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

Today is Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.

Volunteer West Virginia offers grants for AmeriCorps programs…West Virginia Northern Community College receives funding to boost manufacturing and production skills…and West Virginia’s “snow bowl” offers the ultimate winter sport experience…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From VOLUNTEER WV – ​Volunteer West Virginia announces a funding opportunity through AmeriCorps State Formula grants for eligible applicants. Potential applicants will apply to operate an AmeriCorps program solely in West Virginia utilizing at least five AmeriCorps members beginning in fall 2025 or spring 2026.

Volunteer West Virginia, the state’s commission for national and community service, challenges West Virginians to strengthen their communities through service and volunteerism. The commission administers West Virginia’s AmeriCorps service programs in cooperation with local and state grantees. 

To apply, visit volunteerwv.gov.

Learn more:

https://volunteer.wv.gov/Grants/Pages/AmeriCorps-Formula-Funding.aspx

#2 – From WTOV9-TV – West Virginia Northern Community College has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor as part of the Strengthening Community Colleges Initiative.

The funding aims to create more job opportunities for students by developing pathway programs that lead to living-wage careers.

The college’s initiative, known as M.A.P.S. 2.0, will focus on manufacturing and production skills. Students entering the advanced manufacturing career and technical education program from high school will develop skills in advanced manufacturing while earning dual credit.

The grant is focused on redesigning programs to ensure the production of workers needed by employers like Form Energy. As unique economic opportunities unfold in the Ohio Valley, the hope is that students will be able to stay local, enter the industry, and earn competitive salaries.

Read more:

https://wtov9.com/news/local/west-virginia-northern-community-college-secures-15m-grant-to-boost-job-opportunities

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – High in the Allegheny Mountains in eastern West Virginia lies a scenic valley with a Canadian-like climate in which it can snow 10 months out of the year.

Though only two hours from the Washington beltway, the Canaan Valley receives more snow than the snowiest reporting station in Maine and a shorter growing season than Fairbanks, Alaska.

Scientists have determined that elevation, position, and orientation are all contributing elements that notably support the valley’s three ski areas. More specifically, the cold temperatures, increased precipitation, and the valley’s similarity to a “huge bathtub” conspire to create its remarkably wintry conditions. 

Want to experience this phenomenon for yourself? Plan a ski getaway to Canaan Valley Resort State Park, Timberline Mountain or White Grass Ski Touring Center. Check out wvtourism.com or wvstateparks.com for more information on snow sports in Almost Heaven. 

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/03/strange-phenomena-canaan-valley-wv-west-virginia/

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

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

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

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

Today is Friday, Jan. 24, 2025.

Love the outdoors and sharing that passion with others? We may have just the job for you…Princeton hosts a Build WV training event…and applications are open for Historic Preservation Development matching grants…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From OEDC.WVU – The Brad and Alys Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative is expanding! Find a career in West Virginia's outdoor industry with positions available in youth education, economic development, community building and outdoor asset development.

Employees will receive paid holidays, annual leave and sick time; health insurance and other benefits, including retirement options and perks; and wellness programs. 

While the department is based in Morgantown, regional hybrid roles may be possible under university guidelines if applicable to a specific position.

Current open positions include Outdoor Business Development Coordinator and Ascend Greenbrier Valley Office Specialist. Check out oedc.wvu.edu to learn more and apply.

Learn more:

https://oedc.wvu.edu/about-us/careers?utm_content=322128657&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin&hss_channel=lcp-71496659

#2 – From WVVA-TV – The City of Princeton invites the public to a Build WV training event coming up next month.

Passed in the 2022 legislative session, the Build WV Act aims to assist West Virginia’s growing communities in attracting much-needed housing development projects, with the City of Princeton chosen as one.

Building contractors, investors, banking institutions, and other members of the public are all invited to join the City of Princeton and the West Virginia Department of Economic Development to learn about the program. The event takes place at 11 a.m. Feb. 6 at Princeton City Hall.

The act affects the city as well as a 20 square miles outside of it, and those who apply are eligible for certain tax breaks.

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2025/01/18/build-wv-training-seminar-scheduled-february/

#3 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Applications are now being accepted for matching (50-50) Historic Preservation Development Grants through the State Historic Preservation Office of the West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History.

