(WCHS) — A fiery crash on Interstate 64 killed one person in Kanawha County on Monday and shut down the eastbound lanes overnight Kanawha County deputies said a semi and a passenger car were involved in the incident Deputies said it appears the semi-truck merged into the passenger car pinning it against the highway wall as both vehicles continued traveling eastbound The passenger car then caught on fire and the semi went across the road The sheriff's office said the driver of the semi died from their injuries The driver of the car was taken to the hospital Eyewitness News was told the semi was hauling hazardous material Steps were taken to limit the spill and remove the material safely Deputies said there was no threat to the public The eastbound lanes were closed until about 4:30 a.m A fiery crash along Interstate 64 East impacted travel in Kanawha County Monday evening The wreck was reported near mile marker 49 near Cross Lanes about 8:40 p.m. All lanes of eastbound traffic and one lane headed west will be shut down until the crash is cleared Deputies are diverting traffic from the interstate at Goff Mountain Road This story will be updated as new information becomes available This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Kanawha County deputies are investigating a new theft at the Rural King in Cross Lanes as part of what they’re calling a “larger investigation” following prior thefts at the store (WCHS) — Kanawha County deputies are investigating a new theft at the Rural King in Cross Lanes as part of what they’re calling a “larger investigation” following prior thefts at the store A man was seen leaving the store on Thursday with two Leupold VX-Freedom Rifle Scopes according to a news release from the sheriff’s office Deputies are asking for the public’s help identifying him The incident comes after a previous theft at the store earlier this month that resulted in two arrests and warrants for a third person Deputies said in the news released that the probe into the most recent theft “is just the beginning of a larger investigation into thieves' repeated targeting of Rural King.” Anyone with information in the investigation is asked to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0169 (WCHS) — Emergency crews were dispatched to a Cross Lanes address Friday morning regarding a structure fire Dispatchers reported the blaze occurred on Monta Vista Drive off of Big Tyler Road prompting a response from Kanawha and Putnam County firefighters Nitro officials told Eyewitness News an elderly woman was helped out of her home by a neighboring family member but has been taken to a hospital for observation Firefighters said the log home engulfed in flames upon their arrival Metro 911 reported traffic was diverted off of Big Tyler Road as crews worked to knock down the flames The cause of the fire remains under investigation (WCHS) — Those who live on Maplewood Lane in Cross Lanes are concerned for the future of the place they call home Homeowners said their homes could be gone in a few years if they can't find somebody to help with the ongoing issues causing their land to slide over the hillside but everybody keeps telling us the same thing It's on us," homeowner Tammy Cravens- Boggs said but just can't afford it,” Boggs said Homeowners said they've gotten multiple estimates to fix the road they said that's not money they can pay on their own "There's no way these people can afford to split it up There's 31 units that would have to split it up We're retired and a lot of people are on social security so there's just no way,” homeowner Kathy Mullins said Since the community is under a homeowner’s association Mullins said they're the ones responsible for paying to repair the road "The trash people can barely make it up over top of the holes and in the road they have been here to look at the road and an ambulance probably would not come across those holes," Mullins said "They're afraid of falling in so we really need some help." Neighbors said even if that $200,000 is paid it's not only the road that needs fixed "My neighbor’s house is just going into the creek We found more holes when I was looking the day before yesterday,” Boggs said They said selling their homes is not a feasible option either "We thought about selling but the real estate lady I spoke with said You're gonna take at least $10,000 loss with this road being like it is,'" Boggs said I wouldn't want to move here either." Share on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInKANAWHA COUNTY (WSAZ) - The West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) has placed Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center on provisional license status and reduced the facility’s capacity to zero 2024 - following serious non-compliance with state child care licensure regulations “The action today will result in the center not being able to serve any families or children while it’s under investigation We feel this is essential for the safety of youth,” said Cynthia Persily Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services “Our priority remains the protection of children and we are taking every step necessary to uphold that commitment We