January

1 - Numerous arrests made in Wyoming County in connection to drug-related burglaries.

2 - Faces of Faith organizes a walk to reach out to drug users and families affected by drugs.

3 - Major fire destroys downtown Beckley buildings, including Trio Consignment and Kopy Xpress.

4 - After uptown Beckley fire, around 40 tenants displaced indefinitely from Presidential Hall apartment building.

5 - Lawmakers discuss host of issues on horizon for upcoming legislative session.

6 - Beckley Fire Department Capt. and Fire Marshal Kevin Price begins investigating origin and cause of Uptown Beckley fire.

7 - Boy Scouts of America make first move toward securing $200 million tax-exempt bond to further construction at The Summit Bechtel Reserve.

8 - Lawmakers expect texting and driving bill to come early in 2012 session.

9 - Overcrowding at West Virginia regional jails causing upward trend in assaults on officers.

10 - Raleigh County Judicial Annex sees minor damage from Uptown Beckley fire.

11 - All wrongful death lawsuits settled with families of 29 victims of Upper Big Branch mine disaster.

12 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin pledges to lead West Virginia into “a new and dynamic chapter” by creating jobs, making mines safer and fighting drug epidemic.

13 - West Virginia Board of Education votes to close Danese Elementary and Nuttall Middle schools.

14 - Mercer County delegate plans to introduce bill to have turnpike tolls removed seven months after bonds are paid off in July 2019.

15 - West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses gives Mountain State University 30 days to correct nursing school’s deficiencies.

16 - Raleigh County chapter of NAACP celebrates life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

17 - Former Gov. Hulett C. Smith passes away at age 93.

18 - Sen. Joe Manchin visits Woodrow Wilson High School and New River Community and Technical College to talk about jobs and evolving education.

19 - West Virginia State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses posts findings about MSU Nursing Program, asserting university disregarded past mandates.

20 - Mountain State University Board of Trustees terminates Dr. Charles H. Polk as university president.

21 - U.S. Supreme Court blocks ruling that had struck down West Virginia’s congressional redistricting plan, allowing state to rely on that map in 2012 House of Representative races.

22 - Several southern West Virginia lawmakers back legislation that would increase salaries of county commissioners, sheriffs and other elected officials by $10,000 or more.

23 - Fayette County representatives hopeful for impact of Boy Scouts’ arrival on small business economy.

24 - Wyoming County Sheriff Randall Aliff announces five arrests in drug bust.

25 - Theatre West Virginia’s future remains in limbo, four weeks after general manager Gayle Bowling announced it would close temporarily due to financial difficulties.

26 - House panel approves legislation to make texting or talking on cell phone while driving a secondary offense.

27 - Mountain State University has closed-door forum for nursing students; meeting was held while many nursing students were in clinical rotations.

28 - Fayette County Commission authorizes $200 million tax-exempt bond for Boy Scouts to finance further design and construction at The Summit Bechtel Reserve.

29 - With Raleigh County redistricting, voters will see new delegate districts and new polling places.

30 - West Virginia immunization requirements changed for seventh- and 12th-graders for 2012-2013 school year, now requiring booster dose of Tdap and MCV4 vaccine.

31 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin proposes mine safety bill, making a tip to underground crews of an inspector’s arrival a felony punishable by up to five years in prison.



February

1 - Carbon monoxide leak in South Charleston hotel pool heater kills one and leaves four ill.

2 - White Sulphur Springs Mayor Thomas Taylor cleared of charges against him by a Greenbrier County prosecutor.

3 - Richwood Mayor John D. McClung arrested for fraudulent scheme and false pretenses involving improper use of Richwood funds.

4 - Greenbrier Chief Circuit Judge Joseph C. Pomponio Jr. orders Thomas Taylor to be reinstated as mayor of White Sulphur Springs.

5 - After his reinstatement, Mayor Taylor fires police chief James Hylton.

6 - Fans gather across town to cheer on favorite Super Bowl teams.

7 - Correctional officers look at pay raises to attract new officers and keep them on payroll.

8 - Senate discusses bill to strengthen copper theft laws.

9 - Senate unanimously approves bill making it unlawful for anyone under age 16 to get tattoo.

10 - Town goes blue to support Mountain State University during Higher Learning Commission visit.

11 - Bon Jovi, Toby Keith, Rod Stewart and Lionel Ritchie announced to headline Greenbrier Classic concert series in July.

12 - Lawmakers discuss bill to legalize marijuana for medical purposes.

13 - Heart of God Ministries hosts special service in honor of Black History Month.

14 - Local police officers and doctors team up to fight drug epidemic.

15 - Lawmakers present bill to raise taxes on tobacco products.

16 - West Virginia Division of Highways sets public hearing to discuss East Beckley Bypass section of Z-Way project.

17 - State Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses votes to terminate MSU School of Nursing accreditation, effective Aug. 31.

18 - Police identify body as that of missing Wyoming County woman, Rachel Michelle Toler.

19 - Students speak out about graduation, fears and stresses after MSU School of Nursing gets accreditation pulled.

20 - Heavy snow brings down trees and power lines, leaving 50,000 APCO customers without electricity.

21 - Putting staggering post-employment health care costs of retired state workers on payment plan has turned West Virginia into “the shining star of the nation.”

22 - Senate panel agrees to let more police have access to Board of Pharmacy drug database in effort to help fight prescription drug epidemic.

23 - Former Upper Big Branch mine boss Gary May faces federal conspiracy charges from deadly explosion.

24 - Officials of state Office of Miners’ Health, Safety and Training unveil Upper Big Branch findings that massive buildup of coal dust was set off by explosion of small pocket of methane gas.

