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Hello Charleston! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. 

In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Random 2026 ballot order, affordable drones for first responders, and a Celtic Calling dog show + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

County clerks take the lead: West Virginia’s 2026 primary ballot order will be set by a random drawing in each county, Secretary of State Kris Warner said, after the candidate list was certified February 20 — see how the order works.

A legacy served with love: The Strickland family announced plans for three Chicken Salad Chick restaurants in Parkersburg, Teays Valley and Charleston honoring their late daughter Leah, with opening dates and locations to be announced — see what’s planned in West Virginia.

Homegrown innovation broadens access: Milton-based Appalachian Unified Aerospace has partnered with Virginia’s MITRE to expand affordable drone technology for first responders and homeland security. The company says its next step is hiring six employees — read the full story.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Paint and print four unique canvases
• Master freezer prep for fresh produce
• Read aloud to gentle therapy dogs
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Tune-up time, Charleston: If your bike’s been side-eyeing you from the garage, Charleston Bicycle Center will get it rolling again and steer you toward local rides and clubs with a handy resources page. Perfect for Kanawha State Forest laps, weekend rambles, or a commuter refresh that feels brand-new.

Shareable sips + bites: When you want a low-key night that still feels a little fancy, The Block Restaurant and Wine Cellar pours a deep wine list from its on-site cellar and serves scratch-made plates meant for sharing. Settle in, linger, and make a weeknight feel special with your favorite people.

Movie night, solved: When the couch queue feels stale, Teays Valley Cinemas is the easy switch: clean auditoriums, crisp 4K, comfy stadium seating, and fresh releases without downtown hassle. Grab popcorn, pick a seat, and enjoy an effortless escape on a weeknight.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Fun for the whole fam

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

☘ 10th Celtic Calling Gathering @ Downtown Charleston | Wednesday (3/4) at 6:00 PM – Charleston’s Celtic Calling turns 10, taking over town with pipes, fiddles, and the only 5K where your outfit comes with pleats. Expect a ceilidh dance, Capitol Street parade, Irish road bowling, and a bustling Celtic Village with crafters, clans, and kids’ antics.

🚂 C&OHS at the St. Albans Depot @ St. Albans Chesapeake and Ohio Depot | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Swing by St. Albans Depot first Saturdays for model trains, trains rumbling by, and railroad lore straight from C&OHS volunteers who actually worked the rails. Grab a $1 book or a Blenko suncatcher, then bask in miniature Kanawha County scenery. Pure local nostalgia.

🎣 2026 Urban Fishing @ North Charleston Recreation Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Urban Fishing brings the catch to you, no boat, no drama. Drop a line at North Charleston Community Center for a laid-back neighborhood fix with kids or grandkids. Bring a pole, bait, net, and bucket if you’re keeping dinner. Kids under 10 need an adult.

🐶 Celtic Calling Dog Show @ City Center Live | Saturday (3/7) at 12:00 PM – Bring your hound to a dog show with judges Lora from Cups and Cats Cafe, Bill from Country Roads Pet Resort, and Kinnfolk. Categories include Celtic breeds, fancy dress, and best redhead. No entry fee, biscuit money, plus treat-filled mugs, and Capitol Street parade strut.

🍀 Irish Road Bowling @ Kanawha State Forest | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – At Kanawha State Forest, we hurl 28 oz steel balls down the road, call it sport, and pretend the rake is for leaves. Bring two friends, or we’ll find you some, roll to Salamander Trail, then toast with road bowler stout at Fife Street.

🇺 Make an America 250 Badge to Wear @ Kanawha County Public Library – Main | Monday (3/9) at 10:00 AM – Celebrate America’s big 250 at the Main Library by making a badge you can actually wear, not just misplace in a junk drawer. Pick from their designs, or draw your own. If you can say semiquincentennial without a water break, you’ve earned two.

🏀 2026 WVSSAC Girls’ Basketball Championships @ Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center | Tuesday (3/10) at 12:00 AM – Snag the all-session pass for the WVSSAC girls’ hoops championships and settle in for wall-to-wall games, pep bands, and small-town bragging rights. One wristband, all the drama, better concessions than you remember, and the kind of defense your knees wish they still had.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Charleston report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 66°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 78%

Rain likely before 7am, then rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 66. South wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 56. South wind around 3 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 51%

A chance of rain before 4pm, then a chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: A chance of rain and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

Set within the National Register-listed Edgewood Historic District, the c. 1905 LaFollette-Martin House is a grand brick estate with over 6,000 square feet, soaring ceilings, original hardwoods, intricate millwork, and classic fireplaces. A gated double lot amplifies its presence, and a heated three-car garage adds convenience. A rare legacy property with architectural character, scale, and room for thoughtful evolution.

Take a peek inside →