Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From CAR BUZZ – West Virginia’s Toyota plant celebrates 30 years
Toyota’s powertrain plant in West Virginia is celebrating its 30th anniversary since breaking ground in 1996, marking three decades as a key component of the automaker’s U.S. manufacturing presence.
While vehicle assembly plants often draw the most attention, this facility stands out as Toyota’s only plant in North America that manufactures both engines and transmissions. Expanding to over two million square feet and employing more than 2,000 workers, the factory operates with incredible speed, producing transmissions and transaxles roughly every 25 seconds and four-cylinder engines every 56 seconds.
The West Virginia facility plays a critical role in Toyota’s ongoing business strategy and long-term future. In addition to building four-cylinder engines and eight-speed automatic transmissions, it serves as the automaker’s sole North American site for producing hybrid transaxles.
Read more:
https://carbuzz.com/toyota-engine-transmission-plant-hits-30-years-september-2026/
#2 – From WV PRESS – BridgeValley CTC welcomes six Dow apprentices
BridgeValley Community & Technical College has welcomed six Dow apprentices into its Process Technology Associate of Applied Science program, marking a key workforce development partnership in West Virginia. Through this apprenticeship model, participants gain both classroom instruction at BridgeValley and hands-on training at Dow facilities. Dow covers all tuition, books, and fees while paying the apprentices a full-time wage, providing a debt-free pathway to long-term career opportunities in the region.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by BridgeValley to bridge the gap between education and local industry needs. In addition to the Dow partnership, the college participates in West Virginia’s STAND (Skilled Trades Apprenticeship Nontraditional Degree) Program, which allows current and former registered apprentices to turn their practical training into degree credits.
Read more:
https://wvpress.org/wvpa-sharing/bridgevalley-welcomes-six-dow-apprentices-into-process-technology/
#3 – From WV NEWS – Pipestem Resort welcomes its inaugural Oktoberfest on Oct. 16-18
Pipestem Resort State Park has announced its inaugural Pipestem Oktoberfest, scheduled for Oct. 16-18. Spanning the entire weekend and the resort grounds, the festival offers visitors a chance to celebrate autumn with entertainment, food, shopping, and scenic fall views.
Weekend festivities include an authentic German buffet, live music, craft market and cruise-in car show. Guests can also ride the aerial tramway to Mountain Creek Lodge to experience the Pipestem Bier Garten tent, with free live entertainment, contests and games, Bavarian food, and draft beer, including West Virginia State Park’s private label draft, 36 Parks.
To learn more or reserve lodging, visit wvstateparks.com.
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.