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

Today is Monday, Jan. 15 

State officials tout the success of the Ascend WV program. Bundle up and take a ride on the longest sled run in the east at Blackwater Falls State Park. And save your appetite for the last week of January when Charleston Restaurant Week returns. Yum! … on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Marshall University President Brad Smith and state Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby say the Ascend West Virginia program has been more successful than originally predicted.

The program offers financial incentives to attract people to West Virginia communities including $12,000 over two years along with free access to adventure recreation as part of the package. There are also workspace options and entrepreneurial and professional development assistance options.

Those who move to the state through the program bring their jobs, families, hobbies, and sometimes even a second breadwinner. Ruby said those selected are immediately given the tools they need to find housing and get settled into their new Ascend WV community.

The success of the program has inspired the creation of First Ascent West Virginia, a similar program aimed  at keeping young people in the state.

“It has the same amenities as the Ascend Program,” Smith said. “They can access the co-working facilities; they get all the same social events and outdoor recreation; and we’ve added two other elements: professional mentorship and successful coaching.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2024/01/09/smith-ruby-ascend-program-generates-interest-economic-development/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Picture this: racing down over a quarter-mile of fresh mountain snow, the wind in your face, and the sound of laughter echoing through the crisp winter air. Welcome to the Blackwater Falls Sled Run – a must-do experience that promises wintertime fun for everyone. AND it’s the longest sled run on the East Coast!

To make your adventure seamless, purchase your tickets online. The park provides sleds and all necessary gear. You can even book your lodging online--choose from lodge rooms to cozy cabins. Visit www.wvstateparks.com to learn more.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/did-you-know-that-west-virginia-has-the-longest-sled-run-on-the-east-coast/

#3 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Charleston Restaurant Week returns this year from Jan. 30 through Feb. 3. The 16 locations signed up for this year’s event include two new places, several old favorites and three restaurants that have participated all 10 years of this annual culinary celebration.

Newbies joining this year are Fernbank Public House, the hot new bar-bistro-café in South Hills, and The Volstead Room, the hip new underground bar downtown.

They’ll be participating alongside Bridge Road Bistro, Ichiban Pan-Asian Restaurant, and Soho’s at Capitol Market, all three of which have been with Charleston Restaurant Week since the beginning, back in 2014.

During the designated dates, each of these restaurants will be offering special three-course meals where guests can pick their choice of an appetizer, entrée and dessert at a price each restaurant can set.

Visit Charleston WV Restaurant Week on Facebook for a full list of participants, prices and menus. Yum!

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/the_food_guy/the-food-guy-16-spots-with-2-new-ones-in-for-charleston-restaurant-week/article_08d2080e-892b-5df3-8eb1-c39ca25f23b3.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 Sunday, Jan. 14 

West Virginia honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. TechConnect WV presents a virtual session beneficial to small businesses. And take a peek at some of the incredible small businesses the WV SBDC has worked with over the last year…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MINORITY AFFAIRS – The Martin Luther King, Jr. State Holiday Commission invites the public to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 15 at the Culture Center in the State Capitol Complex.

The Ecumenical Service starts at 9:30 a.m., and light refreshments, a symbolic march, and the annual bell-ringing at the Capitol steps follow. 

Dr. Elisha Lewis will provide the keynote address. Lewis, a Louisiana native residing in Charleston, is a professor in West Virginia State University’s Education Department. Crowned Mrs. West Virginia American 2021, she advocates for underrepresented students and actively engages in community service projects and mentoring to support their college, career, and life success.

Follow Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs on Facebook for more information.

Read more:

https://minorityaffairs.wv.gov/MLKCommission/MLK_EVENTS/Pages/default.aspx

#2 – From TECHCONNECT WV – TechConnect West Virginia presents a virtual session on Essentials of Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Commercialization Planning. The event takes place at noon Jan. 16, 2024.

Commercialization and transition plans can be a key differentiator in the SBIR/STTR programs, so it is important to know what the agencies are looking for and how to go about developing a good strategy. This session will review the requirements and guide you through where to start, what to include, and how to best develop your small business. 

