AGP Executive Report

Rural Health: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced nearly $2.2 million for community health centers to improve care coordination and expand access in rural areas. Gas Prices: West Virginia House Democrats renewed calls to suspend the state fuel tax as prices top $4 a gallon; the tax helps fund roads. Public Assistance: The state will continue drug screening for TANF applicants, though fewer than 1% of all applicants tested positive in 2025. Water Costs: A new analysis puts West Virginia’s average annual water bill at $1,383, the highest among states. Clean Water: A $7.9 million project to extend water lines to more than 80 Leatherwood-area households is moving forward after decades of waiting. Health: West Virginia is one of two states where adult obesity rates fell significantly from 2024 to 2025, a new report finds. Elections: Tuesday was the final day to register or update voter information for November’s general election.

Charleston’s Future: The Charleston Town Center is set to close in spring or early summer 2027, its owner says, citing a lack of tenants. The property has no investors, offers or developers lined up. Election Deadline: West Virginians have until midnight today, Oct. 13, to register to vote. Early voting runs Oct. 21–31; Election Day is Nov. 3. Public Safety: State lawmakers are debating tighter fireworks rules, including limits on professional-grade explosives. Separately, four delegates want Flock Safety representatives to answer questions in person about license-plate camera data and false alerts. Health: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Morgan, Tucker and Preston counties Nov. 3–6, bringing low-dose scans to rural communities. Coal Country: A miner’s death at a Kanawha County site follows two earlier fatalities, while the federal government has paused new coal-mine dust rules amid rising black lung cases. Child Welfare: West Virginia is marking Foster Youth Voice Month as the state reports the nation’s highest rate of children in foster care.

Charleston’s Future: Charleston Town Center is expected to close in spring or summer 2027 as owner Hull Property Group cites a lack of tenants. The company says it has no investors or developers lined up, and the city is no longer discussing taking the mall as a donation. McDowell Education: Four new STEM centers have opened in county schools, giving students hands-on opportunities in science, technology, engineering and math. The centers are the first in West Virginia from the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, in partnership with TC Energy. Coal Safety: A miner died in an incident at Kanawha County’s American Eagle Mine, the latest fatality reported at a state coal mine. WVU Football: Arizona routed West Virginia 52-31 in Morgantown, leaving the Mountaineers 0-3 in Big 12 play and raising fresh concerns about the defense.

Public Safety: A Clarksburg man with a long criminal record was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and a related drug. Infrastructure: Neighbors say a deteriorating iron bridge on Russett Road near Grantsville is dangerous; its three-ton limit forces school buses and emergency crews to take longer routes. Disaster Aid: Federal flood assistance is available to Kanawha County residents as West Virginia receives mixed decisions on disaster aid. Charleston Leadership: Police Chief Scott Dempsey plans to retire Oct. 22, with Deputy Chief Jason Webb named as his successor. Preservation: Eight historic West Virginia buildings received $490,000 in preservation grants; meanwhile, Nscale will pay to relocate historic chestnut trees threatened by its Mason County data center project. WVU: The Mountaineers fell 52-31 to Arizona for their third straight loss, while WVU will receive $2.2 million to modernize research equipment. Agriculture: Six people were inducted into the West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame, honoring decades of work in farming, education and forest management.

Disaster Aid: The federal government approved public-works funding for 11 West Virginia counties hit by July flooding and storms, while reaffirming denials for others. The decisions add to existing individual assistance for four counties. WVU Football: Arizona beat West Virginia 52-31 in Morgantown, piling up 482 yards as the Mountaineers suffered a third straight loss and their defense again struggled. Creek Contamination: State records indicate officials knew abandoned mine runoff contributed to orange water in a Mingo County creek before the public was given that explanation. Maternal Support: A new federal program launched at WVU Medicine will provide newborn and postpartum supply kits, with rural communities a priority. Space Ambitions: West Virginia has submitted a bid to host the U.S. Space Academy, part of the state’s push to build on its aerospace legacy.

WVU Football: Arizona routed West Virginia 52-31 in Morgantown, handing the Mountaineers a third straight loss and leaving them 0-3 in Big 12 play. WVU gained 522 yards, but defensive breakdowns and two fumbles proved costly. Weather: Post-tropical Storm Isaias is bringing rain and gusty winds into West Virginia, with flooding and downed trees possible; forecasters expect conditions to improve Monday. Historic Trees: State officials plan to relocate chestnut and chinquapin trees at the former Clements nursery in Mason County, now owned by AI infrastructure company Nscale, to preserve their genetic line. Maternal Support: West Virginia is the first state in a new phase of the federal NEST program, with about 2,000 newborn supply kits planned for families, distributed through health providers. Campus Safety: WVU suspended Lambda Chi Alpha amid hazing allegations. Community Investment: Berkeley County accepted a $1.5 million federal grant for Inwood Park, helping fund an amphitheater, inclusive playground and other amenities.

