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Articles by Erin Drummond
Align On A Vision To Stay Focused In A Startup
Erin is director of marketing at IGNITE International, a global lifestyle brand with an unprecedented level of ambition. Getty Let's face it. Life at a startup is and can be complicated. There are glimmering instances when it lends for an unparalleled level of accomplishment and ownership in creating something new, innovative and exciting. Then there are other times when you can't see the direction of the road ahead.
Saikou Sushi starts out small, becomes booming business with WVU’s help
West Virginia University students have been puzzled as to why Saikou Sushi, located in the Mountainlair, does not accept Dining Plan Swipes as a form of payment.
Mountaineer Troy Clemons arrested for DUI
According to court records, Troy Clemons, the WVU Mountaineer mascot, was arrested for a DUI on Oct. 27. Clemons blew a .126 blood alcohol content during his breathalyzer test and failed sobriety tests performed by the police. Records show he was stopped by a sheriff deputy on Stewartstown Road and was arraigned in the Monongalia County Magistrate Court. Clemons was released on a personal recognizance bond. Check back for more information.
WVU faces controversy over price inequities and maintenance at new student housing
Fallon Mowles, a senior from Mansfield, Massachusetts, has nothing good to say about her experience living in the newly built University Place apartments. She paid a premium price of $750 a month last year, but says management routinely ignored maintenance requests and other problems."Management would blow us off and not take us seriously because we were 18-years-old," Mowles said."The place "was poorly managed," according to Mowes.
Free speech area gives students a voice
At West Virginia University, the area outside of the front entrance of Mountainlair is known as the free speech zone.Every Thursday, Joseph Graves, a junior engineering student from Martinsburg, West Virginia, stands in the free speech zone and speaks about God and God’s plan."Biblically, the call is to preach the Gospel to all nations and make disciples," Graves said.
What do you stand for: Mountaineers for Progress
During a peaceful protest in the Free Speech Zone of the Mountainlair’s brick area on late Wednesday afternoon, a crowd of protesters lowered themselves onto a knee for Morgantown.Following the words of Katonya Hart, the executive secretary for Charleston, West Virginia’s chapter of the NAACP, the protesters agreed to stand together in unity, stick out against discrimination, show love to everyone, sign petitions, protest peacefully, protect your rights, provide safe surroundings for all,...
Students gather around Lair, protest against religious preachers
"There is a movement, especially on college campuses, where culture dictates what’s right and wrong," Jaycen Saab, founder of AppalachiaCry Ministries, said. "And if culture dictates what’s right and wrong, then nothing can ever be right."Religious preachers from AppalachiaCry Ministries, a group to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the Appalachia Region, stationed themselves outside the Mountainlair Monday. They read Scripture. They raised signs.
Students question a religious preacher in front of Mountainlair
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2016 Clery Report shows rise in thefts, on-campus alcohol violations at WVU
According to the 2014-2016 West Virginia University Annual Clery Report, multiple statistics between the 2015 and 2016 years changed.The Clery Act, formally known as the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, is a federal law that requires universities to release crime statistics for the campus' areas.Recent rises occurring between the 2015 and 2016 years include statistics in theft, robberies, burglaries, stalking and on-campus liquor law violations.
Art Up Close! Series discusses "Confrontation of the Bridge" by African-American artist
The West Virginia University community was invited to view art that contributed to the course of U.S. history.The Art Up Close! Series was hosted on Tuesday, Sept. 12 and featured Marjorie Fuller, director of WVU’s Center for Black Culture and Research. Fuller’s presentation focused on the a print created African-American artist Jacob Lawrence."The first of the fall’s prints will be ‘Confrontation of the Bridge’ by Jacob Lawrence," said Joyce Ice, director of the Art Museum of WVU.
