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

Today is Friday, Feb. 10  

Find the perfect lodging for your Almost Heaven getaway…BridgeValley STEAM Academy registration begins Monday -- your middle schoolers will love it...and two Charleston chefs gain are in the running for a prestigious national award…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Planning a getaway in Almost Heaven? Every traveler has different lodging needs, from budget-conscious to family-centric to romantic. The folks at Only in Your State have compiled some unique rental suggestions, from a historic renovated schoolhouse to a modern ski lodge. Whether you’re looking for something near the action or a cozy little bungalow that offers tons of privacy, you’re sure to find the ideal place to stay.

For more  traveler recommendations, check out wvtourism.com or contact the local convention and visitor’s bureau serving the area you plan to visit.

Read more:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/best-places-to-stay-in-west-virginia/ 

#2 – From BridgeValley – Parents, looking for something that’s both educational AND cool for your kids to do this summer? Sign them up for STEAM Academy at BridgeValley Community and Technical College. 

The camp takes place in June at BridgeValley’s South Charleston campus and is open to students who will be rising 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders this summer. 

Registration opens Monday, Feb. 13. Students will have the opportunity to take part in activities like 3D printing, science experiments, crime scene forensics, robotics and more. Scholarships may be available to those who qualify.

Learn more:
https://www.bridgevalley.edu/STEAM 

#3 – From EATER.COM – Congratulations to Charleston chefs Ramin Mirzakhani of Laury’s Restaurant and Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge Road! 

They are among an elite crew of chefs recognized by the James Beard Foundation as semifinalists for the 2023 James Beard Awards.

Finalists will be announced on March 29, and the winners’ gala will be June 5 in Chicago. 

In the meantime, you might want to plan a visit to their restaurants to check out some of their delicious dishes!

Read more:
 https://www.eater.com/23569653/james-beard-awards-2023-semifinalists-chefs-restaurants-jbfa 

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 is said that some people have greatness thrust upon them, which is the case for Minnie Buckingham Harper. Happily married to a successful attorney in Keystone, her husband, E.H. Harper was also a representative in the West Virginia Legislature. When an accident took his life, political leaders agreed that Minnie should take his place, hence giving the United States its first Black woman serving in a state legislature. 

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

Today is Thursday, Feb. 9  

Clarksburg’s airport is awarded a 7-figure grant to help construct a new terminal building. Find out what’s on tap at Screech Owl Brewing -- cheers! And tourist trains resume on a newly repaired section of railroad… on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CONNECT BRIDGEPORT – The North Central West Virginia Airport has been awarded a seven-figure grant from the Federal Aviation Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The $2,162,959 grant will be used to help construct the new $25 million terminal building at the airport.

The money will help pay for the terminal building itself, which comes with a price tag of $25,347,000. The price is the result of a bid awarded to Mascaro Construction of Pittsburgh on Dec. 13. A permit has not yet been filed, but construction is expected to get started in the weeks and months ahead.

“The terminal has a been a great project that has witnessed local, state, and federal support,” said NCW Airport Director Rick Rock. “We think it’s going to be an economic driver for the entire state of West Virginia.”

Read more:
https://www.connect-bridgeport.com/connect.cfm?func=view§ion=News&item=NCWV-Airport-Awarded-216-Million-to-Go-to-Terminal-Project-from-US-Department-of-Transportation50434 
 
#2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – While it may be a bit off the beaten path, you can still find Screech Owl Brewing’s craft beer across West Virginia, western Maryland, Pennsylvania and beyond.
Family-owned and operated, Screech Owl Brewing is located in Bruceton Mills, Preston County, and has been turning out small-batch brews since 2015. The restaurant uses spent grain from the brewing process to make items like their pizza crust, resulting in a unique but undoubtedly delicious meal.

Screech Owl specializes in their ale, IPA and porter recipes, and the ones you’ll find have stood the test of time and continue to be popular among the brewery’s regulars.

Learn more about what’s on tap at www.screechowlbrewing.com. 

Read more:
https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/brews-news/whats-on-tap-at-screech-owl-brewing/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral 

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Work to repair damage to the Durbin and Greenbrier Valley Railroad from the 1985 flood has finally been finished.

The last stretch was a 15 mile section between Cass and Durbin in Pocahontas County. The completion was celebrated by a trip aboard the historic Shay Number 5 engine. 

The rail line reports the Greenbrier Express will depart Cass starting in the spring to follow the free-flowing Greenbrier River to Durbin. The ride features secluded and remote wilderness areas in the West Virginia mountains.