Register now:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ELJNyVPsQ9eviQ77qlrEWA?fbclid=IwAR1n-RIgIk9uXLr6JhDkslJZAvPrLftD5zDk_cmWDxcLITo46mOmDa4fCCs#/registration

#3 – From WV COMMERCE – West Virginia loves small businesses!

Become a client today meet one-on-one with West Virginia Small Business Development Center business coaches to receive confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help start and grow your business in West Virginia. 

We help you identify your goals, develop valuable skills and acquire the necessary resources to make your business a success.

Check out the video highlighting some incredible small businesses and owners across the state.

Learn more at www.wvsbdc.com.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-V-2xM8GVfw

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, Jan. 13 

MHIRJ is hiring at its Bridgeport facility! Find a career in aviation in the heart of Almost Heaven. A WV author’s award-winning novel is set during the Civil War at Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. Meet Waterstone Outdoors owner Holly Fussell…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MHIRJ – Want to land that sweet spot between work and play? As an Aviation Technician at MHIRJ Aviation Group, you can. The Canadian manufacturer is seeking skilled workers for its Bridgeport facility.

MHIRJ provides comprehensive critical operational, engineering and customer support solutions including maintenance, refurbishment, technical publications, marketing and sales activities for the global regional aircraft industry.

Learn more at www.mhirj.com/en/careers.

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=VrW4ksOcD2mWQ5DQ&v=UAYhm6HZYhA&feature=youtu.be

 #2 – From WV NEWS – The Civil War and its aftermath is the backdrop for the latest novel by Buckhannon native Jayne Anne Phillips.

“Night Watch” is the story of a mother and daughter trying to get through turbulent times while staying at the now historic Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston.

The novel is a New Yorker Best Book of the Year for 2023.

Philips said that it took her about eight years to conduct research and write the book. As part of her research, she visited the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to gather more information about the historical site.

“I think the novel is about resilience and what motivates the resilience of people who live through such a terrible time. I hope people take a sense of the natural world as it existed at that time even though the war was a terrible experience and mournful,” she said.

Learn more at www.jayne anne phillips.com.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/critically-acclaimed-author-from-buckhannon-west-virginia-discusses-her-latest-novel-which-is-set-at/article_69e50fa2-a0dc-11ee-a983-c3553d430fa0.html

#3 – From THE DAILY304 – Innovators and Entrepreneurs spotlights Holly Fussell, owner of Waterstone Outdoors. The Waterstone team dedicates itself  to providing quality outdoor and climbing gear to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

“We want to be your first stop on any New River Gorge adventure, and we want to be that place where you wrap up and reflect on your day. Waterstone has always been a place to get inspiration, quality gear, great advice, and a sense of connection,” she says.

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.

Watch the video on YouTube, and don’t forget to hit like and subscribe!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=EiXHt5TjXQxzoFSz&v=et0eOLKFQAc&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 Friday, Jan. 12 

What do spark plugs, charcoal and kitchen cabinets have in common? They’re all produced in #YesWV. Marshall Advanced Manufacturing helps a Greenbrier County barrel maker attain a skilled workforce. And plan a winter getaway to Pipestem Resort…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Consumers are in constant contact with products containing elements made in the mountain state. Everything from the base polymers in cosmetics and window seals to finished goods such as spark plugs, tableware, charcoal and kitchen cabinets are made in West Virginia.

The state’s diverse manufacturing sector includes chemicals, biotech/pharmaceuticals, primary metals, automotive components, fabricated products, wood products and more. West Virginia’s workforce ranks first in the U.S. for the lowest turnover rate in manufacturing-specific jobs.

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development online to learn more reasons that manufacturers have said  #YesWV.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/manufacturing/

#2 – From MARSHALL ADVANCED MANUFACTURING – The first thing visitors notice on entering West Virginia Great Barrel Company in Caldwell is the sweet and smoky aroma. 

Then there is the technology: Complex conveyor systems, computer-controlled machinery, gigantic robotics that whirl and twist throughout the cooperage. West Virginia Great Barrel Company deploys the latest advanced technology to make some of the most sought-after whiskey barrels in the industry.

