AGP Executive Report

Outdoor Recreation & Trails: Beckley’s Piney Creek trail system is putting the city on the mountain biking map, with more than 25 miles of volunteer-built routes tying hikers and riders to waterfalls, forests, and New River Gorge gateway plans. Hiking Guide: Devil’s Pond Trail in Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area lives up to its spooky name only in legend—expect a 1.4-mile moderate out-and-back with rocky scrambles. Tourism Leadership: West Virginia tourism is in transition as Chelsea Ruby steps down as Department of Tourism secretary effective Aug. 1, with Gov. Patrick Morrisey naming new leadership. MLB Draft (WV Sports): WVU’s Dawson Montesa and Maxx Yehl were selected on Day 1—Montesa to the Cardinals (72nd) and Yehl to the Royals (91st). Food & Culture: A West Virginia food historian says Appalachian cuisine is finally finding its flavor as chefs build restaurants across the state, not just in big cities. Public Health: The state reports a jump in cyclosporiasis cases, urging caution with potentially contaminated produce and water. Weather Watch: Flood watches were extended across parts of West Virginia after Missouri’s deadly flooding and rescues.

West Virginia Tourism Leadership: Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will retire effective Aug. 1, with a transition period planned as the state looks to keep momentum for visitors. Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: Putnam County is leaning into a new identity as an outdoor recreation destination, with more visitors now spending time on trails and nature sites. Local Travel & Safety: A Fayette County man was arrested after police alleged stalking and harassment of a Fayette County Family Court judge, raising concerns about personal safety. MLB Draft & WVU Fans: WVU’s Dawson Montesa was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2026 MLB Draft, and Maxx Yehl was also taken on Day 1—good news for baseball travelers and Mountaineer supporters. Summer Travel Costs: AAA reports rising gas prices are nudging some travelers to adjust plans and find savings on lodging and food. Nature Notes: Researchers documented a woodcock aggressively defending its nest against a deer—another reminder that West Virginia’s forests are full of surprises. Major Event Venue: Randolph County’s new $11.6M Railyard Event & Conference Center in Elkins is set to open in phases, aiming to bring bigger regional events and more visitors.

West Virginia Tourism Shake-Up: Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will retire effective Aug. 1, with Curtis Capehart serving as acting secretary as the office transitions after Ruby’s decade-plus tourism leadership. Outdoor Recreation Spotlight: Putnam County is leaning into a new identity as an outdoor recreation destination, with more visitors now spending time on trails and nature sites than locals may realize. New Event Venue for Visitors: Randolph County’s Elkins is set to welcome The Railyard, an $11.6 million event and conference center opening in phases, with a conference space and performance theater aimed at drawing major regional gatherings. Travel Safety & Weather: AAA reports gas prices rising again during peak summer travel, while separate coverage notes flooding rescues in Missouri after extreme rainfall—an important reminder for travelers heading out this weekend. Local Nature Picks: Pocahontas County’s best hikes near water are getting attention, including Falls of Hills Creek in Monongahela National Forest. Sports Tourism Note: WVU baseball alum Dawson Montesa was drafted in the second round by the St. Louis Cardinals, adding another reason fans may travel for games and alumni buzz. Major News Off the Trail: Federal grand jury indicts eight men in a thwarted plot tied to the White House UFC Freedom 250 event.

Tourism Leadership: West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will retire effective Aug. 1, with Curtis Capehart stepping in as acting secretary—after Ruby helped lead major America 250 events. New Venue for Visitors: Randolph County’s $11.6M “The Railyard” event and conference center in downtown Elkins is set to open in phases, adding a large conference space and theater that could pull more regional gatherings (and remote-worker activity) into the area. Outdoor Safety & Access: A Sikorsky S-76D helicopter crash near Marlinton killed the pilot; investigators are working to determine the cause. Hiking Ideas: Pocahontas County’s best water-adjacent hikes include Falls of Hills Creek in Monongahela National Forest, plus other nearby waterfall and riverside options for summer trips. Travel Costs: AAA reports gas prices are rising again nationally, which could nudge road-trip planning and fuel-efficiency habits. Public Health Note: Michigan’s Cyclospora outbreak is a reminder to skip pre-washed bagged salad mixes and handle fresh produce carefully—useful guidance for travelers too. Walkability Pick: Huntington is highlighted as an easy, car-light destination with PATH trails and a downtown-to-campus stroll.

