Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  Today is Saturday, Nov. 11

Explore the history behind West Virginia’s iconic New River Gorge Bridge. A fire tower in the Monongahela National Forest will soon be open for overnight stays...talk about views for days! And plan a WV State Park adventure with your sweetheart...on today’s daily304.

1 – From THE HISTORY PROJECT – What’s the history behind the iconic New River Gorge Bridge? With the recent christening of America’s newest national park at the New River Gorge, the landmark bridge that spans the chasm has become even more of an icon for West Virginia.
The annual celebration of Bridge Day each October allows everyone to celebrate this treasure, which could have looked very different or could not even have existed at all.

The History Project is the daily304’s presentation of famous people, places and events that shaped West Virginia. Watch the video on YouTube, and subscribe to the daily304’s channel so you don’t miss out on an episode!

Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=4MwWulnxtEkc70gE&v=hVcgNTc3Gdw&feature=youtu.be

2 – From WBOY-TV – Want to stay the night in an 80-foot fire tower on top of a mountain? An old Monongahela National Forest fire tower in Webster County is under construction to become a new overnight tourist attraction.
  
 The Red Oak Tower is on top of Red Oak Knob near the Cranberry Wildlife Management Area. The 80-foot tower, built in 1964, is made completely out of metal and is the newest standing fire tower in the Mon Forest. It is also the second-tallest tower in the Mon Forest, second only to the 100-foot Olson Tower on Backbone Mountain in Tucker County.

Matt Edwards, Recreation Manager of the Monongahela National Forest’s South Zone, said the project is approximately 80-90% complete. Although there is no official opening date yet, Edwards said that he hopes that the rental can open for the 2025 season, which generally starts in April.

Read more:
https://www.wboy.com/news/webster/red-oak-fire-tower-in-west-virginia-being-converted-into-overnight- rental/?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR0ql pchyk_k_A8IfieiR2LnNtrWSowz4mhJsyDTpP9OrimyZTIX89fqX6g

3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Treat your sweetheart to a romantic rendezvous at West Virginia state parks and forests! Whether you’re looking for a winter escape now or planning ahead for a summer adventure, you’re sure to find an itinerary you’ll both love.

Soar through the trees on the Pipestem Peaks zipline canopy tour. You can also book whitewater rafting trips on the New and Bluestone rivers from Pipestem Resort. Take a romantic ride and camp with your horse at Camp Creek State Park and Forest. Enjoy a ski getaway at Canaan Valley Resort and slide down the longest sled run in the east at Blackwater Falls State Park.

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

Today is Friday, Nov. 10  

Grant applications are open for the WV Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund. Fairmont’s Stumptown Ales expands its community outreach with a book club and trivia night. And Huntington officials want your input for the Riverfront Master Plan…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MY BUCKHANNON – The West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund is now accepting grant applications for land-protection projects. Interested parties have until Dec. 31 to apply.

Land-protection projects can include important wildlife habitats and working forests and farmlands, as well as hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreational areas. Applications for large and small grants will be accepted. 

Applicants are reminded to complete their application and determine if their project qualifies for funding by using the OHCF’s eligibility assessment tool and technical assistance manual, all available at commerce.wv.gov/outdoor-heritage-conservation-fund.

Read more:

https://www.mybuckhannon.com/outdoor-heritage-conservation-fund-accepting-grant-applications/

 #2 – From TIMES WV – In the months since its summertime opening, Stumptown Ales has become a staple of Fairmont’s bar and nightlife scene.

Now, with its anchors in place, the brewery is expanding into community programming, from recurring book clubs to team trivia nights.

Coupled with the same high-quality service, Stumptown Ales hopes the new programs can help spearhead a revival of fun and community engagement on Fairmont’s East Side.

Bartender Sarah Hutson, who oversees many of the brewery’s events and programming opportunities, says the book club brings in 10 to 15 individuals each session and they’re already on their fourth book.

The bar has also expanded into more eccentric activities, such as tarot card readings, and, soon, pop-up kitchens hosted by local chefs.

