Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

…and now for the rest of the stories…on today’s daily304.com!

#1 – From WV FORESTRY – West Virginia Dozer Academy prepares operators for wildfire response

When wildfires threaten West Virginia’s forests and communities, skilled equipment operators can make a critical difference.

The West Virginia Division of Forestry’s Dozer Academy gives operators hands-on training to safely maneuver bulldozers across challenging terrain. Sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Fire Compact, the academy brings together participants from multiple states to strengthen wildfire preparedness and response.

Training includes an obstacle course with steep hills, switchbacks and a barrel-pushing exercise. Operators must carefully maneuver their equipment while avoiding unnecessary damage to the ground. These exercises build the precision and confidence needed when working in difficult conditions.

The academy also creates opportunities for firefighters and equipment operators to share experience and build relationships. Participants from several states have previously worked together on wildfire assignments, including deployments to Minnesota this summer.

Read more: https://wvforestry.com/wv-dozer-academy-provides-hands-on-training-for-wildfire-response/

#2 – From WV FILM – West Virginia Film Office helps bring productions to Almost Heaven

From mountain landscapes and winding rivers to historic small towns and vibrant cities, West Virginia offers filmmakers a wide range of locations for their next production.

The West Virginia Film Office, part of the West Virginia Division of Economic Development, helps production companies find filming locations, connect with experienced crews and support services, and navigate permitting requirements.

The office maintains a searchable Locations Library featuring properties and landscapes across the state. Its Crew and Support Services Directory helps producers find West Virginia professionals, while residents and property owners can register their skills or locations for consideration in future projects. West Virginia also offers a film production tax credit of up to 31% of qualified in-state expenditures.

The program supports feature films, television productions, music videos, commercial photography and other eligible projects.

Whether you’re a filmmaker searching for the perfect location, a crew member looking for opportunities or a property owner interested in hosting a production, the Film Office provides resources to help you get started.

Learn more: https://westvirginia.gov/wvfilm/

#3 – From WORKFORCE WV – WorkForce West Virginia connects employers with their next great hire

Finding the right employees is essential for a growing business. WorkForce West Virginia is helping employers connect with qualified candidates through job fairs and recruitment events across the Mountain State.

The agency hosts monthly Statewide Virtual Job Fairs, giving businesses an opportunity to meet, chat with and interview job seekers without leaving their offices. The next monthly Statewide Virtual Job Fair is scheduled for Nov. 4, with registration available for both employers and job seekers.

Employers from the public, private and nonprofit sectors can participate, whether they have one position to fill or dozens.

WorkForce West Virginia also maintains a calendar of in-person hiring events. Upcoming opportunities include a South Central Regional Jail and Correctional Facility hiring event in Charleston on Oct. 20, a Mount Olive Correctional Complex event on Oct. 21 and additional recruitment events across the state.

Learn more: https://workforcewv.org/businesses/hire-an-employee/job-fairs/

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.