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

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 30 

The leaves are starting to turn and it’s time to plan your fall getaway in Almost Heaven…the Pendleton County town of Franklin is designated a West Virginia BUILD District…and a new organization aims to “amplify” Charleston’s art and music scene…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – As fall rolls into #AlmostHeaven, vibrant colors grace the treetops. As the third most forested state in the United States, West Virginia in autumn is nothing short of breathtaking. 

Don’t miss peak color in your favorite region by staying up to date with our weekly foliage updates. Updates are expected to begin mid-September.

One of the best ways to stay in the loop when the leaves begin their season shift is by following along with the West Virginia Department of Tourism social media. From road trip ideas to must-visit trails, you are sure to be inspired by our feeds. 

Visit www.wvtourism.com/seasons/fall to sign up for our weekly foliage updates and start planning your Almost Heaven fall road trip today!

Learn  more:

https://wvtourism.com/seasons/fall/

#2 – From PENDLETON COUNTY – Incentives designed to encourage more housing development are available in and around Franklin, the county seat of Pendleton County, after the area was designated a West Virginia BUILD District by the state Economic Development Office.

Qualifying projects will be eligible to receive a sales and use tax exemption for building materials and a 10-year property value adjustment refundable tax credit to offset building costs. The incentives were created under the BUILD WV Act passed by the Legislature in 2022.

The new exemptions can be combined with a business and occupation tax exemption which the municipality or county can authorize.

Read more:

https://pendletoncounty.com/franklin-designated-a-build-wv-district/

#3 – From ARTS AMPLIFIED – A creative renaissance is taking place in Charleston—and it’s not by chance.  

West Virginia is full of creative folks, so it seems only natural that the state’s capital city would be home to lots of exceptional art. For the Mountain State to reach its full potential though, artists must have access to robust resources and support, as well as avenues to connect with others who believe equally in art’s value. 

That’s where Arts Amplified comes in. 

If you or your organization has something fun up your sleeve that the Charleston community should know about, get in touch with us to add your event to our calendar. And check out website to find exciting events taking place in the capital city!

Learn more:

https://www.artsamplifiedwv.com/events

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. 29 

It’s a country music home run at GoMart Ballpark as Charleston prepares to host its first Down & Dirty Music Festival…Therapy dogs win “a-paws” from K-12 students across the state…and kayak the Ohio River Islands to win prizes…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CITY OF CHARLESTON –  Get your tickets now to Charleston’s first Down & Dirty Music Festival!

The event takes place Oct. 14-15 at GoMart Ballpark -- home of the Charleston Dirty Birds. The 2023 lineup includes country music stars Jameson Rodgers, David Nail, Restless Road, Matt Stell and more. 

Order your tickets online now.

Learn more:

https://downanddirtymusicfestival.com/

#2 – From WOWK-TV – Back-to-school-season can bring a whirlwind of emotions for many students, but therapy dogs are bringing an extra sense of comfort for many as they roll into the new school year.

Twelve therapy dogs across the state are impacting over 5,000 students as they start the new school year. These dogs are part of the “Friends With Paws” program, which brings certified therapy dogs into schools to help students’ learning.

“You would think these dogs are primarily for elementary schools or middle schools, but the high school students, they have their way with every age group,” West Virginia First Lady Cathy Justice said.

Justice started the “Friends with Paws” program in 2022. She said the comfort of her own dog made her see the need for therapy dogs in schools. 

“Babydog surely is the inspiration for this,” she said.  

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/therapy-dogs-leaving-pawsitive-impact-on-west-virginia-students-as-school-year-starts/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – More than 20 virtually forgotten islands in the Ohio River in West Virginia are increasingly attracting kayakers drawn by the opportunity to explore one of the nation's evolving wildlife refuges.

Amid a landscape pulled from the pages of a Mark Twain novel, the islands, shorelines, and underwater habitat that are protected as part of the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge offer intrepid visitors a chance to explore little-known landscapes.

To help increase knowledge about the islands, officials at the refuge are sponsoring a kayaking challenge, inviting paddlers to visit as many islands as possible and share a selfie taken at each with the visitor center staff in exchange for prizes.

