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

Today is Wednesday, Nov. 29 

The Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center has big plans for expansion. A fiber artist finds inspiration in WV scenery. And follow the Mercer County Candy Cane Trail for a chance to win prizes…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV NEWS – After rebranding seven months ago, the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center has continued its mission of supporting both workers and businesses throughout the state by providing training, job placement and more.

MAMC Director Derek Scarbro said the manufacturing industry is experiencing a solid resurgence.

“There are thousands of manufacturing jobs available in West Virginia both now and on the horizon with companies expanding and operations coming to West Virginia. So, there is great opportunity for a lot of good-paying, family-supporting jobs, and we’re trying to rise to the challenge and help more West Virginians take advantage of that opportunity and help these companies grow,” he said.

Earlier this month, the MAMC (formerly the Robert C. Byrd Institute) was awarded nearly $1 million in funding from the Appalachian Regional Commission to implement its Systems Maintenance, Automation and Robotics Technology Program in Cabell and Mason counties.

Scarbro said he believes the SMART Program will be a game changer.

“We heard from 26 manufacturers just in the immediate vicinity of Cabell County and the tri-state part of West Virginia who had a specific need for these skill sets like maintaining automated production lines, which are often some of the most highly paid, highly skilled jobs outside of management at many of these factories.”

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/marshall-advanced-manufacturing-center-continues-mission-of-west-virginia-workforce-development/article_acc0b788-856e-11ee-ae7d-c7e0ef551d34.html

#2 – From WV LIVING – Fiber artist Mary Roy first tried hand embroidery in 2019 as a creative outlet to cope with the symptoms of her obsessive-compulsive disorder and the stress of her corporate job. She’s been learning and stitching ever since.

In 2020, she established her business, Appalachian Moon, which she rebranded earlier this year to Mary Stitches. Roy has been voted a 2021 “Best New Artist” runner-up by readers of WV Living magazine, an Emerging Artist Fellow by Tamarack Foundation for the Arts and an Artist-in-Residence at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Most of Roy’s pieces are 8-inch hoops and take 25 to 30 hours to complete, depending on complexity. They are also thoroughly researched, which adds authenticity and helps Roy capture tiny details. Her three-layer New River Gorge hoop—one of her favorites—features the bridge, river, surrounding greenery, and female whitewater rafters.

“It was fun to play with the different colors and textures, and the layering allowed me to create something with more movement and dimension,” Roy says. The piece has been featured in exhibitions at The Cultural Center, Tamarack Marketplace and Taylor Books.

You can find her work on her Etsy page, MaryeStitches. 

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/embroidered-beauty/

#3 – From WVNS-TV – The second annual Visit Mercer County Candy Cane Trail hosted by the Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau is back and ready for the holidays.

Through Jan. 8, 2024, peppermints and candy canes lie throughout Mercer County waiting for people to follow the trail of holiday cheer. 

Sign up at www.visitmercercounty.com/candycanetrail to get a link to your mobile passport. Then visit the locations on the passport and check into them with your cell phone. 

With every third check-in, participants have the opportunity to win various gift cards, a gift basket and a weekend trip to any West Virginia State Park. 

Read more:

https://www.wvnstv.com/news/local-news/the-visit-mercer-county-candy-cane-trail-returns/

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.

Nestled in the heart of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Main Street transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season. Christmas on Main Street is a beloved local tradition, drawing visitors with its magical ambiance and holiday cheer. 

Lined with twinkling lights and adorned with festive decorations, the street comes alive with the spirit of Christmas. Visitors can explore charming boutiques, indulge in seasonal treats, and experience an ice skating rink and a petting zoo! For more information click here: https://www.mainstreetmartinsburg.com/events

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

Today is Tuesday, Nov. 28 

Residents theorize about the mysterious “Peters Mountain Roar.” Savor the flavors of the WV Culinary Trail. And CAMC opens a new, state-of-the-art training facility for healthcare professionals…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – Those who have heard the haunting "Peters Mountain Roar" say it will forever stay with them. "The roar of a thousand lions," some have called it.