25 - Coal mine safety and anti-drug bills discussed in Legislature.

26 - West Virginia Public Broadcasting offers special viewing of “The Winding Gulf: Stories from West Virginia’s Coalfields.”

27 - State Sen. Erik Wells seeks to allow West Virginians working overseas to register to vote.

28 - U.S. District Judge Irene Berger denies new trial for former mine security chief Hughie Elbert Stover Jr.

29 - Gas prices are up 40 cents per gallon from this time last year, according to www.westvirginiagasprices.com.



March

1 - Former UBB mine security chief Hughie Elbert Stover Jr. sentenced to serve three years in federal prison and pay $20,000 for lying to federal investigators during investigation of April 2010 mine explosion.

2 - Concord University cancels classes after bomb threat scare, but law enforcement finds nothing in search.

3 - Department of Justice investigates possible environmental violations by Chesapeake Energy at three of its well sites in West Virginia.

4 - House of Delegates members from six counties and both sides of aisle join to create Southeastern Caucus, coalition of legislators focused on supporting regional interests.

5 - Lewisburg Planning Commission approves minor subdivision of property sought by owner of crucial parcel, clearing way for U.S. 219 and Fairview Road connector.

6 - Amendment is made to mine safety bill, dropping requirement for certified worker on surface when fireboss calls attention to underground problem.

7 - Federal inspectors either missed problems at Montcoal’s UBB mine or failed to inspect areas where those problems existed in 18 months before deadly 2010 explosion, but MSHA posted internal review concluding there is no evidence those failures caused explosion.

8 - Raleigh County Commission hires outside attorney to handle Freedom of Information Act request.

9 - Raleigh County fire departments receive $772,000 grant to outfit each fire truck with interoperable-capable communications equipment.

10 - State officials announce intention to start working to find new airline to provide commuter service to three West Virginia airports after Colgan Air filed notice that it intends to stop offering daily commercial flights at Beckley, Morgantown and Bridgeport.

11 - Westside High School girls basketball team captures school’s first ever Class AA state title, completing unbeaten season. Greenbrier East win AAA girls’ hoops title, its second ever.

12 - No money has been set aside to alleviate burden of redistricting; total of 24 new precincts must be added to Raleigh County to make adjustment.

13 - UBB memorial gets second-largest donation, $35,000, from Joy Mining Machinery.

14 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signs bill aimed at preventing suicides among young people, making West Virginia seventh state to enact such a law.

15 - West Virginia goes from failing grade to one of nation’s top scorers for providing online access to government spending, with nonpartisan group heralding state’s recent launch of transparency website.

16 - West Virginia loses battle to attract Shell’s multibillion-dollar chemical plant because of costs of relocating casino that occupies company’s in-state choice for site.

17 - In-home care for people with developmental disabilities, rape crisis center and projects earmarked by lawmakers for their districts are among beneficiaries of $11.6 billion budget passed by Legislature.

18 - Study from Institute of Outdoor Drama shows Theatre West Virginia pumps between $2 million and $8 million into community each year.

19 - Police release names of three shooting victims, Charles Treadway, Sheila Fay Miller and Rexanna Elaine Curry. Police say incident was domestic-related; Howard Junior Curry is charged with murders.

20 - Preliminary hearing set for Howard Junior Curry, 83, who is charged with three murders, including his 47-year-old wife, Elaine.

21 - Mountain State University Board of Trustees appoints Dr. Richard Sours as interim president.

22 - Raleigh County School Board President Richard Snuffer discusses what an applicant needs to fill superintendent position after Dr. Charlotte Hutchins announces retirement at end of academic year.

23 - New River Community and Technical College prepares for new 78,000-square-foot education center in Beaver.

24 - Federal judge rules U.S. Environmental Protection Agency exceeded its authority last year in revoking water pollution permits that another agency had issued for one of West Virginia’s largest mountaintop removal sites.

25 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin talks to The Register-Herald editorial board; he says West Virginia is in good financial position and he believes new penitentiary isn’t best answer to prison overcrowding.

26 - Deer farmers attempt to enact legislation that would remove them from supervision by Division of Natural Resources and transfer their livestock to Department of Agriculture.

27 - Mayor Emmett Pugh hosts public meeting for input on ideas for Heber Street property where major fire occurred Jan. 2.

28 - Raleigh County Board of Education meeting has full house of citizens, employees and teachers to discuss what they want to see in new Raleigh County Schools superintendent.

29 - Fayette County Schools seek $14 million from West Virginia School Building Authority to renovate and build addition onto Midland Trail High School, making space for ninth- through 12th-graders from Fayetteville and Meadow Bridge high schools.

30 - Former UBB mine superintendent Gary May pleads guilty in U.S. District Court to conspiracy to defraud federal government.

31 - Social media gossip spread false rumor about gunman at Woodrow Wilson High School.



April

1 - Salvation Army teams up with The Register-Herald to raise funds for its annual summer programs, Camp-4-Kids and Kids Off The Streets.

2 - Rumor of gunman at Woodrow Wilson High School spread rapidly because of calls and texts; Raleigh County Schools’ Director of Pupil Services Jeff McClung said we all need to learn from this.

3 - Using handheld wireless device to send or receive text messages, or to engage in conversation while driving, will be illegal after Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signs bill.

4 - Panel representing West Virginia Ethics Commission releases information alleging Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh has violated Ethics Act by using his public office for private financial gain.

5 - Alpha Natural Resources announces it will soon begin work to permanently seal UBB mine with concrete and finish job by summer.