WVU Sports: Seven Mountaineer greats, including former basketball coach John Beilein, entered the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in its 36th induction class. Mine Safety: A veteran coal miner died in an accident at the American Eagle Mine in Kanawha County; Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement on the fatality. Storm Aid: FEMA extended assistance deadlines for some West Virginia flood victims, while more residents were approved for federal help after summer storms. Data Center Debate: A proposed 2,250-acre AI campus in West Virginia could put a rare grove of 200 blight-resistant American chestnut trees at risk. Privacy Concerns: West Virginia lawmakers pressed Flock Safety over information requests, as reporting raised concerns about the reach of license-plate camera networks and access to nationwide vehicle records. Jobs: About 200 workers at Harrison County-based ECM Energy Services could face layoffs after the company lost an Antero contract. WVU Football: West Virginia hosted Arizona in Morgantown on Saturday, with the Mountaineers looking for their first Big 12 win of the season.

Mine Safety and Jobs: A veteran coal miner was killed at American Eagle Mine in Kanawha County. Separately, about 200 ECM Energy Services workers could face layoffs after Antero ended its contract. Storm Recovery: FEMA approved public-infrastructure aid for 11 counties hit by July flooding and extended some assistance deadlines. Isaias remnants could bring heavy rain and gusty winds this weekend. Privacy and Oversight: West Virginia lawmakers are pressing Flock Safety for answers about its license-plate reader system and data practices, warning they may use subpoena powers. Water Reliability: Boone County commissioners want Public Service Commission scrutiny after 14 water-main breaks in the Ashford area over six months, despite replacement work. At WVU: The Mountaineers host Arizona this morning as Rich Rodriguez faces his former team and WVU tries to snap a two-game home skid.

Mining Safety: Travis Price, a 24-year veteran coal miner, died Thursday at the American Eagle Mine in Kanawha County. State mine safety officials are investigating. Jobs: ECM Energy Services says up to 200 West Virginia workers could lose their jobs by Oct. 18 after the company lost its traffic-management contract with Antero Resources. Education: West Virginia State University received a $26.5 million federal grant for a new agricultural complex; four McDowell County schools are also getting new STEM centers. Local Projects: Berkeley County accepted a $1.5 million grant for Inwood Park, including an amphitheater and inclusive playground. Privacy and Disaster Aid: State lawmakers are pressing Flock Safety for answers about license-plate cameras linked to a nationwide vehicle-record network. Federal disaster assistance is also being extended to additional West Virginia counties. Sports: No. 16 WVU women’s soccer beat No. 20 BYU, 2-0, in Morgantown.

Space Force Bid: West Virginia has submitted its application to host the U.S. Space Academy, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey pitching the effort despite long odds. McDowell County hopes to be part of the bid, citing its ties to NASA and the Rocket Boys. Surveillance Questions: State lawmakers gave Flock Safety a Friday deadline to answer questions about its license-plate cameras. Reporting has raised concerns about how small-town cameras feed into a nationwide network. Power Bills: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito is among the negotiators of a bipartisan bill that would require AI data centers to pay for grid upgrades tied to their energy use, rather than shifting those costs to households and businesses. Federal Aid and Investment: Morrisey announced additional disaster assistance for Pleasants County after flooding, while West Virginia State University is set to receive a $26.5 million federal grant for a new agricultural complex. Around the State: More than $19 million is earmarked for repairs and upgrades at state parks and forests, and the renovated Anthony Correctional Center and Jail has reopened after a $35 million project. On the Field: WVU hosts Arizona as the Mountaineers look to build on a strong rushing attack; Marshall welcomes Coastal Carolina in Huntington.

Disaster Relief: FEMA approved individual assistance for residents in Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties after August flooding; Pleasants County also received federal help for public cleanup and infrastructure repairs. Higher Education: West Virginia State University won a $26.5 million USDA grant for its planned agriculture complex, on top of a previously announced $50 million state investment. Space Bid: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will apply to host the proposed U.S. Space Force Academy, touting the state’s aerospace history and Fairmont’s technology sector. Utilities: The Public Service Commission is urging federal regulators to preserve traditional landline service as Verizon seeks to phase out copper lines. A separate study ranks West Virginia among states with the highest water bills. Jobs and Opportunity: A Boone County mine closure is set to eliminate 71 jobs. Meanwhile, a state grant program offers students free community college, though its impact on the workforce remains unclear. Health Care: The state appeals court dismissed CAMC’s challenge over Thomas Memorial’s Hurricane facility, leaving the agency’s finding intact without deciding whether the services required approval. Mountaineer Football: WVU hosts Arizona after a 45-42 loss to Iowa State, with coach Rich Rodriguez pointing to roster turnover as the team works to fix its struggling defense.

