State Capitol Complex Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

Vigil in Charleston at Confederate Statue in Wake of Charlottesville Violence

About 80 people attended a candlelight vigil and a protest rally in Charleston Sunday evening. Attendees rallied at the West Virginia State Capitol to speak against racism, white supremacy, and to ask for the removal of the statue of Confederate General Stonewall Jackson from the Capitol grounds.

Speakers included religious leaders, who spoke about coming together as a community following Saturday’s violent white supremacy protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. The rally was organized by Rise Up WV, a progressive community organizing group.

Counter protesters with the Ohio Valley Minutemen debated with attendees at an anti-racism rally in Charleston, W.Va.

Most of the people at the rally said they’re in favor of removing the Confederate statue of Stonewall Jackson, but they also shared other ideas for racial healing.

There were about ten counter-protestors at the rally, who said they opposed taking down the Confederate Statue.

Local Artists Can Make Ornaments for Governor's Tree

West Virginia artists are being asked to create and submit ornaments for the governor’s holiday tree this year.

The ornaments are to be hand-crafted and suitable for hanging on a tree.

The “Artistree” will stand in the foyer of the Governor’s Mansion and will be unveiled during the annual holiday celebration at the State Capitol complex on Dec. 6.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin and first lady Joanne Jaeger Tomblin suggested the idea five years ago, and the West Virginia Division of Culture and History say it has now become a tradition for the family.

The deadline for submitting ornaments is 4 p.m. Nov. 18. A submission form is available online.

West Virginia Seeks Dancers for 2015 Festival

The state Division of Culture and History is seeking participants for the 2015 West Virginia State Dance Festival.

Directors from dance companies and schools across West Virginia are invited to enroll for the festival scheduled for April 17-19 at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.

Directors have until Jan. 5 to submit applications and scholarship and dancers’ applications are due by Jan. 12.

Officials say the festival showcases the talents of West Virginia dancers who come each spring to perform and take classes from nationally acclaimed dance instructors. This will mark the event’s 33rd year.

Gardeners Sought for Capitol Complex

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – The state is looking for gardeners who want to tend to flower beds at the Capitol Complex in Charleston next year.

     The program assigns specific areas to nonprofit community and civic groups. At least 15 flower beds are available.

     The duties consist of preparing the bed and planting flowers, weekly weeding and flower care. Volunteers must provide their own tools and remove dead plants in the fall.

     The application deadline is Dec. 31. Applications and guidelines can be obtained by contacting Capitol Grounds Manager John Cummings at (304) 957-7151.

Governor, First Lady Prepare for Capitol Holiday Celebration

West Virginia’s annual Joyful Night celebration and tree lighting ceremony is set at the State Capitol Complex.

The event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday on the North Plaza.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin says the program will include a salute to West Virginia military members and first responders and a special thank you to the state’s teachers.

The governor and first lady are encouraging those attending to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots campaign. Donation bins will be located in the Capitol Rotunda.