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Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From FIRST ASCENT – Build your career. Keep West Virginia home. Graduate. Find a job. Check out First Ascent. The two-year community and career development program helps recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates build meaningful careers and establish roots in the Mountain State. WVU and Marshall have joined resources and expertise to give participants career support, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities and a statewide community of peers. And First Ascent isn't limited to one career path. Participants might work for a West Virginia employer, land a remote position, pursue entrepreneurship or build another kind of flexible career. Free coworking spaces give members somewhere to work and connect, while outdoor experiences and community events help them build a life beyond the job. The program features communities including the Morgantown and Huntington areas, Greater Elkins, the New River Gorge and Charleston. Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/about #2 – From WV TOURISM – Fall is calling. Take the country roads. Windows down. Sweater on. Maybe a little John Denver on the radio. Fall has arrived in Almost Heaven. West Virginia Tourism has everything you need to turn the season into a road trip, from mountain towns and state parks to scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and places to stay. And there's a good reason to hit the road. West Virginia is the third-most forested state, meaning autumn turns the state's country roads into a pretty spectacular show. Go hiking, biking, rafting or rock climbing. Ride a scenic train. Chase waterfalls. Explore a state park or spend a weekend in one of West Virginia's mountain towns. Check out the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, sign up for weekly foliage updates, and start planning your Almost Heaven road trip today! Read more: https://wvtourism.com #3 – From ASCEND WV – What if you could work from Almost Heaven? If your job lets you work from anywhere, Ascend West Virginia has a question for you: Why not here? Ascend was created to help remote workers build a new life in West Virginia, pairing professional flexibility with outdoor recreation and community. The offer includes $12,000, free outdoor recreation experiences and community-building activities for participating remote workers who relocate to one of Ascend's featured West Virginia communities. The program grew from a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith to West Virginia University that established the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Working with the State of West Virginia, that effort helped launch Ascend WV. Today, featured Ascend communities include the Morgantown area, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, New River Gorge and Charleston area. The pitch goes beyond money. Work here. Play here. Find your people here. Read more: https://ascendwv.com/the-offer/program-overview/ 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, Sept. 30, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From FIRST ASCENT – Build your career. Keep West Virginia home. Graduate. Find a job. Check out First Ascent. The two-year community and career development program helps recent West Virginia University and Marshall University graduates build meaningful careers and establish roots in the Mountain State. WVU and Marshall have joined resources and expertise to give participants career support, mentorship, professional development, networking opportunities and a statewide community of peers. And First Ascent isn't limited to one career path. Participants might work for a West Virginia employer, land a remote position, pursue entrepreneurship or build another kind of flexible career. Free coworking spaces give members somewhere to work and connect, while outdoor experiences and community events help them build a life beyond the job. The program features communities including the Morgantown and Huntington areas, Greater Elkins, the New River Gorge and Charleston. Learn more: https://firstascentwv.com/about #2 – From WV TOURISM – Fall is calling. Take the country roads. Windows down. Sweater on. Maybe a little John Denver on the radio. Fall has arrived in Almost Heaven. West Virginia Tourism has everything you need to turn the season into a road trip, from mountain towns and state parks to scenic drives, hiking trails, waterfalls and places to stay. And there's a good reason to hit the road. West Virginia is the third-most forested state, meaning autumn turns the state's country roads into a pretty spectacular show. Go hiking, biking, rafting or rock climbing. Ride a scenic train. Chase waterfalls. Explore a state park or spend a weekend in one of West Virginia's mountain towns. Check out the 2026 Fall Foliage Forecast, sign up for weekly foliage updates, and start planning your Almost Heaven road trip today! Read more: https://wvtourism.com #3 – From ASCEND WV – What if you could work from Almost Heaven? If your job lets you work from anywhere, Ascend West Virginia has a question for you: Why not here? Ascend was created to help remote workers build a new life in West Virginia, pairing professional flexibility with outdoor recreation and community. The offer includes $12,000, free outdoor recreation experiences and community-building activities for participating remote workers who relocate to one of Ascend's featured West Virginia communities. The program grew from a $25 million gift from Brad and Alys Smith to West Virginia University that established the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative. Working with the State of West Virginia, that effort helped launch Ascend WV. Today, featured Ascend communities include the Morgantown area, Greenbrier Valley, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, New River Gorge and Charleston area. The pitch goes beyond money. Work here. Play here. Find your people here. Read more: https://ascendwv.com/the-offer/program-overview/ 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, Sept. 29, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From METRO NEWS – Ascend to Charleston. Then stay. One year in, Ascend's Charleston-area program is celebrating new neighbors and some serious staying power. More than 100 new families have moved to Charleston through the remote-worker recruitment program since it launched in the Capital City last September. More than 2,200 people have applied to the Charleston program, while Ascend has received about 92,000 applications statewide since launching in 2021. And once people arrive, they tend to stick around. Ascend reports a statewide retention rate of 96.2%. Charleston Mayor Amy Shuler Goodwin says outdoor recreation helps attract participants, but community helps keep them here. Army veteran Giovanna Kiani is one of them. She moved from Tampa to Charleston in May while continuing to work remotely as a recruiter for a defense contractor. Kiani says what has stood out most is finding a community willing to welcome her with open arms. Now the program is getting another boost. Dr. Michelle Foster and The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation announced a $500,000 gift to support the Charleston Area Alliance and Ascend's continued growth in the region. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/16/ascend-in-capital-city-marks-one-year-anniversary-receives-500k-donation-for-continued-growth/ #2 – From WV ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT – Building more places to call home Growing communities need housing. West Virginia has a program designed to help developers build more of it. The BUILD WV Act, passed in 2022, offers incentives for approved residential development projects in designated BUILD WV districts. The goal is to help growing communities attract the housing development they need. Approved projects can receive a sales and use tax exemption on qualifying construction materials, property and services. There's also a refundable Property Value Adjustment Credit that can be used against personal or corporate income taxes for 10 years after construction is completed, up to $100,000 per project. Municipalities can also choose to provide a business and occupation tax exemption. To qualify, projects must be located in a certified BUILD WV district and generally have more than $3 million in approved costs or include at least six residential units or houses. Projects also must demonstrate positive economic impact, support opportunities for other businesses and provide additional employment opportunities. Read more: https://westvirginia.gov/build-wv-act/ #3 – From WV SBDC – Got a business idea? Start with the fundamentals. Maybe you've got the idea. Now you need the plan. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers Business Fundamentals workshops around the state for people considering starting a business or entrepreneurs who have been operating for a year or less. The workshops cover some of the questions every new business owner eventually has to answer. How do you develop a business plan? What do you need to know before applying for a loan? And what are the essentials you need to understand before turning an idea into a sustainable business? Participants also receive the 124-page Going Into Business in West Virginia guide. Can't make an in-person workshop? There's an online Business Fundamentals option that entrepreneurs can complete at their own pace. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/training/ 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.

After fire destroyed West Virginia's capitol in 1921, leaders decided to create a new magnificent building to replace it and who better to design it than America's first star architect, Cass Gilbert. Around the nation, Gilbert's structures graced town squares, capital cities and vaunted skylines. Gilbert's Woolworth Building in New York set the standard for the American skyscraper. So, when he came to Charleston, he guided everyone to a large plot of land in the city's east end, where he could build his latest masterpiece, a lasting monument to his reputation and a testimony to the people of the Mountain State.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV FILM OFFICE – Find resources for your next film project in Almost Heaven Whether you're looking for the perfect location for your next film project, or a crew member ready to undertake your next project, the West Virginia Film Office is here for you. Film Office staff are happy to help you secure your perfect location, find skilled workforce, and navigate film permitting. The office is ready to help with an experienced crew, an established statewide network of governmental agencies, nation-leading fiscal incentives, local business leaders and community representatives that are unmatched in hospitality. We look forward to working with you soon in – Yes, West Virginia! Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/ #2 – From WV EDA – WVEDA helps a mushroom farm expand its business Hernshaw Farms has transformed the decommissioned Memorial Tunnel on the West Virginia Turnpike into an innovative agricultural facility for growing gourmet mushrooms. The tunnel's dark environment, controlled humidity, and stable temperatures provide optimal conditions for mushroom cultivation. Leveraging this unique setup, founder George Patterson plans to expand production of dried Lion's Mane, capitalizing on its rising demand and health benefits. To scale operations and meet surging market demand, Hernshaw Farms partnered with the West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) to secure financing for critical new machinery. The equipment upgrade has dramatically increased the farm's output, enabling it to take on larger commercial contracts. Read more: https://eda.wv.gov/the-wveda-helps-hernshaw-farms-expand-its-operations/ #3 – From WV DRS – WV DRS shares success stories The West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) helps high school students and adults with disabilities set work goals and develop career plans. The agency assists individuals to overcome barriers so they can