understand the significant impact this closure may have on families and we are here to support them in finding safe the decision to take these actions was based on preliminary findings by DoHS’ Bureau for Social Services-- including evidence of violations concerning both physical and psychological punishment of children and a failure to meet mandatory reporting and supervisory standards Identified violations include: subjecting a child to physical punishment failing to report serious occurrences within the required timeframe and failing to supervise teaching and support staff and to conduct regular staff meetings The release notes that these findings are part of an ongoing investigation and further corrective actions may be implemented as necessary to ensure child safety at the facility DoHS says the facility has been informed of its right to appeal this decision which must be requested in writing within 30 days of notification A hearing officer will be assigned to address the appeal and the center may have legal representation and present documentation as part of the hearing process Crews are expected to be repairing a large crack Friday that formed on an interstate overpass in Cross Lanes (WCHS) — Crews are expected to be repairing a large crack Friday that formed on an interstate overpass in Cross Lanes The crack across the Goff Mountain Road overpass that carries traffic above Interstate 64 could be seen Thursday Crews milled out the cracked asphalt on a section of the roadway Friday morning and are in the process of repaving the section of road according to a news release from West Virginia Division of Highways said in the news release that recent cold weather followed by temperatures approaching 60 degrees and heavy rains caused the earth to soften and shift under the bridge approach “The earth and concrete don’t like significant temperature changes when it’s 30 or 40 degrees Pack said repaving the section of road will provide a smooth ride for motorists until permanent repairs can be made in the spring The news release said traffic was flowing smoothly as repairs were being made Friday morning (WCHS) — A Cross Lanes child care facility has been placed on a provisional license status and had its capacity reduced to zero amid an ongoing abuse investigation The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced the move in a news release after findings of “serious non-compliance” with state child care licensure regulations at Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center The license status and capacity reduction are effective Sunday We feel this is essential for the safety of youth,” Cynthia Persily secretary of the West Virginia Department of Human Services The decision was based on preliminary findings by DoHS’ Bureau for Social Services including evidence of violations of subjecting a child to physical punishment failing to report serious occurrences within the required timeframe and failing to supervise teaching and support staff and to conduct regular staff meetings seven families have brought on lawyer Michael Cary to represent them in court regarding the alleged abuse I think he's not going to stop until it is no longer a daycare ," said Bethany Bird a parent whose child was cared for at the center Amber Seiler, 29, of Kenova was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery in addition to a felony count of battery and assault of a disabled child in the investigation She is accused of smacking children with special needs and spit on a 4-year-old child Coleman said he spoke to a former worker at the facility who had an audio recording she captured on her cell phone on June 28 The former worker told Coleman the audio captured Seiler spitting on a 4-year-old girl in the class and she had witnessed the incident The former worker also told the detective she witnessed Seiler on several occasions during the summer strike a 4-year-old girl with special needs in the mouth with her hand as well as yell at her during nap time The woman also said she saw Seiler smack a 4-year-old in the mouth in September and had witnessed similar conduct against the child and other children between April and September of this year The announcement Sunday comes after the agency said it was opening an investigation into the allegations on Friday Seiler turned herself into police later that day These initial findings are part of an ongoing investigation and further corrective actions may be implemented Seiler is being held in the South Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond in addition to two bonds of $1,500 cash or surety for the misdemeanors she would have to be on home confinement and have no contact with any minors Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov (WCHS) — A daycare worker at a Cross Lanes childcare facility is facing three charges after deputies said they found evidence the woman had smacked children with special needs and spit on a 4-year-old child of Kenova is charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery in addition to a felony count of battery and assault of a disabled child The felony carries a possible prison sentence of one to five years The misdemeanors are punishable