• Kanawha Valley Update

  • Independent community journalism from Kanawha County, West Virginia

Skip to main content

News

Charleston No Kings organizers ask crowd to vote early in West Virginia

Saturday's rally was the fourth at the West Virginia state capitol and one many held around the country.

the feed

top stories

Faith & Spirituality

At 160, historic local church celebrates with food, faith — and a James Beard Award winner

Author Adrian Miller will headline two events at Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church this weekend, including a public discussion on the relationship between theology and soul food.

October 13, 2026

Policy & Society

West Virginia continues drug testing for TANF recipients despite low positive rate

Fewer than 1% of applicants tested positive in 2025. A Kanawha County lawmaker questions the program's effectiveness, saying years of data show it "hasn’t saved taxpayers money."

October 13, 2026

Education

Kanawha schools turn to traveling-nurse model to fill special ed vacancies

School board approves up to $1.4 million annually in contracts as officials struggle to fill teaching and support positions.

October 12, 2026

obituaries

Photo of James Michael Farley

James Michael Farley

1943-2026

Photo of Ethel Amelia Black

Ethel Amelia Black

1935-2026

Photo of Earl Raymond Coffman

Earl Raymond Coffman

1941-2026

Photo of Emily E. Ford

Emily E. Ford

1953-2026

Photo of Freddie Lane Furby

Freddie Lane Furby

1956-2026

Photo of Corey Aaron Lake

Corey Aaron Lake

1978-2026

Photo of Carol Sue Lemons

Carol Sue Lemons

1952-2026

Photo of Lynn Kay McGraw

Lynn Kay McGraw

1953-2026

All obituaries

local news

News

Charleston No Kings organizers ask crowd to vote early in West Virginia

Saturday's rally was the fourth at the West Virginia state capitol and one many held around the country.

More local news

communities

Charleston

Charleston police chief to retire after two years; deputy chief named successor

Jason Webb, a 19-year veteran of the Charleston Police Department, will take over Oct. 22 as Scott Dempsey retires. The leadership change comes less than three years after both men were promoted following a search for a new chief.

Charleston

Food bank to open volunteer center in former Charleston grocery store

St. Albans

City to use nearly $5K in recovered funds to pay down public works equipment loan

Nitro

Coffee With a Twist to close this week; manager cites 'financial obligations' for decision

Charleston

New council member appointed to Charleston’s Ward 18

local living

Outdoors

The path less traveled: ALT offers fall hiking getaway just hours from the Kanawha Valley

Trade the crowds for colorful mountain scenery, quiet trails and small-town charm along West Virginia’s 316-mile Allegheny Trail.

Faith & Spirituality

At 160, historic local church celebrates with food, faith — and a James Beard Award winner

Entertainment

Meet the filmmaker behind ‘Dark Hollow’ at special Charleston screening

Dance

Ailey II brings next generation of dance to the Kanawha Valley

Events

Jurassic Quest roars into Charleston, bringing life-size dinosaurs, hands-on activities

More local living

opinion

Amy Shuler Goodwin, Mayor of Charleston

Opinion: When West Virginia’s cities and towns work together, we all benefit

Mayors and municipal leaders are often among the first people called when something bad happens. And in local government, those moments are deeply personal.

Kris Warner, West Virginia Secretary of State

Opinion: September is National Voter Registration Month. Are you ready to vote?

Every eligible West Virginian should take a few minutes this month to verify their voter registration status and update their information or register to vote.

Leann Ray, West Virginia Watch

Opinion: West Virginians don’t want Big Brother Flock watching 24/7

Between privacy worries and the possibility of police misusing the cameras, the positives aren’t outweighing the negatives.

More opinion

News

Charleston No Kings organizers ask crowd to vote early in West Virginia

Saturday's rally was the fourth at the West Virginia state capitol and one many held around the country.

5 hours ago

Obituaries

Death Notices: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

2 days ago

Weekend Calendar

Weekend Events: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 16-18, 2026

Here's what's happening this weekend around the Kanawha Valley.

2 days ago

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 15, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 15, 2026

Outdoors

The path less traveled: ALT offers fall hiking getaway just hours from the Kanawha Valley

Trade the crowds for colorful mountain scenery, quiet trails and small-town charm along West Virginia’s 316-mile Allegheny Trail.

October 15, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 14, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 14, 2026

Faith & Spirituality

At 160, historic local church celebrates with food, faith — and a James Beard Award winner

Author Adrian Miller will headline two events at Simpson Memorial United Methodist Church this weekend, including a public discussion on the relationship between theology and soul food.

October 13, 2026

Policy & Society

West Virginia continues drug testing for TANF recipients despite low positive rate

Fewer than 1% of applicants tested positive in 2025. A Kanawha County lawmaker questions the program's effectiveness, saying years of data show it "hasn’t saved taxpayers money."

October 13, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 13, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 13, 2026

Education

Kanawha schools turn to traveling-nurse model to fill special ed vacancies

School board approves up to $1.4 million annually in contracts as officials struggle to fill teaching and support positions.

