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W.Va. Intelligence Fusion Center honored for 10th anniversary
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – It tracks down killers and unmasks multi-state crime rings. It thwarts human traffickers and helps keep crowds safe at Bridge Day, the Boy Scout Jamboree and other events. And on Saturday, the W.Va. Intelligence Fusion Center marks its first decade of service.
Governor Jim Justice has honored the Fusion Center’s for its 10th anniversary with a proclamation, presented Friday to Director Jessica Griffith by Deputy Chief of Staff Ann Urling on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Also taking part in the Governor’s Mansion ceremony were U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, who was governor when the Fusion Center began, and Secretary of State Mac Warner, who has enlisted the center in his mission to defend digital democracy.
“The West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center is extremely proud of the dedicated service by its men and women both past and present,” Governor Justice wrote. “During the past decade, the Fusion Center has been nationally recognized countless times for its accomplishments.”
Governor Justice also signed an Executive Order last month declaring, for the first time, the Fusion Center to be a criminal justice entity – a critical designation under federal law that enhances its capabilities.
The Fusion Center was formed on March 17, 2008 to apply a bitter lesson from Sept. 11. It allows local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies, as well as private sector partners, to share information, resources, and expertise. This approach harnesses their respective strengths to prevent, detect, investigate and respond to all hazards – including but not limited to terrorist and criminal activity.
The analysts and specialists who staff the Fusion Center routinely provide effective, behind-the-scenes assistance both in the Mountain State and across the country. The center’s numerous successes including tracking the killers of a North Carolina couple as they drove through West Virginia, and the suspect in a Putnam County homicide after he had fled to a Boston suburb; tracing a bogus check to a multi-state fraud ring targeting casinos; and educating everyone from law enforcement and hairdressers on how to spot would-be human traffickers and their victims.
Recent achievements include helping law enforcement identify more than 70 persons of interest and 20 drug trafficking operatives as part of the fight against the opioid crisis and resulting crime in Huntington.
The Fusion Center’s well-honed skill sets and high-tech tools play similarly critical roles in preventing or avoiding hazards. It helps conduct pre-event threat and security assessments and then provides on-site support for all manner of gatherings, from the Greenbrier Classic and this winter’s congressional retreat at the resort to Bridge Day and the jamborees hosted at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Much of this assistance occurs below-the-radar and without fanfare. But the Fusion Center’s contributions to public safety and homeland security have still been recognized by numerous organizations and partners, including the U.S. Attorneys for both of West Virginia’s federal court districts and the International Association of Special Investigation Units.
Director Griffith, a veteran analyst for the office, became just the second person to earn that title last month. She succeeded Thom Kirk, whose hiring in 2008 marked the center’s creation and who remains Deputy Secretary and General Counsel of the W.Va. Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety. The Fusion Center is part of WV DMAPS.
“During its 10-year history, the Fusion Center has accomplished so much behind the scenes,” said DMAPS Secretary Jeff Sandy. “The Fusion Center concept is simple in its purpose of protecting Americans from domestic and international threats to our way of life, but complex in its methods to achieve those goals. The citizens of West Virginia owe it a world of thanks.”
SWR Class 158882 leaves Exeter St Davids with the 17:45 Exeter St Davids to Exeter New Yard empty stock working,on the 17th of September 2020.
W.Va. Intelligence Fusion Center honored for 10th anniversary
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – It tracks down killers and unmasks multi-state crime rings. It thwarts human traffickers and helps keep crowds safe at Bridge Day, the Boy Scout Jamboree and other events. And on Saturday, the W.Va. Intelligence Fusion Center marks its first decade of service.
Governor Jim Justice has honored the Fusion Center’s for its 10th anniversary with a proclamation, presented Friday to Director Jessica Griffith by Deputy Chief of Staff Ann Urling on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Also taking part in the Governor’s Mansion ceremony were U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, who was governor when the Fusion Center began, and Secretary of State Mac Warner, who has enlisted the center in his mission to defend digital democracy.
“The West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center is extremely proud of the dedicated service by its men and women both past and present,” Governor Justice wrote. “During the past decade, the Fusion Center has been nationally recognized countless times for its accomplishments.”
Governor Justice also signed an Executive Order last month declaring, for the first time, the Fusion Center to be a criminal justice entity – a critical designation under federal law that enhances its capabilities.
The Fusion Center was formed on March 17, 2008 to apply a bitter lesson from Sept. 11. It allows local, state and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies, as well as private sector partners, to share information, resources, and expertise. This approach harnesses their respective strengths to prevent, detect, investigate and respond to all hazards – including but not limited to terrorist and criminal activity.
