Local robotics students shine in innovation challenge
Plus: Nitro demolitions, a pet microchip scanner and more Kanawha Valley community news
Good Wednesday, neighbor!
It’s March 12, 2025. Here’s what you need to know today:
Robotics students shine in innovation challenge
Nitro officials give update on demo progress
Plus, a new resource to help with lost pets
Today’s weather: ☀️ Sunny. Highs in the mid-70s, lows in the upper 40s.
Now, on to the news!
What you should know:
Demolition: The city of Nitro continues to make progress on its ongoing demolition projects. Officials said they have demolished 13 of 17 buildings slated for razing. “This project is a big step toward eliminating blight and improving our community,” a city representative said in a statement posted on social media. Crews will now move on to a property on Layne Avenue.
Scholarship: Over 200 students from more than 50 countries who attend the University of Charleston now have access to new funding thanks to an endowment from two former alumni. The college recently received a $50,000 donation from the estate of Frances and Richard Rumley to establish a scholarship for international students. “This scholarship will make a real difference, easing financial burdens and giving more international students the chance to call UC home,” Vice President of Development Gail Carter said. Read more about the Rumley’s donation here.
Pets: A new pet microchip scanner is coming to St. Albans. According to a release, the scanner will be located at the St. Albans Police Station at 613 MacCorkle Avenue. “This Microchip Scanning Station is the first of its kind in the Kanawha County area,” said Debbie Keener, the project's initiator. The scanner will allow anyone who has found a lost pet to scan that pet for a microchip. If a chip number is found, the individual may access the microchip registry online and follow the instructions to obtain the owner's contact information. Officials will dedicate the scanner during a public ceremony tomorrow (Thursday, March 13). Read more here.
Today
10 a.m. — Breaking Barriers Summit, YWCA Center for Racial Equity & Inclusion, 412 Elizabeth St., Charleston
Noon — Lenten Series Service and Lunch, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 405 B St., St Albans.
12:15 p.m. — Organ Recital With David Donathan, First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston.
7 p.m. — Slow Train, The ROQ, 1022 Virginia St. East, Charleston.
Upcoming
Friday, March 14 — 6:30 p.m.: “America Made With Love” Watch Party, J.Q. Dickinson Salt Works, 797 Midland Drive, Charleston.
Saturday, March 15 — Noon: Green Chili Shootout & Market Mayhem, Capitol Market, 800 Smith St., Charleston.
Saturday, March 15 — 7:30 p.m.: I Got Life - The Music of Nina Simone, Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston.
Today, we remember the following neighbors who have recently passed:
Gary Allen Anderson, Sr., 72, of Alum Creek, died March 2, 2025.
Mary K. “Kathy” (Kovach) Bennett, 82, died March 8, 2025.
Marsha Elaine Berry, 71, of Charleston, died Feb. 28, 2025.
John Paul Christopher, II, 30, of Charleston, died March 2, 2025.
Gerald Gene Gladwell, 82, of Cross Lanes, died March 8, 2025.
Joanette Veazey Gould, 81, of Charleston, died March 8, 2025.
Connie Lynn Meeker, 75, of St. Albans, died March 8, 2025.
Kathryn Mae “Kitty” Morris, 64, of St. Albans, died March 8, 2025.
Oswald Langford Roach, 73, of Dunbar, died Feb. 28, 2025.
Marvin “Marty” Rodney Rucker, 70, of Nitro, died March 10, 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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