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

Today is Saturday, March 15, 2025.

West Virginia welcomes the National Association of State Park Directors to Canaan Valley this September…Wellsburg’s American Muscle Docks & Fabrication is a key player in the marine industry…and West Virginia’s winding country roads offer a road trip that can’t be beat, showcasing stunning scenery and charming small towns…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV COMMERCE – West Virginia State Parks is honored to welcome the National Association of State Park Directors 2025 Conference to scenic Canaan Valley Resort State Park this September!

The NASPD Conference is an opportunity for state park leaders to come together, share insights, and foster collaborations that drive the success of our parks. Canaan Valley Resort will provide the perfect backdrop for productive discussions, ideas exchange, and advancement of our common goals of public service.

Watch the video showcasing our state parks’ exciting outdoor recreation opportunities and beautiful mountain setting.

Learn more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHYsThjU8Z8

#2 – From WVDED – American Muscle Docks & Fabrication LLC, based in Wellsburg, West Virginia, has been a key player in the marine industry since its inception. 

Established in 2012, the company’s mission is clear: to construct robust, user-friendly, and visually appealing dock systems and hardware for both commercial and residential use. What sets them apart is their commitment to innovation in manufacturing, ensuring customers receive top-quality products at competitive prices.

American Muscle Docks’ choice to operate in West Virginia speaks volumes about the state’s business-friendly environment and skilled workforce. Their success story showcases the opportunities and advantages of saying “yes” to West Virginia, from manufacturing excellence to global reach in the marine industry.

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/building-stronger-simpler-and-aesthetically-pleasing-dock-systems-amd-continues-to-say-yeswv/

#3 – From WV TOURISM – Wild, Wonderful West Virginia’s winding country roads take you to uncrowded, charming towns and through peaceful and awe-inspiring landmarks. 

Here, feel free to stop and take it all in. Escape the concrete jungles for a change of pace in the Mountain State. You’ll find it’s actually quite heavenly. And if you want to stay awhile, we invite you to do so. You’ll find much to discover beyond the country roads, whether you’re taking a brief day trip or a five-day excursion like travel experts at Backpacker.

From the Seneca Skyway to the Cranberry Corridor, West Virginia’s Mountain Rides are the perfect routes to explore on your next road trip adventure. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven scenic road trip.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/things-to-do/arts-culture-history/scenic-routes/

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 14, 2025.

A new brewpub is coming to downtown Charleston; Ursus Brew Works will be moving into the former Strand building on Hale Street…NorthStar Technologies serves as an example of the aviation industry’s explosive growth in #YesWV…and a spring workshop helps women gain confidence in hunting, fishing and exploring the great outdoors …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – A new Charleston brewpub is coming to the former Strand location on Hale Street. Jason Martin hopes to open Ursus Brew Works by early 2026 at the location of the former long-time pool hall, at 207 Hale St.

Martin, who is moving to Charleston from Maryland, said his family’s West Virginia roots go back 150 years to his great-grandfather, who was a coal miner in the Beckley area. 

He bought the 12,000 square foot building last May, having been drawn to the historic building that housed The Strand from 1938 until its closure in the early 2000s. He plans to renovate the second floor with three apartments, including one for his own family.

The business’ name, Ursus Brew Works, pays homage to West Virginia’s state animal, the black bear--Ursus being the biological classification for the black bear. 

Ursus Brew Works will feature a menu of shared foods and drink options including a variety of beers, cider and draft cocktails. Construction is expected to start soon.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/new-brewpub-coming-to-former-strand-location-on-hale-street-in-downtown-charleston/article_eb01990e-f9fd-11ef-95c6-efa7d8ab630d.html

#2 – From EDA.GOV – In North Central West Virginia and all over the state, a booming industry continues to grow. “Aviation is exploding in this area, and people don’t really realize it,” said Chris Westfall, director of maintenance at NorthStar Technologies. 

NorthStar is an aviation company in Bridgeport that gets their client’s engines back in the air whether working in their facility or out in the field at airports. How did West Virginia become the epicenter of this aviation industry growth in the region? Well, it’s got very little to do with luck and everything to do with policy, industry, and education.

