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Articles by Alayna Fuller
Hundreds gather in Morgantown to protest police brutality, racial injustice
1 of 24 Jun. 2, 2020 - Protesters march in downtown Morgantown to protest police brutality in America. Jun. 2, 2020 - A group of protesters raise their fists together in downtown Morgantown. Jun. 2, 2020 - A sign is held high above a protesting crowd in downtown Morgantown. Jun. 2, 2020 - Protesters march in downtown Morgantown to protest police brutality in America. June 2, 2020 - Protesters hold up signs in support of the Black Lives Matter movement in Morgantown. Jun.
Former WVU professor admits to federal fraud charge
James Patrick Lewis Photo via WVU A former WVU physics professor pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge, according to the United States Department of Justice. James Patrick Lewis pleaded guilty to convincing WVU to give him leave so he could travel to China to work for a competing institution called the Chinese Academy of Sciences, according to the DOJ. Lewis hid his work with the Chinese institution from WVU.
Former WVU professor admits to federal fraud charge
James Patrick Lewis Photo via WVU A former WVU physics professor pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge, according to the United States Department of Justice. James Patrick Lewis pleaded guilty to convincing WVU to give him leave so he could travel to China to work for a competing institution called the Chinese Academy of Sciences, according to the DOJ. Lewis hid his work with the Chinese institution from WVU.
WVU to be first in nation with music and health degree program
WVU will be the first in the nation to have a music and health undergraduate degree program. “The major was created to blend the arts and humanities with preparatory courses for health professional school,” said Clay Marsh, vice president and executive dean for WVU Health Sciences.
Half of all new sexually transmitted diseases found in college-aged people
Screenings are available for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, and HIV. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C testing is available at the Monongalia County Health Department. Photo via Monongalia County Health Department Half of all new sexually transmitted diseases are found in people aged 15-24 in the United States, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Identifying healthy and unhealthy relationships
Kendra Henline, sexual health education graduate assistant for WELLWVU, said leaving an unhealthy relationship can be very difficult for some people. “It is clear that unhealthy relationships are relationships in which the partner or partners do not feel comfortable due to a number of different factors like fighting, feeling misunderstood, or feeling physically, emotionally and mentally abused or mistreated,” Henline said.
Three transported to hospital after boulder strikes car, PRT
1 of 7 Damage from a rock fall on a PRT car on Feb. 10, 2020. Emergency services cut a large portion off the vehicle to remove the occupants. Damage can be seen on a car that was traveling Monongahela Boulevard when a on a rock fall occurred on Feb. 10, 2020 Three police officers stand next to a boulder from a rock fall on Monongahela Boulevard on February 10, 2020 Two emergency personnel stand next to a boulder from a rock fall on Monongahela Boulevard on Feb.
Bell-ringing ceremony held for three Mountaineers
On Friday, WVU held a bell ringing ceremony to honor the memory of three former students. Kim Mosby, senior associate dean of the WVU Care Team, spoke about the memory of the students to a crowd of around 50 gathered at Oglebay Plaza. “On behalf of West Virginia University, President E.
WVU sororities and fraternities show improved academic performance
Students in WVU fraternities and sororities have higher GPAs than undergraduate WVU students overall. In fall 2019, the sorority and fraternity GPA average was 3.240, and the average GPA for all WVU undergraduate students was 2.969. “On academic performance, I believe that Greek students have a built-in support network of peers, both older and younger, that can better support them academically,” said Matthew Richardson, director of the WVU Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.
Adventure WV to pilot new tobacco cessation program in spring
WVU Medicine and Health Sciences are starting a new tobacco cessation initiative this year and Adventure WV plans to begin its pilot of the initiative in spring. The six week informational Adventure WV cessation program aims to inform participants about alternatives to tobacco while they participate in outdoor activities. A cessation program is designed to help tobacco users quit smoking.
Mylan Park Aquatic Center serves as new home for WVU athletics, Mon community
The entrance to the Mylan Park Aquatic Center, located behind Mylan Park. By James Knable The WVU swimming and diving teams moved from the WVU Natatorium to the new Aquatic Center at Mylan Park in Fall 2019. “The transition from the Nat to Mylan Park was definitely a game changer,” said Joshua Madzy, sophomore member of the WVU men’s swimming and diving team.
