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

Today is Friday, April 21 

Marshall’s new composting facility will lower the school’s carbon footprint and save thousands of dollars in waste haul fees…Tuck into a tasty meal in Tucker County…and a Bluefield manufacturer is hiring, at $30 an hour--#YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Marshall University has opened the first commercial composting facility in West Virginia.

“What an incredible milestone moment,” said Brad D. Smith, the university’s president. “This is a 15-year effort in the making, and what I love is that the idea of sustainability here at Marshall was student-led.”

The composting facility was designed and is operated by the university’s sustainability department, led by Amy Parsons-White.

The digester has the capacity to compost eight tons of organic waste per day, lowering the university’s carbon footprint and saving thousands of dollars in waste haul fees, Parsons-White said.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/marshall-university-opens-first-commercial-composting-facility-in-west-virginia/article_9692853a-46dd-5c79-9cc4-a1f779354df3.html

#2 – From TUCKER COUNTY CVB – Tucker County is famous for its endless outdoor recreation opportunities and stunning scenic beauty, but that’s not all. Great food, local brews, and distilled liquors are all handcrafted by local owner operators ready to give you their best. Art galleries and unique shopping keep it authentic with resident artists bringing a new face to our mountain communities.

Take a break from your day of hiking, biking or kayaking and treat yourself to delicious fare like specialty pizzas or burritos, craft beer or mimosas.

Learn more:

https://gettuckered.com/see-do/dining-breweries/

#3 – From WVVA-TV –  Omnis Building Technologies’ 135,000 square foot facility in Bluefield is set to complete construction this October. In the meantime, the company is looking to hire more than 200 full-time employees, starting at $30 an hour.

“It’ll be line operators, machine operators to a degree,” said Matthew Hart, HR Director for Omnis Building Technologies. “We’re looking at having three or four shifts depending on what that looks like, but four shifts of about 40 to 45 people per shift.”

The potential positives could go beyond individual jobs however, according to Bluefield’s Economic Development Authority Director, Jim Spencer.

“That’s going to indirectly help a lot of businesses in our area,” Spencer said. “For anything from the restaurants to car dealerships to the housing market...it’s going to make some disposable income in the region.”

To apply, visit https://obtbluefield.com/careers/.

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2023/04/12/omnis-building-technologies-makes-progress-constructing-hiring-new-bluefield-facility/

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, April 20 

Discover (or rediscover) the great outdoors with a family getaway in Almost Heaven…broadband officials seek input from southern West Virginia residents…and get your fill of ramps at these dinners and festivals celebrating the stinky (but delicious!) greens…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE TELEGRAPH (U.K.) –  “The great outdoors” isn’t just a stock phrase when it comes to West Virginia: it’s a very accurate description of what the state has to offer. So there’s no contest when deciding where to take the family on your next adventure: fresh air, astounding vistas and fantastic experiences await.

Go hiking, biking or fishing in the Monongahela National Forest or one of West Virginia’s many beautiful state parks. Take in the beauty of the Appalachian mountains from horseback at Snowshoe Mountain. Ramp up the excitement with a zipline ride or whitewater rafting in the New River Gorge or an ATV ride on the Hatfield McCoy Trails. 

Visit www.wvtourism.com to start planning your Almost Heaven getaway today.

Read more:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/discover-america/family-holiday-destination-west-virginia/

#2 – From THE BLUEFIELD TELEGRAPH – The Region I Planning & Development Council invites the public in Southern West Virginia counties to attend a series of listening sessions for the West Virginia Office of Broadband’s Digital Equity and Broadband Equity, Access and Development Programs

Region I will document questions and concerns about the DE and BEAD programs as well as any other relevant broadband-related issues that should be conveyed to the state Office of Broadband.

“We’re trying to reach as many groups as possible,” said Kim Odle, executive assistant at Region I.

These groups include veterans, commissions on aging, people with disabilities and others having problems with getting broadband service.

