Governor issues tighter restrictions for Eastern Panhandle amid rise in COVID cases
Businesses must direct employees to work from home, no gatherings of more than five people permitted, National Guard to assist counties by Kate Shunney West Virginia Governor Jim Justice on Friday issued an Executive Order directly aimed at limiting the spread of a growing number of cases of coronavirus illness in the Eastern Panhandle. The…
Read MoreWashington County sees large jump in COVID-19 cases
by Geoff Fox Hancock News On Tuesday, March 31, Washington County had a total of 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders. There were also seven cases of non-county residents who tested positive. By Wednesday, April 1, that number had jumped to 27 cases in Washington County.The number of cases of non-county residents rose to 12.…
Read MoreAthletic boosters doing fundraiser for press box, other school projects
by Kate Evans The Morgan County Schools athletics committee and buildings and grounds committee both met last month to consider sports and facilities projects. Berkeley Springs High School’s athletic director Dave Mundey reported to the athletics committee that the school’s booster organization is working on a brick fundraiser to raise money for a new press…
Read MoreMayor issues State of Emergency for Hancock, Governor instructs Marylanders to stay home
by Geoff Fox Hancock Mayor Ralph Salvagno has declared a State of Emergency in response to the COVID-19 virus outbreak that is effective immediately. The proclamation is dated March 30. The official action closes all public recreation facilities, postpones all public events and places Hancock police on duty to enforce a statewide Stay at Home…
Read MoreVoters urged to use absentee ballots for primary election
Editor’s note: On Wednesday, April 1, West Virginia Governor Jim Justice announced the state’s primary election would not be held on May 12, but would be delayed until June 9. The story has been edited to include that information. —————————————————————– by Kate Shunney Morgan County Clerk Kimberly Nickles has said her office is preparing to provide…
Read MoreSchools to stay closed for most of April
Hundreds of students still being fed daily by Kate Shunney Due to the continued spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in West Virginia, Governor Jim Justice has said all public and private schools in the state will remain closed until at least Monday, April 20. The announcement has led local school officials to shift gears…
Read MoreCommissioners approve $7.6 million budget for 2020-2021
by Kate Shunney The Morgan County Commissioners on Wednesday, March 25 approved a $7.6 million budget for county operations for the 2020-2021 fiscal year, which begins on July 1, 2020 and runs through June 30, 2021. In a meeting streamed over social media to increase public access, county officials unanimously okayed the $7,677,559 budget, which…
Read MoreWar Memorial staff trained for safety, prepped for patient surge
by Kate Shunney Morgan County’s hospital has taken multiple steps to protect their healthcare workers and prepare for a potential surge of patient cases, said Valley Health system officials this week. Tom Kluge, President of War Memorial Hospital, said all employees of Valley Health hospitals have had “a lot of training” in the appropriate use…
Read MoreSpice of Life: Life is still full
by Jody Stottlemyer Do you worry? My mother did. If people could be paid for worrying, my mother would’ve been filthy rich. Since the pandemic situation interrupted our normal routines, I’ve found myself thinking of Mom and, to be honest, feeling somewhat relieved that she didn’t have to deal with it all. For starters, she…
Read MoreDistance yourself
Hancock Mayor Ralph Salvagno has installed signs at the Western Maryland Rail Trail parking lot entrance to the C&O Canal towpath to remind those who are using the trails to keep their social distancing to six feet between them. Photo by Ralph Salvagno
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