by up to a year in jail Seiler told a magistrate during her arraignment in Kanawha County Magistrate Court Thursday night that she currently resides in Poca Detectives with the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office launched the investigation on Oct 24 after a mother with a child in Seiler's classroom posted audio to Facebook allegedly captured inside the classroom at Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center located at 5453 Big Tyler Road who made the original Facebook post shared thousands of times said she could rest easy knowing Seiler can not hurt her child or anyone else's Shaffer said the classroom was made up entirely of 4-year-old children Shaffer also believes the facility's director should be held accountable and that it should be shut down the West Virginia Department of Human Servicessaid it had launched an “immediate investigation”into misconduct allegations postedon social media The DoHS’ Bureau for Social Services said it had deployed investigators to the facility The DoHS said it will determine any necessary actions based on its findings which could include further involvement from law enforcement or the closure of the facility The agency urged the public to report any instance of suspected child abuse of neglect directly through the Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect "There was no substantiation of the formal abuse complaint regarding Cross Lanes Childcare and Learning Center by the Institutional Investigative Unit (IIU)," Jessica Holstein, assistant director of communications at the time, said. According to court records, Jacklyn Williams was found not guilty of the charge in February 2022 following a trial in magistrate court. Seiler is being held in the South Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond in addition to two bonds of $1,500 cash or surety for the misdemeanors. If she does post bond, she would have to be on home confinement and have no contact with any minors. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Two lanes have been shut down along Interstate 64 after a trailer overturned in Cross Lanes, deputies said. (WCHS) KANAWHA COUNTY, W.Va. (WCHS) — Two lanes have been shut down along Interstate 64 after a trailer overturned in Cross Lanes, deputies said. The incident occurred near the Cross Lanes Exit westbound near mile marker 46, according to a Metro 911 Alert. A trailer being towed by a truck overturned, closing both the right and middle lanes. No injuries were reported and crews are working to clear the scene. CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WCHS) — UPDATED - 10:00 p.m., 2/6/25 A second person was taken into custody after being identified in a theft that was reported at a Rural King in Cross Lanes on Tuesday evening, court records said. Jon Christopher Halstead, 57, turned himself in and was charged with receiving/transfer of stolen goods in Kanawha County, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Kanawha County Magistrate Court. Halstead, along with Jimmie Wade LeMaster Jr. and Mary Elizabeth Browning, were identified in the theft investigation after a welding machine was stolen. The complaint said that after LeMasters and Browning stole the machine, they requested a ride from Halstead to KV Jewelry and Loan in Dunbar and that he pawned it on their behalf. Halstead is currently being held at Southcentral Regional Jail on a $5,000 bond. Browning is still being sought in the case. One of three suspects identified in a theft that was reported at a Rural King in Cross Lanes has been taken into custody, deputies said. Jimmie Wade LeMaster Jr., 36, of Cross Lanes was taken into custody on grand larceny and conspiracy in Putnam County, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. LeMaster, Mary Elizabeth Browning and Jon Christopher Halstead were identified in a theft investigation at the Rural King where a welder worth $1,000 was stolen. Deputies said Browning, 38, of Nitro, and Halstead, 57, of Cross Lanes are still being sought. LeMaster is being held on separate $25,000 bonds out of Putnam and Kanawha counties. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office at 304-357-0157 or at 304-357-0169. Three people are being sought by Kanawha County deputies after a theft was reported at a Rural King in Cross Lanes earlier this week. New information collected in the investigation has led to charges being upgraded to felonies, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office: Two of the suspects were caught on camera stealing a welder with a $1,000 price tag and a third person has been connected to the incident, according to the news release. Deputies are asking for anyone with information on the current location of the suspects to contact deputies at 304-357-0157 or 304-357-0169. Kanawha County deputies said two people sought in a shoplifting investigation have been identified. The sheriff’s office said two suspects in a shoplifting incident at Rural King in Cross Lanes have been identified. Deputies are asking for public assistance to identify two suspects in a Kanawha County shoplifting investigation. Monday evening, a man and woman were caught on film stealing a