6 - Miners who died in UBB mine explosion remembered during ceremonies in Beckley and Whitesville.

7 - Silver Airways bids to provide flights at Raleigh County Memorial Airport; Tom Cochran, manager, see it as positive move with Boy Scouts coming next summer.

8 - Raleigh County residents to get 20 percent discount at Lake Stephens.

9 - Theatre West Virginia prepares for its 52nd season with new slogan, “Where Legends Live,” and new casting director, Marion Waggoner.

10 - Richwood Mayor John D. McClung pleaded guilty in Nicholas County Magistrate Court to false pretenses involving improper usage of Town of Richwood funds.

11 - Suit filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court by 12 former MSU students claims university negligently or purposefully kept accreditation issues from students long after national and state nursing accreditation bodies took action.

12 - Sen. Joe Manchin assures local political and business leaders he would never vote to assume more federal debt.

13 - National drug summit closes in Florida; Rep. Nick Rahall says he sees Congress acting on pill epidemic.

14 - Trinity Works, Boy Scouts of America developer, has offered $80,000 monetary gift to Mount Hope Planning Commission, intended to help city create comprehensive plan.

15 - After three-day manhunt, police arrest Tracey Lee Atwell and charge him with murder of his wife and abduction of his 8-year-old daughter.

16 - Parents group, We the Parents, fights law on school immunizations to make them optional for religious purposes.

17 - Bond denied for Tracey Lee Atwell, who faces charges for murder of his wife and  abduction of his 8-year-old daughter.

18 - Raleigh County Sheriff Steve Tanner said he intends to use county’s share of $63,502 Justice Assistance Grant to buy Ford Expedition, which will be used as K-9 unit.

19 - Smithsonian Magazine names Beckley 19th best small town in country, for its opportunities for cultural enrichment.

20 - Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital has groundbreaking ceremony for nearly $7 million renovation that will include facelift for building’s exterior, heating and cooling upgrades, and fourth-floor remodel.

21 - Beckley Police and Raleigh sheriff’s deputies arrest Justin Sharieff Rolls, 29, of New York, and seize over a quarter of a kilo of cocaine with estimated street value of $25,000.

22 - Boy Scouts to partner with AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps and Citizens Conservation Corps of West Virginia for service projects prior to scouts’ arrival.

23 - Community members gathered at Carter Hall at MSU to observe Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Day of Remembrance.

24 - State School Building Authority chooses not to fund $14 million request by Fayette County Schools to renovate and build addition onto Midland Trail High School.

25- Virtual tower, as opposed to physical control facility, may be answer to Raleigh County Memorial Airport’s quest for enhancing safety and security.

26 - Raleigh School Board unanimously votes to offer James “Jim” Brown, currently McDowell County superintendent, position as superintendent of Raleigh County Schools.

27 - Department of Transportation urges travelers to use caution after heavy downpours cause high water in many areas.

28 - Charlie Houck named Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce 2012 community service award winner.

29 - Raleigh County volunteer firefighters face mounting costs, with fully equipped suit costing approximately $8,000.

30 - Lawmakers plan to address prison overcrowding, UBB and road funding after primary election.



May

1 - Martha Stewart visits The Greenbrier to share secrets of her success with more than 150 businesswomen.

2 - After strong response from residents, Division of Highways decides to build new bridge over New River in Prince from ground up, against its original preference of placing new bridge on old pillars.

3 - Lawyers representing former Sophia City Police officer Damon McDowell have filed federal lawsuit against Town of Sophia, Town Council of Sophia, Sophia Police Chief Tomi Peck, and five members of Beckley Police Department, alleging racial discrimination, racial profiling and civil rights violations.

4 - West Virginia State Police joins forces with state Department of Education to raise awareness of school bus safety and crack down on motorists who pass buses illegally.

5 - State Farm agent explains if the fire levy fails and local fire departments go under, home insurance premiums will soar.

6 - Beckley Police Capt. Jeff Shumate said stabbing incident left one man dead and suspect is at large.

7 - As of June 8, drivers will no longer be allowed to send and receive text messages in traffic.

8 - Officials from MSU meet with trustees from Higher Learning Commission of North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for question-and-answer session following school’s Show Cause Order and February on-site visit.

9 - Raleigh County voters OK fire levy with 7,447 votes, just over 63 percent.

10 - Post offices in West Virginia to stay open, but with shorter hours of operation.

11 - Beckley Police arrest Semaj Nygee Lowry, Michael Matthew Pfost and Richard James Pfost, for intimidation of state witness after police interview with confidential informant was leaked on YouTube.

12 - Annual Rocket Boys/October Sky Festival, traditionally on first weekend in October each year in Coalwood, will move to Beckley this fall.

13 - Speakers celebrate diversity represented in class of 2012 as MSU confers academic degrees to more than 600 students.

14 - Former Army POW Jessica Lynch gives commencement address at New River Community and Technical College’s graduation ceremony.

15 - Raising Division of Corrections’ daily pay would finance parole-mandatory courses for state-sentenced inmates and reduce number awaiting transfer, according to Regional Jail Authority.

16 - Law enforcement officers gather at Fayette Courthouse lawn to honor fallen police officers who died in tine of duty.

17 - Ground will be broken next week on Phase I of construction of The Greenbrier Medical Institute, according to Jim Justice, owner of The Greenbrier.

18 - Aggressive search and rescue mission on New River for Bradley Alexander Sr., 40, turns into recovery mission, according to National Park Service.

19 - State figures show coal mining employment in West Virginia is at its highest level since 1990s.

20 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and Rep. Nick Rahall will headline forum targeting U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “War on Coal” in Beckley.

