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

Today is Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025.

Get started on your 2025 bucket list with these 25 fun things to do in Almost Heaven…register now for a free Build Your Business Workshop sponsored by Advantage Valley FASTER WV…and discover WV’s natural beauty and charming towns on a road trip…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – January is a time when many people start planning their annual trips and activities.West Virginia has so many incredible places to get excited about, from Airbnb getaways and restaurants to hiking trails and annual events. 

To help with your planning, the folks at Only in Your State have curated a list of 25 things to do in West Virginia in 2025 to inspire more state travel. The list is packed with suggestions on food to try, outdoor activities to tackle, beautiful places to stay and exciting events to attend.

So get out your planners. This is one list you do not want to miss!

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/west-virginia/25-things-to-do-in-2025-wv

#2 – From ADVANTAGE VALLEY – The Advantage Valley FASTER WV initiative is hosting free Build Your Business Workshops in Mason County and Kanawha County this month.

The program, which stands for Fostering Advantages for Start-Ups & Entrepreneurial Resurgence, is your gateway to a wealth of business resources and support designed to enhance your entrepreneurial journey in our growing region. 

To learn more, visit Advantage Valley online. 

Register now:

https://airtable.com/appVpr2yTQMIGq6Xf/shrOBZ7z052FQCmFn

#3 – From WORLD ATLAS – West Virginia is full of country roads leading to countless adventures. Its many outdoor offerings and historical sites make for thrilling road trips through the Mountain State. 

From journeys through mines, treks across state parks, and self-guided tours in abandoned spaces, West Virginia is not lacking in things to do. Best of all, you can visit countless destinations on the weekend and throughout road trips, taking less than four hours.

Check out some fun itineraries for road trips from Charleston to Lewisburg, Fairmont to Moundsville, and more!

Read more:

https://www.worldatlas.com/places/8-great-road-trips-to-take-in-west-virginia.html

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, Feb. 3, 2025.

Looking for some outdoor fun? Check out five unique winter adventures in Almost Heaven…Advantage Valley is seeking a business coach to serve the Elk River Trail region…and discover the scenic beauty of Harpers Ferry--a haven for nature lovers…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – No matter if you’re an adrenaline seeker or someone looking for soulful relaxation, West Virginia will win your heart in some fashion this winter. From daring explorations below the surface to charming horse-drawn sleigh rides, Almost Heaven has a one-of-a-kind adventure for everyone.

This winter, dare to be different and explore five iconic winter activities – all exclusive to the Mountain State. Experience the East Coast’s longest sled run, stroll along the catwalk of West Virginia’s highest bridge, and more.

To read the rest of the list and start planning your Almost Heaven winter adventure, hop over to wvtourism.com.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/only-west-virginia-has-these-5-iconic-winter-activities/

#2 – From ADVANTAGE VALLEY – The Advantage Valley FASTER WV Program is hiring a business coach to help foster the growth of tourism and recreation-related businesses along the Elk River Trail System.

The Trail Towns Business Coach will cover a three-county region throughout the Elk River Trail System (Braxton, Clay, and portions of Kanawha County).

The Business Coach will play a vital role in meeting with and supporting early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses in the designated region. They will provide guidance, mentorship, and resources to help clients succeed in their business endeavors.

Learn more:

https://advantagevalley.com/fasterwv-we-are-hiring/

#3 – From WORLD ATLAS – Looking for a hidden slice of paradise where history meets the great outdoors? Harpers Ferry, West Virginia is a charming town where the Potomac River and Shenandoah River weave through rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes. 

This underrated gem is a haven for nature lovers, offering postcard-worthy views, serene hikes along the Appalachian Trail, and a sense of tranquility that feels worlds away from the everyday hustle. Home to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the area is also steeped in Civil War history.

Whether chasing adventure or simply craving a peaceful retreat in the Appalachian Mountains, this charming town is the perfect destination to reconnect with nature and discover a piece of living history.

Read more:

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/this-west-virginia-city-is-an-underrated-gem-for-nature-lovers.html

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. 2, 2025.

Celebrate Valentine’s Day the WV way -- with local wines, cozy mountain lodging and romantic hikes in the hills of Almost Heaven…Hunters, get ready--the final split of wild boar archery and firearms season is this weekend…and learn more about the geological process that created the towering centerpiece of Pinnacle Rock State Park…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM --  If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day in West Virginia, you and your special someone will fall in love all over again. From leisurely activities around the mountain towns to romantic dinner ideas, Almost Heaven will win your heart.