United States raises tobacco purchasing age to 21
United States citizens must now be 21 to purchase any tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaping cartridges, after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration increased the federal minimum age. “Experts believe that this measure will ultimately reduce the number of people who become addicted to and die from tobacco,” said Valarie Blake, associate professor of law at the WVU College of Law.
SGA senator faces possible impeachment
Arpan Kumar. Photo submitted by Arpan Kumar WVU Student Government Association Sen. Arpan Kumar is facing possible impeachment against the student government association for reasons he said are unreasonable. SGA is asking Kumar to resign or face impeachment due to his two unexcused absences from meetings and behavioral issues brought forth by SGA members. The committee met with Kumar on Nov. 19 regarding his absences, SGA Vice President Madi Matheny said.
WVU hopes to partner with Virgin Hyperloop One
Nov. 21, 2019: Diana Zhou, director of project strategy at Virgin Hyperloop One, talks about the timetable of the decision process of where to locate the certification center. By Seth Seebaugh WVU could soon be involved in transforming the future of transportation.
Campus-wide 'Don't Box Me In' event teaches importance of First Amendment
The Martin Hall Agency held a daylong “Don’t Box Me In” event to inform students about the importance of the First Amendment. The event featured a reading of the Amendment, library exhibits, a panel discussion and trivia night. Douglas Soule, editor-in-chief of the Daily Athenaeum, recited the First Amendment to a crowd of 15 people at Woodburn Circle to kick off the day. He later discussed how the First Amendment impacts journalists.
'Breathe, Nolan, Breathe' documentary brings awareness to dangers of hazing
TJ and Kim Burch, parents of Nolan Burch, talk about their son's story during an interview session after the documentary screening on Nov. 13, 2019. By Trenton Straight Joshua Dower talks to press during an interview session following the documentary on Nov. 13, 2019. By Trenton Straight Joshua Dower, internal medicine and pediatrics specialist at WVU Medicine, said Nolan Burch should not be dead.
WVU remembers Ryan Diviney, Rylee Burnette with bell ringing ceremony
A bell ringing ceremony was held to remember Mountaineers Ryan Diviney and Rylee Burnette at Olgebay Plaza on Friday. Diviney died in August, 10 years after his assault near WVU’s campus, and Burnette died in October. Diviney was a pre-law sophomore student when he was assaulted outside a Dairy Mart convenience store in Morgantown, where he suffered a fractured skull, a broken jaw and was bleeding from the brain.
WVU tears down German Club’s Berlin Wall
Slight damages to the wall Photo submitted by Riley Bowers The University Police Department on Tuesday night tore down the WVU German Club’s Berlin Wall that it had put up that day to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, said Deborah Janson, WVU German Club advisor and associate professor of German. The club had permission from the University to put up their spray-painted wall, Janson said. The wall was put back up later that night.
Two Morgantown high schoolers hospitalized after vape pen overdoses
Two high school students were hospitalized after overdosing on heroin-laced vape pens in Morgantown within 24 hours, according to a Morgantown Police Department report on Friday evening. Preliminary testing on one of the vape solutions indicated that it contained heroin, other opioids and a significant number of other chemicals, said MPD Chief Ed Preston. “These devices are extremely dangerous,” Preston said in a video warning posted to the MPD Facebook page on Friday.
WVU aims to continue improving first-time freshman retention rates
For more than five years, WVU’s first-time freshman retention rates have fluctuated between the upper 70% and lower 80%. This year, WVU pre-census data shows that first-time freshman retention rates at the University are up by 3% from fall 2018. “We are currently at a 79.3% retention rate and inching toward 80%,” said WVU Provost Maryanne Reed in a Board of Governors meeting on Sept. 13.
