G
ood morning. It's Monday, March 3, 2025. Here is today's Morning Report, the Kanawha Valley Update's audio news bulletin published most weekdays by 6 a.m.
Body Found: An investigation is underway after a body was found in South Charleston over the weekend. Police say the body was discovered around 2 p.m. Sunday near the Criel mound at Staunton Park, just off MacCorkle Avenue. Both the South Charleston Police and Fire Departments, as well as Kanawha County EMS, responded to the scene. A medical examiner began investigating a cause of death Sunday afternoon. The individual’s identity has not yet been released.
Festival Ends: The ninth annual Celtic Calling event wrapped up in Charleston over the weekend. The five-day festival began last Wednesday, February 26, and ran through Sunday. Celtic Calling celebrates Gaelic heritage and features art, music, dance, sports and other cultural events. On Saturday, a parade was held along Capitol Street. Sunday featured the annual Kirkin’ of the Tartan blessing ceremony at Kanawha United Presbyterian Church. The event wrapped up with a series of dramatic readings at a Celtic-themed theater event held at Short Story Brewing on Summers Street.
Fire Season: Forest fire season is here. The season began on March 1 and runs through the end of May. Burning is banned throughout Kanawha County from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. during this time. Officials with the county’s Emergency Management division have released a forest fire safety fact sheet. They say that during overnight hours when burning is permitted, residents should have a 10-foot safety strip around outdoor fires. Fires should never be started on dry, windy days and all fires must be extinguished by 7 a.m. through May 31. You can read the full fact sheet on the county’s Facebook page.
Traffic Alert: Finally, if you happen drive through Nitro this month, you’ll want to be aware of a traffic alert. A portion of West 19th Street will be closed beginning today for construction. The closure will affect the area between the Nitro Athletic Complex and Nitro Library. During this time, drivers can access Park Avenue via the library parking lot or West 11th Street. The closure is expected to last through March 31.
