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

Today is Friday, April 28 

Anglers, it’s the news you’ve been waiting for--more trout stockings throughout the state…federal aid will fund more green jobs in the Mountain State…and learn about cybersecurity resources and support available for businesses in WV…on today’s daily304.

 #1 – From WDTV Bridgeport – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources announces the stocking of 86 waters throughout the state during the week of April 18–22.

Trout stocking updates are available by calling the trout stocking hotline at 304-558-3399. They are also posted online at WVdnr.gov/fish-stocking.

For additional information or to purchase a license, visit https://wvdnr.gov/fishing/.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/04/24/wvdnr-stocks-86-waters/

#2 – From WV PUBLIC BROADCASTING –  A nonprofit group plans to use $90 million in federal funding for green projects and jobs in West Virginia.

An annual report from the Reclaiming Appalachia Coalition, a group of regional nonprofits in the Virginias and Ohio, lays out projects led by primary sponsor Coalfield Development and the Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition.

Two thirds of the funding is from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the American Rescue Plan Act, passed in 2021.

Projects include converting abandoned factories and brownfields in Charleston and Huntington into green manufacturing plants and job training centers, and repurposing abandoned mines into renewable energy fields that would use solar, wind or geothermal sources. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/nonprofit-group-to-use-federal-funding-for-green-projects-jobs/

#3 – From REBOOT – Tune in to REBOOT (Something) video-podcast by Trilogy Innovations and hosted by Chad Jeffries.

In this episode, Chad and co-host Randy talk with Jody Ogle, West Virginia cybersecurity adviser at  Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, about about the latest cybersecurity initiatives at CISA, some background on his career progression to becoming the cybersecurity adviser for the State of West Virginia, and history on why the newest federal agency was started. 

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tzz3LesmcVU

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.

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 was hatched for the area from leaders in Philadelphia, and to win the approval of King III, they gave it a name that honored the Queen Charlotte.

VIDEO LINK:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8uPpgyPNb3k

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

Today is Thursday, April 27  

Crave WV visits the Loopy Leaf, home of one of the best burgers in Charleston--and, it’s vegan!...the United Way of Harrison and Doddridge counties meets its fundraising goals…and a historic depot in Wayne County is added to the National Register of Historic Places…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE DAILY 304 –  Crave WV takes you to The Loopy Leaf in downtown Charleston to show you that vegan dishes can truly pack a punch in the flavor department. 

With a menu that features items like Beyond Boneless Wings, Spicy Katsu with Kimchi Ramen, and Teriyaki Chikn Tacos, and a variety of fresh baked goods, you won’t leave here hungry. 

The restaurant also boasts one of the best burgers in Charleston, with high rankings on Yelp and other review sites. And it’s all vegan! See for yourself. 

And don’t forget to subscribe to the Daily 304 channel on YouTube so don’t miss an episode of Crave WV!

Watch the video:

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

#2 – From WV NEWS – The United Way of Harrison and Doddridge Counties has announced it has met its $780,000 fundraising goal. The group also reported an additional $135,000 was raised outside of the campaign total.

Twenty-one United Way partner agencies, which collectively serve thousands of local residents, will receive the funding resources they need to continue the lifesaving services they provide to children, seniors, veterans, grandfamilies, unsheltered residents, people with disabilities, women in recovery and many others in need of a helping hand, according to officials.

“We’ve really ramped up our messaging by focusing on the importance of the work and that our donor dollars are going towards the most effective programs,” said Aimeé Comer, fundraising and community development director 

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/theet/news/local/united-way-of-harrison-doddridge-reaches-campaign-goal-of-780-000/article_11ddef5e-df80-11ed-9414-2b9619a69811.html

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in April, the Dunlow Norfolk & Western Railway Depot in Wayne County is one of only a handful of surviving resources from the railroad's Twelvepole Line, once part of its main thoroughfare connecting the coalfields of southern West Virginia to the Ohio River and beyond. The tracks are long gone, but the depot remains as a defiant reminder of the community’s industrial past.

The National Register listing unlocks opportunities for matching grants and historic rehabilitation tax credits to preserve the building. The property owner is keen to save this piece of local history for future generations.

So far, he has given the exterior a new coat of paint, replaced some rotting wood on the loading docks, and plans to install a new sheet metal roof. He hopes to one day turn it into a small community museum.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/04/22/dunlow-wv-depot-added-to-national-register/#:~:text=Listed%20on%20the%20National%20Register,to%20Ohio%20River%20and%20beyond.

