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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.
Snow blankets a country road through a woodland in West Virginia.
Attractions

North Bend State Park hosts Winter Wonder Weekend Jan. 17-19

by Clyde Craig

Plant the seeds of fun, conservation, and education during Winter Wonder Weekend at North Bend State Park Jan. 17-19. Activities will include sled riding (weather permitting), winter hikes, tours of the area, programs, crafts, games, and entertainment. This year’s event includes a Friday night dessert contest where guests are encouraged to bring their favorite dessert … Read more

The governor's office reports taht December 2019 revenue collections were $6.9 million above estimates.
Communities

Justice reports December revenue $6.9 million surplus

by Clyde Craig

Entering 2020, Governor Jim Justice reported today that December 2019 revenue collections were $6.9 million above estimates, which was 1.2 percent above prior year receipts. December also marks the end of the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2020, which cumulatively is 1.4 percent below the record-breaking prior year receipts. After a disappointing two months that … Read more

The rock tombs at Myra, Turkey, climb into the hills that overlook the Mediterranean Sea.
Focus

Five underrated European escapes for your bucket list

by Clyde Craig

It’s no surprise that when choosing a European vacation, tourists most often travel to Rome, ​​Berlin, London, Paris, and Barcelona—cities famous for their remarkable heritage and rich cultural life. Unfortunately, they’re also often noisy and overcrowded with both residents and other tourists. To avoid chaos, I recommend five romantic spots that I find totally underrated, … Read more

Families gather at Snowshoe Mountain, the highest mountain settlement in West Virginia.
Focus

Seven exciting things to do in West Virginia this Christmas

by Clyde Craig

A land of small towns and tight-knit communities, West Virginia is a prime destination for countless holiday homecomings, and winter festivals here are celebrated with gusto. Remarkable holiday festivals draw millions of vacationers, as do winter events at renowned West Virginia ski resorts, which become snowy mountain wonderlands when winter arrives. Ready to join in … Read more

The Coalfields Expressway is one of several projects that benefited from the governor's Roads-to-Prosperity initiative.
Communities

Second bond sale complete, will generate $700 million plus

by Clyde Craig

West Virginia has sold $600 million in general obligation road bonds and generated more than $746.5 million in proceeds to be used for highway, bridge, and secondary road construction projects, Governor Jim Justice announced. “This program is truly bringing prosperity to West Virginia in many ways and today’s sale of these bonds is going to … Read more

The historic jailhouse at Beverly, West Virginia, is being restored to its original appearance.
Communities

Alliance launches new micro-loan for historic W.Va. buildings

by Clyde Craig

The Preservation Alliance of West Virginia has unveiled a new loan program to provide capital, technical assistance, and development expertise to property owners who are renovating historic buildings in West Virginia. The Historic Preservation Microloan will help property owners save endangered historic properties and develop commercial properties to create or retain jobs, housing, or heritage-related … Read more

Civil War Christmas By Thomas Nast
Culture

Shepherd to host Civil War Christmas December 7

by Clyde Craig

What was Christmas like during the Civil War? Find out during the fourth annual Civil War Christmas at Shepherd University on Saturday, December 7, from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sponsored by the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War and the Department of History, the event will take place in conjunction with … Read more

Trailhead at Pioneer Nature Trail at Glenville. (Photo: Glenville State College)
Hiking

First phase of nature trail at Glenville State College complete

by Clyde Craig

The first section of a walkable nature trail at Glenville State College has been completed, though there’s more to come, according to the interim president of the school. “Projects like this one are wonderful opportunities to celebrate partnerships and collaborations that make the heart of West Virginia so special,” Dr. Kathleen Nelson said of the … Read more

A spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) adult winged.
Agriculture

Spotted Lanternfly confirmed in Berkeley County

by Clyde Craig

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has confirmed the presence of a new invasive insect, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycormia delicatula), in West Virginia. A small population of spotted lanternflies was detected in the Bunker Hill area of Berkeley County on October 30, and the findings were confirmed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The spotted … Read more

Benison investigates an acidic salt lake in Western Australia.
Communities

WVU geologist selected for NASA’s Mars 2020 team

by Clyde Craig

When samples from the Mars 2020 expedition eventually make their way to Earth, the scientists of tomorrow will have a WVU Mountaineer to thank. West Virginia University geologist Kathy Benison is one of 10 scientists selected as a return-sample selection scientist for NASA’s Mars 2020 expedition, responsible for helping determine which rocks and sediments shall … Read more