Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Aug. 14  Marshall University President Brad Smith shares how you can support small businesses…Plan a camping adventure in Almost Heaven… and Wheeling’s Victorian architecture sets the stage for a new movie…on today’s daily304. #1 – From BRAD SMITH –  The Mountain State boasts 113,000 small businesses. These organizations represent 98% of the state’s businesses and employ 49.1% of West Virginian workers. With so much economic impact being driven by local businesses, it’s important that West Virginia entrepreneurs are uplifted in their ideas and dreams to drive the local and regional economy forward.  Recognizing a need to further bolster the entrepreneurial interests of West Virginians, numerous organizations supporting small business ventures have been established across the state. For example, Alys and Brad D. Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation supports a number of projects – providing coaching and resources to startups and small businesses in West Virginia.  Smith also leverages his role as Marshall University’s President and dedicated alum to bolster the Mountain State. Prior to his formal role at the university, he assisted in creating the Brad D. Smith Student Incubator, which assists budding entrepreneurs with turning their startup dreams into reality. But a person doesn’t have to own a nonprofit organization or be a public figure to make a difference and support local businesses. In addition to shopping small, follow and share local businesses on social media. Leave positive online reviews. Sign up for outreach texts or emails. And buy gift cards to encourage others to try them. Read more: https://braddsmith.com/blog/supporting-small-businesses-in-west-virginia/   #2 – From WV TOURISM – West Virginia is known for its stunning natural features and variety of unique terrains, but is also full of opportunities for memorable stays while exploring all the Mountain State has to offer. You can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of West Virginia in some of its many wild and wonderful camping spots. In the Northern Panhandle, Tomlinson Run State Park offers two very distinct camping experiences in one: flourishing fields of wildlife and fauna plus paddleboats, yard games, fishing and more outdoor recreation. Accommodations include yurt and camper cabin rentals. Whether you drift off gazing at the stars through the skylight of a Mongolian-style yurt or tucked in your own tent, you’ll have one of the best views of the heavens east of the Mississippi at Spruce Knob Mountain Center. During the day, explore more great heights with a trek to the highest peak in the state: Spruce Knob. Learn more about the many unique camping destinations in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvtourism.com/6-places-to-set-up-camp-in-west-virginia/   #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Keep an eye out for celebrities on the streets of Wheeling as the filming for “The Gun on Second Street” is slated to take place in the city. Residents may have already seen camera crews in East Wheeling, as initial flashback scenes were captured during a shoot using locals as actors and extras.  Poppy Delevigne stars as the wife of a police officer who was accidentally killed by his partner. Years later, the partner reunites with Delevigne’s character when he moves to Pittsburgh, with the two slowly falling in love while confronting the shared violent history between them. “The Gun on Second Street” will span a variety of eras, making the Victorian houses in East Wheeling an important asset for the crew while shooting flashback scenes from the 1970s. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/08/filmmakers-find-ideal-backdrop-in-wheeling/   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 Monday, Aug. 14  Marshall University President Brad Smith shares how you can support small businesses…Plan a camping adventure in Almost Heaven… and Wheeling’s Victorian architecture sets the stage for a new movie…on today’s daily304. #1 – From BRAD SMITH –  The Mountain State boasts 113,000 small businesses. These organizations represent 98% of the state’s businesses and employ <a href="https://lbg-online.net/small-business-statistics/west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">49.1% of West Virginian workers</a>. With so much economic impact being driven by local businesses, it’s important that West Virginia entrepreneurs are uplifted in their ideas and dreams to drive the local and regional economy forward.  Recognizing a need to further bolster the entrepreneurial interests of West Virginians, numerous organizations supporting small business ventures have been established across the state. For example, Alys and <a href="https://wing2wingfoundation.org/about/team/brad-d-smith/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brad D. Smith’s Wing 2 Wing Foundation</a> supports a number of projects – providing coaching and resources to startups and small businesses in West Virginia.  Smith also leverages <a href="https://www.marshall.edu/president/biography/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">his role as Marshall University’s President</a> and dedicated alum to bolster the Mountain State. Prior to his formal role at the university, he assisted in creating the <a href="https://www.muicenter.com/incubator/brad-d-smith-student-incubator" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Brad D. Smith Student Incubator</a>, which assists budding entrepreneurs with turning their startup dreams into reality. But a person doesn’t have to own a nonprofit organization or be a public figure to make a difference and support local businesses. In addition to shopping small, follow and share local businesses on social media. Leave positive online reviews. Sign up for outreach texts or emails. And buy gift cards to encourage others to try them. Read more: <a href="https://braddsmith.com/blog/supporting-small-businesses-in-west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://braddsmith.com/blog/supporting-small-businesses-in-west-virginia/</a> #2 – From WV TOURISM – West Virginia is known for its stunning natural features and variety of unique terrains, but is also full of opportunities for memorable stays while exploring all the Mountain State has to offer. You can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of West Virginia in some of its many wild and wonderful camping spots. In the Northern Panhandle, Tomlinson Run State Park offers two very distinct camping experiences in one: flourishing fields of wildlife and fauna plus paddleboats, yard games, fishing and more outdoor recreation. Accommodations include yurt and camper cabin rentals. Whether you drift off gazing at the stars through the skylight of a Mongolian-style yurt or tucked in your own tent, you’ll have one of the best views of the heavens east of the Mississippi at Spruce Knob Mountain Center. During the day, explore more great heights with a trek to the highest peak in the state: <a href="https://wvtourism.com/company/spruce-knob-mountain-center/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Spruce Knob</a>. Learn more about the many unique camping destinations in Almost Heaven. Read more: <a href="https://wvtourism.com/6-places-to-set-up-camp-in-west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvtourism.com/6-places-to-set-up-camp-in-west-virginia/</a> #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Keep an eye out for celebrities on the streets of Wheeling as the filming for “The Gun on Second Street” is slated to take place in the city. Residents may have already seen camera crews in East Wheeling, as initial flashback scenes were captured during a shoot using locals as actors and extras.  Poppy Delevigne stars as the wife of a police officer who was accidentally killed by his partner. Years later, the partner reunites with Delevigne’s character when he moves to Pittsburgh, with the two slowly falling in love while confronting the shared violent history between them. “The Gun on Second Street” will span a variety of eras, making the Victorian houses in East Wheeling an important asset for the crew while shooting flashback scenes from the 1970s. Read more: <a href="https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/08/filmmakers-find-ideal-backdrop-in-wheeling/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/08/filmmakers-find-ideal-backdrop-in-wheeling/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.14.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, Aug. 13  A national publication ranks Huntington as 3rd in the country for lowest cost of living…Want to be featured in a tourism ad? Now’s your chance! The state is seeking volunteer models for promo shoots…and the Clay Center celebrates 20 years with “The Possible Dream” exhibit…on today’s daily304. #1 – From CNBC –  U.S. News and World Report has released its ranking of the Top 10 cities with the lowest cost of living, based on the median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners. No. 3 on the list is the Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio metro area (known locally as the “Tri-State”). The region spans seven counties and is located along the Ohio River. Of the three cities in the “Tri-State,” Huntington, West Virginia is the largest. According to Zillow’s Home Value Index, the average Huntington home value is $115,370, up 1.4% over the past year. The area is most known for its various outdoor destinations, including several parks and lakes. If you’re considering a move to Huntington, learn more at www.livability.com/wv/huntington. Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/27/cheapest-places-live-us-us-news-world-report.html   #2 – From WV COMMERCE – Do you have a love for West Virginia and want to show off what makes our state so special? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join the West Virginia Department of Commerce’s volunteer model registry and get a chance to be featured in our upcoming publications and ad campaigns! Our registry is open to anyone who loves West Virginia and wants to help us tell its story. By signing up, you’ll become part of our shortlist of potential models for future shoots with various clients such as the WV Department of Tourism, State Parks, and the WV Film Office. We’re looking for all types of people who have a passion for our state and want to be a part of something special. Register now: https://commerce.wv.gov/modelregistry/   #3 – From BLACK BY GOD –  This summer, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia in Charleston is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its exhibit, “The Possible Dream.”  The name of the exhibit comes from a quote from one of the founding members, John McClaugherty, during the initial fundraising for the Center. “You have to have a dream, and you can’t curtail it,” he said.  This quote was featured in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and several years later, McClaugherty’s dream of having visual and performing arts and sciences under one roof came true.   Now, that dream is to be celebrated with a gallery that showcases some of the most prominent pieces collected throughout the Center’s history. The artwork includes some famous artists or those with regional ties or who had personal exhibitions at Sunrise or the Clay Center. Overall, 20% of the artists in the collection are native to West Virginia.  Read more: https://blackbygod.org/articles/community/clay-center-celebrates-20th-anniversary-with-the-possible-dream-exhibit/   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 Sunday, Aug. 13  A national publication ranks Huntington as 3rd in the country for lowest cost of living…Want to be featured in a tourism ad? Now’s your chance! The state is seeking volunteer models for promo shoots…and the Clay Center celebrates 20 years with “The Possible Dream” exhibit…on today’s daily304. #1 – From CNBC –  <a href="https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/cheapest-places-to-live" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. News and World Report</a> has released its ranking of the Top 10 cities with the lowest cost of living, based on the median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners. No. 3 on the list is the Huntington-Ashland, West Virginia-Kentucky-Ohio metro area (known locally as the “Tri-State”). The region spans seven counties and is located along the Ohio River. Of the three cities in the “Tri-State,” Huntington, West Virginia is the largest. According to <a href="https://www.zillow.com/home-values/12012/huntington-wv/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Zillow’s Home Value Index</a>, the average Huntington home value is $115,370, up 1.4% over the past year. The area is most known for its various outdoor destinations, including several parks and lakes. If you’re considering a move to Huntington, learn more at <a href="http://www.livability.com/wv/huntington" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.livability.com/wv/huntington</a>. Read more: <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/27/cheapest-places-live-us-us-news-world-report.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/27/cheapest-places-live-us-us-news-world-report.html</a> #2 – From WV COMMERCE – Do you have a love for West Virginia and want to show off what makes our state so special? We have an exciting opportunity for you! Join the West Virginia Department of Commerce’s volunteer model registry and get a chance to be featured in our upcoming publications and ad campaigns! Our registry is open to anyone who loves West Virginia and wants to help us tell its story. By signing up, you’ll become part of our shortlist of potential models for future shoots with various clients such as the WV Department of Tourism, State Parks, and the WV Film Office. We’re looking for all types of people who have a passion for our state and want to be a part of something special. Register now: <a href="https://commerce.wv.gov/modelregistry/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://commerce.wv.gov/modelregistry/</a> #3 – From BLACK BY GOD –  This summer, the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences of West Virginia in Charleston is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its exhibit, “The Possible Dream.”  The name of the exhibit comes from a quote from one of the founding members, John McClaugherty, during the initial fundraising for the Center. “You have to have a dream, and you can’t curtail it,” he said.  This quote was featured in the Charleston Gazette-Mail, and several years later, McClaugherty’s dream of having visual and performing arts and sciences under one roof came true.   Now, that dream is to be celebrated with a gallery that showcases some of the most prominent pieces collected throughout the Center’s history. The artwork includes some famous artists or those with regional ties or who had personal exhibitions at Sunrise or the Clay Center. Overall, 20% of the artists in the collection are native to West Virginia.  Read more: <a href="https://blackbygod.org/articles/community/clay-center-celebrates-20th-anniversary-with-the-possible-dream-exhibit/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://blackbygod.org/articles/community/clay-center-celebrates-20th-anniversary-with-the-possible-dream-exhibit/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.13.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Saturday, Aug. 12  “What Makes You Wonderful” celebrates the 1-year anniversary of the WV Film Office…Adam Payne discusses what inspired him to launch the brand-new YNST Magazine…and, attention, small business owners in Wheeling--Sola Salons is looking for tenants at The Highlands…on today’s daily304.  #1 – From WV.GOV –  “What Makes You Wonderful” dives into the glitz and glamor of the West Virginia Film Office’s one-year anniversary, and oh, what a year it’s been! We had the privilege of sitting down with the one and only Dave Lavender with the WV Film Office to find out about all the incredible behind-the-scenes action. From notable film productions to heartwarming indie projects, we talk about how the WV Film Office is working to make West Virginia a true Hollywood of the East! But hold your horses – this episode isn't just about rubbing shoulders with A-list stars; it's about how you can become a part of this cinematic revolution. Listen to the podcast: https://www.wv.gov/daily304/archives/Pages/WMYW-Celebrates-the-WV-Film-Office-One-Year-Anniversary.aspx   #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” profiles Adam Payne, the Editor in Chief of “YNST Magazine.” This captivating media outlet aims to bridge the gap between creatives in Appalachia and the rest of the world.  Payne sheds light on his motivation behind starting the magazine, the incredible talent he discovered in West Virginia, and the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. “I was doing a bunch of things simultaneously at West Virginia University, and I was seeing first-hand the incredible musicians, theater makers, designers, and dancers that were at the University, and I was astounded by the level of talent that was alive in West Virginia,” he said. “Simultaneously, I was working at the WVU Launchlab and was seeing first-hand all the incredible small businesses and startups that were coming out of West Virginia. At the same time I was like ‘How are people not seeing this!’ So, we decided to start a new publication.” “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/ynst-magazine-spotlights-appalachian-creatives-in-yeswv/   #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – An innovative new beauty and health destination, one capable of housing up to 21 small businesses within its walls, recently opened at The Highlands in Wheeling. Sola Salons already has two tenants that have set up shop — Magnolia Day Spa and Destiny Salon Studio. Sola’s owner is looking to fill more spots under his roof. “The thought of having 21 private studios under one roof in one secure common space where business owners have 24/7 access is unheard of,” says West Virginia Sola Salons owner Jerry “Jermac” McGlumphy of their unusual business model. With the building boasting 4,500 square feet and a total of 21 private studio rooms, McGlumphy is still on the hunt for new clients. For the ribbon cutting, he hopes to have at least eight businesses in the building.   As a move-in bonus, Sola Salons will pay for a business’ first year of insurance and provide another $400 bonus to cover other expenses, such as styling tools and hair dye.   Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2023/08/sola-salons-to-rent-spaces-for-small-business-owners-at-the-highlands/   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, Aug. 12  “What Makes You Wonderful” celebrates the 1-year anniversary of the WV Film Office…Adam Payne discusses what inspired him to launch the brand-new YNST Magazine…and, attention, small business owners in Wheeling--Sola Salons is looking for tenants at The Highlands…on today’s daily304.  #1 – From <a href="http://WV.GOV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WV.GOV</a> –  “What Makes You Wonderful” dives into the glitz and glamor of the West Virginia Film Office’s one-year anniversary, and oh, what a year it’s been! We had the privilege of sitting down with the one and only Dave Lavender with the WV Film Office to find out about all the incredible behind-the-scenes action. From notable film productions to heartwarming indie projects, we talk about how the WV Film Office is working to make West Virginia a true Hollywood of the East! But hold your horses – this episode isn't just about rubbing shoulders with A-list stars; it's about how you can become a part of this cinematic revolution. Listen to the podcast: <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/archives/Pages/WMYW-Celebrates-the-WV-Film-Office-One-Year-Anniversary.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wv.gov/daily304/archives/Pages/WMYW-Celebrates-the-WV-Film-Office-One-Year-Anniversary.aspx</a> #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” profiles Adam Payne, the Editor in Chief of “YNST Magazine.” This captivating media outlet aims to bridge the gap between creatives in Appalachia and the rest of the world.  Payne sheds light on his motivation behind starting the magazine, the incredible talent he discovered in West Virginia, and the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. “I was doing a bunch of things simultaneously at West Virginia University, and I was seeing first-hand the incredible musicians, theater makers, designers, and dancers that were at the University, and I was astounded by the level of talent that was alive in West Virginia,” he said. “Simultaneously, I was working at the WVU Launchlab and was seeing first-hand all the incredible small businesses and startups that were coming out of West Virginia. At the same time I was like ‘How are people not seeing this!’ So, we decided to start a new publication.” “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State. Read more: <a href="https://westvirginia.gov/ynst-magazine-spotlights-appalachian-creatives-in-yeswv/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://westvirginia.gov/ynst-magazine-spotlights-appalachian-creatives-in-yeswv/</a> #3 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – An innovative new beauty and health destination, one capable of housing up to 21 small businesses within its walls, recently opened at The Highlands in Wheeling. Sola Salons already has two tenants that have set up shop — Magnolia Day Spa and Destiny Salon Studio. Sola’s owner is looking to fill more spots under his roof. “The thought of having 21 private studios under one roof in one secure common space where business owners have 24/7 access is unheard of,” says West Virginia Sola Salons owner Jerry “Jermac” McGlumphy of their unusual business model. With the building boasting 4,500 square feet and a total of 21 private studio rooms, McGlumphy is still on the hunt for new clients. For the ribbon cutting, he hopes to have at least eight businesses in the building. As a move-in bonus, Sola Salons will pay for a business’ first year of insurance and provide another $400 bonus to cover other expenses, such as styling tools and hair dye. Read more: <a href="https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2023/08/sola-salons-to-rent-spaces-for-small-business-owners-at-the-highlands/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2023/08/sola-salons-to-rent-spaces-for-small-business-owners-at-the-highlands/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.12.2023

