In Around West Virginia: an event planned to get kids' minds off the flood, delegates' views on a "bathroom bill," a Morgantown teacher wins a national award, and more.
n The West Virginia National Guard and the Summit Bechtel Reserve are planning a free, one-day event for kids ages 6-18 from areas affected by the flooding, The Register-Herald reports. Depending on their age, children can participate in a range of activities, including BMX, skating, static archery, air rifle, tomahawk throwing, climbing, rapelling and more. Pre-registration is available at www.jointservicesupport.org/Reg/57G899. For more information, call 304-382-9126.
n The Register-Herald spoke to local delegates about a potential "bathroom bill," which would ban transgender West Virginians from using the restroom that corresponds with their gender identity. Delegate Tom Fast, R-Fayette, and Senator Sue Cline, R-Wyoming, supported the idea, although Cline did not respond to some questions. Fast also implied that transgender people are not "normal" people.
Delegate Mick Bates, D-Raleigh, suggested the Legislature should focus on flood recovery during an upcoming special session.
"I don't think we should be talking about a bathroom bill while there are people still using Port-a-Potties," he said.
The NBA announced last week it would pull its All-Star Game out of Charlotte, due to a similar piece of legislation in North Carolina.
n A Martinsburg man who allegedly carried weapons into the Department of Homeland Security pleaded not guilty to all charges during an initial appearance, The Journal reports. Jonathan Wienke, who worked as an analyst, allegedly carried a gun, a knife, an infrared camera, pepper spray and handcuffs into the facility. Authorities are investigating whether he was planning to attack. He has been released on bond and may be awaiting court proceedings.
n A Morgantown teacher has received a national award. The State Journal reports that Phil Caskey, a social studies teacher at University High School and graduate of West Virginia University, is the 2016 Civil War Trust National Teacher of the Year. He says studying the Civil War has always been a personal passion.
n A WVU defensive lineman was kicked off the team for alleged drug possession, MetroNews reports. Larry Jefferson Jr., 23, was arrested in Morgantown Tuesday morning. He allegedly had small amounts of marijuana and cocaine.
Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.