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

Today is Friday, May 5 

State officials cut the ribbon on West Virginia’s Taiwan office…Learn more about the Mountain State’s thriving industries…and McDowell County hosts Hometown Trail Days…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WSAZ-TV –  The sound of “Country Roads” played half a world away in Taiwan as state leaders and lawmakers cut the ribbon on West Virginia’s Taiwan Office.

West Virginia is now one of 16 states with an office in Taiwan. One Taiwanese business, APG Polytech, already operates in Mason County.

“With this office, at a very low cost, we can attract more jobs, more opportunity and employ West Virginians,” West Virginia Economic Development Sec. Mitch Carmichael said.

Carmichael says a big announcement is already in the works.

“One in particular, I’ll say, with a number of jobs -- over a hundred great jobs -- that we’re in negotiations with,” he said.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/04/28/wva-delegation-opens-state-office-taiwan/?es_id=bc9d434760

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  West Virginia’s diverse economy has moved beyond our history of resource extraction to include a robust array of products and services, including information technology, defense, aerospace, food and agriculture, and more. 

Learn about the key industries that have taken a foothold here and learn why leading companies make their home in the Mountain State.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/thriving-industries/

#3 – From WVNSTV –  The Town of Bradshaw in McDowell County is hosting Hometown Trail Days on May 19-20.

The event is an opportunity to experience guided tours of local, unmarked trails in southern West Virginia’s lush mountains in your ATVs, SXSs, and dirt bikes.

Other activities include a poker run, parade and mud run.

To register, visit www.wvhometowntraildays.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/local-news/hometown-trail-days-ripping-through-bradshaw/

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 dream of the colony of Vandalia was ended by the beginning of the Revolutionary War, but the dream of separating West Virginia from Virginia remained alive with the proposed state of Westsylvania, which would also have taken land from Pennsylvania and Maryland. Meanwhile, the official boundaries between the three existing states were in a state of disarray.

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

Today is Thursday, May 4 

Upshur County welcomes Coe’s Country Store…Learn how you can become part of the next Ascend WV class…and try your luck (o’ the Irish?) at Irish Road Bowling in Kanawha State Forest…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From 3 STEPS TO STARTUP – Upshur County officials recently welcomed Coe’s Country Store to French Creek.

Coe’s Country Store is a convenience store designed to meet the needs of a remote, rural area. The store stocks snack and drink favorites and also features a rotating selection of locally made favorites like BBQ, hot dogs, biscuits & gravy, and even fresh produce in season. A picnic area and camping are available on site and plans are in place to install gas pumps soon.

Owner Nicole Coe expects the store to serve her local community and be a valuable amenity to tourists traveling through en route to events, festivals or the West Virginia State Wildlife Center down the road.

The business was made possible through Woodlands Development & Lending and the West Virginia Capital Access Program. Susie Higgins from the West Virginia Small Business Development Center provided critical business coaching and technical assistance.

Read more:

https://3steps2startup.com/2023/04/18/coes-country-store-a-study-in-rural-collaboration/

#2 – From ASCEND WV–  Ready to make the move to West Virginia and earn $12,000 (plus FREE outdoor recreation)? Applications are now open at three Ascend communities! Whether you’re looking for a lively college-town vibe in the Morgantown area, quaint small-town culture in the gorgeous Greenbrier Valley, historic charm in the Eastern Panhandle or mountain town style in Greater Elkins, the door is always open to welcome you home to Almost Heaven.

Learn more and apply now:

https://ascendwv.com/

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Got weekend plans? Head to Kanawha State Forest for an afternoon of Irish Road Bowling. 

Since its start in the ‘90s as part of the Irish Spring Festival in the West Virginia community of Ireland, Irish Road Bowling has grown to over 20 events organized around the state. 

