West Virginia Week in Review - June 24, 2023

West Virginia Week in Review

Share Tweet Forward Governor and First Lady Justice celebrate West Virginia’s 160th Birthday Gov. Jim Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice participated in several West Virginia Day events at the State Culture Center, in celebration of the state’s 160th Birthday. "I'm so happy to be celebrating West Virginia Day with all of you," Gov. Justice said. "We have so much to be proud of, too. We are no longer a bad joke. Instead, we are the diamond in the rough everybody missed. We are the envy of the world. There is no better place to live, work and raise a family than right here in West Virginia. Our state's future is really bright." GOLDEN HORSESHOE KNIGHTING First Lady Justice was knighted as an honorary member of the Golden Horseshoe, a recognition usually bestowed to top 8th grade WV history students. The special award was given in honor of the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to education, students, and the vibrant culture and tradition of West Virginia.  WEST VIRGINIA PUNCH CONTEST First Lady Justice also announced the winner of her West Virginia Birthday Punch Contest during the celebration. Cindy Scott of Morgantown was named the grand prize winner with her recipe – “Mountain Mama’s Refresher.” Scott joined First Lady Justice onstage, along with her college friend, Sandy Murcock. The two collaborated on the punch recipe while attending West Virginia University. Find recipes for the winning submission and other finalists here. Read More Photo Album Watch Gov. Justice, WVDNR report 19% increase in number of stocked trout in 2023 Gov. Justice and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announced that the agency has stocked nearly 130,000 more trout in 2023 compared to the previous year.   Between January and May 2023, the WVDNR stocked 802,481 trout in lakes and streams around the state, which is a 19% increase over the 673,148 trout that were stocked during the same period in 2022. One of the most significant investments was the expansion of the Bowden Hatchery from 40 fish rearing units to 60, which allows the WVDNR to produce an additional 100,000 pounds of trout. Other improvements have been made to the Edray, Reed's Creek and Tate Lohr hatcheries to shore up fish production, as well.   In addition to hatchery facility improvements, the increase in trout production can be attributed to warmer weather during the winter months, which created ideal conditions for trout to thrive. Read More Gov. Justice reflects on seventh anniversary of devastating floods in June 2016 Read More Michele Blatt named State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt has been named the 34th State Superintendent of Schools by the West Virginia Board of Education. Blatt takes over effective July 1, 2023 after serving most recently as the Deputy State Superintendent, and brings 17 years of experience at the WVDE. Read More Also this week: 60th class of Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy graduates West Virginia celebrates Juneteenth: ‘We’re all in this together’ Applications for limited permit area antlerless deer hunts now available ###