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

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 25

The federal government taps West Virginia communities to host a regional hydrogen hub. Bluefield seeks youth entrepreneurs for a popup shop on Small Business Saturday. And now you can book tee times online at WV state parks…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From THE INTELLIGENCER –  After more than two years of anticipation, President Joe Biden is set to announce that parts of West Virginia, southeast Ohio, and Pennsylvania will play host to a regional hydrogen hub.

Officials said the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub will be one of the largest of the seven proposed hubs, using natural gas to produce hydrogen in a process called blue hydrogen. The project represents a more than $925 million investment.

There will be no single location for the Appalachian Hydrogen Hub. Instead, the hub will consist of linked assets – or production nodes — connected between West Virginia, southeast Ohio, and parts of Pennsylvania spread across hundreds of miles. West Virginia locations include Belle, Follansbee, North Point Pleasant, Washington (near Parkersburg) and Fairmont.

The Appalachian Hydrogen Hub will create an estimated 18,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent jobs. The hub will partner with the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, which includes more than 40 partnering companies in the natural gas, energy, and manufacturing sectors; West Virginia University and Marshall University; local transit authorities; and the federal National Energy Technology Laboratory.

Read more:

https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2023/10/follansbee-hopedale-chosen-as-nodes-for-appalachian-hydrogen-hub/

 #2 – From THE DAILY TELEGRAPH – Bluefield officials are hoping to engage area youth in entrepreneurship.

As part of that effort the Bluefield Economic Development Authority has announced plans for the Youth and Small Business Saturday Pop Up Shop, an event that will be held this year in conjunction with Small Business Saturday in Bluefield on Saturday, November 25.

BEDA Executive Director Jim Spencer said officials are currently gauging the interest of youth and young adults who would like to participate in the youth pop up shop this year.

“The goal is to build the next generation of entrepreneurs,” Spencer said. “We’ve done pretty well with entrepreneurship activities in Bluefield with the food truck and all. So why not work with the younger generation?”

Any parent or adult who would like for their child to participate in the Youth and Small Business Saturday Pop Up Shop is asked to contact Spencer by email at [email protected].

Read more:

https://www.bdtonline.com/news/youth-involvement-sought-for-pop-up-small-business-saturday-program/article_fd24e902-6849-11ee-9641-cfa2ef681310.html

#3 – From NEWS & SENTINEL –  Players know a bad day on the golf course is better than a good day at work. So the state of West Virginia has announced a partnership with NBC Sports Next and GolfNow to offer an online tee time booking service at the courses at West Virginia state parks.

Golfers can directly book tee times at Cacapon, Canaan Valley, Pipestem and Twin Falls through the GolfNow website and app.

“As a lifelong golfer myself, I am incredibly excited to announce this partnership with GolfNow,” Gov. Jim Justice said. “Our state parks are one of our state’s most valued treasures and I’m excited that we now have a new way to attract golfers from around the country to come and experience all of the beauty and goodness our great state has to offer.”

For more information, go to golfnow.com and WVstateparks.com/golf.

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2023/10/west-virginia-teams-with-online-service-to-book-tee-times-at-state-parks/

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. 24 

Marshall’s School of Medicine joins forces with Logan Medical Center to open a rural residency program. A new nonprofit group aims to promote astrophotography in West Virginia. And disabled athletes benefit from an innovative new adaptive bike at Snowshoe…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From METRO NEWS – Marshall University’s School of Medicine has partnered with Logan Regional Medical Center to welcome the nation’s first separately-accredited rural surgery residency program.

Officials with the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and Marshall Community Health Consortium joined Logan medical center staff last week to cut the ribbon on the developing program, which took in its first residents in July.

Senator Rupie Phillips (R-Logan) said it’s creating new opportunities for the entire region.

“It opens up a lot of doors for all areas of West Virginia, and eastern Kentucky and western Virginia, I think this is just great,” Phillips said. “And having the access to some surgeons and being able to get them to say, ‘hey, I trained in rural areas, I’m going to stay in rural areas.”

