Get ready for a weekend of entertainment from independent filmmakers at the 2023 Berkeley Springs Film Festival at the Historic Star Theater March 31 - April 2. WMYW talks to Brett Hammond about what you'll see and why this festival is so important!    You can find more information here: www.bsfilmfestival.com

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

Today is Tuesday, March 28 

From field trips to educational trunks, the WVDNR provides fun instruction for the classroom…Tamarack Marketplace’s gallery showcases the work of 500 WV artists…and register now for a Statewide Virtual Job Fair…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDNR – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has many instructional materials and learning opportunities available for teachers to use both in and out of the classroom. 

Resources include outdoor classrooms, a hands-on learning experience that gives students the chance to get up close and personal with wildlife artifacts such as furs, skulls, antlers, snake skins and even a live critter or two.

Educators are invited to schedule classroom field trips to the West Virginia State Wildlife Center. The educational facility allows the public to encounter live native species (or once native) in a safe and educational environment along an accessible 1.25 mile walking trail. Group rates, picnic shelters and tours are available on request. 

The WVDNR also provides educational trunks geared for classes in the K-6 range. The trunks include books, DVDs, puppets, posters, games and more and on subjects like birds, bats, mammals, insects, reptiles and amphibians.Visit wvdnr.gov to order a trunk.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/classroom-resources/

 

#2 – From TAMARACK WV – The next time you’re passing through Beckley on I-77, be sure to stop at Tamarack Marketplace. Located at the Beckley Travel Plaza, the facility is a showcase for West Virginia artists and artisans.

Tamarack’s David L. Dickirson Fine Arts Gallery represents over 500 juried West Virginia artists. Every six to eight weeks, the gallery hosts a new and unique exhibition. Don’t miss the current exhibit, “West Virginia Wild Things,” on display through April 26.

You can also purchase unique handcrafted West Virginia items, watch artisan demonstrations, and enjoy a delicious hot meal prepared by talented chefs.

Read more:

https://www.tamarackwv.com/galleries/

 

#3 – From WORKFORCE WV –  Are you a West Virginia job seeker looking to change or advance your career? Make plans to attend a virtual job fair hosted by Workforce West Virginia!

As an attendee, you can apply, live chat, video chat and interview virtually with employers participating in the event. 

Or, if you are a West Virginia employer with open positions. join public, private and nonprofit organizations across the state to connect with qualified job seekers from all across the state.

The Virtual Statewide Job Fair portal features a Job Seeker Training video, a list of participating employers, and channels for attendees to register and log in. Check it out!

Learn more:

https://workforcewv.org/individuals/job-fairs/

 

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, March 27 

Three new tenants will soon join the West Virginia University Innovation Corporation’s facility…The Charleston Roots Initiative wants to recruit workers to the Capital City--#YesWV… and “Aim high and let it fly!” -- that’s what they say about FlingGolf, and Capon Springs is hosting a regional tourney in April…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – The West Virginia University Innovation Corporation has announced that three new tenants will be calling the Chestnut Ridge Road facility home.

Joining Hope Gas, the WVUIC’s first addition, are California-based GATC Health Corp. and Yunigen, LLC, along with Morgantown-based ExesaLibero Pharma.

Adding four tenants in the course of one year is a huge accomplishment, said Stacey Armstrong, president of the WVUIC. 

“It’s been a busy and fruitful year. When you get a facility of this magnitude, the first thing you need to do is figure out what it’s capable of and then start to go and look for tenants,” she said. “We’ve been really lucky. We haven’t had to actively look for tenants.”

Armstrong believes that these additions are signs of good things to come, particularly since there is plenty of room to grow as the WVUIC has only filled about 10-12% of the facility’s total of 1.2 million square feet of space.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/west-virginia-university-innovation-corporation-welcomes-new-tenants/article_8a2f7f02-c745-11ed-87d2-6faab2d5d47f.html

 

#2 – From MSN – The Charleston Roots Initiative’s application portal has reopened for people with ties to the Mountain State who are looking for full-time work in the Capital City.

The initiative is a program of the Charleston Area Alliance, the City of Charleston and Kanawha County that offers those with ties to West Virginia a relocation incentive package to move to Kanawha County for full-time employment. 

The package includes $5,000 and “local experiences” that have been tailored to the applicant’s interests.

Individuals must be 18 years of age or older and live outside of Kanawha County in order to apply for the initiative. The full list of guidelines and eligibility requirements for applicants is available on the Charleston Roots website. The application form is also available online.

