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

Today is Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

The Professional Women’s Network in Charleston hosts a luncheon honoring women in the military…Form Energy transforms Weirton into a robust manufacturing center…and, get some sage advice from some of WV’s top innovators and entrepreneurs…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CAA – Join the Charleston Area Alliance’s Elevations Professional Women’s Network Luncheon at Embassy Suites on Nov. 13 as they kick off the “Her Service, Her Story: Women Shaping the Military” panel discussion.

Speakers include Brigadier General Michaelle Munger, Major Caroline Muriama, Lee Ann Haley (Former Army Captain) and Mara Boggs (Former Army Major).

Register now!

Learn more:

https://business.charlestonareaalliance.org/events/details/elevations-luncheon-featuring-women-in-military-panel-november-2024-5737

#2 – From FAST COMPANY – Last April, when a tin mill closed in Weirton, it was the last remaining part of what was once a sprawling steel works. Over the last five decades, as the American steel industry declined, the town lost thousands of jobs.

But in July, a new factory -- Form Energy -- opened on the same site and started to bring hundreds of jobs back. Instead of turning iron into steel, it uses the metal to make a new type of battery. This new battery is designed to store energy for around for days--something the standard lithium-ion batteries can’t do economically.

The project has helped begin to transform the town of Weirton, which spent more than a century centered on the steel works. Form Energy’s factory has more than 300 employees now, and plans to have at least 750 by 2028. 

Read more:

https://www.fastcompany.com/91215982/in-west-virginia-a-former-steel-mill-is-now-home-to-a-cutting-edge-battery-plant

#3 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Don't miss our guests’ wisdom, advice, and hard-learned lessons in Season 1 of Innovators and Entrepreneurs! 

Innovators and Entrepreneurs is a bi-weekly segment of the daily304 that features discussions and wisdom from West Virginians who have built their companies and launched new ideas here in the Mountain State.

Subscribe to the daily304 YouTube channel so you don’t miss an episode, and don’t forget to give us a like!

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckgNpkh-Ag4

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, Nov. 3, 2024.

The U.S. Department of Energy invests $44 million to develop a carbon storage hub in Marshall County…WV students are invited to create Santa themed ornaments to be displayed at the State Capitol…and Amazon taps Shepherd University as an education partner…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTRF-TV – A $44 million investment from the Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management will go to the development of a carbon storage hub in Marshall County that will serve West Virginia and surrounding states.

This location was chosen due to its proximity to projects planned as part of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub. Advanced Resources International intends to investigate the development of a carbon storage hub comprising two adjacent operating areas in Belmont County, Ohio and Marshall County, West Virginia.

Marshall County Commission President Mike Ferro says he will be pushing for local tradesmen to fill the jobs needed for construction.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/west-virginia-to-get-44m-to-develop-a-carbon-storage-hub/

#2 – From WCHS-TV – Students in West Virginia have been invited to show holiday cheer by creating Santa ornaments for the 2024 First Lady Student Ornament Competition.

All classrooms are welcome to submit a Santa themed ornament to be displayed at the West Virginia Capitol Complex for the annual Joyful Night celebration.

Winners from each division will receive gift cards. The winning ornaments also will be added to the permanent collection at the West Virginia State Museum. 

Public school, private school and homeschooled students and classes who wish to submit an ornament must do so by Nov. 22.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/students-encouraged-to-create-santa-themed-ornaments-to-be-displayed-at-the-capitol#

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Shepherd University has been selected as an education partner by Amazon, which will provide its hourly employees access to more than 80 majors and concentrations through the school.

Shepherd University President Mary Hendrix said the program provides students with various education opportunities, including pre-paid college tuition, industry certifications designed to lead to in-demand jobs, and foundational skills such as English language proficiency, high school diplomas, and GEDs.

