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

Today is Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

Rumor has it a monster stalks the woods near Twin Falls Resort; gather ’round the campfire to hear about the mysterious creature…Explore the culture and culinary delights of Appalachia with Taste WV…and check out the wide variety of philanthropic organizations striving to make a difference in WV communities…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – While reports of the Polk Hollow Monster haven't reached the frequency they had in the 1970s and ‘80s, there’s no doubt in the minds of a few locals that something haunts the vicinity of the hollow in Twin Falls Resort State Park. 

State officials even developed a hiking trail, the Poke Hollow Trail, that recalls an encounter with the beast in the 1970s. The story was popularized by folklorist and West Virginia Senator David “Bugs” Stover, who often recounts it on summer evenings at the park campground.

The legend dates back to 1942, when 19-year-old Big Jim McMoore was target shooting in the hollow near Polk Gap. That’s when he spotted a hairy monster with glowing red eyes, perched high in the trees. The creature, nearly 12 feet tall, jumped down and chased Big Jim through the trees to the edge of the woods, where he sought safety inside his cabin.

So if you’re hiking in the woods near Twin Falls and hear a crashing through the trees, keep an eye out for the monster!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2024/08/26/twin-falls-state-park-west-virginia-polk-hollow-monster/

#2 – From TASTE WV – Do you crave Appalachian cuisine, prepared from fresh local ingredients? Would you like to learn more about the foodie scene in West Virginia?

Taste West Virginia honors the culture and culinary delights of the cherished Mountain State, spotlighting local chefs and restaurateurs dedicated to genuine farm-to-table practices, aiming to elevate the food scene to extraordinary heights. 

Learn about a chef’s return home to Gustard’s Bistro in White Sulphur Springs. Keep up with Fayetteville hotspot FreeFolk Brewery. Check out the tasty offerings at the newly opened Hart Kitchen in Clarksburg. 

It’s all there and more in the online magazine dedicated to tempting the taste buds!

Read more:

https://tastewv.com/category/food/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – The positive impact of philanthropic and nonprofit organizations in West Virginia is undeniable. There are numerous charitable organizations to choose from, each offering unique opportunities to make a meaningful difference. 

West Virginia Executive highlights the foundations making positive impacts across the state. The accompanying map is not exhaustive but it illustrates the impressive reach of the industry.

Learn about foundations, private foundations and public charities operating in West Virginia and serving its communities. 

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/illustrating-impact/

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, Sept. 13, 2024. 

Marshall University announces a new partnership between WV Public Broadcasting and the School of Journalism & Mass Communications…Bridgeport hosts the state’s largest conference for small manufacturers…and discover some of the most scenic trails in Almost Heaven this fall…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MARSHALL.EDU – Marshall University has announced a new strategic partnership that will establish a collaborative environment for media education and content production. This partnership will see the opening of an official West Virginia Public Broadcasting news bureau within the School of Journalism & Mass Communications building on Marshall’s Huntington campus.

This new collaboration will provide WVPB with office space, technical support and access to the school’s state-of-the-art recording studios, allowing for the production of high-quality broadcast content directly from the university campus.

As part of the agreement, WVPB will include the journalism school in the “West Virginia Morning” credit line, recognizing the school as a supporting institution. SOJMC students will also have the opportunity to submit news stories and content for consideration.

“We are excited about this opportunity to work with the students and faculty at SOJMC,” said Eric Douglas, the director of Broadcast Journalism at WVPB. “Re-establishing a bureau in Huntington will help us better cover the western part of the state. And getting the opportunity to work with upcoming students at Marshall is an added bonus for content for our broadcasts.”

Read more:

https://www.marshall.edu/news/2024/08/marshall-university-and-west-virginia-public-broadcasting-announce-partnership/

#2 – From WVU INDUSTRIAL EXTENSION – Get set for West Virginia’s largest conference for small manufacturers! WVU Industrial Extension’s 2024 West Virginia Manufacturing Conference takes place Sept. 24- 25 at the Bridgeport Conference Center. 

The event kicks off with an opening reception on Friday, Sept. 24. On Saturday, Sept. 25, the event includes a full day of insightful speakers and engaging hands-on activities, all designed to creatively educate small manufacturers across the state. 

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and explore innovative solutions tailored for small manufacturers.