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/10/marshalls-school-of-medicine-and-logan-regional-medical-cut-ribbon-on-new-rural-surgery-residency-program/

#2 – From THE REAL WV – Night sky photographers, rejoice! The West Virginia Astrophotography Association has recently emerged as the first and only official nonprofit astrophotography organization on the East Coast.

At the heart of the WVAA’s mission is the idea that astrophotographers can be a big part of each other’s growth and inspire beginners to take up this incredible art form. The organization aims  to support astrophotographers of all levels, and its primary focus is on providing online resources and engaging in public outreach.

The online platform will serve as a hub for astrophotographers and interested parties to connect, share tips and tricks, and access valuable information to start or advance their journey in this captivating field. 

You can check out and join the free online discord right now, where everyone shares daily images, takes part in weekly photo competitions, collaborates with others on projects, along with many other things. 

Read more:

https://therealwv.com/2023/10/10/astrophotography-takes-a-giant-leap-forward-in-the-mountain-state/?fbclid=IwAR2WgNzwiWmeHnoDdEDYeqr6d7nMgacxnPGbzLDQkDrp5c5pIs4vh-4lxeA

#3 – From WAMU-FM –  A small adaptive sports non-profit in West Virginia has added a rugged downhill wheelchair to its fleet of mountain bikes, so even those with severe mobility limitations can experience the speed and thrill of a trail ride.

Carol Woody is the woman behind the adaptive programming as the director of Challenged Athletes of West Virginia, a nonprofit partner of the resort.

CAWV already had a fleet of handcycle mountain bikes, but that wasn’t good enough for Woody. Handcycles require considerable skill and strength. Enter the Cimgo, an all-terrain downhill wheelchair produced by the French company, Tessier.

The Cimgos are “pilot driven” she explains, so the rider is safely strapped into a modified race car seat – with an instructor standing on foot-pegs at the back, in control of the steering and hydraulic disc brakes. The pilot also wears a waist strap “that is hooked into the braking system, so that if anything happens, that the pilot comes off of the equipment, it engages a safety brake, so that the bike would not be rolling down a hill or mountain without their pilot.”

Visit the Facebook group Challenged Athletes of West Virginia to learn more.

Read more:

https://wamu.org/story/23/10/11/using-technology-to-open-up-wilderness-trails-to-people-with-disabilities/

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.

In our newest episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we get the chance to talk about the 3rd Annual 4-State Food Truck Festival on Saturday, October 28th in the heart of Downtown Martinsburg. Food trucks hailing from the neighboring four-state regions will vie for the coveted $500 grand prize and the prestige of being crowned champions. 

You can experience delicious food, beverages, live music, and the expansive KIDS ZONE. For more information go here: https://www.mainstreetmartinsburg.com/events

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

Today is Monday, Oct. 23 

Boo! Celebrate spooky season at West Virginia State Parks…Charleston seals a 5-year deal hosting a major pro cycling event…and Wood County Development leaders look back to a year of successes…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV STATE PARKS – It’s spooky season at West Virginia State Parks and Forests! Check out some of the fun, family friendly activities coming up, from Full Moon Hikes and Bat Crafts to Costume Parties and Trick or Treat.

Find more events and activities at www.wvstateparks.com. Click on “Events” and “Calendar.”

Plan to stay over a night or two so you can enjoy the many recreational opportunities and amenities our parks have to offer!

Read more:

https://wvstateparks.com/5-wv-state-parks-to-visit-this-halloween/

#2 – From  METRO NEWS – The City of Charleston sealed a deal that will make it the epicenter of professional cycling for the next five years.

On May 15-19, 2024, the Capital City will host the USA Cycling Pro Road National Championships. This will be the first of a series of yearly championships as part of the USA Cycling national event expected to take place until 2028.

Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin said that the rural, rugged landscape the Mountain State has to offer is what has gotten quite the draw over the last several years.

