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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.
WVU professor Matt Kasson and graduate student Angie Macias work on millipede research in their lab.
Communities

WVU mycologists receive National Geographic grant to study millipedes

by Bianca Bosworth

Millipedes represent some of the earliest known terrestrial animals and are highly understudied, but two West Virginia University researchers are working to shine a light on these important invertebrates. Several years ago, Matt Kasson and Angie Macias set out to better understand the association between the millipede Brachycybe lecontii and fungi, its life-sustaining food. “Millipedes serve an important function in ecosystems. … Read more

West Virginia agriculture is getting a boost, thanks to a grant from the USDA.
Agriculture

Dept. of Agriculture awarded $1.04 million lab testing grant

by Bianca Bosworth

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has awarded the W.Va. Department of Agriculture $1.04 million for surveillance testing, new equipment, and researching contaminants in human and animal food. The department is one of only nine in the country to receiving this funding for chemistry development, according to Kent Leonhardt, Commissioner of Agriculture. “Department staff continues … Read more

The W.Va. Development Office administers financial and technical-assistance funds for development and infrastructure.
Communities

Justice backs projects for Appalachian Regional Commission investment

by Bianca Bosworth

Governor Jim Justice and West Virginia Department of Commerce Secretary Ed Gaunch have recommended 12 projects totaling more than $11.7 million in grants from the Appalachian Regional Commission Investment Program. The West Virginia Development Office administers the state’s commission grants program, which is a partnership of federal, state, and local participants that provide financial and … Read more

Dr. Mark Anthony Manchin has been selected as the 25th president of Glenville State College in West Virginia.
Communities

Manchin named 25th president of Glenville State College

by Bianca Bosworth

Mark Anthony Manchin, Ph.D., has been selected as the 25th president of Glenville State College, according to officials at the school in central West Virginia. The college’s Board of Governors made the selection after an extensive search process that culminated last week in on-campus interviews with five finalists at Glenville, West Virginia. “I am excited … Read more

Visitors boat and board on the waterfront at Stonewall Resort at Stonewall Jackson Lake State Park.
Attractions

Stonewall Resort in W.Va. launches phased reopening

by Bianca Bosworth

Stonewall Resort in north-central West Virginia has begun reopening resort and state park amenities following recent rules and guidelines established by Governor Jim Justice. The resort’s campground and its Stillwaters Restaurant is now open, and its lodge and cottages are set to open Tuesday, according to general manager Andre’ D’Amour. “While we work to reopen the … Read more

Hikers trek into a spruce forest in the West Virginia highlands.
Hiking

WVU professor says trail use up, thanks to pandemic

by Bianca Bosworth

A West Virginia University researcher says exercising on local rail trails has doubled during the pandemic and is safe as long as people use best practices to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. According to the Mon River Trails Conservancy trail counter data, trail use at the trail’s Van Voorhis trailhead is up 101 percent, and … Read more