Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.
#1 – From JAMBASE – Billy Strings drops in at the Empty Glass
You never know who might show up on a West Virginia stage.
While in Charleston for a Mountain Stage appearance, Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings made his way to the legendary Empty Glass and settled in for an impromptu jam session.
The surprise performance stretched for hours, giving a small crowd the kind of live music experience you can’t exactly put on the calendar.
It’s another reminder of the deep musical culture that runs through West Virginia, from internationally known performers and Mountain Stage to the small clubs where musicians still gather simply for the love of playing.
Read more:
https://www.jambase.com/article/billy-strings-empty-glass-west-virginia-videos-mountain-stage
#2 – From WVDNR – $1.2 million investment improves Plum Orchard Lake
One of Fayette County’s favorite outdoor destinations just got a major upgrade.
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has completed more than $1.2 million in improvements at Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area.
The investment includes a new $1.16 million WMA headquarters, new courtesy docks, improvements to an accessible fishing pier, better parking lot lighting, drainage improvements, shoreline erosion control and new signage.
Located about 20 minutes from Beckley, Plum Orchard Lake offers fishing for largemouth bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and channel catfish, along with hunting and primitive camping.
The improvements are part of WVDNR’s effort to improve public access while protecting an outdoor resource for generations to come.
Read more:
https://wvdnr.gov/wvdnr-completes-over-1-2-million-in-upgrades-at-plum-orchard-lake-wma/
#3 – From WVSBDC – Finding confidence on the water
Pamela Dunlap tried fly fishing for the first time in 2013.
Two years later, she turned that experience into Women, Wine & Waders.
The West Virginia business creates welcoming opportunities for women to discover fly fishing through casting clinics, guided adventures, retreats and educational programs. Equipment is provided, helping beginners get on the water without a major upfront investment.
As the business grew, Dunlap turned to the West Virginia Small Business Development Center for coaching and support.
Now in its second decade, Women, Wine & Waders is growing beyond a fly-fishing group into a women’s outdoor-adventure brand built around confidence, friendship and a shared love of the outdoors.
Read more:
https://wvsbdc.com/women-wine-waders-builds-community-through-fly-fishing/
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.