Register now:

https://wvmanufacturingconference.com/

#3 – From WV TOURISM – West Virginia is home to stunning scenic vistas all year-round. In the fall, lush forests come alive with colors of red, orange and yellow, creating a beautiful view of mountains and valleys. There’s no better time to get on a trail.

Explore the beauty of autumn splendor with some of West Virginia’s most scenic hikes and overlooks, from Coopers Rock State Forest to the New River Gorge to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more and start planning your Almost Heaven fall getaway today!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/seasons/fall/hikes/

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, Sept. 12, 2024.

Safe UV creates jobs and healthier spaces in the community…What Makes You Wonderful? Tune into our podcast to learn about great things going on in Almost Heaven. Community groups revitalize West Virginia’s downtowns…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From EDA.WV – Safe UV, based in Morgantown, is creating jobs and healthier spaces in its community. Made up of West Virginia University alumni, the company manufactures germicidal ultraviolet lamps—a new product in a relatively new industry. Safe UV’s founders saw the need for this technology in recent years and got to work bringing their product to market.

“There’s a lot of talented folks in West Virginia looking for good manufacturing and technology jobs in the area,” Safe UV President Issac Haky said. “The best part about being a small business owner is being able to create jobs in a community you care about.”

With the invaluable support of the West Virginia Economic Development Authority, Safe UV is poised to expand its operations, generating an increasing number of manufacturing and technology jobs within the community. By leveraging these resources, Safe UV not only enhances economic prosperity but also contributes to the promotion of healthier environments through its innovative UV lamp technology.

Read more:

https://eda.wv.gov/this-manufacturer-saw-the-need-for-disinfection-technology-and-got-to-work-with-help-from-wveda/

#2 – From DAILY304 – What makes you wonderful, West Virginia?

Find out all of the amazing places to go ​and interesting people to meet each week listening to the daily304’s What Makes You Wonderful podcast. 

Host Tiffney Lopez connects with other local leaders and experts to share fun events, take you to uniqu​e places to visit, and venture down literary roads of local reads. 

Tune in to What Makes You Wonderful and let the magic of the Mountain State inspire you!

Read more:

https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/what-makes-you-wonderful/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Throughout the Mountain State, revitalization efforts are bringing new life to downtown areas, helping transform them into vibrant hubs of community and commerce. Organizations like Main Street Martinsburg, RenewAll and Charleston Urban Works are working to better their downtown areas with help from volunteers, sponsors and organizational partners.

Robby Blair, executive director of MSM, says his organization’s focus involves utilizing the historic element of Martinsburg to promote economic development in the city.

Meanwhile in Huntington, Lauren Kemp serves as the executive director of RenewAll, an ON TRAC organization dedicated to neighborhood revitalization in the city.

In Charleston, CUW, which emerged after a rebranding of Charleston Main Streets to better reflect the needs of small businesses, serves the East End and West Side business districts. 

Check out the story in WV Executive to learn more about the amazing work these organizations are doing for their communities. 

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/reviving-west-virginias-downtowns/

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, Sept. 11, 2024.

Marsh Bellofram embraces innovation and excellence in #YesWV…Toyota Manufacturing invests in West Virginia’s economy and community…and get set for WV’s National Hunting and Fishing Day coming up this month at Stonewall Resort…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV DED – Marsh Bellofram, headquartered in Newell, West Virginia, epitomizes a rich history of American manufacturing and a forward-thinking approach to modern industry needs.

The Marsh Bellofram Group of Companies is a leading global manufacturer of high-performance OEM, industrial, and process control instrumentation.

Watch the video as company officials talk about why the business says #YesWV and how the West Virginia Department of Economic Development provides support. 

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnWfE-_dMwE

#2 – From WSAZ-TV – Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia is Toyota’s only combined engine and transmission plant in North America and is the only Toyota manufacturing plant in North America to produce hybrid transaxles.

The $2 billion facility in Putnam County employs approximately 2,200 team members under a nearly two million square foot facility. The plant has invested more than $10 million in various local philanthropic and educational initiatives over the past two decades.

Check out the video as Toyota Manufacturing leaders talk about their success in #YesWV.

