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

Today is Thursday, October 16, 2025.

#1 – From WV Commerce: Ziegenfelder's Story of WV Pride For more than 160 years, Ziegenfelder has been crafting smiles and frozen treats that celebrate community, resilience, and West Virginia pride. In the video "Ziegenfelder Says #YesWV," the company shares how its Wheeling-based operation blends tradition, innovation, and heart. From humble beginnings to national reach, Ziegenfelder continues to invest in its people and its state — proving that business can be both purpose-driven and joyful.

Watch the video: youtube.com/watch?v=6FDiZED-7lk

#2 – From Yahoo Lifestyle: West Virginia: America's Under-the-Radar Gem Yahoo Lifestyle is calling West Virginia the "under-radar state you absolutely need on your radar." The article celebrates the state's affordable living, unmatched outdoor beauty, vibrant small towns, and emerging innovation scene. From the New River Gorge National Park to the creative pulse of Charleston and Morgantown, it's a reminder that Almost Heaven is quietly making national waves.

Read more: yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/west-virginias-under-radar-state-211500824.html

#3 – From Daily304: "Backbone, The Moon, My Twin -- A WV Reflection" In this personal essay on daily304, "Backbone, The Moon, My Twin" invites readers to pause and reconnect with West Virginia's natural and emotional landscapes. The piece blends poetry and reflection — showing how the Mountain State's beauty mirrors the inner strength and quiet wisdom of its people.

Listen now: daily304.wv.gov/post/backbone-the-moon-my-twin

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, October 15, 2025.

#1 – From Daily304: Preston County Development Brings New Jobs

A major property transition in Preston County is paving the way for new manufacturing investment and job creation. Spirit Energy Services, the Preston County Economic Development Authority and Clear Mountain Bank are teaming up to repurpose the Bruceton Mills industrial site with support from an AMLER grant. In addition, Spirit's new Steel Valley Wastewater project in Weirton is expanding wastewater treatment capacity and creating more jobs in Brooke County.

Read more: daily304.wv.gov/post/pressroom/spirit-energy-services-preston-county-economic-development-authority-clear-mountain-bank-and-steel-valley-wastewater-llc-announce-property-transition-and-new-job-creating-developments-in-west-virg

#2 – From Travel + Leisure: West Virginia's Paranormal Trail Expands

The West Virginia Paranormal Trail just got spookier! Four new haunted sites have been added, bringing the total to 21 eerie destinations statewide. From ghostly theaters to mysterious caverns, the trail weaves together centuries of folklore, haunted legends, and supernatural intrigue — perfect for a fall road trip or weekend getaway.

Read more: travelandleisure.com/haunted-west-virginia-paranormal-trail-11811993

#3 – From WestVirginia.gov: GATC Health Advances Medicine with AI

GATC Health, based in Morgantown, is harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to revolutionize medical research. Using its Multiomics Advanced Technology™ platform, GATC simulates human biochemistry to accelerate drug discovery and precision health breakthroughs. Supported under the #YesWV initiative, GATC is positioning West Virginia as a national leader in biotech and life sciences innovation.

Read more: westvirginia.gov/gatc-health-advancing-medicine-with-ai-in-yeswv

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, October 14, 2025.

#1 – From WV Press: Six Sites Added to the National Register of Historic Places The Mountain State is rich with history — and now, six more sites have earned a place on the National Register of Historic Places. From preserved landmarks to architectural gems, these additions help honor the people, culture, and craftsmanship that shaped West Virginia communities for generations.

Read more: wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-adds-six-sites-to-national-register-of-historic-places

#2 – From News and Sentinel: Commerce Secretary Matt Herridge on the Future of Economic Development In a recent feature with The News & Sentinel, West Virginia Commerce Secretary Matt Herridge outlined a forward-looking strategy for West Virginia's economy. His focus: building stronger partnerships, supporting small businesses, investing in workforce readiness, and preparing sites to attract new industries. Herridge says it's about long-term, sustainable growth that strengthens communities statewide.

Read more: newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2025/10/matt-herridge-discusses-future-economic-development-in-west-virginia

#3 – From WV Public: Guiding Leaf-Peepers to the Most Vibrant Fall Colors Fall has arrived, and West Virginia's rolling hills are alive with color. To help travelers make the most of the season, WV Public is sharing an updated Leaf Peepers Guide — showing where and when to catch peak foliage across the state. From the Eastern Highlands to the Southern Coalfields, the Almost Heaven landscape is showing off in shades of gold and crimson.

Read more: wvpublic.org/story/arts-culture/state-guiding-leaf-peepers-to-the-most-vibrant-fall-colors

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.

