Wyoming County, WV (WOAY) – Wyoming County drug investigation results in the arrest of multiple suspects.
According to a media release from the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office working with multiple law enforcement agencies executed two search warrants related to felony drug offenses in the Oceana and Lynco areas of Wyoming County.
The following individuals were arrested and charged:
Jeremy Scott Justice – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
Christopher Michael Hatfield – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine
Shenna Griffith – Delivery of Fentanyl, Drug Conspiracy
James Milford Hicks – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
Effie Mae Gibson – Delivery of Fentanyl, Delivery of Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
Troy Calloway Morgan – Possession with intent to Deliver Fentanyl, Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy, Bond Violation
Shannon Rae Lusk – Possession with intent to Deliver Fentanyl, Possession with intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Drug Conspiracy
Jeremy Scott Lusk
Christopher Michael Hatfield
Shenna Griffith
James Milford Hicks
Effie Mae Gibson
Troy Calloway Morgan
Shannon Rea Lusk
The suspects listed above were arraigned in Wyoming County Magistrate where bonds were set ranging from $200.000 cash to $300,000.
BECKLEY, WV (WOAY) – Detectives say they have figured out where a prescription fentanyl vial found in a trick-or-treat basket in Beckley came from.
According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, the small vial was found in a trick-or-treat basket. It contains an unknown substance and has a label that identifies the substance as fentanyl.
Officers have now tracked the origin of that vial to a local medical facility. The name of that facility has not been released to protect the integrity of the investigation, but officers say the facility is fully cooperating.
Beckley Police Deputy Chief David Allard said that evidence does not suggest the act was intentional or an attempt to harm anyone. Because the substance is a liquid, it cannot be analyzed with a field test and will be sent to a state or federal laboratory for testing.
We will continue to follow this story and update you as we learn more.
Beckley, WV (WOAY) – A local police department is investigating a suspicious discovery that occurred on Halloween night.
According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, a small vial was discovered in a trick or treat basket on Friday, October 31, 2025. The vial contained an unknown substance labeled as fentanyl.
According to officers, the item was promptly reported by a parent without incident. The vial was secured by an officer and will be sent for laboratory analysis, and the investigation is being handled by our Detective Bureau.
Officers with the Beckley Police Department urge parents to inspect all Halloween treats.
Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact the department or Crime Stoppers of West Virginia via their free P3 Tips mobile application.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – The West Virginia National Guard is being activated to assist communities with food relief efforts as funding for SNAP benefits runs out on Saturday.
According to a media release from the National Guard, 200 service members have received authorization from West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey to provide logistical support as well as personnel to food banks and pantries throughout the state.
“We stand ready to support our state partner agencies, local food banks and non-profit organizations with critical logistical support to keep food on the table for West Virginia families,” WVNG Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Jim Seward said in the news release.
The West Virginia National Guard’s duties while deployed may also include assisting with receiving, sorting, packaging and distributing food; managing traffic and crowds; providing logistical support; and ensuring safe, orderly and dignified distribution, according to the news release.
The WVNG has was worked with partner agencies and non-profits such as Facing Hunger Food Bank, Mountaineer Food Bank, West Virginia Dept. Of Agriculture and the West Virginia Dept. of Human Services.
Anyone in need of assistance can call 211 or visit wv211.org for food assistance and local pantry information. You can also contact your local Family Resource Network for support.
Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – A Fayette County Schools employee has been arrested on multiple charges involving the misuse of school funds.
According to court records, Oak Hill Middle School Principal Chad Quesenberry was arrested and charged with money related crimes by the West Virginia State Police on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
The allegations outlined in the criminal complaint were brought to the attention of WVSP by Fayette County Superintendent David Warvel and members of the Fayette County Board of Education.
40-year-old Chad Morgan Quesenberry of Beckley is charged with one count of embezzlement, one count of attempted embezzlement, one count of fraudulent schemes, and one count of obtaining money under false pretense.
Quesenberry is also charged with 12 counts of falsifying account record by public employee and 13 counts of access device fraud.
He appeared in Fayette County Magistrate Court for arraignment and is free on $30,000 bond awaiting a preliminary hearing date.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – An officer with a Kanawha County volunteer fire department is facing charged for allegedly embezzling thousands of dollars over the course of several years.
According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 59-year-old Robert “Robbie” Evans of Boomer has been charged with one count of felony embezzlement from the Handley Volunteer Fire Department. Evans served the fire department as treasurer. He was arrested on Tuesday October 29, 2025, by members of the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office.
According to investigators with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, $95,000 was withdrawn from multiple ATMs from the general account for the department beginning in January of 2023.