The event begins at 1 p.m. Come and celebrate over 25 years of the West Virginia Irish Road Bowling  Association. Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/event/irish-road-bowling-kanawha-state-forest/

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 3 

It’s one of Forbes’ top 50 best places to travel, and it’s right here in WV--can you guess which town?...a new horror movie will feature historic settings in the Beckley area…and Ribfest returns to Charleston in September…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Here’s a vacation tip: You can visit one of Forbes’ Best Places to Travel in 2023 without an expensive plane, train, or cruise ship ticket.

The charming town of St. Albans--just down the road from West Virginia’s capital city--was selected as one of the editor’s 50 destination standouts--in the world--for 2023.

From boutique stores to restaurants and coffee shops, the historic downtown offers much to see, plus there’s festivals like Yak Fest and outdoor recreation like the annual Tour de Coal.

What are you waiting for? Check it out!

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/special/visitors_guide/hot-tip-the-secret-is-out-about-one-of-forbes-best-places-to-travel/article_f4577b3a-6087-555b-87a3-1f88260db860.html?es_id=1e62f8e9b5

#2 – From WVVA – A film crew has just wrapped a 10-day filming stint in Beckley.

Over the last week and a half, crews from the monster horror project “Paradise” spent some time at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine, local businesses and even the Nuttalburg ruins in Fayette County. Before that, they filmed at the Spruce Knob Mountain Center in Circleville, West Virginia.

The film follows a young mother as she journeys into the unknown when her husband vanishes down an old coal mine. But if what she finds isn’t her husband, but the real horror under the mountain? And what if it’s about to get out?

“I have been wanting to make this film pretty much my entire adult life,” said director Daniel Byers, an Elkins native. “I’ve been wanting to come back here and tell a story about the history here in West Virginia...West Virginia itself is at the heart of this whole film. It’s not just the mines; It’s the mountains; it’s the people.”

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2023/04/26/crew-wraps-beckley-after-10-day-filming-stint/?es_id=3a3a0eb8c3

#3 – From WOWK-TV –  The 23rd annual Ribfest is coming back to Charleston this September at the Haddad Riverfront Park, hosted by Quantum Sports and Quantum Party Rentals.

The festival was held in Dunbar in 2022, but Quantum Sports owner Aaron Wood said bringing the festival back to Charleston is important to him.

“I’ve decided to move the Ribfest back to Charleston. I was born and raised here, so it’s special to me to be able to bring such a big event back to the city of Charleston,” Wood said.

The event, set for Sept. 14-17 at Haddad Riverfront Park, will feature world-class barbecue ribs and chicken with all the fixings, as well as games, adventure rides, live music and more.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/kanawha-county-wv/ribfest-will-return-to-charleston-for-its-23rd-year/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR3PfolkPN0hQK8YezqGKK5J7Sh3h8I5wPcyhzzsDdZNs9Q64PstuyZIOUg

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.

We are talking to Jules Rone today about the upcoming First Fridays in downtown Berkeley Springs. Friday, May 5, from 3-9 p.m., you will find food trucks offering the best the area has to offer in local cuisine, as well as family-friendly things to do and a chance to walk around and see all the local shops.

For more information click here.

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

Today is Tuesday, May 2 

Learn how West Virginia almost became known as Vandalia…the Northern Lights are heading south, so keep your eyes peeled!…and find your dream job in the tech field--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT –  After the British gained control of the Ohio Valley, settlers moved into the region. However, skirmishes with the French, who lost the territory, and the Natives, who had legitimate authority over it, intimidated the new Virginians. Hence, the idea of a 14th self-governing colony named Vandalia was hatched.

Subscribe to thedaily304 on YouTube for more episodes of The History Project--the Daily 304’s presentation of people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uPpgyPNb3k&feature=youtu.be

#2 – From WOAY-TV –  The recent showcase of the Aurora Borealis--also called the Northern Lights--deep into the South are a sign of things to come in the next few months.

History shows the northern lights happen most frequently when the sun is in active solar cycle and produces an increasing number of sunspots. Since we are coming out of a low sunspot period to a high sunspot cycle, these light shows will become more common for the next two years.

The southern region is game for another display of the northern lights through May 4 with another chance at the Aurora Borealis on May 12. However, even beyond mid-May there will be a few more displays. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on the sky!

