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

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024 

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center plans to double the size of its South Charleston facility…a new Esports league forms for West Virginia middle and high school students…and foresters urges extra caution during Fall Fire Season…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MFG.MARSHALL – The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center has announced another major expansion, this one doubling the size of its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Center on the Marshall University South Charleston campus. 

MAMC also has been awarded more than $1 million by the U.S. Economic Development Administration to equip the new space with the latest manufacturing technology.

With 4,280 square feet of additional space, MAMC will be able to better serve existing clients as well as accommodate additional entrepreneurs and manufacturers, with more room for technical training and new technology.

Renovations on the former library space in South Charleston will begin this fall and are expected to be complete by spring.

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/24772-2/

#2 – From WDTV –  West Virginia Wesleyan Esports has been around since 2019. It was the first varsity program in the state, and the team offers scholarships. And now the team has partnered with schools to create an Esports league for middle and high school students.

Coaches say Esports are a win for kids. It helps them work on their team coordination, helps them build schedules and helps them with different technical skills, according to Ethan Hayes, West Virginia Wesleyan Esports coach.

The West Virginia Scholastic Esports League  is made up of schools across the state who will play against each other. Officials hope the league is eventually recognized by the state.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2024/09/30/wv-wesleyan-looking-grow-esports-across-state/

#3 – From METRO NEWS – It’s officially the beginning of Fall Fire Season in West Virginia, and the West Virginia Division of Forestry is laying out its yearly guidelines to keep citizens safe during potentially dry months.

According to Forestry Director Jeremy Jones, this past summer’s drought has led to more trees losing their leaves fast this fall. “We ask the public to help protect our beautiful forests and follow burning laws and to please be mindful of the weather and conditions we are facing this year.”

The Fall Fire Season will last from the beginning of October until December 31. During this time, outdoor burning is prohibited from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit wvforstry.com for more information on Fire Burning Guidelines.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/09/30/west-virginia-division-of-forestry-lays-out-guidelines-for-fall-fire-season/

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. 7, 2024 

Explore charming West Virginia towns in the fall…the West Virginia Penitentiary kicks off its annual Dungeon of Horrors haunted attraction…and check out some of the great concerts, festivals and sporting events coming to Charleston this fall…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WORLD ATLAS – As the days shorten and the air turns crisp, the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia transforms into a stunning mix of fiery reds, glowing golds, and vibrant oranges. From late September through October, the state fully embraces its nickname, “Almost Heaven,” with its stunning natural beauty on display. 

From the historic hilltop town of Harpers Ferry to scenic Fayetteville, these towns offer unforgettable fall experiences. Whether hiking beneath a canopy of colorful leaves in Davis, exploring scenic drives in Lewisburg, or joining a lively harvest festival in Marlinton, each town brings the season to life in its own unique way.

Check out wvtourism.com to begin planning your fall adventure in Almost Heaven. 

Read more:

https://www.worldatlas.com/cities/2024-s-towns-in-west-virginia-that-come-alive-in-the-fall.html

#2 – From SOURCE – Halloween is right around the corner and the Dungeon of Horrors is open at the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville.

The spooky attraction runs until November 2nd. The tour is for those 13 and older and will last about 45 minutes, where you’ll experience the fright of being locked in a cell, the fear of being lost in a maze, and the terror of a nightmarish walk through our Dungeon of Horrors. It is a no-touch haunt.

The penitentiary also offers a North Walk. It’s a guided walk through the northern section of the facility and is most known to have paranormal activity.

For tickets or more information, visit the West Virginia Penitentiary online.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/west-virginia/dungeon-of-horrors-set-to-open-up-at-the-west-virginia-penitentiary/

#3 – From LOOTPRESS – Autumn is a great time to visit Charleston. The Capital City is rocking with great concerts and live performances, fall festivals, and a new USA Karate competition.

Events include the annual West Virginia Book Festival and FestivFALL Charleston. The Charleston Ballet presents “Dracula: The Seduction.” Mountain Stage features a hot lineup, and concerts at the Charleston Coliseum include Dwight Yoakum and Jelly Roll.

Read about these events and many more in Charleston this fall and visit charlestonwv.com to get the whole schedule.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/upcoming-fall-events-in-charleston/

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, Oct. 6, 2024 

West Virginia’s recent drought reveals an interesting geological formation in the Elk River…build your own Flatwoods Monster with a new plastic brick building set for hobbyists…and experience the magic of the Mansion by Candlelight during a special two-day event at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – For years, there has been speculation about the unique pattern visible in the rocks in the Elk River beneath the bridge at the traffic light in Webster Springs. 

Normally underwater, the stone structures have become more noticeable because of recent drought conditions.

The rock, which resembles the layout of a stone street, is a geological formation known as tessellated pavement, according to a West Virginia University geology professor. It is the result of tensional cracks that form in rock under applied stress.

