Groundbreaking held for new bank branch in downtown Charleston
Plus: Kanawha deputy award, Celtic Calling concert and more Kanawha Valley community news
Good Tuesday, neighbor!
It’s Feb. 25, 2025. Here’s what you need to know today:
Ground broke for new bank in Charleston
Kanawha deputy recognized
Plus, another chance to help flood victims
Today’s weather: 🌤️ Slight chance of showers then mostly sunny. Highs in the mid-50s, lows in the mid-30s.
Now, on to the news!
Bank moving into former Sears location in downtown Charleston
Poca Valley (formerly Poca Valley Bank) held a groundbreaking ceremony over the weekend for a new branch location being built in downtown Charleston. Local officials, including members of the Kanawha County Commission and Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin, attended the groundbreaking.
The new banking center is being constructed where the Sears Auto Center formerly stood. Officials expect the new building will be complete by 2026.
See more from the groundbreaking here.
Poca Valley is just one of several construction projects being planned for the downtown area. In September, officials broke ground on TC Energy’s new $60 million headquarters at the former site of the old CASCI building at 200 Kanawha Boulevard. There are also plans to build the new Capital Sports Center at the former Macy’s location at the Charleston Town Center.
What else you should know:
Recognition: Kanawha County Sheriff’s Deputy Samuel B. R. Savilla III has been named the 2024 Kanawha County Deputy of the Year, according to Sheriff Joey Crawford. The deputy was recognized during the most recent Kanawha County Commission meeting. Savilla, who was shot on duty during a February 2024 traffic stop in Rand, was also awarded a Law Enforcement Purple Heart Award — the first county officer to be presented with the award.
Concert: Charleston’sannual Celtic Calling celebration begins tomorrow (Wednesday, Feb. 26) and runs through Sunday, March 2. The event includes a Saturday parade, traditional music and even a kilt run, among several other offerings. One highlight is Saturday’s FOOTMAD concert featuring The Jeremiahs. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. on March 1 at the Capitol Theater, 123 Summers St. in Charleston. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Drive: A local man is holding a supply drive for flood victims in southern West Virginia. Trevor Morris, along with St. Albans Mayor Scott Williams, will be collecting supplies at the Hansford Center, 500 Washington St. in St. Albans, from 4-8 p.m. today (Tuesday, Feb. 25). More info is available on Facebook.
Today
1 p.m. — Hike With A Naturalist, Kanawha State Forest, 7500 Kanawha State Forest Dr., Charleston.
5:30 p.m. — Books & More Storytime: Celtic Tales, Kanawha Public Library, 123 Capitol St., Charleston.
6 p.m. — Cooking With Mrs. Fish, South Charleston Public Library, 312 Fourth Ave., South Charleston.
6:30 p.m. — Kanawha Valley Homebrew Club Meeting, Charleston Nano Brewery, 320 Washington St. West, Charleston.
7 p.m. — Cedar Grove Town Council Meeting, Town Hall, 302 Alexander St., Cedar Grove.
Upcoming
Wednesday, Feb. 26 — Noon: Harvest of the Month Cooking Class, South Charleston Public Library, 312 Fourth Ave., South Charleston.
Thursday, Feb. 27 — 7:30 p.m.: Sammy Miller & The Congregation Jazz Concert, Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston.
Saturday, March 1 — 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Dunbar Senior Center Flea Market, 2601 Fairlawn Ave., Dunbar.
Today, we remember the following neighbors who have recently passed:
Paul John Flaherty, 70, of Charleston, died Jan. 28, 2025.
Diana Lynn Garnes, 74, formerly of Dunbar, died Feb. 14, 2025.
Garnet Lee Melvin, 93, of Montgomery, died Feb. 19, 2025.
Vanniel “Glenn” Pauley, 83, formerly of Sissonville, died Feb. 15, 2025.
Eloise Mae “Dovie” Smith, of Alum Creek, died Feb. 20, 2025.
That’s all for today. Thanks for reading! Looking for more locally-made news content from around the Kanawha Valley? Make sure you:
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