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Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WVU TODAY – WVU student charts course toward music industry career Audrey Hasley, a West Virginia University junior from Morgantown, always loved music but knew her passion lay behind the scenes rather than in teaching or performing. Raised by parents who served as her middle school choir and band directors, her path came into focus during her senior year of high school. Through a mentorship class shadowing Joshua Swiger, director of WVU's music business and industry program, she discovered a supportive academic environment dedicated to preparing students for the business side of the industry. Through WVU's program, Hasley has gained valuable hands-on experience, including a spring 2026 internship at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville alongside two fellow majors. The experience reinforced key industry lessons about the importance of networking backed by genuine skill, as well as the rising need for trained professionals to help navigate social media influencers through the complexities of the music business. Read more: https://wvutoday.wvu.edu/resources/wvu-student-charts-course-toward-music-industry-career?fbclid=IwdGRleAVDMs5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBWZkaWQWUQl2tDWLI2qQBc8ZCmPX10XNGKkYMHNydGMGYXBwX2lkCjY2Mjg1NjgzNzkAAR4mlHJfUJEsQSEYi5s6DK3G5ADNfP8BL64XER2mZIimxDj8H_FFrBj2kaZJYA_aem_7J-6CrCJ5raEW9Fy-vlvrw #2 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION – WV Farmers Market Association receives $25,000 grant to strengthen organizational capacity The West Virginia Farmers Market Association has secured a $25,000 grant through the Appalachian Regional Commission's READY Nonprofits program. To qualify for the funding, WVFMA Executive Director Holly Morgan and Vice President Kacey Gantzer completed a 10-week virtual training program alongside other Appalachian nonprofits, focusing on board development, strategic planning, human resources, and operations. The association will use the grant to build a formal asset management and governance framework for its statewide shared agricultural infrastructure. This includes setting up standardized systems for tracking, maintaining, and scheduling shared equipment, ranging from poultry processing trailers to honey extractors, to streamline rental and free-use access for local producers. By enhancing internal recordkeeping and operational stewardship, WVFMA aims to strengthen its organizational capacity and board oversight. Ultimately, this ARC-funded project supports WVFMA's broader mission to empower local farmers markets and agricultural producers, driving economic development and improving access to healthy, locally grown food across West Virginia. Read more: https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/west-virginia-farmers-market-association-receives-25000-from-appalachian-regional-commission-to-strengthen-organizational-capacity/ #3 – From WV EXPLORER – 'American Pickers' returning to West Virginia in search of historic treasures Producers of the History Channel's popular television series "American Pickers" are heading to West Virginia in November to hunt for rare antiques and unique private collections. According to West Virginia Film Office Executive Director David Lavender, the show is drawn to the state's rich industrial history, do-it-yourself culture, and resourceful residents who have preserved historically significant pieces in barns and outbuildings across the Mountain State. The production team is specifically seeking large, privately held collections containing unusual objects with interesting backstories whose owners are ready to sell. To maintain the show's signature treasure-hunting style, the show strictly excludes commercial venues such as antique malls, flea markets, museums, and auction houses, relying instead on submissions directly from collectors, their families, or neighbors. The upcoming visit builds on a long history of West Virginia features on the show, which have previously highlighted sites like the Heritage Farm Museum and Village, the former Marx Toy Museum, and historic homesteads. Lavender emphasized that these media appearances provide long-lasting benefits for the state, serving as "evergreen tourism postcards" that continuously draw curious visitors to explore local communities and attractions. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/american-pickers-returning-west-virginia-2026/ 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.

America's Most Infamous Blood Feud. The mere mention of their names conjures up the images of a vindictive rivalry set to the tune of the 19th century American backwoods. So much has been written about West Virginia's Hatfields and Kentucky's McCoys that it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. While feuds were occurring all over the nation, the American media singled out this story, where timber and coal was rich, and fortunes could be made once the land was rested away from owners like these who treasured it above such wealth. The Hatfield & McCoy Feud exists at that intersection of provincialism and modernity, and vengeance and opportunism, with a moral that continues to be played out.

Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. Today is Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Stream restoration opens a unique kayaking adventure at The Jug Imagine paddling nearly four miles downstream and ending up just a short walk from where you started. No vehicle shuttle required. That's the unusual opportunity now available at The Jug Wildlife Management Area near Middlebourne in Tyler County. The Jug is a remarkable bend in Middle Island Creek. The waterway loops for nearly four miles before returning to within approximately 100 feet of itself. For generations, changes to the creek's flow and aging infrastructure limited access to this natural attraction. A restoration project involving the West Virginia Department of Transportation and Division of Natural Resources has improved water flow and access to the area. The work included a new low-water crossing and flood-control structure, helping restore recreational opportunities along the creek. Now, kayakers can launch near the crossing, follow the winding creek through scenic countryside and finish their trip close to their starting point. The Jug Wildlife Management Area also offers opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Middle Island Creek is known for species including muskellunge and smallmouth bass. Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/outdoors/stream-repairs-make-shuttle-free-4-mile-kayak-trips-possible-at-the-jug-wma/article_479695ed-4f0c-4bb9-b53c-f3b4ac5ceb2f.html #2 – From WV EXPLORER – Mothman and Flatwoods Monster headline free Halloween celebration in Charleston Two of West Virginia's most famous legendary creatures are making a special appearance at the State Capitol Complex just in time for Halloween. The West Virginia Department of Tourism is hosting a free Halloween Bash on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. Families can meet Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, pose for photos and participate in Halloween activities celebrating the Mountain State's mysterious folklore. The event includes a cryptid scavenger hunt through the West Virginia State Museum, a Halloween-themed miniature golf course, crafts and storytelling. Children are encouraged to wear costumes, with prizes awarded in three age groups. The creatures have deep roots in West Virginia folklore. The Flatwoods Monster legend began with a reported encounter in Braxton County in 1952. Mothman became famous following reported sightings around Point Pleasant beginning in 1966. Today, both legends attract visitors to West Virginia through festivals, museums and other attractions. Admission and parking for the Halloween Bash are free, making it an opportunity for families to celebrate the season while discovering a little Mountain State history. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/mothman-flatwoods-monster-west-virginia-halloween/ #3 – From WVEDA – WVEDA helps businesses become West Virginia success stories Every successful business starts with an idea. Turning that idea into a growing operation often requires access to financing, expertise and the right partnerships. The West Virginia Economic Development Authority helps businesses across the Mountain State secure resources to invest, expand and create jobs. Established under West Virginia law, the WVEDA provides financial assistance with an emphasis on manufacturing and industrial businesses. Its programs include direct lending, loan insurance, broadband loan insurance, industrial development bonds and foreign trade zones. The agency highlights companies that have used its resources to support growth in West Virginia. Among them is CMC Steel West Virginia, a Berkeley County micro mill producing steel from recycled materials. Mountaintop Beverage in Morgantown manufactures beverages ranging from dairy products to coffee. And Mister Bee, founded in Parkersburg in 1951, continues producing potato chips in a variety of flavors. These companies demonstrate the range of manufacturing businesses investing in the Mountain State. Businesses interested in WVEDA financing can contact the agency at 304-558-3651 to learn more about available programs and eligibility requirements. Read more: https://eda.wv.gov/learn-how-you-can-become-the-next-wveda-success-story/ 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. 24, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From NEW RIVER GORGE CVB – Five ways to experience fall foliage from above in the New River Gorge West Virginia's fall colors are spectacular from the ground. But imagine seeing them from hundreds of feet above the New River Gorge. The New River Gorge Convention and Visitors Bureau is highlighting five ways to take your leaf-peeping adventure to new heights. Start with a guided Bridge Walk beneath the New River Gorge Bridge, where visitors cross a narrow catwalk approximately 850 feet above the river. For a faster-paced adventure, zipline tours offer the chance to soar through colorful treetops and enjoy views of the surrounding mountains. Rock climbing provides another perspective, with guided experiences available for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Visitors can also take a scenic flight over the Gorge in a restored World War II-era biplane. The fifth experience is Bridge Day, the annual October celebration when visitors can walk across the New River Gorge Bridge and watch professional BASE jumpers leap into the Gorge. