West Virginia Week in Review - January 10, 2020

1/10/2020

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Gov. Justice delivers 2020 State of the State address

 

 

 

On Wednesday evening, Gov. Jim Justice delivered his fourth State of the State address from the State Capitol in Charleston, where he informed lawmakers and the public of the many ways that West Virginia has been growing stronger over the past year. Gov. Justice also announced several new programs and initiatives to keep West Virginia on a positive trajectory for many years to come. [Watch / Read Full Address] [More Photos]

 

 

Gov. Justice, Ramaco Carbon announce plans for new coal-to-carbon research facility in West Virginia

 

 

 

During his State of the State address, Gov. Justice announced an agreement with Wyoming-based carbon technology company Ramaco Carbon to open a new research facility in West Virginia, to pursue research related to the use of coal to develop advanced carbon products and materials. [Watch / Read More]

 

 

Gov. Justice issues Executive Order creating West Virginia Narcotics Intelligence Unit

 

 

 

After announcing it during his State of the State address Wednesday, Gov. Justice issued an Executive Order Thursday, officially establishing the West Virginia Narcotics Intelligence Unit under the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety’s Intelligence Fusion Center. The order will create a 21st century law enforcement unit to use state-of-the-art data analytics, forensic accounting, and support to every West Virginia law enforcement agency to crack down on drug trafficking activity. [Watch / Read More]

 

 

Gov. Justice announces that second Mountaineer Challenge Academy will open in Montgomery

 

 

 

Also during his State of the State address, Gov. Justice announced that his administration has secured $3.3 million, which the Governor will be including in his budget proposal, that will fund the establishment of a second Mountaineer Challenge Academy and Mountaineer Job Challenge Program, utilizing part of the former WVU Tech campus in Montgomery. [Watch / Read More]

 

 

Gov. Justice welcomes home soldiers from nine-month overseas deployment

 

 

 

On Saturday, Gov. Justice greeted dozens of West Virginia National Guard soldiers, returning home after a nine-month deployment to the Middle East. The Governor also met with hundreds of their family members, friends, and loved ones during a homecoming ceremony at McLaughin Air National Guard Base in Charleston. More than 140 soldiers returned home Saturday. Over the course of their deployment, the soldiers served a combined total of more than 28,000-man hours, completing various missions and assignments throughout Kuwait, Afghanistan, and Saudi Arabia. [Watch Video] [More Photos]

 

 

 

 

Gov. Justice honors 2020 West Virginia Teacher of the Year; awards new car

 

 

 

On Thursday, Gov. Justice joined State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steven Paine and other community partners to hold a ceremony, honoring the 2020 West Virginia Teacher of the Year winner – Jennifer Schwertfeger – a 10-year veteran science teacher from Cameron High School in Marhsall County. Toyota donated a new car to Schwertfeger for use as she travels across the Mountain State to fulfill her duties as Teacher of the Year. Additional monetary awards were given to Schwertfeger and other exemplary teachers from across West Virginia from a variety of program sponsors. [Watch Video] [More Photos]

 

 

Gov. Justice attends grand opening ceremony for all-new Mountain Valley Elementary School

 

 

 

Last Friday, Gov. Justice joined State education leaders, Mercer County school administrators, and dozens of young students inside the gymnasium of the all-new Mountain Valley Elementary School in Bluefield for a “bell-ringing” ceremony, commemorating the official opening of West Virginia's newest school. [Watch Video] [More Photos]

 

 

Gov. Justice announces December revenue collections in at $6.9 million above estimates

 

 

 

Last Thursday, Gov. Justice reported that December 2019 revenue collections were $6.9 million above estimates, which was 1.2% above prior year receipts. The month of December also marks the end of the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020. Cumulatively, FY 2020 is just 1.4% below the record-breaking prior year receipts. After a disappointing two months that began the fiscal year, the last four months came in at $16.4 million above estimates, exceeding expectations. [Read More]

 

 

Commerce Secretary Gaunch's business listening tour continues in Putnam County

 

 

 

On Wednesday, Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch toured several businesses in Putnam County. The Commerce team visited Tasty Blend Foods, a maker of dry mixes and bakery goods in Fraziers Bottom; Total Distribution, a storage and distribution company primarily for chemicals in Nitro; and Kanawha Scales, a provider of scales and other solutions for the weighing and automation industry in Poca. In addition to the visits to businesses, the Commerce team attended the Hot Cocoa Open House hosted by the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce and Putnam County Development Authority in Hurricane. [Read More]

 

 

Gov. Justice honors memory of those lost in Sago mine on anniversary of tragedy

 

 

 

Last Thursday, on the 14th anniversary of the Sago mine disaster, Gov. Justice issued a statement offering prayers for the 12 men who lost their lives, as well as their families and friends. [Social Post]

 

 

Department of Transportation spotlights West Virginia Aeronautics Commission

 

 

 

Last Friday, officials with the West Virginia Aeronautics Commission explained their role within the State Department of Transportation and spotlighted progress made in recent years. [Watch Video]

 

 

Seven West Virginia National Guard soldiers deploy to Middle East

 

 

 

On Saturday, seven West Virginia Army National Guard soldiers said goodbye to family and friends at Yeager Airport in Charleston, before joining the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment, 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), on deployment in the Middle East. The 30th ABCT consists of 4,200 National Guard Soldiers from four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia. [More Photos]

 

 

JCDC Woodworks: A passion for woodcraft creates jobs for disabled persons

 

 

 

This week, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center spotlighted their work with the not-for-profit Jackson County Developmental Center (JCDC), which has a mission is to support and employ people with disabilities. Recently, the organization added a new skills and employment facility: JCDC Woodworks in Ravenswood. The woodworking enterprise creates high quality wood furniture and home furnishings, and gift items. [Watch Video]

 

 

Also this week:

Gov. Justice appoints Frazier as DMV Commissioner

West Virginia tourist attractions sweep Best of the Blue Ridge awards

Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission to host annual commemorative celebration event

SBDC announces new Innovation-Technology initiative and the launch of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Investment Fund

 

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Contact Information

Jordan Damron, jordan.l.damron@wv.gov

Contact

Office of the Governor
State Capitol, 1900 Kanawha Blvd. E
Charleston, WV 25305

Office Phone:
304.558.2000 or 1.888.438.2731

Governor's Mansion:
304.558.3588

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