Meetings will occur at the following times and locations:

• Union: Monroe County Rescue Squad Building, 2 p.m. April 25

• Princeton: Mercer County Courthouse, Mercer County Commission courtroom, 10 a.m. April 26

• Welch: Old Armory Building, McDowell County Commission, 2 p.m. April 26

Read more:

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/broadband-listening-sessions-coming-to-southern-west-virginia/article_77061372-da0b-11ed-bb1c-1ba1ceeb1705.html

#3 – From WV EXPLORER –  After a long winter, settlers in West Virginia hungrily welcomed the appearance of the wild leek or ramp, one of the first edible plants to ripen in spring. It became the focus of a tradition of community feasts that has long lingered in rural Appalachia.

Scores of community ramp dinners and full-scale festivals are hosted throughout the state beginning in April and continuing through May. From the annual Feast of the Ramson in Richwood to Stinkfest in Huntington, to smaller community dinners, there are plenty of opportunities to get your fill of ramps and their complementary dishes. (Think ham, scrambled eggs, pinto beans and cornbread…)

WV Explorer has compiled a list of ramp dinners in the coming weeks. 

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/recreation/agritourism/ramp-dinners-festivals/

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

While part of the colony of Virginia, modern day West Virginia was called TransAllegheny, a Latinized term meaning “over the Allegheny” mountains. It was allegedly Native reserve territory but that officially changed with the French & Indian War.  In this period, the idea of the region being its own self-governing entity was hatched. 

VIDEO LINK:  https://youtu.be/jZyxKW0VihE

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

Today is Wednesday, April 19 

Get your tickets now for WV’s newest scenic train ride…Californians are moving to WV -- why? affordability and opportunity, for starters…and the New River Gorge is voted best national park for its scenery and recreation…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From LOOTPRESS – All aboard! Tickets for West Virginia’s newest scenic train ride are officially on sale now. The new scenic train route, named the Greenbrier Express, will start at Cass Depot and will follow the Greenbrier River all the way to the small mountain village of Durbin.

The ride, which includes lunch, passes through a secluded wilderness portion of the 950,000-acre Monongahela National Forest featuring beautiful scenes of forested mountains at each turn of the river.

Sightings of Deer, River Otters, and Black Bear along with a wide variety of Eagles, Hawks, Ospreys, and other species of aquatic birds are common.

To reserve tickets, visit mountainrailwv.com.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/tickets-now-on-sale-for-west-virginias-newest-train-ride/

#2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg –  Have you seen more license plates from states like California, or its neighbor to the north, Oregon, on West Virginia’s country roads lately? It turns out, even from the other side of the country, Californians have noticed it too.

An Orange County, California daily newspaper, The Orange County Register, published an op-ed Tuesday called “Don’t look now, but Californians are West Virginia dreamin’.”

Among reasons listed for moving were affordability and opportunity.

Forbes Home lists West Virginia as the ninth cheapest state to live in 2023, and one of the most affordable places to buy a home. Other pros included that West Virginia gets all four seasons, and of course, its beautiful Appalachian landscape.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/why-are-people-from-california-moving-to-west-virginia/?utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow

#3 – From WV EXPLORER –  The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve has been ranked best in the nation for its scenic views and available activities, and officials at the nation's newest national park are happy to accept the accolades.

“If there are two things the New River Gorge has plenty of, it's spectacular views and recreational opportunities,” says Eve West, the Chief of Interpretation, Visitor Services, & Cultural Resources for the park.

“From hunting to hiking, birdwatching to mountain biking, this park has a wealth of outdoor activities for all different skill levels, which makes it an excellent destination for families.”

The national park was ranked at the top with a score of 87.76 percent, based on data from the National Park Service’s park visitor survey report cards, and weighed the quality of the facilities, services, and recreational opportunities at all the national parks by guest rating.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/04/12/west-virginia-new-river-gorge-ranked-top-for-its-scenic-views/

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 experiencing one of West Virginia’s favorite foods - ramps! The Wild Ramp on 14th Street West in Huntington is excited to bring the annual Stinkfest to West Virginia on Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your appetite and get ready to enjoy a variety of ramp dishes - including ramp ice cream. For more information click here.

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

Today is Tuesday, April 18 

Discover fascinating facts about West Virginia at  the State Museum…a Morgantown research lab is getting a major upgrade…and a new film showcases skateboarding in the Mountain State…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV CULTURE & HISTORY – Have you visited the West Virginia State Museum? Located in the basement of the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. 

