Mitchell Blahut

Aug 18, 2023 | wtap.com | Mitchell Blahut

MARIETTA, Ohio (WTAP) - Friday was the start of incoming freshmen arriving at Marietta College. And with this happening, much of the Marietta College student body is coming to help the incoming students. Everything from hospitality to bringing in furniture and luggage to the resident halls. Officials say this is a great way of being a welcome party for all new students. One new student said he is more than thankful to get this sort of help.

Aug 18, 2023 | wtap.com | Mitchell Blahut

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - After the December ruling in favor of the firefighters being paid incorrectly by Wood County Circuit Judge J.D. Beane, the fire department is looking to receive money for damages. Before the ruling, firefighters were not paid time-and-a-half for holiday pay — or 36 hours.

Aug 17, 2023 | wtap.com | Mitchell Blahut

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - West Virginia University-Parkersburg’s new cosmetology school is almost open. “The area that we’re in is in a great location for the community for them to come get their hair done, their services done. And it brings in practice for our students and customers to work on,” Cosmetology school instructor, John Stanley said. College president, Dr. Torie Jackson said the school was the site of Lee’s Studio on Grand Central Avenue.

Aug 17, 2023 | wtap.com | Mitchell Blahut

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Robert Vance is receiving a two-to-10-year sentence for two counts of first-degree sexual abuse. With both counts running consecutively. Vance’s attorney originally motioned for acquittal and a new trial. Wood County Circuit Court judge Robert Waters denied the motion. During the sentencing hearing, Vance’s attorney cited the sexual offender evaluation stated Vance has a one to four percent chance of re-offending. Vance spoke and said he can’t afford to lose his job.

Aug 16, 2023 | wtap.com | Mitchell Blahut

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. (WTAP) - Kristara Fields of Parkersburg was sentenced to one to five years in prison after pleading guilty to animal cruelty. In early January of 2022, Wood County Humane Society officers responded to a call of “severe animal neglect and cruelty” according to the criminal complaint. In October of 2021, humane officer, Dan Hendrickson said he was called about the dogs and planned to take them away. “The dogs were a little thin.