Bond revoked for Fayetteville businessman in connection to domestic battery charges

By
Micah Leith
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FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – A Fayetteville businessman has been booked in Southern Regional Jail in connection to domestic battery charges.

Lewis Rhinehart, who was identified as president of Secret Sandwich Society in Fayetteville as of a 2025 filing with the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office, was booked into Southern Regional Jail shortly after 1 p.m. on May 27. A bond revocation hearing was held that morning.

We have not been able to confirm the details of what happened in that meeting, but his $2,500 bond was revoked.

Rhinehart is facing a misdemeanor domestic battery charge in connection an incident last August. A criminal complaint says that Rhinehart threw the alleged victim to the ground, dragged her by the hair around the house, and threw her down the stairs.

A plea hearing has been scheduled for May 29 at 11 a.m.

Power Outage on Deep Water Mountain Road impacts over 200 people

By
Tygra de Mello
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Currently, 230 customers in the Deep Water Mountain Road area are without power due to a tree falling on the power line.

Here is what our reporter on the ground captured.

The outage started around 6:19 p.m. Thursday evening. While Appalachian Power began work, they blocked off Deep Water Mountain Road. It has since reopened.

As of the time of this web article being posted, power is estimated to be restored by 2:00 a.m. Friday, May 22.

We will keep you updated as we learn more.

 

Active structure fire on Redstar Hill Road

By
Tygra de Mello
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – We are tracking the details of a fire in Fayette County.

Three different firefighting departments are on the scene of an active structure fire on Redstar Hill Road.

Mt Hope, Fayette County, and Oak Hill fire departments were dispatched, and a tanker from Pax is on the way to help combat the blaze.

At this time, there is no word on the cause of the fire or injuries.

We will continue to follow this story and update you as we learn more.

https://youtu.be/LusQO6TtQS4

Man in custody following shelter-in-place order in Fayetteville

By
Micah Leith
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FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – A man is in custody following a brief shelter in place order was issued in the Fayetteville area today.

Fayette County Sheriff Jess McMullen says that deputies were dispatched on an “active shooter investigation” to a business located on Wolf Creek Road after receiving reports of a man armed with a handgun inside.

Law enforcement secured the area and evacuated the business. The suspect was taken into custody without incident, and nobody was hurt.

The suspect was identified as Max David Johnson, a 32 year old man from Fayetteville.

The sheriff’s department was assisted by Fayetteville and Oak Hill police departments, along with the state police. McMullen thanked all agencies involved for cooperation, rapid response, and professionalism.

The investigation is still ongoing, and McMullen says that information will be released as it becomes available.

Tyree wins Republican primary for Fayette County assessor

By
Jonathan Schwitzerlette
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FAYETTEVILLE, WV (WOAY) – Preliminary results indicate Fayette County Assessor Tara Tyree has held off a primary challenge in the Republican primary.

Tyree was appointed as the first female Fayette County Assessor in 2025, taking over for the retiring Eddie Young. She has been campaigning in this election to keep the job, drawing on 18 years of experience at the assessor’s office.

“I’ve had a lot of support because I’ve waited on the citizens of Fayette County for the past eight years. They know me. They’re comfortable with me. The majority of them like me and support me. And so it’s really been a pleasure getting out and talking to people who support me because I have supported them for almost two decades,” Tyree said.

Tyree said that although politics aren’t always fun, campaigning was necessary to keep serving the people of Fayette County.

“It’s not about a job, it’s not about a fancy title. It’s about doing what’s right for our county and going and doing the job every day and doing it right and helping people. I mean, that’s the best part of my job is actually helping the people of this county,” Tyree said.

Tyree thanked voters for their support and said regardless of the outcome, she wanted to continue to serve the county.

“Thank you for all the support that you’ve given me. Win or lose, I will be there for this county. I was born and raised in this county. It means the world to me, and I look forward to serving for many years to come,” Tyree said.

With preliminary results headed her way, Tyree said she plans to get right back to work.

“I plan on going to work tomorrow and continuing to do the job that I’ve been doing for the past 18 years,” Tyree said.

Maynard defends seat in crowded Republican primary, advances to November general election

By
Micah Leith
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WAYNE, WV (WOAY) – Incumbent Mark Maynard is the winner of a crowded Republican primary for State Senate District 6.

