Welcome to the daily304 – your window into Wonderful, Almost Heaven, West Virginia. 

Today is Friday, Jan. 17, 2025.

Farmers in the Northern Panhandle, you may be eligible for assistance from last summer’s drought…Putnam County receives a federal grant to grow its housing market to suit demands for a rapidly expanding business economy…and, need some R&R time? these relaxing retreats in Almost Heaven will have you sighing with happiness…on today’s daily304.

#1 – From WTOV9-TV – The Northern Panhandle Conservation District is actively promoting a program designed to assist West Virginia farmers affected by the summer drought.

The Livestock Forage Disaster Program, facilitated through the Department of Agriculture, aims to provide compensation to eligible livestock producers in Brooke, Ohio, and Marshall counties who experienced grazing losses during the summer and fall drought.

Livestock farmers are encouraged to contact the Farm Service Agency to determine eligibility and apply in person by the Jan. 30 deadline.

https://wtov9.com/news/local/west-virginia-farmers-urged-to-apply-for-drought-relief-program#

#2 – From HERALD-DISPATCH – The Putnam County Development Authority has received a $5 million grant through the state’s Economic Enhancement Grant Fund to address the area’s housing needs.

The grant, awarded by the West Virginia Water Development Authority, will be used to assist in building more than 600 residential units proposed in the Hurricane and Fraziers Bottom areas.

A recent study showed that more housing was needed in the regions, especially with the new addition of the Nucor plant in neighboring Mason County and job opportunities at Toyota Manufacturing in Buffalo.

https://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/putnam_news/putnam-development-authority-given-5-million-for-housing/article_af45f000-cd33-11ef-b7cf-9b8fe7efaa71.html

#3 – From WORLD ATLAS – When you think of wellness retreats, it turns out you can find many of them right here in Almost Heaven, home to what is sometimes called “America's First Spa,” the town of Berkeley Springs.

The hot springs at what is now known as Berkeley Springs State Park have drawn visitors from near and far for centuries. While the Eastern Panhandle retreat might be known as West Virginia’s oldest spa, the Mountain State is home to many venues where you can escape to relax and soak in the beauty of nature, from the spa at Wheeling’s Ogelbay Resort to the outdoor recreation paradise of the New River Gorge National Park.

Learn more at World Atlas, and check out wvtourism.com to start planning your next getaway!

https://www.worldatlas.com/places/8-best-wellness-retreats-in-west-virginia.html

Find these stories and more at wv.gov/daily304.

The daily304 curated news and information is brought to you by the West Virginia Department of Commerce: Sharing the wealth, beauty and opportunity in West Virginia with the world. Follow the daily304 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @daily304. Or find us online at wv.gov and just click the daily304 logo.

That’s all for now. Take care. Be safe. Get outside and enjoy all the opportunity West Virginia has to offer.

daily304 - Episode 01.17.2025