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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.
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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … Read more

Candace Evans leads a yoga course at Fayetteville, West Virginia.
Recreation

Five reasons West Virginia town has become yoga destination

by Bianca Bosworth

Long a mecca for hiking, biking, climbing, and paddling vacations, A busker performs outside a Fayetteville shop.[/caption] Adjacent to the national parklands of the New River Gorge, an ideal combination of factors have helped establish Fayetteville as a yoga destination, which residents have happily embraced. Evans says instructors at the Hikers at Beauty Mountain (Photo: … Read more

Campers gather around a fire in a West Virginia forest.
Recreation

Governor amends dry-weather ban to permit some campfires

by Bianca Bosworth

Due to dry weather conditions, Gov. Jim Justice last week restricted outdoor burning in West Virginia, but today amended his proclamation to allow for campfires in state and federal recreation areas under specific conditions, according to Andy Malinoski, a spokesman for the W.Va. Dept. of Commerce. At the request of officials with the West Virginia … Read more

The Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg, West Virginia.
Attractions

W.Va. Historic Preservation Awards winners announced

by Bianca Bosworth

In advance of Saturday’s annual preservation awards banquet in Clarksburg, West Virginia, the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia today announced the winners of its 11th annual preservation awards. The banquet and ceremony are being held at the newly restored Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in the Clarksburg National Historic District, according to Daniel Parker, executive … Read more

Fireworks explode above the campus of Glenville State College on the Little Kanawha River. (Photo courtesy Glenville State College.)Fireworks explode above the campus of Glenville State College on the Little Kanawha River.
Communities

Affordability, student support boost Glenville enrollment

by Bianca Bosworth

Affordability and student-support initiatives are boosting fall enrollment at Glenville State College, which welcomed 425 new traditional and online students this semester, bringing total enrollment at the school to 1,540. According to Dr. Kathleen Nelson, staff and faculty efforts combined with scholarships and low tuition rates have helped the school build its enrollment. “Our faculty … Read more

Exhibitors explain their craft at the West Virginia Makes Festival.
Culture

West Virginia’s largest maker festival set for Oct. 4

by Bianca Bosworth

Makers of all ages will compete for cash prizes and bragging rights Oct. 4 during West Virginia’s largest maker festival on the Huntington campus of Marshall University. The sixth annual “West Virginia Makes Festival,” hosted by the Robert C. Byrd Institute, is a celebration of creativity and ingenuity in all their forms, according to organizers. … Read more