On this West Virginia Morning, spring is just around the corner and this year researchers at West Virginia University are on the lookout for this year’s cicada brood, expected to be among the largest. But more importantly, these cicadas have a fungus that affects their behavior. Also, in this show, we have a story exploring solar expansion, and we have the latest in state education and health news.
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“You re gonna see a lot of people walking around here with gray hair,” said Tina Ryan, the long-time school nurse at the school. She decided not to dress up, but still recognizes the milestone. “To celebrate today, the 100th day, is better than even normal. Because they always celebrate the 100th day. But today, just because we’re here still. We’ve been able to stay in school.”
Amid the uncertain months of the pandemic, that is something for which Ryan said she’s grateful. When WKMS News spoke with Ryan in August last year, she was on the frontlines of protecting her students from an increasingly spreading virus, while her district reopened for in-person classes for most students, against the state recommendations at the time.
No arrests have been made in connection to the incident.
The incident occurred two days after the third anniversary of the shooting at Marshall County High School, which claimed the lives of Preston Cope and Bailey Holt. The schools are about 25 miles apart from each other.
Audio provided by Liam Niemeyer, WKMS News
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During a press briefing around 10:45 a.m., Sgt. Andrew Wiggins with Murray Police Department said at 8:54 a.m. police received reports of gunshots fired at the Murray High School and immediately responded. Law enforcement officers with Calloway County Sheriff s Office, Murray State Police Department, Kentucky State Police, and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office assisted.
“While clearing the building, no evidence of a gunshot was found,” he said. “All students and staff are safe. The investigation is going on at this time.”
Murray Independent Schools Superintendent Coy Samons said upon receiving the report that Murray PD responded to threat, the high school went into immediate lockdown. He said teachers locked classroom doors and students hid in the corners until they received notice the incident was resolved. The school was in lockdown for about an hour and 15 minutes, he added.
Credit Liam Niemeyer / WKMS
Murray residents calling for removal of a local Confederate monument donated books to their county library and other “little free” libraries throughout the city on Saturday in an effort to engage and give back to their community. The donations followed a “week of action” organized by these residents centered around the past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
Rikki Neal and her two toddlers brought dozens of books into Calloway County Public Library, most of them children’s books featuring multicultural stories and history, including the book, “I Promise” by basketball star LeBron James. Neal said her husband, Sherman, helped fundraise about $1,500 in the community to buy more than 100 books in total. Advocates hope the books help community members gain perspective and awareness on diverse experiences.