WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV)

West Virginia (WOAY) A new study is putting West Virginia at the top of the list when it comes to business survival. A Hobbs Independent article reports that 57.6% of businesses launched in West Virginia in 2019 were still operating five years later. That’s the highest five-year business survival rate in the nation and above the national average of 51.6%. The study was conducted by Franchise Opportunities, which reviewed Business Employment Dynamics data covering all 50 states and Washington DC.

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Residents and visitors of Oak Hill will have a convenient opportunity to get a screening mammogram this weekend. The Vandalia Health mobile mammography unit will be at 119 Main Street West in Oak Hill during the Oak Leaf Festival this Saturday, September 5, from 9:00 a.m to 3:00 p.m. The screenings are open to the public, and no appointment is necessary.

Pipestem, WV (WOAY) The Rocket Boys are coming home to West Virginia to honor the teacher who helped them reach for the stars. Homer Hickam and members of the legendary Rocket Boys will gather at Pipestem Resort State Park this Friday, September 4, for the induction of Freida Riley into the West Virginia Hall of Fame. Riley was the teacher who inspired the young students whose story became the basis for Hickam’s book Rocket Boys and the film October Sky.

Fayetteville, WV (WOAY) Fayette Institute of Technology is making it easier for parents to keep up with their child’s attendance. Starting August 31, the school is using a new text-based system that will alert parents when their child is absent. Parents can reply by text to confirm an absence, provide a reason, ask questions, or even send a photo of a parent or doctor’s note. Parents who know their child will be absent can also text the school in advance at 304-313-7610.

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Book lovers, take note! The Southern Appalachian Labor School’s monthly book sale is coming up this Saturday in Oak Hill. The sale will run from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the annex behind the historic Oak Hill School on 140 School Street. There will be at least 35 James Patterson novels available, many in nearly new condition, along with fiction, classics, romance, westerns, children’s books, cookbooks, crafts, history, mysteries, and thrillers.

Fayetteville, WV (WOAY) New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is preparing to announce an opportunity to lease and rehabilitate a number of historic and non-historic structures within the park. The National Park Service says the opportunity will be competitive and open to interested individuals and businesses.

WOAY-TV (Oak Hill, WV): Mild and foggy conditions kick off the work week. Fog will begin to dissipate later this morning, burning off around 10 AM. Remember to travel carefully and to utilize your low beams when driving through fog. Skies remain mostly sunny through the day, starting the week off on the right foot. There is a chance for stray showers and a rogue storm this afternoon, but the odds remain low for our area. Most, if not all, of our area will remain dry.

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) The unofficial start of fall is almost upon us, and as Labor Day travelers plan their excursions, they should expect higher travel costs and delays from heavy traffic. According to AAA, flights to top domestic destinations cost nearly 20 percent more than this time last year, and hotels are also more expensive both at home and internationally. AAA also reports a strong demand for Alaska cruises and national park vacations.

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) West Virginia University students should be aware that there will be a test of the WVU safety notification system this Tuesday, September 1st, at 11 am on the Beckley, Keyser, and Morgantown campuses. According to a statement from WVU, students are automatically enrolled in the system through their email; however, students should make sure that they have added their phone numbers to receive text messages.

Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) Waterways and wildlife are vital parts of our region’s history, and they are worth celebrating this September at the 20th annual Freshwater Folk Festival in White Sulphur Springs. The festival will include live music, tasty food, local artisans, and hands-on educational activities – all meant to celebrate and promote conservation of freshwater resources and local natural history.