According to Tammy Thieman, director of Career Development Programs at Amazon, the program has a rigorous selection process that chooses partners like Shepherd that focus on helping employees through their education programs, assisting them with job placements, and offering education that leads to career success.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/10/24/amazon-selects-shepherd-university-for-career-training-program/

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, Nov. 2, 2024.

A $9.8 million grant will help create a first-of-its-kind electric battery plant in Bridgeport…a new educational program will teach outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship to Mercer County 5th graders…and get your skis ready--Snowshoe Mountain opens for the season on Nov. 27…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV – A Bridgeport-area company has been awarded a $9.8 million grant to create a new battery plant and train coal miners to work in it.

The Associated Press reported back in 2022 that Sparkz planned to build an electric battery factory in Taylor County off U.S. Route 50 near Bridgeport in the 482,000-square-foot AGC glass factory that closed in 2009.

The Department of Energy said that Sparkz has been selected to begin contract negotiations with the government for the project, which is expected to create 75 new jobs in the area. As part of the project, Sparkz has signed a neutrality agreement with the United Mine Workers of America to provide training to former coal workers.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/taylor/9-8-million-grant-will-help-create-first-of-its-kind-battery-plant-in-taylor-county/

#2 – From WVVA-TV – A new educational program was announced for Mercer County Schools, and aims to teach 5th-graders responsible outdoor recreation habits and environmental stewardship.

According to Visit Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau, the new initiative is in partnership with the West Virginia Department of Tourism and the West Virginia Department of Education, and is titled “Leave No Trace.” 

In 45-minute sessions, students will learn how to minimize their impact on nature, respect wildlife, and practice sustainability while exploring.

The goal of the program is to connect students with the outdoors and educate them on the importance of preserving nature for locals and visitors.

Read more:

https://www.wvva.com/2024/10/22/outdoor-education-program-coming-mercer-county-schools/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Snowshoe Mountain ski resort will open for its 50th anniversary on Nov. 27, weather permitting.

The announcement follows the region’s first snowfall, which descended on the mountain, one of the highest peaks in the Allegheny Mountains, in mid-October.

Resort spokesman Shawn Cassell said planning for ski season, a year-round endeavor, reaches a crescendo with the first snow.

A 50th Anniversary Celebration is planned for Dec. 19-22.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/10/16/snowshoe-mountain-ski-resort-2024-opening-day/

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, Nov. 1, 2024.

A historic manufacturing site in Charleston is undergoing a major overhaul to focus on new economic opportunities…the Appalachian Regional Commission invests nearly $2 million to help connect Mon Forest Towns and promote outdoor recreation tourism…and Appalachian comfort food meets wild game at a new restaurant in Barboursville…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From STATE JOURNAL – A coalition of city, state and private partners is well on its way toward transforming a massive manufacturing facility on Charleston's East End into a center focused on new economic opportunities.

The 9-acre, 110,000-square-foot former home of Kanawha Manufacturing is being overhauled and renovated to become the Charleston LIFT (Learning, Innovation, Food & Technology) Center.

The initiative is seeded by funds from the $62.8 million federal grant received by the Appalachian Climate Technologies Coalition (ACT Now Coalition) from the American Rescue Plan Act.

According to Andrew Dunlap, director of economic development for the Charleston Area Alliance, there are already three committed tenants for the new facility: Marshall University's Green Battery Research Institute, a food hub/commercial kitchen space and a vocational training center for the Coal Development Corporation.

“We’re going to have just under 20,000 square feet for a future tenant or tenants,” Dunpap said. “We’re out there actively marketing that space right now.”

Read more:

https://www.statejournal.com/news/historic-manufacturing-site-in-charleston-west-virginia-undergoing-multi-million-overhaul/article_56ce12cb-744c-5e2f-984f-76e5c81aaa8f.html

#2 – From WAJR – The Appalachian Regional Commission has awarded nearly $2 million through the POWER Initiative to Woodlands Community Lender on behalf of Mon Forest Towns Partnership for a series of projects to connect towns with the Monongahela National Forest.

