Sierra Marling

A final game at Calvert Field — described by East Bank parents as "surreal" and "amazing" — almost didn’t happen this season. When the field's athletic facilities were condemned, Kanawha County Schools (KCS) had to demolish the grandstand, replacing it with temporary structures.Then came another blow: the Kanawha County Board of Education voted to consolidate East Bank Middle School into DuPont Middle School, further clouding the future of East Bank's historic field.Horace Mann Middle School's vice principal, Brittany Harris, recognized the impact her suggested act of kindness could have on her students' game, but she did it anyway because she "[felt] like we have to teach our kids to make decisions that support others."

On Oct. 29, 2024, WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals celebrated the grand opening of the new Thomas Orthopedic Hospital, an event that marked the continuation of a century-old legacy first established by Saint Francis Hospital. Originally a 25-bed hospital founded by the Sisters of Saint Francis of Perpetual Adoration from Williamsville, New York, Saint Francis provided care to Charleston residents since 1913.

Dr. Stephen Loyd is a first-generation college graduate and doctor from Northeast Tennessee who used his addiction experience to fuel his practice as a physician. Dr. Loyd is an internal medicine/addiction medicine physician who earned his medical degree at East Tennessee State University. Most recently, Dr. Loyd was the Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Recovery in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Loyd was appointed in August 2024 as director to the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy. The doctor's professional and advocacy work earned him a notable mention in the New York Times Bestseller "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America,” a book that examined the opioid epidemic's impact on the Appalachian region penned by journalist Beth Macy. When the book was adapted into the EMMY-award winning series “Dopesick” on Hulu, Loyd's character — portrayed by Michael Keaton — remained a steadfast component of the media exploration of the opioid epidemic.

Updates around the smaller cities and towns in Kanawha County, West Virginia. In a public notice, the Town of Chesapeake and the City of Chesapeake Sanitary Board acknowledged that the entities had not been in compliance with a mandate to complete annual audits. At the Oct. 3, 2024 South Charleston city council meeting, council unanimously awarded a $5.4 million bid to ZMM Architects in Charleston for the planning and concept, final design, construction inspection, and administration of the construction of a proposed $80 million health and wellness center. City Manager Rick Atkinson confirmed that the project is in its first phase, which includes conceptual planning, cost estimates and site options. Mayor Frank Mullens envisions a "state-of-the-art health club" with separate therapy and recreational swimming pools, e-gaming, and pickleball courts. In addition, Mullens hopes the project can include a separate indoor space for sports, concerts and conferences.

Dr. Stephen Loyd is a first-generation college graduate and doctor from Northeast Tennessee who used his addiction experience to fuel his practice as a physician. Dr. Loyd is an internal medicine/addiction medicine physician who earned his medical degree at East Tennessee State University. Most recently, Dr. Loyd was the Chief Medical Officer at Cedar Recovery in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Loyd was appointed in August 2024 as director to the West Virginia Office of Drug Control Policy. The doctor's professional and advocacy work earned him a notable mention in the New York Times Bestseller "Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company that Addicted America,” a book that examined the opioid epidemic's impact on the Appalachian region penned by journalist Beth Macy. When the book was adapted into the EMMY-award winning series “Dopesick” on Hulu, Loyd's character — portrayed by Michael Keaton — remained a steadfast component of the media exploration of the opioid epidemic.

Stuart Johnson voted in the 2024 General Election at Piedmont Elementary in Charleston on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Johnson mentioned that his reason for voting today was to

In West Virginia on election night, Nov. 5, 2024, in the First Congressional District, Carol Miller (R-WV) beat Democrat Chris Reed and Independent Wes Holden, with the Associated Press calling the race at 8:36 p.m. Miller will begin her fourth term. Current West Virginia Treasurer Riley Moore (R-WV) has won the election according to unofficial voter counts from the Associated Press, called at 8:39 p.m. He surpassed Democrat Steve Wendelin.

In West Virginia’s latest legislative elections, Republicans continued to expand their dominance, winning most contested state Senate and House of Delegates seats. Across several districts, GOP candidates won by significant margins, furthering the party’s hold on state governance. However, in Kanawha County, Democratic incumbents like Mike Pushkin, Kayla Young, and Hollis Lewis held firm, with some races decided by narrow margins.

Ryan Bush, an employee at Rock City Cake Company, has been honored with the West Virginia Ability Works Award by the Division of Rehabilitation Services. Recognized for his dedication, positive attitude, and commitment to excellence, Ryan has become an integral part of the team, inspiring both coworkers and management. Rock City Cake Company owner Morgan Morrison reflects on how Bush’s hard work and determination have transformed the workplace. Learn more about Ryan’s journey, his contributions, and the support he received from DRS and the Job Squad program.

First Lady Cathy Justice was sworn in as an official member of the West Virginia Board of Education at the West Virginia Board of Education meeting on Nov. 13, 2024. She was sworn in by Kanawha County Circuit Judge Stephanie Abraham, succeeding Dr. Daniel Snavely, whose term recently expired. As the newest board member, Cathy Justice was appointed by her husband, Governor Jim Justice, to a 9-year term on Nov. 7, 2024.