News

21 to compete in Coalton Days pageants

Local News June 17, 2026

COALTON - The 31st annual Coalton Days Sunday Best & Miss Coalton Pageant will begin at 6 p.m. on June 18 in the Coalton school gymnasium. This year's theme will be “Hollywood red carpet.” A total of 21 girls will be competing for several titles, including Mini Miss, Little Miss, Junior Miss, Pre-Teen Miss, Coalton spirit (which is overall highest score in the Sunday best portion), Teen Miss, and Miss Coalton. Mini Miss Coalton Days 2026: Amara Spencer, age 5, is the daughter of Ashley and Ryan Spencer. Little Miss Coalton Days 2026: Laikyn Graham, age 7, is the daughter of ...

Elkins listed as 'abnormally dry'

Local News June 17, 2026

ELKINS — The head of the City of Elkins' Water Department gave an update regarding area drought conditions and clean-up of the flood control levee. During Elkins City Council's June 11 meeting, Elkins City Public Water System Chief Operator and Manager Wes Lambert talked about the city's reservoir. Lambert explained that he had been receiving "a lot" of questions over the past two months regarding the state and the local area's drought situation. "In the first quarter of 2026, we were actually about 3 1/2 inches low for the rainfall for that period, and you could physically see it ...

Multi-felony case headed to grand jury

Local News June 17, 2026

ELKINS — A grand jury will hear the case against a Randolph County man accused of three felonies after police allegedly found fentanyl in his vehicle in 2025 and after he allegedly conspired to flee from police in May. Robert Michael Sparks, 45, of Huttonsville, is charged with one count of driving revoked DUI third offense, one count of possession with intent to deliver and one count of conspiracy, all felonies. Sparks is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $30,000 cash-only bond. On Monday, Sparks waived his right to a preliminary hearing in Randolph County ...

Community Calendar

Local News June 17, 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. TUTORING: Kump Education Center is offering a four-week summer tutoring program. Any elementary aged student who needs help with reading is welcome. There is a cost. Students will meet with individual tutors one hour each week, June 15 through July 15. Sign-up at Kump Center (across from Kroger) on Monday, June 15 between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Call 304-801-3372 ...

Officials: Center will be an 'economic engine'

Local News June 17, 2026

ELKINS - The newly constructed Railyard Event & Conference Center will serve as a destination point for both locals and visitors when the facility officially opens its doors next month, officials said. "What’s opening this summer is more than a building — it’s an economic engine for Randolph County, a draw for visitors who haven’t had a reason to stop in Elkins before, and a stage for the businesses and events that will define our downtown for the next generation," said Robbie Morris, director of the Randolph County Development Authority. “Bookings are already on the ...

Legislators urged to overhaul formula

Local News June 17, 2026

CHARLESTON – Financial officials from four county school systems once again warned West Virginia lawmakers that the funding formula that sends state dollars into classrooms is too reliant on enrollment and not providing enough funding for students with special needs. Financial officers ...