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  • Greenbrier Journal

    Welcome to the Greenbrier Journal. We are a news publishing business located right here in Greenbrier County, West Virginia. Our mission is simple: to cover local news and politics. Signing up is completely FREE, so get started today.

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    Greenbrier Journal News Articles
    • Politics & Opinions

      GreenbrierJ

      The Greenbrier County Republican Club recently held its monthly meeting on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the fellowship hall of the Old Stone Presbyterian Church. The evening was marked by the presence of Senator Ryan Weld, who graced the gathering as the guest speaker. Senator Weld is a candidate for the Republican nomination for West Virginia Attorney General in the forthcoming 2024 elections. This event continued the club's tradition of hosting statewide candidates at their monthly meetings, offering attendees unique insights into Senator Weld's vision and plans for the Attorney General's office.
      One key focus of the Greenbrier County Republican Club is strengthening community engagement. Club President, Gordon, emphasized the importance of becoming more involved in local activities. He suggested that every member of the club, and even local citizens, should serve as ambassadors, promoting the county to businesses and investors.
      In line with this mission, the club is working in collaboration with the Greenbrier County Democratic Women's Club to organize a charitable food drive. The food drive aims to provide support to local food banks and contribute to the well-being of the community during the holiday season.
      The club is gearing up for a December 8th dinner event, a significant highlight on their calendar. This dinner will closely resemble their successful spring dinner, with a few exciting additions. The event is open to club members and the wider community, with club members benefiting from a discounted ticket price.
      The evening will begin with a member-exclusive mixer at 5:15 PM, providing an opportunity to interact with candidates, elected officials, and other notable individuals. Dinner will be served at 6:00 PM, and the guest speaker for the evening will be Elgine McArdle, the GOP State Party Chair. Her speech will focus on the upcoming 2024 elections and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
      The club is also looking to streamline membership processes and build a year-round membership model. Currently, members pay their dues annually towards the end of the year, causing issues for those interested in joining at different times. The club aims to transition to a system where members can join at any time, providing a more convenient and flexible option.
      Membership dues for the Greenbrier County Republican Club will remain unchanged. An individual membership costs $20, while a family membership is available for $30. With a new online system in development, the club seeks to simplify payments and maintain a consistent and robust membership throughout the year.
      The club is encouraging members to volunteer and get involved in various committees, including the planning committee for the December dinner. The committee traditionally responsible for the dinner event hopes to welcome new faces and fresh ideas to help continue the tradition.
      In addition to supporting the December dinner, members can also get involved with the audit committee. This committee oversees the club's financial records, ensuring they are accurate and complete. Volunteering for the audit committee is an excellent way to contribute to the club's integrity and financial transparency.
      As the club looks ahead to 2024, there are discussions about the significance of the primary election filing period, which occurs in January. Local offices, including County Commission, House, Senate, and Board of Education positions, will be open for filing. Club members are encouraged to be mindful of the filing periods and eligibility criteria, as these local offices play crucial roles in shaping the community and its future.
      Overall, the Greenbrier County Republican Club is gearing up for a productive year. By prioritizing community engagement, supporting charitable initiatives, streamlining membership processes, and fostering participation in local elections, the club aims to make a positive impact on the community and help West Virginia thrive.
      With these initiatives in motion, the club's agenda for 2024 is set, and members are encouraged to get involved, make their voices heard, and help shape the future of Greenbrier County.
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    • Church News

      GreenbrierJ

      ClearView Fellowship's Annual Fall Festival, held at the West Virginia Building in the State Fairgrounds, exceeded all expectations yesterday evening with a record-breaking turnout. The event, which took place from 3 pm to 6 pm on November 5, attracted community members of all ages for an afternoon of festivities and generosity.
      From the moment the doors swung open at 3 pm, the atmosphere in the West Virginia Building was charged with excitement. The event promised an array of free offerings, and attendees were not disappointed. Among the highlights were complimentary toboggans, gloves, and socks for kids, ensuring they are well-equipped for the upcoming winter season.
      The generosity extended to free shoes and haircuts for children, as well as an assortment of engaging activities like face painting, crafts, and blowups. Families were delighted to find an abundance of free food, adding to the festive spirit of the occasion.
      ClearView Fellowship's Fall Festival was not just about freebies; it also served as a platform for community engagement. Various local community groups were present, offering valuable information about their services and initiatives. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with these organizations, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the community.
      The event's success can be attributed not only to the generosity of ClearView Fellowship but also to the collaborative efforts of volunteers and local businesses that supported the cause. Their dedication helped create a memorable experience for everyone who attended.
      As the event came to a close at 6 pm, attendees left with not only free items but also a sense of warmth and camaraderie. ClearView Fellowship's Annual Fall Festival not only brightened the lives of many families but also exemplified the power of community coming together to support one another.
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    • National & World News

