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Bianca 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 home.
The Old West Virginia Penitentiary at Moundsville now welcomes tourists. Photo courtesy David Gear.
Arts

“Moundsville” film to be broadcast on PBS stations nationally

by Bianca Bosworth

Filmmakers David Bernabo and John W. Miller have reached an agreement to distribute the documentary film “Moundsville” to 338 public broadcasting stations nationally over the next three years.The National Educational Telecommunications Association has agreed to distribute the film, which will be cut from 74 to 57 minutes and will be close-captioned to suit PBS standards, … Read more

Greiner, Favede, Rodenberg reach historic agreement among northern panhandle schools.
Communities

Historic higher-ed program created in northern panhandle

by Bianca Bosworth

Three institutions of higher education in West Virginia’s northern panhandle have reached a historic agreement to broaden academic support for students.Bethany College, Wheeling University, and West Liberty University announced the agreement Thursday during a news conference at Wheeling University’s Erickson Alumni Center.Billed as the first of its kind in West Virginia, the agreement will allow … Read more

Historic Harpers Ferry teeters on the edge of spring. (Photo: National Park Service)
Attractions

Entrance fees to Harpers Ferry to increase January 1

by Bianca Bosworth

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will increase its entrance fees on January 1, 2020, as part of the National Park Service’s ongoing efforts to address infrastructure needs and improve future visitor experiences.All money collected from entrance fees remains in the National Park Service, with at least 80 percent retained locally at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, … Read more

A ghost hunter roams a West Virginia forest.
Culture

W.Va. grows as a popular destination for ghost hunting

by Bianca Bosworth

PAX, W.Va. — West Virginia’s popularity as a destination for ghost hunting continues to increase, says the publisher of one of the state’s leading paranormal websites.Thousands of ghost hunters are now coming to the Mountain State monthly, according to Jonathan Moore, the publisher of West Virginia Ghosts, which celebrates its 24th year of publication.Moore says … Read more

Specialty crops reach the market in West Virginia.
Agriculture

WVDA accepting requests for specialty crop block grant applications

by Bianca Bosworth

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is now seeking requests for applications for 2020 specialty crop block grants. Funds awarded are used to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia.State Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt called the capital access program vital.“One of the largest barriers to small business development is … Read more

Taylor Mazelon records herself teaching in her pre-K classroom.
Communities

New technology helps WVU Online train much-needed teachers

by Bianca Bosworth

New technologies are helping pre-K teachers studying online at West Virginia University to complete student teaching in their home communities.With a new “virtual” system, professors are now using video to observe student teachers in classrooms and employing computer technology to meet them remotely to discuss their methods.WVU professor Ashley Martucci, the coordinator for WVU Online’s … Read more

New energy-saving lights at the snow-tubing park at Snowshoe Mountain are expected to bedazzle guests.
Recreation

Tubing park at Snowshoe goes green (and red, blue…)

by Bianca Bosworth

Snowshoe Mountain is installing lights that are expected to trim energy use by 80 to 85 percent at its Coca-Cola Tubing Park. But the new lights aren’t just efficient, “they’re also pretty spectacular,” says resort spokesman Shawn Cassell.With a wide variety of color options that allow for stunning light shows, the new cost-saving LED system … Read more

West Liberty University has dedicated a new field and athletic complex.
Communities

West Liberty unveils new track, athletic complex

by Bianca Bosworth

West Liberty University this weekend dedicated a new field and athletic complex, which will serve the school’s track, soccer, and cross-country squads.The West Family Athletic Complex was named in honor of Gary E. and Flip West, the largest donors in university history, who made a $1,000,000 contribution to help fund the new facility, according to … Read more

A craft beer waits a thirsty patron at a West Virginia brewery.
Attractions

Second craft beverage summit on tap for Oct. 23 in Fairmont

by Bianca Bosworth

The Robert C. Byrd Institute and the West Virginia Food-and-Farm Coalition will present the second “Craft: A Farm-to-Bottle Summit” Oct. 23 in Fairmont, West Virginia.To maintain momentum in the emerging craft-beverage economy, the summit has been established to support the production of sodas, teas, beers, wines, and spirits, according to Bill Woodrum, RCBI director of … Read more