“They call us the mountain state for a reason, we have more trees than we do people, but by the way, that is what is attractive to this organization, the terrain that we have, our beautiful scenery that we have,” said Goodwin.

The event will draw in national elite cyclists, from Olympians to World Tour professionals alike, as well as up-and-coming and rising stars in the cycling community, and just two months ahead of the Summer Olympic Games. The cyclists will compete in the professional Road Race, Time Trial and Criterium race categories.

Read more:

https://wvmetronews.com/2023/10/11/city-cvb-officials-announce-usa-cycling-pro-road-national-championship-to-come-to-charleston/

#3 – From NEWS & SENTINEL  – This year has been one of building for what is to come, said the executive director of Wood County Development at a recent meeting highlighting development in the area.

The development office has had 57 leads and prospects and completed over 142 project follow-ups over the last year, said Wood County Development Executive Director Lindsey Piersol.

One example she cited was West Virginia University at Parkersburg and the Ross Foundation purchasing the former Ohio Valley College campus to create the WVU-P Technology Center. The site will focus on degrees in computer science, computer information technology, bachelor of applied technology and cybersecurity and networking as well as growth in mechanical engineering. The college hopes to place 25 technology based incubators at the facility. 

Piersol mentioned job growth at Mister Bee Potato Chips and Fontaine Modification. She also brought up the new Discovery World Museum in downtown Parkersburg, which has had over 37,000 guests come in since opening in April.

Small businesses are the backbone of the local economy.

“For every dollar spent in the community, 80 cents stays within a local business,” Piersol said.

Read more:

https://www.newsandsentinel.com/news/business/2023/10/development-agencies-see-big-things-in-store-for-wood-county-in-near-future/

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. 22 

Preservation Alliance is accepting applications for grants to save historic buildings. An expansion at Marshall’s flight school will open a new course for rotorcraft pilots. Check out 4 reasons to visit Almost Heaven this fall (as if you needed a reason!)...on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia is accepting applications for its new Saving Historic Places Grant, designed to save certified historic buildings in rural West Virginia communities from “demolition by neglect.”

According to Danielle Parker, executive director for the statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to historic preservation in the Mountain State, funding will be provided for building emergencies, building stabilization, and pre-development costs.

To qualify for the grant, buildings must either be individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places or listed as contributing structures in a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Completed grant applications are due Friday, November 17, 2023.

Read more:

https://wvexplorer.com/2023/10/05/grant-to-save-preserve-historic-buildings-west-virginia/

#2 – From WSAZ-TV – Marshall University’s Board of Governors approved a new multi-million dollar expansion at the Bill Noe Flight School in Charleston, and this is just another step in setting this school apart from the rest.

The nearly $15 million expansion to the flight school is expected to bring a new hangar and helicopter to the school.

The helicopter purchase would be used to begin a third academic training course of study that would be the only school in the region with a training program for rotorcraft pilots.

Bill Noe, Chief Aviation Officer at Marshall University, said the expansion comes at the perfect time.

“There is such a need for rotorcraft aviation professionals, and that touches everything. It touches law enforcement, the medical field, pipelines, powerlines. The need for rotorcraft helicopter pilots is as much if not more than the fixed-wing airplane,” he said.

Read more:

https://www.wsaz.com/2023/10/12/multi-million-dollar-expansion-approved-mus-bill-noe-flight-school/

#3 – From TRAVEL OFF PATH –  Looking for a unique U.S. getaway this fall? Plan a road trip to Almost Heaven, West Virginia. 

With almost all of the state being located within the Appalachian Mountains, you can enjoy beautiful mountain scenery as you drive, and the fall foliage is beautiful.

It’s home to America’s newest national park, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The state is also home to a number of beautiful state parks, such as Babcock State Park.

It’s a state rich in history, with sites like Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (famous for John Brown’s raid) and The Greenbrier Resort, which dates back to 1778.

