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Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From FIRST ASCENT – Build your career. Keep West Virginia home. Graduate. Find a job. Check out First Ascent. The two-year community and career development program helps recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates build meaningful careers and establish roots in the Mountain State. WVU and Marshall have joined resources and expertise to give participants career support, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities and a statewide community of peers. And First Ascent isn't limited to one career path. Participants might work for a West Virginia employer, land a remote position, pursue entrepreneurship or build another kind of flexible career. Free coworking spaces give members somewhere to work and connect, while outdoor experiences and community events help them build a life beyond the job. The program features communities including the Morgantown and Huntington areas, Greater Elkins, the New River Gorge and Charleston. Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/about #2 – From WV TOURISM – Fall is calling. Take the country roads. Windows down. Sweater on. Maybe a little John Denver on the radio. Fall has arrived in Almost Heaven. West Virginia Tourism has everything you need to turn the season into a road trip, from mountain towns and state parks to scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and places to stay. And there's a good reason to hit the road. West Virginia is the third-most forested state, meaning autumn turns the state's country roads into a pretty spectacular show. Go hiking, biking, rafting or rock climbing. Ride a scenic train. Chase waterfalls. Explore a state park or spend a weekend in one of West Virginia's mountain towns. Check out the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, sign up for weekly foliage updates, and start planning your Almost Heaven road trip today! Read more: https://wvtourism.com #3 – From ASCEND WV – What if you could work from Almost Heaven? If your job lets you work from anywhere, Ascend West Virginia has a question for you: Why not here? Ascend was created to help remote workers build a new life in West Virginia, pairing professional flexibility with outdoor recreation and community. The offer includes $12,000, free outdoor recreation experiences and community-building activities for participating remote workers who relocate to one of Ascend's featured West Virginia communities. The program grew from a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith to West Virginia University that established the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Working with the State of West Virginia, that effort helped launch Ascend WV. Today, featured Ascend communities include the Morgantown area, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, New River Gorge and Charleston area. The pitch goes beyond money. Work here. Play here. Find your people here. Read more: https://ascendwv.com/the-offer/program-overview/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From FIRST ASCENT – Build your career. Keep West Virginia home. Graduate. Find a job. Check out First Ascent. The two-year community and career development program helps recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates build meaningful careers and establish roots in the Mountain State. WVU and Marshall have joined resources and expertise to give participants career support, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities and a statewide community of peers. And First Ascent isn't limited to one career path. Participants might work for a West Virginia employer, land a remote position, pursue entrepreneurship or build another kind of flexible career. Free coworking spaces give members somewhere to work and connect, while outdoor experiences and community events help them build a life beyond the job. The program features communities including the Morgantown and Huntington areas, Greater Elkins, the New River Gorge and Charleston. Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/about #2 – From WV TOURISM – Fall is calling. Take the country roads. Windows down. Sweater on. Maybe a little John Denver on the radio. Fall has arrived in Almost Heaven. West Virginia Tourism has everything you need to turn the season into a road trip, from mountain towns and state parks to scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and places to stay. And there's a good reason to hit the road. West Virginia is the third-most forested state, meaning autumn turns the state's country roads into a pretty spectacular show. Go hiking, biking, rafting or rock climbing. Ride a scenic train. Chase waterfalls. Explore a state park or spend a weekend in one of West Virginia's mountain towns. Check out the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, sign up for weekly foliage updates, and start planning your Almost Heaven road trip today! Read more: https://wvtourism.com #3 – From ASCEND WV – What if you could work from Almost Heaven? If your job lets you work from anywhere, Ascend West Virginia has a question for you: Why not here? Ascend was created to help remote workers build a new life in West Virginia, pairing professional flexibility with outdoor recreation and community. The offer includes $12,000, free outdoor recreation experiences and community-building activities for participating remote workers who relocate to one of Ascend's featured West Virginia communities. The program grew from a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith to West Virginia University that established the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Working with the State of West Virginia, that effort helped launch Ascend WV. Today, featured Ascend communities include the Morgantown area, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, New River Gorge and Charleston area. The pitch goes beyond money. Work here. Play here. Find your people here. Read more: https://ascendwv.com/the-offer/program-overview/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From METRO NEWS – Ascend to Charleston. Then stay. One year in, Ascend's Charleston-area program is celebrating new neighbors and some serious staying power. More than 100 new families have moved to Charleston through the remote-worker recruitment program since it launched in the Capital City last September. More than 2,200 people have applied to the Charleston program, while Ascend has received about 92,000 applications statewide since launching in 2021. And once people arrive, they tend to stick around. Ascend reports a statewide retention rate of 96.2%. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin says outdoor recreation helps attract participants, but community helps keep them here. Army veteran Giovanna Kiani is one of them. She moved from Tampa to Charleston in May while continuing to work remotely as a recruiter for a defense contractor. Kiani says what has stood out most is finding a community willing to welcome her with open arms. Now the program is getting another boost. Dr. Michelle Foster and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation announced a $500,000 gift to support the Charleston Area Alliance and Ascend's continued growth in the region. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/16/ascend-in-capital-city-marks-one-year-anniversary-receives-500k-donation-for-continued-growth/ #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Building more places to call home Growing communities need housing. West Virginia has a program designed to help developers build more of it. The BUILD WV Act, passed in 2022, offers incentives for approved residential development projects in designated BUILD WV districts. The goal is to help growing communities attract the housing development they need. Approved projects can receive a sales and use tax exemption on qualifying construction materials, property and services. There's also a refundable Property Value Adjustment Credit that can be used against personal or corporate income taxes for 10 years after construction is completed, up to $100,000 per project. Municipalities can also choose to provide a business and occupation tax exemption. To qualify, projects must be located in a certified BUILD WV district and generally have more than $3 million in approved costs or include at least six residential units or houses. Projects also must demonstrate positive economic impact, support opportunities for other businesses and provide additional employment opportunities. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/build-wv-act/ #3 – From WV SBDC – Got a business idea? Start with the fundamentals. Maybe you've got the idea. Now you need the plan. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers Business Fundamentals workshops around the state for people considering starting a business or entrepreneurs who have been operating for a year or less. The workshops cover some of the questions every new business owner eventually has to answer. How do you develop a business plan? What do you need to know before applying for a loan? And what are the essentials you need to understand before turning an idea into a sustainable business? Participants also receive the 124-page Going Into Business in West Virginia guide. Can't make an in-person workshop? There's an online Business Fundamentals option that entrepreneurs can complete at their own pace. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/training/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

After fire destroyed West Virginia's capitol in 1921, leaders decided to create a new magnificent building to replace it and who better to design it than America's first star architect, Cass Gilbert. Around the nation, Gilbert's structures graced town squares, capital cities and vaunted skylines. Gilbert's Woolworth Building in New York set the standard for the American skyscraper. So, when he came to Charleston, he guided everyone to a large plot of land in the city's east end, where he could build his latest masterpiece, a lasting monument to his reputation and a testimony to the people of the Mountain State.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV FILM OFFICE – Find resources for your next film project in Almost Heaven Whether you're looking for the perfect location for your next film project, or a crew member ready to undertake your next project, the West Virginia Film Office is here for you. Film Office staff are happy to help you secure your perfect location, find skilled workforce, and navigate film permitting. The office is ready to help with an experienced crew, an established statewide network of governmental agencies, nation-leading fiscal incentives, local business leaders and community representatives that are unmatched in hospitality. We look forward to working with you soon in – Yes, West Virginia! Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/ #2 – From WV EDA – WVEDA helps a mushroom farm expand its business Hernshaw Farms has transformed the decommissioned Memorial Tunnel on the West Virginia Turnpike into an innovative agricultural facility for growing gourmet mushrooms. The tunnel's dark environment, controlled humidity, and stable temperatures provide optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation. Leveraging this unique setup, founder George Patterson plans to expand production of dried Lion's Mane, capitalizing on its rising demand and health benefits. To scale operations and meet surging market demand, Hernshaw Farms partnered with the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) to secure financing for critical new machinery. The equipment upgrade has dramatically increased the farm's output, enabling it to take on larger commercial contracts. Read more: https://eda.wv.gov/the-wveda-helps-hernshaw-farms-expand-its-operations/ #3 – From WV DRS – WV DRS shares success stories The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps high school students and adults with disabilities set work goals and develop career plans. The agency assists individuals to overcome barriers so they can obtain or maintain employment. DRS's specially trained rehabilitation professionals can help you evaluate your skills and interests so you can succeed in the workplace. With backgrounds in emergency medical services, education, tourism and more, DRS clients share their stories of work-related successes in West Virginia. Learn more: https://wvdrs.org/updates-and-information/success-stories/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WSAZ-TV – Ascend WV celebrates new residents Ascend West Virginia has received a $500,000 grant from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to support efforts in attracting new residents to the Charleston area. Having already relocated over 100 people to the Kanawha Valley in its first year, the program aims to use the funding to expand its reach and encourage more individuals and families to make the region their home. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat population decline by embracing calculated risks and framing regional challenges as growth opportunities. Since launching statewide in 2021, Ascend West Virginia has successfully brought more than 1,500 new residents into the state over the past five years. Read more: https://www.wsaz.com/2026/09/17/ascend-west-virginia-celebrates-new-residents/ #2 – From WV TECH PARK – 15 years of discovery, development, and driving what's next The West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of economic and technological growth since its establishment in 2011. Community leaders, elected officials, and partners gathered to honor the park's transformation into a thriving innovation hub that now supports 32 companies and over 1,000 employees across research, technology, education, and manufacturing sectors. Reflecting on this milestone, CEO Matt Ballard highlighted the park's ongoing mission to foster collaboration and advance the state's economy. Looking ahead, leadership expressed gratitude for the community's support and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses shaping West Virginia's economic future. Read more: https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/15-years-of-discovery-development-and-driving-what-s-next #3 – From WV STATE PARKS – 10 stunning state park overlooks in West Virginia As the leaves begin their transformation into the brilliant warm colors of fall, there's no better place to take in the scenery than from one of West Virginia's stunning overlooks. West Virginia State Parks offer a diverse array of scenic viewpoints and outdoor destinations ideal for fall travel. Across the state, visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from elevated mountain perches like Hawks Nest and the 360-degree Ann Bailey Lookout Tower at Watoga, to the clear waters of Summersville Lake and the dramatic river gorges at Coopers Rock and Pipestem Resort. Accommodating all activity levels, the parks feature everything from short, accessible walks like Blackwater Falls' Lindy Point trail to challenging hikes and overnight stays, such as the Thorny Mountain Fire Lookout Tower in Seneca State Forest. Learn more: https://wvstateparks.com/10-stunning-state-park-overlooks-in-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From METRO NEWS – A construction boom could be coming to West Virginia West Virginia has announced billions of dollars in new investment and now somebody has to build it. Jason Pizatella, CEO of the Contractors Association of West Virginia, says the scale of announced economic development, energy and infrastructure projects could create a significant construction boom across the Mountain State. The opportunity stretches across multiple sectors. New manufacturing and economic development projects need sites, roads, utilities and buildings. Energy projects require major infrastructure. And ongoing public investments in highways, water, sewer and broadband add another layer of construction activity. The challenge? Having enough people ready to do the work. Pizatella says the industry is focused on recruiting and developing the next generation of skilled workers while making young West Virginians more aware of the careers available in construction. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/13/golden-age-contractors-association-ceo-says-boom-on-the-way-for-wv-construction/ #2 – From WV PRESS – $1.8 million opens doors for Southern West Virginia students A college scholarship can change the trajectory of a student's life. A new $1.8 million gift is designed to do exactly that for students from Southern West Virginia. WVU Institute of Technology has launched a new scholarship program supported by a gift from the PACK Foundation, creating additional opportunities for students from the region to attend WVU Tech in Beckley. The program reflects a shared focus on keeping talented students connected to Southern West Virginia while helping them earn the education and skills needed for their careers. For students and families, financial support can make a major difference in whether higher education feels possible. And for the region, helping more students earn degrees close to home can strengthen the pipeline of talent available to employers and communities. Read: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/wvu-tech-launches-scholarship-program-for-southern-wv-students-with-1-8m-pack-gift/ #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Camp beside the river and ride the rails at Cass Imagine waking up beside the Greenbrier River, then spending the day aboard one of West Virginia's most famous historic trains. That's the idea behind a new campground planned near Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The Slabtown Campground has opened along the Greenbrier River near Cass, adding another overnight option for visitors exploring Pocahontas County and the historic railroad community. The location puts campers close to the attractions that make Cass such a distinctive West Virginia destination. Visitors can ride historic trains into the mountains, explore the preserved company town, bike or hike the Greenbrier River Trail and use Cass as a base for exploring more of Pocahontas County. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/cass-scenic-railroad-slabtown-campground Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Could West Virginia manufacturers buy more from each other? Here's the idea: Before a West Virginia manufacturer orders something from overseas, find out whether another West Virginia company is already making it. The West Virginia Manufacturers Association is working with a new group called ReshoreWV to connect Mountain State manufacturers with suppliers closer to home. ReshoreWV is led by West Virginia native and Marshall University graduate Ed Ryan, whose background includes international trade work with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Amazon and lululemon. Ryan calls the strategy "import substitution." West Virginia manufacturers currently produce approximately $9 billion annually, but they also import about $4.9 billion in goods each year from more than 100 countries. Ryan says there's a 60% overlap between those imports and products already manufactured in West Virginia. ReshoreWV sees an immediate $680 million opportunity to replace some imported goods with products made here. The concept could shorten supply chains, reduce logistical headaches and keep more business circulating among West Virginia companies. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2026/09/matchmaking-for-manufacturers-how-education-and-incentives-for-reshoring-can-benefit-west-virginia/ #2 – From THE REAL WV – Investing in the people who build West Virginia When Stacie Dei talks about West Virginia's future, she doesn't start with buildings or businesses. She starts with people. The Real WV has named the Wheeling native its Real West Virginian of the Week, recognizing nearly 25 years of work supporting nonprofit leaders, educators, community organizations and rural communities across the state. Dei spent 22 years leading the Marshall County Family Resource Network before launching Grow West Virginia and the Appalachian Innovation Collective. Over time, she discovered what she calls her best work: "helping the helper." Through coaching, strategic planning, leadership development and mentorship, Dei supports the people who carry the responsibilities of leading nonprofits and community organizations. Her Appalachian Innovation Collective and programs including the Mountain State Leadership Lab have worked with leaders representing more than 60 organizations across West Virginia. And collaboration is central to her approach. Rather than treating organizations as competitors, Dei encourages leaders to share connections, resources and opportunities. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/09/11/real-west-virginian-of-the-week-stacie-dei-investing-in-the-people-who-build-west-virginia/ #3 – From WV BOOK FESTIVAL – Book lovers, this one's for you Clear some room on the bookshelf. The West Virginia Book Festival returns to the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, bringing together readers, writers and some major names in literature. The 2026 featured-author lineup includes R.L. Stine, creator of the bestselling Goosebumps series, which has sold more than 400 million books. He'll be joined by Margot Lee Shetterly, author of "Hidden Figures"; bestselling historical-fiction author Kate Quinn; Huntington native Craig Johnson, creator of the Walt Longmire mysteries; and West Virginia author and illustrator Rosalie Haizlett. And the festival isn't just about listening to authors. Visitors can explore writing workshops, family activities, a literary marketplace and the annual Used Book Sale. Admission to festival events and programs is free. There's also a bonus for history lovers. Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling historian Rick Atkinson will deliver the West Virginia Humanities Council's annual McCreight Lecture on October 15 at Charleston's Capitol Theater. Read more: https://www.wvbookfestival.org Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From HUNTINGTON CHAMBER – Stitch AI asks: Why not West Virginia? Artificial intelligence is changing fast. But Huntington-based Stitch AI says the bigger question for businesses isn't simply how to get access to AI. It's what they should actually do with it. Stitch AI works with organizational leaders to identify where artificial intelligence can create a real business advantage, what work may need to change and where human judgment remains essential. Co-founder and CEO Rich O'Brien believes that creates an opportunity for West Virginia. "Why not West Virginia?" O'Brien asks, arguing that AI innovation doesn't have to be concentrated in major metropolitan areas. His vision includes developing local talent, building technology companies here and helping existing West Virginia businesses put AI to work. Co-founder and CTO Josh Spence brings more than two decades of cyber operations experience in the Air National Guard, along with experience as West Virginia's former Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Information Officer. "If you're an organization that recognizes AI is going to be transformational in your industry, we're there to help you navigate that transition," Spence said. Read more: https://www.huntingtonchamber.org/2026/09/07/stitch-ai/ #2 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION – Meet Metro 911's first canine employee Some employees start the day by checking their email. Pip starts his by pawing at an office door. The 2-year-old shelter dog is Metro 911's first canine employee and public safety mascot, working alongside dispatchers at the Ned Chilton 911 Center in Charleston. And Pip has quite a story. The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association took him in after he was hit by a car. Around the same time, Metro 911 was looking for a shelter dog to join the center. Adoption, Deputy Director of Operations Rick McElhaney says, "was always the plan." After recovering, Pip received training from Charleston-based Follow Our Lead. Today, he knows when it's time to work. Put on his vest, and Pip settles into his role. Dispatchers deal with stressful and sometimes heartbreaking calls. Staff members say Pip seems to recognize when someone needs a little extra attention and will stay close during difficult moments. Pip also appears at public events and on Metro 911's social media to help share safety and weather information and even assist with recruiting new dispatchers. Read more: https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/pip-the-dispatch-dog-how-a-shelter-pup-became-metro-911s-first-canine-employee/?utm_source=chatgpt.com #3 – From WV EXPLORER – He got lost and found his movie in West Virginia Filmmaker Bob Ahmed was scouting rural Virginia for the setting of his feature film "Adam's Fire" when his phone died and he kept driving. Eventually, he found himself at a secluded mountain farm in West Virginia. And he'd found his movie. Ahmed, a Pakistani-American writer and director based near Washington, D.C., ultimately filmed "Adam's Fire" in Lost Creek and other locations across north-central West Virginia. The farm's rolling pastures, mountain ridges and generations-old cemetery became an important part of the film's visual identity. The movie follows 12-year-old Adam as he deals with tragedy and the death of his mother. His friendship with a Pakistani-American girl skilled in taekwondo helps bring together two different American experiences in a story about grief, forgiveness and human connection. Producer Tom Ohmer says West Virginia became more than scenery. The filmmakers wanted to portray a side of America they believe international audiences don't always see: people who are hospitable, thoughtful and compassionate. "Adam's Fire" opens Oct. 9 in select theaters, including AMC Morgantown 12. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/adams-fire-west-virginia-movie-lost-creek/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Twenty-five states have changed their minds about the location of their capitals, so West Virginia is in good company. Nonetheless, the back and forth between Wheeling and Charleston makes for one of the Mountain State's most amusing stories. Just shortly after being granted statehood during the Civil War's battle between North and South, West Virginia's capital location became a battle royale between the state's powerbrokers of its north and south, with government records making the trek up and down the Ohio River so frequently, the steamboats seemed to house them more than any great building created just for that purpose. 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV PRESS – Art and adventure come together in Elkins Something new is landing in the Elkins railyard. The Mon Forest Towns Partnership will unveil a new "canoe kiosk" sculpture on Saturday, September 19, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. near the historic Darden Mill. The installation is part of Paint and Paddle, a collaboration involving WVU's Art Education program, local artist Kelson Thorne and the South Branch Career & Technical Center. Canoe kiosks are being installed in nine Mon Forest Towns communities, each featuring a unique design reflecting the character and history of its town. The sculptures also provide visitors with information about nearby hiking, rivers, trails and tourism opportunities. It's a creative way to connect people with both the communities and the outdoor adventures surrounding the Monongahela National Forest. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/media-advisory-new-public-art-installation-to-open-in-elkins/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – See Blennerhassett Island by candlelight Mansion by Candlelight returns to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on October 9 and 10, offering visitors a completely different way to experience one of West Virginia's most distinctive historic destinations. Guests travel aboard the Island Belle before stepping into an evening of period music, traditional dancing, storytelling and costumed interpreters. Admission also includes a guided mansion tour and horse-drawn wagon ride. An optional Harvest Supper is available by advance reservation. Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett built their elaborate island estate around 1800. A few years later, it became connected to former Vice President Aaron Burr and his mysterious western expedition, ultimately drawing the Blennerhassetts into one of the young nation's most controversial political episodes. The original mansion burned in 1811. Today's reconstructed mansion stands on the historic site, where visitors can experience the story more than two centuries later. Last year's event sold out and some 2026 departure times are already gone, so get your tickets today! Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/blennerhassett-mansion-by-candlelight/ #3 – From WV SBDC – Finding community on a West Virginia river When Pamela Dunlap tried fly fishing for the first time in 2013, she found peace, confidence, friendship and a new connection to the outdoors. Two years later, she created Women, Wine & Waders so other women could experience those things too. Today, the business offers fly-casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs on rivers and streams across West Virginia and beyond. Women have found fishing partners, travel companions, support systems and lasting friendships through the program. The business' growth was made possible in part by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, which provided expert guidance and advice to Dunlap. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From BUSINESS FACILITIES MAGAZINE – Why West Virginia? Business Facilities takes a closer look When companies decide where to invest, the questions are pretty straightforward: Is the site ready? Can we get the power? Can we find and keep the workforce? And can we get our product to market? Business Facilities recently put those questions to Christine Davies, Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development & Workforce Participation, for a national Q&A on the Mountain State's business advantages. Davies points to energy certainty, site readiness and workforce loyalty as key pieces of West Virginia's pitch. The state's targeted growth sectors include high-capacity data centers, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. Workforce programs include customized training grants, apprenticeship support and partnerships with West Virginia's community and technical colleges. Read more: https://businessfacilities.com/why-west-virginia/ #2 – From FEDERAL RESERVE – Small business owners: The Fed wants to hear from you The Federal Reserve's 2026 Small Business Credit Survey gathers information from businesses with fewer than 500 employees about their financial conditions, financing and debt needs and experiences. The resulting data are used by the Federal Reserve and others to better understand what's happening on Main Street. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a partner in this year's survey and is encouraging owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses to participate. Businesses currently operating, recently closed or preparing to launch can take part. Responses are confidential, and the survey takes about 12 minutes. Take the survey: https://fedreserveboard.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38k9xZy8ayEERue?orgID=20261020 #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Now THAT'S a big fish Tyler Harmon decided to take his son fishing on the Ohio River near Ravenswood and invited his father along. About 20 minutes after they started fishing, three generations of the Harmon family were sharing a boat with the heaviest blue catfish ever recorded in West Virginia. The fish weighed 72.75 pounds and measured 48.15 inches long, breaking a state weight record that had stood for less than four months. After the measurements, Harmon released the fish alive back into the Ohio River. There's an even bigger story behind the catch. Blue catfish had disappeared from West Virginia waters before the Division of Natural Resources began restoring the native species in the Ohio and Kanawha rivers in the early 2000s. Since then, the fishery has grown and state records have continued to fall. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-blue-catfish-record-ohio-river/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV EXPLORER – The West Virginia town that helped pave America There's a bend in the Ohio River where West Virginia helped build American cities one brick at a time. More than 20 brick plants once operated around New Cumberland, producing millions of bricks that traveled by river and rail to communities across the country. The concentration was so great that riverboat crews called the area "Brickyard Bend." Historian Jeanne Grimm writes that New Cumberland was considered the brick capital of the United States from about 1840 to 1910. Hancock County had extensive clay deposits, including fire clays useful for products that could withstand extreme heat. New Cumberland's location on the Ohio River also gave manufacturers access to distant markets long before the railroad arrived. West Virginia bricks found their way to streets in Wheeling and Steubenville and to projects as far away as New Jersey and South Carolina. Later, local manufacturers increasingly produced heat-resistant brick for steelmaking and other heavy industries. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/new-cumberland-west-virginia-brick-capital/ #2 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Davis looks like a storybook in the fall West Virginia's fall color begins in the high Alleghenies, making the Davis and Thomas area one of the first places leaf peepers head each season. Davis sits along the Blackwater River on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. Once a timber town nicknamed "Stumptown," Davis has evolved into a destination built around art and outdoor recreation. Just three miles away, Blackwater Falls State Park surrounds its famous 57-foot waterfall with autumn color. Canaan Valley offers another view from above with a scenic chairlift, while Dolly Sods Wilderness and the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail provide plenty of ways to explore on foot. Then there's the Leaf Peepers Festival, held the last weekend in September with a firemen's parade, live music, the Run For It race, food and craft vendors and family activities. Peak color varies with the weather, but late September through the first half of October is typically the prime window for this beautiful area of the state. Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/storybook-fall-town-wv #3 – From THE REAL WV – From Charleston to the music charts Stephen Thomas is taking West Virginia roots into a music career that's crossing genres and reaching audiences around the country. The Charleston native has found growing national recognition through rock and alternative music, major radio and Billboard chart appearances and a crossover into country. His work stretches across rock, pop, R&B and country. But Thomas' conversation with The Real WV goes beyond music. It's also about what it means to grow up here, leave to pursue opportunity and remain connected to home. Thomas says West Virginia's landscapes, country music and outdoor traditions continue to influence his perspective and his work. At the same time, he's candid about the challenges young people can face when pursuing careers in creative industries. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/09/03/from-charleston-to-the-charts-stephen-thomas-reflects-on-success-and-his-west-virginia-roots/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Amusement parks started in Europe, evolving from pleasure gardens and fairs, but in the United States, they were created as waterside attractions or by local trolley companies to encourage more ridership on weekends. Created around the turn of the 20th century and called "trolley parks," there were hundreds of them throughout the country and West Virginia was no exception. With seven trolley parks and one waterside park, West Virginia had a collective total of eight amusement parks during the golden age of that great American institution's development, and from among them, Camden Park still thrives, bearing witness to the magic of that era. Amusement parks started in Europe, evolving from pleasure gardens and fairs, but in the United States, they were created as waterside attractions or by local trolley companies to encourage more ridership on weekends. Created around the turn of the 20th century and called "trolley parks," there were hundreds of them throughout the country and West Virginia was no exception. With seven trolley parks and one waterside park, West Virginia had a collective total of eight amusement parks during the golden age of that great American institution's development, and from among them, Camden Park still thrives, bearing witness to the magic of that era. 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WVDEP – Help keep Almost Heaven beautiful A cleaner West Virginia starts with people willing to pitch in. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is accepting registrations for the annual Adopt-A-Highway Fall Statewide Cleanup, set for Saturday, Sept. 26. Individuals, families, organizations and other groups can volunteer to pick up litter along most state-maintained roads. WVDEP provides the garbage bags, work gloves and safety vests and takes care of disposing of the collected trash. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and even groups planning a one-time cleanup are encouraged to participate. Last year, Adopt-A-Highway participants contributed more than 52,000 hours of work and removed more than 251,000 pounds of litter from West Virginia roads. Want to help? Groups need to register by Sept. 17. Learn more: https://dep.wv.gov/news/Pages/2026-Fall-Adopt-A-Highway-Cleanup.aspx #2 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Fall festival season is here The Charleston Gazette-Mail is highlighting fall festivals where visitors can experience Appalachian tradition, art and more across the Mountain State. Fall festivals are a chance to get out and experience West Virginia communities while celebrating the music, craftsmanship, food, art and traditions passed from one generation to the next. Take in the sights and sounds of events like the Mothman Festival, FestivFALL and more. Make a day trip out of it and enjoy a West Virginia tradition that's even better when the mountains start changing colors. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts_and_entertainment/in-the-know-experience-appalachian-tradition-art-more-at-these-fall-festivals/article_b31a18f9-e5c4-47c3-aeea-a3c2eeec941e.html #3 – From WV PRESS – 38,000 acres of West Virginia forest protected forever The West Virginia Land Trust has completed what it calls the largest corporate land conservation project in state history, protecting 38,000 acres of forest across Monroe, Summers and Fayette counties, with portions extending into Nicholas and Greenbrier counties. The land is owned by Aurora Sustainable Lands, which donated the easements. Aurora can continue sustainable forestry on the property under Forest Stewardship Council standards, but the protected land cannot be converted to real estate development, agriculture or other uses. The protected properties include more than 81 miles of streams in the Greenbrier, Gauley and New River watersheds, high-elevation forest around Summers County's 3,921-foot Keeney Knob and land bordering New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The project also protects wildlife habitat and drinking water sources while supporting working forests. And it could eventually create new opportunities for hiking, climbing, hunting and fishing, although plans for public access are still being developed. Read more: https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/land-trust-easement-protects-38000-acres-in-southern-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From THE MAIN THING – What happens when life forces you to slow down? Kate Reed shares the main thing she's learned in her lifetime: Slow down. Then life gave that wisdom a whole new meaning. Reed, an Elkins-based wellness entrepreneur, returns to The Main Thing podcast for a conversation with host Skip Lineberg about entrepreneurship, burnout, family, friendship and recovering from a traumatic brain injury. Since her first appearance, Reed left a 12-year career with Leadership West Virginia to focus full time on Wonder and Grow, the organization she founded with longtime friend Valerie Hart. Their work uses mindfulness and connection with nature to help people navigate stress and burnout. Then a snowboarding accident left Reed with a serious concussion. Reed took two weeks completely off, with minimal screen time and only gentle walks. Time outside became an important part of slowing down and giving herself room to recover. Now, her original wisdom has evolved. Slow down and soften. Sometimes wisdom isn't just something you know. It's something life asks you to practice. Read more: https://themainthingpodcast.com/ep-146-kate-reed-what-happens-when-were-forced-to-slow-down/ #2 – From WV PRESS – Show us your fall colors Got a favorite West Virginia fall view? Grab your camera. The West Virginia State Parks Foundation has launched its fall colors "Mountains Are Always Free" photo contest, inviting amateur and professional photographers to capture autumn across the state's parks, forests and rail trails. The category is fall color. Your photograph has to be taken at a West Virginia state park, state forest or rail trail, but what goes in the picture is up to you. The contest runs through Nov. 6. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-state-parks-foundation-announces-the-fall-colors-mountains-are-always-free-photo-contest/ #3 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia leads the nation in business survival Starting a business takes courage. Keeping one going takes something more. And West Virginia businesses are proving they can do it. A recently released business longevity study found that 57.6% of West Virginia businesses launched in 2019 were still operating five years later, giving the Mountain State the highest five-year business survival rate in the nation. The national average? 51.6%. West Virginia even edged out second-place Connecticut at 57.5%. That's especially notable because the businesses studied had to navigate five years that included the COVID-19 pandemic and major economic disruptions. Secretary of State Kris Warner credits entrepreneurs themselves along with years of collaboration among business organizations, educators, economic developers, lenders, workforce leaders, communities and state agencies. He also points to an expanding ecosystem of coaching, mentoring, accelerators, access-to-capital programs and entrepreneurship education. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/theet/opinion/columns/west-virginia-recognized-as-a-national-leader-in-small-business-development-and-entrepreneurship/article_17ddb2cf-5de7-448d-b663-23b5ee9a28e0.html Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WEST VIRGINIAVILLE – Homer Hickam: More than a Rocket Boy Mention Homer Hickam, and chances are you think rockets. Coalwood. "Rocket Boys." And the movie it inspired, "October Sky." But Hickam would like to add another word to the list: Author. A WestVirginiaVille podcast and profile explores Hickam's life as a writer, a career that stretches far beyond the story that made him famous. Hickam has published 19 books, ranging from memoir and military history to science fiction, thrillers and romance. His first book, "Torpedo Junction," explored German U-boat attacks along America's Atlantic Coast during World War II. Then came "Rocket Boys." The story of Hickam and his fellow McDowell County teenagers building rockets in Coalwood became a No. 1 New York Times bestseller, was translated into multiple languages and inspired October Sky. Hickam was also a NASA engineer, whose career included training the first Japanese astronauts sent to the European Space Agency's Spacelab and helping train the crew that repaired the Hubble Space Telescope. But through all of it, Hickam says writing is what he loves to do. Listen now: https://westvirginiaville.substack.com/p/homer-hickam-a-writer-from-the-hills?es_id=9c4f4a7d81 #2 – From METRO NEWS – Charleston's LIFT Center gets ready for what's next The LIFT Center, a new $20 million manufacturing facility, is scheduled for completion in November on the former Kanawha Manufacturing Company property. The 55,000-square-foot building sits on eight acres with both rail and truck access. Kanawha Manufacturing occupied the property for more than a century, providing jobs largely connected to the coal industry. The new chapter is focused on advanced manufacturing or energy. U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito recently toured the project as the Charleston Area Alliance continues searching for the facility's first manufacturer. Alliance President and CEO Mara Boggs says several potential businesses have already visited the site. The building itself is designed as a shell, allowing its eventual tenant to configure the space around its manufacturing needs. Construction has already supported about 50 jobs. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/08/31/charleston-lift-project-looks-for-lift-with-first-manufacturer-capito-tours-site/ #3 – From WV TECH PARK – Need a wet lab? West Virginia has room What exactly is a wet lab? A wet lab is designed for hands-on work involving chemicals, liquids, biological materials and other physical substances. That means it requires specialized infrastructure and safety systems you won't find in ordinary commercial space. And the West Virginia Regional Technology Park has some ready to go. Building 740 in South Charleston offers 132,000 square feet of flexible space, including approximately 25,000 square feet of available wet laboratory space, plus nearby offices for laboratory and administrative teams. That's important for a growing science or technology company. Building specialized laboratory space from scratch takes time and capital. Moving into existing wet-lab space can help a company get its operation running faster and put more of its investment toward the actual research and business. Read more: https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/what-is-a-wet-lab-a-guide-to-wet-laboratory-space Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From THE MAIN THING – Be the kind of leader people remember The leaders who make the biggest difference aren't always the ones making the biggest speeches. Sometimes they're the ones quietly helping someone else succeed. That's a central theme in the latest episode of The Main Thing Podcast, featuring Concord University President Dr. Bethany Meighen. Meighen returned to West Virginia after more than a decade working in the University of North Carolina System. Today, she's leading a public university of about 2,000 students, nearly half of whom she says are first-generation college students. Her philosophy? Servant leadership. Meighen says a leader's job is to remove obstacles so other people can succeed. That means working alongside people when they need you, getting behind them when they don't and creating a culture built on care, grace and trust. Read more: https://themainthingpodcast.com/be-the-kind-of-leader-people-remember-bethany-meighen/ #2 – From WV PRESS – Meet WVU's four-legged officers They work hard. They protect Mountaineers. And apparently, they accept payment in squeaky rubber balls. Meet Storm and Chuck, two explosives detection K-9s with the West Virginia University Police Department. Storm is a one-year-old black Lab and pointer mix who joined the department in July 2025. His job requires him to recognize around 25 different scents, using a canine nose equipped with roughly 300 million olfactory receptors. Humans have about six million. Then there's Chuck, a yellow Lab born and bred in Holland. Both dogs are certified through the National Police Dog Association and work alongside their handlers, Officers Isabella St. John and Ethan Stepp. Their work gets especially important when big crowds come to Morgantown. Before football games, Storm and Chuck search buses, bags, equipment and other areas for potential threats. The K-9s also can respond across West Virginia, including to schools in all 55 counties when there's a bomb threat. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/paw-and-order-k-9-officers-keep-mountaineers-safe/ #3 – From METRO NEWS – TC Energy has big plans for West Virginia Seven-and-a-half billion dollars invested. Nearly 3,000 miles of pipeline. And TC Energy says it's just getting started. Company President Francois Poirier told MetroNews during the West Virginia Chamber's Business Summit that TC Energy has "big growth plans" for the Mountain State. Over the past decade, the Canadian-based company has invested about $7.5 billion in West Virginia, developing nearly 3,000 miles of pipeline, 38 compressor stations and 1,500 meter stations. It currently employs more than 700 people in the state. Now another major project is on the way. TC Energy recently announced plans to transport 800 million cubic feet of natural gas into the Virginia market through West Virginia. Poirier says the project will mean several hundred million dollars in additional spending over the next few years. The company is also preparing to open its new Appalachian headquarters in downtown Charleston, which will continue serving as TC Energy's regional hub. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/02/tc-energy-is-ready-to-launch-big-growth-in-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WVU – Building West Virginia's outdoor economy West Virginia's mountains, rivers and trails aren't just great places to play. They're part of a growing economy. The West Virginia University Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative has released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting its work to use outdoor recreation as a tool for economic and community development. The collaborative works across West Virginia to connect outdoor recreation, workforce development, entrepreneurship and communities, helping create opportunities around one of the Mountain State's greatest assets: the outdoors. Read the report: https://oedc.wvu.edu/2025-smith-oedc-impact-report/?utm_content=384817798&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-71496659 #2 – From LONG WEEKENDS – Tune in to 100 years of technology in Huntington Want to see the only surviving television camera from the 1939 New York World's Fair? Or hear the surprisingly impressive sound of a 1915 phonograph cylinder? Head to Huntington's Museum of Radio and Technology. The museum houses about 3,000 objects, including vintage radios, televisions, telephones, computers, telegraph equipment and record players. It's housed inside a 10,000-square-foot former school building dating to the 1920s. There's plenty of West Virginia broadcasting history, but the collection stretches well beyond the Mountain State. Visitors can find everything from a 1927 RCA Radiola once owned by Chicago's Wrigley family to that one-of-a-kind World's Fair television camera. Filmmakers also turn to the museum for period radio and television props, with pieces from its collection appearing in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon. The nonprofit museum is open Saturdays and Sundays, and admission is free, although donations are welcome. Read more: https://long-weekends.com/articles/fallwinter-2026/the-museum-of-radio-and-technology #3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – West Virginia startups are turning ideas into results Test the idea. Listen to your customers. Learn. Then do it again. That's the approach behind Vantage Ventures, the entrepreneurship center housed within WVU's John Chambers College of Business and Economics. Its 13-week accelerator helps founders test assumptions while learning customer discovery, experimentation, financial modeling and pitching. And the numbers are adding up. In just two years, 40 participating startups have generated more than $1 million in new revenue, raised more than $6 million from investors and created or retained more than 70 West Virginia jobs. Vantage Ventures can also put money behind promising ideas. Six companies have received $100,000 pre-seed investments, for a total of $600,000 invested. Read more: https://wvbusinesslink.com/2026/08/27/west-virginia-startups-see-success-through-accelerator-program/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Early aviation was dominated by men, only for women to remind them that the great blue skies belonged to everyone. Irene Crum grew up in Huntington longing to soar into the wild blue yonder and fulfilled her dream many times over, setting records and blazing new trails. She also served her country during World War II as a Women's Airforce Service Pilot, known as WASPs, hence proving Shakespeare wrong:  The sting of the wasp is not in its tail but in her ability to master her craft.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV SECRETARY OF STATE – West Virginia is looking for its next generation of poll workers Want to see firsthand how an election works? West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner has a suggestion: become a poll worker. More than 8,400 poll workers are needed to help administer West Virginia's Nov. 3 General Election across more than 1,600 precincts. Poll workers help set up voting locations, verify voter information, issue ballots and secure election materials after the polls close. They're also paid for both training and Election Day service. And this year, there's something new. For the first time, eligible West Virginia high school juniors and seniors can serve as poll workers under legislation passed earlier this year. Students must be in good academic standing, receive parental or guardian consent and complete the required election training. Read more: https://sos.wv.gov/article/wv-secretary-state-kris-warner-and-county-clerks-observe-august-11th-national-poll-worker?utm_source=chatgpt.com #2 – From WV EXECUTIVE – West Virginia entrepreneurs headed to Bridge Day Bridge Day isn't just a showcase for BASE jumpers and one incredible bridge. This year, it's also a showcase for West Virginia entrepreneurship. The West Virginia Hive will feature six of its client businesses during the 46th annual Bridge Day celebration on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the New River Gorge. Visitors can meet the entrepreneurs behind Mariposa Hollow of Glen Morgan, Hinton Outfitters of Hinton, Kraken Glass N Crafts and Sunbeams & Moonshine Creations of Talcott, The Wooly Gorge of Oak Hill and Wild & Untamed Things of Alderson. WV Hive Regional Business Advisor Devon Fitzgerald says each business started simply with an idea. The Hive has worked alongside the entrepreneurs as they've built confidence, grown their businesses and turned those ideas into sustainable ventures. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/west-virginia-hive-to-showcase-six-businesses/ #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – $50 million defense manufacturing investment coming to Berkeley County A global defense technology company is saying YES to West Virginia. Helsing plans to invest an initial $50 million to establish advanced manufacturing operations in Berkeley County, creating at least 60 high-skilled, full-time jobs. The new Martinsburg facility will manufacture advanced defense systems, adding to West Virginia's growing aerospace, defense and advanced manufacturing sectors. And workforce development is part of the plan. West Virginia Advance and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College will develop specialized training to prepare workers for the advanced manufacturing jobs the company needs. The investment also adds to a much bigger run of economic development announcements. Since October, the Morrisey administration says more than $12.9 billion in private-sector investments have been announced, representing more than 13,700 projected jobs across the state. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/global-defense-technology-company-selects-west-virginia-for-50-million-manufacturing-investment/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From OUTSIDE MAGAZINE – One of the world's best rafting trips is right here Outside magazine is putting the Mountain State in the national spotlight, highlighting the spectacular whitewater and outdoor adventures surrounding one of America's newest national parks. At the center of the experience are the New and Gauley rivers, two waterways that have helped make West Virginia an international whitewater destination. And September brings something special. Gauley Season transforms the river into a world-class whitewater playground as scheduled releases from Summersville Lake create more than 100 rapids, including legendary Class V runs that draw paddlers from around the world. Pair the rafting with hiking, climbing, mountain biking and the spectacular scenery surrounding New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, and you've got one serious adventure destination. Read more: www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/experience-one-of-the-worlds-best-rafting-trips #2 – From UCWV – Helping West Virginia entrepreneurs go from startup to growth The University of Charleston's Downtown Innovation Hub is bringing together some of the people who can help. On September 8 from 4 to 6 p.m., the university's Inspiring Innovation Speaker Series will present "From Startup to Growth: Making the Most of the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem." The panel features Mark Burdette of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and WV BusinessLink, Amber Ravenscroft, president and founder of the Bridging Innovation Institute, and Madhur Bedre, president of Atlas Prediction Control and SBA Small Business Person of the Year. Entrepreneurs will hear from both sides of the ecosystem: organizations offering resources to help businesses start and grow and a successful entrepreneur who has used those resources firsthand. Read more: https://www.ucwv.edu/event/from-startup-to-growth-making-the-most-of-the-entrepreneurial-ecosystem/ #3 – From WV FOOD GUY – More coffee and outdoor dining coming to Charleston There's plenty brewing in Charleston's food scene. WV Food Guy Steven Keith reports that two new locally owned coffee shops are on the way, while another downtown restaurant has added a new way to dine outdoors. Capitol Common Grounds is planning a full-service coffee lounge inside the former Bluegrass Kitchen building at Washington and Elizabeth streets. The new space will offer coffee, handcrafted drinks and food in an environment designed for relaxing, working and socializing. Meanwhile, Brülehr Coffee is coming to 330 MacCorkle Avenue Southeast near the South Side Bridge. The locally owned drive-through will serve espresso drinks, teas, matcha, refreshers and specialty creations, along with snacks including pepperoni rolls, croissants and cookies. And something new is already open. Bourbon Street Bistro has added an outdoor patio overlooking Davis Park. The New Orleans-inspired space features wrought iron, string lights and downtown views, adding another option for al fresco dining in Charleston. Read more: https://www.wvfoodguy.com/post/super-weenie-closing-downtown-location Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV PRESS – Getting colorful for a cause Run. Walk. Get covered head to toe in color. And help support recovery across Appalachia. The Color Dash for Hope 5K returns to ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, bringing families, runners and walkers together to support Hope in the Hills, a nonprofit working to strengthen communities of recovery and healing throughout Appalachia. The relatively easy course winds through the ACE property to Concho Overlook, where participants get a spectacular view of the New River Gorge before heading back toward the finish line. Along the way, color stations transform those clean white shirts into something a little more memorable. Proceeds support Hope in the Hills programs ranging from youth prevention and healthy lifestyles to recovery housing and recovery-to-work initiatives. A little exercise. A lot of color. And a pretty good reason to get outside. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/color-dash-for-hope-returns-to-ace-adventure-resort-this-saturday-to-support-recovery-efforts-in-appalachia/ #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Lights, camera, Almost Heaven Mountains. Rivers. Small towns. Cities. And a growing network of people ready to help turn those places into movie sets. The West Virginia Film Office is helping filmmakers discover the Mountain State as a destination for film, television and other productions. Its resources include a statewide locations library, a searchable directory of professional crew and support services and assistance navigating permits. West Virginia also offers filmmakers a significant financial incentive. The state's Film Production Tax Credit provides up to 31% in transferable tax credits on qualified in-state spending, with no per-project or talent cap. Eligible projects include feature films, television productions, post-production, music videos and commercial photography. West Virginians can get involved, too. Actors and crew members can register with the Film Office to receive information about upcoming projects, while property owners can submit homes, businesses and other locations for consideration by productions. Almost Heaven might just be ready for its close-up. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/ #3 – From THE REAL WV – Making Netflix hits from West Virginia Robert and Jeff Tinnell grew up in Marion County. They left West Virginia to build careers in the film industry. Then they came home. The brothers founded Allegheny Image Factory and began making movies from the Mountain State. And this year, two of their productions found major audiences on Netflix. In March and April, "Gaslit by My Husband: The Morgan Metzer Story" reached number one on Netflix, while "Bad Guardian" climbed to number four. It's a West Virginia film story that comes full circle. Two brothers leave home to learn the business. They bring that experience back. And now they're producing movies from West Virginia that are reaching audiences across the country. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/08/17/allegheny-image-factory-produces-netflix-hits/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV TOURISM – Fall is calling in Almost Heaven Leaves are falling. Country roads are calling. And one of West Virginia's most spectacular seasons is almost here. As the third most forested state, West Virginia puts on quite a show each autumn, and the Department of Tourism's fall travel hub can help you find the best of it. Start with the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, then build an adventure around leaf peeping, hiking, waterfall hunting, whitewater rafting, fishing, ATV excursions or a ride aboard a scenic train. You can also take on the Almost Heaven SWINGO Challenge, follow a fall road trip through the Greenbrier Valley or Potomac Highlands, or sign up for weekly foliage updates so you know when the colors are peaking in your favorite part of the state. And if you want to make a weekend of it, cabins, resorts, festivals and fall getaways are waiting across the Mountain State. Cool air. Colorful mountains. Country roads. Sounds like fall in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvtourism.com/seasons/fall/ #2 – From WEST VIRGINIA WATCH – Passing West Virginia traditions to the next generation Some traditions aren't learned from a book. They're learned from another person. The West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program pairs expert traditional artists with dedicated apprentices for a year of one-on-one learning in music, dance, crafts, foodways, storytelling and other traditions rooted in Mountain State communities. Since 2017, apprenticeships have covered everything from clawhammer banjo and old-time fiddle to mushroom foraging, gardening, fiddle repair, Appalachian storytelling and soul food cooking. Each mentor and apprentice pair creates its own work plan and participates in public presentations and a final showcase. Teaching artists receive a $3,000 stipend, apprentices receive $800, and pairs may request another $400 for eligible expenses. Applications for the 2026-27 program are due September 18, and mentors and their proposed apprentices must apply together. It's more than teaching a skill. It's helping make sure the stories, knowledge and traditions of West Virginia communities keep moving forward. Read more: https://westvirginiawatch.com/2026/08/24/west-virginia-folklife-apprenticeship-program-accepting-applications/ #3 – From WV PRESS – Meet the very hungry tomato hornworm West Virginia gardeners, check those tomato plants. There's a big green caterpillar out there with an even bigger appetite. The tomato hornworm and its close relative, the tobacco hornworm, can grow up to four inches long and quickly strip the leaves from tomato plants. One hornworm can eat up to four times its weight in leaves and fruit every day, and just two mature caterpillars can defoliate an entire tomato or tobacco plant. They're also pretty good at hiding. Their green coloring blends into tomato foliage, so WVU Extension recommends checking plants at least twice a week. One giveaway is the dark, BB-sized droppings hornworms leave on leaves below where they're feeding. The simplest control? Pick them off by hand. But if you find a hornworm covered in tiny white cocoons, leave it alone. Those are from parasitic wasps, natural predators that eventually kill the hornworm and go looking for others. Sometimes Mother Nature brings her own pest control. Read more: https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/backyard-gardener-the-tomato-hornworm-a-big-worm-with-a-big-appetite Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WVU – WVU students learn what it takes to put on the show The crowd sees the performers. WVU students are learning everything it takes to get them onstage. Students in West Virginia University's Music Business and Industry Program are gaining real-world experience working Morgantown's Ruby Summer Concert Series, which has grown to attract more than 50,000 music fans each season. The series itself started as an idea sketched on a napkin in 2020. By 2022, performers including Don McLean and Charles Wesley Godwin were taking the stage at the Ruby Amphitheater. Today, WVU students help load equipment, manage merchandise, operate cameras and video boards, direct traffic and work live sound. Student Olivia Martens worked her way from event staffer to production assistant, coordinating directly with opening acts before they arrive. And sometimes the biggest lesson is learning to adapt. When wildfire smoke forced the cancellation of a Switchfoot and Hello June concert this summer, students got a real-world lesson in managing an unexpected event disruption.For these Mountaineers, summer concerts aren't just entertainment. They're preparation for careers in a multibillion-dollar music industry. Read more: https://stories.wvu.edu/songs-of-summer #2 – From WV LIVING – Building what he loves in Barboursville Music. Food. Beer. Art. For Barboursville entrepreneur Jason Beter, they're all different ways of building community. Beter opened Oscar's Breakfast, Burgers & Brews in 2017. Since then, his passion for independent local businesses has grown into 1861 Public House, Köerber Beer Company, Orbit's Record Shop and Outer Orbit Records. The businesses reflect Beter's own interests, but there's a bigger idea connecting them. He believes restaurants, breweries, record stores and other gathering places give communities their identity. They're where people meet friends, hear music, celebrate milestones and make memories. And he credits a team of family members, managers, cooks, servers, bartenders, brewers and others for turning those ideas into places people want to visit. It's a collection of businesses built around the things Beter loves. But maybe more importantly, they're built around a place he loves: Barboursville. Read more: https://wvliving.com/building-what-he-loves #3 – From WORKFORCE WEST VIRGINIA – Your next job could be a click away Looking for a new opportunity? You don't even have to leave home to meet your next employer. WorkForce West Virginia's Statewide Virtual Job Fairs connect job seekers with employers from across the Mountain State through an online platform. Job seekers can explore participating employers and opportunities while making connections from a computer, tablet or smartphone. The virtual format helps remove geography from the equation, giving West Virginians another way to explore career opportunities throughout the state. Whether you're looking for your first job, a better fit or your next career move, WorkForce West Virginia is helping employers and potential employees find each other. Read more: https://workforcewv.org/statewide-virtual-job-fairs Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

When journalist Herbert Morrison was sent to cover the arrival of the Hindenburg by Chicago radio station WLS, he thought it would be an exciting foray to see the possible future of air travel. But instead, his coverage would be the world's first recorded broadcast of an eyewitness account of a major world disaster. As if that weren't enough, Morrison and his sound engineer had to sneak the recording back to Chicago as Nazi Germany tried to circumvent its release.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026. #1 – From BRIDGEVALLEY CTC – Helping first-generation students thrive Being the first person in your family to attend college is something to celebrate. BridgeValley Community & Technical College wants to make sure those students also have the support they need to succeed. The college has received a $14,000 First-Generation Student Success Grant to launch Connect, Navigate, Thrive, a campus-wide initiative supporting the hundreds of BridgeValley students each semester who are the first in their families to pursue a college degree. New programming will help students navigate academic planning, financial wellness, study strategies and the challenge of balancing school, work and family responsibilities. BridgeValley will also expand National First-Generation College Celebration Day into an entire week this November and launch a year-long "First at BridgeValley" campaign celebrating the achievements of first-generation students. Read more: https://www.bridgevalley.edu/news/2026/AGD_First_Gen_Students_Grant.html #2 – From WV PRESS – Taking hospitality education into the real world A record 21 West Virginia University students are spending the summer working at Nemacolin, the nationally recognized luxury resort in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Mountaineers make up nearly two-thirds of Nemacolin's 33-member summer intern class, and WVU's participation in the program has tripled since 2022. Students are working in fields ranging from hospitality and tourism management to industrial engineering and animal sciences. Along the way, they're learning directly from industry professionals and resort executives while gaining experience in the day-to-day operation of a world-class destination. And those internships can lead somewhere. Since 2022, nearly 28% of participating interns have accepted full- or part-time jobs at Nemacolin after completing their internships. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/growing-partnership-with-luxury-resort-provides-summer-hospitality-experience-to-wvu-students/ #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – West Virginia aerospace is taking flight West Virginia has decades of aviation history. Now, the state is building the workforce and infrastructure for what's next. The Mountain State's aerospace sector includes maintenance and repair operations, advanced materials, aircraft components and next-generation defense manufacturing. Companies including Pratt & Whitney, MHIRJ and Touchstone Advanced Composites are already part of the state's growing aviation ecosystem. And the workforce pipeline starts early. Aviation learning modules are now available in 25 schools across 16 counties, reaching more than 1,000 K-12 students. The Aviation Maintenance Training Center at West Virginia AeroTech Park has capacity for 230 students, while Marshall University's Bill Noe Flight School provides professional flight training across a multi-airport network. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/aerospace/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2026. #1 – From SHALE CRESCENT USA – A world-class manufacturing advantage What happens when abundant energy, major markets and manufacturing infrastructure all come together in one place? That's the case being made by Shale Crescent USA for West Virginia and the surrounding region. Ohio, West Virginia and Pennsylvania together rank as the world's third-largest natural gas-producing region. The Shale Crescent also sits within a day's drive of 170 million Americans, putting manufacturers close to both energy supplies and customers. That combination can mean shorter supply chains, lower transportation costs and reduced time moving raw materials in and finished products out. For West Virginia, it's another opportunity to turn abundant resources and a strategic location into manufacturing investment and jobs. Read more: https://shalecrescentusa.com/a-world-class-manufacturing-advantage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com #2 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Marshall's IDEA District keeps building momentum Marshall University is moving forward with its vision for a new center of innovation in Huntington. The university recently unveiled the next phase of its $300 million IDEA District, short for Impossible Doesn't Exist Anymore, with new partnerships, facilities and private-sector investment taking shape. The former Latta's building will become the IDEA Collaborative, bringing the Huntington Area Development Council, Marshall's iCenter and other partners together in one location. Plans also call for a new Med-Tech Building, while construction continues on the Institute for Cyber Security. IBM, Intuit, Alpha Innovations and DroneTrace have committed to maintaining a presence there, creating opportunities for hands-on learning, applied research and workforce development. Marshall is also working with South Korean company UNDBIO on early plans for an insulin manufacturing facility that could create 1,700 jobs. The bigger goal is to bring education, research, entrepreneurship and private industry together in one district where ideas can become companies, careers and economic growth. Read more: https://www.marshall.edu/news/2026/08/marshall-university-highlights-continued-momentum-in-idea-district-development/ #3 – From WV SBDC – Reimagining the bridal experience in Charleston After five years working in the bridal industry, Karley Morris opened Zylvie Bridal in Charleston this February with a goal of creating a more personal and inclusive experience. The boutique, named for her children Zeke and Sylvia, welcomes brides regardless of size, budget or aesthetic. Morris deliberately avoids many of the restrictions common in bridal shopping, giving customers time and individual attention to find the dress that makes them feel their best. Before opening, Morris connected with the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, where Business Coach Julia Moran helped her work through projections, budgeting, vendor relationships and marketing. The approach is working. Customers are now traveling from across West Virginia and neighboring states, with some driving three hours or more based on recommendations and social media. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/zylvie-bridal-reimagines-wedding-dress-shopping/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. #1 – From WV PRESS – From rural West Virginia to engineering innovation Nicole Robinette grew up in Danville, West Virginia, without knowing any engineers personally. Now she's helping create new solutions to real-world problems. The WVU chemical engineering student has contributed to research focused on breaking down harmful PFAS chemicals that can accumulate in the environment and human body. Her work has included manufacturing membranes for testing as researchers look for new approaches to addressing contamination. Robinette has also emerged as a student leader. She has held leadership positions with the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and was selected as chief engineer for her upcoming senior capstone project. After graduation, she hopes to work in industrial chemical engineering and process design while continuing outreach to Appalachian students. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/from-rural-west-virginia-to-chemical-engineering-innovation-nicole-robinettes-story/ #2 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Reimagining the middle school experience What if school felt a little more like the world students are preparing to enter? Marshall University, Wayne County Schools and the Empowerment Collaborative are partnering to create West Virginia's first Marshall University-Anchored Empowerment Demonstration School. The initiative will begin with sixth grade and add another grade each year. Students will take part in simulated workplace experiences, project-based learning and career exploration while developing leadership, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills. Marshall will serve as the initiative's research, innovation and higher education partner, helping study and refine the approach while sharing successful practices across the state. The long-term goal goes beyond a single school. Partners envision a statewide network of Empowerment Schools connecting education more closely with careers, communities and West Virginia's future workforce. Read more: https://www.marshall.edu/news/2026/08/collaborative-partnership-announces-west-virginias-first-marshall-university-anchored-empowerment-demonstration-school/ #3 – From WV TECH PARK – 15 years of discovery and innovation Fifteen years ago, West Virginia set out to preserve and grow a world-class research and innovation campus in South Charleston. Today, the West Virginia Regional Technology Park is home to 32 companies and more than 1,000 employees working across research, manufacturing, technology, education and economic development. The Tech Park recently celebrated its 15th anniversary with tenants, community leaders, partners and many of the people who helped transform the campus into the innovation ecosystem it is today. Since 2011, the mission has been about more than preserving the site's scientific legacy. It's about creating a place where researchers, businesses and entrepreneurs can collaborate, develop new technologies and create new opportunities for West Virginia. Read more: https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/15-years-of-discovery-development-and-driving-what-s-next Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Country music star Little Jimmy Dickens did not even hit 5 feet in height, but his talent, humor and personality filled huge auditoriums around the world.  He started at a radio station in Morgantown and was discovered by Roy Acuff, who put him on the path to stardom. His countless hits and popularity made him one of Nashville's biggest stars, placing him in the company of Hank Williams and Merle Haggard. Dickens' performances moved audiences past his diminutive size to show them the musical giant he was.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026. #1 – From WVDNR – Celebrate West Virginia's outdoor traditions Get ready for a full day of outdoor adventure. West Virginia's National Hunting and Fishing Day returns to Stonewall Resort State Park on Saturday, Sept. 19, with activities designed for experienced outdoorsmen and newcomers alike. Young visitors can take on the Outdoor Youth Challenge with opportunities to try fly fishing, archery, wildlife identification, knot tying, casting, shooting sports and more. Prizes include conservation camp scholarships and a lifetime hunting and fishing license. And bring your appetite. A Taste of West Virginia State Parks will feature signature dishes from State Park chefs, with visitors getting a chance to vote for their favorite. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, while kids 14 and younger get in free. Read more: https://wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/national-hunting-and-fishing-day/ #2 – From CHARLESTON CVB – See Charleston from a different perspective Sometimes the best way to discover a city is on foot. Charleston's Downtown Art & Architecture Walking Tour takes visitors along the capital city's brick sidewalks to explore the history, public art and architecture that help tell Charleston's story. Led by a guide, the walking tour gives participants a closer look at downtown and an opportunity to notice the buildings, details and works of art that are easy to miss when you're driving by. It's a chance for visitors and longtime residents alike to slow down, look around and discover something new about West Virginia's capital city. Read more: https://events.charlestonwv.com/event/downtown-art-architecture-walking-tour-5271 #3 – From ROAM YOUR HOME – Discover West Virginia's hidden rock city There's nowhere quite like Beartown. Located near Hillsboro in Pocahontas County, Beartown State Park is home to massive sandstone formations that tower over narrow crevices, passageways and rock rooms resembling the streets of a hidden stone city. A half-mile wooden boardwalk winds through, around and above the formations, with some rock walls rising more than 40 feet above the trail. The entire loop can be explored in about 20 to 30 minutes, making Beartown an easy addition to a Greenbrier Valley road trip. And with Watoga State Park, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and the Greenbrier River Trail nearby, there's plenty more to explore. Don't forget your camera. Read more: https://www.roamyourhome.com/beartown-state-park-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026. #1 – From JAMBASE – Billy Strings drops in at the Empty Glass You never know who might show up on a West Virginia stage. While in Charleston for a Mountain Stage appearance, Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings made his way to the legendary Empty Glass and settled in for an impromptu jam session. The surprise performance stretched for hours, giving a small crowd the kind of live music experience you can't exactly put on the calendar. It's another reminder of the deep musical culture that runs through West Virginia, from internationally known performers and Mountain Stage to the small clubs where musicians still gather simply for the love of playing. Read more: https://www.jambase.com/article/billy-strings-empty-glass-west-virginia-videos-mountain-stage #2 – From WVDNR – $1.2 million investment improves Plum Orchard Lake One of Fayette County's favorite outdoor destinations just got a major upgrade. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has completed more than $1.2 million in improvements at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area. The investment includes a new $1.16 million WMA headquarters, new courtesy docks, improvements to an accessible fishing pier, better parking lot lighting, drainage improvements, shoreline erosion control and new signage. Located about 20 minutes from Beckley, Plum Orchard Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish, along with hunting and primitive camping. The improvements are part of WVDNR's effort to improve public access while protecting an outdoor resource for generations to come. Read more: https://wvdnr.gov/wvdnr-completes-over-1-2-million-in-upgrades-at-plum-orchard-lake-wma/ #3 – From WVSBDC – Finding confidence on the water Pamela Dunlap tried fly fishing for the first time in 2013. Two years later, she turned that experience into Women, Wine & Waders. The West Virginia business creates welcoming opportunities for women to discover fly fishing through casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs. Equipment is provided, helping beginners get on the water without a major upfront investment. As the business grew, Dunlap turned to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center for coaching and support. Now in its second decade, Women, Wine & Waders is growing beyond a fly-fishing group into a women's outdoor-adventure brand built around confidence, friendship and a shared love of the outdoors. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026. #1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Putting West Virginia's film industry in focus West Virginia's growing film industry is getting a new monthly spotlight. The West Virginia Film Team's "Lights, Camera" column will highlight the people, productions and opportunities helping build the state's film economy. As more filmmakers discover West Virginia's locations, talent and production resources, the new feature offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at an industry creating new opportunities across the Mountain State. Follow the series and learn more about what's happening in West Virginia film. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts_and_entertainment/wv-film-team-lights-camera-column-new-monthly-feature-highlights-wv-film-industry/article_3b63b246-a950-404c-b153-da139598c2f0.html #2 – From WV TOURISM – Put some SWINGO in your West Virginia road trip Ready to see some of the best views in Almost Heaven? The West Virginia Department of Tourism's Almost Heaven SWINGO Challenge puts a Mountain State spin on BINGO. Travel West Virginia's country roads, visit the state's iconic Almost Heaven Swings and check each stop off your digital SWINGO card. Complete five spaces in a row to earn a superfan sticker. Cover the entire card and you'll earn a seasonal magnetic photo frame. The swings stretch across the state, from Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley to Pipestem, Summersville Lake, Oglebay and dozens of other destinations. And there's an even bigger prize for completing the challenge: the opportunity to help choose where the next Almost Heaven Swing will call home. Start your SWINGO adventure today. Read more: https://wvtourism.com/west-virginias-most-instagrammable-views/ #3 – From WV EXPLORER – 320 miles. One trail. A changing West Virginia. Most hikers know the Appalachian Trail. Far fewer know about the Allegheny Trail, a roughly 320-mile route running entirely through West Virginia from near the Pennsylvania state line to the Virginia border. Filmmaker and former NASA planetary scientist Emma Crow-Willard is hiking every mile of it as part of her Allegheny Trail Economies Expedition. During the 25-day journey, she's interviewing business owners, tourism officials, nonprofit leaders and residents to understand how communities once dependent on industries like coal, timber and manufacturing are adapting to economic change. Her interviews will become part of a documentary and economic report examining the role outdoor recreation can play in a more diversified West Virginia economy. Along the way, Crow-Willard says she's discovered something just as important as the scenery: the people and communities connected by the trail. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/allegheny-trail-west-virginia-emma-crow-willard/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Everyone knows that Mary Tyler Moore was a talented actress, equally adept at comedy and drama, and winner of multiple awards.  Her beauty and charm propelled her to become a favorite celebrity who used her popularity for the good of others. What many may not know is that some of her philanthropy was aimed at Shepherd University in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle, where her family heritage stretched back two centuries. Thanks to Moore, the university has a premiere history study center that she created in her father's name.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. #1 – From WV SBDC – Building community one cast at a time What began as one woman's passion for fly fishing has grown into a thriving outdoor community. After discovering fly fishing in 2013, Pamela Dunlap founded Women, Wine & Waders to create a welcoming environment where women could learn the sport, build confidence and connect with one another. Today, the organization offers casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs throughout West Virginia and beyond. With guidance from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, Dunlap has grown the business while staying true to its mission: helping women discover the joy of the outdoors, build lasting friendships and experience the beauty of Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/ #2 – From WV STATE PARKS – State Parks serve up local flavor West Virginia's natural beauty isn't the only thing drawing visitors to its state parks. The West Virginia State Parks Farm-to-Table Dinner Series celebrates the state's rich agricultural heritage by pairing locally sourced ingredients with chef-inspired menus in some of West Virginia's most scenic settings. Hosted at parks across the Mountain State, each dinner showcases local farms, artisans and producers while giving guests a memorable dining experience surrounded by Almost Heaven. Seating is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/programs/farm-to-table-dinners/ #3 – From WV LIVING – The thrill of finding morels For many West Virginians, spring brings one of the year's most rewarding outdoor traditions: morel mushroom hunting. A feature in West Virginia Living explores the excitement of searching for these prized wild mushrooms, known for their rich, earthy flavor and elusive nature. Experienced hunters say success comes from patience, observation and spending time in the woods. Whether you're a seasoned forager or simply curious about the tradition, the search for morels offers another way to connect with West Virginia's forests and appreciate the abundance they provide. Read more: https://wvliving.com/morel-support/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. #1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Community preserves Mine Wars history West Virginians are coming together to preserve an important chapter of the state's history. The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is leading a community-driven effort to install a new historic marker recognizing events connected to the Mine Wars. Museum leaders say the project brings together local residents, historians and descendants to ensure the stories of workers, families and communities are remembered for future generations. The initiative reflects a growing interest in preserving West Virginia's labor history while encouraging thoughtful conversations about the people and events that helped shape the Mountain State. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/kanawha_valley/history-for-the-99-wv-mine-wars-museum-hosts-community-led-historic-marker-project/article_829b2238-480c-41a9-a56c-1149c004905f.html #2 – From WVU TECH – WVU Tech inspires tomorrow's STEM leaders A new grant is opening doors for the next generation of scientists and engineers. WVU Tech has received funding through the Health Sciences and Technology Academy, or HSTA, to host hands-on STEM camps for middle and high school students. The camps will introduce participants to engineering, robotics, computer science and other high-demand career fields while encouraging them to pursue higher education in science and technology. The program reflects WVU Tech's commitment to building West Virginia's future workforce by giving students early exposure to exciting career opportunities. Read more: https://www.wvutech.edu/news/2026/06/22/wvu-tech-awarded-hsta-grant-for-stem-camps #3 – From WVU TODAY – AI helps train tomorrow's psychiatrists Artificial intelligence may become a valuable tool in medical education. Researchers at West Virginia University are studying how AI can help train future psychiatrists by providing realistic practice scenarios and feedback while enhancing clinical education. Researchers emphasize that AI is designed to support—not replace—the human relationships and judgment that remain essential to quality mental health care. The study highlights another way West Virginia researchers are exploring innovative technologies to improve education and patient outcomes. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2026/08/04/wvu-study-explores-ai-s-role-in-training-tomorrow-s-psychiatrists Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026. #1 – From COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT – Coalfield Development seeks the next generation of Solutionists Great ideas can come from anywhere—and Coalfield Development is looking for the people behind them. The Huntington-based nonprofit is accepting applications for its Solutionists Program, a year-long leadership initiative that helps people turn bold ideas into real solutions for their communities. Designed especially for individuals who may have limited access to traditional leadership programs, funding or professional networks, the program provides coaching, skill development and mentorship to help participants bring their ideas to life and create lasting community impact. Learn more and apply here: Read more: https://coalfield-development.org/solutionists/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Following George Washington's footsteps Long before George Washington became America's first president, he explored the rugged frontier that would become West Virginia. A feature from WV Explorer highlights several destinations connected to Washington's early expeditions, including historic forts, mineral springs and scenic overlooks that helped shape his understanding of the American frontier. Today, visitors can follow those same paths while discovering the history and natural beauty that influenced one of the nation's founding leaders. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/george-washington-west-virginia-places-to-visit/ #3 – From TRAVEL + LEISURE – Charleston earns national travel recognition West Virginia's capital city is gaining national attention as one of Appalachia's must-visit destinations. A new guide from Travel + Leisure showcases Charleston's thriving culinary scene, locally owned shops, public art, live music and walkable downtown. The publication also highlights the city's easy access to outdoor recreation, making Charleston an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience authentic Appalachian culture with a modern twist. Read more: https://www.travelandleisure.com/charleston-west-virginia-guide-12029319 Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

As America entered the Civil War, it grappled with the idea of fellow countrymen fighting each other. When West Virginia separated from Virginia, the two states had rancor over their opposition. But within West Virginia itself, the idea of "brother against brother" could be quite literal as the borders of the new state concealed opposing sides that were almost in equal measure. Union and Confederate blood christened the new state, the only one born out of war.  

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. #1 – From OHIO MAGAZINE – Ohio magazine spotlights West Virginia adventures West Virginia is earning attention as one of the region's premier travel destinations. A feature in Ohio Magazine highlights a dozen reasons to visit the Mountain State, from breathtaking outdoor adventures and historic landmarks to live music and locally owned restaurants. The article showcases destinations including Pipestem Resort State Park, Harpers Ferry, The Purple Fiddle, Mountain State Brewing Company and the Almost Heaven Swingo Challenge—demonstrating why more travelers are choosing West Virginia for their next getaway. Read more: https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/article/12-stops-for-adventure-history-and-flavor-in-west-virginia #2 – From VISIT HUNTINGTON – Rails & Ales returns to Huntington One of West Virginia's signature summer festivals is back. The annual Rails & Ales Festival returns to Huntington on Saturday, bringing together craft breweries and cider makers, live music, artisan vendors, local food and thousands of visitors. Since its debut in 2013, the festival has grown into one of the state's premier craft beverage events while showcasing downtown Huntington and supporting local businesses. Read more: https://visithuntingtonwv.org/event/rails-ales-festival-2026/ #3 – From MFG MARSHALL – Welding program grad launches his own business A strong manufacturing economy depends on a skilled workforce. After spending nearly five years as a regional truck driver, Dustin Blankenship decided to pivot toward a career in welding by enrolling in the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center's Welding Technology Program. Juggling long driving shifts with evening classes, he graduated in 2024 and subsequently transitioned into a shop welding role to expand his hands-on experience with MIG and TIG welding across various metals. Recognizing an untapped market for licensed and insured mobile welding services in the region, Blankenship launched Tri-State Mobile Welding & Construction in May 2025. Read more: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/29609-2/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. #1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Building strength through community A new wellness program is helping women navigate one of life's toughest journeys together. The Radiance Resilience Collective brings women facing cancer together through professionally guided fitness classes designed to improve strength, reduce stress and build community. The program recognizes that healing involves more than medicine by creating opportunities for participants to encourage one another while staying active throughout treatment and recovery. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/radiance-resilience-collective-support-exercise-for-women-fighting-cancer/article_896370a9-2127-4661-9b6b-eb50c5c55201.html #2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Plan your fall getaway now Few places celebrate autumn like Almost Heaven. As cooler temperatures arrive, West Virginia State Parks transform into a colorful landscape of brilliant reds, oranges and golds. From the overlooks at Blackwater Falls State Park to scenic vistas at Coopers Rock State Forest and iconic destinations like Babcock State Park, visitors will find unforgettable hiking, photography and leaf-peeping opportunities throughout the season. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/find-fall-color-at-these-west-virginia-state-parks/ #3 – From WV LIVING – Discover the magic of Tucker County Towering mountains, vibrant arts communities and endless outdoor adventure make Tucker County one of West Virginia's most memorable destinations. A feature in West Virginia Living highlights the area's unique blend of natural beauty, welcoming communities and year-round recreation. From Davis and Thomas to Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls, Tucker County continues attracting visitors looking to reconnect with nature while supporting local businesses and artisans. Read more: https://wvliving.com/the-magic-of-tucker-county/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. #1 – From WV METRO NEWS – Veteran officer named DNR law enforcement colonel After nearly four decades of service, Dave Trader is leading the next chapter of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police. Trader recently took the oath as colonel of the agency after serving in a variety of leadership roles since joining the Division of Natural Resources in 1989. As colonel, he plans to continue investing in officer training, technology and public service while protecting West Virginia's fish, wildlife and outdoor resources for future generations. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/07/27/trader-promoted-to-dnr-law-enforcement-colonel/ #2 – From WV NEWS – Five unforgettable family destinations From mountain adventures to historic landmarks, West Virginia offers experiences the whole family can enjoy. WV News highlights five iconic places to explore together, including destinations known for scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a summer vacation, these attractions showcase a variety of experiences for everyone. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more about great family destinations in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/5-iconic-places-in-the-state-to-take-the-family/article_41737f20-0835-4a43-adcd-13886296f945.html #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Helping tourism grow the right way Tourism can strengthen rural communities when growth is thoughtfully managed. Researchers with West Virginia University are working with communities across the region to develop tools that measure tourism's economic, social and environmental impacts. The effort helps local leaders make informed decisions that support economic opportunity while preserving the character and quality of life that make West Virginia's communities unique. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/wvu-tourism-study-rural-communities-sustainable/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Slavery has been called America's original sin, and its origins on the Virginia coast made it a tragic staple of the state's and the South's economy. Western Virginia counties, like the Northern states, had a far smaller percentage of enslaved residents, but, of course, one slave is one too many.  Through a complicated process endorsed by President Lincoln, West Virginia was able to end the atrocity before the Civil War ended, and finally make it's state motto about freedom ring true.   

