In this episode of "What Makes You Wonderful," we chat with Philip McLaughlin, the marketing director for Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg, West Virginia. We dive into some of their upcoming events, starting with "The Complete History of Comedy" by the Reduced Shakespeare Company, which is set to premiere on Friday, Nov. 3, at 7 p.m.  

We also discuss another captivating show scheduled for next week, "Rock with Rachmaninoff," featuring the incredibly talented Barbara Nissman. 

For more information: https://www.carnegiehallwv.org/

Nucor Steel looks to women and recovery program graduates to help fill 800 job openings. A new disc golf course transforms an old flood plain in Ceredo. And the Charleston Coliseum and Convention center sets new venue records--#YesWV!...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Nucor Steel West Virginia Vice President and General Manager John Farris says he has no doubt the large steelmaker will be able to fill the 800 permanent jobs that will be created with the completion of the $3 billion sheet steel plant to be under construction soon in Mason County.

Farris said one of the goals is to target more women for employment.

“We’re currently putting together an RFQ (Request for Qualifications) to have on-site child care,” Farris said on MetroNews “Talkline.” “At the premise of that is we want to encourage more women to choose steelmaking as a career and obviously that’s (on-site child care) going to appeal to families at large.”

Farris said Nucor has also been engaged with the state’s Jobs and Hope program that helps those coming out of substance use disorder get jobs along with ongoing talks with Marshall Addictive Medicine for second chance employment.

Jobs will be posted on Nucor’s website, www.nucor.com/westvirginia.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/25/nucor-employment-goals-include-hiring-more-women-and-working-with-recovery-programs/

#2 – From WCHS-TV –  A new outdoor recreation option is now available in Wayne County thanks to a major land reclamation project in the form of an 18-hole disc golf course.

The new track – located at 1597 B Street – is an anomaly in the Mountain State as the landscape is relatively flat, but heavily wooded fairways and sheer length provide ample challenge for advanced disc golfers.

The Wayside Disc Golf Course was designed by West Virginia Disc Golf Hall of Famers Johnny Sias and Phil Bryant. The land remained unused for years as part of a flood plain of the Ohio River, but local officials and volunteers saw value in the property.

Ceredo Mayor Paul Billups expects the course to make an economic impact as players stop at restaurants, gas stations and area businesses. He said Ceredo's newest addition also pairs well with the town's ballfield and pickleball courts, giving residents and visitors another option for recreation and physical activity.

Read more:

https://wchstv.com/news/local/land-reclamation-project-brings-new-disc-golf-course-to-ceredo-west-virginia-johnny-sias-phil-bryant-paul-billups-wayside-economic-impact-armco-ashland-rotary-huntington-barboursville-park

#3 – From WSAZ-TV–  The Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex has hosted more than 650 unique events, welcomed more than one million visitors, and sold over $27.1 million in tickets since January 2021.

Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin joined the Charleston Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Board to make the announcement.

Earlier this month the complex hosted three sold-out shows and one at 90 percent capacity in the span of one week, resulting in new venue records being set.

“Two and a half years ago we decided to change the way we operate the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center Complex. Through our continued partnership with OVG360 we have seen more big-name concerts, comedy shows, family events and – more folks packing the Coliseum and Convention Center and the Municipal Auditorium,” Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said.

 “Now, more than ever, it is imperative we invest in our future, so that we can continue to capitalize on the energy, excitement, and positive forward momentum.”

The average annual food and beverage earnings have also doubled as compared to pre-pandemic data.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/10/26/charleston-coliseum-welcomes-more-than-1-million-visitors-since-jan-2021/

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.

Students, design a dog-themed ornament for display at the Culture Center! WVU Tech partners with local contractors to open a Construction Management learning space. And discover natural beauty, recreation and more in Tucker County…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – It’s time to get creative! West Virginia students are invited to design their own dog-themed Christmas ornaments in the 19th annual First Lady Student Ornament Competition.

The contest is inspired by West Virginia’s Friends With Paws school therapy dogs as well as Babydog, Governor Jim Justice’s dog. Students from every grade, whether public, private or home-schooled, are eligible to participate, according to a release from the Office of First Lady Cathy Justice.

Winners will be invited to virtually join the Joyful Night Celebration, an early December holiday event held at the State Capitol, where officials will show the ornaments and the Christmas tree. The winning classes will also receive a gift card for class supplies.

