Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Saturday, May 9, 2026.
…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!
#1 – From WSAZ-TV – Ascend Heroes program welcomes veterans to West Virginia
A new initiative is working to attract military veterans to communities across West Virginia.
The Ascend Heroes program, launched through a partnership between the state, West Virginia University, and the Wing 2 Wing Foundation, offers financial incentives and relocation support for veterans interested in living and working in the Mountain State. Leaders say the program is designed to strengthen the workforce while helping veterans build long-term connections in welcoming communities across West Virginia.
Read more:
https://www.wsaz.com/2026/05/06/new-ascend-heroes-program-attract-veterans-west-virginia/
#2 – From WV DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – Schools earn Purple Star recognition
Dozens of West Virginia schools have received recognition for their support of military-connected students and families.
The West Virginia Department of Education announced its sixth class of Purple Star Award recipients, honoring schools that provide programs, resources, and transition support for military families. Officials say the initiative helps create welcoming environments for students whose families serve in the armed forces.
Read more:
https://wvde.us/articles/sixth-class-purple-star-award-recipients-announced
#3 – From WV EXPLORER – State parks hiring for busy tourism season
West Virginia State Parks are hiring seasonal employees ahead of the 2026 travel and tourism season.
Available positions include roles in hospitality, maintenance, food service, and recreation operations at parks and lodges across the state. Tourism officials say seasonal hiring helps support the state’s outdoor recreation economy while giving workers opportunities to gain experience in West Virginia’s growing tourism industry.
Learn more:
https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-state-parks-seasonal-jobs-2026/
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.