​ West Virginia Week in Review

​ Share Tweet Forward Gov. Justice, First Lady Cathy Justice host Joyful Night Celebration at Capitol Complex; announce winners of Student Ornament Competition Gov. Justice and First Lady Cathy Justice hosted the annual Joyful Night Celebration on the South Steps of the West Virginia State Capitol, which included the lighting of the West Virginia State Christmas Tree, several performances and readings, and recognition for this year's student ornament contest winners.  View Photos from Joyful Night Celebration "I wish you all the happiest of Christmas, as this is a season to come together and celebrate," Gov. Justice said. "I have to say, this tree is truly amazing. We have had some great trees in the past, but this one is the best I've seen during my time in office. It perfectly embodies what West Virginia is all about. These decorations and lights truly represent our state's Christmas spirit. What an amazing sight." Twitter Read More Flickr Gov. Justice commemorates 82nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor attack Twitter Gov. Justice appoints Sean K. “Corky” Hammers as judge for the Sixth Judicial Court Circuit serving Cabell County Gov. Justice announced that he has appointed Sean K. “Corky” Hammers, of Cabell County, West Virginia, to the Sixth Judicial Court Circuit serving Cabell County. He is set to fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Christopher D. Chiles on Oct. 31, 2023. "Corky Hammers is a highly respected attorney with a proven record of service to Cabell County,” Gov. Justice said. “I am confident that his experience, dedication, and commitment to justice will make him an excellent judge." Twitter Read More Gov. Justice attends 2023 Leaders of Education Conference  Twitter First Lady Justice introduces newest Friends With Paws therapy dog during assembly at Ravenswood High School First Lady Cathy Justice visited Ravenswood High School for an assembly to celebrate the arrival of the state’s next therapy dog through the Friends With Paws program.   The dog introduced at today’s event is named Nutter, and he is a Chocolate Labrador Retriever.   “We have seen how impactful our Friends With Paws therapy dogs have been in schools throughout the state,” First Lady Cathy Justice said. “I am thrilled to welcome Nutter and can’t wait to hear about the wonderful work that he does with the students at Ravenswood High School.” Read More Flickr First Lady Cathy Justice unveils official 2023 limited edition Christmas ornament First Lady Cathy Justice joined West Virginia Arts, Culture and History Curator Randall Reid-Smith to unveil her official 2023 limited edition Christmas ornament.   View Photos from Ornament Unveiling This year's ornament was created and designed by West Virginia artists John DesMeules of Beckley, a renowned glassblower in residence at Tamarack, and Christie Saunders of Barboursville, a talented artist who is a juried member of the West Virginia Watercolor Society. Read More Flickr Also this week: Buyer's Guide to 2024 hunting and fishing licenses in West Virginia West Virginia Receives Communities in Schools Partner Certification  WVDOT provides update as work on Wheeling Streetscape project continues into winter DHHR Promotes National Influenza Vaccination Week ###