All submitted ornaments will be displayed at the Culture Center in Charleston over the holidays.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/holidays/west-virginia-students-invited-to-create-dog-themed-ornaments-for-competition/?ipid=promo-link-block1

#2 – From METRO NEWS  – West Virginia University Institute of Technology has partnered with some regional contractors to welcome a newly-renovated, first-of-its-kind in the state Construction Management learning space.

WVU Tech’s Construction Management program joined Jarrett Construction last week for a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new space, which is expected to help expand the now only 3-year-old program and attract more students to the construction industry.

The project was made possible through funding contributions from Jarrett Construction, as well a work crew able to get it done in time provided by Rob Moyer, the facilities manager at Tech.

Jarrett Construction Services President John Jarrett is a former graduate of WVU Tech who has been in the construction industry for 40 years. He said the school is doing a great job training educated, experienced students to enter the workforce, and the company wanted to do something to support their efforts in return.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/24/wvu-tech-cuts-the-ribbon-on-renovated-space-for-its-new-construction-management-program/

#3 – From BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS –  When it comes to unforgettable hikes, the Allegheny Mountains are not to be overlooked. Situated in eastern West Virginia, Tucker County offers access to the alluring Alleghenys, the lush Monongahela National Forest, and quaint mountain towns to create lasting memories.

Blackwater Falls State Park is a great place to take in the seasonal changes, as it offers over 20 miles of hiking trails and a 57-foot cascading waterfall as a centerpiece. 

Explore over 47 miles of trails in Dolly Sods Wilderness. This natural area leads you through a diverse range of ecosystems, from open meadows to dense forests, and provides opportunities to discover the region’s unique ecosystems. 

Tucker County is also home to excellent biking, fishing, climbing and other outdoor recreation. End your outdoor adventures with a stop in Davis, Thomas, or Parsons. These charming mountain towns all offer their own taste of West Virginia, with welcoming restaurants, breweries, and places to stay.

Visit www.gettuckered.com to learn more. 

Read more:

https://www.blueridgeoutdoors.com/sponsored-content/wild-and-wonderful-trails-in-tucker-county-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 Tuesday, Oct. 31 

The WV Dept. of Ag seeks more funding for its FARMacy program promoting healthy eating. In honor of National Coaches Day, consider a business coach to help your startup. And WV gets two grants to develop its tech industry…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Department of Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt continues to push for more funding for a statewide healthy-eating initiative focused on West Virginia grown products and producers.

Leonhardt spoke on MetroNews ‘Talkline’ about the department’s West Virginia Grown program, which was developed in 1986 and designed to market the state’s grown and made products from local farmers and producers

He said while WV Grown partners with “FARMacy” programs created by non-government organizations and nonprofits that help outsource fresh foods to communities and families, they are still only limited to select areas due to limited funding.

“If we had more funding we could support the farmers markets better, we could actually have more coordinators out there and building up the FARMacy programs,” he said.

However, he said they have seen improvements in people’s health through partnering with the different programs, as the food that the initiatives gather that gets sent out to people in boxes even includes recipes they can follow to know how to cook the food in specific meals.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/22/west-virginia-department-of-agricultures-wv-grown-program-looks-to-expand-2/

#2 – From 3 STEPS 2 STARTUP – National Coaches Day, celebrated Oct. 6 of every year, holds special significance for entrepreneurs and startup owners. In the fast-paced world of business, having a coach can be a game-changer. It’s about a dynamic exchange of knowledge, support, and accountability. Entrepreneurs and startup owners often face unique challenges and uncertainties. Having someone coach you in this context can make all the difference. 

Coaches offer valuable industry insights and expertise that can help you navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship. A coach helps you stay accountable to your goals and maintain laser-sharp focus on what matters most for your business. And coaches assist in making critical decisions. 

Thinking about launching your own startup? Partnering with seasoned coaches from 3 Steps To Startup and WVCAP (West Virginia Capital Access Program) is an incredible opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs like you who want to fast-track their startup’s growth.

Read more:

https://3steps2startup.com/2023/10/01/national-coaches-day-leveraging-coaching-relationships-for-entrepreneurial-success/

#3 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – An investment from the Economic Development Administration will go toward the development of West Virginia’s technology sector and create future economic opportunities for West Virginians.

Two Tech Hub Strategic Development Grants were awarded to West Virginia as part of the CHIPS and Science Act’s Tech Hubs Program, the West Virginia Advanced Energy and Industrial Technology Manufacturing Hub and the West Virginia Digital Identity Tech Hub.