      GreenbrierJ

      In a biannual ritual, millions of people across the country turned back their clocks today as Daylight Saving Time (DST) came to an end. As the first Sunday in November arrived, residents set their clocks back one hour, gaining an extra hour of sleep. While some celebrated the opportunity for a little extra shut-eye, others lamented the earlier arrival of darkness in the evening. Daylight Saving Time, a practice aimed at conserving energy and making better use of daylight during the summer months, will resume on the second Sunday of March in 2024, bringing longer days and the promise of spring.
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    • Entertainment News

      GreenbrierJ

      Carnegie Hall Classes and Workshops are designed to enlighten and inspire learners of all ages. On Tuesday, November 14 and Thursday, November 16 (Session 1) or Tuesday, December 5 and Thursday, December 7 (Session 2), Carnegie will offer Barn Quilt Painting with Jane DeGroot with Wren’s Nest Studio.
      The two-day workshop will teach students to make a beautiful barn quilt and is perfect for an actual barn or display inside as nostalgic décor. Participants will be able to select from several basic quilt block designs to transfer to a 2x2 prepared board, while learning tips and tricks for taping and painting each pattern. Students should bring their own sample size range of colors from Valspar or similar brand. Info will be given on how to seal for outside weatherproofing. This will be a fun class for beginners.
      Classes will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Carnegie Hall’s Art Studio located on the 3rd floor. Cost for each session is $125 for members and $155 for nonmembers, and class size is limited. Participants must be 12 years of age or older.
      For a complete list of classes and workshops and to enroll visit carnegiehallwv.org/classes-and-workshops or pick up a Classes & Workshops brochure at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, West Virginia.
      Carnegie Hall is a nonprofit organization supported by individual contributions, grants, and fundraising efforts such as TOOT and The Carnegie Hall Gala. The Hall is located at 611 Church Street, Lewisburg, WV.  For more information, please call 304.645.7917 or visit www.carnegiehallwv.org.
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    • Entertainment News

      GreenbrierJ

      The State Fair of West Virginia is once again embracing the holiday spirit as it proudly announces its 13th Annual Christmas Barn Decorating Contest at the State Fairgrounds in Lewisburg. This cherished tradition, which has been growing in popularity each year, allows businesses, non-profits, school-based groups, and civic organizations the opportunity to showcase their creativity by transforming one of ten horse barns located adjacent to Route 219 North into festive holiday displays.
      "With Christmas at the Fair growing every year, thousands of people are seeing the hard work and creativity organizations put into decorating the barns," said State Fair CEO Kelly Collins. "We can’t wait to see what folks come up with this year and hope to have all 10 barns decorated."
      Judging the competition will be a private panel of individuals from the local community, who will assess the barns' decorations based on creativity, originality, and overall presentation. The winning entry will receive a cash prize of $300, while the second and third place winners will be awarded $200 and $100, respectively. This friendly competition encourages participants to go all out in making their barns a sight to behold during the holiday season.
      It's important to note that only the east end of the barns should be decorated, and all decorating work must be completed by 5:00 pm on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Participants are encouraged to bring their own holiday decorations and lights to bring their festive vision to life.
      If you're interested in joining this exciting contest, you can obtain an application by calling 304-645-1090 or emailing [email protected]. Barn assignments will be made on a first-come-first-serve basis, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, November 10, 2023, so be sure to act quickly to secure your spot in this annual holiday tradition.
      The State Fair of West Virginia is known for its commitment to the traditions of agriculture, family entertainment, and education. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, the fair has a substantial statewide economic impact, contributing approximately $16.9 million to West Virginia's economy. The 99th annual State Fair of West Virginia is scheduled for August 8-17, 2024, offering ten days of fun, entertainment, and educational experiences for visitors of all ages.
      For more information about the Christmas Barn Decorating Contest or the State Fair of West Virginia, please visit www.statefairofwv.com. Get ready to celebrate the holiday season in style and be part of this longstanding Lewisburg tradition!