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, April 26 

A McDowell County businessman wins a prestigious Appalachian food fellowship…WV Women Work is recognized for its efforts helping women in nontraditional careers…and plan your waterfall hunting trip in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From FRESH & FRIED HARD – Congratulations to Jason B. Tartt, Sr., winner of the 2023 Appalachian Foodways Practitioner Fellowship. Tartt is the owner of T&T Organics in McDowell County. T&T Organics provides educational support to future and current food producers, and sells organic heirloom products at affordable prices to the residents.

A former military policeman, Tartt returned to his hometown in 2010, with a mission to farm and take care of his family and community. He began T&T in 2014. Since that time, Tartt has farmed and co-founded Economic Development Greater East and several other organizations. He is also a co-founder of Appalachian Gold, a collaborative created to sell food products from Appalachia and its many sub-regions.

He recently appeared on CNN in an episode of Kamau Bell’s “United Shades of America,” featuring Blacks in Appalachia and he with his mother Ronnie Tartt are featured on the PBS program, “The Food Principle.”

Read more:

http://freshandfriedhard.com/2023/04/19/black-wv-farmer-wins-2023-appalachian-foodways-practitioner-fellowship/ 

#2 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia Women Work has been recognized for its efforts helping women secure jobs in non-traditional occupations.

The nonprofit group has helped women explore the skilled trades with a 12-week, pre-apprenticeship program that offers free training in carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, masonry and welding.

The organization was one of seven state programs honored this month with the Power of Performance Putting People to Work award.

The apprenticeship program opens a door to new career opportunities, allowing the women to go on to work in a full apprenticeship under a journeyman or master of a skilled trade, earning hours while learning on the job.

“Both our Morgantown and Charleston classes are pouring concrete,” Executive Director Carol Phillips said. “It’s to get them familiar with hand tools, entry- level skilled trades training with the goal of placing them in an entry-level or apprenticeship position in the skilled trades.”

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-nonprofit-recognized-for-helping-women-learn-skilled-trades/article_6c973a44-e120-11ed-be1e-9735a7860652.html

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – The Mountain State of West Virginia is a paradise for waterfall hunters. 

Randall Sanger, author of "Waterfalls of Virginia and West Virginia," is among the foremost photographers of West Virginia waterfalls and has contributed greatly to its fame as a destination for waterfall hunters. 

From Wolf Creek Falls and Sandstone Falls in the New River Gorge to the cascades of Blackwater Falls State Park and Camp Creek State Park and Forest, Sanger offers beautiful images of some of the state’s most beautiful waterfalls, along with descriptions and where to find them.

Visit WV Tourism to download a free passport to West Virginia waterfalls. Check in and earn prizes as you go!

Learn more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2022/07/21/slide-show-must-see-waterfalls-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.

What Makes You Wonderful is headed to the Ramps and Rail Fest in Elkins this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will find ramp-inspired dishes, live music, train rides, and more! Anne Beardslee gives us the details on everything we can get into this weekend! For more information click here.

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

Today is Tuesday, April 25

Get your tickets now for a special Mountage Stage show in Marietta…an aviation group’s expansion means more work at a Bridgeport facility…a Charleston man is honored for his work with the Michael J. Fox Foundation…and tune in to Mountain State Music on YouTube…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE  –  Mountain Stage visits Marietta, Ohio, on May 7, for a fantastic show featuring the Amy Ray Band, The Lone Bellow, Villages, Tony Furtado and Alison Brown.

The live music radio show is recorded and produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed to over 280 NPR stations nationwide. The show typically features five acts, with performances from seasoned legends and emerging stars in genres ranging from folk, blues and country, to indie rock, synth pop, world music, alternative, and beyond.

Get your tickets now before they sell out!

Get tickets:

https://mountainstage.org/event/may7/

#2 – From MHIRJ –  MHIRJ Aviation Group, the largest regional maintenance, repair and overhaul service provider in the U.S., has signed a three-year Aircraft Heavy Maintenance Service Agreement with Piedmont Airlines. A wholly owned subsidiary of the American Airlines Group, Piedmont operates more than 300 daily departures to 70 destinations and employs more than 10,000 aviation professionals.

A crucial part of MHIRJ’s growth strategy and commitment to broadening its markets, maintenance work will be conducted on Piedmont’s fleet of Embraer E145 aircraft at the Bridgeport, West Virginia facility. Under the terms of the agreement, MHIRJ will operate a single dedicated nose-to-tail heavy maintenance line at the service center with the potential of adding more lines in the future. The first Piedmont aircraft is scheduled to enter the facility in early May.