Tech Hubs, or Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs, are diverse groups of “public, private, and academic partners focused on manufacturing, commercializing and deploying cutting-edge and critical technologies,

“The bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act will help make the United States a global leader in the semiconductor industry again and will enable West Virginia to compete in the industry,” Sen. Joe Manchin said.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/2-grants-awarded-to-west-virginia-to-develop-its-tech-industry/

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.

Despite its name in West Virginia lore, the story of the Greenbrier Ghost is less about a ghost and more about a visage of a deceased woman who comes to her mother in a series of dreams,  to rectify what has been done to her in what became one of America’s most shocking court tales.

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

Today is Monday, Oct. 30 

Nucor Steel courts locals with job opportunities. Expanded forest management projects are set to tackle a wide range of projects throughout WV. And the Preston County Chamber honors Haines Farming and Custom Meats with Emerging Business Award…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS –  Point Pleasant native Jay Jackson and his wife Kayla had to leave Mason County about a decade ago for work. The couple, both Point Pleasant High School graduates, ended up in Virginia Beach but now they’re coming home.

Jay landed a job at the new Nucor Steel West Virginia Plant that’s just getting under construction along state Route 2 in Apple Grove.

Jackson, who was at the recent groundbreaking for the plant, said he’s glad to be home.

“I knew what this was going to mean to the community, what it would mean for our family. This is where we always wanted to have our family and raise our kids and this is going to allow us to be able to do that,” he said.

Hannan High School senior Miranda Kate Smyth said maybe she and her classmates can get jobs at Nucor one day.

“It’s going to open up a lot of big opportunities for our small county. It’s great. It’s going to help our community grow even more,” she said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/22/mason-county-natives-students-say-nucor-spells-opportunity/

#2 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – The West Virginia Division of Forestry has announced the expansion of forest management projects across 322,000 acres of managed land in West Virginia.

The expansion will cover cover a variety of activities including cleanup and removal of invasive species and abandoned mine land reclamation support.

Through a public-private partnership with EQT, guided in part by Natural Resource Conservation Service Practice Standards, the WVDOF and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources will have access to increased forest management resources as well as improved habitats for wildlife and improved water quality by providing additional natural filters between areas that receive chemical treatments and waterways.

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/west-virginia-forestry-management-sees-expansion-to-conservation-efforts/

#3 – From WV NEWS –  The Preston County Chamber of Commerce has selected Haines Farming and Custom Meats for its Emerging Business Award.

Haines Farming and Custom Meats is a family owned, small business that offers amazing customer service, made from scratch lunch specials, delicious homemade desserts and farm-raised fresh meats and produce at their store located in Bruceton Mills.

Paul Haines, owner and operator, attributes their success to the heart and integrity that they’ve put into their business.

“It goes to show that a good work ethic and being humble to who you are and what you do pays off,” Haines said.

Steve Wotring, Chamber vice president and Bruceton Mills resident, said Haines Farming has been a wonderful addition to the Bruceton Mills community and the surrounding area.

“The business has continued to grow and expand and has quickly become a favorite place to shop for fresh meats and produce, as well as a place to grab a delicious lunch. Their very personal staff has brought down-home goodness to all who stop by,” Wotring said.

Read more:

https://www.wvnews.com/chamber-selects-emerging-business-award-recipient/article_dfd203dc-67d4-11ee-83b2-d32dde329702.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, Oct. 29  

The dual enrollment program the college has launched this year allows high school students to take a Bridge Valley course while still in high school if there is a teacher at that high school who has a certification allowing them to be an adjunct to Bridge Valley.

Bridge Valley President Casey Sacks said there are a total of 34 high school students taking advantage of the dual enrollment in some form or another and from various districts. 

Sacks said they have been doing work on process mapping around the recruitment and admission teams, as well as a reorganization of student affairs. 

“I think a lot of this work has been what has driven some of our enrollment increase, because it has led us to a better job of communicating with people who are interested in the college, so it’s something that we all recognize that we’re going to continue doing moving forward,” Sacks said.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/09/bridge-valley-seeing-success-with-new-dual-enrollment-program-efforts-to-standardize-student-experience/

 #2 – From METRO NEWS — The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine is establishing the Pre-Osteopathic Medicine Program at Fairmont State and Frostburg State universities.

The programs are designed to provide a firm foundation for students interested in osteopathic medicine, including the skills and credentials needed to gain admission and ultimately success in osteopathic medicine school, according to WVSOM President James Nemitz.

“These are pipeline programs to educate students about what osteopathic medicine is and to provide them with a pathway to help them be successful at achieving acceptance at medical school,” Nemitz said.

