On Tuesday, July 21, 2026, severe thunderstorms produced catastrophic, record-breaking flash flooding across central West Virginia. Commissioner Eric Lupardus has begun gathering supplies to assist with flooding victims. Contact him directly or through social media if you’d like to offer assistance. Key details: • Rainfall: More than 7 inches of rain fell in Upshur County Read More…
Governor Morrisey Requests Presidential Disaster Declaration for Southern West Virginia Flooding
Federal Individual Assistance sought for Boone and Logan counties CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey today formally requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a Major Disaster Declaration for West Virginia following the catastrophic flooding that struck southern West Virginia on June 22-23. The request seeks federal Individual Assistance for Boone and Logan counties and statewide Read More…
Social Security Administration Announces New Online Tools and Notices for Disability Claims
Agency enhances online platform to expand service for disability casesBaltimore, MD – The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced major enhancements to my Social Security, expanding self-service options and the notices available to individuals navigating the disability claims and appeals process. The new tools will provide individuals with greater visibility, faster access to information, and more efficient case processing Read More…
Governor Morrisey Declares State of Preparedness for All 55 Counties Ahead of Severe Weather Systems
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Governor Patrick Morrisey today declared a statewide State of Preparedness for all 55 West Virginia counties in response to severe weather forecasts threatening the region. Beginning today, July 21, 2026, a series of storm systems is expected to track across the state, bringing severe thunderstorms, damaging winds, torrential rainfall, flash flooding, potential landslides, Read More…
SPOTTED LANTERNFLY DETECTED IN KANAWHA COUNTY
Charleston, W.Va. —Kanawha County has now been added to the list of West Virginia counties where the invasive pest spotted lanternfly (SLF) has been detected. An infestation of SLF was detected in St. Albans near the intersection of W. Main Street and Strawberry Road. The United States Department of Agriculture-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) Read More…
Smith Facing Felony Strangulation Charges
In a complaint filed in the Magistrate Court of Calhoun County by Trooper J.A. Elkins, the Trooper stated that on July 16th, 2026 at approximately 10:41 p.m. he was notified of a domestic situation located at 14041 S. Calhoun Highway, Arnoldsburg, WV. Trooper Elkins was contacted the victim, who stated that her boyfriend, Christopher S. Read More…
Front Porch Appalachia – Volume 3
The Triple Nickel – Where Every Mile Tells a Story Some roads get you from one place to another. Then there are roads like Ohio State Route 555—the Triple Nickel—that remind you why you ever fell in love with wandering in the first place. This wasn’t about racing through curves or chasing a destination. It was Read More…
Questions and Answers from a Frustrated Mr. Firestine
Since Calhoun County is too busy to answer a question, yet multiple questions, here are the answers. Now here are some new ones to ask. With a bit of research (about 10 minutes) I found that a PSC report from 2014 had Mt Zion listed as #353 out of 369 which is not good. Maybe Read More…


