According to the Associated Press, Maynard will move on to the fall general election and will face off against the winner of the Democratic primary.

Maynard defeated Republican challengers Jeff Disibbio, Eric Porterfield, and Edwin Vanover. He was endorsed by Governor Patrick Morrisey.

Campbell beats primary challenge, advances to general for House of Delegates 46

By
Micah Leith
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LEWISBURG, WV (WOAY) – Incumbent Jeff Campbell has successfully defended his seat in the Republican primary for House of Delegates District 46.

According to the Associated Press, Campbell defeated a challenge from Mark Robinson.

He will defend his seat against Democrat Sarah Umberger in the general election this fall.

Community activist, organizer Baisden to face off against incumbent Roop in general election

By
Micah Leith
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BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – A community activist and organizer, has won the Democratic primary for House of Delegates District 44.

According to the Associated Press, Christina Baisden has defeated Tristin Kinningham.

She will face off against Republican incumbent Bill Roop in the general election this fall.

Gore defends seat in Republican primary for Summers County Commission

By
Micah Leith
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HINTON, WV (WOAY) – Incumbent Commissioner Mike Gore has won the Republican primary for the Summers County Commission New River District seat, according to preliminary results.

Gore was first elected to the commission in 2020 after defeating then-incumbent Democrat Bill Lightner. He is a long time volunteer firefighter and a former business owner in Summers County.

County commissioners in West Virginia serve six-year terms. No Democrat filed for the seat.

Cochran wins Mercer County Circuit Court election outright

By
Micah Leith
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PRINCETON, WV (WOAY) – Judge Brian Cochran has won the Mercer County Circuit Court election outright.

According to preliminary results, Cochran defeated Family Court Judge Adam Wolfe in the May primary.

Governor Patrick Morrisey appointed Cochran to the seat in January to fill the vacancy left by Judge William Sadler’s retirement at the end of last year.

Cochran has served as Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney since 2020 and brings more than three decades of combined law enforcement and legal experience to the bench. He started his career as a city police officer, then a deputy sheriff, and then a West Virginia State Trooper for more than 16 years before earning his law degree in 2007.

Maynor defeats primary challenge, advances to the general election

By
Micah Leith
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BEAVER, WV (WOAY) – Delegate Jordan Maynor has won the Republican primary for House of Delegates District 41.

According to the Associated Press, Maynor defeated challenger Adrian Carag.

He is set to face off against Curtis Shaver in the general election.

Cooper successfully defends seat in Republican primary for House of Delegates District 40

By
Micah Leith
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WAYSIDE, WV (WOAY) – Delegate Roy Cooper has won the Republican primary for House of Delegates District 40.

According to the Associated Press, Cooper beat Jon Fain and Travis Waldron. 

He will face off against Jennifer Gilkerson in the November election.

Deeds fends off primary challenge in race with statewide political implications

By
Micah Leith
-

RENICK, WV (WOAY) – State Senate District 10 incumbent Vince Deeds has survived a Republican primary election challenge from Lewisburg pastor Jonathan Comer.

According to the Associated Press, Deeds will advance to the general election against Kent Gilkerson, who won the Democratic primary unopposed.

Deeds’s victory is a rebuke of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s attempt to push legislators who he felt were not conservative enough out of the legislature. Morrisey endorsed Jonathan Comer roughly a month before the election.

“A group of status quo, liberal legislators have opposed our conservative, pro-Trump policies every step of the way,” Morrisey’s post endorsing Comer reads. “We must educate the public about the current composition of the Senate and the House and elect more change agents to public office — officials who want to put West Virginia first and who want our state to reach her potential. Many elected legislators claim to be Republicans, but in practice are RINOs— Republicans in name only.”

Senator Shelley Moore Capito endorsed Deeds shortly after the governor made his endorsement. Capito made it clear that she supported Deeds and his record in the state senate.

“[Vince Deeds is] a fantastic state senator,” she said. “We gotta get Vince back in the state senate. He does great work for our state, he does great work for his community, and we’ve worked on a couple things together locally. I want to see us all send Vince back to the state senate.”

Miller wins Republican primary, will defend House seat in general election

By
Micah Leith
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U.S. Representative Carol Miller co-sponsored the amendment aimed at addressing drinking water violations in Southern West Virginia.

