AGP Executive Report

Education & Accountability: Harrison County’s incoming superintendent, Dr. Sheena VanMeter, is set to start Oct. 1 under state-approved contracts, including a four-year term at $180,000 and a separate consultant deal to address district deficiencies. Public Safety & Community Life: West Virginia’s online-safety rules are now in effect, but the real test is whether they match what families say they need—especially around minors’ access to sexually explicit content. Local Culture & Arts: Waymakers Collective opened applications for the Appalachian Futures General Fund, offering $5,000 grants to artists and cultural organizations across Appalachia. Sports & Identity: A new wave of legal conflict is hitting school sports and LGBTQ+ rights after West Virginia v. B.P.J. is discussed at NYU, with students rallying outside an anti-trans speaker event. Health & Faith: A free Oct. 6 webinar will help West Virginia churches explore how their facilities and community ties could expand child care capacity. 9/11 Remembered: Multiple West Virginia pieces mark 25 years since Sept. 11, including reflections from WVU and local educators on teaching the day’s meaning to new generations. Justice & Schools: Seven more lawsuits were filed over alleged hidden cameras at Brooke High, adding to a growing legal fight over student privacy and safety. Broadband: Gov. Morrisey highlighted a fiber expansion effort adding service for thousands of unserved rural locations. Obituaries: Several community remembrance notices also ran, including tributes to West Virginia residents and educators.

9/11 Commemoration: West Virginia educators and community groups are marking the 25th anniversary with remembrance events and classroom lessons, including Mountaineer Challenge Academy cadets honoring the day with an honor walk at WVU Tech and a Berkeley Springs church holding a Blue Mass for first responders. Broadband & Rural Access: Armstrong Telecommunication says it will build more than 500 miles of fiber to bring high-speed internet to about 5,000 rural homes and small businesses across 10 counties. Education & Youth: WVU released its 2026-27 swim and dive schedule, while local schools continue staffing up for the new year, and a tennis tournament returns with collegiate and junior talent. Community Life: Beckley is developing a trail network that could top 40 miles, and this weekend’s calendar includes festivals, library programs, and family-friendly events. Arts & Culture: Frostburg State’s Appalachian Festival and its Cultural Events Series capstone concert with Missy Raines are set for mid-September. Sports & Policy: NCAA eligibility fights continue after a judge denied a preliminary injunction for certain athletes seeking extra seasons. Local News: DOJ has appealed a dismissal in its West Virginia voter data lawsuit. Music Loss: Country singer Brian “Nashville” Duckworth of Taylor Made died at 56.

Broadband & Rural Access: Gov. Morrisey announced a major fiber expansion bringing high-speed service to 5,000 previously unserved locations and supporting about 10,000 rural homes and small businesses. Court & Accountability: A judge is set to decide soon on motions in a WV State Police hidden-camera retaliation lawsuit tied to a whistleblower’s claims of demotion and firing. Youth, Music & Community: The Pride of West Virginia balances Drum Corps International with grueling rehearsal schedules, showing how young musicians juggle big commitments. Sports & Pride: WVU women’s rowing is gearing up for the 2026-27 season as the program pushes toward Big 12 goals. Culture & Arts: Parkersburg Art Center and Arts Collaborative of the Mid-Ohio Valley host the Parkersburg Piccalilli Artists’ Conference with workshops, grants help, and a keynote by illustrator Rosalie Haizlett. Public Life & Memory: A piece marks National Grandparents Day’s West Virginia roots, tracing how Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade helped launch the holiday. Politics & Identity: New data shows a big jump in West Virginia voters choosing no-party ballots in a closed Republican May primary. Wildlife: West Virginia’s restored elk herd is roaming farther, with officials tracking individual animals testing new terrain.

Education Spotlight: Laura Presley, an English language arts teacher at Princeton Senior High, was named West Virginia Teacher of the Year at the Champions of Learning Gala in Charleston, with Mercer County also honoring top educators. School Health Access: West Virginia expanded Medicaid school-based health services so more Medicaid-eligible students can get medical and behavioral care in school settings. School Choice Court Fight: State Treasurer Larry Pack says his office will defend the Hope Scholarship voucher program as Mingo County parents sue to block its statewide expansion. Tech & Skills for Students: Thunkable wrapped up a Rockefeller Foundation-supported AI education pilot in West Virginia, with students building dozens of mobile apps. Community & Workforce: Valley College and Appalachian Regional Healthcare announced a partnership offering scholarships for ARH employees, aiming to strengthen the health care workforce. Culture & Community Events: Victoria’s Secret PINK returned to WVU with a collegiate pop-up at Mountainlair Green. Arts: A trio of Irish-rooted musicians will bring chamber music to St. Joseph’s Church in September. Public Safety & Justice: A Clay County man accused in a crash that killed two children was arrested and charged with multiple DUI and neglect counts. Accountability in Schools: Two more civil suits were filed over alleged hidden cameras at Brooke High School, as the principal faces criminal charges.