E-cigarettes, the not-so-safe alternative to cigarettes
Electronic cigarettes have been marketed as a safe alternative to cigarettes for years, but new findings of lung damage, chemical burns and stiffened blood vessels in e-cigarette users suggest that vaping may be equally as harmful. As of Oct. 15, lung injury cases associated with using e-cigarette and vaping products has risen to 1,479 across 49 states, the District of Columbia and one U.S. territory, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Citizens discuss homelessness at Morgantown City Council meeting
Downtown business owners, Friendship House employees and other citizens gathered to voice their concerns about homelessness throughout downtown Morgantown during the public comment portion of the Morgantown City Council meeting on Tuesday evening.
West Virginia to see higher black bear harvest, similar deer harvest compared to last year
Hunters throughout the state of West Virginia can expect a higher black bear harvest and similar white-tail deer harvest this year compared to last year.
Clery Report shows rise in aggravated assaults, decrease in drug arrests, forcible sex offenses
The annual WVU Clery Report shows a decline in drug arrests, and forcible sex offenses, but an increase in aggravated assaults between 2017 and 2018. The annual WVU Clery Report documents crime on and around campus. This year’s report shows the crime statistics for WVU from 2016-2018. In 2018, there were 128 drug arrests, which is a 32% decrease from last year, and there were eight forcible sex offenses, which is a 38% decrease, according to the Clery Report.
A look into texting and driving on WVU’s campus
Following the pedestrian safety issues on WVU’s campus, the Daily Athenaeum went to the street to take a look at the number of people on their phones while driving. On Sunday, the Daily Athenaeum’s Assistant News Editor Gabriella Brown stood by the intersection of Willey and High Street between 11:05 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and counted the number of people on their phones while driving.
Escaped inmate crashes stolen ambulance near Chateau Royale Apartments
The escaped inmate who allegedly stole and crashed an ambulance has been identified. Craig Allen Martisko, 45, of Granville, West Virginia, is currently undergoing evaluation at Ruby Memorial Hospital and has numerous pending charges, according to a Morgantown press release. Martisko had been in the custody of the West Virginia Department of Corrections North Central Regional Jail when he was taken to Ruby Memorial Hospital for treatment, according to the release.
Then and now: Mountaineers' response to 9/11
On Sept. 11, 2001, WVU students gathered around televisions in the Mountainlair to witness the horrific events that unfolded. As tragedy struck, dormitories throughout WVU’s campus heightened security, counseling areas were pitched and students rushed to aid victims of the attack in any way possible. “I walked into the Mountainlair after class, and I saw everyone gathered around the information desk television set,” said student Stacy Stewart in the Sept. 12, 2001, Daily Athenaeum publication.
Rabid cat attacks two residents in Suncrest
A cat that attacked two Suncrest residents in two separate incidents last week has tested positive for rabies. Both the residents were attacked on Legion Street and are now undergoing post-exposure rabies prophylaxis treatments, according to a Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD) press release. The rabid cat interacted with a Legion Street area cat colony and by state law, all the cats must be collected.
President Gee discusses pedestrian safety, privatization, University finances and more
WVU President E. Gordon Gee visited the Daily Athenaeum newsroom on Thursday to take questions from the staff. Below are some of the topics discussed. Pedestrian safety Gee said the University has put emphasis on safety this academic year; he pointed to a safety website that had recently been created (safety.wvu.edu).
Former WVU student dies a decade after Morgantown assault
Following former WVU student Ryan Diviney’s death on Saturday night, his father, Ken Diviney, said he appreciated everything the people of West Virginia did to help his son and family over the years. Ryan Diviney celebrating his 15th birthday with friends and family.
Fourteen rabid racoons found, vaccines to be air-dropped
Thousands of Oral Rabies Vaccine (ORV) baits will be distributed by hand and by helicopter in green areas around Monongalia County on Friday, after fourteen raccoons tested positive for rabies in the area. Staff members from the Monongalia County Health Department (MCHD), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service will distribute 49,000 ORV baits in the more rural areas of Monongalia County.
WVU introduces new safety website
WVU has created a new safety website for all students, faculty, staff and visitors that will serve as a resource for campus safety and wellness information. A screenshot of the new safety website created by West Virginia University Photo via safety.wvu.edu “We just started this year, a new safety website,” said W.P. Chedester, WVU police chief.
