AGP Executive Report

Drinking Water Crisis: U.S. Rep. Riley Moore highlighted worsening water quality in McDowell County, describing residents relying on springs and rain barrels as jars of discolored water were shown during a House Appropriations hearing. Tourism & Events: West Virginia Department of Tourism honored local preservation champions with “History Hero” awards, while Stonewall Resort rolled out new Mosaic Cruiser lake tours and a 40-passenger lake touring boat on Stonewall Jackson Lake. Outdoor & Nature: Interior Department opened a review of rock climbing policies affecting New River Gorge, and a new tick-borne disease case (Rickettsia lanei) was reported as officials warn about tick risks. Community & Culture: Wheeling Fashion Week hosted a sustainability clothing swap at Centre Market, and a new documentary project at Ohio University Southern is collecting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor as part of an Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism effort. Travel Costs: AAA reported gas prices keep dropping nationally, with the average regular price falling to about $4.12 per gallon. Safety Watch: Authorities are investigating a fatal workplace accident at Appalachian Forest Products in Buckhannon.

Outdoor Access & Policy: The Interior Department opened a 60-day public comment review of rock-climbing management on federal lands, with potential impacts for New River Gorge and the Gauley area. Community & Culture: West Virginia Department of Tourism named this year’s History Heroes award winners, spotlighting volunteers and groups preserving local history. Local Events: WV Fest returns to downtown Charles Town on June 13, bringing road closures and parking limits—plan routes early. Sustainable Living: Wheeling Fashion Week hosted a sustainability clothing swap at Centre Market, encouraging reuse and donations. Sports Tourism: West Virginia baseball’s pitching surge is helping fuel a College World Series run, with standout performances from the Mountaineers’ arms. Travel Planning Costs: GasBuddy reported low prices in parts of West Virginia for regular, midgrade, E15, E85, and diesel—useful for summer road-trip budgeting. Nature Learning: Appalachian Headwaters in Greenbrier County is expanding outdoor education and citizen-science wildlife monitoring through trails and field trips. Regional Heritage: Ohio University Southern is documenting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor, tying history work to an Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism effort.

West Virginia Tourism & Heritage: The West Virginia Department of Tourism named this year’s History Heroes Award winners, spotlighting volunteers and groups keeping local history alive for visitors and future generations. Outdoor Recreation: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will waive day-use fees at district recreation areas on June 16 (boat ramps and swimming beaches), a handy boost for summer trips near Corps lakes and rivers. Lakefront Fun: Stonewall Resort in Weston is launching the Mosaic Cruiser, a 40-passenger lake touring boat starting June 15 with two daily scenic cruises. New River Paddling: New River Expedition (NRX26) kicked off a 320-mile paddle from Todd, North Carolina to Gauley Bridge, with “Meet & Greet” events planned across the New River Valley. College World Series Travel: WVU is headed to its first-ever College World Series, and coverage highlights how the Mountaineers’ pitching is peaking at the right time as they prepare to face Troy in Omaha. Local Preservation & Community: West Virginia’s preservation champions were recognized this week, reinforcing the state’s tourism push around historic places and community-led stewardship. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show mixed fuel deals across West Virginia, including low E15 and diesel prices in several counties as summer travel season ramps up.

New River outdoor adventure: The New River Expedition (NRX26) launched a 320-mile paddle trip from Todd, N.C., to Gauley Bridge, with “Meet & Greet” stops planned in Draper (June 25), Radford (June 27), Blacksburg (July 1), and the Narrows (July 4). Family-friendly fishing: The W.Va. DNR hosts the Bowden Fishing Derby June 13 at the Bowden Fish Hatchery near Elkins, part of Free Fishing Days, offering free trout fishing and prizes for kids ages 3–14. Hiking with pets: West Virginia Land Trust and the Humane Society of Raleigh County team up for “Tails on Trails” at Piney Creek Preserve in Beckley on June 14 at 1 p.m. Safety first for summer fires: West Virginia Division of Forestry reminds residents that burn rules shift in June—fires must be attended, with a 10-foot safety strip—and warns that dry conditions can return fast. Local help needed: Randolph County is asking the public to help find 82-year-old James Hedrick, missing from Davis Medical Center and reported to have dementia. Gas prices watch: GasBuddy reports West Virginia regular gas averaging about $4.44 for the week ending May 30, with some counties seeing lower single-station deals.

Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Randolph County at $3.78 (week ending May 30), with West Virginia’s E85 average at $3.93—good news for drivers planning summer trips. Outdoor & Family Fun: The West Virginia Land Trust and Raleigh County Humane Society team up for “Tails on Trails” at Piney Creek Preserve in Beckley on June 14, pairing a hike with adoptable shelter dogs. Wildlife & Conservation: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service warns that invasive “Frankenfish” (northern snakehead) have been spotted in West Virginia and could disrupt local ecosystems and fishing. Local Access to Care: West Virginia lawmakers and officials continue pushing on healthcare access in southern West Virginia, with attention on the financial strain and future of Welch Community Hospital. Energy Infrastructure: The PSC’s final public comment hearings for the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL) are set for Monongalia (June 10) and Preston (June 11), as residents weigh in on a proposed 107.5-mile transmission line. Tourism Calendar: Bowden Fish Hatchery hosts the free Bowden Fishing Derby for kids ages 3–14 on June 13 as part of West Virginia Free Fishing Days.

Community & Culture: Ohio University Southern is collecting African American stories across the Ohio River corridor through a documentary tied to the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative—an effort that could add new stops and context for travelers seeking deeper regional history. Outdoor & Family Travel: Scouting America’s 2026 National Jamboree at the Summit Bechtel Reserve (Glen Jean) gets an outdoor boost with Go RVing as the official RV partner, aiming to help families explore the outdoors together. Local Events: The New River Gorge Historical Society hosts a “Miner’s Vacation” fish fry and historical program in Hinton on June 13, with dinner tickets and free presentations on coalfield-era railroads and mining. Getting Around: West Virginia’s gas prices show small, county-level deals in the week ending May 30, including low midgrade in Randolph ($4.59) and Wood ($4.62), plus diesel lows like Jefferson ($5.19). Weather Watch: Southern WV stays warm and muggy with scattered showers and storms possible tonight and through the week, with some areas seeing around 3 inches total. Safety Note: Randolph County is asking for help locating missing 82-year-old James Hedrick, last seen leaving Davis Medical Center in Elkins.

Road & Traffic Updates: A WVDOH signal project is set to begin Monday at the US 522 and Cavendish Drive intersection in Morgan County, with periodic lane closures and possible delays. Outdoor & Family Fun: The New River Gorge Historical Society hosts a Miners’ Vacation fish fry and free historical program June 13 in Hinton, with dinner tickets $15 and talks on coal and rail history. Travel Planning for Summer: Educators share simple ways to keep kids learning during summer break—short reading routines, games, and tying lessons to everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or grocery trips. Big Sports, Big Weather: Strong winds at the Morgantown NCAA Super Regional sent five people to the hospital, but West Virginia still crushed Cal Poly 17-1 to reach the College World Series. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show E85 as low as $3.48 in Mineral County and E15 as low as $4.16 in Raleigh County for the week ending May 30, with multiple county-by-county lowest-price updates statewide. Scouting & RV Tourism: Go RVing joins Scouting America as the official RV partner for the 2026 National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean (July 22–30).

NCAA Baseball & Travel Safety: A strong wind ripped through the Morgantown Super Regional at Kendrick Family Ballpark, sending 5 people to the hospital; WVU still crushed Cal Poly 17-1 and advanced toward the College World Series. College World Series Update: With WVU now set for Omaha after its first-ever MCWS trip, the tournament field is taking shape as other super regional games resume after weather delays. Family Fun in WV: A roundup of 10 free summer things to do highlights waterfalls, rail trails, scenic overlooks, and historic spots—perfect for budget-friendly weekend plans. Outdoor & Nature Watch: A story on kudzu explains why the invasive vine spreads fast and how it can smother habitats, with a conservation angle for hikers and gardeners. Local Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show E15, midgrade, and diesel prices varying by county in the week ending May 30, with several low-price finds that could help road-trippers plan cheaper stops. Community & Health: WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, aiming for major facility upgrades across five Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals.