The investment will help train workers, advance new industries, and build upon the progress toward a brighter future full of economic opportunity in the region.

The Mon Forest Towns Partnership is part of a $68.2 million award package and will help develop outdoor recreation economies for 12 coal-impacted communities in eight counties of Monongahela National Forest, according to Executive Director Josh Nease.

“We want to promote the region as a cohesive tourism and recreation destination,” Nease said. “It will also advance our work to firmly establish each town as a gateway to the Monongahela National Forest.”

The 12 towns and the partnership have been working on projects to make the forest more accessible in the Monongahela National Forest region, including Cowen, Davis, Durbin, Elkins, Franklin, Marlinton, Parsons, Petersburg, Richwood, Seneca Rocks, Thomas, and White Sulphur Springs.

Read more:

https://wajr.com/2024/10/16/arc-invests-in-mon-forest-towns-through-the-power-initiative/

#3 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – A mixture of Appalachian comfort food and wild game makes Bruno’s Spotted Hare “wild and wonderful.”

The Barboursville restaurant opened Aug. 28 with a seasonal menu that includes roasted duck breast, fried catfish, leg of rabbit and venison ragu.

Owner and chef Bruno Young trained as a sous chef in Chicago before returning to West Virginia, where he helped open the original Huntington Prime. Young said he was inspired to make Bruno’s menu Apaplachian-themed but inspired by international flavors.

To learn more, check out Bruno’s Spotted Hare on Facebook.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/features_entertainment/dining_guide/brunos-spotted-hares-appalachian-comfort-food-is-wild-and-wonderful/article_97fb8288-8a9a-11ef-9a48-c7f8c3a8ffbf.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 Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024  

A partnership between Marshall University and Bridge Valley CTC will help students continue their education…Form Energy announces another expansion at its Weirton location…and check out the 10 most haunted places in West Virginia -- if you dare…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WOWK-TV – Marshall University and BridgeValley Community and Technical College are teaming up to continue students’ education.

Marshall’s President Brad Smith and BridgeValley President Casey Sachs signed an agreement that will help students to seamlessly continue their education at MU after graduation.

BridgeValley students who graduate with an Associate of Applied Sciences degree can transfer up to 72 credit hours towards a Bachelors of Applied Sciences degree from MU.

Students will have hands-on experience with faculty mentors and professional interactions. Sachs says this partnership highlights the value of collaboration in preparing students for the future.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2024/10/15/marshall-university-partners-with-bridgevalley-community-technical-college-help-students-continue-their-education/

#2 – From WV NEWS –  Only a few weeks after celebrating its Weirton-based manufacturing facility moving into trial production, Form Energy has announced it is time to grow even more.

Construction on Form Factory 1 — Form Energy’s high-volume manufacturing facility —was completed in September. Now, construction to expand that complex is set to begin in the coming days.

The expansion, which Form Energy officials anticipate being complete by the end of 2025, will allow the company to scale up production and delivery of its iron-air battery and hire more employees.

The company previously set a goal of having 750 workers at the Weirton factory by 2028.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/form-energy-west-virginia-facility-ready-for-expansion-company-says/article_e48306de-8b36-11ef-84f4-db8422f1899a.html

#3 – From WOWK-TV –  Are you ready for a good scare? From haunted prisons, hotels and hospitals, to shrieking and shadow figures in the woods, the Mountain State is filled with chilling tales of the paranormal.

Visitors to the old Frederick Hotel in Huntington have reported numerous paranormal encounters. Opened as a hotel in 1906, the building now houses apartments and offices…and maybe even a ghost or two.

At the Sam Black Church exit off I-64, a roadside marker details the story of Zona Heaster Shue, whose ghost returned to help convict her murderer. Known as “The Greenbrier Ghost,” she is laid to rest in a nearby church cemetery.

In Harpers Ferry, visitors and locals alike have encountered their share of ghosts, including the specter of the famous abolitionist John Brown. The town also is the home of the oldest walking ghost tour in the country.

