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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.
Attractions

Preservation funding workshop set for W.Va. tourism projects

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va.—In search of funding for a historical tourism project? Two West Virginia agencies are working together to help tourism initiatives fund historic preservation projects. The West Virginia State Historic Preservation Office and the West Virginia Department of Tourism will host a webinar on August 18 for owners and administrators of privately and publicly-owned historic … Read more

The landmark Raleigh Coal and Coke Co. powerhouse has been found eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Attractions

Powerhouse near Beckley found eligible for national register

by Clyde Craig

RALEIGH, W.Va.—A landmark industrial building near Beckley, West Virginia, has been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The former powerhouse for the Raleigh Coal & Coke Company—perhaps best known for the swastika motif that decorates its trim—was found eligible based on its architectural and industrial importance, according to Cody Straley … Read more

John Denver performs "Take Me Home, Country Roads."
Arts

“Take Me Home, Country Roads” reaching new audiences

by Clyde Craig

If you’re a West Virginian who came of age after 1971, chances are you can hardly remember a time when John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” wasn’t the state’s unofficial anthem. Though not officially adopted as a “state song” until 2014, it was, seemingly, performed at every event everywhere in the state. It became … Read more

The park will re-seed the half-acre pad where the well currently stands.
Attractions

Park service to plug and clean orphaned well near Gauley River

by Clyde Craig

The National Park Service has received approximately $9.8 million in funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to plug, remediate, and reclaim abandoned oil and gas well sites in national parks, including the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Overall, bureaus within the U.S. departments of the interior and agriculture will address 277 high-priority wells that pose … Read more

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 … 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 … 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 … 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 … 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