FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, November 18, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice declares State of Emergency for Kanawha County due to gas outage
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Gov. Justice declared a State of Emergency in Kanawha County due to a gas outage on Charleston’s West Side and activated the West Virginia National Guard to assist with recovery efforts.
"In light of the prolonged duration of this major gas outage on Charleston's West Side, which has left over a thousand families without heat, hot water, or stoves, I am declaring a State of Emergency and activating the resources of the West Virginia National Guard," Gov. Justice said in part.
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By activating the West Virginia National Guard, they were able to provide critical assistance, delivering heaters, blankets, food, water, and other essential items directly to West Virginia Health Right on Charleston's West Side.
On Thursday, Gov. Justice and Maj. Gen. William Crane of the WVNG thanked members of Health Right for their dedicated efforts in supporting and caring for affected residents.
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Gov. Justice also directed the West Virginia Public Service Commission to launch an investigation into the cause of the gas outage and hold responsible parties accountable.
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Gov. Justice announces start of buck firearms season, return of Big Buck Photo Contest
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Gov. Justice reminds hunters that West Virginia’s buck firearms season will start Monday, Nov. 20, and that they need to purchase their license and deer stamps before the season starts if they want a chance to take an additional buck during the state’s most popular hunting season.
The two-week buck firearms season will run through Dec. 3. Resident hunters and non-resident hunters who want a chance to harvest an additional buck must purchase a Class RG or Class RRG stamp, respectively, by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 19. Licenses and stamps can be purchased online at WVhunt.com or at an authorized license retailer.
Gov. Justice also announced the launch of West Virginia’s third annual Big Buck Photo Contest and invites hunters to submit a photo with a buck they harvest during a 2023 hunting season along with a short account of their hunt for a chance to win prizes.
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The contest, which has received more than 2,000 submissions since its inception in 2021, will open on Nov. 21 and photos must be submitted by Dec. 22 for hunters to be eligible for a prize drawing.
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Gov. Justice announces first distribution of $3 million in funding for fire services in West Virginia
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Gov. Justice announced the distribution of $3 million to counties in West Virginia to support their fire services.
The funding comes after the passage and signing of SB 1022 and SB 1023, which supplemented appropriations to the Division of Emergency Management, Growth County Fire Protection Fund, and County Fire Protection Fund. Gov. Justice signed them into law in August 2023.
“These funds directly benefit the people that literally run to the fire, and they will provide support to the 438 fire departments in West Virginia,” Gov Justice said. “These services are vital to the safety and well-being of our people, and we appreciate all those that sacrifice to protect us each and every day.”
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Gov. Justice celebrates Putnam County Drug Court graduation
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Governor and First Lady Justice invite West Virginians to submit photos for 2023 Military and First Responder recognition trees
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice invite all West Virginians to honor members of the United States Military and First Responders by submitting photos to be showcased on two recognition trees that will be displayed during the upcoming holiday season.
This year’s recognition trees will be located in the west rotunda of the main Capitol building, along with a third tree decorated by Gold Star mothers and families to honor their loved ones whose lives were sacrificed while serving our country.
“Cathy and I absolutely cherish this holiday tradition,” Gov. Justice said. “Seeing West Virginians unite to honor our incredible heroes of the United States Military and our First Responders brings so much joy to us. The heartfelt photos on the recognition trees create a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by these amazing individuals. It’s an honor to show off the real stars of West Virginia in our Capitol during the holidays.”
“I am looking forward to seeing your photos of our West Virginia heroes. This is one of my favorite Christmas traditions,” First Lady Cathy Justice said.
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All photos, along with the submission form and tag, must be received no later than Tuesday, November 28, 2023.
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Gov. Justice remembers 1970 Marshall University plane crash
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Gov. Justice announces $2.8 million in matching funds for infrastructure advancements in West Virginia
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Gov. Justice announced over $2.8 million in non-federal match funds to Congressionally Directed Spending, enhancing the state’s critical infrastructure and addressing community needs.
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“These investments reflect our commitment to vital infrastructure enhancements across the state, and I’m proud that we can step up and provide this funding,” Gov. Justice said. “These strategic investments will not only bolster the state's economic development but also improve the overall quality of life for our people."
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