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1-10 years in pen. Defense asked for home confinement. Judge: betrayed public trust. Mayor alderson Travis Copenhaver asked higher sentence. Convicted words for mayor as she exited. Monroe CountyMore >> UNION (WVVA) - A woman convicted of embezzling funds from the town of Alderson will spend the next 1-10 years in prison. Jacalyn Ann "Jackie" Villars, former employee of the Town of Alderson, learnedMore >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- A man is charged with arson after a fire at a Greenbrier County gas station.State Police said Cory Bowyer of Ronceverte set fire to a truck while pumping gas around 5 PM SundayMore >> FAIRLEA, W. Va (WVVA)-- A man is charged with arson after a fire at a Greenbrier County gas station.State Police said Cory Bowyer of Ronceverte set fire to a truck while pumping gas around 5 PM SundayMore >> PARRIS ISLAND, SC (WVVA) -- In early May, a WVVA crew traveled to Parris Island with a group of West Virginia educators to learn what it takes to make a U.S. Marine. The journey started before off theMore >> PARRIS ISLAND, SC (WVVA) -- In early May, a WVVA crew traveled to Parris Island with a group of West Virginia educators to learn what it takes to make a U.S. Marine. The journey started before off theMore >> WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va (WVVA)-- 3 New Jersey men are arrested after a disturbance at the Greenbrier Resort Casino.Police said in a criminal complaint that resort security asked Sean, Martin, andMore >> WHITE SULPHUR SPRINGS, W. Va (WVVA)-- 3 New Jersey men are arrested after a disturbance at the Greenbrier Resort Casino.Police said in a criminal complaint that resort security asked Sean, Martin, andMore >> BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> BLUEFIELD Va. (WVVA) - The above slideshow was submitted to WVVA News via Facebook by Shirley Blackmon Grim. Shirley says this black bear visited her backyard on Sedgewood Street in Bluefield, Va., TuesdayMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. AttorneyMore >> CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A Fayette County pill dealer who sold approximately 250 powerful prescription painkillers over a two-year period pleaded guilty today to federal drug charges, announced U.S. AttorneyMore >> BOISSEVAIN (WVVA) - A teenager was killed over the weekend after the dirt bike he was riding collided head-on with a truck. The accident happened around 4 p.m. on Saturday on route 657 near BoissevainMore >> BOISSEVAIN (WVVA) - A teenager was killed over the weekend after the dirt bike he was riding collided head-on with a truck. The accident happened around 4 p.m. on Saturday on route 657 near BoissevainMore >> MCDOWELL COUNTY (WVVA) - The McDowell County Sheriff's Department is investigating a murder that occurred in the early morning hours. Further details are not available this time. The Sheriff's DepartmentMore >> MCDOWELL COUNTY (WVVA) - A man is behind bars in McDowell County -- accused in the murder of an Avondale man. Wesley Payne, 54, of War has been charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of DonaldMore >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on May 17th.More >> BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVVA)- A charity event in Beckley is working to raise money for the Women's Resource Center. The Chair-ity Auction will take place in Lewis Automotive Showroom in Beckley on Friday. TheMore >>
BLAND (WVVA) - Inmates at a local correctional facility are using their time behind bars to help make life better for citizens with physical disabilities.
The Prison Pups program at Bland Correctional Center allows inmates to train dogs to help the disabled.
The program started nine years ago and is a partnership with the correctional center and St. Francis of Assisi Service Dog program in Roanoke.
The dogs live in the cells with the inmates for several months while they undergo service training, before leaving to live with an owner in need of assistance.
Directors say the inmates make ideal trainers because of the large amount of time they are able to spend with their canine companions.
But the dogs aren't the only ones benefiting.
Convicted murderer David Galloway has trained nine dogs under the program and says the experience has helped him better himself.
"It's been my growth," Galloway said. "It's helped shape me into the new me."
NOTE: WVVA.com will post an extended 'Web-Extra' on the Prison Pup program shortly.
