Good morning, Morgantown.

Linda Staddon celebrated 40 years of service at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center Wednesday — her decades of work in the hospital’s gift shop earned her the Volunteer of the Year award and she plans to return for holiday shifts after a brief break.

George B. Flegal Reservoir, built to secure drinking water, is expanding recreation amenities as public interest grows — officials say more facilities are planned for locals near Morgantown.

Monongalia County officials are planning community celebrations for America’s 250th birthday, highlighting local heritage and achievements, and they will announce details soon (schedule pending).

This spring, West Virginia’s economy stabilized as employment increased and home construction and property values grew (a sign that the job market is strong for local residents).

Chemours has agreed to pay $450 million for PFAS releases and will install pollution controls at its West Virginia facility near Parkersburg.

The settlement—enforced by the DOJ, EPA, and WV DEP—includes measures to secure clean drinking water for local communities and will take effect over 15 years.

Mon Health Department closed Milestone Point Beach at Cheat Lake Park for lack of potable water service; it remains closed for the 2026 summer season until a new water main starts in 2027 (Lake Lynn Generation notified regulators), while citizen group Save Cheat Lake calls for FERC sanctions.

WV Department of Human Services launched a new website (WVMedicaidHelp.org) to help Medicaid recipients prepare for eligibility changes effective Jan.

1 by advising locals to update their contact info and required documents. The site provides clear steps for households to stay covered.

Cheat Lake’s Millstone Point Beach remains closed after an inspection on June 16 found four safety violations, including an outdated first aid kit and trip hazards near restrooms and water meters.

Repairs must be completed before it can reopen, with a follow-up inspection set for Aug. 14.

New moms in North Central West Virginia may now sign up for WIC benefits before leaving hospital, thanks to a county program active at Vandalia Health Mon Medical Center and other sites.

The program (reducing additional trips to the WIC office) eases early newborn care for eligible families.

WVU running back Cam Cook was named Conference USA Male Athlete of the Year for the 2025-26 season after leading the FBS with 1,659 yards and 16 touchdowns — he transferred on Jan.

6 and will debut on Sept. 5 against Coastal Carolina.

After a busy transfer portal, six key Mountaineers including Cam Vaughn, Nicco Marchiol, Jahiem White, Rodney Gallagher, Hammond Russell, and Ben Bogle will play for their new teams next season: Miami, Northwestern, North Texas, Arizona, Wisconsin, and Arkansas — all moves following coach Rich Rodriguez’s strict roster decisions.

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.