For ticketing information, visit www.casstrain.com.

Read more:
https://wvmetronews.com/2023/02/01/mountain-railroad-finally-repaired-after-nearly-40-years/ 

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 celebrating the Valentine’s Day with #charcuterie and the Wild Ramp’s Devyn Messinger.

The 2nd Annual Build Your Own Charcuterie Masterclass is Monday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.  AND- Those who take the class will get a custom built charcuterie board and most of the ingredients are all locally sourced within 50 miles!

You can find more information here: wildramp.org

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

Today is Wednesday, Feb. 8

Home brewers! Enter your dark beer creations in the Coal Country Brewers Cup…The History Project celebrates the talented West Virginian behind “Sweet Georgia Brown”…and Major General Bill Crane shares his vision for keeping our state safe…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BRILLIANT STREAM – Calling all home brewers! Now is your chance to compete for the Coal Country Brewers Cup.
Consistent with its name, the Coal Country competition is limited to dark beers, including porters and stouts. This year, the competition is hosted by the Appalachian Brew Club in Elkins and is sanctioned by the American Homebrewers Association. Registration is now open, with the entry deadline being March 4, 2023.

Judging takes place at noon on March 11 at El Gran Sabor in Elkins. Visit appalachianbrewclub.com for details.

Read more:
https://brilliantstream.com/2023/02/coal-country-cup-seeks-entries/

#2 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Bluefield’s Maceo Pinkard was a composer with a gift for melodies that stay in one’s head and heart, while also creating hit Broadway musicals, and mentoring Duke Ellington. “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Them There Eyes” are as present today as when they were first released, thanks to the talent and flair of the West Virginia native who made Tin Pan Alley his home.

The History Project is the Daily 304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia. Watch the video on YouTube, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIRhm10J28

#3 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Major General Bill Crane is Adjutant General of the West Virginia Joint Forces Headquarters. He provides command guidance and vision to more than 6,500 citizen soldiers, airmen and civilians employed through the West Virginia Military Authority.

“What is great about West Virginia in particular – the people of West Virginia – just like you saw during the pandemic response, we didn’t sit around and wait for the federal government to come in and say “here’s how to do this,” Crane said. “We looked at the problem, we determined who we had within the organization who could help us fix the problem, and we took care of it ourselves. That’s a very big value we have in West Virginia.”

Crane shares his vision on “Innovators and Entrepreneurs,” a bi-weekly segment of the daily304. Watch the video on YouTube, and subscribe to get updates whenever a new video is posted.

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdsDHnJjNo0

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 Tuesday, Feb. 7

TechConnectWV hosts a webinar for small companies seeking capital…a $1.75M grant will help Marshall set up a law enforcement forensic science training center…and Form Energy says its Weirton project will offer a big payoff for #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From TECH CONNECT – TechConnectWV invites you to a webinar on the ABCs of SBIR/STTR.

The government’s Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs make over $4 billion in high-risk, non-dilutive capital available to innovative small companies annually.

If you are considering pursuing SBIR or STTR funding, the first step is to learn what it takes to be eligible and then determine which of the 11 participating agencies best fits your technology.
The webinar, set for noon Feb.22, provides basic information to determine if this is a path you would like to seriously pursue and how to begin the process.

Register now:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_sL1xxx9HQg224sVl7OLKkg

#2 – From MARSHALL – Marshall University’s Institute for Cyber Security has received $1.75 million from the Bureau of Justice Assistance’s Byrne Discretionary Grant Program to establish a Law Enforcement Training Center in Forensic Sciences
In partnership with the West Virginia State Police Forensics Laboratory, Mountwest Community and Technical College and West Virginia Intelligence Fusion Center, Marshall will use the funds to build capacity at MU to address the needed training of state and local law enforcement officials in forensic science techniques. The grant extends through March of 2024.

“Our law enforcement officers are rarely provided advanced training in solving computer crimes, even as the number of crimes involving technology like smartphones and computers is constantly rising,” said David Dampier, dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences and director of the Institute for Cyber Security,

“This grant gives us the opportunity to offer that training for free to law enforcement officers and help them be better prepared for solving these types of crimes.”

Read more:
https://www.marshall.edu/news/2023/01/31/marshall-receives-1-75-million-to-help-establish-law-enforcement-training-center-in-forensic-sciences/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Form Energy’s cutting-edge battery factory represents a major investment in West Virginia — and also a major investment by West Virginians.