CABELL COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – Representative Carol Miller is one step closer to winning her fifth term in office.

According to the Associated Press, she is the winner over Larry Jackson, a Wyoming County businessman.

She will be the heavy favorite in the November general election and is set to face off against the winner of the Democratic primary between Vince George and Britta Aguirre.

Miller currently serves on the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives.

WOAY Election Center: 2026 West Virginia Local Primary Results

By
Micah Leith
-
CandidateVote CountVote PercentWinner
LOCAL – FAYETTE COUNTY
Fayette County Commissioner [GOP]
Barry Crist (R)1,15545.0%X
Christopher Burford (R)94236.7%
Teresa Pullen Dorsey (R)46818.2%
Fayette County Assessor – Unexpired Term [GOP]
Babette Hess (R)96138.9%
Tara Tyree (R)1,50861.1%X
Fayette County Board of Education – New Haven District
Pat GrayUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Fayette County Board of Education – Plateau District
Diane CallisonUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Fayette County Board of Education – Valley District
Joe B. GroomUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Fayette County Conservation District Supervisor
Randy PrinceUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Fayette County Circuit Court District 13
Evan Dove66311.9%
Sam Fox207237.3%X
Brandon L. Gray57110.3%
Larry Harrah142025.6%
Ray “Wes” Toney82314.8%
LOCAL – GREENBRIER COUNTY
Greenbrier County Commissioner [GOP]
Lowell C. Rose (R)UNCONTESTED100%X
Greenbrier County Commissioner – Unexpired Term [GOP]
Bill Bell (R)75725.9%
Matt Ford (R)2,16474.1%X
Greenbrier County Magistrate – Unexpired Term – District 1
Shana L. HamrickUNCONTESTED100%X
Greenbrier County Board of Education – Central District
Jeanie Porterfield WyattUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Greenbrier County Board of Education – Eastern District
Andrew P. UtterbackUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Nicole RamseyUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Greenbrier County Board of Education – Western District
Paula Sanford-DunfordUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Greenbrier County Conservation District Supervisor
Gary L. TruexUNCONTESTED100.0%X
LOCAL – MCDOWELL COUNTY
McDowell County Commissioner (DEM)
Cecil Dale Patterson (D)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
McDowell County Board of Education – North Elkins District
Angela RobinetteUNCONTESTED100.0%X
James “Jimmy” CopoloUNCONTESTED100.0%X
McDowell County Board of Education – Sandy River District
Jennifer Crigger Justice54935.8%X
Larkin Rippeth35823.4%
Linda Lester White62640.8%X
McDowell County Conservation District Supervisor
Randall Wayne PattonUNCONTESTED100.0%X
LOCAL – MERCER COUNTY
Mercer County Commissioner [GOP]
Greg Puckett (R)00.0%
Mercer County Prosecuting Attorney – Unexpired Term [GOP]
Anthony Heltzel (R)1,67447.9%
David A. Pfeifer (R)1,81952.1%X
Mercer County Board of Education – District 1
Sherrie JenkinsUNCONTESTED100.0%
Mercer County Board of Education – District 2
Bryce Veneri1,63116.0%
Gregory S. “Greg” Prudich2,39623.5%
Keith Gunnoe3,14530.9%X
Shawn L. Vest3,01829.6%X
Mercer County Board of Education – District 3
Deborah Akers2,74457.1%X
Mark D. Godfrey2,06342.9%
Mercer County Conservation District Supervisor
Virgel Caldwell00.0%X
Circuit Court Judge- District 15
Brian K. Cochran377056.0%X
Adam B. Wolfe296444.0%
LOCAL – MONROE COUNTY
Monroe County Commissioner [GOP]
Melvin Young (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Monroe County Magistrate – Unexpired Term
Amy R. HuntUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Monroe County Board of Education – Central District
Linda Coffman-BennettUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Monroe County Board of Education – Eastern District
Evan BrooksUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Terry A. UtterbackUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Monroe County Board of Education – Unexpired Term – Western District
Deborah MyersUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Roho D. FrenchUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Monroe County Conservation District Supervisor
Adam R. Hill1,11566.4%X
Avery D. Atkins56333.6%
LOCAL – NICHOLAS COUNTY
Nicholas County Commissioner (DEM)
Richard Mucklow (D)19417.6%
Sarah Meadows Brown (D)91182.4%X
Nicholas County Commissioner [GOP]
D. Craig Chapman (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Nicholas County Board of Education – Birch District
Bill PersingerUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Nicholas County Board of Education – Cherry District
Libby Coffman1,70456.9%X
Rick Green1,29243.1%
Nicholas County Board of Education – Gauley District
Anita Brown Groves1,77139.9%X
Debbie Tompkins1,47133.1%X
Weldon “Chip” Perrine1,19827.0%
Nicholas County Conservation District Supervisor
John “J.R.” Pitsenbarger00.0%
LOCAL – RALEIGH COUNTY
Raleigh County Commissioner [GOP]
Greg Duckworth (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney – Unexpired Term [GOP]
Christopher Lefler (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Raleigh County Board of Education – District II
Charlotte HutchensUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Raleigh County Board of Education – District III
Larry D. Ford3,97133.2%X
Marie Hamrick3,46829.0%
Ron Cantley4,52837.8%X
Raleigh County Conservation District Supervisor
Edgar F. Hendrick Jr.3,01944.4%
Mark Harris3,78555.6%X
LOCAL – SUMMERS COUNTY
Summers County Commissioner [GOP]
Larry Fox (R)25326.4%
Mike Gore (R)70673.6%X
Summers County Magistrate – Unexpired Term – Division 1
Nathan J.W. AllenUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Summers County Board of Education – Bluestone District
Gregory “Greg” AngellUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Summers County Board of Education – Greenbrier District
Mary “Megan” HarveyUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Summers County Board of Education – New River District
Renee Meador FarleyUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Summers County Conservation District Supervisor
Ron TestermanUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Summers County Board of Education Levy
YES85947.7%
NO94352.3%X
LOCAL – WYOMING COUNTY
Wyoming County Commissioner [GOP]
Jason Mullins (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Wyoming County Prosecuting Attorney – Unexpired Term [GOP]
Derek Laxton (R)UNCONTESTED100.0%X
Wyoming County Board of Education – Division 1
Doug KennedyUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Wyoming County Board of Education – Division 2
Allan R. Stiltner88435.8%
April Hedinger1,58464.2%X
Wyoming County Board of Education – Division 3
Doug LesterUNCONTESTED100.0%X
James R. (Bob) CookUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Wyoming County Conservation District Supervisor
William “Bill” CookUNCONTESTED100.0%X
Mayor of Mullens
Alan “Mater” Mills23455.2%X
Kenny McBride19044.8%
Pineville Levy
Yes10672.1%X
No4127.9%