Education & Community Recognition: Musselman High School principal Alicia Riggleman was named West Virginia School Principal of the Year at the inaugural Champions of Learning Gala in Charleston, with finalists also honored from Putnam, Monongalia, Preston and Kanawha counties. School Health Access: West Virginia expanded Medicaid School-Based Health Services, widening eligibility for medically necessary physical and behavioral care for more students through IEPs, 504 plans and other documented needs. Privacy & Accountability: After a Brooke High principal’s arrest over alleged hidden cameras in girls’ locker rooms, Sen. Ryan Weld says state law needs tougher penalties—pushing for felony-level treatment and sex-offender registration. Local Culture & Arts: Elkins’ Kump Education Center kicks off a free fall series of Elkins History Talks, starting with “Elkins Geology,” while Athens’ Bloodkin prepares a new album release tied to the band’s deep local roots. Food & Lifestyle: The Main Street Farmers Market in Wintersville keeps going Wednesday evenings with locally grown produce and small-batch goods. Public Policy & Daily Life: USDA filed an appeal after a federal judge struck down SNAP waivers in five states, including West Virginia, over how “food” is defined and whether procedures were followed. Workforce Training: New River Community and Technical College will offer Class A CDL training starting Sept. 21 in Ghent, with an optional prep week ahead of the exam. Data Center Backlash: A statewide coalition, WVDCAP, formed to demand more local control and environmental protections as data center development accelerates.

School Choice Fight: Mingo County parents sue to block West Virginia’s expanded Hope Scholarship, arguing it could force school closures and leave rural families with no real alternative; Treasurer Larry Pack says their anger is “misdirected” and vows to defend the program. Public Health & Kids: A measles outbreak is reported in Illinois’ Douglas County, with health officials urging immunizations as most cases involve people unvaccinated or with unknown status. Arts & Community: Alchemy Theatre keeps growing from a volunteer troupe into a year-round arts home, while the West Virginia Humanities Council announces 27 minigrants supporting local history, exhibitions, and cultural programming. Music & Storytelling: Bloodkin’s Eric Carter looks back on loss and renewal ahead of a new album release, and Kaylin Jorge returns to Huntington to tell the city’s story through journalism. Outdoor Culture: A restored Red Oak Fire Lookout in Monongahela National Forest now offers overnight stays, and the West Virginia Bigfoot Festival returns to Summersville Oct. 9–11. Education & Safety: A school-board candidate message urges voters to prioritize children, parents, safety, and education first. Tech & Higher Ed: WVU names a new chief information officer, tasking leadership with cybersecurity, digital innovation, and responsible AI adoption.

School Meals Spotlight: A new 2026 State of School Lunch Report ranks Vermont No. 1, with New Mexico and New York close behind—and West Virginia comes in No. 3, a strong sign for breakfast and lunch access and participation. Public Safety & Health: Gov. Morrisey says violent crime, property crime, and overdose deaths all fell in 2025, while State Police plan a sobriety checkpoint in Fairlea on Sept. 24. Food Insecurity Help: FirstEnergy Foundation is sending $1.1 million to 43 West Virginia and Maryland food banks and pantries, aiming to provide about 3.3 million meals. Community Support: Sept. 8 marks 988 Day of Action, spotlighting the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and 24/7 help by call or text to 988. Local Culture & Outdoors: Elkins’ Railyard is getting a new “canoe kiosk” public art installation tied to Mon Forest Towns, with an unveiling Sept. 19. Education Watch: West Virginia’s clock-change bill heads to the Senate, with school leaders warning about darker mornings for kids.

Education & Equity: Monongalia County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Hispanic/Latino students at WVU was 54% for the 2018 cohort, with a 4.5-point jump from the prior entering group. Health & Community: A national analysis finds alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the U.S. have doubled since 1990, with the biggest burden in men and older adults. Public Health & Parenting: A West Virginia audiology couple in Parkersburg adopted a deaf blue heeler and used their hearing/balance expertise to teach her with visual commands. Local Governance & Safety: A daylight saving time bill moving through Congress is raising school-bus and early-morning safety concerns in West Virginia. Workforce & Recovery Education: West Virginia Wesleyan launched advanced addiction treatment certifications with a Momentum Initiative grant, aiming to expand recovery-focused training. Arts & Learning: WVU’s School of Art and Design announced free fall 2026 exhibits and lectures, including public programs tied to “Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist.” Sports & School Spirit: No. 7 WVU women’s soccer stayed undefeated with a 1-0 Mountain State Derby win over Marshall, powered by Jordyn Wilson’s goal. Digital Safety: The U.S. Attorney’s office in West Virginia released new online safety flyers for parents and caregivers. Culture Calendar: FestivFALL returns to Charleston later this month, with a slate previewed including a cabaret show by Ann Magnuson.

