Not only did Gov Joe Manchin order the lights on the exterior of the West Virginia Capitol dome in Charleston to be turned off in tribute to the late Senator Robert C. Byrd, but he gave state employees the day off Friday when a memorial service is scheduled.

The Mingo County Commission announced that employees in county offices, including the Courthouse and Memorial Building, also will have Friday off and the opportunity to attend the 11:30 a.m. memorial service at the Capitol's North Plaza.

Since the Fourth of July falls on Sunday, state and county employees will also have Monday off as a holiday.

Area banks and their branches and area post offices will be closed on Monday, July 5, because of Independence Day occurring on Sunday.

Williamson Postmaster John Masters said there will be no mail pickups or deliveries on Monday but regular business will resume Tuesday in the local and area post offices.

All public offices in Pike and Martin Counties, Ky., will be closed Monday because of the July Fourth event falling on Sunday.

Police and fire departments throughout Tug Valley, as well as emergency responders will have crews on duty around the clock during the holiday weekend.

The Williamson Daily News will publish as usual on Sunday but will be closed as usual on Monday, resuming publication Tuesday.

Gov. Manchin has invited all West Virginians to join state officials Friday during the special day of remembrance of the late senator and "to celebrate the many accomplishments of this outstanding West Virginian."

It was announced that President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden will attend the memorial service at the state capitol. It is anticipated that many citizens of Mingo County and elsewhere in southern West Virginia will drive to Charleston for the memorial service.