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State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree, wife Leona Tyree named Distinguished West Virginians by Governor Justice
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice has honored a Kanawha County couple with the highest award he can bestow for their commitment to family, community and the Mountain State on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree and his wife, Leona Tyree, were named Distinguished West Virginians during a Tuesday ceremony at the State Capitol. Chief of Staff Mike Hall presented the awards on behalf of Governor Justice.
The Tyrees met while serving together in the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1985, and started their family while stationed in Turkey. So far, they have brought their love into the lives of 13 biological and four foster children.
Leona Tyree home-school their children until they are of high school age. Six have graduated from or are enrolled at Brigham Young University, while one of the five still at home has been accepted there. Both Leona and Ken Tyree have been leaders at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Teays Valley.
Before his appointment as State Fire Marshal in January 2015, Ken Tyree served the City of Charleston for nearly 21 years as a firefighter. He retired as a captain and the city fire marshal. He is a valued member of member of numerous state, national, and international fire service organizations.
SB 525 Relating to certification for Emergency Medical Training for the Mining Industry
SB 626 Relating generally to coal mining
HB 4626 Relating to West Virginia Innovative Mine Safety Technology Tax Credit Act 4-11-18
Gov jim Justice, along with state and local officials and company executives, announced that the Great Barrel Company will open a manufacturing plant in White Sulphur Springs.
Gov jim Justice, along with state and local officials and company executives, announced on Thursday, October 19, 2017, that the Great Barrel Company will open a manufacturing plant in White Sulphur Springs.
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.
Proclamation by Governor Jim Justice
Whereas,there are over 400,000 West Virginians with disabilities; these individuals with disabilities, like all others, have the right to live, work, and fully participate in their communities in order to realize their dreams; and
Whereas,people with disabilities have the right to an equal opportunity to live full productive lives as valued citizens in the community or setting of their choice; and
Whereas,people with disabilities have the right to receive the supports they need to exercise self-determination, achieve independence, and become productive employees in the workplace; and
Whereas,West Virginia's citizens with disabilities have banded together in a collective group, the Fair Shake Network, to help bring their concerns to the forefront of public awareness; and
Whereas,the Fair Shake Network has become a credible source of information for policymakers, advocates, and the public on policies and programs that impact people with disabilities; and
Whereas,organizations such as the West Virginia Department of Rehabilitation Services, West Virginia Development Disabilities Council, West Virginia Parent Training and Information, Job Squad, Disability Rights of West Virginia, Mountain State Centers for Independent Living, Northern West Virginia Center for Independent Living, Appalachian Center for Independent Living, Statewide Rehabilitation Council, West Virginia Association of the Deaf, Open Doors, Inc., National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter, West Virginia University Center for Excellence in Disabilities, Central WV Action Network, West Virginia Autism Training Center, West Virginia Olmstead Office, Mountain State Parents CAN, Aging and Disability Resource Network, People First of West Virginia, and The Arc of West Virginia have joined together to help increase public awareness of issues and concerns involving West Virginians with disabilities through the Fair Shake Network; and
Whereas,the purpose of Disability Advocacy Day is to increase the awareness and understanding of legislators, administrators, policymakers, and the public about the issues that are important to individuals with disabilities.
Now, Therefore, Be it Resolved that I, Jim Justice, Governor of the Great State of West Virginia, do hereby proclaim January 17, 2018 as:
Disability Advocacy Day
in the Mountain State and encourage all citizens to join me in this observance.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of West Virginia to be affixed.
Done at the Capitol, City of Charleston, State of West Virginia, this the Eighth day of January, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand Eighteen, and in the One Hundred Fifty-Fifth year of the State.
Jim Justice
Governor
By the Governor:
Gov Justice was in Logan on Thursday, September 21, 2017, to talk about his Roads to Prosperity Program.
"30053" in the goods yard at Corfe Castle, as "30120" (with "Manston" behind) pass through the station.
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.
