Announcements

State Attorney General Issues Utility Scam Warning

FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL
 
West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey urged consumers to be wary of impostors who may threaten to shutoff service, even as several public utilities have suspended terminations for nonpayment during the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The state’s largest utilities including American Electric Power, First Energy, Dominion Energy and West Virginia American Water are among others that have announced a suspension of utility shutoffs as consumers cope with fallout from the pandemic.
 
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division has received numerous reports this week of impostors using the name of recognizable utilities and the threat of disconnects to steal the consumer’s money or personal, identifiable information. One consumer lost $2,500.
 
“I applaud the Public Service Commission and every utility that agrees to suspend shutoff notifications during this perilous time,” Attorney General Morrisey said. “The coronavirus continues to impact every aspect of life, and acts of generosity such as this provide some peace of mind to consumers across West Virginia. Anyone receiving a shutoff notice should contact their provider to ensure it is not a scam.”
 
The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline – 1-800-368-8808 – remains open to anyone wishing to report scams, price gouging or other manners by which bad actors may try to take advantage of consumers during the pandemic. Written complaints can also be filed at www.wvago.gov.
 
Utility scams typically demand immediate payment and threaten service disconnection if the targeted consumer fails to cooperate or questions the caller’s legitimacy.
 
Such calls typically come from an impostor who claims to represent a familiar utility. This could be especially true during the coronavirus pandemic.
 
Consumers should be wary of any caller who gives inadequate notice of an impending disconnect or interruption in service and/or demands prepaid debit cards, such as Green Dot cards, as a form of payment.
 
In all instances, consumers should be cautious with any unsolicited email, phone call or other forms of communication. They should never share personally identifiable, financial and otherwise sensitive data or agree to send cash, wire money or provide numbers associated with a credit/debit card, gift card or bank account without verifying the legitimacy of the recipient.
 

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 08, 2020 EST


Severe Weather Predicted Today through Wednesday for Bridgeport, North Central Region of West Virginia

FROM THE BRIDGEPORT OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
 
Severe thunderstorms,damaging winds, large hail is predicted for our area of the state. Flash flooding is possible in some areas.
 
This weather happening this afternoon (Tuesday, April 7) through tomorrow (Wednesday, April 8).
 
 

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 07, 2020 EST


BHS Alum, City Native Kaufman Named One of 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction

The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys has recognized the exceptional performance of West Virginia’s Personal Injury Attorney Kevin S. Kaufman, Esq. as 2020 10 Best Personal Injury Attorneys for Client Satisfaction.  
 
The American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys is a third-party attorney rating organization that publishes an annual list of the Top 10 Personal Injury attorneys in each state. Attorneys who are selected to the "10 Best" list must pass AIOPIA's rigorous selection process, which is based on client and/or peer nominations, thorough research, and AIOPIA’s independent evaluation. AIOPIA's annual list was created to be used as a resource for clients during the attorney selection process.  
 
One of the most significant aspects of the selection process involves attorneys' relationships and reputation among his or her clients. As clients should be an attorney's top priority, AIOPIA places the utmost emphasis on selecting lawyers who have achieved significant success in the field of Personal Injury law without sacrificing the service and support they provide. Selection criteria therefore focus on attorneys who demonstrate the highest standards of Client Satisfaction. 
 
Kaufman, a Bridgeport native, is a Bridgeport High School graduate who practices near the city and previously practiced on Main Street.
 
The Instituate congratulates Kevin S. Kaufman, Esq. on this achievement and is honored to have him as a 2020 AIOPIA Member. 
 
You can contact Kevin S. Kaufman, Esq. directly at: 304-842-4300 or https://www.wvattorneys.com. 

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 07, 2020 EST


Johnson Avenue Sheetz Part of Company Program to Provide Free Meals to Children during Pandemic

FROM SHEETZ
 
The Sheetz on Johnson Avenue in Bridgeport and near the Veteran's Administration Park in Clarksburg are taking part in the Kidz Meal Bagz program that provides free meals to help children and families in need as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Meals will be available all day starting Thursday, April 2nd and will include a turkey sandwich, chips and a drink.
 
Families interested in taking advantage of the free Kidz Meal Bagz program should go to participating Sheetz locations (found below) and ask an employee at the register for a meal. Families will be offered one bag per child. Meals will be available daily while supplies last.
 
Click HERE for a complete list of stores participating.

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 06, 2020 EST


Heavily Traveled Section of Harrison County Roadway to See Lane Closures, Delays Beginning April 5

FROM THE WEST VIRGINIA DIVISION OF HIGHWAYS, DISTRICT 4 OFFICE
 
The West Virginia Division of Highways advises motorists of an extended change in traffic patterns on WV 98 at the VA Hospital accesses. This change is in order to accommodate the closure of the main hospital access during construction of a new parking structure.
 
There will be periodic temporary lane closures for approximately two weeks beginning April 5 to change pavement markings and relocate the signalized access.  The VA parking structure project is expected to be complete Summer of 2022. 
 
Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow additional time for their commute.  Please note that weather conditions and other unforeseeable events may affect the project schedule. 

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 02, 2020 EST


New State 2020 Primary Election Dates Released

West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner would like the public to be aware of the changes in dates and deadlines for the 2020 Primary Election, which will now be held on June 9. 
 
On Wednesday, Governor Jim Justice moved the Primary Election back 28 days from May 12 to June 9. Information regarding the upcoming election, including how to register to vote and vote absentee, can be found at GoVoteWV.com. 
 
A shareable social media graphic of the dates is attached. The updated dates and deadlines are as follows: 
 
• Jan. 1 – June 3: Eligible voters may apply for a Primary Election absentee ballot 
• April 24: County Clerks to begin mailing absentee ballots to voters who have submitted absentee applications to county clerks 
• May 14 – 20: Sample ballots published in local newspapers throughout the state (publication dates will vary by county) 
• May 19: Voter Registration Deadline 
• May 27 – June 6: Early Voting In-Person period 
• June 2 – 8: Official List of Candidates or Sample Ballot published in local newspapers throughout the state (publication dates will vary by county) 
• June 3: Deadline to submit Absentee-by-Mail Application (must be received by county clerk on this date) 
• June 8: Deadline to hand-deliver Absentee Ballot to County Clerk’s office 
• June 9: Deadline to mail Absentee Ballot to county clerk (must be postmarked by this date) 
• June 9: Primary Election Day (in-person voting locations may differ from regular polling location during COVID-19 pandemic; contact county clerk for more information) 
• June 10: Absentee Ballots mailed without a postmark accepted (absentee ballots without a postmark cannot be counted if received by county clerk after this date) 
• June 15: Start of Canvass (absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day will be accepted if received by the start of Canvass) 
 
All registered voters will receive an application to request an absentee ballot for the June 9 Primary Election from their County Clerk by mail in early-to-mid April. Absentee request forms can also be printed from GoVoteWV.com or obtained by requesting a form from your County Clerk by email, phone, fax or in person.  
 
In an effort to ensure access to a ballot while keeping voters, election workers, and the public safe during the Primary Election, Secretary Warner recommends that voters use the absentee ballot process to vote.
 
Always remember to consult only trusted sources for election information, which are the West Virginia Secretary of State's Office and your local county clerk. County clerk contact information is located at GoVoteWV.com. The WVSOS Elections Division can be reached at elections@wvsos.gov or by phone at 304-558-6000. 
 

by Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 02, 2020 EST


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