A much-heralded writer, Breece D’J Pancake was destined to become one of America’s great authors.  His work in The Atlantic Monthly magazine made him much sought after as he explored the lives of West Virginians. But fate had other plans and Pancake’s small body of work from his short lifetime left the literary world pondering “What if?”

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

Today is Wednesday, July 12 

Hot diggity dog! Learn about West Virginia’s hot dog origins in a new book about state folklore…former mine workers turn to tourism as West Virginia’s economic future shifts…you’ve heard of pub crawls, but how about a Farm Crawl? It’s what’s happening in Hampshire County on July 15-16…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVPB – Former West Virginia state folklorist Emily Hilliard dives deep into the niches of Mountain State culture, from songs of the labor movement to the history of hot dogs, in her book, “Making Our Future.” The book was released on Nov. 22, 2022.

“It’s linked to industry and immigration, popularization of mass culture, urbanization and European migration. There were a lot of instances where Greek and maybe Italian immigrants were setting up hot dog stands in West Virginia. And mostly, that was in major urban centers in industrial areas,” she said.

“I think that’s why we see the hot dog really being popular in West Virginia in the southern coalfields, the northern coalfields and then industrial cities like the Ohio river towns of Huntington and Parkersburg. Hot dogs really seemed to boom in the 1910s and 1920s in West Virginia.”

Listen to the interview:

https://wvpublic.org/new-book-explores-history-of-west-virginia-hot-dogs/

#2 – From THE GUARDIAN – Rick Johnson’s introduction to the world of coal began as a teenager more than 40 years ago in rural western Virginia. For a decade and a half, he worked for extraction and chemical production companies across Appalachia.

But his work kept him away from home for long periods. And by the mid-1990s he and his wife, Heather, saw another major resource staring them in the face: the region’s natural beauty. As the once-profitable local mining and extraction industry suffered a downturn, leading company after company to board up, the Johnsons decided to buy a rafting business in Oak Hil.

Johnson is one of an increasing number of former mine workers who is now employed in tourism in the New River Gorge region of West Virginia.

“Tourism is the only thing we’ve ever had in central Appalachia that the resource renews itself every day and the money stays here,” Johnson said. “That’s what’s so beautiful about it.”

Read more:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/jul/05/west-virginia-coal-miners-tourism

#3 – From HAMPSHIRE COUNTY -- Hey there, curious minds! Ever heard of a Farm Crawl? It’s a whole day dedicated to getting folks out and about, exploring the vibrant farming scene in Hampshire County.

The event takes place July 15 and 16. You’ll get to witness first-hand the rich history of farming in the area, with participating locations offering everything from farm tours to selling their amazing products. It’s an opportunity to learn about the hard work and dedication that goes into running a farm. 

Learn more:

https://cometohampshire.com/wvfarmcrawl/

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, July 11

Experience Appalachian cuisine at WV State Parks farm-to-table dinners…the Homeowner Rescue Program provides financial relief to qualifying West Virginians…and Berkeley Springs welcomes Trail Depot, a new outdoor recreation store…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – West Virginia is well-known for its beautiful scenery and charming small towns, but it’s also home to a vibrant farm to table food scene. The state’s rolling hills and fertile farmland are perfect for growing fresh produce, and those participating in the West Virginia State Parks Farm to Table Dinners are in for a special treat.

Several of our lodge parks are hosting these special dinners that feature Appalachian cuisine prepared from fresh, seasonal ingredients. Register for a Farm-to-Table Dinner and stay overnight to enjoy our parks’ amenities and beautiful scenery.

Upcoming dinners are planned at Twin Falls, Chief Logan, North Bend, Pipestem and Cacapon.

Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/savor-the-flavors-of-west-virginia-2023-wv-state-park-farm-to-table-dinners/

#2 – From WVHDF – The West Virginia Homeowner Rescue Program is a housing-related program funded by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to assist West Virginia homeowners facing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic that began after January 21, 2020.

The program provides financial assistance to eligible homeowners for qualified mortgage or housing-related expenses to avoid delinquency, default, foreclosure, loss of utilities or home energy services, and displacement.

Homeowners are not required to have an outstanding mortgage balance to apply for WVHR assistance. Homeowners without a mortgage may still qualify for help with utilities, taxes, and other eligible housing costs.

Find out now if you qualify for assistance!

Learn more:

https://www.wvhdf.com/west-virginia-homeowners-rescue

#3 – From MORGAN MESSENGER –  The aptly named Trail Depot opened recently across from Berkeley Springs train depot, the historic railway station and trailhead for a planned North Berkeley Rail Trail that will connect the town to a nationwide network of bike trails.

