West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer News
Browse

Clyde CraigClyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a staff writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
A white-tailed deer stands in the middle of a snow-covered rural road in November, surrounded by trees as light snow falls.
Wildlife / Conservancy

West Virginia leads nation in animal collisions as deer season raises danger

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia motorists face the nation’s highest risk of striking an animal while driving, according to new insurance data released as the state enters its most dangerous deer-collision season. “Driving through West Virginia this time of year is like driving through a petting zoo,” said David Sibray, publisher of West Virginia Explorer. “I drive … Read more

Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster will greet families during the West Virginia Department of Tourism’s free Halloween Bash on October 29 at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston.
Festivals / Events

Mothman, Flatwoods Monster to haunt West Virginia Capitol for Halloween

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Two of West Virginia’s most famous legendary monsters will appear at the State Capitol Complex on October 29, when the West Virginia Department of Tourism hosts a free Halloween celebration featuring folklore, games, and activities for children. Mothman and the Flatwoods Monster, whose reported appearances have become part of the state’s cultural … Read more

Visitors explore the historic downtown of Hinton, a gateway to the southern reaches of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, where brick-lined streets, local shops, and mountain scenery offer a quieter side of the park experience. (Photo: David Sibray / WVExplorer)
Economic Development

As New River Gorge attracts newcomers, Hinton foundation invites investment in community

by Clyde Craig

HINTON, W.Va. — As interest in living, working, and vacationing near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve grows and brings new investment to southern West Virginia, a community foundation invites residents and out-of-state supporters to help strengthen the region’s future. The Hinton Area Foundation is encouraging contributions to charitable funds that support education, nonprofit … Read more

Workers restore the roof of the historic Tyree Tavern in Ansted, West Virginia. Dating to approximately 1810, the former stagecoach inn is being rehabilitated as a museum and cultural facility. A new $28,000 preservation grant will support window restoration. (Photo courtesy Pam Webster-Walsh)
Economic Development

Eight historic West Virginia buildings awarded $490,000 for preservation

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Eight historic West Virginia buildings, including a frontier-era tavern, an early African American school, and a church once used by enslaved worshippers, will receive more than $490,000 in federal preservation grants to help protect landmarks dating to the state’s earliest years. The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has awarded $490,261 through its … Read more

A U.S. Forest Service firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite a prescribed burn. Similar controlled fires are planned across 726 acres of Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia this fall to improve wildlife habitat and forest health. (USDA Forest Service photo by Lindsey Winkel)
National Forests

Forest service plans controlled burns on 726 acres in Monongahela National Forest

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — Federal forest managers plan to deliberately burn 726 acres of West Virginia’s mountain forests this fall, using controlled fires to improve wildlife habitat, restore natural ecological processes, and reduce the risk of destructive wildfires. The U.S. Forest Service announced Friday that it plans prescribed burns in the Monongahela National Forest in the … Read more

Skiers descend Snowshoe Mountain in Pocahontas County, West Virginia. The resort is targeting Nov. 25 for the opening of its 2026–27 ski season.
Skiing and Snowsports

Snowshoe sets Nov. 25 opening date as West Virginia ski season approaches

by Clyde Craig

SNOWSHOE, W.Va. — Officials at Snowshoe Mountain Resort are targeting Nov. 25 to open its 2026–27 ski season, putting West Virginia’s largest ski destination 50 days from the start of winter operations, weather permitting. The four-season resort in the Allegheny Mountains announced the opening date Tuesday as it prepares for a season that will include the debut of … Read more

A researcher works in a laboratory at West Virginia University’s Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, which will introduce nuclear engineering coursework in 2027 as West Virginia explores a larger role in the nation’s nuclear industry. (WVU Photo/Paige Nesbit)
Higher Education

WVU prepares nuclear workforce as West Virginia weighs role in nation’s nuclear industry

by Clyde Craig

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia University is preparing engineering students for careers in the nuclear industry as state and federal officials explore a potentially much larger role for West Virginia in the nation’s nuclear fuel cycle, including power generation and manufacturing. Earlier state documents also proposed nuclear-fuel recycling and interim storage of used nuclear fuel, … Read more

Crowds fill downtown Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, during the annual Apple Butter Festival, which returns Oct. 9–11 for its 51st year despite spring freezes that damaged the region’s apple crop.
Festivals / Events

Despite damaging spring freezes, apple butter will simmer again in Berkeley Springs

by Clyde Craig

BERKELEY SPRINGS, W.Va. — Spring freezes devastated apple crops across parts of the Mid-Atlantic this year, but organizers of a 51-year-old West Virginia festival say its giant copper kettles will still be bubbling in October. The Apple Butter Festival will return to Berkeley Springs, in Morgan County, Oct. 9–11, preserving a tradition in which volunteers … Read more

Glenville State University rises above the small Gilmer County seat of Glenville in central West Virginia, where the university has played a prominent role in the community since its founding in 1872.
Higher Education

Glenville State establishes College of Business as programs expand beyond campus

by Clyde Craig

GLENVILLE, W.Va. — A small public university in rural West Virginia is expanding the reach of its business education beyond the Appalachian community it has served for more than 150 years, establishing a College of Business after adding online undergraduate and graduate programs. Glenville State University formally marked the college’s establishment Wednesday, elevating its business … Read more