radioNOVO News WV News Roundup for September 02, 2026

Good morning, Here is a look at news across the state.West Virginia’s state coffers are starting the new fiscal year strong, with August tax collections beating revenue estimates by thirty-five million dollars. State Revenue Secretary Eric Nelson reports total collections reached four-hundred-fifty million dollars for the month, driven primarily by strong growth in personal income tax revenues as wages continue to rise across the Mountain State. However, corporate income tax collections continue to lag behind expectations, with state financial officials warning that national economic factors could still impact the state economy.Staying with state finances, State Treasurer Larry Pack has released a comprehensive new report detailing the projected tax revenues from future data center developments. The report highlights Google’s massive seven-billion-dollar data center project in Putnam County, estimating it will generate nearly twenty-six million dollars annually in revenue split between the county commission and local school board. The release comes as state and local leaders weigh tax structures for incoming tech infrastructure projects across West Virginia.In county leadership news, Wayne County officially has a new top law enforcement officer. Daren McNeil was sworn in as Wayne County Sheriff following the resignation of former Sheriff Eddie Bradshaw. McNeil brings nearly forty years of law enforcement experience to the position, including eight years as Barboursville Police Chief, and will serve out the current term through twenty-twenty-eight.In flood relief news, long-term recovery efforts are getting a major financial boost in Boone County following severe summer flooding. The United Way of Central West Virginia, partnered with a matching donation from Boone Memorial Hospital, has raised twenty-seven thousand dollars for impacted families. Officials are urging residents with flood damage to fill out state damage reports or call two-one-one for assistance.And in sports, the West Virginia Mountaineers open their college football season at home on Saturday against Coastal Carolina at Milan Puskar Stadium. Head Coach Rich Rodriguez says his squad is eager to take the field, with Oklahoma transfer Michael Hawkins Junior projected to start at quarterback.For more news, download the radioNOVO app. I’m Codi Gaboff, radioNOVO News, a service of Seven Mountains Media.