School Safety & Accountability: Brooke High principal Eric James, described as a “father figure,” was arrested after four hidden cameras were allegedly found in girls’ locker rooms; he’s accused of placing recording devices and is held on $100,000 bond while the district investigates. Local Sports Spotlight: No. 7 WVU women’s soccer stayed unbeaten with a 1-0 Mountain State Derby win over Marshall, as Jordyn Wilson ended a scoring drought with the lone goal in the 50th minute. Arts & Learning: WVU’s School of Art and Design announced its fall 2026 exhibits and public lectures, including programming tied to “Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist.” Community & Culture: Southern Appalachian Labor School (SALS) received certification for 2026-2027 Neighborhood Investment Program tax credits, offering donors up to 50% back for support of housing, youth, education, and health services. Faith Calendar: North Central West Virginia lists this week’s religious gatherings, including multiple adoration and confession times across area Catholic parishes.

Mountain State Derby Soccer: No. 7 WVU women’s soccer stayed perfect at 5-0 as Jordyn Wilson scored her first goal since 2023 in a 1-0 win over Marshall, after WVU dominated with 25 shots and 11 on goal. Education & Equity: New data shows Monongalia County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students at WVU was 47% by 2024, while Jefferson County’s rate for white students was 55.3%—a reminder that outcomes vary sharply by race and place. Local Schools Under Scrutiny: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested after hidden cameras were found in girls’ locker and changing rooms; the district says student privacy and safety are nonnegotiable. School Choice Fight: Mingo County parents sued to block universal expansion of the Hope Scholarship, arguing the state expanded vouchers while failing to update the school funding formula. Community Culture: Tamarack Marketplace’s Fallfest brought live music, craft vendors, and kids’ activities to Beckley. Public Safety & Youth: Boone County parents were arrested after two juvenile children were allegedly seen driving a Ford F-250 without adult supervision. WVU Campus Safety: WVU Police highlighted Storm, a trained K-9 explosives detector, as part of its long-running canine unit.

Education & Justice: Brooke High School principal Eric James, 53, was arrested after authorities found hidden cameras in girls’ locker and changing rooms in Wellsburg; he faces charges tied to intercepting electronic communications and breaking into a non-residence, and the district says he’s suspended while the investigation continues. School Funding Fight: Mingo County parents filed a lawsuit to block universal expansion of West Virginia’s Hope Scholarship voucher program, arguing the state expanded vouchers while failing to update the school funding formula as their community school faces closure. Local Culture & Community: Fairmont State University data shows Marion County’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for Black or African American students (2018 cohort) was 20.8% by 2024, far below the statewide pooled rate of 37.5%. Campus Life: WVU Police introduced Storm, a specially trained explosives-detection K-9, continuing the university’s long-running K-9 unit aimed at keeping the community safe. Appalachian History: New Cumberland’s brickmaking boom—once called “Brickyard Bend”—is revisited as a key chapter in the Ohio Valley’s industrial past. Sports & Pride: West Virginia University women’s soccer is set to host Marshall in the Mountain State Derby.

Education & Community History: New Cumberland’s “Brickyard Bend” once made the bricks that paved American cities, with shipments reaching millions in the 1800s—an Ohio River legacy now being revisited for its cultural footprint. Local Schools & Safety: Brooke High School principal Eric James was arrested and suspended after four hidden cameras were reportedly found in girls’ locker rooms; he faces felony charges tied to intercepting electronic communications. Sports Coaching: Shady Side Academy hired former Baldwin girls basketball coach Jamal Woodson, aiming to keep the program’s winning momentum. College Sports (WV): WVU women’s soccer hosts Marshall in the Mountain State Derby on Sept. 6, while Marshall’s cross-country season opener and other regional matchups kick off the fall slate. Higher Ed Outcomes (WV): New data highlights six-year bachelor’s completion rates by race and county, including West Virginia State University’s Black student rate and Monongalia County’s Asian student rate. Arts & Events: Carnegie Hall WV is seeking volunteers for its 2026–2027 season, adding to the week’s lineup of local culture programming. Environment & Health (National, with WV relevance): A new look at 3M’s PFAS cover-up revisits how early blood tests were dismissed—another reminder of the long tail of contamination.

