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David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com

Cold weather tips: the coldest part of the season can actually be an opportunity to stay motivated, energized, and healthy, indoors and out.

Communities

West Virginia winter cold weather tips: WVU experts share ways to stay active

January 25, 2026 by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As late winter settles in across West Virginia, mountaineers are entering the coldest stretch of the year—a time when snow, limited daylight, and frigid temperatures can take a toll on mental and physical health. However, experts at West Virginia University say late winter doesn’t have to mean inactivity. With the right approach, … Read more

The Allegheny Mountains extend summit after summit across eastern West Virginia. (Photo: Mountain River Media)

Communities

Why weather in the Allegheny Mountains is so different from the rest of West Virginia

January 25, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginians like to say, “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” In the Allegheny Mountains, that old line turns from a joke into a forecasting rule. From Preston and Tucker counties south through Webster and Greenbrier and into the high ridges near Snowshoe Mountain, the Alleghenies acts like the … Read more

Outdoor economy in West Virginia: In West Virginia, where natural assets are abundant but traditional industries have declined, outdoor recreation offers a development model that is place-based, scalable, and difficult to outsource.

Communities

West Virginia hosts outdoor economy summit as communities rethink economics

January 17, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — For many West Virginia communities, outdoor recreation is no longer a quality-of-life extra. It’s the new economic infrastructure that’s attracting private investment, supporting small businesses, and helping retain and attract a workforce. That shift in thinking is the driving force behind the inaugural West Virginia Outdoor Economy Summit, which will bring civic … Read more

West Virginia Winter Weather Outlook: Late winter in West Virginia is likely to lean milder than average overall, even as the Mountain State remains vulnerable to periodic cold snaps and snowstorms through the end of February. (Photo courtesy Snowshoe Mountain)

Communities

Milder-than-average winter favored for West Virginia through February

January 15, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the calendar passes Midwinter Day on Jan. 15, forecasters with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration say late winter in West Virginia is likely to lean milder than average overall, even as the Mountain State remains vulnerable to periodic cold snaps and snowstorms through the end of February. According to the … Read more

West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Museum: The pepperoni roll is an Italian-American stuffed bread roll, once a practical lunch for miners in West Virginia's Monongahela Valley.

Attractions

West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Museum to open this spring in Fayetteville

January 15, 2026 by David Sibray

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — One of the most iconic foods in West Virginia is getting its own permanent home. Rachel Adkins, best known locally as a short-term rental host, announced plans to open the West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Museum in Fayetteville this spring. The small museum will explore the origins of the pepperoni roll and the … Read more

Ready sites: Funding will support early-stage site development, enabling companies to move more quickly when deciding where to locate new facilities in the Mountain State.

Communities

Morrisey awards $2.1 million for business-ready sites in 23 W.Va. counties

January 12, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Ahead of the start of the 2026 legislative session, Gov. Patrick Morrisey has awarded $2.1 million in grants aimed at preparing “business-ready” development sites across 23 counties in West Virginia. In an announcement released Monday from Charleston, the governor said the funding will support early-stage site development, enabling companies to move more … Read more

Experts at West Virginia University say tick diseases are on the rise as encounters with humans increase. (WVU Extension Photo)

Communities

Ticks on the rise in West Virginia: WVU experts warn of Lyme, alpha-gal risks

January 11, 2026 by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Two West Virginia University experts are warning residents and visitors that ticks are more prevalent than ever, and encounters with them are increasingly causing serious health risks. According to Timothy Driscoll, an associate professor of biology in the university’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in Morgantown, changing environmental conditions are driving … Read more

Historic Homes: Preservation knowledge can also help homeowners identify eligibility for incentives such as historic tax credits, grants, or local rehabilitation programs.

Communities

How to research historic homes in West Virginia: Free state webinar offers tools

January 10, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Homeowners, local historians, and community members interested in historic homes in Lewisburg’s quaint historical downtown is a significant draw for tourists. The session is intended to help participants build a foundation for independent research. Attendees will learn how to access archival materials, public records, maps, photographs, and other commonly used sources to … Read more

Morris Harvey's influence would come not through industry or politics, but through philanthropy aimed at strengthening educational institutions.

Communities

The quiet vision of Morris Harvey, an early West Virginian who bet on education

January 7, 2026 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In the late 19th century, as West Virginia was still defining itself as a young state, Morris Harvey placed his faith not in coal seams or rail lines, but in education. A descendant of one of the region’s first families, he may be best remembered as the benefactor whose name was given … Read more

A “New Hope” chronic-care state hospital for people who are mentally ill, drug addicted, and homeless

Communities

Doctor urges West Virginia to use opioid settlement funds for new state hospital

December 31, 2025 by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A West Virginia physician and former law-enforcement officer is urging state leaders to invest in a chronic care hospital aimed at treating the mentally ill, drug addicted, and homeless. “This is not only a West Virginia issue, but a national one, and it is nonpartisan,” Dr. Norman Wood said in a written … Read more

After killing Alexander Hamilton, Aaron Burr ventured to this legendary island in W.Va.

United Saints of America author discovers West Virginia’s unexpected Catholic landmarks

The W.Va. Culture Center at 50: The story behind one of the state’s great public treasures

Road closures planned across Monongahela National Forest as repairs, stream projects begin

One of the New River Gorge’s best-known landmarks is looking for its next life

WVU researchers help tourism communities grow without losing what makes them special

One in seven West Virginia children lose a parent or sibling. A free camp wants to help

Spotted lanternfly reaches Kanawha County as invasive pest spread across West Virginia

Why the world’s old-time musicians make a pilgrimage to this West Virginia mountaintop

Before the American Revolution, West Virginia almost became Britain’s 14th colony, Vandalia

The West Virginia farmer that some believed God struck down with lightning

West Virginia’s deadliest disasters—10 tragedies that changed U.S. history

Big Rock: A Greenbrier River landmark where the Civil War didn’t end

Hunters can apply for rare deer hunts in West Virginia state parks

10 best hiking trails in West Virginia for scenic views and adventure

As autumn migration approaches, West Virginia sets seasons for dove, rail, woodcock

David Sibray

West Virginia winter cold weather tips: WVU experts share ways to stay active

Why weather in the Allegheny Mountains is so different from the rest of West Virginia

West Virginia hosts outdoor economy summit as communities rethink economics

Milder-than-average winter favored for West Virginia through February

West Virginia Pepperoni Roll Museum to open this spring in Fayetteville

Morrisey awards $2.1 million for business-ready sites in 23 W.Va. counties

Ticks on the rise in West Virginia: WVU experts warn of Lyme, alpha-gal risks

How to research historic homes in West Virginia: Free state webinar offers tools

The quiet vision of Morris Harvey, an early West Virginian who bet on education

Doctor urges West Virginia to use opioid settlement funds for new state hospital