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

Today is Thursday, November 13, 2025.

#1 – From WV TOURISM - Paranormal Trail Connects Ghostly Sites Across WV

Halloween may be over, but it's not too late to experience a little spooky fun. West Virginia's Paranormal Trail guides visitors to more than 20 haunted and mysterious destinations statewide, from old asylums to mine shafts and haunted hotels. All you have to do is register for a digital passport, check in at each location, and unlock prizes—from stickers and keyrings to a limited-edition lantern. Sign up now! Learn more: wvtourism.com/west-virginia-paranormal-trail

#2 – From MU ADV MFG - Blenko Glass Infuses Craft with Smart Manufacturing in Milton

In Milton, Blenko Glass Company is merging its century-old tradition of hand-blown glass with advanced manufacturing techniques—such as CNC machining and hybrid production—to remain competitive. With support from the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, the company trained staff on new equipment while preserving the artistry of glass blowing. Read more: mfg.marshall.edu/blenko-infuses-glassmaking-with-advanced-manufacturing-techniques

#3 – From WV STATE PARKS - Pet-Friendly Parks & Trails Expand Access Across WV

West Virginia's outdoor offerings aren't just for humans—many state parks and forest trails now welcome leashed dogs, offering pet-friendly cabins, cottages and hiking access. With the trend toward dog-inclusive travel, parks like Blackwater Falls State Park, Babcock State Park and others have expanded amenities for animals and owners alike. Visit West Virginia State Parks online and book your pet friendly stay today! Learn more: wvstateparks.com/pet-friendly-vacation

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, November 12, 2025.

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY - Micro-Mill Investment: CMC Builds Big in Berkeley County

The Commercial Metals Company has committed about $450 million to build a state-of-the-art micro-mill in Berkeley County, expected to create around 230 full-time jobs. The facility will produce approximately 500,000 tons of rebar annually, using 100% recycled steel and electric-powered operations. This investment underscores West Virginia's appeal for advanced manufacturing and its evolving role in the supply chain.

Read more: eda.wv.gov – How the WVEDA Helped CMC Metals Bring a State-of-the-Art Micro Mill to West Virginia

#2 – From WV EXPLORER - Historic Theaters Revived: Cultural Engines in Rural WV

Across West Virginia, old movie houses and theaters once central to community life are being repurposed — restored as performance venues, cinemas, and hubs for town revitalization. These venues are not only preserving architectural heritage but also generating tourism, supporting local businesses, and anchoring downtown renewal in smaller communities. From the Robey Theatre in Spencer to the Star Theatre in Berkeley Springs, the effort is helping revive rural culture in the Mountain State.

Read more: wvexplorer.com – Historic Movie Theaters in West Virginia: Reviving a Cultural Legacy in Rural Areas

#3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK - Tri-Share Childcare: A Model for Workforce & Family Support in WV

The "Tri-Share" model now piloted in West Virginia splits the cost of childcare between the state, employers, and parents — helping parents stay in the workforce, easing cost burdens, and stabilizing providers. Early implementation in eight counties shows promise, especially in industries facing staffing shortages, such as health care. As workforce participation remains low in the state, this approach is gaining attention as a scalable solution.

Read more: wvbusinesslink.com – How West Virginia's Tri-Share Model is Closing the Child-Care Gap

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, November 11, 2025.

#1 – From WV TOURISM - Mountain Coaster Adventure Near Princeton

At Brush Creek Holl'r just outside Princeton, visitors now have access to a state-of-the-art mountain coaster stretching more than 3,400 feet through the woods, reaching speeds up to 30 mph. The ride operates year-round with a covered track that handles rain or snow, giving thrill-seekers a new reason to explore West Virginia's scenic terrain. It brings together adventure, lodging, and fall foliage — building on the state's outdoor-tourism momentum.

Learn more: wvtourism.com/this-new-mountain-coaster-is-a-must-try-this-autumn-in-west-virginia

#2 – From WV EXPLORER - Exploring the Criel Mound: Ancient Legacy in South Charleston

In South Charleston lies the Criel Mound, a prehistoric earthwork tied to the Adena culture, where multiple burials have been found including a central figure surrounded by others in a spoke-like pattern. While legends once spoke of "giants," modern archaeology emphasizes the mound's role in understanding centuries-old indigenous societies and the importance of preserving these sites. The mound stands as a compelling intersection of history, myth and modern exploration—as well as a reminder of West Virginia's deep roots.

Read more: wvexplorer.com/criel-mound-south-charleston-west-virginia-lost-tribe-giants

#3 – From WV NEWS - Ripley CVB Shines a Light on Small-Town Tourism

In Jackson County, the Ripley Convention & Visitors Bureau continues its mission to promote the town's unique assets—from festivals to regional heritage sites to outdoor recreation. By cultivating tourism and community events, Ripley is working to engage visitors, support local businesses, and strengthen the regional economy. It's an example of how smaller communities in West Virginia are leveraging their character and stories to invite exploration and stay-longer visits.

Read more: wvnews.com/cvb-continues-its-mission-to-promote-and-shine-a-light-on-ripley

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.

One of the Big Four tycoons who built the Transcontinental Railroad, Huntington developed the C&O Railway, connecting Newport News, Virginia to a city he created along the Ohio River in West Virginia and named for himself and transformed the industrial age.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TA3NNiDPhyk

It's time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy "Weekend in Memphis" by Grace Campbell! Want to hear more? Check out our website at https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/

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

Today is Thursday, November 6, 2025.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS - Ride Through the Sky to Pipestem's Mountain Creek Lodge

At Pipestem Resort State Park, visitors can stay riverside at Mountain Creek Lodge — but it's accessible only by an aerial tram that travels nearly 3,500 feet from the canyon rim down into the Bluestone Gorge. The newly reopened tram system, re-imagined and ADA-accessible, blends innovation and nature and reinforces West Virginia's outdoor-destination appeal. The lodge and tram experience highlight how the Mountain State is transforming its natural assets into unique tourism opportunities.