Michael Schramm, the manager of visitor services at the refuge's visitor center at Williamstown, near Parkersburg, says that only two people have managed to visit all of the refuge islands so far, though many have already embarked.

“It’s a very different view of the river than one gets from standing on the shore,” Schramm said.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/08/20/ohio-river-refuge-islands-increasingly-attract-kayakers/

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. 28

Officials break ground on a $10.4 million expansion at Raleigh County’s airport…Learn more about aerospace-related businesses in #YesWV…and discover the natural beauty of West Virginia’s old-growth forests…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From NRGRDA –  U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin and West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael joined local leaders – including Raleigh County Memorial Airport manager Tom Cochran – in breaking ground for the 105-acre economic development expansion.

Jina Belcher, executive director of the New River Gorge Regional Development Authority, shared her perspective: “A community’s airport is a driver of its well-being and economic development potential, and today’s celebration of its expansion for the recruitment of aviation and aerospace manufacturers is a bold step in the right direction.”

West Virginia Secretary of Economic Development Mitch Carmichael said the state is experiencing an “economic renaissance.” He said more and more companies are interested in relocating here. “We need additional site-ready locations to accommodate this growth” he said. “This place (RCMA industrial site) is ideal for our economic development vision.”

Read more:

https://nrgrda.org/manchin-carmichael-join-local-leaders-in-breaking-ground-for-10-4-million-raleigh-county-memorial-airport-improvement-and-expansion/

 #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  The aerospace industry is a dynamic, emerging economic sector in West Virginia. From up-and-coming high-tech innovators to established titans of the industry, the state’s growing cluster of aerospace companies is fueled by an array of advantages.

West Virginia is within a day’s drive of 34% of the top domestic purchasing sectors of aerospace products and national defense contractors, corporations and federal agencies. Additionally, the state is in close proximity to original equipment manufacturers based in the South, including Boeing, AirBus, Lockheed Martin and Gulfstream.

View an interactive map of top aerospace related businesses in West Virginia and learn why this industry says “YesWV.”

Learn more:

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

#3 – From WBOY Clarksburg – The New River Gorge National Park & Preserve celebrated the official induction of 12 acres into the old growth forest classification, but West Virginia actually has 11 other old growth forests.

Old-growth forests have never been cleared or harvested by people and are characterized by large, mature trees that are usually hundreds of years old. 

Although there is no giant forest of old growth like in California or Alaska, West Virginia has a handful of small pockets where old growth forests have survived, according to the Old-Growth Forest Network. To view some of these amazing trees, plan a visit to Cathedral State Park, Gaudineer Scenic Area in the Monongahela National Forest or Bethany College Parkinson Forest. You can also find old growth stands in the New River Gorge and several other state parks.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/old-growth-forests-to-visit-in-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 Sunday, Aug. 27 

FedEx gifts Marshall’s aviation program with a CF6 engine…Groups work together to revitalize WV’s Coal Country…and the Bridgeport airport offers a chance to fly in a Stearman bi-plane…on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Transport and logistics giant FedEx has given a jet engine from its fleet of aircraft to the Aviation Maintenance Technology program at Marshall University. 

The engine, a General Electric CF6 motor from a retired McDonnel Douglas DC-10 aircraft, will be used in the daily classroom instruction of AMT students as they work toward their powerplant certification.

“Donations like the CF6 allow our students to have hands-on experience working on large transport category aircraft systems,” said Jim Smith, director of the AMT program at Marshall. 

“The CF6 is one of the most common large transport category engines in the world and will be what most of our students will work on when they enter the industry. Having a partner like FedEx provides our program with materials that we may not be able to acquire otherwise and helps provide our students with options in the industry that will enrich the overall student experience.”

The AMT program is part of Marshall’s larger Division of Aviation, which also includes a professional pilot program through Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School. 

Read more:

https://www.marshall.edu/news/2023/08/fedex-gifts-cf6-engine-to-marshalls-aviation-maintenance-technology-program/

#2 – From GRIST –  Growing up in Huntington, Lindsey Crittendon always knew she might have to leave home in search of job opportunities. She went to college to be an engineer, but after graduating, managed to find a job in her hometown—working in child protective services. Though she loved serving her community, the hours were grueling, and taking time off was difficult. 

