AGP Executive Report

Memorial Day kickoff: The 49th Vandalia Gathering is underway at the Capitol Complex in Charleston, with free parking and a weekend packed with Appalachian music, dance, storytelling, and food—starting Friday at the Culture Center and continuing Saturday and Sunday on the grounds. Holiday travel weather: A major cold snap is hitting the Mid-Atlantic and parts of WV, with Memorial Day weekend expected to be colder than Christmas and rain likely to disrupt outdoor plans and travel. Greenbrier update: The Justice family says it has secured financing tied to litigation involving The Greenbrier and an Omni affiliate, aiming to end the dispute and fund modernization, with a closing expected in late June. Outdoor expansion: The Elk River Trail is getting bigger in Clay County—an expanded 4.3-mile stretch plus a new visitor center, built to spotlight the region’s railroad heritage. Road-trip reality check: AAA reports Memorial Day gas prices are at four-year highs, and West Virginia Turnpike officials expect about 349,000 transactions over the holiday weekend.

Memorial Day travel push: The West Virginia Turnpike is bracing for about 350,000 transactions over the holiday weekend, with Friday the busiest day (~146,000), and officials adding staff at toll booths. Road safety: The Governor’s Highway Safety Program is urging drivers to “put your phone down, buckle up and slow down,” rolling out overtime enforcement aimed at speeding, seat belts, distracted driving, and impaired driving as the “100 days of summer” begins. Big local win for recreation: Upshur County is moving ahead on the $50M John C. Allen Regional Hub, with a $12M Abandoned Mine Lands grant fully funding Phase 1 (~$16.5M) for fields, trails, and year-round activities. Nature watch: A glossy ibis—normally a coastal bird—was spotted near the Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge visitor center in Waverly, giving birders a rare reason to head to the river. Gas prices: AAA says Memorial Day gas is at four-year highs, and West Virginia averages for regular hover around the mid-$4s.

Memorial Day travel surge: West Virginia Turnpike officials expect about 349,000 transactions across 88 miles over the holiday weekend, with Friday (May 22) leading at ~146,000 and Monday next at ~108,000—and they’re adding toll-booth staff to keep things moving. Gas prices watch: Fuel costs stay a big part of the trip math, with GasBuddy reporting the lowest midgrade in Grant County at $4.88/gal and Mason County regular at $4.23/gal, while diesel and premium prices vary by county (Marion diesel down to $5.35/gal; Lewis premium to $4.79/gal). Safety and community: Parkersburg police arrested a man after he admitted shaking a 4-month-old, leaving serious injuries. Weekend plans: Belle’s Appalachian Outlaw Trails is rolling out Outlawfest with live music, fireworks, and events ahead of the trails’ broader opening. Local travel friction: Wheeling is weighing golf carts on city streets, and the I-79 ramp to I-68 will shut overnight Tuesday–Friday for bridge work.

America 250 Kickoff: Gov. Morrisey officially launched West Virginia’s America’s 250 celebration, setting a four-day Capitol Complex event July 2–5 with the America 250 Wheel and nightly light show—plus a big push for families to make Charleston a July Fourth destination. Wheeling Weekend Logistics: Wheeling is weighing golf-cart street access, while the Wheeling Police Department is also posting traffic advisories for the Ogden Newspapers Wellness Weekend half marathon—expect downtown and National Road impacts. Tourism + Community Wins: The Source in Morgantown earned a $25K state partnership award for its backpack feeding program, and a new Harrison County mural funded through the WV Tourism Mural Trail Program is set to be unveiled May 22. Outdoor Travel Focus: A new partnership aims to maintain 500+ miles of Monongahela National Forest trails, with a dedicated seasonal trail crew planned for 2027. Road-Trip Reality Check: Memorial Day travel demand is expected to soften as high gas prices keep some locals closer to home.

America 250 Kickoff in Charleston: Gov. Morrisey launched West Virginia’s America’s 250 celebration with a four-day, family-friendly Capitol Complex event July 2–5, anchored by the America 250 Wheel and nightly light shows. Tourism & Road Trip Timing: The WV DMV also unveiled a limited-edition America 250 license plate, and AAA expects 213,704 West Virginians to travel 50+ miles for Memorial Day weekend. Mine Lands Funding: WVDEP is now taking applications for 2026 Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization grant money, with a July 10 deadline. Outdoor Economy Boost: A new partnership aims to maintain 500+ miles of Monongahela National Forest trails, with a fundraising push for a dedicated seasonal trail crew starting in 2027. Travel Disruption Alert: Oversized equipment is expected to slow the West Virginia Turnpike/I-77 corridor from Princeton to Charleston, with intermittent lane closures starting around 2 p.m. Highway Safety Crackdown: State police are increasing patrols May 18–25 as part of the Six State Trooper Project, focusing on speeding and seat belts along major Memorial Day routes.

