Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia.
Today is Friday, Nov. 13, 2026.
#1 – From WV WATCH
Nitro native brings manufacturing opportunities into West Virginia classrooms
What if West Virginia businesses could purchase more of the products they need from manufacturers right here at home?
That’s the idea behind Reshore WV, an initiative founded by Nitro native Ed Ryan.
Ryan is taking his knowledge of international trade and supply chains into college classrooms, helping students identify products West Virginia businesses currently import that could potentially be manufactured in the state.
His course began with MBA students at the University of Charleston and has expanded to West Virginia University, with plans to reach more campuses.
Students develop proposals connecting local manufacturers with potential customers, comparing the costs of imported products with goods made closer to home.
The effort could help businesses find new sales opportunities while introducing students to careers in manufacturing, logistics and entrepreneurship.
Ryan hopes the program will also encourage more young West Virginians to build their careers in the Mountain State.
#2 – From WV EXPLORER
West Virginia agricultural grants open new markets for pawpaws and forest crops
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture awarded $321,659.62 in federal Specialty Crop Block Grants to eight initiatives for research, education, and market expansion. Part of a $360,145.60 fiscal 2026 USDA allocation, Agriculture Commissioner Kent Leonhardt noted these funds support the broader specialty crop industry rather than individual farm startups.
Funded projects include West Virginia State University freeze-drying native pawpaw pulp, Linwood Alive building a commercial kitchen, the Yew Mountain Center expanding forest-farming education, the West Virginia Military Authority training veterans in hydroponic/aeroponic herb production, and the agriculture department studying fungal diseases.
Additionally, West Virginia University will launch a 4-H youth food business program, the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition will assist farms with sustainable practices and group purchasing, and the W.Va. Farmers Market Association will track crop inventory and sales through 2028.
Read more:
https://wvexplorer.com/west-virginia-pawpaw-forest-farming-grants/
#3 – From YAHOO TRAVEL
Point Pleasant earns national attention as a charming small-town getaway
There’s more to Point Pleasant than a certain mysterious creature with glowing red eyes!
A recent Country Living travel feature, shared by Yahoo, highlights the Mason County community as a destination for folklore, history, local shopping and small-town hospitality.
Visitors can start at the famous Mothman Museum and stainless-steel statue on Main Street, then explore shops offering antiques, handmade gifts and local treasures.
For something sweet, What’s the Scoop serves ice cream and even a Mothman-inspired sundae!
History enthusiasts can visit the Point Pleasant River Museum or stroll along the riverfront to see murals depicting the community’s past.
Nearby Tu-Endie-Wei State Park marks the site of the 1774 Battle of Point Pleasant, where the Ohio and Kanawha rivers meet.
The article also highlights the community’s annual Mothman Festival, which attracted a reported 32,000 visitors last year.
From legendary creatures to local history and friendly businesses, Point Pleasant offers plenty of reasons to plan a day trip.
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.