Deputies said Evans possessed an unauthorized debit card for the department.
Investigators noted the account had a beginning balance of $22,000 in January 2023 and only had $142.00 in June of this year.
Between 2022 and 2025, records indicate the Kanawha County Commission has issued checks to the department in excess of $120,000 to the Handley Volunteer Fire Department.
Investigators say the case remains open and additional charges are possible.
Evans’ bond was set at $100,000 or 10% cash. He is being held in the South-Central Regional Jail with a preliminary hearing scheduled for November 6.
Greenbrier County, WV (WOAY) – A Greenbrier County man has been arrested for allegedly committing multiple crimes.
According to a media release from Greenbrier County Sheriff Bart Baker, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, deputies obtained a warrant and conducted a search at a home on Pleasant Lane in Renick, WV.
As a result of the search deputies discovered 17 grams of methamphetamine, five grams of fentanyl, 20 grams of marijuana and 40 grams of a substance that was believed to be fentanyl. The search also yielded digital scales and other drug paraphernalia that deputies catalogued as evidence.
According to the media release, investigators conducted interview with several subjects that were staying at the home, two of which gave statements that the homeowner, identified as Obie Bennett, had supplied them with methamphetamine in exchange for work around the residence.
49-year-old Obie Neal Bennett, Jr. of Renick, WV is charged with three counts of Possession with the Intent to Deliver Narcotics, two counts of Delivery of Methamphetamine and one charge of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Obie Bennett is currently being held in Southern Regional Jail under a $30,000 bond.
Fayette County, WV (WOAY) – Fayette County first responders were at the scene of the Quality Inn in Fayetteville for a reported fire.
Fayette County dispatch told us that there were no injuries.
Our team on the ground saw members of Fayetteville, Oak Hill, Mount Hope, Nuttall, and Ansted fire departments on the scene, as well as the Sheriff’s Office, Fayetteville Police Station, and Jan Care Ambulance.
The initial call was for a smoke investigation. We will continue to follow this story and update you as we learn more.
Beckley, WV (WOAY) – Beckley Police make arrest in hit and run fatal accident that occurred over the weekend.
According to a media release from the Beckley Police Department, 46-year-old Sherri Willis of Beckley has been charged with felony leaving the scene of an accident involving death. She was taken into custody by detectives on Monday, October 27, 2025.
On Saturday October 25, 2025, officers with the Beckley Police Department responded to a call involving a pedestrian struck by vehicle in the 3600 block of Robert C. Byrd Drive. When officers arrived on scene, they discovered 72-year-old William Clark had suffered fatal injuries as a result of being struck by a vehicle which had left the scene of the accident. Officers were unable to locate any eyewitnesses to the accident but did recover physical and video evidence of the crime.
Sherri Willis is currently being held in the Southern Regional Jail, under a $100,000 bond.
Mercer County, WV (WOAY) – A Mercer County man has been indicted on multiple charges including first degree murder.
WOAY has learned through court documents that a Mercer County grand jury has indicted Raheem Raquan Reed on charges including first degree murder, use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and conspiracy.
The charges stem from crimes that took place in Mercer County on November 17, 2022.
According to court filings the grand jury returned the indictment on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – Criminal charges against a former Raleigh County prosecuting attorney have been dismissed.
Magistrates in multiple counties have dismissed criminal charges in court cases involving Benjamin Hatfield.
In Raleigh County, Hatfield was charged with one count of violation of a protective order. That charge was dismissed on Monday, September 15, 2025, by Magistrate Greg Tanner.
On June 21, 2025, Hatfield was charged with violation of a domestic violence protective order. That charge was dismissed on Friday, September 12, 2025, by Magistrate Matthew Epling.
On August 25, 2025, Hatfield was charged with a single count of intimidation of and retaliation against public officers and witnesses.
That charge was dismissed on September 12, 2025, by Magistrate Paul Blume.
In Kanawha County, Hatfield was charged with a single count of violation of a protective order.
That charge was dismissed on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, by Magistrate Joe L. Shelton.
The charges in all four of these criminal cases stem from allegations made by a person Hatfield was allegedly romantically involved with.
There are still civil cases tied to the former prosecuting attorney of Raleigh County regarding alleged misconduct while he was in office.
We will bring you more details on those cases as they become available.
Update: An update to a story we reported on October 7, 2025, related to Kanawha County teen Riley Gibson who was reported missing.
According to a Facebook post from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 14-year-old Riley Gibson has been located.
No other details are being released at this time.
Kanawha County, WV (WOAY) – Deputies are asking for help from the public find a teen who has been reported missing.
