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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
Culture

West Virginia mountains kept 1830 cholera pandemic at bay

by David Sibray

Residents of the mountain counties of West Virginia have traditionally weathered the ravages of communicable diseases with some success. Isolation here flattened the peak of most outbreaks, with the notable exception of the air-borne “Influenza of 1918.” Outside the mountain counties, epidemics might destroy without restraint, and the cholera outbreak of 1832-1834, which battered the … Read more

There are no reported cases of COVID-19 at WVU, but officials are concerned about the return to campus after travel.
Communities

WVU suspends in-person classes after spring break, moves online

by David Sibray

West Virginia University will temporarily suspend in-person classes the week following spring break then offer online class instruction or other alternative learning options beginning March 30 as it continues to monitor the threat of novel coronavirus. All other online-only classes will continue as originally scheduled. WVU President Gordon Gee made the announcement in a Tuesday, … Read more

Children frolic during a Green Day Hike, now a landmark spring in event in West Virginia State Parks.
Attractions

Green Day Hikes set at 10 West Virginia state parks

by David Sibray

To celebrate early spring and Saint Patrick’s Day, ten West Virginia state parks and forests will host Green Day Hikes in mid-March, according to state park officials. The hikes are free to attend and will be led by park naturalists and superintendents. Participants who complete one of the hikes will receive a shamrock patch—an embroidered … Read more

A family bikes a park trail in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.
Recreation

National healthy-living campaign comes to southern W.Va.

by David Sibray

Fayette, Raleigh, Summers, and Nicholas counties in southern West Virginia have been selected by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to participate as a pilot program to help residents lead healthier lifestyles. The Move Your Way campaign is designed to help residents understand how much physical activity they need to be healthy and … Read more

Ian Bode's poster celebrating Festivall is among the art works that uniquely celebrates West Virginia.
Arts

W.Va. Governor: Dollars spent on the arts multiplies by 23

by David Sibray

Each dollar spent on the arts in West Virginia turns into 23, the governor of West Virginia said during the fourth annual Arts-in-our-Communities Conference today at the West Virginia Culture Center in Charleston, West Virginia. Governor Jim Justice addressed groups of artists from across the state during the two-day conference hosted by the West Virginia … Read more

Katherine Johnson and her family attended the dedication of a statue raised in her honor at West Virginia State University.
Communities

W.Va. State U. mourns gifted alumni Katherine Johnson

by David Sibray

Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, pioneering NASA mathematician, and West Virginia State University alumna Katherine Johnson passed away today at age 101, according to university president Anthony L. Jenkins. Jenkins lauded Johnson as one of the school’s most gifted and generous graduates, for which the Katherine Johnson Plaza was named last year. “Today is a … Read more