The Associated Press
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Coal industry pans EPA water quality standards
CHARLESTON (AP) — A key group is renewing its criticism of strict water quality standards developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to curb mountaintop removal coal mining.
The National Mining Association said Thursday that the EPA used bad science to develop the standards it introduced April 1. Among other things, the organization says the study underpinning the standards violated EPA guidelines by relying on field data rather than laboratory findings.
The EPA policy is aimed at sharply reducing the practice of filling valleys with waste from mountaintop removal and other types of surface mines in West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia and Tennessee. The practice is considered highly efficient by mine operators, but terribly destructive by environmentalists.
Stimulus funds will assist needy families
CHARLESTON (AP) — West Virginia plans to distribute $52 million in one-time benefits to needy families to help with back-to-school, utility and other expenses.
The Charleston Daily Mail reports that most of the money comes from federal stimulus funding designated for the state’s welfare program. West Virginia is providing $10 million in state funds.
The one-time benefits include $250 for school clothes and supplies and up to $1,000 in past-due child support. September’s cash allotments to households on public assistance will be higher than the normal amount.
Bureau of Children and Families Deputy Commissioner Doug Robinson says the goal is to use stimulus funding to help meet needs while being judicious with taxpayer dollars.
Venue change sought in trooper case
HARRISVILLE (AP) — The attorney for a man accused of hitting a State Police trooper with his vehicle says the defendant can’t get a fair trial in Ritchie County.
Attorney Bill Merriman wants to move Jesse Parsons’ trial to another county. The Parkersburg News reports Merriman filed a motion in Ritchie County Circuit Court requesting a change of venue.
Parsons is charged with driving under the influence causing bodily injury. Police say a vehicle driven by Parsons hit Cpl. Andy Pringle during a traffic stop in April.
Merriman says community support for the Prin-gle family could prejudice a jury against Parsons.
Merriman also wants the county prosecutor disqualifed from the case. A hearing is set for Oct. 7.
Federal inmate sentenced for escape
CLARKSBURG (AP) — Prosecutors say an inmate who left a Morgantown hospital while on a medical furlough has been sentenced to two years in prison for escape.
U.S. District Judge Irene Keeley sentenced Dean Edward Whitman Jr., 56, after he pleaded guilty to walking away April 15 from a medical furlough at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was arrested later that day in Ohio.
Keeley sentenced Whitman Tuesday. His new sentence starts after Whitman completes his original term.