Head over to WOWK’s website to learn about more hauntings in Almost Heaven, Ghostly West Virginia.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/mountain-state-ghost-tales-10-haunted-places-in-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 Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024.

Get a jump start on your trade career with a new savings program for West Virginians…Constellium partners with a Jackson County elementary school to compete in a nationwide recycling program…and Ascend WV helps launch exciting events like the Whizzbangers Ball…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV JUMPSTART – The Jumpstart Savings Program is a state-administered career savings account designed specifically for current and future members of the skilled workforce in West Virginia.

Account owners may be able to save for tools, supplies, equipment, licensing and certification, and other business costs while enjoying special state tax advantages.

Learn more about the program at wvjumpstart.com. You’ll find informative information on financial literacy for skilled workers, tips for maximizing your Jumpstart Savings account, building your West Virginia trade career and more. 

Whether you’re looking to grow your business, or just getting ready to go out on your own, the Jumpstart Savings Program serves West Virginia trade professionals throughout every stage of their careers.

Read more:

https://wvjumpstart.com/what-is-jumpstart/blog

#2 – From WOWK-TV –  Fairplain Elementary School has partnered with Constellium in a national recycling competition. The Jackson County School hopes to win enough money to replace its playground equipment and also teach students about the environment.

Participating schools in the Two Million Cans Recycling Contest aim to collect two million cans. Fairplain is the only school in West Virginia with the honor of participating.

Those interested in dropping off their cans can visit the school and drop them off at the RJ Recycling drop-off spot. The competition ends in April.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/jackson-county-wv/recycling-aluminum-is-like-magic-jackson-county-elementary-school-recycling-2-million-cans-to-get-new-playground/

#3 – From WING 2 WING – The Ascend WV program has led to the creation of new businesses and events that truly showcase the state’s vibrant communities and its spirit of inclusivity. 

The program—which encourages talented professionals to relocate and build their lives in West Virginia—has helped launch exciting events like the Whizzbangers Ball. 

Organized by Ascend Greenbrier Valley alum Ben Isenberg and Greenbrier Ascend Coordinator Ryan King, the music festival drew more than 5,000 attendees to the Summit Bechtel Reserve at its inaugural event in June.

But the Whizzbangers Ball was more than just a festival—it was a community-driven event that celebrated the very essence of West Virginia and its people. Attendees enjoyed outdoor activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and archery, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the region and connecting with the individuals that make this place so special. 

Read more:

https://wing2wingfoundation.org/updates/ascend-wv-business-growth-and-community/

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.

The facility’s very name informs us that the hospital was both built in antebellum Virginia and in an era when views about mental health were much less sophisticated. But there’s even more to the story than meets the eye in this landmark structure and its long history.  

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk about the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mike Friel, Director of Communications at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, shares the interesting history, as well as, highlights of the event and why it’s so important. 

Now in its 11th year, the organization (and the event) recognizes and celebrates innovation in manufacturing and will include activities, demonstrations, and exhibits from creators, students, inventors, and entrepreneurs. There will be competitions for prizes and live music, too. 

The 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival is free and open to everyone. You can find more information here: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/2024-west-virginia-makes-festival/

Follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/marshallumfg/

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

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024.

Learn how West Virginia’s rural areas can benefit from early implementation of Advanced Air Mobility…Toyota West Virginia helps build careers for people with disabilities…and did you know the Mountain State is home to one of the longest caves in the U.S.? Check it out on today’s daily304.

#1 – From VERTX PARTNERS – History repeatedly reveals the advantages of early action in budding fields. Vertx Partners demonstrates why it’s important for West Virginia to adopt Advanced Air Mobility early,  particularly in the niche of rural AAM.

Companies like Wisk and Joby are heralding a new era of transportation as each ramps up its first passenger test flights.