Make this Valentine’s Day the most memorable one yet and treat your date right with these celebration ideas.

Reserve a table for two at a cozy restaurant. Surprise your date with a bottle of wine from a West Virginia winery. Take a romantic hike at a West Virginia state park. Or plan a weekend getaway to a quiet spot in the mountains.

For details and more great ideas, head over to wvtourism.com.

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/your-date-will-love-these-valentines-day-celebration-ideas-in-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV NEWS –  The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has announced that the final segment of West Virginia’s residents-only firearms and archery/crossbow seasons for wild boar will be open in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties on Feb. 7–9.

“The wild boar season offers hunters a thrilling challenge and a chance to target big game during the long winter months,” WVDNR Director Brett McMillion says.

For more information about the wild boar season and other hunting opportunities in West Virginia, hunters should consult the 2024–2025 West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary, available to download at WVdnr.gov/hunting-regulations. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/west-virginia-dnr-announces-final-split-of-wild-boar-archery-and-firearms-seasons/article_e3561e78-dcc0-11ef-949b-17bf5c95fbad.html

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Towering above the valley of the Bluestone River in southern West Virginia, legendary Pinnacle Rock has captivated visitors for millennia. A capstone on a giant wall, it soars more than 120 feet above the spine of Black Oak Mountain in Pinnacle Rock State Park.

But there’s far more to the rocky tower than meets the eye. While tourists may be accustomed to exploring the rock near the park’s roadside picnic area, other similar outcrops are located elsewhere in the park, including “Black Rock,” an equally large section that rises higher than Pinnacle Rock itself.

According to geologist Nick Schaer, the remarkable formation is created by “folding,” which is the catalyst for the creation of many of the long ridges that extend the length of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Pinnacle Rock State Park encompasses more than 370 acres, including the mountaintop and its rock outcrops as well as mountainside forest and Jimmy Lewis Lake, a five-acre fishing lake and wetland. More than six miles of hiking trails wind through the park, and a system of stairs leads to an observation area at the top.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/21/pinnacle-rock-geology-west-virginia-state-park/

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. 1, 2025.

Bluefield State University teams up with Virginia Tech to further mining opportunities in the region…motorists stop to enjoy the new travel plaza off the WV Turnpike in Mercer County…and the newly rebranded Putnam County Tourism continues its mission to attract visitors to the area…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV PUBLIC – Bluefield State University is teaming up with the Virginia Institute of Technology to develop a curriculum that will help the region’s economy.

Bluefield State’s existing mining engineering program will participate in Virginia Tech’s “Expand Appalachia Project.” The goal: to further mining opportunities in the region. 

Bluefield State’s President Darrin Martin said this investment will help secure America’s supply chain of critical minerals used to make batteries. 

Bluefield State is the only historically black college or university with a mining engineering program. The four year bachelor’s program has partnered with industry to develop the curriculum. Students can receive paid internships and scholarships from companies in the mining industry.

The U.S. Department of Energy has invested nearly $10 million into the project.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/bluefield-state-expanding-mining-curriculum/

#2 – From BLUEFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH – West Virginia Turnpike motorists coming through Mercer County can now stop at a new travel plaza featuring modern architecture, dining opportunities with outdoor options, gasoline, gifts and more.

The new Bluestone Travel Plaza, which is located between Princeton and Camp Creek State Park, opened to the traveling public late last month. It is one of two new travel plazas that replaced older facilities, both of which are in Mercer and Raleigh counties.

Both plazas have similar designs with lofty interiors, a food court, restrooms, gifts and other amenities. Both plazas were closed while the demolitions and construction phases were underway, but both are now open and serving the public.

Read more:

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/new-mercer-county-travel-plaza-now-open-and-serving-the-public/article_2df7e968-dcdd-11ef-86a0-e36c2985f8bc.html

#3 – From WSAZ-TV – The Putnam County Convention and Visitors Bureau has undergone a name change to more accurately reflect what the organization does. same. The goal is to attract visitors to the area who will in turn spend money and contribute to the local and regional economy.

Putnam County Tourism continues to promote its restaurants, shops, attractions and outdoor recreation activities that serve its growing population.

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, Jan. 31, 2025.

An old industrial site in Huntington will soon see new life as a manufacturing hub…West Virginia produces two more chef nominees for the prestigious James Beard Award…and plan a winter getaway to one of Almost Heaven’s charming mountain towns…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – A renovation two years in the making, the former ACF property and its last remaining building that served Huntington’s old generation will now serve the new.

