In Around West Virginia: a resurgence of crack cocaine, free college courses for women in poverty, hundreds of auto claims after a hail storm, and more.
n Police in Harrison County say crack cocaine is making a comeback, WDTV reports. Chief Deputy Jeff McAtee says the sheriff's department is actively working six to 12 cases.
n Bluefield College started a free, three-week educational program for women in poverty, The Register-Herald reports. Participants will live on campus from May 15 to June 4. The newspaper reports that the program includes "academic study, cultural experiences, personal development, job search training, college preparation and leadership development."
n A man who allegedly robbed a convenience store, killed the clerk and then killed himself last week showed signs of a crisis, according to the Princeton Times. Two days before the alleged robbery, he wrote on Facebook "What if i came up missing I wonder how many people would actually care!!!" Shortly before the alleged robbery, he wrote "A friend would be great right now."
n State Farm has handled 260 homeowner and property claims and 830 auto claims as a result of a hail storm Thursday in Taylor County, according to MetroNews. State Farm spokesman Dave Phillips said in an average year the state sees only about 300 auto claims from hail.
Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.