obtain or maintain employment. DRS's specially trained rehabilitation professionals can help you evaluate your skills and interests so you can succeed in the workplace. With backgrounds in emergency medical services, education, tourism and more, DRS clients share their stories of work-related successes in West Virginia. Learn more: https://wvdrs.org/updates-and-information/success-stories/ 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, Sept. 26, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WSAZ-TV – Ascend WV celebrates new residents Ascend West Virginia has received a $500,000 grant from The Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation to support efforts in attracting new residents to the Charleston area. Having already relocated over 100 people to the Kanawha Valley in its first year, the program aims to use the funding to expand its reach and encourage more individuals and families to make the region their home. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to combat population decline by embracing calculated risks and framing regional challenges as growth opportunities. Since launching statewide in 2021, Ascend West Virginia has successfully brought more than 1,500 new residents into the state over the past five years. Read more: https://www.wsaz.com/2026/09/17/ascend-west-virginia-celebrates-new-residents/ #2 – From WV TECH PARK – 15 years of discovery, development, and driving what's next The West Virginia Regional Technology Park in South Charleston recently celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of economic and technological growth since its establishment in 2011. Community leaders, elected officials, and partners gathered to honor the park's transformation into a thriving innovation hub that now supports 32 companies and over 1,000 employees across research, technology, education, and manufacturing sectors. Reflecting on this milestone, CEO Matt Ballard highlighted the park's ongoing mission to foster collaboration and advance the state's economy. Looking ahead, leadership expressed gratitude for the community's support and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the researchers, entrepreneurs, and businesses shaping West Virginia's economic future. Read more: https://www.wvtechpark.com/post/15-years-of-discovery-development-and-driving-what-s-next #3 – From WV STATE PARKS – 10 stunning state park overlooks in West Virginia As the leaves begin their transformation into the brilliant warm colors of fall, there's no better place to take in the scenery than from one of West Virginia's stunning overlooks. West Virginia State Parks offer a diverse array of scenic viewpoints and outdoor destinations ideal for fall travel. Across the state, visitors can explore diverse landscapes, from elevated mountain perches like Hawks Nest and the 360-degree Ann Bailey Lookout Tower at Watoga, to the clear waters of Summersville Lake and the dramatic river gorges at Coopers Rock and Pipestem Resort. Accommodating all activity levels, the parks feature everything from short, accessible walks like Blackwater Falls' Lindy Point trail to challenging hikes and overnight stays, such as the Thorny Mountain Fire Lookout Tower in Seneca State Forest. Learn more: https://wvstateparks.com/10-stunning-state-park-overlooks-in-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From METRO NEWS – A construction boom could be coming to West Virginia West Virginia has announced billions of dollars in new investment and now somebody has to build it. Jason Pizatella, CEO of the Contractors Association of West Virginia, says the scale of announced economic development, energy and infrastructure projects could create a significant construction boom across the Mountain State. The opportunity stretches across multiple sectors. New manufacturing and economic development projects need sites, roads, utilities and buildings. Energy projects require major infrastructure. And ongoing public investments in highways, water, sewer and broadband add another layer of construction activity. The challenge? Having enough people ready to do the work. Pizatella says the industry is focused on recruiting and developing the next generation of skilled workers while making young West Virginians more aware of the careers available in construction. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/09/13/golden-age-contractors-association-ceo-says-boom-on-the-way-for-wv-construction/ #2 – From WV PRESS – $1.8 million opens doors for Southern West Virginia students A college scholarship can change the trajectory of a student's life. A new $1.8 million gift is designed to do exactly that for students from Southern West Virginia. WVU Institute of Technology has launched a new scholarship program supported by a gift from the PACK Foundation, creating additional opportunities for students from the region to attend WVU Tech in Beckley. The program reflects a shared focus on keeping talented students connected to Southern West Virginia while helping them earn the education and skills needed for their careers. For students and families, financial support can make a major difference in whether higher education feels possible. And for the region, helping more students earn degrees close to home can strengthen the pipeline of talent available to employers and communities. Read: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/wvu-tech-launches-scholarship-program-for-southern-wv-students-with-1-8m-pack-gift/ #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Camp beside the river and ride the rails at Cass Imagine waking up beside the Greenbrier River, then spending the day aboard one of West Virginia's most famous historic trains. That's the idea behind a new campground planned near Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The Slabtown Campground has opened along the Greenbrier River near Cass, adding another overnight option for visitors exploring Pocahontas County and the historic railroad community. The location puts campers close to the attractions that make Cass such a distinctive West Virginia destination. Visitors can ride historic trains into the mountains, explore the preserved company town, bike or hike the Greenbrier River Trail and use Cass as a base for exploring more of Pocahontas County. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/cass-scenic-railroad-slabtown-campground 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, Sept. 23, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From THE INTELLIGENCER – Could West Virginia manufacturers buy more from each other? Here's the idea: Before a West Virginia manufacturer orders something from overseas, find out whether another West Virginia company is already making it. The West Virginia Manufacturers Association is working with a new group called ReshoreWV to connect Mountain State manufacturers with suppliers closer to home. ReshoreWV is led by West Virginia native and Marshall University graduate Ed Ryan, whose background includes international trade work with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Amazon and lululemon. Ryan calls the strategy "import substitution." West Virginia manufacturers currently produce approximately $9 billion annually, but they also import about $4.9 billion in goods each year from more than 100 countries. Ryan says there's a 60% overlap between those imports and products already manufactured in West Virginia. ReshoreWV sees an immediate $680 million opportunity to replace some imported goods with products made here. The concept could shorten supply chains, reduce logistical headaches and keep more business circulating among West Virginia companies. Read more: https://www.theintelligencer.net/news/top-headlines/2026/09/matchmaking-for-manufacturers-how-education-and-incentives-for-reshoring-can-benefit-west-virginia/ #2 – From THE REAL WV – Investing in the people who build West Virginia When Stacie Dei talks about West Virginia's future, she doesn't start with buildings or businesses. She starts with people. The Real WV has named the Wheeling native its Real West Virginian of the Week, recognizing nearly 25 years of work supporting nonprofit leaders, educators, community organizations and rural communities across the state. Dei spent 22 years leading the Marshall County Family Resource Network before launching Grow West Virginia and the Appalachian Innovation Collective. Over time, she discovered what she calls her best work: "helping the helper." Through coaching, strategic planning, leadership development and mentorship, Dei supports the people who carry the responsibilities of leading nonprofits and community organizations. Her Appalachian Innovation Collective and programs including the Mountain State Leadership Lab have worked with leaders representing more than 60 organizations across West Virginia. And collaboration is central to her approach. Rather than treating organizations as competitors, Dei encourages leaders to share connections, resources and opportunities. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/09/11/real-west-virginian-of-the-week-stacie-dei-investing-in-the-people-who-build-west-virginia/ #3 – From WV BOOK FESTIVAL – Book lovers, this one's for you Clear some room on the bookshelf. The West Virginia Book Festival returns to the Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center on Saturday, Oct. 24, bringing together readers, writers and some major names in literature. The 2026 featured-author lineup includes R.L. Stine, creator of the bestselling Goosebumps series, which has sold more than 400 million books. He'll be joined by Margot Lee Shetterly, author of "Hidden Figures"; bestselling historical-fiction author Kate Quinn; Huntington native Craig Johnson, creator of the Walt Longmire mysteries; and West Virginia author and illustrator Rosalie Haizlett. And the festival isn't just about listening to authors. Visitors can explore writing workshops, family activities, a literary marketplace and the annual Used Book Sale. Admission to festival events and programs is free. There's also a bonus for history lovers. Three-time Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling historian Rick Atkinson will deliver the West Virginia Humanities Council's annual McCreight Lecture on October 15 at Charleston's Capitol Theater. Read more: https://www.wvbookfestival.org 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, Sept. 22, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From HUNTINGTON CHAMBER – Stitch AI asks: Why not West Virginia? Artificial intelligence is changing fast. But Huntington-based Stitch AI says the bigger question for businesses isn't simply how to get access to AI. It's what they should actually do with it. Stitch AI works with organizational leaders to identify where artificial intelligence can create a real business advantage, what work may need to change and where human judgment remains essential. Co-founder and CEO Rich O'Brien believes that creates an opportunity for West Virginia. "Why not West Virginia?" O'Brien asks, arguing that AI innovation doesn't have to be concentrated in major metropolitan areas. His vision includes developing local talent, building technology companies here and helping existing West Virginia businesses put AI to work. Co-founder and CTO Josh Spence brings more than two decades of cyber operations experience in the Air National Guard, along with experience as West Virginia's former Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Information Officer. "If you're an organization that recognizes AI is going to be transformational in your industry, we're there to help you navigate that transition," Spence said. Read more: https://www.huntingtonchamber.org/2026/09/07/stitch-ai/ #2 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION – Meet Metro 911's first canine employee Some employees start the day by checking their email. Pip starts his by pawing at an office door. The 2-year-old shelter dog is Metro 911's first canine employee and public safety mascot, working alongside dispatchers at the Ned Chilton 911 Center in Charleston. And Pip has quite a story. The Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association took him in after he was hit by a car. Around