AGP Executive Report

Flash Flooding & Road Closures: Torrential rain has shut multiple routes into New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, including the road to Nuttallburg and parts of Fayette Station, Cunard, and Glade Creek, with more rain expected and visitors urged to stay alert. Airport Upgrade: North Central West Virginia Airport’s new $70 million, 53,000-square-foot terminal opens with a ribbon-cutting Monday and first flights set for Aug. 18, adding modern amenities, upgraded security, and easier access off Route 279. Tourism Workforce Boost: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since March 2025, with 4,000+ residents enrolled in free training. Greenbrier Spotlight: The Greenbrier’s ownership story continues as a $500 million joint venture gives a New York investment firm a controlling stake, with the Justice family retaining representation. State Fair Fun: Hot Glass Academy returns to the State Fair of West Virginia with narrated glassblowing demos at 2,000 degrees. Local Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre brings a new one-man play to WVU in late August, tracing a Vietnamese American family story back to the Mountain State. Outdoor Travel Note: A new look at American woodcock behavior highlights nest defense tactics in West Virginia forests—another reminder that wildlife viewing here can be full of surprises.

Flash Flood Watch/Warnings: The National Weather Service issued Flash Flood Warnings across multiple West Virginia counties (including Boone, Fayette, Kanawha, Raleigh, plus others earlier Sunday), with emergency crews responding to reports of possible entrapment and state road closures due to underwater sections. Tourism Workforce Boost: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works program has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours, with more than 4,000 residents enrolled in free training aimed at tourism jobs. Greenbrier Ownership Update: The Greenbrier’s latest chapter is underway after a $500 million joint venture gives Kennedy Lewis Investment Management a 51% controlling interest, with the Justice family retaining a stake and representation. Data Center Backlash: Tucker County residents are pushing back as plans for a massive data center campus and power facilities draw scrutiny over air and water impacts. State Fair Fun: Hot Glass Academy returned to the State Fair of West Virginia with narrated glassblowing demos at 2,000 degrees. Local Arts & Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre brings a new one-man play to WVU (Aug. 21-22) exploring family heritage and immigration through a Vietnamese American story. Internet Access Pressure: A report highlights how spotty broadband affects telehealth and daily life, even as federal funding ramps up. Gas Prices Snapshot: GasBuddy reports select low prices in the state for the week ending Aug. 8, including E85 in Harrison County and diesel lows in Wetzel County.

Tourism Workforce Boost: Gov. Morrisey says West Virginia’s Tourism Works has topped 25,000 microcredentials and 1,000 college credit hours since launching in March 2025, with more than 4,000 residents enrolled in the free online training—aimed at filling about 21,000 tourism job openings each year. Historic Resort Update: The Greenbrier is entering a new ownership chapter after a $500 million joint venture gives Kennedy Lewis Investment Management a 51% controlling interest, while the Justice family keeps a stake—expected to stabilize finances and fund long-term guest experience upgrades. Internet Access Pressure: A new report highlights how unreliable broadband is still disrupting telehealth and daily life in West Virginia, even as hundreds of millions in federal funds are planned to expand service. Local Travel & Events: Hot Glass Academy returns to the State Fair of West Virginia with live glassblowing at 2,000 degrees, and West Virginia Public Theatre brings a homecoming run of “Did My Grandfather Kill My Grandfather?” at WVU Aug. 21-22. Road Notes for Visitors: Expect an overnight lane closure on I-79 in Marion County (Exit 137 area) Aug. 17-21 for milling and paving, with daytime travel mostly unaffected. Outdoor & Trail Interest: A Morgantown feature spotlights the Allegheny Trail’s 316-mile route and how hikers are using it to explore more of West Virginia. Community Fundraiser: Tunes and Togetherness in Clarksburg raised support for West Virginia Prevention Solutions, with proceeds helping schools and substance-free community programming.