Get started on your West Virginia getaway! Visit www.wvtourism.com or www.wvstateparks.com for information on lodging, events and attractions.

Read more:

https://www.traveloffpath.com/4-reasons-to-visit-this-underrated-but-stunning-u-s-state-this-fall/

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. 21 

State Fair director leans on a lifetime of experiences to make the event a huge success…Celebrate a winter wonderland of fun in Almost Heaven…and Weston sets its sights on becoming Halloweentown…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVU MAGAZINE –  It’s been only a decade since Kelly Tuckwiller Collins took over as the fourth director of the State Fair of West Virginia, but some of those years have been marked by circumstances that could qualify her for a juggling act on the main stage.

On top of being pregnant during two Augusts —one with twins — she’s also been forced to make decisions about how to keep the fair afloat during two years of a global pandemic. 

Of the lifetime of experiences that prepared her to lead one of the state’s largest and longest events, plus a property that hosts multiple events throughout the year, Collins credits her West Virginia University Sports Communications internship as the one that trained her to meet the day-to-day hiccups and outright emergencies that come with the territory.

Last year’s State Fair was one of the largest in its long history, with record weekday and general attendance, sold-out concerts and fairgoers leaving comments about the wonderful time they had with their families and friends.

“That’s really the best measure of success — how people viewed the fair,” she said. “I am lucky to get to do what I do because it is a fun job. My job is to make people smile and provide an atmosphere [where] they can make memories with their friends and family. It's a lot of smiling faces.”

Read more:

https://magazine.wvu.edu/stories/2023/07/23/fair-game-kelly-collins

#2 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – You already know how magical West Virginia can be in the wintertime, but if not, here’s a sampling of some of the incredible activities you can put on your winter bucket list in West VirginiaAlmost Heaven. 

Whether your preference is snow sports, holiday lights gazing, or sitting by the fire in a cozy cabin, there’s a winter wonderland getaway for you.

Hit the ski slopes, go snow tubing or even ziplining. Tour a drive-through light display. Take in an indoor Christmas tree display. Go for a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through snow-blanketed hills and meadows.

Check out the list and locations at Only in Your State. And for more winter getaway ideas, visit www.wvstateparks.com or www.wvtourism.com.

Read more:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/things-to-do-in-west-virginia-in-winter/

#3 – From WV HUB –  The Weston HubCAP team has set its sights on becoming “Halloweentown USA” through the placemaking grant opportunity provided this fall through the HubCAP V funding.

Larry Haddix, owner of H&M Motors in downtown Weston, got the idea after working with various other community groups to generate support for a trunk or treat during Weston’s trick or treat night. More than 3,000 people attended the event last year, which included fireworks,

City planners think Weston could coordinate with Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum haunted season and Hearsemania to go all-out for a major Halloween celebration.

“Weston is really pulling out all the stops to make Weston a family favorite this Halloween season,” Mayor Harrison-Edwards said..

The investment in decorations this year will have a long term impact on Weston by serving as the start of creating “Halloweentown USA.”

For anyone interested in learning more about “Halloweentown USA” or the Weston HubCAP V group, email [email protected].

Read more:

https://wvhub.org/2023/10/westons-hubcap-v-team-is-working-to-create-halloweentown-usa/

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. 20 

Gestamp announces a major green investment, bringing 100 more jobs to the South Charleston area…Looking for a high-wage, in-demand career? Enroll in a course on machine technology or welding… and get the scoop on economic development in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV GAZETTE MAIL – Gestamp plans to invest nearly $70 million in its South Charleston stamping plant for an upgraded line to produce components for electric vehicles.

“Today, we are announcing that we are investing $69.5 million in this facility to upgrade our presses [and] introduce robotic laser equipment and welding equipment to satisfy our customers,” Gestamp U.S. President John Petroni said in an Oct. 11 announcement. “In addition, we’ll be adding 100 new positions to man all of our new equipment and prepare ourselves for the growth in electric vehicles.”

