David Sibray
An institution itself for more than a century, the Mountaineer Marching Band at West Virginia University will soon have a home of its own in Morgantown, West Virginia. Dedicated alumni and university officials are working together to pursue a practice facility for the 330-member band, which currently practices in the parking lot at the WVU … Read more
Every eighth-grader enrolled in West Virginia History learns of the Gandy Creek (Photo: Rick Burgess)[/caption] “The Sinks of Gandy are a true West Virginia wonder,” Summers says of the cave, which owners have traditionally let tourists visit freely for generations. As of January 22, 2020, the cave property had still not found a new owner, … Read more
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Big Bend Tunnel in southern West Virginia—the enterprise that legendarily took the life of folk-hero John Henry, believed by many to have been a flesh-and-blood railroad worker. According to most versions of the tale, Henry was employed to help dig the tunnel for … Read more
West Virginia Wesleyan College is welcoming winter in north-central West Virginia with a series of nine free musical performances in November and December, including a celebration of 50 years of jazz at the school. Including four large hallmark performances, the public series is being held principally at the school’s campus in Buckhannon, West Virginia, and … Read more
Healthberry Farm has been awarded a silver medal in the sweet varietal mead category for its Honey River Basswood Mead, made with raw honey and spring water sourced on the farm in the Allegheny Mountains. Healthberry Farm owner Benjamin McKean says he’s honored to represent the state’s honey industry. “It is an honor to be … Read more
Approaching completion, the new U.S. Route 48 expressway is dramatically changing tourism in the Tucker County highlands. Now a drive of fewer than three hours from Washington, D.C., the region—long known as an outdoor-recreation paradise—is welcoming an influx of new travelers, and more are on their way, according to the marketing director for the Tucker … Read more
Snowmaking has commenced on Snowshoe Mountain in the mountains of eastern West Virginia, and officials at the resort complex have announced its 2019-2020 calendar of winter events. “We were able to start making snow overnight in preparation for the upcoming ski season, which we hope to kick-off Friday, Nov. 22,” resort spokesman Shawn Cassell said … Read more
Four hundred West Virginia high school seniors will be able to enter a pipeline of future workers in the oil and gas industry through a training program initiated by the West Virginia University Extension Service Safety and Health Extension. The SafeLandUSA orientation program will offer job-readiness training, online and hands-on ATV safety course, and medical-response … Read more
The West Virginia University Mountaineer is not just a mascot: it’s a symbol of West Virginia history and identity embraced throughout the Mountain State. Rosemary Hathaway, folklorist and associate professor of English in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, explores the spirit of the Mountaineer in her new book, Mountaineers Are Always Free. Published … Read more
A railroad coursing through a community in the Mountain State is no rarity, but the line that runs through the heart of downtown Saint Marys, West Virginia, is so remarkable that it’s become a tourist attraction, says the town’s mayor. “It’s certainly something to see tracks and a train running right through the middle of … Read more