Read more:

https://mhirj.com/news/mhirj-signs-three-year-heavy-maintenance-agreement-piedmont-airlines

#3 – From WOWK-TV – Congratulations to Charleston business owner George Manahan, who was honored this month with the first-ever Hero of Advocacy Award from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

According to the Foundation, Manahan, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in April 2010, is one of their most active advocates. 

Manahan is founder of the West Virginia Fox Trot, a fundraising 5K for the Fox Foundation. In the 10 years since West Virginia Fox Trot’s inception, the event has raised more than $530,000. He has also traveled to Washington D.C. with the Fox Foundation to advocate for research to end Parkinson’s disease.

Manahan said he was surprised and pleased to receive the award.

“I think it says a lot for the great work West Virginia is doing in all of these areas – in policy, providing services for people with Parkinson’s, and fundraising to support research,” he said.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/michael-j-fox-foundation-presents-inaugural-award-to-west-virginia-man/

#4 – From The Daily 304 -- The daily304 and Folklore Music Exchange are excited to bring you LIVE music from West Virginians. Watch a variety of talented musicians perform right here on our channel. And don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss an update!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTM5yDvRLqI

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 Loopy Leaf is Charleston, West Virginia's only vegan restaurant and their plant based foods certainly pack a punch. We talk with owner Sondra Kelley about her decision to open up her restaurant in downtown Charleston and she shares why everyone can enjoy a vegan meal from time to time.

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

Today is Monday, April 24 

Discover why WV is one of the best Dark Skies viewing areas in the East--and enter the sweepstakes to win big prizes…a new manufacturer in Morgantown will create 200 jobs--YesWV…and get the scoop on Bridging Innovation Week…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.”  

Ready to escape the crowds and see for yourself? WV Tourism has all you need to start planning your out-of-this world getaway. You’ll find trip guides, a packing list, exclusive discounts & deals, and photography tips. 

You can also sign up for the WV Dark Skies Sweepstakes and win stargazing gear. 100 lucky winners will get a chance to win a dark-sky-themed prize, including 15 grand prize winners who will receive a GoPro HERO11. 

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/stars/

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT  –  UNDBIO, a South Korean pharmaceutical company that provides diabetic care solutions, has secured a lease with West Virginia University to build an insulin manufacturing facility in Morgantown.

The company will create 200 jobs within the first three years and will invest $100,000,000 in phase one of the project.

“The addition of these good-paying jobs, with the potential for more in the future, is great news for Morgantown and for our entire state,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “The Morgantown area has a strong manufacturing history and I am proud that UNDBIO will join our growing list of successful, world-leading manufacturing companies who’ve chosen the Mountain State.”

In phase one, the facility will work to secure FDA approval for the product. After securing FDA approval, UNDBIO plans to expand, creating additional jobs for the hard working people of West Virginia.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/gov-justice-announces-undbio-secures-lease-in-monongalia-county-to-invest-100-million-in-first-three-years/

#3 – From DAILY 304 –  Missed Bridging Innovation Week? No worries! The daily304 and the West Virginia Department of Commerce have the scoop. 

Tune in to the daily304’s YouTube channel to watch interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators who attended the Wheeling event. 

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEP3F3zn9_k

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 23 

Wheeling video production students rack up awards…MonValley Vineyards opens its new Corkyard in Marion County…and a WV father and daughter make memories together running the Boston Marathon…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE WHEELING INTELLIGENCER –  A project from the Wheeling Central Catholic High School’s video production class earned the group statewide recognition this past week.

The students received a second-place award and a $2,500 check as the result of their entry in the “No School Spirits Public Service Contest” sponsored by the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. The video urges youths not to drink and drive.

The 59-second video depicts a group of youths at a fictional party. Near the end, a student enters and reminds them of the dangers of drinking and driving. 

The award marked the third honor achieved by the Central video students this year. The students previously took first place in the Project on Racism Contest through the Wheeling YWCA, and also were honored for videos they did depicting climate change. 

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/community/2023/04/central-students-awarded-for-video-production/

 #2 – From WV NEWS -- The Marion County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for MonValley Vineyards’ new Corkyard, which is an addition to the business that will allow customers to eat and drink from MonValley Vineyards’ new menu.

MonValley Vineyards owner Roberta Mauller said that the Corkyard is a place for customers to sit and order food and drinks to enjoy onsite, including charcuterie boards made with imported meats and cheeses, craft beers and the vineyard’s 28 different wines.

