Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, August 28, 2025.

#1 – From WV Division of Forestry – Protecting WV Forests from Invasive Species West Virginia forests face threats from invasive pests like the emerald ash borer and spongy moth. You can help by avoiding firewood transport, supporting biocontrol practices, and following proper disposal of plant material. These actions bolster forest health and protect native ecosystems. Learn more: https://wvforestry.com/how-you-can-protect-west-virginias-forests-from-the-spread-of-invasive-plants-and-insects/

#2 – From WV Executive – Building the Future in Southern West Virginia Southern West Virginia is advancing with key investments in education, tourism, healthcare, workforce training and more. Institutions like Concord University are leading efforts to strengthen regional development and support long-term economic growth. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/building-the-future-in-southern-wv/

#3 – From nVent – Career Opportunities Across West Virginia nVent is currently hiring in West Virginia for roles in manufacturing, engineering, and operational support. Known for electrical product solutions, nVent offers career paths in an innovative and growing industry sector. Apply now! Read more: https://nvent.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/nVent/jobs?locations=83c295ccf9b81001f332751730460000

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, August 27, 2025.

#1 – From West Virginia Explorer – Nighttime Deer Surveys Biologists from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources are conducting nighttime deer population surveys using thermal cameras. During the survey period, which runs through August 29 and again from September 15-26, residents may notice marked division vehicles using spotlights at night along the survey routes. These efforts provide accurate data to guide wildlife management decisions, balance deer herds, and sustain healthy forests across West Virginia.

Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/08/18/nighttime-deer-surveys/

#2 – From WV Executive – West Virginia’s Data Center Boom With abundant power, land, and infrastructure, West Virginia is becoming an emerging hub for data centers. This growth brings investment and jobs, but also raises important questions about energy use, grid modernization, and long-term economic benefits.

Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/data-centers/

#3 – From WBOY – Oktoberfest Beer Festivals in WV West Virginia is ready to celebrate fall with Oktoberfest-style beer festivals across the state. From Morgantown to Shepherdstown, residents are gathering to enjoy local craft brews, live entertainment and more as the 2025 season gets underway.

Read more: https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/brews-news/west-virginia-beer-festivals-for-the-2025-oktoberfest-season/

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, August 26, 2025.

#1 – From Form Energy – Jobs in Battery Manufacturing Coming to Weirton, WV Form Energy is hiring across multiple disciplines at its Weirton, West Virginia locations, with open roles including Staff Process & Manufacturing Engineers, Senior Technical Program Managers, and Directors in People Systems. Opportunities span battery innovation, automation, and facilities that power new energy futures right here in Almost Heaven.

Learn more: https://formenergy.com/careers/open-jobs/?ashby_location_id=948b9fcc-70db-460d-975c-9d1a3232dda3

#2 – From WV Explorer – Improved Access to Hatfield Cemetery Travelers and history fans—celebration’s in the trail work. A newly installed footbridge and graded gravel path now lead to “Devil Anse” Hatfield’s cemetery in Sarah Ann, making that pilgrimage safer and more accessible than ever before. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/08/19/new-hatfield-cemetery-access/

#3 – From WV Executive – West Virginia’s Emerging Technology Ecosystem West Virginia is quietly building a tech ecosystem—anchored by startups, accelerators, high-tech parks, and training hubs through community colleges and universities. This ecosystem, though still emerging, is already generating billions in new economic activity and growing WV’s innovation footprint. Read more: https://wvexecutive.com/west-virginias-emerging-technology-ecosystem/

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.

American legend Daniel Boone’s exploration of the Appalachian Mountains of the Colonial American frontier played an important, historical role in early day Pt. Pleasant in modern day West Virginia.  He is celebrated for his contributions to our country.

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFPm1dgkvvE

It’s time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy “West Virginia Heat” by @AlabasterBoxer! Want to hear more? Check out our website at https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/

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

Today is Thursday, August 21, 2025.

#1 – From WV SBDC – “Start Your Business” Workshop If you're thinking of launching a business, the West Virginia Small Business Development Center’s “Start Your Business” workshop is just the ticket. These sessions offer expert guidance on business fundamentals—covering legal setup, financing, and planning—with online and in-person options available. The workshop takes place Sept. 18 in Princeton. Register now!

Learn more: https://wvsbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33534?embedded=0

#2 – From Mountaineur™ – Streamline Your Business Mountaineur™ is more than just software—it’s the foundation for a business that’s sustainable, profitable, and built to last. It’s a streamlined system that manages your sales, emails, bookings, and client workflows—without duct-taped tools. And it comes with real, human support when you need it. Learn more: https://mountaineur.com/

#3 – From Everblue Training – WV HER/HEAR Program The West Virginia Office of Energy has partnered with Everblue to lead all training and certification efforts across the state. Together with the WV Division of Labor and other key partners, they’re launching a new 8-month training program to build a strong, skilled energy workforce. This program combines online learning with real-world, on-the-job training—empowering West Virginians to enter fields like HVAC and energy services.

Read more: https://everbluetraining.com/west-virginia-her-hear-program/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Henry Ford, Thomas Edison and Harvey Firestone were joined by other innovators of their day to explore America in what was their idea of roughing it as campers. They came to West Virginia twice and documented their love for its beauty while being hailed by locals as they swept through Mountain State communities with their own personal flair. 

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

Today is Wednesday, August 20, 2025.

#1 – From WV SBDC – Lakota Software Scales Nationwide Lakota Software, a log analytics firm based in West Virginia, expanded rapidly both domestically and abroad with strategic guidance and resources from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center. Through training, strategic planning, and access to growth networks, they scaled smoothly while keeping operations in-state.

Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/scaling-success-how-wv-sbdc-helped-lakota-software-grow-at-home-and-abroad/

#2 – From WVEDA – Woodworking Dreams Fuel Small Business An aspiring woodworker in West Virginia received a boost from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority—securing grant funding to transform his home workshop into a fully equipped production facility. Thanks to WVEDA’s support, Architectural Wood, LLC is carving an inspiring path for rural entrepreneurship.

Read more: https://eda.wv.gov/turning-woodworking-dreams-into-reality-with-help-from-the-wveda/

#3 – From WV Veterans Blog – Honoring WWII Medal of Honor Recipient Walter C. Wetzel West Virginia pays tribute to WWII hero Walter C. Wetzel, a Medal of Honor recipient from the state. His courage and sacrifice are being preserved through a “Salute to Service” program that highlights his story of valor and West Virginia roots, ensuring his legacy endures.

Read more: https://www.wvveteransblog.com/uncategorized/salute-to-service-world-war-ii-medal-of-honor-recipient-walter-c-wetzel/

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, August 19, 2025.

#1 – From Habitat for Humanity of Kanawha & Putnam Habitat’s Master Homeowner Program offers a series of nine hands-on classes—from basic tool use and plumbing to fire prevention and neighborhood relations. Designed for both current and aspiring homeowners, the program equips participants with practical skills to protect and value their largest investment: home. Class cycles fill quickly, so check the Events Calendar to pre-register.

Learn more: https://hfhkp.org/programs/education.html

#2 – From WVDEP / Adopt-A-Highway Photographers: time to shine! The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is accepting landscape-oriented wildflower submissions—flowers must be along a visible West Virginia roadway—to be considered for the 2026 "Roadsides in Bloom" calendar. Entries must be high-resolution (300 ppi), submitted by September 19, 2025, and each photographer may enter up to three shots. Twelve winners will be featured—one will grace the cover. Read more: https://dep.wv.gov/news/Pages/WVDEP%27s-Roadsides-in-Bloom-Calendar-Submission-Deadline-Approaching.aspx?utm_source=chatgpt.com

#3 – From West Virginia Explorer The fall harvest is here in Almost Heaven—think fragrant apple orchards, vibrant pumpkin patches, and garden-fresh sweet corn and tomatoes. Many farms are offering pick-your-own produce and hosting community harvest festivals. Check out the story at WV Explorer then head over to wvtourism.com to find fall events and activities in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/08/10/west-virginia-fall-harvest/

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.

The West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville – The Mountain State’s First Prison. Though often called The Moundsville Prison, Its formal name is The West Virginia Penitentiary, and its history is long, perhaps too long. 

After West Virginia gained statehood in 1863, it took Governor Arthur Boreman three years to convince the legislature to build a prison for the state. The location was selected in Moundsville, along the Ohio River, 12 miles south of Wheeling, the state capital at the time.Architect Joseph S. Fairfax’s prison design imitated the newly completed prison in Joliet, Illinois, using Gothic Revival architecture with castle-like turrets and a crenellated façade. The structure, built by prison labor, used the Auburn Plan, with barred cells stacked on top of each other. 

The first completed portion contained cells for 840 men and 32 women, while the rest of the facility remained under construction. Prisoners were put to work making brooms, soap, clothing, license plates and even working in a nearby coal mine.

Despite this industriousness, prisons are dark places with tragic histories. The darkest aspect of this prison was the exercise of the death penalty where 94 men were executed at the prison, first by hanging and later by electrocution, between 1899 and 1959. This ended when West Virginia became the 6th state to eliminate capital punishment in 1965. 

Though women were moved to a new prison, overcrowding at Moundsville was a constant problem. There were deadly riots in 1973, ‘79, and in 1986, the same year the state Supreme Court ruled that a 5’ X 7’ prison cell was excessive punishment. Inmates were moved to new facilities by 1995, and the City of Moundsville uses the prison for police training and offers tours. Along with its use in movies starring the likes of Robert Mitchum, Jimmy Stewart, and Christian Bale, the prison is infamous as a haunted location and is popular with ghost hunters, reflecting its brutal 120-year history, where antiquated 19th-century ideals of incarceration overstayed their welcome.