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well-known and much beloved lawyer and civil rights activist from Charleston has died, and one local cheer program has earned a spot in a national competition. Here’s the 411 from communities around the region, including Charleston, Elkview and South Charleston.
CHARLESTON ACTIVIST DIES: Katherine “Kitty” Dooley, a longtime Charleston attorney and civil rights leader, has died. She was 67. In a statement, Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin called Dooley a “trailblazer” who lived a life of service and integrity. A Fairmont native and U.S. Army veteran, Dooley practiced law in Charleston for more than 30 years after earning her degree from WVU’s College of Law. She received numerous honors, including the Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the Dream” Award and the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award. The YWCA of Charleston, which named a building after Dooley, said her name and legacy “anchors her ideals in a space where women find support, growth and community.”
CHEER NATIONALS: Herbert Hoover High School’s cheerleading squad is headed to Disney World in early 2026. The team earned a spot in the UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship (NHSCC), set for Jan. 30–Feb. 1 in Orlando, Florida. The Huskies qualified during the WV Game Day Competition on Sept. 20 in Morgantown, competing alongside other Kanawha County cheer programs from Charleston Catholic, George Washington and Sissonville high schools. The 2026 trip marks Herbert Hoover’s second appearance at the national competition, following their debut in 2024.
PUMPKIN FIELD TRIPS: The South Charleston Farmers Market is inviting schools, daycares, businesses and groups to take part in its Pick A Pumpkin Field Trip this fall. Children can explore the market’s pumpkin selection, choose their own pumpkin and enjoy a festive autumn outing. To schedule a visit, email szuniga@cityofsouthcharleston.com.