A recent study found that the state has a number of unique assets that could make it a leader in Advanced Air Mobility for years to come. The study highlights the state’s centrally located position that can benefit almost any industry, but also the state’s strong positions on policy, funding opportunities, and infrastructure developments like ongoing broadband expansion.

Read more:

https://eda.wv.gov/northstar-technologies/

#3 – From WVDNR – Have you ever wanted to learn how to hunt, fish or explore the great outdoors but felt unsure how to get started? The WVDNR’s Becoming an Outdoors Woman spring workshop is the perfect solution! 

This inclusive community will help you embrace your inner adventure, whether you’re seeking a fresh experience or rekindling your love for outdoor activities. The workshop is scheduled for April 4–6 at Pipestem Resort State Park. The BOW workshop is designed to offer hands-on, outdoor activities for women 18 years of age or older and of all fitness levels.  

The workshop covers a range of skills on a variety of subjects. A sampling of classes and electives might include Introduction to Firearms, Fly Fishing, Wild Game Cooking, Archery, Stream Ecology and more. 

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity. Register today for the BOW spring workshop!

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/bow-spring-workshop-2025/

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 13, 2025.

Ravenswood’s Constellium plant is making waves in the aluminum products industry…Skana Aluminum in Clarksburg partners with the WV Economic Development Authority, doubling its workforce and production capacity…and get ready to go on a wild expedition when Discovery Channel host Josh Gates brings his tales of adventure to Charleston…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – Meet Constellium, a world-leading manufacturer and recycler of aluminum products and solutions, located in Ravenswood, West Virginia. Let’s delve into the remarkable contributions of Constellium in #YesWV and how their innovative solutions are significantly impacting multiple industries.

Watch the video to learn more about how they are empowering a sustainable future, advancing the automotive industry and revolutionizing aerospace technology.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/exploring-the-power-of-constelliums-innovative-solutions-in-yeswv/

#2 – From WVEDA – Skana Aluminum’s re-rolling mill in Clarksburg is allowing the company to access customers all over the East Coast. 

The company has worked with the West Virginia Economic Development Authority from the very beginning and the partnership played a big part in keeping the facility open over the years. In fact, with equipment and facility upgrades through WVEDA financing, Skana Aluminum has gone from 35 to 64 employees and more than doubled its production capacity.

The Clarksburg facility is one of Skana’s two locations, the other in Manitowoc City, Wisconsin. Chairman and CEO Tom Testwuide, says that the WVEDA has been a large part of their success over the years.

“When you buy a facility like this, especially coming from Wisconsin, to get financing would be very difficult. It was amazing that West Virginia has this very smart program, which is lending money to local state businesses to help them retain the businesses and help them grow,” he said.

Read more:

https://eda.wv.gov/skana-aluminum/

#3 – From WOWK-TV – Television personality, explorer and author Josh Gates is extending his live tour with a stop in the Mountain State.

The Discovery Channel host will bring his tour, “Josh Gates Live! An Evening of Legends, Mysteries, and Tales of Adventure,” to Charleston on Saturday, June 7.

Josh will take the audience on a journey around the world, sharing stories from his greatest expeditions and offering insights into some of the world’s most intriguing mysteries. 

Tickets can be purchased through the Clay Center website or by calling the Box Office at 304-561-3570.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/discoverys-josh-gates-bringing-live-tour-to-charleston-this-summer/

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 March 12, 2025.

It’s the sweetest time of year as the West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival returns to Pickens this month…Greenbrier Valley Medical Center partners with Mountain Steer Meat to provide fresh local beef in its cafeteria…and Southern West Virginia readies for the Future Forward Summit and Expo, showcasing innovation, collaboration and actionable progress in the region…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – The 39th West Virginia Maple Syrup Festival returns to Pickens on March 15-16, 2025, offering a weekend filled with food, live entertainment, artisan crafts, and family-friendly activities.

The festival celebrates the start of maple sugaring season. This centuries-old tradition involves tapping maple trees, collecting sap, and boiling it down to create the rich, golden syrup that has been a staple in Appalachian kitchens for generations. 

Visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to take a guided tour of Richter’s Sugar Camp to get an up-close look at how maple syrup is made. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/experience-the-39th-west-virginia-maple-syrup-festival-in-pickens/article_214aa81e-f9ce-11ef-bc46-ffb987be5800.html

#2 – From THE REAL WV – Cafeteria guests at CAMC Greenbrier Valley Medical Center can now enjoy fresh, local beef, thanks to a partnership between the medical center and Mountain Steer Meat Company of White Sulphur Springs. 

Not only will their local beef be available for guests and employees in the hospital, but patients will also soon be receiving meals that include local beef, according to Chief Administrative Officer Becky Harless. She said she hopes the partnership grows to other Vandalia-owned hospitals as well. 

Mountain Steer beef is currently being used by schools, restaurants, the hospital, and families throughout the Greenbrier Valley. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/03/05/camc-partners-with-mountain-steer-to-offer-local-beef-in-cafeteria/

#3 – From WV PRESS – The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority and Beckley Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce announced their collaboration on this year’s Future Forward Summit and Expo, taking place April 22-23 at the Beckley Raleigh County Convention Center.

Jina Belcher, Executive Director of NRGRDA, said the Summit and Expo is essential to southern West Virginia’s progress, serving as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and actionable progress in the region.

This event provides a platform for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions, forge strategic partnerships, and explore opportunities that will drive long-term economic success in our region. 

For more information on this year’s Future Forward Summit and Expo, visit https://brccc.com/future-forward

Read more:

https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/nrgrda-brccc-announce-collaboration-on-april-22-23-future-forward-summit-and-expo/?utm_source=newsletter

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, March 11, 2025.

The state launches mini events for small businesses to learn how to expand to international markets…help native wildlife by starting a pollinator garden in your yard…and Marshall University President Brad D. Smith talks  business growth and entrepreneurship in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVDED – West Virginia’s small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving innovation, job creation, and local prosperity. Yet, many business owners may not be aware of the vast resources available to help them grow—especially in expanding to international markets. 

The State of West Virginia is committed to supporting small businesses through export promotion programs designed to remove barriers and open doors to new opportunities. One of the most exciting initiatives is a new series of Mini-Events launching across the state.

These one-hour seminars/morning networking events are a partnership between the West Virginia Economic Development team, the U.S. Commercial Service, and the West Virginia District Export Council, offering businesses direct insights into how to enter global markets.

Attendees will learn about key resources, funding opportunities, and strategies to start or expand their export efforts, as well as hear about all the challenges and fears from those who have done it all. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/exporting-101-let-the-experts-come-to-you/

#2 – From WVDNR – Did you know that pollinators are responsible for one out of every three bites of food you eat? Sadly, several natural and human-caused factors have contributed to pollinator habitat loss that has made life difficult for many pollinator species. 

The good news is you can help save these important animals and make a difference in your own backyard by creating a wildflower garden that enhances your property and provides a safe haven for West Virginia’s native pollinators.

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources offers tips to help support native wildlife. You can start this spring by planting native transplants on your property. 

And if you want to take your garden to the next level, get your yard certified through the WVDNR’ Wild Yards Program and make your property a sanctuary for West Virginia’s native pollinators.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/backyard-pollinator-garden-tips-to-help-you-support-native-wildlife/

#3 – From WV SOS – On our first episode of “Just Three Questions,” West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner sits down to talk business growth and entrepreneurship in West Virginia with Brad D. Smith.

Brad Smith became the 38th President of Marshall University in 2022. Born and raised in Kenova, West Virginia, Smith previously served as CEO and later Chairman of Intuit Software Company.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RAgX0JUfoE

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 10, 2025.

A major offroading trail expansion is expected to boost outdoor recreation and tourism in Eastern Kanawha County…the quirky draw of George Washington’s Bath Tub attracts travelers to Berkeley Springs…and the Parkersburg CVB’s new welcome center brings an increase in visitors …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – A major outdoor recreation project in Eastern Kanawha County is poised to transform the area into a premier destination for off-road enthusiasts. 

The Appalachian Outlaw Trails is adding more than 2,000 acres of trails designed for ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, and full-size vehicles like Jeeps and trucks. This expansion aims to attract tourists and outdoor adventurers from West Virginia and the entire East Coast.

