A Beckley man is accused of sexually abusing three children over the years.

A Beckley man is behind bars, accused of sexually abusing three children over several years.State Police say James Anthony Vannatter was arrested last week on multiple charges, including sexual abuse, sexual assault, incest, and showing obscene material to minors.Investigators say the abuse could date back as far as August 2018.One underage victim told troopers Vannatter…

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Court rules in favor of religious vaccine exemptions for West Virginia schoolchildren

Judge blocks schools from enforcing vaccination requirement for exempt families A circuit judge in Raleigh County has ruled that public schools across West Virginia cannot deny enrollment to students whose families have submitted religious vaccination exemptions to the state health department. What happened On November 26, 2025, Circuit Judge Michael Froble issued a final order…

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Fayette County Schools’ Denece Dial Named 2025 West Virginia School HR Official of the Year

FAYETTE COUNTY – The West Virginia Association of School Human Resource Officials (WVASHRO) has selected Denece Dial as the 2025 Gregory Bailey West Virginia School Human Resource Official of the Year. The award, created by the Bowles Rice law firm in memory of education law attorney Greg Bailey, honors a school HR professional who demonstrates excellence…

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Skate Central Coming to Beckley in 2026

Beckley is set to get a major boost in family entertainment with the announcement of Skate Central, a new state-of-the-art indoor entertainment facility planned to open in August 2026. What to Expect Skate Central will feature: Roller skating rink Multi-level laser tag arena Full-service onsite restaurant Birthday party rooms Space for private events and school…

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Amazon hiring for new distribution center near Beaver

Amazon is now recruiting workers for its new distribution center located near Beaver. The company says the facility includes updated safety technology, new equipment, and a convenient location for area residents. Amazon also highlights several employee benefits, including competitive pay, flexible scheduling, comprehensive benefits, and what it describes as a welcoming workplace culture. The current…

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Applications to Open Soon for Mercer County Opioid Response Funding

The Mercer County Commission will soon open applications for local organizations working to combat the county’s opioid crisis. The funding—totaling $300,000—comes from several statewide opioid lawsuit settlements and must be used for projects that create long-term community benefits. Michelle Stewart, Executive Director of the Mercer County Day Report Center, said the settlement money cannot be…

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A Raleigh County lawmaker has earned statewide recognition for his support of parks and recreation.

Delegate Carl “Bill” Roop has been honored with the West Virginia Recreation and Parks Association’s Legislative Award. The annual award highlights state legislators who demonstrate strong, consistent support for parks and recreation initiatives across West Virginia. Roop, who has served just over a year in the House of Delegates, said the recognition reflects the momentum…

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The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office registered 1,576 new businesses statewide in October,

The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office registered 1,576 new businesses statewide in October, according to Secretary of State Kris Warner. Kanawha, Berkeley, Monongalia, Jefferson, and Raleigh counties led the state in new business registrations for the month. Top Five Counties in Total New Businesses Registered (October): Kanawha County – 138 Berkeley County – 123…

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AAA: More Than 373,000 West Virginians Expected to Travel for Thanksgiving Holiday

AAA is projecting a busy Thanksgiving travel period in West Virginia, with an estimated 373,466 residents expected to travel 50 miles or more between Tuesday, November 25 and Monday, December 1 — a 1.7% increase over last year. They’ll join nearly 82 million Americans traveling nationwide. “Americans continue to make travel a priority, with Thanksgiving…

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Beckley Medicaid Members Now Eligible for Free Diabetic Eye Exams and A1C Tests Through New Partnership

Medicaid members in Beckley now have access to free diabetic eye exams and A1C blood tests thanks to a new partnership between Retina Labs and Wellpoint West Virginia. The initiative brings preventive screenings directly to residents through in-home appointments and community health events, helping remove transportation, scheduling, and mobility barriers that often prevent people from…

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Beckley City Council approves “Say No to Panhandling” signs, moves to restrict unsafe intersections

Beckley City Council voted unanimously Tuesday night to install “Say No to Panhandling” signs at city intersections and to ban panhandling at locations considered unsafe. City Manager Phillip Jarrell presented one of the new signs during the meeting, which received applause from council members. The signs will read:“Say No to Panhandling – Contribute to the…

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Wyoming County drug investigation results in multiple arrests

The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department says several people are facing felony drug charges following a multi-agency investigation. According to a media release, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office—working with multiple law enforcement agencies—executed two search warrants related to felony drug offenses in the Oceana and Lynco areas of the county. The…

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Police: Suspicious Halloween Item in Beckley Traced to Local Medical Facility

BECKLEY, W.V. — The Beckley Police Department says the origin of a prescription fentanyl vial reportedly found in a child’s trick-or-treat basket on Halloween has been traced to a local medical facility. According to a press release, the facility is cooperating with investigators, and the incident remains under active investigation. Police said the name of the…

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Former Oak Hill Middle School principal charged in major financial investigation

OAK HILL, W.Va. (WJLS News) — A former Oak Hill Middle School principal is facing multiple felony charges following an extensive investigation into missing funds and falsified financial records. According to a criminal complaint filed in Fayette County, former principal Chad Quesenberry is accused of falsifying school account records, misusing a government-issued credit card, and…

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The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine has been honored as one of the top 10% of attractions worldwide, according to TripAdvisor.

