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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
Seasonal affective disorder, or "SAD," affects millions of Americans each year and is a form of depression that deserves serious attention.
Communities

Don’t ignore the winter blues: Seasonal affective disorder is a serious form of depression

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, a West Virginia University clinical psychologist is reminding people not to dismiss the “winter blues.” Seasonal affective disorder, or “SAD,” affects millions of Americans each year and is a form of depression that deserves serious attention. Stephanie Cox, professor in the Department of … Read more

Junction of Hatfield-McCoy trails and Spearhead trails
ATV Touring

Hatfield–McCoy trails system now connected to Virginia’s Spearhead trails

by David Sibray

BRAMWELL, W.Va. — Off-road enthusiasts have even more ground to cover in central Appalachia. The Hatfield–McCoy Trail System announced this week that its Pocahontas Trail is now officially connected to Virginia’s Spearhead Trails, creating a seamless dual-state network for riders across the Appalachian Mountains. The new link between the two systems means riders can now … Read more

Preservation grants are being employed to restore the historic Tyree Tavern at Ansted.
Communities

West Virginia historic preservation grants open for 2026 applications

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is now accepting applications for economic development grants to support and maintain historic properties, particularly those in historic districts across the state. Funded through the National Park Service, the funds are appropriated by the U.S. Congress to support preservation efforts vital to the economic well-being of communities. Applications must be … Read more

Because fireflies communicate through light signals, Heitzman cautioned that flashlights, car headlights, and phone screens can interfere with their mating patterns.
Communities

West Virginia University insect tracker says light pollution threatens rare fireflies

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — While rare “synchronous fireflies” are becoming a tourist attraction across Appalachia, a West Virginia University researcher is reminding visitors to enjoy the spectacle responsibly and without disrupting the insects’ delicate mating rituals. Synchronous fireflies (Photinus carolinus) are known for their remarkable ability to coordinate their flashes of light in unison, a natural … Read more

Woodburn Hall at West Virginia University looms over a Halloween scene.
Culture

Professors at WVU trace Halloween through ancient, cross-cultural traditions

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — From cauldrons to candy corn, favorite Halloween traditions in the U.S. have been brewing for thousands of years, according to two West Virginia University religious scholars. Aaron Gale and Alex Snow, associate professors of religious studies in the university’s Eberly College of Arts and Sciences in Morgantown, West Virginia, say that modern … Read more

Historic Movie Theaters in West Virginia: The marquee over the Star Theater in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, glows in the Potomac night.
Attractions

Historic movie theaters in West Virginia: reviving a cultural legacy in rural areas

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — Historic movie theaters in West Virginia once played a vital role in isolated sections of the Mountain State, says a historian who’s helped breathe new life into these architectural treasures across the region. Now attracting visitors back to historic downtowns, the restoration of these theaters can be expensive, but financing programs and … Read more

Michael T. Benson highlighted the profound power and potential of WVU during his first State of the University address.
Communities

WVU president urges university to ‘think big’ in first State of the University address

by David Sibray

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Michael T. Benson, new president of West Virginia University, urged faculty, staff, students, and alumni Monday to “think big” as the university works to strengthen enrollment, expand research, and raise its national profile. Delivering his first State of the University address at the Fitzsimmons Event Hall in the WVU College of Law … Read more