FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, October 7, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces more than $800,000 in Sexual Assault Services Program grant awards
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Gov. Jim Justice announced that he has awarded $801,797.00 in West Virginia Sexual Assault Services Program grant funds to the West Virginia Foundation for Rape Information and Services.
These funds will be used to provide and expand direct services to victims of sexual assault throughout the state.
The Sexual Assault Services Program was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 and provides grant dollars to states and territories to assist them in supporting rape crisis centers that provide core services, direct intervention, and related assistance to victims of sexual assault.
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West Virginia Department of Tourism releases first fall foliage report of the season
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The higher elevations of the Mountain State are now bursting with autumn color while the lower sections are beginning to see some pops of changing leaves. This update, prepared in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, marks the first in a series of weekly updates to be made this season in an effort to help travelers plan fall activities amongst peak color.
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Gov. Justice, WV DOF remind West Virginians of the start of fall fire season
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Fall fire season starts Sunday, Oct. 1, and continues through Dec. 31. Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Division of Forestry (WV DOF) reminds residents to confine their outdoor burning to 5 p.m. to 7 a.m. Fires set during that time must be put out before 7 a.m.
Debris burning is West Virginia’s most common cause of wildfires, averaging more than 35% of all wildfires over the past ten years.
As the crisp, dry fall season replaces the humid summer, the air offers less moisture for grasses and leaf litter to absorb. Dry leaves and forest floor debris become more flammable. Burning is prohibited during the day because, even in fall, relative humidity typically increases in the evening.
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Gov. Justice crowns Queen Silvia during annual Mountain State Forest Festival
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Gov. Justice crowned Miss Anna Marie Ruf this year's Queen Silvia during the 85th annual Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins. Queen Silvia serves as an ambassador for the festival and promotes the importance of forestry in West Virginia. The coronation ceremony is a cherished tradition in Elkins, bringing the community together to honor their forestry heritage and celebrate their queen.
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First Lady thanks Ball Toyota for a $500,000 to the Department of Education and Communities In School program
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The Ball Toyota Family partnered with The Department of Education and Communities In School program to donate $500,000 to students in need. This money establishes 'virtual pantries' in 247 West Virginia schools, helping provide essential items like food, clothing, shoes, coats, and hygiene products.
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They are providing additional donations of $50,000 to West Virginia University Institute of Technology and $30,000 to Marshall University.
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HHOMA 2023 Minority Business Expo coming up next week in Charleston
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The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs (HHOMA) is bringing a networking event to professionals around the region at the ninth annual Minority Business Expo at the Charleston Civic Center on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Attendees and exhibitors must register online here by the close of business on Oct. 9. Attendance is free, and lunch will be provided. HHOMA has waived registration fees on exhibit booth space for vendors, state agencies, and nonprofits.
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