Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  

Today is Tuesday, April 15, 2025 

USA Cycling’s Pro Road National Championships are returning to Charleston next month and city officials are looking for volunteers…WV Living and WVU Medicine Children’s want to shine a light on West Virginia’s most incredible kids--nominate an incredible kid today…and the WVDNR offers tips for avoiding human-bear conflicts…on today’s daily304.

 

#1 – From METRO NEWS – With the expansion of this year’s USA Cycling championship races in the Capitol City comes a need for more volunteers.

The Pro Road National Championships are set for May 19 -26 in Charleston this year, two days longer than the national cycling event’s debut in the city last year. Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau President Tim Brady said they are looking for about 100 more volunteers to serve as course marshals.

Course marshals serve a key role in keeping both race participants and spectators safe. They monitor crowds along race routes to reduce risks to cyclists, provide rapid communication relating to any hazards that may arise, serve as a crossing guard along roadways operating as race courses, and act as an ambassador to spectators regarding event details.

Volunteers will receive a whistle and a branded volunteer shirt. All shifts are provided with a meal and water.

To sign up to volunteer or to view the race schedule and routes, visit the CVB’s website.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/04/08/more-volunteers-needed-during-this-years-usa-cycling-event-in-charleston/

 

#2 – From WV LIVING – For the past five years, WV Living and WVU Medicine Children’s have been shining a light on West Virginia’s most incredible kids.

Do you know a West Virginia kid who demonstrates spirit, resilience, kindness, drive or talent? Nominate them for the next class of WV Living’s Incredible Kids. 

Nominations are due by April 21. Then, from April 22 to 28, readers will vote for their favorites, and the top nominees will be featured in the Summer issue of WV Living. And because they’re all winners, every nominee will also be recognized in print and online and receive a special swag box.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/incredible-kids-2025/#/rounds/1/gallery

 

#3 – From WVDNR – Black bears are a beloved part of West Virginia’s cultural identity and a vital member of the state’s mountain and forest ecosystems. As the state animal, black bears symbolize West Virginia’s wild beauty and resilience. 

However, as their population expands and human activity continues to grow, encounters between people and black bears are becoming more common—especially when black bears are drawn to easy food sources. The good news is that most conflicts can be prevented. By learning a few basics, you can help keep black bears wild and communities safe.

Check out WV DNR’s recommendations for avoiding human-bear conflicts, and be sure to share the tips with your neighbors. 

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/basics-for-avoiding-human-bear-conflicts-this-spring/

 

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.