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

Today is Tuesday, March 21 

A new renewable energy project will create 100 new jobs in #YesWV…a Clarksburg manufacturer is revolutionizing the graphite industry…and the WVDOT urges drivers to be extra cautious in work zones…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BUSINESS FACILITIES – Our Next Energy (ONE) will invest $22 million and create over 100 new jobs under an agreement with the State of West Virginia to locate its Aries Grid battery storage system manufacturing facility in Millwood, at the Berkshire Hathaway Energy Renewables microgrid business site.

ONE will use a 40,000 sq. ft. industrial building already located on the Ravenswood site to assemble Aries Grid, a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) utility-scale battery system that can serve as long-duration energy storage. 

“The BHE Renewables microgrid project, estimated at 420 MWh, in Jackson County represents a historic transition to renewable energy-based manufacturing in the U.S. and establishes a standard for others to follow,” said Mujeeb Ijaz, CEO and Founder of ONE.

ONE expects the manufacturing facility to be operational in 2025, with hiring to start next year.

Read more:

https://businessfacilities.com/west-virginia-welcomes-two-new-manufacturing-facilities

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Did you know that graphite is a highly versatile and valuable material with a wide range of applications? And did you know that a West Virginia business turns this material into remarkable things like batteries and Diamond Drill Bit Mold Materials? 

Amsted Graphite Materials is part of the Amsted Industries family of companies, a group of market-leading, diversified global manufacturers serving the railroad, vehicular and construction markets that combine leading-edge manufacturing processes with a history of continuous innovation. Amsted Graphite Materials’ state-of-the-art facility supplies customers in over 35 countries with a wide portfolio of extruded, molded, iso-molded, powder and particulate carbon and graphite materials.

The Clarksburg facility employs approximately 140 people and significantly contributes to the local economy. In the last century, Amsted Graphite has impacted the local community as a major employer in the region, providing good-paying jobs with benefits.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/revolutionizing-graphite-for-a-better-tomorrow-in-yeswv-meet-amsted-graphite/

#3 – From WVDOT – 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.

WVDOT is also putting up more signs and radar speed monitors in work zones, collecting crash data to better target work zone safety response, and asking our media partners to help spread the word about obeying speed limits and traffic laws in work zones.

“It's easy to get in a hurry or become distracted," said Randy Damron, Work Zone Safety spokesman for WVDOT. "But we need every driver to work with us and remain alert each time they get behind the wheel."

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 Monday, March 20 

Yum! The Farm-to-Table dinner series returns to West Virginia State Parks…Speaking of parks, keep an eye out for spring wildlife like spring peepers…and--Bullseye!--students from 65 schools are set to compete in the 18th annual West Virginia Archery in the Schools State Tournament…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – Save room for dessert! The Farm-to-Table dinner series returns to West Virginia State Parks this year. The events feature unique and delicious three-course meals prepared from West Virginia grown and produced ingredients.

The dinner series kicks off May 26-27 at Hawks Nest State Park. Friday features a Meet & Greet cocktail social with “The Vagabond Chef” Matt Welsh and beverages from Bridge Brew Works. On Saturday, Chef Welsh will oversee the preparation and tastings of Hawks Knob Ciders paired with a flavorful seasonal menu. The event includes prize drawings for park activities and overnight accommodations.

Additional farm-to-table dinners are scheduled at Cacapon, Pipestem, Chief Logan, North Bend and Twin Falls. Reservations are limited, so book your dinner soon!

Menus and additional information will be posted at wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/west-virginia-state-parks-announces-2023-farm-to-table-dinners-schedule/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Spring brings an increase of wildlife activity to West Virginia, and West Virginia state parks and forests are a great place to look for them. Keep an eye out for these critters as you trek through woods and fields:

The spring peeper chorus is often one of the first signs of spring. These diminutive tree frogs are about the size of the end of your thumb, but they make a big noise, according to Jim Phillips, retired naturalist from Pipestem Resort.

Tygart Lake State Park naturalist Jacob Jackson said his area experiences a lot of bird activity in the spring.

“One thing that I notice is increased woodpecker activity, even though many of them stay here year-round. I’ve noticed more red-headed woodpeckers and northern flickers getting a lot more active,” Jackson said.