The analysts and specialists who staff the Fusion Center routinely provide effective, behind-the-scenes assistance both in the Mountain State and across the country. The center’s numerous successes including tracking the killers of a North Carolina couple as they drove through West Virginia, and the suspect in a Putnam County homicide after he had fled to a Boston suburb; tracing a bogus check to a multi-state fraud ring targeting casinos; and educating everyone from law enforcement and hairdressers on how to spot would-be human traffickers and their victims.
Recent achievements include helping law enforcement identify more than 70 persons of interest and 20 drug trafficking operatives as part of the fight against the opioid crisis and resulting crime in Huntington.
The Fusion Center’s well-honed skill sets and high-tech tools play similarly critical roles in preventing or avoiding hazards. It helps conduct pre-event threat and security assessments and then provides on-site support for all manner of gatherings, from the Greenbrier Classic and this winter’s congressional retreat at the resort to Bridge Day and the jamborees hosted at the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
Much of this assistance occurs below-the-radar and without fanfare. But the Fusion Center’s contributions to public safety and homeland security have still been recognized by numerous organizations and partners, including the U.S. Attorneys for both of West Virginia’s federal court districts and the International Association of Special Investigation Units.
Director Griffith, a veteran analyst for the office, became just the second person to earn that title last month. She succeeded Thom Kirk, whose hiring in 2008 marked the center’s creation and who remains Deputy Secretary and General Counsel of the W.Va. Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety. The Fusion Center is part of WV DMAPS.
“During its 10-year history, the Fusion Center has accomplished so much behind the scenes,” said DMAPS Secretary Jeff Sandy. “The Fusion Center concept is simple in its purpose of protecting Americans from domestic and international threats to our way of life, but complex in its methods to achieve those goals. The citizens of West Virginia owe it a world of thanks.”
SWR Class 159 No.159020 passes Green Lane,with the 09:25 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo service,on the17th of November 2022.
Seen arriving at Portsmouth & Southsea with a service from Portsmouth Harbour to London Waterloo via Basingstoke
WVABLE Announcement 2-9-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Gina Joynes, Deputy Treasurer
February 9, 2018 304.341.0758; gina.joynes@wvsto.com
West Virginia State Treasurer launches WVABLE program for individuals with disabilities
The new program will help individuals with disabilities save for their future.
CHARLESTON – West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue, with honored guest Governor Jim Justice, announced the launch of a new savings program today at the State Capitol. The West Virginia Achieving a Better Life Experience program, known as WVABLE, will provide people with disabilities an opportunity to save and invest without jeopardizing needs-based public benefits.
“I’m excited this type of savings program is now available to those who need it most here in West Virginia,” said Treasurer Perdue. “This is an important step toward empowering more individuals in our state to plan for their financial future.”
WVABLE helps individuals with disabilities put aside money for qualified expenses, such as rent, transportation, education and training. Individuals may save up to $15,000 per year in a WVABLE account, with earnings accumulating tax-free. Individuals must have developed the disability before the age of 26 to qualify.
“This WVABLE plan will allow me to have more control of my life with the day-to-day freedom to take care of medical emergencies and unexpected home repairs,” said Kevin Smith, one of the first people to sign up for the plan. “The difference between me and others in the community is that they can save for those emergencies, but I have and I have always had to watch the balance of my bank account due to income limits because I receive SSI and Medicaid.”
Prior to passage of the ABLE Act, individuals receiving government benefits were restricted in the amount of money they could save or invest without losing public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Before, financial resources in excess of $2,000 in savings could result in the loss of benefits.
“As a parent of a child with a developmental disability, I can tell you that rolling out the WVABLE program has eased my mind,” said Christina Smith, executive director of The Arc of West Virginia.
“We are thrilled that it is finally available in West Virginia, and I am personally excited that my daughter will now have access to a resource that will enable her to achieve more independence, financial security, and an overall better quality of life,” she added.
A WVABLE account will come with a loadable debit card and have features similar to a checking account, but it is also an investment account similar to a 529 college savings account or 401(k) retirement fund.
“The reason it will be good for the younger generation to have access to this plan is because families could put money in their account for their future and when they get older and are facing the same challenges I am, they will already have money put aside to take care of them,” said Kevin Smith.
WVABLE is administered by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office through a partnership with the Ohio Treasurer’s Office STABLE program.
For more information, or to sign up for an account, log onto WVABLE.com.
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South Western Railway Class 442, 442420 with 442410 standing at Brockenhurst working 5Q31 1452 to Fratton Carriage Sidings, taken 16th December 2019
South Western Railway Class 450, 450082 standing at Portchester working 2E28 1056 to Southampton Central, service had started at Fratton but due to industrial Acton on the South Western Railway network this but service would had started at Portsmouth Harbour, taken 17th December 2019
Capitol Protective Services Officers Awarded Certificates of Appreciation 3-21-18
Governor Justice thanks Capitol Police for keeping campus safe, incident-free amid record crowds
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice is saluting the West Virginia Capitol Police and its leadership after daily throngs gathered safely during the recent legislative session.