Disaster Recovery: FEMA assistance is available to West Virginians affected by Aug. 14–18 flooding in Fayette, Harrison and Kanawha counties. Space Ambitions: West Virginia has submitted a bid to host a U.S. Space Academy, Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced. Energy Policy: Attorney General JB McCuskey joined 26 states backing a FERC proposal to speed some natural-gas pipeline work; he says it could protect jobs and help consumers access affordable energy. Campus Safety: Anonymous hazing reports at two WVU fraternities have renewed scrutiny of campus crime disclosures required under federal law. Child Care: A Wheeling business owner says she lost state child-care assistance after being told she could not operate an LLC and receive the subsidy, raising concerns about rules affecting working parents and small businesses. Coal Jobs: A Boone County mine closure is set to eliminate 71 jobs. WVU Football: The Mountaineers host Arizona after two straight losses; the Wildcats will be without their top three wide receivers and starting tight end.

Schools and Funding: Rural school closures are raising fresh questions about West Virginia’s unresolved funding formula. In Roane County, declining enrollment and a budget deficit led to the closure of Geary and Walton schools, with students reassigned. Water Affordability: A new report finds West Virginia among the states where water bills have risen about twice as fast as incomes. Low-income households in the state spend an average of 11% of their income on water. Coal Jobs and Health: A Boone County mine closure is expected to eliminate 71 jobs. Meanwhile, West Virginia miners and advocates have pressed Congress for stronger black-lung benefits and protections against silica dust. Community Updates: West Virginia American Water is replacing aging pipes on Oak Ridge Lane in Fayetteville in a $375,000 project. State tourism officials say fall color is spreading across the mountains and have updated their foliage map.

Rich Rodriguez reunion: West Virginia hosts Arizona in Morgantown Saturday, with Rodriguez returning to face his former program as WVU looks to bounce back after a tough stretch. Road safety push: The state’s GHSP is urging drivers to protect pedestrians during National Pedestrian Safety Month, citing high national injury and fatality rates. Local public safety: A tree crash in Harrison County pinned a vehicle, but no serious injuries were reported; officials coordinated road closures and utility hazards. Courts and schools: West Virginia Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments next month or early next year in the fight over the state’s school-age vaccine law. Health care leadership: WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital names Elkins native Matt Scott director of operations. Security upgrades: Two southern West Virginia hospitals add walk-through security scanners to screen for weapons. Legal notices: WV DOT seeks bids for an Indian Creek Bridge structure replacement; separate public notices cover air permit applications and PSC filings for natural gas supply services. Sports TV: Listings include WVU vs. Arizona on TNT.

Pedestrian Safety Push: West Virginia’s GHSP is teaming with NHTSA for National Pedestrian Safety Month, urging drivers to slow down and watch for people walking—after national data shows pedestrians make up 18% of traffic deaths. Campus Safety: WVU Police issued a campus warning after anonymous hazing reports at Lambda Chi Alpha and Pi Kappa Alpha, with investigators asking anyone targeted to contact UPD. Courts & Schools: The West Virginia Supreme Court will hear arguments in a school vaccine case tied to religious or philosophical exemptions, after a Raleigh County judge blocked enforcement. Public Health Watch: Alpha-gal syndrome cases are rising in West Virginia as lone star ticks spread, with officials citing a sharp jump in confirmed/probable cases this year. State Government: Treasurer Larry Pack returned more than $2,700 in unclaimed property to the City of Beckley. Infrastructure: WVDOT is starting the first major phase of the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge rehab, setting up January 2027 lane closures. Water Costs: A new national report finds water bills are climbing faster than income, with West Virginia among the hardest hit.

Public Safety: A tree crash in Harrison County pinned a vehicle, blocked both lanes, and sent crews from the Reynoldsville Volunteer Fire Department, the Division of Highways, and utilities to clear hazards; no serious injuries reported. Health Access: WVU Medicine’s “Bonnie’s Bus” will bring 3D mammograms and breast-care education to Wetzel, Pocahontas, Harrison, and Marion counties in late October, with options for insured and eligible uninsured women. Fire Safety: West Virginia’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” urging safer charging habits for lithium-ion devices. Courts & Schools: A federal judge dismissed special-ed claims tied to opioid marketing against multiple companies, including Publicis Health and Practice Fusion, in a case involving special education costs. Environment: Pocahontas County Landfill faces 30 alleged permit violations after a WVDEP inspection, including discolored discharge into waterways and issues with coverage, dust control, and chemical readings. Elections & Community: Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election runs Oct. 21-31, with Beckley residents weighing local stakes. Sports: WVU’s basketball season tips off Oct. 15 with “Ballin’ at Woodburn,” and WVU research helped set a plan to raise river otter trapping limits starting 2027-28.