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🌱 Patch AM: What jurors must decide in Charleston’s disturbing child pornography case

And check out Bored Teachers - Is It Friday Yet! Comedy Tour on the Charleston Patch calendar

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Greetings Charleston! We're your go-to source for what's happening in town. Read on to get plugged in! ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

  • What jurors must decide in Charleston's disturbing child pornography case
  • How a downtown crane will change Charleston traffic for a month.
  • Why UC chose to rename a major campus building Welch Hall

Also on today's calendar: Bored Teachers Comedy Tour and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 45 degrees.
  • Saturday: Sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 74, low: 47.
  • Sunday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 73 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Arguments close in Charleston child pornography trial (wvmetronews.com) — A Kanawha County jury in Charleston is deliberating the case of Leo Smith Jr., accused of possessing hundreds of child pornography images and videos on his cellphone. Prosecutors argue he knowingly saved and hid the material, while his attorney questions whether the phone can be reliably tied to him. The verdict will carry serious prison-time stakes and concerns about child exploitation in the Charleston community.
   

2. City of Charleston announces road closures as United Bank building set to replace roof (wchstv.com) — Downtown Charleston drivers should prepare for lane and sidewalk closures on Court Street and part of Virginia Street starting today, lasting through about October 28, while United Bank replaces its Virginia Street building roof. A crane will occupy the area, but the United Bank parking garage will still be accessible from Quarrier Street, and drivers can continue exiting onto Court Street.
   

3. University of Charleston dedicates 'Welch Hall' (wsaz.com) — University of Charleston has renamed its former School of Pharmacy building "Welch Hall" to honor longtime president Dr. Ed Welch, who led the university from 1989 to 2018. The Charleston campus building now houses the physician assistant and nurse anesthesia programs, and the dedication kicked off homecoming while celebrating 60 years of nursing education.
   

4. Community honors Hunter Combs with poster and balloon release despite rain in Charleston (wchstv.com) — Residents in South Charleston gathered in the rain to honor 12-year-old Hunter Combs with a poster signing and balloon release near the MacCorkle Avenue and Rock Lake Drive area. His mother shared memories of his kindness and worries about pedestrian safety, hoping for longer crosswalk times where he frequently walked. The community's response highlights strong support for a grieving local family.
   

5. WVDE holds Student Support Summit (wsaz.com) — Charleston just hosted the West Virginia Department of Education's Student Support Summit, drawing about 400 counselors and support staff to focus on student mental health, college and career planning, and family engagement. Organizers say the sessions and keynotes are meant to equip school professionals with fresh tools and best practices to better support kids across the state.
   

📸 Around Charleston

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Life with Viktor (age 5) Sept 20
    Viktor wanted this train that runs on top of cardboard instead of on a track. I got it because it wasn't too expensive. He tried to set it up himself… (Nextdoor Washington Heights)
  • Life with Viktor (age 5) Sept 23
    Viktor was playing with a Rubik's cube. Neither of us can solve it but he asked for a larger cube. He was talking about a 21 x 21 cube someone had… (Nextdoor Washington Heights)
  • Government Jobs posted a job opening for Transportation DMV Specialist 1 - Kanawha Co. in Charleston. Apply here.
  • MyJobsCorner posted a job opening for Materials Control Jobs: Hiring Immediately! Full Time / Part Time - $18-$36/Hr in Charleston. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Charleston here.

Ok Charleston! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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