The Greenbrier County manufacturer employs 235 individuals at its cooperage and stave mills to support its plan to churn out  225,000 barrels by the end of this year, most of which serve the Kentucky bourbon industry.

While there are plenty of talented people in the region, not many have the specific skill set required of the barrel maker.

To bridge the skills gap, Great Barrel turned to the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center for assistance. MAMC operates Apprenticeship Works, the National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Partnership, which helps such manufacturers as Great Barrel develop the talent they need through a grow-your-own approach. The cost is covered by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. 

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/barrel-manufacturer-infuses-ancient-art-with-high-tech/

#3 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Pipestem Resort State Park is often referred to as the “Year-round Crown Jewel of West Virginia State Parks.” With a year-round campground, a plethora of recreational activities, and breathtaking mountain views, this park in Southern West Virginia is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers.

In addition to campgrounds and cabins, the park has two full-service lodges, one of which operates year-round and overlooks the beautiful Bluestone River Gorge. 

You’ll find plenty to do here, including hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, fishing and boating. There's even a zipline and ropes course! Seasonal activities range from swimming in the park’s Adventure Lake to cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when winter brings enough snow to the area.

Book your Almost Heaven getaway today! To learn more and reserve lodging, visit www.wvstateparks.com.

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/open-for-adventure-campground-wv/

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, Jan. 11 

Aim for the skies with a career in aviation, one of many rapidly growing industries in #YesWV. And Science Adventure School combines play and education in an outdoor environment…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MHIRJ –  Find your dream job in Almost Heaven. MHI RJ Aviation Group is hiring at its Bridgeport location!

MHIRJ provides comprehensive critical operational, engineering and customer support solutions including maintenance, refurbishment, technical publications, marketing and sales activities for the global regional aircraft industry.

Enjoy great pay and benefits in a positive work environment. Current jobs listings include human resources, accounting, machinists, technicians and more. Visit www.mhirj.com to apply now!

Learn more:

https://mhirj.com/en/careers

 #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  The aerospace industry is a dynamic, emerging economic sector in West Virginia. From up-and-coming high-tech innovators to established titans of the industry, the state’s growing cluster of aerospace companies is fueled by an array of advantages that lead these companies to say #YesWV.

West Virginia is within a day’s drive of 34% of the top domestic purchasing sectors of aerospace products and national defense contractors, corporations and federal agencies. The state also is in close proximity to original equipment manufacturers based in the South, including Boeing, AirBus, Lockheed Martin and Gulfstream.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/aerospace/

#3 – From WV PUBCAST – When Ali Jeney first saw a 6th grader transform from quiet and shy to the star of his class, she knew something was working. Jeney is the director of Science Adventure School, and she says she sees this happen every week. 

SAS is a week-long science adventure camp at the Summit Bechtel Reserve. Designed for West Virginia’s 6th graders, SAS hits on two major areas that improve learning for children: a new environment and a feeling of belonging. 

Instructors guide students through various adventure activities such as mountain biking and archery, then teach them the science behind the sports. The camp is mainly funded by private donors.  

Getting kids outside in the Mountain State not only is a great way to experience growth and learning, but also creates a sense of belonging and connection to the natural world that surrounds them. 

Kirk Mitchell, outdoor education guide at SAS, has seen kids come to camp wishing to live somewhere else and leave being excited about their home in West Virginia. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/outdoor-education-exposes-west-virginia-youth-to-wild-and-wonderful-opportunities/

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, Jan. 10 

Grant money will provide job opportunities at state parks for disabled high schoolers. What was the Summersville dam *almost* called? Find out, and learn other cool facts about dams. And a new event challenges motorists to navigate across WV on backroads…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From WBOY-TV – A grant has enabled several state parks as well as the New River Gorge National Park to provide job opportunities for disabled high school students in West Virginia.

Community Access Inc. was awarded a one-year grant by the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation to create paid employment opportunities for 10 to 15 students from select school districts at select parks. 

