daily304's podcast

WVgov
WVgov
  • 5.0 (13)
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Your window into wonderful West Virginia. Sharing news and opportunities from Almost Heaven. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @daily304

  1. 1d ago

    daily304 – Episode 08.06.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026. #1 – From OHIO MAGAZINE – Ohio magazine spotlights West Virginia adventures West Virginia is earning attention as one of the region's premier travel destinations. A feature in Ohio Magazine highlights a dozen reasons to visit the Mountain State, from breathtaking outdoor adventures and historic landmarks to live music and locally owned restaurants. The article showcases destinations including Pipestem Resort State Park, Harpers Ferry, The Purple Fiddle, Mountain State Brewing Company and the Almost Heaven Swingo Challenge—demonstrating why more travelers are choosing West Virginia for their next getaway. Read more: https://www.ohiomagazine.com/travel/article/12-stops-for-adventure-history-and-flavor-in-west-virginia #2 – From VISIT HUNTINGTON – Rails & Ales returns to Huntington One of West Virginia's signature summer festivals is back. The annual Rails & Ales Festival returns to Huntington on Saturday, bringing together craft breweries and cider makers, live music, artisan vendors, local food and thousands of visitors. Since its debut in 2013, the festival has grown into one of the state's premier craft beverage events while showcasing downtown Huntington and supporting local businesses. Read more: https://visithuntingtonwv.org/event/rails-ales-festival-2026/ #3 – From MFG MARSHALL – Welding program grad launches his own business A strong manufacturing economy depends on a skilled workforce. After spending nearly five years as a regional truck driver, Dustin Blankenship decided to pivot toward a career in welding by enrolling in the Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center's Welding Technology Program. Juggling long driving shifts with evening classes, he graduated in 2024 and subsequently transitioned into a shop welding role to expand his hands-on experience with MIG and TIG welding across various metals. Recognizing an untapped market for licensed and insured mobile welding services in the region, Blankenship launched Tri-State Mobile Welding & Construction in May 2025. Read more: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/29609-2/ 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.

  2. 2d ago

    daily304 – Episode 08.05.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. #1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Building strength through community A new wellness program is helping women navigate one of life's toughest journeys together. The Radiance Resilience Collective brings women facing cancer together through professionally guided fitness classes designed to improve strength, reduce stress and build community. The program recognizes that healing involves more than medicine by creating opportunities for participants to encourage one another while staying active throughout treatment and recovery. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/news/health/radiance-resilience-collective-support-exercise-for-women-fighting-cancer/article_896370a9-2127-4661-9b6b-eb50c5c55201.html #2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Plan your fall getaway now Few places celebrate autumn like Almost Heaven. As cooler temperatures arrive, West Virginia State Parks transform into a colorful landscape of brilliant reds, oranges and golds. From the overlooks at Blackwater Falls State Park to scenic vistas at Coopers Rock State Forest and iconic destinations like Babcock State Park, visitors will find unforgettable hiking, photography and leaf-peeping opportunities throughout the season. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/find-fall-color-at-these-west-virginia-state-parks/ #3 – From WV LIVING – Discover the magic of Tucker County Towering mountains, vibrant arts communities and endless outdoor adventure make Tucker County one of West Virginia's most memorable destinations. A feature in West Virginia Living highlights the area's unique blend of natural beauty, welcoming communities and year-round recreation. From Davis and Thomas to Canaan Valley and Blackwater Falls, Tucker County continues attracting visitors looking to reconnect with nature while supporting local businesses and artisans. Read more: https://wvliving.com/the-magic-of-tucker-county/ 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.