What Makes You Wonderful talks to Samantha Nygaard with WV Pedal Pals about the family-friendly bike tours she does with groups around the City of Charleston. Find out what you can learn and the friends you can make in this lates podcast, as well as how you can get involved in the next ride! You can find out more information by joining the Facebook group WV Pedal Pals or emailing Savannah at wvpedalpals@gmail.com

What Makes You Wonderful talks to Samantha Nygaard with WV Pedal Pals about the family-friendly bike tours she does with groups around the City of Charleston. Find out what you can learn and the friends you can make in this lates podcast, as well as how you can get involved in the next ride! You can find out more information by joining the Facebook group WV Pedal Pals or emailing Savannah at wvpedalpals@gmail.com

WMYW sets out on a Charleston Bike Tour

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Aug. 11  Mercer County prepares for $100 million sports complex…a Morgan County couple achieves their dream of opening a trail store (with a little help from WV SBDC)…and, Ho ho ho! Santa Claus is coming to Cass, so get your train tickets in advance…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WVVA-TV –  The Mercer County Commission recently held a public hearing regarding a $100 million Economic Development Authority project that is slated to start construction in 2024. The Ridges Sports Complex and Expo Center will be located right off Exit 9 in Princeton. The complex will consist of multiple sports fields;  a commercial area that will welcome retailers, restaurants and lodging; and a parks and recreation area for walking trails, playgrounds and a dog park. The commission voted to approve the land on which The Ridges will be built to be its own economic district. “It’s important to note that no taxpayers are going to have their taxes raised,” Economic Development Authority Executive Director John O’Neal said. “The County Commission is not having to dedicate any money out of their budget for this. This allows us to create a district to allow funding to occur based on future dollars created within the district.” Read more: https://www.wvva.com/2023/07/27/massive-100-million-sports-complex-expo-center-coming-mercer-county/ #2 – From WV SBDC –  Trail Depot is the newest outdoor enthusiast spot in Morgan County. Owners Alex Teixeira and Amanda-Hollins Teixeira saw opening the Berkeley Springs store as an opportunity to spread their love and passion for the outdoors with visitors and locals alike.  “We have the opportunity to fill this store with anything and everything we’ve ever wanted, but we never got ourselves,” said Alex Teixeira.  To help make their dream a reality, the couple reached out to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and have been working with two business coaches from the  Eastern Panhandle office. “They filled a niche that wasn’t being served,” Business Coach Michael Boyd said. “Berkeley Springs is a mecca for weekend visitors and people who love the outdoors. This shop serves that need and elevates the whole experience in Morgan County.” Business Coach Carol Goolsby, who also teaches at Shepherd University, used her unique position in education and business to connect her students to Trail Depot. The students helped the shop with their inventory and merchandise, supply chain, research, marketing, and more.  “It’s been a really valuable experience for Amanda and Alex as a small business starting out and a valuable experience for students as well to be able to work with a real business, helping them build and develop to the place they are today,” Goolsby said. Visit Trail Depot on Facebook to learn more about the outfitter. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/trail-depot-berkeley-springs-first-outdoor-shop/   #3 – From LOOTPRESS – Better hope you made the “nice” list, because Santa Claus is returning to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park this Christmas! The highly anticipated steam-powered journey will depart from the Cass depot, taking passengers on a ride along the scenic Greenbrier River. The excursion is estimated to last between 75 to 90 minutes and will feature beautifully decorated and heated coaches. A limited number of seats will be available inside the historic Chesapeake &amp; Ohio caboose located at the rear of the train, providing a unique and nostalgic experience. Children participating in this magical journey will be in for a treat, as each one will receive a special surprise gift during the ride.  Departures for the Santa Claus train rides will commence on December 1st. For additional information and tickets, visit www.mountainrailwv.com/tour/christmas-at-cass. Read more: https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lootpress.com/santa-claus-returning-to-cass-scenic-railroad-in-december/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1691524686296225&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tEFa1YGLulGwWlkVblgbP   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 Friday, Aug. 11  Mercer County prepares for $100 million sports complex…a Morgan County couple achieves their dream of opening a trail store (with a little help from WV SBDC)…and, Ho ho ho! Santa Claus is coming to Cass, so get your train tickets in advance…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WVVA-TV –  The Mercer County Commission recently held a public hearing regarding a $100 million Economic Development Authority project that is slated to start construction in 2024. The Ridges Sports Complex and Expo Center will be located right off Exit 9 in Princeton. The complex will consist of multiple sports fields;  a commercial area that will welcome retailers, restaurants and lodging; and a parks and recreation area for walking trails, playgrounds and a dog park. The commission voted to approve the land on which The Ridges will be built to be its own economic district. “It’s important to note that no taxpayers are going to have their taxes raised,” Economic Development Authority Executive Director John O’Neal said. “The County Commission is not having to dedicate any money out of their budget for this. This allows us to create a district to allow funding to occur based on future dollars created within the district.” Read more: <a href="https://www.wvva.com/2023/07/27/massive-100-million-sports-complex-expo-center-coming-mercer-county/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wvva.com/2023/07/27/massive-100-million-sports-complex-expo-center-coming-mercer-county/</a> #2 – From WV SBDC –  Trail Depot is the newest outdoor enthusiast spot in Morgan County. Owners Alex Teixeira and Amanda-Hollins Teixeira saw opening the Berkeley Springs store as an opportunity to spread their love and passion for the outdoors with visitors and locals alike.  “We have the opportunity to fill this store with anything and everything we’ve ever wanted, but we never got ourselves,” said Alex Teixeira.  To help make their dream a reality, the couple reached out to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center and have been working with two business coaches from the  Eastern Panhandle office. “They filled a niche that wasn’t being served,” Business Coach Michael Boyd said. “Berkeley Springs is a mecca for weekend visitors and people who love the outdoors. This shop serves that need and elevates the whole experience in Morgan County.” Business Coach Carol Goolsby, who also teaches at Shepherd University, used her unique position in education and business to connect her students to Trail Depot. The students helped the shop with their inventory and merchandise, supply chain, research, marketing, and more.  “It’s been a really valuable experience for Amanda and Alex as a small business starting out and a valuable experience for students as well to be able to work with a real business, helping them build and develop to the place they are today,” Goolsby said. Visit Trail Depot on Facebook to learn more about the outfitter. Read more: <a href="https://wvsbdc.com/trail-depot-berkeley-springs-first-outdoor-shop/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvsbdc.com/trail-depot-berkeley-springs-first-outdoor-shop/</a> #3 – From LOOTPRESS – Better hope you made the “nice” list, because Santa Claus is returning to Cass Scenic Railroad State Park this Christmas! The highly anticipated steam-powered journey will depart from the Cass depot, taking passengers on a ride along the scenic Greenbrier River. The excursion is estimated to last between 75 to 90 minutes and will feature beautifully decorated and heated coaches. A limited number of seats will be available inside the historic Chesapeake &amp; Ohio caboose located at the rear of the train, providing a unique and nostalgic experience. Children participating in this magical journey will be in for a treat, as each one will receive a special surprise gift during the ride.  Departures for the Santa Claus train rides will commence on December 1st. For additional information and tickets, visit <a href="http://www.mountainrailwv.com/tour/christmas-at-cass" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.mountainrailwv.com/tour/christmas-at-cass</a>. Read more: <a href="https://www.lootpress.com/santa-claus-returning-to-cass-scenic-railroad-in-december/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lootpress.com/santa-claus-returning-to-cass-scenic-railroad-in-december/&amp;sa=D&amp;source=editors&amp;ust=1691524686296225&amp;usg=AOvVaw1tEFa1YGLulGwWlkVblgbP</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.11.2023

After coal became king in West Virginia, out-of-state barons extracted the blood, sweat and tears of the miners, forcing them into indentured servitude with company towns, while leaving them to work under dangerous and sometimes fatal conditions. The travail of the miners and their families set the stage for coal’s next chapter. 

After coal became king in West Virginia, out-of-state barons extracted the blood, sweat and tears of the miners, forcing them into indentured servitude with company towns, while leaving them to work under dangerous and sometimes fatal conditions. The travail of the miners and their families set the stage for coal’s next chapter.

