Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WV COMMERCE – West Virginia celebrates first graduates of Energy Efficiency CoEnergy Careers, Fayetteville’s Historic Makeover & State Parks Jobsntractor Program
West Virginia is preparing a new generation of skilled contractors to help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient.
The West Virginia Office of Energy recently celebrated the first graduates of its Energy Efficiency Contractor Program, an initiative designed to train workers to identify and complete home energy improvements. Contractors learn to evaluate individual homes and recommend upgrades such as insulation, replacement windows and other energy-saving improvements.
The training also creates new opportunities for workers in industries affected by seasonal weather. When outdoor construction slows during winter, contractors can continue working on indoor energy efficiency projects.
Program participants say the training builds on their existing skills while providing valuable new knowledge. Industry representatives also highlighted the importance of keeping skilled workers employed close to home, serving neighbors and communities throughout West Virginia.
The program represents an investment in workforce development, energy efficiency and year-round employment opportunities.
Watch now: https://youtu.be/BzkIBJkKu-I
#2 – From WV FOOD GUY – Historic Fayetteville school finds new life as boutique hotel and restaurant
A century-old school building in Fayetteville is welcoming visitors again, this time with comfortable rooms and Appalachian-inspired dining.
The former school, dating to around 1923, has been transformed into Hill Hall Hotel, a 40-room boutique property near New River Gorge National Park. The hotel preserves much of the original building’s character while offering modern accommodations. It’s also home to Patsy’s, a farm-to-table restaurant located in the former chemistry lab.
Executive Chef Jeffrey Toth has created a menu featuring Appalachian comfort food, including apple molasses-glazed meatloaf, trout and creative brunch dishes. The restaurant honors developer Stephen Wendell’s grandmother, Pat “Patsy” Phillips Wendell, whose family traditions inspired its hospitality.
Patsy’s is open to the public, giving residents and visitors another reason to explore Fayetteville.
#3 – From WV STATE PARKS – Turn your love of the outdoors into a career with West Virginia State Parks
Love spending time outdoors? West Virginia State Parks offers opportunities to turn that passion into a career.
The park system recruits for full-time and part-time seasonal positions at destinations across the Mountain State. Opportunities span a variety of fields, including park operations, hospitality, maintenance, recreation and visitor services.
Positions may include park rangers, park aides, groundskeepers, housekeepers, maintenance workers and lodge employees. Seasonal opportunities can include campground attendants, lifeguards, gift shop clerks and summer naturalists. The State Parks careers website features recruitment videos and links to current employment listings.
Whether you’re starting your career, looking for seasonal work or exploring a new professional direction, West Virginia State Parks offers a chance to help visitors experience Almost Heaven.
Read more: https://wvstateparks.com/careers/
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.