Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV EXPLORER – West Virginia ranks No. 2 in the nation for reported Bigfoot sightings
Is Bigfoot hiding somewhere in the mountains of West Virginia?
A new national study ranks the Mountain State second in the country for potential Bigfoot encounters, trailing only Washington state. The ranking considered historical sighting reports, forest coverage and climate conditions. West Virginia scored hypothetical spotting odds of 3.79%, compared with a national state average of 1.65%.
West Virginia’s extensive forests helped boost its ranking. Approximately 78% of the state is covered by woodlands, providing plenty of remote places for wildlife and, according to folklore, mysterious creatures.
The study also identified Weirton, Huntington, Beckley and Wheeling among West Virginia communities with notable numbers of historical Bigfoot reports relative to population. Of course, there’s no scientifically verified evidence that Bigfoot exists, and the rankings don’t represent actual chances of spotting one.
But for fans of Appalachian folklore, it’s one more reason to explore the mysteries of Almost Heaven!
Read more:
#2 – From PRESTON COUNTY EDA – Preston County earns national recognition for bio-based investment potential
Preston County is gaining attention as a promising destination for bio-based manufacturing and investment.
The county recently earned an “A” rating for woody biomass through the Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone Initiative, becoming the first county in West Virginia to receive a BDO Zone designation. The rating, awarded in August 2026, recognizes the area’s strong supply of wood, pulpwood and forest residue, along with infrastructure that could support new manufacturing projects.
According to the assessment, approximately 443,200 bone-dry tons of pulpwood and forest residue are available annually for potential biomass projects. That resource could support industries ranging from engineered wood products and sustainable packaging to renewable fuels and advanced biochemicals.
The Preston County Economic Development Authority is highlighting several sites for potential investment, including the former TAZ Sawmill property, where infrastructure improvements are underway.
With only 37 U.S. regions earning an A rating or better in 2026, Preston County’s designation could help attract new businesses and jobs to the region.
Read more:
#3 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION – John Marshall High School launches first-of-its-kind trades training program
Students at John Marshall High School in Glen Dale are getting a head start on careers in the skilled trades.
The school’s carpentry program has launched what organizers describe as West Virginia’s first high school pre-apprenticeship initiative through North America’s Building Trades Unions, in partnership with the Upper Ohio Valley Building & Construction Trades Council.
Led by carpentry teacher Matthew Ali, the two-year program combines hands-on skills, advanced safety training and curriculum used by building trades unions. Ali says apprenticeships can provide students with a direct pathway to rewarding careers without requiring a traditional four-year college degree.
Industry representatives say graduates who enter trade apprenticeships could earn between $50,000 and $60,000 during their first year, depending on their opportunities. The program also aims to encourage graduates to remain in West Virginia, where skilled workers are needed to support construction and industrial growth.
For these students, career preparation is starting before graduation, with practical skills and new opportunities for the future.
Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.
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That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.
