Good morning, Morgantown.

Deputy Chief Zac Eakle of the Valley Volunteer Fire Department explained that over 400 unpaid crews offer emergency services and outreach—including parades and fire prevention—to residents in Pleasant Valley and Whitehall — helping lower costs and boost safety.

Former WVU fullback Owen Schmitt released a counting book for children titled 'The Little Fullback That Could,' created with his wife and cousins (it features hidden nods to local football that capture the region's spirit).

West Virginia Junior College will launch its new 18-month online/hybrid Radiologic Technology program that offers didactic courses and hands-on lab and clinical experiences in the Morgantown area.

The program prepares students for the ARRT exam and starts in August (WVJC is addressing a regional workforce shortage).

President Michael T. Benson was named Educator of the Year by WV News 2025 and recognized in the Pittsburgh Business Times Newly Minted series for his leadership, welcoming the new year with a song.

In 2025, Monongalia and Marion schools celebrated milestones (Monongalia was named West Virginia's best district, local schools earned top rankings, and a $1 million carryover funded the Avalanche camp) and advanced initiatives such as helmets that detect concussions and a nationally recognized teacher award.

The West Virginia Department of Health has launched health.wv.gov as a new hub for public health information + part of the $199 million Rural Health Transformation Program now moving into its execution phase.

A new law now lets thermal drones find lost pets and injured wildlife— a change that altered Joe Vest’s career in June 2025— and is expected to boost rescue efforts locally.

Seven Vandalia Health hospitals in north-central West Virginia earned ANCC accreditation for their Nursing Continuing Professional Development program, underlining the system’s commitment to quality care.

Monongalia County EMS expanded its Whole Blood Program to let a trained EMT assist an authorized paramedic in giving whole blood in the field; the program has shown a 75% survival rate from 14 cases in rural emergencies over six months and will continue to expand statewide + improve emergency care.

At 7 p.m. today, Cincinnati visits Hope Coliseum against the Mountaineers as coach Hodge’s new team looks to bounce back from recent setbacks.

WVU players plan to control the pace (emphasizing quick transitions and tight defense against Cincinnati’s shot attempts).

WVU head coach Rich Rodriguez added three players from the transfer portal opened Jan.

2 to bolster his team while building a younger squad + he plans to develop them and may add veteran talent later.

WVU added experienced Wisconsin transfer cornerback Geimere Latimer to bolster its secondary, joining his younger brother and the Hawkins pair ahead of the coal rush game at Mountaineer Field; he registered key stats at Jacksonville State and Wisconsin.

West Virginia reportedly signed Oklahoma backup quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. along with his brother Maliek to add depth to its roster — their addition raises the possibility of a quarterback contest in 2026.

The move aims to strengthen the lineup for the upcoming season.

The Heartstrings Acoustic Duo Performance

8 PM – 12 AM — Tipsy Teeze Bar, Grill and Music Hall — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of country rock tunes with The Heartstrings and Grace Campbell.

WVU vs. Arizona State Women's Basketball Game

7-9 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Check for ticket info — It's Mountaineer basketball at its finest! Leave it all on the court!

Baylor Bears vs. West Virginia Mountaineers Basketball

4-6 p.m. — Mountainlair Student Union — Free trial for streaming — Catch the live action as Baylor faces West Virginia in an exciting college basketball showdown.