daily304's podcast WVgov

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  
Today is Monday, May 27, 2024. 
Catch up on what you missed during Bridging Innovation Week as the daily304 chats with some of WV’s most innovative entrepreneurs…Toyota West Virginia welcomes Mason County students to its latest 4T Academy class…and meet the brains behind the research at Touchstone Laboratories in #YesWV…on today’s daily304.
#1 – From THE DAILY304 – Bridging Innovation Week is the state’s premier entrepreneurship event. If you missed this year’s event, we’ve got you covered. Check out the daily304’s interviews with some great entrepreneurs effecting positive change in #YesWV.
Watch the videos:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbTIXU2Zp-KkVm2V1E8iFiSoUu3w8Lz52
 
#2 – From TOYOTA WV – Toyota West Virginia celebrates the newest 4T Academy class and welcomes a new school system to the program. Mason County students will now join their peers in Kanawha and Putnam counties in the work-based learning program at Toyota West Virginia.
Toyota established the 4T Academy in the Mountain State in 2022 to help connect upper-level students in local high schools with career opportunities in advanced manufacturing. During the four semester-program, students gain real world experience while working alongside and learning from industry professionals. Seniors receive an hourly wage during their final semester.
Read more:
https://pressroom.toyota.com/toyota-west-virginia-welcomes-mason-county-school-students-to-4t-academy-for-upcoming-school-year/
#3 – From WESTVIRGINIA.GOV – Touchstone Research Laboratory started in 1980 in the basement of a monastery, where founder, Brian Joseph, rebuilt a scanning electron microscope purchased for $100. 
The laboratory has come a long way in four decades. Touchstone moved into the Millennium Centre in Triadelphia, West Virginia, in December of 1989. Its offerings expanded, and so did the company. In the 1990s, Touchstone grew in the area of metal matrix composites, building one of the best mechanical testing and characterization facilities available.
Meet the brains behind research in #YesWV and some of West Virginia’s coolest spinoff businesses — Touchstone Research Laboratory.
Read more:
https://westvirginia.gov/meet-the-brains-behind-research-in-yeswv-and-some-of-west-virginias-coolest-spinoff-businesses-touchstone-research-laboratory/
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, May 26, 2024.
Check out some great live performances in Almost Heaven -- from “Clue: On Stage” to the talented musicians gracing Mountain Stage to some good old-fashioned bird watching…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WVUCCA – Get a clue! The West Virginia University College of Creative Arts presents “Clue: On Stage” next month at the Gladys G. Davis Theatre. The 1980s cult classic movie comes to life on stage in Morgantown with a colorful cast of characters trying to solve a murder mystery. 
Show dates are June 6-9 and June 13-16. Order your tickets today!
Learn more:
https://wvucca.universitytickets.com/w/default.aspx?cid=174
 
#2 – From MOUNTAIN STAGE – Be a part of the live audience as Mountain Stage records a fresh episode for NPR Music with host Kathy Mattea! Upcoming shows feature John R. Miller, The Brothers Comatose, Paul Thorn and more. Shows take place at the Culture Center in Charleston unless otherwise noted.
Get tickets:
https://mountainstage.org/upcoming-live-shows/
 
#3 – From WBOY-TV Clarksburg – At least 350 bird species have been spotted in West Virginia, according to the West Virginia Bird Records Committee, but much of the fun of birding lies in spotting the brightly colored or unique-looking birds that stick in your memory for days afterward.
Out of the hundreds of species found in the Mountain State, some of the most eye-catching include the Hooded Warbler. These colorful songbirds look more like they’re preparing to rob a bank or go on a secret mission rather than hunt for insects or a mate. 
Or, how about the double-crested Cormorant? With a wing span averaging nearly four feet across, this water bird is among the largest found in West Virginia. 
Visit the WVDNR online to learn more about bird of West Virginia and how to make your property more bird friendly.
Read more:
https://www.wboy.com/wv-outdoors/unique-looking-birds-you-can-find-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 Saturday, May 25, 2024.
West Virginia is a hotbed of UFO activity, according to a renowned paranormal investigator…As boating season kicks into full swing, the WVDNR urges folks to take life jackets seriously…and Innovators & Entrepreneurs chats with leaders of MHIRJ, an aviation company in Bridgeport that’s looking to hire 400 technicians…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WV EXPLORER – A renowned paranormal investigator says West Virginia has a remarkable association with UFO activity because of its role in the search for extraterrestrial life and because it was the location of many early alleged UFO encounters.
Dave Spinks, perhaps best known for his appearances on the Travel Channel, the History Channel, and Destination America, says you can't beat the Mountain State when it comes to UFO lore.
“Two of the earliest and most famous encounters in the U.S. were reported here,” Spinks says, referring to legendary encounters involving Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster.
“But it was here, too, at Green Bank Observatory that Frank Drake established the first telescopes used in the SETI program—the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence.”
Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/2024/05/18/west-virginia-ufo-seti-green-bank-flatwoods-mothman/
 