Currently featuring 25 miles of trails in the Upper Kanawha Valley, AOT has ambitious plans to double this mileage. The goal is to develop one of the most extensive off-roading parks in the nation, covering over 100,000 acres in the long term. The ultimate plan is to develop a comprehensive outdoor recreation resort complete with cabins, a concert venue, mountain biking trails, hiking paths, horseback riding areas, and clay shooting venues. 

The Kanawha County Commission is collaborating with AOT on this multi-phase project, with the initial focus on developing trails in the Quincy area.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/appalachian-outlaw-trails-expansion-to-boost-outdoor-recreation-and-tourism-in-eastern-kanawha-county/article_47e734c2-efdf-11ef-97b1-eba9e921ec94.html

#2 – From HIGHBROW MAGAZINE – Many historical sites in the U.S. have monuments and other remembrances of Founding Father and President George Washington.

But of all the George Washington showcases, this reporter’s favorite is a national park in the small town of Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. That’s where America’s first president was said to bathe in an open-air brick tub that reads, not surprisingly, “George Washington’s Bath Tub.” It was filled with warm natural mineral spring water emanating from the surrounding mountainous countryside.

What makes traveling to Berkeley Springs most enticing is that we can join, at least figuratively, Washington in sitting in a large indoor bathtub that can easily accommodate two bathers and is filled with 104-degree mineral water. It’s situated in what’s called the Old Roman Bath House at Berkeley Springs State Park.

Read more:

https://www.highbrowmagazine.com/25207-visit-george-washington-s-bath-tub-berkeley-springs

#3 – From NEWS & SENTINEL – The Greater Parkersburg Convention and Visitors Bureau continues to see more people at its Welcome Center in Parkersburg to inform people about what attractions and accommodations are available in the area.

The Welcome Center, which opened in April 2022 after relocating to 113 Ann St., has continually seen more people each year, CVB President and CEO Mark Lewis said.

The bureau and Lewis won the Excellence in Tourism Development award at the 2025 Hospitality University conference held Jan. 26-28 at the Greenbrier.

The increase in tourism has enabled them to double the attendance at the Oil and Gas Museum and at Henderson Hall, while the main draw continues to be Blennerhasset Island Historical State Park.

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2025/03/greater-parkersburg-cvb-president-reports-rise-in-tourist-stops/

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 9, 2025.

A childhood love of birds leads to a lifelong career for the founder of a Cheat Lake conservation center…attention, small businesses--learn how you can get grant funding for trade expansion or energy efficiency…and a University of Charleston program is helping students earn degrees debt-free…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MORGANTOWN MAGAZINE – The first word that Katie Fallon spoke was “bird.”

So it’s fitting that she now finds herself writing books about birds and leading an organization committed to rehabbing some of the biggest birds around. 

She and her veterinarian husband, Jesse Fallon, first came to Morgantown as grad students. 

Her two nonfiction books—Cerulean Blues and Vulture—illuminate the plights of the region’s bird populations and paint a vivid picture of the ecosystems around them. 

In 2012, along with her husband and a group of like-minded friends, Katie Fallon put her passion for birds into action, co-founding the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia. 

Nestled at Cheat Lake Animal Hospital and Ridge Way Farm, the ACCA has become a vital resource for bird conservation, and its non-releasable birds of prey serve as ambassadors, captivating audiences through educational programming.

Read more:

https://morgantownmag.com/faces-of-morgantown-katie-fallon/

#2 – From WV NEWS – Identified by the Preston County Economic Development Authority, several state grant programs, including the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) Grant and funding for clean energy initiatives, are now open for applications, offering opportunities for West Virginia small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Energy & Manufacturing in Appalachia initiative supports small and medium-sized manufacturers in eligible counties to expand business, production and jobs in energy supply chains while reducing costs through factory efficiencies.

Additionally, the West Virginia Department of Economic Development has secured extra funding from the U.S. Small Business Administration’s State Trade Expansion Program to assist small businesses with export promotion costs.

More information about the STEP Grant is available at westvirginia.gov.

