By Anna Sale
Back in February, two labor unions representing state workers held dueling rallies at the state Capitol. Apparently, relations haven’t gotten any better in the four months since. Last week, the director of one union prank called the other union – and then forgot to hang up.
By Keri Brown Like many counties in the Northern Panhandle, Ohio County is struggling to replace manufacturing jobs.. County officials are banking on a booming retail development known as the Highlands to help raise their employment numbers. But potential workers have to get around a major obstacle: there’s no public transportation to the development.
By Scott Finn
For more than 20 years. Franki Patton Rutherford has been trying to convince the young people of McDowell County to further their education. Earlier this year, her daughter became the first woman in the family to complete her college degree.
Now, it’s Rutherford’s turn. The 57-year-old community activist is retiring today from being executive director of Big Creek People in Action. Rutherford will soon be a full-time student at Ferrum College in Virginia.
By Scott Finn
Raleigh County Delegate Ron Thompson resigned last week, citing his continuing struggle with depression. At least one of his colleagues is wondering whether he was treated fairly because he suffered from mental illness.
By Emily Corio
Weather and mechanical problems kept the facility from opening last winter. It has remained unopened more recently because of problems with the air conditioning system. Officials with the state Division of Veterans Affairs hope the nursing home will open this week.
By Keri Brown
On Saturday, voters in Kanawha County will vote whether to allow table games at the county’s racetrack. But in the two counties that have already approved the games, the tracks have learned they’re to have to wait longer than expected to start offering games like black jack, roulette and craps. They have to wait for the West Virginia Lottery Commission to be ready to patrol the new games.
By Beth Vorhees
Beth Vorhees knows very little about the Harry Potter series so she consulted an expert – her 13 year old nephew Jonathan Benjamin. His mother read the first Harry Potter books to him when he was just a toddler. Jonathan has grown up with the boy wizard.
By Jennifer Fulco
Jennifer Fulco has been working as an intern for our show, Aging with Grace and Dignity. She took the opportunity to explore the life of Virginia Stoots. She works full-time as a restaurant manager, but she also has taken care of several members of her extended family – including Jennifer herself.
By Anna Sale
Child Advocacy Centers have sprouted up in 17 counties, with two more counties on the way. They provide therapy for the child and family, conduct interviews for law enforcement, and bring together all the various agencies that respond to child abuse. In Greenbrier County, the Center is already having an impact. There’s been a four-fold increase in the number of felony indictments and guilty pleas for child abuse.
By Scott Finn
According to a new federal report, there were more than 44,000 reports of child abuse in WV in 2005. That’s one report for every nine children.
Of course, some children may be reported multiple times, and half of the time, Child Protective Services didn’t find the reports credible enough to open an investigation. Still, it is by far the highest rate in the nation, more than twice the national average, and a lot higher than the year before.
State officials speculate that several high profile deaths of children may have spurred more people to report child abuse in 2005. Jim McKay, head of Prevent Child Abuse WV talks about the story behind those numbers.
By Emily Corio
WVU researchers want to know how poor oral health and cognitive health are related. Researchers received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the oral and brain health of 250 West Virginians over the age of 70.
By Keri Brown
Getting the Heritage Port on the Ohio River ready for summer events is proving to be quite a challenge for the city of Wheeling. Geese have taken up residence in the area, and they are raising quite a stink.
By Laura Allen
In 2005, we brought you the story of Charleston-area musician Derick Kirk and his battle with cancer. He spoke eloquently about the toll the disease was taking on his life, and why he wanted to keep playing music through it all. Kirk passed away Wednesday at Hospice of Kanawha Valley. He was 28 years old.
By Scott Finn
For almost four decades, Dave Callaghan helped regulate the mining industry in WV. He saw what it was like before the federal government got involved in regulating surface mines.
Most recently, he served as director of the DEP under Gov. Gaston Caperton. Now he is retired, and he is speaking out.
Read story: callaghan0726.pdf
By Ben Tabor, Capitol Hill Bureau
WV Democratic Cong. Nick Rahall is leading a review of the 30-year-old law that regulates controversial coal mining practices.
By Kristin Murdock
A $22 million professional building will replace an old Ames department store in Barboursville. It is expected to bring about 230 new jobs to the area.
By Emily Corio
Jessica Lynch is balancing being a new mom with going to college. Now, she has taken on another role: chairing a new campaign for WVU Children’s Hospital. Lynch was at the Hospital on Wednesday to announce the campaign and its goals: to raise money and collect stuff animals for young patients.
By Scott Finn
On Monday, the Democratic candidates for president met in Charleston, SC, but instead of having reporters ask the questions, anyone could submit a video of their question to YouTube. CNN, the debate’s co-sponsor chose which questions to use. Of the 39 videos chosen, two were from West Virginians. They say that by-passing the traditional media was the only way to get their questions answered.
Read story: youtubetranscript.doc
By Appalachian Media Institute
Callie Lee, Brittany Lamb and Chris Bailey wondered why so many immigrants are choosing to move to eastern KY when high school students leave.
By Beth Vorhees
Kanawha Co. voters decide August 11 if the racetrack near Cross Lanes will be allowed to offer table games. Del. Ron Walters who represents the unincorporated town discusses what residents there think about the issue.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting
West Virginia Public Broadcasting 
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