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/careersandeducation/relocation-initiative-works-to-bring-job-seekers-to-charleston-west-virginia/ar-AA18L6jv

 

#3 – From WV TOURISM – If you’ve never heard of FlingGolf, you’re missing out! This family-friendly, easy-to-learn version of golf has captured the imagination of many a golfer. It involves flinging a golf ball overhand, lacrosse-style. 

And now’s your chance to learn more about it: New Swarm, the company behind FlingGolf, and the World League FlingGolf brings its national brand to the Eastern Panhandle. The Potomac Highlands Regional Tourney takes place April 28-30 at Capon Springs & Farm. Come participate, or just spectate!

Enjoy a relaxing weekend at the resort. Within a scenic 30-minute drive, guests can explore a few other Hampshire County delights, including the thriving arts community at The River House, the best darn burger at the award-winning butchery and store, Farmer’s Daughter and the best selection of West Virginia products at the Bent River Trading Company.

Register for the tourney at flinggolf.com. Learn more about Capon Springs at www.caponsprings.net.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/new-event-for-the-mountain-state-fling-at-the-springs/

 

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

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

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

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

Today is Sunday, March 26 

Find a public safety job in Almost Heaven…Plan a getaway to historic Lewisburg…and hunters, brush up on safety via WVDNR classes…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From JOBCASE – What is better than an amazing community? Having a rewarding career to support it! Public safety jobs are among the most important jobs in West Virginia because they ensure safe communities and support the high quality of life that the Mountain State is known for.

Common public safety jobs in West Virginia include state trooper, correctional officer, natural resources police officer and parole services worker. These roles are not only critical to the local communities where they serve, but many public safety roles offer training, career paths, compensation and impressive benefits.

Visit jobcase.com to find out who’s hiring!

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/public-safety-jobs-west-virginia-hiring

 

#2 – From SOUTHERN LIVING  – Discover historic Lewisburg! The cozy, quirky town is full of surprises.

You’ll fall in love at first visit to this charming little community that throws an annual Chocolate Festival (April), Literary Festival (August), and A Taste of Our Town called TOOT (October); it's also a town that speaks creative pizzas and exotic tacos as well as grits and gravy, and flaunts fine wine lists and French menus. 

Stroll the quiet streets and find a bookshop with a wine bar, antique stores and art galleries galore. There’s locally owned restaurants serving delicious food. Lewisburg even has its own Carnegie Hall. 

Take a bike ride or stroll along the Greenbrier River Trail. Then rest up for the night at the historic General Lewis Inn. And check out wvtourism.com to help plan your trip!

Read more:

https://www.southernliving.com/lewisburg-wv-7099123

 

#3 – From WVDNR – When it comes to participating in West Virginia’s many hunting seasons, there’s a lot to remember. But you don’t have to learn everything on your own, thanks to hunter education classes provided by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

The class is open to anyone who wants to learn more about hunting, but you have to complete the course and be certified in hunter education before you can purchase a base license. This requirement applies to everyone born after Jan. 1, 1975.

The class is also helpful for people wanting to learn survival skills or how to be safe when handling a gun.

Learn more:

https://wvdnr.gov/hunter-education/

 

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, March 25 

Love West Virginia State Parks? Now’s your chance to work for them!… Crave WV highlights the zany decor and mouth watering menu of Hillbilly Hot Dogs …There’s gold in them there waters! Reel in a golden rainbow trout and you might win a prize…and the USDA state director talks creating prosperity through rural development…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From JOBCASE – Looking for work? Look to West Virginia State Parks! In addition to breathtaking views and working in the great outdoors, the parks system offers a wide range of employment opportunities, from flexible part-time seasonal jobs to benefit-earning full-time career positions.

The West Virginia State Parks system is a great way to find your true niche. A broad variety of jobs are available, including cooks and servers, maintenance workers, lifeguards, gift shop clerks, and park management positions.

Check out jobcase.com to find out who’s hiring!

Learn more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/west-virginia-state-parks-is-hiring

 

#2 – From THE DAILY304 – Hillbilly Hot Dogs in Lesage, West Virginia is a creative culinary destination that has captured national attention. Crave West Virginia talks to owner Sharie Knight about the inspiration behind her unique recipes and why she says her customers can be credited for the restaurant's success. 

From zany décor to mouthwatering hot dogs with original names like Stacy’s Flu Shot and the Homewrecker, this one-of-a-kind restaurant is a must-stop.

“We’re a family-owned business. You walk in that door, you might come in as a stranger, but you’re gonna leave as my kinfolk,” Knight says.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv_hFlK25z8

 

#3 – From WV TOURISM – Anglers, rejoice! The highly anticipated Gold Rush is returning to the Mountain State for the sixth year in a row. 

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will release over 50,000 golden rainbow trout into lakes and streams throughout the state. Gold rush grants anglers from all across the country a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reel in this magnificent, prized catch between March 28 and April 8, 2023.