The jobs will be awarded based on student interest and aptitude to ensure an easy transition from training to paid employment.

Those looking for more information can contact Community Access Inc. at 304-545-1483.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/lewis/wv-state-parks-providing-job-opportunities-for-students-with-disabilities/

#2 – From WVNS-TV – Did you know that the Summersville Dam almost had a very different name?

The remains of the farming town of Gad lie at the bottom of Summersville Lake. The residents of the town had to move once the decision was made to build the dam, as the entire area would become the Summersville Lake. Traditionally, dams are named after the nearest town, which would have been Gad. Now that name would have been a little awkward, so a decision was made to name it after the town of Summersville instead!

The Summersville Dam is not only the largest dam in West Virginia, it is also a part of West Virginia’s newest State Park in Nicholas County. Meanwhile, Gad Dam Brewing in Summersville slyly pays tribute to the dam’s origins while serving up delicious specialty coffees, craft beer and snacks.

Check out the story at WVNS to learn more fascinating facts about some of West Virginia’s dams.

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/west-virginia-news/interesting-dam-facts-about-west-virginia/

#3 – From WBOY-TV – A lot of us drive back roads often; some of us do every day. A new event is taking this idea to the extreme and is challenging drivers to cross the entire Mountain State in one day using only backroads.

24 Hours of Appalachia: Run for the Hills challenges adventurous drivers to navigate more than 600 miles of West Virginia back roads and trails in 24 hours or less. The event is put on by Backroads of Appalachia with help from the West Virginia Gambler 500.

The event begins Feb. 3 in Seneca Rocks and ends in Point Pleasant, traversing the mountains of West Virginia and taking drivers past many scenic landmarks. The event also serves as a fundraiser for the Children’s Home Society of West Virginia. 

Registration is full for February’s Run for the Hills, but non-participating drivers are encouraged to run the route for fun after the event cars have been released. Visit www.backroadsofappalachia.org to learn more.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/can-you-drive-across-west-virginia-in-24-hours-using-only-backroads/

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, Jan. 9 

Make a New Year’s resolution to complete 10 epic bucket list adventures in WV State Parks. The state’s LG Electronics partnership includes a $700M investment to grow tech industries. And the automotive industry is thriving in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – Make some New Year’s resolutions you’ll enjoy! Check out 10 bucket list adventures in West Virginia state parks that will keep you busy throughout all four seasons in Almost Heaven.

Climb aboard West Virginia’s newest scenic train, the Greenbrier Express, starting at Cass Scenic Railroad. Check out Cacapon Resort’s new mountain biking trails. Zip through the trees above the beautiful Bluestone River Gorge at Pipestem Resort. 

Visit www.wvstateparks.com for more bucket list adventures, and don’t forget to book your lodging in advance.

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/add-these-10-adventures-in-west-virginia-state-parks-to-your-2024-bucket-list

#2 – From BUSINESS FACILITIES – The strategic initiative of LG Electronics will extend beyond West Virginia through collaboration with business leaders, public-sector innovators, and universities to promote economic investments in communities across the Appalachian Region, with an emphasis on advancing renewable energy, healthcare and industries of the future.

The businesses created by Santa Clara, CA-based LG NOVA — LG Electronics’ North America Innovation Center — are expected to bring 275 high-skilled jobs to West Virginia. An investment fund is being created with plans to invest $700 million in West Virginia over the next five years to grow these businesses and establish an innovation corridor across the Appalachian Region.

“This is another spotlight on the innovation and advancement occurring in the great state of West Virginia,” said West Virginia Department of Economic Development Secretary Mitch Carmichael. “We are honored to share this economic development announcement highlighting LG NOVA, LG Electronics’ North America Innovation Center, and the job and career opportunities it will create in the Mountain State. We are here to support the entire LG team.”

Read more:

https://businessfacilities.com/lg-strategic-initiative-to-grow-tech-ventures-in-west-virginia

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Automotive component manufacturers from around the world have found the road to success leads to West Virginia. Businesses that supply and support the automotive industry find a ready workforce with the skills needed by today’s market.