Tourism Leadership: West Virginia Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby will leave at the end of July, with Curtis Capehart stepping in as acting secretary starting Aug. 1—after Ruby helped lead major visitor efforts including the America250 Capital City Celebration. New Visitor Draw: Elkins’ $11.6 million Railyard event and conference center is set to open in phases this summer, adding a large conference space and performance theater that local leaders say will bring bigger regional events and more travelers to Randolph County. Outdoor & Local Travel Ideas: A guide spotlights Huntington as a surprisingly walkable, bike-friendly West Virginia getaway, with downtown connections to Marshall University and the long PATH trail. Hiking Picks: Pocahontas County’s summer hiking list highlights eight water-adjacent trails, including Falls of Hills Creek in Monongahela National Forest. Health & Safety for Travelers: A Michigan Cyclospora outbreak hit 1,562 cases, with advice to skip bagged salad mixes and switch to whole produce. Getting There Costs: AAA reports gas prices are rising again as Iran ceasefire uncertainty lingers, with drivers adjusting plans and spending. Weather Watch: Flood watch issued for parts of the region, with heavy rain and flash-flood risk.

New Venue in Elkins: The Railyard in downtown Elkins is preparing to open a phased, $11.6 million event and conference center, with a 9,374-square-foot conference space, banquet room for up to 588, and a performance theater—plus it will become the new home of Ascend West Virginia’s remote-worker initiative. Tourism Funding for Trails & Walkability: Mercer County is set to receive $425,000 for pedestrian safety and trail upgrades, including Glenwood Park trail work, Hatfield-McCoy Pocahontas Trail maintenance, and design plans for railings and sidewalks in Athens and Princeton. Local Policy Shift in Morgantown: Morgantown City Council voted to stop installing “hostile architecture” on public infrastructure, aiming to reduce design features meant to deter people from resting or lying down. Wildlife & Outdoor Season: A new look at how West Virginia’s midsummer berry harvest supports wildlife—shaping animal movement and even bear encounters—adds a fresh angle for hikers and nature travelers. Bed Bug Alert for Travelers: Orkin’s annual bed bug rankings put Charleston, West Virginia on the list, while also highlighting major hotspots like Chicago and Pittsburgh. Public Safety Headlines: Federal prosecutors indicted eight men in a thwarted drone-and-sniper plot tied to the White House UFC Freedom 250 event, including a West Virginia man charged as a planned sniper.

Tourism Leadership Shake-Up: West Virginia Tourism Secretary Ruby is departing, and Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced leadership changes at the Tourism department, including new appointments tied to state service and opioid-settlement oversight. Local Trails & Walkability Funding: Mercer County is set to receive $425,000 for trail rehabilitation and expansion, Hatfield-McCoy Pocahontas Trail System maintenance, and design work for railings and sidewalks—aimed at making communities safer and more visitor-friendly. Bed Bug Alert for Travelers: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug rankings put Pittsburgh in the top 10 worst cities (No. 9), with travel and high lodging turnover flagged as key risk factors—worth keeping in mind for anyone heading to the region. Romantic Stays Spotlight: West Virginia’s romantic bed-and-breakfast scene gets a featured push, highlighting classic inns and spa-style getaways for couples. Outdoor & Event Picks: A Preston County Farm Crawl weekend and Deep Creek Lake dog event (Skyhoundz) are among the latest visitor-friendly plans, plus more summer programming around the state. Public Safety Note: Authorities detailed a thwarted drone-and-sniper plot tied to a White House UFC event, including a West Virginia man allegedly assigned as a sniper—an unsettling reminder of heightened security around major events.

Outdoor & Gear: 5.11 Tactical is pushing a layered approach for hunting success, spotlighting technical clothing that wicks moisture and lets you adjust as conditions change. Romantic Getaways: The West Virginia Department of Tourism highlights classic romantic B&B stays, including Hillbrook Inn & Spa, with lakeside and historic settings built for couples. Wildlife Watch: West Virginia residents are reporting more black bear sightings this summer, and officials say it’s not a sudden population boom—more cameras and spring activity are making encounters more visible. Health on the Road: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is scheduled to visit Lincoln, Wayne, and Harrison counties in August for low-dose CT scans, with appointments required ahead of time. Travel Access: Contour Airlines’ service out of the Altoona-Blair County Airport is up 7% in passenger numbers, with Myrtle Beach flights drawing interest. Power & Property: Hundreds attended a Valley North transmission line open house in Tucker County, with landowners raising concerns about routes crossing private property.

