FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, December 2, 2023
CONTACT: Jordan Damron, [email protected]
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice announces yearly revenue collections $286.2 million ahead of estimate
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Gov.Justice announced that West Virginia’s General Revenue collections for November 2023, the fifth month of the Fiscal Year 2024, came in at $404.8 million, which is $44.0 million above the official estimate. Cumulative collections for Fiscal Year 2024 of more than $2.213 billion stand at $286.2 million ahead of the cumulative estimate.
"Even as inflation continues to throw us a curveball, our state's fiscal strength is shining through,” Gov. Justice said. “Surpassing cumulative revenue estimates by $286.2 million just 5 months into the fiscal year showcases the strength of our diversified economy. Those that said cutting our personal income tax was a bad idea are being proven wrong month after month, as West Virginians are able to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks in the face of rampant inflation. I’m proud that we’re continuing to steer West Virginia toward a brighter future."
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Gov. Justice sends letter to Postmaster General asking for reevaluation of moving processing center to Pennsylvania
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West Virginia's annual Joyful Night Celebration returns with special State Christmas Tree on December 5, 2023
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Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice cordially invite all West Virginians to join them at this year's Joyful Night celebration, taking place on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, starting at 6:00 p.m. on the South Steps of the West Virginia State Capitol.
The focal point of this year's festivities will be the lighting of the State Christmas Tree, a 50 ft Balsam Fir specially harvested this year from Randolph County's Kumbrabow State Forest, which was delivered and mounted earlier this week. The West Virginia Division of Forestry, the General Services Division, and the West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) all participated in the cutting, transporting, and positioning of the tree.
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Gov. Justice announces Monster Trout Contest winners
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Gov. Justice announced the winners of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources' second annual Monster Trout Contest.
“I want to congratulate our Monster Trout Contest winners for reeling in the catch of a lifetime and extend a special thank you to all of the anglers who went fishing this fall,” Gov. Justice said. “As a lifelong angler, I am so excited to see West Virginians, especially kids, get excited about the outdoors and enjoy our state’s incredible streams and exciting fishing opportunities.”
The seven lucky anglers each caught a tagged monster trout, which were stocked during the WVDNR’s two weeks of fall stockings in October. Those stockings included more than 35,000 pounds of trophy-size trout weighing 1–2 pounds and 6,500 pounds of monster trout weighing 3–6 pounds.
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Anglers who caught a tagged monster trout had until November 17 to submit a photo of their catch with the tag number to win a weekend cabin stay at a West Virginia state Park or Cabela’s prize package.
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Gov. Justice bags first buck of the season, encourages West Virginians to share their trophys in Big Buck Photo Contest
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Gov. Justice signs MOU between DNR and Girl Scouts to promote education, conservation
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Gov. Justice announced a partnership between The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and the Black Diamond Council of the Girls Scouts of America to allow scouts to utilize state parks for activities while contributing to conservation service projects.
Gov. Justice signed the MOU at his regularly scheduled Administration Update Briefing earlier this week.
Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding, scouts from the Black Diamond Council will be able to camp for free at various parks as long as the requested facility is available for use on the requested date and its use will not interfere with other groups or scheduled activities at the park. Recreational activities may also be provided at a reduced or negotiated rate, depending on volume, availability, operational hours and the time of year.
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Gov. Justice delivers $5 million check to Greenbrier Valley Airport for terminal, runway upgrades
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Gov. Justice presented the Greenbrier Valley Airport with a $5 million check to be used towards a terminal rehabilitation and runway renovation.
The terminal rehabilitation will allow the airport to increase gate space and expand airline services. The runway rehabilitation enables the airport to fully resurface its 150-foot-wide runway, improve the road's grading, and incorporate additional LED lights to enhance visibility, among other modifications.
The airport has also grappled with crosswind challenges, and the improvements are essential to accommodate large commercial and military planes at the facility.
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West Virginia Heroes: Gov. Justice thanks Ohio County counselor, Brooke County teacher for saving students' lives during lunch
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Gov. Justice this week expressed gratitude not just once, but twice, to West Virginia educators who came to the aid of two students requiring assistance during the lunch break. Their prompt response and dedication to student well-being were commendable, showcasing the invaluable role educators play in fostering a safe and supportive learning environment.
Nick Irvin of Ritchie Elementary
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Jason Williamson of Brooke Intermediate North
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Gov. Justice presented both teachers with a Certificate of Recognition, acknowledging and honoring their heroic efforts in safeguarding our students.
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Gov. Justice appoints Wooten to State Board of Education
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Gov. Justice announced on Friday that he has appointed Greg Wooten to the West Virginia State Board of Education.
"Greg Wooten is a fantastic addition to the West Virginia State Board of Education,” Gov. Justice said. “With his wealth of experience and dedication to our great state, he will bring fresh perspectives to our education system. I'm thrilled about the positive impact he will help make for the students and families of West Virginia."
Wooten will succeed James Wilson for a term ending in November 2032.
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Gov. Justice appoints Angela Walters as judge for the 12th Family Circuit Court serving Mercer and McDowell Counties
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Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Angela Walters to the 12th Family Circuit Court serving Mercer and McDowell counties. Walters is the Assistant Attorney General, Health and Human Resource Division in Princeton, WV. Walters graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 1994.
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Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Angela Walters to the 12th Family Circuit Court serving Mercer and McDowell counties. Walters is the Assistant Attorney General, Health and Human Resource Division in Princeton, WV. Walters graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 1994.
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Gov. Justice appoints Meredith Haines as judge for the 23rd Family Circuit Court serving Hampshire, Mineral, and Morgan Counties
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Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Meredith Haines to the 23rd Family Circuit Court serving Hampshire, Mineral, and Morgan counties. Haines is an attorney at Kuhn & Haines, L.C. in Keyser, WV.
Haines received her A.A. in Political Science from Potomac State College in 2001 and her B.S. in Political Science from Frostburg State University in 2003. Haines graduated from West Virginia University College of Law in 2006.
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REMINDER: Gov. Justice announces new holiday gift ideas from Tourism and DNR
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Gov. Justice announced a special release of new holiday gift ideas from the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. This year, shoppers can give the “gift of the outdoors” for their favorite outdoor enthusiast or those beaming with state pride.
“This holiday season you can share the gift of our state's incredible outdoor paradise with your friends and family,” Gov. Justice said. “These gifts are more than just presents; they’re your ticket to endless adventures and discovering the true magic of Almost Heaven.”
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Gov. Justice announces ribbon-cutting date, time for King Coal Highway in Bluefield
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