A meteorological phenomenon, the sound is most often experienced in the windward valleys west of Peters Mountain. Many theories have been proposed about its origin, though none have answered all questions about its magical influence.

"Old timers called in the roar of a thousand lions," added Amy Cole South, who grew up near the mountain and operates Mountain Shadow Cabin, which lodges at least one scholar who has studied the sound.

In the 1960s, Shirley Donnelly published a theory proposed by W.O. Raines of Gap Mills. Raines said the sound was created by high-level winds racing across the top of the mountain. 

As to where on the mountain the sound emanates remains a mystery. Some believe it's created where the winds blow over rocky areas along the summit, as at Hanging Rock, the site of the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory. 

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/11/20/peters-mountain-roar-monroe-county-west-virginia/

 #2 – From WV TOURISM –  Appalachian flavors meet global influences on the West Virginia Culinary Trail. Claim your FREE mobile pass today to start earning exclusive foodie prizes!

Hand-selected by the current class of West Virginia Chef Ambassadors, this trail features 27 restaurants across the state. Looking for a sweet treat? Or searching for the perfect pasta? With spots available in all nine travel regions, a Culinary Trail check-in will be nearby on any adventure in Almost Heaven.

Learn more:

https://wvtourism.com/culinary-trail/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – The Charleston Area Medical Center Institute for Academic Medicine has opened its new Center for Learning and Research.

The center is designed to support the training of all types of healthcare professionals, serving as a learning environment for residents and students from affiliated universities around the state and beyond. It provides space for live, virtual and multi-site programs, supporting learners from nearly any location.

The highlight of the center is a state-of-the-art simulation facility, providing learners an environment to practice skills and use new equipment, helping them safely transfer skills and knowledge to patient care. 

“This is the preeminent center for training health care providers in our region,” says Sharon Hall, president of the CAMC Institute for Academic Medicine. “The center will promote a team learning environment, serving thousands of learners, staff and students annually from many disciplines. Our research teams will continue to promote innovation and evidence-based learning to serve our patients.”

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/training-tomorrows-health-care-providers/

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, Nov. 27 

Discover knockout scenery, history and culture in southern WV. Learn how SEED SPOT helps WV entrepreneurs. And WV schools implement new technology to make safety a priority…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From ATLANTA MAGAZINE – The bar is set undeniably high for any visit to West Virginia. 

The forested ridges and folds of the Allegheny Mountains, threaded with narrow valleys and winding rivers, offer knockout scenery, particularly in fall. And outdoor activities, such as hiking and whitewater rafting, abound.

Travel east with, from the perennially cool small town of Fayetteville to the historic mountain town of Bramwell, to discover a trove of cultural offerings, from the anticipated (coal mine tours and mountain crafts) to the unexpected (a Cold War–era bunker and an acclaimed French restaurant).

Visit www.wvtourism.com for more road trip ideas in Almost Heaven.

Read more:

https://www.atlantamagazine.com/southbound-articles/road-trip-guide-to-southern-west-virginia/

#2 – From WV BUSINESS LINK – If you are just learning about SEED SPOT you might be wondering why a Phoenix-based nonprofit wants to work with West Virginia entrepreneurs. With West Virginia’s entrepreneurs and small business owners being the driving force behind the growing local economy, SEED SPOT can play a small role in supporting this emerging ecosystem.

The nonprofit offers a supportive space and community for underrepresented entrepreneurs to test and refine their ideas, receive personalized, judgment-free mentorship from experts who reflect their own lived experiences, and receive the education and resources they need to build and sustain their ventures. 

SEED SPOT’s current programming options include a 2-day Launch Camp, an 8-week Impact Accelerator Program, and an Alumni Program.

Learn more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/10/31/seed-spot-in-west-virginia-nurturing-underrepresented-entrepreneurs/

#3 – From WV EXECUTIVE – Leaders of West Virginia’s primary, secondary and collegiate level schools are turning to technology and increased security as they consider the possibility of gun violence in schools.

