WV announces paid math coaching opportunities

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced new paid math coaching opportunities for teachers in West Virginia through the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series.

Eligible West Virginia teachers can earn up to $2,000 per season while helping middle school students strengthen their math skills, build confidence, and prepare for academic competition.

Licensed West Virginia teachers that join the program will coach teams of four students or individual competitors from November through February for a few hours a week after school.

Students then go on to compete in local chapter competitions with top performers advancing to the State contest in March and then the top 4 students will qualify for the national competition in May in Washington, DC.

WV Governor Patrick Morrissey said, “Strong math skills open doors to better educational opportunities and good-paying jobs, and we want our students to have every opportunity to succeed… We’re proud to support our teachers who make these opportunities possible, and I appreciate the Legislature’s support of this important program.”

For more information on MATHCOUNTS, click here. 

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West Virginia expands home energy rebate program

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Monday the statewide launch of West Virginia’s Home Energy Rebate program.

The program allocates $88 million in federal funding to expand access to home efficiency upgrades designed to lower utility costs.

West Virginia was the first state to launch the program under federal guidance and received more than 300 applications during the pilot phase.

Qualifying households can receive eligible improvements with no out-of-pocket costs and additional options are available for moderate-income households.

In the press release, the impact was sited for one customer who saw a reduction in her electric bill by 33.5% following the improvements.

The program is expected to serve approximately 10,000 West Virginians and generate $3-$4.5 million in annual savings.

Check your household’s eligibility HERE.

For more information from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

WV announces $4.2 million investment in healthcare transportation

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey announced a $4.2 million investment to improve healthcare transportation across the state on Friday.

The funding will support the Emergency Medical Service Collaboratives and Public Transportation Collaboratives in an effort to help patients connect to the right care, at the right place, at the right time.

The funding will help multi-county EMS departments and regional transportation networks work together to connect patients during a non-emergency to primary care clinics, urgent care centers, behavioral health providers or other Federally Qualified Health Centers.

Funding must be used to support transformation and system improvements rather than routine operational costs.

In the announcement Governor Morrissey said, “Too many West Virginians have difficulty getting the healthcare they need simply because of where they live or because they don’t have reliable transportation.”

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.

West Virginia comes together for Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

West Virginia is coming together on Thursday, December 4th for the official Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the West Virginia Capitol Complex.

In the wake of last week’s tragic shooting of West Virginia Air National Guard Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, the ceremony will also include a moment of silence held in honor of the National Guard servicemembers.

Governor Patrick Morrisey and First Lady Denise Morrisey extended an invitation to all West Virginians to join them for the ceremony which will begin at 6 pm and feature live performances from the Capital High School Band and choir, the River City Youth Ballet, Christmas sing-alongs, and more holiday entertainment.

Attendees are encouraged to bring toys and coats for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia.

The organization is especially in need of gifts suited for older children.

For those unable to make it, the event will be live-streamed by West Virginia Public Broadcasting.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.