January 2026 | Page 3 of 13 | The Charleston Examiner

House Bill Would Make Mayoral, City Council Elections Partisan Statewide

A West Virginia lawmaker has introduced legislation that would require all city council and mayoral elections to be partisan and prevent mayors from being appointed except in the case of vacancies.

January 28, 2026

State

Bernice Shafer

Bernice ShaferBernice Shafer, 79, of Clendenin entered into eternal rest Friday, Jan.

January 27, 2026

Obituaries

Bennett Driggs 77 of Poca, formerly of Alaska passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026 at home.At this time arrangements are incomplete.Gatens - Harding Funeral Home 147 Main Street Poca is assisting the

January 27, 2026

Obituaries

Army Veteran Joe Earley Launches GOP Primary Challenge Against Senator Ben Queen

Retired Army First Sgt. Joe Earley officially launched his campaign Thursday for the West Virginia Senate in District 12, pledging to bring “true conservative leadership” to Charleston and challenging incumbent Republican Sen.

January 27, 2026

State

Clarence Gray

Clarence N Gray, 78, of Mammoth, passed away on January 25,2026 after a short & sudden illness.

January 27, 2026

Obituaries

Connie Devore

Connie Jo Withrow Devore, 65, of Dunbar, formerly of Hometown, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday morning, January 24, 2026, at her home.Connie was born

January 26, 2026

Obituaries

Kenneth “Kenny” Birthisel

Kenneth “Kenny” Hale Birthisel, 87, of Elkview, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at CAMC Memorial Hospital.He was preceded in death by his parents, William & Helen Birthisel; and brothers, Keith

January 24, 2026

Obituaries