Good morning, Morgantown.

Hundreds gathered Saturday at Lost Creek Community Center and Park for the 8th annual Operation Firm Handshake picnic honoring veterans from all six military branches.

The event celebrated community support and respect for local veterans.

Davis residents Alex Snyder and Libbey Holewski of Appalachian Expeditions were honored with The Courage Project award for connecting locals with the outdoors in Tucker County - including trips at Blackwater Falls State Park.

They also partner with local schools to offer adventure trips and leadership lessons.

A local landlord filed a suit against Primanti Bros. after the restaurant stopped paying rent for its High Street space, claiming a breach of a 10-year lease and seeking over $800K for unpaid rent + fees.

The suit was filed May 7 in Monongalia County Circuit Court and details additional charges.

$1M from sisters Dori Lewis Smith and Jeannie Lewis strengthens Data Driven WV at WVU Chambers College by expanding experiential learning with a new endowment (Doris and Albert Lewis Tech Support Fund) and funds for student projects.

The donation honors their late father and boosts technology and travel support.

State delegates continued discussions about high costs for special education as county budgets struggle to cover a funding gap (estimated at $180 million).

Education Chairman Joe Statler said the committee is committed to finding a needs-based funding solution (with phased proposals).

Morgantown’s University High School students Emily Nguyen and Maxwell Chen have been named among 2,500 National Merit Scholars nationwide — joining nine other West Virginia honorees.

They earned the recognition through high GPAs, SAT scores and community leadership, and the $2,500 award can be used for any regionally accredited college.

WVU celebrated 3,652 graduates during nine commencement ceremonies held from May 15 to May 17 at the Hope Coliseum — a milestone event for the university.

Mon Power and Potomac Edison are asking the Public Service Commission to pick one of two rate increase options for about 558000 customers.

One plan spreads smaller increases starting Aug. 1 (2026) while the other raises monthly bills by $19.44 on June 14 with an order expected by May 29.

Governor Morrisey unveiled a limited edition license plate on Monday at the Culture Center featuring stars, stripes, fireworks, and mountain scenery.

The plate is available at local DMV offices and online ahead of the 250th anniversary of Independence.

West Virginia will receive over $13.7M in federal grants to reclaim abandoned coal mines and reduce public safety hazards.

The mandatory funding will support cleanup projects in affected communities including Morgantown this fiscal year.

During Women’s Health Month, local doctor Dr. Brittanie West (UHC Family Medicine Residency) urges women to book preventive screenings and follow a routine of exercise and proper sleep.

She advises scheduling appointments early to catch potential issues when treatment is most effective.

7th Annual ACS Midsummer Mayhem Softball Tournament

June 18-21 — Morgantown / Mylan Park KOA Holiday — Competitive event — Enjoy a weekend of softball with teams from multiple states and explore local attractions in between games.