January 2026 | Page 11 of 13 | The Charleston Examiner

Manchin Presses WVGOP to Reopen Republican Primaries as Party Weighs Decision

Former U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin is pleading with West Virginia Republicans to allow independent voters to participate in GOP primary elections.

January 7, 2026

State

Jimmie McCormick

Jimmie McCormick, 90, of Grantsville, West Virginia, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026, at WVU Camden-Clark Medical Center, Parkersburg, WV.He was born June 20, 1935, near Spencer, WV, a son of the

January 6, 2026

Obituaries

Michael Baldwin

often alongside his beloved Subaru—and treasured exploring the natural beauty of the state he called home.

January 6, 2026

Obituaries

Alton Garten

Alton Raymond “Al” GartenAlton Raymond “Al” Garten, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Cornerstone Hospice in The Villages, FL, with his devoted wife Leann by his side.He was 88 years

January 6, 2026

Obituaries

Raymond Michael Bernardis, 74, of Charleston passed away January 5, 2026 at Hubbard Hospice House, Charleston.He was a graduate of Penn State University and retired as an office manager for the Social

January 6, 2026

Obituaries

Goodwin outlines long-term vision as Charleston weighs Town Center mall acquisition

Momentum is growing around the possible redevelopment of Charleston Town Center following Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin’s announcement that the city is in discussions to acquire the downtown mall from its current owner.

January 6, 2026

Local

Kanawha school board begins contract talks with Superintendent Paula Potter

The Kanawha County Board of Education has taken initial steps toward negotiating a new contract with Schools Superintendent Paula Potter, beginning with the development of formal goals and objectives tied to her

January 6, 2026

Local

Charleston in talks to take ownership of Town Center mall, Mayor Says

Charleston officials have spent the past year in talks with the owners of Charleston Town Center about a possible transfer of the struggling downtown mall to city control, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin

January 6, 2026

Local

West Virginia Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor Announces Bid for Reelection

West Virginia Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor announced he is seeking reelection, pointing to his conservative voting record, leadership role in the chamber and focus on issues affecting rural communities.

January 6, 2026

State

Aaron Rucker

Aaron Paul Rucker, 60, of Walton, West Virginia, passed away December 18, 2025, at his home.He was born in Charleston, WV, December 3, 1965, a son of the late Ray Marvin and

January 5, 2026

Obituaries

January 2026 - Page 11

Manchin Presses WVGOP to Reopen Republican Primaries as Party Weighs Decision

Jimmie McCormick

Michael Baldwin

Alton Garten

Raymond Bernardis

Goodwin outlines long-term vision as Charleston weighs Town Center mall acquisition

Kanawha school board begins contract talks with Superintendent Paula Potter

Charleston in talks to take ownership of Town Center mall, Mayor Says

West Virginia Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor Announces Bid for Reelection

Aaron Rucker