Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.
#1 – From WVU TODAY – WVU leader helps power Appalachia’s next chapter
Sixteen years after arriving at West Virginia University for an expected five-year stay, Erienne Olesh is leading one of the region’s most ambitious innovation efforts.
As CEO of the Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium (RETI)—a WVU-led initiative partnering with Carnegie Mellon University, the University of Pittsburgh, and over 60 public and private entities—she oversees a coalition backed by up to $321 million over the next decade.
RETI aims to meet rising energy demands and boost Appalachia’s innovation economy by connecting researchers, businesses, entrepreneurs, and workforce partners to move new technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace.
In its inaugural year, the coalition will award industry-informed research grants, launch startup programs, and train its first workforce cohorts.
#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Making the New River Gorge accessible to more people
One of the New River Gorge’s most approachable trails is getting a major makeover.
The National Park Service has begun an $11.8 million rehabilitation of the Rend Trail, a 3.2-mile route that follows the nearly level grade of a former railroad line.
When the project is complete, the Rend Trail will become the park’s first fully accessible earthen-surface trail. The improvements will allow visitors of more ages and abilities to experience the forests, history and scenery of the New River Gorge.
The trail is expected to remain closed through fall or winter 2027 while construction is underway.
Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/new-river-gorge-rend-trail-accessible-hike/
#3 – From METRO NEWS – $40 million health care investment coming to Barboursville
A major new health care investment is moving forward in Cabell County.
Officials have broken ground on a $40 million skilled nursing facility in Barboursville, marking another investment in the region’s health care infrastructure.
The project will expand access to skilled nursing services while supporting patients and families who need additional care and rehabilitation.
The investment also adds to the continued development taking place in the Huntington-Barboursville area and reinforces health care’s important role in the region’s economy.
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.
