In Around West Virginia today: stories of addiction, caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, and the state's high rate of deer/auto collisions.
n At Gov. Tomblin's Substance Abuse Summit on Wednesday in Berkeley County, local elected officials shared their stories, showing that all walks of life are affected by addiction. Berkeley County Council President Doug Copenhaver described losing his son, who struggled with opioid addiction, to suicide, according to The Journal. His son, Douglas, had been pulled over and feared he was going to be jailed and again disappoint his family, so he purposely drove his vehicle into a steel pole. Martinsburg City Councilman Kevin Knowles, a recovering addict, talked about his recovery from cocaine addiction and alcoholism.
n Cabell County Family Court Judge Patricia Keller, who presides over the drug court, and other officials spoke to The Herald-Dispatch about plans to expand the drug court in Cabell County to include specialized services for sex workers. Keller said the program, which will serve about 20 participants, will include domestic violence counseling, family planning, trauma treatment and a healthy sexuality course.
n A Milton couple has been arrested on child pornography and sexual abuse charges, according to The Herald-Dispatch. Daniel Lovejoy, 31, and Nicole Lovejoy, 29, both allegedly sexually abused a girl. Police also say they found explicit photos of the child.
n West Virginians are more likely to make auto insurance claims for collisions with deer than any other state, The Register-Herald reports. West Virginia has held that spot for nine years in a row, according to State Farm.
n West Virginia is expected to see an increase in Alzheimer's patients as our population ages over the next 10 years, according to MetroNews. The state has the fourth oldest population in the country and currently has nearly 36,000 West Virginians over 65 living with Alzheimer's, according to the Alzheimer's Association. By 2025, the state is expected to have 44,000 people with the disease. Stephanie Erickson, an authority on Alzheimer's and family caregiving, told MetroNews she advised early, open communication between patients and caregivers.
Reach Erin Beck at erin.beck@wvgazettemail.com, 304-348-5163, Facebook.com/erinbeckwv, or follow @erinbeckwv on Twitter.