Matewan
Politics
Williamson Memorial seeks financial assistance from county
Williamson Memorial's Chief Executive Officer Timothy Hatfield approached the Mingo County Commission on Tuesday, May 21, requesting financial aid of $1 million from the Economic Development Fund. Hatfield began by providing a brief history of the Williamson Health and Wellness Center, detailing its inception, current status and plans. He emphasized...
May 2024 Primary Election results certified in Mingo County
The May 2024 primary election results have been officially certified after a thorough canvass was conducted by the Mingo County Election Board on May 20. Despite minor changes in vote totals, officials said the overall outcome of all races remained unchanged. The canvass is overseen by the Mingo County Election...
Mingo County candidates claim voter irregularities in primary election
MINGO COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Multiple candidates filed a formal complaint with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office on Wednesday alleging voter irregularities in the primary election. That complaint was filed by John White, who ran for House of Delegates District 34, Audrey Smith, who ran for Mingo County Assessor, and Marty Fortner, who […]
Drag strip again dominates conversation at MCRA meeting
For the past several months, the erratic future of the Twin Branch Drag Strip has essentially dominated discussion at the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority’s monthly meetings. To a certain degree, this extended and often hotly debated topic between agency officials and a group of racing enthusiasts has also bled...
Twin Branch sparks lively debate at Mingo County Commission
Twin Branch Motorsports Complex again took center stage and resulted in a heated discussion during the Mingo County Commission’s May 21 meeting. The discussion began when proponents of the drag strip, who attended the meeting, raised questions regarding a DBA (doing business as) filing under the name "Twin Branch Motorsports Complex."
Matewan dedicates veterans’ flag project
For more than a decade longtime Matewan Massacre Drama director Donna Paterino has personally seen to it that the veterans in Matewan and surrounding areas are duly honored each year on Veterans Day with a parade, individual recognitions and a hearty meal. During the town’s annual Heritage Day held May...
They're not doctors. But they're on the front lines against West Virginia's health struggles.
WILLIAMSON, West Virginia — Lyle Marcum can't drive to the doctor when he's feeling ill. He couldn't go to a downtown grocery store if there was one, which there isn't. But when he has a hankering for fresh watermelon, he takes his wheelchair across the railroad tracks to where the Williamson Health and Wellness Center operates a farmers market.
Mingo Central presented Jennings Randolph Award
Mingo Central High School was recently presented with the Jennings Randolph Award for Civic Engagement after the school succeeded in getting a high enough percentage of its eligible senior class registered to vote. Officials said MCHS was one of only 30 schools across the state that received the recognition for...
19-year-old elected to BOE; Deskins unseats Thompson
In what possibly could be considered one of the most atypical upsets in Mingo County Board of Education voting history, a 19-year-old longshot from Myrtle/Trace Creek unseated one of the two incumbents vying to maintain their seat. Managing to garner 2, 228 votes during Tuesday’s Primary election, teenager and Lee...
Hannah regains county commission seat
In what was anticipated to be a closely contested race for the lone Mingo County Commission seat up for reelection, incumbent Diann Hannah of Delbarton emerged with a margin of 231 votes. The final results of the commission race are as follows:. • Diann Hannah (R), of Delbarton: 1,501 votes;
Bucci named interim mayor
Ward One City Council member Joseph Bucci was appointed interim mayor of Williamson during the latest Williamson City Council meeting held on May 9. Bucci's appointment came after Alma Smith, the newly appointed city clerk of Williamson, stepped into the role of defacto mayor following former mayor Charlie Hatfield's resignation amid a federal investigation.
Twin Branch debt absolved by state
State officials announced May 8 that they have absolved the county of a $1 million debt obligation on the Twin Branch Drag Strip property. Originally pledged to the county as a grant by former Gov. Bob Wise, but that was later changed to a loan by then-Gov. Joe Manchin, the loan was ultimately assumed by the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority and used to get the necessary infrastructure to the property.
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