#2 – From WVDNR – When it comes to wearing a life jacket while boating, there are many myths and misconceptions that people have come to believe. For example, you’d be surprised how many people think they don’t need to wear a life jacket if they know how to swim or if they’re on a large boat with other people. They couldn’t be more wrong.
The sad reality is that nearly 80 percent of people who die in boating accidents are not wearing life jackets. As we gear up for another summer of water adventures in West Virginia, it’s crucial to set the record straight about life jackets, also known as personal flotation devices (PFDs).
Click the link to read about five common myths about life jackets and why these misconceptions are wrong. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resource encourages you to take PFDs seriously. Because your life depends on it!
Read more:
https://wvdnr.gov/life-jacket-myths/
 
#3 – From INNOVATORS & ENTREPRENEURS – MHI RJ is the leader in aviation maintenance for the CRJ Series, the world’s most successful regional jet. With more than 550 employees in West Virginia and state-of-the-art hangars in Bridgeport, West Virginia, MHI RJ supports the top three airlines in the US and top regional airlines in the world.
Innovators and Entrepreneurs chats with Ross Mitchell, Vice-President of MHI RJ Aviation Global, and Michael Genin, Director of Operations for MHI RJ Aviation in Bridgeport, about their company’s success in #YesWV. 
MHI RJ in Bridgeport is currently hiring about 400 technicians and is looking to fill over 100 job vacancies over the next year. 
Watch the video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=R2-QqnYxZZvfK6u1&v=fs0uSJ5IgIA&feature=youtu.be
 
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. 
That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
 

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.  
Today is Friday, May 24, 2024.
Bookworms, save the date: The WV Book Festival returns to Charleston on Oct. 19…Discover historic Elkins, your gateway to the Monongahela National Forest…and head’s up! The WV Office of Energy warns of a new phone scam that’s making the rounds…on today’s daily304.
 
#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – A popular event for Charleston-area bookworms is back on the schedule for this fall.
The 21st West Virginia Book Festival takes place Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center. Several bestselling national authors will give presentations on their work as well as local and regional authors.
In addition to meet-the-author events, the festival will feature writing workshops, family activities, a literary marketplace and the annual used book sale. All events are free and open to the public.
Read more:
https://www.wvgazettemail.com/arts_and_entertainment/books/authors-announced-for-2024-west-virginia-book-festival/article_b46af66c-db5f-5684-88a8-9ac754c7906e.html?
 
#2 – From ELKINS-RANDOLPH WV –  Surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia, Randolph County is a natural paradise that has long been a destination for travelers and adventurous outdoor enthusiasts. Here you will find charming communities that are rich in heritage, blessed with unparalleled beauty, and come alive with arts and festivals.
Here, you can feel the fresh mountain breeze in the lush Monongahela National Forest, discover the many museums and historic sites, or embrace the culture of a small Swiss village. Board a vintage excursion train, access miles of trout streams, rivers, and rail trails, or pitch a tent under the clear night sky. 
Learn more:
https://elkinsrandolphwv.com/
 
#3 – From WESTVIRGINIA.GOV – The West Virginia Office of Energy warns a new phone scam is targeting homeowners across the state.
Energy officials say people are receiving calls from scammers claiming to represent the “West Virginia Power Company” or other, legitimate power companies that operate in West Virginia. The callers offer to perform free in-home services, funded through federal grants, to make households more energy efficient. Scammers then ask for personal information, including the victim’s full name and home address, which can be used to commit identity theft and other crimes.
“If the caller cannot provide their company’s West Virginia business license and details about the grant funding the project, it is likely a scam,” says Nicholas Preservati, director of the Office of Energy. “You should never give out personal information over the phone without first making sure the call is legitimate.”
Read more:
https://westvirginia.gov/office-of-energy-warns-about-new-phone-scam-targeting-homeowners/
 