🌍 A Global StandoutLocated in Beckley’s New River Park, the Exhibition Coal Mine and its neighboring attractions — the Rahall Company Store, Mine Museum, and the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia — welcome thousands of visitors each year. ⛏️ Authentic Underground ExperienceVisitors can board a track-riding coal car and venture through the dark tunnels…

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Bluefield man arrested after allegedly firing shots at vehicle carrying minors near Mercer Mall

A 25-year-old Bluefield man has been arrested after allegedly firing multiple shots at a vehicle carrying five minors near Mercer Mall on Thursday, October 16, according to Mercer County authorities. The Mercer County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched around 3:38 p.m. to 360 Napa Lane after reports of a shooting near the intersection of…

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Criminal Charges Dismissed Against Former Raleigh County Prosecutor

Criminal charges against former Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Hatfield have been dismissed in multiple counties. In Raleigh County, Hatfield faced three separate charges: Violation of a protective order (dismissed September 15, 2025, by Magistrate Greg Tanner) Violation of a domestic violence protective order (dismissed September 12, 2025, by Magistrate Matthew Epling) Intimidation and retaliation…

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Gov. Patrick Morrisey appoints Raleigh County attorney Donnie Lee Adkins II to West Virginia Parole Board

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Governor Patrick Morrisey has appointed Donnie Lee Adkins II, a Raleigh County attorney, to the West Virginia Parole Board, citing his extensive background in criminal defense and public service. Adkins, a Beckley native and owner of The Aspen Law Office in Raleigh County, brings years of legal experience to the position. A…

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Big 12, WVU Announce 2025–26 Men’s Basketball TV Schedule and Ticket Packages

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The Big 12 Conference and the West Virginia University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics have announced game times and television designations for the 2025–26 men’s basketball season. West Virginia games will air across multiple national platforms, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, CBS, FOX, CBS Sports Network, FS1, ESPN+ and Peacock. Fans will once again…

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Governor Morrisey Seeks to Extend Agreement to Keep National Parks Open During Shutdown

 Governor Patrick Morrisey announced Tuesday that his administration will file to extend a donor agreement with the National Park Service (NPS) to ensure West Virginia’s national park sites remain open during the ongoing federal government shutdown. West Virginia was among the first states to enter such an agreement, which was initially valid for 14 days…

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Raleigh County couple charged after children left alone for more than 12 hours in apartment with drugs, weapons

SOPHIA— A Raleigh County couple has been charged after police said they left their three young children unsupervised for more than 12 hours in an apartment where drugs and weapons were present. According to a criminal complaint, Kenneth Neal Conley, 46, and Tamara Ann Conley, 44, are each charged with child neglect creating a substantial…

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WVJC School of Nursing Awarded 2025 Career Education Review Award

BECKLEY— West Virginia Junior College’s School of Nursing has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 CECU Innovation in Employer Collaboration Award, one of only three schools nationwide to earn this distinction. The award, presented by the Career Education Colleges and Universities (CECU), recognizes institutions that demonstrate excellence in education, innovation, and partnerships with…

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Judge Delays Ruling in High-Profile Case Over Religious Exemptions to West Virginia School Vaccine Laws

BECKLEY— A four-day hearing over whether West Virginia families can claim religious exemptions to school vaccination requirements has ended without an immediate decision. After two days of testimony in September and two more this week, Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble told attorneys Thursday that he needs more time to deliberate before issuing a ruling.…

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The WVDOH plans to spend about 13 and a half million dollars to repair the William C. Brown Bridge off I-64 near Beckley.

The bridge, which carries Route 29 over Piney Creek, stretches nearly 2,000 feet and handles around 10,000 vehicles a day. Catts Construction was awarded the contract for the project, which includes a new concrete deck overlay, new expansion joints, repairs to the north abutment, and a fresh coat of paint. Highway officials say the bridge…

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PLUM ORCHARD LAKE IMPROVEMENTS

After years of complaints about deteriorating conditions, major improvements are now underway at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources recently updated local lawmakers, outlining several upgrades completed between 2024 and 2025. A new Wildlife Resource Specialist was hired last fall, and maintenance crews have been busy with groundskeeping,…

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Two men face charges after a late-night traffic stop in Brier Creek turned into a drug bust.

The Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department says Corporal Matthew Perry pulled over a white SUV just before midnight Saturday after noticing it driving suspiciously slow. When the driver tried to flee by turning off the headlights, deputies eventually stopped the vehicle and identified the driver as Daniel Powell. A search turned up Suboxone strips, methamphetamine, fentanyl,…

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