Greenbrier Update: The Greenbrier’s latest ownership chapter is here: a $500 million joint venture gives Kennedy Lewis Investment Management a 51% controlling stake, with the Justice family keeping representation as the resort aims to stabilize finances and invest in the guest experience. Broadband Reality Check: West Virginians in the state’s least connected county say they’re still stuck with unreliable internet despite major federal broadband funding—telehealth and remote work are taking the hit. Data Center Debate: A new push from Gov. Patrick Morrisey tries to win public buy-in for data centers by promising local input and using half of tax revenue to offset the income tax, even as communities question impacts and oversight. Outdoor & Travel Ideas: The Allegheny Trail gets a spotlight as a long-distance hike doubles as a research project, and a New River Gorge fundraiser (Friend Fest) is set for Sept. 9 with live music, food, and a kids zone. Road Trip Heads-Up: Expect overnight I-79 lane closures in Marion County (Aug. 17–21) for milling and paving, with new traffic patterns in place.

Greenbrier Ownership Update: The Greenbrier’s latest chapter is underway after a $500 million joint venture gave Kennedy Lewis Investment Management a 51% controlling stake, with the Justice family keeping a stake and management representation—good news for travelers who care about the resort’s long-term future. Broadband Reality Check: West Virginians in the state’s least connected county say they’re still stuck with unreliable internet despite major federal broadband spending, affecting remote work, small businesses, and telehealth. Outdoor & Trail Spotlight: A rain-soaked Allegheny Trail hike story highlights how the 316-mile route is pulling new visitors into West Virginia’s hiking scene. Local Travel Safety/Access: A temporary I-79 lane closure in Marion County runs Aug. 17–21 at night for milling and paving, with drivers urged to plan ahead. Food Safety Watch: The FDA is traveling to Mexico as it continues investigating a cyclospora outbreak tied to Taylor Farms and shredded iceberg lettuce—important for anyone planning meals while traveling. Data Center Backlash: West Virginia’s debate over data centers keeps heating up, with new reporting on proposed massive facilities and community concerns. Gas Prices for Road Trips: Fuel prices updates from GasBuddy show ongoing week-to-week swings, useful for travelers plotting routes and stops.

Welcome Week in Morgantown: WVU kicked off its annual back-to-school stretch, with University Police focusing on traffic flow and visibility through Aug. 23. New River Gorge fundraiser: Friend Fest returns Sept. 9 at The Outpost NRG with live music, a Kids Zone, and proceeds for Friends of New River Gorge National Park & Preserve. Wildlife & nature: A new study documents American woodcocks defending nests from deer—rare behavior that adds a fresh reason to watch West Virginia forests closely. Folklore spotlight: “Fairies of Northern Appalachia” digs into banshees, tommyknockers, and other mountain magic tied to immigrant roots. Health access on the move: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit will visit Clarksburg and Ivydale in September for low-dose CT scans. Outdoor travel planning: A guide to C&O Canal National Historical Park highlights the towpath’s history and what visitors can expect on foot or by bike. Local tourism culture: Riverside General Store in Crumpler reopened with its 1950s feel, aiming to stay a community hub. Data center fight: Tucker County residents are pushing back against a proposed massive data center campus and power plant near Thomas and Davis. Gas & road-trip timing: National gas averages ticked back up to about $4.07, while West Virginia prices vary by county.

Health & Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is heading to Clarksburg (Sept. 9) and Ivydale/Big Otter (Sept. 11) for low-dose CT scans, with options for insured patients and grant-funded help for eligible uninsured West Virginians. Community Events: Elkins’ Wild & Wonderful Country Fest returns Saturday at the Citizens Bank of West Virginia Amphitheatre on the Davis & Elkins College campus, benefiting the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA. Tourism & Outdoors: Pocahontas County is leaning into fall with steam-rail rides at Cass Scenic Railroad, hikes through Monongahela National Forest and Cranberry Glades, and scenic drives—perfect for leaf-peepers. State Fair Spotlight: The State Fair of West Virginia opens its second century in Fairlea with a 10-day lineup mixing big-name grandstand acts and classic attractions. Nature & Travel Safety: Bear Rock Lakes WMA fishing access will temporarily close for up to six months as dam modifications begin, with new trails planned. Local Life: Morgantown’s airport director hire and the new Office of Entrepreneurship logo contest add more “what’s happening” energy for visitors and residents.

