FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, May 20, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces Get Paid to Pay it Forward campaign, paying drivers to transport individuals in Jobs & Hope WV
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Gov. Jim Justice announced the Get Paid to Pay it Forward campaign, compensating drivers for transporting individuals to substance use treatment.
This initiative, part of the Jobs & Hope West Virginia Program, addresses the transportation challenges faced by people seeking substance use treatment, especially in rural areas of the state with limited public transit options.
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The campaign welcomes anyone to sign up as a driver, but it also encourages individuals in recovery to apply as contract workers through Modivcare.
These drivers will be paid per mile and can choose the assignments they accept, offering single trips or recurring rides.
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Gov. Justice declares Juneteenth 2023 as State holiday in West Virginia, reminds public about annual Juneteenth Celebration
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Gov. Justice issued a proclamation, officially declaring Juneteenth 2023 as a State holiday in West Virginia. Juneteenth, which is recognized on June 19 each year, celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States.
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The Juneteenth State holiday this year will be observed on Monday, June 19, 2023, as a full-day holiday for all public employees of the State.
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Gov. Justice announces New River Gorge named Best Family Trip in U.S. by Outside Magazine
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Gov. Justice announced that The New River Gorge has been named Best Family Trip in the U.S. by Outside Magazine, making another major travel award for West Virginia.
Each year, Outside selects one winning destination and one runner-up for various travel categories, and West Virginia came in on top for family vacation destinations for 2023. The state has accumulated more than a dozen similar recognitions in recent years.
“I’m just thrilled to see even more national recognition for West Virginia,” Gov. Justice said. “The outside world is finally figuring out what we’ve known for far too long. West Virginia is an incredible place, and I’ve loved watching as the rest of the world has started discovering this fact over the past several years. We are excited to continue welcoming families from all across the world to West Virginia this summer.”
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Gov. Justice attends Timberwood Elementary groundbreaking in Mercer County
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First Lady Justice announces winners of Golden Horseshoe Knighting Bench Design Contest
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First Lady Cathy Justice announced the winners of the First Lady Student Artist Series Golden Horseshoe Knighting Bench Design Contest in a ceremony at the West Virginia Culture Center.
As part of this First Lady Student Artist Series, four West Virginia Career and Technical Education Centers crafted top knighting bench designs out of wood. They were Roane-Jackson Career Technical Center, United Technical Center, Cabell County Career Technology Center, and Braxton County High School.
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The winning bench will now be used to knight all future Golden Horseshoe recipients, starting with the next ceremony on Tuesday, June 13, 2023.
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Gov. Justice speaks at World Automobile Auctioneers Championship in St. Albans
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First Lady Justice announces West Virginia Birthday Punch Contest
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First Lady Justice announced that her office will be hosting a West Virginia Birthday Punch Contest in honor of the state’s 160th birthday.
West Virginia residents are invited to create and submit an original (non-alcoholic) punch recipe. The top-prize winning recipe will be served at this year’s West Virginia Day Celebration at the Culture Center in Charleston on June 20, 2023.
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The recipe can be inspired by WV colors, Appalachian flavors, or family punch recipes. In addition, participants may suggest special garnish to be added to their punch, give details about their recipe, and tell why it is the best punch to honor West Virginia’s birthday.
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Gov. Justice, Maj. Gen. Bill Crane remember heroic efforts of late Gene Vance Jr.
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Gov. Justice also signed a proclamation in Vance's honor, making Saturday, May 20, 2023, officially Gene Vance, Jr. Day in West Virginia.
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Vance's impact on his fellow servicemen and women as well as the state of West Virginia should not be forgotten. This act of appreciation solidifies Vance's lasting legacy and honors his unwavering dedication, selflessness, and remarkable bravery.
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First Lady Justice hosts Take a Paws to Read at Governor’s Mansion
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First Lady Justice hosted Take a Paws to Read at the Governor’s Mansion, highlighting the significance of reading and celebrating the role of therapy dogs.
The event aimed to encourage students to pause and continue reading during the summer months, maintaining their reading skills.
“Reading is so important for student success, and our Take a Paws to Read event demonstrated the enjoyment that reading can bring,” First Lady Justice said. “We want students to keep reading during the summer and discover the joy that books can bring.”
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Gov. Justice speaks at West Virginia Daily News inaugural sports awards banquet
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Gov. Justice, First Lady ask for prayers after loss of former State Senator Billy Wayne Bailey
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