Read more:

https://www.timeswv.com/news/local_news/with-new-programming-stumptown-ales-hopes-to-serve-fairmont-more-than-drinks/article_5ff1a952-78db-11ee-a968-978f952ac40a.html?utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&fbclid=IwAR3Jz__RRJgevxwQQOcoq0GSvXMq6UriVgLsHyHWuqcZZfehRSABozY19No

#3 – From WSAZ-TV – The Huntington Riverfront Master Plan is in its early stages of planning. The city of Huntington is preparing a new plan for the Ohio riverfront, focusing on Harris Riverfront Park near downtown and Adams Landing in the Guyandotte neighborhood. 

Kenny Boggs is the owner of Schooners Bar & Grille and one of the owners of Adams Landing. He hopes that having more activities along the river will bring more money into the area.

“The water is just -- it draws people to the restaurant, to the marina. It’s what creates boat cells, it creates water cells, kayak cells. When people want to spend their recreational time, they’re spending money,” Boggs said.

Ally Layman, Huntington City Councilwoman for District 9, said the project is in its very early planning stages and everyone can have a say in shaping the direction of what activities people can enjoy. 

An open house for community members will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Visitor’s Center at Heritage Station.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/11/07/huntington-riverfront-master-plan-early-stages/

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.

West Virginians are used to frequently hearing his name, whether as the county or university, but John Marshall is more than a namesake in the state’s history. He actually played a role in the first famous Supreme Court trail involving the state and was an early explorer of its rivers and mountains. 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  Today is Thursday, Nov. 9

A new online platform provides free resources for students and job seekers. Applications are open for Charleston Roots--a program that provides relocation incentives. And meet the 2023 class of WV Wonder Women...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Library patrons across the state can now have access to an online one-stop-shop for live student tutoring, test preparation, and job search help.
The West Virginia Department of Arts, Culture, and History and the West Virginia Library Association have partnered with Tutor.com to launch a new program, Tutor WV.

The new online platform provides free access to resources for students, test takers, and job seekers from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Students will have access to 200 subjects to study by grade level and by course, and they can connect with specific tutors to get homework help. Students also have access to drop-off review services for essays and math problems.

For job seekers, Tutor WV provides live interview prep, help with job searches and applications, and drop-off resume and cover letter review.
To get started, visit www.tutor.com/tutorwv and click “Connect Now.”

Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2023/11/05/west-virginia-department-of-arts-partners-with-wv-library-associati on-tutor-com-to-launch-tutor-wv/
    
 #2 – From CHARLESTON AREA ALLIANCE – Looking to plant or come back to your West Virginia roots? The Charleston Area Alliance and the City of Charleston want to talk to you! They are seeking innovative people who value the outdoors but still need or want the amenities offered by a city – but without the waits, noise, and price tag.

The Charleston Roots Initiative was designed for people who are looking to fill career opportunities that are growing or serve a need in the Charleston area. Incentives include a $10,000 relocation credit.

The portal reopened on November 1, 2023. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received and participants will be selected by a committee until all funds are exhausted.

Apply now:
https://charlestonareaalliance.org/charleston-roots/

#3 – From WV LIVING – Meet the 2023 Class of West Virginia Wonder Women.

West Virginia Living magazine celebrates the barrier-breaking, obstacle-leaping, forward-thinking women who pave the way for true growth and change in West Virginia, women who get up each day with hope in their hearts and fire under their feet.

Meet Wonder Women like Crystal Good, founder and publisher of Black By God; Dr. Sherri Young, public health guru; and the aviators--the women of the West Virginia National Guard’s 130th Airlift Wing.

From artists to medical professionals, activists to legislators, athletes to nonprofit leaders, they are the kinds of talented, hardworking, and innovative people that this publication has been proud to lift up and recognize over the past decade.

Read all about them in the latest issue of West Virginia Living.

Read more: https://wvliving.com/category/wonder-women/2023-west-virginia-wonder-women/
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. 8

Learn how AI--that’s artificial intelligence--can transform your business. Middle schoolers flock to Science Adventure School. And make your voice heard at public broadband meetings held throughout the state…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV BUSINESSLINK – Can your business benefit from AI? Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a transformative force that offers tremendous potential for businesses of all sizes — as long as we understand how to use it to our advantage. The advent of AI has opened up exciting opportunities for small business owners to harness the power of AI and drive growth.