Chock full of high-end and practical outdoor gear, equipment and clothing, Trail Depot offers an array of quality lifestyle brands, along with information and advice on recreational activities. A full-service bicycle repair shop is also on site.

The store carries a variety of equipment to suit your outdoor needs, including kayaks, fishing gear, paddleboards, inner tubes, camping equipment, e-bikes, mountain bikes, backpacks, sunglasses and outdoor apparel.

“We’re happy to facilitate getting people outside and active. It’s healthy!” said Alex Teixeira, who owns the store along with his wife, Amanda.

With miles of new mountain bike trails and a skills park at Cacapon Resort State Park, Berkeley Springs is seeing a growing market of mountain bike enthusiasts.

Read more:

https://www.morganmessenger.com/2023/07/03/outdoor-recreation-store-opens-in-berkeley-springs/

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, July 10 

Constellium and WVU-Parkersburg celebrate graduates of their skilled trades scholarship program…Plan your next group event at West Virginia state parks…and contractors, sign up for a free class to prepare you for the ICC Residential Energy Inspector exam…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From NEWS & SENTINEL – West Virginia University at Parkersburg and Constellium in Ravenswood held a signing ceremony recently for 13 students who received scholarships for the Skilled Trades Scholarship Program.

Constellium and WVU-P have partnered to provide scholarships to selected students to help them earn a college degree and gain employment in a skilled trades job.

Students may choose to complete an associate’s of applied science in Multi-Craft Technology or Reliability and Maintenance Technology offered through WVU-P. After completing their associate degree, students will commit to employment with Constellium for at least five years as part of the scholarship requirements.

“They’re going to have a two-year associate degree, totally paid for, with a job. And they get to stay in the state of West Virginia, we’re losing far too many young people,” Constellium CEO Buddy Stemple said.

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2023/06/west-virginia-university-at-parkersburg-constellium-hold-2023-skilled-trades-signing-ceremony/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Planning a group event? At West Virginia State Park meeting and conference facilities, you can get right down to business while surrounding yourself with the rugged mountain beauty of our state parks. 

Our state park lodge and conference centers provide everything you need to make your event a success. From our spacious venues to gourmet catered meals, you can rest easy knowing that our friendly and knowledgeable staff will provide the attention to detail that will make your next event a memorable experience.

West Virginia’s 10 lodge parks offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor meeting space options our staff can customize to accommodate your group’s size and needs.

Our experienced professional meeting planners will be happy to assist you in coordinating your next event, whether it’s a wedding or a business conference. Call us now, and start making your plans today!

Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/groups/

#3 – From BUILDING PERFORMANCE –  Attention, contractors! Join a comprehensive full-day course designed to prepare you for the ICC Residential Energy Inspector / Plans Examiner Certification Exam. The exam, administered by the International Code Council, tests an individual’s knowledge of the International Energy Conservation Code.

This intensive training, conducted by experts in the field, will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel at taking the exam and earn your certification. The course is being offered for FREE but you must pay to take the exam.

This course is offered on three different days and at three different locations: In Ranson on July 25, Fairmont on July 26, and Beckley on July 28.

Learn more:

https://building-performance.org/wv-certification/

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, July 9 

Nucor buys two parcels of land in Hancock County…Marshall and West Liberty join forces to open a satellite flight school…and--speaking of flying--aerospace industries continue to say #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – Nucor confirmed it has purchased two parcels of real estate in New Cumberland, West Virginia for its planned transloading and processing facility.

According to the Hancock County records, Nucor purchased an approximately 225 acre parcel known as the C.M. Brennemen Farm in April for $4.2 million. That same month, Nucor purchased a parcel of more than 70 acres from Robert and Michelle Chambers, for $2.3 million.

The properties are still undergoing environmental analysis, according to Nucor spokeswoman Markee Schlindler.

Nucor’s planned mill in Mason County is waiting on federal permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin construction, but preparation of the site continues. 

The company said a transloading and processing center in the northern part of the state would create a broader logistics network to better serve its customers in the upper midwest and northeast regions.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/business/nucor-purchases-two-parcels-for-planned-transloading-processing-facility/article_2ede5621-c8e2-5bb3-9d65-fc1427b5b7f0.html

#2 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – A new flight school — jointly piloted by West Liberty and Marshall universities — is planning for takeoff from the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport in the fall of 2024.

The school will be a satellite location of Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School on the WLU campus.