Read more: wvstateparks.com/reaching-this-lodge-requires-a-ride-through-the-sky

#2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Wheeling's Warwood Tool Keeps Making Tools the Old Way

Founded in 1854 and still operating in Wheeling, Warwood Tool continues manufacturing heavy-duty, industrial-grade hand tools in West Virginia — from axes and mauls to chisels and bars. With steel sourced from the U.S. and a skilled workforce that honors tradition, the company embodies the "made in America" ethos and underscores the strength of manufacturing in the Mountain State. Their ongoing success is a reminder that innovation and durability — forged in place — remain vital to West Virginia's economic story.

Read more: westvirginia.gov/industrial-grade-hand-forged-tools-made-right-here-in-yeswv-meet-warwood-tool

#3 – From WV BUSINESSLINK - WV's Tri-Share Model Helps Bridge the Childcare and Workforce Gap

In West Virginia, the "Tri-Share" model splits the cost of child care three ways — among the state, the employer, and the employee — offering a new solution for families, businesses, and care providers alike. By reducing the cost burden on parents and stabilizing the revenue for providers, the model helps employers retain workers and helps families return to the workforce — especially in regions facing child-care deserts. West Virginia's pilot program is being watched nationally as a blueprint for how public-private collaboration can address workforce participation and economic stability.

Read more: wvbusinesslink.com/how-west-virginias-tri-share-model-is-closing-the-child-care-gap

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, November 5, 2025.

#1 – From WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY - WVU Marks 50 Years of People-Moving Innovation

West Virginia University is honoring five decades of its iconic Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) system — a driverless, rubber-tired pod vehicle network linking its campuses and Morgantown's downtown. The PRT remains a unique example of automated transit in the U.S., moving students and community members while underscoring WVU's engineering legacy. As the system evolves, the milestone serves as both celebration and signal for continued investment in innovation and mobility in West Virginia.

Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2025/10/27/wvu-celebrates-5-decades-of-people-moving-prt-still-the-ride-of-the-future?utm_source=cision-news-release&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=general&utm_id=strat-comm&utm_content=gen1005

#2 – From NEWS & SENTINEL - Amazon Opens Last-Mile Facility in Davisville, WV

Amazon is establishing a new last-mile distribution hub in Davisville's Polymer Alliance Zone — a roughly 70,000-square-foot facility aimed at supporting faster delivery and rural job creation. While specific job counts haven't been announced yet, the site signals a big opportunity for Wood County and downstream logistics ecosystems in the Mountain State. Local leaders say the facility enhances the region's industrial appeal and positions West Virginia as a key node in nationwide supply chains.

Read more: newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2025/10/amazon-opening-last-mile-facility-in-davisville

#3 – From Marshall Parthenon - Huntington's Historic Theater Reopens with a Big Vision

The Keith-Albee Theater in Huntington — long a cornerstone of arts and architecture — is nearing reopening after extensive renovations and restoration efforts. With seating for 2,400 and upgraded facilities, the theater will complement the city's other major venues and help draw national tours, conventions and visitor spending. This revitalization signals a resurgence of downtown Huntington and illustrates how West Virginia communities are leveraging heritage sites for economic and cultural impact.

Read more: marshallparthenon.com/39949/news/a-bright-future-huntingtons-crown-jewel-to-reopen-repolished

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, November 4, 2025.

#1 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION - Needleseye Park Opens in Oak Hill, Highlighting WV Recreation

In Fayette County, the 281-acre Needleseye Park opens with 7.5 miles of multi-use trails, rock climbing areas, a disc-golf course and new outdoor amenities. Officials say the park elevates Oak Hill as a destination for adventure tourism and shows how West Virginia's landscapes can drive visitor growth. From beginner hikes to expert bike runs, the park offers something for locals and visitors alike.

Read more: wvpress.org/breaking-news/needleseye-park-gets-official-introduction

#2 – From GOLDMAN SACHS - Opportunity Alert: Goldman Sachs Rural Program and WV Business Owners

The Goldman Sachs "10,000 Small Businesses – Rural America" initiative is expanding access to its business-education and growth program — and West Virginia entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore eligibility. Qualifying businesses typically must have operated two or more years, employ at least two people (including the owner), and have revenue over approximately $75,000 in the prior fiscal year. For West Virginia business owners looking to scale, create jobs and access networks, this program presents a significant opportunity.

Read more: goldmansachs.com/community-impact/10000-small-businesses/us/news-and-program-information/growing-with-rural-america

#3 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL - WV DMV Launches Digital Driver's License & Mobile App

The West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles has rolled out its new digital driver's license and mobile application statewide. Drivers can now access a verified digital version of their state license on mobile devices, enabling easier identification and access to services with improved convenience and security. This modernization reflects West Virginia's commitment to digital access and government-service innovation.

Read more: wvgazettemail.com/news/kanawha_valley/west-virginia-dmv-digital-drivers-license-mobile-app-now-ready-for-use

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.

Many legends blaze trails loudly with a roar, but others, like Katherine Johnson, lead direction with a gentle whisper. After the release of the book and th film "Hidden Figures," the world learned about Johnson and her colleagues, the women who played a key role at NASA in America's space race.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JgcQTUQQDIw

It's time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy "Ain't The Brightest Bulb" by Dalchord! Want to hear more? Check out our website at https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/