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    • Local News

      GreenbrierJ

      The Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce that Travis Devonte Fernatt, the individual sought in connection with a recent incident, has been taken into custody. The arrest occurred on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, in the Ronceverte area of Greenbrier County, West Virginia.
      The Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office would like to express its gratitude to the multiple Federal, State, County, and Municipal law-enforcement agencies and Task Forces that collaborated in the effort to locate and apprehend Fernatt. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office extends its thanks to the numerous citizens who provided valuable information that ultimately led to his arrest.
      The incident had been an ongoing investigation that involved warrants for two counts of attempted murder of a police officer and presentation of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Fernatt, aged 25, hailing from Crichton, WV, was described as a black male, 5'9" tall, and weighing approximately 175 lbs. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly seen wearing a blue hoodie with black pants.
      While Fernatt is now in custody, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are still interested in gathering additional information related to the incident. Therefore, if you have any details or leads pertaining to this case, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office.
      Travis Fernatt should be considered armed and dangerous, and members of the public are advised not to approach him directly. If you have any information regarding his possible location or any other relevant details, please contact the Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office at 681-318-3493 or the Greenbrier County 911 Center. Your assistance is invaluable, and your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
      The Greenbrier County Sheriff's Office will continue to update the public as the investigation unfolds, and we thank everyone for their support and cooperation during this ongoing case.

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    • Local News

      GreenbrierJ

      At approximately 11:14 AM, an emergency call was received by the Greenbrier County 911 center, reporting a structure fire near Maxwelton. In response to the incident, multiple local fire departments, including FrankFord, Lewisburg, Fairlea, White Sulphur Springs, and Anthony Creek, swiftly mobilized. White Sulphur Springs EMS also responded to the scene.
      Tragically, one individual lost their life in the fire. The cause of the fire remains under active investigation by the authorities.
      During these challenging times, our thoughts and prayers go out to the affected family and everyone involved. We extend our deepest sympathies and support to all those affected by this devastating incident.
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    • Government News

      GreenbrierJ

      The City of Lewisburg, under the guidance of the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, has issued a Boil Water Advisory for residents in the vicinity of 400 Lee St and 1315 N Jefferson St to 1457. This advisory comes as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of residents following recent developments.
      Residents residing in the affected areas are urged to take immediate precautions as the City of Lewisburg initiates a Boil Water Advisory. The advisory, issued on October 31st, 2023, remains in effect until further notice.
      Safety Precautions:
      Do Not Consume Tap Water: Under this advisory, it is of utmost importance that residents do not consume tap water without properly boiling it first. Boiling Procedure: When boiling water, bring it to a rolling boil and maintain this for at least one minute. After boiling, allow the water to cool before using it for any purpose, be it drinking, cooking, or other household activities. Bottled Water: Alternatively, residents may use bottled water as a safe and convenient substitute during the advisory period. The Boil Water Advisory pertains specifically to the following areas: 400 Lee St and 1315 N Jefferson St to 1457
      Residents within this zone are urged to adhere to the safety guidelines and rely on boiled or bottled water for all their water-related needs, including drinking, ice making, dishwashing, teeth brushing, and food preparation.
      It is important to note that this Boil Water Advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news sources, official announcements, and the City of Lewisburg's official website and social media channels.
      City officials, in conjunction with the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management, will closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary. The safety of residents is their top priority, and they will work diligently to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
      For additional information or inquiries, residents may contact the Greenbrier County Homeland Security and Emergency Management office or the City of Lewisburg directly. Contact details are available on the official city website.
      The City of Lewisburg is committed to ensuring the health and well-being of its residents, and this Boil Water Advisory is a proactive step in that direction. We encourage all affected residents to take this advisory seriously and follow the recommended safety guidelines until the all-clear signal is given. Your safety and health are our top priorities.
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    • Government News