AI has tons of different functional capabilities. One of those is generative AI, which refers to systems capable of generating text, images, video, 3D models, or other media in response to input of some kind. 

Check out the WV Businesslink blog to find out how AI tools like ChatGPT can benefit your business, and learn how to get started with using AI.

Read more:

https://wvbusinesslink.com/2023/07/17/unleash-the-power-of-ai-for-your-small-business/

#2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg –  A place to explore outdoor skills and fall in love with science may sound too good to be true, but this is exactly what Science Adventure School is doing for middle schoolers across West Virginia. The free program offers the opportunity for sixth grade students to participate in sports and learn about the science behind them.

SAS has four locations across the state: Summit Bechtel Reserve, WVU Outdoor Education center, Jackson’s Mill 4-H Camp and Heritage Farms School. The program started as a pilot, taking inspiration from Adventure West Virginia as well as similar science programs across the country.

“We just want to give the kids the tools they need to feel good about themselves confident empowered, able to handle failure and able to just handle the challenges of being a person and being a middle schooler in particular,” Program Coordinator Annie Harmon said.

Check out www.scienceadventureschool.wvu.edu to learn more about the program.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/education/science-adventure-school-inspires-west-virginia-students-love-of-science/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&fbclid=IwAR3ymGTilRnmlvqXW72UB_v2v27ajtc19vUlH7iW_0sqoNFWko76jE5mqho

#3 – From INTERNET FOR ALL WV –  The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 provides a historic $65 billion investment to expand internet access and use throughout the United States. Four federal agencies are leading the nation’s Internet for All initiative with programs to support high-speed internet planning, data development, infrastructure, and adoption. 

Make your voice heard! Plan to attend one of the public broadband meetings that are taking place throughout West Virginia in the coming weeks. Visit www.internetforallwv.wv.gov to learn more.

Learn more:

https://internetforallwv.wv.gov/events/

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, Nov. 7 

Laury’s celebrated chef shares what prompted him to immigrate to WV and why he loves living here. Download your mobile WV Waterfall Trail passport and earn prizes as you go. And get your tickets now to some fantastic Mountain Stage shows coming up…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From LIVABILITY – Laury’s Restaurant has been a Charleston, WV fine dining staple since 1979. 

Serving French-infused American steakhouse cuisine, Chef Ramin Mirzakhani has helmed the kitchen since 2000 and was nominated for a prestigious James Beard Award in 2023. 

Livability spoke with Ramin Mirzakhani about why he and his family chose to live in Charleston and what they love about West Virginia.

“My uncle was living in Charleston at the time when we immigrated here … [and we] ended up staying here because we fell in love with the people and the town,” he said.

Mirzakhani says one of the things he loves most about living in Almost Heaven is the outdoor recreation.

“I love hiking a little bit in the morning,” he said. “Also, people here are very, very friendly and are always helping each other, even if they don’t know you. That’s why I fell in love with it and decided to stay. Even coming from another country, as an immigrant you feel at home here, you’re treated like one of them.”

Read more:

https://livability.com/wv/charleston/where-to-live-now/why-i-choose-to-live-in-the-advantage-valley/

#2 – From WV TOURISM – Chasing waterfalls takes on a whole new meaning in West Virginia with the first-ever statewide Waterfall Trail!

The trail was created for travelers looking to get off the beaten path, reconnect with nature and discover more than two dozen waterfalls in Almost Heaven. The trail includes well-known falls such as Blackwater and Sandstone, but also features hidden gems like Finn’s in the New River Gorge National Park & Preserve and Drawdy in Boone County. 

Visit www.wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail to download your free mobile passport. Check in to waterfalls as you visit them and earn prizes along the way!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail/

#3 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE – West Virginia Public Radio’s “Mountain Stage” celebrates its 40th anniversary. Get your tickets today to join the live audience performances featuring some of the best performers from around the country.

