West Virginia’s new WV VeriCheck system digitizes CPS and APS background checks, reducing delays, errors and manual work. The upgrade strengthens safeguards for children and vulnerable adults while saving an estimated $25,196 annually.
The Healthy Hero Hustle 5K starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Wesleyan, alongside a free community health fair from 9 a.m. to noon. Race-day registration is available.
Upshur County marks National CERT Week, Sept. 20-26, and 40 years of volunteers strengthening disaster readiness. Residents are encouraged to learn preparedness skills and join CERT to help support emergency responders and build safer neighborhoods.
Fairmont State celebrated the first three high school graduates of its pioneering Middle College for foster youth. The students will remain in the program as they pursue associate degrees with comprehensive academic and personal support.
Upshur County Democratic Women Vice President Anne Chopyak received the West Virginia Federation of Democratic Women’s Camelot Award on September 12 in Beckley. The club credited her steady leadership and her community service around Buckhannon.
West Virginia’s new WV Kinship Hub offers private screening tools to help kinship and foster families assess caregiver, child, health, education and financial needs. Users receive practical next steps and links to community resources without sharing identifying information.
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson will deliver a free lecture Oct. 15 at Charleston’s Capitol Theater. The evening begins at 7:30 p.m., with a Q&A and book signing to follow; no reservations are required.
West Virginia’s National Hunting and Fishing Day returns to Stonewall Resort State Park on Sept. 19 with family activities, seminars and 40-plus vendors. Admission is $10, free for children 14 and younger, with free parking and shuttles.
Nine West Virginia career technical education teams will build edible crash-test vehicles for the 2026 Culineering Challenge on October 21 in Charleston.
Bonnie’s Buses will offer mammograms in six communities October 13–17, including Community Care of Buckhannon October 16. Appointments require a physician’s order.
