Communities
Historic Sophia poised for growth, mayoral candidate says
Adjoining a newly completed expressway,
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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
Recreation
Pipestem Resort State Park welcomes new adventure zone
Adventure enthusiasts are invited to the mountains of southern West Virginia May 26 for the grand opening of the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park-within-a-park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will add a second layer of adventure entertainment at a state park travel destination long known for its … Read more
Fishing
W.Va. record muskellunge caught at Burnsville Lake
A West Virginia angler caught a state record muskellunge on April 30 in Braxton County, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Chase Gibson, of Mount Clare, in Harrison County, caught a 54.0625-inch, 39.64-pound musky at Burnsville Lake, breaking the previous record for length—53.5 inches held by Joe Wilfong since 2017. Anna … Read more
Communities
West Virginia partners in multi-state musky mortality project
The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has partnered with fish and wildlife agencies and angling organizations across the eastern U.S. to attempt to gauge sport-fishing impacts on the muskellunge population. In cooperation with Coastal Carolina University and West Virginia University and state agencies in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, the study will help … Read more
Attractions
Job fair at Pipestem Resort State Park set May 11
The West Virginia State Parks system will host an on-site and virtual job fair at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 11 to recruit people for positions. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the job fair is being hosted in partnership with the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Workforce West Virginia, and the Region … Read more
Communities
Plant a part of W.Va. State University history with oak seedlings
The extension service at West Virginia State University is inviting West Virginians to plant a part of state history by planting oak tree seedlings grown from the acorns of trees on the university’s historic campus at Institute. Extension Agent Liz Moss said the initiative was created to help spread heirloom species planted long ago at … Read more
Communities
Tax credit for historic W.Va. buildings now permanent
West Virginia has made its historic tax rehabilitation credit program permanent, a move real estate developers are hailing for its economic influence in downtowns. Gov. Jim Justice recently signed the bipartisan bill, which provides a 25-percent tax credit for those who rehabilitate historic income-producing properties, according to Danielle Parker, executive director of the Preservation Alliance … Read more
Fishing
Putnam County angler catches W.Va. record freshwater drum
A Putnam County angler caught a state record freshwater drum on April 24 in Mason County, the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has confirmed. John Gibson of Poca, West Virginia, caught the 27.88-pound, 35.59-inch freshwater drum on the Kanawha River, breaking the previous record for weight, which was 27 pounds held by Charles Mickel … Read more
Hunting
Extended W.Va. spring gobbler season open until May 23
West Virginia’s spring gobbler season is underway, and turkey hunters have even more opportunities to bag a bird this year. Mike Peters, wild turkey and migratory game bird project leader for the division, says the eight extra days are sure to be of benefit to hunters. “Our spring gobbler season includes eight extra days this … Read more
Communities
West Liberty University students planting trees in Ohio County
Just in time for Earth Day, biology and ecology students at West Liberty University are planting trees in public spaces from Wheeling to West Liberty to increase the quality of life in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia. Students planted two types of native flowering trees along a portion of the Heritage Trail along the … Read more