The Huntington Municipal Development Authority board of directors voted to award two contracts for the infrastructure work on The Foundry (former ACF Industries site) and the renovation of the ACF machine shop, which is the last standing building on the property.

HMDA bought the property in February 2020 and has been planning for this project for two years. The next step is getting approval from the U.S. Economic Development Administration to give the contractor the release to begin.

One of the contracts will be to renovate the former machine shop to be the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center’s welding and robotics laboratory--a prospect that has city officials excited. 

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/acf-property-building-construction-awarded/article_eb25c85a-d9b5-11ef-87b9-4bb7662eac1a.html

#2 – From WOWK-TV – The 2025 James Beard Award nominations are out, and West Virginia is featured in some of the categories!

Chef Chase Collier at Ristorante Abruzzi is in the running for the Southeast’s Best Chef category, and William Dissen, who is originally from Charleston and is at The Market Place in Asheville, North Carolina, is in the Outstanding Chef category.

This isn’t the first time a West Virginia chef has been nominated for a James Beard Award. Chef Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge was nominated twice in the same category and won in 2024.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/kanawha-county-wv/west-virginia-chefs-nominated-for-james-beard-awards/

#3 – From MLIVE – Winter in Almost Heaven mountain towns is unlike anything else you could ever experience. From snowy, scenic overlooks to cozy cabin stays, West Virginia is the perfect winter wonderland with its snow-covered mountains and warm small towns.

If you’re craving an Appalachian adventure, these charming mountain towns -- Morgantown, Davis, Fayetteville, Princeton and Snowshoe -- are perfect for a winter getaway.

From outdoor adventures to cozy lodging and delicious local dining, you’re sure to find plenty to do in West Virginia’s mountain towns. 

Read more:

https://www.mlive.com/sponsor-content-n/?prx_t=taEJAR35tAI8ILA&ntv_acpl=770595&ntv_acsc=2&ntv_avcsc=2&ntv_ot=2&ntv_plt=770595_34486&ntv_pcc=zccdPiDzBMrwMpTvwT2yyUNS8TvBfQkqsaIUli0m5iE80IlFmrWz7XfSvNl6i1Fy&ntv_ui=d771cb57-94ed-4ee2-a25b-f409ee153454&ntv_ht=QUOTZwA

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, Jan. 30, 2025.

Join the broadband revolution! Learn where you can get the latest training in this rapidly expanding field in #YesWV…a repurposed coal mine serves as a training ground for the U.S. Army’s high-tech training mission…and a beloved Lewisburg restaurant gets a new (and much bigger) location…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From JOBCASE WV – Big investments in broadband infrastructure are occurring throughout the Mountain State, and West Virginia workers have an opportunity to be part of one of the largest federally funded infrastructure investments in state history.

The West Virginia Department of Economic Development’s Office of Broadband is tasked with deploying local and federal broadband funds, including $1.2 billion in federal funding for broadband development in West Virginia. This historic investment in broadband infrastructure will support West Virginia’s vision to achieve universal broadband access.

Join the broadband revolution! Learn how you can get the latest training in construction, electric engineering, utility maintenance, cybersecurity, and more -- all in two years or less. 

Read more:

https://www.jobcase.com/articles/broadband-workforce-programs-wv

#2 – From WV DED – If you’re a fan of action movies, you’d be pleased to know that some real-life military training exercises happened in West Virginia involving exciting emerging technologies.

The United States Army Combat Capabilities Development Command and the 101st Airborne Division partnered to host the military field training exercise and experimentation event, known as Driving Innovation in Realistic Training (DIRT) Days 23-001.

Training took place at the Civil-Military Innovation Institute’s Adaptive Experimentation Facility in Fola, West Virginia, which is actually a repurposed coal mining facility. 

The event allowed soldiers to participate in and lead the development and field testing of emerging tactics and technology while bolstering their operational skill sets through challenging, realistic exercises. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/robots-in-yes-west-virginia-say-what/

#3 – From THE REAL WV –  For Neapolitan pizza lovers in southern West Virginia, last October was a downer. It was the day Hill & Holler closed the doors on the log cabin they’d called home since 2016.

But they weren’t closing for good; they were just moving locations. Owner Jody Wooten and his wife, Kate, wanted their own spot. They leased the previous space, which lacked the capacity to fulfill their vision for the restaurant. 

The restaurant’s new location, opening in February, has nearly double the space, two living room areas, a stage for live music, and a custom pizza oven direct from Italy.

While the space is changing, the food is not. The menu features the same crowd-favorite Neapolitan pizzas, smoked wings, sandwiches, salads, appetizers, local brews, and more. 