WOAY Election Center: 2026 West Virginia Judicial Results

By
Micah Leith
-

SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS

INTERMEDIATE COURT OF APPEALS

WOAY Election Center: 2026 West Virginia Legislature Primary Results

By
Micah Leith
-

STATE SENATE

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

WOAY Election Center: 2026 West Virginia Federal Primary Results

By
Micah Leith
-

Pikeview high school baseball vacates regular season wins

By
Matt Rineer
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PIKEVIEW, WV (WOAY) – Newswatch has confirmed that all wins for Pikeview’s high school baseball team before May 1 will be vacated and listed as a forfeit.

Athletic Director Jason Underwood told us that it is a result of a student being determined ineligible.

The school is currently preparing a statement with more information, and we will continue to update you once we learn more.

Stabbing in Fayette County

By
Tygra de Mello
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Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Fayette County Sheriff Jess McMullen states that the Sheriff’s Department is investigating a stabbing.

The stabbing took place early Monday morning in the Prudence area of Fayette County.

Deputies were dispatched due to a report that an injured person went to a residence asking for help. Other calls reported that a male tried to enter nearby houses.

Deputies found a man with a stab wound to the chest. The victim stated Casey O. Workman was the person who attacked him. Deputies then found Workman nearby, and he was taken into custody with no incident.

The deputies on scene then contacted the Sheriff’s Department Detective Bureau to investigate.

Workman has been charged with the felony offense of malicious wounding. Deputies also executed an active circuit court bench warrant on him.

The victim was transported for care and is in stable condition.

We will continue to track this headline and update you as we learn more.

