In Around West Virginia today: theft from a historic black church, a summit on homelessness, military surplus equipment for Fairmont police, and more.
n The National Park Service is asking anyone with information on the theft of pews, benches and other items from a historic black church in Fayette County to come forward, according to The Register-Herald. The church, located within the New River Gorge, was constructed around 1900 to serve the African-American community.
"These items are irreplaceable," said Superintendent Trish Kicklighter, "and we are reaching out to the community to assist us in finding the person or people responsible for this crime and to have the furnishings returned,"
n The Fairmont Police Department is seeking to acquire four Humvees through the federal 1033 program, the Times West Virginian reports. The 1033 program was established with the National Defense Authorization Act of 1997 to transfer excess military equipment to law enforcement agencies.
n Martinsburg City Council unanimously voted on Thursday to expand the city's Human Rights Act to include protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Joe Mercurio, a gay man, spoke in favor of the amendment, according to The Journal.
"I grew up here and left here because I did not think this would be a good place to live because I am gay," he said. "I just want to make Martinsburg open and fair and for everyone to feel comfortable to stay here."
n Churches and social service agencies came together on Thursday for a summit on homelessness in Charleston, MetroNews reports. The summit followed Mayor Danny Jones' decision to dismantle Tent City last month.
Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.