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LEWISBURG, W. Va (PRESS RELEASE)– West Virginia Division of Highways announces a one-lane closure on US 219 in Lewisburg.It will be from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, starting Monday, May 20 through Friday,More >> LEWISBURG, W. Va (PRESS RELEASE)– West Virginia Division of Highways announces a one-lane closure on US 219 in Lewisburg.It will be from 6:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily, starting Monday, May 20 through Friday,More >> ABBS VALLEY (WVVA) - A young member of the region's bear population found himself in need of rescue Wednesday after an attack by dogs in Tazewell County. Residents in Abbs Valley were able to get theMore >> WAYNESBORO Va. (WVVA) - A bear cub that was saved from a dog attack in the Abbs Valley area of Tazewell County has arrived at his temporary home -- a Virginia wildlife center. Amanda Nicholson of theMore >> BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) -- Kids in Southern West Virginia had a chance to meet West Virginia University's mascot. The mountaineer visited several schools in the area to meet students, teach them a WVUMore >> BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) -- Kids in Southern West Virginia had a chance to meet West Virginia University's mascot. The mountaineer visited several schools in the area to meet students, teach them a WVUMore >> BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) -- In honor of National EMS week, the Bluefield Rescue Squad held a cook out Wednesday for first responders and their families. The squad grilled out steak and chicken for everyoneMore >> BLUEFIELD, W.Va (WVVA) -- In honor of National EMS week, the Bluefield Rescue Squad held a cook out Wednesday for first responders and their families. The squad grilled out steak and chicken for everyoneMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - A mother and stepfather accused in the death of a toddler are among those who have been indicted by a Raleigh County Grand Jury. A total of 89 indictments were handed down during theMore >> BECKLEY (WVVA) - A mother and stepfather accused in the death of a toddler are among those who have been indicted by a Raleigh County Grand Jury. A total of 89 indictments were handed down during theMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A former hospital executive will soon head West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin named Karen Bowling on Wednesday to his Cabinet effectiveMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- A former hospital executive will soon head West Virginia's Department of Health and Human Resources. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin named Karen Bowling on Wednesday to his Cabinet effectiveMore >> LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) -- Greenbrier County's prosecutor is seeking a life sentence for a man convicted of torching several vehicles at a West Virginia State Police barracks. Prosecutor Patrick Via saysMore >> LEWISBURG, W.Va. (AP) -- Greenbrier County's prosecutor is seeking a life sentence for a man convicted of torching several vehicles at a West Virginia State Police barracks. Prosecutor Patrick Via saysMore >> PARRIS ISLAND (WVVA) - WVVA's Caroline Bach got hands-on experience in Marine training while at Parris Island. In the above Web Extra videos, watch as Caroline repels down at 47-foot wall, and pulls theMore >> PARRIS ISLAND (WVVA) - WVVA's Caroline Bach got hands-on experience in Marine training while at Parris Island. In the above Web Extra videos, watch as Caroline repels down at 47-foot wall, and pulls theMore >> BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - The annual Cole Chevy Mountain Festival is underway at Bluefield City Park. The festival takes place May 21-27 -- the centerpiece of which is the James H. Drew Carnival, which runsMore >> BLUEFIELD (WVVA) - The annual Cole Chevy Mountain Festival is underway at Bluefield City Park. The festival takes place May 21-27 -- the centerpiece of which is the James H. Drew Carnival, which runsMore >>
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) -- New records show federal officials stopped independent investigators from questioning how regulators had handled methane leaks in the Upper Big Branch mine before last year's disaster.
Twenty-nine West Virginia miners died in an explosion the Mine Safety and Health Administration says was fueled by methane and coal dust. An MSHA report released Tuesday says naturally occurring methane was leaking from the floor.
The Charleston Gazette says independent investigators wanted to know how MSHA handled those leaks in prior years.
But a lawyer on MSHA's investigation team tried to stop the questions and keep his objections from appearing in the public record of the probe.
MSHA administrator Kevin Stricklin tells the Gazette it appears his inspectors didn't address the problem, but he says many other factors contributed to the blast.