Pitt administrator named Director of Greek Life
West Virginia University has hired Dr. Matthew Richardson as the new Director of Greek Life.Richardson, who is currently the coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life at the University of Pittsburgh, will begin his duties August 28. He will also work with the Interfraternity Council (IFC), Panhellenic Association and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) on campus.“I am tremendously excited to lead Greek Life at WVU,” Richardson said in a statement.
Union Mission's recovery program helps the Fairmont community
FAIRMONT — Located in downtown Fairmont lies a business ready to serve those who need help during difficult times.“Union Mission is engaged in the redemptive recovery program for all of its clients,” said George Batten, the executive director of the Union Mission. “Many times in the course of what we’re doing, we house the homeless. But we are not a flophouse for homeless people. We’re involved in redemptive recovery.”The organization has a number of programs to cater to many types of recovery.
Marion County Municipal Elections results
FAIRMONT — Municipal elections took place in seven towns in Marion County recently.After White Hall’s election, residents there will see familiar faces, as Guy Ward will remain as mayor and Charles Mason as recorder. Both ran unopposed.Also, council members John Jacobs, Zella Keener, John Michael, Timothy A. Ridenour Jr. and John Shroyer will serve another term.
Marion Public Library offering 'on-the-go' bookmobile for summer reading
FAIRMONT —The Marion County Bookmobile marked its 10th year of service in April, and now it’s set to offer an on-the-go library for another summer.“We go out four days a week: Monday through Thursday,” the Bookmobile’s librarian, Lynn Clough, said. “We go to community centers, assisted living communities, Boys and Girls Club after-school programs and very many day care centers and child care facilities.”Other locations that are visited include MCPARC and Energy Express.
Mon Health Medical Center names ICU after Milan 'Mike' Puskar
MORGANTOWN — The Mon Health Medical Care Center’s Intensive Care Unit was officially named after the late Milan “Mike” Puskar on Wednesday.During the dedication ceremony, a plaque with the new Intensive Care Unit’s name and a photo of Puskar was unveiled.“Mr. Puskar was an extraordinary businessman, philanthropist and community leader,” Mon Health President and CEO Darryl Duncan said.
FSU Academy for the Arts hosts second Demo Day
FAIRMONT — Kids and parents had the chance to get a closer look at the Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts thanks to a Demo Day.“One of the classes was a creative drama class called the Actor's Toolbox,” said Leigh-Anne Bolyard, the director with the FSU Academy for the Arts.
After multiple delays, $1.2 million boat ramp at Palatine opens in time for Bass Tournament
FAIRMONT — After nine months, the $1.2 million three-lane boat ramp near Palatine Park is substantially complete and ready for this weekend’s West Virginia BASS Nation Buddy Trail Championship.“They said that it may not be completely done, but it’ll be usable, not only the parking for the three boats and trailers, but the three-lane boat ramp will be usable,” Marion County Commissioner Randy Elliott said.The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) broke ground on the $1.2 million...
Marion towns ready for June elections
FAIRMONT — Marion County will have seven municipal elections this summer. Fairview, Farmington, Mannington, Monongah, Rivesville, White Hall and Worthington each will elect a mayor, councilmen and other municipal officials on June 13.“With regard to the upcoming municipal elections in West Virginia, 130 of West Virginia’s 232 municipalities are hosting elections this summer,” said Donald Kersey, the Director of the Elections Division of the West Virginia Secretary of State’s office.
Palatine Park hosts its fourth summer of activities
FAIRMONT — Palatine Park is inviting the community for another memorable summer by offering a large variety of outdoor activities throughout the season.For the fourth year in a row, Palatine Park is offering family events and entertainment that include movie nights, concerts and much more.“It’s gotten bigger and bigger every year,” Tony Michalski, the director with Marion County Parks and Recreation Commission, said. “Last year was the best attendance that we’ve had.