According to a media release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, 14-year-old Riley Gibson was last seen on Monday October 6, 2025. She was getting into a silver Chevrolet Impala at Herbert Hoover High School in the Elkview area of Kanawha County.
Deputies believe Gibson may be with an unidentified male heading toward Ohio.
Riley Gibson is 5 feet, 2 inches tall and weighs about 195 pounds. She was last seen wearing a black Nike sweatshirt, black leggings, a gold necklace with a heart on it and white shoes.
Deputies are asking anyone with information to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169 or call 911.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – A month long drug investigation leads to the seizure of narcotics.
According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the State Police and law enforcement in Mercer County conducted one of the single, largest drug busts in state history.
The large-scale narcotics investigation enabled law enforcement officers to seize enough fentanyl to kill more than twelve million people. According to Governor Morrisey, that number is seven times the population of West Virginia with a street value of over $825,000.
The following was seized:
54 pounds of suspected fentanyl
70 pounds of suspected crystal meth
23 pounds of suspected marijuana
15 firearms
3 brick presses
The suspects arrested in this case face drug charges including delivery of methamphetamine, delivery of fentanyl and conspiracy to deliver fentanyl. One of the suspects arrested in the case if currently on federal probation for drug charges.
According to the media release, the bricks of fentanyl seized in this case are marked with inscriptions that act as signatures for gangs and dealers seen in drug cases other parts of the country.
“If you’re a drug dealer and you’re trying to operate in West Virginia, we’re coming for you,” Morrisey said.
WEST VIRGINIA (WOAY) – Nearly a year after state inspectors cited violations at a former mine dam, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection (WVDEP) has ordered Lexington Coal Company to show cause why a key permit should not be suspended or revoked.
In related permitting matters on Coal River Mountain, WVDEP has “unissued” a permit renewal after acknowledging a missed citizen objection and has scheduled a site visit, and Lexington Coal has requested renewal of the undisturbed Twilight South permit (S502808).
“This permit is important to Lexington because we still have mineable coal there,” said Vernon Haltom, executive director of Coal River Mountain Watch. “We don’t want to see what has happened on the previous permits to continue on this one.”
At a Glance: Three Active Situations
Show Cause on U001383 (Lower Big Branch)
WVDEP issued a Show Cause No. 2411 on Aug.18, 2025, for permit U001383. Lexington Coal responded on Aug.26, requesting a hearing. The permit is already suspended from a prior show-cause action. CRMW is pressing for a full revocation, citing a pattern of non-compliance and more than $3 million in unpaid fines.
2. Center Contour Renewal (S300316)
After CRMW’s objection (filed Oct.22, 2024), WVDEP permitting manager acknowledged an “oversight,” said the renewal for Permit S300316, operated by Republic Energy, will be “unissued,” and committed to a site visit and informal conference. The site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept.23, at 9 a.m.
3. Twilight South Permit Renewal (S502808)
Lexington Coal Company seeks a renewal of an undisturbed tract inside the Twilight Complex on the Raleigh-Boone County border. CRMW argues a renewal is not in the interest of the public, given the company’s history of violations and delinquent fines.
Background
On Oct.16, 2024, WVDEP issued NOV 91 (failure to remove excess vegetation from the impoundment face for close visual inspection) and NOV 92 (failure to maintain sediment control structures) for permit U001383. On Jan. 14, 2025, the agency issued CO 93 and CO 94 for failure to abate those NOVs. On Aug.18, 2025, WVDEP determined a “pattern of violations” on Permit U001383 under Section 17, Article 3, Chapter 22, and ordered Lexington Coal to show cause within 30 days why the permit should not be suspended or revoked.
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In an email, Vernon Haltom wrote, “In most cases, coal companies can request a consent order, but the hearing is Lexington’s only option since they’re so delinquent.”
“Coal River Mountain Watch has been keeping an eye on this area since our inception in 1998. We have seen many of these mountaintop removal permits grow and more permits added to them, until we have very large complexes like some of the ones that we saw today are 12 square miles,” Haltom said.
“I would like the DEP to answer some questions for me so I can be more informed. This information helps the people become more informed about what’s there, what’s been done, and what’s going to happen,” Haltom said.
1. Show Cause Order (U001383)
Permit: U001383, Lower Big Branch Facility: Sludge dam that was later used as a sediment pond Concerns: Repeated violations, delinquent penalties, and dam safety issues documented in inspections across 2024 and 2025 Potential outcomes: Continued suspension, full revocation, and possible bond forfeiture, or WVDEP can lift the suspension if Lexington abates violations; show cause hearing can be cancelled if Lexington abates violations.