BridgeValley Community and Technical College in South Charleston is in the process of installing a gunshot detection system, says President Casey Sacks. The technology will consist of strategically positioned sensors within buildings that will automatically transmit alerts through a platform if gunshots erupt.

Other colleges and universities say they have added additional security cameras or police officers, while increasing the amount of training in preparation for potential shootings.

With the goal of student safety, Governor Jim Justice announced the School Safety Initiative by the state Department of Homeland Security in 2022.

The initiative aims to provide guid­ance to school personnel, students, par­ents and community members to detect and prevent school violence by recognizing threatening behavior in students and providing the tools necessary to seek assistance in the event of a crisis or threat.

In addition to the state’s school safety initiative, more than 50 West Virginia schools are implementing a live video analytics platform called ROC Watch that they will use to identify visitors and help administrators manage building access before guests enter the school’s front office.

Read more:

https://wvexecutive.com/keeping-schools-safe/

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

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

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

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

Today is Sunday, Nov. 26 

Looking to relocate? WV’s Advantage Valley has it all! WV Jumpstart sponsors a contest for skilled workers. And a new program is tackling childhood obesity by teaching healthy eating habits…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From LIVABILITY – Are you on the hunt for a new place to call home? Look no further than Advantage Valley, WV. This stunning region, encompassing Charleston, Huntington, South Charleston, and Teays Valley, is brimming with everything you desire and more. Picture a wealth of career opportunities, picturesque landscapes, and inviting restaurants and breweries where you can unwind with friends after a productive day.

Advantage Valley hosts an impressive lineup of major companies, as well as a thriving tech sector. Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, the region offers breathtaking views and a wealth of outdoor activities all year long. And for those moments when you’re ready to indulge, visit exceptional craft breweries along Brewers Row in downtown Charleston.

Watch the video to learn more!

Learn more:

https://www.livability.com/advantage-valley

#2 – From WV JUMPSTART –  Are you a West Virginia truck driver, electrician, welder, or another type of trade professional? Do your vocational skills help pay the bills? 

Tell us what makes you proud to be a West Virginia skilled worker and snap a picture for a chance to win up to $12,000 deposited into a Jumpstart Savings Account!

The contest deadline is Dec. 31, 2023, so get those entries in now!

Learn more:

https://wvjumpstart.com/contest

#3 – From WDTV Morgantown –  Healthy Kids Inc. Is the first cooking model of its kind in the state, and they are looking to fight childhood obesity. 

“We have a group of trained, skilled chefs and nutritionists who help to prepare all our foods and the menus. Using local foods, the healthiest food that we can find, our goal is to make sure the youngest children are eating the healthiest food,” said Mandy Curry, Founder of Health Kids Inc.

Healthy Kids Inc. has been in full-cooking operation for two years, and they supply food for 11 childcare centers across four counties and a private school in Fairmont, and they make between 1,000-1,200 meals a day. 

Curry and her team have plans for the future to feed seniors, and they will expand their childcare center meals with the ultimate goal of building a fresh food coalition.

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/11/08/healthy-kids-inc-fuels-youth-nutrition/

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

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

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

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

Today is Saturday, Nov. 25 

Coalfield Development helps put miners back to work. Learn some fascinating facts about the WV-grown U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. Learn how entrepreneurship is like hiking. And hunters, don’t forget the Big Buck photo contest…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From CBS NEWS – In West Virginia's hollers, deep in Appalachia, jobless coal miners are now finding a seam of hope.

“I wasn't 100% sure what I was going to do,” said James Damron, who was laid off two years ago from a mine. 

Then Damron found Coalfield Development, and its incoming CEO, Jacob Israel Hannah.

Coalfield Development is a community-based nonprofit, teaching a dozen job skills, such as construction, agriculture and solar installation. It also teaches personal skills. Participants can get paid for up to three years to learn all of them.

“We want to make sure that you have all the tools in your toolkit to know when you interview with an employer, here's the things that you lay out that you've learned,” Hannah said.