Governor Justice has issued Certificates of Recognition to Capitol Police Director Kevin Foreman and Deputy Director Jack Chambers. Chief of Staff Mike Hall presented the honors during a Wednesday ceremony at the State Capitol.
The awards thank Foreman and Chambers “for outstanding and dedicated commitment in keeping both state employees and the public safe during the trying events that have taken place at the Capitol over the past several months.”
During a portion of the 60-day regular session of the Legislature, the Capitol saw daily crowds that routinely exceeded 5,000 visitors. On one Friday, the visitors entering through the building’s two Directed Public Access Points over the course of that day topped 7,000.
Crowds on another day during this period swelled to nearly 6,700 people, and were concentrated in a way that prompted safety concerns from both Capitol Police and the State Fire Marshal’s Office. As a result, the Public Access Points were closed for two hours before resuming operations.
Foreman recounted how Capitol Police officers worked 12- to 15-hour shifts for six or more consecutive days during the session gatherings.
“We had guys working six and seven hours without breaks, on their feet, and I never heard the first complaint from any of them,” Director Foreman said.
Throughout these massive daily gatherings, Foreman and Chambers met and kept in touch with the organizers. As the leaders of the Capitol Police, they have made it their practice to seek dialogue with participants ahead of and during on-campus events. Their goal is to ensure a safe and trouble-free environment as citizens assemble at the seat of their state government.
Organizers and legislators alike applauded Capitol Police for this approach and their service after the session crowds resulted in no arrests, property damage, disturbances or other incidents.
“We very much appreciate Governor Justice and the Chief of Staff recognizing the hard work of the men and women of this organization,” Director Foreman said after Wednesday’s ceremony. “They’re the ones who do it. We’ve just set them up, hopefully, to where they can be successful.”
Capitol Police, also known as the Division of Protective Services, is part of the Cabinet Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety. It fields 30 fully certified law enforcement officers as well as civilian support staff and other personnel. The Capitol Police oversee the safety and security of the State Capitol and its campus as well as other state government properties.
Jefferson County Teacher Named 2018 West Virginia Teacher of the Year
September 18, 2017
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced Katlin Thorsell, an Agriculture Education teacher at Washington High School in Jefferson County, as the 2018 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine, announced Thorsell as the state’s representative at a ceremony Monday night that recognized the Teacher of the Year nominees from 53 counties.
“I am very proud to have Katlin serve as West Virginia’s representative as teacher of the year,” Paine said. “She is passionate about helping each of her students reach their full potential and continually looks for innovative ways to keep students engaged through hands-on learning.”
Thorsell makes sure her students understand the importance of community involvement. As an Agriculture Education teacher and FFA advisor, Thorsell ensures that her agriculture students have the ability to complete Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE) allowing real-world training in a supervised environment. A volunteer firefighter and EMT, Thorsell also allows graduating seniors to receive hands-on CPR and First Aid training.
Thorsell was selected by a committee of educators and WVDE staff that evaluated six finalists from the 53 county Teacher of the Year representatives. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Teacher of the Year program is the longest running awards program honoring classroom teachers in the country. The first national awards were granted in 1952; West Virginia has participated in the program since 1964.
Other finalists for the 2018 Teacher of the Year include: Teresa Thorne, Slanesville Elementary School, Hampshire County; Tammy Ann Spangler, Ripley Middle School, Jackson County; Tammy J. Bittorf, Berkeley Springs High School, Morgan County; Adriane L. Manning, Wheeling Middle School, Ohio County and Leslie Lively, Short Line School, Wetzel County.
The West Virginia Teacher of the Year program identifies, recognizes and promotes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. As the 2018 winner, Thorsell will receive a car for use for Teacher of the Year engagements throughout the year from Toyota, a classroom technology package from SMART Technologies and $5,000 from both Highmark West Virginia and The Horace Mann Companies. The Horace Mann Companies also provide $300 to each of the five other state finalists. This year, the West Virginia Lottery is also providing a $300 grant to each of the county Teacher of the Year winners to use in their classrooms.
Thorsell will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced in April.
SWR Class 159 No.159011 passes Freshford,with the 13:52 Salisbury to Bristol Temple Meads service,on the 3rd of March 2020.
WVABLE Announcement 2-9-18
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: Gina Joynes, Deputy Treasurer
February 9, 2018 304.341.0758; gina.joynes@wvsto.com
West Virginia State Treasurer launches WVABLE program for individuals with disabilities
The new program will help individuals with disabilities save for their future.
CHARLESTON – West Virginia State Treasurer John Perdue, with honored guest Governor Jim Justice, announced the launch of a new savings program today at the State Capitol. The West Virginia Achieving a Better Life Experience program, known as WVABLE, will provide people with disabilities an opportunity to save and invest without jeopardizing needs-based public benefits.
