WHARTON, W.Va. — The heavy rains on June 22nd may have struck an area of Boone County called James Branch harder than any other. The small stream within less than an hour turned into a raging torrent. The water quickly left the banks of the stream and tore through the pavement of the only road in and out of this narrow southern West Virginia hollow.
“It came in quick. You only had an hour to save whatever you had to save if it was toward the creek,” said Joseph Cook who lives several miles up

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Gas prices are continuing to decrease as the Fourth of July weekend approaches.
Jim Garrity
Across the country, on average, a gallon of gas costs $3.82, whereas a month ago, gas totaled to be $4.59 per gallon. Although gas prices have lowered this past month, in comparison to last year’s prices, gas is still 60 cents more expensive.
Crude oil has been one of the biggest deciding factors when it comes to gas prices. As crude oil continues to decrease, gas prices will, as well.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The man charged with firing a gun outside of Laidley Field in Charleston during a track meet in early May is scheduled to go on trial later this month.
Jakai Harrison
Jakai Harrison, 20, of Charleston, was arraigned Wednesday in Kanawha County Circuit Court after his recent indictment on four counts of wanton endangerment with a firearm.
Harrison pleaded not guilty and Kanawha County Circuit Judge Tera Salango scheduled his trial for July 13.
Charleston police said shots were

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A 230-foot-tall Ferris wheel received its first riders at the state Capitol Complex Thursday morning.
The America250 Big Wheel arrived in Charleston last week and was assembled over four days. It’s part of the state’s four-day celebration in the Capital City for the Semiquincentennial.
The wheel begins offering free rides to the public at 5 p.m. Thursday.
Gov. Patrick Morrisey, First Lady Denise Morrisey, and state Adjutant General Jim Seward took part in the inaugural

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State Treasurer Larry Pack has announced the Hope Scholarship Board has taken action in connection with a fraud investigation.
Larry Pack
A news release said the board recently acted to “permanently disqualify Tygart Valley Christian Academy from participation in the Hope Scholarship Program for financial misconduct.”
“We want to make clear that while there is very little fraud and misconduct in the Hope Scholarship Program, we want to take swift and decisive action when our

MORGANTOWN, W.Va.  — Flock cameras, manufactured by Flock Safety, or Automated License Plate Reader, are creating public comment in Monongalia County.
Several residents made those comments during Wednesday’s Monongalia County Commission meeting.
Sherriff Todd Forbes
The cameras can capture images of passing cars, logging the license plate, vehicle make, color, and specific details like bumper stickers or bike racks. Some of the systems can be fitted with facial recognition software and sensors

Today on MetroNews This Morning:
–Four are dead in an overnight fire in Barbour County
–Flood cleanup continues in Boone County as folks calculate their emotional losses
–Two ambulance workers are fired in Kanawha County over a high profile death
–In Sports: Team USA wins a knockout round game for the first time in 24 years in the World Cup
Listen to “MetroNews This Morning 7-2-26” on Spreaker.

The post MetroNews This Morning 7-2-26 appeared first on WV MetroNews.

JUNIOR, W.Va. — A late night fire in Barbour County has claimed the lives of four people.
The State Fire Marshal confirms the four adults died in the blaze at a home in the town of Junior. The fire department was alerted just before 11 p.m. Wednesday. They arrived to find a mobile home full engulfed in flames along River Avenue in the town.
The fire was out in 15 minutes and the bodies discovered.
The Fire Marshal has investigators on scene. All four victims were adults, but further information