News

Lurch Fest expecting big crowd Saturday

Local News July 31, 2026

PHILIPPI — For the past five years there has been one day each summer when it was normal for those visiting the city of Philippi to be creepy, kooky, mysterious, and sometimes spooky. That day has once again crept up on Barbour County and will take place Saturday, with the sixth annual Lurch Fest, a one-day event that has become one of West Virginia's most popular festivals. "Lurch Fest is a really quirky event where you might see a little bit of everything," said Lurch Fest Committee Chair Tammy Stemple. "A lot of people dress up and come out to have a good time. It's a ...

Community Calendar

Communities July 31, 2026

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Community Calendar is reserved for nonprofit, civic organizations. Unless otherwise noted, events listed should be considered free and open to the public. Entries appear in chronological order as space allows. OLD TIME MUSIC: Join in the first and third Mondays, 7-9 p.m. at The Arts Center in Elkins for an Old Time Music Session. Beginning musicians are encouraged to join in. Fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, dulcimer, bass are welcome. Participants enter through the back door. Contact dp-foot@hotmail.com. ELKINS FARMERS MARKET: Open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to ...

Elkins man sentenced on federal child sex abuse charge

Local News July 30, 2026

BALTIMORE, MD – A federal judge sentenced an Elkins man to more than two decades in prison for child sex abuse crimes, officials said. U.S. District Judge Julie R. Rubin sentenced Donald Robert Wilt Edwards, Sr., 30, of Elkins, to 25 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, for sexually exploiting a minor, the United States Attorney's Office of Maryland announced in a press release Wednesday. According to the press release, U.S Attorney for the District of Maryland Kelly O. Hayes announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul of the FBI Baltimore ...

Spanish Camp provides learning, fun

Local News July 30, 2026

ELKINS – Last week, 12 campers “traveled” to five different regions to learn Christmas traditions from around the world for this year’s Spanish Camp at the Kump Center, titled, “La Navidad en Julio,” or Christmas in July. Spanish camp was taught by Leah Devine, a Spanish teacher ...

3 Junior Firefighter Camp graduates hired

Local News July 30, 2026

Three graduates of the West Virginia University Extension Junior Firefighter Camp have recently achieved their goal of becoming professional firemen after getting hired by the Bridgeport Fire Department in Harrison County. To prepare for their new positions, Justice Heater, Bryant Sponaugle ...

Beverly couple facing child abuse charges

Local News July 30, 2026

BEVERLY — A Randolph County couple is facing multiple felony charges after a child in their care was allegedly found bound by zip ties in a bathroom. Licha Faye Ortiz, 54, and Manuel Ortiz Jr., 69, are each charged with one count of child abuse creating serious risk of bodily injury or death and one count of conspiracy, both felonies. Both are currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail, each on a $150,000 cash-only bond, set by Randolph County Magistrate Mike Dyer. According to the criminal complaint, filed by Trooper Andrew C. Jordan with the Elkins Detachment of the ...