Arts

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Michael Meredith Martin, whose nearly 60-year acting career has included Hollywood films, Appalachian historical dramas, and performances in schools across the eastern U.S., was inducted into the West Virginia Hall of Fame Saturday at Pipestem Resort State Park. Martin, 78, also served 16 years as mayor of Mount Hope, a former coal-mining … Read more

POINT PLEASANT, W.Va. — Of the many frightening stories associated with West Virginia, one book has a strong claim to being the scariest ever written. Published in 1975, The Mothman Prophecies by journalist John A. Keel recounts disturbing events along the Ohio River that preceded one of America’s deadliest bridge disasters. The book covers reports … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Photographers visiting West Virginia’s state parks, forests, and rail trails this autumn have until November 6 to enter a statewide photography contest for a chance to win a resort stay and other prizes for images that capture the season’s changing colors. The West Virginia State Parks Foundation invites amateur and professional photographers … Read more

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Producers of the History Channel’s American Pickers are searching for unusual antiques and private collections in West Virginia ahead of filming planned for November. David Lavender, executive director of the West Virginia Film Office that issued the announcement, said he thinks the series and its audience are drawn to the state’s distinctive culture … Read more

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Long before he won over mid-century audiences with his signature bowl haircut and novelty songs, the big-band entertainer known as Ish Kabibble was a law student at West Virginia University. Born Merwyn Bogue in Erie, Pennsylvania, the future star enrolled at the university in Morgantown in September 1927, choosing it for its … Read more