West Virginians and labor and history buffs knowledgeable about the Mine Wars know the name C.E. Lively well. In his own way, he served as the sole catalyst of the battle royale that became the largest labor uprising in history.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baiKC_CG2kk

It's time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy "Holiest Ghost" by Alabaster Boxer! Want to hear more? Check out our website at https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/

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

Today is Thursday, January 8, 2026.

#1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL - Pastry hot dogs offer a new twist on a WV favorite
West Virginia is known for its signature hot dog topped with mustard, onions, chili and slaw--but in the Capital City region a different kind of hot dog dominates the scene. Made famous by Spring Hill Bakery, these hot dogs are made from pastry dough, stuffed with cream and drizzled with chocolate. Sweet variations of this unique pastry dog are popping up all over the Kanawha Valley under different nicknames, from chubby bun to Molly dog to Wimpy John.

Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/life/wv-culinary-team-a-hot-dog-by-any-other-name-still-tastes-as-sweet/article_3b24a02f-d2b6-4b93-86e7-407dca7e2bc2.html

#2 – From WVNS-TV - Behind the scenes of a new film shooting in Mercer County
A new feature film has selected Mercer County as its backdrop, and local crews and locations are playing key roles. A behind-the-scenes look highlights how the production is engaging with the community, showcasing West Virginia landscapes and small-town charm as cinematic settings.

Read more: https://www.wvnstv.com/news/entertainment-news/wv-entertainment/a-behind-the-scenes-look-at-new-film-using-mercer-county-as-its-backdrop/

#3 – From DAILY304 - The History Project highlights WV's stories, people and places
The History Project from daily304 continues to explore compelling episodes from West Virginia's past — detailed documentary storytelling that preserves local heritage, cultural turning points, and the lived experiences that shaped the Mountain State. The series brings archival voices, local experts, and historical context into vivid focus.

Watch the videos:
https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/the-history-project/

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, January 7, 2026

#1 – From WV EXPLORER - From pickleball to mountain biking--discover 5 sports that are growing in WV
West Virginia's sports landscape continues to grow, with expanding programs and participation helping strengthen communities across the Mountain State. From local leagues to broader opportunities for athletes, sports are building healthy habits, teamwork, and hometown pride.
The story highlights how athletics are becoming a bigger part of community identity and quality of life — especially as programs evolve and reach more West Virginians.

Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/2025/12/27/sports-west-virginia-growing/

#2 – From THE REAL WV - Meet Yeager Airport's wildlife patrol team
At West Virginia International Yeager Airport in Charleston, two border collies — Hercules and Ned — have become part of the team keeping runways safer by chasing birds and wildlife away from flight paths. Airport staff say the runway dog program has helped reduce bird strike incidents significantly since it began. Learn how the dogs are trained for this work, how the airport coordinates wildlife patrol, and why Yeager is among a small group of airports using runway dogs as part of airfield safety.

Read more: https://therealwv.com/2025/12/18/highway-to-the-danger-zone-the-true-tail-of-hercules-and-ned/

#3 – From WV DHHR - WV Department of Health seeks to implement a $199M rural healthcare transformation
The West Virginia Department of Health is seeking a leadership team to implement a $199 million Rural Healthcare Transformation Initiative focused on strengthening healthcare access and systems in rural communities. The initiative aims to improve quality, sustainability, and outcomes — representing a major investment in long-term rural health capacity across the state.

Read more: https://dhhr.wv.gov/News/Pages/West-Virginia-Department-of-Health-Seeking-Leadership-Team-to-Implement-$199-Million-Rural-Healthcare-Transformation.aspx

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.

Today is Tuesday, January 6 2025.

The West Virginia Small Business Development Center offers free one-on-one business planning services that help entrepreneurs clarify ideas, build business plans, and prepare for growth — from market research to financial planning. Coaches work with startups and existing small businesses alike, offering guidance that strengthens business fundamentals and long-term success.
Link: https://wvsbdc-com.cdn.ampproject.org/c/s/wvsbdc.com/business-planning-with-the-wv-sbdc/amp/

Fairmont State University is launching Falcon Fest, a new craft beer celebration in partnership with Rivesville-based Short Story Brewery. The event aims to bring students, residents, and beer enthusiasts together for community engagement, music, and local flavor — blending higher-education spirit with craft culture in north-central West Virginia.
Link: https://www.wvnews.com/news/wvnews/fairmont-state-university-launches-falcon-fest-craft-beer-with-rivesville-based-short-story-brewery/article_a3a95eb4-961c-47bf-a5f2-b56742a3fd34.html

The West Virginia Economic Development Authority (WVEDA) continues offering financing programs, strategic support, and partnerships that help businesses start, expand, and succeed statewide. Through loans, community investment tools, and collaborative initiatives, WVEDA supports job creation and capital access, fueling economic growth across the Mountain State.
Link: https://eda.wv.gov/building-business-momentum-how-wveda-helps-west-virginia-grow/amp/

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.

Of all the great voices of the miners during the West Virginia Mine Wars, Bill Blizzard is the only one to be able to see his work through to the very end. A UMWA leader, Blizzard witnessed the event's beginning in Paint Creek & Cabin Creek and was with the miners at the Battle of Blair Mountain, assuming the role of general. As the name implies, Bill Blizzard was a storm for which the anti-union forces were not prepared.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQU9LuFQQP4

It's time once again for another #MountainStateMusic throwback – looking at some of our favorite moments on the @FolkloreMusicExchange stage. Sit back and enjoy "1921" by Kindred Valley! Want to hear more? Check out our website at https://daily304.wv.gov/programs/mountain-state-music/

Today is Thursday, January 1, 2025.

#1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL - Apple Grove wastewater plant nears completion
Construction is wrapping up on a long-anticipated wastewater treatment plant in Apple Grove, part of a larger effort to expand sewer service and support economic growth in Mason County. The new system, tied to attracting major investments and improving infrastructure, is expected to go into service early next year, bringing reliable public utility service to local businesses, homes, schools, and future developments.

Read more: https://www.wvgazettemail.com/business/apple-grove-wastewater-treatment-plant-complete-system-to-be-ready-next-year/article_4c235e92-c96f-44dc-8d2f-55ad4de4bab1.html

#2 – From WV EXECUTIVE - 'Talent transplant': WVU president's vision for growth
West Virginia University's new president, Michael T. Benson, is being spotlighted for his leadership approach — part of what one profile calls a talent transplant for the Mountain State. Benson, who began his tenure in Morgantown in 2025, emphasizes community engagement, workforce alignment, and accessibility as core parts of his vision for WVU's role in statewide opportunity and economic development.

Read more:
https://wvexecutive.com/talent-transplant-michael-t-benson/

#3 – From JOBCASE - Manufacturing remains vital to West Virginia's economy
Manufacturing continues to be a key employer and economic engine across West Virginia, from heavy industry and automotive suppliers to advanced materials and skilled trades. Longstanding demand for manufacturing jobs — particularly in technical fields — offers opportunities for workers at various experience levels.

Read more:
https://www.jobcase.com/articles/manufacturing-in-wv

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.