The program is delivering with the help of roughly $20 million in federal grants. Since being founded in 2010, it has trained more than 2,500 people, and created 800 new jobs and 72 new businesses.

Learn more about the program at www.coalfield-development.org.

Read more:

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/west-virginia-training-program-jobless-coal-miners-appalachia/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER  –  A West Virginia-grown Christmas tree harvested in the Monongahela National Forest will adorn the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in 2023 — the third time a West Virginia tree has appeared on the grounds that look across the National Mall toward the Lincoln Memorial.

The first and second occasions a tree from the Mountain State was used were in 1970 and 1976, according to officials at the U.S. Forest Service, members of which harvested the specimen during an idyllic autumn snow on November 1 from the Laurel Fork Campground in the Monongahela National Forest.

The tree is a Norway spruce native to Europe. It is 63 feet tall and weighs about 8,000 pounds.

It’s estimated to be about 38 years old, based on its rings. It drinks about 5-10 gallons of water daily.

The Shawnees have named it “Wa’feem’tekwi,” which means “bright tree.”After it completes its service at the capitol, the tree’s wood will be re-used by the Shawnee at their ceremonial grounds in White Oak, Oklahoma. 

Check out WV Explorer to learn more fascinating facts!

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/11/11/facts-about-the-west-virginia-grown-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree/

#3 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP – Entrepreneurship embarks on an incredible journey characterized by courage, innovation, and unwavering determination, akin to the adventurer navigating a challenging terrain. 

3 Steps 2 Startup delves deep into the world of entrepreneurs, much like the hiker embarking on an inspiring trek, to grasp how they employ reason to identify opportunities, aspire to transform their vision into reality and endure the trials and tribulations of the entrepreneurial path. Click the link to learn more.

Collaborating with 3 Steps To Startup and WVCAP (West Virginia Capital Access Program) can expedite your entrepreneurial success journey by providing essential support and resources. When it comes to financial matters, WVCAP plays a pivotal role in helping startups secure the funding they need for growth. 

Read more:

https://3steps2startup.com/2023/11/08/navigating-the-entrepreneurial-journey-the-power-of-reason-aspiration-and-endurance/

#4  – From WVDNR – Hunters, get your entries in for the Big Buck Photo Contest!

Entering the Big Buck Photo Contest is easy! All you must do is take a photo of you and the buck you harvested during the 2023 hunting season, write a short account of your hunt and upload the photo to the Big Buck Photo Contest entry form. Winners will be selected and announced in January 2024.

Prizes include lifetime West Virginia hunting licenses and West Virginia State Park stays.

Visit the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources website to learn more.

Learn more:

https://wvdnr.gov/photocontest/

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

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 

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

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

Today is Friday, Nov. 24 

Plans are in place for a new $65 million office building in downtown Charleston. Local business owners gear up for Small Business Saturday. And WV sees a trend in mushroom hunting and farming…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WSAZ-TV – The Charleston Planning Commission has approved plans for a $65 million downtown office building.

Mayor Amy Goodwin said the building will be constructed at the site of a building on Kanawha Boulevard previously owned by CASCI.

“Right behind you is the old Sears property, a hotel is going there. Beyond that is the Macy’s building. The sports complex is going to be built there. Poca Valley Bank is getting ready to do some movement on this property, so this entire area is going to be totally redeveloped,” Goodwin said during a press conference at the site.

Remington Group bought and is managing the property. The old building is expected to be torn down by March 2024.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/11/09/renderings-released-new-65-million-office-building/

#2 – From WV NEWS – Local economic officials and business owners are gearing up for Small Business Saturday, which occurs annually two days after Thanksgiving.

“West Virginia is largely made up of small businesses, and they are the heartbeat of our community and the engine force behind our economy,” said Kaylin Jorge, director of communications for the West Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Tina Shaw, president of the Marion County Chamber of Commerce, said Small Business Saturday is a big day for the small mom-and-pop businesses. 

“It’s really a day that the business community promotes everyone to shop small and stay in their community for their holiday shopping,” Shaw said.