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush or a new perspective on autumn scenery, the New River Gorge offers plenty of opportunities to experience Almost Heaven from above. Read more: https://newrivergorgecvb.com/5-ways-to-take-in-the-fall-foliage-from-above-in-the-new-river-gorge/ #2 – From NUCOR – Nucor Technical Academy offers paid training and a path to a manufacturing career What if you could earn a college degree, receive hands-on technical training and get paid while preparing for your career? The Nucor Technical Academy offers that opportunity through a two-year program combining classroom education with practical experience in the steel manufacturing industry. Participants pursue an associate degree in Electrical Technology at Shelton State Community College in Alabama while receiving paid training alongside experienced Nucor professionals. Nucor covers tuition, textbooks and program housing, allowing students to focus on developing technical skills and preparing for potential full-time employment with the company. The program emphasizes electrical systems, industrial technology and the technical knowledge needed to support modern steelmaking operations. Nucor Steel West Virginia, which is developing a major steel manufacturing facility in Mason County, is among the company divisions recruiting for the 2027 Technical Academy. Applications for the 2027 program are being accepted through December 31, 2026. For recent high school graduates interested in technology, engineering and hands-on work, the academy offers a potential pathway into advanced manufacturing. Read more: https://nucor.com/careers/#nucor_technical_academy #3 – From WV EXPLORER – White Grass offers a winter adventure in West Virginia's Canaan Valley When snow blankets the mountains of Tucker County, one of West Virginia's favorite winter destinations comes to life. White Grass Ski Touring Center, located in Canaan Valley, has welcomed cross-country skiers and outdoor enthusiasts for decades. The center features more than 50 kilometers of trails winding through mountain meadows, spruce forests and scenic ridgelines. Groomed routes offer opportunities for beginners and experienced skiers to explore the valley at their own pace. New to cross-country skiing? White Grass offers lessons and rental equipment, along with beginner-friendly trails near the lodge. More experienced visitors can explore longer routes and challenging terrain. The experience extends beyond skiing. White Grass is known for its welcoming atmosphere, homemade food and cozy lodge, where visitors can warm up after a day outdoors. Owner Chip Chase and his team have helped make White Grass a gathering place for people who enjoy winter recreation, conservation and the natural beauty of West Virginia's mountains. Read more: https://wvexplorer.com/white-grass-cross-country-skiing/ 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. 22, 2026. …and now for the rest of the stories…on today's daily304.com! #1 – From WV NEWS – Jackson Lodge reopens at WVU Jackson's Mill following major renovation A historic gathering place in Lewis County is welcoming visitors again, thanks to the generosity of a lifelong supporter of West Virginia 4-H. Jackson Lodge at WVU Jackson's Mill near Weston recently celebrated its grand reopening following several years of renovations. The project was funded through the estate of the late Mary Jane Glasscock, whose love of 4-H began when she attended camp in the 1920s and early 1930s. Glasscock remained involved with 4-H throughout her life. A music educator, she helped compile and edit the first official West Virginia 4-H songbook, West Virginia Sings, published in 1951. She was inducted into the West Virginia 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004. Her family says Glasscock recognized the need for improvements to Jackson Lodge after staying there during events in the 1990s and early 2000s. Her estate helped make the renovation possible. Jackson's Mill has been a gathering place for generations of West Virginians. In 1921, it became home to the nation's first state 4-H camp. Today, the renovated lodge continues that tradition of bringing people together. Read more: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/wvu-jackson-s-mill-reopens-jackson-lodge-after-major-renovation/article_e426225a-da8f-4cf7-b7bc-cda074f7e509.html #2 – From WV STATE PARKS – Discover 10 breathtaking overlooks in West Virginia State Parks Looking for a spectacular view of Almost Heaven? West Virginia State Parks has some suggestions for your next outdoor adventure. The state parks system is highlighting 10 scenic overlooks where visitors can experience mountain landscapes, river gorges and unforgettable views. Some are accessible by short walks, while others reward hikers willing to tackle a longer trail. At Hawks Nest State Park, visitors can look down on the New River from an overlook perched hundreds of feet above the water. At Blackwater Falls State Park, a short hike leads to Lindy Point, offering sweeping views of Blackwater Canyon. For a bigger challenge, Lost River State Park's White Oak Trail leads to Cranny Crow Overlook, where visitors can see across five counties in West Virginia and Virginia. And at Coopers Rock State Forest, the main overlook provides panoramic views of the Cheat River Gorge. Other featured destinations include Summersville Lake, Watoga, Carnifex Ferry Battlefield, Droop Mountain Battlefield, Seneca State Forest and Pipestem Resort. Whether you're planning a family outing, a photography trip or a fall hike, there's a West Virginia overlook waiting to be discovered. Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/10-stunning-state-park-overlooks-in-west-virginia/ #3 – From WVDNR – WVDNR shares tips for enjoying West Virginia wildlife safely From white-tailed deer and black bears to colorful songbirds and wild turkeys, West Virginia offers plenty of opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is helping residents and visitors make the most of those encounters with practical tips for wildlife watching. You don't need expensive equipment or specialized training to get started. Wildlife can be found in state parks, forests, nature preserves, wildlife management areas and even your own backyard. Binoculars, a field guide, comfortable shoes and a little patience can improve the experience. Timing matters, too. Many animals are most active around sunrise and sunset, making early morning and evening good times to explore. The WVDNR also reminds visitors to watch wildlife from a safe distance, avoid feeding wild animals and never approach young animals or get between a mother and her offspring. Fall visitors should also be aware of hunting seasons and follow appropriate safety precautions when exploring public lands. Whether you're introducing children to nature or looking for a peaceful outdoor adventure, wildlife watching is an easy way to appreciate West Virginia's natural resources. Read more: https://wvdnr.gov/tips-for-observing-west-virginia-wildlife/ 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.