EPA: Mine discharges contributed to high levels of TDS in Dunkard Creek

Environmental Protection Agency report lists toxins from a golden algae bloom as the cause of a fish kill at Dunkard Creek. But it also says high levels of pollution from mine discharge created conditions for the algae to grow.

Workers “not even half done” cleaning up Kingston ash spill

A year after an immense spill of coal ash in Kingston, Tennessee, workers are not even half done cleaning up the mess. The ash that spilled into the Emory River is being sent to a landfill in Alabama. But the owner of the coal plant, the Tennessee Valley Authority, has yet to find anyone willing to take the ash that spilled over land.

Committee sets sights on WV. prison overcrowding

A smoother process for handling paroles of prison inmates, and possibly easing the population crunch in penal institutions, is the intent of legislation crafted by an interims committee.

Warden at Troubled Va. Women’s Prison to Step Down

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — The warden at Virginia’s largest women’s prison is retiring amid allegations the prison discriminated against gay inmates and denied others access to religious services.

Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor said Monday that Barbara Wheeler will retire as warden of Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women. He would not say when or provide other details.

Accused Panther imitator arrested

A man wanted for cyber stalking and suspected of impersonating a Carolinas Panther turned himself in to Union County authorities Monday night, police said.

Kentucky Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting

ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. – Kentucky State Police are investigating the deadly shooting of a Tennessee man on Christmas by two police officers in Hardin County.

Police say 39-year-old Elizabethton, Tennessee man was shot after he pulled out what officers thought was a pistol. Police started chasing him after getting a report he didn’t pay a bar bill.

Police say he crashed his car in Vine Grove, stole a police cruiser, and then ran over an officer. The suspect was shot multiple times by the officers.

A year of trouble for Hampton Roads police officers

For some Hampton Roads police officers, 2009 is a year to forget.

In Norfolk, Officer Christopher Parks was cited for using a taser on a woman with brain damage. Pamela Brown, known as the hula-hoop lady, would ultimately file a suit.

West Virginia man killed in work-related accident

A West Virginia man was killed Monday afternoon in a work-related accident at Gladhill Tractor Mart on Mount Zion Road, according to the Frederick County Bureau of Investigations.

West Virginia legislators eye police accountability

CHARLESTON — State lawmakers are starting to look into issues of police accountability, with an eye on the upcoming legislative session.

Sen. Bill Laird, D-Fayette, a former four-term sheriff in Fayette County, believes it’s time to make some changes to laws regarding police certification.

Waynesboro social services office to close; Waynesboro officially an economic “recovery zone”

Waynesboro City Manager Mike Hamp on Monday night spoke against a proposed closure of the city’s Department of Social Services office.

Agency staff and board members, including Hamp, have discussed consolidation of department offices to the existing Verona site as a cost-cutting measure.