News from December 2006
Standalone art for 12/25 issue: Big gift from BB&T
BB&T West Virginia North Regional President Brent Robinson announced on Dec. 7 tha the company will contribute $1.75 million to West Virginia University's College of Business and Economics. The funds will establish a BB&T Chair in Free Market Thought, enabling the college to attract a national scholar in that field and enhance the school's free market research and teaching programs.
Berger tells WVU graduates to 'pay it forward'
In October, Kanawha Circuit Judge Irene Berger also was honored as West Virginia University Alumni Association's Alumna of the Year. MORGANTOWN -- On Dec. 10, Kanawha Circuit Judge Irene Berger was the speaker at West Virginia University's December Graduations Convocation held at the WVU Coliseum.
Widows of Aracoma miners sue Massey, Blankenship
Blankenship LOGAN – The widows of two men who died in a January mine fire have filed a lawsuit against Massey Energy Co. and Don Blankenship, saying the CEO puts profits ahead of safety.
Broadwater mourned by judicial colleagues
Broadwater MARTINSBURG – U.S. District Judge W. Craig Broadwater died Monday at a Pittsburgh hospital.
Auvil: Manchin caused time crisis to replace Beane
Walt Auvil PARKERSBURG - It took nearly a year for J.D. Beane to be tabbed as a replacement for retired Wood Circuit Judge George Hill.
Delegate Beane named Wood Circuit Judge
J.D. Beane CHARLESTON - Even though he's served 16 years in the House of Delegates and was recently appointed by Gov. Joe Manchin to become the new Wood Circuit Judge, Parkersburg attorney J.D. Beane admits he's the black sheep of his family.
Supreme Court finds jury bias in Ohio County case
CHARLESTON – Bias in an Ohio County jury shortchanged a dead man's family, according to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Justices give Huntington attorney a break
CHARLESTON – Six months ago, Justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals suspected that the crimes of Desiree Albers disqualified her from practicing laws.
Sissonville student says 'drugs' were candy
CHARLESTON - A Sissonville High School student-athlete is challenging his or her five-day suspension, saying it was handed out by Principal Calvin McKinney as a result of his or her refusal to participate in the school's Narc Program and that the substance thought to be drugs on footage on another student's video phone was Smarties candy.
Heaven and Hell
Everything in life, including legal climates, is relative.
Hanger trips woman, suit says
HUNTINGTON - A woman says the Old Navy clothing store in the Huntington Mall failed to keep its aisles clean and caused her slip and fall.
Justices chide Stucky for legal appointment
CHARLESTON – Justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals ripped Kanawha County Circuit Judge James Stucky for putting a doctor's lawsuit in the hands of an attorney who had quarreled with the doctor.
Woman sues over fish bones
CHARLESTON - A woman has a bone to pick with Red Lobster, mostly because she says the restaurant gave her a bone to pick out of her throat.
Court opts not to suspend Fairmont attorney
CHARLESTON – Full of grace, Justices of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals decided not to suspend the license of Fairmont attorney Michael Niggemyer.
Davis, Maynard want Court to reconsider family case
Davis CHARLESTON – Chief Justice Robin Davis and Justice Spike Maynard of the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals want their colleagues to reconsider an appointment of a dead woman's sister to administer her estate for her daughter.
Lawmaker calls out McGraw for doling out money
CHARLESTON – Attorney General Darrell McGraw handed out a $40,000 check last week to the Clay Center, and that has drawn criticism again from some state lawmakers.
Former Marshall administrator sues school
A statue of John Marshall overlooks the campus of Marshall University in Huntington. CHARLESTON - A former assistant vice president of academic affairs is suing Marshall University for forcing her to take a lower position that reduced her salary as a result of a disability.
AG McGraw sues three spas, settles with baby photographer
McGraw CHARLESTON - State Attorney General Darrell McGraw has filed suit against two Curves For Women outlets, another health spa and settled with a baby photographer.
Med mal case filed against orthopedist
MORGANTOWN - A Preston County woman says her orthopedist cut a nerve in her wrist during a carpal tunnel syndrome release surgery and is suing him.
Woman says Kanawha BOE demolished controversial building
CHARLESTON - An employee at Point Harmony Elementary School is saying the Kanawha County Board of Education purposely demolished a portable building because of complaints over poor air quality.