The $760 million initial phase on the site of the old Weirton steel mill in Hancock County is expected to produce 750 well-paying jobs. The iron-air battery manufacturing plant is financed by millions of dollars of private investments, but there are also millions of public dollars going toward the project.

The West Virginia Economic Development Authority voted to allocate $75 million toward the purchase of land and the construction of buildings in Weirton. Another $215 million in allocations by the Legislature are also anticipated for the project.

The deal means West Virginia will own the building and land, and Form Energy will lease it back. The property would transfer to Form no sooner than five years and only if the company employs 750 workers. The deal calls for workers making at least $63,000 a year in average salary.

Form Energy expects to start construction of its Weirton factory in 2023 and begin manufacturing iron-air battery systems in 2024 for broad commercialization.

Read more:
https://wvmetronews.com/2023/01/31/form-energy-says-760-million-project-will-pay-off-for-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.

He wrote the songs we whistle while we stroll. He wrote the songs belted out by the titans of the Harlem Renaissance. He wrote the songs that gave American music much of its idiom and identity.

Bluefield’s Maceo Pinkard was a composer with a gift for melodies that stay in one’s head and heart, while also creating hit Broadway musicals, and mentoring Duke Ellington. “Sweet Georgia Brown” and “Them There Eyes” are as present today as when they were first released, thanks to the talent and flair of the West Virginia native who made Tin Pan Alley his home.

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

Today is Monday, Feb. 6

 Mingle with other inventors, entrepreneurs and innovators at the WV Inventors Society meeting in Wheeling … Find your dream job in the tech field in #YesWV … and an RCBI engineering apprenticeship leads to some cool projects … today’s daily304.

 #1 – From WV INVENTORS SOCIETY – Calling all inventors, entrepreneurs, innovators...and the curious! The West Virginia Inventors Society is hitting the road, with a Feb. 23 stop in Wheeling at the beautiful Oglebay Resort.

This is your opportunity to network with like-minded folks, connect with service providers and find inspiration in others’stories. Participants also will have the opportunity to tour Touchstone Research Laboratory the day of the event. Don’t delay… register now!

Learn more:

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?oeidk=a07ejllxo1x1a3d1c7a&oseq=&c=&ch=

#2 – From JOBCASE – Are you looking for work in the tech field? Consider starting or growing your career in technology and innovation in #YesWV!

The tech industry is a thriving part of the state, generating $2.5 billion in new job opportunities.

Pursuing a career in tech in West Virginia offers you a unique chance to evolve and polish your entrepreneurial skills. In fact, West Virginia is one of few states that has passed a “Sandbox Legislation” to encourage startup activities and entrepreneurship.

In addition to being a good place for work, Almost Heaven is a great place to play, raise a family and build a life. Learn more and find out who’s hiring, at Jobcase.com/wv.

Read more:

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

#3 – From RCBI – Carson Boothe has been honing his engineering skills since he was a boy growing up in Lavalette.

At Wayne High School, Boothe immersed himself in competitive VEX Robotics, part of a team that built, programmed and maneuvered robots in various competitions, including the State Qualifying Tournament sponsored by the Robert C. Byrd Institute. His team’s efforts earned 20 awards in a single season and advanced four times to the World Robotics Competition, winning two awards.

Today, the electrical engineering major at Marshall University is gaining real-world engineering experience as an RCBI intern. “Some of the cooler projects I have worked on are a drone landing system for the U.S. military, an infectious disease control helmet and my favorite: a mobile drone launching pad that wirelessly charges the drone,” he said.

Boothe is just one of several engineering students to serve paid internships with RCBI through the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences Co-Op Program. Visit RCBI.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.rcbi.org/engineering-intern-gains-real-world-experience-at-rcbi/

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, Feb. 5, 2023 

 Snow and high elevation saves a struggling mountain town … discover West Virginia’s most beautiful towns … and the film industry is hoppin’ in #YesWV -- sign up for a workshop to gain skills and employment … on today’s daily304.

 #1 – From THRILLIST – Just 50 years ago, the town of Davis seemed likely to become a ghost town. But, thanks to its high altitude and abundance of snow, Davis went from a coal town to a ghost town to a thriving ski town.

Today, the once prosperous coal and timber industries have moved on, along with the railway that moved the products. But in their place are two downhill ski resorts -- Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Timberline Mountain -- and a cross-country ski resort, White Grass Ski Touring Area. Toss in Blackwater Falls State Park and an abundance of locally owned shops, restaurants and breweries, and you’ve got yourself a hopping little tourist town!