One hundred of the stocked golden trout, will have specially marked, numbered tags. Find yourself fortunate enough to reel in a fish with a numbered tag and enter to win a prize.

You could win a free West Virginia Lifetime Fishing License, a one-night cabin stays at a West Virginia state park or forest, a West Virginia State Parks gift card or exclusive 2023 Gold Rush merch.

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/strike-gold-during-gold-rush-2023/

 

#4 – From DAILY 304  – Ryan Thorn is the USDA’s state director for West Virginia. Thorn and his department are creating prosperity through rural development and providing critical leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

“At Rural Development, I always say we are advocates for, investors in, and partners to rural communities in the people, businesses, and organizations within those communities. In the last fiscal year alone, rural development and our lending partners – we invested more than $390 million in West Virginia through grants, loans, and loan guarantees.” Thorn said.

Watch the interview on Innovators and Entrepreneurs, and be sure to like and subscribe to the daily304’s YouTube channel!

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCq0LtCY0gU&list=PLbTIXU2Zp-Km1gNK2YeXfnsVd91rSHh0b&index=1

 

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, March 24 

Take a scenic motorcycle ride on the winding roads of the Midland Trail…a brand new magazine is promoting arts and culture in Almost Heaven…watch bald eagles hatch in real time, from a live cam in Shepherdstown…and here’s a reminder for drivers to  S L O W  D O W N  in work zones…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From RIDER MAGAZINE – A Kentucky motorcycle rider takes a scenic trip along U.S. 60 -- The Midland Trail -- from Kenova to Lewisburg.

Carly Becker said it was daunting at first, but she enjoyed every moment of the trip, from dining at local eateries to navigating the  switchbacks and hairpin turns of the New River Gorge. 

“Riding on the gentle slopes and curves of hills as green as a jewel, I could see Appalachian ridges seemingly on all sides,” Becker said. “Peaks would loom straight ahead in the distance, growing closer and closer until I was on them, climbing switchbacks, only to descend minutes later and then do it again. It was a dream ride.”

Planning your own motorcycle adventure in Almost Heaven? Learn more about scenic routes at www.wvtourism.com.

Read more:

https://ridermagazine.com/2023/03/14/along-the-midland-trail-a-west-virginia-motorcycle-trip/

 

 #2 – From YNST MAGAZINE – Be the first to check out YNST Magazine’s premier issue!

YNST Magazine is a rising media outlet based in West Virginia broadcasting print & digital content that connects creatives in and from Appalachia to the rest of the world. The publication promotes all things arts and culture and celebrates the contributions of the region with a progressive, fresh, and colorful point of view. It’s in the name: You’re Not Seeing Things!

Subscribe now to stay connected with Appalachia’s unseen arts & culture.

Learn more:

https://mailchi.mp/a6e68bf6e3de/ynst

 

#3 – From U.S. FISH & WILDLIFE SERVICE – Watch bald eagles nest and raise eaglets in real time! 

The U..S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center near Shepherdstown provides a live cam of an eagle nest that has been in use for nearly 20 years. This year, the nesting pair laid eggs on Feb. 15 and 18. Both adult eagles take turns incubating eggs and they will be hatching soon. 

Check out the Outdoor Channel for a second camera view and chat room with the latest news, photos & videos.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGRF0XxuOFo

 

#4 – From WVDOT – Slow down! The West Virginia Department of Transportation is cooperating with public safety officials and state and local law enforcement to crack down on speeders in Interstate 64 work zones. 

West Virginia State Police, local sheriff’s departments and municipal police departments will have extra patrols in work zones all along the I-64 corridor between Huntington and Charleston throughout the construction season, targeting speeders and writing tickets for drivers who disobey work zone safety laws.

The WVDOT urges drivers to remain alert when passing through work zones, pay attention to signs and other safety devices, and stay off cell phones.

Read more:

https://transportation.wv.gov/communications/PressRelease/Pages/WVDOT_police_to_target_speeders_in_I-64_work_zones.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 Thursday, March 23

Ramp season is nearly upon us, and fortunately, for fans of this Appalachian delicacy, ramp dinners are increasing in popularity…Appalachian Botanical Co. repurposes coal fields -- and provides jobs--with its lavender and honey farm--#YesWV…and take a culinary road trip through Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – Ramp dinners in West Virginia are growing in popularity, and their non-profit hosts are benefitting from the burgeoning interest in all things West Virginian, says the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine.

“I was worried about them at one point because their volunteer hosts were growing older, but after COVID ran its course, the festivals boomed along with the popularity of so much about West Virginia,” says David Sibray, whose online guide to the Mountain State has been the state's chief promoter of the events for over a decade.

