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Puffenbarger convicted on sexual abuse charge, remanded to jail
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Petersburg Dairy Queen under new ownership after two decades
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New Petersburg Dairy Queen owners Rachel and Steven Schetrom with former owners Ray and Edna Dixon-Blum.
After more than 20 years, the Dairy Queen in Petersburg is now under new ownership.
Built over 70 years ago by the Sites family, the Dairy Queen has been a steadfast place for not only a quick bite to eat, but also family celebrations for decades.
“In the beginning, it was just a little walk-up Dairy Queen,” explained Ray Blum, who has owned the restaurant for 21 years. “Then, over time, they added more pieces, like the dining room and kitchen. Then when we bought it, we added a drive-thru.” Despite his career starting with the United States Forest Service, Blum has run multiple restaurants, including managing Pizza Hut and later opening Ponderosa Steakhouse before fi nally purchasing Dairy Queen.
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Puffenbarger trial began this week in Hampshire County
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Lawrence “Grasshopper” Puffenbarger’s jury trial is set to run this week in Hampshire County Circuit Court. This follows more than two years of pretrial proceedings. Puffenbarger is charged with several felony counts of fi rst-degree sexual abuse involving juvenile victims. He has pleaded not guilty and remains presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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Commission hears discussion from local farmers on dog pound and airport hay fi elds
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The Grant County Commission has been engaged in an ongoing discussion about potentially extending the length of time two pieces of county-owned land are contracted to local farmers for hay harvesting. The topic concerns county-owned land near the Grant County Airport and the Grant County Dog Pound.
Both areas are put out to bid each year, with the highest bidder winning the right to harvest the land for hay for the season. The conversation, which started as a simple request, highlights just how much science and experience goes into the work of a farmer.
During the Jan. 27 commission meeting, one of the farmers requested the county consider extending the length of time the bids are submitted for from one year to up to three or fi ve years. The idea being that if the farmer who wins the bid is guaranteed a longer harvest time from the land, they would be able to fertilize the soil. This would not only increase their harvested yield but also improve the overall health of the land.
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Former officer pleads guilty to illegally hunting
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A former West Virginia Division of Natural Resources(DNR) offi cer has pleaded guilty to multiple hunting-related charges originating from a series of wildlife violations during the 2025 deer hunting season, according to Grant County Magistrate Court records.
On February 18, Daniel Raymond Alt admitted to several misdemeanor charges brought by the DNR. These included illegal possession of wildlife, hunting deer after legal hours, using artifi cial light while hunting, and hunting from a vehicle.
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Circuit Judge has denied a suppression motion in a Grant County drug case, plea hearing scheduled
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The felony drug case against Earlie Thomas Wimer is moving forward after a Grant County Circuit Court judge ruled that evidence from a search of Wimer’s home is admissible at trial. Wimer was indicted in November 2025 on one count of Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, a felony under West Virginia Code.
The indictment alleges that on or about June 27, 2025, Wimer possessed about one-half ounce of methamphetamine, along with digital scales, plastic bags, and zip ties, indicating intent to distribute. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on November 17, 2025.
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Create a Keepsake: Spring Sports Well Wishes for Student Athletes
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JUNIOR VIKINGS SHINE AT INAUGURAL PVL WRESTLING TOURNAMENT
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The junior Vikings made one last trip to Franklin to finish off the season with the first ever Potomac Valley League Wrestling Tournament. With the addition of middle school programs at Keyser and Frankfort this year, it was possible to create the tournament along side Petersburg, Pendleton County, East Hardy, and Warm Springs.
It has been a long 3 months for the young group who were excited to compete one last time for the season.
At 70 lbs., Jaxon Wichael finished in 2nd Place. Jaxon finishes his first year of wrestling with 11 wins and a promising future in the sport.
Savannah Fritz competed at 94 lbs. and finished in 3rd Place with 2 wins on the day. The rookie finishes her first year on a high note and 8 wins on the season.
Sheldon Delawder saved his best wrestling for the end. Another rookie, he went 4-1 to place 2nd at 102 lbs. He finishes with 12 wins.
Connor Carlon competed at 110 lbs. and ends his strong season with 14 matches won.
Ayden Callixte proved to be the standard at 123 lbs. Ayden went 3-for-3 on the day to become the schools first PVL Champion. The 8th grader completes the first undefeated season in program history with a 26-0 season and will be a great addition to the varsity program next year.