21 - Organizers expect attendance at annual West Virginia Veterans Reunion/Run for the Wall event to top 3,000 again this year.

22 - Former Mountaineer football coach Bill Stewart dies of heart attack at age 59.

23 - After voters approve t$4 million fire levy, volunteer fire departments find they can use that money to pay off debts, according to Raleigh County Commission.

24 - West Virginia Department of Education recognizes Liberty High School as School of Excellence.

25 - Biker veterans make annual stop in Rainelle on way to Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

26 - Jim Justice acquires Wintergreen Resort in Virginia for reported $16.5 million.

27 - Four bodies are recovered from wooded area in Nicholas County; police believe they are bodies of Steven Hendrix, his girlfriend Amber Martin and two children ages 4 and 6, who were reported missing.

28 - Memorial Day candlelight vigil is at Huse Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Fayetteville.

29 - James Roy Belknap is arrested and faces four counts of first degree murder for slayings of Steven Hendrix, Amber Martin and two children ages 4 and 6.

30 - James Roy Belknap was sentenced to prison five years ago in another drug dispute, according to court documents.

31 - Some Beckley area business leaders see Health Insurance Tax as added burden that could cost small firms more than they can afford to pay.



June

1 - Raleigh County leads West Virginia in disbursement of money yielded by severance tax on coalbed methane, a form of natural gas extracted from beds of coal.

2 - Lawmakers consider looking at outlawing snake handling in worship services after another fatal bite by rattlesnake in West Virginia church.

3 - Independence, Liberty and Woodrow Wilson high school celebrate 2012 commencements.

4 - Wyoming East Warriors baseball team celebrates its victory over Herbert Hoover in Class AA State Championship game at Appalachian Power Park in Charleston.

5 - “Hatfields and McCoys” television series on History Channel gives Theatre West Virginia show a boost, says general manager Gayle Bowling.

6 - Arthur Emmanuel Agnew, 43, of Beckley, arrested on malicious wounding charges after a domestic dispute, is charged with first-degree murder of Teresa Wilson, 48, his long-term, live-in girlfriend.

7 - Gerald Steven Shulock, 51, of MacArthur, is sentenced to serve 40 years in prison for first-degree murder of Anna M. Shores, 38, of Cool Ridge.

8 - Former Police Chief James Hylton files lawsuit claiming City of White Sulphur Springs violated West Virginia Human Rights Act in terminating his employment.

9 - Eight people are arrested as part of warrant sweep conducted by Beckley Police Department, Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department and U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force.

10 - Veterans and residents come together for dedication service at Mabscott Veterans Memorial Park.

11 - Interim President Dr. Richard Sours ensures students and community the university has changed, promising “a new MSU.”

12 - Since its purchase of 10,636-acre Garden Ground tract near Mount Hope in October 2009, Boy Scouts have increased their land holdings in Fayette County by nearly a third, owning approximately 14,092 acres of Fayette County land now.

13 - America is shoveling coal aside, opting for cleaner and cheaper alternatives, as the share of U.S. electricity that comes from coal is forecast to fall below 40 percent for the year, lowest since government began collecting data in 1949.

14 - Theatre West Virginia opens “Hatfields and McCoys” to large crowd at Cliffside Amphitheatre.

15 - Police arrest Christian Hine, 26, and Kevin Saunders, 25, who both face laundry list of charges after breaking into house of 86-year-old woman.

16 - Fayette County Commission gives go-ahead to county’s fire coordinator to buy property owned by North American River Runners for use as fire training academy.

17 - West Virginia Department of Transportation announces it is creating website to provide traffic updates, road conditions, and weather alerts to travelers around the clock.

18 - Rainelle Mayor Andrea Pendleton meet with officials from Army Corps of Engineers and State Department of Environmental Protection to try to find solutions to Rainelle’s perennial flooding issues.

19 - Several of West Virginia’s top Democratic leaders say they would not attend Democratic National Convention, furthering their attempts to distance themselves from a president who is wildly unpopular in the state.

20 - After 44 years serving public schools of West Virginia, Fayette County Schools Superintendent Dwight Dials will resign from his post at end of June.

21 - Final concrete seal is put in place at UBB mine, according to officials with mine’s current owner, Alpha Natural Resources.

22 - Former Rainelle Mayor Eugene McKenzie’s ethics hearing continues; Randy Pendleton, whose wife, Andrea Pendleton, was elected to  mayoral post last summer, testifies he believes McKenzie targeted him for harassment in 2006.

23 - Now in his second stint as Rainelle’s police chief, J.P. Steven testifies in ethics hearing involving his former boss, then-mayor Eugene McKenzie.

24 - Operation Family Freedom, community outreach effort trying to combat growing drug abuse epidemic in southern West Virginia, is at Linda K. Epling Stadium.

25 - Despite some citizen protest and concern, surface mining in Fayette County continues to move forward, with 2,162 acres of pending surface mining permits potentially adding to the 12,704 acres already permitted but not yet released from bond.

26 - Mandatory overtime is being phased out in West Virginia’s 10-unit regional jail system with potential huge savings in dollars and lessening “burnout” among officers.

27 - West Virginia University professor unveils that 27.5 percent of West Virginia children are obese, compared to national average of 17 percent.

28 - Oak Hill is in preliminary stages of $14 million sewer improvement project, ultimately aimed at cleaning up New River.

29 - “Obamacare” passes in Supreme Court decision; West Virginia state leaders have varying opinions.

30 - Vicious winds and heavy rain from thermodynamic weather front pummel southern West Virginia and southcentral Virginia, knocking out power for more than 500,000 customers.



