AGP Executive Report

Missing Teen Case: Eden, N.C., police say a 15-year-old reported missing from Ripley, W.Va., was found in Eden, and a 21-year-old man, Jaramia Joseph Dixon, was arrested and charged with felony statutory rape; he’s held without bond and set to appear Aug. 17. School Accountability: The Fayette County Board of Education voted to suspend without pay and terminate former Delegate/Oak Hill teacher Elliott Pritt after federal charges tied to alleged sexual abuse of a teenage student. Severe Weather & Power: Flood watch and storm warnings continued across West Virginia as heavy rain and damaging winds knocked out power for thousands, with Appalachian Power reporting tens of thousands without electricity statewide. Public Safety & Health: WVU researchers received nearly $300,000 to study risky loss-chasing in online sports betting, aiming to help gamblers get support earlier. Utilities Oversight: The W.Va. PSC set a public hearing on Aug. 31 on a proposal for West Virginia-American Water to acquire the Bluefield Sanitary Board system. Child Welfare Scrutiny: Lawmakers criticized the first DHS report on child deaths as too thin on details, pushing for more transparency. Local Community Wins: Fayetteville received a West Virginia Municipal League All-Star Community Award for redeveloping former school buildings into housing and community assets.

WVU Medicine Expansion: WVU Medicine says it has added 17 more Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical robots, giving the region’s largest fleet and bringing its total da Vinci systems to 41 across multiple hospitals. Severe Weather Watch: A Level 3 severe storm risk is in play across the Midwest and Ohio Valley, with flooding and damaging winds possible as storms linger into the week. Child Welfare Scrutiny: West Virginia lawmakers criticized a first state Department of Human Services report on child deaths as too thin on details, despite a 2025 law meant to speed up critical incident reviews. Public Health in Morgantown: Monongalia County health officials are hand-distributing oral rabies vaccine baits, with USDA aerial drops planned later, to help stop rabies from spreading west. Food Safety Lawsuits & Recalls: Taylor Farms is facing more legal action tied to the cyclospora outbreak, while the company also issued a salmonella-related recall of jalapeño products sold in West Virginia and across 26 states. Community & Education: WVU Extension named Matthew Helmondollar as the new 4-H youth development agent for Harrison County, and a Bridgeport-area event is set to distribute 200 school supply kits for teachers.

WVU Medicine Expansion: WVU Medicine says it added 17 more Intuitive da Vinci 5 surgical robots, boosting the region’s largest fleet and bringing total da Vinci systems to 41 across multiple hospitals. Public Safety & Weather: Appalachian Power reported storm-related outages, with about 5,000 West Virginians without power at one point, as crews worked to restore service. Food Safety: Taylor Fresh Foods recalled jalapeño-containing dips, salsas and prepared foods sold at major retailers including Walmart, Target and Trader Joe’s after a Salmonella outbreak tied to jalapeños from Mexico; consumers are told not to eat affected items. Government Accountability: West Virginia lawmakers grilled a Flock Safety representative over surveillance-camera data practices, while the state’s Human Services agency is using about $8 million in TANF money to fix a broken online database. Courts & Legal Access: The Supreme Court of Appeals released a report calling much of West Virginia a “legal desert,” with too few attorneys to meet demand. Local Notes: WVU’s Fan Day is set for Aug. 28; a Taylor County road closure runs daily from Aug. 10 through late October; and Gov. Morrisey announced $3 million in disaster-recovery grants for WV VOAD.

Severe Weather Watch: The National Weather Service warns of damaging winds and heavy rain Monday into night, with a flash-flood risk across West Virginia and possible hail or a brief tornado. FEMA Relief Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says West Virginia will appeal FEMA’s denial of individual assistance for Boone and Logan counties after June storms, while Pleasants and Ritchie counties already received help. Public Safety Oversight: A state audit says the West Virginia State Fire Commission failed for 50 years to produce a required plan to address the state’s high house-fire death rate. Food Safety Recall: Taylor Farms recalled jalapeño products in 26 states, including West Virginia, tied to a potential Salmonella outbreak; retailers named include Walmart, Kroger, Target, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods. Privacy vs. Policing: Lawmakers grilled Flock Safety over automated license plate readers, weighing “precision policing” claims against privacy concerns. Child Advocacy Funding: Morrisey announced $2.13M for 22 child advocacy center projects statewide. WVU Football Fan Day: WVU’s Fan Day is set for Aug. 28 at Milan Puskar Stadium with free autographs and limited one-item signings. Gas Prices: GasBuddy reports West Virginia average gas prices fell 3.5 cents to $3.82 per gallon.