Wyoming County woman arrested on attempted robbery charge

By
Phillip Copney
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Lincoln County, WV (WOAY) – A Wyoming County woman is in custody after troopers say she fired shots inside a Lincoln County convenience store during an alleged armed robbery attempt.

According to a press release from the West Virginia State Police, on Friday, May 1, 2026, 42-year-old Rebecca Peterson of Oceana allegedly entered the Shell Station on Little Coal River Road in Alum Creek, WV, with the intention to commit a robbery. 

An investigation by troopers revealed that Peterson fired multiple rounds from a firearm and then left the scene in a vehicle.

She was later stopped in Kanawha County and taken into custody.

Rebecca Peterson is charged with Attempted Armed Robbery, Wanton Endangerment, Brandishing, Assault, and Destruction of Property and is currently awaiting arraignment.  

She is currently being held in the Western Regional Jail.

Man Shot Multiple Times in Beckley, Flown to Hospital by Helicopter

By
Caleb Pearl
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Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Beckley police are investigating a shooting that left one man in critical condition Tuesday evening.

Officers responded to the 100 Block of Temple Street shortly after 6 p.m., according to the Beckley Police Department. Detectives found a male victim who had been shot multiple times.

The victim was initially transported to a local hospital, then flown by helicopter to another medical facility for further treatment. His condition remains critical.

Detectives are canvassing the area and interviewing witnesses. The victim’s identity is currently being withheld. Police say additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers at Crimestopperswv.com or by calling 304-255-STOP. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and rewards are paid for information leading to an arrest.

Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will participate in National Drug Take Back Initiative

By
Phillip Copney
-

Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will offer residents a safe alternative to dispose of medications.

The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office will partner with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative #30 on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Residents can take unused or expired medications to Crab Orchard Pharmacy, located at 1299 Robert C. Byrd Drive in Crab Orchard, WV.

The Sheriff’s Office also has a permanent drop box inside the Law Enforcement Division at 308 Ned Payne Drive in Beckley, available for residents year-round. 

The initiative aims to help prevent misuse, accidental poisoning, and the distribution of medications to the wrong hands. 

For more information, contact the Sheriff’s Office at 304-255-9300. 

Kanawha County Sheriff’s deputies investigating fatal shooting

By
Phillip Copney
-

Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in Kanawha County on the morning of Monday, April 13, 2026.

According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Bureau of Investigations is assisting the Nitro Police Department with a murder investigation that took place in the parking lot at the Nitro Marketplace Walmart.

The victim is being identified as an adult female who sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Investigators are actively working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

According to deputies, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. They are questioning a person of interest in regards to the case.

Deputies are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at (304)357-0169 or submit tips online to www.kanawhasheriff.us

Fayette County man sentenced on multiple charges

By
Phillip Copney
-

Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Fayette County man has been sentenced to prison for multiple charges.

According to a media release from the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Fayette County, 61-year-old George E. “Speedy” Legg of Gallagher, WV, appeared in court for sentencing on Tuesday, March 21, 2026.

Legg was sentenced to one (1) to five (5) years in prison for the felony crime of fleeing in a vehicle with reckless indifference to the safety of others and to a consecutive term of one (1) to three (3) years in prison for the felony crime of third offense driving on a license revoked for DUI. Legg was also fined a total of $4,000.00.

Legg entered a guilty plea to both crimes on August 25, 2025. Legg must serve a minimum of two (2) years before becoming eligible for parole.

The charges stem from Legg’s arrest on May 25, 2024, when a Fayette County Sheriff’s Deputy observed Legg driving a vehicle in the Armstrong Creek area of Fayette County.

Based on prior interactions with Legg, the deputy believed Legg did not have a valid driver’s license and the deputy attempted a traffic stop.

Instead of stopping, Legg fled in the vehicle reaching speeds exceeding 90 mph on Armstrong Creek Road, which has a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Legg also made contact with the deputy’s cruiser after he turned the vehicle around during the pursuit. The pursuit ended when Legg reached Craig Hollow Road, he unsuccessfully attempted to turn around at a locked gate and was apprehended.

George E. “Speedy” Legg has multiple prior convictions including driving on a suspended or revoked driver’s license and for fleeing from police in multiple counties.

In 2016, Legg was convicted of delivery of methamphetamine and driving on a license revoked for DUI, third offense in Fayette County.

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