daily304 – Episode 10.25.2026
Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From GAZETTE-MAIL – Stream restoration opens a unique kayaking adventure at The Jug
Imagine paddling nearly four miles downstream and ending up just a short walk from where you started. No vehicle shuttle required.
That’s the unusual opportunity now available at The Jug Wildlife Management Area near Middlebourne in Tyler County. The Jug is a remarkable bend in Middle Island Creek. The waterway loops for nearly four miles before returning to within approximately 100 feet of itself. For generations, changes to the creek’s flow and aging infrastructure limited access to this natural attraction.
A restoration project involving the West Virginia Department of Transportation and Division of Natural Resources has improved water flow and access to the area. The work included a new low-water crossing and flood-control structure, helping restore recreational opportunities along the creek. Now, kayakers can launch near the crossing, follow the winding creek through scenic countryside and finish their trip close to their starting point.
The Jug Wildlife Management Area also offers opportunities for fishing, hunting and wildlife observation. Middle Island Creek is known for species including muskellunge and smallmouth bass.
#2 – From WV EXPLORER – Mothman and Flatwoods Monster headline free Halloween celebration in Charleston
Two of West Virginia’s most famous legendary creatures are making a special appearance at the State Capitol Complex just in time for Halloween.
The West Virginia Department of Tourism is hosting a free Halloween Bash on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston. Families can meet Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, pose for photos and participate in Halloween activities celebrating the Mountain State’s mysterious folklore.
The event includes a cryptid scavenger hunt through the West Virginia State Museum, a Halloween-themed miniature golf course, crafts and storytelling. Children are encouraged to wear costumes, with prizes awarded in three age groups. The creatures have deep roots in West Virginia folklore. The Flatwoods Monster legend began with a reported encounter in Braxton County in 1952. Mothman became famous following reported sightings around Point Pleasant beginning in 1966. Today, both legends attract visitors to West Virginia through festivals, museums and other attractions.
Admission and parking for the Halloween Bash are free, making it an opportunity for families to celebrate the season while discovering a little Mountain State history.
Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/mothman-flatwoods-monster-west-virginia-halloween/
#3 – From WVEDA – WVEDA helps businesses become West Virginia success stories
Every successful business starts with an idea. Turning that idea into a growing operation often requires access to financing, expertise and the right partnerships.
The West Virginia Economic Development Authority helps businesses across the Mountain State secure resources to invest, expand and create jobs. Established under West Virginia law, the WVEDA provides financial assistance with an emphasis on manufacturing and industrial businesses. Its programs include direct lending, loan insurance, broadband loan insurance, industrial development bonds and foreign trade zones.
The agency highlights companies that have used its resources to support growth in West Virginia. Among them is CMC Steel West Virginia, a Berkeley County micro mill producing steel from recycled materials. Mountaintop Beverage in Morgantown manufactures beverages ranging from dairy products to coffee. And Mister Bee, founded in Parkersburg in 1951, continues producing potato chips in a variety of flavors. These companies demonstrate the range of manufacturing businesses investing in the Mountain State.
Businesses interested in WVEDA financing can contact the agency at 304-558-3651 to learn more about available programs and eligibility requirements.
Read more:
https://eda.wv.gov/learn-how-you-can-become-the-next-wveda-success-story/
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.