Petroni said the company worked with the West Virginia Department of Economic Development and was awarded a $7.5 million incentive to locate the expansion in West Virginia.

“This combined $75 million investment and expansion means so much to this community and to our state, especially the creation of 100 additional jobs,” said Michael Graney, executive director of the Department of Economic Development. “This means Gestamp will now provide 500 West Virginians a high-paying, benefit-rich, career here in South Charleston.”

The company said the investment will take place between 2023 and 2025, and will prepare the South Charleston facility for the next wave of electric vehicles.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/gestamp-plans-to-invest-69-5m-for-upgrades-at-south-charleston-stamping-plant/article_a896d578-2ebd-508a-9e5e-3f395fcc8a79.html

#2 – From MARSHALL –  Looking for a high wage career that’s in demand? Perhaps you want to earn nationally recognized certifications? 

Enroll in a training program at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center and learn the skills necessary to achieve nationally recognized certifications and earn college credits toward an associate degree along the way.

Machinist Technology/CNC and Welding Technology courses feature hands-on practical experiences in a shop environment, guided by instructors who are certified in their fields.

Seating is limited. Learn more at www.mfg.marshall.edu.

Read more:

https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/education-training/career-skills-programs/

#3 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT –  West Virginia’s diverse economy has moved beyond our history of resource extraction to include a robust array of products and services. 

Visit the West Virginia Department of Economic Development online to learn about the key industries that have taken a foothold here and learn why leading companies make their home in the Mountain State.

You can also sign up for our newsletter. It’s free and packed with vital information about the state of West Virginia and its evolving incentives.

Learn more:

https://westvirginia.gov/thriving-industries/

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. 19 

Plan your WV leaf-peeping excursion around scenic Mercer County…WVU seeks to “IgniteWV”  entrepreneurs…and discover the beauty of the New River Gorge in fall…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GREENVILLE ONLINE – For a family-friendly spot that exudes classic fall activities, Mercer County, West Virginia might make your cozy, pumpkin, outdoor dreams come true. 

The region has a host of options for soaking in fall color and making memories that can last a lifetime. 

Go waterfall hunting at Camp Creek State Park and Forest. (Don’t forget to download your WV Waterfall Trail digital passport.) Hike to the observation deck at Pinnacle Rock State Park to take in the fall color.

Visit the charming and historic small towns of Bramwell and Princeton. Or get spooked at Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park’s Dark Carnival. 

Find more things to see and do at visitmercercounty.com.

Read more:

https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/upstateparent/2023/10/06/fall-weekend-getaway-consider-mercer-county-west-virginia-hiking-waterfalls-pinnacle-rock-state-park/71070805007/

#2 – From WVU – West Virginia University is renewing efforts to promote prosperity in West Virginia with a new statewide competition that challenges promising entrepreneurs and empowers them to succeed.

IgniteWV is funded with $200,000 in grant support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and evolved from the West Virginia Business Plan Competitions hosted previously by WVU. Its goal is to provide budding entrepreneurs with the education, skills, contacts and motivation necessary to create viable start-up companies in the Mountain State.

The program is open to anyone interested in registering or growing a business in West Virginia. The competition features two tracks — one for Main Street, community-oriented businesses that need technical assistance funding, and another for technology and innovation-focused businesses that are seeking investment. 

Read more:

https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2023/10/10/benedum-grant-fuels-wvu-efforts-to-promote-entrepreneurism-via-ignitewv

#3 – From LOOTPRESS – People who travel long distances to take in Sandstone Falls in Summers County are in for a spectacular visual experience.

But the falls are not the only attraction for this scenic community. There’s a visitor’s center a few miles away that provides information galore on a variety of topics including hiking trails and nature walks, as well as some of the history of the region, and how it played out during the early days of river commerce and timbering.

“Miles of trails … offer an excellent means of discovering New River Gorge history, as well as its plant and animal life,” said Rudy Paugh, a retired park ranger with the New River Gorge National River of the South District at Sandstone and Grandview. “Trails feature old coal towns, waterfalls, geological formations, and scenic views of the gorge.”

