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Governor Patrick Morrisey Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Governor and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller

Governor Patrick Morrisey Orders Flags Lowered to Half-Staff in Honor of Former Governor and U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued a proclamation ordering United States and West Virginia flags at the State Capitol Complex and all state-owned facilities across West Virginia to be flown at half-staff. This directive is in honor of former Governor and U.S. Senator John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV, who passed away at the age of 89. The flags will remain at half-staff from the date of the proclamation through sunrise on Friday, November 13, 2026. Governor Morrisey stated that West Virginia has lost a man who devoted much of his life to serving the state and its people, acknowledging Rockefeller's nearly five-decade career in public service, which included two terms as governor and 30 years in the U.S. Senate. He extended condolences to Rockefeller's family.
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West Virginia Democratic Party Mourns Passing of Former Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV

West Virginia Democratic Party Mourns Passing of Former Senator John D. "Jay" Rockefeller IV

The West Virginia Democratic Party announced the passing of former Governor and United States Senator John D. “Jay” Rockefeller IV at the age of 89. Senator Rockefeller, who died on Friday, is remembered for his extensive public service career dedicated to improving the lives of West Virginians and Americans. Born into a prominent family, he chose a path of public service, beginning as a VISTA volunteer in West Virginia in 1964. His career included serving in the West Virginia House of Delegates, as Secretary of State, as Governor from 1977 to 1985, and as a U.S. Senator for 30 years, from 1985 until his retirement in 2015. The party highlighted his commitment to the struggles of working families and his efforts to turn compassion into action throughout his political career.
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John D. Rockefeller IV, Former West Virginia Governor and Senator, Dies at 89

John D. Rockefeller IV, Former West Virginia Governor and Senator, Dies at 89

John D. Rockefeller IV, widely known as Jay, a prominent figure in West Virginia politics and a member of the famed Rockefeller family, has died at the age of 89. Mr. Rockefeller served two terms as West Virginia's governor from 1977 to 1985 and subsequently spent 30 years as a U.S. Senator. A Democrat in a family traditionally associated with wealthy Republicans, he made healthcare expansion a central part of his political career. He was a key supporter of President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton’s 1993 healthcare plan and later co-authored legislation creating the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which provides coverage for millions of low-income children. He also championed extended care services for veterans and voted for the Affordable Care Act in 2010. His commitment to healthcare stemmed from his early experiences as a social worker in Appalachia, where he witnessed the struggles of children without access to basic medical care.
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Governor Morrisey Announces Plan to Restore Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Morrisey Announces Plan to Restore Labor and Delivery Services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced a new partnership between Vandalia Health and the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) to restore labor and delivery services at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Lewisburg, W.Va. This initiative comes approximately six months after the medical center ceased hospital-based deliveries, which had limited options for expectant mothers in the Greenbrier Valley. The plan includes re-establishing obstetric services at the Ronceverte-area hospital, creating a freestanding birthing center, and expanding physician training opportunities. Governor Morrisey also highlighted a $4 million award from the state's Rural Health Transformation Program to support these efforts. Additionally, he discussed West Virginia's participation in the federal Transforming Maternal Health model, a program launched in 2023 that provides up to $17 million over ten years to enhance maternal health services, focusing on patient safety, provider coordination, workforce development, and te...
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Governor Patrick Morrisey Secures Over $3 Million for Beech Bottom Water Infrastructure Upgrades

Governor Patrick Morrisey Secures Over $3 Million for Beech Bottom Water Infrastructure Upgrades

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey recently visited Beech Bottom to announce over $3 million in state funding for two critical water infrastructure projects in the village. The most urgent project involves repairing and restoring the village's two existing water tanks, one of which has been out of operation for over a year, and the other experiencing a critical leak since August. Mayor Becky Uhlly emphasized the immediate need for these repairs to ensure water supply for the village. The second project includes a water line extension and the construction of a new 200,000-gallon water tank. While $400,000 of the $600,000 needed for this second project has been secured, the village is still working to fill the funding gap before bidding can commence.
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Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