Brooke High School Cameras Case: Brooke County officials suspended principal Eric James after recording devices were reportedly found in multiple girls’ locker rooms; James faces felony charges and a class-action lawsuit has been filed. Education & Equity: Fairmont State’s six-year bachelor’s completion rate for white students (entered 2018, measured through 2024) was 47.4% in Marion County, below the statewide 56.8%. Higher Ed Snapshot: West Virginia Wesleyan and other WV colleges host multiple Sept. 6 matches featuring local athletes—like Hedgesville’s Tessa Grisez and Kamryn Cox—highlighting how regional talent is feeding college sports. Community Caregiving: Village Caregiving, founded in Barboursville, expanded to 22 states with seven new offices and 160 jobs, emphasizing non-medical support rooted in Appalachian values. Local Outdoors: Nature Wonder Weekend returns to North Bend State Park Sept. 11–13 with wild-food foraging hikes and workshops. Sports & Culture Calendar: WVU’s Hope Coliseum naming deal is drawing scrutiny as utility rate-hike pressure continues for customers.

Hidden Cameras Case: Brooke High School principal Eric Michael James, 53, was suspended and arrested after investigators allegedly found four recording devices in girls’ locker rooms, with footage reportedly showing him placing and angling one device; more lawsuits are now filed. Energy & Branding: Hope Gas will get naming rights for WVU’s arena as customers brace for another rate hike, raising fresh questions about extractive-industry influence in big sports venues. Data Center Backlash: Mason County residents react to Gov. Morrisey’s approval of a second data center, “Project Tamarack,” with concerns about growth, jobs, and how close it sits to another facility. Food Assistance Impact: West Virginia reports about 4,000 fewer children on SNAP since major 2025 cuts, spotlighting how federal policy changes hit families. Arts & Community Calendar: Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg seeks volunteers for its 2026–2027 season, while Nature Wonder Weekend returns to North Bend State Park Sept. 11–13 and Taste of Our Towns returns Oct. 10 in Lewisburg. Appalachian Culture: Dolly Parton is remembered in Inside Appalachia, and Carnegie Hall hosts The Mystical Arts of Tibet residency Sept. 20–26.

Outdoor Culture: WVDNR opened registration for the 56th Nature Wonder Weekend (Wild Foods Weekend) returning to North Bend State Park Sept. 11–13, with guided hikes and hands-on workshops on foraging and cooking wild foods. Community Health & Education: West Virginia Wesleyan College launched master’s and post-master’s addiction treatment and care certifications, backed by a $246,125 grant, aiming to expand the recovery workforce. Local Sports & Youth: A Brooke High student sued the county board and former principal after hidden cameras were found in girls’ locker rooms and changing areas, with felony charges tied to the investigation. Higher Ed & Opportunity: New River CTC reported nearly 11% enrollment growth for Fall 2026, including a sharp rise in first-time freshmen and dual enrollment. Arts & Appalachia: WVPB’s “This West Virginia Morning” highlighted Mountain Stage host Kathy Mattea remembering Dolly Parton, tying the celebration to Appalachian humor and resilience. Regional Nature & History: “Beasts of the East” revisits how Eastern wildlife was lost—and how reintroduction efforts are trying to bring it back, with WV tied to elk restoration.

Outdoor & Community Events: WVDNR opened registration for the 56th Annual Nature Wonder Weekend (Wild Foods Weekend) at North Bend State Park, Sept. 11–13, with guided hikes and wild-food workshops. Health & Care Access: Bonnie’s Buses mobile mammography is scheduled to stop in Tucker, Clay, Nicholas, Lewis, and Jefferson counties with 3D screening and help for uninsured/underinsured women. Education & Local Culture: WVU School of Dentistry officially opened expanded, renovated clinics in Morgantown, including pediatric dentistry and orthodontics, after a $12.6M federal award. Fashion, Media & Body Culture: WVU’s Katie Baker Jones says GLP-1 coverage is reshaping fashion discourse and body expectations, mixing lifestyle journalism with medical talk. Kids’ Books & Local History: “The Adventures of Charlie” author Natalie Eddy brings Mason-Dixon Line history to young readers through a time-traveling adventure. Sports & Community Pride: Pat White’s No. 5 retirement ceremony is set for Saturday ahead of WVU’s season opener. Italian Heritage: The West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival honored 2026 award recipients in Bridgeport. Public Safety Online: DOJ is offering free resources to schools and youth groups to help prevent online child exploitation. Food Assistance: West Virginia reports about 4,000 fewer children receiving SNAP benefits since major federal cuts took effect.