Once the satellite site opens, an assistant chief will be assigned there after being selected by the Federal Aviation Administration, said Nancy Ritter, director of the Bill Noe Flight School at Marshall University.

“That chief will work directly with the West Liberty people to make certain there are enough flight instructors, enough aircraft, and that the progression is moving forward,” she said.

Ritter noted there will be many opportunities for local students and STEM clubs to take advantage of educational offerings at the flight school.

“There is a tremendous amount of education that needs to take place to start a program like this, and we want to be a part of that,” she said.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/06/new-marshall-wlu-flight-school-plans-fall-2024-takeoff-from-wheeling-ohio-county-airport/

#3 – 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.

Learn more and view an interactive map of aerospace companies in West Virginia.

Read 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 Saturday, July 8 

See stars on your next getaway in Almost Heaven…Find your dream job in West Virginia…and a new documentary follows the lives of modern-day Appalachian pioneers…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Home to one of the largest and darkest skysheds on the East Coast, West Virginia is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beauty of the star-studded skies. Just last year, Travel + Leisure dubbed the state as “the most under-the-radar stargazing destination in the U.S.”  

Watoga State Park, Calvin Price State Forest, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park have all been designated official Dark Sky parks by the International Dark Sky Association, and there are many other parks and areas throughout the state that offer prime stargazing opportunities. 

Ready to escape the crowds and see for yourself? The West Virginia Department of Tourism can help you plan your trip. Find places to stay and explore dark sky deals and events in Almost Heaven.

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/stars/

#2 – From JOBS.WV –  West Virginia is hiring! Discover career opportunities in a wide variety of fields, including business development, engineering, information technology and more. 

Find your dream job in Almost Heaven. Check out the listings and apply now!

Learn more:

https://www.jobs.wv.gov/

#3 – From THE INTER-MOUNTAIN –  A locally filmed West Virginia documentary will begin a national film festival tour later this summer.

“O Pioneer,” directed and produced by Helvetia’s Clara Lehmann and Jonathan Lacocque, will premiere at the Cinequest Film & Creativity Festival in San Jose, California, in August.

The documentary will also be shown at the 12th annual Richmond International Film Festival in Richmond, Virginia, which runs from Sep. 26 to Oct 1. 

“O Pioneer,” whose title is based on the Walt Whitman poem, “Pioneers! O Pioneers!”, is a documentary film featuring three West Virginians: Nellie Rose Gundersen Davis, a seamstress in Thomas; James Morley, a hospital chaplain in Bridgeport; and Tim Hibbs, a blacksmith and musician in Queens, West Virginia.

Our films are meant to uplift West Virginian and Appalachian stories,” Lacocque said. “We want to work contrary to outside stereotypes.”

View the trailer at www.opioneer.com.

Read more:

https://www.theintermountain.com/news/local-news/2023/06/documenting-our-area/

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.

What Makes You Wonderful talks to Executive Director Nora Ankrom and Director Mike Murdock for the Alchemy Theatre musical production of Bright Star. Showings run July 7 through July 16. 

The captivating tale draws inspiration from a true story. Set against the vibrant backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and '40s, this Tony®-nominated musical features an exquisite score by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell.

You can find more information here: https://www.alchemytheatretroupe.org/

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

Today is Friday, July 7 

Plan a summer pool date at WV state parks--choose from our exciting Adventure Lakes to spring-fed swimming pools…the WV SBDC celebrates local small business award winners…and Trout Unlimited partners with the WVDNR to boost fishing opportunities in the state…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – Cool off this summer with exciting water activities at West Virginia’s state parks and forests. 

The Adventure Lakes at Tygart Lake State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park feature a sandy beach and a water playground where adults and kids alike can climb giant inflatable mountains, slides and trampolines, and jump into the lake. Pipestem also has a Splash Park and Kids’ Zone with 18 splash features for the littlest ones.

Swim in a natural, spring-fed pool at Berkeley Springs State Park. The unique indoor/outdoor pool at Stonewall Resort State Park offers shade when the sun’s rays get hot and an incredible view you won’t find anywhere else. 

At Audra State Park, you can cool off in an old-fashioned swimming hole in the Middle Fork River. 

What are you waiting for? Head over to www.wvstateparks.com and book your Almost Heaven getaway today!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/upgrade-pool-day-with-these-state-park-water-adventures/

#2 – From WV SBDC – The West Virginia Small Business Development Center and Small Business Administration WV District Office officials celebrated 2023 Small Business Week Award winners on May 3 at the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center in Fairmont.