West Virginia provides easy access to suppliers of raw materials such as steel, aluminum and chemicals/polymers needed for the automotive industry.

Automotive manufacturers in the state can take advantage of research and technology resources like the non-profit Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions, the National Alternative Fuels Training Consortium and the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/automotive/

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, Jan. 8 

Blenko Glass’ wood mold maker has been working at the facility since he was 18 years old. WV supports a robust industry in technology & information services. And see the stars in Almost Heaven’s dark skies…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV PUBCAST – In an era of speed, algorithms, and increasing automation, Blenko Glass in Milton holds true to its ethos: handmade “from sand to hand.”

Blenko Glass’ creative director James Arnett says Blenko is unique in being handmade in this day and age. The process includes the careful steps of workers in the shop’s dance of molten glass, heat and classic wooden molds.

In a workshop with so many vital pairs of hands, one pair touches most everything in the shop: the shop’s wood mold maker, Daniel Chapman.

Like most workers at Blenko Glass, Chapman just needed a job when he was hired on at 18 years old. Chapman worked with his mentor, Robert Smith for about five years before taking over the woodshop.

“It’s really neat to watch Daniel Chapman interact with our shop floor on a daily basis,” Arnett said. “His cumulative wisdom about how glass is blown from the side of working wood really informs the way that we do everything on our hot shop floor.”

See for yourself how the process works. Visit www.blenko.com to schedule a tour.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/inside-appalachia-from-sand-to-hand-with-blenko-glass-wood-mold-maker/

 #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Technology & information services is an emerging industry in #YesWV. This growing cluster of researchers and practitioners includes university research facilities, government agencies and commercial enterprises.

In particular, the north-central region of West Virginia has been described as the “Silicon Valley of America’s biometrics activity.”

These strengths, combined with our state’s skilled workforce, low cost of doing business and high quality of life make West Virginia a great place to relocate, invest and expand.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/information-technology/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Located entirely within the Appalachian Mountains, West Virginia includes some of the darkest regions of the night sky in the eastern U.S. While regions near its largest cities may be bright enough to wash out many stars, residents of more than 50 percent of the state enjoy star-spangled nights.

The most significant areas of dark skies in West Virginia occur where populations are lowest or are least concentrated and where mountain walls shut out light from cities and light sources such as surface mines and gas wells.

The state’s most brilliant night skies arc across the Allegheny Mountains of the eastern state. Remote peaks and vast national forest areas sink into darkness otherwise known only over the vast Atlantic Ocean.

Plan your own dark skies getaway in Almost Heaven. Visit www.wvtourism.com/stars to learn more.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/12/28/where-are-darkest-night-skies-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 Sunday, Jan. 7 

Get free seeds and compete in the WV Garden Challenge. From water trails to four-wheeling, outdoor recreation abounds in the Advantage Valley. And a historic property in Ansted has links to explorer William Clark…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY – Once again, the “Grow This: West Virginia Garden Challenge” is sending out free seeds to help West Virginians start their own garden, but this year’s challenge has some added competition.

According to the West Virginia University Extension Grow This organization, last year’s challenge, which distributed seeds to 25,000 West Virginians, was “a practice round for 2024.”

This year, they’re giving out seeds for Jimmy Nardello peppers, red Russian kale and scarlet nantes carrots. Individuals, families and groups in West Virginia can sign up to get free seeds and to join a state-wide competition—county versus county. 

Growers can now join the challenge by filling out a survey, and once they get their seeds in April, they can earn points for their country by completing challenges.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/sign-up-for-free-seeds-through-2024-grow-this-wv-garden-challenge/

#2 – From LIVABILITY.COM –  Outdoor recreation in West Virginia, specifically in the Advantage Valley between Charleston and Huntington, is easy to find – just follow the trail.

Whether it’s hiking, paddling, horseback riding or zooming around in an all-terrain vehicle, there is a well-maintained pathway to accommodate all manner of activities. Along the way, residents and visitors can soak in the magnificent mountain landscapes and meet plenty of other outdoor enthusiasts who are enjoying the same thing.