So if you plan on doing a little holiday shopping tomorrow, consider visiting some locally owned businesses and supporting West Virginia artists and artisans!

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/small-business-saturday-thinking-small-helps-your-neighbors-win-big/article_5ee48144-83dd-11ee-b3a3-275792168dee.html

#3 – From WV PUBCAST – On an overcast but hot morning, a mushroom hunt began with a car ride to a secret spot near the home of West Virginia master naturalists Shawn Means and Amy McLaughlin.

The pair run a boutique vacation rental called Lafayette Flats in Fayetteville, next to the New River Gorge Natural Park and Preserve.

They lead eco tours for people who stay in their flats, pointing out unique flora, fauna and fungi in the area. 

Fungi are especially popular on the tours. “Mushrooms have been so hot lately,” McLaughlin said.

The couple’s mushroom hunting expedition ends in the kitchen, where they prepare chanterelle ice cream sundaes out of a batch of delicately fried fungi sweetened with honey.

However, if learning to identify the roughly 2,500 species that grow in central Appalachia feels daunting, those interested in fungi could try mushroom farming instead. It is safer, simpler and less subject to the vagaries of rainfall.

Kits will bring mushrooms safely and easily into your kitchen. For the thrill of a woodland hunt, hunt down a mushroom club. These are prolific in Appalachia.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/appalachian-mushroom-experts-welcome-sprouting-newbies/

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, Nov. 23 

The WV Folklife Apprenticeship Program helps carry on the soul food tradition. Our nation’s capital gets a second Christmas tree from the mighty Mon Forest. And California native settles in Hinton and opens Lucky Rivers Cafe…on today’s daily304. 

#1 – From WV PUBCAST – It’s a warm spring afternoon at Manna House Ministries, a Second Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia. Xavier Oglesby is singing his favorite hymn as he prepares a macaroni salad in the church’s kitchen. 

From macaroni salad to biscuits to chitlins, soul food is a cooking style that is intrinsic to Black culture both in the South and Appalachia. More so than the food itself, it’s the way a meal comes together that makes soul food, soul food.

“When you think of soul food, that’s the first thing you think of is Black folks. Because we were able to take nothing and make something out of it for a meal, and that’s the way it is even today,” Oglesby said. 

Oglesby has been cooking since he was a teenager, having learned from four generations of his family. Now, he is teaching his niece, Brooklyn Oglesby, how to cook soul food and family recipes. He’s doing this through the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program.

Folklife apprenticeship pairs are carrying on community-based traditional art forms and cultural practices — from fiddle instrument repair to mushroom foraging — all with the goal of passing on stories, skill sets and traditional knowledge. 

“I’m hoping I can raise two sons that know how to cook,” Brooklynn said. “I’m hoping I can keep that going and teach my kids, and hopefully they’ll be better cooks than me one day.”

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/w-va-folklife-apprenticeship-pair-passing-on-family-soul-food-traditions/

#2 – From WV PUBCAST – It’s going to be a wild and wonderful Christmas in Washington D.C. as West Virginia sends a second Christmas tree to the nation’s capital this year.

A 40-foot Norway spruce from the Monongahela National Forest is being placed on the Ellipse at the White House. It replaces the previous White House Christmas tree, which had to be removed after developing a fungal disease.

The tree joins a 63-foot Norway spruce that will be displayed on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Both trees came from the Monongahela National Natonal Forest. 

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/2nd-tree-headed-to-nations-capital-from-mon-national-forest/

#3 – From WV LIVING – After moving to West Virginia for college and deciding she wanted to stay here, California-born Sarah Gleason spent several years working as a volunteer and teacher. 

Inspired by Anthony Bourdain’s iconic book “No Reservations,” she decided to quit her teaching job and start cooking for a living. She started out working in a small restaurant in Hinton, until it closed during COVID-19, then bounced around a few restaurants in Lewisburg and Beckley—and even did a little catering out of her home.