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, July 30, 2026. #1 – From ACCESS APPALACHIA – A new sport finds a home in West Virginia Retirement didn't slow down Jonathan Bellingham. It launched his next idea. A third-generation leader at Capon Springs and Farms Resort in Hampshire County, Bellingham created the nation's first FlingGolf physical education curriculum and licensed it into middle and high schools across West Virginia. A hybrid of golf and lacrosse, FlingGolf uses one stick on the same course, playing the same holes and par as traditional golf. Designed to be easy to learn and affordable to play, the sport helps more people experience the game while encouraging outdoor recreation and family participation. Read more: https://www.accessappalachia.com/article/he-was-supposed-to-be-retiring-instead-he-created-a-sport-licensed-it-into-wv-schools-and-played-the-old-course-at-st-andrews/ #2 – From INVESTING NEWS – Bridgeport helps power pilot training North Central West Virginia continues to play an important role in the aerospace industry. RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada has received a $1 billion contract to sustain the engines that power the U.S. Air Force's T-6A Texan II training aircraft through 2034. Engine assembly and support work are performed at the company's Bridgeport facility, reinforcing West Virginia's growing reputation for advanced manufacturing and aerospace production. Read more: https://investingnews.com/rtx-s-pratt-whitney-canada-awarded-1-billion-jpats-sustainment-contract/ #3 – From WORKFORCE WV – Virtual job fairs connect talent and opportunity Whether you're starting a new career or looking for your next opportunity, WorkForce West Virginia makes it easier to connect with employers across the state. The agency's monthly Statewide Virtual Job Fairs allow job seekers to apply for openings, chat with recruiters and even participate in virtual interviews from anywhere in West Virginia. Employers can also use the events to recruit qualified candidates for positions in every region of the state. The next job fair is set for Wednesday, Aug. 5. Register now! Learn more: https://workforcewv.org/statewide-virtual-job-fairs/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, July 29, 2026. #1 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia's best hikes take center stage From rugged mountain peaks to peaceful forest paths, West Virginia offers hiking experiences for every skill level. WV Explorer's 2026 ranking highlights some of the state's top trails, including favorites in the Monongahela National Forest, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks. Whether you're chasing panoramic views, waterfalls or quiet woodland escapes, there's no shortage of places to discover in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/best-hiking-trails-in-west-virginia-ranked-2026/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Filmmaker sees bright future for West Virginia West Virginia's film industry continues to build momentum. Filmmaker and producer Jeff Tinnell says the Mountain State's diverse landscapes, talented workforce and expanding film incentives position it to compete for more television and movie productions. As more filmmakers discover West Virginia, industry leaders see opportunities to create jobs, support local businesses and tell authentic Appalachian stories on a national stage. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-film-industry-jeff-tinnell-netflix/ #3 – From WVU TODAY – Blanche Lazzell returns home One of West Virginia's most influential artists is coming home. The Art Museum of West Virginia University will host "Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist," the museum's largest exhibition ever, after a successful national tour. Featuring the largest collection of works by the Monongalia County native and pioneering modernist, the exhibition celebrates Lazzell's lasting influence on American art and introduces her work to a new generation of visitors. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2026/07/20/wvu-brings-pioneering-artist-blanche-lazzell-home-for-art-museum-s-largest-exhibition-on-record Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, July 28, 2026. #1 – From APPALACHIAN VOICE – West Virginia's film industry looks to the future West Virginia is building on its growing reputation as a destination for filmmaking. A feature from Appalachian Voices highlights how the state's film production tax credit, diverse landscapes and talented workforce are attracting more productions while creating opportunities for local businesses and creative professionals. Industry leaders say West Virginia's authentic communities and Appalachian stories continue to draw filmmakers looking for unique locations and fresh perspectives. Read more: https://appvoices.org/2026/07/16/film-industry-in-west-virginia/ #2 – From ISLANDS – Paw Paw earns a national spotlight A small town with a memorable name is introducing more travelers to the beauty of West Virginia. Islands magazine recently featured Paw Paw, highlighting its fascinating history, scenic setting near the Potomac River and opportunities for hiking, paddling and exploring nearby public lands. The story showcases another hidden gem where visitors can experience the outdoor recreation and small-town hospitality that define Almost Heaven. Read more: https://www.islands.com/2210975/paw-paw-west-virginia-charming-town-peculiar-name-history-outdoor-fun-maryland-border/ #3 – From WV NEWS – SpaceTrek inspires tomorrow's engineers The next generation of engineers is getting an early start in West Virginia. High school students from across the state recently gathered at West Virginia Wesleyan College for SpaceTrek, a hands-on program designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through interactive projects, teamwork and mentorship from professionals, participants explored engineering concepts while building confidence in future STEM careers. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/recorddelta/news/west-virginia-spacetrek-program-inspires-future-female-engineers-at-wesleyan-college/article_b16e6301-1f2c-410b-b6ce-82c61070f8f1.html Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Confederacy needed to stop Virginia's northwestern counties from seceding and rejoining the Union as they contained the priceless B&O Railroad lines that kept the Midwestern and Western states connected to Washington. So, a Moorefield ranger arrived at an idea to destroy the railroad's bridges and lines in western Virginia. Embraced by Robert E. Lee and executed by generals Jones and Imboden, it was a last-ditch effort to preserve old Virginia and hinder President Lincoln and the Union's war efforts. 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, July 23, 2026. #1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – New program recognizes veteran-owned businesses West Virginia is making it easier for consumers to identify and support businesses owned by military veterans. Secretary of State Kris Warner has officially launched the West Virginia Certified Veteran-Owned Business Program, giving qualifying businesses the opportunity to earn state certification and display an official designation recognizing their service and entrepreneurship. Leaders say the program honors veterans while helping promote businesses that continue serving their communities long after their military careers end. West Virginia became the 15th state to establish a certified veteran-owned business program. Read more: https://wvbusinesslink.com/2026/07/13/secretary-warner-officially-launches-wv-certified-veteran-owned-business-program-at-american-legion-convention-in-huntington/ #2 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Energy powers West Virginia's future Reliable energy remains one of West Virginia's greatest competitive advantages. A feature in WV Executive explores how the state's diverse energy portfolio—including natural gas, coal, renewables, and emerging technologies—is supporting manufacturing, attracting investment, and meeting the growing demand from data centers, advanced manufacturing, and other energy-intensive industries. Business leaders say abundant, dependable energy continues positioning West Virginia for long-term economic growth. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/powering-the-future/ #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – BUILD WV helps communities grow As West Virginia attracts new businesses and workers, housing has become an increasingly important part of economic development. The BUILD WV Act encourages residential construction by providing incentives for approved housing projects, including a sales tax exemption on building materials and a property value adjustment tax credit. State officials say the program helps communities expand housing options while supporting workforce recruitment and long-term economic growth. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/build-wv-act/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, July 22, 2026. #1 – From WV SBDC – Childcare business fills a community need When Amber Comer saw a growing need for childcare in Fayette County, she turned her vision into reality with help from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center. After expanding from a home-based daycare to the Lively Little Ones Early Learning Center in Fayetteville, Comer now provides care and early education for children from six weeks to 12 years old. Working with the WV SBDC, she developed a business plan, secured financing, and opened the area's only childcare center. Business leaders say quality childcare is essential to helping parents participate in the workforce while supporting economic growth across West Virginia. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/lively-little-ones-fulfilling-childcare-need-in-fayette-county-with-wv-sbdc-assistance/ #2 – From THE REAL WV – Lewisburg restaurant honors made-from-scratch tradition A new restaurant in Lewisburg is carrying on one of the community's best traditions—fresh, handcrafted food made from scratch. Our Thyme Tavern blends locally inspired cuisine with warm hospitality, adding another destination to one of West Virginia's most celebrated culinary communities. The restaurant reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to strengthen downtown Lewisburg while giving residents and visitors another reason to explore one of the state's premier small-town dining destinations. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/07/10/our-thyme-tavern-carries-on-lewisburgs-made-from-scratch-food-tradition/ #3 – From WV NEWS – Doddridge County Park offers outdoor adventure From hiking and camping to fishing, kayaking, swimming, and disc golf, Doddridge County Park offers something for every outdoor enthusiast. Located near West Union, the more than 250-acre park features miles of trails, a campground, sports facilities, playgrounds, and year-round recreation opportunities. Community leaders say the park has become both a favorite destination for local families and a growing attraction for visitors exploring north-central West Virginia. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/doddridge-co-park-offers-diverse-outdoor-recreation-in-a-central-location/article_b2a2314e-72f4-4bfc-bf4a-f36f36063140.html Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, July 21, 2026. #1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Global defense company chooses West Virginia West Virginia has landed another major advanced manufacturing investment. Global defense technology company Helsing has selected Berkeley County for its first U.S. manufacturing operation, investing an initial $50 million and creating at least 60 high-skilled, full-time jobs with an average salary of $125,000. The facility will manufacture advanced defense systems, reinforcing West Virginia's growing role in aerospace and defense manufacturing while strengthening the nation's domestic industrial base. State leaders say the project demonstrates the state's ability to compete for next-generation industries. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/global-defense-technology-company-selects-west-virginia-for-50-million-manufacturing-investment/ #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Aerospace sector reaches new heights West Virginia's aerospace industry continues to build momentum through investments in manufacturing, workforce development, and aviation infrastructure. Companies across the Mountain State are expanding aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, defense technologies, and aviation training while educational partners prepare the next generation of skilled workers. Economic development leaders say West Virginia's strategic location, experienced workforce, and growing innovation ecosystem continue attracting companies looking to grow in one of America's fastest-growing industries. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/elevating-opportunity-west-virginias-expanding-aerospace-sector/ #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – PowerFlo expands advanced manufacturing PowerFlo Solutions is investing $20 million to establish advanced manufacturing operations in Wood County, creating at least 120 new full-time jobs. The company will manufacture critical electrical infrastructure that supports data centers, artificial intelligence, and other energy-intensive industries. Officials say the investment strengthens West Virginia's position in advanced manufacturing while supporting America's growing demand for reliable energy infrastructure and creating new opportunities for West Virginia workers. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/powerflo-solutions-expands-advanced-manufacturing-operations-in-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Before West Virginia could be rent from Virginia, all allegiances to the Old Dominion or support for the Confederate States had to be eradicated. General George B. McClellan was put in charge of the Ohio Valley states, which included the western portion of Virginia. He launched a campaign on the region that was successful in every possible way and made a name for himself that would put him onto the national stage and at the top of Lincoln's list for the Union's military leadership.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, July 16, 2026. #1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – West Virginia's aerospace industry takes flight West Virginia is building momentum as a destination for aerospace manufacturing, aviation, and innovation. Investments in aircraft maintenance, advanced manufacturing, airport infrastructure, and workforce training are helping the state attract companies serving commercial aviation, defense, and aerospace technologies. State leaders say West Virginia's skilled workforce, strategic location, and expanding education pipeline are creating new opportunities in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/elevating-opportunity-west-virginias-expanding-aerospace-sector/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia craftsmanship reaches customers nationwide Woodlands, a West Virginia-based manufacturer of handcrafted wood products, is demonstrating how small businesses from the Mountain State can serve customers across the country. A feature from WV Explorer highlights the company's commitment to quality craftsmanship, locally made products, and entrepreneurial growth. Business leaders say companies like Woodlands showcase the creativity and manufacturing expertise that continue strengthening West Virginia's economy while carrying the state's reputation well beyond its borders. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/woodlands-helping-wv-businesses-reach-nationwide/ #3 – From WV NEWS – Summer 2026 digital edition of WV Life Magazine has arrived Celebrate the beauty, history and spirit of the Mountain State in the newest digital edition of WV Life Magazine, a publication of WV News. This special issue features an in-depth look at West Virginia's unique place in America's 250-year story, along with features highlighting the people, communities and destinations that make our state extraordinary. Read more: https://wvnews.secondstreetapp.com/api/message_contents/5347045/812/7AD6EE0F-6145-4C8C-8132-0C7B4748B783 Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.