CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The new trial for a Kanawha County man previously convicted of killing four members of his family is on track to move forward.
Gavin Smith, 21, appeared before Circuit Judge Kenneth Ballard on Tuesday for a pretrial conference in which neither the prosecution nor the defense presented any motions. Smith was convicted in 2022 of killing his stepfather, Dale Long; mother, Risa Mae Saunders; and brothers, Gage Ripley and Jameson Long.
The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals

Today on MetroNews This Morning:
–ICE makes 600 arrests of illegals in West Virginia
–Despite rising temperatures ice continues to keep Willow Island lock and dam closed
–Revenue Secretary Eric Nelson isn’t too concerned about January’s lower than expected revenue figures
–In Sports: We continue to preview the Super Bowl set for this Sunday
Listen to “MetroNews This Morning 2-3-26” on Spreaker.

The post MetroNews This Morning 2-3-26 appeared first on WV MetroNews.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The state Department of Health says the latest lab results showed no detection of mineral oil in Wayne water plant or distribution system, following the oil release at Appalachian Power’s East Lynn substation two weeks ago.
According to a Dept. of Health release, the Do Not Consume will remain in place as the Town of Wayne prepares to do a systemwide residential flushing that could take place Tuesday.
Officials encourage residents to not take any action with their residential

KINGWOOD, W.Va. — State police have issued a Silver Alert for an 84-year old man missing out of Preston County with multiple medical issues.
Willard DeWitt
Willard DeWitt, 84, is described as a white male, 6-feet tall, 240 pounds with gray hair, and hazel eyes.
DeWitt has congestive heart failure, kidney failure, requires oxygen 24/7 and had expressed that he had not been feeling well.
Troopers said DeWitt is most likely be wearing blue jeans, a white t-shirt, black suspenders and a blue/gray

Senators passed a bill characterized as prohibiting the counting of illegal or improperly cast ballots.
When there are questions about a voter’s eligibility, provisional ballots can be used to record votes until the resolution. Typically, a canvassing board will review information about the situation after the election to determine whether the vote will be counted. In very close races, these decisions can make a difference.
Senate Bill 61 dictates that provisional ballots must not be processed

PHILADELPHIA, W.Va. — An ICE enforcement officer says a recent surge in West Virginia that included 600 arrests of people allegedly illegally in the U.S was part of a nationwide effort.
“I don’t think there are many places in the country that are not impacted by it,” ICE Philadelphia Enforcement and Removal Operations acting Field Office Director Michael Rose said Monday on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Rose said he’s not surprised by the number of arrests.
“West Virginia is in the crossroads of

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Sen. Shelley Moore Capito introduced her veterans coalition during a campaign stop Monday in Morgantown.
James Hoyer
Capito was endorsed at the event by former West Virginia National Guard adjutant generals James Hoyer and Bill Crane along a group of other veterans.
“Going back to when she was a member of the House of Delegates, she’s been a steadfast champion of service members and veterans, but more importantly to us, to the families of our service members,” Hoyer said.