Archived News

West Virginia University Extension Service has appointed Alexandria “Alex” (Straight) Smith as agricultural and natural resources agent in Hampshire and Hardy counties, effective November 15, 2017.

Straight joined WVU  Extension Service in 2007, most recently serving as the agricultural and natural resources agent for Ritchie County. Prior to that, she served as the agriculture and natural resources Extension agent for both Doddridge and Ritchie counties. Straight began her career with WVU Extension as a research assistant where she worked on a variety of experimental projects including soil compaction, mine reclamation soils and farmland fertility on permanent restoration pastures.

Morgantown, W.Va. -- West Virginia University Extension Service’s Families and Health faculty were nationally recognized for their dedication and commitment to meeting the needs of West Virginia individuals, families and communities at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Session.

The organization educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life across their states by providing education on food preparation, food safety and nutrition, financial management, healthy lifestyles, relationship and parenting skills, and more.

Morgantown, W.Va. – The West Virginia State Fire School is returning this year to ensure that West Virginia’s firefighters, from volunteer to full-time, get the most up-to-date training and certifications to keep their towns and communities safe. Best of all, it’s free to those firefighters that meet individual class prerequisites.

Hosted and organized by the West Virginia University Fire Service Extension, the school runs from Friday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 3 and will take place in the Morgantown area. Organizers claim the school is an opportunity for growth for all firefighters, with classes that cover everything from self-contained breathing apparatus to helicopter firefighting.

Morgantown, W.Va.— Bring friends and family to enjoy a seasonal feast at the 2017 Thanksgiving Buffet in the historic Mount Vernon Dining Hall at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill from 4:30 - 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17.

Admission is $14 for adults and $7 for youth ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and under eat free. Those who bring a canned food donation will receive $1 off per person.

Morgantown, W.Va. – WVU Extension Service’s McDowell County 4-H Agent, Donald Reed, has been elected to the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents board of trustees as the vice president of finance and operations.

In this appointment, Reed will oversee the expenses, income and investments of the association while continuing to serve in his current role in McDowell County. The organization reports over a million dollars in assets, and Reed will help three different conference groups maximize their professional development efforts while staying in budget.

Morgantown, W.Va.— Bring your family, friends, costumes and appetites to the Halloween Buffet at West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill on Sunday, Oct. 29 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Dining Hall.   

The cost is $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 4 to 12. Children 3 and under eat for free. No reservations are needed. Cash, check payments and credit cards are accepted at the door

It’s important to consider your child’s health when it comes to all the candy they will collect on Halloween. Not only do you need to inspect it for any tampering, but you need to consider what you will do with all of it. Experts suggest a good meal before trick-or-treating. Afterward, let your child pick a few favorite pieces, but then put away the rest. Allowing candy to sit out where children see it is often too tempting to pass up.

According to West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension experts, costumes aren’t always the scariest part of Halloween.

Morgantown, W.Va.— West Virginia University Extension Service Civic Engagement and Global Education Specialist Denis Scott was awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Service from Vietnam’s Minister of Education and Training.

Morgantown, W.Va.— Summer is over and the kids are back in school. For many families, it’s an exciting time—but for some children, it’s filled with anxiety as the transition brings several new changes in routine, according to former Monongalia County West Virginia University Extension Service Agent Eric Murphy.

“A lot of things are changing—from mealtimes and sleep schedules to meeting new teachers and classmates,” said Murphy. “While hearing complaints or seeing resistance from your children can be frustrating, it’s important to acknowledge their anxiety and find the root of the issue in order to help them adjust.”