When she heard about an opportunity to learn computer coding through a program offered by Generation West Virginia, a non-profit helping boost access to employment and educational opportunities across the state, she leapt at the chance. 

Generation West Virginia is one of a number of organizations now striving to revitalize the state’s economy, which has historically relied heavily on the coal industry. 

Heidi Binko, the executive director and co-founder of Just Transition Fund, a national organization assisting communities impacted by the legacy of coal power and mining, says that helping successful projects like Generation West Virginia scale up is essential. 

Just Transition Fund raises funding and distributes it to partners across the country, including through the organization’s recently launched Federal Access Center. This Center provides grants and technical assistance to help communities and smaller organizations overcome some of these kinds of logistical hurdles.

Read more:

https://grist.org/sponsored/redefining-coal-country-just-transition-fund/

#3 – From WBOY Clarksburg – “Off we go into the wild blue yonder…” The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Airforce is offering Stearman bi-plane rides next month in Bridgeport.

Bi-plane rides will take place at the North Central West Virginia Airport from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 8.

Tickets for the 30-minute flight on a Boeing PT-17 Stearman can be ordered in advance online. Although remaining tickets will be available to purchase day-of, it is recommended that you preorder your ticket.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/harrison/wwii-bi-plane-rides-airshow-coming-to-bridgeport/

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. 26 

This year’s WV National Hunting and Fishing Days will feature wild game food tastings and more…Plan a paddleboarding adventure on one of WV’s beautiful lakes…and two organizations are working to foster entrepreneurship in #YesWV…on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From WVDNR – This year’s West Virginia National Hunting and Fishing Days Celebration will return to the Summit Bechtel Reserve near Beckley on Sept. 9-10. 

This annual event, designed to introduce people to hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, and other outdoor activities in a safe and hands-on environment, will give visitors a chance to participate in family-friendly activities, listen to live music, meet outdoor television personalities, purchase various hunting, fishing, and outdoor sporting goods, and win prizes.

In addition to the popular Outdoor Youth Challenge and other familiar activities, the event will feature exciting new attractions and guest appearances. On Saturday, the hosts of “Fly Rod Chronicles,” “The Chase” and “Whitetail Frenzy” will be available to sign autographs. Also, on Saturday, visitors can sample wild game and farm-fresh food at a new station featuring signature dishes prepared by West Virginia State Parks chefs.

Click here to purchase your tickets.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/gov-justice-announces-nhfd-2023/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – Labor Day weekend is soon approaching and there’s no better place to escape for the long weekend than Almost Heaven. Soak up the last bit of summertime the season has to offer and cool off on these flatwater paddleboarding trails.

Find a paddleboarding oasis awaiting you on the pristine waters of Summersville Lake, the home of West Virginia’s newest state park! Lodging and additional outdoor recreation opportunities will soon be added to the 177 acres of northern shoreline, but the property is now officially open and operating as the state’s 36th park. 

When in the heart of Mountaineer Country, don’t miss taking a paddle on the majestic Cheat Lake. This 13-mile-long body of water is a slice of Almost Heaven for water sports of all kinds. 

Paddle the lofty heights of Spruce Knob Lake in the Monongahela National Forest or enjoy a day or two at the lakes at Bluestone and Hawks Nest state parks. 

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/cool-off-this-labor-day-weekend-with-some-flatwater-paddling-at-these-5-lakes/

#3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Nearly all job growth in America comes from new and young businesses. That’s why entrepreneurship is so vital to West Virginia and why two organizations are helping to make that happen.

Marshall University’s leadership in entrepreneurship moved to new heights with the appointment in 2022 of former Intuit CEO and Marshall alumnus Brad D. Smith as president of the public research university in Huntington. A core part of his strategy for the university is prioritizing design thinking – Silicon Valley’s methodology for innovation – and championing it across the state and the nation.

Marshall University will take another major step forward next year with the opening of the 78,000-square-foot Brad D. Smith Center for Business & Innovation.

Right to Start, the national nonprofit organization championing entrepreneurship as a civic priority, has created “Field Guides for Policymakers” at all levels of government: local, state, and national. The Field Guides offer policy recommendations for removing common barriers to entrepreneurship.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/08/10/energizing-entrepreneurship-across-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.