The History Project: The Coal Industry - Part 2: The Travail

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, Aug. 10  Big Bear Lake is the mountain biker’s best-kept secret…See the stars at Watoga--West Virginia’s own Dark Sky park…and learn helpful tips for your exporting business--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From BIKE MAG – Thirty miles east of Morgantown, Big Bear Lake is situated on roughly 5,000 acres of deeded RV camp lands consisting of small villages and unincorporated communities intertwined with some 50 miles of world class singletrack. The trails originated from a 1980's motorcycle race series that ran through the area called the Blackwater 100. From those roots, Mark Schooley began to develop more mountain bike specific trails in the mid 90's. The property now hosts a bike festival and other races throughout the year. With a 20 mph speed limit on community roads, residents ride exclusively on golf carts, described as “a quirky, slightly odd, and largely endearing trait of Big Bear Lake.” Watch the video to learn more!   Learn more: https://www.bikemag.com/news/big-bear-mtb-haven   #2 – From WIDE OPEN SPACE –  Gazing up at starry night skies hoping for a shooting star sighting may just be the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Why not plan a Dark Sky Road Trip this summer? DarkSky (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association) has certified more than 200 locations around the world as official Dark Sky Places. These include American parks, reserves, and even some Urban Night Sky Places where you can gaze at the night skies near large cities, traditionally places where light pollution can make stargazing more difficult. In 2021, West Virginia's Watoga State Park received an International Dark Sky Park designation. It is managed for dark skies along with two other state-owned properties in the area, including Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest. Monongahela National Forest is also nearby, providing an additional area with darkness. For assistance in planning your Dark Skies adventure in Almost Heaven, visit www.wvtourism.com/stars. Read more: https://www.wideopenspaces.com/dark-sky-stargazing-road-trips-across-the-us/   #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – With a population of more than 450 million consumers and 30 member states, the European Economic Area is a thriving market with plenty of opportunities for first-time and experienced West Virginia exporters. Selling your products in the EU comes with some challenges that require some additional work and planning, but the effort can lead to lucrative results — the EU is the third largest economy in the world. This month, we’ll look at the European Conformity marking, also known as a CE marking. This mandatory regulatory marking for certain products signals that your business is committed to delivering safe and reliable products that meet essential safety, health and environmental requirements defined by EU regulations. Compliance with CE marking standards is not only essential for your product to have successful market access but necessary to build consumer trust in the EU. Think of it as a key to getting your product into the European market.  Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/ce-marking-what-is-it-and-does-my-business-need-one/   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, Aug. 10  Big Bear Lake is the mountain biker’s best-kept secret…See the stars at Watoga--West Virginia’s own Dark Sky park…and learn helpful tips for your exporting business--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From BIKE MAG – Thirty miles east of Morgantown, Big Bear Lake is situated on roughly 5,000 acres of deeded RV camp lands consisting of small villages and unincorporated communities intertwined with some 50 miles of world class singletrack. The trails originated from a 1980's motorcycle race series that ran through the area called the Blackwater 100. From those roots, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/schooley-mark-02909b25/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mark Schooley</a> began to develop more mountain bike specific trails in the mid 90's. The property now hosts a bike festival and other races throughout the year. With a 20 mph speed limit on community roads, residents ride exclusively on golf carts, described as “a quirky, slightly odd, and largely endearing trait of Big Bear Lake.” Watch the video to learn more! Learn more: <a href="https://www.bikemag.com/news/big-bear-mtb-haven" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.bikemag.com/news/big-bear-mtb-haven</a> #2 – From WIDE OPEN SPACE –  Gazing up at starry night skies hoping for a shooting star sighting may just be the perfect way to spend a summer evening. Why not plan a Dark Sky Road Trip this summer? DarkSky (formerly the <a href="https://www.darksky.org/we-have-a-new-name-and-logo/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">International Dark-Sky Association</a>) has certified more than 200 locations around the world as official <a href="https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Dark Sky Places</a>. These include American <a href="https://www.wideopenspaces.com/national-parks-to-visit-in-spring/?utm_medium=recirc-module&amp;utm_campaign=recirc&amp;itm_source=parsely-api&amp;utm_source=recommended-grid" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">parks</a>, reserves, and even some Urban Night Sky Places where you can gaze at the night skies near large cities, traditionally places where light pollution can make stargazing more difficult. In 2021, West Virginia's <a href="https://www.darksky.org/our-work/conservation/idsp/parks/watoga-state-park-u-s/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Watoga State Park</a> received an International Dark Sky Park designation. It is managed for dark skies along with two other state-owned properties in the area, including Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park and Calvin Price State Forest. Monongahela National Forest is also nearby, providing an additional area with darkness. For assistance in planning your Dark Skies adventure in Almost Heaven, visit <a href="http://www.wvtourism.com/stars" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvtourism.com/stars</a>. Read more: <a href="https://www.wideopenspaces.com/dark-sky-stargazing-road-trips-across-the-us/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wideopenspaces.com/dark-sky-stargazing-road-trips-across-the-us/</a> #3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – With a population of more than 450 million consumers and 30 member states, the European Economic Area is a thriving market with plenty of opportunities for first-time and experienced West Virginia exporters. S<a href="https://westvirginia.gov/european-green-deal-challenge-and-opportunity-for-wv-exporters/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">elling your products in the EU comes with some challenges</a> that require some additional work and planning, but the effort can lead to lucrative results — the EU is the third largest economy in the world. This month, we’ll look at the <a href="https://www.trade.gov/ce-marking" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">European Conformity marking</a>, also known as a CE marking. This mandatory regulatory marking for certain products signals that your business is committed to delivering safe and reliable products that meet essential safety, health and environmental requirements defined by EU regulations. Compliance with CE marking standards is not only essential for your product to have successful market access but necessary to build consumer trust in the EU. Think of it as a key to getting your product into the European market.  Learn more: <a href="https://westvirginia.gov/ce-marking-what-is-it-and-does-my-business-need-one/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://westvirginia.gov/ce-marking-what-is-it-and-does-my-business-need-one/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.10.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Wednesday, Aug. 9   #1 – From WV NEWS –  NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and officials hope that the key work that the facility does for the agency is successful for the next 30 years. The IV&amp;V Facility’s main mission is to routinely examine software on developing NASA missions to determine any glitches or failures in the system ahead of launch, allowing for the project — be that a manned mission, a satellite launch or another science project — to be as successful as possible once it’s on the launch pad. Facility Director Wes Deadrick said the IV&amp;V Facility employs 260 contractors and 50 civil servants for a total of 310 people, the majority of whom live and work in West Virginia. In addition, the facility had an estimated economic output of $140 million in 2022. Deadrick said that moving forward, the IV&amp;V facility will continue supporting the many NASA missions in the works, whether those be satellites, probes, manned missions or something else. He added that he thinks the agency at large — and other external entities — will make more use of the facility’s service. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/nasa-iv-v-facility-in-fairmont-west-virginia-turns-30/article_fbbb3290-26f6-11ee-bfdd-bf4c19e3b12a.html     #2 – From THE TRAVEL  –  Charleston is not just West Virginia's capital; it's also the cultural hub of the state and has just everything for everyone. Vacationers traveling from big cities like Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Lexington can reach Charleston in less than three hours. One of the city's major draws is its spectacular scenery, which also gives it an incredible charm of a small town because much of it is wilderness.  Plan on visiting? Check out some of these must-sees in the Capitol City: Tour the West Virginia State Museum. (It’s free!) Attend a concert at the Clay Center for the Arts &amp; Sciences. Shop at Capitol Market. Visit Cato Park, and more! Visit www.charlestonwv.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven adventure in West Virginia’s capital city! Read more: https://www.thetravel.com/things-to-do-in-charleston-west-virginia/#pay-respects-at-the-veterans-memorial #3 – From WV.GOV –  With over 111,000+ small businesses, representing over 98% of all businesses, along with employing nearly half of all employees, entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone and driving force behind West Virginia’s growing economy. To help entrepreneurs and small business owners be successful, we have cultivated and built a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state to ensure that you can access the resources you need, when you need it. Whether you have an idea for a new product or service, need funding to start a new business, or an existing company that is poised to grow and expand, we are ready to help you and your business be successful in Almost Heaven – Yes, West Virginia! Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/entrepreneurship/ 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. 9   #1 – From WV NEWS –  NASA’s Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility in Fairmont celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and officials hope that the key work that the facility does for the agency is successful for the next 30 years. The IV&amp;V Facility’s main mission is to routinely examine software on developing NASA missions to determine any glitches or failures in the system ahead of launch, allowing for the project — be that a manned mission, a satellite launch or another science project — to be as successful as possible once it’s on the launch pad. Facility Director Wes Deadrick said the IV&amp;V Facility employs 260 contractors and 50 civil servants for a total of 310 people, the majority of whom live and work in West Virginia. In addition, the facility had an estimated economic output of $140 million in 2022. Deadrick said that moving forward, the IV&amp;V facility will continue supporting the many NASA missions in the works, whether those be satellites, probes, manned missions or something else. He added that he thinks the agency at large — and other external entities — will make more use of the facility’s service. Read more: <a href="https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/nasa-iv-v-facility-in-fairmont-west-virginia-turns-30/article_fbbb3290-26f6-11ee-bfdd-bf4c19e3b12a.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/nasa-iv-v-facility-in-fairmont-west-virginia-turns-30/article_fbbb3290-26f6-11ee-bfdd-bf4c19e3b12a.html</a> #2 – From THE TRAVEL  –  Charleston is not just West Virginia's capital; it's also the cultural hub of the state and has just everything for everyone. Vacationers traveling from big cities like Pittsburgh, Charlotte and Lexington can reach Charleston in less than three hours. One of the city's major draws is its spectacular scenery, which also gives it an incredible charm of a small town because much of it is wilderness.  Plan on visiting? Check out some of these must-sees in the Capitol City: Tour the West Virginia State Museum. (It’s free!) Attend a concert at the Clay Center for the Arts &amp; Sciences. Shop at Capitol Market. Visit Cato Park, and more! Visit <a href="http://www.charlestonwv.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.charlestonwv.com</a> to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven adventure in West Virginia’s capital city! Read more: <a href="https://www.thetravel.com/things-to-do-in-charleston-west-virginia/#pay-respects-at-the-veterans-memorial" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.thetravel.com/things-to-do-in-charleston-west-virginia/#pay-respects-at-the-veterans-memorial</a> #3 – From <a href="http://WV.GOV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WV.GOV</a> –  With over 111,000+ small businesses, representing over 98% of all businesses, along with employing nearly half of all employees, entrepreneurs and small business owners are the backbone and driving force behind West Virginia’s growing economy. To help entrepreneurs and small business owners be successful, we have cultivated and built a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state to ensure that you can access the resources you need, when you need it. Whether you have an idea for a new product or service, need funding to start a new business, or an existing company that is poised to grow and expand, we are ready to help you and your business be successful in Almost Heaven – Yes, West Virginia! Read more: <a href="https://westvirginia.gov/entrepreneurship/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://westvirginia.gov/entrepreneurship/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.09.