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve ecompasses a wide swath from Fayetteville to Hinton and offers a wide range of recreation, including whitewater rafting, fishing, rock climbing, hiking and more. Visitors are encouraged to check out the local shopping and dining scene as well. 

Learn more at www.newrivergorgecvb.com or www.exploresummerscounty.com.

Read more:

https://www.lootpress.com/hiking-trails-offer-pathways-to-charming-scenery/

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

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

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

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

Today is Wednesday, Oct. 18 

Starlink high-speed internet is now available throughout West Virginia…State agencies and higher-ed institutions team up to tackle a shortage of veterinary technologists…and an advanced manufacturing work-study program is putting students to work faster…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVPB – About 5,000 Space-X Starlink satellites are now orbiting the earth, able to provide internet service to the highest mountain and deepest hollow.

Del. Daniel Linville, R-Cabell, chairs the House Technology and Infrastructure Committee. He said Starlink now has the capacity to clear its West Virginia waiting list and offer internet service everywhere — except for the restricted Green Bank Observatory area.

The service offers an immediate option for any West Virginian to get connected.   

“It’s true broadband speeds,” Linville said. “Your kids can game online if they wish, or you can stream movies or do telehealth or education or anything that you would need to do.”

Monthly rates begin at $90. Some households may qualify for the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a $30 monthly discount regardless of internet provider. 

Learn how to connect to Starlink at www.starlink.com.

Read more:

https://wvpublic.org/internet-from-space-now-available-throughout-w-va/

#2 – From WDTV – West Virginia University, West Virginia State University and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture have developed a new initiative called Vet Start, designed to address the shortage of veterinary technologists in the state.

The four-year program will better prepare students, giving them more hands-on experience to make them career ready by the time of graduation.

Cheat Lake Animal Hospital will also provide assistance with this project. Co-owner Dr. Jesse Fallon believes that this program will benefit all clinics around the state.

“We need folks that are trained, that are licensed, and who can help us take care of our patients better,” Fallon said. “So the more veterinarian technicians we have, the better skilled veterinarian technicians we have, the better veterinarian medicine we can provide.”

Read more:

https://www.wdtv.com/2023/10/09/new-vet-tech-program-vet-start/

#3 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Madelyn Ward says she was talking to her hairstylist about trying to find a pathway to a career without going into massive student loan debt and was surprised when she had the perfect solution.

“She mentioned her husband was in an advanced manufacturing training program at BridgeValley Community and Technical College in South Charleston. She said it might be a perfect fit for me and it really got my attention, so I looked into it,” Ward said.

Ward was one of 20 students the Kanawha Valley Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) chapter chose for its inaugural 2023 cohort. 

Students in the 2023 BridgeValley Advanced Manufacturing Technology program applied for and were selected for a paid, part-time position with Toyota West Virginia, Nucor Steel West Virginia or Kanawha Scales and Systems.

Ward was one of three students to sign a letter of intent to participate in the work sponsorship program with Nucor.

“Being able to go to school, work at the same time and graduate debt-free was a big factor for me,” she said. “Being able to graduate with a degree while making good money and have the opportunity to get a good job with good benefits at Nucor is really awesome. It’s really a blessing for me and my son.”

To learn more about the FAME program, visit pcda.org/fame-usa.

Read more:

https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/manufacturing-apprenticeship-program-offers-wv-students-debt-free-pathway-to-high-paying-jobs/article_ba233013-c925-5328-b548-bc06bf6f32c0.html?es_id=4c0e1e97f5

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.

Get ready for a literary adventure on this week's episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast! We're diving into the pages of the West Virginia Book Festival at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center this Saturday, October 21.

Join us as we explore the world of books, meet talented authors, and discuss the power of storytelling. Don't miss this exciting event that celebrates the joy of reading! You can find more information here: http://www.wvbookfestival.org/