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

Today is Tuesday, May 30 

WV Inventors prepare to set Huntington aglow with bright ideas next month…Discover the charming New River Gorge town of Fayetteville…and students compete in a drone competition at Fairmont State University…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV INVENTORS SOCIETY – Calling inventors, entrepreneurs, innovators…and the curious! The West Virginia Inventors Society will gather June 22, 2023 in Huntington. This is your opportunity to network with like-minded folks, connect with service providers, and find inspiration in others’ stories. 

Register now:

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejqv5tjjdeadb142&oseq=&c=&ch=

 #2 – From MSN –  Planning a road trip this summer? Consider adding Fayetteville, West Virginia, to your itinerary. This charming town offers a plethora of outdoor adventures, shopping, dining, and historic landmarks that will make your trip unforgettable.

Nestled in the heart of the New River Gorge National Park, Fayetteville offers many exciting opportunities for adventure seekers. Whether you enjoy hiking, rock climbing, or zip lining, Fayetteville has something for everyone.

Visit the iconic New River Gorge Bridge. Shop and eat in downtown Fayetteville. And of course, take advantage of all the incredible outdoor activities in the Gorge. 

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/the-ultimate-road-trip-to-fayetteville-west-virginia-guide/ar-AA11E1Cu?li=BBnbklE

#3 – From TIMES WV – Students from across the United States took their skills to new heights by competing in the Aerial Drone Competition Championship at Fairmont State University.

The May 20 event, which hosted 62 teams from 10 states, gave middle and high school student drone crews an opportunity to display their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics abilities while also learning about the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s upcoming mission, the Dragonfly.

The event was produced by the NASA Katherine Johnson Independent Verification and Validation Facility located in Fairmont, and hosted by the West Virginia Robotics Alliance.

“I love doing robotics things because it keeps me involved in STEM,” said Lily Farry, a member of the Robo BeeGees from Saint Albans, West Virginia. “I think it is really cool.”

Read more:

https://www.timeswv.com/news/local_news/students-show-off-skills-in-blackout-drone-championship/article_4e93561a-f695-11ed-8816-e3619629de71.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.

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

Today is Monday, May 29 

A historic covered bridge in Barbour County has been restored to its former glory…4-H summer camps combine fun with education…and make your WV State Park stay extra memorable with these unique lodging options…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY Clarksburg –  The Carrollton Covered Bridge in Barbour County has been officially restored to its former glory.

Originally built in 1856, the bridge was heavily damaged in an August 2017 fire, and at that time, was only restored enough to make it usable. The most recent restoration project, which began in July 2022, brings the bridge back to the former glory that got it on the National Register of Historic Places.

West Virginia Division of Highways crews ended up replacing most of the bridge’s truss work, as well as replacing the roof and wooden siding. Now, the 140-foot bridge, which is one of the longest surviving covered bridges in West Virginia, is officially open to traffic.

Watch a time lapse of the bridge restoration:

https://www.wboy.com/news/barbour/carrollton-covered-bridge-restoration-complete-after-2017-fire/

#2 – From WVDN – Youths from across West Virginia head to West Virginia University Jackson’s Mill each summer to participate in camps. This year is no different, as WVU Extension offers five statewide camps, including a new addition this summer.

“West Virginia state 4-H camps provide access to incredible camp experiences and quality summer learning for all West Virginia youth,” Jason Burnside, WVU Extension 4-H camping specialist, said. “You don’t have to be in 4-H to participate, but it’s a great way to learn more about our youth programs, in addition to learning new skills and making lifelong friendships.”

Each county in West Virginia offers some type of camping program for 4-H’ers and other youths in their community, including day camps and overnight camps.

Costs for each camp vary, but financial assistance is available for some programs. For more information about WVU Extension 4-H camp opportunities, visit https://extension.wvu.edu/youth-family/4h/camps or contact your local WVU Extension office.

Read more:

https://wvdn.com/126313/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS –  Sometimes a getaway calls for extra special accommodations. From yurts to backcountry cabins, West Virginia state parks and forests offer a range of unique dwellings that will become just as much a part of your memories as the area’s natural beauty and vast array of recreational offerings.

Consider the historic company houses at Cass Scenic Railroad, the remote outpost cabins at Camp Creek and Lost River, the nomad-inspired yurts at Tomlinson Run, and more. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to learn more about book your unique stay today!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/plan-a-memorable-stay-in-a-unique-dwelling-at-west-virginia-state-parks/

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, May 28 

Talk is abuzz about this growing industry in West Virginia -- learn more about the sweet art of beekeeping…Wheeling’s small business program gets $500,000 funding…and Big Timber Brewing takes home a medal from the World Beer Cup…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY Clarksburg – What’s the buzz about beekeeping in the Mountain State?

