Legend holds that the angel Gabriel, no less, once touted revered religious figure Muhammad on a dark, acidic mixture that the founder of Islam found refreshing and energizing. Some 16 centuries-and 40,000 Starbucks franchises-later, it seems safe to conclude that the drink has somewhat caught on. Consider that about 360 Million pounds of coffee beans…

The passage of the school funding bill should remove some of the  stress of whether Hancock County School Teachers and staff would be paid.  The bill  was amended in the Senate by 1st District Sen. Ryan Weld to add language that specifies that the 8 million  is a loan.  It’s simply a clarification  by way…

With 25 yays , 1 nay (Tarr) and 6 absent, HB 4575 passed the Senate Saturday morning. The Hancock County rescue bill contains $8 million in funding to assist any county experiencing financial distress, but it was created and sponsored by Del. Pat McGeehan to ensure teachers and staff in the county continue to receive…

If Your Party Is: You May Vote:Republican  RepublicanDemocratic  DemocraticMountain  Mountain (if available) or Non-PartisanLibertarian  Non-PartisanConstitution  Non-PartisanNone of the Parties Above  Non-Partisan, Democratic, or Mountain (if available)⚠ The Republican Party does not allow non-Republicans to vote their ballot.

IMPORTANT DATES Republican Meet the Candidate April 9, 2026  at  7pm   Cove Presbyterian Church   3404  Main  Street,  Weirton Democratic Meet the Candidate April 18, 2026  at  2pm  Millsop  Community Center   3420  Main  Street,  Weirton Last Day to Register to Vote or Change your voter Registration is  April 21, 2026 go online to  govotewv.com. or visit…

WVU Medicine University Health Associates (UHA) is highlighting the comprehensive pain management services available to patients in the Northern Panhandle through WVU Medicine, a regional leader in the treatment of acute & chronic pain. The clinic provides a wide array of advanced therapies for conditions including back injuries, arthritis, cancer-related pain and other chronic pain…

HB 4575, the $8 million dollar bill to aid Hancock County is currently on 2nd reading in the Senate. The bill, sponsored by Del. Pat McGeehan (R-1st), was fast tracked through the House of Delegates, along with HB 4574 which outlines criteria for receiving the rescue funding. The Senate is expected to convene at 11…

With incumbents Ed Fields and Jack Crow withdrawing from the Board of Education race, 8 candidates remain to vie for the 3 positions available. They are Zach Adams, Melissa Bane, David Brown, Seth Chevront, James Horstman, Curt Parkins, Michele Phillips and Jeff Woofter. Beginning Monday, Hometown News will feature each candidate with his/her photo and…

The Hancock County community is invited to come together for a fun and meaningful fundraiser at the Quarter Auction to Help Women in Need, taking place on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Hancock County Senior Center.This lively quarter auction combines affordable bidding with a powerful purpose: supporting women in need throughout…

The January meeting of the Alpha Tau chapter (WV) of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators was held at the Swaney Memorial Library in New Cumberland. The meeting was called to order by President Fran Jones.Chaplain Kathy Griffith gave a reading from Walking In Grace as the Thought for the Day. Mary…

The Commission is having the following workshops this Friday, February 20, 2026. Hancock County Park Board from 8:30 – 9:30 a.m. Commission only budget workshop from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The workshops will be located in the Commission Office

HB 4575, the bill providing $8 million in aid to school districts, passed Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday and is currently on 1st reading before the full Senate. Under normal Senate rules, the bill would advance to 2nd reading (amendment stage) on Thursday and progress to 3rd reading for passage on Friday. Sponsored by House…

Two incumbent Board of Education candidates have decided not to seek re-election. Three incumbent Board members had filed: Ed Fields, Jack Crow and James Horstman. Fields, who served as vice-president of the Board, was a long-time Board member serving in two separate terms years apart. Crow was appointed to the position upon the resignation of…

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 West Virginia Make It Shine Statewide Cleanup. This annual event is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) Program.The cleanup will be held April 6, 2026, through April 19, 2026. The Make It Shine program will provide…

WV Board of Education President Paul Hardesty provided a glimpse into why the State Board of Education did not report years of financial  non-compliance by former CFO Joe Campanelli to the Hancock Board of Education.  After all, the State Board’s mission displayed on their website is “general supervision, oversight and management”  of the State’s school…

On Sept 3, 1783, America officially evicted some 50,000 colorfully attired British regulars to establish her independence. Nearly two centuries later, England would reclaim the colonies-with a mop top army of exactly four, all girded in drab dress suits and skinny ties. Perhaps we were ripe for an up-tempo invasion, as 1963 Billboard charts spun…

Rachel Keeney, executive director of the CVB, attended the Hancock County Commissioners meeting February 11th to share with the Commission the digital image of the mural to be created for the America250 Mural Project. A statewide initiative to mark the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, the project celebrates West Virginia’s rich and local national heritage…

Emma Sue Stansbury, 18, is the daughter of Julie Stansbury and a resident of New Cumberland, West Virginia. Throughout her high school career, Emma has been actively involved in both school and community activities. She is a dedicated member of Key Club, Prom Committee, Pep Club, and the National Honor Society, and has served as…