🌱 Patch AM: How will Yeager Airport’s construction affect your holiday flight plans?

Good morning Charleston! We're back again in your inbox, keeping you updated with what's happening in and around town. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How will Yeager Airport’s construction affect your holiday flight plans?
• How a Charleston drug ring led to years behind bars
• Which Charleston programs are sharing over $500,000 in opioid funds?

Also on today's calendar: Kismet Notes Holiday Show at Short Story - Charleston WV and 3 more events.

Today's riddle: What did one astronaut stranded on the moon say to another? 🤔 (Answer below!)

From our Partner
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Find a T-Mobile store near Charleston.

Weather forecast:

• Friday: Windy; morning snow showers, with a high of 47 and low of 24 degrees.
• Saturday: Periods of sun, temps: high: 61, low: 35.
• Sunday: Mostly sunny and cooler, with a high of 45 and low of 23 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Expect Holiday Crowds At Airports Through New Year - West Virginia Public Broadcasting (wvpublic.org) — If you’re flying out of Charleston’s West Virginia International Yeager Airport, expect heavier holiday crowds but only minor impacts from ongoing terminal construction. Airport officials urge travelers to follow TSA rules, plan for increased passenger volume through New Year’s, and secure a REAL ID or passport before upcoming trips.
   

2. Kanawha County man, woman sentenced for roles in Charleston drug trafficking organization (wchstv.com) — Two Kanawha County residents have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a drug trafficking organization operating in Charleston, involving large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. One Charleston man received 10 years in prison and supervised release, while a St. Albans woman received just over a year, highlighting ongoing federal efforts against local drug distribution networks.
   

3. Over $500,000 in opioid settlement funds awarded to Charleston programs (wchsnetwork.com) — More than $500,000 in opioid settlement money is being directed to treatment, prevention, and recovery programs serving Charleston residents, from youth education to housing and legal support. Partnering with United Way and guided by the Opioid Community Council, the city has committed $600,000 overall, with additional settlement funds to be distributed annually through June 2029.
   

4. West Virginia DMV streamlines CDL e-test card process (wvnstv.com) — From Charleston, the DMV is rolling out an online CDL test card system so applicants no longer need to visit the Kanawha City DMV office just to get that card. Starting December 17, 2025, drivers and local driving schools can access the test card digitally, cutting red tape and making it easier to move toward a commercial license.
   

5. West Virginia State Police awards troopers for exceptional work (wowktv.com) — State troopers from across West Virginia were honored in South Charleston for lifesaving actions, meritorious service, and bravery, including a Purple Heart and Superintendent’s Award. The ceremony highlighted how often local law enforcement faces danger to protect communities and emphasized the strong support network within the West Virginia State Police family.
   

📸 Around Charleston

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Charleston

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Friday December 19

• Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
  Clay Center, 1 Clay Square, Charleston
  7:00 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Saturday December 20

• North Pole On Ice with Santa
  Memorial Ice Arena , 20 RHL Boulevard , South Charleston
  4:00 am
• Kismet Notes Holiday Show at Short Story - Charleston WV
  Short Story Brewing Charleston , 186 Summers St , Charleston
  7:00 pm

Sunday December 21

• Freestyle Session
  South Charleston Memorial Ice Arena , 20 RHL Blvd , South Charleston
  6:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve
  Capitol Market , 800 Smith St , Charleston
  10:00 am

Wednesday December 31

• New Year's Eve
  Capitol Market , 800 Smith St , Charleston
  10:00 am

📣 Charleston Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Friday December 19

• Parkersburg Boys Varsity Basketball @ South Charleston
  South Charleston High School , 1 Eagle Way , South Charleston
  7:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• North Pole On Ice with Santa
  Memorial Ice Arena , 20 RHL Boulevard , South Charleston
  4:00 am

Sunday December 21

• 8 Bit Brunch
  The Empty Glass , 410 Elizabeth St , Charleston
  12:00 pm
• Multi-State Conceal Carry Course
  Hatfield Family Distillery , 224 Haines Branch Rd , Charleston
  1:00 pm
• Holiday Storytime
  Kanawha County Public Library , 123 Capitol St , Charleston
  2:00 pm

Wednesday December 24

• Christmas Eve
  Capitol Market , 800 Smith St , Charleston
  10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

🪧 Patch Classifieds

• Office Space for Rent
  303 6th Ave Suite B   2,000 sq ft of office space for rent or Keyman offices, all utilities included.  Suites at 303 beside Walgreens 304-553-1476... (More info)

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• My baby ran out and I can’t find her.
  Her name is Daisy she’s extremely friendly if someone sees her can you please call or text me. 520-313-8291 last I heard her was down summit and… (Nextdoor Edgewood)
• Looking for a licensed plumber to reconnect a 1/2 bath that was removed from our basement at some point over the years.
  We would like to reconnect it and make it a 3/4 bath. (Nextdoor Bridge Road South Hills)

• This morning's headlines: Misguided tractor-trailers causing issues for residents in Hurricane, West Virginia gets a D+ for infrastructure and PSC... (X: wchs8fox11)
• 2026 Activity Calendar is now online -... Will likely be updated as time goes on - #WVLegis (X: wvlegislature)

• West Virginia Staffing posted a job opening for Housekeeper in Charleston. Apply here.
• Genesis Healthcare posted a job opening for Recreation Assistant 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 don’t think you know the gravity of this situation.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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