      GreenbrierJ

      In a recent development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to consumers regarding the purchase and use of specific over-the-counter eye drop products from several major brands. This alert comes after the FDA's discovery of potential bacterial contamination, posing a risk of eye infections that could lead to partial vision loss or blindness.
      The FDA has expanded the list of eye drop products that consumers should not purchase or use to now include the Equate Hydration PF Lubricant Eye Drop 10 mL, which is sold exclusively by Walmart in both physical stores and online. As a result of the FDA's warning, Walmart has taken swift action by removing this product from their store shelves and website.
      On October 27, 2023, the FDA initially warned consumers against purchasing and immediately discontinued using 26 over-the-counter eye drop products from major brands, including:
      CVS Health Leader (Cardinal Health) Rugby (Cardinal Health) Rite Aid Target Up & Up Velocity Pharma Walmart Equate The affected products from these brands are marketed under various names and are intended to be sterile. Ophthalmic drug products, such as eye drops, are of particular concern as they carry an elevated risk of harm due to their direct application to the eyes, bypassing certain natural defenses.
      The FDA recommended the recall of all lots of these eye drops on October 25, 2023, after agency investigators uncovered unsanitary conditions in the manufacturing facility and identified positive bacterial test results from environmental sampling in critical drug production areas.
      In response to the FDA's warning, several major retailers have taken prompt action to protect consumers:
      CVS, Rite Aid, and Target have removed the implicated products from their store shelves and websites. Products sold under the Leader, Rugby, and Velocity brands may still be available for purchase both in physical stores and online, but consumers are advised not to purchase them. It is crucial for consumers who have already used these products and experience signs or symptoms of an eye infection to consult their healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention. However, as of now, the FDA has not received any reports of adverse events or eye infections associated with these products.
      The FDA encourages healthcare professionals and patients to report any adverse events or quality problems related to these eye drop products to the FDA's MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program. Reports can be submitted online through the Medwatch website, or by downloading and completing a form and faxing it to 1-800-FDA-0178.
      This FDA warning serves as a reminder to consumers to remain vigilant about the products they use and to promptly heed any safety advisories issued by regulatory agencies. Your eye health is of utmost importance, and the FDA is committed to ensuring that the products available to consumers meet the highest safety standards.
      Source: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-warns-consumers-not-purchase-or-use-certain-eye-drops-several-major-brands-due-risk-eye
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    • Local News

      GreenbrierJ

      The City of Ronceverte held a ceremony at Ronceverte's Island Park to unveil brand-new playground equipment that has been installed over the past week. The new equipment replaces an aging playground that had fallen into disrepair, with broken windows and a malfunctioning slide that could no longer be fixed due to the unavailability of replacement parts.
      Mayor Deena Pack expressed her excitement about the new addition, stating, "The reason that we're doing this is for these guys, right. And the best part about this playground is that it's going. It's not just for kids; it's for everyone to enjoy."
      The project was made possible through a combination of funding sources, including the city's contributions and grants, with a special mention to the Mary McLeese Foundation for their generous support. City Administrator Pam Mentz, the city council, city staff, and local residents were all acknowledged for their collective efforts in bringing the new playground to fruition.
      In addition to the main playground equipment, a companion swing was dedicated in honor of a special lady, Miss Mary McLeese. The swing was made possible through the Mary McLeese Foundation's assistance, ensuring that Miss Mary's memory will live on in the park for years to come.
      The project's timeline dates back several years when the need for a replacement playground became apparent. Mayor Pack revealed that the old equipment had been deteriorating, and it became impossible to find the required replacement parts. Community members had long been advocating for a new playground, and their wishes were finally realized with the installation of the modern equipment.
      While the exact cost of the project was not provided during the ceremony, Mayor Pack mentioned that a mixture of funding sources was used. This included American Rescue Plan funds, grant money, and contributions from the city.
      The newly installed playground equipment not only enhances the recreational opportunities for the city's youth but also offers a new gathering place for the entire community to enjoy. The spacious, inviting play area is designed to accommodate children of various age groups and is expected to become a hub for outdoor activities and family fun in Ronceverte.
      As residents and visitors flocked to the park to witness the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation. The playground's fresh and vibrant appearance is sure to bring smiles and laughter to the faces of those who visit Ronceverte's Island Park, serving as a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared vision and dedication.

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