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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
Broadband access is vital in West Virginia where many new residents are reliant on access.
Communities

State officials urge residents to help secure broadband access

by David Sibray

State officials are urging West Virginians to help ensure broadband access across the Mountain State by confirming or challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s map of state broadband infrastructure, which appears to include mistakes. The West Virginia Office of Broadband and the West Virginia Broadband Enhancement Council are asking West Virginians to review their location and … Read more

The Toys-for-Tots Train steams through the streets of Ripley during its annual Christmas parade.
Culture

Christmas in Ripley to feature new city-owned Starcher Mansion

by David Sibray

RIPLEY, W.Va. — A community known for its events—including the state’s premiere arts-and-crafts festival—the City of Ripley is ushering in the Christmas season with a line-up that expands well beyond the usual. A two-mile race, a classical ballet, an old-fashioned parade, a World War II Christmas play, and a prize-filled “snowball drop” in the town’s … Read more

Visitors walk Potomac Street during Christmas in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
Attractions

Harpers Ferry to reenact Christmas as celebrated in 1864

by David Sibray

HARPERS FERRY, W.Va. — On December 3 and 4, 2022, visitors to Harpers Ferry National Historical Park are invited to explore a historical reenactment of the town during the 1864 Christmas season when it was a Union-garrisoned community. Park staff and volunteers will portray Federal soldiers and civilian workers who will talk about the town’s … Read more

Justice has announced plans for the complete renovation of the Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas.
Attractions

Justice announces renovation of W.Va. Turnpike travel plazas

by David Sibray

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice has announced plans for the complete renovation of the Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas on the West Virginia Turnpike. The West Virginia Parkways Authority officially approved the plans at its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 16. Beckley and Bluestone travel plazas will be closed beginning Wednesday, Feb. 1, … Read more

Lake at Tomlinson Run State Park, Hancock County, Northern Panhandle Region
Attractions

Tomlinson Run trout stream restored in northern W.Va.

by David Sibray

NEW CUMBERLAND, W.Va. — Nearly 8,000 feet of the most northern trout stream in West Virginia have been restored at Tomlinson Run State Park, according to Brett McMillion, director of the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. A public-private partnership between the division and Water and Land Solutions restored nearly 8,000 feet of stream, improved forest … Read more

Wild boar still range across isolated mountain hollows in Logan County.
Hunting

Autumn 2022 wild boar firearms season to open Oct. 22

by David Sibray

The first segment of West Virginia’s wild boar firearms season will take place from Oct. 22-29 in Boone, Logan, Raleigh and Wyoming counties, according to Colin Carpenter, project leader for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Carpenter said hunters should begin looking in advance for stands of white oak on which the boars feed. … Read more

Storm In West Virginia
Attractions

Monongahela Forest officials stress caution during Ian

by David Sibray

ELKINS, W.Va. — Visitors recreating in the Monongahela National Forest over the weekend may see impacts from the remnants of Hurricane Ian, according to National Forest Service officials The National Weather Service predicts heavy rain and high winds in some areas through Monday. The southern half of the national forest has the most potential for … Read more