No other state was ever torn from another as was West Virginia. With the Civil War looming on the horizon, The Richmond Convention gave Virginia the opportunity to secede from the United States and The Wheeling Convention restored the rights of the state's western citizens to remain with the U.S. by seceding from Virginia.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvQCHyQMRq4

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

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

Today is Thursday, October 9, 2025.

#1 – From WV News – Hatfield-McCoy Trails Offer Unique Look at Fall Foliage Autumn is making the Hatfield-McCoy trail system one of the best places in West Virginia to ride through color. Whether you use an ATV, UTV, or dirt bike, these trails are threaded through craggy mountains and dense forests bursting with fall hues.

Plan your offroading adventure today, and be sure to visit wvtourism.com for more information about fall activities in Almost Heaven!

Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/hatfield-mccoy-trails-offer-unique-look-at-fall-foliage-in-west-virginia/article_6c48183c-dfe2-4cd7-83e7-d19c3f339fa6.html

#2 – From The Real WV – NRG Towns Launches Across the New River Gorge Twelve communities around the New River Gorge are launching NRG Towns, a unified collaboration for branding, tourism, infrastructure, and regional identity. The effort seeks to leverage shared strengths across counties.

Read more: https://therealwv.com/2025/09/29/nrg-towns-launches-uniting-communities-across-the-new-river-gorge/

#3 – From WV News – Officials Excited About Wolf Summit Power Plant Project The Wolf Summit Energy project in Harrison County is advancing, as leaders anticipate new generation capacity, construction jobs, and economic development in the region. Preparations are underway—site work and permitting are in motion.

Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/theet/news/officials-excited-for-opportunities-presented-by-wolf-summit-power-plant-project-in-harrison-county-west/article_d021dc8b-0bee-4996-b0a8-88efe25d73be.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 Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2025.

#1 – From YouTube – "Just Three Questions!" with Judy Moore The latest episode of "Just Three Questions!" spotlights Judy Moore, executive director of the WV Hive. Hosted by WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, the video series offers a candid interview across three key questions about life, work, and leadership. Tune in for insight into the mind of a community voice in Almost Heaven.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/xcDZIfQekgs?si=EvKZtjc8okYPJe1U

#2 – From Jobcase.com/WV – Manufacturing in WV West Virginia's manufacturing sector is expanding. Local companies are posting new roles—and platforms like Jobcase.com/WV are helping connect residents to those opportunities. From advanced production to essential supply chains, manufacturing continues to be a backbone for the state's economy.

Learn more: https://www.jobcase.com/articles/manufacturing-in-wv

#3 – From WV State Parks – Chief Logan Elk Viewing Tours Return Fall's back means elk tour season is on. Chief Logan State Park's guided elk tours run on weekends through October 25, leading visitors into the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area for a chance to see or hear elk. Tours start from Chief Logan Lodge and include hikes and conservation stories along the way. Visit wvstateparks.com and book your tour today!

Learn more: https://wvstateparks.com/chieflogan-elktour/

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. 7, 2025.

#1 – From The Real WV – NRG Towns Launches Across the New River Gorge

A new regional initiative called NRG Towns brings together 12 communities across four southern West Virginia counties to collaborate on branding, tourism, infrastructure, and identity projects in the New River Gorge region. The launch marks a strategic push for cohesion and shared opportunity.

Read more: https://therealwv.com/2025/09/29/nrg-towns-launches-uniting-communities-across-the-new-river-gorge/

#2 – From Business Facilities – WV Moves "50 by 50" Energy Plan Into Motion

West Virginia's "50 by 50" plan aims to increase the state's electrical generation capacity to 50 gigawatts by 2050—up from the roughly 15 GW currently produced. The policy includes generation, transmission, energy security, and long-term strategic development across coal, gas, nuclear, renewables, and microgrids.

Read more: https://businessfacilities.com/west-virginia-sets-50-by-50-energy-plan-into-motion

#3 – From WV Explorer – Most Haunted Towns in West Virginia

Looking for a chilling travel idea? WV Explorer lists the most haunted towns in West Virginia, with stories of ghostly encounters, historic haunts, and eerie legends in places like Lewisburg, Harpers Ferry, and Centralia—just in time for Halloween. But before you set off on your spooky road trip, head over to wvtourism.com to download your WV Paranormal Trail free mobile passport!

Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/2025/09/28/most-haunted-towns-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.

Frustrated with the decline of Reconstruction, author and intellectual W.E.B. DuBois organized the greatest African American minds of the early 20th Century to form the Niagara Movement. After its first conference held in Canada, the movement's first meeting in the United States was a symbolic and landmark event at Harpers Ferry, and it would resonate to this very day.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEK9pQYZIEg

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