Oct. 20, 2005
 
UPLAND NEWS BRIEFS: Harrison Sentenced to 1-5 Years for Arson with Motor Vehicle; WV Access Center Gets Grant; Union Mission Now Owns Motor Home
 
Compiled By William Paine
Bluefield News Network Writer
 
Princeton, WV (BNN) -- James Harrison, 23, was sentenced Oct. 18, 2005 for arson with a motor vehicle. Harrison allegedly stole a 1999 Pontiac in Monroe County last February, and then drove it into Mercer County where he set it on fire. Harrison returned from a 60-day evaluation and was sentenced to serve 1 to 5 years for arson. The sentence was suspended but Harrison will face a probation period of 4 years and must pay for the cost on the vehicle. Harrison is still incarcerated awaiting trial in Monroe County on Grand Larceny charges for the theft of the Pontiac.
 
West Virginia Access Center for Higher Education Gets $60,000
 
Bluefield, WV (BNN) --The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded a grant of $60,000 to the West Virginia Access Center for Higher Education to support the center’s efforts to increase college attendance among high school students. The center, headquartered on the Bluefield State College campus, was created seven years ago and awards grant money to high schools for projects designed to increase the rate of students going to college.
 
Union Mission Gets 31-Foot Motor Home
 
Bluefield, WV (BNN) -- Former city Judge John McGhee, donated his 31-foot luxury motor home to Craig Hammond of the Union Mission Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 18, 2005. As he handed the over the keys, McGhee reflected on the good times had in his 70’s era land yacht.
 
Hammond plans to use this latest acquisition for the Mission Outdoor Adventure program which gives underprivileged kids a chance to experience the great outdoors by driving them there in a recreational vehicle complete with 2 bedrooms, a full bath and kitchenette.