Sibray says that the events that celebrate the return of spring in Appalachia—and the appearance of the leafy wild vegetable, a kind of wild leek—are growing in number and capacity.

Check out WV Explorer for a 2023 schedule of ramp dinners in West Virginia.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/03/19/ramp-dinners-in-west-virginia-growing-wv/

 

#2 – From CENTER FOR COALFIELD JUSTICE – Appalachian Botanical Co. is growing lavender and raising bees on post-use mine land in Boone County. So far, it’s going well, according to Jocelyn Sheppard, founder and president.

“We have about 50 acres under cultivation. We have a 15-year agricultural lease with the landowner, and we have the cooperation of the coal operator that holds the mining reclamation permit with the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection,” Sheppard said. 

In a region where coal mining was once a major employer, it’s a way of giving back to the community.

“Besides giving the land a second chance, we’re committed to providing second chance jobs to local residents: over 90% of our hires are from Boone County. We pay above minimum wages to workers who often struggle to secure employment due to a variety of reasons,” she said.

“For many of our workers, these jobs mean a chance to learn new skills, have steady employment, and take good care of themselves and their families.”

Learn more at appalachianbotanical.com.

Read more:

https://centerforcoalfieldjustice.org/2023/02/from-abandoned-mine-land-to-lavender-farm-and-second-chance-jobs-in-west-virginia/?_kx=ZzBqonnkAtEjB-qeApi-sAtx2okh4UNcTCfZXXM3vHzfy49qMD25S6GNDqVaai9X.SDWSKJ

 

#3 – From BON APPETIT – Crystal Good is publisher of “Black by God,” a storytelling organization that centers Black stories and experiences in West Virginia. She shares her itinerary for a dream road trip through the Mountain State.

“As a sixth-generation West Virginian, home to me is in the landscape, among the trees and 200-million-year-old rocks. There’s plenty to see and even more to taste, and this scenic route will take you north to south,” she said.

Her Appalachian cuisine road trip starts with Lost Creek Farm, a unique traveling kitchen based out of Harrison County. Follow along as she samples barbecue at Phat Daddy’s on Da Tracks in Charleston, American Chinese at The Rice Bowl in Cross Lanes, soul food at Southern Kitchen WV in Elkins, and more. 

Read more:

https://www.bonappetit.com/story/appalachian-west-virginia-culinary-road-trip

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.

Tobacco did not reign supreme over West Virginia’s economy as it did its neighboring states, but it did play a vital role in shaping the industry. With products touted in movies like “Seven Days in May” and “The Green Mile,” Mail Pouch barns by country roads of the East and Midwest, and even the invention of the word “stogie,” the Mountain State’s contribution to the tobacco industry remains seen in America’s pop culture.

Watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYp7rTWY2CU

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

Today is Wednesday, March 22 

Swing…FORE!...Get your golf pass for WV state parks…Officials predict a bright future for WV’s economy--#YesWV…and businesses, learn how you can post your jobs for free online…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – Marvelous views. A glorious game. It’s all par for the course when you indulge in a round of golf in Almost Heaven. The breathtaking backdrops at golf courses located at West Virginia State Parks provide incredible courses that make for a great golf getaway.

The courses at Stonewall, Canaan, Pipestem, Cacapon and Twin Falls resorts are both beautiful and challenging. Plus you have the added amenities of hiking trails, restaurants, spas, and more.

Purchase your season pass today and plan the perfect golf getaway in Almost Heaven!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/golf-getaways/

 

#2 – From WV NEWS – Mitch Carmichael, Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, says the state’s future looks bright. 

“Great jobs, abundant opportunities, and new industries are finding a welcoming home in West Virginia. On a regional, national, and international scale, our state is winning new business at a torrid clip.

West Virginia is beating states many times our size and delivering incredible victories for our citizens. The Justice administration has ushered in what I believe is the most thrilling and exciting time in the history of West Virginia Economic Development.

The citizens of our state are enjoying unprecedented success. We have so much for which to be thankful and many reasons to celebrate.”

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/recorddelta/opinion/west-virginias-future-is-bright-and-full-of-sunshine/article_2135c0fe-c459-11ed-bb0a-d7d6024462bf.html

 

#3 – From WV.GOV – 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.

As an online community for workers, Jobcase is a powerful platform for West Virginia employers to post job listings and reach in- and out-of-state applicants. Learn how you can post your job listing for free:

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/news/

 

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.

It's time for the 25th Annual Women's Expo Friday, March 24, and Saturday, March 25, at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center. We talk about what you'll see and experience this year and why it's such an important event for the community. You can find out more here: womanwv.com