Learn more about Tucker County activities, lodging and attractions at canaanvalley.org. Get Tucker’d in Davis!

Read more:
https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/visit-davis-ski-town-west-virginia

#2 – From THE TRAVEL – Welcome to Almost Heaven, West Virginia! This mountainous region is filled with breathtaking landscapes, friendly people, and quaint towns.

If you’re  looking for a trip that will offer a real taste of what life in West Virginia is like, tourists will want to check out The Travel’s 10 most beautiful towns. From historic downtowns and idyllic nature spots to hip restaurants and trendy shops, each of these places offers something unique that will make tourists visit one-of-a-kind.

Towns like Wheeling, home to Oglebay Resort and the nation’s first suspension bridge … Lewisburg, home of the Chocolate Festival and West Virginia’s own Carnegie Hall … and Harpers Ferry, home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and headquarters for the Appalachian Trail.

Head over to The Travel to see which other towns made their list!

Read more:
https://www.thetravel.com/most-beautiful-towns-in-west-virginia/#white-sulphur-springs

#3 – From WVPB – Filmmakers and producers are organizing workshops to support a potential filmmaking workforce statewide.

A grip and lighting workshop is scheduled for late February in Morgantown as part of a partnership between the state’s film office and the West Virginia Filmmakers Guild. The office is also planning to sponsor a makeup workshop, run by television and film makeup artist John Caglione, at the Berkeley Springs Film Festival in March.

The film industry in West Virginia generated $120 million in wages and around 5,800 jobs with eight television series throughout 2020 and 2021, according to the Motion Picture Association.

Signups for the grip and lighting workshop are available at westvirginiafilmguild.com.

Read more:
https://wvpublic.org/state-filmmaking-groups-begin-organizing-statewide-job-workshops/

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, Feb. 4, 2023  

What’s on tap? It’s maple syrup, and it’s flowing! Six producers are opening their doors for tours in February and March … All aboard! For a scenic train ride through the New River Gorge … and brush up on your downhiller skills when Canaan Valley Resort hosts a ski clinic for women … on today’s daily304.

 #1 – From WV Explorer – What’s on tap in Pocahontas County? How about some delicious maple syrup? Six maple producers are opening their doors to public tours in February and March as the number of maple syrup producers in the county continues to grow.

"We probably have 10 to 12 producers in the county now, and five are open to tours for Maple Days," said Cara Rose, executive director of the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. During Mountain State Maple Days across West Virginia on Saturday, Feb. 18 and Saturday, March 18,
visitors can experience the mountain tradition of tapping and boiling syrup. Sugar camp tours and maple syrup specials at local restaurants are on tap during the events.

For more information, visit the 2023 Guide to Maple Days at the Pocahontas County CVB website:pocahontascountywv.com

Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/2023/01/29/marlinton-wv-pocahontas-county-maple-syrup-days/

#2 – From WOWK-TV – You’ve heard of Cass Scenic Railroad, the Potomac Eagle and the New Tygart Flyer (which we recommend!), but did you know you can also enjoy a scenic train ride on Amtrak?

The Amtrak Cardinal train, which travels between Chicago and New York, passes through some of the state’s prettiest scenery. The train runs from Huntington to White Sulphur Springs, with stops in Charleston, Montgomery, Thurmond, Prince, Hinton and Alderson. Prices start at $36 round trip. So the next time you think about visiting the New River Gorge, consider a train ride. All aboard! Visit www.amtrak.com/cardinal-train for ticketing information.

Read more:
https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/this-train-ride-under-50-goes-through-some-of-west-virginias-most-scenic-spots/

#3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Adventurous women, grab your girlfriends and hit the slopes! Canaan Valley Resort State Park is hosting a ski clinic for women, taught by women, on Feb. 25-26.  Led by Professional Ski Instructors of America, the clinic is created for women ages 18 and up who are intermediate skiers interested in taking the skiing to the next level. Activities include two days of instruction as well as a group social on Saturday evening.

Enjoy a relaxing weekend in the mountains of scenic Tucker County. For more information visit www.canaanresort.com or call 304-866-2223.

Read more:
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/canaan-valley-to-host-two-day-womens-ski-clinic/article_61ca54d8-4bca-571b-ad49-e68a84def565.html?utm_source=wvgazettemail.com&utm_campaign=%2Fnewsletters%2Foutdoorpursuits%2F%3F-dc%3D1674925224&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headline

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.