July

1 - Brief but powerful storm rips through southern West Virginia and Virginia on its way to mid-Atlantic, leaving nearly 60 percent of Appalachian Power Co.’s customers without electricity; West Virginia is placed under state of emergency.

2 - Hundreds of thousands remain without power after huge storm; many area stations are out of gas and some communities are short on water.

3 - Rep. Nick Rahall and West Virginia National Guard tour southern West Virginia to take first-hand look at storm damage.

4 - Power is slowly being restored and many businesses are opening up shop again.

5 - First round of The Greenbrier Classic begins after massive cleanup efforts at resort; CEO Jim Justice gets to see Tiger Woods play up close in Pro Am event.

6 - Another deluge of rain, high winds and lightning sets power restoration back, leaving more than 300,000 still in dark.

7 - West Virginia Department of Homeland Security offers tips on how to be prepared for emergencies.

8 - Webb Simpson ends third round atop The Greenbrier Classic leaderboard.

9 - Ted Potter Jr. captures his first PGA Tour victory after three-hole playoff at The Greenbrier Classic.

10 - Power restoration efforts continue after area sees fourth storm in less than week and a half.

11 - Higher Learning Commission, MSU’s general accrediting body, announces it has decided to withdraw school’s accreditation, effective Aug. 27.

12 - MSU Faculty Senate Chairman Andrew Wheeler says faculty are concerned but moving to develop teach-out plans for students.

13 - Community leaders are devastated at Higher Learning Commission’s decision to withdraw MSU accreditation; students attend advising fair to weigh options.

14 - Raleigh County emergency management planner Mark Wilson praises public response during storms that left 94 percent of county without power.

15 - Bosten Miller takes lead in first round of annual Beckley Newspapers Invitational golf tournament.

16 - Miller, a Marshall University graduate, up by four going into final round of BNI.

17 - Miller beats Brandon Reece for championship of 32nd annual Beckley Newspapers Memorial Golf Classic.

18 - After closed faculty and staff forum at MSU, interim president Dr. Richard Sours says he encouraged employees to “dust off their resumes.”

19 - Students in MSU’s physician assistant program struggle with transfer options, some still hoping for teach-out.

20 - MSU has forum for students; Sours says possibility of university closing is real.

21 - Third lawsuit is filed against Michael Jason Dickens, former Independence Middle School science teacher, claiming third female minor was sexually exploited.

22 - Friends of Coal Auto Fair offers something for all ages — cars, funnel cakes, and carnival rides.

23 - According to Division of Highways briefing, publicly funded rail trail project in Fayette and Greenbrier counties could be at risk of losing its rail bed to coal company, although no company will confirm its involvement.

24 - MSU cuts 50 percent of workforce, leaving about 145 employees without job effective Sept. 21.

25 - MSU officials are concerned with lack of transparency at Higher Learning Commission.

26 - In accordance with its appeal process, HLC grants Mountain State University an accreditation extension through fall semester.

27 - Upper Big Branch Miner Memorial dedication and unveiling is in Whitesville.

28 - Regional lawmakers plan to attend Southern Legislative Conference, marking first time in 15 years West Virginia has hosted it.

29 - Seven new Beckley Police officers conclude training by learning basics of defense tactics.

30 - Target Red, campaign to reduce red light violations, is in its fourth year.

31 - Rep. Nick Rahall secures $25,000 federal grant for specialty Ford Explorer for Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department as K-9 unit.



August

1 - U.S. District Judge Reggie Walton rules that Environmental Protection Agency exceeded its authority in trying to force state and industry to come up to standards not provided for in its own rules, and that its rules weren’t properly promulgated.

2 - Mountain State University and University of Charleston officials announces UC will serve as primary partner through teach-out process and will establish four-year private college center in Beckley after MSU closes in December.

3 - Four Raleigh County roadways are blocked after CSX train derails while traveling through Raleigh.

4 - State officials anticipate how six regional task forces will share in $7.5 million budget crafted by West Virginia lawmakers to help combat drug abuse epidemic.

5 - Homer Hickam says Theatre West Virginia’s “Rocket Boys” musical is more true to his book’s vision than the film.

6 - Safety on the Blue is at Bluestone Dam during final day of 48th annual West Virginia Water Festival.

7 - Based on State Bar opinion suggesting his service would pose conflict as criminal defense lawyer, veteran Beckley attorney and Democratic nominee John Wooten bows out of Raleigh County Commission race.

8 - Congressman Nick Rahall announces $400,000 West Virginia Division of Highways grant will be combined with $150,000 in local funding to complete alternate access road to Raleigh County Memorial Airport and its industrial parks.

9 - Reaching the Summit service projects begin; southern West Virginians get sneak peek at what Boy Scouts can offer region.

10 - New $6 million computer system could bring in $75,000 from West Virginia Turnpike toll cheaters.

11 - Bugging device uncovered in air duct in office of Regional Jail Authority’s chief of operations becomes target of FBI investigation.

12 - Lilly family gathers for annual reunion at Flat Top, with “Guinness Book of World Records” title for largest family reunion.

13 - Raleigh County Schools will implement parent notification system for fall 2012, says technology coordinator Mary Ann Foster.

14 - Sen. Clark Barnes, R-Randolph, asks Division of Corrections to tell key legislative panel in September how inmate population can be lowered.

15 - Leading Boy Scout official makes renewed pitch for constitutional amendment that would open up Fayette County complex to other activities without putting its tax-exempt status in jeopardy.

16 - Widows of two West Virginia coal miners killed in 2006 fire want state Supreme Court to rule private and federal mine safety inspectors can be held legally accountable when workers die as result of their negligence.