Read more:

https://woay.com/miss-the-recent-northern-lights-display-next-one-might-not-be-far-off/

#3 – From JOBCASE –  Consider starting or growing your career in technology and innovation in the West Virginia tech ecosystem.

West Virginia has a hub of technology companies, tech-focused accelerators, high-tech parks, community colleges and higher education systems. The tech industry is a thriving part of the state, generating $2.5 billion in new job opportunities.

For entrepreneurs, the state fosters tech startups with access to a variety of funding sources.

Sound like something you’d be interested in? Read on to learn more about the technology industry and job openings in #YesWV!

Read more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/get-hired-into-west-virginias-tech-ecosystem-2

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 1 

WV kicks off a new tourism initiative designed to bring jobs, jobs and more jobs to the industry--YesWV!...Lost your marbles? You can find them at this Paden City producer. And the WVDNR urges residents to be “bear aware”--help keep black bears out of residential areas, for your safety and theirs…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GOVERNOR –  Gov. Jim Justice kicked off a new tourism initiative recently at Nicholas County Career and Technical Center.

The event marked the beginning of hospitality and tourism education programs statewide, developed as a part of a new workforce development initiative, Tourism Works. This program was launched by the Department of Tourism earlier this year to prepare for the projected growth of more than 21,000 annual job openings in the state’s tourism industry through 2025.

Of the projected job openings, 10,000 are expected to be management-level positions with salaries approaching $60,000, according to data from the Higher Education Policy Commission. The education component of this federally funded program focuses on educating the state’s next generation in tourism-related fields, preparing for the substantial increase in job openings projected for the industry, and connecting students with viable career opportunities. 

Learn more at WVtourism.com/TourismWorks.

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/News/Pages/Gov.-Justice-celebrates-hospitality-and-tourism-education-programs-launching-in-all-55-counties.aspx

 #2 – From WV EXPLORER –  Able to produce upwards of one million marbles a day, Marble King Inc. has been a staple of West Virginia industry and manufacturing since it was formed in 1949 and remains the only domestic marble manufacturer in the nation.

With 28 full-time employees, it meets the needs of a broad range of client bases—from the toy and game industry to more industrial applications, such as in aerosol cans and air- and water-purification systems.

Produced in various sizes, the marbles can also be found in decorative vases, lighting fixtures, and architectural designs and projects across the U.S.

The company sources most of its materials from recycled glass, including scrap glass from Milton’s Blenko Glass Company and Paden City’s Paul Wissmach Glass Company.

“The majority of our supplies do come from West Virginia, are sourced here locally; not only are they sourced here, but they’re also protecting the environment here, because otherwise this would go into a landfill, and typically glass is 100% recyclable,” President and CEO Beri Fox said.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/04/26/marble-king-wv-only-marble-manufacturer-in-us/

#3 – From MY BUCKHANNON –  May and June are peak activity months for black bears and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources reminds residents to remove bear attractants from their yards.

To avoid potential conflicts with bears, residents should remove bird feeders, pet food and food scraps from their yards and secure trash and other bear attractants on their property. The same preventative steps should be taken while camping.

“Deliberately feeding a black bear is illegal in West Virginia, but unintentionally feeding a bear also causes serious problems for humans, their property and our state animal,” said Colin Carpenter, black bear project leader for the WVDNR. “Once a bear gets used to getting food from humans, they can become a danger and often must be humanely killed.”

To learn more about black bears and how to prevent human-bear conflicts, visit bearwise.org.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/dnr-reminds-residents-to-help-prevent-human-bear-conflicts/

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, April 30 

A WV filmmaker working in Hollywood keeps the spotlight on home…WV State Parks is hiring! Now is your chance to find a great job AND work in a beautiful setting…and, speaking of jobs--check out Jobcase to connect with your dream career in Almost Heaven or list your job postings for free…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV PUBLIC BROADCASTING – Jillian Howell began making movies as a grade schooler. The Putnam County native now works in Hollywood, but her passion is telling stories on film about West Virginians who inspire her.

