Sierra Marling

Riverside High School parents received a one-call from the Kanawha County Board of Education indicating that the weapons detection system implemented at the school last November would no longer be in use.Communications Manager Chris Williams said the weapons detection system program has been suspended "indefinitely" while KCS works through some of the issues encountered when testing the product.The Gazette-Mail contacted KCS to ask why the detection system would no longer be implemented, what would happen to the suspended equipment, and if there would be another attempt to use it once issues were addressed.

A 13-by-80-foot mural, Building Our Future Together, now enhances the GATEWAY Center in Smithers along U.S. Route 60. Designed by artist Bernie Wilke, the artwork reflects the city’s heritage and aspirations. Funded by the West Virginia Community Development Hub and Greater Kanawha County Foundation, the project is part of broader community initiatives.

According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, West Virginia, more cold is coming to the Capital City through at least Jan. 22, 2025. Cindy Briggs-Biond, a pastor at St. Marks United Methodist Church, and Sarah Collins, director of programs for the Kanawha Valley Collective, said they feel prepared for the upcoming cold snap primarily because the city and the community organizations work together so closely. Lead meteorologist Francis Kredensor confirmed that there would be no snow on the way, save for a light dusting.

Charleston celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a family-focused event at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Charelston, West Virginia on Jan. 20, 2025. Hosted by The Charleston-Institute Chapter of The Links, Inc., the day featured fun activities like bounce houses and scavenger hunts, along with lessons about Dr. King’s legacy and the Civil Rights Movement. Kids contributed to a collaborative art project led by Ian Bode, honoring the Edmund Pettus Bridge. Organizers emphasized educating the next generation about equality and justice, blending fun with meaningful learning for all attendees.

According to the National Weather Service in Charleston, West Virginia, more cold is coming to the Capital City through at least Jan. 22, 2025. Cindy Briggs-Biond, a pastor at St. Marks United Methodist Church, and Sarah Collins, director of programs for the Kanawha Valley Collective, said they feel prepared for the upcoming cold snap primarily because the city and the community organizations work together so closely. Lead meteorologist Francis Kredensor confirmed that there would be no snow on the way, save for a light dusting.

The City of Dunbar, West Virginia approved a $100k settlement at their meeting on January 21, 2025, in the federal police brutality case filed against the city and two Dunbar police officers in May 2024. The lawsuit stems from a June 2022 incident involving a man named Rickey Baire, 38, of Dunbar, who alleged in the May 2024 the lawsuit that Dunbar Police officers Zachary Winters and Adam Mason used excessive force during an arrest. City attorney Steve Swisher acknowledged that the settlement is "a bitter pill to swallow,” but said it was better to settle for $100,000 than to potentially lose in court and have to pay even more.

Looking for a unique spot in Charleston, West Virginia, to relax with coffee and cats? Cups & Cats Cafe offers a cozy, whimsical space where visitors can sip coffee, play with adoptable cats, and even find their “furever” friend. With plenty of enrichment activities for the cats, a giant tiger statue, and a kitty exercise wheel, this cafe is a must-visit for animal lovers.For cafe owner Lora Reynolds, providing a space where adoptable cats can roam freely and interact with people on their terms is the heart of her mission. Since opening in November 2024, the cafe has already helped 17 cats find loving homes.

Looking for a unique spot in Charleston, West Virginia, to relax with coffee and cats? Cups & Cats Cafe offers a cozy, whimsical space where visitors can sip coffee, play with adoptable cats, and even find their “furever” friend. With plenty of enrichment activities for the cats, a giant tiger statue, and a kitty exercise wheel, this cafe is a must-visit for animal lovers.For cafe owner Lora Reynolds, providing a space where adoptable cats can roam freely and interact with people on their terms is the heart of her mission. Since opening in November 2024, the cafe has already helped 17 cats find loving homes.

It was a big month for law enforcement news in the Upper Kanawha Valley.

The search for Superintendent Tom Williams's replacement began at an 8 a.m. Board of Education meeting on Jan. 30, 2025.After going into executive session for nearly an hour, Board President Ric Cavender announced the superintendent search had narrowed down from five to two candidates. The board plans to interview those who moved forward in executive session at an 8 a.m. meeting on Feb. 4, 2025.