RICHARD, W.Va.  — A public-private partnership showcased the Richard Mine Treatment Facility near Morgantown in a Monday afternoon event.
The state Department of Environmental Protection and Northeast Natural Energy have worked together with other groups to improve the condition of Deckers Creek.
The plant has been in operation for about two years, and the effects on water quality and aquatic life have been dramatic. Work to get the plant to this point, however, took about 66 years and the

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There’s a new statewide initiative aimed at preparing people and communities to deal with disasters.
The Tygart Valley United Way and United Way of Central West Virginia announced the launch of United We Prepare on Monday. The initiative is nationally funded by Verizon and United Way Worldwide. It focuses on preparing and recovering from disasters, as well as nonprofit coordination.
The initiative will bring two Resiliency Centers to the state, in Fairmont and Charleston, to

ENGLISH, W.Va. — A McDowell County man is in custody over allegations of sexual assault from a 14-year-old girl.
The McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said Bobby Jim Kennedy was arrested Sunday on five charges. He’s charged with first- and second-degree sexual assault, child sexual abuse by a guardian, child abuse creating risk of injury, and providing alcohol to a minor.
Deputies were called to a house in the English area of the county because of a sexual assault report from a female teenager.

CLEAR FORK, W.Va. — A Wyoming County man was arrested for allegedly trying to solicit a 14-year-old boy for sexual activities.
David Acord
Wyoming County sheriff’s deputies said David “Porky” Acord, 51, of Clear Fork, was charged with soliciting a minor and traveling to engage in sexual acts, distributing obscene material to a minor, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
The investigation began Sunday night around 6:30 p.m. with a

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Department of Education is continuing its efforts to feed hungry children during the summer months.
The WVDE partnered with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and local organizations to provide meals for West Virginia youth aged 18 and younger while school is out. The partnership is called the Summer Food Service Program, and an estimated 375 sites are set to address food insecurity that many children face.
Samantha Reeves
WVDE Child Nutrition Coordinator

BRANCHLAND, W.Va. — A Lincoln County man was killed after his mower reportedly fell into an embankment and pinned him in a creek.
West Virginia State Police said Barry Brunty, 62, of Branchland, lost his life Saturday when he lost control of his zero-turn mower.
Troopers said CPR was given to Brunty by first responders, and he received treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
State police said Brunty died not long after from his injuries.
State police said they don’t suspect any foul play, and

Today on MetroNews This Morning:
–Scary moments on Randy’s Ridge during the weekend Super Regional Baseball game
–Teamsters Local 175 hold a community appreciation event as they continue a strike agaisnt The Beverage Market
–Congress eyes legislation aimed at reining in the problems with today’s college athletics
–In Sports: The Mountaineers prepare for their first trip to Omaha in program history
Listen to “MetroNews This Morning 6-8-26” on Spreaker.

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