“When I opened the wine cellar in 2020, I opened it with the idea that people would be able to come sit on the patio,” Mauller said. “The Corkyard used to be a patio, and I had this vision of people coming and sitting outside with some cheese and wine. Unfortunately, due to licensing requirements, I had to enclose that patio and run it as a separate business, so the Corkyard formed.”

She added that the Corkyard will be expanded further this summer to include outdoor seating, and wine slushies will be available during the summer months.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/fairmontnews/news/fairmont-west-virginia-based-monvalley-vineyards-holds-ribbon-cutting-for-new-restaurant-addition/article_ca2c6dd6-dac8-11ed-afb1-231134d573eb.html

#3 – From WTRF-TV – For runners, the Boston Marathon’s “left on Boylston” marks an emotional moment, the culmination of the sport’s pinnacle event. This year, one local father-daughter duo will have marked the memory together.

Charleston resident Robert Morgenstern and his daughter Jessie Hogue-Morgenstern were among about 30,000 entrants in this year’s 127th Boston Marathon.

“I get a little bit emotional thinking about it, because it’s something I’ve wanted to do so long,” Hogue-Morgenstern said, “and I get to do it with my dad. I’m very, very excited to run it with him.”

The road to this year’s Boston began almost 20 years ago for Robert Morgenstern.

“The Charleston Distance Run is actually what got me started running long distances,” he said. “I had been running shorter distances before that and, for me, running was just a way to lose myself in thought and also to deal with stress.”

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/west-virginia-father-runs-boston-marathon-with-daughter/

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 22

Swing into your Almost Heaven getaway with new scenic photo opportunities…West Virginia kicks off the first state-themed NFT project…and view the amazing astrophotography of Dave Green…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVNS-TV – Now you can bring home unique souvenir photos courtesy of Almost Heaven Swings stationed at scenic areas of the state.

The West Virginia Department of Tourism has teamed up with students at Nicholas County Career and Technical Center to build the super-sized wooden swing sets for visitors to stage their vacation photos.

Perch in a swing against scenic backdrops like Blackwater Falls, the State Capitol, and the Glade Creek Grist Mill for a photographic memento of your Almost Heaven getaway. 

For a full list of the Almost Heaven Swings and their locations, visit WV Tourism’s website.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/see-mountain-state-sights-at-these-almost-heaven-swing-locations/

#2 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Thanks to the combined efforts of four ’90s era West Virginia Wesleyan College classmates and five pioneering West Virginia-based artists, West Virginia has the distinction of being home to the world’s very first state-themed NFT project!

Titled 1863nft, the project consists of 304 individual digital assets representing 50 pieces of original art.

The project aims to rally a community of West Virginia & web3 enthusiasts to celebrate the positive virtues of the state through a boutique collection of digital art depicting iconic people, places, and things associated with the Mountain State. 

While blockchain technology is still quite new, several of the artists involved with 1863ft have actively worked in the space, including Jamie Lester, creator of Bird Girl NFT.

“I’m always excited about emerging mediums of artistic expression,” said the award-winning Morgantown-based artist. “The opportunity to join a group of fellow West Virginia artists to celebrate all that’s great about this state was a no-brainer.”

For more information, visit www.1863nft.com or follow the project on Twitter and Instagram @1863nft.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/04/11/1863nft-leads-the-mountain-state-into-the-web3-revolution/

#3 – From GREEN BANK OBSERVATORY – A site planted with giant radio telescopes listening in on alien conversations (maybe) is an obvious place to do landscape astrophotography, but it’s not that easy. The site sits in a “Quiet Zone.” Specifically, it’s located in the National Radio Quiet Zone consisting of 13,000 square miles of limited radio and cell signal. This not only limits the use of cell phones and microwave ovens in certain areas near the site but also all electronics, such as cameras. Astrophotography requires a lot of gear, and the camera is pretty high on the list.

Photographer Dave Green gave it a shot--literally and figuratively--and came away with some amazing photos.

“I do my best to create an image that represents a reality that we just can’t see with our eyes. I’ve always done that with my photography, and the photos of Green Bank were no exception,” Green said. “I didn’t realize how important that was until NASA reached out to me. They told me that my photo of Orion over Green Bank was being considered for an APOD (Astronomy Picture of the Day).”

View the amazing images on Green Bank Observatory’s website.

Read more:

https://greenbankobservatory.org/the-astrophotography-of-west-virginias-dave-green/

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.