In Around West Virginia: evictions increasing in the Eastern Panhandle, Jefferson County residents to consider the brunch bill, Lewisburg city officials are worried about concealed carry legislation, and more.
n The Journal reports on the eviction problem in the Eastern Panhandle. According to the Housing Work Group of the Health and Human Services Collaborative of the Eastern Panhandle, 51 percent of renters in Berkeley County pay more than 35 percent of their income in housing; 41 percent in Jefferson County; and 49 percent in Morgan County. Berkeley County Magistrate Harry Snow heard 390 eviction cases in 2014 and 454 in 2015.
n The Journal reports that of the top five charges for jail inmates in West Virginia in 2014, simple possession was fourth. The newspaper also reports that while the Eastern Regional Jail saw a decrease of 7 percent in the number of inmates in fiscal year 2015, it was only because other jails expanded.
n The Jefferson County Commission has voted to let county residents decide whether restaurants can serve alcohol before 1 p.m. on Sundays, according to The Journal. The West Virginia Legislature passed a brunch bill, allowing for alcohol sales on Sunday mornings, during the last legislative session. Counties must place the issue on the ballot if they want to take advantage of the law change.
n The chairman of the Lewisburg Public Safety Committee is concerned that a new state gun law allowing concealed carry without a permit will make fairs and festivals more dangerous in Lewisburg. The Register-Herald reports that the city will begin requiring groups sponsoring events in Lewisburg to describe efforts to prevent a firearm from discharged at the event. Joseph Lutz, the chairman and a city council member, isn't convinced the requirement will make Lewisburg safer.
"People are emboldened by carrying these weapons," he said. "That's a change in mentality. I don't think some people are aware of what it means to take a life."
n A recent report says that Boone County has the second-highest overdose death rate in the nation, according to The Register-Herald. The newspaper reports that 81 out of every 100,000 people die of drug overdoses. Some health officials said we need to increase access to buprenorphine, which treats opioid addiction. Others worry about turning to medication instead of focusing on underlying problems.
Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.