HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University has selected a new senior vice president and provost.
Dr. Diane Helfers Petrella was chosen following a nationwide search, Marshall announced Friday. She’ll begin at Marshall on July 1, 2026.
“Throughout her career, Dr. Petrella has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, student success and the arts as a vehicle for innovation and community engagement,” said Marshall President Brad Smith. “Her leadership experience and collaborative

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — It’s an Eastern Panhandle staple, drawing longtime residents and newcomers to a bevy of fall-themed activities honoring the agricultural heritage of the region as well as the harvest.
Susan Snowden
This year is the 46th Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival.  MSAHF Board President Susan Snowden has seen most of them.  “My aunt was a founding member and then I have been a volunteer and or board member since 1979.”
Snowden sat down recently to reflect on WEPM’s Panhandle Live.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –Free healthcare returns to Charleston on Saturday, with West Virginia Health Right hosting its annual #WeCareWV Day to provide walk-in medical, dental, and vision treatment for uninsured and underinsured West Virginians.
More than 150 volunteers are expected at WV Health Right’s East End Clinic to provide cost-free services.
“There’s so many people that’s left out. It’s one of the scariest things in the world to be vulnerable, have healthcare needs, and have no way to afford

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Public Service Commission says it’s starting a general investigation into the operations of Black Diamond Power.
The commission said it’s fielded many complaints about service and billing.
Black Diamond provides power to about 5,000 customers in parts of Clay, Wyoming and Raleigh counties The utility is currently seeking a rate increase. Customers turned out to speak against it at a public hearing this week in Clay. Another PSC hearing is scheduled for next Tuesday

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — MetroNews This Morning is a 15-minute podcast that gets you up-to-date on what’s happening in West Virginia.
Listen to Friday morning’s edition here. 
The post MetroNews This Morning 10-17-25 appeared first on WV MetroNews.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. –The state Public Service Commission has made a decision regarding utility poles that will support broadband expansion across the state.
In a news release Wednesday, the PSC announced that it has ruled the cost of replacing ‘red-tagged’ utility poles must be covered by the pole owners. The PSC explained that red-tagged poles are those that ‘require replacement due to age, deterioration, safety violations, accident, or any other cause.
“We are concerned that continuing delays