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Bianca BosworthBianca Bosworth

Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County near Charleston home. She can be reached at 304-575-7390 or bosworth@wvexplorer.com.
Blackwater Falls in Tucker County ranks among the tallest and most visited waterfalls in West Virginia, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Natural Wonders

West Virginia’s highest waterfalls ranked: The Mountain State’s tallest cascades

by Bianca Bosworth

DAVIS, W.Va. — West Virginia’s rugged mountains, steep gorges and high-elevation streams have created hundreds of waterfalls across the state. While some are known for their width or scenic beauty, others stand out for their height. From the iconic Blackwater Falls to the towering cascades hidden in the Monongahela National Forest, these are the highest … Read more

Rural Women Entrepreneurs: The findings may be particularly relevant to West Virginia, where many communities are rural, and small-business ownership is vital to local economies.
Economic Development

Rural women entrepreneurs fuel economic growth in America’s small towns, WVU study finds

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Rural women entrepreneurs may make up a relatively small share of business owners across the United States, but new research from West Virginia University suggests their impact on local economies is far greater than many communities realize. The study, conducted by researchers at West Virginia University and the University of Maine, found that rural women … Read more

A study by researchers at West Virginia University found a greater-than-expected significance in the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes for women who spend more time sitting compared to those who include even light activity in their daily routines.
Health and Medicine

WVU study shows pregnant women who move more have better outcomes

by Bianca Bosworth

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As West Virginia experiences a cultural and economic shift toward recreation, researchers at West Virginia University have discovered even better news about active living. A study by researchers at the university in Morgantown found a greater-than-expected association between increased sitting time and adverse pregnancy outcomes—including gestational diabetes and preeclampsia—among women who sit more … Read more

The program creates incentives for private investment funds and financial institutions to direct capital into qualified small business growth.
Economic Development

Applications open for West Virginia First small business growth program

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. Department of Commerce is officially accepting applications for the newly established West Virginia First Small Business Growth Program, a major economic development initiative designed to expand access to private investment capital for small businesses. Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the launch of the new program, part of his promise to build … Read more

Stars spin above the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory.
Communities

Nightfall’s Value: Light pollution can diminish real estate worth in W.Va.

by Bianca Bosworth

WINFIELD, W.Va. — An increasing number of new West Virginia residents are being drawn to its rolling hills and quiet valleys to escape brightly lit cities and reclaim the enchantment of pitch‑dark night skies. But while the dark skies represent a precious amenity, the creeping glare of artificial lighting—known as light pollution—is quietly eroding the … Read more

Historic tax credits have helped fuel investment along Charleston's Capitol Street, where restored buildings now house businesses, restaurants, offices, and residential space in the heart of the capital city.
Communities

Is it more cost-effective to restore or rebuild in West Virginia downtowns?

by Bianca Bosworth

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As communities across West Virginia consider options for aging buildings, one key question keeps coming up: Is it more cost-effective to demolish and rebuild or to restore what’s already there? According to real estate development consultant David Sibray, more often than not, it’s cheaper to restore than to rebuild, especially in the … Read more