According to a study by Lawn Love, West Virginia is ranked 33 on the list of 2023’s Best States for Beekeeping.

West Virginia is in the top 10 of states with the most support for beekeepers. The Mountain State also ranks No. 13 as one of the states with the most earning potential.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Agriculture or the West Virginia Beekeepers Association to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/wboy-com-lists-and-rankings/is-west-virginia-good-for-beekeeping/

#2 – From WTRF Wheeling – A long-standing program in the City of Wheeling just received major support and that’s great news for small businesses.

Senator Joe Manchin’s office recently announced the City of Wheeling Small Business Facade Program will receive $500,000 thanks to a congressionally directed spending request secured by Manchin as part of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The successful program was originally started under the Community Development Block Grant, but has recently been part of the general fund.

Applications for the project can be found online at the City of Wheeling website.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/wheeling/wheeling-accepting-applications-for-half-million-dollar-small-business-program/

#3 – From WBOY –  The Big Timber Brewing Company brought international attention to the West Virginia beer scene earlier this month at the World Beer Cup, a global beer competition that attracted 2,375 other breweries from 51 different countries.

On May 10 Big Timber Brewing from Elkins won the bronze medal in the Robust Porter category for its Porter. This comes off the back of a silver medal in the same category at the Great American Beer Festival back in the fall of 2022.

“It’s pretty cool to place in that,” Matt Kwasniewski said, the brewery’s founder. “I’ve always viewed them as the most in-depth and broadest competitions in the world.”

Visit West Virginia Tourism to learn more about craft beer in West Virginia and plan your tasting road trip!

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/west-virginia-brewery-medals-at-world-beer-cup/

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, May 27 

Today we take a look at all the great videos and podcasts you can access on the daily304’s channel. Join us as we ask, “What makes you wonderful?” Travel back in time with The History Project. Learn what WV’s innovators and entrepreneurs are up to. Tap your feet along with Mountain State Music. And, stay up to date with West Virginia’s latest news from the Governor’s Office…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From WV.GOV – The daily304 asks, “What makes you wonderful, West Virginia?” Join as we chat with the community organizers who are making great things happen in Almost Heaven -- from women’s expos to music festivals. Topics include the Marshall Artists Series, Green Bank Observatory, Hinton Railroad Days and more.

Listen to the podcast:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/wmyw/Pages/default.aspx

#2 – From WV.GOV –  The History Project is the daily304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Major events like the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and famous people ranging from Daniel Boone to Katherine Johnson, mix with the rich heritage of Native Americans and men and women of all colors who reshaped the world and serve as guides through the American story.

Teachers, this is also a great resource for your classroom instruction!

Watch the videos:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/historyproject/Pages/default.aspx

#3 – From WV.GOV –  The daily304’s Innovators and Entrepreneurs helps you stay connected with the people who shape West Virginia. Whether it’s a brand-new invention or an improvement to our community, there are so many talented innovators and entrepreneurs who have stories to tell. Tune in every other week to hear about the amazing inventions, innovations, insightful messages and awe-inspiring testimonials happening right here in the Mountain State.

Watch the videos:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/innovators/Pages/default.aspx

#4 – From WV.GOV –  West Virginia is home to so many talented West Virginians, and the daily304 wants to shine a spotlight on each and every one of them. Every month, we introduce you to creative West Virginia artists and their original songs. It’s a concert from your couch, and you don’t even have to pay a cover charge. Sit back, relax and enjoy live music from the Folklore Stage.

Watch the videos:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/mtnstatemusic/Pages/default.aspx

#5 – From WV.GOV –  Stay up to date with the latest developments in West Virginia by following Governor Jim Justice’s briefings and updates. Gov. Justice regularly announces a variety of topics central to the Mountain State and her citizenry. Stay informed on the latest public policy updates, emergency announcements, and more.

Learn more:

https://www.wv.gov/features/governor/Pages/default.aspx

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.

Anne Newport started life with all the disadvantages—poverty, loss of father, and no education. When she met the Revolutionary War’s Major William Royal, he provided her the means to gain knowledge.  After he left her a widow, she used her newfound abilities to become a force to be reckoned with, setting the standard for all working American women before even the Suffragette movement. 

Adam Jones joins What Makes You Wonderful to talk about the Vandalia Gathering this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the State Capitol. The Vandalia Gathering has been a staple in the community since 1977 and features musicians, artisans, foods, and goods that represent West Virginia culture. 