College Baseball & Travel Buzz: West Virginia punched its ticket to the College World Series with a 17-1 win over Cal Poly, sweeping the Morgantown Super Regional and setting a new single-season program wins record—big news for fans planning Omaha trips. Family Fun (Free): A guide to 10 free things to do in West Virginia this summer highlights easy, budget-friendly outings like Sandstone Falls. Outdoor Food: The “mountain pie” campfire snack gets a spotlight as a must-try West Virginia-style twist on classic s’mores. Local Learning & Tourism Ties: Bridgeport student Miyah Swiger brought back lessons from an FFA International Leadership Seminar in Spain, showing how agriculture education can connect communities globally. Health & Regional Growth: WVU Health System signed a deal to acquire Independence Health System, investing $800 million in upgrades across five Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show bargain-hunting across the state, including low regular prices in Mineral County ($3.98) and Greenbrier County ($3.79), plus diesel and midgrade lows in multiple counties.

College Baseball & Travel Buzz: West Virginia is one step from the College World Series after a 17-1 super regional clincher over Cal Poly, setting a new single-season program wins record and drawing a big Kendrick Family Ballpark crowd—good news for fans planning Omaha trips. Family Summer Fun: A guide to 10 free things to do across West Virginia this summer spotlights waterfalls, rail trails, scenic overlooks, and historic stops. Campfire Food: Meet the “Mountain Pie,” a three-ingredient campfire snack that’s basically a campfire Hot Pocket—easy to pack for hikes and lake days. Community & Service Travel: Ride for Veterans rolled into Topeka on a cross-country mission to connect with veterans and deliver essential items. Local Events on the Water: Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns at Heritage Port with free family activities, water-ski shows, and raffles benefiting Easterseals. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price reports for the week ending May 30 show West Virginia averages easing slightly, with several counties posting standout low regular and diesel prices for road trips.

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after beating Cal Poly 12-2 in Game 1 of the Morgantown Super Regional, with Chansen Cole striking out 11 and Sean Smith going 3-for-4 including a 402-foot homer. Local Sports & Tourism: The Morgantown Super Regional continues Saturday at noon (ESPN2), with the game sold out and parking guidance for visitors. Outdoor & Heritage: The New River Gorge Historical Society is hosting a “Miners’ Vacation” fish fry fundraiser in Hinton on June 13, blending local history with community food and speakers. Family Travel & Summer Planning: West Virginia’s Summer Food Service Program sites are opening statewide, helping families find meal locations during school break. State Tourism Business: West Virginia Explorer named Davie Chinn (tech) and Lori Noble (advertising) to boost destination marketing for outdoor recreation and heritage travel. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy’s week-ending May 30 reports show some of the lowest regular gas deals in Greenbrier County ($3.79) and Mineral County ($3.98), plus diesel lows like Morgan County ($5.19) and Nicholas County ($5.68).

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown): West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after a 12-2 Game 1 rout of Cal Poly at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Game 2 is Saturday at noon on ESPN2, and the sold-out matchup has free off-site parking options at WVU Medicine at University Town Centre and Walmart. Outdoor Fun (Wheeling): The free Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday at Heritage Port (noon–4 p.m.) with water-ski shows, family activities, raffles, and music—benefiting Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. National Parks (Travel): A new travel spotlight highlights New River Gorge National Park as America’s newest national park, noting no entrance fee and easy access via Route 19 or I-64. Tourism Business (Publishing): West Virginia Explorer names Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising to boost destination marketing and outdoor/heritage coverage. Gas Prices (Road Trip Planning): AAA reports the national regular average is down to about $4.24, while GasBuddy shows West Virginia prices easing in late May, including premium around $5.34 statewide. Local Culture (Morgantown): Morgantown Public Library’s StoryFest runs Saturday, June 6 (3–6 p.m.) at the Spruce Street Pavilion with a Fairytale Forest theme and free crafts.

