On Monday morning, November 16, Morgan County Schools Superintendent informed local families that a student at Paw Paw High School has tested positive for COVID-19. Superintendent Kristen Tuttle said school and health officials were aware this weekend of the possibility the student had the contagious respiratory disease, but “the official confirmation was not received until […]
News
State puts focus on indoor mask rule, other steps to curb COVID spread
West Virginia Governor Jim Justice today said an indoor mask rule that’s been in place for months has been amended and he expects the public to follow it, and businesses to enforce it. Under the rule, people are required to wear a face covering or mask in any indoor public space for the entire time they are […]
Hancock students will return to virtual learning for three weeks starting Monday
Washington County Public Schools officials announced this week that students will start learning from home again, starting next Monday, November 16, for at least three weeks.“In-person activities may resume on Monday, December 7, 2020, depending on community health metrics,” the school board said in a statement Tuesday. “WCPS will continue to monitor and review community […]
Chip Shots
by Jim Buzzerd Red zone woes, Top 15 Going to touch on two things regarding the West Virginia University football and men’s basketball teams. The football team dropped a 17-13 decision to Texas last Saturday in Austin. It was another game where the defense did what it needed to win, but the offense just couldn’t […]
State has paid out on 80% of unemployment claims since March, Labor Dept. says
The Maryland Department of Labor has reported that of the 796,276 complete unemployment claims filed from March 9 to October 31, 754,954 (94.8%) have been processed with 637,596 (80.1%) receiving benefit payments and 117,358 (14.7%) being denied for not meeting state or federal program requirements. “Of the claims that have already been denied, the large […]
Local agency stays focused on connecting Hancock residents with food, utility help
by GEOFF FOX Last year, Interfaith Service Coalition (ISC) began helping Hancock residents in need sign up for the food stamp, or SNAP, program in Maryland. Over the last year, Deb Cohill, Director of ISC, said there had been around 80 people sign up for the assistance program. She said those who would need the help […]
School board approves limited facilities use for youth sports
by KATE EVANS The Morgan County School Board voted at their Monday, November 2 meeting to allow youth sports organizations use of school facilities at the discretion of building administrators when the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) School Alert System map metrics colors are green, yellow and gold. The board decided to put a policy […]
County libraries continue services under COVID-19, plan holiday activities
by KATE EVANS Morgan County Public Library and Paw Paw Public Library are still providing services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff is planning for holiday activities beginning this month. Morgan County Public Library library director Sarah Drennan said that the library would be offering their annual Santa’s Mailbox this year beginning next Monday, November 16. […]
Local family journal captures life out west in flu pandemic of 1918-19
“Despite my young age, it was something I would never forget” by Kate Shunney Iva Lou Michael Dawson’s personal diary chronicles the sickness and financial burdens of the 1918-1919 “Spanish flu” pandemic that swept through the U.S. and across the globe, leaving its mark on her family . Dawson’s daughter, Sylvia Thomas, transcribed the pages […]
Commissioners lay out path to fill Reed vacancy
by KATE SHUNNEY Morgan County Commissioner Ken Reed last week won his bid to become a member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. Reed, a Republican, said previously that if he secured the seat in Charleston, he would step down from the Morgan County Commission in order to serve in the Legislature. Reed’s Commission […]