Guided hikes are offered regularly. Learn more at www.wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/look-for-these-species-of-wildlife-in-spring/

#3 – From WV DNR – Students from 65 schools will participate in the 18th annual West Virginia Archery in the Schools State Tournament on March 25, according to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

“We came back really strong last year with our first tournament after the pandemic, so we wanted to go bigger and better this year by having a larger space at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and inviting more teams to compete,” said Chris Scraggs, AIS Program Coordinator.

More than 1,400 students from 96 schools participated in the state qualifier this year, but only the top 10 teams and the top 15 boys and top 15 girls from elementary, middle and high school will go on to compete at the state tournament.

Visit wvdnr.com to learn more about the program.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/64-schools-to-compete-in-archery-in-the-schools-state-tournament/

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.

Hillbilly Hotdogs in Lesage, WV 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 decor to mouthwatering hotdogs...you will not be disappointed by this one-of-a-kind roadside restaurant. More information can be found at Hillbillyhotdogs.com

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

Today is Sunday, March 19 

Country roads, take me home…on a smoother road -- the WVDOT aims to fix potholes in time for summer…Philippi welcomes a new event center off 17 North…and try out some WV favorite foods…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS –  Secretary of Transportation for the WVDOT Jimmy Wriston says the agency’s goal is to fix potholes by Memorial Day.

Getting it done before it gets too hot is more reason to set that date as a goal for Wriston.

“It is so much easier on my folks to patch those potholes in the spring than it is in that 90 to 95-degree weather in July and August. The sooner we can get on it, the sooner we can get it done, the sooner we can save a few busted tires and get rid of a lot of complaints,” he said.

Wriston added that the WVDOH has a safety plan for work zones.

“I know a lot of folks have been concerned about our work zone safety, and we have established a working committee, and we are going to be producing a work zone safety action plan,” he said. “We are going to commit to work zone safety, and we are going to commit to zero fatalities in these work zones; we are going to do anything and everything.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/03/12/state-dot-aiming-to-get-potholes-fixed-before-summer-months/

#2 – From WV NEWS – The Philippi Convention and Visitors Bureau recently welcomed business 17 N Event Center and its proprietor, Jodee Nelson, to the downtown business district.

The 17 N Event Center is the latest business to occupy the central space in downtown Philippi across Main Street from the Barbour County Courthouse.

Nelson’s goal for 17 N is for it to be a community gathering place for friendship and fellowship in whatever format a user would want. She suggested possibilities like comics swaps, a showcase for local and regional artistic groups and school groups, bingo, trivia nights and food events.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/theet/news/local/17-n-event-center-welcomed-to-philippi-west-virginia/article_d0b34aa2-bde6-11ed-8893-7bad8ec222e3.html

#3 – From WVNSTV – When it comes to West Virginia, eating is one thing people love to do.

While there is so much to choose from, West Virginians have foods that are near and dear to them. Like the pepperoni roll … ramps (watch for ramp dinners this spring!) … buckwheat pancakes and more.

The list is filled with some of the most popular foods to grace the forests, hollers, and rivers of the Mountain State. Check it out. Then visit wvtourism.com to plan your foodie road trip through Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/entertainment-news/favorite-foods-across-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, March 18 

Take a “ferntastic” tour through the woods…from whitewater rafting to ATVing, here’s how to plan the ultimate road trip through Almost Heaven…and discover an underground wonderland with a cave tour…on today’s daily 304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – Not as flashy as colorful wildflowers, ferns have their own signature looks. In Greenbrier County alone, more than 50 species thrive.

Let’s start with Polystichum acrostichoides, aka the Christmas Fern. It is easily identified by its leaf blades that resemble a Christmas stocking. 

Botrychium, aka Grape Fern, gets its name from the shape of its spore clusters that resemble bunches of grapes. 

Dennstaedtia punctilobula is known as the Hay Scented Fern because when you crush the frond, it gives off a fragrance of newly mowed grass. 

Ferns can add an attractive texture, creating a dramatic statement as a single specimen or as a colony in the wild or natural shade garden. They require little attention other than an occasional feeding and cleanup of the previous growing season’s fronds.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/03/08/west-virginia-ferns-barry-glick-sunshine-farms/

#2 – From THE TORONTO STAR – Imagine roaring along scenic trails on an all-terrain vehicle, crashing over waves in a whitewater raft, or ziplining among treetops high above a majestic gorge. 

Not imagine doing it all on the same trip, in the same place: a piece of country they call “Almost Heaven.”

West Virginia is a rugged beauty covered by mountains, rivers, gorges, cliffs and lakes -- features of natural wonder, but also a playground of action and adventure. Visitors are drawn from all over the world for the thrilling outdoor recreation here.

