In Around West Virginia: A Vietnam veteran receives his Purple Heart after almost 50 years, two West Virginia banks announce a merger, and more.
n Appalachian Power Company announced a 20-year purchase plan of wind-powered energy that will come from an Indiana-based company, MetroNews reports. Jeri Matheney, communications director for AEP, said that wind power has become a cost-effective way for them to provide energy for occasional needs because of the Wind Production Tax Credit, extended by Congress in November 2015. She said the extra wind power would only be a supplement as they continue to rely heavily on coal.
n A Vietnam veteran received his Purple Heart after 48 years, the Wheeling Intelligencer reports. Edwin Mackey of Cameron was injured during combat in 1968 and due to lack of military records, his daughter had to track down and obtain statements from witnesses. Rep. David McKinley, R-W.Va. presented the honor to Mackey at West Virginia Independence Hall on Wednesday.
n Two West Virginia-based banks announced the signing of a definitive merger agreement Thursday, MetroNews reports. Summit Financial Group of Moorefield will acquire all outstanding shares of common stock of First Century Bankshares, Inc. of Bluefield in exchange for cash in the amount of $22.50 per share or 1.2433 shares of Summit Common Stock.
n Five women were arrested Wednesday night in a prostitution sting in Huntington, according to The Herald-Dispatch. Four women were jailed for misdemeanor first and second offense prostitution and one faces a charge related to the investigations, but not prostitution. None of the women face felony charges, but they will be offered treatment through the Women's Empowerment and Addiction Recovery (WEAR) and Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) programs.
Reach Jennifer Gardner at jennifer.gardner@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5102 or follow @jennc_gardner on Twitter.