17 - Study by West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources shows Raleigh and Greenbrier counties have had significant increase in DUI arrests between 2008 and 2010, in contrast to declining state totals.

18 - New Regional Jail Authority Director Joe DeLong labels a claim “blatantly false” that audio snooping device was planted this summer in central office to discredit him and help underling who was after his job.

19 - Raleigh County Schools will consider computer-based supplements to help grow better readers.

20 - Dr. Ed Welch, University of Charleston president, says he is eager to help MSU students transition.

21 - New River Community and Technical College President Dr. Ted D. Spring announces his resignation after accepting position as president of Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C.

22 - Beckley Police Chief Tim Deems confirms internal inventory of department’s evidence holding room is under way.

23 - Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Kristen Keller confirms any drug-related cases involving evidence housed in Beckley Police Department property room in past 15 months will be dismissed.

24 - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin confirms Drug Enforcement Agency Tactical Diversion Squad will take over criminal investigation of Beckley Police Department where drugs have been reported missing from evidence holding room.

25 - West Virginians for Affordable Health Care is on a mission to educate state residents about what new health care reforms mean for them.

26 - Taste of Appalachia brings huge crowd to uptown Beckley.

27 - Raleigh County Schools will phase in First Grade and Social Studies K-12 Next Generation Common Core State Standards as they progress to meet 2014-2015 state deadline.

28 - Change the Future West Virginia promotes healthy eating and exercise at conference at The Greenbrier.

29 - Beckley Common Council members remain quiet about ongoing Beckley Police Department investigation during regularly scheduled meeting.

30 - Luke Baber, 20, of Oak Hill, fatally shoots State Police Cpl. Marshall Lee Bailey and critically injures trooper Eric Workman.

31 - West Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Meeting and Business Summit members spoke about solutions for state’s educational challenges.



September

1 - Second trooper, Eric Workman, dies at Charleston Area Medical Center from shooting injuries.

2 - Hundreds of families come to Main Street in Oak Hill for Oak Leaf Festival Parade.

3 - Slain trooper Cpl. Marshall Bailey is laid to rest; thousands attend his funeral at Charleston Civic Center.

4 - West Virginia union leader Elaine Harris says Romney-Ryan ticket will be bad for workers because Republicans tend to favor wealthy.

5 - After Theatre West Virginia’s comeback from brink of bankruptcy last winter and season filled with electrical outages and rain, 53rd season will depend on aggressive fundraising and community support leading into 2013.

6 - Thousands gathers at Charleston Civic Center to pay tribute to Eric Michael Workman, 26, second state trooper killed in line of duty last week.

7 - Cell towers will soon be erected on Turnpike property; Verizon is interested in up to six new sites.

8 - More than 700 men who died digging Hawk’s Nest Tunnel are honored at dedication ceremony at Old Main High School.

9 - Nancy Kissinger, president of Chase Bank in Uptown Beckley, is named 2012 Spirit of Beckley award winner.

10 - At least one West Virginia student has killed herself since school year began; state officials step up suicide prevention efforts.

11 - FBI agent’s memo, unveiled by legislative leader, appears to confirm official inquiry into alleged snooping device in office at Regional Jail Authority.

12 - Construction at 10,600-acre The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve in Fayette County is well under way, with 305 days left until Boy Scouts arrive for 2013 National Jamboree.

13 - Military Affairs and Public Safety Secretary Joe Thornton says shipping convicts across state boarders to ease prison overcrowding in West Virginia remains option.

14 - Engineer for Greenbrier County Public Service District No. 1 vows his agency will fight Ronceverte’s plans to build $28 million sewer treatment plant.

15 - Huge crowd turns out for Beckley’s first Dancing with the Stars fundraiser, which benefits United Way of Southern West Virginia.

16 -  U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin confirms that after preliminary review of federal cases, none should be affected by missing evidence housed at Beckley Police Department.

17 - Division of Highways says first phase of New River Parkway is on time for completion.

18 - University of Charleston receives official notice that its new Physician Assistant program has been granted provisional accreditation by Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant Inc.

19 - Alpha Natural Resources is set to close four West Virginia coal mines, blaming combined effects of upsurge in natural gas, soft markets, warm winter and rigid enforcement of environmental rules.

20 - Alpha Natural Resources works to assist 60 coal miners laid off during their transition.

21 - New River Community and Technical College receives $3 million federal grant to enlarge its nursing and allied health programs.

22 - William Roy Wilson, 29, of Beckley, jail guard charged with sexually abusing three women at West Virginia lockup since May, has been accused of misconduct before and has been sued 11 times for similar allegations.

23 - City officials prepare for 15th Annual Beckley Half-Marathon and 5K Run, as well as Chili Night.

24 - National Park Service members and other emergency rescue volunteers gather at McCreery boat ramp to practice search and rescue techniques.

25 - Landmark ruling is in offing that could alter how gas drilling permits are issued in West Virginia and extent of rights that surface owners may exercise when their properties give way to such operations.

26 - Virtual tower, run by sophisticated network of computers and possibly biggest wrinkle in flight history since powered engines, might come up for vote next month by Raleigh County Memorial Airport’s advisory board.

27 - Department of Agriculture makes temporary rule calling for all chicken litter to be composted for 30 days in area where it is produced.

28 - Autumn leaves draw many tourists into West Virginia as leaves reach their peak color.

29 - State decides to move forward with Meadow River Rail Trail, publicly funded project in Fayette and Greenbrier counties.

30 - Boy Scouts visit TimberTrek Aerial Adventure Park at Adventures on the Gorge, as part of Fall Camporee.