Former Senator Jay Rockefeller IV, Heir to Prominent Dynasty, Dies at 89

John D. 'Jay' Rockefeller IV, a former Democratic senator who represented West Virginia for three decades, passed away on Friday at his Washington home at the age of 89. His family did not disclose the cause of death. Senator Rockefeller was a notable advocate for expanding healthcare access for the impoverished and was a critic of President George W. Bush's handling of the Iraq War. He served five six-year terms in the Senate from January 1985 to January 2015, following two terms as West Virginia's governor. Born in New York, he was the great-grandson of oil magnate John D. Rockefeller, and came from a family with a significant political and business legacy, including his uncle Nelson Rockefeller, who served as New York governor and Vice President, and his uncle David Rockefeller, who led Chase Manhattan Bank. His political career began after participating in a national service program in West Virginia's rural communities, leading to his election to the state legislature in 1966 and as secretary of state ...
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FirstEnergy Corp. Reports Strong Q3 Earnings and Reaffirms Growth Outlook Amidst Increased Investment Plans

FirstEnergy Corp. Reports Strong Q3 Earnings and Reaffirms Growth Outlook Amidst Increased Investment Plans

FirstEnergy Corp. Reports Strong Q3 Earnings and Reaffirms Growth Outlook Amidst Increased Investment Plans
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Governor Patrick Morrisey Launches $3.2 Million Water Filtration Initiative in West Virginia

Governor Patrick Morrisey Launches $3.2 Million Water Filtration Initiative in West Virginia

Governor Patrick Morrisey has announced a $3.2 million water filtration initiative aimed at providing clean drinking water to approximately 5,000 homes in McDowell and Mingo counties, West Virginia. This initiative is expected to benefit around 10,000 residents who currently rely on private wells, springs, and cisterns. The plan involves the installation of household water filtration systems, a year's supply of replacement filters, and settling tanks for homes with heavy iron issues. Of the total funding, $1.2 million is allocated to 1,000 households facing the most severe water problems, with the remaining $2 million supporting an additional 4,000 homes. The announcement follows a 'water listening tour' conducted by Governor Morrisey.
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West Virginia State Parks Offer 50% Lodging Discount for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

West Virginia State Parks Offer 50% Lodging Discount for Veterans and Active-Duty Military

West Virginia State Parks Offer 50% Lodging Discount for Veterans and Active-Duty Military
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Governor Morrisey Announces 52 New Opportunity Zones in West Virginia to Spur Investment and Job Creation

Governor Morrisey Announces 52 New Opportunity Zones in West Virginia to Spur Investment and Job Creation

Governor Morrisey Announces 52 New Opportunity Zones in West Virginia to Spur Investment and Job Creation
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Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV

Marathon Petroleum Corporation Seeks Terminal Operator in Charleston, WV
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Mission West Virginia Recognized as 2026 Angel in Adoption, Nominated by Rep. Carol Miller

Mission West Virginia Recognized as 2026 Angel in Adoption, Nominated by Rep. Carol Miller

Mission West Virginia has been honored as a 2026 Angel in Adoption by the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI). The organization received this national recognition after being nominated by Rep. Carol Miller. The award ceremony took place in Washington on September 29, where Mission West Virginia's Executive Director Kelly Thompson and FrameWorks Director Rachel Kinder accepted the honor. During their visit to the capital, Thompson and Kinder engaged with staff from the offices of Rep. Miller and Sens. Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice. These meetings focused on discussing the needs of West Virginia's children and families, particularly concerning foster care, adoption, and kinship care, and strategizing on how to address these needs effectively. Mission West Virginia expressed gratitude to Rep. Miller for her nomination and to CCAI for the recognition, emphasizing that the award reflects the collective commitment of their team and partners.