Health & Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will stop in Lincoln, Wayne and Harrison counties in August (Aug. 4 in Hamlin; Aug. 5 in Fort Gay; Aug. 7 in Shinnston). Screenings use low-dose CT and are covered for insured patients; uninsured West Virginians may qualify via grant funding, but appointments need a physician order and must be booked 14+ days ahead. Air Travel: Contour Airlines says passenger numbers at Altoona-Blair County Airport are up 7% year over year, with Myrtle Beach flights running Wednesdays and Saturdays through Aug. 22 (fares start at $139 one-way). Tourism & Outdoors: ACE Adventure Resort is offering a Teachers Raft Free promotion for West Virginia educators—complimentary full-day rafting on the New River Gorge when a paying adult joins. Family Fun: Missoula Children’s Theatre brings an ALADDIN musical to the Lincoln Theater in New Martinsville this Saturday (3 p.m. and 7 p.m.). Local Events: The Greenbrier Resort hosts Mississippi State vs. Xavier on Nov. 13 as part of the Greenbrier Tip-Off. Road Trip Reality: GasBuddy reports show Berkeley County regular gas as low as $3.18/gal (week ending June 27), with E85 deals also appearing in several counties. Public Safety Watch: A CDC update flags a higher-than-normal U.S. outbreak of Cyclospora (explosive watery diarrhea), with clusters reported including in West Virginia.

Public Safety & Travel Disruption: Parkersburg’s Peoples Cartage warehouse fire is now about 95% extinguished, with crews digging for hot spots and a shelter-in-place order lifted Tuesday afternoon. Infrastructure Watch: Valley Link’s Valley North 765-kilovolt transmission line proposal drew packed public input at Shepherd University, with residents raising concerns about land and environmental impacts. Health Access for Visitors & Locals: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will stop in Hamlin (Aug. 4), Fort Gay (Aug. 5), and Shinnston (Aug. 7) for low-dose CT screenings, with uninsured West Virginians potentially covered via grant funding. Tourism Tips: Orkin’s bed bug city list puts Charleston, West Virginia at No. 18, a reminder to check lodging before you unpack. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports show Grant County regular gas hit $3.85 (week ending June 27), while statewide averages for regular and diesel continue to track summer-travel price swings. Community Support Tech: Hope in Action Alliance and WVU’s disability center launched “TheLink,” a new app to help residents find local services and support in Prevention Region 4.

New River Gorge Tourism: Visitors keep underestimating the New River Gorge. Tourism officials say first-timers often plan a quick stop for the bridge and a short hike—then realize the park is a whole region with rivers, forests, historic towns, and more trails than they expected. Local Culture & Travel Planning: Logan Theater & Community Arts Center is nearing completion, with a grand opening set for Aug. 2 and new programming aimed at both locals and travelers, including film, live stage events, and hands-on art classes. Road Trip Practicalities (Fuel): GasBuddy reports show diesel and gas prices shifting across West Virginia counties in the week ending June 27, including a Logan County diesel low at $5.09/gal and Hancock County regular gas low at $3.66/gal. Family-Friendly Nature Moment: New research captured woodcock mothers in West Virginia reclaimed surface mines scaring off a deer to defend nests—an unexpected wildlife highlight for summer outdoor trips. Bed Bug Warning for Lodging: Orkin’s 2026 bed bug city list includes Charleston, West Virginia, urging travelers to check accommodations and be mindful of luggage when summer travel ramps up.

Tourism & Outdoors: West Virginia wildlife officials have stocked more than 50 lakes and ponds with channel catfish for the summer season, with many sites in state parks and public recreation areas—great for families and beginner anglers who want warm-weather fishing close to hiking, camping, and sightseeing. Local Culture & Travel Planning: Logan Theater & Community Arts Center in Logan is nearing completion of major renovations, with a grand opening set for Aug. 2 and a lineup that includes film (digital and 35mm), live theater, concerts, stand-up, and hands-on arts classes—aimed at both locals and visitors. Community Heritage: Berkeley Springs leaders are working to preserve Mount Pisgah Church, a historic 1877 African American landmark that’s been sitting unused, as the town prepares for its 250th anniversary celebrations. Travel Logistics: A precautionary shelter-in-place was issued for a small area near Staunton Avenue in Parkersburg after a major warehouse fire at Peoples Cartage, with authorities saying it’s contained but will take days to fully extinguish. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show some of the lowest local prices for the week ending June 27, including premium gas in Harrison County at $4.09 and diesel in Hancock County at $4.79.

