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

Today is Thursday, April 17, 2025 

April is the month of the military child--learn how your school can earn a Purple Star Award by addressing the unique needs of military children…Check out seven great reasons to visit Buckhannon, home of the WV Strawberry Festival…and if you’re looking to go into the childcare  business, the WV SBDC has some valuable resources for you…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV VETERANS ASSISTANCE – April is designated the Month of the Military Child in recognition of the unique challenges and triumphs military children face. 

The West Virginia Department of Veterans Assistance has partnered with the West Virginia Department of Education to issue Purple Star Awards to schools that address the unique needs of military children. 

School representatives who have sought out and implemented the Purple Star Award requirements have indicated that they felt empowered to improve the well-being of military-connected students in numerous ways, including academically, socially, emotionally, or physically. 

Here in the Mountain State, 297 schools have earned a Purple Star Award recognizing their commitment to support military children and their families and 16 districts have qualified to receive the award. 

Click here to fill out an application to become a Purple Star School or District. Applications are due April 25, 2025 for the fifth class of Purple Star recipients which will be announced in May.

Read more:

https://www.wvveteransblog.com/uncategorized/purple-star-awards-recognize-schools-that-create-a-military-friendly-environment/

 

#2 – From SOUTHERN LIVING – The small town of Buckhannon in north-central West Virginia feels like a step back in time, in the best possible way. 

With its well-preserved storefronts and independently owned businesses, Buckhannon has one of the best historic Main Streets in West Virginia. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, natural beauty abounds here in public green spaces, quiet lakes, and a state park.

Southern Living magazine offers 7 reasons to visit Buckhannon, from boutique shopping and dining to outdoor recreation. Better yet, plan to visit during the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, which takes place May 10-18 this year. 

Read more:

https://www.southernliving.com/buckhannon-wv-11707303

 

#3 – From WV SBDC – The landscape of the childcare industry in West Virginia has many different rules and regulations that can be challenging for entrepreneurs to navigate. That is why the West Virginia Small Business Development Center has developed resource guides to assist small businesses with this information. 

The WV SBDC website has posted childcare guides divided by geographic regions. These guides are designed to aid small business owners and startups along with one-on-one assistance from one of its business coaches. 

To become a client of WV SBDC and benefit from this assistance, visit wvsbdc.com and click on “Become A Client.”

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/tools-and-resources/childcare-industry-resources/

 

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.