“I’m excited this type of savings program is now available to those who need it most here in West Virginia,” said Treasurer Perdue. “This is an important step toward empowering more individuals in our state to plan for their financial future.”
WVABLE helps individuals with disabilities put aside money for qualified expenses, such as rent, transportation, education and training. Individuals may save up to $15,000 per year in a WVABLE account, with earnings accumulating tax-free. Individuals must have developed the disability before the age of 26 to qualify.
“This WVABLE plan will allow me to have more control of my life with the day-to-day freedom to take care of medical emergencies and unexpected home repairs,” said Kevin Smith, one of the first people to sign up for the plan. “The difference between me and others in the community is that they can save for those emergencies, but I have and I have always had to watch the balance of my bank account due to income limits because I receive SSI and Medicaid.”
Prior to passage of the ABLE Act, individuals receiving government benefits were restricted in the amount of money they could save or invest without losing public benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid. Before, financial resources in excess of $2,000 in savings could result in the loss of benefits.
“As a parent of a child with a developmental disability, I can tell you that rolling out the WVABLE program has eased my mind,” said Christina Smith, executive director of The Arc of West Virginia.
“We are thrilled that it is finally available in West Virginia, and I am personally excited that my daughter will now have access to a resource that will enable her to achieve more independence, financial security, and an overall better quality of life,” she added.
A WVABLE account will come with a loadable debit card and have features similar to a checking account, but it is also an investment account similar to a 529 college savings account or 401(k) retirement fund.
“The reason it will be good for the younger generation to have access to this plan is because families could put money in their account for their future and when they get older and are facing the same challenges I am, they will already have money put aside to take care of them,” said Kevin Smith.
WVABLE is administered by the West Virginia State Treasurer’s Office through a partnership with the Ohio Treasurer’s Office STABLE program.
For more information, or to sign up for an account, log onto WVABLE.com.
**30**
Jefferson County Teacher Named 2018 West Virginia Teacher of the Year
September 18, 2017
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) announced Katlin Thorsell, an Agriculture Education teacher at Washington High School in Jefferson County, as the 2018 West Virginia Teacher of the Year. West Virginia Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Paine, announced Thorsell as the state’s representative at a ceremony Monday night that recognized the Teacher of the Year nominees from 53 counties.
“I am very proud to have Katlin serve as West Virginia’s representative as teacher of the year,” Paine said. “She is passionate about helping each of her students reach their full potential and continually looks for innovative ways to keep students engaged through hands-on learning.”
Thorsell makes sure her students understand the importance of community involvement. As an Agriculture Education teacher and FFA advisor, Thorsell ensures that her agriculture students have the ability to complete Supervised Agriculture Experiences (SAE) allowing real-world training in a supervised environment. A volunteer firefighter and EMT, Thorsell also allows graduating seniors to receive hands-on CPR and First Aid training.
Thorsell was selected by a committee of educators and WVDE staff that evaluated six finalists from the 53 county Teacher of the Year representatives. The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Teacher of the Year program is the longest running awards program honoring classroom teachers in the country. The first national awards were granted in 1952; West Virginia has participated in the program since 1964.
Other finalists for the 2018 Teacher of the Year include: Teresa Thorne, Slanesville Elementary School, Hampshire County; Tammy Ann Spangler, Ripley Middle School, Jackson County; Tammy J. Bittorf, Berkeley Springs High School, Morgan County; Adriane L. Manning, Wheeling Middle School, Ohio County and Leslie Lively, Short Line School, Wetzel County.
The West Virginia Teacher of the Year program identifies, recognizes and promotes representatives of excellent teaching in the elementary and secondary classrooms of the state. As the 2018 winner, Thorsell will receive a car for use for Teacher of the Year engagements throughout the year from Toyota, a classroom technology package from SMART Technologies and $5,000 from both Highmark West Virginia and The Horace Mann Companies. The Horace Mann Companies also provide $300 to each of the five other state finalists. This year, the West Virginia Lottery is also providing a $300 grant to each of the county Teacher of the Year winners to use in their classrooms.
Thorsell will go on to compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award. The national winner will be announced in April.
1L52 1325 Exeter St Davids to London Waterloo approaching Seaton Junction footpath bridge which is a monument to Exmouth Junction Concrete Works' enduring castings. The "capstone" on pic (R) is cast as part of the bridge support sections.
South Western Railway Class 450, 450025 departing Eastleigh working a diverted 2E33 Southampton Central to Fratton, the service was diverted into Eastleigh due to a tree on the line between St Denys and Fareham and also the service would had gone to Portsmouth and Southsea but due to the South Western Railway industrial action service was booked to terminate at Fratton, taken 16th December 2019