New River Gorge National Park travel guide: A fresh look at West Virginia’s newest-feeling national park spotlights how to get there (via Yeager Airport and a scenic drive), when to visit (summer rafting and fall color), and the big perk for travelers: no entrance fee for overlooks, trails, and outdoor recreation. Morgantown Super Regional buzz: WVU is one win from the Men’s College World Series after a 12-2 Game 1 rout of Cal Poly, with Sean Smith’s long homer and Chansen Cole’s dominant start (7 innings, 11 strikeouts). Family-friendly local events: Morgantown Public Library’s StoryFest (June 6, 3–6 p.m.) turns a Spruce Street Pavilion “Fairytale Forest” into a free, hands-on storytelling day with crafts, author activities, and giveaways. Fuel watch for road-trippers: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia prices easing overall, with Mercer County premium at $4.88 and Ohio County regular at $4.07 (week ending May 30), plus diesel and E15 deals in several counties. Regional air access: Contour Airlines adds Myrtle Beach flights from Beckley starting June 3 (Wednesdays and Saturdays), with Parkersburg service planned to begin July 1.

Air Travel & Access: Contour Airlines is expanding beach travel from West Virginia, launching Myrtle Beach flights from Beckley (Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 3) and adding seasonal nonstop service from Parkersburg to Myrtle Beach beginning July 1. NCAA Baseball (Morgantown as a travel draw): West Virginia hosts Cal Poly in the NCAA Super Regionals June 5-7 at Kendrick Family Ballpark, with games on ESPN2 and a Sunday “if necessary” matchup—another big weekend for visitors heading to Morgantown. Road & Travel Planning: WVDOH schedules nightly alternating lane closures on US 340 at the Shenandoah River Bridge in Jefferson County (June 10-12, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) for asphalt repairs. Local Events: The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Parade runs Saturday, June 6 around 6 p.m., with temporary road closures and traffic delays along the Piedmont-to-Westernport route. Outdoor & Summer Safety: Tick bites and Lyme-related ER visits are rising this spring, with CDC warning travelers to take precautions. Family Summer Meals: WVDE and partners are again offering summer feeding sites for kids across West Virginia through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

New Route to the Beach: Contour Airlines will start seasonal nonstop flights from Parkersburg (PKB) to Myrtle Beach (MYR) on July 1, running twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) through Aug. 15. Trail Time: West Virginia State Parks is gearing up for National Trails Day with guided hikes and trail cleanups, including a 1.8-mile Coopers Rock hike on June 6. Outdoor Music in the Gorge: The Outpost at New River Gorge is building its 2026 summer lineup with “Fireside Jams” (free, community shows) and “Groove In The Gorge” (touring acts). Gas Watch: Week ending May 30 saw some of the lowest reported prices in multiple counties, including regular at $3.99 in Marshall County and $4.03 in Marion County, plus E85 at $3.95 in Monongalia County. Health on the Go: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Morgantown (June 30), Lewis County (July 1), and Jane Lew (July 2) for low-dose CT scans.

National Trails Day in West Virginia State Parks: State Parks is rolling out guided hikes and trail clean-ups on Saturday, with Coopers Rock near Morgantown hosting a 1.8-mile Roadside/Advanced/Intermediate Ski Trail loop (meet at the Day Use Parking lot at 3 p.m.). Community Recovery: Ohio County flood survivors and helpers can gather June 4 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) at Valley Grove VFD for “Stronger Together,” with practical tools for coping after severe weather. Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia residents overwhelmingly oppose NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line; PSC hearings are set in Keyser, Romney, Morgantown, and Kingwood. Health Access: WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Morgantown (June 30), Lewis County (July 1), and Jane Lew (July 2) for low-dose CT scans. Tourism & Travel: Contour Airlines launches nonstop Beckley-to-Myrtle Beach service twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays) through Aug. 12. Road Trips & Safety: Summer road work is ramping up; drivers are urged to slow down and use WV511 for detours. Local Events: Community listings include a June 6 Veterans Park dedication in Friendly, plus family fishing day June 7 at Lewis Wetzel Pond.