Three Rivers Festival - Pepperoni Roll Eating Contest, Saturday events
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Mon Health Medical Center receives WHO Baby-Friendly birth center status
MORGANTOWN — Mon Health Medical Center has been approved by The World Health Organization Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative as the first Baby-Friendly birth center.West Virginia was the only state not to have a Baby-Friendly hospital of birth center. Now, with the addition of Mon Health Medical Center, all 50 states have one.
Training for civil process servers
FAIRMONT — Process servers from Harrison, Marion and two other county police departments trained at the Fairmont State University Alumni Center for the first time on Thursday.In past years, no training was available for process servers to prepare them for possibly dangerous situations.
Annual festival returns to Marvin’s Mountaintop
Only 15 minutes from Morgantown, Marvin’s Mountaintop and the Cheat River Canyon will serve as a backdrop for the Deep Roots Mountain Revival festival.The second annual Deep Roots Mountain Revival festival will take place July 20-22 at Marvin’s Mountaintop in Masontown, W. Va.The family-friendly music festival involves outdoor activities for children as well as three days of camping, dancing and relaxing with friends.
WVU alumni to open equine apparel and tack store
Two WVU alumni are going “A Bit Above” the typical graduate with the opening of their new specialty store here in Morgantown.Samantha Knight Hansen, a journalism graduate, and Diane Gaston, a parks and recreation graduate, have put their degrees and interests together to open a new equine apparel and tack store, A Bit Above, located in the Mountaineer Mall at 5000 Greenbag Rd.“I grew up as an avid horseback rider so the equine and apparel industry has always been a passion of mine,” xKnight...
Appalachian Queer Film Festival to be hosted on Saturday
WVU students are encouraged to open their minds as the Appalachian Queer Film Festival makes its way to Morgantown.The AQFF will visit WVU on Saturday in partnership with the WVU Film Society.Having started four years ago, the festival has kept its mission to bring queer films and filmmakers to West Virginia in an attempt to break down stereotypes and broaden the minds of the Appalachian region.
WVU’s Relay for Life raises $26,000 for cancer research
The WVU’s Shell Building filled with applause Friday evening as survivors and current cancer fighters took a “Survivor Lap” around the track, opening the 12th annual Relay for Life.According to Shannon Fitzpatrick, the co-director of WVU’s Relay for Life, the event raised around $26,000 for the American Cancer Society.
Pet Helpers hosts 3rd annual “Bark in the Park” 5k run, walk and festival fundraiser
Pet lovers are invited to have a howl of a time over the weekend with a ruff 5k run and a pawsome festival.This Saturday, April 22, the third annual Bark in the Park 5k run, walk and festival will be hosted by Pet Helpers, Inc. at Morgantown’s Hazel Ruby McQuain Riverfront Park. The timed race is scheduled to begin at 9 a.m., while the Bark in the Park Festival along with the timed 5k run or walk with canine companions starts at 10 a.m.Pet Helpers is a non-profit located in Fairmont, WV.
PRSSA hosts “Let’s Eat” to benefit Mountaineer Boys & Girls Club
Morgantown community members are invited to take their tastebuds on a trip around the world at “Let’s Eat.”WVU’s chapter of Public Relations Student Society of America will host Let’s Eat, a multicultureal food tasting event tonight, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Mountaineer Boys & Girls Club.
Summer beer brewing course to be offered at WVU
For those looking to create their own buzz this summer, WVU has a course for that.David Davis, WVU teaching assistant professor of horticulture, will be hosting a three-credit “Basic Beer Brewing” course over the summer.Space is limited to 18 students and most of the classes will meet at Morgantown Brewing Company located downtown on University Avenue. “Brewing is a science and an art,” Davis said.
Camp Kesem hosts its first annual Make the Magic fundraiser
Camp Kesem at WVU invited the community to a night dedicated to helping through and beyond their parent’s cancer.The organization will host its first annual Make the Magic semi-formal fundraising event at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8 on the fifth floor of Evansdale Crossing.Through more than 80 free summer camps throughout the country, Camp Kesem provides children whose parents have been diagnosed with cancer with a peer-support network to help build their confidence and strengthen their...