School Funding & Supplies: West Virginia public school teachers say limited resources are forcing them to buy basics out of pocket, while they warn the Hope Scholarship is pulling students from district schools and destabilizing staffing and closures. Public Safety Tech Debate: Lawmakers heard testimony on Flock-style automated license plate readers, with supporters touting faster crime-solving and critics warning about a broad, warrantless surveillance network. Food Safety: Major retailers including Target, Walmart and Whole Foods issued recalls tied to a Salmonella outbreak linked to jalapeños, with alerts covering multiple ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Weather & Flood Risk: The Ohio Valley is bracing for another round of storms and possible flooding after a very wet August start, with forecasts calling for additional heavy rain. Infrastructure: Kanawha County crews responded to multiple water main breaks in Nitro, St. Albans and Charleston. Road Work: Taylor County’s Glade Run Road (CR 52) is closed for waterline installation starting Aug. 10 through late October, with daytime-only operations and detours. Sports (WV ties): WVU football announced free Fan Day autographs Aug. 28 at Milan Puskar Stadium, and a list of impactful 2026 freshmen included WVU players.

Public Safety & Fire Policy: West Virginia’s fire commission has failed for 50 years to produce a state-mandated plan to cut the state’s high fire death rate, and the fire marshal says a first comprehensive plan is finally being drafted for completion in fall 2026. Public Health: The USDA issued a public health alert for meat and poultry products containing FDA-regulated jalapeños that may be contaminated with Salmonella, including distribution in West Virginia. Housing & Community Safety: The Morgantown Board of Zoning Appeals rejected a proposed Abundant Life Recovery House location on WVU’s downtown campus after WVU opposition and safety concerns. Local Justice: A Barbour County woman was charged with attempted murder after a campsite shooting left another woman injured, with conflicting accounts of who started the altercation. Foodborne Illness Watch: The broader cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce continues to expand, with officials warning cases may rise as investigations identify sources. Energy & Industry: West Virginia Sen. Chris Rose praised a Trump critical-minerals push as a “new gold rush,” framing it as a boost for mining and U.S. competition with China.

Public Health: Cyclosporiasis keeps spreading, with CDC reporting more states added and Kansas cases rising to 615; the outbreak now totals more than 6,300 nationally, with two deaths tied to the illness in Michigan. Food Policy & Safety: West Virginia’s SNAP “hot, healthy foods” waiver fight remains in limbo after a judge ruled the federal government overstepped, leaving the program’s future unclear. State Politics: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s southern water listening tour highlights ongoing distrust over drinking-water quality, as residents question promises tied to infrastructure funding. Energy & Economy: Oil-price swings are boosting tax collections in energy-producing states, while West Virginia gas prices show mixed movement—regular averaging $3.87 statewide for the week ending Aug. 1. Local Government & Courts: West Virginia’s Army National Guard gets a new commander after a change-of-command ceremony. Sports & Community: A West Virginia Imagination Library 5K in Huntington drew nearly 350 participants to support free books for 52,000 kids statewide. Health Care Oversight: HHS decertified an organ procurement organization serving Kentucky and parts of West Virginia after persistent safety failures.

WVU Leadership & Pride: WVU President Michael Benson says he wants West Virginians to feel proud of the university after a year of a 55-county, 6,600-mile tour, laying out his focus on strengthening ties and boosting long-term confidence in the diploma. Energy Rebates: The West Virginia Office of Energy has launched the pilot phase of its HOMES whole-home energy rebate program, funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, to help qualifying households pay for upgrades like insulation, air sealing, and efficient heating and cooling. Child Advocacy Funding: Gov. Morrisey announced more than $2.1 million in Child Advocacy Center grants statewide; Harrison County’s Child Abuse Task Force received $127,103.87 to expand child-focused investigations and services. Public Safety & Accountability: Hancock County commissioners voted to hire outside legal counsel over opioid-settlement fund distribution concerns, with debate tied to a selected recipient. Health Watch: WVU Medicine’s Bonnie’s Bus will bring mobile mammography screenings to multiple counties in late August, with appointment details and support for underinsured or uninsured patients. School Clothing Voucher Pushback: A new “West Virginia Week” episode highlights growing pushback on school clothing vouchers alongside rising black lung concerns.

