FAIRMONT — Fifty teens in foster care from across West Virginia are waiting to learn whether they will be officially admitted into a new program being launched this coming semester at Fairmont State University.Upon acceptance into the university’s new Middle College, students will move into their new homes in Prichard Hall on August 12, a day their journey toward simultaneously completing high school and earning an associate’s degree begins.“These kids are getting the best of all worlds,” Fairmo...

FAIRMONT — Girls State participants from across Marion County celebrated their experience learning about what it takes to lead on Thursday at the Fairmont Woman’s Club.It was an opportunity for the teens to gather again and reminisce on their time at Davis & Elkins College, where the annual Girls State session is held. For all those who attend, they say two things mark the experience — newfound confidence in themselves and friendships that last a lifetime.“You get to watch them blossom throughou...

FAIRMONT — Coffee fans shuttled in and out of The Joe Tuesday as the coffee house celebrated of decade of quality brews.The all-day event incorporated coffee creations from years past, live music, and the painting of the crosswalk of Adams and Madison Street with an exclusive design from the roastery.“The Joe has been one of the main spurs in the attempt to rehabilitate downtown Fairmont, and we try to do that wherever we go,” Stone Tower Brews owner James Kane said. “We want to be an important...

MORGANTOWN — An afternoon filled with “wild and wonderful” folk stories and traditions from around the state marked West Virginia Day at the West Virginia & Regional History Center.The program included a presentation from author and WVU professor Rosemary Hathaway, titled, “A Love Letter to WV Folklife: Past, Present, and Future.” She briefly explored West Virginia folklife, specifically highlighting the phenomena of cryptids and their importance in Mountain State culture.The History Center also...

MORGANTOWN — The story of a sisterhood of women navigating life in a small Southern town is about to come to life in Morgantown.‘Steel Magnolias’ is the second production of West Virginia Public Theatre’s summer season and the company will stage five performances from June 27-30 at the West Virginia University Canady Creative Arts Center.“This show is a great opportunity because it can be anywhere that women flock together to support each other,” Director Jane Jones said. “Originally, this play...

FAIRMONT — The West Virginia Public Service Commission is overseeing an initiative to conduct cybersecurity assessments of water and sewer facilities statewide.The assessments follow an increase in threats to vital U.S. infrastructure, such as water facilities, in the last couple of years. The threats have be found on the national, state and local level.“The Commission will require all water and sewer utilities to obtain a cyber threat vulnerability assessment. Once an assessment is complete, a...