2019 Welcome Week crime rate lower than last year
This year’s Welcome Week crime rate declined by 45 percent from last year, according to the West Virginia University Police Department. From Aug. 15-25, the main crimes committed were alcohol offenses and traffic non-DUI offenses. There were 32 alcohol offenses this year, which was a reduction of 30 from last year and 40 traffic non-DUI offenses, which was a reduction of 63 from last year.
West Virginia Tattoo Expo leaves mark on local community
1 of 10 1 of 10 This customer loves having tattoos that pop with color and he determines what tattoos he wants to get based off of his likes. An artist at the West Virginia Tattoo Expo shows off one of her favorite tattoos on her hand. Artists were extremely willing to show off their own personal tattoos. Many artists had pre-made flash designs available as well as custom pieces.
E-cigarettes, all other forms of tobacco products prohibited at WVU
Students, faculty, staff and visitors are now prohibited from using electronic cigarettes or any other tobacco products on all WVU campuses under the new tobacco- and smoke-free campus rule that went into effect Aug. 1. While WVU’s Morgantown campus has been tobacco free since 2013 under the Board of Governors Policy 57, the Board of Governors decided in February to expand the prohibitions in the original policy.
E-cigarettes, all other forms of tobacco products prohibited at WVU
Students, faculty, staff and visitors are now prohibited from using electronic cigarettes or any other tobacco products on all WVU campuses under the new tobacco- and smoke-free campus rule that went into effect Aug. 1. While WVU’s Morgantown campus has been tobacco free since 2013 under the Board of Governors Policy 57, the Board of Governors decided in February to expand the prohibitions in the original policy.
Light the Night fundraiser coming Aug. 31 to Charleston
Charleston community members are invited to enjoy an evening of dancing, music and cocktails at this year’s annual Light the Night: Dance Against Domestic Violence fundraising event. The semi-formal, charity fundraiser will be held on Saturday, Aug. 31, at the Women’s Club of Charleston from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. “Light the Night is a great event because it offers something fun and fantastic for a low ticket price,” said Candice Maxwell, Light the Night spokesperson.
Kanawha schools transportation staff showcase new school buses, teach bus safety
Ables, Zackery - 1 p.m., Simons - Coleman Funeral Home, Richwood. Anderson, Vernon - 2 p.m., Hafer Funeral Home, Elkview. Bailes, Frances - 2 p.m., Walker Memorial Park, Summersville. Bailey, Clara - 11 a.m., Tyler Mountain Funeral Home, Cross Lanes. Bawn, Billie - 10 a.m., Chapel at Elk Hills Memorial Park, Charleston. Blevins, Kimberly - 1 p.m., Raynes Funeral Home, Eleanor Chapel. Casto, David - 1 p.m., Baptist Grove Cemetery, Leroy.
WV Port Authority gives Wayne a chance to save intermodal facility
CHARLESTON - The West Virginia Public Port Authority board, during a meeting Wednesday, gave Wayne County officials until the end of the month to submit proposals to save the $32 million Heartland Intermodal Gateway facility from being sold. At the beginning of the Port Authority meeting at the state Capitol Complex, Transportation Secretary Byrd White said the implications of a long-term lease on the facility just became too complicated, so the board thought it would be best to sell it.
WVSU's Lee appointed to national advisory council for grandfamilies
West Virginia State University lead social worker Yvonne Lee has been appointed to a national advisory council that seeks to support grandfamilies. Lee, who is also one of the coordinators of State’s Healthy Grandfamilies program, will serve a three-year term on the Department of Health and Human Services’ Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren.
WV Port Authority board postpones sale of WV intermodal facility
Craigo, Kerry - 1 p.m., Haven of Rest Mausoleum Chapel, Red House. Eikler, Vickie - 1 p.m., Cooke Funeral Home Chapel, Cedar Grove. Ellyson, Edith - 1 p.m., Ellyson Mortuary, Glenville. Fisher, Teresa - 1 p.m., Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home, Charleston. Groves, James - 2 p.m., Buckhorn United Methodist Church, Buckhorn. James, Thomas - 1 p.m., High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Lowe Jr., Robert - 11 a.m., Snodgrass Funeral Home, South Charleston. Nettles, Halman - 11 a.m., Gip Church, Gip.
