WHITESVILLE, W.Va. — In the hills of West Virginia, a desperate search is underway deep inside a shut-down coal mine for three people who've been missing since Saturday. A man who entered the mine with them is back above ground and helping the search. Family members and friends formed a circle of prayer on Wednesday as they waited for word on the fate of 31-year-old Erica Treadway, 21-year-old Cody Beverly and 25-year-old Kayla Williams. "She's a free spirit," said Randall Williams, Kayla's father. "The waiting is killing me, man. I want my baby home." Eddie Williams, 43, is Kayla's cousin and was originally with the group. He emerged from the abandoned mine alone Monday night and is assisting the dozens of rescue workers who are searching miles of maze-like tunnels. In some, oxygen levels are perilously low. It is not uncommon in this financially strapped region for people to risk their lives by entering old mines to take and later sell copper wiring. "They do whatever they … [Read more...] about Family, friends hold out hope for 3 missing in abandoned West Virginia mine
Virginia
West Virginia governor appoints friend to Supreme Court
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A lifelong friend of West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice was appointed to the state Supreme Court on Wednesday to fill the seat of convicted former Justice Allen Loughry. Justice made Raleigh County Circuit Judge John A. Hutchison his third appointee to a court rocked by an impeachment scandal. Hutchison will serve until a 2020 special election. The winner of that race will serve the remainder of Loughry's term through 2024. Loughry's resignation was effective Nov. 12, about a month after a federal jury convicted him on 11 charges. He was suspended from his seat earlier this year over allegations that he repeatedly lied and used his public office for personal gain. "We've had a dog's mess with our Supreme Court and we've lost a lot of credibility," Justice said at the announcement in Beckley. "And really and truly, it was an embarrassment across the nation." Justice said he hopes Hutchison and the four other justices can "restore dignity and greatness" to the … [Read more...] about West Virginia governor appoints friend to Supreme Court
Virginia mom was supposed to be deported. Instead, she hid in a church.
Arelis R. Hernández, The Washington Post Published 1:23 pm PST, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Rosa Gutierrez, who fled El Salvador in 2005 after facing harassment from machete-carrying farmworkers, has taken sanctuary at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, Md. Rosa Gutierrez, who fled El Salvador in 2005 after facing harassment from machete-carrying farmworkers, has taken sanctuary at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church in Bethesda, Md. Photo: Photo For The Washington Post By Evelyn Hockstein Photo: Photo For The Washington Post By Evelyn Hockstein Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Image 1 of 4 Rosa Gutierrez, who fled El Salvador in 2005 after facing harassment from machete-carrying farmworkers, has taken sanctuary at Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist … [Read more...] about Virginia mom was supposed to be deported. Instead, she hid in a church.
Melania Trump thanks troops, greets children in Virginia
Updated 10:11 am PST, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 First lady Melania Trump greets children from the Burbank and Bethel Manor Elementary schools during a tour of Joint Base Langley in Hampton, Va., Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. First lady Melania Trump greets children from the Burbank and Bethel Manor Elementary schools during a tour of Joint Base Langley in Hampton, Va., Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. Photo: Steve Helber, AP Photo: Steve Helber, AP Image 1 of / 9 Caption Close Image 1 of 9 First lady Melania Trump greets children from the Burbank and Bethel Manor Elementary schools during a tour of Joint Base Langley in Hampton, Va., Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. First lady Melania Trump greets children from the Burbank and Bethel Manor Elementary schools during a tour of Joint Base … [Read more...] about Melania Trump thanks troops, greets children in Virginia
Confederate plaque removed from West Virginia courthouse
MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A plaque honoring Confederate soldiers has been removed from a West Virginia courthouse. The Journal reports the Jefferson County Commission voted 3-2 last week to remove the plaque and it has been taken down. Officials have been discussing the plaque's future since a letter requesting its removal was sent to county officials last year immediately following violent protests at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, which had been organized in part to protest the planned removal of a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee. Some residents with family who fought on the Confederate side of the Civil War argued that the plaque in West Virginia should remain. Commissioner Jane Tabb said she voted for the removal to be sensitive to the African-American community. Officials said it's unclear whether the plaque will be relocated. … [Read more...] about Confederate plaque removed from West Virginia courthouse