Information about clean energy initiatives can be found at cleanenergy.mfgsupplychain.org.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/prestoncountynews/various-grants-available-for-west-virginia-small-businesses/article_f093e936-f61e-11ef-b700-3ff7b7ce5d7b.html

#3 – From UCWV– Michael Lowe dreamed of being a nurse and making a difference in his community while growing up in South Charleston. Like others, he and his family had concerns about the cost of getting his nursing degree.

To help students like Lowe achieve their goals without amassing debt, the University of Charleston launched UC Works in February 2024 in collaboration with WorkForce WV and other business partners.

The program provides eligible West Virginia students with a combination of institutional, state, and federal aid programs to cover their UC undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees. It then matches those students with a local employer for part-time paid employment during their enrollment.

Today, Michael and eight other UC students are completing their first year of college without worrying about finances. 

Read more:

https://www.ucwv.edu/2025/02/uc-works-program-helping-students-earn-degrees-debt-free/

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 8, 2025.

Charleston’s Yeager Airport gets additional funds for its major renovation and terminal development project…the WVDNR announces Class Q fishing locations for this spring…and get ready to ramp it up as officials predict a busy season for spring ramp dinners in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – An additional $800,000 is now going toward West Virginia International Yeager Airport’s major $60 million renovation and terminal development project– CRW NEXT.

The board at Yeager approved the $800,000 dollar grant through the West Virginia Water Development Authority during a recent meeting.

CRW Chief Development Officer Andrew Gunnoe said the Economic Enhancement Grant will match federal funds they’ve received for the project and will allow them to make a lot more progress on it overall, with the major portion being the construction, expansion and design of the terminal building.

According to Gunnoe, the restroom renovation and expansion to their baggage system marks phase one of the project. They will move to phase two within the next 12 to 18 months which is the actual terminal expansion portion.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/02/26/yeager-airport-continues-major-terminal-development-project-through-800000-economic-enhancement-grant/

#2 – From WV NEWS – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced that 12 fishing locations across the state will operate under special Class Q fishing regulations from March 1 to May 31, 2025. 

Class Q fishing areas are specifically designated locations where only eligible anglers—children aged 14 and under and those with qualifying disabilities—can fish during the spring season. Many of these waters feature accessible fishing piers and stream access points, allowing for a more inclusive fishing experience.

Designated locations include Cookskin Park Pond in Kanawha County and Westover Park Pond in Monongalia County. To view the complete list, check out the story at wvnews.com or visit wvdnr.gov.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/wvdnr-announces-2025-class-q-fishing-areas/article_f69953ee-f460-11ef-9a91-7b5afa5d34bb.html

#3 – From WV EXPLORER –Spring ramp festivals are drawing more attention than ever, thanks to a renewed interest in West Virginia and Appalachia, says the publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine, one of the Mountain State’s chief guides to the feasts.

Ramp festivals witnessed a leap in attendance in 2024, according to David Sibray. He expects the number of people attending the festivals in 2025 to grow due to increased interest in the state as a vacation and residency destination.

A seasonal staple of Appalachian cuisine, ramps or rampion, a wild leek native to eastern North America, are among the first edible plants to appear in the mountains in spring. Most ramp dinners in West Virginia are hosted in late March, April, and early May.

For more information on upcoming festivals or to submit information on a ramp festival, visit West Virginia Ramp Dinners & Festivals.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2025/03/01/spring-ramp-festivals-west-virginia-david-sibray/

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 7, 2025.

Soar through the trees on a zipline adventure in Almost Heaven…the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships return to Charleston this May…and big projects are underway throughout West Virginia’s Advantage Valley region…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Among one of the most forested states, West Virginia is the perfect place to catch some speed and explore among the trees. Soar through the lush tree line or get your blood pumping on an aerial ropes course. Add these must-visit spots to your next getaway itinerary to truly experience the Mountain State.

Take flight on one of the most extensive zip line systems in the east at Pipestem Resort State Park. Take in the spectacular scenery on zip line adventures in the New River Gorge, the Eastern and Northern Panhandles, and more.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/things-to-do/outdoor-adventures/aerial-excursions/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – Hundreds of cyclists from across the nation will once again be racing in the streets of the Capital City this spring.