The unusual pattern offers a glimpse into the forces that shaped our mountains and rivers millions of years ago.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/outdoors/a-geological-phenomenon-in-the-elk-river-in-webster-county-is-hiding-in-plain-sight/article_f418c50e-79eb-11ef-853a-57c656662b49.html

#2 – From WBOY-TV – If you’re hungry for more brick building after putting together your Mothman set, two more West Virginia cryptids—the Flatwoods Monster and Bigfoot—are now available for purchase from Wisconsin-based Northwoods Bricks

The Flatwoods Monster in two sizes: An eight-inch tall, 319-piece set and a much smaller three-inch, 60-piece set that can easily fit on the desk of any cryptid lover.

Mothman fans can now also build a smaller five-inch version of the larger Mothman set that released in December. The Bigfoot set is another five-inch set that features poseable arms and legs.

The collection is available on the Northwoods Bricks website. You can also find some sets at local businesses in the area like Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf in Morgantown, the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, and the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/only-on-wboy-com/build-your-own-flatwoods-monster-with-this-new-plastic-brick-set/

#3 – From LOOTPRESS–  Experience the magic of the past this fall at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park during the Mansion by Candlelight event on October 11-12.

For two unforgettable nights, guests will be transported back over 200 years to a time when Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett hosted grand 18th-century parties at their stately island mansion. Guests have the option of adding on Harvest Supper tickets for an exclusive dining experience. 

Docents dressed in period attire will welcome you to the island illuminated by hundreds of candles and lanterns. Explore the mansion while you listen to live 18th-century music, watch traditional dances and join in lively games.

For more information about Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, visit wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/step-back-in-time-at-the-mansion-by-candlelight-event-at-blennerhassett-island-historical-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, Oct. 5, 2024 

A West Virginia native leads a class in the sweet culinary art of macaron making…for 125 years, Eagle Manufacturing has remained a vital part of West Virginia’s industrial heritage…and, get your tickets now for Taste of Bridge Day, held in conjunction with the annual Bridge Day celebration …on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – What do you get for a friend who’s sophisticated, stylish, and always eager to learn something new? A macaron-making party, of course!

The famous French sandwich cookies are made with crisp and chewy almond meringue shells and creamy filling in between. And who better to teach this tasty culinary art than Chef Ellie Grubb?

The West Virginia native recently led a private class in this sweet art she had perfected while training at Le Cordon in Paris. She also shared stories from her work at the Four Seasons in Paris at their Michelin-starred restaurant, Le George.

Chef Ellie plans to move back to West Virginia soon and hopes to one day open a bakery here, so stay tuned!

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/wv-culinary-team-macaron-magic----a-sweet-surprise-with-a-french-trained/article_34f2c3a6-6f77-11ef-a571-53f0b9218965.html

#2 – From WV DED – For over 125 years, Eagle Manufacturing has been a vital part of West Virginia’s industrial heritage, growing from humble beginnings into a global leader in industrial safety products. 

Founded in 1894 in Wellsburg by three brothers—James, Harry, and Samuel Paull—along with their brother-in-law, W.C. Jacob, the company started as a decorative glass factory. Over the decades, Eagle Manufacturing has continuously adapted to meet the needs of an ever-changing market, evolving into a premier manufacturer of industrial safety and material handling products.

A key factor in Eagle Manufacturing’s success is the dedication and hard work of the people of West Virginia. For generations, the community has rallied behind the company, providing a skilled workforce that has been instrumental in Eagle’s evolution. 

Read more:

https://westvirginia.gov/eagle-manufacturing-a-125-year-legacy-in-yes-west-virginia/

#3 – From WV NEWS – Adventures on the Gorge is preparing to host the annual “Taste of Bridge Day” on Friday, Oct. 18, offering a delightful combination of local cuisine, live music, and handcrafted arts. 

Set against the beautiful backdrop of AOTG’s scenic campus, this event acts as the perfect prelude to the highly anticipated Bridge Day celebration, allowing visitors to experience some of the finest dishes from the region’s top restaurants.

For over 20 years, the Canyon Rim Rotary Club has organized this family-friendly event, which highlights the best in local dining. In addition to the food, visitors can also enjoy live performances and browse a selection of locally made arts and crafts.

For more details or to purchase tickets in advance, visit the official Bridge Day website.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/experience-the-flavors-of-west-virginia-at-taste-of-bridge-day-2024/article_5859086e-79ea-11ef-bf55-53fd647aec10.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 Friday, Oct. 4, 2024 

Businesses in southern West Virginia are invited to a free seminar centering on building tourism around the Hatfield-McCoy Trails…treat yourself to culinary delights from the New River and Greenbrier Valley region at Lewisburg’s 38th annual Taste of Our Towns festival…and state officials and higher learning institutions gather to recognize key events in West Virginia that contributed to the American Revolution…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From BLUEFIELD DAILY TELEGRAPH – A free seminar, “The Hatfield-McCoy Effect: How to Expand Your Tourism Business” is coming Oct. 15 to the Bluefield Art Center Theater in downtown Bluefield. 