October

1 - USS West Virginia crew members reunite at Raleigh County Veterans Museum.

2 - Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital reopens long-term care unit, Main Street Care, after two years.

3 - State-of-the-art radios come to Beckley Fire Department and all but two of 13 volunteer units, courtesy of Department of Homeland Security grant.

4 - University of Charleston continues its plan to create Beckley campus once Mountain State University has closed while awaiting final approval from Higher Learning Commission.

5 - Police search for Alfred Pittman, 23, Corneallus “Ty” Taylor, 20, and Dewayne Lane, 22, all suspected of first-degree murder of Shawn Rucker.

6 - U.S. Attorney Booth Goodwin announces that criminal charges have been filed against Gabriella Brown for obtaining oxycodone by fraud from Beckley Police Department evidence holding room.

7 - Rocket Boys Festival and Chili Night prove to be successful duo in Beckley.

8 - Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce will host event for candidates to speak at Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.

9 - West Virginia suffers from fourth fastest growing inmate rate in America; some municipal police aren’t helping matters by hauling folks off to jail instead of writing citations.

10 - West Virginia Ethics Commission says hearing for Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh will be Jan. 28 in Beckley for his alleged ethics violations.

11 - Some 5,500 jobs in West Virginia have vanished since August, but unemployment compensation fund remains healthy.

12 - Raleigh County’s Academy of Careers and Technology students participate in National Anti-Bullying week activities.

13 - New program aimed at combating Fayette County’s truancy problem will create Community Truancy Board at Oak Hill High School this year, where 603 of 981 students last year were considered habitual truants.

14 - Nearly 50 vendors showcase their specialties for 28th annual Taste of Our Towns street festival in Greenbrier County.

15 - Future West Virginia public employees would have to work longer before retiring, pay more toward their pensions and lose ways to boost their benefits under proposal being discussed at Legislature.

16 - Officials cut ribbon to dedicate Beckley Intermodal Gateway in downtown Beckley; first phase is 90 percent complete and provides 350 parking spaces.

17 - During second presidential debate, gloves come off for President Obama, but challenger Mitt Romney holds his own.

18 - City Council had no role in firing that led up to wrongful termination lawsuit filed against White Sulphur Springs by former Police Chief James Hylton, says Mayor Thomas Taylor.

19 - Beckley-Stratton Middle School’s 21st Century Community Learning Center after-school program is one of 8,000 sites across United States to participate in After-School Alliance “Lights on Afterschool” celebration.

20 - Norfolk Southern Corp. lays off around 200 employees in railroad’s Bluefield-based Pocahontas Division and Roanoke, Va.-based Virginia Division.

21 - Jumpers and spectators gather at New River Gorge Bridge for 33rd Annual Bridge Day.

22 - Downtown Hinton fills with visitors and vendors during Railroad Days.

23 - Three men are arrested in connection with burglary rings in Glade Springs and around Lake Stephens.

24 - The Register-Herald and West Virginia State Police joins in school bus ride-along to get first-hand look at dangers facing school children and school bus drivers every day.

25 - One phase is done and two more are in offing as West Virginia Division of Highways gears up for completion of East Beckley Bypass.

26 - Steve McGowan, attorney and Boy Scouts leader, says amendment to West Virginia Constitution isn’t needed to extend its tax-exempt status to entities not engaged in charities.

27 - Dr. Jerry Forster, former administrator at University of Charleston, is named as new president for UC-Beckley.

28 - Rain from Hurricane Sandy plus blast of cold air from Canada could bring wintry mix.

29 - Blizzard warning is issued for region, as flights are canceled and residents stock up on food and supplies.

30 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin declares state of emergency as “Frankenstorm” hits region.

31 - Historic storm batters southern West Virginia, leaving 2 feet of snow and causing about 271,000 customers to lose power.



November

1 - Potential for high water is monitored as 2 feet of snow melts and precipitation turns to rain.

2 - Nicholas County receives up to 6 feet of snow in some areas from Superstorm Sandy.

3 - Road clearing and power restoration continues; Nicholas County still has 60 percent of customers without power.

4 - Trick-or-treaters venture into streets few days late after Superstorm Sandy left region blanketed in snow.

5 - Fayetteville’s Planning and Zoning Board green-lights plans for Cascade Resort, mixed-use development at 190-acre Gaines Estate on Maple Avenue, partly within town’s historic district.

6 - Officials relocate handful of polling precincts because of power outages from Superstorm Sandy.

7 - President Obama is re-elected for another four-year term, beating Republican challenger Mitt Romney.

8 - Despite some polling locations losing time due to Sandy, county clerks across region report higher than average early voter turnout, which echoes generally high voter turnout overall.

9 - West Virginia Parkways Authority will approach J.P. Morgan Chase Bank with $20,000 offer for 8.5-acre tract across from Tamarack.

10 - Beckley Police Department executes felony drug warrants, nabbing 10 drug suspects and searching for additional eight.

11 - Division of Natural Resources says Hurricane Sandy shouldn’t affect West Virginia deer hunting.

12 - 15th Annual Veterans Appreciation Day is at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Building in Fayetteville.

13 - Annual Beckley Veterans Parade honors those who served.

14 - Whayne-Walker Underground Mining will focus on supplying and serving large equipment used by underground mines in West Virginia, Kentucky, south Indiana and southeastern Ohio.

15 - Raleigh County Board of Education hears parent complaint about racial slur at Independence High School.

16 - Patriot Coal Corp. agrees to become first U.S. coal operator to phase out and eventually stop all large-scale mountaintop removal mining in central Appalachia under agreement with three environmental groups that sued over pollution from several West Virginia operators.