Eligible projects include the restoration, rehabilitation, or archaeological development of historic sites listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Applications must be submitted through the online GoApply portal by March 31, 2025.

Learn more about the grants here.  

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/historic-preservation-development-grants-available/article_70052254-d507-11ef-b4ad-479fe7a4872f.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.

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. 

Tara shares 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.

You can find more information and get involved here: https://westvirginia.gov/wv-entrepreneurship-ecosystem/

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

Today is Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025.

West Virginia’s charming small towns have something for everyone -- and here are 7 you might want to check out for your next getaway…Attention, high school and middle school students: show off your skills and creativity with the 2025 WV Bridge Design and Build Contest…and registration is now open for the 2026 trek at The Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve--hurry up, because spots fill up fast …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WORLD ATLAS – West Virginia beckons travelers with a promising motto: “Almost Heaven.” Spanning parts of the American southeast, midwest, and mid-Atlantic, the Mountain State holds within its borders a wealth of vacation destinations where some choose to return frequently—or move there for good. 

Check out some charming towns just right for a weekend getaway -- from Elkins (Gateway to the Monongahela National Forest), to the Victorian charm of Parkersburg, to the Civil War influence of Harpers Ferry. You’ll find cultural attractions, recreational offerings, wonderful local cuisine, cozy lodging and more. 

Visit wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven itinerary today. 

Read more:

https://www.worldatlas.com/places/7-incredible-vacation-spots-in-west-virginia.html

#2 – From WOAY-TV – The West Virginia Department of Transportation is inviting all middle and high school students across the Mountain State to participate in the 2025 WV Bridge Design and Build contest. 

The competition focuses on engineering, using real-world design principles in software with which students design their bridges. 

Students have until Feb 28 to. submit qualifying round entries. 

Registration is free and you can sign up at wvbridgedesignandbuildcontest.com.     

 Read more:

https://woay.com/wvdot-accepting-entries-for-2025-wv-bridge-design-and-build-contest/#google_vignette

#3 – From SCOUTING MAGAZINE – Now’s the time to finalize your planning for Scouting America’s high-adventure offerings for summer 2026.

Registration is now open for 2026 treks at several scouting camps, including the Summit Bechtel Family National Scout Reserve. The Summit is a multipurpose, year-round destination for Scouting activities and adventures. Located near Beckley, West Virginia, activities include whitewater rafting, rock climbing, biking, skateboarding and zip lining.

The property’s location provides participants access to the New River, one of the most sought-after recreational rivers in North America, and along with it, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. One of the most popular treks offered at the Summit is the New River Experience, a 50-mile paddle trek down the river.

Treks can and do sell out, so Scouts, parents and unit leaders are encouraged to register as soon as they are able.

Read more:

https://blog.scoutingmagazine.org/2025/01/13/high-adventure-base-registration-for-summer-2026-opens-this-week-heres-what-you-need-to-know/

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. 22, 2025.

Discover Mountaineer Country on the gravel biking experience of a lifetime…the Generation WV Fellowship seeks to build meaningful mentorships and leadership training…and break out your spell book for Fayetteville’s annual Wizard Weekend starting this Friday…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From VISIT MOUNTAINEER COUNTRY – Ready to add Mountaineer Country to your biking bucket list? With 25+ exciting new gravel routes launching in spring 2025, there’s a route for every type of rider – from few-hour trips to multi-day adventurers.

Embark on a journey across Monongalia, Preston, and Taylor counties, with routes starting from or connecting popular spots like Morgantown, Mason Dixon Park, Bruceton Mills, Masontown, Terra Alta, Rowlesburg and Grafton.

These routes offer diverse terrain and endless adventure. Expect a mix of unpaved gravel, dirt roads, double tracks, and rail trails. From challenging climbs to thrilling descents, each route promises a unique blend of West Virginia’s history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Read more:

https://www.visitmountaineercountry.com/gravelroutes/

#2 – From GENERATION WV – West Virginia has long been celebrated for its stunning landscapes, close-knit communities, and rich cultural heritage. Yet, for years, young professionals in the Mountain State have faced a pressing challenge: finding fulfilling career opportunities that empower them to grow without leaving their home state.

