Week in Review – March 5, 2023

West Virginia is investigating 139 cyclosporiasis cases, including 15 hospitalizations, across 26 counties. Officials urge residents to avoid shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bell and seek care for symptoms such as persistent diarrhea.

West Virginia’s Board of Education re-elected President L. Paul Hardesty to an unprecedented fourth term, citing the stability and sustained leadership needed as public schools face major challenges.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a $74.5 million rehabilitation of Charleston’s Fort Hill Bridge and ordered a review of all 7,000 state bridges. Preliminary work begins this fall, with major traffic shifts expected in early 2027.

West Virginia Wesleyan College will host the free Governor’s School for the Arts for another three-year cycle, extending the partnership through 2030. The program helps talented high school sophomores develop skills across seven artistic disciplines.

WVU Law student Grant Joynes joined a multi-agency effort to investigate the 63-year-old disappearance of Sgt. James Lee Haynes in Raleigh County. The cold case reflects Joynes’ commitment to using law to serve West Virginia communities.

Canadian wildfire smoke could push air quality in parts of West Virginia to unhealthy levels Thursday and Friday. WVDEP urges residents, especially vulnerable groups, to check AirNow forecasts, limit outdoor activity and watch for symptoms.