America 250 Kickoff: Charleston is gearing up for the nation’s 250th birthday with a four-day July 2–5 celebration on the Capitol Complex, highlighted by the America 250 Wheel and nightly 3D light projections—plus a limited-edition WV DMV license plate rolling out for drivers. Road Safety & Travel: AAA expects more than 200,000 West Virginians to hit the road for Memorial Day weekend, even with higher gas prices. Infrastructure Upgrade: Crews are expediting a Kanawha State Forest bridge replacement by reusing steel beams from a recent I-64 project, aiming to cut the timeline from months to weeks. Local News: A log truck trailer overturned onto a pickup in Taylor County, killing the driver; the truck driver was not hurt. Community & Culture: Clarksburg’s History Museum just received a $5,000 tourism mural grant for a new industry-themed mural funded through the West Virginia Tourism Mural Trail Program. Health Watch: Tick bites are spiking nationally, with ER visits at their highest for this time of year since 2017.

America 250 Kickoff: Charleston is going big for the nation’s 250th birthday with a four-day celebration July 2–5 on the Capitol Complex, headlined by the America 250 Wheel, a nightly 3D light projection show, and family-friendly events plus shuttle service. DMV Keeps It Rolling: West Virginia also unveiled a limited-edition “America 250” license plate featuring stars, stripes, fireworks—and the New River Gorge Bridge—available for a limited time. Memorial Day Travel: AAA expects 213,704 West Virginians to travel 50 miles or more this Memorial Day weekend, even as gas prices stay elevated. Airport Upgrade: Yeager Airport won about $14.7 million for CRW NEXT terminal modernization, including a bigger security checkpoint and improved ADA access. Health Watch: Tick-bite ER visits are surging nationally, a reminder to take extra precautions outdoors. Local Tourism: Pocahontas County’s tourism summit focused on “Connecting People, Places and Possibilities,” highlighting regional trails and visitor impact.

Health & Outdoors: Tick season is ramping up, and Americans are landing in ERs for tick bites at the highest levels for this time of year since 2017—Lyme disease remains the most common tick-borne illness, with the CDC pointing to warmer conditions boosting tick activity, especially across the Northeast and Midwest. West Virginia Travel & Safety: If you’re heading out in the Mountain State, plan for the same reality—watch for ticks, check after hikes, and keep seat belts buckled; West Virginia State Police are also set for a Raleigh County seatbelt checkpoint on May 21. Local Culture & History: Today’s date spotlights West Virginia’s Matewan Massacre in 1920, a reminder of how deeply the state’s past is tied to the land. Getting There: Yeager Airport in Charleston just won nearly $14.8M for terminal modernization, including better security flow, amenities, and ADA upgrades. Community Trails: Monongahela National Forest’s North Zone is pushing for a dedicated seasonal trail crew starting in 2027 to tackle a growing maintenance backlog.

Memorial Day Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says Memorial Day travelers will face the highest gas prices since 2022, with the national average at about $4.51 and oil still elevated—so expect prices to stay firm into the weekend. West Virginia Spotlight: Gov. Jim Justice’s administration rolled out a limited-edition West Virginia U.S. 250th anniversary license plate featuring stars, stripes, fireworks, and the New River Gorge Bridge—available for a limited time at DMV offices or online. Safety First: West Virginia State Police are set for a seatbelt checkpoint in Raleigh County on May 21 near Glen Daniels, with extra reminders about child safety seats. Outdoors Watch: Tick season is ramping up, with Lyme disease and tick-bite ER visits rising in the region. Family & Fun: The 84th West Virginia Strawberry Festival wrapped in Buckhannon after nine days of parades, music, and a big car show. Space Nerd Bonus: The Green Bank Telescope helped track Artemis 2’s Orion capsule during its mission.

Education & Futures: West Virginia’s SMART529 just topped $1 billion in total assets, a milestone state officials say reflects growing confidence in saving for college and technical training. Public Safety: A Randolph County man accused of not living where he claimed on the sex offender registry is headed to a grand jury after probable cause was found. Outdoors & Travel Tips: Tick bites are spiking nationwide, with ER visits hitting the highest levels for this time of year since 2017—plan for extra protection before you hike or camp. State Parks Update: A bridge near the entrance to Kanawha State Forest is closed until further notice, with campground access still open. Local Flavor: The 84th West Virginia Strawberry Festival wrapped up in Buckhannon after nine days of parades, music, and a big car show. Space & Science: West Virginia’s Green Bank Telescope tracked Artemis 2’s Orion and captured the Integrity capsule during its mission.

Artemis 2 Watch From West Virginia: The Green Bank Telescope tracked NASA’s Orion spacecraft during Artemis 2, even catching a distant view of the Integrity capsule—another reminder that West Virginia is helping power the next era of space travel. Tick Season Alert: CDC data says ER visits for tick bites are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with the Northeast and Midwest hit hardest—plan for repellent, checks, and quick action after outdoor time. Bear Safety Push: As spring bear activity rises in West Virginia’s national parks, officials are urging “bear aware” habits—secure food and give wildlife space. Road Tragedy in Princeton: A two-vehicle crash on Courthouse Road killed a 19-year-old and a juvenile; a bus driver was flown for treatment. Local Outdoors & Community: Laurel Caverns is being promoted as Pennsylvania’s first underground state park, while West Virginia’s Audra State Park keeps drawing visitors for quiet river time.