Watch now:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=zxIPNG8c3ZzoLYtY&v=Xno2SBBXvn4&feature=youtu.be

#3 – From WV DNR – Enjoy family time and outdoor thrills during West Virginia’s National Hunting and Fishing Day! The event takes place Sept. 21 at Stonewall Resort State Park.

Activities include an Outdoor Youth Challenge in which kids can enjoy outdoor activities and win prizes, such as conservation camp scholarships and a lifetime hunting and fishing license.

A highlight of the event is a Taste of West Virginia. Sample wild game and farm-fresh food prepared by some of the finest chefs in West Virginia at this unique culinary tour of West Virginia’s State Parks.

Tickets are $10 and kids ages 14 and younger get in for free. Don’t miss out! 

Learn more:

https://wvdnr.gov/programs-publications/national-hunting-and-fishing-day/?userID=c846c7b5-394b-4296-ae35-9c5d313e2be2&campaign_name=wv_dept_of_commerce&campaign_medium=advocacy&campaign_source=everyonesocial&es_id=3f1eab37db

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, Sept. 10, 2024.

A Morgantown company is blazing new ground in AI drug development…Huntington’s Corduroy Brown goes on safari for the band’s new video…and MHIRJ Aviation’s leaders discuss the company’s future in #YesWV (hint…it involves more jobs!)…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From DOMINION POST – GATC West Virginia is breaking new ground in using artificial intelligence to craft new molecules to cure diseases, and in drastically reducing the staggering costs of developing and bringing drugs to market.

GATC WV was one of the first tenants in WVU Innovation Corp.’s new headquarters — what was the Mylan plant. 

In March, the state Economic Development Authority and the Jobs Investment Trust approved a $5 million investment into GATC WV to bring jobs here and advance its work.

The company has received its first $2 million and will receive an additional $1 million for each 10 people it hires, according to GATC Health Chief Operating Officer Ty Lam.

“We’re bringing talent back into the state and keeping talent in the state,” Lam said.

Read more:

https://www.dominionpost.com/2024/08/03/morgantown-company-gatc-west-virginia-blazing-trails-in-ai-drug-development-and-financing/

#2 – From WOUB.ORG – Be warned: watching the music video for Corduroy Brown’s latest single, Doin’ My Best, might conjure the urge to dust off your old pith helmet and go wandering.

In the video, Alan “Corduroy” Brown and musical collaborators Chris Barker (bassist/Alan’s best friend) and Jacob Barr (drummer) explore the Appalachian wilderness of Kenova, West Virginia. And, well, it looks like a lot of fun.

The video premiered on Aug. 20 and you can watch it using this link. Check out the Huntington-based band via Instagram, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

Read more:

https://woub.org/2024/08/20/corduroy-brown-debuts-music-video-for-new-single-tonight/

#3 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – Ross Mitchell, Vice-President of MHIRJ Aviation Global, and Michael Genin, Director of Operations for MHIRJ Aviation in Bridgeport, West Virginia, talk about soaring to new high heights in #YesWV.

MHIRJ is the leader in aviation maintenance for the CRJ Series, the world’s most successful regional jet. With more than 550 employees in West Virginia and state-of-the-art hangars in Bridgeport, MHIRJ supports the top three airlines in the US and top regional airlines in the world.

The company is in the process of hiring 400 technicians and is looking to fill over 100 job vacancies over the next year.

Check out the interview on Innovators and Entrepreneurs, 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.

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=8vN8ag1ltoIKhao0&v=fs0uSJ5IgIA&feature=youtu.be

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, Sept. 9, 2024.

The WV Chamber of Commerce welcomes three new major manufacturers that are preparing to set up shop in #YesWV… WV’s Coalfield Development group readies for its 2nd annual Ground Up Gathering…and a Rivesville brewing company wins 2024 family-owned business of the year…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Gov. Jim Justice told the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce that he’s excited to welcome three new major manufacturers to #YesWV. He made the economic development announcements recently at the chamber’s annual business summit.

Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies, is investing $126 million in Mason County. State officials say the development will initially create 28 high-paying jobs with potential to expand.

HandCraft Services, a leading provider of medical linen and apparel products, is investing $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County. State officials say that will result in 220 jobs. 

Prime 6, which produces high-performing charcoal and wood logs and was featured on television’s “Shark Tank,” will establish a manufacturing facility in Buckhannon. The $35 million investment is expected to create 75 jobs in the region.