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, May 23, 2024.
Plants & Goodwin opens a new facility in Buckhannon, creating more jobs in #YesWV…Grab your hiking boots and head to the trails of Almost Heaven…a family from Maryland takes advantage of the Ascend WV program to relocate to Lewisburg -- and they’re loving it!…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From ZEFIRO METHANE –  Zefiro Methane Corp. has announced that its subsidiary Plants & Goodwin, Inc. has opened another facility in Appalachia. It is expected the new facility will significantly increase efficiency resulting in higher profit margins. 
Situated in the town of Buckhannon, this yard is centrally located within the state of West Virginia. P&G currently has a pipeline in West Virginia of more than USD $700,000 worth of environmental services projects for 2024. All of P&G’s current and upcoming projects in West Virginia are with long-standing industry relationships, while this new facility will create the opportunity for partnership with state resources in Yes, West Virginia.
The facility is currently hiring. Learn more here. 
Read more:
https://www.zefiromethane.com/news/zefiro-opens-a-new-operations-facility-in-west-virginia-to-service-growing-demand-providing-increased-operational-capacity-efficiency-and-enhanced-profit-margins
 
#2 – From WV LIVING –  Anywhere you go in West Virginia, there’s a memorable hike close by. We can wander our most remote hills, woods, and waters for days without seeing a soul if we want to, a privilege in an ever more citified world.
The folks at West Virginia Living offer some great suggestions for your next hiking trip, from easy, wheelchair accessible strolls to challenging treks -- all showcasing the beautiful woods, waters and historic attractions of Almost Heaven.
So lace up your hiking boots -- or even sneakers will do -- and get moving! There’s much to explore in Almost Heaven. 
Read more:
https://wvliving.com/walk-dont-run/
 
#3 – From TODAY.COM – The Today Show takes a look at “Inflation Relocation,” in which residents of big cities move to smaller, rural towns to take advantage of the lower cost of living. 
Hear from a Maryland family that relocated to Lewisburg as part of the Ascend WV program, which offers financial incentives and outdoor recreation perks to lure remote workers to Almost Heaven. The move allowed them to work in #YesWV while enjoying the outdoor activities they love.
Watch the video:
https://www.today.com/video/rural-cities-offer-financial-incentives-for-people-to-move-there-210968645876
 
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, May 22, 2024.
Your next Almost Heaven adventure awaits in the Greater Parkersburg area…Central Kitchen Food Project works to provide healthy, locally sourced meals to childcare centers and more…and check out the wide range of manufacturers that call Huntington home…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From GREATER PARKERSBURG – Your outdoor adventure in West Virginia starts here! Parkersburg features some of the best biking, hiking and motorcycle routes in the country -- not to mention scenic kayaking on the Ohio River. 
History and heritage fans will love to explore Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, the Oil and Gas Museum, Julia-Ann Square Historic District, and more. There’s also plenty of shopping and dining options and lodging ranging from hotels to bed and breakfasts. 
Your next Almost Heaven adventure awaits in Greater Parkersburg!
Learn more:
https://www.greaterparkersburg.com/
 
#2 – From WV LIVING – Childcare centers typically don’t have cooks providing nutritious meals. The Central Kitchen Food Project combats this with chef-led, from-scratch, healthy meals for childcare centers and more in West Virginia, with help from Keys 4 HealthyKids and a grant from the Benedum Foundation.
The program opened its first kitchen in Monongalia County in 2022. Up from its original 80 hot meals a day, the team now delivers more than 1,500, with a second location in Huntington serving Cabell County. Additionally, meals are focused on local foods, which supports a more localized food system in partnership with the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition.
Programs like this are vital to the health of West Virginia’s children, according to co-founder Mandy Curry. “The earlier we can provide the healthiest food to them, the better. We know they are getting a much better start as they progress in life,” she says.
Read more:
https://wvliving.com/bringing-nutrition-to-west-virginia-kids/
 
#3 – From HUNTINGTON QUARTERLY – Born in 1871, the City of Huntington drew residents eager to put down roots in the new town. Many came because they believed Huntington was destined to become a great manufacturing center. As it grew, the city attracted manufacturers that produced an array of products, including rail cars, steel, glass, china, bricks, stoves, furniture and even church pews. 
While things have changed over the years, Huntington is a resilient city that still makes things from A to Z — Alcon to Zim’s Bagging. Check them out and learn about the wide range of manufacturers in the River City that have said #YesWV.
Read more:
https://huntingtonquarterly.com/2024/03/12/made-in-huntington/?es_id=aeaba98736
 
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.