Underground adventure spotlight: Pennsylvania’s DCNR is pushing Laurel Caverns as the Commonwealth’s first underground state park and a major “oh wow” draw for the Laurel Highlands—an economic boost story that’s sure to ripple into nearby travel plans. Local talent on the national stage: Wood County 4-H archers are set for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition in Nebraska this June after winning state qualifier spots. Road safety update: West Virginia State Police identified a 19-year-old victim in the deadly Courthouse Road crash in Princeton involving a transit bus, with the investigation ongoing. Gas prices and summer travel pressure: AAA reports the national average is ticking back up after earlier declines, and Memorial Day is expected to bring the highest prices in four years—another reminder to plan routes and stops. State parks, low-key and worth it: Audra State Park is getting attention for its quiet Middle Fork River vibe—fishing, hiking, and a slower pace away from the crowds.

Stay Put Story: A new feature flips the usual West Virginia outmigration narrative by spotlighting people who choose to remain—like one lifelong resident who says the state’s beauty, pace, and familiarity are something you “grow into.” Conservation vs. Conservatism: A national perspective story puts the Fernow Experimental Forest in the spotlight, arguing that long-running climate and forest research is still “safe—for now” after last year’s shutdown fears. Youth Sports: Wood County 4-H archers earned spots for the National 4-H Shooting Sports Competition in Nebraska this June. Gas Watch: AAA reports the national average is ticking back up after earlier declines, with Memorial Day expected to bring the highest prices in four years. Road Safety: West Virginia State Police identified a 19-year-old killed in a deadly Courthouse Road crash involving a transit bus, with a juvenile also reported dead. Family-Friendly Fun: The Rocket Boys will be honored at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 16 as part of National Kids-to-Parks Day.

Road-Trip Reality Check: AAA says the national gas average dipped after five days of declines, then started climbing again—Memorial Day is set to bring the highest prices in four years, with crude still hovering near $100/barrel. Morgantown Community Spotlight: WVU President Michael Benson wrapped his “Welcome Home Tour” with a free WVU water tower lighting ceremony in Monongalia County, marking the start of graduation weekend. Family-Friendly Fun: The Wheeling Nailers released a 2026-27 schedule built around weekends and holidays, with most home games on those days. Kids-to-Parks Day: Coalwood’s “Rocket Boys” will be honored at Pipestem Resort State Park on May 16 as part of National Kids-to-Parks Day. Safety Update: West Virginia State Police identified a 19-year-old victim in the deadly Courthouse Road crash in Princeton involving a transit bus. Local Escape Idea: Audra State Park is getting attention from locals for its quiet, river-focused vibe near Buckhannon—less crowded, more laid-back.

Fatal crash update: West Virginia State Police released names after a deadly Courthouse Road crash in Princeton: Aden Z. King, 19, and a juvenile student died, while Bluefield Area Transit bus driver Jackson Clark, 77, was flown for treatment; the investigation is ongoing. More tragedy on the road: Another report says two people were killed in the same Princeton crash involving a passenger vehicle and a transit bus, with the bus driver expected to recover. Missing-person case: A Bluefield man faces murder charges after investigators say a missing woman’s body was found in Virginia woods following a multi-state probe tied to an alleged controlling relationship. Local spotlight: Bridgeport’s Marra Rose Johnson was named Regina Maria XLVII for the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. Travel & gas watch: AAA says national gas prices dipped then rose again; in WV, regular hit about $5.52, with drivers bracing for Memorial Day costs. Summer fun: Mercer County’s Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster is gearing up for a busy season as it draws more visitors.

Ohio River Valley “origin story” tourism: A new week-long narrative traces America’s westward push from Massachusetts settlers to the Northwest Territory—starting with the Ohio River as the original highway. Local giving back: Elkins Rotarians packed 90 “Jared Boxes” for pediatric patients at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center, part of a program that’s now topped a million boxes nationwide. Health spotlight: WVU Medicine Thomas Hospitals earned a top national 3-star rating from the Society of Thoracic Surgeons for coronary bypass surgery quality. Roads + safety: West Virginia’s GHSP honored law enforcement at its annual traffic safety awards luncheon, with impaired and distracted driving and seatbelt use front and center. Weekend travel hook: Mercer County’s Brush Creek Holl’r Mountain Coaster is gearing up for a busy summer season. Gas prices pressure: Sen. Shelley Moore Capito says WV gas is above $4.50/gal and is feeding into higher food and utility costs. Quick note: There’s also a steady stream of regional sports and local announcements, but the biggest “what just happened” items are the coaster, the hospital rating, and the gas/safety updates.