMMARY: During Financial Literacy Month, Intuit is hosting its second annual Hour of Finance Challenge, aimed at teaching middle and high school students real-world money lessons. The initiative provides free financial education tools, including a curriculum and an online game, Intuit Prosperity Quest, where students learn budgeting and personal finance concepts. The challenge encourages schools nationwide to participate and compete for Chromebooks and recognition as state or national champions. Both educators and students are benefiting from the engaging, game-based approach, fostering financial literacy in a fun and impactful way. Parents and educators can learn more at Intuit.com.

April is Financial Literacy Month.

For more Local News from WSAZ: https://www.wsaz.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrcuU0JXXy8oIBqEB13mrwA

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News from the South - West Virginia News Feed

South Charleston police raise money to gift adaptive bike to 13-year-old after theft

Published

4 days ago

April 11, 2025

Staff Editor

www.youtube.com – WCHS Eyewitness News – 2025-04-11 15:00:50

SUMMARY: South Charleston police raised funds to replace a 13-year-old girl’s stolen adaptive bike. Miracle Rush, who has undergone numerous surgeries and faces health challenges, was devastated when her $10,000 adaptive tricycle was stolen in February and crushed in a garbage truck. After reporting the theft, Corporal Thomas Christristen spearheaded a community fundraiser. With contributions from the police department, local businesses, and individuals, including a generous discount from the bike company, they were able to buy a replacement. The community’s support has been overwhelming for Miracle and her mother, who had planned to focus on purchasing a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.