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After over a year of work from local, state and federal government officials as well as private industry, the Grant County Ambulance’s new location in Mount Storm is offi cially providing 24/7 coverage to the area. On Dec. 9, Grant County Ambulance announced that the new facility was fully operational and was moving to 24- hour coverage, something that had not been available in that region prior.

“Up until today, crews were only able to be stationed on the mountain from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.” an ambulance representative announced on their social media. “With the opening of this station, coverage is now extended to 24 hours a day, ensuring faster response times and stronger service when it matters most. We’re proud to take this step forward for the citizens we serve.”

The new location sits on land that was donated to the county by Clearway Energy and the project received multiple funding grants, including from Senator Shelly Moore Capito’s offi ce. “In talking with our neighbors we realized that there was a conversation about timely ambulance care on the mountain,” said Dan Hendrick, Clearway’s head of external affairs earlier this year.

The community of Pendleton County has been watching for more than two years as allegations against Lawrence “Grasshopper” Puffenbarger work their way through the courts. A three-day jury trial has now been scheduled for this month in Hampshire County for the Franklin man accused of sexually abusing multiple children. The trial is set for December 17–19, following a lengthy series of pre-trial hearings, psychological evaluations, and a successful change-of-venue request. Puffenbarger, 61, faces seven felony counts of fi rst-degree sexual abuse, with alleged offenses spanning several years. The case has drawn signifi ant attention locally, where the defendant was a familiar presence within the community.

Last month, Grant County Chief Deputy B.W. Ours and Deputy C.L. Southerly were notified of a possible wanted subject in the area of McDonald’s in Petersburg. While en route, officers were provided the name of the individual, who was identified as Audrey Loretta Reed. Officers confirmed that Reed possessed active arrest warrants for three counts of possession of controlled substance through the Grant County Magistrate Court.

• West Virginia Theater East will present “Miracle on 34th Street” on Dec. 19-20 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 21 at 2 p.m. at the Landes Arts Center.
• Cookies with Santa at the Bayard Volunteer Fire Department on Dec. 20 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m
• Santa is coming to town on a motorcycle! Sunday, Dec. 21 at 1 p.m. Santa will be cruising through Petersburg neighborhoods and all major intersections in town. On Tuesday, Dec. 23, Santa will be at the American Legion from 5-7 p.m. for the annual toy giveaway,