The WVSOM campus is located in Lewisburg and was founded as the Greenbrier College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1972. Through the Statewide Campus, WVSOM maintains locations throughout the state used by students in the final two years to complete clinical rotations. The institution is nationally recognized for the number of DOs that graduate from WVSOM and work in rural settings.

“We’re an attractive institution, especially for students who come from rural areas,” Nemitz said. “And we’re experts in training those students to be rural medical providers.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/22/osteopathic-school-of-medicine-inks-deals-with-fairmont-state-frostburg-state/

#3 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – The Legend of Mothman has inspired tons of West Virginians and artists, and items from beers to baseball uniforms have been created using the cryptid’s image.

Mothman is best known for its presence at the Silver Bridge in Point Pleasant in 1967, right before the bridge collapsed, killing 46 people. 

The legend was widely unknown and forgotten even by the residents of Point Pleasant until John Keel, a prominent journalist and UFOlogist, immortalized the tale in “The Mothman Prophecies” book in 1975.

One of the best-known visual art pieces associated with Mothman, the painting “Mothman” by comic book artist Frank Frazetta, was created around 1980. 

And of course, one of the most recognizable and famous Mothman-inspired artworks is the Bob Roach Mothman Statue in Point Pleasant. The stainless steel figure was created in 2003 and has become a main attraction for the town and a must-see during the Mothman Festival every year.

Learn more about the legend -- and the artwork it has inspired -- at the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant. 

Read more:

https://www.wboy.com/news/west-virginia/the-3-most-famous-artworks-inspired-by-west-virginias-mothman-cryptid/

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, Oct. 28 

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Amtrak officials united with officials from the City of Charleston, congressional representatives and U.S Senator Joe Manchin at the Amtrak station in Charleston to announce the most recent project pulling in approximately $6.4 million in accessibility improvements. 

“We want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of passenger rail and be able to travel,” Amtrak Executive Vice President of Strategy Planning Dennis Newman said during the Oct. 12 ribbon cutting ceremony.

The upgrades feature a new 800 foot long concrete platform with all new lighting, guardrails, signage and a storm water system, improvements which make for a more accessible, sturdier, brighter and safer surface to get on and off the train, and which comply with Americans with Disabilities standards.

Other upgrades made to the station include two new entrances, a renovated waiting room and restrooms, a newly-installed fire system, a new HVAC system, and expanded parking areas with new pathways leading to the station. In addition, crack repairs were made to the building’s exterior walls and a new roof and fascia were added.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/12/charleston-amtrak-station-welcomes-over-6-million-in-ada-accessibility-upgrades-and-improvement-projects/

#2 – From WV STATE PARKS –  Experience the thrill of racing down more than a quarter mile of fresh mountain snow on the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park. The longest sled run on the East Coast, the sled run at Blackwater Falls State Park is a must-do every year. Create cherished memories and experience wintertime fun with friends and family at Blackwater Falls.

The sled run is open mid-December through February. 

Skip the line and purchase online. Better yet, book an overnight stay at the lodge or in one of Blackwater Falls’ cozy cabins. Learn more at www.wvstateparks.com.

Learn more:

https://wvstateparks.com/things-to-do/blackwater-falls-sled-run/

#3 – From WV TOURISM –  The West Virginia Waterfall Trail has added two sets of falls, Cranberry Creek Cascades and Little Whitestick Falls, part of the newly opened Piney Creek Preserve and Recreational area in Raleigh County. 

The waterfall trail has added 11 cascades over the past six months with more plans to expand in the near future.

“When we announced the waterfall trail last summer, we never imagined the excitement it would generate,” said West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. 

Since its formation, the popular trail has exceeded 60,000 check-ins with visitors from 49 states & 23 countries. 

Get started on your own WV Waterfall Trail. Visit www.wvtourism.com/west-virginia-waterfall-trail to download a free mobile passport. Check in and earn prizes as you go!

Read more:

https://wvtourism.com/release/new-cascades-wv-waterfall-trail/

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, Oct. 27  

#1 – From MSN – West Virginia, adorned with Appalachian beauty and a cost of living that’s music to the ears of those on a fixed income, has been ranked as the most affordable state to retire by Bankrate’s “Best and Worst States to Retire” list.

West Virginia’s compelling blend of affordability and amenity makes it a magnet for those seeking a tranquil and cost-effective retirement. The state’s relatively light tax burden, low cost of living, and tax-friendly policies towards retirees contribute to its top ranking for affordability.