This is where the Generation West Virginia (GWV) Fellowship steps in. By offering fellows access to meaningful mentorship, leadership training, and skill-building workshops, the program bridges the gap between ambition and opportunity. Fellows gain more than just career insights—they develop a network of like-minded peers and mentors invested in their success and the future of West Virginia.

Applications for the 2025 Fellowship Cohort are open until March 16, 2025. To learn more and apply, visit https://generationwv.org/our-work/fellowship/apply/

Read more:

https://generationwv.org/the-power-of-professional-development-retaining-young-talent-in-west-virginia/

#3 – From WVVA-TV – Get set for a magical time as Fayetteville prepares for its annual Wizard Weekend on January 24-26.

The New River Gorge town will transform itself into a wizarding village with food, entertainment and other activities. Event highlights include a falconry demonstration, wizardry school, artisan workshops and more. 

To view a schedule of events and activities, check out VisitFayetevilleWV.com

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2025/01/14/fayettevilles-wizard-weekend-dates-announced/

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. 21, 2025.

Ruby Memorial Hospital is recruiting high school seniors and recent grads for its Project SEARCH internship…Chestnut Hill Candle Company fills the room with West Virginia-made aromas…and get free seeds through the 2025 Grow This: West Virginia Garden Challenge…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – Project SEARCH at WVU Medicine J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital is recruiting interns for its 2025-2026 class.

The program is an internship experience for high school seniors or recently graduated students with mild and moderate special needs. The program was first established at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 1996, and WVU Hospitals is the first Project SEARCH site in West Virginia.

Once accepted into the program, student interns report to Ruby Memorial Hospital instead of their home school district classroom for the entire school year.

Applications are due April 1 and can be requested through high school guidance counselors and local county Departments of Rehabilitation Service.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/wvumedicine/project-search-accepting-applications/article_50f00420-d281-11ef-ac8e-9b91e088f8c0.html

#2 – From WV LIVING – With just the strike of a match, you can fill a room with festive aromas crafted in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.

Missy and Dave Severs launched Chestnut Hill Candle Company, featuring a clean-burning, natural soy blend formula.

There are more than 115 Chestnut Hill candle fragrances. Other products include wax potpourri, outdoor-only citronella candles, and air fresheners.

Chestnut Hill candles light up homes around the world—the Severses ship products from the Chester warehouse to points across the globe. Despite its worldwide reach, the company’s primary focus is local, and its bread and butter is fundraising projects.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/lighting-the-way/

#3 – From WV NEWS – West Virginia residents can now sign up for free seeds as part of the 2025 Grow This: West Virginia Garden Challenge. 

An initiative of the WVU Extension Service, the program is designed to help gardeners of all experience levels, from beginners to experts. Throughout the growing season, participants receive educational resources, including gardening tips, tasks, and updates through the Grow This newsletter.

The program provides free seeds, including chives, mesclun lettuce, and pickling cucumbers, to participants while supplies last. 

Signing up early is recommended, as the seeds are expected to go quickly. Residents can also join the Grow This Throwdown, where counties compete for grant funding to support local agricultural projects.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/grow-this-free-seeds-and-gardening-challenge-for-west-virginia-residents-in-2025/article_73079e1e-d1fb-11ef-9943-ff44c8f8649b.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, Jan. 20, 2025.

Citizen’s Police Academy offers the opportunity to learn valuable skills in safety, first aid and more…plans are underway to grow Bridgeport’s network of walking and hiking trails…and learn about Nitro’s explosive (literally!) past…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT – Starting Wednesday Jan. 22 and continuing until March 12, the City of Bridgeport will once again be holding the 2025 Citizen's Police Academy.

The Wednesday evening class is led by the Bridgeport Police Department. Those taking part will learn about various processes in law enforcement. Students will also gain valuable skills with lessons in defensive tactics, firearm safety, CPR and first aid. 

Register now for the opportunity to serve your community in the Volunteers in Police Services Organization.

Read more:

https://www.connect-bridgeport.com/connect.cfm?func=view§ion=News&item=Registration-Still-Being-Taken-for-City-of-Bridgeports-2025-Citizen-Police-Academy-that-Begins-in-January57951

#2 – From CONNECT-BRIDGEPORT – If you live in the Bridgeport area, get out and enjoy the city’s trails! Bridgeport’s walking and hiking trails offer scenic views and convenient access across the city.