October 12, 2026

Entertainment

Meet the filmmaker behind ‘Dark Hollow’ at special Charleston screening

Director Daniel Byers will answer audience questions Wednesday after a screening of his Appalachian horror film, shot partly inside a Beckley coal mine.

October 12, 2026

Dance

Ailey II brings next generation of dance to the Kanawha Valley

For more than 50 years, the acclaimed company has helped young dancers make the leap to professional careers. On Wednesday, it brings that mission to the Clay Center.

October 12, 2026

Education

‘Historic’ grant will help WVSU build Agriculture Complex

The Kanawha Valley-based university has received a $26.5 million federal grant that will help build a new, 40,000 square foot facility.

October 12, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 12, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Monday, Oct. 12, 2026

October 12, 2026

News

Latest death at Kanawha County coal mine follows two previous fatalities

A 44-year-old miner died Thursday at the American Eagle Mine, where federal investigators identified safety violations following fatal accidents in 2019 and 2020.

October 12, 2026

Charleston

Charleston police chief to retire after two years; deputy chief named successor

Jason Webb, a 19-year veteran of the Charleston Police Department, will take over Oct. 22 as Scott Dempsey retires. The leadership change comes less than three years after both men were promoted following a search for a new chief.

October 11, 2026

News

Federal flood aid available to Kanawha County residents as West Virginia gets mixed disaster assistance decisions

Residents affected by August flooding can apply for individual disaster assistance, while federal officials approve public recovery funding for July storms and uphold denials of individual aid for June flooding.

October 11, 2026

Local Government

What's open and closed Monday for Columbus Day in the Kanawha Valley?

Government offices, post offices and some libraries will close Oct. 12, but schools, public transportation and other services will continue operating. Here's what you need to know.

October 11, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Friday, Oct.9, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 9, 2026

Weekend Calendar

Weekend Events: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 9-11, 2026

Here's what's happening this weekend around the Kanawha Valley.

October 8, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 8, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 8, 2026

Charleston

Food bank to open volunteer center in former Charleston grocery store

Mountaineer Food Bank will take over the former Save a Lot building, with plans to explore ways the property could serve the broader neighborhood.

October 7, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 7, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 7, 2026

Health

Annual free health care day returns to Charleston clinic

Increased demand is expected at this year's event, which will take place on Saturday, Oct. 17 at West Virginia Health Right's East End location.

October 6, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 6, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 6, 2026

Midterm 2026

New polling shows Morrisey at 31-45% approval; it could affect Republican candidates this fall

State Navigate polled two key statehouse districts, where Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s endorsements could push voters away from Republican candidates.

October 5, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 5, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Monday, Oct. 5, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 5, 2026

Education

WVSU inducts 3 into ROTC Hall of Fame

Retired Maj. William F. Laney Jr., Lt. Col. Jason R. Lathey and former WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins were honored during the university’s homecoming week.

October 4, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 2, 2026

Weekend Calendar

Weekend Events: Friday-Sunday, Oct. 2-4, 2026

Here's what's happening this weekend around the Kanawha Valley.

October 1, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

October 1, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

October 1, 2026

Midterm 2026

Kanawha County midterm ballot now available for preview

Online tool lets voters review and print their sample ballot ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election.

September 30, 2026

Events

Jurassic Quest roars into Charleston, bringing life-size dinosaurs, hands-on activities

Three-day event at the Charleston Coliseum will feature massive dinosaurs, rides, fossil digs and a sensory- and mobility-friendly experience.

September 30, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

September 30, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 30, 2026

Events

Free pumpkin activities, fall workshops coming to the Kanawha Valley in October

WVSU Extension will offer five fall-themed activities and workshops during the month.

September 30, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

September 29, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 29, 2026

Event Guide

Spooky season is here. Here's your guide to Halloween events around the Kanawha Valley

Discover 100+ fall festivals, trunk-or-treats, haunted houses and other local autumn-themed events with this interactive planner.

September 29, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Monday, Sept. 28, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

September 28, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Monday, Sept. 28, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 28, 2026

Crime & Courts

Applications open for Kanawha County family court judge vacancy

Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission accepting applications following Judge Jim Douglas’ resignation.

September 27, 2026

Education

BridgeValley opens new Radiologic Technology lab

New "energized" laboratory gives students hands-on experience with equipment and techniques used in clinical settings.

September 27, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 25, 2026

Weekend Calendar

Weekend Events: Friday-Sunday, Sept. 25-27, 2026

Here's what's happening this weekend around the Kanawha Valley.

September 24, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

September 24, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 24, 2026

Policy & Society

Save a Life Day organizers continue focus on harm reduction despite federal funding changes

Annual naloxone distribution event planned for Thursday, Sept. 24.

September 23, 2026

Community Calendar

Community Calendar: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

A look at the public meetings and events happening around the Kanawha Valley today.

September 23, 2026

Obituaries

Death Notices: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026

Remembering Kanawha Valley neighbors we've recently lost.

September 23, 2026

St. Albans

City to use nearly $5K in recovered funds to pay down public works equipment loan

State Treasurer Larry Pack presented the city with an unclaimed property check during a presentation on Monday.

September 22, 2026