WIRT SCHOOL PRINCIPAL FACING FIREARMS CHARGE

(10/18/2007)

The principal of Wirt Middle School, James D. Hoover, 36, has been charged with two counts of unlawfully and feloniously possessing deadly weapons on school property. Hoover was arraigned Monday in Wood County Magistrate Court and released on $2,000 bond, but the case will be transfered to Wirt County. In a criminal complaint, Cpl. Gary W. McCullough of the West Virginia State Police said he went to the Wirt County Board of Education offices in Elizabeth on Oct. 10 and spoke with Wirt Superintendent Daniel Metz about Hoover allegedly bringing two firearms on to school grounds. Metz has denied to comment on the matter, including whether Hoover has been suspended from his position or put on leave, saying he cannot discuss such matters, describing it as a "personnel matter." The Hur Herald issued a Freedom of Information request to the superintendent, indicating Hoover's status should be known to Wirt County parents. Hoover was a former guidance counselor at Calhoun High School. Authorities will not comment whether Hoover's charges are linked to a hunting accident, a shooting in the head of an 18-year-old Mineral Wells youth identified as Chris Griffin. (Read earlier Hur Herald reports)

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