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Tuesday, Aug. 8    Discover small town charm in Almost Heaven…Black Appalachian storytellers, learn how you can win a fellowship…and Marshall bioreactor composter is the first of its kind to be used as a university--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. 1 – From WORLD ATLAS – West Virginia is rightfully known for its majestic landscapes and outdoor recreation. Astonishingly, over three-fourths of West Virginia is also covered in lush forest, with a range of flora and hilly landscapes to traverse, many with sparkling mountain streams, rushing rivers, and calm lakes.To explore these spectacular slices of nature amongst the rugged and awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountains, look no further than West Virginia’s small towns. From Summersville to White Sulphur Springs, from Point Pleasant to Berkeley Springs, these communities thrive and come alive during the summer months.  Visitors come from near and far to enjoy some of West Virginia’s most magnificent pockets of nature alongside the comforts and charms of local restaurants, cozy accommodations, and unique attractions. Check out www.wvtourism.com for Almost Heaven road trip suggestions. Read more: https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-west-virginia-come-alive-in-summer.html 2 – From WOAY – The National Association of Black Storytellers wants to honor and celebrate Black Appalachian storytellers. The association is sponsoring the 2023 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship to support black storytellers native to and residing in Appalachian states.  The fellowship is partly funded by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions Program and South Arts as part of the In These Mountains, Central Appalachian Folk Arts and Culture initiative. NABS is offering a $5,000 award to represent fellows in each of the six eligible states and a one-year membership to the association.  The deadline to apply is August 20. Learn more: https://woay.com/national-association-of-black-storytellers-providing-fellowships-to-appalachian-storytellers/ #3 – From FOOD MANAGEMENT – The Sustainability Department at Marshall University is partnering with Sodexo to support the school’s creation of the XACT Systems BioReactor, the state’s first commercial composter and the first technology of its kind in the world to be used at a university. Amy Parsons-White, sustainability manager of Marshall’s Sustainability Department, says she is eager to share products from the university’s compost with the community at local farmers markets and plans on using these sales to continue funding the program. The facility is designed to curtail roughly 750 tons of waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill, which aligns with Sodexo’s corporate commitment to easing the impact of climate change through reduced carbon emissions, sustainable food sourcing and responsible waste management.  Read more: https://www.food-management.com/colleges-universities/sodexo-works-marshall-university-high-volume-composter 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. 8   Discover small town charm in Almost Heaven…Black Appalachian storytellers, learn how you can win a fellowship…and Marshall bioreactor composter is the first of its kind to be used as a university--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. 1 – From WORLD ATLAS – West Virginia is rightfully known for its majestic landscapes and outdoor recreation. Astonishingly, over three-fourths of West Virginia is also covered in lush forest, with a range of flora and hilly landscapes to traverse, many with sparkling mountain streams, rushing rivers, and calm <a href="http://lakes.To" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">lakes.To</a> explore these spectacular slices of nature amongst the rugged and awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountains, look no further than West Virginia’s small towns. From Summersville to White Sulphur Springs, from Point Pleasant to Berkeley Springs, these communities thrive and come alive during the summer months.  Visitors come from near and far to enjoy some of West Virginia’s most magnificent pockets of nature alongside the comforts and charms of local restaurants, cozy accommodations, and unique attractions. Check out <a href="http://www.wvtourism.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvtourism.com</a> for Almost Heaven road trip suggestions. Read more: <a href="https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-west-virginia-come-alive-in-summer.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/these-small-towns-in-west-virginia-come-alive-in-summer.html</a> 2 – From WOAY – The National Association of Black Storytellers wants to honor and celebrate Black Appalachian storytellers. The association is sponsoring the 2023 Black Appalachian Storytellers Fellowship to support black storytellers native to and residing in Appalachian states.  The fellowship is partly funded by Mid Atlantic Arts’ Central Appalachia Living Traditions Program and South Arts as part of the In These Mountains, Central Appalachian Folk Arts and Culture initiative. NABS is offering a $5,000 award to represent fellows in each of the six eligible states and a one-year membership to the association.  The deadline to apply is August 20. Learn more: <a href="https://woay.com/national-association-of-black-storytellers-providing-fellowships-to-appalachian-storytellers/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://woay.com/national-association-of-black-storytellers-providing-fellowships-to-appalachian-storytellers/</a> #3 – From FOOD MANAGEMENT – The Sustainability Department at Marshall University is partnering with Sodexo to support the school’s creation of the XACT Systems BioReactor, the state’s first commercial composter and the first technology of its kind in the world to be used at a university. Amy Parsons-White, sustainability manager of Marshall’s Sustainability Department, says she is eager to share products from the university’s compost with the community at local farmers markets and plans on using these sales to continue funding the program. The facility is designed to curtail roughly 750 tons of waste that would otherwise end up in a landfill, which aligns with Sodexo’s corporate commitment to easing the impact of climate change through reduced carbon emissions, sustainable food sourcing and responsible waste management.  Read more: <a href="https://www.food-management.com/colleges-universities/sodexo-works-marshall-university-high-volume-composter" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.food-management.com/colleges-universities/sodexo-works-marshall-university-high-volume-composter</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="http://wv.gov/daily304" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.08.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, Aug. 7  Want to go camping in Almost Heaven? There are many options beyond tents and RVs--from treehouses to yurts--check it out!...WV Invests helps students earn an Associate’s Degree at no cost…and officials from the Monongahela National Forest are excited about WV’s own U.S. Capitol Christmas tree…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV LIVING – Camping is America’s quintessential summer pastime, and the Mountain State is an outdoor paradise. As more and more folks flee urban environments looking to disconnect from everyday life, improve emotional well-being, and reconnect with relationships, West Virginia has become a go-to destination. Want to be a happy camper? WV Living offers a guide to the best places in Almost Heaven for tent camping, RV camping, glamping, and more. You can even stay in a yurt, teepee, fire tower or geodome! To learn more about camping destinations in wild, wonderful West Virginia, visit www.wvtourism.com or www.wvstateparks.com. Read more: https://wvliving.com/be-a-happy-camper/   #2 – From WDTV – Between tuition, supplies and housing, the average cost of college in West Virginia is over $16,000 for in-state residents, but one program is cutting that cost to almost nothing. Pierpont Community and Technical College in Fairmont is one of 27 West Virginia campuses covered by the WV Invests Grant. The grant covers tuition and mandatory fees of West Virginia residents pursuing a Certification or Associate’s Degree in the state. Pierpont’s Executive Director of Admissions, Jenni McConnell, says one benefit to this program is that the money is available right from the start. “There’s a push for more accessibility of education. You can see that with some of the loan forgiveness and other programs, but this is one the front end to make education accessible and affordable so you don’t have to take out loans and hope someone else will pay it back for you,” McConnell said. Visit WV Invests to learn more about the grant program. Read more: https://www.wdtv.com/2023/07/20/wv-invests-grant-covers-tuition-costs-associates-degree/   #3 – From METRO NEWS –  This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will hail from the Greenbrier Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest. Jim Kaufmann, Director of the Capitol Grounds for the Architect of the Capitol, selected the tree, a 63-foot tall Norway Spruce. The Greenbrier Ranger District produced the “People’s Tree” to the U.S. Capitol back in 1970. It was also a Norway spruce. A red spruce was also provided from the Gauley Ranger District in 1976. The Monongahela National Forest said the tree will be harvested in early November then will make its way to Washington, D.C. later in the month. “It’s a great honor for our district to once again provide the People’s Tree,” said Jack Tribble, district ranger for the Greenbrier Ranger District. “Our staff is excited to be a part of the project, including the harvest and packaging of the tree, to ensure it has a safe trip to Washington, D.C., this fall.” Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-will-come-from-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 Monday, Aug. 7  Want to go camping in Almost Heaven? There are many options beyond tents and RVs--from treehouses to yurts--check it out!...WV Invests helps students earn an Associate’s Degree at no cost…and officials from the Monongahela National Forest are excited about WV’s own U.S. Capitol Christmas tree…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV LIVING – Camping is America’s quintessential summer pastime, and the Mountain State is an outdoor paradise. As more and more folks flee urban environments looking to disconnect from everyday life, improve emotional well-being, and reconnect with relationships, West Virginia has become a go-to destination. Want to be a happy camper? WV Living offers a guide to the best places in Almost Heaven for tent camping, RV camping, glamping, and more. You can even stay in a yurt, teepee, fire tower or geodome! To learn more about camping destinations in wild, wonderful West Virginia, visit <a href="http://www.wvtourism.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvtourism.com</a> or <a href="http://www.wvstateparks.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvstateparks.com</a>. Read more: <a href="https://wvliving.com/be-a-happy-camper/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvliving.com/be-a-happy-camper/</a> #2 – From WDTV – Between tuition, supplies and housing, the average cost of college in West Virginia is over $16,000 for in-state residents, but one program is cutting that cost to almost nothing. Pierpont Community and Technical College in Fairmont is one of 27 West Virginia campuses covered by the WV Invests Grant. The grant covers tuition and mandatory fees of West Virginia residents pursuing a Certification or Associate’s Degree in the state. Pierpont’s Executive Director of Admissions, Jenni McConnell, says one benefit to this program is that the money is available right from the start. “There’s a push for more accessibility of education. You can see that with some of the loan forgiveness and other programs, but this is one the front end to make education accessible and affordable so you don’t have to take out loans and hope someone else will pay it back for you,” McConnell said. Visit <a href="http://www.collegeforwv.com/programs/invest-grant/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">WV Invests</a> to learn more about the grant program. Read more: <a href="https://www.wdtv.com/2023/07/20/wv-invests-grant-covers-tuition-costs-associates-degree/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wdtv.com/2023/07/20/wv-invests-grant-covers-tuition-costs-associates-degree/</a> #3 – From METRO NEWS –  This year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will hail from the Greenbrier Ranger District of the Monongahela National Forest. Jim Kaufmann, Director of the Capitol Grounds for the Architect of the Capitol, selected the tree, a 63-foot tall Norway Spruce. The Greenbrier Ranger District produced the “People’s Tree” to the U.S. Capitol back in 1970. It was also a Norway spruce. A red spruce was also provided from the Gauley Ranger District in 1976. The Monongahela National Forest said the tree will be harvested in early November then will make its way to Washington, D.C. later in the month. “It’s a great honor for our district to once again provide the People’s Tree,” said Jack Tribble, district ranger for the Greenbrier Ranger District. “Our staff is excited to be a part of the project, including the harvest and packaging of the tree, to ensure it has a safe trip to Washington, D.C., this fall.” Read more: <a href="https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-will-come-from-west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-will-come-from-west-virginia/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.07.2023

