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local fire department has released its response statistics for 2025, and WVSU is set to honor a student-athlete who died suddenly in December. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, Institute and Clendenin.
MLK Celebration: Community members are invited to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today (Monday, Jan. 19, 2026) in Charleston. The fifth annual event, presented by The Links, Incorporated, Charleston Institute Chapter, will take place at the MLK Jr. Community Center at 314 Donnally Street. The celebration is free and will include food, games, face painting, live music, local exhibitors, giveaways, and a collaborative art experience.
Student Memorial: A former West Virginia State University student athlete is being honored in a special ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 21. Ishmael Smith, a junior guard on the university’s men's basketball team, died suddenly on Dec. 14, 2025. He was 24 years old. On Wednesday, the college will honor Smith’s life and legacy with a special 2:30 p.m. ceremony on the basketball court of the Walker Convocation Center on WVSU’s campus in Institute. WVSU President Ericke Cage, men’s basketball Coach Bryan Poore and others will be in attendance. The ceremony is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the greater community.
Fire Response: The Clendenin Volunteer Fire Department has released its 2025 call response statistics. “These numbers reflect the dedication, training, and commitment of our volunteers who are always ready to serve our community, day or night,” fire officials wrote in a statement. According to the provided data, the department responded to 161 medical emergencies, 54 fires (including 384 acres of brush fires), 40 motor vehicle accidents, and 99 other calls for service during the past year. Officials say the department’s busiest month was December, when volunteers responded to 42 separate calls.