Howell, who works for Walt Disney Animation Studios, runs an online social hub, Shine On WV, that showcases talented West Virginians working in the arts. She’s also preparing to debut her documentary, “Zane,” about her childhood best friend.

She says she’s excited that West Virginia has restored its film office and film tax credit.

“I think the ripple effect of having a film office in West Virginia is big. When you see West Virginia represented in media, in film, and television, you really become the ambassadors for the state. You are able to show off the state in a way that makes people respect our state and see what we have to offer.”

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/native-w-va-filmmaker-combines-hollywood-and-home/

#2 – From WV COMMERCE – Discover a career in Almost Heaven’s hospitality and tourism industry with West Virginia State Parks! Positions are available throughout the state parks system. Find a job you love, and work in a beautiful setting! Positions include outdoor recreation, lodges, restaurants, spas and more. Learn more and apply today at WVstateparks.com/careers.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q5tCgg5oTQ

#3 – From JOBCASE –  Interested in living and working in the next best thing to Heaven?

If you’re an employer looking to hire in West Virginia, you can start finding great talent by creating a FREE job listing at Jobcase for Employers. 

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/ru/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 Saturday, April 29 

Is it the rise of the robots? No, it’s just military futuristic training, happening right here in Almost Heaven…a Fairmont business donates $20,000 for STEM education…and--before you burn--check the daily fire report, now available on Forestry’s website…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – It looked like the scene of a sci-fi action movie when the Civil-Military Innovation Institute hosted a military field training exercise and experimentation event at CMI2’s Adaptive Experimentation Facility in Fola, West Virginia.

The event, known as Driving Innovation in Realistic Training (DIRT) Days 23-001, was designed to emulate future operational environments the soldiers could experience in an age of intensifying technology and threats. In short, it was a chance for soldiers to have fun, learn some new skills, and prepare for whatever the future might bring them.

Although West Virginia may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of defense companies, recent events show that the state has a lot to offer. With its world-class military training facilities, strategic location, and business-friendly environment, West Virginia is an ideal location for defense companies that want to develop new tactics and technologies and work closely with the military. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/robots-in-yes-west-virginia-say-what/

#2 – From FAIRMONT STATE UNIVERSITY –  Fairmont-based A3L Federal Works has designated $20,000 to be used by the NASA Education Resource Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. 

A3L is passionate about supporting and giving back to the local community through the advancement of its youth, according to company owner Roya Maher.

“As a female engineer and business owner, I am committed to helping promote STEM-related education and activities among West Virginia youth,” Maher said. “My company needs engineers and technical professionals; my goal is to keep the talent in West Virginia and hire our amazing students to help boost the economy of our beautiful Mountain state.”

Todd Ensign, Program Manager of the NASA Katherine Johnson IV&V Education Resource Center, said A3L’s donation has allowed the center to host state robotics championships, hire AmeriCorps members and sponsor robotics and drone teams from underrepresented groups

Read more:

https://www.fairmontstate.edu/news/global-connections-fsu-faces-front-page-college-science-and-technology-did-you-know-academics/a3l

#3 – From LOOTPRESS – The Division of Forestry launched a new online platform detailing the daily fire reports across West Virginia.

The Division of Forestry Daily Fire Report will display the locations and additional available information, allowing West Virginians to view the number of acres affected since the start of the year, January 1, 2023. 

“This platform provides real-time updates so West Virginians can stay informed,”  said Tony Evans, acting director/state forester. “We’re thrilled to now offer this dashboard on our website and urge everyone to stay updated on current fire burning restrictions and regulations to continue to keep our state safe.”

This platform is hosted on the WV Forestry website, www.wvforestry.com.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/west-virginia-division-of-forestry-launches-new-daily-fire-report-platform/

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 daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are proud to present Mountain State Music! There are so many talented West Virginians, and it is our honor to bring them to you LIVE from the Folklore State! It's a concert from your couch, so sit back, relax, and enjoy live music every month from beautiful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.