Roger Adkins

Kanawha County Schools is considering a policy that would allow armed security personnel in elementary and middle schools. Under the proposed policy, which is out for public comment, 12 retired law enforcement officers would be hired and would carry concealed handguns.

Kanawha County Schools is poised to introduce a significant shift in its transportation fleet, with plans to incorporate electric buses alongside its existing diesel vehicles by 2025. Benefiting from state legislation and incentives, the district is set to receive over 20 electric buses manufactured locally by the GreenPower Motor Company. Superintendent Tom Williams lauds the move, highlighting the economic benefits for the community and the environmental advantages of electric buses. While acknowledging the importance of diesel buses for reliability, transportation director Jason Redman emphasizes the district's commitment to efficiency and sustainability.

Kanawha County Schools could receive as many as 28 or 29 battery-powered buses in the coming years, but will continue to buy and maintain diesel buses as well.

As April fades into May, students are longing for the end of the school year. This year is a little different for those attending class at Herbert Hoover High School in Elkview.

Poll workers like Kathy Gallagher have attended poll worker trainings this spring to prepare for the May 2024 primary in Kanawha County. Gallagher has been working as a poll worker for about 12 years.

Gov. Jim Justice has declared a "state of emergency for education" in West Virginia over delays in the rollout of the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid. There have been multiple issues with the new form, causing colleges and universities to push back the traditional May 1 decision day and leaving students with doubts about receiving financial aid. In his declaration, Justice said West Virginia must find a way around federal FAFSA requirements so student can receive state assistance.

West Virginia secured a Maintenance of Effort (MOE) waiver from the U.S. Department of Education, averting the potential loss of $465 million in federal funds. Governor Jim Justice and Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt received notification of the waiver's approval, citing the state's efforts to bolster education funding, particularly for pre-K-12 and higher education. The approval comes after concerns arose over West Virginia's ability to meet MOE requirements tied to Elementary and Secondary Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds under the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Astrophysicist and physics professor Maura McLaughlin from West Virginia University has attained a remarkable feat by being inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the first from WVU to receive such an honor. The NAS is renowned for providing expert counsel on scientific matters in the U.S. McLaughlin's election into the NAS, alongside 120 other new members, highlights her significant contributions to astrophysics, including groundbreaking work on detecting low-frequency gravitational waves and helping to discover fast radio bursts.

Astrophysicist and physics professor Maura McLaughlin from West Virginia University has attained a remarkable feat by being inducted into the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the first from WVU to receive such an honor. The NAS is renowned for providing expert counsel on scientific matters in the U.S. McLaughlin's election into the NAS, alongside 120 other new members, highlights her significant contributions to astrophysics, including groundbreaking work on detecting low-frequency gravitational waves and helping to discover fast radio bursts.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against the West Virginia State Police on behalf of women affected by the hidden camera placed in the locker room at the State Police Academy in Institute.