Upcoming shows feature a talented roster including Judy Collins, Joan Osborne, James McMurtry and more. Celebrate the holidays with the return of Bob Thompson’s annual jazz celebration, “Joy to the World,” on Dec. 14 and 15. 

Get your tickets now before they sell out! Order online at www.mountainstage.org.

Learn more:

https://mountainstage.org/upcoming-live-shows/

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. 6 

A solar project is bringing lots of jobs to north-central West Virginia. Manufacturers say #YesWV to the Advantage Valley. And learn how Opportunity Move can assist federal agencies in West Virginia…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WDTV Fairmont – A large-scale utility solar project is bringing lots of jobs to north-central West Virginia.

Mon Power says it has hired more than 100 labor union workers to help build its first of five solar fields that will help bolster and diversify the region’s energy mix.

The first solar site is located next to the Fort Martin Power Station in Monongalia County. The site is expected to be online and connected to the grid by the end of the year.

Workers recently finished installing nearly 50,000 solar panels and are now completing the electrical wiring.

Learn more about the West Virginia Solar Program here. 

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/10/30/solar-project-bringing-lots-jobs-ncwv/

 #2 – From LIVABILITY – Why do manufacturers say #YesWV? The Charleston-Huntington metro region known as Advantage Valley boasts a robust and growing manufacturing sector that employs more than 21,000 workers. 

Manufacturers benefit from a deep supply of skilled workers, a strategic location, integrated transportation network and lower electricity and labor costs.

The region has built growing manufacturing sectors in automotive components, aerospace and aviation, chemicals and polymers, metal fabrication, and food and beverage production.

Some of those manufacturers include Chemours Belle Plant, Toyota Manufacturing West Virginia, Alcon eye care, and -- opening soon -- Nucor Steel in Mason County.

Learn more about the advantages of living and working in Advantage Valley at www.livability.com.

Read more:

https://livability.com/wv/charleston/education-careers-opportunity/why-do-manufacturers-love-the-advantage-valley/

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Check out Opportunity Move to learn how West Virginia is providing fiscal, business continuity, and workforce solutions for Federal agencies.

Our state is positioned to assist your agency in mitigating risk, reducing your expense budget and providing upskilling, workforce recruitment and training opportunities.

From real estate solutions to energy savings: West Virginia delivers relief for escalating lease and property costs, a high quality of living for your employees and a geographic location that supports long term strategic business continuity objectives of your agency.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/industries/opportunity-move/

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. 5 

Two WV Timber veterans are selected to fell the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree. WV motorists take advantage of  the DMV’s online test option. And WV Explorer’s founder shares his favorite Mountain State road trips…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – A couple of well-known timbermen in West Virginia have been selected for the honor of felling this year’s National Christmas Tree in the Monongahela National Forest.

Arden Cogar Jr. of Charleston and Ron Polgar of Elkins have been selected for their longstanding dedication to the forest industry in the Mountain State.

Cogar is very active in Timbersports and is a past world champion. His family has been in the timber business in West Virginia for six generations. His late father Arden Cogar Sr. cut the White House Christmas Tree in 1962 for President John F. Kennedy and cut the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree in 1976.

Ron Polgar is a 46-year veteran of the Monongahela National Forest staff and is a renowned botanist and  biological technician. He’s also a noted sawyer and heads up the Forest Service program to teach the fading skill of cross-cut saw use to the next generation. 

Gov. Jim Justice invites West Virginians to the State Capitol on Tuesday, Nov. 7, to send off the 63-foot Norway Spruce to the U.S. Capitol. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a parade down Kanawha Boulevard to the Capitol steps.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/28/two-mountain-state-timber-veterans-to-cut-u-s-capitol-christmas-tree-in-w-va/

#2 – From METRO NEWS – More West Virginians are taking advantage of the online driver’s license knowledge test available on the state Division of Motor Vehicles’ website.

More than 80,000 knowledge tests have been taken online through the division’s online services portal since its inception in Feb. 2021, according to DMV Commissioner Everett Frazier.

Frazier said it’s important to give West Virginia drivers this option.

“We recognize that some people simply don’t do as well with test-taking, and being able to do it securely from the comfort and convenience of home is a real benefit,” he said.