For even more recreation ideas, visit wvtourism.com. For seasonal updates, sign up for a newsletter, or request a free vacation guide.

Read more:

https://www.thestar.com/sponsored_sections/explore-west-virginia0/plan-an-active-escape-to-west-virginia.html

#3 – From WV TOURISM – Discover a wondrous world underground in the caverns of West Virginia.

These guided tours of Lost World Caverns and Smoke Hole Caverns will leave you in awe. Plan an extended vacation out of it and stay to explore their surrounding regions, from the charming shops and restaurants of Lewisburg to the lofty heights of Seneca Rocks and Spruce Knob.

Visit wvtourism.com and start planning your Almost Heaven getaway today!

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/adventure-just-below-the-surface-2-west-virginia-caves-and-caverns/?utm_campaign=blog&utm_source=facebook,twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_content=1678719653

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.

At the turn of the 20th century, America’s coal mining industry lacked proper oversight and legal protections for miners.  This resulted in many grave tragedies but none so great as the explosions that rocked the Fairmont Coal Company’s No. 6 and No. 8 mines in Monongah, where European immigrants toiled alongside natural born citizens, and on December 6, 1907, lost their lives together.  

WMYW heads to the Yew Mountain Center in Pocahontas County to find out about the grafting technique known as whip and tongue. Will Lewis explains the importance of this skill and what makes it so special. You can find out more here: https://www.yewmountain.org/

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

Today is Friday, March 17 

Take a look back on the history of trout fishing in Almost Heaven…a new collaboration is set to revolutionize the software industry in #YesWV…and get ready for summer concerts in Marion County…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From LOOTPRESS – For West Virginians, 1966 was a landmark year. That’s when two young couples near Point Pleasant reported the first sightings of Mothman. For anglers, it marks another special occasion: That’s when trout fishing became a year-round endeavor.

No more waiting till opening day in April…If a warm March day comes your way, you just go trout fishing! Because starting Jan. 1 of every year (weather permitting) the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources’ stocking trucks will be rolling.  

“The trout stocking program has become a legacy in West Virginia with now more than 60 years of annual stocking in waters around the state,” said Jim Hedrick, WVDNR fisheries biologist and head of the trout stocking program.

“The trout stocking program provides many recreation opportunities in streams and impoundments that would not sustain natural trout populations,” he added.  Most trout stocked each year are harvested by anglers and provide food fish volumes greater than our native stocks could provide.

Favorite trout fishing streams include the Cranberry River, the North and South Fork of the Cherry River, Summit Lake and Seneca Creek. Visit WVDNR.gov to purchase your fishing license and view a trout stocking map.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/almost-heaven-trout-fishing-in-wild-and-wonderful-west-virginia/

#2 – From VANTAGE VENTURES – The SaaS Factory, in collaboration with Vantage Ventures, has pioneered a game-changing initiative to revolutionize the software industry in West Virginia. Together, the collaborative has helped eight entrepreneurs launch eight software-based startups in just eight weeks. 

This initiative demonstrates a radical new way for West Virginia to outpace the longstanding Silicon Valley software startup model by taking advantage of newly available low-code tools.

SaaS Factory leader Cary Landis believes this helps level the playing field for the masses of entrepreneurs outside of major technology hubs. He envisions dozens of new SaaS startups per year in West Virginia, while serving as a hub for thousands of startups nationally and internationally.

The SaaS Factory is actively inviting new collaborations with businesses, SaaS investors, and academia. To learn more about this groundbreaking project, visit www.saasfactory.org.

Read more:

https://vantageventures.io/west-virginia-saas-factory-launches-8-new-software-startups-in-8-weeks/

#3 – From MARION COUNTY CVB – The West Augusta Historical Society has released its 2023 schedule for live music at the Hamilton Round Barn in Mannington. The season kicks off May 13 with Rick Tincher and Jessica Anderson. Concessions are available.

Built in 1911, the venue originally served as a dairy barn and now operates as a museum, housing antique farm equipment and other West Virginia artifacts.

Learn more:

https://marioncvb.com/marion-event/live-music-at-the-round-barn/

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 16 

Rev your engines! The Friends of Charity Auto Fair returns to Raleigh County in July…Toyota WV is seeking skilled maintenance workers for its Buffalo plant…and Rock Springs Business Park gets a new tenant -- bringing 75 jobs and creating 25 more -- #YesWV…on today’s daily304. 