Now she’s opened her own restaurant in Hinton, the Lucky Rivers Cafe. The menu features mouth-watering sandwiches like the Prime Rib Gyro and Gail’s Pimiento Cheese, as well as the restaurant’s signature Buddha Belly Bowl.

We’d tell you the ingredients but the list is long and it will make you hungry, so you’ll have to see for yourself at www.luckyriverscafe.com.

Read more:

https://wvliving.com/a-lucky-coincidence/

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, Nov. 22

Generation WV seeks young professionals. Take your hiking to new levels with rucking. Elkins Area Shared Trails reveals plans for expansion. And hunters, the WVDNR wants your Big Buck photos...on today’s daily304.

1 – From GENERATION WV – Generation West Virginia, the statewide organization dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing young people in the Mountain State, is accepting applications for the GWV Fellowship program. This program is focused on equipping young professionals with the skills needed to advance their careers and grow as future leaders in West Virginia.

Fellows will participate in five in-person and four virtual sessions held at various locations throughout the Mountain State. These sessions allow Fellows to hone their skills, learn from industry leaders, build lasting relationships with their peers, and deepen their appreciation for the history and beauty of West Virginia.

Applications for the upcoming class will close in April 2024. Generation West Virginia welcomes applications from prospective Fellows, as well as inquiries from employers interested in sponsoring an employee for the GWV Fellowship.

To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visit generationwv.org/fellowship.

Read more:
https://generationwv.org/fellowship-program-accepting-applications-seeks-to-retain-young-talent-in-wv/ 
  
 #2 – From WV EXPLORER – With its walkable towns and seemingly limitless hiking rails, West Virginia is ideally suited to “rucking,” an extremely accessible exercise growing in popularity both as a group pursuit and a solitary endeavor.

Rucking, or simply walking with a weighted backpack, is relatively easy and inexpensive and can provide for dramatic weight loss. A form of exercise rooted in military training, it gains its name from the term “rucksack.”

Levi Moore, an outdoor adventure instructor working to expand the pastime in the Mountain State, suggests starting with 5 to 10 pounds of weight in a sturdy, well-fitting pack.

“Anywhere you can hike, you can ruck,” says Moore, who’s become an adherent, thanks partly to the ease with which it can be accomplished.

Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/2023/11/14/west-virginia-is-ideally-suited-to-this-easy-weight-loss-exercise/ 

3 – From WBOY-TV – Elkins Area Shared Trails has revealed their Master Trail Plan.

EAST is a local volunteer organization that strives to bring people together through the development and stewardship of multi-purpose, human-powered trail systems.

The plan looks to incorporate four different parcels of land that are in and around Elkins into its system, according to EAST Coordinator Jessica Sutton.

“We have the Glendale Park which of course is owned and operated by the city of Elkins, Elkins Parks and Rec’s commission. We have a piece of property called the Darby farm, which is managed by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, a parcel property that’s adjacent to the rail trail that’s owned by Davis Memorial Hospital, and then the Davis Elkins campus,” Sutton said.

She added that all four areas were looked at by a professional trail and construction firm that created the master trail plan through evaluations based on existing assets, challenges, and the potential of the properties.

Read more:
https://www.wboy.com/news/randolph/elkins-area-shared-trails-collaborative-reveals-master-plan/ 

4 – From WVDNR – In West Virginia, acres of wide-open public lands await you for world-class hunting opportunities. This fall, hunters are invited to participate in the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Big Buck Photo Contest.

Take a photo of you and the buck you harvested during the 2023 hunting season, write a short account of your hunt and upload the photo to the Big Buck Photo Contest entry form. Winners will be selected and announced in January 2024.

Prizes include lifetime West Virginia hunting licenses to West Virginia State Park stays. Visit www.wvdnr.gov/photocontest to learn more!
   
Read more:
https://wvdnr.gov/photocontest/ 

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world.

Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.

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

The suburbs between Huntington and Charleston fill a plain that offers some of the flattest land in the Mountain State. Called Teays Valley, even many of its residents are unaware this unique topography was created by an ancient river that mothered today’s rivers.