FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, September 14, 2024
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West Virginia Week in Review
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Gov. Justice launches School Safety Task Force to address and mitigate recent threats
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In response to the recent uptick in school threats across the state, Gov. Jim Justice has directed The West Virginia Department of Homeland Security to establish a comprehensive task force to address and mitigate these concerns.
The newly created School Safety Task Force is actively compiling and analyzing all reported school threats by county, educational institution, and Safe Schools Unit Region to ensure a thorough and coordinated response.
The School Safety Task Force is made up of the following agencies:
- West Virginia Fusion Center
- West Virginia State Police (WVSP)
- West Virginia Safe Schools Unit
- WVSP – West Virginia Intelligence Exchange (WVIX)
- Federal Law Enforcement Partners
- West Virginia Department of Education
- West Virginia Prevention Resource Officer Program
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Gov. Justice rings West Virginia Liberty Bell in remembrance of 9/11 terrorist attacks
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Gov. Justice delivered a reflection before ringing the West Virginia Liberty Bell four times at the State Capitol Complex in remembrance of the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
The Governor rang the bell in solemn tribute to the four crashes that took place in New York, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania.
“It's hard to believe it’s been 23 years since the horrific attack on this country. Think of the courage of those running to the fire. Think of the courage of those on the airplane that prevented them from attacking another part of this great country. Think of the people we lost. Think about their loved ones. Today is the day that we show that we have never forgotten and that we show love forever more,” Gov. Justice said in part of his reflection.
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Gov. Justice celebrates Form Energy's West Virginia Appreciation Day
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Gov. Justice congratulates members of the Tunnel Ridge Mine Rescue team for earning national recognition
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Gov. Justice celebrates another year of record-breaking growth in tourism industry
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Gov. Justice announced West Virginia’s tourism performance for 2023, with the industry’s total economic impact approaching $9 billion last year. Visitor volume to the state reached 75 million visitors last year.
These visitors spent $6.3 billion in the state, 5.6% more than in 2022. These levels of visitation and spending are both above 2019 levels, demonstrating a full recovery from the pandemic and robust new growth.
West Virginia welcomed more visitors last year than ever before, and those visitors spent more money than they had in previous years. Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics company that measures tourism spending and economic impact, found that visitors to the state had direct spending of $6.3 billion last year, an all-time high.
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Gov. Justice announces launch of “Prepped to Serve Appalachia” through partnership with Chef Paul Smith, WV Health Right, WorkForce West Virginia
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Gov. Justice announced the launch of "Prepped To Serve Appalachia," an accelerated fine dining worker certification program.
The initiative is led by West Virginia Health Right in partnership with Chef Paul Smith, the state's only James Beard Award-winning chef. The program is funded through a $250,000 grant award from WorkForce West Virginia.
This initiative will prepare 40 West Virginians annually for careers in the fine dining industry. Participants will undergo a three-month program featuring one month of intensive classroom training led by Chef Paul and two months of on-the-job training at local fine dining establishments. The training sessions will be held at West Virginia Health Right locations in Charleston, with the first session starting in October.
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First Lady Justice celebrates two Friends With Paws therapy dogs at Petersburg Elementary and Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School
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First Lady Cathy Justice visited two Friends With Paws therapy dogs at Communities In Schools sites in Grant and Tucker Counties. Prim, the 30th FWP therapy dog (a female Labrador Retriever) was placed at Davis Thomas Elementary Middle School. Joey, the 31st FWP therapy dog (a male Labradoodle) was placed at Petersburg Elementary School.
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“I’m thrilled to be here in Grant and Tucker County today to celebrate Joey and Prim,” said First Lady Cathy Justice. “Since their placements in June, I’ve heard wonderful things about the incredible impact they’ve made, not only in their schools but throughout the community. Our Friends With Paws therapy dogs are truly world-class, and I know Joey and Prim are just beginning their remarkable journey of making a difference in these communities.”
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Gov. Justice announces date for next Special Session of West Virginia Legislature
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Gov. Justice announced that he will call for the West Virginia Legislature to convene in Special Session on Monday, September 30. He delivered a video message highlighting his goals for the second Special Session of the year.
While final details for the call are still being discussed, it will include tax cuts, support for childcare, and the appropriation of supplemental funds to address other critical needs in West Virginia.
Once the session gets underway, bill status may be found here. |
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