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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
Fayetteville will transform into a magical village during Wizard Weekend.
Culture

Wizard Weekend in Fayetteville brews up magical family fun

by David Sibray

This weekend’s Wizard Weekend in Fayetteville, West Virginia, seems ideally suited to the character of the whimsical town on the rim of the New River Gorge, organizers say. Beginning Thursday, the first annual community festival will see many of the town’s shops, restaurants, and attractions transformed into magical venues—wand shops, potion distilleries, and feast halls … Read more

Tim Mathis and son make syrup in West Virginia.
Agriculture

Maple syrup drawing visitors to Pocahontas County

by David Sibray

The production of maple syrup is a time-honored tradition in West Virginia, and it’s enjoying an economic resurgence while attracting a new group of tourists to the mountains—especially to the high Alleghenies. Pocahontas County, the loftiest county in the state, enjoys the freezing temperatures necessary to create some of the state’s best maple syrups, and … Read more

The Little Kanawha Reading Series aims to feature regional writers as well as local writers and students to engage in a regular schedule of public readings, poetry slams, and related activities.
Communities

Little Kanawha Reading Series established at Glenville

by David Sibray

Glenville State College and Gilmer County have announced the launch of a new Appalachian Heritage program designed to increase literary discourse and community in the valley of the Little Kanawha River in north-central West Virginia. Dubbed the “Little Kanawha Reading Series,” the project aims to feature regional writers invited to Glenville as well as local … Read more

Concord Charlie peers out from among a tendrils of ivy.
Communities

Walker named Grand Groundhog Watcher at Concord University

by David Sibray

Officials at Concord University have named Mountain Lion head football coach Dave Walker as Grand Groundhog Watcher for 2020, joining “Concord Charlie” in the spotlight during this year’s Groundhog Day Breakfast. According to tradition, if Charlie or any other apt groundhog sees his shadow on the morning of February 2, six more weeks of winter … Read more

A student trudges across University Avenue near Woodburn Circle in Morgantown in winter. (Fhoto illustration by David Sibray)
Communities

WVU reminds campus communities of winter weather procedures

by David Sibray

Officials at West Virginia University are reminding students, faculty, and staff that as temperatures fall and the possibility of inclement weather increases, they are expected to exercise caution and use personal judgment before venturing out. Maryanne Reed, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, promises that the safety of faculty and staff outweighs all other … Read more

A new agricultural program has been launched to help veterans engaging in agriculture.
Agriculture

W.Va. launches new farming assistance program for vets

by David Sibray

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture has launched a new agricultural training series for veterans in West Virginia, according to state Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. The Veteran Education Training Series, also known as VETS, will host its first session “Boots-to-Business” at the West Virginia Small Farm Conference on February 20, though more classes will … Read more

Governor Justice lauds the first increase in hunting and fishing licensure since 2013.
Recreation

Traditions celebrated at W.Va. hunting and fishing program

by David Sibray

Hunters and anglers celebrated their love for the outdoors at the capitol Tuesday as West Virginia officials recognized the winners of a 2020 hunting and fishing license contest. While presenting the awards, Governor Jim Justice, an avid outdoorsman himself, spoke with enthusiasm about his administration’s success bolstering the industry, attracting resident and non-resident participants alike. … Read more