“National Small Business Week gives SBA the platform to highlight and brag on the nation’s 33.2 million small businesses. Not only are they the backbone of our economy, creating two thirds of net new jobs, but they are also the heart and soul, supporting the communities and making them a more vibrant place to live and work.” said Karen Friel, SBA West Virginia District Director.

After accepting their honors, many of the winners expressed their appreciation for WV SBDC business coaches that contributed to their success.

“Winning this award was validation,” said Anthony and Heather Wheeler of Paris Signs. “Working with Doug [Harper], he’s the guy that if I have a good day, I can call him at 11 o’clock at night, or if I’m down and I have so many things going on and I need a sounding board, he’ll make a drive all the way to my shop.”

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/the-wv-sbdc-celebrates-four-small-business-winners-this-year-during-small-business-week/

#3 – From WVDNR – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has a longstanding relationship with Trout Unlimited Chapters and its State Council in West Virginia. Each year over the last two decades, volunteers have contributed several thousands of dollars to support the WVDNR’s limestone sand acid waters restoration program by distributing trout fingerlings into appropriate waters and gathering water quality and temperature data to discover new waters that may be suitable for trout introduction. 

The help of these volunteers has provided additional fishing opportunities that WVDNR staff do not have the resources to evaluate. With assistance from the “Bucket Brigade,” they have improved conditions in the Middle Fork Williams River. 

The modest boost in alkalinity in watersheds like the Middle Fork Williams as well as Cranberry rivers makes survival of Brook Trout eggs and fry much more likely than in the seasonally acidified conditions.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/bucket-brigade-2023/

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, July 6 

Looking for a great place to live? Check out Wheeling! The city made Fortune’s “50 best” list…peregrine falcon chicks take flight above Harpers Ferry…and and a solar farm is expected to bring jobs to Raleigh County--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From FORTUNE – The Northern Panhandle city of Wheeling has been ranked one of the Fortune 50 Best Places to Live for Families. A survey of 1,900 cities across the country ranked the cities on assets like health care, education, and resources for seniors--all of which can help fight isolation and build social ties. 

This sparsely populated small town on the Ohio River once served as West Virginia’s capital during the Civil War, and residents and visitors alike can still enjoy the historic architecture throughout. Most notable is the Wheeling Suspension Bridge, an iconic landmark and symbol of the city: Completed in 1849, Wheeling’s was considered the longest suspension bridge worldwide at the time.

These days, locals take pleasure in modern comforts such as Oglebay, which features an award-winning golf course, zoo, and adventure park; seasonal activities like skiing and snowboarding; as well as nearby entertainment at the Wheeling Island Hotel, Casino, and Racetrack.

Read more:

https://fortune.com/well/ranking/best-places-families/2023/wheeling/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER –  Three peregrine falcon chicks have successfully taken their first flights from the cliffs of Maryland Heights at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park in West Virginia.

This is the third consecutive documented fledgling of peregrine falcons since the 1950s from this historic breeding site, according to park biologist Eric Kelley, and is the first time in more than 70 years that each chick has survived to this milestone.

Peregrine falcons historically nested at Maryland Heights, but the impacts of the pesticide DDT during the 1940s through the 1960s decimated the population worldwide. It caused eggshell thinning, resulting in the eggshell breaking while being incubated.

This resulted in the near extinction of the species. DDT was banned in the U.S. in 1972, and the birds have made an impressive and steady recovery. 

Visitors are encouraged to bring binoculars to “The Point” at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in Lower Town Harpers Ferry — an excellent vantage point from which to see the birds.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/06/20/peregrine-falcon-harpers-ferry-national-historical-park/

#3 – From THE REGISTER-HERALD – Plans are moving forward to convert more than 500 acres of former farmland in Raleigh County into one of southern West Virginia’s first solar farms.

Representatives with Enel Green Power North America attended a Raleigh County Commission meeting earlier in June to provide an update on the Raleigh Solar Farm project.

Raleigh Solar, which has been in the works since 2020, will be developed on approximately 530 acres of farmland east of Interstate 64 in Beaver.

Construction is expected to begin in 2024, according to Sam Judd, senior development manager for the Northeast Region of Enel North America

Judd said the project represents a $90 million investment in Raleigh County, is expected to provide more than 150 local construction jobs and will produce electricity equivalent to the needs of 16,000 West Virginia households every year. There will be four or five permanent jobs once the site is operational in 2025.

Read more:

https://www.register-herald.com/news/construction-of-raleigh-solar-farm-on-track-for-2024/article_ef2cdb78-114d-11ee-b2d7-afbc7c6a1861.html

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.