The second annual Big Greek Day of Service sweeps through campus
The cold, rainy weather didn’t stop Greek members from giving back to the community over the weekend.The WVU Office of Greek Life and WVU Center for Service and Learning sponsored its second annual Big Greek Day of Service. More than 800 fraternity and sorority members came together on Saturday to provide hands-on community service to sites throughout the area.
Dance Now! 2017 showcases student performances throughout the weekend
Despite the groundhog’s prediction of six more weeks of winter, performers heated up the stage Thursday night at the annual production of WVU’s “Dance Now!,” and they’ll continue to do so throughout the weekend.The show invites the community to witness a wide variety of dance styles at the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre in the Creative Arts Center.
WVU student brings original production to life
As the conductor, author, lyricist, theorist, pianist, vocal coach and businessman for the production, senior music composition major Luke Diamond worked hard to bring his original music drama to life.The show, titled "Ma Grâce te Suffit," is based on the fairytale "Aurore et Aimée" by Jeanne-Marie Le Prince de Beaumont.The show focuses on a girl who constantly blames God for the tragic events taking place in her life, only to learn that God had another plan in mind by using the events for...
WellWVU Promotes Safe Sex with Condom Caravan
Students may hang their heads as they pass the table lined with condoms, but the WellWVU student ambassadors continue to smile and encourage safe sex on campus.WellWVU hosted a Condom Caravan on Tuesday in the Mountainlair, selling inexpensive condoms to promote safe sex practice.
2nd annual WVU Maker’s Competition
Students are encouraged to challenge their minds as the second annual WVU Maker’s Competition approaches.The event is a 3D printing competition hosted by the WVU Materials Advantage Chapter and the WVU Materials Research Society Student Chapter. Though the event is a month away (Feb. 24), those interested only have until 5 p.m. Monday, Jan.
Winter weekend filled with wine
The 33rd Annual Food & Wine Festival returns to Morgantown from Friday through Sunday at Lakeview Golf Resort & Spa.
Saturday Night Fever comes to Morgantown
Students are invited to grab their dance shoes and return to the 1970’s as "Saturday Night Fever: The Musical" comes to Morgantown.The national tour of "Saturday Night Fever" will perform at the WVU Creative Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21.The musical "Saturday Night Fever" is an adaption of the 1977 original film starring John Travolta.
Old Stone House Gift Shop donates to Empty Bowls
The Old Stone House Gift Shop is starting off the new year by giving back to the community.Between Jan. 16-28, the shop will donate 10 percent of its gross sales to the local organization "Empty Bowls Monongalia."Empty Bowls Monongalia, a grassroots program based in Morgantown, handmakes ceramic bowls to serve soup in exchange for cash donations to fight hunger. All workers are volunteers and the majority of food and supplies are donated.
Fifth annual Juried Student Exhibition on display at CAC
While the wet weather put a damper on many activities, the Laura Mesaros Gallery opened its doors and encouraged the community to remain involved by observing artwork.The WVU School of Art & Design’s fifth annual Juried Student Exhibition will be on display through Jan. 13 in the Laura Mesaros Gallery of the Creative Arts Center.
Chess club to host annual tournament
The 17th Mountaineer Open Chess Tournament will take place at the Mountainlair this Saturday.Sponsored by the WVU Chess Club, the Rhododendron Room will be set up in a four-round Swiss system, and for the first time, an unrated component has been added, allowing anyone with or without a United States Chess Foundation membership to play."This is the first year that the Mountaineer Open has been sponsored by the WVU Chess Club in several years," said Anna Schles, president of the WVU Chess Club.