  3. 3d ago

    daily304 – Episode 08.04.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. #1 – From WV METRO NEWS – Veteran officer named DNR law enforcement colonel After nearly four decades of service, Dave Trader is leading the next chapter of the West Virginia Natural Resources Police. Trader recently took the oath as colonel of the agency after serving in a variety of leadership roles since joining the Division of Natural Resources in 1989. As colonel, he plans to continue investing in officer training, technology and public service while protecting West Virginia's fish, wildlife and outdoor resources for future generations. Read more: https://wvmetronews.com/2026/07/27/trader-promoted-to-dnr-law-enforcement-colonel/ #2 – From WV NEWS – Five unforgettable family destinations From mountain adventures to historic landmarks, West Virginia offers experiences the whole family can enjoy. WV News highlights five iconic places to explore together, including destinations known for scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and small-town charm. Whether you're planning a weekend road trip or a summer vacation, these attractions showcase a variety of experiences for everyone. Visit wvtourism.com to learn more about great family destinations in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/5-iconic-places-in-the-state-to-take-the-family/article_41737f20-0835-4a43-adcd-13886296f945.html #3 – From WV EXPLORER – Helping tourism grow the right way Tourism can strengthen rural communities when growth is thoughtfully managed. Researchers with West Virginia University are working with communities across the region to develop tools that measure tourism's economic, social and environmental impacts. The effort helps local leaders make informed decisions that support economic opportunity while preserving the character and quality of life that make West Virginia's communities unique. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/wvu-tourism-study-rural-communities-sustainable/ 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.

  4. 4d ago

    The Abolition of Slavery in West Virginia

    Slavery has been called America's original sin, and its origins on the Virginia coast made it a tragic staple of the state's and the South's economy. Western Virginia counties, like the Northern states, had a far smaller percentage of enslaved residents, but, of course, one slave is one too many.  Through a complicated process endorsed by President Lincoln, West Virginia was able to end the atrocity before the Civil War ended, and finally make it's state motto about freedom ring true.

  5. Jul 30

    daily304 – Episode 07.30.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Thursday, July 30, 2026. #1 – From ACCESS APPALACHIA – A new sport finds a home in West Virginia Retirement didn't slow down Jonathan Bellingham. It launched his next idea. A third-generation leader at Capon Springs and Farms Resort in Hampshire County, Bellingham created the nation's first FlingGolf physical education curriculum and licensed it into middle and high schools across West Virginia. A hybrid of golf and lacrosse, FlingGolf uses one stick on the same course, playing the same holes and par as traditional golf. Designed to be easy to learn and affordable to play, the sport helps more people experience the game while encouraging outdoor recreation and family participation. Read more: https://www.accessappalachia.com/article/he-was-supposed-to-be-retiring-instead-he-created-a-sport-licensed-it-into-wv-schools-and-played-the-old-course-at-st-andrews/ #2 – From INVESTING NEWS – Bridgeport helps power pilot training North Central West Virginia continues to play an important role in the aerospace industry. RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada has received a $1 billion contract to sustain the engines that power the U.S. Air Force's T-6A Texan II training aircraft through 2034. Engine assembly and support work are performed at the company's Bridgeport facility, reinforcing West Virginia's growing reputation for advanced manufacturing and aerospace production. Read more: https://investingnews.com/rtx-s-pratt-whitney-canada-awarded-1-billion-jpats-sustainment-contract/ #3 – From WORKFORCE WV – Virtual job fairs connect talent and opportunity Whether you're starting a new career or looking for your next opportunity, WorkForce West Virginia makes it easier to connect with employers across the state. The agency's monthly Statewide Virtual Job Fairs allow job seekers to apply for openings, chat with recruiters and even participate in virtual interviews from anywhere in West Virginia. Employers can also use the events to recruit qualified candidates for positions in every region of the state. The next job fair is set for Wednesday, Aug. 5. Register now! Learn more: https://workforcewv.org/statewide-virtual-job-fairs/ 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.