But it’s not just about the money. West Virginia also ranked third best overall for retirement, scoring high in wellbeing, weather and crime categories. This signifies that it’s not just an economical choice but also a place where retirees can enjoy a high quality of life.

Read more:

https://www.msn.com/en-xl/news/other/west-virginia-emerges-as-the-most-affordable-state-for-retirement-in-2023/ar-AA1ihJ8n

#2 – From DAILY YONDER –  Dakota Lukach and Jazzlee Molineaux work together in their bee yard, about a 45-minute drive from Bluefield. The couple never expected to become beekeepers but are now two of the 100 beekeeper partners in the Appalachian Bee Collective.

The Appalachian Beehive Collective began with a two-fold mission: to provide a sustainable income for coal-dependent West Virginia counties and to educate those same counties about the importance of pollinators.  

Eligibility for partnership begins with a five-week beekeeping course where students learn the art and science of beekeeping. Prospective beekeepers then apply to become partners with the collective. 

Once accepted into the collective, these “newbies” receive the hive hardware and a nucleus of bees for each hive. They also receive protective clothing, hive tools, smokers, new bees’ nutrition and disease and parasite control medication. ABC takes care of all expenses as well as continual mentoring and advice.

Mentor and head beekeeper Mark Lilly recounts many success stories from the program. Beekeeping has allowed some participants to quit their part-time jobs and work from home, he said.

Visit www.abchoney.org to learn more.

Read more:

https://dailyyonder.com/beekeeping-project-provides-income-and-promotes-land-restoration-in-southern-west-virginia/2023/10/17/

#3 – 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,” located such that 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

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, Oct. 26 

Mylan Park Sportsplex is set to get new turf and fields with state grant money. The Lane Innovation Hub opens possibilities for WVU engineering students. And Elk City Bistro moves into Charleston’s West Side…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS –  The Mylan Park Sportsplex near Morgantown can take its next step in development with money from a state grant.

Gov. Jim Justice delivered a $3.5 million check from the West Virginia Water Development Authority Economic Enhancement Grant program to Mylan Park officials. The money will be used for new turf for existing baseball and softball fields and the addition of two new turf playing fields.

Mylan Park Foundation Board President Ron Justice said the end result will be seven total fields, all with artificial turf. The multipurpose field will get the turf treatment and two additional baseball/softball fields will be added there.

“The local kids get to benefit from all of this,” Ron Justice said. “Our high schools play here in youth baseball and softball, so this is really a good day for us.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/15/mylan-park-baseball-softball-fields-set-for-major-upgrade-through-state-grant/

#2 – From WVU TODAY– West Virginia University students training to be the engineers of the future or pursuing all kinds of other educational goals have opportunities to explore their ideas at the Lane Innovation Hub, a 9,500-square-foot industrial space located at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.

The facility combines three main workshops dedicated to advanced manufacturing, rapid prototyping and electrical prototyping, with an additional lab area for metal additive manufacturing methods. It’s a place where anyone connected to the University can design, build and fabricate anything they can conceptualize.

“The Lane Innovation Hub plays a crucial role in our commitment to fostering innovation in research, entrepreneurship and hands-on opportunities for our students,” said Pedro Mago, Glen H. Hiner Dean of the Statler College. “It is not just a facility, but an exceptional space that attracts students who are eager to explore the numerous opportunities it offers.”

Read more:

https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2023/10/16/wvu-offers-students-gateway-to-world-of-possibilities-at-lane-innovation-hub

#3 – From WV FOOD GUY – A local chef with experience at several top-notch restaurants is opening her own place inside the space formerly occupied by Gonzoburger on Charleston’s West Side. 

Donesha Barrett – who has worked in kitchens at Le Bistro in Huntington, Bridge Café & Bistro in Hurricane and The Block in Charleston – says she hopes her new Elk City Bistro will be ready to welcome guests at 207 West Washington St. as early as next month.

“We’ll offer contemporary, causal food that represents Elk City through a creative menu using local ingredients,” Barrett said.

Stay tuned to the Food Guy for an opening day and sneak peek at the new restaurant’s menu!

Read more:

https://www.wvfoodguy.com/post/local-chef-opening-a-new-restaurant-in-old-gonzoburger-space?fbclid=IwAR13FIblmxSTDRXFdK8ra7n1x_Cq3z_sYkWupiiPpUpgK3jTlDmSDSWYRI8_aem_AZsdAyvBrdMujfrDQaYWBacmg6itd2qN-32W3tfq1aDNum8kxitkWWEw82GvOGwJnTU

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.