More information here: https://wvculture.org/vandalia-gathering-3/

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

Today is Friday, May 26 

Take a video tour of Chico’s Bakery, the nation’s largest producer of pepperoni rolls…a bike and kayak outfitter opens in Gassaway to support visitors to the Elk River Trail…and Seneca State Forest’s Thorny Mountain Fire Tower merits a mention in National Geographic magazine…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WDTV Fairmont – Reporter Tyler Nicole visits Chico’s Bakery in Morgantown, home of the famous pepperoni roll.

Watch the video and tune in for Tasty Tuesday every Tuesday on 5 News.

Watch the video:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/03/28/tasty-tuesday-chicos-bakery/

#2 – From BCN NEWS –  The first supporting business in Braxton County to open in conjunction with the newly constructed Elk River “Rails to Trails” system is now open for business. 

Bigfoot Braxxie’s Bikes received a grant from Advantage Valley FASTER WV program to help further the commitment owners Nik and Beth Salvo have made in their new venture. The FASTER WV program supports business development in West Virginia through free entrepreneurship classes and mini grants.

“There’s a clear need for a bicycle shop here.” Nik Salvo said, citing there are no shops for cyclists in Braxton County along the Rails to Trails foot and bike path. The shop rents E-bikes and mountain bikes; is available for repairs and sells new and used bicycles. Soon a dealership for new bicycles with TREK Bikes will be added to the shop. 

The bicycle shop also rents kayaks for use in area waters such as Sutton Lake and Elk River. Braxxie’s will be offering paired packages such as “Paddle Down, Pedal Up,” a round trip day activity paddling down the Elk River and cycling back via the Rails to Trails path along the river. 

Read more:

https://www.bcn-news.com/2023/05/16/first-elk-river-rails-to-trails-business-opens-in-gassaway/

#3 – From NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC – Lodgings that commune in some way with nature are more popular than ever, post-pandemic, with a record 58 million American and Canadian households camping or “glamping” in 2022. 

One unique camping destination is the Thorny Mountain Fire Tower in West Virginia. Travelers reserve up to a year in advance to stay overnight at the top of this 65-foot-tall fire tower amid the purple mountains and wooded expanses of Seneca State Forest. It’s a 69-step climb to the refurbished 1930s structure, which was built to accommodate rangers who scanned the surrounding Greenbrier Valley for forest fires. 

Today, the perch hosts up to four people a night during warmer months. This is far from glamping: you’ll snooze on a cot, and the bathrooms are down the stairs at a nearby ranger station. But guests can luxuriate in 365-degree views of sunrise and sunset from wraparound windows.

Read more:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/us-lodgings-outdoors-campgrounds-camping-national-parks

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, May 25 

Celebrate West Virginia’s agriculture: Get your 2023 WV Grown Directory…Learn more about the Mountain State’s food and agriculture industry…the Capitol grounds fill with the sounds of string bands this weekend for the annual Vandalia Gathering…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV AG – West Virginia’s people take a lot of pride in their heritage. Our farmers and producers are no exception – although they certainly are exceptional.

Developed in 1986, West Virginia Grown was designed to market West Virginia grown and made products to consumers. By placing the West Virginia Grown logo on a product, they are assuring buyers that product was grown or processed, with quality ingredients, in the Mountain State.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Agriculture online and download your free 2023 West Virginia Grown Directory or to download the program guidelines and membership information.

Learn more:

https://agriculture.wv.gov/ag-business/west-virginia-grown/

 #2 – From WV ECON DEV – West Virginia has a long history of food and agriculture. Farming here dates back to the Native Americans and early European settlers.

Today, West Virginia’s food and agriculture is growing. Last year alone, the state’s farmers produced $800 million in a wide variety of products from produce to livestock. The West Virginia agriculture industry is continuing to expand and diversify so it may meet the changing face of agricultural economy.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn more about food and agriculture companies in West Virginia. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/food-and-agriculture/

#3 – From WCHS-TV –  There will be a pickin’ and a grinnin’ taking place at the West Virginia State Capitol Complex this weekend at the 46th Vandalia Gathering.

The gathering, set for May 26-28, kicks off at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the State Theater with an awards ceremony for quilt and wall-hanging winners and presentation of the 2023 Vandalia Award. A concert will follow the ceremony.

Outside activities begin on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Events include old-time fiddle, bluegrass banjo, and mandolin contests, as well as concerts. 

