How sports are shaping travel plans
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Keith-Albee adding Founders Club thanks to $500,000 donation
A donation of $500,000 is leading to the creation of a Founders Club in the space next to the venue. The club will consist of two floors with a speakeasy in the basement. The space could also be used to host wedding receptions and other celebrations. The hope is the new Founders Club will be able to open early next year.
It was announced Wednesday morning that a donation of $500,000 is leading to the creation of a Founders Club in the space next to the venue.
The idea is to create a VIP experience before events.
The space could also be used to host wedding receptions and other celebrations.
The plan is for it to be open to the public the rest of the time.
This was all made possible, thanks to a $500,000 pledge from Huntington native Berridge Long Copen, whose family owned the land where the theater stands.
“Many of the theaters through the country have a club or Founders Club or a place you can go beforehand,” said Bob Plymale, the president of the theater’s board of directors. “Then you can go into the theater later. We think this adds a great value to the Keith-Albee and is a good use of this space.”
The club will consist of two floors with a speakeasy in the basement, Plymale said.
“Providing a palace of the arts is only going to bring everyone together but also show how important the arts can be for unity in the community,” said Mark Copen, who is Berridge’s son.
The hope is the new Founders Club will be able to open early next year, and they’re expecting to be able to hold events at the theater by late summer this year.
Copyright 2025 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
WVDNR asks public to leave young wildlife alone
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminded the public to leave young wildlife alone as handling them can harm the animal, spread diseases or break the law. Officials said contact increases the chance of spreading diseases and parasites such as rabies, ticks, Lyme disease and roundworms. Fines of $20 to $300 and possible jail time of up to 100 days may be given for the unlawful possession of a fawn, bird, squirrel, bear cub.
“Watching wildlife is one of the many joys of being outdoors in West Virginia,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion said. “But for the safety of everyone and the preservation of our natural resources, it’s always best to leave young wildlife alone.”
According to officials, interacting with young animals can leave behind a human scent which may attract predators and put the animal at risk.
They said contact increases the chance of spreading diseases and parasites such as rabies, ticks, Lyme disease and roundworms.
“We get a lot of calls this time of year about fawns, birds and baby rabbits that people think are abandoned or injured,” Vinnie Johnson, WVDNR wildlife biologist said. “Most of the time, those animals are doing exactly what nature intended.”
Officials say does often leave their fawns for up to eight hours a day while they search for food and fawns rely on their camouflaged coats and lack of scent in order to stay safe.
“Wanting to help is a natural instinct, but when it comes to young wildlife, the best way to show that you care is to leave them there,” Johnson said.
The WVDNR is also reminding the public that it is illegal to possess wild animals without a permit.
Fines of $20 to $300 and possible jail time of up to 100 days may be given for the unlawful possession of a fawn, bird, squirrel, bear cub or other wildlife.
Keep checking the WSAZ App for the latest information.
Copyright 2025 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
InvestigateTV+: What would happen to America if GPS went down?
InvestigateTV+ gets insight into a solution that could be key to keeping the signals going. Health experts warn, parents are under pressure and need support. Plus, meet a teen who used his differences to inspire a playground.
Then, as health experts warn, parents are under pressure and need support, we hear from moms who say the antidote to the modern-day stressors isn’t perfection but connection.
Plus, meet a teen who used his differences to inspire a playground that accommodates children of all abilities.
Copyright 2025 Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
U.S. 35 reopen after multi-vehicle crash
NEW: Officials say all lanes of U.S. 35 are back open Wednesday morning. The crash was reported before 6:30 p.m. at mile-marker 2.59. The wreck involves three tractor-trailers. Several injuries were reported, but the extent of them is unknown.
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – Officials say all lanes of U.S. 35 are back open Wednesday morning after a multi-vehicle crash involving three semis.
ORIGINAL STORY
MASON COUNTY, W.Va. (WSAZ) – U.S. 35 is closed Tuesday evening in Mason County near Jeffers Ridge Road, just north of the Putnam County line, after a crash, West Virginia 511 reported.
The crash was reported before 6:30 p.m. at mile-marker 2.59.
According to the West Virginia Department of Transportation, the wreck involves three tractor-trailers.
Mason County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Chris Zerkle said several injuries were reported. The extent of injuries is unknown now.
He said a semi rolled over, which caused other crashes.
According to WV 511, all lanes are closed.
Zerkle advised drivers to avoid that area, saying it’s not clear how long it will remain closed.
First responders at the scene include the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, West Virginia State Police, the Point Pleasant Fire Department and Mason County EMS. State DOH crews also responded
As of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, the road remained closed.
Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.
Copyright 2025 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
Paintsville Pool expected to re-open this summer
The Paintsville Pool has been closed for five summers. Inspectors deemed the facilities at the pool as unsafe. Mayor Bill Runyon says they are finally expecting to re-open this summer. There are plans to add a splash pad in the fall.
Paintsville resident Jasmine Wells used to swim at the Paintsville Pool, and now she’s thrilled to take her son there.
“I was there every day growing up. It was a bummer when they closed it. Knowing they’re going to open it and him still being young enough to have those same memories, I love that,” Wells said.
Back in 2020, inspectors deemed the facilities at the pool as unsafe.
Mayor Bill Runyon says after hitting multiple setbacks over the past few years, they are finally expecting to re-open this summer.
““I’ve heard from people in the community for five years now. Luckily, we’re just about there, and hopefully we can get those kids a place to come swim during the summer,” Runyon said.
An official opening date has not been set yet, and there are plans to add a splash pad in the fall.
Copyright 2025 WSAZ. All rights reserved.
Source: https://www.wsaz.com/2025/05/21/how-sports-are-shaping-travel-plans/