The Hatfield-McCoy Trail system in southern West Virginia has seen increasing ridership each year. In 2023, the trail authority sold a record 92,500 trail passes and the goal this year is 95,000.

Jeffrey Lusk, executive director of the Hatfield-McCoy Trail Authority, will speak about the trail system’s impact, the industry’s needs and how to grow tourism-related businesses.

Mercer County has seen a lot of entrepreneurship with lodging investments in Bramwell, Bluewell and the Bluefield area, Lusk said. Besides lodging, there are opportunities for businesses offering ATV rentals, parts and services for off-road vehicles, restaurants and food services.

The seminar is free and registration is not required.

Read more:

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/bluefield-looking-to-grow-businesses-near-atv-trails/article_4ffd14bc-7b52-11ef-a191-6bd4099130c8.html

#2 – From WV NEWS – Get set for the 38th annual Taste of Our Towns festival, which takes place Saturday, Oct. 12 in downtown Lewisburg. This popular event serves as a major fundraiser for Carnegie Hall, a prominent cultural institution in the Greenbrier Valley and New River regions, dedicated to promoting arts education, performances, and exhibitions.

During the festival, downtown Lewisburg transforms into a lively culinary hub where attendees can explore food booths with a map that highlights ticket stations, tasting areas, entertainment spots, and art exhibits. The Davisson Brothers Band will perform a concert.

To learn more or purchase tickets, visit www.carnegiehallwv.org/taste-of-our-towns

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/38th-annual-taste-of-our-towns-toot-festival-set-for-october-12-in-downtown-lewisburg/article_a7f4fcfe-7b87-11ef-98f1-271c5254cac1.html

#3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture and History will partner with communities across the Mountain State and higher education institutions Oct. 9-11 to remember the state’s history and recognize the key events that contributed to the American Revolution and the nation’s independence.

Activities kick off with a lantern convoy from the Greenbrier County Courthouse to Tu-Endie-Wei State Park in Point Pleasant, with waystations in Fayette and Kanawha counties.

A conference at Marshall University, exploring West Virginia’s impact, with participation from other state higher education institutions, will conclude the state’s commemoration.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/metrokanawha/wvdach-events-to-note-w-va-s-contributions-to-american-revolution/article_2a1a17d4-7690-11ef-ae40-7b36602554a3.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.

It is said that “Well-behaved women seldom make history,” and when Martha Stewart was sentenced to serve five months in FPC, Alderson, the world learned more about American history-makers both well-regarded or social pariahs.

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

Today is Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024 

A new grant initiative provides opportunities for Appalachian communities in West Virginia…three West Virginia Schools receive National Blue Ribbon status…and WVU helps develop a commercial property listing search to encourage development on former mine lands…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From ARC.GOV –  Appalachia’s regional economic growth relies on local ability to prioritize challenges and implement solutions. However, capacity is often lacking at the individual, organizational, or community levels to do so.

READY Grants to Grow is a $9 million funding opportunity that will award grants of up to $500,000 to organizations seeking to build individual, organizational and/or community capacity across the region.

Any organization that is eligible to apply for an ARC grant can apply for READY Grants to Grow. Interested applicants are invited to register for a pre-application webinar set for Thursday, Oct. 10.

Learn more:

https://www.arc.gov/ready/grants-to-grow/

 #2 – From WOWK-TV – The U.S. Department of Education has recognized three West Virginia schools as National Blue Ribbon Schools.

Gilmore Elementary in Jackson County, Kellogg Elementary in Wayne County and Pleasant Valley Elementary in Marion County were among 356 schools across the nation to receive the prestigious award this year.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program is one of the U.S. Department of Education’s longest-running recognition programs. NBRS recognizes outstanding public and non-public elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall high academic achievement or success in closing the achievement gap among diverse groups of students.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/whats-a-national-blue-ribbon-school-these-west-virginia-schools-just-won-the-honor/

#3 – From WTRF-TV – Just as Zillow helps home buyers find houses for sale, commercial real estate developers will soon be able to find the ideal property in West Virginia’s southern coalfields using a similar land search system developed at West Virginia University.

Researchers say they have designed the platform to encourage development opportunities, like clean energy and recreation, on former mine lands.

To repurpose these lands and create new jobs, WVU will collaborate with Coalfield Development Corporation and The Nature Conservancy. The system is part of a comprehensive project called “Appalachian Climate Technology Now,” which received funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration as part of the Build Back Better Regional Challenge Grant.

Users will be able to filter their searches to find land that would suit their needs, whether they are looking to build a solar farm or raise carbon capture biomass crops, for example.

