Latest news with #CheatLake
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Let nature take its course: Avian Center reminds public to leave found wildlife alone
Jul. 7—MORGANTOWN — As summer spreads across West Virginia, the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia is reminding people that sometimes the best way to help wildlife thrive is to simply leave it alone—especially when it comes to baby birds. "This is our busiest season because well-meaning people keep bringing us baby birds that are not actually hurt, " ACCA Executive Director Katie Fallon said. "They are fledglings—they are supposed to be hopping around on the ground. Their parents are still feeding them and teaching them how to be wild birds." The nonprofit, based near Cheat Lake, rehabilitates hundreds of sick, injured or displaced wild birds each year. But during the summer, many of the little patients do not need rescuing at all. "A lot of people do not realize that if a baby bird has feathers and is hopping around, it is just learning to fly, " Fallon explained. "It is the natural process. The best parents for baby birds are their own parents—not humans." If you find an uninjured baby bird in your yard, experts say to leave it be and keep pets indoors or on leashes if possible. "Cats especially pose a big threat, " Fallon said. "Even if they do not kill the bird outright, bacteria in a cat's mouth can be fatal." If you spot a featherless chick on the ground after a storm, it is fine to gently place it back in its nest. "That old myth that touching a baby bird will make its parents reject it is just that—a myth, " Fallon said. "They will take it right back." In addition to wildlife rehabilitation, the ACCA is dedicated to teaching the public how to protect native birds. The center's outdoor classroom houses non-releasable birds of prey, which includes hawks, owls, and even eagles—serving awareness for education and conservation. "Every Friday afternoon this summer, people can visit our outdoor classroom from 1-6 p.m., " Fallon said. "It's a wonderful chance to see these incredible birds up close, learn about their stories, and find out how to make backyards more bird-friendly." Fallon recommends planting native flowers and shrubs like serviceberry, viburnum, dogwoods, and milkweed to attract insects that many songbirds rely on to feed their babies. Shallow bird baths with gently moving water are another good way to draw in little visitors. "A lot of people think bird feeders are enough, but native plants and water make an even bigger difference in summer when birds are raising families, " Fallon said. For those hoping to spot less-common local species—like the cerulean warbler or the scarlet tanager—Fallon suggests planning birdwatching trips during spring or fall migration. But in summer, baby birds coming into the world is just as rewarding. "If you do find a truly injured bird, give us a call, " Fallon said. "But for healthy babies, the best thing you can do is to let nature do its job."
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Fun on the water should be tempered with caution: Heavy rains have short-term potential for debris, bacteria
Jul. 1—MORGANTOWN — As Morgantown residents look ahead to celebrating the Fourth of July this coming weekend, officials are advising caution on local waterways due to the recent flooding that has left behind debris and runoff in Cheat Lake and surrounding streams. The heavy rains that came through West Virginia may have subsided, but the impact on local waterways may linger—especially as crowds head to cool off during hot weather. "At this time, the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is not aware of any major water quality issues stemming from the recent flooding in north-central West Virginia, " chief communications officer Terry Fletcher said. "However, it's important to note that WVDEP does not typically issue advisories related to recreational use or swimming." Even in the absence of official advisories, Fletcher emphasized that residents and visitors should still proceed with care. "After heavy rains or flooding, natural water bodies, such as Cheat Lake and nearby streams, can carry increased levels of bacteria, debris, or other runoff that may pose short-term risks to swimmers and boaters, " he said. "While these conditions often resolve fairly quickly, we recommend that citizens use their best judgment, particularly in areas with visible discoloration, floating debris, or strong currents." Floating logs, branches, and even manmade materials like plastic containers can carry bacteria into the water. Still, residents are still encouraged to enjoy their time in the water while staying mindful. Fletcher emphasizes, "While these conditions often resolve fairly quickly, we recommend that citizens use their best judgement." Safety tips for the water:—Avoid swimming in areas with murky or discolored water.—Watch for floating debris or submerged hazards.—If you are unsure about water conditions, wait at least 24-to-48 hours after a major rainfall before entering water.—Watch for local weather alerts.
CBS News
25-05-2025
- CBS News
Tractor-trailer driver arrested in deadly crash extradited back to West Virginia
The truck driver arrested in a deadly crash in West Virginia earlier this year has been extradited back from California. In March, Sukhjinder Singh was arrested out west for causing the crash that killed Kevin Latallie out of Fayette County. According to police, Singh drove the truck that pushed Lataille's car off the Cheat Lake Bridge and into the water below. Singh's extradition comes after he initially waived it while opting for a longer legal process. Man killed in crash on Cheat Lake Bridge On January 19, the Monongalia County Sheriff's Office responded to a reported jack-knifed tractor-trailer on the bridge. Once they arrived on the scene, Singh told them he lost control of the truck due to severe snowstorm conditions, which caused the accident. Murrysville Medic One Dive Team / Facebook Later that day, Lataille was reported missing, and an extensive search found his body and vehicle submerged in Cheat Lake. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the area, and it showed a vehicle sliding on the bridge, throwing snow in the air, and then a car fell from the bridge and into the lake. Singh's truck struck another vehicle before reaching the bridge and failing to stop. Witnesses also described Singh's driving as "reckless and even criminal." On Feb. 28, law enforcement interviewed Singh, where he admitted to driving the tractor at the time of the accident, but denied striking any vehicles or driving recklessly. The lawyer of the victim calls for changes to the law The family of Kevin Lataille said that the negligent homicide charges that were filed are a misdemeanor in West Virginia and said that legislators should look into making the laws stronger. "It's the callous nature of you knowing or even suspecting that the car you ran into went over the side of a bridge and fell 200 feet into an icy lake, and you say nothing about it," said Dino Colombo. "If that's true, there are no words to describe that. The penalty is typically a year or less in prison. Obviously a fine. This whole situation could turn out to be nothing more than a slap on the wrist."
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Yahoo
Driver charged in fatal Cheat Lake crash booked into NCRJ
GREENWOOD, (WBOY) — Sukhjinder Singh, the man accused of driving a tractor-trailer that hit Kevin Lataille's car on Interstate 68 in Monongalia County during a snowstorm, has been booked into the North Central Regional Jail. According to the West Virginia Division of Correction and Rehabilitation website, 37-year-old- Singh was booked into the jail at 6 a.m. on Saturday and is being held on a $500,000 cash bond. He is charged with negligent homicide. Man wanted in WV, OH apprehended after FedEx driver locks him in truck Singh was first arrested in Fontana, California on March 6 and held in the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. After refusing to waive his extradition, he was served with a Governors Warrant and ordered into the custody of the state of West Virginia for extradition on April 30. Kevin Lataille's car and body were recovered from Cheat Lake on Jan. 26. His family has filed a federal lawsuit against Singh. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
