The Herald-Dispatch Special Reports RSS

Repeat drunk driving remains a problem

2008-05-03T21:50:14.485241-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- Repeat offenders consistently account for a substantial portion of the overall drunken driving problem, and many believe reversing the trend will take increased public pressure on the court system and legislative action. MORE STORIES, GRAPHIC.

Advocates: More substance abuse treatment needed

2008-05-03T21:46:56.913244-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- Huntington resident James Layne started drinking when he was 13 years old. After battling alcohol and crack cocaine addiction for many years, the 40-year-old finally found the program he thought would help him. But it was three hours away in Dayton, Ohio.

Drunk driving: Myth vs. fact

2008-05-03T21:50:28.177994-04:00

Several myths surround the enforcement of drunken driving. Here are a few:

Assistance needed

2008-05-03T21:51:00.234539-04:00

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is in a rebuilding process in West Virginia. The group's state director, Donna Hawkins, said their success largely depends upon volunteers stepping forward to provide time and financial support.

Police staffing remains big issue

2008-04-13T19:15:14.827948-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- Many city leaders agree that more police officers are needed to battle Huntington's increasing crime rate. Others argue that better management and fixing contractual agreements will provide greater efficiency, leading to a better department and a decreased crime rate. Police Chief Skip Holbrook has taken steps to restructure the department and increase its efficiency, but the manpower problems remain. MORE STORIES.

Restructuring leads to less cost, greater efficiency

2008-04-12T21:57:14.971430-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- The Huntington Police Department looks different today than it did nine months ago when Police Chief Skip Holbrook took his oath of office.

HPD trying to rein in overtime costs

2008-04-12T21:57:27.757561-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- Officials blame low manpower, a contractual agreement and a troubled court system for the Huntington Police Department's soaring overtime costs.

Numbers show higher crime rate, fewer police officers

2008-04-12T21:57:39.570788-04:00

Huntington's crime rate far surpasses the national average, but its police force falls just below average for other cities its size.

Administrators account for 10 percent of police force

2008-04-12T21:57:53.574939-04:00

HUNTINGTON -- The Huntington Police Department has nine administrators working inside the police station, according to data provided by the Police Department.

Inside the school calendar

2008-02-09T23:08:40-05:00

Students across the state are getting less instruction than one might think. According to calendars from across the state, each county schedules five instructional support and enhancement days. These days are included in the overall 180 days, but buses don't run and students are not required to attend.

Schools struggle to finish 180 days

2008-02-09T23:08:38-05:00

HUNTINGTON -- Unlike many counties in West Virginia, Cabell County Schools typically do not have to worry about reaching 180 days of instruction in a school year.