“The Secretary has determined a pattern of violations exists on the aforesaid permit and you are ORDERED to show cause,” the WVDEP wrote in the show cause notice.
Advocates argue the permit’s construction, elevation, proximity to homes and roads, and the site’s management history warrant revocation rather than another round of suspended status.
“There are a number of permits that they should be revoking, including some we saw today. They’ve had plenty of time to fix their violations and pay their fines. They’ve had plenty of time to comply, yet they’re still operating, still violating,” Haltom said.
2. Center Contour Permit Renewal (S300316)
CRMW objected on Oct.22, 2024, to the renewal of the Center Contour site on Coal River Mountain, Permit S300316, operated by Republic Energy, a subsidiary of Alpha Metallurgical Resources. On Aug.27, 2025, the WVDEP approved the renewal despite CRMW’s objection. On Aug.28, 2025, WVDEP acknowledged an “oversight,” said the renewal would be unissued, and scheduled a site visit and an informal conference.
“Apparently, there was an oversight, and your comment was missed. We will unissue the renewal application and will be contacting you to schedule the site visit and informal conference,” the WVDEP wrote to CRMW in an email.
The site visit is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept.23, at 9 a.m.
3. Twilight South Permit Renewal (S502808)
Lexington Coal Company is seeking to renew its Twilight South permit inside the larger Twilight Complex on the Raleigh-Boone County border. The tract is currently undisturbed and sits next to heavily disturbed areas with chronic violations and delinquent fines.
“It is adjacent, however, to a very disturbed permit, one that has bunches of violations and a lot of fines, and the whole complex is that way,” Haltom said. “There are so many violations that have gone uncorrected, and Lexington has well over $3 million in delinquent penalties. It’s been over a year since they made their required first payment of a settlement agreement with the DEP, but that’s all they’ve made.”
The online informal conference is scheduled for Sept.30, 2025. The conference can be accessed at the following link: https://meet.google.com/etu-zkfp-ogh
“One of the things about this particular permit is it’s 1900 acres, and that’s a big one. It’s over three square miles, an area, and it has 56 million tons of coal with it,” Haltom said.
A Timeline of Violations and Enforcement Gaps
Aug.30, 2024 – WVDEP inspection notes dam deficiencies (per CRMW complaint).
Oct.14, 2024 – CRMW files a complaint urging DEP to issue violations based on the inspection checklist.
Oct.16, 2024 – DEP issues NOV 91 and NOV 92.
Dec.16, 2024 – DEP assesses civil penalties for NOV 91 and 92.
Jan.14, 2025 – DEP upgrades NOVs to CO 93 and CO 94 for failure to act.
Mar.4, 2025 – DEP assesses $22,500 for each cessation order.
Spring 2025 – Follow-up inspections find unresolved conditions; additional NOV 95 (May 9) and NOV 96 (June 24) are issued, with penalty assessments in July.
Aug.18, 2025 – DEP issues Show Cause No. 2411 for U001383.
Sept.8, 2025 – DEP modifies NOV 95 to CO 97.
Sept.11, 2025 – DEP modifies NOV 96 to CO 98
“Coal companies love to say how they are strictly regulated, and they have all these laws that they have to abide by. Yet the laws and regulations are weak and they’re really weakly enforced, and the DEP could probably do a lot more than they do now,” Haltom said.
CRMW also documents that the WVDEP missed the 60-day decision deadline after the Oct.22, 2024, show cause hearing on a related matter, with a determination not issued until Mar.27, 2025. The original violation, NOV 81/CO 88, was first cited on Dec.8, 2023, yet CRMW says the violation still continues unabated.
WVDEP’s Position on Lexington Coal
In a written response to WOAY, WVDEP said the agency has taken multiple enforcement actions against Lexington Coal Company, including notices of violation, civil penalties, cessation orders, and the suspension of more than 10 permits.
The full statement reads:
“WVDEP has taken multiple enforcement actions against Lexington Coal Company, including issuing notices of violation, assessing penalties, ordering cessation of operations, and suspending more than 10 permits, effectively prohibiting new mining or major permit changes until violations are corrected and penalties are paid. The WVDEP continues to use regulatory tools available for ensuring compliance and collecting outstanding penalties; this includes entering “permit-blocks” into OSMRE’s Applicant Violator System that prevents LCC from obtaining new permits or significant revisions to its existing permits in any state.”
Separately, DEP counsel has objected to parts of CRMW’s participation due to procedure requirements, arguing that non-attorneys cannot represent an organization in a show cause proceeding and that “hearsay” should not be admitted outside a hearing. CRMW has requested intervenor status in the current show cause and has submitted detailed comments for the record.
