Morgantown
Daily News
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Morgantown. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Saturday, April 18, locals can attend spring events. The Artisan and Crafts Fair (at the Elks Lodge) opens at 10 a.m. and Mal’s Spring Bash runs noon to 3:30; other activities include a scrimmage, a river cleanup, and a one-mile Walking with Survivors starting at 1 p.m. Morgantown Magazine
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Seven West Virginia Small Business Development Center clients were named as the 2026 National Small Business Week state award winners by the U.S. Small Business Administration & the award highlights their business growth and success locally. WV News
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A new documentary now streaming on Prime Video examines the life and private battles of West Virginia native Jerry West — whose silhouette inspired the NBA logo — and features rare final interviews and insights from friends and teammates. WDTV
- ➤ Music education alum Ryan Kerwin released his live recording 'Trio! at the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts' that captured a concert held on July 6, 2025—featuring four original compositions marking key moments in his musical journey. West Virginia University
- ➤ International students and local vendors will showcase cultural exhibits, culinary treats and live performances at the ninth annual WVU International Street Festival scheduled for Sunday (April 19) from noon to 5 p.m. at Morgantown Market Place on Spruce Street. West Virginia University
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students in the Respiratory Therapy program gained practical skills during RT Flight Day, an interactive simulation led by WVU Medicine experts. They practiced infant and pediatric intubation, IV insertion, and even toured a helicopter to understand care in confined spaces (preparing them for real-world transport situations). West Virginia University
- ➤ WVU has hired Chris Kabourek as its new vice president and chief financial officer. The veteran with nearly 30 years of higher education fiscal experience will begin his role on June 1. WDTV
- ➤ WVU announced that Joshua Applegate is Student Employee of the Year and Kourtney Kotvas is Graduate Student Employee of the Year from the Morgantown Campus during Student Employee Appreciation Week (continuing through Sunday, April 19). West Virginia University
- ➤ West Virginia Department of Education will launch the Champions of Learning awards program this fall to honor teachers, service personnel, counselors, principals and regional businesses that help local students. The new program replaces the Excellence in Education Celebration and builds on decades of teacher recognition & community support. West Virginia Public Broadcasting
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The WV Governor’s Highway Safety Program reminds drivers not to drive after using marijuana; on April 20, law enforcement will step up patrols while residents are urged to plan rides, book a taxi + designate a sober driver to stay safe. WDTV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The Progressive Women’s Association and Italian Heritage Festival partnered with Walmart to double the monthly food donation to UHC Cancer Institute at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center in Bridgeport Thursday — a move aimed at boosting support for patients. WV News
- ➤ WVU Medicine approved a $350 million plan to upgrade hospitals in West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. The plan includes a $135 million patient tower at Camden Clark Hospital in Parkersburg, a $56 million Ohio community hospital opening next year, and hospital rebuilds to expand modern clinical services + access. MetroNews
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Outfielder Sean Smith, known for his reliable hitting, will take the field at Kendrick Family Ballpark at 6:30 p.m. today as WVU hosts Houston. Smith has recovered from a rough start and posted 10 hits in five games—his surge aims to boost the team's performance. The Dominion Post
- ➤ WVU football practiced extra on special teams this spring as coaches tested kickers, punters, and returners amid strong competition among transfers and veterans, and the team may showcase limited play for fans at the Gold-Blue Spring Festival with half the field in use. The Dominion Post
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Ducks Unlimited: WVU Sportsman's Night Out
— Morgantown Elks Lodge #411 — Registration details to be announced — Enjoy a social evening focused on outdoor sports and conservation.
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Do The Crawl de Mayo Pub Crawl
4:30–9:00 p.m. — Almost Heaven Bar & Grill — Tickets required — Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with lively vibes, festive drinks, and fun contests in downtown Morgantown.
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Christian Music Concert in Morgantown
7-11 p.m. — Metropolitan Theatre — Ticketed event — Experience uplifting performances at this exciting Christian music concert.
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Reveal the authorAbout Morgantown Daily News
Welcome to the Morgantown Daily News, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Morgantown, West Virginia community. If you like the Morgantown Daily News, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Morgantown.
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