FEMA Flood Aid Update: Gov. Jim Morrisey says Ritchie and Pleasants counties have been approved for FEMA Individual Assistance after July storms, while Boone and Logan still face a fight after FEMA denied a major disaster declaration—Morrisey says the state will appeal. Child Advocacy Funding: Morrisey announced $2.13 million for West Virginia child advocacy centers, backing 22 local projects statewide. Public Safety—Suspicious Death: Ritchie County deputies, with West Virginia State Police, are investigating a “suspicious death” reported Aug. 3. Law Enforcement—Parkersburg SWAT: Parkersburg police executed a SWAT search warrant on 7th Street, arresting three people and sending suspected drugs to the state lab. ICE Enforcement: ICE says three Venezuelan nationals charged in West Virginia thefts were arrested after being released into the U.S. by the Biden administration. WVU Leadership & Campus: WVU’s new CFO Chris Kabourek says he’s focused on moving forward, and WVU hospitality students are preparing for careers through a major Nemacolin Resort internship partnership. Community & Housing: Bluefield won a statewide award for redeveloping Hotel Thelma into affordable housing, and South Charleston’s Park Place continues adding new businesses. Sports & Camp Notes: The New York Giants’ West Virginia training camp continues with progress and a few injuries, including a “bell rung” for center John Michael Schmitz.

Election Courts: A judge ruled states don’t have to hand over voter records to the federal government, extending Trump’s streak to 21 straight losses as midterms near. Public Health & Food Safety: The CDC says the cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has spread to 15 states, with more cases and guidance updates as investigators keep tracing sources. Health Care Oversight: HHS has started the process to decertify Network for Hope, an organ procurement group serving Kentucky and parts of West Virginia, citing patient safety failures. Gun Policy: West Virginia AG J.B. McCuskey backed a federal court ruling striking NFA registration and transfer requirements for short-barreled rifles and suppressors. Local Impact: Lewis and Upshur County waived fees for key records for flood survivors seeking disaster assistance. Sports & Community: WVU announced its 2026 Sports Hall of Fame class, and the Morgantown foundation is accepting nonprofit grant applications until Sept. 21.

Health Care Spotlight: UHC in Bridgeport was named a 2026-2027 U.S. News “Best Hospitals” high performer in multiple categories, while J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital kept its top-in-state ranking and earned additional high-performing specialty marks. Public Health: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states, with West Virginia listed among the affected areas and national case counts now topping 10,000. Rural Health & Jobs: Groundbreaking in Barboursville marks a new $40 million skilled nursing facility expected to bring 150 jobs and 124 beds to Cabell County. Local Government & Power Infrastructure: Kanawha County commissioners held a public discussion on the proposed 260-mile, 765-kV Valley Link transmission line, with no fixed route set yet. Disaster Assistance: West Virginia’s Department of Human Services extended the SNAP food-loss reporting window for storm-impacted households through Aug. 10. Community Events: The Mason County Fair’s memorial awards and scholarships are highlighted ahead of the Aug. 8 parade, plus details on the 2026 Fair Queen pageant. Public Safety Funding: Summers County Sheriff’s Office received $4,000 from Sen. Vince Deeds toward a new drone program.

Health Care in West Virginia: U.S. News named United Hospital Center in Bridgeport a 2026-2027 “High Performing” hospital in multiple categories, while J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital kept its top-in-state ranking and earned “High Performing” marks across several specialties. Public Health: The CDC says the iceberg lettuce-linked Cyclospora outbreak now involves 15 states, with investigators still tracing how the parasite spread; Florida reported 87 new cases in the latest week. Local Courts: A judge dismissed a lawsuit by brothers seeking to overturn their ouster from the Newell Volunteer Fire Department, saying the brothers didn’t show a legal basis beyond internal bylaws. West Virginia Outdoors: New River Gorge’s Rend Trail is closed about 16 months for major upgrades, including repairs to historic trestles and accessibility improvements. Business & Community: Pierpont Community & Technical College is partnering with Community Care of West Virginia to expand student behavioral health access across the region. Sports: WVU football is emphasizing ball security after early fall camp concerns, and WVU’s refreshed Welcome Week runs Aug. 12-23.

