News from December 2020
Weathering the storm and looking forward to 2021
When I began my term as Chief Justice on January 1, little did I know that our court system would face the tremendous, unprecedented challenge that the COVID-19 epidemic has presented for courts throughout our state.
Longtime Kanawha County judge Charlie King dies at 73
CHARLESTON – Longtime Kanawha Circuit Judge Charlie King has died. He was 73. King, who also served Kanawha County Prosecutor, died December 28.
Group of AGs, including Morrisey, file brief supporting NRA lawsuit against New York AG
CHARLESTON — West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey's office recently joined a 16-state coalition supporting the National Rifle Association’s lawsuit against New York’s attorney general.
Blackjewel sues former CEO Hoops for payment scheme
HUNTINGTON — A lawsuit has been filed against former Blackjewel CEO Jeff Hoops Sr. claiming he improperly used his position to benefit himself.
STEPTOE & JOHNSON PLLC: Douglas Crouse Joins Firm
Douglas Crouse has joined the Charleston office of Steptoe & Johnson.
WEST VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS: Bill Wooton To Be Sworn In As Supreme Court Justice
Beckley attorney William R. “Bill” Wooton will be sworn in as a Supreme Court Justice in a ceremony at 2 p.m. Dec. 30, in the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia Courtroom.
WEST VIRGINIA GOVERNOR'S OFFICE: Gov. Justice names Brian Abraham as Chief of Staff
Gov. Jim Justice announced today that Brian Abraham will become his new Chief of Staff, effective Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.
WEST VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT OF APPEALS: New Kanawha Family Court Judge To Be Sworn In
Brittany Ranson Stonestreet will be sworn in as Kanawha County’s newest Family Court Judge in a ceremony at noon, Dec. 28, in the Chamber of the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia in Charleston.
WEST VIRGINIA ATTORNEY GENERAL: Attorney General Morrisey: Know Return Policies for Easier Post-Christmas Returns
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey encouraged consumers to know a company’s return policies so they can make the most out of any post-holiday returns.
Woman says she was a victim of racial discrimination, retaliation by Lowe's
HUNTINGTON – A Cabell County woman claims she was a victim of discrimination and retaliation by Lowe’s Home Centers.
2020 was a year for the record books in West Virginia
CHARLETON – While 2020 will be remembered for its challenges, my office will always recall this year with pride in our accomplishments.
Supreme Court says Blue Cross case should be dismissed for lack of jurisdiction
CHARLESTON — The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals granted a writ of prohibition to prohibit the enforcement of a March circuit court order that denied a motion to dismiss for lack of personal jurisdiction.
Wooton to be sworn in as newest state Supreme Court Justice on December 30
CHARLESTON – William R. “Bill” Wooton will be sworn in December 30 as a West Virginia Supreme Court Justice.
Being protective isn't always being productive
If you’re wearing a mask, why would you care what everyone else does? You’re protected, right? Mask-less people aren’t going to infect you as long as you have your mask on, and you with your mask on are not going to infect them, so everything’s fine.
Fourth Circuit upholds ruling denying a new hearing in Loughry case
RICHMOND, Virginia – The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a federal judge’s ruling denying former state Supreme Court Justice Allen Loughry a new hearing.
Jenkins excited to continue moving state Supreme Court forward as Chief Justice in 2021
CHARLESTON – Most people are eager to put 2020 behind them for obvious reasons. But state Supreme Court Justice Evan Jenkins has one more reason to look forward to 2021 because he'll serve as Chief Justice in the coming year.
Pa. woman says she was injured during fall at Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort
NEW CUMBERLAND – A Pennsylvania woman says she was injured because of the negligence of Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort.
Someone with COVID-19 attended Supreme Court event; no court employees have tested positive
CHARLESTON – Someone who attended an event last week at the state Supreme Court chambers has tested positive for COVID-19, but it wasn’t any court employee who works at the Capitol.
Ohio woman says fees charged for unpaid W.Va. Turnpike tolls are unlawful
CHARLESTON – An Ohio woman says the West Virginia Parkways Authority is charging unlawful administrative fees to people who don’t pay tolls while driving on the West Virginia Turnpike.
Judge backs up earlier ruling regarding holiday pay for Martinsburg firefighters
MARTINSBURG – A Berkeley County judge has denied the City of Martinsburg’s request to alert or amend an earlier order regarding pay for its firefighters.