“Our region is a growing outdoor recreation mecca for people to explore and discover,” says Bill Currey, chairman and founder of the Coal River Group, which oversees the 88-mile Coal River Water Trail. “We have everything that you would want in terms of both land and water trails.”

Other recreational opportunities include the Hatfield McCoy Trails, an extensive network of off-roading trails in southern West Virginia. Just north of Charleston lies the Elk River Trail, which offers hiking and biking as well as paddling along the adjacent Elk River. 

Visit www.wvtourism.com for more recreational opportunities in Almost Heaven and start planning your getaway today.

Read more:

https://livability.com/wv/charleston/experiences-adventures/advantage-valley-an-outdoor-lovers-paradise/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – Historians investigating the history of a landmark tavern in southern West Virginia have uncovered evidence that explorer William Clark, of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, lodged there in the 1820s.

Clark's presence at the former Tyree Tavern in Ansted was unknown until a diary entry was recently uncovered in the archives of the Lewis and Clark Trust.

“It is really exciting to find an actual document—in William Clark’s own hand!—that established his stop at the tavern in his 1817-1820 travel diary,” said Pamela Webster-Walsh who co-owns the property with her sister Laura Moore.

Believed to have been established as a tavern in the very early 1800s, the hewn-timber structure is one of the oldest in the southern state. It was a stagecoach stop for travelers crossing the Appalachian Mountains, and during the Civil War, it served as a headquarters for both northern and southern armies.

Webster-Walsh says she and Moore welcome all possible information on the history of the tavern. Correspondence through email should be directed to [email protected]. A Facebook page has also been established at Tyree Tavern - Past & Present.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/01/03/evidence-lewis-and-clark-ansted-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 Saturday, Jan. 6 

Construction trades apprenticeships offer good pay and benefits. The Huntington Museum of Art tops a list of best museums in the state. And check out some great burger joints in Almost Heaven…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Apprenticeship programs are growing in West Virginia.

West Virginia Affiliated Construction Trades Director Justin Williams said their members move the dirt, build the bridges, mine the coal, repair the trucks, energize circuits, and build the hospitals that care for our families and they are training future workers.

The organization manages apprenticeship programs that have starting wages of $20 to $23 per hour, with some opportunities at the journeyman level to make $40 per hour plus benefits and retirement.

Williams said West Virginia is quickly becoming “ground zero” for a wide range of employment opportunities, from electric school bus manufacturing to aviation, aerospace, and, of course, the trades that build and maintain the facilities.

The training programs are available to residents, or residents of neighboring counties in other states, who are 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, have a driver’s license, and can pass a drug test.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/12/25/interest-in-apprenticeship-programs-on-the-rise-statewide/

 #2 – From WOWK-TV – The Mountain State is blessed with a rich culture of history, art and folklore, and many aspects of this have been memorialized in museums around the state.

With so many options, which Mountain State museum is the best of the best? West Virginia Living Magazine has released its 2023 “Best of WV” lists. 

Topping the list is the Huntington Museum of Art, with its 10 exhibition spaces, interactive art and education galleries, auditorium, coral reef aquarium and more. The museum also has two miles of hiking trails and the state’s only tropical and subtropical plant conservatory.

The runners-up were the West Virginia State Museum located in the Culture Center of the State Capitol Complex, and the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant.

Read more:

https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/where-are-the-top-museums-in-west-virginia/

#3 – From PHILLY BITE –  West Virginia is known for some of the country’s tastiest burgers. Noted for  prioritizing fresh produce and quality ingredients, the restaurants on this list offer some delicious craft beers to accompany their meals. Their menu boasts numerous burger creations made with 100 percent certified Angus beef.

Hat tip to Fat Patty’s in Huntington, Sam’s Uptown Cafe in Charleston, Tubby’s Cafe in Clarksburg, Blue Moon Cafe in Shepherdstown, among others. Check out Philly Bite for more great burger joints in Almost Heaven!

Read more:

https://www.phillybite.com/index.php/travel/65-eat/9407-best-burgers-in-west-virginia

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.