 #1 – From WVNS-TV – The Friends of Charity Auto Fair is back for another year! Hospice of Southern West Virginia will host the charity event on July 14-15 at the Raleigh County Memorial Airport.

This is the 18th year the event is being held and the fifth Hospice has hosted, alongside Brian’s Safe House.

“It’s a really great event for the whole community,” said Angel Blankenship, director of public relations for Hospice of Southern West Virginia. “We have people from all over who are involved and bring their cars in.”

The event averages about 500 cars each year. For those interested in registering their cars for this year’s event, a signup will take place May 20th outside Marquee Cinemas, the same day as the next “Fast and Furious” release.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/top-stories/friends-of-charity-auto-fair-returns-for-18th-year/

#2 – From WSAZ-TV – Toyota West Virginia Plant President David Rosier talks about job opportunities at the Buffalo manufacturing facility. 

The plant’s 2,000 member team produced over a million engines and transmissions last year. They are seeking skilled maintenance team members at a starting range of $32 to $37 an hour plus excellent benefits.

“I truly believe what makes Toyota different is our core value of respect for people. We encourage diversity and inclusion. But also, we invest in people. We care about people and we want them to be able to grow their careers throughout their time with us,” Rosier said.

Watch the video:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/03/09/toyota-west-virginia/?es_id=ff8cfcff59

#3 – From REVIEW ONLINE – After many years of redevelopment and marketing efforts, the long-vacant site of a former Hancock County pottery soon will have a new tenant.

Heavy Iron Oilfield Services, LP will relocate its operations from Canonsburg, Pa., to the Rock Springs Business Park in Chester, which once was the home of Taylor, Smith and Taylor Pottery. The relocation involves a long-term lease with the Business Development Corp. of the Northern Panhandle, which owns the property.

The new tenant will bring 75 jobs with it as part of the relocation, with a plan to add 25 new jobs.

Read more:

https://www.reviewonline.com/news/local-news/2023/03/rock-springs-business-park-to-have-its-first-tenant/

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, March 15 

Innovators and Entrepreneurs gets “sauced” with Tipsy Roo’s…Delta Cooling Towers’ new facility in Barbour County will create 30 new jobs--#YesWV…and the WV Gold Rush begins March 28--check out this bucket list to help plan your trip to catch that prize-winning golden rainbow trout…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From DAILY 304 – Tipsy Roo’s co-owner Mary Smith chats with Innovators and Entrepreneurs about the “spirited” approach her company takes to making barbecue sauces. 

Its flagship flavors, BUI (that’s “Barbecuing Under the Influence) and Plastered Peach, are made with bourbon and rum, respectively. Contrary to the company’s name, this sauce will not get you intoxicated and is a welcome addition to your next family cookout.

“I feel like West Virginians are family-oriented, and so are we. That’s really the backbone of our business – that’s our why. I want to get away from corporate America. My husband works full time, and I want him to be able to retire so we can be with our family all the time and do what we want to do,” Smith said.

Learn more at www.tipsyroos.com.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX2C5tuoL48

#2 – From WV PRESS – Delta Cooling Towers, a company that offers precision climate control solutions, will create 30 new jobs over 5 years and retain 26 jobs in Barbour County, Gov. Jim Justice’s office announced. 

The company moved its manufacturing operations to Philippi in 2002 and has consistently grown by producing products that save customers energy, increase reliability and reduce downtime, according to Delta CEO John Flaherty.

“We now are embarking on a second new facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will facilitate a series of new innovative evaporative cooling equipment. The quality of the workforce in West Virginia and the business friendly environment were major drivers on the decision to expand in West Virginia,” Flaherty said.

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/west-virginia-gov-justice-announces-delta-cooling-towers-to-expand-operations-in-barbour-county-invest-6-7-million/

#3 – From WV DNR – The sixth annual West Virginia Gold Rush is March 28 – April 8. This exciting event offers anglers an opportunity to catch golden rainbow trout, win prizes and explore the state’s natural beauty. With 68 stockings and incredible prizes up for grabs, the Gold Rush is a can’t miss event.

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy during the Gold Rush. The folks at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have put together a bucket list to help you make the most of your fishing trip. Start planning your adventure and get ready to make unforgettable Gold Rush memories!

Learn more:

https://wvdnr.gov/gold-rush-bucket-list-2023/

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.