The city’s trail systems are widely used by locals, according to Joe Shuttleworth, director of Bridgeport Parks and Recreation.

Shuttleworth highlighted the appeal of the trails at Deegan and Hinkle Lakes Park, noting their scenic beauty and shaded paths, which provide comfort during the summer months.

The campus of The Bridge Sports Complex also features a fully off-road trail. Development plans include additional trails once two new fields at the complex are completed.

Plans are underway to enhance the city’s trail systems, Shuttleworth added.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/theet/theet/news/exploring-bridgeports-trails-a-hub-for-recreation-and-community-growth/article_692164c6-cdea-11ef-8d0f-5b3dc7a001c3.html

#3 – From WOWK-TV –  Now one of West Virginia’s industrial hubs, the City of Nitro that lies along the Kanawha River was born from the manufacturing needs of World War I, which helped give it its name.

Facing shortages during the war, Congress passed an act to aid the construction of three new gunpowder plants. Looking for places that had a favorable climate, raw materials, easy access to transportation and was safe from coastal attacks, engineers with the DuPont Company selected the area that would become Nitro.

Hercules Powder initiated the groundbreaking for the Nitro chemical plant, called Explosives Plant C, at the site of present day Nitro City Park on December 23, 1917. The facility itself would be capable of producing around 700,000 pounds of gunpowder.

Around 110,000 people were on the payroll during the plant’s eleven month construction period. Those working on the project included future movie star Clark Gable and future baseball star Pie Traynor.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/how-the-city-of-nitro-got-its-name/

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. 19, 2025.

Fiesta Dinnerware collectors, heads up! The WV-based company releases its new color for 2025…West Virginia University debuts a program to help students with tuition and fees…and a restaurant opening in Fairlea serves up feel-good food…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV – West Virginia-based company Fiesta Dinnerware has announced its new color for 2025. 

The cream-colored Linen is meant to celebrate the craft of pottery. Company officials describe it as contemporary, elegant and versatile. 

Limited items in Linen are now available to purchase from Fiesta’s Factory Direct website .

Last year, the limited items for the 2024 color, Sky, sold out quickly, so those interested in purchasing limited items for 2025 should act fast. The rest of the Linen collection will be available starting April 28.

The company, now known as the Fiesta Tableware Company, has operated in West Virginia since 1907, following trends of color and introducing new styles of the collectible dishes each year.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/new-2025-fiesta-dinnerware-color-is-here/

#2 – From WCHS-TV – A new program to help college students cover tuition and fees for West Virginia University is in the works for fall 2025.

The WVU Guarantee program will be open for resident undergraduate students within the university’s system who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and have a family-adjusted gross income of $65,000 or less.

University officials said the program will combine with other financial aid to break down barriers for higher education.

Students who complete the FAFSA by Aug. 1 will be evaluated for eligibility.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/wvu-guarantee-program-aims-to-help-cover-tuition-and-fees-for-west-virginia-students#

#3 – From THE REAL WV – There’s a new restaurant opening in Fairlea. Coco’s will be the place you can eat after a good workout and go home feeling good, according to owner Abby Bashlor. She says everything will be made in house or bought locally.

Named in honor of her miniature schnauzer, Coco’s will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner five days a week. Breakfast items will include burritos, egg bakes, sandwiches, quiches, and muffins. Lunch and dinner items will include sandwiches, soups, specials, and baked goods. Plus, a smoothie station will include fresh fruits and add-ons such as protein and collagen. 

Coco’s is located inside Nova Jiu Jitsu, a growing athletic academy for kids and adults in the Greenbrier Valley. While the eatery will be available to Nova’s athletes, it’s intended as a community space that is open to the public.  

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2025/01/15/cocos-coming-soon-to-fairlea-will-serve-feel-good-food/

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, Jan. 18, 2025.

West Virginia’s giant salamander population serves as a monitor to the Mountain State’s water quality…West Virginia Northern Community College receives a federal grant to support manufacturing education…and Weirton residents gear up for the tastiest event of the year: Weirton Restaurant Week…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – Beneath the surface of clean-flowing streams in West Virginia, a multitude of strange creatures lurk, but none is perhaps more shocking to encounter than the hellbender.