Your window into wonderful West Virginia. Sharing news and opportunities from Almost Heaven. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @daily304

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, Aug. 6   Volunteer WV offers free training for your community organization…Plan a romantic escape to a small town in Almost Heaven…and a Kearneysville distillery gets its due…on today’s daily304. #1 – From VOLUNTEER WV –  Volunteer West Virginia offers FREE virtual training to help your program grow. The session will cover volunteer management basics, including creating strong volunteer positions, volunteer recruitment and volunteer retention.​   The next training session will take place on Aug. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Sign up now!   Register: https://volunteer.wv.gov/OtherPrograms/Pages/Rural-Volunteer-Management-Training.aspx   #2 – From WV TOURISM – With its pristine natural beauty, picturesque mountainous terrain and unique small towns, West Virginia has plenty of amazing locations for your next romantic escape. Explore the best West Virginia has to offer with your special someone on these charming retreats. Relax and unwind in Lewisburg, dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Enjoy signature cocktails and romantic city views from a rooftop lounge in Huntington. Treat yourself and your loved one to a spa visit in Berkeley Springs.  Get back to nature at Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest.    Explore the hip college shops and restaurants of Morgantown.   Sound good? Check out West Virginia Tourism for more romantic getaway ideas! Read more: https://wvtourism.com/your-next-romantic-getaways-in-almost-heaven/   #3 – From WV LIVING – In 2016, when brothers-in-law Wylie McDade and Brian Halbert were nearing retirement, they decided to go into business together. They tossed around a few ideas and decided upon opening a distillery.  That dream became a reality in April 2021, when the Devil’s Due Distillery opened its doors in Kearneysville. The name is a nod to the brewing phrase “the devil’s cut,” which refers to the bit of distillate that is absorbed by the casks. “Distribution is our main focus,” says McDade. “We’re in 45 or 50 liquor stores throughout the state, and here soon we plan to go to more states.”  The company sells straight bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, maple whiskey, and vodka. Along with her brother, Olivia McDade works ‘round the clock on advertising and merchandising. “We love merchandise like clothing and barware. A ‘boutique distillery’ is how we describe it,” she says.  Plans for the immediate future include expanding the property to make room for food trucks and event hosting. Read more: https://wvliving.com/devils-due-ing-fine-and-dandy/   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 Sunday, Aug. 6   Volunteer WV offers free training for your community organization…Plan a romantic escape to a small town in Almost Heaven…and a Kearneysville distillery gets its due…on today’s daily304. #1 – From VOLUNTEER WV –  Volunteer West Virginia offers FREE virtual training to help your program grow. The session will cover volunteer management basics, including creating strong volunteer positions, volunteer recruitment and volunteer retention.​ The next training session will take place on Aug. 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Sign up now! Register: <a href="https://volunteer.wv.gov/OtherPrograms/Pages/Rural-Volunteer-Management-Training.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://volunteer.wv.gov/OtherPrograms/Pages/Rural-Volunteer-Management-Training.aspx</a> #2 – From WV TOURISM – With its pristine natural beauty, picturesque mountainous terrain and unique small towns, West Virginia has plenty of amazing locations for your next romantic escape. Explore the best West Virginia has to offer with your special someone on these charming retreats. Relax and unwind in Lewisburg, dubbed “America’s Coolest Small Town.” Enjoy signature cocktails and romantic city views from a rooftop lounge in Huntington. Treat yourself and your loved one to a spa visit in Berkeley Springs.  Get back to nature at Seneca Rocks in the Monongahela National Forest.  Explore the hip college shops and restaurants of Morgantown. Sound good? Check out West Virginia Tourism for more romantic getaway ideas! Read more: <a href="https://wvtourism.com/your-next-romantic-getaways-in-almost-heaven/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvtourism.com/your-next-romantic-getaways-in-almost-heaven/</a> #3 – From WV LIVING – In 2016, when brothers-in-law Wylie McDade and Brian Halbert were nearing retirement, they decided to go into business together. They tossed around a few ideas and decided upon opening a distillery. That dream became a reality in April 2021, when the Devil’s Due Distillery opened its doors in Kearneysville. The name is a nod to the brewing phrase “the devil’s cut,” which refers to the bit of distillate that is absorbed by the casks. “Distribution is our main focus,” says McDade. “We’re in 45 or 50 liquor stores throughout the state, and here soon we plan to go to more states.”  The company sells straight bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, maple whiskey, and vodka. Along with her brother, Olivia McDade works ‘round the clock on advertising and merchandising. “We love merchandise like clothing and barware. A ‘boutique distillery’ is how we describe it,” she says.  Plans for the immediate future include expanding the property to make room for food trucks and event hosting. Read more: <a href="https://wvliving.com/devils-due-ing-fine-and-dandy/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvliving.com/devils-due-ing-fine-and-dandy/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.06.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Saturday, Aug. 5  WV Chef Tim Urbanic blends Appalachia with Italy at his new venture…Cacapon Resort prepares to host an international archery tournament…and Berkeley County welcomes Commercial Metals Company…on today’s daily304.  #1 – From TASTE WV – Italian food plays a large role in West Virginia’s culinary makeup – with red sauce, meatballs and pasta making frequent appearances on menus across the state. But Chef Tim Urbanic takes those flavors to a different level. Urbanic, who operates Bop &amp; Nana’s Bakery and Catering with wife Melody, is known for embracing his Italian-Appalachian roots and utilizing farm-fresh ingredients to create scrumptious food right smack dab in the center of the state. “I’m just a southern Italian, old world chef – any of my chef friends know that about me,” Urbanic says, humbly. “Food just tastes like my Italian heritage on a plate.” The Urbanics recently retired from their award-winning bed and breakfast, Cafe Cimino, located in Sutton, that was known for its locally sourced produce, homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The new business operates out of their family farm in Chloe, West Virginia, where Urbanic crafts homemade baked goods, pastas and breads that make appearances at local farmers markets and events. Read more: https://tastewv.com/dont-call-it-a-comeback-wv-chef-nourishes-community-with-homemade-food/   #2 – From METRO NEWS – Cacapon Resort State Park is hosting a world-class archery competition this month. The IBO World Championships takes place Aug. 9-11 at the resort near Berkeley Springs. “It’s very exciting and gives us an opportunity to showcase West Virginia and our State Park system,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion. The event will continue a relationship which has grown for the past decade between the International Bowhunting Organization and the West Virginia State Park System. West Virginia began hosting the first leg of the organization’s triple-crown competition at Pipestem Resort State Park over a decade ago.  The World Championships in August will feature more than 3,000 archers and guests from at least nine different countries. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/26/ibo-world-championships-to-be-held-in-west-virginia/   #3 – From THE MARTINSBURG JOURNAL – Berkeley County officials held a groundbreaking ceremony last week  for Commercial Metals Company West Virginia, a next-generation electric arc furnace micro mill. Gov. Jim Justice welcomed CMC Chairman of the Board Barbara Smith and CMC staff. He was joined by state, county and local officials to celebrate the start of the project, which was budgeted to cost approximately $450 million in net incentives. The site, located in Falling Waters, was selected by CMC in December 2022 to be the home of its fourth micro mill. A new facility will be constructed on the property, which once housed the DuPont Potomac River Works facility. “The new mill will bring significant economic benefits to the region, bringing over 2,500 jobs to the community during the construction phase and over 230 new, direct, well-paying manufacturing jobs to the region,” Smith said.  Read more: https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/cmc-welcomed-to-berkeley-co-by-state-local-officials-for-groundbreaking-ceremony/article_249373d9-8cdd-576b-8071-2dfec0014e9e.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 Saturday, Aug. 5  WV Chef Tim Urbanic blends Appalachia with Italy at his new venture…Cacapon Resort prepares to host an international archery tournament…and Berkeley County welcomes Commercial Metals Company…on today’s daily304. #1 – From TASTE WV – Italian food plays a large role in West Virginia’s culinary makeup – with red sauce, meatballs and pasta making frequent appearances on menus across the state. But Chef Tim Urbanic takes those flavors to a different level. Urbanic, who operates Bop &amp; Nana’s Bakery and Catering with wife Melody, is known for embracing his Italian-Appalachian roots and utilizing farm-fresh ingredients to create scrumptious food right smack dab in the center of the state. “I’m just a southern Italian, old world chef – any of my chef friends know that about me,” Urbanic says, humbly. “Food just tastes like my Italian heritage on a plate.” The Urbanics recently retired from their award-winning bed and breakfast, Cafe Cimino, located in Sutton, that was known for its locally sourced produce, homemade pasta and wood-fired pizzas. The new business operates out of their family farm in Chloe, West Virginia, where Urbanic crafts homemade baked goods, pastas and breads that make appearances at local farmers markets and events. Read more: <a href="https://tastewv.com/dont-call-it-a-comeback-wv-chef-nourishes-community-with-homemade-food/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://tastewv.com/dont-call-it-a-comeback-wv-chef-nourishes-community-with-homemade-food/</a> #2 – From METRO NEWS – Cacapon Resort State Park is hosting a world-class archery competition this month. The IBO World Championships takes place Aug. 9-11 at the resort near Berkeley Springs. “It’s very exciting and gives us an opportunity to showcase West Virginia and our State Park system,” said West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Director Brett McMillion. The event will continue a relationship which has grown for the past decade between the International Bowhunting Organization and the West Virginia State Park System. West Virginia began hosting the first leg of the organization’s triple-crown competition at Pipestem Resort State Park over a decade ago.  The World Championships in August will feature more than 3,000 archers and guests from at least nine different countries. Read more: <a href="https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/26/ibo-world-championships-to-be-held-in-west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/26/ibo-world-championships-to-be-held-in-west-virginia/</a> #3 – From THE MARTINSBURG JOURNAL – Berkeley County officials held a groundbreaking ceremony last week  for Commercial Metals Company West Virginia, a next-generation electric arc furnace micro mill. Gov. Jim Justice welcomed CMC Chairman of the Board Barbara Smith and CMC staff. He was joined by state, county and local officials to celebrate the start of the project, which was budgeted to cost approximately $450 million in net incentives. The site, located in Falling Waters, was selected by CMC in December 2022 to be the home of its fourth micro mill. A new facility will be constructed on the property, which once housed the DuPont Potomac River Works facility. “The new mill will bring significant economic benefits to the region, bringing over 2,500 jobs to the community during the construction phase and over 230 new, direct, well-paying manufacturing jobs to the region,” Smith said.  Read more: <a href="https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/cmc-welcomed-to-berkeley-co-by-state-local-officials-for-groundbreaking-ceremony/article_249373d9-8cdd-576b-8071-2dfec0014e9e.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.journal-news.net/journal-news/cmc-welcomed-to-berkeley-co-by-state-local-officials-for-groundbreaking-ceremony/article_249373d9-8cdd-576b-8071-2dfec0014e9e.html</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.05.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Friday, Aug. 4  From whitewater rafting to SUP boarding, adventure awaits on the water in Almost Heaven…WV documentary “King Coal” rakes in praise from critics…and the new Omnis manufacturing facility in Bluefield is hiring--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV TOURISM – Whether you’re looking for serious, high-intensity water sports or you prefer to float, paddle and dive in peace, there’s a body of water in West Virginia that’s calling your name. Lively rivers, pristine lakes and wild water sports unlock plenty of opportunities to go with the flow. Looking for some wild adventure? Check out whitewater rafting. Rapids range from beginner-friendly Class I-III on the Shenandoah and Potomac to the adrenaline-charged Class V of the Upper Gauley in the fall.  Summersville Lake is a prime spot for scuba diving. Rent a houseboat on Sutton Lake. Or paddle the water trails of the Elk and Coal rivers. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to find Almost Heaven waiting for you on the water. Read more: https://wvtourism.com/the-best-spots-for-water-sports-adventures-in-west-virginia/   #2 – From THE FILM STAGE – One of the most impressive films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was the latest work from Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon. With stunning cinematography, King Coal explores the lives in Central Appalachia and how the effects and bonds instilled by the coal industry.  The film has been described by one reviewer as “A poetic ode to the blue ridges of Central Appalachia.”  “King Coal often evokes an IMAX educational film in its scope, space, and presence. The film explores the complex history of coal as a specter that looms over the region,” writes John Fink. “The precious rock is celebrated throughout, the picture never veering off-course to engage in a discussion of contemporary politics. It’s instead built on West Virginia itself, a land still tied to mythology in some ways.” “Who are we, without a king?” asks Lanie Marsh, the young star of the picture. “King Coal” debuts in Charleston on Aug. 31 at the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema. Read more and watch the trailer: https://thefilmstage.com/king-coal-trailer-takes-a-lyrical-look-at-lives-in-central-appalachia/   #3 – From METRO NEWS -- Omnis Building Technologies is nearing completion of a new $40 million manufacturing plant in Mercer County and now has begun the process of building a staff. “When we’re up and running we’re looking at a first wave of about 35 to 45 employees per shift. We’ll look to be running first shift when we get up and running, then we’ll add a second shift and eventually go to a 24/7 production schedule,” said Matthew Hart, Vice-President of Human Resources. Omnis uses state of the art building materials to create pre-fabricated home building blocks. The blocks are then used to pre-assemble sustainable and energy efficient homes. The company is headquartered in California and announced Bluefield would be the site of their first operation in the eastern United States in March 2022. Officials anticipated by the time the new plant is at full operational capacity, they’ll have close to 200 full-time employees.  Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/omnis-seeks-workers-for-40-million-bluefield-operation/   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 Friday, Aug. 4  From whitewater rafting to SUP boarding, adventure awaits on the water in Almost Heaven…WV documentary “King Coal” rakes in praise from critics…and the new Omnis manufacturing facility in Bluefield is hiring--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV TOURISM – Whether you’re looking for serious, high-intensity water sports or you prefer to float, paddle and dive in peace, there’s a body of water in West Virginia that’s calling your name. Lively rivers, pristine lakes and wild water sports unlock plenty of opportunities to go with the flow. Looking for some wild adventure? Check out whitewater rafting. Rapids range from beginner-friendly Class I-III on the Shenandoah and Potomac to the adrenaline-charged Class V of the Upper Gauley in the fall.  Summersville Lake is a prime spot for scuba diving. Rent a houseboat on Sutton Lake. Or paddle the water trails of the Elk and Coal rivers. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to find Almost Heaven waiting for you on the water. Read more: <a href="https://wvtourism.com/the-best-spots-for-water-sports-adventures-in-west-virginia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvtourism.com/the-best-spots-for-water-sports-adventures-in-west-virginia/</a> #2 – From THE FILM STAGE – One of the most impressive films at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was the latest work from Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon. With stunning cinematography, King Coal explores the lives in Central Appalachia and how the effects and bonds instilled by the coal industry.  The film has been described by one reviewer as “A poetic ode to the blue ridges of Central Appalachia.”  “King Coal often evokes an IMAX educational film in its scope, space, and presence. The film explores the complex history of coal as a specter that looms over the region,” writes John Fink. “The precious rock is celebrated throughout, the picture never veering off-course to engage in a discussion of contemporary politics. It’s instead built on West Virginia itself, a land still tied to mythology in some ways.” “Who are we, without a king?” asks Lanie Marsh, the young star of the picture. “King Coal” debuts in Charleston on Aug. 31 at the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema. Read more and watch the trailer: <a href="https://thefilmstage.com/king-coal-trailer-takes-a-lyrical-look-at-lives-in-central-appalachia/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://thefilmstage.com/king-coal-trailer-takes-a-lyrical-look-at-lives-in-central-appalachia/</a> #3 – From METRO NEWS -- Omnis Building Technologies is nearing completion of a new $40 million manufacturing plant in Mercer County and now has begun the process of building a staff. “When we’re up and running we’re looking at a first wave of about 35 to 45 employees per shift. We’ll look to be running first shift when we get up and running, then we’ll add a second shift and eventually go to a 24/7 production schedule,” said Matthew Hart, Vice-President of Human Resources. Omnis uses state of the art building materials to create pre-fabricated home building blocks. The blocks are then used to pre-assemble sustainable and energy efficient homes. The company is headquartered in California and announced Bluefield would be <a href="https://wvmetronews.com/2022/03/15/ground-broken-on-new-building-materials-plant-in-bluefield/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">the site of their first operation</a> in the eastern United States in March 2022. Officials anticipated by the time the new plant is at full operational capacity, they’ll have close to 200 full-time employees.  Read more: <a href="https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/omnis-seeks-workers-for-40-million-bluefield-operation/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvmetronews.com/2023/07/24/omnis-seeks-workers-for-40-million-bluefield-operation/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.04.2023

West Virginia is synonymous with coal, but the mighty king of its industrial complex was once inconsequential.  The Industrial Revolution forever changed that and coal fueled America’s rise to prosperity as the first mines were created by local people of influence.  

West Virginia is synonymous with coal, but the mighty king of its industrial complex was once inconsequential.  The Industrial Revolution forever changed that and coal fueled America’s rise to prosperity as the first mines were created by local people of influence.

The History Project: The Coal Industry - Part 1: The Origin

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Thursday, August 3  A Cleveland reporter checks off a bucket list trip to the New River Gorge…What’s a great place to visit all year long? West Virginia, no matter the season…and an angel investment helps boost broadband in Southern West Virginia…on today’s daily304. #1 – From CLEVELAND.COM – “For much of this summer, I’ve had to nag my 12-year-old out of the  basement and away from his Xbox,” writes Laura Johnston. “But on a 2-mile hike through New River Gorge National Park, he talked nonstop – about camp, friends, baseball stats and lacrosse. Topics flowed as quickly as the river rapids 876 feet below.” The author writes about her recent bucket list trip to the Gorge with her son and dog. “So I packed our lifejackets and my stand-up paddleboard in the trunk of our Honda Accord, loaded our 3-year-old, 90-pound golden retriever in the backseat and woke my son to leave as the sky began to lighten on a Saturday in the height of July.” Learn more about their weekend explorations, which include shopping and dining in Fayetteville, hiking the Endless Wall Trail, and SUP boarding on Summersville Lake. Read more: https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2023/07/a-kid-a-dog-and-24-wild-wonderful-hours-in-new-river-gorge-national-park-west-virginia.html   #2 – From WV NEWS –  Gov. Jim Justice is fond of saying West Virginia has “four of the most beautiful seasons on the planet.” And now, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has shifted its focus to marketing the state as a 12-month destination, while highlighting the unique reasons to return season after season. “As of today, our tourism numbers are almost even across the four quarters,” Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. “We’ve succeeded in making us truly a four-season destination by working with our partners to offer additional activities and events throughout the year.” While Tourism officials have identified a core demographic that comes to West Virginia looking for what it calls “high adventure” — those who come for extreme sports like rafting and mountain biking — there is also a subset who look for “soft adventure,” such as hiking, waterfall hunting and dark skies tourism. “It’s people who want to be outdoors, but don’t necessarily come to West Virginia with all of the equipment or aren’t looking to do something that’s going to take a great deal of training. They’re just simply looking to escape the big cities, get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.” Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/west-virginia-department-of-tourism-expands-reach-looks-to-states-dark-skies/article_673ff524-256b-11ee-b3dc-9fc1464b9380.html   #3 – From WVCRAN –  In 2020, Dan Cox had a business plan in his head. Cox worked for large telecommunications firms in Pennsylvania but longed to create his own company in an area where broadband improvements were needed. After enlisting the help of the West Virginia Hive and taking a CO-STARTERS Core training course to pressure test his strategy, he began pitching Cox Telecom as a viable enterprise to investors. Less than one year after launching his business, Cox Telecom in Southern West Virginia is employing 16 full-time employees and creating a local and regional based operation to deploy a turnkey operation of wireless services to all cellular carriers (AT&amp;T, Verizon, T-Mobile, DiSH). The company is also solving the problem of recruiting out of state labor forces to complete projects in West Virginia for cellular carriers. “Dan has exceeded all expectations in revenue and job creation,” said Peni Adams, senior business advisor at the Hive who works with the company. “Cox Telecom was the first active WV Hive client to receive an investment from the Country Roads Angel Network.” Read more: https://wvcran.com/2023/03/beckleys-cox-telecom-llc-employing-16-staff-and-improving-broadband-in-southern-west-virginia-after-one-year-in-business/   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, August 3  A Cleveland reporter checks off a bucket list trip to the New River Gorge…What’s a great place to visit all year long? West Virginia, no matter the season…and an angel investment helps boost broadband in Southern West Virginia…on today’s daily304. #1 – From <a href="http://CLEVELAND.COM" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">CLEVELAND.COM</a> – “For much of this summer, I’ve had to nag my 12-year-old out of the  basement and away from his Xbox,” writes Laura Johnston. “But on a 2-mile hike through New River Gorge National Park, he talked nonstop – about camp, friends, baseball stats and lacrosse. Topics flowed as quickly as the river rapids 876 feet below.” The author writes about her recent bucket list trip to the Gorge with her son and dog. “So I packed our lifejackets and my stand-up paddleboard in the trunk of our Honda Accord, loaded our 3-year-old, 90-pound golden retriever in the backseat and woke my son to leave as the sky began to lighten on a Saturday in the height of July.” Learn more about their weekend explorations, which include shopping and dining in Fayetteville, hiking the Endless Wall Trail, and SUP boarding on Summersville Lake. Read more: <a href="https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2023/07/a-kid-a-dog-and-24-wild-wonderful-hours-in-new-river-gorge-national-park-west-virginia.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.cleveland.com/travel/2023/07/a-kid-a-dog-and-24-wild-wonderful-hours-in-new-river-gorge-national-park-west-virginia.html</a> #2 – From WV NEWS –  Gov. Jim Justice is fond of saying West Virginia has “four of the most beautiful seasons on the planet.” And now, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has shifted its focus to marketing the state as a 12-month destination, while highlighting the unique reasons to return season after season. “As of today, our tourism numbers are almost even across the four quarters,” Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby said. “We’ve succeeded in making us truly a four-season destination by working with our partners to offer additional activities and events throughout the year.” While Tourism officials have identified a core demographic that comes to West Virginia looking for what it calls “high adventure” — those who come for extreme sports like rafting and mountain biking — there is also a subset who look for “soft adventure,” such as hiking, waterfall hunting and dark skies tourism. “It’s people who want to be outdoors, but don’t necessarily come to West Virginia with all of the equipment or aren’t looking to do something that’s going to take a great deal of training. They’re just simply looking to escape the big cities, get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather.” Read more: <a href="https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/west-virginia-department-of-tourism-expands-reach-looks-to-states-dark-skies/article_673ff524-256b-11ee-b3dc-9fc1464b9380.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wvnews.com/statejournal/news/west-virginia-department-of-tourism-expands-reach-looks-to-states-dark-skies/article_673ff524-256b-11ee-b3dc-9fc1464b9380.html</a> #3 – From WVCRAN –  In 2020, Dan Cox had a business plan in his head. Cox worked for large telecommunications firms in Pennsylvania but longed to create his own company in an area where broadband improvements were needed. After enlisting the help of the West Virginia Hive and taking a CO-STARTERS Core training course to pressure test his strategy, he began pitching Cox Telecom as a viable enterprise to investors. Less than one year after launching his business, Cox Telecom in Southern West Virginia is employing 16 full-time employees and creating a local and regional based operation to deploy a turnkey operation of wireless services to all cellular carriers (AT&amp;T, Verizon, T-Mobile, DiSH). The company is also solving the problem of recruiting out of state labor forces to complete projects in West Virginia for cellular carriers. “Dan has exceeded all expectations in revenue and job creation,” said Peni Adams, senior business advisor at the Hive who works with the company. “Cox Telecom was the first active WV Hive client to receive an investment from the Country Roads Angel Network.” Read more: <a href="https://wvcran.com/2023/03/beckleys-cox-telecom-llc-employing-16-staff-and-improving-broadband-in-southern-west-virginia-after-one-year-in-business/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvcran.com/2023/03/beckleys-cox-telecom-llc-employing-16-staff-and-improving-broadband-in-southern-west-virginia-after-one-year-in-business/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.03.2023

What Makes You Wonderful and Dave Lavender with the West Virginia Film Office get into all the film festivals you can get into this season. There's something for everyone and we get the details on what you'll experience.    Lurch Fest   Lurch Fest at Barbour County Historical Museum, 13 Museum St., Philippi, WV, honors late TV and film star Ted Cassidy, known for playing Lurch on the Addams Family. Event on Aug. 4-5 features Ted Cassidy trivia, 30+ vendors selling "Lurch Merch," food, art, live music, craft beer, ax throwing, and a costume contest. Special guest: Sean Cassidy. More info at https://www.barbourcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/.   Appalachian Film Fest  The Appalachian Film Festival returns Aug. 18-20 at the Foundry Theater, Huntington City Hall. Categories include student, music video, shorts, and feature-length films celebrating the Appalachian region. Saturday features the award-winning film "King Coal" and a Q&amp;A with filmmaker Elaine Sheldon and actor Michael Cerveris. "Best in Fest" winner receives $500 and a Blenko Glass Appy. Screenwriting brunch with Mickey Fisher on Sunday at Bahnhof WVrsthaus and Biergarten. For more info, visit https://filmfreeway.com/AppalachianFilmFestival and find AFF on Facebook. Email directors at info@foundrytheater.org.   Huntington Music and Arts Festival - 72-Hour Film Challenge The 72-Hour Film Challenge is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington. Short films (5 to 7 minutes long) created within 72 hours in early August will be showcased, with prizes for the top filmmakers. The challenge is part of the 13th annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival, running from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. For inquiries, contact hmaf72hour@gmail.com, and learn more about HMAF at https://www.hmafestival.com/home.   House of Clouds Premiere The West Virginia International Film Festival presents the world premiere of the documentary 'HOUSE IN THE CLOUDS: The Artistic Life of Robert Singleton' on The Clay Center main stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. The film portrays the remarkable life of an American artist who has resided on a remote West Virginia hilltop since 1978. Get tickets at 304-561-3570 or https://secure.theclaycenter.org/9971. For more information, visit houseintheclouds.movie, and contact director Doug Imbrogno at douglaseye@gmail.com. The screening will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception in the Clay Center art gallery featuring one of Singleton’s paintings, followed by a Q-and-A with the artist on stage.   Mothman Festival  The Mothman Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17 in downtown Point Pleasant, WV. Hosted by The Mothman Museum, the event commemorates the 1966 Mothman sighting, giving rise to the infamous red-eyed winged legend. The festival features cryptid films, paranormal speakers, special guests from TV shows, and cryptid vendors. Visitors can explore the TNT area (where Mothman was sighted) and more. For additional details, visit https://www.mothmanfestival.com/.   Mtn Craft Film Festival  The Mtn Craft Film Festival will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg (444 W Pike St.). The festival, curated by Clarksburg-based production company Mtn Craft, will showcase four WV films: "Brawlers" and "King Coal" on Friday, and "Impossible Town" and "O’Pioneer" on Saturday. Each screening will be followed by a Q&amp;A panel with the filmmakers. The event also includes an art gallery, VR film experience, and various short films in different genres. Passes can be purchased online or by calling the Robinson Grand Ticketing Center at (855)-773-6283. Prices: Full Festival (2-Day) Pass - $40; Single Day Pass - $25. Get tickets at  https://tickets.therobinsongrand.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=191.   Appalachian Queer Film Festival  The Appalachian Queer Film Festival (AQFF) will take place from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 6-8 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington (800 5th Ave). Founded in 2014 by Jon Mattews and Tim Mann, the AQFF aims to bring Queer and Trans films from around the world to Appalachia and support LGBTQ+ filmmakers in the region. The festival features acclaimed films like "Kokomo City," which premiered at SXSW. Attendees can look forward to special guests, Q&amp;As, awards, panels, and an after-party. For inquiries, email festival organizers at aqffwv@gmail.com. Festival passes and tickets are available at  https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/026eff75-acef-4a82-9d23-85ec41c2f521.   Premiere of “Redhead”  The horror film "Redhead," by the filmmaking duo Sam and Johnna Hodge (creators of "Twelve Pole"), premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30 at Pullman Square’s Marquee Cinema. Starring Johnna Hodge as the widow Autumn Blacksmith seeking revenge, the film features Tri-State celebrities, including Barboursville mayor Chris Tatum. The Red Carpet event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Redhead Movie FB page. Don't miss this splatterfest!   Vandalia TV  Vandalia TV, curated by Nate Cesco, is a streaming channel hosting over a dozen creative outlets, including Shine On WV, Brainwrap Productions, Mtn Craft Productions, and more. It serves as a gateway to the thriving West Virginia film scene, encouraging viewers to watch local films and connect with filmmakers from across the state. The platform aims to elevate indie film alongside music, visual arts, and storytelling that West Virginia is renowned for. Experience WV film through their streaming service at https://www.vandaliatv.com/, supported by the collaborative efforts of filmmakers and artists in the community.   West Virginia International Film Fest - Floralee Hank Cohen Cinema Established in 1985, the Charleston-based West Virginia International Film Festival (WVIFF) has steadily expanded its impact. Presently, the WVIFF runs the Floraless Hank Cohen Cinema, showcasing award-winning indie films from the local community and around the world with regular weekly screenings. Attend "Movies That Matter Mondays" to support regional non-profits and causes. Additionally, you can rent the cinema for private screenings. To learn more about the West Virginia International Film Festival and explore volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.wviff.org/.

What Makes You Wonderful and Dave Lavender with the West Virginia Film Office get into all the film festivals you can get into this season. There's something for everyone and we get the details on what you'll experience.  Lurch Fest   Lurch Fest at Barbour County Historical Museum, 13 Museum St., Philippi, WV, honors late TV and film star Ted Cassidy, known for playing Lurch on the Addams Family. Event on Aug. 4-5 features Ted Cassidy trivia, 30+ vendors selling "Lurch Merch," food, art, live music, craft beer, ax throwing, and a costume contest. Special guest: Sean Cassidy. More info at <a href="https://www.barbourcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.barbourcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/</a>. Appalachian Film Fest  The Appalachian Film Festival returns Aug. 18-20 at the Foundry Theater, Huntington City Hall. Categories include student, music video, shorts, and feature-length films celebrating the Appalachian region. Saturday features the award-winning film "King Coal" and a Q&amp;A with filmmaker Elaine Sheldon and actor Michael Cerveris. "Best in Fest" winner receives $500 and a Blenko Glass Appy. Screenwriting brunch with Mickey Fisher on Sunday at Bahnhof WVrsthaus and Biergarten. For more info, visit <a href="https://filmfreeway.com/AppalachianFilmFestival" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://filmfreeway.com/AppalachianFilmFestival</a> and find AFF on Facebook. Email directors at <a href="mailto:info@foundrytheater.org">info@foundrytheater.org</a>. Huntington Music and Arts Festival - 72-Hour Film Challenge The 72-Hour Film Challenge is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington. Short films (5 to 7 minutes long) created within 72 hours in early August will be showcased, with prizes for the top filmmakers. The challenge is part of the 13th annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival, running from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. For inquiries, contact hmaf72hour@gmail.com, and learn more about HMAF at <a href="https://www.hmafestival.com/home" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.hmafestival.com/home</a>. House of Clouds Premiere The West Virginia International Film Festival presents the world premiere of the documentary 'HOUSE IN THE CLOUDS: The Artistic Life of Robert Singleton' on The Clay Center main stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. The film portrays the remarkable life of an American artist who has resided on a remote West Virginia hilltop since 1978. Get tickets at 304-561-3570 or <a href="https://secure.theclaycenter.org/9971" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://secure.theclaycenter.org/9971</a>. For more information, visit houseintheclouds.movie, and contact director Doug Imbrogno at douglaseye@gmail.com. The screening will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception in the Clay Center art gallery featuring one of Singleton’s paintings, followed by a Q-and-A with the artist on stage. Mothman Festival  The Mothman Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17 in downtown Point Pleasant, WV. Hosted by The Mothman Museum, the event commemorates the 1966 Mothman sighting, giving rise to the infamous red-eyed winged legend. The festival features cryptid films, paranormal speakers, special guests from TV shows, and cryptid vendors. Visitors can explore the TNT area (where Mothman was sighted) and more. For additional details, visit <a href="https://www.mothmanfestival.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.mothmanfestival.com/</a>. Mtn Craft Film Festival  The Mtn Craft Film Festival will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg (444 W Pike St.). The festival, curated by Clarksburg-based production company Mtn Craft, will showcase four WV films: "Brawlers" and "King Coal" on Friday, and "Impossible Town" and "O’Pioneer" on Saturday. Each screening will be followed by a Q&amp;A panel with the filmmakers. The event also includes an art gallery, VR film experience, and various short films in different genres. Passes can be purchased online or by calling the Robinson Grand Ticketing Center at (855)-773-6283. Prices: Full Festival (2-Day) Pass - $40; Single Day Pass - $25. Get tickets at <a href="https://tickets.therobinsongrand.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=191" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://tickets.therobinsongrand.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=191</a>. Appalachian Queer Film Festival  The Appalachian Queer Film Festival (AQFF) will take place from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 6-8 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington (800 5th Ave). Founded in 2014 by Jon Mattews and Tim Mann, the AQFF aims to bring Queer and Trans films from around the world to Appalachia and support LGBTQ+ filmmakers in the region. The festival features acclaimed films like "Kokomo City," which premiered at SXSW. Attendees can look forward to special guests, Q&amp;As, awards, panels, and an after-party. For inquiries, email festival organizers at aqffwv@gmail.com. Festival passes and tickets are available at <a href="https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/026eff75-acef-4a82-9d23-85ec41c2f521" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/026eff75-acef-4a82-9d23-85ec41c2f521</a>. Premiere of “Redhead”  The horror film "Redhead," by the filmmaking duo Sam and Johnna Hodge (creators of "Twelve Pole"), premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30 at Pullman Square’s Marquee Cinema. Starring Johnna Hodge as the widow Autumn Blacksmith seeking revenge, the film features Tri-State celebrities, including Barboursville mayor Chris Tatum. The Red Carpet event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Redhead Movie FB page. Don't miss this splatterfest! Vandalia TV  Vandalia TV, curated by Nate Cesco, is a streaming channel hosting over a dozen creative outlets, including Shine On WV, Brainwrap Productions, Mtn Craft Productions, and more. It serves as a gateway to the thriving West Virginia film scene, encouraging viewers to watch local films and connect with filmmakers from across the state. The platform aims to elevate indie film alongside music, visual arts, and storytelling that West Virginia is renowned for. Experience WV film through their streaming service at <a href="https://www.vandaliatv.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.vandaliatv.com/</a>, supported by the collaborative efforts of filmmakers and artists in the community. West Virginia International Film Fest - Floralee Hank Cohen Cinema Established in 1985, the Charleston-based West Virginia International Film Festival (WVIFF) has steadily expanded its impact. Presently, the WVIFF runs the Floraless Hank Cohen Cinema, showcasing award-winning indie films from the local community and around the world with regular weekly screenings. Attend "Movies That Matter Mondays" to support regional non-profits and causes. Additionally, you can rent the cinema for private screenings. To learn more about the West Virginia International Film Festival and explore volunteer opportunities, visit <a href="https://www.wviff.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wviff.org/</a>.