Hill & Holler’s new location is 886 Washington Street in Lewisburg. Watch for the opening date!

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/01/23/run-up-the-hill-holler-one-of-lewisburgs-favorite-restaurants-is-returning-soon/

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, Jan. 29, 2025 

An iconic restaurant is back in business in Charleston, and folks couldn’t be happier…check out the great employment opportunities at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center…and the co-founder of  Entrepreneurship Ecosystem reveals the organization’s mission…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV FOOD GUY – Welcome back, old friend! The newest iteration of one of Charleston’s most iconic restaurants is a bonafide gem. The “new” Quarrier Diner offers almost everything you could ask for in a classic diner setting.

Run by Martin Riggs, Jr., this resurrected downtown landmark is finally filling the big shoes the original restaurant left behind decades ago.

Since Charleston has so few diners – especially ones serving breakfast – locals are embracing “The QD’s” return with open arms and heaping praise. 

The restaurant, located on Quarrier Street in downtown Charleston, serves up a hearty breakfast menu along with lunch options from soups and salads to sandwiches and burgers. Check it out next time you’re feeling hungry!

Read more:

https://www.wvfoodguy.com/post/the-new-quarrier-diner-is-a-delicious-downtown-gem

#2 – From MAMC – The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center is hiring!

With campuses in Huntington and Charleston, the center (formerly RCBI) encourages job creation, economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting manufacturing companies of all sizes. The center offers leading-edge equipment use and specialized training for everyone from sole proprietors to Fortune 500 companies.

If you’re interested in advancing West Virginia’s manufacturing base, check out www.mfg.marshall.edu to take a look at current employment opportunities.

Learn more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/about-mamc/employment-opportunities/

#3 – From WMYW –  On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we’re exploring the West Virginia Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with co-founder Tara St. Clair.

Since its inception in 2019, this amazing initiative has connected entrepreneurial service organizations across the state, fostering collaboration and helping folks turn their dreams into reality. 

Tune in to the podcast to hear Tara share how the ecosystem works, its mission to inspire growth through shared resources, and how you can be part of this incredible journey to elevate West Virginia.

Listen now:

https://daily304.libsyn.com/wmwy-and-the-wv-entrepreneurship-ecosystem

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, Jan. 28, 2025.

Thousands of students benefit from the state’s Archery in Schools program…as French Creek Freddie prepares to make his annual media appearance, learn some fascinating facts about West Virginia’s most famous groundhog…and West Virginia businesses, learn how you can expand your presence on the global stage…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV COMMERCE – An initiative of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, the West Virginia Archery in Schools program provides thousands of students across the state with a fun and inclusive environment where they can be active, make friends and learn how to work in a team environment.

Visit WVDNR online to learn how to become an instructor or host a course at your school.

Watch the video:

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

#2 – From WVDNR – It’s almost time for that day when the nation learns whether we’re facing four more weeks of winter.

You might know French Creek Freddie as West Virginia’s most popular weather-predicting groundhog, but do you know the story of how Freddie started forecasting or how he got his name? 

Groundhogs, also known as woodchucks or whistle-pigs, are the largest animal in the squirrel family. Get ready for the Groundhog Day celebration at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center on Feb. 2 by checking out some more interesting facts about Freddie.

Read more:

https://wvdnr.gov/french-creek-freddie-facts/

#3 – From WV DED – West Virginia businesses can maximize their international growth opportunities by starting the year with a clear, proactive export plan. This approach includes strategic budgeting, targeted travel, and effective utilization of state and federal export resources. 

With support from the West Virginia Export Promotion Program and the U.S. Commercial Service, your company can prepare to achieve sustainable, global success.

Make 2025 a year of expanding West Virginia’s presence on the global stage. Contact our international trade managers to get started!

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/trade-talk-planning-for-success-in-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 Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

A stream restoration project transforms the Potomac River headwaters into a thriving habitat for brook trout…the Greenbrier Express train ride takes passengers through a winter wonderland of WV backcountry…and a new exhibit at the State Capitol Complex showcases WV wildlife art…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BAY JOURNAL – A 19-year stream project that began in the nooks and crannies of mountain ravines in West Virginia has transformed the headwaters of the Potomac River into one of the most robust wild brook trout fisheries south of Maine and the Adirondacks.

The restoration work, spearheaded by the nonprofit Trout Unlimited, is all the more inspirational as it comes at a time of considerable effort to save brook trout, the only trout native to the East Coast. 