“If any person wishes to offer testimony or other evidence on any matter, that person must do so through the appropriate channels, ordinarily by providing that evidence and/or testimony in a hearing. An email which is neither attested to nor subject to cross-examination should not be considered,” the WVDEP wrote in an email.
“I’ll again request intervenor status as an individual and present my stack of evidence at the hearing,” Haltom said.
Reporting Note: WVDEP personnel led a site visit, requested by CRMW, to the Twilight South Permit, but did not allow a tour of active mining areas or any photo or video while inside the permit boundary. When we asked if WVDEP members could take photo or video to supplement, they said no.
Citizen Watchdogs at the Center: What CRMW Did
The record shows CRMW’s actions repeatedly forced movement:
Triggered citations: After CRMW’s Oct.14, 2024, complaint that cited the agency’s own inspection checklist, DEP issued NOVs two days later. Pressed deadlines: When DEP exceeded the 60-day rule on a show cause decision from late 2024, CRMW pursued the transcript and the overdue determination through FOIA and follow-up requests. Escalated oversight: After months without resolution, CRMW took the case to OSMRE, asserting inadequate state enforcement. Tracked penalties: CRMW has documented delinquent fines and additional penalties as the case escalated through 2025. Intervened again: On Sept.12, 2025, CRMW requested intervenor status in Show Cause 2411 and urged DEP to revoke U001383 and initiate bond forfeiture.
“About a fourth of the complaints that we make result in a violation, and some of the violations that the DEP has already found continue unabated. We find those patterns of violations and try to get the DEP to do what they’re supposed to do,” Haltom said.
The Money: Payment Plans and Delinquent Fines
Documents reviewed by Newswatch state that Lexington Coal entered a May 17, 2024, payment agreement with DEP for $2,997,067.50, with an initial payment on June 15, 2024, and monthly installments to follow.
The agreement was amended on Sept.17, 2024, to a total of $3,182,510.00, with higher monthly payments. According to emails between CRMW and the WVDEP, Lexington made only the initial June 2024 payment and has not paid since, while additional penalty demands have been issued across 2025.
Lexington now owes over $3 million, alongside new demands on individual NOVs and COs tied to U001383.
“Seeing very little change and very little improvement can be very frustrating, but we’re in it for the long haul. We’ve been doing this for a long time, and sometimes the success doesn’t always make itself readily visible,” Haltom said.
WVDEP says it has “permit-blocked” the company in the federal system to prevent new permits or major revisions until violations are corrected and penalties are paid. Advocates say that suspension and blocking have not compelled actual fixes on the ground.
“They’re still blowing up the mountains, still polluting the streams. They’re still polluting the air that people breathe and driving up rates of cancer, heart disease, lung disease, birth defects, all of those things that come with living near mountaintop removal,” Haltom said.
What Comes Next
Lexington’s response: Lexington Coal responded on Aug.26, requesting a hearing. Hearing: DEP will set a hearing after the response window closes. Participation: CRMW has requested intervenor status and submitted comments urging revocation and bond forfeiture.
Why It Matters
Communities living near legacy mine sites are counting on timely enforcement to manage safety risks and water and air quality.
This case shows how citizen groups can compel action through formal complaints, hearing participation, and document requests.
Contaminated water has plagued the region for many years. By looking at industrial impacts, we can start to understand why the region is experiencing the health impacts residents are currently dealing with.
“I’ve had friends and family die of the cancers and heart disease that are so common living near mountaintop removal. My predecessor, Judy Bonds, died in January of 2011, and that was heartbreaking for so many of us,” Haltom said.
How We Reported This
During a WVDEP site visit to Lexington Coal’s Twilight South permit, cameras were restricted, and the agency did not permit a tour of active mining areas, a shock to CRMW members. To independently document conditions, Newswatch reporter Danny Delanty joined a nearly 3-hour flight in a four-seat aircraft the following day.
“One of the things about this particular permit is it’s 1900 acres, and that’s a big one. It’s over three square miles, and it has 56 million tons of coal with it,” Haltom said.
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From the air, Newswatch observed active blasting, the undisturbed permit renewal area, and the adjacent Brushy Fork Sludge Dam. CRMW staff facilitated the flyover, which they say is routinely used to verify compliance and detect violations.
Thank you for taking the time to follow this reporting. This report draws on WVDEP records, correspondence, and on-the-ground and aerial reporting. If you spot an error or have additional records, contact news@woay.com with “Coal River” in the subject line.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – A lawsuit filed by a former West Virginia State Police Superintendent has been dismissed.