Customers interested in taking the test must have access to a computer with a camera, mouse and keyboard. To access the test, visit the DMV website at www.dmv.wv.gov and click on the Online Services Portal at the top of the page. From there, choose the “Drivers” column, and then the link to “Register now.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/28/thousands-use-online-drivers-license-knowledge-test-available-on-dmv-portal/

#3 – From WV EXPLORER – David Sibray, founder of West Virginia Explorer magazine, shares how the publication has helped people learn about West Virginia’s natural and cultural landscape.

“When I became a journalist in the ’80s, I had immediately fallen into doing stories on the mystique of the outdoors. What ended up happening is I heard this thing coming along called the internet, and I realized this could give me the ability to reach more people than print had up until that time,” he said.

Watch 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. 

You can find “Innovators and Entrepreneurs” on the daily304 YouTube channel, and don’t forget to like and subscribe!

Read more:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2ENvfa-2GE

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. 4

It’s a day to celebrate business in #YesWV with progress on Weirton’s new battery plant, a shooting facility in Ohio County, a groundbreaking for Alcon eyecare, and a major advancement for Northrop Grumman…and learn about programs to help your small business…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From MSN –  If you're driving through Weirton, you'll notice a lot of progress at the Form Energy site since its groundbreaking in May.

The facility projects to generate 750 jobs by 2028. Founder and Chief Operating Officer Ted Wiley has been watching the progress with a close eye.

“It gives me chills,” he said in August. “I drove through the Main Street in Weirton today, and I came up across the bridge and saw the factory come up and I see the future.”

Vice President of the project Soufiane Halily says they've been working at a quick pace thanks to support from West Virginia and Weirton officials.

“This time next year, we're going to be making batteries,”  Halily said. “There's going to be a bustling activity of people coming in and producing.”

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/form-energys-weirton-site-promises-growth-a-progress-report-on-the-fast-paced-construction/ar-AA1iUzAm

#2 – From WTRF-TV Wheeling –  Guntry, an indoor shooting facility, will open its second location at The Highlands in Ohio County, West Virginia.

A state-of-the-art indoor shooting and training center, Guntry’s mission is to provide a safe and welcoming atmosphere to anyone interested in shooting and personal protection – regardless of previous experience.

The club will feature 25-yard lanes and 100-yard lanes. All shooting ranges will be climate-controlled and include industry-leading air handling and ventilation systems. There will also be a state-of-the-art, 340-degree interactive simulator, and an 80-person training room.

A firearms pro shop will accommodate onsite gun storage and offer new, used and gun transfer sales, in addition to accessories and apparel.

“Founded by seasoned law enforcement individuals, Guntry offers training and certification for members of law enforcement,” said Josh Jefferson, President of the Regional Economic Development Partnership. “We believe they will become the law enforcement training center for the entire region.”

Read more:

https://www.wtrf.com/ohio-county/indoor-shooting-facility-coming-to-the-highlands/

#3 – From THE HERALD-DISPATCH – Eye care manufacturer Alcon broke ground last week on an expansion of its medical device manufacturing facility at Greenbottom, near Lesage, in Cabell County.

“We are adding about 70,000 square feet and the facility will be approximately 200,000 square feet,” said Jason Mangum, general manager of Alcon Huntington West Virginia. “We’re also going through a renovation on the interior of approximately 50 to 60,000 square feet as well.”

Mangum said the company will invest $70 million in its Huntington-area operation as it looks to consolidate with its other location eight miles away. Both operations employ around 500 associates and that level will be maintained following the consolidation.

The new portion of the facility will manufacture intraocular lenses, which are artificial lenses used in cataract surgery procedures.

Magnum said Alcon has a $65 million impact to the local community.

Read more:

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/alcon-breaks-ground-on-70-million-expansion/article_93624772-1bde-5f87-962e-07c4bdfced2c.html

#4 – From NORTHROP GRUMMAN –  The ground is shifting around Benjie Staggs, and he’s excited about it.

