Good morning, Morgantown.

Outgoing Miss West Virginia Courtney Bearer celebrated a rewarding year of community service and heart health promotion and crowned her successor + Elizabeth Romanek + last Saturday at Airborne Church in Martinsburg.

A new federal report shows economic improvement across Appalachia, with West Virginia recording a slight rise to 13 distressed counties as compared to 11 last year from a high of 18 after the pandemic.

Rankings based on median income, poverty rate & unemployment were computed by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

More than 26,600 West Virginia students have applied for full funding in the Hope Scholarship Program for the upcoming school year, state officials said.

The program now covers private and homeschool students as part of its expanded eligibility plan.

West Virginia Division of Natural Resources urges new hunters to complete a certified Hunter Education Course before purchasing a base hunting license.

Courses are available free in-person and online with testing required, ensuring safety for those born on or after January 1, 1975.

WVSOM’s Class of 2026 achieved a 100+ residency placement rate as all 181 graduates received positions as resident physicians, marking an impressive step in their medical careers.

WVU announced its Spring 2026 Dean’s and President’s lists along with the full graduate list.

A total of 7,361 students earned honors and 4,057 graduated after nine commencement ceremonies at Hope Coliseum May 15 — 17.

Starting July 1, WVU Parking Management will raise citation fees, increasing first tickets from $20 to $25 and applying tiered charges for later citations.

Permit costs will also rise 5% for employees on Aug. 1, and short-term parking rates will jump and include sales tax at various campus lots.

University High’s Jack Byrer and Ryder Hastings led the North Bears to a 34-7 win at the North/South All-Star Football Classic at South Charleston High last week (Byrer had three touchdowns and was named MVP) as Byrer will join Duquesne and Hastings will wrestle at Glenville State this fall.

During Father’s Day recruiting in Morgantown, WVU lost top running back Khamoni Williams to Auburn while adding tight end Luke Linder and offensive lineman Ryan Moore to the class of 2027.

The Mountaineers now have 22 commitments (including official visits on June 12 and 19).

Trinity Christian’s Parker Hopkins was named to the Class A first-team as catcher on Tuesday by the West Virginia Sports Writers’ Association (recognizing his standout performance during the state championship run).

His selection joins several local high school stars in a prestigious all-state honor.

Live Music with Fret Buzz at Tropics

6:30-9 p.m. — Tropics — $15 — Experience a night of energetic live music featuring a rotating lineup from rock to country as part of the summer concert series.

MR 4 on the 4th

8 a.m.–2 p.m. — Morgantown Running — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Independence Day with a festive 4-mile run and kids race in Morgantown.

John R. Miller & William Matheny Concert

8 p.m. — 123 Pleasant Street — Ticket pricing varies — Enjoy a night of live music from talented artists John R. Miller and William Matheny.