welder, valued at $1,000 into a black Volkswagen Touareg with West Virginia license plate No. D11074A, according to a news release from the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. The news release said the pair are facing shoplifting and conspiracy charges. Anyone with information on the theft may contact investigators at 304-357-0169. Armstrong Williams takes on the news of the week and asks the questions you want answered. Don’t miss our weekly town hall. Power pole damaged following tractor trailer crash in Cross Lanesby STAFF REPORTS (WCHS) — A Kanawha County roadway was shut down Monday evening after a tractor trailer crashed into a utility pole High-tension power lines were downed along Cross Lanes Drive according to a social media post from the Tyler Mountain Volunteer Fire Department The post urged traffic to avoid the area until the roadway is cleared Deputies said the pole caught fire and has caused service issues for some customers (WCHS) — While you may not know the name Jayme Ferguson odds are you’ve seen the Kanawha County paramedic going viral for his reaction to a popcorn machine catching fire A video surfaced showing Ferguson strolling past the flames looking at his phone seemingly unphased at the chaos unfolding at a Rural King location in Cross Lanes referring to Ferguson as “the popcorn guy” and “the most unbothered man on the internet.” Since the video was captured nearly a week ago Ferguson has enjoyed his brush with fame and is still shocked by the response interesting and extremely exciting,” Ferguson said “I never would have thought going viral would happen though.” Ferguson told Eyewitness News his occupation may have had something to do with his nonchalant reaction as paramedics have to stay calm under pressure Somebody was filling popcorn and getting it started and I was coming straight to the popcorn machine,” Ferguson said Ferguson’s wife has been along for the ride as he was sending her a photo of the fire when as the viral video was being filmed “That’s something he always does as soon as he gets here gets what he needs and then sometimes he’ll get one on his way out.” Ferguson said he's glad he could give the world a much-needed laugh (WCHS) — The final three lawsuits were filed Friday against a Cross Lanes daycare alleging more abuse and neglect and accusing the owner of failing to address or correct the alleged issues The most recent three lawsuits allege neglect by the daycare and failure by its owner a 1-year-old was allegedly picked up by a parent on Oct 3 with a black eye and significant scratches to his face The mother was told they could not view video footage from inside the classroom taught by an unidentified teacher due to a black eye not being “serious enough,” according to the lawsuit the child was allegedly picked up with a busted lip A separate lawsuit claims a 2-year-old diagnosed with autism was picked up with a handprint mark on his cheek The lawsuit alleges the child was picked up on another day “filthy from head to toe.” “made me puke” during an alleged incident on Oct the mother of a 3-year-old said she received a call that her child had received a head injury after falling backwards from a stool The child was also allegedly left alone during bathroom breaks allegedly resulting in the child playing with her own feces When questions were raised about the incident the family said they were met by Williams and told their children were no longer welcome at the daycare Williams is accused of failing to take corrective or disciplinary action and allegedly threatening termination or ignoring workers who voiced concerns over the alleged abuse Williams has not been criminally charged in the ongoing investigations into the daycare The facility has since been closed amid the investigations (WCHS) — A Charleston attorney said Monday he is representing eight families of children who were allegedly abused at a Cross Lanes daycare that is currently under state investigation who is representing families in a case involving alleged abuse at Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center said during a news conference he is representing eight children who attended the daycare Seiler has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery in addition to a felony count of battery and assault of a disabled child in the investigation She is accused of smacking children with special needs and spitting on a 4-year-old child when you see something like that and you realize it's coming from the daycare where your child attends and then you hear that audio and hear your child's name called out and hear what sounds like something that's just unfathomable happening to a four-year-old,” said Darrel Feaster Cary said Monday the charges currently filed are only for cases involving three of the children “I’ve been practicing for almost 12 years and we’ve specialized in special needs and abuse cases with the Kanawha County Board of Education and this is by far the worst allegations that I’ve seen so far,” Cary said “What’s more demeaning than spitting on a minor child that’s unable to take care of themself?” the Kanawha County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation on