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On August 8, 2025, Sergeant J.C. Earle of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department executed a traffic stop on a Honda CR-V in Petersburg. The driver was identified as Jeffery Lance Will from Keyser, and the front seat passenger Robert VanMeter from Petersburg. During the traffic stop, Sergeant Earle requested Grant County Deputy Sheriff/K-9 Officer T.M Harding and his K-9 partner, Lyza, for an exterior sniff of the vehicle. Upon receiving a positive indication, a probable cause search was led by additional members of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department (Deputy C.L. Southerly, Harding, E. Nazelrodt).

A local man is facing multiple charges stemming from an alleged domestic incident reported months after it occurred.
The complaint was filed by a female at the Moorefield State Police detachment on June 6, accompanied by a 15-year-old juvenile who witnessed the events.
According to the complaint, the incident took place on March 28, 2025, at the woman’s apartment on 100 Wildlife Drive. She stated that her former boyfriend, Zakerrie Shears, had picked her up from work and took her to Petersburg.

Grant County deputies were called to the scene of an accident on August 26 at the 900 block of Union Highway on Scherr Mountain for a reported two-vehicle accident.
During the course of the investigation, officials determined that a semi-truck loaded with round hay bales was traveling southbound toward the Laurel Dale intersection at a speed that was greater than reasonable. While negotiating a right-hand turn, the semitruck overturned, causing the hay bales to come loose from the trailer.

Board reviews test data, sets clear priorities to prevent setbacks and support steady growth

At the recent Grant County Board of Education meeting, Director of Federal Programs Vanessa Harlow shared updates from the state’s regional rollout of literacy and numeracy initiatives for elementary schools. This is the third year the state has hosted the rollout, which provides counties with guidance on implementing new strategies in local classrooms. Harlow explained that while last year’s literacy and numeracy teams met monthly, the information did not always reach teachers.
To address this, the district will follow a more intentional communication plan. Meetings will still be held each month, but teachers will now receive updates through after-school sessions, half-day substitute coverage, and targeted staff meetings.

The Petersburg High School band program reached out to county commissioners, at the prompting of a band member, to potentially gain financial support as it aims to replace outdated uniforms, some of which date back nearly two decades. Band Director Faith Smith presented the band’s needs to commissioners at the last meeting, highlighting the challenges faced in raising funds for new attire amid budget constraints.

The following cases were heard in the Grant County Magistrates Court from July 4 to July 29:

With autumn quickly approaching, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has unveiled its highly anticipated fall foliage projection map. Created in collaboration with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, this map predicts when and where fall foliage will appear across the state, helping travelers plan the perfect autumn trip to the third most forested state in the U.S. Summer rainfall totals have set the stage for exceptional color this season.
“West Virginia’s mountains are poised to put on one of their most breathtaking shows yet,” said West Virginia Division of Forestry Director Jeremey Jones.

“With the wet summer and perfect mix of warm days and crisp nights, we’re expecting vibrant reds, brilliant oranges, and golden yellows to sweep across the hillsides this fall.”
Starting mid-September, the Department of Tourism will roll out weekly travel-ready itineraries highlighting some of the best destinations and adventures for enjoying vibrant color.
These curated itineraries can be found on West Virginia Tourism’s social media channels and at wvtourism.com/press-releases.
Join the West Virginia Tourism Instagram Broadcast Channel to be among the first to hear about fall happenings in West Virginia and unlock exclusive offers.
An invite will be sent to all followers, or they can access the join link under the “Fall” highlight.
“There are still a few weeks of summer left, but it’s never too early to start planning a trip to experience West Virginia’s stunning fall foliage,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.
“Thanks to above-average rainfall this summer, the fall colors are expected to really show off. Head to our website for inspirational fall content and trip planning tips. There’s no better place to spend this season than in Almost Heaven!”
Travelers are invited to share their autumn photos using #AlmostHeaven for a chance to be featured on social media channels.
Beginning late September, the department’s live leaf tracker will also showcase photos shared with #AlmostHeaven and will be updated in real time, offering a glimpse into the current conditions.
In addition, the Department of Tourism plans to re-launch the popular statewide Paranormal Trail and feature new spine-chilling stops.
To keep tabs on all things autumn in Almost Heaven, visit wvtourism.com/fall.
Photo credit: W.Va. Department of Tourism.

Deputy apprehends suspect after observing reckless driving

On July 3, 2025, Grant County Sheriff’s Deputy, J.M. Rohrbaugh, was stationed at Sheetz, located at 299 Bryan Street in Petersburg. Rohrbaugh observed a red Kia SUV pull into a parking spot across from him with a male driver, Roger Wayne Mongold, whom Deputy Rohrbaugh identified from prior interactions. To the deputy’s knowledge, Mongold did not possess a valid driver’s license. A check of his plate revealed his license was currently suspended.