Charleston Gazette

Google Challenges Microsoft with Free Chrome Operating System

SUN VALLEY, Idaho - Google Inc. is hoping to gain greater control over how personal computers work by developing a free operating system that will attack Microsoft Corp.'s golden goose - its long- dominant Windows franchise. The new operating system will be based on Google's 9-month-old Web browser, Chrome. Google intends to rely on help from the community of open-source programmers to develop the Chrome operating system, which is expected to begin running computers in the second half of 2010.

Consolidated Government: ; Metro Would Leave Cities Intact, Forum Told

City governments would remain intact under a plan Kanawha County officials hope will sell county voters on metro government. In fact, local and state officials and business leaders said at a public forum Wednesday, the major change residents of Kanawha County's smaller towns and unincorporated areas would see is having a voice in countywide decisions.

Employment Programs: ; State Workforce Manager Resigns Amid Grant Probe

State employment programs manager Mary Jane Bowling has resigned amid an investigation into federal grant money that was ultimately used by her son, convicted felon Martin Bowling. Mary Jane Bowling submitted her resignation after the state Workforce West Virginia office started termination proceedings against her, according to agency officials familiar with the investigation.

Byrd Gets Update On State Projects; His Return Unclear

Gov. Joe Manchin met with top aides on Sen. Robert C. Byrd's staff in Washington, D.C., this week, briefing them on West Virginia's current financial condition. At Byrd's request, Manchin also provided updates about the progress of highway projects throughout the Mountain State.

'Among Deadliest in the Nation': ; Study Faults W.Va. Roads, Bridges

West Virginia will need to find nearly $5 billion over the next 10 years to maintain roads and bridges that are already "among the deadliest in the nation," according to a report released Wednesday. TRIP, a Washington, D.C.-based transportation non-profit, unveiled the report at a highway construction project in South Charleston to draw attention to what it calls an issue vital to the safety and economic vitality of the state.

In Gazz L Good Guy On and Off Screen

In Local L Learning by Doing

Department of Education to Roll Out Public Web Site

Parents, principals, school staff and other members of the public could have more access to student data this fall, with a new Web site state Department of Education officials will roll out. At a state Board of Education meeting Wednesday, Deputy Superintendent Jack McClanahan gave board members a preview of the Web site, which is still a work in progress.

Corrections

A July 2 story incorrectly described the person whom Patrick Glen Moore of Poca was convicted of sexually assaulting in 2000. Moore was convicted of assaulting a 12-year-old family friend. ***

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July 8 traffic report MOST POPULAR

Giardina Talks About Her Latest Historical Novel

Charleston author Denise Giardina describes the realization as her "Come to Jesus moment." The ordained Episcopal deacon was reading yet another biography of the Brontes. The book noted that a serious novel never had been written about the sisters who produced "Jane Eyre" and "Wuthering Heights." Perhaps Peter Ackroyd should write one.

Police Still Searching for Gunmen in Huntington Shooting Death

Police are still searching for the gunmen who shot and killed a 20-year-old male in Huntington Tuesday afternoon. Billy James Jordan died from a single gunshot wound to the back, according to state medical examiners.

Man Falls Into Vat of Chocolate, Dies

CAMDEN, N.J. - Police say a 22-year-old worker died after falling into a vat of boiling chocolate in New Jersey. The accident happened at a plant owned by Lyons and Sons in Camden.

State Briefs

Three people die in murder-suicide EGLON - Police say the fatal shootings of three people in Preston County appear to be a murder-suicide.

Obama Nominates Judge Berger for Federal Court

Sens. Jay Rockefeller and Robert C. Byrd, both D-W.Va., applauded President Obama on Wednesday for nominating Kanawha County Circuit Judge Irene C. Berger for a position on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia. "Her historic nomination makes me so very proud," Rockefeller said. "She has served Kanawha County strongly and honorably as circuit judge, and I know she will do the same for all West Virginians. Her integrity, compassion and fairness are unmatched."

'Coal Country' Movie Venue Changing

The South Charleston Museum board of directors has canceled the world premiere of the documentary "Coal Country" this Saturday at the LaBelle Theater because of "a potential security problem," according to an e-mail sent to executive producer Mari-Lynn Evans. Evans said she is negotiating for another venue where she can show the film Saturday.

South Charleston Man Faces Child Porn Charges

A federal grand jury indicted a South Charleston man Wednesday on charges that he received and possessed child pornography, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced. James Curtis Sorgman, 50, allegedly had multiple images of minors engaged in sexually explicit activity in July 2008, according to the indictment.

Obituaries: ; Obit

Obituaries Today Belletto, Vincent A. Brown, Janine P. Criner, Bonnie L. Denzie, Harriet M. Farley, Alfred Jr. Hall, Juanita Harmon, Letha T. Hatcher, Alyssa M. Holmes, Ralph W. Johnson, Homer R. Land, Andrew T. Land, Michael L. Lyons, Jewel L. McGuire, Danny R. Means, Jacqueline H. Michels, Oliver A. II Miller, Warren B. O'Meara, Thomas E. Royster, Linda R. Shawkey, Sue S. Tincher, Lorraine E. Wamsley, Robert Whittington, Anna M. Williams, Mary G. Vincent Aldo Belletto

Mich. Firm Enters Fbi Building Bid: ; Cura Also Eyes West Side Park

The Charleston FBI lottery pool grew again Wednesday when a Michigan developer unveiled its plan to build an office building for the FBI on the site of the former Holley and Worthy hotels on Quarrier Street. Charleston Urban Renewal Authority board members agreed to name West Second Street Associates as designated developers of the CURA- owned property.

Business Briefs

Kennametal to offer 6.5 million shares LATROBE, Pa. - Kennametal Inc. said Wednesday it plans to offer 6.5 million common shares and use the proceeds to pay down bank debt.