Oct a mother with a child in Seiler's classroom posted audio to Facebook of the allegations inside the classroom is ongoing "There's still a lot of people that message me and contact me every single day," she said Monday Cary said the first of what he expects to be many lawsuits was filed Monday on behalf of a 4-year-old who was allegedly abused at the daycare He thanked the support of the community in the wake of the allegations becoming public Cary was involved in a similar lawsuit in 2021 against the same daycare that was eventually settled He said Monday he believed at the time that they had gotten justice but now believes there’s a “systemic” issue (WCHS) — Three new complaints have been filed in Kanawha County Circuit Court alleging children were mentally and physically abused at a Cross Lanes daycare facility The suits say recorded audio has captured Seiler “screaming at infant children” and “slapping a minor child.” One suit claims a child “experienced more emotional outbursts since attending the daycare facility and is constantly worried about ‘being good’ out of fear of being punished.” spit on another child and physically abused two others parents observed “a large bruise on his left shoulder.” A second suit claims a “persistent and disturbing pattern of both physical and emotional abuse” which has led to a child enrolled at the facility to exhibit “episodes of outburst and unusual behavior.” The filing said a child with a significant delays in speech development developed “extreme fear and apprehension” in asking Seiler to use the restroom preferring to urinate on himself and wear soiled clothes rather than being physically abused for speaking with his teacher A parent claims signs of abuse were apparent on multiple occasions including “significant injuries such as large abrasions.” The child “begged to go into a different classroom” when Seiler was working A third suit involves a 4-year-old diagnosed with autism and overacting bladder disorder alleging Seiler would specifically target special needs children The complaint has been filed by a mother who was formerly employed at the facility claiming her child was denied access to the restroom on “countless occasions.” The child would often be “soaked in urine and defecation” at the end of the day despite his diagnosis and having access to diapers and extra clothes The child “began defecating in his pants frequently while under the care and supervision of defendant Seiler an issue the minor child did not experience when with his mother,” the complaint said The recent filings also name director Amy Williams as a defendant When reporting the issue of restroom access being denied to children the complainant was “brushed off” by Williams and told “changing diapers is above Amber’s paygrade.” The former employee claims she was terminated after reporting her concerns with Williams telling her to “get your s*** get your stupid f***ing kids and get the f*** out!” The complaints said allegations of misconduct were not investigated and Williams neglected her obligation as a mandated reporter of child abuse The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced the daycare has been closed and placed on a provisional license status amid an active investigation. CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WCHS) — A daycare worker at a Cross Lanes child care facility is facing three charges after deputies said they found evidence the woman had smacked children with disabilities and spit on a 4-year-old. Amber Seiler, 29, turned herself in Friday evening after the West Virginia Department of Human Services announced it had launched an “immediate investigation” into misconduct allegations at the facility that were posted on social media.She was charged with two counts of misdemeanor battery and a felony count of battery and assault of a disabled child. Parents whose children attended Cross Lanes Child Care Center are speaking out about Seiler, calling the allegations horrible and unbelievable. Parents Ashley Shaffer and Bethany Bird can't believe this was going on while their kids attended the child care center. "That's exactly how it feels like I've paid for somebody to abuse my child," parent Ashley Shaffer said. "It's very sick." “Yeah It's horrible and there's just nothing we can do other than what we're doing now,” parent Bethany Bird said. Shaffer found out about the abuse after a former day care teacher broke her silence. “She let me know that she no longer worked here because there was a lot of shady stuff going on. So I asked her what she meant by that and she told me there was abuse going on in the center, that Amber was hitting kids in the mouth,"Shaffer said. "I didn't know anything about spitting until the following day." She said she received the audio of Seiler allegedly yelling and spitting and immediately called the police. “He talked to me on the phone and told me that pretty much there was nothing they could do," Shaffer said. "It was a civil case. So I was very angry. I went home that night and I called CPS and I filed a report with them and then I posted the video on social media because I knew if the police weren't gonna do anything, there's a lot of angry