Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires visible badges

Judge blocks California’s ban on federal agents wearing masks but requires visible badges

A federal judge on Monday prevented a California law from taking effect that would have barred federal immigration agents from covering their faces, though agents must still display clear identification showing their agency and badge number. California became the first state to prohibit most law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings under a bill signed … Read more

Safety notice issued after youth seen walking on Kanawha River

Emergency officials in Putnam County issued a public safety warning after youth were seen walking on a frozen section of the Kanawha River. In a social media post, the Winfield Police Department urged parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of frozen waterways. “While the surface may look solid, river ice is unpredictable,” the post read. “Moving water beneath the ice causes uneven freezing, weak spots and sudden breaks that are impossible to see. Temperature changes, snow cover, currents and runoff can all rapidly reduce ice strength, even after several cold days.” Winfield firefighters also shared a warning on social media, noting that emergency response times along the river could be delayed because access points and boat ramps are frozen. “There is no easy way to get to you,” firefighters wrote. “With very low water temperatures and the current under the ice, a break through may very well be fatal.” Police emphasized that cold water shock, heavy winter clothing and strong currents can make self-rescue extremely difficult. “For your safety and the safety of our firefighters, officers and rescue personnel, please stay off ice-covered rivers, creeks and moving waterways,” police wrote. “No photo, shortcut or adventure is worth the risk.” Officers advised calling 911 to help anyone in distress rather than attempting a rescue.

Emergency officials in Putnam County issued a public safety warning after youth were seen walking on a frozen section of the Kanawha River. In a social media post, the Winfield Police Department urged parents and guardians to talk with their children about the dangers of frozen waterways. “While the surface may look solid, river ice … Read more

Ky. General Assembly bill would require law enforcement to cooperate with ICE

Ky. General Assembly bill would require law enforcement to cooperate with ICE

As Immigration and Customs Enforcement continues efforts to detain and deport illegal immigrants, Kentucky lawmakers are pushing to secure support from local law enforcement agencies. Senate Bill 86 would mandate that agencies cooperate with ICE in deporting illegal immigrants. “It is necessary to send a message that Kentucky stands with our federal officials in the … Read more

Man faces prison time after police encounter gunfire in St. Albans

Man faces prison time after police encounter gunfire in St. Albans

A man is facing prison time after officers were met with gunfire while attempting to serve warrants in Kanawha County last year, prosecutors said. Joel Demarlone James McGee, 18, of St. Albans, pleaded guilty Monday to five counts of wanton endangerment, according to a social media post from the Kanawha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors … Read more

Alleged street racing in St. Albans ends in crashes and arrests, deputies say

Alleged street racing in St. Albans ends in crashes and arrests, deputies say

Deputies arrested two men late Saturday night after they allegedly engaged in street racing in St. Albans. Kanawha County deputies said they spotted two yellow Chevrolet Camaros that “appeared to be engaged in street racing” around 11 p.m. Saturday along MacCorkle Avenue SW, according to a news release. The drivers — later identified as William … Read more

Charleston man and woman receive sentences in federal sex trafficking case

Charleston man and woman receive sentences in federal sex trafficking case

Federal prosecutors and law enforcement officials announced Monday that a Charleston man and woman were sentenced for conspiring to traffic multiple victims for sex, including a minor. Tiwan Robert “Quick” Bailey, 49, received a 25-year prison sentence followed by five years of supervised release, prosecutors said. A jury found Bailey guilty on three counts of … Read more

Hyde Park Residents Demand Increased Surveillance After 30 Cars Vandalized

Hyde Park Residents Demand Increased Surveillance After 30 Cars Vandalized

Police are investigating widespread vehicle vandalism in East Hyde Park after about 30 cars were damaged early Saturday morning, leaving residents upset and calling for more security measures. Authorities said the damage occurred around 4 a.m. when three suspects, traveling in a gray sedan, targeted vehicles in the 1700 block of East 56th Street and … Read more