  6. Jul 29

    daily304 – Episode 07.29.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Wednesday, July 29, 2026. #1 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia's best hikes take center stage From rugged mountain peaks to peaceful forest paths, West Virginia offers hiking experiences for every skill level. WV Explorer's 2026 ranking highlights some of the state's top trails, including favorites in the Monongahela National Forest, New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Dolly Sods and Seneca Rocks. Whether you're chasing panoramic views, waterfalls or quiet woodland escapes, there's no shortage of places to discover in Almost Heaven. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/best-hiking-trails-in-west-virginia-ranked-2026/ #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Filmmaker sees bright future for West Virginia West Virginia's film industry continues to build momentum. Filmmaker and producer Jeff Tinnell says the Mountain State's diverse landscapes, talented workforce and expanding film incentives position it to compete for more television and movie productions. As more filmmakers discover West Virginia, industry leaders see opportunities to create jobs, support local businesses and tell authentic Appalachian stories on a national stage. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-film-industry-jeff-tinnell-netflix/ #3 – From WVU TODAY – Blanche Lazzell returns home One of West Virginia's most influential artists is coming home. The Art Museum of West Virginia University will host "Blanche Lazzell: Becoming an American Modernist," the museum's largest exhibition ever, after a successful national tour. Featuring the largest collection of works by the Monongalia County native and pioneering modernist, the exhibition celebrates Lazzell's lasting influence on American art and introduces her work to a new generation of visitors. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/stories/2026/07/20/wvu-brings-pioneering-artist-blanche-lazzell-home-for-art-museum-s-largest-exhibition-on-record 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.

  7. Jul 28

    daily304 – Episode 07.28.2026

    Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, July 28, 2026. #1 – From APPALACHIAN VOICE – West Virginia's film industry looks to the future West Virginia is building on its growing reputation as a destination for filmmaking. A feature from Appalachian Voices highlights how the state's film production tax credit, diverse landscapes and talented workforce are attracting more productions while creating opportunities for local businesses and creative professionals. Industry leaders say West Virginia's authentic communities and Appalachian stories continue to draw filmmakers looking for unique locations and fresh perspectives. Read more: https://appvoices.org/2026/07/16/film-industry-in-west-virginia/ #2 – From ISLANDS – Paw Paw earns a national spotlight A small town with a memorable name is introducing more travelers to the beauty of West Virginia. Islands magazine recently featured Paw Paw, highlighting its fascinating history, scenic setting near the Potomac River and opportunities for hiking, paddling and exploring nearby public lands. The story showcases another hidden gem where visitors can experience the outdoor recreation and small-town hospitality that define Almost Heaven. Read more: https://www.islands.com/2210975/paw-paw-west-virginia-charming-town-peculiar-name-history-outdoor-fun-maryland-border/ #3 – From WV NEWS – SpaceTrek inspires tomorrow's engineers The next generation of engineers is getting an early start in West Virginia. High school students from across the state recently gathered at West Virginia Wesleyan College for SpaceTrek, a hands-on program designed to encourage young women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through interactive projects, teamwork and mentorship from professionals, participants explored engineering concepts while building confidence in future STEM careers. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/recorddelta/news/west-virginia-spacetrek-program-inspires-future-female-engineers-at-wesleyan-college/article_b16e6301-1f2c-410b-b6ce-82c61070f8f1.html Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304. The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty, and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo. That's all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

  8. Jul 27

    The Jones-Imboden Raid

    Desperate times call for desperate measures. The Confederacy needed to stop Virginia's northwestern counties from seceding and rejoining the Union as they contained the priceless B&O Railroad lines that kept the Midwestern and Western states connected to Washington. So, a Moorefield ranger arrived at an idea to destroy the railroad's bridges and lines in western Virginia. Embraced by Robert E. Lee and executed by generals Jones and Imboden, it was a last-ditch effort to preserve old Virginia and hinder President Lincoln and the Union's war efforts.

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About

Your window into wonderful West Virginia. Sharing news and opportunities from Almost Heaven. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @daily304

Information

  • Channel
    WVgov
  • Creator
    West Virginia Department of Commerce
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    118
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    daily304's podcast

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