Also known as the devil dog, the mud devil, and the Allegheny alligator, its names testify to the strangeness of what turns out to be a giant aquatic salamander. These strange creatures thrive in only the most healthy streams. They are thus indicators of poor water quality, a concern in parts of West Virginia where the hellbender lives.

Due to the impact of disease and habitat loss, the animal is listed as a vulnerable species though groups like the New River Conservancy. The conservancy is urging people in the New River watershed and beyond to comment on a proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to designate it as endangered.

“Not only does the presence of hellbenders indicate the rivers we rely on for drinking water are clean,” says Andrew Downs, executive director of the conservancy, “but this sometimes-strange-looking and beautiful creature is part of the identity of our region.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2025/01/07/monster-hellbenders-hiding-west-virginia-streams/

#2 – From WEIRTON DAILY TIMES – West Virginia Northern Community College has been awarded $1.5 million as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s $65 million Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grant initiative. WVNCC is one of only 18 institutions nationwide, and the only recipient in West Virginia, to receive this funding.

The grant will fund WVNCC’s M.A.P.S. 2.0: Manufacturing and Production Skills Pathway for the 21st Century. The program is a next-generation, industry-aligned skills pathway designed to support the revitalized manufacturing and production industries in West Virginia’s Northern Panhandle.

This initiative aims to build workforce education and training capacity in the Ohio River Valley region, focusing on sustainable and scalable change to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and next generation energy.

Read more:

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2025/01/west-virginia-northern-community-college-receives-1-5-million-federal-grant/

#3 – From WEIRTON DAILY TIMES – Area residents are encouraged to seek out some local flavor during Weirton Restaurant Week.

Scheduled from Feb. 2-8, Weirton Restaurant Week is being organized by the Top of West Virginia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Weirton Area Chamber of Commerce as a way to celebrate the local dining scene.

Representatives of the CVB and Chamber are in the process of contacting eateries who are members of either of the two organizations to participate, with a goal of having at least 10 set to take part.

Read more:

https://www.weirtondailytimes.com/news/local-news/2025/01/cvb-chamber-team-up-for-restaurant-week/

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. 17, 2025.

Farmers in the Northern Panhandle, you may be eligible for assistance from last summer’s drought…Putnam County receives a federal grant to grow its housing market to suit demands for a rapidly expanding business economy…and, need some R&R time? these relaxing retreats in Almost Heaven will have you sighing with happiness…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTOV9-TV –  The Northern Panhandle Conservation District is actively promoting a program designed to assist West Virginia farmers affected by the summer drought.

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program, facilitated through the Department of Agriculture, aims to provide compensation to eligible livestock producers in Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall counties who experienced grazing losses during the summer and fall drought.

Livestock farmers are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency to determine eligibility and apply in person by the Jan. 30 deadline.

Read more:

https://wtov9.com/news/local/west-virginia-farmers-urged-to-apply-for-drought-relief-program#

#2 – From HERALD-DISPATCH –  The Putnam County Development Authority has received a $5 million grant through the state’s Economic Enhancement Grant Fund to address the area’s housing needs.

The grant, awarded by the West Virginia Water Development Authority, will be used to assist in building more than 600 residential units proposed in the Hurricane and Fraziers Bottom areas.

A recent study showed that more housing was needed in the regions, especially with the new addition of the Nucor plant in neighboring Mason County and job opportunities at Toyota Manufacturing in Buffalo. 

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/putnam_news/putnam-development-authority-given-5-million-for-housing/article_af45f000-cd33-11ef-b7cf-9b8fe7efaa71.html

#3 – From WORLD ATLAS – When you think of wellness retreats, it turns out you can find many of them right here in Almost Heaven, home to what is sometimes called “America's First Spa,” the town of Berkeley Springs. 

The hot springs at what is now known as Berkeley Springs State Park have drawn visitors from near and far for centuries. While the Eastern Panhandle retreat might be known as West Virginia’s oldest spa, the Mountain State is home to many venues where you can escape to relax and soak in the beauty of nature, from the spa at Wheeling’s Ogelbay Resort to the outdoor recreation paradise of the New River Gorge National Park. 

Learn more at World Atlas, and check out wvtourism.com to start planning your next getaway!

Read more:

https://www.worldatlas.com/places/8-best-wellness-retreats-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.