West Virginia Explorer West Virginia Explorer
Browse

Clyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a 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.
Communities

WVU announces $40M partnership to expand economics education

by Clyde Craig

A leadership gift to West Virginia University from longtime supporters Ken and Randy Kendrick will allow the John Chambers College of Business and Economics to transform economics education through innovative programs for high-schoolers and educators statewide via the new Kendrick Center for an Ethical Economy.The $40 million partnership with the Kendricks complements broader efforts to … 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

Glenville State College celebrates 150 years this week

by Clyde Craig

Glenville State College at Glenville, West Virginia, in the central Mountain State, kicks off its sesquicentennial celebration this week, culminating with Founder’s Day events on February 19, the anniversary of the college’s founding 150 years ago.College president Dr. Mark A. Manchin spoke of his excitement about the anniversary and the direction the school has taken … Read more

Cyclists are among the most prolific of outdoor recreation enthusiasts visiting West Virginia.
Recreation

$25M gift to WVU fosters flywheel effect for W.Va. outdoor economy

by Clyde Craig

The Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative continues to build momentum one year after the couple’s transformational $25 million gift to West Virginia University.The namesake office the Smiths created is starting to see momentum from a concept the Smiths have instilled in the team—”the flywheel effect,” in which continuous effort compounds until movement … Read more

The summit will help provide a roadmap for getting into the specialized market either as a bottler, farmer, wholesaler, or retailer.
Communities

West Virginia craft beverage summit on tap for Jan. 27, 2022

by Clyde Craig

To support the growing craft beverage industry in the Mountain State and encourage further expansion, the Robert C. Byrd Institute at Marshall University, Brilliant Stream, and the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition will sponsor another statewide virtual gathering on January 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.“Craft: A Farm to Bottle Summit” will provide … Read more

West Virginia Broadband
Communities

More than $17 million in funding approved for broadband in W.Va.

by Clyde Craig

Gov. Jim Justice today announced the preliminary approval of more than $17.4 million in Line Extension Advancement and Development program funds for broadband infrastructure projects throughout the state.This announcement marks the first round of grants awarded as part of the governor’s Billion-Dollar Broadband Strategy, also known as the West Virginia Broadband Investment Plan.Grant recipients were … Read more

Every year, eighth grade students of West Virginia History celebrate their knowledge in the Knights of the Golden Horseshoe competition.
Arts

2022 Golden Horseshoe smithing finalists announced

by Clyde Craig

First Lady Cathy Justice and the West Virginia Department of Education have announced the names of the five finalists for its Golden Horseshoe Sword-Smithing Design Contest. This contest is the 10th installment of the First Lady’s Student Artist Series, a program designed to promote the importance of art in West Virginia schools. High school students … Read more

The Nucor Steel plant at Berkeley, S.C. employs 900. The W.Va. plant will employ 800.
Communities

Sheet steel mill to bring 800 jobs to Mason County

by Clyde Craig

Gov. Jim Justice announced today that Nucor Corporation has selected Mason County in western West Virginia as the location for a state-of-the-art sheet steel mill.The record investment will exceed $2.7 billion, making it the largest in West Virginia history, as well as the largest single investment Nucor has ever made, Justice said.“This is a landmark … Read more

The West Virginia revenue growth rate was the highest on-record for a December in West Virginia since at least the 1970s.
Communities

Revenue growth in West Virginia continues to set records

by Clyde Craig

West Virginia’s general revenue collections for December 2021 came in at $506.8 million—a “staggering” $124.4 million above estimates and 32.6 percent ahead of prior year receipts, according to the office of Gov. Jim Justice. This revenue growth rate was the highest on record for December in West Virginia since at least the 1970s. “We really … Read more

Ramps in southern W.Va.
Botany and Forestry

Ramp harvesting ends in national parks in southern W.Va.

by Clyde Craig

Due to an observed decline in their population, ramps may no longer be harvested on properties managed by the National Park Service in southern and south-central West Virginia.Harvesting will no longer be allowed within New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, the Gauley River National Recreation Area, or the Bluestone National Scenic River, effective January … Read more

Beagles are among the most popular dog breeds in West Virginia.
Focus

The top five most popular dog breeds in West Virginia

by Clyde Craig

There’s no shortage of four-legged companions to fill our lives with love and joy here in West Virginia. There are lots of breeds that are perfect for families, young couples, singles, retirees who are active or just want a friend. Some breeds might be more particular than others about where they live and what kind … Read more