the same time, Metro 911 was looking for a shelter dog to join the center. Adoption, Deputy Director of Operations Rick McElhaney says, "was always the plan." After recovering, Pip received training from Charleston-based Follow Our Lead. Today, he knows when it's time to work. Put on his vest, and Pip settles into his role. Dispatchers deal with stressful and sometimes heartbreaking calls. Staff members say Pip seems to recognize when someone needs a little extra attention and will stay close during difficult moments. Pip also appears at public events and on Metro 911's social media to help share safety and weather information and even assist with recruiting new dispatchers. Read more: https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/pip-the-dispatch-dog-how-a-shelter-pup-became-metro-911s-first-canine-employee/?utm_source=chatgpt.com #3 – From WV EXPLORER – He got lost and found his movie in West Virginia Filmmaker Bob Ahmed was scouting rural Virginia for the setting of his feature film "Adam's Fire" when his phone died and he kept driving. Eventually, he found himself at a secluded mountain farm in West Virginia. And he'd found his movie. Ahmed, a Pakistani-American writer and director based near Washington, D.C., ultimately filmed "Adam's Fire" in Lost Creek and other locations across north-central West Virginia. The farm's rolling pastures, mountain ridges and generations-old cemetery became an important part of the film's visual identity. The movie follows 12-year-old Adam as he deals with tragedy and the death of his mother. His friendship with a Pakistani-American girl skilled in taekwondo helps bring together two different American experiences in a story about grief, forgiveness and human connection. Producer Tom Ohmer says West Virginia became more than scenery. The filmmakers wanted to portray a side of America they believe international audiences don't always see: people who are hospitable, thoughtful and compassionate. "Adam's Fire" opens Oct. 9 in select theaters, including AMC Morgantown 12. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/adams-fire-west-virginia-movie-lost-creek/ 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.

Twenty-five states have changed their minds about the location of their capitals, so West Virginia is in good company. Nonetheless, the back and forth between Wheeling and Charleston makes for one of the Mountain State's most amusing stories. Just shortly after being granted statehood during the Civil War's battle between North and South, West Virginia's capital location became a battle royale between the state's powerbrokers of its north and south, with government records making the trek up and down the Ohio River so frequently, the steamboats seemed to house them more than any great building created just for that purpose.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV PRESS – Art and adventure come together in Elkins Something new is landing in the Elkins railyard. The Mon Forest Towns Partnership will unveil a new "canoe kiosk" sculpture on Saturday, September 19, with a ribbon cutting at 1 p.m. near the historic Darden Mill. The installation is part of Paint and Paddle, a collaboration involving WVU's Art Education program, local artist Kelson Thorne and the South Branch Career & Technical Center. Canoe kiosks are being installed in nine Mon Forest Towns communities, each featuring a unique design reflecting the character and history of its town. The sculptures also provide visitors with information about nearby hiking, rivers, trails and tourism opportunities. It's a creative way to connect people with both the communities and the outdoor adventures surrounding the Monongahela National Forest. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/media-advisory-new-public-art-installation-to-open-in-elkins/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – See Blennerhassett Island by candlelight Mansion by Candlelight returns to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park on October 9 and 10, offering visitors a completely different way to experience one of West Virginia's most distinctive historic destinations. Guests travel aboard the Island Belle before stepping into an evening of period music, traditional dancing, storytelling and costumed interpreters. Admission also includes a guided mansion tour and horse-drawn wagon ride. An optional Harvest Supper is available by advance reservation. Harman and Margaret Blennerhassett built their elaborate island estate around 1800. A few years later, it became connected to former Vice President Aaron Burr and his mysterious western expedition, ultimately drawing the Blennerhassetts into one of the young nation's most controversial political episodes. The original mansion burned in 1811. Today's reconstructed mansion stands on the historic site, where visitors can experience the story more than two centuries later. Last year's event sold out and some 2026 departure times are already gone, so get your tickets today! Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/blennerhassett-mansion-by-candlelight/ #3 – From WV SBDC – Finding community on a West Virginia river When Pamela Dunlap tried fly fishing for the first time in 2013, she found peace, confidence, friendship and a new connection to the outdoors. Two years later, she created Women, Wine & Waders so other women could experience those things too. Today, the business offers fly-casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs on rivers and streams across West Virginia and beyond. Women have found fishing partners, travel companions, support systems and lasting friendships through the program. The business' growth was made possible in part by the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, which provided expert guidance and advice to Dunlap. Read more: https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/ 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, Sept. 16, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From BUSINESS FACILITIES MAGAZINE – Why West Virginia? Business Facilities takes a closer look When companies decide