CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Del. Trenton Barnhart will soon find himself on the other end of the state capitol for the rest of the legislative session.
Trenton Barnhart
Barnhart, R-Pleasants, was appointed Tuesday night to the Senate by Gov. Patrick Morrisey, filling the vacancy created with this month’s retirement of 40-year Senator Donna Boley, R-Pleasants.
Guy Ward
“Delegate Barnhart has served West Virginians in the 7th District with energy, integrity, and a deep commitment to conservative

Nearly a quarter way through the regular legislative session, there’s been a flip atop the House Education Committee.
This comes as state officials are having serious and complicated discussions about school funding support.
At the end of a House Education Committee meeting today, Chairman Joe Ellington announced a new chairman would be taking over, Delegate Joe Statler.
“So I will recognize vice chair Statler for the next chair,” Ellington said, to some apparent confusion by committee members.

Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced today that the West Virginia National Guard’s mission in Washington, D.C., will continue through the remainder of 2026.
“President Trump’s leadership in prioritizing the safety and security of our nation’s capital has enabled this vital mission, and our brave Guardsmen are proud to volunteer and make Washington, D.C. safer and stronger,” Morrisey said in an announcement of the mission’s continuing duration.
“The men and women of the West Virginia National Guard

The House of Delegates passed legislation that significant expansions to state laws on human trafficking and smuggling.
The bill, which establishes specific criminal penalties for the illegal transport of adults and minors, passed the House on an 81-9 vote with 9 members absent during difficult winter weather conditions.
A significant point of contention is over whether the bill would criminalize charitable or religious activities to help immigrants.
The legislation includes legal exemptions

FAIRMONT, W.Va. — A Tuesday morning fire in Fairmont is being blamed on a space heater used in an attempt to thaw pipes.
Volunteers from the Winfield District were called to structure in East Park Village at 11:37 a.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and fire coming up from the floor and quickly extinguished it.
The residents were able to escape the fire unharmed.
Investigators believe the fire was caused by a space heater that was being used to thaw pipes.
Marion County EMS, Marion