The popular Liars Contest returns on Sunday in the State Theater at noon as storytellers compete for Goldenseal magazine’s coveted Golden Shovel award.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/vandalia-gathering-celebration-of-traditional-west-virginia-music-and-arts-returns

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, May 24 

Did you know the Appalachian Trail runs through two parts of WV? Tourism has the scoop, along with what to see and do while you’re hiking…learn more about Marshall’s cyber forensics and security program…and grab your kilts for the WV Wild and Wonderful Celtic Festival and Highlands Games next month…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Stretching from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail spans through 14 states and leads hikers alongside 2,200 miles of rugged terrain surrounded by astounding beauty all the way. Completing the trail is a daunting task and takes an average of 4 to 6 months to complete. However, The Mountain State is the perfect place for those looking to explore a portion of this nationally known wonder.

The historic town of Harpers Ferry is home to four miles of the Appalachian Trail as well as the conservancy – the trail’s headquarters. Stop by the Visitor’s Center to pick up resources such as guides and maps, shop souvenirs and learn more about the perfect day-hikes available. 

A portion of this famous footpath also weaves in and out of southern West Virginia for about 20 miles along the Virginia border in Monroe County. The trail can be accessed along the crest of Peters Mountain by hiking up Groundhog Trail from Sugar Camp Farm. 

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/how-to-hike-the-appalachian-trail-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From MARSHALL UNIVERSITY – Looking for an interesting and rewarding career? The Cyber Forensics and Security program at Marshall University gives a well-rounded learning experience that provides students with the best of both cyber forensics and the cyber security world. 

Students will gain hands-on experience with forensic collection techniques and evidence processing and be exposed to the world of testifying from the forensics aspect of the curriculum, while the security side provides students with the tools they need to do network analysis and defense, penetration testing, and open-source intelligence. The CFS program aims to provide students with a 50/50 split across the two fields to create the “Swiss Army Knife” student post-graduation.

The Cyber Forensics and Security program actively seeks to create lasting collaborative efforts between Marshall and outside organizations, whether that be non-profits, private organizations, or local/state/federal agencies. Our collaboration efforts thus far have provided our students with access to high-end virtual cyber ranges, opportunities to support investigations worldwide, and funding for research and assistantships.

Learn more:

https://www.marshall.edu/cfs/prospective-students/

#3 – From WBOY-TV –  The West Virginia Wild and Wonderful Celtic Festival and Highland Games is set to kick off June 17 for the first time at 4H Camp Pioneer in Beverly.

Clan Ferguson is carrying on the tradition to educate and share the Scottish and Celtic heritage along with its traditions, values, and qualities from the past relating to the history of Celtic heritage found in the state. The festival will feature Highland Games that will be sanctioned by the Mid-Atlantic Scottish Athletics.

“Young or old, Celtic or not, the festival is quite enjoyable for anybody, especially people of Celtic heritage. If they have some kind of lineage they can go to the clan tents, they can probably do some research on their ancestry and heritage,” Timothy Ferguson, President of the WV Wild and Wonderful Celtic Festival said. “The highland games is a great thing to witness, it is a very serious competition.”

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/harrison/wv-wild-and-wonderful-celtic-festival-showcases-scottish-and-celtic-heritage/

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 WV Envirothon caters to high school students with an interest in conservation…Crave WV pays a visit to Charleston vegan restaurant The Loopy Leaf…and meet one of the organizers behind WV Pubfest…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV FORESTRY – Environmental conservation plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the future of our planet, and fostering an early understanding and appreciation for nature is key. 

The West Virginia Envirothon program is an educational competition that aims to promote environmental literacy and encourage the development of practical skills related to natural resource management. 

The program is open to high school students in West Virginia who have an interest in environmental science, biology, ecology, and related fields. 

Learn more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r6nKZ5d33E&feature=youtu.be

 #2 – From CRAVE WV –  Meatless Monday...is that a thing? Well, it is now! Crave West Virginia takes you to The Loopy Leaf in downtown Charleston to show you that vegan dishes can truly pack a punch in the flavor department. 

Check them out at www.theloopyleaf.com. And don’t forget to subscribe to the daily304 channel on YouTube so you don’t miss the next episode of Crave West Virginia!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ_LFrPWotY

#3 – From WMYW –  What Makes You Wonderful chats with Jason Lockart, president of WV Collective and one of the organizers of WV Pubfest.

A fundraiser for WV Collective and WV Public Broadcasting, the annual event is an all-day, family friendly concert featuring over 30 musical acts on two stages on the grounds of Weathered Ground Brewery.

Listen to the podcast:

https://www.wv.gov/daily304/wmyw/Pages/default.aspx

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.