The suit was filed on April 7,2025 by former West Virginia State Police superintendent Jan Cahill against the State of West Virginia and the WV Department of Homeland Security in Kanawha County Circuit Court.
According to court documents, Cahill alleges that conditions within the agency became so bad prior to his 2023 resignation that he was forced to resign, referred to legally as constructive discharge.
According to Judge Richard Lindsay’s office, the case was dismissed without prejudice. What that means is that the case has been temporarily closed meaning it can be refiled in the future.
Jan L. Cahill was appointed superintendent of the West Virginia State Police in January 2017. He resigned in 2023.
UPDATE- McDowell County Schools says the River Side and Sandy River campus has been cleared by emergency officials and has been confirmed to be safe.
The school system is urging families to talk to their children about the seriousness of threats. Law enforcement is still investigating and will hold the person responsible for the theft accountable.
BRADSHAW, WV (WOAY) – Students at River View High School and Sandy River Middle School in McDowell County have been dismissed early today after being evacuated due to a bomb threat.
The school system says students were loaded onto their regular buses between 12:15 and 12:30 this afternoon. Parents are asked not to come to the school in interest of keeping the bus loop clear.
The evacuation came after staff found a graffiti bomb threat on the wall. All students were evaculated safely. First responders and emergency management are on scene handling the situation.
The school system said it will continue to provide updates. It also applauded students and staff for following safety protocols.
Those responsible will be punished to the fullest extent of the law, the school system says.
WYOMING COUNTY, W.Va (WOAY) – After months of community sampling and research, two citizen groups filed 60-day notices of intent to sue over mine discharges at Kopperston and Lynco.
“These are both specifically Clean Water Act lawsuits. We are alleging violations of the Clean Water Act for violations of water quality standards,” Appalachian Voices scientist Matt Hepler said.
One notice alleges an unpermitted discharge of acid mine drainage (AMD) near Kopperston; the other alleges at least 186 Clean Water Act (CWA) violations at a Lexington Coal operation near Lynco.
“These are unlawful not just under West Virginia laws and rules, but under federal law as well. Specifically, the Clean Water Act and, Surface Mining Reclamation and Control Act. In both sites, what we’re seeing is a discharge of what’s commonly referred to as acid mine drainage. That includes both a low pH indicates an acidic discharge,” said Mike Becher, an attorney with Appalachian Mountain Advocates.
“We wanted to try to come in and do something to help. There are problems, and these were two that we saw as fairly egregious problems. The responsible company should be able to fix and give some relief to these communities,” Becher said.
The letters were sent on Aug. 29, 2025, starting a 60-day clock to fix the alleged violations or face litigation under the CWA and the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (SMCRA).
“The 60-day notice is something that’s required under environmental laws like the Clean Water Act and the Surface Mining Reclamation Control Act. It gives both regulators and companies, the violators themselves, a chance to step in and fix the problem and try to address the issues,” Becher said.
If the lawsuit is filed, it will be filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia, no earlier than Oct. 29.
What the Filings Allege
“All these sites have lower. P.H. so and higher sulfates. In addition, there’s metals leaching into the water. Both of them had really high levels of aluminum and iron, and one of them had high levels of manganese. Both of those are fairly common pollutants that are often associated with mining, particularly iron and manganese, but aluminum is not super uncommon either.” Hepler said.
Kopperston
“The Kopperston number one site, we believe, is an unpermitted discharge of acid mine drainage. Discharge goes from the coal mine into Toney Fork, which is a tributary of the Clear Fork and the Guyandotte River,” Becher said.
The lawsuit alleges that Rockwell Mining, owner of the Kopperston #1 site, has violated and continues to violate the Clean Water Act as well as the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
The NOI describes a concrete box-like structure beside Kopperston Road (Lat. 37.775944, Long. -81.540411) that is discharging into Toney Fork of the Clear Fork/Guyandotte River system. The discharge is visibly staining the surrounding area and flows along the road for over 100 yards.
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Ambulance entrance to Flying Eagle Mine, at the center of the Kopperston NOI.
A close look at the water flowing from the "concrete box-like structure."
Water flows from the structure into Toney Fork, then Clear Fork, then the Guyandotte River.
The stained stream goes on for at least 100 yards along the road.
Sampling on June 24, 2025, returned a pH of 4.7, elevated aluminum (5.42 mg/L), iron (2.78 mg/L), selenium (estimated 2.0 mg/L), and manganese (0.710 mg/L). The letter asserts that this is consistent with AMD and that no required signage for an NPDES outlet was present at the sampling location.