WMYW cools off at WV Film Festivals

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Wednesday, Aug. 2 The Wheeling CVB receives $5 million for its proposed welcome center at Wheeling Inn…the Mothman Festival and the State Fair of WV earn national recognition…and Pipestem Resort’s event coordinator is living out her dream job…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WHEELING INTELLIGENCER –  In buying the former Wheeling Inn hotel at the entrance of Main Street, the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau had a vision for what that property could be in the future. The CVB just received a federal earmark that will put that vision much closer to reality. The CVB has received $5 million in federal funds for its proposed welcome center on that property, one of two Wheeling initiatives that received seven-figure funding boosts in a Senate Appropriations Committee mark-up on a trio of funding bills. On top of the CVB’s $5 million, the Community Impact Network Inc. received $1 million to help build a child care center. “I don’t think we ever really over-promised about what this project would be,” said Wheeling CVB Executive Director Frank O’Brien. “But as we get this funding stack in play, now we can not over-promise, we can show what we can deliver. The earmark will make the project much more attractive as the CVB applies for other grants and funding. With $5 million in hand, other funding avenues should open up, he added. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/07/wheeling-projects-to-receive-millions-in-federal-earmarks/   #2 – From WOWK-TV –  Families across the United States chose their most anticipated summer events of 2023, and two West Virginia festivals made the list. According to a survey by Family Destinations Guide, the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant is the most anticipated event in West Virginia and the 55th most anticipated nationwide. The festival celebrates West Virginia’s most famous cryptid, Mothman, and takes place every September. Last year, it brought thousands of visitors to Point Pleasant. This year, the event is scheduled for Sept. 16-17. The guide ranked the West Virginia State Fair as the 82nd most-anticipated event of this summer. According to the fair’s website, the top things to do during the week-long Lewisburg event are enjoying fair food, carnival rides, concerts and livestock shows. This year, the State Fair of West Virginia will take place Aug. 10-19.  Read more: https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/2-west-virginia-festivals-in-top-100-summer-events-for-2023/   #3 – From REGISTER-HERALD –  Tara Pack was born a Tarheel, straight from Lexington, N.C. Her dream job, however, was to work at Pipestem Resort State Park. After all, she married a local farm boy, one of the Packs from River Ridge Road. Before her path would take her along the country roads of West Virginia, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earning a degree in public relations, marketing and communications. Pack’s office now overlooks the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. As she walks the park’s facilities with all the ease of a local, the 47-year-old’s days are filled with making sure that everything is organized for events taking place at Pipestem. She bounces among helping with the resort’s Mountain Serenity Spa, collaborating with the assistant lodge manager, or making sure rooms are great for their guests. Pack credits Governor Jim Justice for the difference his focus on tourism has made in the state parks. “He’s made it a thing that people want to go to. Their marketing and tourism with the swings have created a place where people are like, oh, I want to visit all those places where these swings are and take a look at it. It’s going to bring a slew of more people into the park. Read more:  https://www.register-herald.com/news/life/tara-pack-a-whole-new-vibe/article_f8c473de-201c-11ee-b11d-ff4ca09e577a.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 Wednesday, Aug. 2 The Wheeling CVB receives $5 million for its proposed welcome center at Wheeling Inn…the Mothman Festival and the State Fair of WV earn national recognition…and Pipestem Resort’s event coordinator is living out her dream job…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WHEELING INTELLIGENCER –  In buying the former Wheeling Inn hotel at the entrance of Main Street, the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau had a vision for what that property could be in the future. The CVB just received a federal earmark that will put that vision much closer to reality. The CVB has received $5 million in federal funds for its proposed welcome center on that property, one of two Wheeling initiatives that received seven-figure funding boosts in a Senate Appropriations Committee mark-up on a trio of funding bills. On top of the CVB’s $5 million, the Community Impact Network Inc. received $1 million to help build a child care center. “I don’t think we ever really over-promised about what this project would be,” said Wheeling CVB Executive Director Frank O’Brien. “But as we get this funding stack in play, now we can not over-promise, we can show what we can deliver. The earmark will make the project much more attractive as the CVB applies for other grants and funding. With $5 million in hand, other funding avenues should open up, he added. Read more: <a href="https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/07/wheeling-projects-to-receive-millions-in-federal-earmarks/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/07/wheeling-projects-to-receive-millions-in-federal-earmarks/</a> #2 – From WOWK-TV –  Families across the United States chose their most anticipated summer events of 2023, and two West Virginia festivals made the list. According to a survey by <a href="https://familydestinationsguide.com/favorite-summer-events/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Family Destinations Guide</a>, the Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant is the most anticipated event in West Virginia and the 55th most anticipated nationwide. The festival celebrates West Virginia’s most famous cryptid, Mothman, and takes place every September. <a href="https://www.wowktv.com/news/mothman-festival-kicks-off-mason-county/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Last year, it brought thousands of visitors</a> to Point Pleasant. <a href="https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/when-are-wvs-monster-festivals-in-2023/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">This year, the event is scheduled for Sept. 16-17</a>. The guide ranked the West Virginia State Fair as the 82nd most-anticipated event of this summer. According to the fair’s website, the top things to do during the week-long Lewisburg event are enjoying fair food, carnival rides, concerts and livestock shows. This year, the State Fair of West Virginia will take place Aug. 10-19.  Read more: <a href="https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/2-west-virginia-festivals-in-top-100-summer-events-for-2023/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/2-west-virginia-festivals-in-top-100-summer-events-for-2023/</a> #3 – From REGISTER-HERALD –  Tara Pack was born a Tarheel, straight from Lexington, N.C. Her dream job, however, was to work at Pipestem Resort State Park. After all, she married a local farm boy, one of the Packs from River Ridge Road. Before her path would take her along the country roads of West Virginia, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, earning a degree in public relations, marketing and communications. Pack’s office now overlooks the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. As she walks the park’s facilities with all the ease of a local, the 47-year-old’s days are filled with making sure that everything is organized for events taking place at Pipestem. She bounces among helping with the resort’s Mountain Serenity Spa, collaborating with the assistant lodge manager, or making sure rooms are great for their guests. Pack credits Governor Jim Justice for the difference his focus on tourism has made in the state parks. “He’s made it a thing that people want to go to. Their marketing and tourism with the swings have created a place where people are like, oh, I want to visit all those places where these swings are and take a look at it. It’s going to bring a slew of more people into the park. Read more: <a href="https://www.register-herald.com/news/life/tara-pack-a-whole-new-vibe/article_f8c473de-201c-11ee-b11d-ff4ca09e577a.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.register-herald.com/news/life/tara-pack-a-whole-new-vibe/article_f8c473de-201c-11ee-b11d-ff4ca09e577a.html</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.02.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Tuesday, Aug. 1  Want to build a hovercraft at home? Check out these fun science experiment videos…The WV Mine Wars Museum in Matewan captures a volatile time in state history…and, planning a visit to the national parks in southern WV? Plan a stop at area state parks as well…on today’s daily304.  #1 – From EMILY CALANDRELLI – It’s too hot to play outside and the kids are complaining they’re bored. So how about arranging a project for them that’s both fun and educational? “Space Gal” Emily Calandrelli has prepared a bunch of science experiment videos that kids can do at home with everyday items.  Calandrelli, a native of Morgantown, is a graduate of West Virginia University. The MIT engineer-turned science communicator is is host and executive producer of the educational shows “Xploration Outer Space” and” Emily’s Wonder Lab.” These short, fun YouTube videos include experiments like “how to make magnetic slime” and “drinking water with chopsticks in space.” Watch the videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj7mQxv2dAm6mhyx8-kb5Xw   #2 – From ATLAS OBSCURA – This small museum located in an old bank building in Matewan covers a unique but little-known period in American and labor history known as the Mine Wars.  These “wars” started in central West Virginia in the 1910s and culminated with the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, in which approximately 20,000 fought, in southern West Virginia. A collection of immigrants, Black Americans from the South, and other residents of the various hollows located around the state joined forces to stand up against the mine guard system.  The town of Matewan, politically independent of coal companies, served as a focal point for union organizers during this period and witnessed the “Battle of Matewan,” in which Sheriff Sid Hatfield got into a wild-west shootout with mining security. To learn more about things to do and see in the area, visit the Tug Valley Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitcoalcountry.org. Learn  more: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/west-virginia-mine-wars-museum   #3 – From FAYETTE TRIBUNE – It’s not all about the national lands.  While the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and its companion federal facilities, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River, are a major draw for tourists in southern West Virginia, folks are urged not to overlook the offerings of the 35 scenic state parks and nine state forests in the West Virginia State Parks system.  In the New River-Gauley-Bluestone region, there’s Babcock and Hawks Nest, Little Beaver and Bluestone state parks, as well as Camp Creek State Park and Forest. Admission is free and there’s an abundance of recreational offerings like hiking, mountain biking, fishing and boating … not to mention beautiful overlooks and scenery.  Visit www.wvstateparks.com to reserve lodging and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway! Read more: https://www.fayettetribune.com/community/there-s-a-lot-to-unpack-at-west-virginia-state-parks/article_98dea322-24cc-11ee-af5e-8fae839a8b3e.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, Aug. 1  Want to build a hovercraft at home? Check out these fun science experiment videos…The WV Mine Wars Museum in Matewan captures a volatile time in state history…and, planning a visit to the national parks in southern WV? Plan a stop at area state parks as well…on today’s daily304. #1 – From EMILY CALANDRELLI – It’s too hot to play outside and the kids are complaining they’re bored. So how about arranging a project for them that’s both fun and educational? “Space Gal” Emily Calandrelli has prepared a bunch of science experiment videos that kids can do at home with everyday items.  Calandrelli, a native of Morgantown, is a graduate of West Virginia University. The MIT engineer-turned science communicator is is host and executive producer of the educational shows “Xploration Outer Space” and” Emily’s Wonder Lab.” These short, fun YouTube videos include experiments like “how to make magnetic slime” and “drinking water with chopsticks in space.” Watch the videos: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj7mQxv2dAm6mhyx8-kb5Xw" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj7mQxv2dAm6mhyx8-kb5Xw</a> #2 – From ATLAS OBSCURA – This small museum located in an old bank building in Matewan covers a unique but little-known period in American and labor history known as the Mine Wars.  These “wars” started in central West Virginia in the 1910s and culminated with the 1921 Battle of Blair Mountain, in which approximately 20,000 fought, in southern West Virginia. A collection of immigrants, Black Americans from the South, and other residents of the various hollows located around the state joined forces to stand up against the mine guard system.  The town of Matewan, politically independent of coal companies, served as a focal point for union organizers during this period and witnessed the “Battle of Matewan,” in which Sheriff Sid Hatfield got into a wild-west shootout with mining security. To learn more about things to do and see in the area, visit the Tug Valley Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at <a href="http://www.visitcoalcountry.org" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.visitcoalcountry.org</a>. Learn  more: <a href="https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/west-virginia-mine-wars-museum" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/west-virginia-mine-wars-museum</a> #3 – From FAYETTE TRIBUNE – It’s not all about the national lands.  While the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve and its companion federal facilities, Gauley River National Recreation Area and Bluestone National Scenic River, are a major draw for tourists in southern West Virginia, folks are urged not to overlook the offerings of the 35 scenic state parks and nine state forests in the West Virginia State Parks system.  In the New River-Gauley-Bluestone region, there’s Babcock and Hawks Nest, Little Beaver and Bluestone state parks, as well as Camp Creek State Park and Forest. Admission is free and there’s an abundance of recreational offerings like hiking, mountain biking, fishing and boating … not to mention beautiful overlooks and scenery.  Visit <a href="http://www.wvstateparks.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvstateparks.com</a> to reserve lodging and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway! Read more: <a href="https://www.fayettetribune.com/community/there-s-a-lot-to-unpack-at-west-virginia-state-parks/article_98dea322-24cc-11ee-af5e-8fae839a8b3e.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.fayettetribune.com/community/there-s-a-lot-to-unpack-at-west-virginia-state-parks/article_98dea322-24cc-11ee-af5e-8fae839a8b3e.html</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 08.01.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Monday, July 31  With its 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, Coopers Rock is a can’t-miss tourist destination…Boo! Gather ’round the campfire and share some WV ghost stories…and Veloxint’s move to Triadelphia will create 200 to 300 jobs--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV NEWS – On top of its 12,000 acres of campgrounds, trails and beautiful views, Coopers Rock State Forest is set to soon receive stargazing cabins and additional campsites, making the location even more of a can’t-miss tourist destination than it already is. Coopers Rock State Forest Office Manager Jonas McClenahan said the camping at the forest is hugely popular, adding that the differing campgrounds can accommodate visitors no matter what they want out of the trip. The forest also sees a high number of visitors taking day trips to the park, looking to take advantage of the iconic Coopers Rock overlook or hike on one of the park’s 21 trails. “There are over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails here,” McClenahan said. “It can definitely keep you busy, because we have plenty of trails to choose from.” Visit www.wvstateparks.com to learn more or reserve your campsite. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/ncwv-life-coopers-rock-offers-once-in-a-lifetime-views-experiences-in-north-central-west/article_cbede952-056a-11ee-8442-4b8e2231ea14.html  #2 – From WV EXPLORER –  There’s nothing like a night under the West Virginia stars sharing campfire tales told over roasted marshmallows. As the embers dim, inexplicable sounds come out of the darkness. The crash of a falling branch! Was it a rotten limb that fell under its own weight? Or was it brought down by a bigfoot? Was the faraway cry that just broke the silence a bobcat, or was it the wail of a murdered woman still searching for her children? Johnathan Moore, the publisher of West Virginia Ghosts, shares a selection of a few of the most haunting stories that concern strange sounds in the night. Scoot up to the campfire and head over to WV Explorer to read a few spooky tales. But if you get scared, don’t say we didn’t warn you! Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2023/07/03/ghostly-west-virginia-tales-ideal-for-your-next-campfire/   #3 – From WV.GOV – Veloxint, a manufacturer of nanocrystalline metal alloys, recently announced its move to Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd., located in Triadelphia, West Virginia. Veloxint is working on commercializing high-tech metal alloys for use in the chemical, solar and aerospace industries.  Over the next four years, 200 to 300 jobs are estimated to be created as a result of the move to West Virginia. “There is nothing like this in the world; we’re creating an entirely new product,” CEO Brian Joseph said. “If successful, this technology will affect everything.” The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has provided training funds to educate Touchstone personnel to install, operate and repair the highly sophisticated and one-of-a-kind technical equipment being brought to the Millennium Centre, a world-class technology campus in Wheeling. “We are excited that companies like Veloxint are moving into our great state,” said WVDED Secretary Mitch Carmichael. “Our workforce and our citizens are world-class, and we know that they will continue to do great work in furthering the research and the technology brought here by Veloxint.”  Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/from-cambridge-to-boston-to-yeswv-and-beyond-meet-veloxint/   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 Monday, July 31  With its 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, Coopers Rock is a can’t-miss tourist destination…Boo! Gather ’round the campfire and share some WV ghost stories…and Veloxint’s move to Triadelphia will create 200 to 300 jobs--#YesWV…on today’s daily304. #1 – From WV NEWS – On top of its 12,000 acres of campgrounds, trails and beautiful views, Coopers Rock State Forest is set to soon receive stargazing cabins and additional campsites, making the location even more of a can’t-miss tourist destination than it already is. Coopers Rock State Forest Office Manager Jonas McClenahan said the camping at the forest is hugely popular, adding that the differing campgrounds can accommodate visitors no matter what they want out of the trip. The forest also sees a high number of visitors taking day trips to the park, looking to take advantage of the iconic Coopers Rock overlook or hike on one of the park’s 21 trails. “There are over 50 miles of hiking and biking trails here,” McClenahan said. “It can definitely keep you busy, because we have plenty of trails to choose from.” Visit <a href="http://www.wvstateparks.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvstateparks.com</a> to learn more or reserve your campsite. Read more: <a href="https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/ncwv-life-coopers-rock-offers-once-in-a-lifetime-views-experiences-in-north-central-west/article_cbede952-056a-11ee-8442-4b8e2231ea14.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/ncwv-life-coopers-rock-offers-once-in-a-lifetime-views-experiences-in-north-central-west/article_cbede952-056a-11ee-8442-4b8e2231ea14.html</a> #2 – From WV EXPLORER –  There’s nothing like a night under the West Virginia stars sharing campfire tales told over roasted marshmallows. As the embers dim, inexplicable sounds come out of the darkness. The crash of a falling branch! Was it a rotten limb that fell under its own weight? Or was it brought down by a bigfoot? Was the faraway cry that just broke the silence a bobcat, or was it the wail of a murdered woman still searching for her children? Johnathan Moore, the publisher of <a href="https://www.wvghosts.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">West Virginia Ghosts</a>, shares a selection of a few of the most haunting stories that concern strange sounds in the night. Scoot up to the campfire and head over to WV Explorer to read a few spooky tales. But if you get scared, don’t say we didn’t warn you! Read more: <a href="https://wvexplorer.com/2023/07/03/ghostly-west-virginia-tales-ideal-for-your-next-campfire/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://wvexplorer.com/2023/07/03/ghostly-west-virginia-tales-ideal-for-your-next-campfire/</a> #3 – From <a href="http://WV.GOV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">WV.GOV</a> – Veloxint, a manufacturer of nanocrystalline metal alloys, recently announced its move to Touchstone Research Laboratory, Ltd., located in Triadelphia, West Virginia. Veloxint is working on commercializing high-tech metal alloys for use in the chemical, solar and aerospace industries.  Over the next four years, 200 to 300 jobs are estimated to be created as a result of the move to West Virginia. “There is nothing like this in the world; we’re creating an entirely new product,” CEO Brian Joseph said. “If successful, this technology will affect everything.” The West Virginia Department of Economic Development has provided training funds to educate Touchstone personnel to install, operate and repair the highly sophisticated and one-of-a-kind technical equipment being brought to the Millennium Centre, a world-class technology campus in Wheeling. “We are excited that companies like Veloxint are moving into our great state,” said WVDED Secretary Mitch Carmichael. “Our workforce and our citizens are world-class, and we know that they will continue to do great work in furthering the research and the technology brought here by Veloxint.”  Read more: <a href="https://westvirginia.gov/from-cambridge-to-boston-to-yeswv-and-beyond-meet-veloxint/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://westvirginia.gov/from-cambridge-to-boston-to-yeswv-and-beyond-meet-veloxint/</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 07.31.2023