The West Virginia State Museum offers a variety of tours and activities--all free. The tours range from self-guided to in-depth discovery tours. 

The Show Path is an approximate 45-minute tour through West Virginia history that follows a timeline from prehistory all the way up to the 21st century. History comes alive through dynamic re-creations of pivotal events and places in the state's past. Connected to the Show Path are the Discovery Rooms that feature artifacts, works of art, stories, music, film clips.

The museum is ideal for families and classroom field trips, and for anyone who wishes to learn more about West Virginia history.

Learn more:

https://wvculture.org/explore/wv-state-museum/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – Upgrades are coming to the National Energy Technology Laboratory research site in Morgantown.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will receive $150 million for infrastructure and laboratory modernization upgrades at all three of NETL’s research sites including Morgantown, Pittsburgh, and Albany, Oregon. The money comes from the Inflation Reduction Act.

NETL Director Dr. Brian Anderson said all three facilities are aging and infrastructure upgrades and maintenance projects are already underway or will start in the coming weeks.

About $40 million and another $35 million of previously budgeted funds will be directed to the Morgantown facility for maintenance, an expanded supercomputer lab, and expanded research and development facilities for carbon conversion and critical materials programs.

“When we have that increased capability, we will be able to better serve the department and better serve the taxpayer,” Anderson said. “So, it might result in increased research onsite and more permanent jobs.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/04/08/major-federal-investment-announced-to-modernize-netl-facilities-including-morgantown/

#3 – From WOWK-TV Charleston –  With the Mountain State as its backdrop the skateboard film “Rhododendron,” cleverly named after West Virginia’s state flower, features many local skateboarders, highlighting their skills.

“We just want to showcase our state and garner some more interest for people to come through and check out what we have to offer,” said director and sponsored skater Mick Posey.

Learn more:

https://www.wowktv.com/video/new-film-highlights-skateboarders-and-the-state/8541934/

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, April 17 

Meet WV author Edward Ashton, whose novel “Mickey7” is being made into a major motion picture…the WV SBDC helps a sneaker business get out on the right foot…and three WV towns make the 50 best small towns in the South list…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MOUNTAINEER MEDIA – Taylor Books hosts “Sip, Sign and Chat” with West Virginia author Edward Ashton. The event takes place at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22 at the Charleston bookstore.

Ashton is the author of the novels “Antimatter Blues,” “Mickey7” (now a Warner Bros. motion picture starring Robert Pattinson), “Three Days in April” and “The End of Ordinary.”

Our Sip, Sign and Chat series will consist of coffee talk with the author followed by a book signing. Books will be made available on the day of the event for purchase. 

The event is free but pre-registration is recommended.

Read more:

https://www.mountaineermedia.org/blog/mountaineer-media-to-hold-first-sip-sign-amp-chat-with-author-edward-ashton

#2 – From WV SBDC – If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own small business but didn’t know where to start, check out the West Virginia Small Business Development Center for resources and access to business coaches who can help steer you in the right direction.

The WV SBDC has provided assistance to new businesses like Classic Kickz, a sneaker shop in Morgantown. The store carries a variety of limited edition shoes and most sought after apparel from some of the top brands. 

WV SBDC Business Coach Frank Goldsborough Jr. was able to help store owner Tyler McElroy with repairs to the storefront by helping him secure a ARPA grant from the City of Morgantown. After that the two became more acquainted, Frank assisted Tyler with his book keeping and finances. 

“He’s been a lifesaver to us,” McElroy said. “After our first meeting I mentioned other issues we were having like taxes, running the business better, keeping up with the books and money coming in and out. Frank told me about his background in accounting and we hit it off.” 

“One of my favorite things is learning about all the different industries I can be a part of as a coach,”  Goldsborough said. “Classic Kickz is a very niche market and Tyler does very well in it.” 

Read more:

https://wvsbdc.com/classic-kickz-takes-a-step-in-the-right-direction-with-sbdc-partnership/

#3 – From SOUTHERN LIVING – What do Harpers Ferry, Lewisburg, and Shepherdstown have in common? They’ve all been named to the list of 50 best small towns in the South for 2023.