“It’s fairly obvious that some kind of pollution is coming from there because there is significant staining for at least 100 or more yards downstream of that structure. Our testing confirmed in our minds that pollutants are there, and it’s consistent with the discharges of a mining operation,” Becher said.
“So, the Lexington site is a bit different, rather than an unpermitted discharge. They do have a Clean Water Act permit, but our research shows they’ve not been complying with the pollution limits on that permit for some time,” Becher said.
The lawsuit alleges that Lexington Coal Company, owner of the #5 site, has violated and continues to violate the Clean Water Act as well as the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act.
According to the notice’s appendix and company discharge monitoring reports on file with WVDEP, there have been at least 186 violations of the Clean Water Act since Oct. 2021.
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Violations shown in bold.
Violations shown in bold.
Violations shown in bold.
Violations shown in bold.
Violations shown in bold.
The filing cites heavy metal exceedances as well as extremely low pH values. The outfalls flow into Road Branch, which empties into the Guyandotte River. The notice also states that the WVDEP has listed both Road Branch and Clear Fork as impaired.
The Lynco facility is associated with Lexington Coal Mine #5 under NPDES permit WV0056693, and SMCRA permits D006982, O017483, U058900, and U060500. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Detailed Facility Report (DFR) shows the site has Significant/Category I Noncompliance with Clean Water Act requirements in the last 12/12 quarters as of March 31, 2025.
“The DEP has been testing the water over in Lynco since 2021 that we know of, and it’s been in clear violation of the Clean Water Act. So we brought in the attorneys. We tested it. We did the research, and now it’s come to a head,” said Richard Altizer, a community advocate.
The Kopperston discharge flows into Toney Fork, then Clear Fork, ultimately ending up in the Guyandotte River.
“We just want people to understand why we did what we did. It was never about the coal industry and never about coal jobs, I want to be able to see a kid go down there and get in a creek and not come out with a rash,” Altizer said.
The Lynco discharge flows into Road Branch, then the Guyandotte River. Earlier this year, West Virginia Rivers senior scientist Than Hitt said the Guyandotte River is used as a source for the local drinking water supply.
A 2025 study reported that two Wyoming County public water systems had the highest number of drinking-water violations recorded for any single system during the study period.
“the Guyandotte does have an endangered crayfish in it and in its waterways and these streams are making their way into the Guyandotte, and at these levels, they’re certainly impacts in the small streams that the, discharge is directly having into them,” Hepler said.
Winding through southern West Virginia, the Guyandotte River is a source of pride for many who live along its banks.
“At these levels, there are negative impacts to the small streams where the discharge is going in directly, and certainly, the aquatic life will be negatively impacted by the pollutants that we’re seeing here,” Hepler said.
The Endangered Species Act, enacted in 1973, states that agencies and companies must “Ensure that actions they authorize, fund, or carry out are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any listed species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of designated critical habitat of such species.”
Advocates say the goal is compliance, not closures.
“These water quality problems, particularly from these things that we dubbed zombie mines, are going to be more and more of an issue in the future if mines do not stay on top of their kind of long-term water quality issues,” Hepler said. “We really want these mines to clean up their act so folks have healthy streams, healthy drinking water, and just healthy communities.”
Winding through southern West Virginia, the Guyandotte River is a source of pride for many who live along its banks.
What Happens Next
The notices were mailed on Aug. 29, 2025. Under federal law, the companies have until Oct. 28 to prove abatement; if nothing is done, the lawsuits can be filed on Oct. 29.
For advocates like Richard Altizer, the NOIs are exactly what he has been fighting for.
“We went through a lot trying to get money to test. We gave out water. I’ve given out probably 800,000 bottles of water in the last two years, and for people with rashes, it comes to an end today,” Altizer said.
“We just want people to understand why we did what we did. It was never about the coal industry and never about coal jobs. I want the creeks clean, I want my kids to be able to go down in my creek and not come out with a rash,” Altizer said.
Others want to see this information come to light and encourage residents to say something if they see something.
“I think that residents should be vocal about the problems they’re seeing. They should let the regulators and the groups bringing these lawsuits know. Because the laws are in place to protect the people and their waterways, their drinking water. It’s when communities come together, when people get involved, that we see those problems find a solution down the road,” Becher said.
Newswatch has reached out to the WVDEP about the matter, and due to the WVDEP not being a party to the NOI’s, they had no comment.
Greenbrier County, WV (WOAY) – The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office is currently conducting a murder investigation.
According to a media release from Greenbrier County Sheriff Bart Baker, the murder occurred shortly after midnight on Wednesday September 3, 2025, a few miles south of Ronceverte.