17 - West Virginia Board of Education members Jenny Phillips and Priscilla Haden raise questions about legality of 5-2 vote to fire state Superintendent Jorea Marple.

18 - Mac’s Toy Fund kicks off its 82nd year, making big difference in lives and hearts of needy children in Raleigh County.

19 - According to regulatory filings and government estimates, weather-related damage in West Virginia will cost more than $370 million this year.

20 - While West Virginia Public Employees Insurance Agency is not suggesting increases on premiums for fiscal year 2014, educators express concerns during public hearing over low-wage teachers being saddled with increased co-pays and higher prescription costs.

21 - West Virginia Board of Education will meet again to vote on Superintendent Jorea Marple’s firing because of concerns board may have violated open meetings law when it surprised many, including Marple, by ousting her.

22 - Turnpike manager Greg Barr says turnpike is prepared for heavy holiday traffic.

23 - Lewis Community Center feeds 1,500 for Thanksgiving; McBee’s Irish Pub opens its doors to anyone in need of hot meal.

24 - Christmas is in full swing at Tamarack; Santa arrives and shoppers browsed hand-crafted goods.

25 - Cimaron, N.M., is used as case study for future Boy Scouts of America Summit location in Fayette County.

26 - GOP is expected to push drug testing of welfare recipients.

27 - Excessive force accusations leave 15 officers at Western Regional Jail on suspension without pay; executive director of Regional Jail Authority, Joe DeLong, says he is more troubled by suspected cover-up than brutality itself.

28 - Powerball hits $500 million jackpot as residents rush to buy tickets.

29 - One of 36 new “urbanized areas” in United States, area from Beckley to Fayetteville along U.S. 19 corridor will soon have its own Metropolitan Planning Organization aimed at easing pressures that denser populations put on transportation infrastructure.

30 - West Virginia State Board of Education affirms its recent vote to fire Superintendent Jorea Marple, despite facing harsh criticism.



December

1 - Total of $13 million in road improvements are complete or currently being undertaken by Division of Highways in support of Boy Scouts’ The Summit Bechtel Reserve development in Fayette County.

2 - Nancy Kissinger is honored as Spirit of Beckley award winner at Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.

3 - Beckley Mayor Emmett Pugh and YMCA CEO Jay Rist share thoughts on Nancy Kissinger and her great service to Beckley.

4 - Mountain State University officials will present appeal to independent panel in Chicago, hoping to overturn Higher Learning Commission’s June decision to pull accreditation.

5 - Gabriella Brown pleads guilty to obtaining oxycodone pills by fraud from Beckley Police Department evidence holding room.

6 - General manager Gayle Bowling says Theatre West Virginia is debt-free and working to raise $80,000 needed to be sustainable.

7 - Southern Regional Highway Safety Program, specifically Raleigh County, is leading state in DUI arrests, driving while suspended arrests and occupant protection.

8 - Sen. Joe Manchin asks MTV producers to not air West Virginia-based reality show “Buckwild.”

9 - Lewisburg attorney Barry L. Bruce threatens legal action against Greenbrier County Commission if $1 million check issued to New River Community and Technical College’s foundation is not restored to county’s bed tax fund within week.

10 - Plans are under way to create new commercial development in downtown Fayetteville, centered on historic Ankrom-Dickerson House.

11 - Six officers have been fired or suspended, a seventh quit, and eight others remain under microscope in inmate brutality case at Western Regional Jail.

12 - Four homes go up in flames after natural gas line explodes in inferno that rages for at least an hour, melting guardrails and pavement on I-77 near Sissonville.

13 - James Phares will serve as West Virginia schools superintendent, for at least the short term.

14 - Beckley business leaders talk with University of Charleston President Dr. Ed Welch about opportunities UC-Beckley could bring to area.

15 - Adam Lanza, 20, kills his mother, then opens fire on 26 people, including 20 children, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn.

16 - Mac’s Toy Fund serves 2,200 in its 81st year; volunteers say Mac’s makes their Christmas.

17 - Wyoming County Toy Fund serves more than 1,000 at Wyoming East High School.

18 - Sen. Joe Manchin calls for dialogue on violence after Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, including firearms, mental health, video games and more.

19 - Raleigh County School leaders outline security; vigils honor Sandy Hook victims.

20 - Mountain State University has final commencement and bids farewell to Beckley after 80 years of providing education to students and jobs to many .

21 - Fearful teachers in West Virginia, anxious after elementary school massacre in Connecticut, want right to carry firearms, but West Virginia Education Association and American Federation of Teachers say schools are generally safe.

22 - Higher Learning Commission appeals panel denies Mountain State University’s final accreditation appeal.

23 - State is bankrolling nearly 40 percent of $15.5 million in roads projects being undertaken in support of The Summit Bechtel Reserve.

24 - John Aliff will vacate his Raleigh County Commission seat after dozen years, leaving legacy he sees as major stride in progress.

25 - Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin orders school system reforms following recent audit; delegates offer insight on solutions.

26 - United Methodist Temple serves about 500 Christmas meals.

27 - Peak of 9,500 Appalachian Power customers are without power after strong winds move through area.

28 - Historic wall in downtown Fayetteville is crumbling; no one is sure who is responsible for estimated $200,000 repair; council members fear someone could be hurt if and when it falls.

29 - Health care professionals say many flu cases are being seen much earlier this season.

30 - West Virginia falls four spots to 47th in nation in overall health.

31 - Longtime Clerk of the state Senate Darrell Holmes will retire in January, ending 22 years of pouring daily over mountain of paperwork.