During the project’s second year, the WVU team aims to refine the search tool to provide users with a timeframe for sustainable development. At present, 16 sites have been identified.

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/news/wvu-researchers-design-zillow-inspired-software-to-turn-former-mine-lands-into-sites-for-economic-development/

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. 2, 2024 

James Beard Award winner Chef Paul prepares a special Appalachian-inspired meal to benefit Habitat for Humanity…the Ascend WV remote worker program adds a special homeownership incentive to sweeten the deal…and get set for the Capital Cocktail Classic tapas and drink pub crawl…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From HABITAT FOR HUMANITY – Step into an extraordinary evening of culinary mastery at The Tastes of Chef Paul, presented by Habitat for Humanity. 

Charleston’s own James Beard Award winner, Chef Paul Smith of 1010 Bridge Road, will prepare an exclusive Appalachian-inspired menu for the Oct. 15 event at the Ball Event Center.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to enjoy his innovative creations up close, while supporting a worthy cause. Get your tickets today!

Learn more:

https://hfhkp.org/news-events/chefpaul.html

#2 – From LOOTPRESS – Ascend West Virginia, the nation’s premier talent attraction and retention program, has announced a new Homeownership Incentive that allows current Ascend members to obtain a check in the amount of $12,000 when purchasing a home for primary residence in the Mountain State.

“It’s incredible to witness the ongoing success of the Ascend WV program,” said Brad. D. Smith, Co-Founder of the Wing 2 Wing Foundation and President of Marshall University. “The momentum continues to grow around this program while maintaining a 97% retention rate.”

Ascend members interested in opting into this accelerated payment option will have to confirm West Virginia residency through the purchase of an owner-occupied home as well as attend Ascend events. 

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/premier-remote-worker-program-announces-west-virginia-homeownership-incentive/

#3 – From THE FOOD GUY –  This year’s Capital Cocktail Classic tapas-and-drink pub crawl is welcoming a new restaurant into the fold.

The popular annual fundraiser for Fund for the Arts lets ticketed guests enjoy special food and cocktail pairings at four downtown Charleston restaurants and bars during a three-hour stroll. Then, for a fun twist, they get to vote for their favorite dish and drink of the night.

This year, Fife Street Brewing on Summers Street will join Capitol Street hotspots DT Prime, Ichiban/Bar 101 and Sam’s Uptown Café during the event from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Order your tickets while they last! For details, visit Fund for the Arts West Virginia on Facebook.

Read more:

https://www.wvfoodguy.com/post/capital-cocktail-classic-welcomes-newcomer-fife-street

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, Oct. 1, 2024.

The West Virginia-made comedy film “Ambrosia” opens statewide…Elk viewing tours return to Logan County this fall…and Build WV spurs new housing development in Preston County…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – The release of the trailer for a comedy film debuting this week in West Virginia may catch some viewers off guard.

Filmed primarily in Beckley and starring West Virginia natives, the movie “Ambrosia!” is a high-style, polished affair that may seem more appropriate to affluent New England.

Shane Pierce and David Gravely wrote and directed the 90-minute film, which follows the misadventures of an innkeeper who struggles to manage a house full of eccentric guests and staff.

Gravely said he and Pierce felt the need to return to the basics of Hollywood films from the mid-1900s that families could watch together.

Statewide theater showings have been confirmed for the following dates: Oct. 5 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg; Nov. 6 and  15 at the Floralee Hark Cohen Cinema in Charleston; Nov. 15 and 16 at Marquee Cinemas in Beckley; and Nov. 25 at the Greenbrier Valley Theater in Lewisburg.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/09/18/ambrosia-comedy-film-trailer-released/

#2 – From WCHS-TV –  Popular elk viewing tours have returned in Logan County.

The four-hour tours at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area provide the public an opportunity to see some of the estimated 130-140 elk in their natural habitats. The elk population were reintroduced to the state after a more than 100-year absence.

More information and ticket details at wvstateparks.com under “Things to Do.” Tours sell out quickly, so get your tickets early!

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/elk-viewing-tours-available-again-at-logan-county-wildlife-area#

#3 – From DOMINION POST –  If you travel to Preston County and find the intersection of North Mountaineer Highway and Dogtown Road, near the confluence of Stacks Run and Stony Run, and take a good look around … you’ll probably see a house, maybe a gas station and a whole lot of nature.  

But that spot defines a Build WV Act district potentially worth a different kind of green for developers looking to construct housing anywhere within a 20-mile radius of that location. 

Developers of approved projects receive incentives including sales tax exemptions and a property value adjustment credit.

In order to be eligible, the housing project must be in a certified district and generate approved costs in excess of $3 million or include at least six residential units or houses. 

Read more:

https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/09/19/build-west-virginia-act-in-place-to-spur-new-housing-development/

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.