Spokesmen from all three companies addressed the chamber. They cited reasons for choosing West Virginia included its strategic location and state economic development officials going the extra mile to recruit.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/08/28/justice-announces-three-economic-development-projects-while-speaking-to-state-business-leaders/

#2 – From COALFIELD DEVELOPMENT – The Second Annual Ground Up Gathering is set for Thursday, Sept. 26 in Huntington. This no-cost event is a celebration of the Appalachian people unlocking their potential, power, and purpose. 

Ground Up Gathering will welcome employers, partner nonprofits, economic development partners, and community members to Coalfield Development’s West Edge Factory in Huntington to witness the life-changing work Coalfield and its partners are doing in Appalachia every day. 

Highlights of the event include a farm-to-table dinner, community workshops, tours of WestEdge and live music. 

Learn more:

https://coalfield-development.org/ground-up-gathering/

#3 – From TIMES WV – A local success story run by a close knit family, Short Story Brewing is the recipient of the 2024 Family-Owned Business of the Year Award from the Marion County Chamber of Commerce.

Rivesville native Aaron Rote, his sister Abigail Kopischke, and her husband, Mike Kopischke, started Short Story Brewing in 2017 after Mike Kopischke had been brewing his own beers for about eight years.

Mike specializes on the brewing side while Abigail takes care of the business side. Rote handles the presentation side, such as the appearance of the taproom and working with people.

Through their hard work, Short Story Brewing has opened three other locations outside of Rivesville: Deep Creek, Md., Charleston, and a new location in Morgantown. They also contribute regularly to the Rivesville area, investing back in the Rivesville Elementary/Middle School that Rote and his sister attended, hosting the Ready, Steady, Run 5K, and hosting community events in the distillery.

Sen. Mike Caputo said how much Rote and the Kopischkes have given back is a testament to who they are as people.

“They just got hearts of gold,” Caputo said. “They just always want to share their success with others. They don’t keep it to themselves. They share it with others, and it’s been great for the community.”

Read more:

https://www.timeswv.com/news/business/rivesvilles-short-story-brewing-named-family-owned-business-of-the-year/article_f46029b4-4aaa-11ef-84b6-a34465488bf0.html?es_id=cc739026f5

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, Sept. 8, 2024.

It’s great news coming out of the Governor’s Office as three major manufacturers announce investments, creating lots of jobs in #YesWV…Prime 6 is bringing its sustainable wood products to Buckhannon…HandCraft Products is opening a facility in Berkeley County for its medical linens…and  Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies, is making a $125 million investment in Mason County…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GOVERNOR – Prime 6, a leading innovator in sustainable wood products, will establish a new manufacturing facility in Buckhannon, according to the West Virginia Governor’s Office. This significant $35 million investment is expected to create 75 jobs in the region.

Prime 6 is renowned for its unique approach to upcycling wood waste and transforming it into high-quality products for the hospitality industry. 

The new facility is set to begin operations in the coming months, with job openings to be announced soon. The company’s presence in Buckhannon is expected to have a positive ripple effect throughout the local economy, benefiting suppliers, businesses and residents.

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2024/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announces-$35-million-investment-from-Prime-6-to-establish-new-manufacturing-facility-in-Upshur-County.aspx

 #2 – From WV GOVERNOR – HandCraft Services, a leading provider of medical linen and apparel products, will invest $59 million to open a new facility in Berkeley County, creating 220 new jobs.

The family-owned and operated business plans to invest $59 million in the construction of two new plants, according to the West Virginia Governor’s Office. Plant 1 is expected to open in 2025 and Plant 2 is slated to open in 2026.

HandCraft Services, founded in 1970 by John A. Nichols, has grown into a leader in the healthcare linen industry. The company’s high-tech systems and environmentally conscious practices set the pace for the industry, managing over 110 million pounds of linen annually for 143 hospitals and over 2,500 non-acute medical practices.

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2024/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announces-$59-million-investment-in-Berkeley-County-from-HandCraft-Services-creating-220-new-jobs.aspx

#3 – From WV GOVERNOR – Babcock & Wilcox, a global leader in energy and environmental technologies, is making a $125 million investment in Mason County, the West Virginia Governor’s Office announced. 