One of West Virginia’s oldest towns, Shepherdstown is a prime location to see the splendor John Denver waxed poetic about in “Take Me Home, Country Roads.” Stunning views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains and the meandering Potomac River play backdrop to centuries-old Victorian houses and an art-filled downtown. 

A lively local culinary scene, shows at the Greenbrier Valley Theatre (West Virginia’s state professional theater), and frequent music festivals are just a few reasons to plan a trip to Lewisburg, a town steeped in American history. Visit in the fall to see the forests papering themselves in reds and golds. 

The Appalachian Trail runs directly through the main thoroughfare of Harpers Ferry on the West Virginia-Maryland-Virginia borders. The area is designated as a national historical park thanks to its mountain and river views galore and its role in sparking the Civil War. 

To learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven small town getaway, visit www.wvtourism.com.

Read more:

https://www.southernliving.com/souths-best/small-towns

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 16 

Wanted: Big Trees -- Learn how you can nominate one for the WVDOF’s registry…a new insulin manufacturing facility in Morgantown is expected to create 200 jobs--#YesWV…and a Parkersburg manufacturer wins SBA exporter of the year in WV and the Mid-Atlantic region…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV FORESTRY –  The West Virginia Division of Forestry needs your help in locating big trees!

The West Virginia Big Tree Program is an ongoing effort to locate, measure and record the largest trees in the state. Presently, there are 91 species on the West Virginia Big Tree Register and new ones are added as they are found. Nominations always are accepted, and additions are made to the register after verification by West Virginia Division of Forestry personnel. 

Visit wvforestry.com to learn how to measure a tree, nominate a Big Tree, or view a registry of Big Trees you can view on public property.

Read more:

https://wvforestry.com/big-tree-program/

#2 – From WV GOVERNOR – 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.

“I am thrilled to make this announcement today and to welcome UNDBIO to Almost Heaven,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “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. 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.”

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2023/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announces-UNDBIO-secures-lease-in-Monongalia-County;-to-invest-100-million-in-first-three-years.aspx

#3 – From WTAP – Congratulations to Kreinik Manufacturing Co Inc.! The Parkersburg business was named the Small Business Administration’s West Virginia Small Business Exporter of the Year and Mid-Atlantic Small Business Exporter of the Year on Tuesday, March 28.

Kreinik Manufacturing is a family-owned business that manufactures threads. The company was opened in 1973 by the parents of the current owner and president, Doug Kreinik. Since  Kreinik took full ownership in 2008, the company has grown substantially and now exports globally.

“Doug Kreinik’s family-owned business is a perfect example of the American Dream made reality,” said SBA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator John Fleming. “Drive, quick thinking and nimbleness allowed Doug and his employees to not only prosper during the pandemic but provide a lifesaving product for frontline workers around the world.”

Read more:

https://www.wtap.com/2023/03/29/parkersburg-family-owned-business-named-mid-atlantic-small-business-exporter-year/

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 15 

Plan your soft adventure in Almost Heaven -- relax with wine tastings, museum tours and more…WV employers, learn how you can post your job openings online for free…and Tamarack Marketplace extends its hours to accommodate Turnpike travelers…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM –  Escape to the Mountain State this spring and experience the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Witness Almost Heaven’s natural beauty come alive with blushing blooms and sunny skies. One of these “soft adventures” is guaranteed to slow you down and refresh your soul.

Visit a West Virginia vineyard and sip on natural, unique flavors. Take a tour for a behind-the-scenes look or sit back and relax with a traditional tasting. 

Tour one-of-a-kind art galleries, storied cultural centers and heritage and history museums, many of which offer hands-on opportunities for children.

Enjoy a leisurely pedal on a rail trail, passing lovely landscapes and charming towns along the way.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. Visit www.wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/take-it-easy-with-these-soft-adventures-this-spring/

#2 – From JOBCASE – West Virginia is home to a diverse range of industries, from energy and manufacturing to healthcare and hospitality. Despite this, employers in the state often face significant challenges when it comes to finding employees to fill their open jobs. That’s where Jobcase.com/wv can help.