where to invest, the questions are pretty straightforward: Is the site ready? Can we get the power? Can we find and keep the workforce? And can we get our product to market? Business Facilities recently put those questions to Christine Davies, Deputy Secretary of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development & Workforce Participation, for a national Q&A on the Mountain State's business advantages. Davies points to energy certainty, site readiness and workforce loyalty as key pieces of West Virginia's pitch. The state's targeted growth sectors include high-capacity data centers, advanced manufacturing and materials, and aerospace manufacturing and maintenance. Workforce programs include customized training grants, apprenticeship support and partnerships with West Virginia's community and technical colleges. Read more: https://businessfacilities.com/why-west-virginia/ #2 – From FEDERAL RESERVE – Small business owners: The Fed wants to hear from you The Federal Reserve's 2026 Small Business Credit Survey gathers information from businesses with fewer than 500 employees about their financial conditions, financing and debt needs and experiences. The resulting data are used by the Federal Reserve and others to better understand what's happening on Main Street. The West Virginia Small Business Development Center is a partner in this year's survey and is encouraging owners and key financial decision-makers of for-profit businesses to participate. Businesses currently operating, recently closed or preparing to launch can take part. Responses are confidential, and the survey takes about 12 minutes. Take the survey: https://fedreserveboard.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38k9xZy8ayEERue?orgID=20261020 #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Now THAT'S a big fish Tyler Harmon decided to take his son fishing on the Ohio River near Ravenswood and invited his father along. About 20 minutes after they started fishing, three generations of the Harmon family were sharing a boat with the heaviest blue catfish ever recorded in West Virginia. The fish weighed 72.75 pounds and measured 48.15 inches long, breaking a state weight record that had stood for less than four months. After the measurements, Harmon released the fish alive back into the Ohio River. There's an even bigger story behind the catch. Blue catfish had disappeared from West Virginia waters before the Division of Natural Resources began restoring the native species in the Ohio and Kanawha rivers in the early 2000s. Since then, the fishery has grown and state records have continued to fall. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-blue-catfish-record-ohio-river/ 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, Sept. 15, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV EXPLORER – The West Virginia town that helped pave America There's a bend in the Ohio River where West Virginia helped build American cities one brick at a time. More than 20 brick plants once operated around New Cumberland, producing millions of bricks that traveled by river and rail to communities across the country. The concentration was so great that riverboat crews called the area "Brickyard Bend." Historian Jeanne Grimm writes that New Cumberland was considered the brick capital of the United States from about 1840 to 1910. Hancock County had extensive clay deposits, including fire clays useful for products that could withstand extreme heat. New Cumberland's location on the Ohio River also gave manufacturers access to distant markets long before the railroad arrived. West Virginia bricks found their way to streets in Wheeling and Steubenville and to projects as far away as New Jersey and South Carolina. Later, local manufacturers increasingly produced heat-resistant brick for steelmaking and other heavy industries. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/new-cumberland-west-virginia-brick-capital/ #2 – From ONLY IN YOUR STATE – Davis looks like a storybook in the fall West Virginia's fall color begins in the high Alleghenies, making the Davis and Thomas area one of the first places leaf peepers head each season. Davis sits along the Blackwater River on the edge of the Monongahela National Forest. Once a timber town nicknamed "Stumptown," Davis has evolved into a destination built around art and outdoor recreation. Just three miles away, Blackwater Falls State Park surrounds its famous 57-foot waterfall with autumn color. Canaan Valley offers another view from above with a scenic chairlift, while Dolly Sods Wilderness and the Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail provide plenty of ways to explore on foot. Then there's the Leaf Peepers Festival, held the last weekend in September with a firemen's parade, live music, the Run For It race, food and craft vendors and family activities. Peak color varies with the weather, but late September through the first half of October is typically the prime window for this beautiful area of the state. Read more: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/west-virginia/storybook-fall-town-wv #3 – From THE REAL WV – From Charleston to the music charts Stephen Thomas is taking West Virginia roots into a music career that's crossing genres and reaching audiences around the country. The Charleston native has found growing national recognition through rock and alternative music, major radio and Billboard chart appearances and a crossover into country. His work stretches across rock, pop, R&B and country. But Thomas' conversation with The Real WV goes beyond music. It's also about what it means to grow up here, leave to pursue opportunity and remain connected to home. Thomas says West Virginia's landscapes, country music and outdoor traditions continue to influence his perspective and his work. At the same time, he's candid about the challenges young people can face when pursuing careers in creative industries. Read more: https://therealwv.com/2026/09/03/from-charleston-to-the-charts-stephen-thomas-reflects-on-success-and-his-west-virginia-roots/ 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.