The 13th Annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival in Huntington is a vibrant celebration of creativity and culture. We talk about how you and your family can explore the diverse array of musical performances and artistic displays in this week's episode. 

The festival features a dynamic lineup of musicians spanning various genres for every musical taste. Local talents shared the stage with nationally recognized acts. The festival also celebrates the arts with visual art installations, crafts, paintings and other creations. 

For more information or to buy tickets you can go here: https://www.hmafestival.com/

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

Today is Friday, Aug. 25 

Lunch with the Charleston Area Alliance and WV Supreme Court Justice Haley Bunn…It’s the sweetest event around--Parkersburg hosts the WV State Honey Festival…and Wheeling seeks proposals for two new city murals…on today’s Daily304.

#1 – From CHARLESTON AREA ALLIANCE – Join the Charleston Area Alliance’s Elevations professional women’s network luncheon at the Kanawha County Public Library on Sept. 8 as the group welcomes keynote speaker Supreme Court Justice Haley Bunn. 

A native of Wyoming County and graduate of WVU College of Law, Justice Bunn was appointed to the Supreme Court on April 6, 2022, by Gov. Jim Justice, and took office on April 27, 2022.

From 2012 to 2019, she was an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia in the Criminal Division. In 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice selected her as one of 12 prosecutors in the country to serve in an Opioid Fraud and Abuse Detection Unit. The OFADU was dedicated to curtailing illegal diversion of prescription opioids and healthcare fraud related to the opioid crisis.

The luncheon takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register now!

Read more:

https://business.charlestonareaalliance.org/events/details/elevations-luncheon-justice-c-haley-bunn-sept-2023-5386?es_id=36cd66384d

#2 – From PARKERSBURG CVB –  Make plans now for the sweetest event around -- the West Virginia State Honey Festival! The event takes place Aug. 26-27 at Parkersburg City Park.

The Honey Festival was founded with the purpose to educate the community on the importance of honey and the honey bee. From great food and entertainment to our many crafters as well as our continued education about honey and the honey bee, the Honey Festival offers a little something for everyone.

Visit West Virginia State Honey Festival on Facebook to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.greaterparkersburg.com/events/wv-honey-festival/

#3 – From WEELUNK – The Wheeling Arts and Cultural Commission is excited to continue growing Wheeling’s public art scene with its latest initiative. 

The commission recently released a request for proposals for two mural locations at The Bridge Tavern. The murals will be located on the back Main Street and Tenth Street facades of the newly renovated Bridge Tavern.

After executing one of the city’s largest public art projects in recent history with its wildlife mural along the Wheeling Heritage Trail in 2021, the commission hopes to continue to add more murals to buildings across the city. 

Read more:

https://weelunk.com/wheeling-mural-project-2023/?fbclid=IwAR1fMRjpSgkvXvYSMM0M2uUd4db4kQAgB3yWmwWYwUiAOazu1Ey6hymZOsk_aem_AXJ_n6Kp431FEwWJyJl9qvtq8ddz4ImpSB2aixyFIR3J9YjTiI-YgFLzsvlbUPlKJQQ

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. 24 

Learn how the power of effective communication can improve your business relations…All aboard! Fall is just around the corner and it’s time for scenic leaf-peeping train rides…and enjoy a 2-night glamping and whitewater rafting trip on the Gauley…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP –  National Professional Speakers Day celebrates the power of effective communication and its profound impact on businesses. This occasion provides us with an opportunity to explore how embracing the art of public speaking can revolutionize your approach to networking, promoting your business, and delivering an impressive elevator pitch. 

By honing your speaking skills, you can connect with potential clients, build lasting relationships, and ultimately take your business to new heights. 3 Steps 2 Startup offers practical tips to help you become an efficient and impactful speaker. Learn how to craft an effective elevator pitch and more. 

Read more:

https://3steps2startup.com/2023/08/08/national-professional-speakers-day-elevate-your-business-communication/

#2 – From A-Z ANIMALS –  Take a video tour on the Autumn Colors Express, a spectacular train journey that offers a front-row seat to one of nature’s most breathtaking shows! The rail excursion winds through the stunning landscapes of West Virginia, showcasing the region’s vibrant autumn foliage in all its glory.

