Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026.
#1 – From WV GAZETTE-MAIL – Helping Hollywood see differently
A Fayetteville resident is making television and film more authentic for millions of viewers.
Blindness and accessibility consultant Joe Strechay has built an impressive career advising filmmakers and actors on accurately portraying blindness in television and film. His growing list of credits now includes major productions for Netflix and other leading studios. Strechay’s work helps ensure stories featuring blind and low-vision characters are both realistic and respectful while bringing West Virginia talent to productions seen around the world.
#2 – From WV NEWS – Family camping starts in West Virginia State Parks
Whether your family prefers tents, RVs or cabins, West Virginia State Parks offer camping experiences for every adventure.
From the lakeside campsites at Beech Fork State Park to the year-round campground at Pipestem Resort State Park, families can enjoy boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and countless opportunities to reconnect outdoors. Visitors can also explore the mountain scenery at Watoga State Park and Tygart Lake State Park, where campgrounds, cabins and outdoor recreation create memorable getaways across Almost Heaven.
#3 – From WV PRESS ASSOCIATION – Historic Hotel Thelma receives preservation boost
A landmark that once welcomed Black travelers during segregation is taking another step toward a new future.
The Hotel Thelma project in Bluefield has received a $100,000 grant from the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund to restore the building’s historic café space. The rehabilitation project will create a new restaurant while preserving one of southern West Virginia’s most significant African American landmarks. The broader redevelopment also includes affordable apartments, helping strengthen both the community and its history.
Read more:
https://wvpress.org/breaking-news/hotel-thelma-project-receives-100000-grant-for-cafe/
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.