The release states a second victim in the incident sustained severe injuries and was taken to a local hospital.
According to Sheriff Baker, the suspect attempted to run from police but was caught after a short pursuit with the assistance of officers from the Lewisburg, Ronceverte and White Sulphur Springs Police Departments.
The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Team is currently processing the murder scene and will be executing search warrants in conjunction with the investigation.
More details will be released at the conclusion of the investigation.
MT. CARBON, W.Va. (WOAY) – A tragic shooting incident in the Mt. Carbon area of Fayette County on Monday, August 18, left two individuals dead and three others injured, according to Sheriff Jess McMullen of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a gunshot victim and an active gunman in the area. The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office was joined by troopers from the West Virginia State Police, officers from the Montgomery Police Department, and Division of Natural Resources (DNR) officers in a coordinated response.
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Upon arriving at the scene, authorities located the suspected shooter inside his residence, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Another individual was found deceased under a neighboring carport. The identity of the second victim is being withheld until family members are notified.
Three additional individuals sustained minor gunshot wounds. Sheriff McMullen reported that their injuries are non-life-threatening, and they are receiving medical treatment.
Detectives from the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau are actively investigating the incident. Authorities have lifted a shelter-in-place advisory, stating there is no ongoing threat to the public.
The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information from the public to assist with the investigation. Anyone with details related to the incident is urged to contact the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office at 304-574-4226.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Frankford, WV (WOAY)-The Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help to find a missing man in the Frankford area.
The sheriff’s office is actively searching for Johnathon L. Burns.
Burn’s is a 30-year-old man, 5’8″, with brown eyes.
His photo is below:
His clothing was not known at the time of his disappearance, with no additional distinguishing features reported.
Investigators say Burns was last seen on August 7th at 4:30 a.m. in the 21-hundred block of Spring Creek Station near Frankford. He has not been heard from or seen since.
If you have any information, please contact the Greenbrier County Office of Emergency Communications. The number is 304-647-7911.
You can also contact the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Office, the number is 304-647-6643, then ask to speak with Lead Investigator A.Davis.
Charleston, WV (WOAY) – A suspect is dead after a shooting involving a police officer inside a Charleston hospital.
According to officials with the Charleston Police Department, the incident was reported just before 2:00 a.m. Friday morning in the emergency department of Vandalia Health CAMC General Hospital.
Officers with the CPD were dispatched to the hospital where they quickly made contact with a suspect wielding a knife. The suspect entered an elevator as it was opening, attacking an employee inside. The officer was forced to shoot the suspect to protect the employee inside. The suspect later died from a gunshot wound.
The identity of the suspect is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
The ER was placed on lockdown as a safety precaution and to give officers time to investigate the incident.
Raleigh County, WV (WOAY) – The Raleigh County Sheriff’s Office released a statement related to a fatal car accident that occurred in early 2025.
According to a statement released on the County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, the investigation into the fatal accident that occurred on April 20, 2025, remains active.
24-year-old Baylea Bower of Bloomingrose was pronounced dead on the scene as a result of a head on collision on the Coalfields Expressway in Sophia, WV.
Officials with the Sheriff’s Office say, they understand the concerns of the public as well as the victims’ friends and her family. They say they must conduct a complete and thorough investigation before filing charges or making any arrests.
According to the post, evidence has been collected and sent to the WV State Police Forensics Lab for analysis. Additional records have been requested through the Circuit Court of Raleigh County and are pending return from the parties they were requested from. Once all evidence has been analyzed and all records received the appropriate charges will be filed in this case.
The lead investigator on the case is Lt. Jason L. Redden who has over 22 years’ experience in conducting all types of investigations.
According to the post, Lt. Redden continues to be in close consultation with the Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office regarding this investigation.
Any questions regarding the case may be directed to the attention of Lieutenant Redden at 304-255-9300, ext. 2135
Pineville, WV (WOAY) – A Wyoming County man is in jail for allegedly being in possession of child pornography.
19-year-old Russell Lee Hearn is charged with possession of child pornography following an investigation by the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the criminal complaint, a digital forensics extraction was performed on a mobile device that produced evidence for a Child Sexual Abuse Material case. The images were obtained as a result of an order from the Wyoming County Circuit Court.
On Monday July 28, 2025, investigators obtained an independent search warrant for Hearn’s cell phone, which contained over 30 different images depicting child pornography, including images involving a pre-pubescent female.
Russell Lee Hearn was arrested on July 31, 2025, and is housed at Southern Regional Jail on a $100,000 cash only bond.