Babcock & Wilcox’s investment will focus on the deployment of their BrightLoop low-carbon hydrogen technology, a pioneering approach to hydrogen production. This cutting-edge technology leverages a novel chemical looping process to produce low-carbon hydrogen, steam, or syngas while isolating carbon dioxide for capture and storage.

This development will initially create 28 high-paying jobs, with potential for future expansion as the company continues its innovative efforts in the energy sector.

Read more:

https://governor.wv.gov/News/press-releases/2024/Pages/Gov.-Justice-announces-$125-million-investment-from-Babcock-&-Wilcox%27s-in-Mason-County.aspx

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, Sept. 7, 2024.

Discover unique history, world-class outdoor recreation and more in Stonewall Country…Beckley celebrates the launch of its new food truck court…and two buildings in Bluefield are recognized for their important contributions to Black history…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From LEWIS COUNTY CVB – Stonewall Country is easy to get to and hard to forget. The boyhood home of Stonewall Jackson offers rich and unique historic sites, world-class outdoor recreation, a spectacular resort and incredible Appalachian arts and cuisine. 

This north-central region of West Virginia is home to Stonewall Resort State Park, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (site of history and mystery!), Mountaineer Military Museum, the Museum of American Glass and more.

Whether you're looking for an epic weekend, Spiker Bull Ride, or want to do a winery tour, the calendar is filled with exciting events. Plan a visit this fall!

Read more:

https://myemail-api.constantcontact.com/Fall-is-the-perfect-time-for-a-visit-to-Stonewall-Country-.html?soid=1102621043105&aid=YIq-0f8OGB4

#2 – From WV NEWS –  Sarah Carter, along with the Beckley-Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, has launched the Fire ’N Ice Food Truck Court in Beckley. The food truck court, located at the corner of Pinewood Drive and Market Road, provides a dedicated space for food trucks to serve the Beckley and Raleigh communities, as well as the broader southern West Virginia region.

Carter, the owner of the Fire ’N Ice Food Truck, envisioned creating a central location where food trucks could consistently operate, making it easier for customers to find and enjoy a variety of food options in one place. This innovative concept is not only a first for Beckley but also a pioneering effort within the state of West Virginia.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/fire-n-ice-food-truck-court-opens-as-beckleys-new-culinary-hub/article_645eca5e-64c3-11ef-b0e5-0f5af756cf88.html

#3 – From WVNS-TV – Though much of their history may be forgotten in the minds of the average citizen now, two buildings in Bluefield are being recognized for their past in the era of segregation.

The buildings, located on Logan and Wayne streets, were once home to two hotels that operated during the time of racial segregation: The Travelers’ Inn and Hotel Thelma. They were also listed in The Negro Motorist Green Book, used for people of color to find areas that allowed for them to move safely through, affording them the ability to avoid potential harassment and even lynching during the time of Jim Crow.

Registered as a singular entity, the Bluefield Green Book Historic District (as it is now known) is considered the smallest historic district in West Virginia to be placed on the National Register. The buildings’ status on the register affords them the opportunity to receive grants and funding avenues to promote rehabilitation and reuse.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/history/west-virginia-history/bluefield-welcomes-the-smallest-historic-district-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 Friday, Sept. 6, 2024.

Plan a fall waterfall road trip; download your free mobile passport to earn prizes as you explore…WV DEP is holding its Great Kanawha River Cleanup tomorrow and they’re looking for volunteers to pitch in…and reach for the stars at Green Bank Observatory…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV TOURISM – Looking for some scenic waterfalls to visit this fall? The West Virginia Waterfall Trail features over 40 waterfalls spread across the state. Download your free mobile passport to check in at each waterfall to earn waterfall-themed prizes as you explore. 

At Babcock State Park, you will find one of the most photographed spots in West Virginia: Glade Creek Grist Mill Falls. This gorgeous scene is one you don’t want to miss in the fall, as the vibrant colors of the trees are a true sight to see.

America’s 63rd national park, the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, is home to the stunning Sandstone Falls. The expansive falls, stretching over 1,500 feet wide, along with a cluster of small islands, create the beauty of the largest waterfall in the gorge. 

Visit wvtourism.com to find a list of waterfalls and download your mobile passport!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/5-waterfalls-to-check-off-the-west-virginia-waterfall-trail-this-fall/

#2 – From WVNS-TV – The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is looking for volunteers for the Make It Shine Program’s annual Great Kanawha River Cleanup.

