Fiery escape ramp crash claims life in Raleigh County
sandstone, w.va. – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department released information Tuesday afternoon about a fiery fatal crash that happened on Interstate 64 late Saturday morning.
Deputies said tractor-trailer driver Jeffrey Howard, 62, of Dublin, Ohio, died after his truck caught fire after entering the second eastbound escape ramp on Sandstone Mountain.
Investigators said the truck crashed and caught on fire. Howard was pronounced dead at the scene.
— MetroNews
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Beckley man sentenced for fentanyl crime
beckley, w.va. — Algie Kenya Scales, 50, of Beckley, was sentenced Monday to five years of federal probation for distribution of fentanyl.
According to court records, on Feb. 23, 2023, Scales sold approximately 2.7 grams of fentanyl in Beckley for $300. Scales admitted to the transaction and further admitted to selling approximately 5 grams of fentanyl for $625 on March 2, 2023, and to selling approximately 4.7 grams of fentanyl for $600 on March 8, 2023. Both of the additional transactions occurred at a predetermined location in Beckley.
Scales has a long criminal history that includes two separate prior felony convictions for distribution of a controlled substance.
United States Attorney Will Thompson made the announcement and commended the investigative work of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Beckley/Raleigh County Drug and Violent Crime Unit, which consists of officers from the West Virginia State Police, the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, and the Beckley Police Department.
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WV IJDC announces funding for water projects in W.Va.
The West Virginia Infrastructure and Jobs Development Council announced $21.4 million in funding for sewer and water projects around the state at its meeting on Aug. 7.
Details for local projects include:
• Town of Athens — The council approved a $1.7 million grant to the town of Athens in Mercer County for a water extension to serve 24 homes in Mt. Jackson Heights and along Old Oxley Road. These funds, along with funds from the town, provide $1.8 million for the project.
• Jumping Branch Nimitz PSD — The council approved a $1.5 million grant and a $600,000 loan to the Jumping Branch Nimitz PSD in Summers County for a water service extension in western Summers County to serve 142 homes. These funds, along with funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), DWTRF, the PSD, private contributions and other funding programs, provide $12.5 million for these projects.
• Town of Sophia — The council approved a $1 million grant to the town of Sophia in Raleigh County for improvements to its wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).
These funds, along with funds from the CWSRF, USDA and other funding programs, provide $12.3 million for this project.
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Paws N Pals celebrates one-year anniversary
beckley, w.va. — Paws N Pals Doggy Daycare and Boarding will hold an open house and one-year anniversary celebration from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, at its new location at 611 South Oakwood Avenue in Beckley.
Co-owners Jennifer Camarillo and Corey Lacy will open the event with a ribbon cutting at 12:15 p.m.
Paws N Pals is a two-time winner in the Pitch Southern West Virginia Business Idea Competition held by the West Virginia Hive and West Virginia University Institute of Technology.
“With our growing business, a move became a must,” Camarillo said. “We outgrew our current space and needed something bigger and with a yard that could be fenced in for an outdoor play area for the dogs.”
“We used our winnings from the pitch competition to upgrade our beautiful new grooming space. The new facility will also give us the option and space to board cats,” Lacy said.
WV Hive Senior Business Advisor Mary Legg has been working closely with Camarillo and Lacy on their growth strategy and possible diversification into boarding cats. “Jennifer and Corey have found a genuine need in the Raleigh County area and are doing their best to meet and exceed customer expectations,” said Legg.
Attendees can register on-site to win a free pet grooming, or a free daycare day. Refreshments will also be provided. The August 15 event is being supported by the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce.
More information about the WV Hive can be found at https://wvhive.com/.
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Cemetery documentation, preservation workshop planned
The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is set to bring a Cemetery Documentation & Preservation Workshop Series to Raleigh County in Beckley on Saturday, Aug. 24.
The full-day workshop will provide experience in cemetery preservation and documentation.
From digital documentation techniques to gravestone conservation and cleaning, attendees will gain skills into preserving West Virginia’s cemeteries. The workshop will also cover Appalachian funerary customs and the significance of cemetery vegetation.
During the fieldwork, which will take place at the Wright-Hunter Cemetery, participants will have the opportunity to “adopt” a gravestone and apply their newfound knowledge in cleaning and preservation techniques using provided tools.
Space is limited. Interested individuals are encouraged to register as soon as possible at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/8aae41d5-d0da-422a-bb92-8cf670042907
Participants are required to wear closed-toe shoes, and long pants are suggested. Participants should bring their own sunscreen, hat and bug repellent.
For more information, contact Joni Morris at 304-841-1510 or via email at jmorris@pawv.org, or go to https://www.pawv.org/cemetery-workshops-2024.html
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STOP Violence Against Women grant awards announced
charleston, w.va. — Gov. Jim Justice announced on Tuesday that he has awarded $1,124,446 in STOP Violence Against Women program grant funds to 21 projects across West Virginia.
The purpose of these funds is to establish or enhance teams whose core members include victim service providers, law enforcement, and prosecution to improve the criminal justice system’s response to violence against women.
The grants provide personnel, equipment, training, technical assistance, and information systems for the establishment or enhancement of these teams. Additionally, statewide projects are funded to provide training and educational opportunities for all victim service providers, law enforcement, prosecution, and court personnel throughout the state.
These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, and are administered by the Justice and Community Services Section of the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services.
A list of the entities receiving grant awards can be read at www.register-herald.com
