Development authority updated on projects

HUNTINGTON -- Huntington Municipal Development Authority members were updated Monday on several projects regarding property that they own.

During a brief monthly meeting, HMDA Executive Director Bill Toney said asbestos and debris removal has begun on the City Hall annex building on 5th Avenue. The work, which will cost $124,000, makes the building more marketable, he said.

Toney also said he is seeking bids for a new roof on the Jean Dean Public Safety Building on 10th Street. The rubber roof on the building now is only 12 or 13 years old, but has been leaking for at least six years, he said. Amazon.com and the Huntington Police Department occupy the building.

In addition, Toney said there is a prospective tenant for the vacant Ames building on W.Va. 152, but would not comment further.

KDMC to celebrate National EMS Week

ASHLAND -- Local Emergency Medical Services professionals and first responders will be honored by King's Daughters Medical Center from 4 to 7 p.m. today, May 20, with a picnic event at the Ashland Central Fire Station to celebrate National EMS Week. Personnel are invited to stop by to enjoy food and fellowship.

"EMS providers make a difference in the lives of people in our community. The annual picnic is a celebration of their dedication to patients, around-the-clock service and excellence in patient care," registered nurse Tracey Crawford, who serves as EMS liaison for King's Daughters, said in a press release. "We depend on the EMS to get to the scene quickly and take the steps necessary to initiate care and communicate with the Emergency Department so we are prepared for that patient's arrival."

The 35th annual EMS Week is celebrated throughout the nation May 18 to 24. The week honors the dedication of those who provide the day-to-day lifesaving services on the medical front line.

The 2008 theme of National EMS Week is "Your Life is Our Mission," a recognition of the commitment that emergency medical personnel make to the communities they serve.

Concealed weapons class to be offered

WAYNE -- A concealed weapons class for West Virginia and Ohio residents is being offered at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 31, at the Wayne Volunteer Fire Department. The cost of the class is $60. Pre-registration is required. To register, call Dan Allen at 304-840-5800.

Police investigate body found on tracks

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. -- State Police are investigating the death of a man whose body was found on the railroad tracks outside Charles Town and Ranson.

An engineer on a CSX train spotted the body Friday night on tracks near state Route 9. The victim was later identified as Wayne Preston Printz Jr. of Charles Town.

Sgt. C.D. Siler said Monday that the train managed to avoid hitting the body, but it was apparent Printz had been struck by an earlier train.

It hasn't been determined whether the train strike killed him or if he was already dead. Investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy.