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

Today is Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

#1 – From WV Tourism – Change Your Perspective: Discover the View From a West Virginia Fire Tower Want sweeping vistas and lesser-known trails? West Virginia’s fire towers are back in the spotlight—offering hikers, photographers, and outdoors seekers panoramic views and fresh perspectives from high above the forest canopy. https://wvtourism.com/change-your-perspective-discover-the-view-from-a-west-virginia-fire-tower/

#2 – From The Herald-Dispatch – Woody Williams Center Opens Doors for a Tour Ahead of Upcoming Completion The Woody Williams Center, honoring the Navy Cross recipient and Medal of Honor legend, is offering public tours as it nears its official opening. Visitors can get a firsthand look at exhibits and architecture before the center fully opens to the public. https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/sneak-peek-woody-williams-center-opens-doors-for-a-tour-ahead-of-upcoming-completion/article_a9f1fa9c-5d8f-478f-b2bb-32f66523f114.html

#3 – From WTRF – Chevy Chase Coming to West Virginia for a Conversation and Screening of Christmas Vacation Comedy legend Chevy Chase is coming to West Virginia for a special event—a conversation followed by a screening of the classic holiday movie Christmas Vacation. It’s a chance for fans to enjoy a nostalgic film in community alongside the comedic icon himself. https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/chevy-chase-coming-to-west-virginia-for-a-conversation-and-screening-of-christmas-vacation-movie/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

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

Today is Tuesday, Sept.23 2025.

#1 – From The Real WV – WV International Film Festival Celebrates 40 Years

The West Virginia International Film Festival is marking its 40th anniversary with a special four-day celebration Nov. 13-16. Film screenings, community events, and panels will highlight international and independent cinema while celebrating the festival’s lasting impact on West Virginia’s cultural landscape.

Read more: https://therealwv.com/2025/09/10/wv-international-film-festival-to-host-four-day-40th-anniversary-celebration/

#2 – From WV Explorer – Longest Fall Foliage Season in the Nation

Thanks to its varied elevations and landscapes, West Virginia boasts one of the longest fall foliage seasons in the country. Colors begin in the highlands by mid-September and last into late October in the valleys, offering weeks of Almost Heaven scenery for travelers and residents alike. Visit wvtourism.com to view a fall color map and start planning your getaway today.

Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/09/12/longest-fall-foliage-west-virginia/

#3 – From WestVirginia.gov – Metals Industry in WV

West Virginia’s metals industry continues to thrive, producing steel, aluminum, and specialty metals for global markets. With abundant resources, a skilled workforce, and strong infrastructure, the sector supports thousands of jobs and drives economic growth across the Mountain State.

Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/metals/

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

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

As Americans celebrate Memorial Day, we are reminded of the sacrifices made by our veterans who kept the United States and most of the world free. What better time to examine the fascinating life of Charles Town hero Frank Buckles, who lived to be the last surviving American veteran of World War I.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JpMhp8jYRw

It’s time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy “Old House” by Gerald Potts! 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, Sept. 18, 2025.

#1 – From WV MetroNews – Charleston Added to Ascend WV Program The Ascend WV program is expanding to Charleston, bringing new opportunities for remote workers to relocate to West Virginia’s capital city. Participants receive relocation incentives, access to outdoor recreation, and support to thrive in their new home—strengthening communities and boosting the state’s economy.

Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2025/09/05/charleston-added-to-ascend-wv-program/

#2 – From WOAY – Workforce Development Session in New River Gorge Region The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority held a workforce development session to engage employers, educators, and community leaders. The event is part of a larger project led by WVU and Carnegie Mellon University, with support from regional partners, to create a data-driven tool that identifies existing workforce skills, connects them to in-demand jobs, and highlights training gaps. 

Read more: https://woay.com/new-river-gorge-regional-development-invites-community-to-attend-workforce-development-session-on-september-16/

#3 – From WestVirginia.gov – Aerospace Industry Soars in WV West Virginia’s aerospace industry continues to expand, fueled by advanced manufacturing, composites, and partnerships with global companies. With a skilled workforce, strategic location, and strong training pipeline, aerospace is becoming one of the state’s fastest-growing industries.

Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/industries/aerospace/

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

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

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

Today is Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025.