Jobcase is a powerful platform for West Virginia employers to post job listings and reach in- and out-of-state applicants. Open roles can be promoted by region or nationally, so millions of US job seekers can search for opportunities across West Virginia, from entry-level positions to senior executive roles. Employers can also get to know members in the vast Jobcase community, who connect every day with each other and professionals in their field to network and share valuable insights about the job market. 

Learn how to post your jobs for FREE at Jobcase.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/jobcase-and-yeswv-a-one-stop-shop-for-employers-and-workers-in-the-mountain-state/

#3 – From WVDOT – The Tamarack Marketplace, located next door to the Beckley Travel Plaza, is now open seven days a week to accommodate West Virginia Turnpike travelers as the travel plaza is closed for major renovations.

Tamarack is now open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. In addition to the new hours, Tamarack is offering a new breakfast menu from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday to Saturday and an all-day brunch on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Country Roads Market is also open next to the restaurant and offers snacks, drinks, freshly prepared sandwiches and salads, local ice cream, house-made pepperoni rolls, house chips, and house-made baked goods.

“And, of course, we must remind everyone of the amazing West Virginia works-of-art throughout Tamarack Marketplace representing all 55 counties,” said Tammy Coffman, Executive Director of Tamarack Marketplace.

The Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas closed in February to begin demolition and site redevelopment. Both travel plazas will be rebuilt from the ground up. 

Read more:

https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/Tamarack_Marketplace_open_seven_days_a_week_to_accommodate_West_Virginia_Turnpike_travelers.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.

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

Today is Friday, April 14 

Morgantown-based Vertx Partners expands into Tennessee…an interactive map helps you plan your WV state park getaway…and a Ravenswood manufacturer shoots for the moon--literally…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From TEKNOVATION – Founded in late 2021 in West Virginia, Vertx Partners has expanded into Tennessee in what Chris Ford says is an effort to help non-traditional companies work with the federal government.

Next up is Kentucky followed by Pennsylvania and New York as the Morgantown-based organization gradually expands to help businesses in Appalachia work together to solve problems for the federal government.

“The main backbone of what we do is helping secure SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) awards,” Ford says, adding, “There are many Phase I and II awards but not many Phase IIIs.”

Vertx works to identify companies that want to enter the federal contracting world or expand beyond what they are currently doing. “We help shape their lens of what is possible, pulldown opportunities, and coach them into submitting successful Phase III proposals.”

Vertx is funded by a contract from the Air Force Research Laboratory, so the services it offers are free to the client. Those it serves range in size from a single employee to several hundred, and Vertx is not limited to working with companies only interested in working with DoD.

Read more:

https://www.teknovation.biz/vertx-partners-helps-non-traditional-companies-work-with-the-federal-government/

#2 – From WOWK-TV – West Virginia is known for its beauty: the mountains, slopes, rivers and more. You can experience all that--plus hiking, boating, fishing, and other recreational activities--at West Virginia state parks.

To help you plan your next park adventure, here’s an interactive map of all state parks in West Virginia, along with details on accommodations and activities. 

When you’re ready to book your Almost Heaven getaway, visit www.wvstateparks.com to reserve a lodge room, cabin or campsite!

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/here-is-an-interactive-map-of-all-west-virginia-state-parks/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – When the manned Artemis rocket heads to the moon next year, the astronauts will be riding a piece of West Virginia into the sky. The Artemis rockets and the space capsule that will dock and ferry supplies to and from the moon will be built of a special alloy developed and mass produced at Constellium Rolled Products in Jackson County.

“We make the plate, then send it to a fabricator who will shape it and form it, then it’s sent to a NASA location to be assembled,” explained Constellium CEO Buddy Stemple.

The project the company is involved with is called the “SLS Rocket” program, which stands for “Space Launch Systems.” The material is less dense than pure aluminum and can withstand atmospheric heat and the frigid conditions of space. 

The alloy, under the trade name AirWare, has been in development at the Ravenswood operation for the past 25 years. Constellium got involved because Boeing, the lead contractor on the project, is a customer. 

The product isn’t exclusive to the Artemis program. In fact, just about everything going into space these days is a product which started in Ravenswood, West Virginia.

“Virtually every rocket going up now from people like Blue Origin and Space X, that’s our material too,” Stemple said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/04/09/key-parts-of-moon-mission-manufactured-in-w-va/

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.