Interested in a fall leaf peeping excursion in Almost Heaven? Several scenic trains operate in West Virginia, including Cass Scenic Railroad, the Potomac Eagle, and more. Visit www.mountainrailwv.com or www.potomaceagle.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/this-is-what-its-like-to-spend-2-days-on-a-private-train-in-america/

#3 – From TRAVEL AWAITS – There’s nothing like relaxing in a hot tub and then enjoying a gourmet dinner after a long day of world-class whitewater rafting.

Yes, you read that correctly: Whitewater rafting and luxury camping.

Adventures on the Gorge offers the 2-day Deluxe Gauley River Overnight in September and October, during what’s known as the Gauley Season. During that time, a 25-mile stretch of the Gauley River features approximately 100 rapids — including several Class V rapids.

In addition to two days of rafting, the package includes one night of camping at the resort’s permanent Canyon Doors Campground, gourmet meals prepared by a chef, and soaks in a wood-fired hot tub. The campground features hot showers, bathrooms, and a large sandy beach.

Visit www.adventuresonthegorge.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.travelawaits.com/2901124/deluxe-gauley-river-overnight-package-at-adventures-on-the-gorge/

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.

While Appalachia is known for having a mostly European-descendent white population, it also has a rich history of people of color. This includes not just African Americans but also Native Americans, primarily Cherokee. There is one culture, though, found in Barbour County near Phillipi, that embodies all three races, known for the community they settled and live in today.

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

Today is Wednesday, Aug. 23 

Hey, ladies! Make plans for Snowshoe Mountain Resort’s women’sweekend mountain bike camp…Find your dream job in manufacturing with Form Energy--#YesWV…and -- what’s that delicious smell coming from the school cafeteria? Pepperoni rolls!...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From POCAHONTAS COUNTY CVB – Join women mountain bike riders of all ability levels for a weekend of personal progression and skill building at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. The event takes place Aug. 26-27. 

New to biking? No problem. Already killing it on gnarly roots and rocks? That’s cool too. Snowshoe will break you into groups according to skill level for one-on-one professional coaching in a team environment. Make new friends, reconnect with old ones, and sling some mud. Camp also includes yoga, chair massages, swag bags, and evening socials.

Learn more:

https://pocahontascountywv.com/event/womens-weekend-mountain-bike-camp-2/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=august_2023

#2 – From FORM ENERGY – Interested in a good-paying and rewarding career in YesWV? Form Energy is hiring at its Weirton location.

Form Energy is an American energy storage technology and manufacturing company that is developing and commercializing a pioneering iron-air battery capable of storing electricity for 100 hours at system costs competitive with legacy power plants. Form’s multi-day battery will reform the global electricity system to reliably run on 100% low-cost renewable energy, every day of the year. 

Visit www.formenergy.com to learn more and find out what positions are available.

Apply now:

https://jobs.lever.co/formenergy?location=Pittsburgh%2C%20PA%20or%20Weirton%2C%20WV

#3 – From WVPB – It’s 7:30 a.m. in the kitchen at Horace Mann Middle School in Charleston as Food Services Coordinator Lori Lanier demonstrates how to make Kanawha County Schools’ famous pepperoni rolls. 

It starts — as all pepperoni rolls do — with the dough. But not just any dough. That’s one of the secrets of Kanawha schools’ pepperoni rolls. They are made using the same recipe as the delicious, soft and sweet hot rolls that accompany every school Thanksgiving dinner and Salisbury steak.

Cooks will tell you — this is one of the most time consuming lunches to prepare. A lot of schools shift pepperoni roll day to the end of the week so they can work on the rolls a few days in advance. But there is a good reason to go to all this trouble. These pepperoni rolls are beloved by generations of school kids.

“On pepperoni roll days, the teachers would let you out five or ten minutes early so you could get to the cafeteria, because there was always such a long line,” said Whitney Humphrey, who graduated from Riverside High School in 2007. “Because even kids who typically didn’t eat school lunch would eat lunch on pepperoni roll day.”

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/where-we-learned-about-pepperoni-rolls-uncovering-the-story-of-the-kanawha-county-schools-pepperoni-roll/

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.