Charleston community, law enforcement mingle at National Night Out event
Charleston community members visited with local law enforcement and participated in activities at the annual National Night Out event in Orchard Manor on Tuesday. “An event like this, there’s a lot of smiling faces, there’s a lot of happy people [and] a lot of police officers interacting with the community,” said Sgt. Jason Webb, public services division commander for the Charleston Police Department.
Recovery Point opens a new house in Charleston
CHARLESTON — Eight women in the second phase of the Recovery Point Charleston program are moving into the rehabilitation center's new Phase II House. "The Phase II House is a home located across the street from our Recovery Point Charleston location that will house women who are in Phase II of our program, which is the continuation of care portion of our program," said Allison Conley, director of development for Recovery Point West Virginia.
Multifest celebrates 30 years of food, music and diversity
Kanawha Boulevard was full of vendors and shoppers during Multifest at Haddad Riverfront Park on Saturday afternoon. Vendors, bands, and event goers gathered at Haddad Riverfront Park on Saturday to celebrate the diversity of the region through art, music, education, cultural programs and cuisine at Multifest. “I think that it pulls diversity from all parts of West Virginia, not just Charleston, and brings us together to celebrate,” said Sharee Fleming from Ree Creation Boutique.
Recovery Point WV opens new Phase II House in Charleston
Eight women in second phase of the Recovery Point Charleston program are moving into the rehabilitation center’s new Phase II House. “The Phase II House is a home located across the street from our Recovery Point Charleston location that will house women who are in Phase II of our program, which is the continual of care portion of our program,” said Allison Conley, director of development for Recovery Point West Virginia.
Charleston mayor encourages positivity for city at CVB board meeting
Bartlett, Melanie - Noon, Taylor Funeral Home, Spencer. Baughman, Noralie - 1 p.m., Springfork Missionary Baptist Church, Campbells Creek. Boyd, Willard - 11 a.m., Independence United Methodist Church, Sandyville. Chestnut, Sally - 11:30 a.m., Fidler & Frame Funeral Home, Belle. Comisky, Jane - 11 a.m., Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes. Dyer, David - 1 p.m., Dodd & Reed Funeral Home, Webster Springs. Knapp, George - 7 p.m., Foglesong - Casto Funeral Home, Mason.
World Scout Jamboree girls excited for future in Scouts BSA program
GLEN JEAN — At the 24th World Scout Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, half the scouts in attendance were girls and many were excited about the new opportunities available to them in the Scouts BSA program. In February, the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America launched a program called Scouts BSA to serve girls. Now both girls and boys have the opportunity to earn Scouting’s highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Ex-Secretary of State Tillerson unveils new center at Summit Bechtel
Branham, Mary Catherine - 11 a.m., Handley Funeral Home, Danville. Griffith, Joseph - 2 p.m., Curry Funeral Home in Alum Creek Halley, Ronnie - 1 p.m., Cunningham-Parker-Johnson Funeral Home, Charleston. Harris, John W. - 4 p.m., Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home, Charleston. Hunt, Brenda Jean - 4 p.m., Keith Full Gospel Church, Keith. Mitchell, Betty Jane - 1 p.m., Wilcoxen Funeral Home, Point Pleasant. Plumley, Kenneth - 2 p.m., Chapmanville Regional High School Gym.
Toyota Motor's WV Ready interns reflect on their summer experience
Three Toyota Motor high school interns showcased the technical skills and practical life skills learned during their paid internship at Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia on Friday. Through The Education Alliance’s West Virginia Ready Summer Internship program, which is in its first year, 10 interns were placed at Toyota Motor Manufacturing WV, Appalachian Power, and Cabell Huntington Hospital.
Kanawha health dept. swears in health officer, hears vaccine clinic update
The Kanawha-Charleston Health Department swore in its new health officer on Thursday and heard an update on its back-to-school vaccination clinic. Dr. Art Rubin, president of the Kanawha-Charleston Board of Health, administered the oath of office to Dr. Sherri Young, the health department’s new health officer and executive director, at the meeting.
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