By acting swiftly – implementing AAM-friendly policies, establishing AAM K-16 curriculum, etc. –  West Virginia establishes itself as a pioneer in AAM adoption, attracting investment, businesses, and talent.

As Vertx has discussed before, the economic benefits of AAM adoption are manifold and far-reaching. By embracing this transformative technology, West Virginia unlocks unprecedented opportunities for job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue generation. 

Read more:

https://vertxpartners.org/the-importance-of-capitalizing-on-aam-early/

#2 – From TOYOTA.COM – Delbert Lemley comes to work at Toyota West Virginia three days a week. He badges in at the security gate, walks to his work area, takes a seat at a small gray-top table and begins assembling vacuum regulating valves.

Lemley, 51, is part of Toyota West Virginia’s Partnership for Adults with Disabilities, a growing, collaborative effort with local healthcare providers that help identify jobs for individuals with disabilities. 

Lemley grew up helping his uncle work on cars and had dreams of opening his own automotive repair shop. But a series of setbacks led to homelessness and mental health problems.

With help, he was able to get back on his feet and now he’s working at Toyota. Along with the rest of the crew in Partnership for Adults with Disabilities, Lemley and his coworkers have assembled more than 2 million parts, including wire sensors, oil jets and gaskets.

Read more:

https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-helps-build-careers-for-everyone/

#3 – From WOWK-TV – West Virginia is home to many caves for explorers to navigate. It just so happens that one of them is the sixth-longest cave in the U.S. 

Considered to be the longest cave in West Virginia, Friars Hole Cave has eight entrances along Droop Mountain in Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties.

The privately owned cave consists of 45 miles of mapped passages. The entire cave system is around 52 miles long and contains 11 known entrances.

During the Civil War, parts of the cave were used for mining saltpeter, a practice in West Virginia caves that dates as far back as 1776. 

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/the-longest-cave-in-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 Monday, Oct. 28, 2024.

Tune in to The History Project to learn about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia…learn how Ascend WV members like KX Strategies are empowering leaders in their local communities…and What Makes You Wonderful gets the scoop on the 2024 Governor’s Energy Summit…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – Perfectly centered among the Eastern states, West Virginia is where the thresholds of the North, South and Midwest all converge with the Appalachian Mountains, to tell the history of our nation in microcosm. 

Major events like the Revolutionary and Civil wars, and famous people ranging from Daniel Boone to Katherine Johnson, mix with the rich heritage of Native Americans and men and women of all colors who reshaped the world and serve as guides through the American story.

Tune in to The History Project to learn more about the famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbTIXU2Zp-KnEBhoV5DtNVm19YEc1zbPm

#2 – From WING 2 WING – In the heart of West Virginia, a remarkable story of collaboration, innovation, and community is unfolding, thanks to the connections and opportunities fostered by Ascend WV.

This unique program—which encourages talented professionals to relocate and build their lives in West Virginia—has not only led to personal transformations but also to the creation of new businesses and events that showcase the state’s vibrant, thriving communities and its tenacious spirit of inclusivity.

Ascend WV members Leon Kaye and Nick Lennox’s journey to West Virginia began in November 2023 when they both moved to Elkins from California and Massachusetts, respectively. Kaye and Lennox are the founders of KX Strategies, a communications advisory firm that works with organizations in sectors ranging from energy and technology to supporting West Virginia’s growing outdoor economy. 

Learn more about how KX Strategies leverages its strengths to empower leaders of organizations to do better—not just in their own businesses—but in their local communities and society as a whole.

Read more:

https://wing2wingfoundation.org/updates/ascend-wv-business-growth-and-community/

#3 – From WMYW – On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we speak with West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati about the 2024 Governor's Energy Summit. 

Preservati explains how this event brings together leaders from the energy sector to explore ways to leverage West Virginia's resources for economic growth.

The summit is October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center 

To find out more you can visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website at energy wv.org.

Listen now:

https://daily304.libsyn.com/wmyw-and-the-2024-wv-governors-energy-summit

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.