Trout Unlimited began focusing on the eastern panhandle of West Virginia in 2005. It targeted a region of more than 1,000 streams with historic brook trout populations and springs that help keep water cold.

Funding for the Potomac Headwaters Home Rivers Initiative has grown from $300,000 a year to more than $6 million annually. About half has come from federal sources and half from Trout Unlimited. To date, more than 400 farms in five counties have added best-management practices. More than 100 miles of streams have been restored. 

Read more:

https://www.bayjournal.com/news/wildlife_habitat/brook-trout-revival-in-west-virginia-bucks-the-trend/article_068da224-d809-11ef-a3b1-670ffb3dad3b.html

#2 – From WBOY-TV – The Greenbrier Express took its first ride of 2025 earlier this month, and there’s still a chance to book your snowy ride.

The 5-hour train trip from Cass to Durbin and back includes a ride on the historic Greenbrier Express steam engine, views of the Monongahela National Forest and its wildlife, and lunch during a layover in Durbin.

The unique winter excursion was offered last year for the first time in 66 years. The Greenbrier Express is enclosed and heated, so it can be enjoyed even in West Virginia’s coldest months. Restrooms are also available.

Reserve your tickets now at mountainrailwv.com.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/pocahontas-county/cass-scenic-railroad-begins-winter-train-rides-for-2025/

#3 – From MY BUCKHANNON – The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History has opened a new exhibition at the Culture Center at the State Capitol Complex in Charleston.

This exhibit, titled “West Virginia Wildlife,” is the third installation of “Inspired: A West Virginia Series of Juried Exhibitions,” featuring four different West Virginia themes. Twenty-six West Virginia artists, representing 15 counties, were selected for the wildlife show, which features 32 pieces, including painting, drawing, ceramics, photography, digital illustration and mixed media. 

The free exhibit will remain on display in the Lower Lobby and Commissioner’s Gallery at the Culture Center until May 9.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/department-of-arts-culture-and-history-announces-new-juried-art-exhibit-opening-from-inspired-series/

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, Jan. 26, 2025.

Rural Development grants fund broadband expansion in three West Virginia counties…the New River Gorge’s Grandview area lives up to its name…and a WVDNR official shares how discarded real Christmas trees are recycled as habitat for fish…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Residents in three West Virginia counties will soon have access to expanded broadband internet service thanks to a pair of USDA Rural Development grants.

The $30 million grant offered through the Rural Development RECONNECT program will expand the service in Nicholas, Hardy, and Hampshire counties, serving more than 7,000 individuals.

The Nicholas County project was granted to the Nicholas County Commission and CityNet will serve as the internet service provider. Hardy Telecommunication was the successful applicant and will be the ISP for the Hardy and Hampshire County project.

“They know what they’re doing and I think they’ll be able to expand the access to high speed internet in these communities in a reasonable time frame,” said Ryan Thorn, state director of the U.S.D.A. Rural Development Authority.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2025/01/15/usda-program-allocates-30-million-for-broadband-expansion/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Perched more than 1,400 feet above the New River, the panoramic overlooks of the New River Gorge at Grandview offer views of the world-famous gorge at its widest and deepest.

The rock outcrops, shaded by rhododendron, highlight why Grandview is one of West Virginia’s must-see attractions and a crown-jewel of the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

The main overlook is wheelchair accessible and several hiking trails of varying difficulty wind through the area, offering scenic views. The park includes several playgrounds and picnic areas, and camping is available at Little Beaver State Park, about a 10-minute drive away.

Nearby, the 1200-seat Cliffside Amphitheatre hosts the summer outdoor dramas “Hatfields and McCoys” and “Honey in the Rock.” 

Check out wvtourism.com to learn more about the area and plan your Almost Heaven getaway.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/12/grandview-overlooks-new-river-gorge-widest-deepest/

#3 – From WV PUBLIC – With the holiday season come and gone, thousands of Christmas trees will be mulched or taken to the landfill. A program from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources aims to give our old decorations new life in local lakes and reservoirs. 

Dustin Smith, fisheries biologist with the DNR, talks about the program and why old Christmas trees might be the perfect place for anglers to look for their next catch.

“It’s just an easy opportunity to use something which is going to be thrown away. But we can utilize them in some of our reservoirs, specifically to add woody habitat,” he said.

This year the WVDNR operated two Christmas tree dropoff locations -- one in the northern part of the state and one in the southern part -- and Smith says he anticipates that will continue next holiday season.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/christmas-trees-get-second-life-as-fish-habitats/

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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.