As we get ready to celebrate Independence Day, we take a look at an upcoming documentary on the life and legacy of former U.S. Congressman and WV Secretary of State Ken Hechler. Hechler is still active at age 93 – and has lived that long life devoted to public service. "Ken Hechler: In Pursuit of Justice" is a co-production of The Ken Hechler Documentary Project and Marshall University. A clip of the television broadcast is followed by a discussion with Executive Producer Barbara Winters and co-producers Russ Barbour and Chip Hitchcock.

A recent study by a West Virginia University researcher showed a correlation between certain diseases and exposure to coal mining. It showed if you lived in a coal producing county you were much more likely to suffer lung, kidney or heart disease. But finding a correlation isn’t the same as proving exposure to coal mines and other facilities causes people to get sick. Now that researcher is taking the next step.

A new $30M state-of-the-art facility for the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute will open in Morgantown this fall. BRNI senior scientist Dr. Bernie Schreurs discusses his research and the risk factors and costs of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Joan Piemme is a retired nurse and active 71-year-old in Shepherdstown who says her secret to good health is her bike.

The Alzheimer's Association -WV Chapter held its "Thanks for the Memories" fundraising luncheon in May, honoring three people with the Rockefeller Award for their work in advocacy and health care. Dr. Shirley Neitch is a Professor of Medicine and Chief of Geriatrics at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall, director of the Hanshaw Geriatric Center and director of the Susan Edwards Drake Alzheimer's Center at Cabell Huntington Hospital. Kenneth and Brenda Haydon of Huntington were also honored; Brenda Haydon has cared for her husband since his diagnosis in 2003. She is now also caring for her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2005.

Nine years ago Sen. Jay Rockefeller founded the Blanchette Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, named for his mother who died of complications from Alzheimer's in 1992. Since its founding BRNI has conducted ground-breaking research in 2 laboratories, one at Johns Hopkin’s University in MD, and another on the campus of WVU. In September, a $30M state-of-the-art facility will open on WVU’s campus, bringing the entire research effort under one roof. Dr. Daniel Alkon, Scientific Director of BRNI, talks about the research, the business of research, and how motivated BRNI scientists are as they watch the finishing touches this summer on their new home in Morgantown.

Ella Hay stars in the premiere of the ballet "The Colors of Currier & Ives" in Huntington over Memorial Day Weekend. At 75, she's thought to be one of the oldest performing ballerinas in the world. Ella teaches at The Art Center in Huntington and has students who range in age from 4 to 53. We visited with Ella as she and her students prepared for opening night.