CHARLESTON AREA LOSES CONSTRUCTION JOBS AT SECOND FASTEST RATE IN THE NATION; WEST VIRGINIA INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSAL WOULD BENEFIT WORKERS AND CITIZENS
Metro Area Loses 1,200 Construction Jobs in a Year, Putting Area Second out of 358 for Percentage of Jobs Lost; Construction Officials Say New State Infrastructure Programs Can Create Needed Local Jobs
The Charleston metro area lost construction jobs at a faster rate during the past year than all but one out of 358 metro areas between April 2016 and April 2017, according to an analysis released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials said that new infrastructure proposals being considered in West Virginia could help add more construction jobs in Charleston and other metro areas.
“What makes these job losses even more frustrating is the fact many of them could have been avoided,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet too many construction firms that work on vital infrastructure projects are seeing less work today than just a few years ago.”
The construction economist noted that public spending nationally on other public works has declined by 8.5 percent during the past 12 months. In particular, public spending on highway and street construction has slipped by 2.4 percent, outlays for other transportation facilities such as airports have dropped 12 percent, sewage and waste disposal investments tumbled by 22 percent and water supply funding fell by 14 percent.
Simonson noted that the Charleston metro area lost 1,200 construction jobs for the year, a 16 percent drop. He added that, out of the 358 metro areas the association tracks, only the Casper, Wyo. metro area lost construction jobs at a faster rate during the past year. There were 6,200 people employed in construction, mining and logging combined in the Charleston metro area in April, down from 7,400 a year earlier. The current year’s number is the lowest April total recorded in the area since the federal government first began tracking the data in 1990.
The construction official said that Charleston was not alone. Nationwide, 89 out of 358 metro areas lost construction jobs for the year, including the Huntington-Ashland metro area, while construction employment was stagnant in another 52 areas. He added that declining public sector investments in roads and bridges threatens construction employment levels in the 217 metro areas that added construction jobs for the year.
Simonson observed that a new infrastructure investment programs being proposed at the state level by Governor Justice will invest $2.8 billion to help rebuild West Virginia’s aging roads and bridges. The state infrastructure proposal will put more people to work in a construction industry that already pays a higher wage than most Americans receive, he added.
The proposal will create thousands of manufacturing, mining and service-sector jobs as equipment makers, aggregate firms and construction suppliers book higher orders, the economist pointed out. He added that new infrastructure investments will also make the state’s economy more efficient and businesses competitive by cutting traffic delays and lowering energy costs.
The construction economist added that the association and its statewide chapter, the Contractors Association of West Virginia, were working to ensure that new infrastructure proposals are enacted in Charleston. “Without increased funding and new ways to pay for future repairs, West Virginia’s infrastructure will continue to crumble and the industry’s jobs will continue to disappear,” Simonson observed.
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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"30053" sits in the goods yard at Corfe Castle as "30120" and "Manston" double head through the station.
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.”
State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree, wife Leona Tyree named Distinguished West Virginians by Governor Justice
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Jim Justice has honored a Kanawha County couple with the highest award he can bestow for their commitment to family, community and the Mountain State on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
State Fire Marshal Ken Tyree and his wife, Leona Tyree, were named Distinguished West Virginians during a Tuesday ceremony at the State Capitol. Chief of Staff Mike Hall presented the awards on behalf of Governor Justice.
The Tyrees met while serving together in the U.S. Air Force. They married in 1985, and started their family while stationed in Turkey. So far, they have brought their love into the lives of 13 biological and four foster children.
Leona Tyree home-school their children until they are of high school age. Six have graduated from or are enrolled at Brigham Young University, while one of the five still at home has been accepted there. Both Leona and Ken Tyree have been leaders at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Teays Valley.
Before his appointment as State Fire Marshal in January 2015, Ken Tyree served the City of Charleston for nearly 21 years as a firefighter. He retired as a captain and the city fire marshal. He is a valued member of member of numerous state, national, and international fire service organizations.
SWR Class 159 No.159019 passes Berkley Marsh,with the 06:46 Yeovil Junction to London Waterloo service,on the 10th of November 2022.
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.