The public is invited to explore eight Roswell museums for free on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the third annual Museum Day Roswell. For one day only, Roswell’s museums will open their doors with free admission for everyone. Whether you’re into aviation, contemporary art, local history, toys, or something in between, this is your chance to reconnect with the incredible cultural spaces that make our city shine. Museum Day is about making art and culture accessible for all, and the staff and volunteers aim to make the event, as well as visiting our museums any day, not only educational, but fun and inspiring for all ages. The participating museums are the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, International UFO Museum and Research Center, Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico, Miniatures and Curious Collections Museum, New Mexico Military Institute’s McBride Museum, Roswell Museum, Walker Aviation Museum, and for the first time, the Roswell Space Toy Museum, which opened earlier this year. The Roswell Museum is closed because of the October 2024 flood, however, staff and volunteers are being hosted for this event at the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the Roswell Museum’s “Pop-Ups” during the museum’s recovery. So, while there are eight museums to visit with, the number of locations is seven. Each of the eight museums will be offering different activities, from tours, scavenger hunts and art-making to a book fair at the Historical Society for Southeast New Mexico. There will be prize drawings at each site plus a drawing for a grand prize valued at $800 for those who complete a “passport” activity by visiting with all eight museums that day. Passports are available at all the venues except the International UFO Museum and Research Center, which requires participants to bring their passport for free admission. Passports are also available at the Roswell Visitors Center. More information about Museum Day Roswell, including the activities and offerings at each of the participating museums, and their locations, can be found under the “Events” tab at roswellmuseum.org.

The tourism industry in West Virginia is booming, with the West Virginia Department of Tourism announcing a historic $9 billion economic impact in 2024. Contributing to the rise in impact is the over 77 million people who visited the Mountain State, a 2 million increase over the previous year. Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby told Eyewitness News that a multifaceted approach is what has helped make West Virginia a destination for many on the East Coast. There is West Virginia advertising in Tampa, New York, and Myrtle Beach, where direct flights are offered. According to the Department of Tourism those 77 million visitors spent over $6 billion in the state, and to break that down even further that’s around $18 million spent every single day. The states motto of Wild and Wonderful is one of the aspects continuing to bring in millions of visitors every year.

A big upgrade is coming for one of Mason County’s most historic landmarks. The Lowe Hotel in downtown Point Pleasant is set for a major renovation after being bought by a new developer less than a year ago.

The project will add around 70 guest rooms and six new storefronts. Leaders hope it will provide a huge boost for the local economy, creating jobs, bringing visitors downtown, and generating hotel tax revenue for community improvements.

The Lowe Hotel is expected to reopen in the fall of 2027.

Governor Patrick Morrisey recently announced Tyler Henry as the Director of External Affairs. He’ll maintain relationships with external stakeholders that help advance the Governor’s policy and legislative priorities, according to the governor’s office. Previously, Henry was the Deputy State Director for the West Virginia chapter of Americans for Prosperity where he was responsible for managing day-to-day operations and budgets.

Halloween fun is kicking off in St. Albans with a full lineup of family-friendly events. The city’s popular Haunted Trail is back at City Park through October 18th, open Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 10. A sensory-friendly night is also planned for October 16th.

Trunk or Treat happens Saturday, October 25th at Maranatha Fellowship in St. Albans, and citywide Trick or Treat follows on October 30th from 6 to 8 p.m.

A familiar face in St. Albans city government is making a run for county office. Vice Mayor and Councilman-at-Large Jared Page announced his candidacy for the Kanawha County Commission. Page hopes to fill the seat currently held by Commissioner Lance Wheeler, who’s not seeking re-election as he runs for the State Senate in District 8.

Page says his years of experience in municipal government have prepared him to focus on local economic development and community growth.

The Town of Ridgely claims it acted lawfully when it disbanded its police force in 2024, according to a federal court filing made last week. The Star Democrat reports responding to a lawsuit filed by former Ridgely police officers in U.S. District Court in August, attorneys representing town commissioners and employees submitted a motion to dismiss claims made against the town by eight plaintiffs — former Police Chief Jeff Eckrich, six other officers and one civilian employee. In the motion, submitted Friday, attorneys for the town argued Ridgely acted within its charter when eliminating the police department, a decision made for “legislative and budgetary” reasons, the motion states.

The Caroline County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) arrested a 14-year-old on Sunday for stealing a handgun from a locked vehicle. WMDT reports on Oct. 12, deputies responded to the 13000 block of Greensboro Road following a report of a theft from a minivan. Upon arrival on the scene, located at a church parking lot, deputies contacted the vehicle owner who reported that someone had stolen a 9mm handgun form the center console of the minivan.
An initial investigation by deputies identified a 14-year-old male from Marydel as the suspect. The juvenile was located at his residence with his mother, where he was questioned and ultimately confessed to breaking into the minivan and taking the handgun

Gov. Kathy Hochul has expressed a desire to purchase the majority of acreage of Whitney Park, the 36,600-acre tract of vast forests and lakes in the Adirondacks. Hochul wrote to the trustees of the estate of John Hendrickson, who died in 2024, about the future of the property, saying her administration wants to work with the trustees to find a resolution that “preserves” the property and potentially add much of it to the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

A structure fire Sunday morning destroyed the single-family residence at 66 Cedar St. The homeowner was able to make it out on her own without injury. The Adirondack Daily Enterprise reports there were no injuries to firefighters, although two cats who lived there died. Firefighters attempted to revive the two cats, using oxygen masks specially made for pets, but it was too late. The fire was first reported at 8:39 a.m. Sunday.