The event takes place from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 7. Cleanup sites are Winfield Beach, St. Albans Roadside Park, the South Charleston boat ramp, and Kanawha Falls at Glen Ferris. 

Those who wish to volunteer are asked to register with the WVDEP so that they may be able to get enough supplies for each location. The WVDEP’s Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan will provide gloves and bags for volunteers and have the trash taken away from the site.

During last year’s event, 55 local volunteers collected over 2.5 tons of trash and 41 tires, according to the WVDEP.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/great-kanawha-river-cleanup-to-be-held-by-the-wvdep/

#3 – From THE REAL WV –  Since its Oct. 17, 1957 groundbreaking ceremony, Green Bank Observatory – in rural Pocahontas County – has been on the forefront of scientific discovery. 

The observatory’s most prominent piece is the Robert C. Byrd Green Bank Telescope. At 100 meters in diameter, the GBT is fully steerable and known as one of the premiere telescopes in the world. In 2001, the GBT was utilized in the making of the first-ever detailed topographical radar image of the surface of Venus.

The Green Bank Science Center and Galaxy Gift Shop are open Thursday through Monday, from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Admission to the Science Center and Exhibit Hall are free. Guided tours are available for $10 per person. 

To find out more about the Green Bank Observatory, visit greenbankobservatory.org.

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2024/08/27/we-are-all-made-of-stars-a-virtual-tour-of-green-bank-observatory/

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, Sept. 5, 2024.

With its mild temps and colorful leaves, fall is perfect weather for motorcycle riding -- and Pocahontas County has the perfect roads for your two-wheeled adventure…Watch out! Here come the men in black as the annual Mothman Festival returns to Point Pleasant…and learn how West Virginia is establishing itself as a national leader in digital identity solutions…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From POCAHONTAS COUNTY –  When the late summer sun shines over the rolling hills and dense forests of West Virginia, it’s time to check the fluids and tire pressure and set off on an unforgettable motorcycle adventure. 

Pristine landscapes and winding, twisty roads make Pocahontas County an unparalleled experience for motorcyclists seeking both relaxation and/or excitement. 

Among the most iconic routes is the Highland Scenic Highway, with breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains. As you roll along, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas, lush valleys and the serene beauty of the Monongahela National Forest.

For a more challenging ride, try Route 66 from the historic logging railroad town of Cass to the base of Snowshoe Mountain Resort. This route features a mix of swooping, tight and swift turns taking you from Pocahontas County’s past to the present. 

Check out the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau online for more scenic rides and must-visit sites in nature’s playground!

Read more:

https://pocahontascountywv.com/late-summer-early-autumn-motorcycling/

#2 – From WOWK-TV – It’s almost time once again for the event that draws thousands of people to Point Pleasant, West Virginia. The Mothman Festival takes place Sept. 21-22 along Main Street near the Mothman Museum. The annual festival commemorates the 1966 sighting of the Mothman in the TNT area of Point Pleasant.

The Mothman Festival will feature a variety of attractions, events and entertainment, including the Mothman Hayride through the TNT area, cosplay opportunities, photo ops with the iconic Mothman Statue, TNT bus tours (which are already sold out for this year), and a virtual Mothman 5K. 

Check out Mothman Festival on Facebook for the schedule.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/mason-county-wv/mothman-festival-brings-entertainers-paranormal-speakers-to-point-pleasant/

#3 – From WV DED – The West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub is dedicated to establishing West Virginia as a national leader in digital identity solutions while driving economic growth, fostering innovation, and enhancing the quality of life for residents through secure and equitable digital identity technologies.

Phillip Merritt, Vice President and COO of Lakota Software Solutions, and co-founder Aaron Wilson left their jobs at NASA to pursue careers in the growing field of biometric identification in their home state of West Virginia. 

They founded Lakota to create state-of-the-art technical solutions in the expanding biometrics industry right here in the Mountain State. Last year, Lakota partnered with TMC Technologies, another West Virginia-based company, to win a large contract to build a biometric system for the Somalia government.

Watch the interview on Innovators & Entrepreneurs.

Watch now:

https://westvirginia.gov/techhub/

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

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