All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Gov. Justice awards combined $880,000 for Civil Legal Services grant, John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program

Gov Jim Justice
Gov Jim Justice

CHARLESTON, WV – Gov. Jim Justice announced today that he has awarded a combined total of $880,320.10 in grant funding to go toward a pair of programs supporting West Virginia’s justice system.

CIVIL LEGAL SERVICES GRANT
Of the total amount, $850,000.00 has been awarded to Legal Aid of West Virginia, Inc. through a Civil Legal Services (CLS) grant.

These funds will be used to support the provision of civil legal services in West Virginia to individuals whose income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level.

The West Virginia Division of Administrative Services, Justice and Community Services (JCS) has been designated by §15-9A-4 as the agency responsible for the administration of the Civil Legal Services grant funds for the State of West Virginia.


JOHN R. JUSTICE STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT PROGRAM

The remaining $30,320.10 has been awarded to 11 prosecuting attorneys and public defenders across West Virginia through the John R. Justice Student Loan Repayment Program.

These funds will assist local prosecuting attorneys and public defenders with educational debt and increase the retention rates of qualified individuals in these fields throughout West Virginia.

The funds have been evenly distributed to the following individuals:

Barbour County
-Rutheana Mills

Fayette County
-James A. Adkins

Kanawha County
-Katherine Kessell

Marion County
-Michelle L. Minutelli

Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties
-Jamie O. Crestfield
-Robert J. Lowe

Putnam County
-Paige W. Hoffman
-Jennifer Dawn Scragg Karr
-Kristina D. Raynes

Raleigh County
-Dominick Cangemi

Wayne County
-Valarie Maynard

The most consistently cited reason why attorneys decline or leave positions as prosecutors and public defenders is student loan debt. The majority of law students must borrow to finance their education and the rising costs are continuing to impose insurmountable debt. To extend the problem, public defender and prosecutor salaries are failing to keep pace with the escalating cost of education. As a result, talented lawyers are often unwilling to accept or remain in attorney positions as prosecutors or public defenders, creating real challenges for those offices in their quest to hire and retain capable attorneys.

These funds are provided by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Office of Justice Programs and are administered by the West Virginia Division of Administrative Services, Justice and Community Services (JCS).

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

A small light can overcome great darkness: Buckhannon marks Hanukkah with menorah lighting ceremony

More than 100 people gathered Wednesday evening for a Hanukkah menorah lighting ceremony, with Mayor Robbie Skinner and organizer Daya Wright highlighting faith and perseverance. The night ended with the menorah lit in Jawbone Park, plus donuts, hot cider and dreidels.

Flame Detailing opens in Buckhannon just in time for winter salt season

Flame Detailing is officially open in Buckhannon, with owners Shane Jenkins and Blake Rasnake celebrating with a ribbon cutting Friday. The shop offers everything from quick hand washes to full details with ceramic coating to help protect vehicles this winter.

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels

Shannon Danielle Marteney McDaniels, 55, of Buckhannon, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by her husband Brian McDaniels, mother Linda Rohr Marteney, three children, a granddaughter, close friend Maranda Marin, and her dogs, with a celebration of life set for December 27.

Robert Day Allman

Robert Day Allman, 99, a WWII Navy veteran, longtime postal service leader and Buckhannon community member, died December 17, 2025, and is survived by his wife Samueline, children, grandchildren and extended family.

Key to Adam debuts new original West Virginia Christmas song ‘Snowflakes Are Falling’

Buckhannon-based instrumental duo Key to Adam has released a new Christmas song titled ‘Snowflakes Are Falling,’ marking the first time they have added vocals to one of their original projects.

WVU Medicine names Forest Hannah vice president of finance for Central Region critical access hospitals

Forest Hannah will oversee financial strategy and operations for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Summersville Regional Medical Center and Braxton County Memorial Hospital.

Mountain CAP, WVU Extension offering free nutrition and cooking class in Buckhannon starting in January

The six-week “Eating Smart – Being Active” program begins January 7 at the Family Support Center in Buckhannon.

Richard (Dick) Small

Richard (Dick) Small, 81, of Buckhannon, WV, founder of Richard Small Paving, died December 17, 2025, leaving his wife Mary Ann, six children, 19 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a legacy of faith and music.

Mary Ann Ketterman

Mary Ann Ketterman, 57, of Flemington, WV, died Dec. 14, 2025, at WVU Medicine United Hospital Center and will be cremated following a public viewing Saturday, Dec. 20.