moms out there and they would not like that video.” Her post was seen thousands of times on social media. Bird wasn't aware of any abuse until she opened Facebook that night. "I didn't find out because my kid told me. I didn't find out because I came to the center and they stated something was going on,” Bird said. Bird's child is one of two autistic children in the class, and she feels her child was targeted because they're non-verbal. Both moms said they're working to make sure this won't happen to another child. "I'll tell every parent that walks in there that tries to sign their kid up. That daycare is nothing but child abusers,” Shaffer said. Seiler is being held in the South Central Regional Jail on a $50,000 cash or surety bond in addition to two bonds of $1,500 for the misdemeanors. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. CROSS LANES, W.Va. (WCHS) — A man is accused of accidentally starting a Cross Lanes brush fire with a pair of burning shoes, court records said. Scott Lorenzo Adkins, 52, has been charged with starting a fire on another person’s land after a wildfire ignited along Kelly Road as he was seen by witnesses walking in the area with a pair of shoes on fire, according to a criminal complaint filed with the Kanawha County Magistrate Court. The complaint said that several other witnesses overheard Adkins admitting to accidentally starting the fire with his shoes just as the local volunteer firefighters arrived on scene. Adkins is currently being held at South Central Regional Jail on a $1,000 cash only bond. Five new lawsuits allege physical and emotional abuse at Cross Lanes daycareby KRISTOFER PLONA (WCHS) — Five new lawsuits have been filed against Cross Lanes Child Care and Learning Center by parents claiming their children were mentally and physically abused at the facility The filings allege a teacher, identified as 29-year-old Amber Seiler “demonstrated a persistent and disturbing pattern of both physical and emotional abuse directed at the minor children in her classroom." The suits say audio exists where Seiler is heard “screaming at infant children” and “slapping a minor child.” dragging and spitting on children in addition to withholding food as punishment Parents of children with diagnosis also claimed Seiler would specifically target children with special needs Seiler is accused of withholding food from a child as punishment and allegedly slapped the child on the face Another child allegedly witness Seiler spit on children so much that the child began replicating the behavior A third lawsuit alleges Seiler hit another child in the mouth several times and allegedly repeatedly beat the minor over the buttocks A separate lawsuit alleges another child was punched in the head by Seiler A fifth lawsuit accuses Seiler of leaving bruises on the arms and legs of another child and allegedly withheld food from the child The parents claimed instances of abuse were not reported or investigated and Williams neglected her obligation as a mandated reporter of child abuse Parents claimed employees at the facility who observed the misconduct had taken their concerns to Williams who “responded with intimidation tactics or outright dismissal of the allegations.” Williams is accused of “creating a culture of fear and silence” by threatening employees with termination or ignoring claims of misconduct the suits allege the director enforced a no phone policy which prevented employees from capturing instances of abuse The West Virginia Department of Human Services announced the daycare has been closed and placed on a provisional license status amid an active investigation (WCHS) — Crews responded to a house fire Thursday in the Cross Lanes area Firefighters said flames were visible when they arrived No injuries have been reported in the incident No information was available on the cause of the incident (WCHS) — A man who was convicted in a July 2023 robbery at a Cross Lanes convenience store was sentenced to prison this week of Cross Lanes was sentenced to 25 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for robbery discharge of a firearm during a violent crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia White was found guilty of robbing a Cross Lanes convenience store shortly before 5:15 a.m Prosecutors said White entered the business wearing a mask and fired one round from his pistol into the ceiling He then held two employees at gunpoint and ordered them to give him money White told the employees as he was leaving that he would come back and kill them if they called police within the next 10 minutes Officers were able to use surveillance video from nearby businesses to identify White and he was taken into custody six days later The court cited White’s criminal history when imposing his sentence and agreed with prosecutors that “the only thing that will determine his next brazen violent crime appears to be his release date,” the news release said White had a previous felony conviction of first-degree robbery in 2017 where he pleaded guilty to his role in a home invasion where he held an 84-year-old woman at gunpoint with a sawed-off shotgun Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page.