“42nd Street” comes to the Creative Arts Center
The WVU community the opportunity to witness the Broadway musical "42nd Street" on its local stage."42nd Street" will perform at the WVU Creative Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 18 as part of the University Arts Series produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment.Based on a Bradford Ropes novel, the musical focuses on the character Peggy Sawyer, an aspiring dancer who leaves her hometown for New York. There, she auditions for "Pretty Lady," the new Broadway musical.
Winter in West Virginia
By the time WVU students return from the holiday break, the winter weather will be in full force, and while walking to class in the breezy chill may seem more daunting than ever, there’s still plenty to enjoy about being in West Virginia this time of year. Here are some winter activities to check out around the state:1. Though it’s in Maryland, the closest ski resort to Morgantown is Wisp, and its low prices make it pretty popular with students.
Cat shelter boxes provide homes for stray animals
Dogs and cats are happiest and healthiest when kept indoors, according to the humane society, but not all cats can be kept indoors; feral and stray cats still need warm, dry and well-insulated shelters.In mid-October, Emily Zadjura, a Women’s and Gender Studies student at WVU, began building shelters for cats with equipment found in most households."Each one requires five things: a foam cooler, a plastic tote the cooler fits inside, a flap for the door (I use old yoga mats), bolts to attach...
Students team up to clean up Morgantown after WVU’s big win
After emerging victoriously against TCU, WVU students came together to give back to the community Sunday afternoon.In celebration of Make a Difference Day, students volunteered their time and participated in a citywide cleanup. The nationwide event is one of the largest service initiatives in the country.
Screenwriting student brings it home to West Virginia
Ursula Ellis grew up an Army brat, and though she spent time in Germany and lived all over the U.S., she always had a reason to visit West Virginia.She remembers summers and holidays visiting her family here, and how her grandparents drank from water bottles, not the sink.When the Elk River chemical spill of 2014 struck the area where her family lived, it hit home, and now she is telling the story.
WVU student wins Miss WV 2017
Of the 21 women who competed for the title of Miss West Virginia, only one took it home. And she happens to be a student at WVU.Lauren Roush, 21, of Mason, WV was crowned Miss West Virginia, USA 2017 during Sunday’s final round of the competition."As a resident of West Virginia, I am incredibly honored to represent the pride and glory of our beautiful state as Miss West Virginia USA 2017," Roush said during an interview with the pageant’s office.
"The Voice" winner Jordan Smith to perform at WVU
Winner of the ninth season of "The Voice," Jordan Smith will bring his talent to WVU Oct. 30.The televised singing competition "The Voice" is in its eleventh season, and fans of the show are keeping up with contestants by watching the weekly challenges.Smith will bring his "Something Beautiful" tour to Morgantown as part of the University Toyota University Arts Series produced by WVU Arts & Entertainment.
We The Kings Travis Clark shares details about upcoming album
While some bands crash and burn, others fight past the obstacles and remain intact throughout the years, never letting go of their passion for music.Worldwide-known rock band, We The Kings, performed at Fairmont State University for their Fall concert and lead vocalist and guitarist, Travis Clark, 31, revealed details on the band’s upcoming work as well as a background to their past success.In 2007, We The Kings released their first album, “Self-Titled.” From there, the band found success in...
The last gasp of Summer
The last days of Summer have arrived. Keep it local and stop by the Morgantown Farmers Market to enjoy one of the few Saturday Downtown Markets left before the cold air hits. More than 30 vendors gather, and their products are grown or made within 50 miles. The Market is open 8:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday and is located at the corner of Spruce and Fayette Streets at the Morgantown Market Place. The last weekend of the Saturday Downtown Market will be Nov. 5.
WVUp provides alternative activities
Most schools shut down for the weekend, but West Virginia University treats its students to free roller skating and breakfast at midnight.Every weekend, Friday and Saturday night until 2 a.m., WVUp All Night provides students with fun ways to pass the time, and free food to scarf down before a long night out. “(WVUp All Night) is important because we need a sense of community to start off for incoming freshman,” said Izzie Keim, an intern at WVUp All Night.
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