Organ Donation Oversight: HHS decertified Kentucky’s Network for Hope, citing persistent patient safety failures, including cases where donation moved forward despite signs patients weren’t suitable donors—an action that also affects parts of West Virginia. Food Safety: The CDC says the cyclospora outbreak tied to recalled iceberg lettuce has expanded to 15 states; West Virginia is on the list as cases climb nationwide. School Clothing Voucher Fight: Gov. Morrisey is investigating West Virginia’s school clothing voucher program, arguing large shares of funds were withdrawn as ATM cash and calling it “a huge problem,” while lawmakers push for oversight hearings. Water Infrastructure: Morrisey wrapped up a southern West Virginia water listening tour, highlighting aging systems and announcing new funding for improvements, including a $1.4 million award in Gary. Local Governance & Services: The Fayette County Commission advanced a West Virginia American Water sale by approving public service districts as parties to the agreement, aiming to fix failing water service in distressed areas. Community Events: Morgantown marked National Night Out with public safety demonstrations and community engagement.

WVU Welcome Week: Mountaineers will kick off a new Welcome Week event, “Mountaineer Midway and Movie,” on Monday, Aug. 17, with “Project Hail Mary” winning an Instagram vote. Voting Access: A national push for mobile voting argues it can protect ballot access as vote-by-mail faces new federal pressure. Public Safety: West Virginia’s “Click It or Ticket” seat belt crackdown runs statewide Aug. 7-24, with citations for unbuckled drivers. Local Government: Morgantown is taking applications to fill a 7th Ward City Council seat for the term ending June 30, 2027. Health & Food: The CDC has expanded the cyclosporiasis outbreak to more states, while West Virginia’s own record-setting anglers and a WVU Tech forensic credential highlight the week’s lighter local news. State Politics: Secretary of State Kris Warner was appointed vice president for the south region of the National Association of Secretaries of State.

School Clothing Voucher Fight: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says his office is investigating whether school clothing vouchers are being spent properly, claiming about half of purchases may be made through ATM transactions with few limits, and he’s pushing for tighter rules with Sen. Brian Helton. Water Crisis Focus: Morrisey has launched a two-day listening tour in southern West Virginia’s coalfields to hear directly about aging water systems, poor water quality, and utility struggles. Parasite Outbreak Update: The cyclospora outbreak tied to lettuce has surged to 47 states and more than 10,000 confirmed cases, with two deaths reported in Michigan; Taylor Farms issued a voluntary recall of iceberg lettuce. Disaster Relief: The Trump administration approved $4.5 million in expedited individual assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties after deadly storms and flooding. Local Recovery: Pleasants County tornado recovery continues as Neighbor Network coordinates supplies and urges residents to complete the state damage survey. Health Tech in WVU: WVU researchers tested AI for psychiatry training, stressing that human supervision remains essential for safety and ethics. Sports/Recruiting: Marshall signed Nitro’s Da’Ron Parks after he flipped from UNC to North Carolina earlier.

Hemp Policy Fight: West Virginia AG Tim Griffin is leading a bipartisan letter urging Congress to keep 2025 federal hemp reforms and block moves that could bring back “intoxicating hemp” products. Public Health: Michigan confirmed the first cyclosporiasis deaths tied to the multistate outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce; the CDC says thousands of cases are reported nationwide, including in West Virginia. Flood Recovery: The Trump administration approved $4.5 million in individual disaster assistance for Lewis and Upshur counties after July storms and flooding. Energy & Rates: West Virginia regulators are weighing a proposed natural gas plant in Maidsville that critics say could drive up household bills, especially with data-center demand in the background. Defense Industry: Northrop Grumman says it’s accelerating missile interceptor production with new framework deals totaling more than $3 billion, including work at its Rocket Center, WV facility. Sports & Local Business: Antero Resources will become WVU Athletics’ first-ever jersey patch sponsor under a five-year deal starting in 2026-27. Road Safety: West Virginia ranks among the most dangerous states to drive, tied to bridge condition concerns. Veterans: WV Secretary of State Kris Warner helped pitch Bridgeport as a finalist for Vietnam Veterans of America’s new national headquarters. Human Services: Gov. Morrisey’s office says TANF programs will keep running while the state seeks supplemental funding amid a long-term shortfall.