Staggs is director of Advanced and Development Programs for Northrop Grumman at the sprawling Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in Rocket Center, West Virginia. Outside his office, work is underway on an ultramodern 113,000-square-foot complex that will transform the production of advanced defense and strike missiles.

Northrop Grumman’s new missile integration facility is a “factory of the future,” where key energetic components for sophisticated missiles are produced on-site and come together under one roof.

“We’ve produced rocket motors and other components here for years, but they were shipped elsewhere for assembly into a complete missile,” said Staggs, a West Virginia native with more than 20 years of missile experience with Northrop Grumman. “This is a totally new operation for ABL.”

Read more:

https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/advanced-weapons/new-factory-to-launch-new-era-in-missile-production

#5 – From WV COMMERCE – Are you a small business owner in West Virginia struggling to bring your innovative ideas to life? The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs are here to help!

Contact the West Virginia Small Business Development Center today to learn more about how SBIR and STTR can help your business thrive!

Watch the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=9DiVziOMUK4Vo_VP&v=v30JGAQr_7Y&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, Nov. 3

The first electric school buses are set to roll out of South Charleston in December. Ice, Ice, Baby…a Hampshire County natural wonder is now open for guided tours. And a Huntington native advocates for people with disabilities in TV and film…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – GreenPower Motor Company is prepared to deliver the first electric buses manufactured in the Mountain State and has released the full results from the pilot program.

Vice President of Business Development and Strategy Mark Nestlen said the first four units are just the beginning of a growing market.

“We look forward to December 13, which is the day that the four West Virginia-manufactured Nano Beasts will depart South Charleston,” Nestlen said. “They will be the first vehicles produced at that facility.”

Overall, the company reported that by the fourth quarter of 2023, it had delivered 120 vehicles to customers nationwide, representing a six-fold increase from sales the year before. 

As more entities learn about subsidies related to the Inflation Reduction Act more orders are anticipated, Nestlen said.

“We’re going to need another 60-plus people to come on board in Q1 to be well on track to the 200 number by the end of 2024,” Nestlen said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/29/first-west-virginia-built-electric-buses-to-roll-off-the-line-in-december-following-successful-pilot-program/

#2 – From WV EXPLORER – One of West Virginia’s most fascinating natural wonders, Ice Mountain, where winter ice can be found lingering in crevices until summer, is now open to guided hikes year-round.

Long a puzzle to scientists who were determined to discover how its "ice vents" functioned, the mystery has been solved, though the phenomena and the remarkable plant life it sustains will likely attract visitors to the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia for years to come.

Ice Mountain’s refrigerating effect comes from inside its thick talus slope, a mass of boulders at the mountain’s foot that traps the cold. In winter, cold air sinks into the talus, forming the ice. Once the weather warms, the air flows out of cold vents along the bottom of the slope, keeping the ice frozen until early summer.

Ice Mountain boasts remarkable flora, such as dwarf dogwoods or bunchberries, more often found near the Arctic Circle, according to Steve Bailes, a docent for the Ice Mountain preserve,

For further information or tours, visit the Ice Mountain Preserve or Historic Hampshire.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/10/30/west-virginia-natural-wonder-ice-mountain-tours/

#3 – From THE PARTHENON –  A blind Huntington native has claimed his corner of the film and television industry despite the challenges that he has faced.

Joe Strechay is co-executive producer for season three of the Apple TV+ show “See.” One of his goals for the show was to change how blindness is seen by the world.

“I create accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision on sets,” Strechay said. “When creating the set of ‘See,’ the writers told me that we have to create an atmosphere of respect around blindness and disability.”

Strechay has also been working on the new Netflix show ‘All the Light We Cannot See,’ which will be released on Nov. 2. He is an associate producer and blindness accessibility consultant on that project.

To ensure accessibility, he evaluates the accommodations for actors and background performers with all types of disabilities. He also recruits actors through his connections and networking.

“Nothing about us, without us,” said Strechay. “I want to make sure people with disabilities have opportunities. Utilizing and representing communities is important.”

Read more:

https://marshallparthenon.com/32289/news/producer-joe-strechay-advocates-for-people-with-disabilities-in-the-entertainment-industry/

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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.