The Cobb Mountain Lions Club will offer a free hot meal to community members affected by delayed federal food assistance. The dinner, featuring burgers, hot dogs, and sides, will be held from 6-7 p.m. on Monday at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Bottle Rock Road. Guests are encouraged to bring their own plates and utensils.

A mistrial was declared in the DUI case of a Ukiah man. Brian Axel Martinez, 32, of faces charges of dui, driving with a .08 blood alcohol or greater blood content and driving under the combined influence of alcohol and drugs, all with prior DUI convictions. A new jury trial is set for December

Fort Bragg’s City Council has expanded a utility capacity charge deferral program for small businesses outside the central business district. This allows eligible local businesses with under 25 employees, non-franchised, up to five years to pay fees, which vary based on usage. $1.3 million in fees funded infrastructure upgrades.

Judge Clayton Brennan has retired from the Mendocino County Superior Court after 19 years. Elected in 2006, he presided over all case types in Willits and Fort Bragg. Known for his even temper and community awareness, Presiding Judge Keith Faulder noted Brennan’s contributions, stating his judicial temperament, humor, and versatility will be missed.

A Fort Bragg jury has convicted David Koehn, 71, of a hit-and-run causing property damage. The incident occurred in July 2024 at Community First Credit Union. A restitution hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, the 12th to determine the amount Koehn must pay for damages.

School consolidation could happen in Roane County. The district is considering closing Walton and Geary K-8 schools and merging them into Spencer Middle and Elementary Schools. Public comments wrapped up Tuesday night.

Superintendent Michelle Stellato says the move could save about $1.4 million a year and help reduce the county’s budget deficit, though some residents worry about crowding. Roane County Schools have been under a state of emergency since July after going over budget on the new Spencer Middle School.

After two days of hearing funding request presentations from 31 Counties, the School Building Authority of West Virginia is in the process of deciding which counties will get a portion of their $43.5 million in funding. WCHS TV said all of the requests submitted total more than $170 million. Last year, school safety related items took up a large portion of funding requests from things like metal detectors to safe school entries. This year, HVAC and maintenance related items have been the main need. They’ll make final decision by December 15th.

Sports fields across Putnam County Schools are set for major upgrades. A bond levy passed in May 2024 will fund improvements at eight high and middle schools, including new field lighting, ADA-compliant bleachers, and new press boxes.

Deputy Superintendent Bruce McGrew says the updates are about safety, modernization, and supporting student athletes. Bidding on the project opens November 19th, and most of the work should wrap up by the end of next summer.

All upgrades are expected to be complete by December 1st, 2026. Progress reports will be shared during upcoming Putnam County Board of Education meetings. The next meeting is scheduled for November 17.

The Huntington Sanitary Board broke ground Wednesday on a major expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment plant. Officials say the project will boost safety for workers, support economic growth, meet environmental standards, and make the treatment process more efficient.

Once complete, the upgraded facility will be able to treat 17 million gallons of wastewater on dry days and up to 64 million gallons during heavy rain. Mayor Patrick Farrell said the project advances the city’s goals of public safety, infrastructure, and a stronger economy.

Triton Construction of Saint Albans will lead the $196 million project, which is expected to be finished by 2032.

A fourth lawsuit has been filed against former Kanawha County deputy Cass Close, who was charged earlier this year with sexually assaulting an inmate.

Attorney Jesse Forbes announced the new lawsuit, naming Close, the Kanawha County Commission, and another deputy as defendants. The suit accuses Close of sexually assaulting a female inmate at the Kanawha County Judicial Annex while she was in handcuffs and shackles.

Close was arrested and fired in July and has waived his preliminary hearing. Three other lawsuits have already been filed against him with similar allegations, and both state police and the sheriff’s office continue to investigate.