Amusement parks started in Europe, evolving from pleasure gardens and fairs, but in the United States, they were created as waterside attractions or by local trolley companies to encourage more ridership on weekends. Created around the turn of the 20th century and called "trolley parks," there were hundreds of them throughout the country and West Virginia was no exception. With seven trolley parks and one waterside park, West Virginia had a collective total of eight amusement parks during the golden age of that great American institution's development, and from among them, Camden Park still thrives, bearing witness to the magic of that era. Amusement parks started in Europe, evolving from pleasure gardens and fairs, but in the United States, they were created as waterside attractions or by local trolley companies to encourage more ridership on weekends. Created around the turn of the 20th century and called "trolley parks," there were hundreds of them throughout the country and West Virginia was no exception. With seven trolley parks and one waterside park, West Virginia had a collective total of eight amusement parks during the golden age of that great American institution's development, and from among them, Camden Park still thrives, bearing witness to the magic of that era.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Sept. 13, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WVDEP – Help keep Almost Heaven beautiful A cleaner West Virginia starts with people willing to pitch in. The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection is accepting registrations for the annual Adopt-A-Highway Fall Statewide Cleanup, set for Saturday, Sept. 26. Individuals, families, organizations and other groups can volunteer to pick up litter along most state-maintained roads. WVDEP provides the garbage bags, work gloves and safety vests and takes care of disposing of the collected trash. Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and even groups planning a one-time cleanup are encouraged to participate. Last year, Adopt-A-Highway participants contributed more than 52,000 hours of work and removed more than 251,000 pounds of litter from West Virginia roads. Want to help? Groups need to register by Sept. 17. Learn more: https://dep.wv.gov/news/Pages/2026-Fall-Adopt-A-Highway-Cleanup.aspx #2 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Fall festival season is here The Charleston Gazette-Mail is highlighting fall festivals where visitors can experience Appalachian tradition, art and more across the Mountain State. Fall festivals are a chance to get out and experience West Virginia communities while celebrating the music, craftsmanship, food, art and traditions passed from one generation to the next. Take in the sights and sounds of events like the Mothman Festival, FestivFALL and more. Make a day trip out of it and enjoy a West Virginia tradition that's even better when the mountains start changing colors. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts_and_entertainment/in-the-know-experience-appalachian-tradition-art-more-at-these-fall-festivals/article_b31a18f9-e5c4-47c3-aeea-a3c2eeec941e.html #3 – From WV PRESS – 38,000 acres of West Virginia forest protected forever The West Virginia Land Trust has completed what it calls the largest corporate land conservation project in state history, protecting 38,000 acres of forest across Monroe, Summers and Fayette counties, with portions extending into Nicholas and Greenbrier counties. The land is owned by Aurora Sustainable Lands, which donated the easements. Aurora can continue sustainable forestry on the property under Forest Stewardship Council standards, but the protected land cannot be converted to real estate development, agriculture or other uses. The protected properties include more than 81 miles of streams in the Greenbrier, Gauley and New River watersheds, high-elevation forest around Summers County's 3,921-foot Keeney Knob and land bordering New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The project also protects wildlife habitat and drinking water sources while supporting working forests. And it could eventually create new opportunities for hiking, climbing, hunting and fishing, although plans for public access are still being developed. Read more: https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/land-trust-easement-protects-38000-acres-in-southern-west-virginia/ Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.