#1 – From WV MetroNews – Allegheny Metallurgical Powers Up in Barbour County Allegheny Metallurgical has launched its longwall mining operation in Barbour County, one of the largest investments in the region in decades. The project is expected to employ hundreds of workers, boosting the local economy and reinforcing West Virginia’s role in supplying metallurgical coal to global markets.

Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2025/09/07/allegheny-metallurgical-powers-up-barbour-county-longwall-ready-to-hire-workers/

#2 – From WV MetroNews – Morgantown Airport Reaches 10,000 Enplanements The Morgantown Municipal Airport has reached more than 10,000 passenger enplanements this year, qualifying for increased federal funding to support airport improvements. The milestone is a major step toward enhancing regional air service and expanding opportunities for travelers in north-central West Virginia.

Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2025/09/10/morgantown-airport-reaches-10000-enplanements-qualifies-for-additional-federal-funding/

#3 – From WV Explorer – West Virginia Paranormal Trail Expands West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail has added new destinations for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. From haunted hotels to mysterious landmarks, the expanded trail celebrates folklore and supernatural stories that continue to intrigue visitors across Almost Heaven. Visit wvtourism.com/paranormal to register for your free West Virginia Paranormal Trail Passport.

Learn more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/09/10/west-virginia-paranormal-trail-expands/

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, September 16, 2025.

#1 – From WCHS-TV – Drummer Chad Smith Supports Clay County Music Program Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith is giving back to Almost Heaven by helping supply new instruments and support for music education in Clay County. His involvement provides students with tools to nurture creativity and musical skills, boosting arts programming in local schools.

Read more: https://wchstv.com/news/local/red-hot-chili-peppers-drummer-chad-smith-supporting-clay-county-music-program

#2 – From WV News / Garrett Republican – Get Tuckered Scavenger Hunt in Tucker County The new Get Tuckered Scavenger Hunt invites residents and visitors to explore Tucker County’s towns, trails, and small businesses. Participants uncover hidden gems while enjoying iconic spots like Blackwater Falls, Davis, and Thomas—making the hunt a fun and adventurous way to engage with the county’s vibrant community.

Learn more: https://www.wvnews.com/garrettrepublican/news/explore-tucker-county-s-hidden-gems-with-the-get-tuckered-scavenger-hunt/article_9c8494e0-ffe6-434f-8d81-8cd7970b608f.html

#3 – From WV MetroNews – Mylan Park KOA Holiday Campground Opens Mylan Park in Morgantown has opened its new KOA Holiday Campground, offering RV sites, cabins, and modern amenities. With sports fields, trails, and community facilities nearby, the campground enhances Mylan Park’s reputation as a hub for recreation, events and outdoor living in Almost Heaven.

Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2025/09/06/mylan-park-koa-holiday-campground-opens/

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 first European settlers, in what is now West Virginia, were the first non-native people to see the large mounds created by Indian cultures of prehistory. These mounds sit on what little flat land our state has, and along the many storied rivers that shape our topography. They tell the story of the first West Virginians, stretching back to the days before recorded history.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tf9pr8HHMMI

It’s time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy “Handshakes” by Hello June! 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, Sept. 11, 2025.

#1 – From WV State Parks – Dreaming of a Sunny Cabin Stay?

Whether it’s Holly River, Lost River, or Watoga, West Virginia state parks offer a cabin experience for every traveler. With rustic charm, modern amenities, and unbeatable natural beauty, cabins across Almost Heaven provide the perfect retreat for relaxation, hiking, or family getaways.

Learn more: https://wvstateparks.com/wvsp-blog-dreaming-of-a-sunny-cabin-stay-check-out-these-wv-state-parks/

#2 – From WestVirginia.gov – #YesWV Advocacy Program

The #YesWV Advocacy Program showcases West Virginia’s strengths, and helps you amplify success stories on your personal social media networks. You are empowered to highlight why you love West Virginia by sharing success stories, great activities and the value of Almost Heaven. Sign up today for this free service from the West Virginia Department of Commerce.

Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/yeswv_advocacy/

#3 – From WV Grant Resource Centers – How Grant Centers Support West Virginians

Grant Resource Centers across the state assist communities, nonprofits, and businesses in securing competitive federal funding. With training, proposal support, and strategic guidance, they’ve already helped bring millions in grant dollars home to West Virginia, strengthening local economies and opportunities.

Learn more: https://wvgrantcenters.com/

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.