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.   Today is Sunday, July 30  West Virginia has some of the cheapest in-state college tuition, according to a new study…the quirky town of Point Pleasant continues to attract cryptid fans…and Wheeling welcomes its new indoor football team, the WV Miners…on today’s daily304. #1 – From STACKER – Good news for your wallets, college students and parents: West Virginia is ranked as one of the top states with the cheapest in-state colleges. Stacker.com lists the Mountain State as No. 11 in the nation among states with the cheapest college tuition.  Among four-year schools, the average in-state tuition and fees is $8,940, while tuition and fees at two-year schools is $4,530. Institutions in West Virginia such as West Virginia University and West Virginia State offer tuition assistance to National Guard members through the West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program. These schools cost on average just under $9,000 for students in-state and $24,000 for out-of-state attendees. Read more: https://stacker.com/education/states-cheapest-state-public-colleges #2 – From BEST LIFE –  Looking for places to visit that are just a little offbeat? You’re in luck. West Virginia has quite a few of these unique towns, including Point Pleasant. For lovers of paranormal activity, this little West Virginia town on the Ohio River has some quirky personality. “There was a Mothman panic in Point Pleasant in 1966 based on sightings of red-eyed, winged creatures," explains Xamis Wolters. “Today, the town is home to the Mothman Museum, as well as the annual Mothman Festival.” For something more subdued, the quaint main street of Point Pleasant looks like an early 20th-century postcard, complete with mom-and-pop shops, friendly restaurants, and even a vintage movie theater. Visit www.wvtourism.com for help in planning your Almost Heaven road trip. Read more: https://bestlifeonline.com/quirkiest-small-towns-us-news/ #3 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling – The new West Virginia indoor football team has an official team name and logo. The American Indoor Football league announced that the West Virginia Miners will compete in Wheeling. The team’s name and colors, a variation of Old Gold and Blue, pay homage to the state’s official colors and the region’s rich mining history, which represents the resilient nature of the local community. Owners Josh Resignalo and Chris Duffy expressed their enthusiasm for the launch of the West Virginia Miners. “We are thrilled to bring professional indoor football back to Wheeling and share our passion for the sport with the community,” Resignalo said. Duffy added, “The West Virginia Miners will strive to create a memorable experience for fans, and we look forward to building a successful and lasting franchise in Wheeling.” Read more: https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/west-virginia-has-a-new-indoor-football-team-whats-the-name/?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow&amp;utm_medium=referral   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 Sunday, July 30  West Virginia has some of the cheapest in-state college tuition, according to a new study…the quirky town of Point Pleasant continues to attract cryptid fans…and Wheeling welcomes its new indoor football team, the WV Miners…on today’s daily304. #1 – From STACKER – Good news for your wallets, college students and parents: West Virginia is ranked as one of the top states with the cheapest in-state colleges. <a href="http://Stacker.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Stacker.com</a> lists the Mountain State as No. 11 in the nation among states with the cheapest college tuition.  Among four-year schools, the average in-state tuition and fees is $8,940, while tuition and fees at two-year schools is $4,530. Institutions in West Virginia such as West Virginia University and West Virginia State offer tuition assistance to National Guard members through the <a href="https://apps.wv.gov/WVEEP/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">West Virginia Educational Encouragement Program</a>. These schools cost on average just under $9,000 for students in-state and $24,000 for out-of-state attendees. Read more: <a href="https://stacker.com/education/states-cheapest-state-public-colleges" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://stacker.com/education/states-cheapest-state-public-colleges</a> #2 – From BEST LIFE –  Looking for places to visit that are just a little offbeat? You’re in luck. West Virginia has quite a few of these unique towns, including Point Pleasant. For lovers of paranormal activity, this little West Virginia town on the Ohio River has some quirky personality. “There was a Mothman panic in Point Pleasant in 1966 based on sightings of red-eyed, winged creatures," explains Xamis Wolters. “Today, the town is home to the <a href="https://www.mothmanmuseum.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mothman Museum</a>, as well as the annual <a href="https://www.mothmanfestival.com/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Mothman Festival</a>.” For something more subdued, the <a href="https://visitpointpleasantwv.com/main-street/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">quaint main street</a> of Point Pleasant looks like an early 20th-century postcard, complete with mom-and-pop shops, friendly restaurants, and even a vintage movie theater. Visit <a href="http://www.wvtourism.com" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">www.wvtourism.com</a> for help in planning your Almost Heaven road trip. Read more: <a href="https://bestlifeonline.com/quirkiest-small-towns-us-news/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://bestlifeonline.com/quirkiest-small-towns-us-news/</a> #3 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling – The new West Virginia indoor football team has an official team name and logo. The American Indoor Football league announced that the West Virginia Miners will compete in Wheeling. The team’s name and colors, a variation of Old Gold and Blue, pay homage to the state’s official colors and the region’s rich mining history, which represents the resilient nature of the local community. Owners Josh Resignalo and Chris Duffy expressed their enthusiasm for the launch of the West Virginia Miners. “We are thrilled to bring professional indoor football back to Wheeling and share our passion for the sport with the community,” Resignalo said. Duffy added, “The West Virginia Miners will strive to create a memorable experience for fans, and we look forward to building a successful and lasting franchise in Wheeling.” Read more: <a href="https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/west-virginia-has-a-new-indoor-football-team-whats-the-name/?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow&amp;utm_medium=referral" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/west-virginia-has-a-new-indoor-football-team-whats-the-name/?utm_source=t.co&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow&amp;utm_medium=referral</a> Find these stories and more at <a href="https://www.wv.gov/daily304/Pages/default.aspx" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov/daily304</a>. 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 <a href="http://wv.gov" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">wv.gov</a> 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.

daily304 - Episode 07.30.2023

daily304's podcast

The Best Multi-Part Documentaries, with documentaries on Obama, Federer vs Nadal, the making of Star Wars, Netflix vs Blockbuster and more. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

Best Multi-Part Documentaries

The best podcast episodes on global issues affecting everyone. Covering topics such as the #metoo movement, climate change, the impact of technology and some of the biggest global issues facing us right now. For anyone interested in learning more about the world, and some of the issues we're facing, pick an episode below and start listening! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!