The City of Charleston and the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau have announced the return of the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships. “This event continues to depict why Charleston, West Virginia is now making news on a national scene and an international scene,” Mayor Amy Goodwin said.

The weeklong event will run from Monday, May 19 through Memorial Day Weekend, May 24-25.

After bringing in a $4.6 million economic impact to the City of Charleston when the championship races were held for the first time here last May, CVB President Tim Brady said they only expect that impact to grow this year.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/02/27/more-announcements-being-made-for-second-year-of-usa-cycling-pro-road-national-championships-in-charleston/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – Major projects are taking place in the Charleston-Huntington region.

Advantage Valley has released its 2024 annual report and President and CEO Terrell Ellis said the theme of the report is “under construction.”

Ellis highlighted some of the new projects such as the Marshall Institute for Cybersecurity and Innovation District under construction on 4th Avenue in Huntington. She also mentioned Timet in Jackson county, the only solar powered titanium facility in the world.

Their next steps include focusing on having enough housing and infrastructure to support the growing economy as well as increasing childcare services throughout the region, she added.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/02/04/advantage-valley-unveils-2024-report/

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 6, 2025.

A new program from WorkForce West Virginia connects unemployed residents with helpful resources…WVU-Parkersburg president says the sweeping renovations taking place on campus are all about vision…and Mister Bee Potato Chips launches a new chip flavor that pays tribute to Mothman…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WORKFORCE WV – WorkForce West Virginia has announced a new initiative to increase access to and understanding of the Unemployment Insurance program. The primary goal of this outreach effort is to ensure that more West Virginians understand if they are eligible for the program, know how to apply and have the necessary information to complete their applications. 

The UI program serves as a vital financial support system for individuals and their families during periods of unemployment or underemployment, providing a safety net until full-time employment is secured. 

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to file their UI claims online at uc.workforcewv.org. For those who may have limited access to computers or the internet, WorkForce West Virginia local offices are equipped with necessary resources including computers for filing UI claims. 

Read more:

https://workforcewv.org/workforce-west-virginias-unemployment-insurance-program-initiative-connects-unemployed-and-underemployed-west-virginians-with-resources/

#2 – From NEWS & SENTINEL – Renovation work is continuing on the Stott Administration Building on the former campus of Ohio Valley University to turn it into the new Innovation and Technology Center at West Virginia University at Parkersburg. 

WVUP President Torie Jackson says it’s all about vision when it comes to helping the area grow with new educational opportunities. The IT Center is expected to open for classes in the fall. 

A second phase, occurring simultaneously, will be setting up the new daycare facility in the former OVU Library space.

Jackson said OVU’s chapel space will be left intact as a meeting space and to be rented out for weddings. The old OVU kitchen could be updated at some point into a commercial kitchen facility and they are looking for someone who might be able to convert the former cafeteria into a restaurant.

“What we are doing here has the potential to change Vienna for generations, because it is a project that allows for a housing development over time, allows for schools to be located and it allows for many businesses to have opportunities here in Vienna,” she said.

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2025/02/mid-ohio-valley-foundations-education-west-virginia-university-at-parkersburg-works-on-new-innovation-and-technology-center/

#3 – From WV NEWS – Mister Bee Potato Chips has unveiled a “Mothman Style Mysterious Spice Blend Chip” in honor of the legend of the Mothman and popular festival in Point Pleasant. The chips are rolling out on local store shelves now and will be available statewide soon.

Co-owner Mary Anne Ketelsen said she and the leadership team at Mister Bee – the only manufacturer of potato chips in the state – are continuing to showcase the best of West Virginia with special chip bags and exciting new flavors.

The Mothman chips are the latest in a line of special edition flavors produced by Mister Bee, including pepperoni roll chips to honor the coal miners who introduced the treat to our state; and a sausage and biscuit flavored chip in partnership with Tudor’s Biscuit World, to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation in West Virginia.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/mister-bee-teases-mothman-inspired-snack-for-west-virginia/article_3fb728f8-f542-11ef-9739-37494a7348de.html

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

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