Hailey Lanham

Parkersburg

Journalist at WTAP-TV (Parkersburg, WV)

Articles

Young Voices: A chance for students to get involved in city government

4 days ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Students have a chance to participate in their local city government on Tuesday, April 22. Parkersburg City Council and Sow & Grow Together are inviting students in grades 6-12 to join them on April 22 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. to learn more about local city government. This will give students an opportunity to learn how city government works, meet local leaders, and learn how to effectively let their voice be heard.
Belpre City Schools will host open houses at the schools for the upcoming levy

1 week ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

BELPRE, Ohio (WTAP) - Belpre City Schools will be hosting open houses on April 22 throughout its schools for people to tour and make a judgment for the upcoming levy on May 6. During the Primary election, voters will decide if Belpre City Schools passes the levy or not. This levy is specific to building a new school to hold K-12.
A chance to make a change for three Parkersburg girls

1 week ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - The Wood County Technical Society won a total of 10 medals at the SkillsUSA Competition at the State level. Nine of those medals were won by the cosmetology students, and one Bronze medal was awarded to the electrical students. Kimora Newbanks, Alexis Davis, and Reagan Engle are first-year pre-cosmetology students who won Gold in Skills. The mission behind Serenity Styles is to provide peace and comfort for those who are struggling with addiction.
National Crimes Victims’ Rights Week: What you need to know about your rights

1 week ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Twenty-five years ago, the Ohio Crime Victims’ Justice Center was created. OCVJC is a non-profit organization that provides free legal assistance to crime victims and makes sure they know their rights. Founder and Executive Director Cathy Harper Lee was a victim herself. “So, started off way back. I was a victim of trafficking by my stepfather and mother from the age of 5 to 16.
2 best friends are walking across the country to raise money for disaster relief

2 weeks ago | wave3.com | Hailey Lanham |Andrew Mcmunn

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP/Gray News) - Two best friends are walking across the country together to raise money for a good cause. With the goal of making it back to their hometown in California, 19-year-old Philip Grele and 20-year-old Drew Diaz are planning to walk from the East Coast to the West Coast to raise money for the non-profit Convoy of Hope, which helps with disaster relief and humanitarian efforts.
What you need to know to become a volunteer with the Red Cross

2 weeks ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP)—The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers! As of right now, they need over 200. You can do anything from deploying out to helping people experiencing disaster or helping with the blood drives. You are welcome to stop by the Parkersburg office on Friday, April 11, 2025, to learn more about this volunteer opportunity. You can contact Sharon Kesselring, Executive Director for the Ohio River Valley Red Cross at (304) 488-5279 or at [email protected].
Parkersburg City Council canceled after council members walk out

2 weeks ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Parkersburg City Council was scheduled to meet and discuss three items on the agenda after the town hall. The meeting was cut short after the Mayor and five of the nine council members walked out. One member of council was absent. A council meeting needs to have at least five people present, or it can’t be held. Public forum is limited to agenda items only. One woman spoke out, unrelated to the agenda, and a portion of the council agreed to adjourn the meeting.
Town hall discussing homelessness brings in nearly 200 people

2 weeks ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - A bi-monthly meeting is being held by two Parkersburg City Council members before city council, and this month’s topic brought in nearly 200 people. The topic for the town hall was homelessness. There were 10 panelists in attendance to answer questions that anyone had. Some key takeaways from the town hall noted that at least 205 people are on the streets in a 24-hour period. This is only what is recorded, and the panelists specified this is a minimum.
The All American Circus was clowning around at the Washington County Fairgrounds

2 weeks ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) - The All American Circus is spending two days at the Washington County Fairgrounds spreading circus cheer. This year, the circus was an all-new show. The acts performed at the circus included dog tricks, camel riding, balancing in the air, and of course, Shiny the Clown!Special appearances were made by King Kong and Spiderman as well. A large crowd filled the Washington County Fairgrounds building to participate in all of the fun.
Subaru Loves the Earth; 100 trees given to the Mid-Ohio Valley community

2 weeks ago | wtap.com | Hailey Lanham

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Louis Thomas Subaru gave away 100 trees as a part of its Love, Promise, Community Pillars. The dealership paid for 100 trees to be given out to the community as a way to give back. Trees are vital to our Earth as they provide oxygen, shade, shelter, and so much more. This is the first year they have done a tree giveaway, and all of the trees have been reserved.