SUMMARY: Bay County students return to school on Thursday, August 14th. Fayette County Schools Superintendent David Warville highlights new safety measures, including advanced weapon detection technology used in schools, funded by COVID relief money. Schools have phones connecting all buildings for emergencies, and resource officers are trained for active shooter scenarios. A new cell phone policy bans phones during the academic day for elementary, middle, and high school students, with a one-month grace period until September 14th. Students can store phones in lockers, with locks provided if needed. The policy allows phone use for extracurricular communication and will be reviewed mid-year for improvements.

Fayette County students head back to school for the 2025-2026 school year. It can be challenging for kids to transition into the mindset of summer vacation ending and school starting again, and safety is always a concern.

~ Newswatch reporter Jillian Risberg (https://www.facebook.com/JillianRisTV).

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SUMMARY: Seven West Virginia charter schools will allow religious vaccine exemptions following guidance from the West Virginia Professional Charter Schools Board. Executive Director James Paul stated only students with exemption letters from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health may enroll without full vaccinations. The board discussed the Equal Protection for Religion Act last week. Delegate Kathy Hes Krauss praised the decision, noting parents’ struggles with public school vaccine mandates. Governor Morrisy supported harmonizing religious freedom laws with vaccination requirements. West Virginia is one of five states without religious vaccine exemptions, prompting calls for legal action against public schools denying unvaccinated children enrollment.

The seven charter schools in West Virginia have been instructed by the West Virginia Professional Charter Schools Board to allow students to use a religious exemption against school vaccines.

MORE: https://wchstv.com/news/local/charter-schools-in-west-virginia-to-allow-religious-vaccine-exemptions-board-confirms

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SUMMARY: The City of Milton, plagued by severe flooding for over a century, is set to build a 1.5-mile, 19-foot-high urban levy to mitigate flood risks. This key project, signed today by West Virginia Governor Patrick Moresy and local leaders, will protect over 600 buildings, enhance public safety, and include flood walls, pond relocations, and pump stations. Construction is planned from 2028 to 2032, with design and survey work ongoing. Mayor Shane Evans emphasized ending residents’ long-standing fear of floods. While traffic impacts remain unclear, officials highlight the extensive preparations ahead to safeguard Milton’s community.

Lower Mud River Project signed and approved in Milton

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