Logan Theater & Community Arts Center: Renovations are nearly done, with a grand opening set for Aug. 2 and fresh programming aimed at both locals and visitors, including digital film, 35mm screenings, live music/theater, drop-in art classes, and hands-on pottery/glass. Parkersburg warehouse fire: A massive blaze at the Peoples Cartage warehouse has been contained, but crews say it will take days; Gov. Morrisey declared a state of emergency for Wood County and a precautionary shelter-in-place was issued for a quarter-mile radius near Staunton Avenue due to particulate monitoring. West Virginia summer fishing: Wildlife officials stocked nearly 50+ lakes and ponds statewide with channel catfish, giving families and beginner anglers more warm-weather fishing options. Historic preservation in Berkeley Springs: Mount Pisgah Church (founded in 1877) is getting a push to stabilize and preserve the long-neglected African American landmark ahead of the town’s 250th anniversary. State Fair deadlines: The 101st annual State Fair of West Virginia in Lewisburg is coming fast—livestock entries due July 8, and Home/Arts & Garden entries due July 15. Gas prices (week ending June 27): E85 hit a low of $2.61 in Lewis County; midgrade lows included $3.58 in Berkeley County and $4.19 in Hancock County; diesel lows included $4.59 in Fayette County and $4.89 in Hampshire County.

Emergency & Safety: West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Wood County as firefighters battle a massive Peoples Cartage warehouse fire in Parkersburg; officials say the blaze is about 95% contained, but full extinguishing could take days, with air monitoring ongoing and residents urged to limit exposure as smoke conditions can change. Road-Trip Planning: The state DOH awarded a $74.5M contract to rehabilitate the Fort Hill (Eugene A. Carter Memorial) I-64 bridge in Charleston, with work planned to begin this fall and traffic pattern changes starting with overnight/weekend single-lane closures. Tourism Weekend Ideas: The WV Tourism Department shared a “perfect summer weekend” itinerary for Harpers Ferry—ghost tour Friday, rafting or tubing plus ice cream Saturday, and John Brown’s Fort history on Sunday. Outdoor & Wildlife: A Pennsylvania-led working group will focus on wildlife road crossings and habitat, aiming to reduce animal-vehicle conflicts. Family Fun: Mineral County’s 12u Little League All-Stars punched their ticket to the WV State Tournament in Barboursville after winning their district title.

Emergency Response: Gov. Patrick Morrisey declared a State of Emergency for Wood County after a warehouse fire in Parkersburg, with DEP air monitoring ongoing and the EPA assisting; officials are also assessing potential runoff impacts to the Little Kanawha River. Road & Bridge Updates: West Virginia DOH awarded a $74.5M contract to Triton Construction to rehabilitate the Fort Hill (Eugene A. Carter Memorial) I-64 bridge over the Kanawha River, aiming to start this fall with overnight/weekend lane closures and finish by May 2028. Tourism Ideas: The WV Tourism Department shared a “perfect summer weekend” plan for Harpers Ferry—ghost tour Friday, river rafting/tubing plus ice cream Saturday, and history stops like John Brown’s Fort on Sunday. Outdoor Conservation: More than 170 miles of West Virginia trout streams gained new protection as “trout waters,” expanding safeguards for native brook trout and supporting recreation and tourism. Travel Disruptions: Strong storms knocked out power across parts of north central WV, with road obstructions reported in Marion and Monongalia counties. Gas Watch (Week ending June 27): Lewis County hit a low of $3.51 for midgrade; Hardy County’s regular dipped to $3.78; and E15 in Lewis County reached $2.61—useful for road-trip planning.

Trout Protection: More than 170 miles of West Virginia mountain streams that support native brook trout have been newly designated as protected “trout waters,” expanding safeguards for cold, clean headwaters that also help drinking-water supplies and recreation. Independence Day Plans in Charleston: Charleston’s America250 Capital City Celebration (July 2-5) is set to draw thousands, with the America250 Wheel and the Charleston Sternwheel Regatta teaming up for concerts, fireworks, history, and family activities at the Capitol complex and riverfront. Severe Weather Disruptions: Strong storms hit north central West Virginia, knocking out power for about 16,440 customers and causing downed trees and power lines, plus road closures in parts of Marion and Monongalia counties. Animal Rescue Update: A dog named Hennessey survived a deadly I-64 crash that killed her owner and was later reunited with her family after shelter workers coordinated across states. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported some of the week’s lowest local deals, including regular gas at $3.79 in Lincoln County and E15 at $2.72 in Marshall County, as statewide averages continued to shift ahead of holiday travel.