At 135 lbs., Noah Rumfelt finished his tournament in 2nd Place after picking up 3 wins on the day. In his second year of wrestling, Noah won 18 matches.
Charlie Roby finishes his second season at 145 lbs., having won 9 matches.
Bentley Judy brought home 2nd Place at 190 lbs. He finishes his season with a great 24-3 record and will be another exciting addition to the varsity squad next year.
Other members of the team not able to compete were Ava Ault and Victoria Appold.
With only 3 returning from last year and plenty of the team wrestling for the first time, it was a great season for the team. The progress from the first match to the last has been incredible and it speaks volumes to the work these young men and women have put in over the last few months. If you see one of them, congratulate them on a great season. As their coach, I could not be prouder of them and am truly excited to see what the future holds for them both on and off the mat. We will do it again in November!
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WARD BREAKS SCORING RECORD IN UNION’S 55–47 WIN OVER TYGARTS VALLEY
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Braylon Ward delivered a performance to remember Saturday night, scoring 26 points to lead Union to a 55–47 road win over Tygarts Valley while becoming the program’s all-time leading scorer.
The junior guard connected on five three-pointers and went 13-of-14 from the free-throw line, breaking the school’s career scoring record and pushing his career total to 1,333 points.
Union and Tygarts Valley traded baskets early in a tightly contested first quarter, with both teams looking to establish tempo. Ward knocked down a pair of three-pointers in the opening period to spark the Tigers’ offense, while Corbin Streets and Eric Linkswiler controlled the paint on both ends of the floor.
The Tigers began to gain separation in the second quarter behind efficient shooting and steady ball movement. Ward continued to attack the basket and draw fouls, helping Union build a slim halftime advantage.
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Lady Vikings win fourth straight with victories over Moorefield, Spring Mills
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2/12/26
Petersburg High School girls’ basketball team made the short trip to Moorefield Thursday night and used a strong defensive effort to earn a 56 – 40 victory over their rivals. The Lady Vikings forced 26 Lady Jacket turnovers in the win.
Petersburg set the tone early, outscoring Moorefield 15 – 4 in the opening quarter. Sis Cole had six points in the period to lead the Vikings.
Moorefield opened the second quarter on a 6 – 0 run to cut the Petersburg lead to five and force coach Jon Webster to call a time out with 6:45 remaining in the half. The Lady Vikings responded, ending the quarter on a 20 – 4 run to take a commanding 35 – 14 lead to the locker room.
The two teams traded baskets for most of the third quarter, with Petersburg edging Moorefield by one, to extend their lead to 22 heading into the final quarter.
The Lady Jackets opened the fourth period on a 14 – 3 run, cutting Petersburg’s lead to 11 with 3:01 remaining in the contest. The Lady Vikings regrouped and outscored Moorefield 7 – 2 the rest of the way to secure the victory.
Karlie DiBenedetto led Petersburg with 13 points. Cole added 12 points, while Shyane Tawney finished with eight points and eight assists. Addison Day and Miley Tingler each scored six points.
2/14/26
The Petersburg Lady Vikings traveled to Martinsburg Saturday morning for a noon tip against the Class AAAA Cardinals of Spring Mills High School. Springs Mills led 7 – 6 with 2:27 left in the opening quarter, but that would be the last time the Cardinals were in front as Petersburg cruised to decisive 62 – 21 victory.
The Lady Vikings closed the opening quarter on an 8 – 0 run to lead 14 – 7 after eight minutes of play. Miley Tingler scored six points in the quarter to pace Petersburg.
Petersburg took control in second period, opening the quarter on a 19 – 3 run to take a commanding 33 – 10 advantage. The Vikings led 33 – 14 at the break.
The Lady Vikings did not slow down in the third quarter, outscoring Spring Mills 20 – 2 to make the score 53 – 16 with eight minutes to play.
In the fourth quarter, Petersburg outscored the Cardinals 9 – 3 to cap the win. Teila Thorne scored four points in the frame to lead the Lady Vikings.
Tingler finished with 14 points, eight rebounds, and five steals. Shyane Tawney added 11 points, six assists, and four steals. Ayden Mayfield contributed eight points, while Sis Cole added six.
The win is the fourth in a row for the Lady Vikings, improving their record to 11 – 6 on the season.
Petersburg played host to South Harrison Monday night. They will travel to Tucker County Thursday evening before returning home on Saturday for a matchup with Pendleton County.
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