Outdoor & Fishing Access: Bear Rock Lakes WMA near Wheeling will temporarily close fishing as the WV Division of Natural Resources starts about $1.54M in dam modifications (Dam No. 1 and 2), with lake levels lowered and construction possibly lasting up to six months; new trails are planned to improve access. Community & Tourism Events: The WV Office of Entrepreneurship is inviting public submissions for a new logo (deadline Aug. 31), aiming to capture the spirit of entrepreneurship across the Mountain State. Health & Rural Travel: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Harrison and Clay counties in September for low-dose CT scans, with uninsured West Virginians potentially covered through grant funding (appointments require advance scheduling). Family Fun in WV: CASA for Kids’ “Community Goose Chase” is set for Aug. 29 in Morgantown, using an app-driven route to explore local points of interest while raising support for children in need. Wildlife & Nature Interest: Rightboat ranks WV’s Cranberry River (4th) and Spruce Knob (8th) among the most underrated scenic fishing spots in the U.S. Local Economy Watch: Kroger continues shutting “underperforming” stores, a reminder that grocery access can shift quickly for communities.

Health & Access: WVU Medicine’s new mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Harrison and Clay counties in September, offering low-dose CT scans with appointments required 14+ days ahead (insurance billed; eligible uninsured West Virginians may qualify via grant support). Wildlife & Nature: New research documents American woodcocks defending nests from white-tailed deer in West Virginia forests, adding surprising detail to how these ground-nesting birds protect their young. Tourism Spotlight: Rightboat ranks West Virginia’s Cranberry River (4th) and Spruce Knob (8th) among the most under-the-radar fishing spots in the U.S., a good nudge for anglers chasing quieter trips. Community & Travel Planning: Morgantown’s WVU Welcome Week ramps up Aug. 13-15 with residence hall move-ins and added staff/volunteers to help reduce traffic and disruption. Outdoor Events: CASA for Kids’ “Community Goose Chase” is planned for Aug. 29 in Morgantown, an app-driven, family-friendly scavenger-style event that doubles as a fundraiser. Local Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest E85 price in Raleigh County at $3.49 (week ending Aug. 1) and the lowest E85 in Kanawha County at $2.89, with statewide averages also trending down.

Severe Weather Disruptions: Flooding and high water are blocking access for A&W Sanitation crews in Oak Hill and Scarbro, with road closures expected to delay service until roads reopen. Outdoor & Trail Spotlight: Emma Crow-Willard is hiking the Allegheny Trail and collecting data on local economic development, blending travel with community storytelling. Forest & Industry Boost: Beckwith Lumber in Slaty Fork won a $1,030,900 USDA Forest Service grant to expand hardwood manufacturing and support forest restoration. Family Fun in North Central WV: Tygart Valley United Way is giving Interact Children’s Museum a $20,000 founding gift to help launch a new children’s destination. Local Travel Infrastructure: Morgantown hired Brian Belcher as the new director of Morgantown Municipal Airport, aiming to strengthen air service for residents and visitors. Fall Planning Tie-In: The WVU Pride of West Virginia marching band returns to southern WV for the first time since 2018, with a free public performance at Honeycutt Field in Princeton. Celestial Weekend Plans: A partial solar eclipse is visible in parts of the region on Aug. 12—plan around viewing times and weather.

Airport & Tourism Jobs: Morgantown hires aviation veteran Brian Belcher as the new director of the Morgantown Municipal Airport (MGW), bringing decades of air service development and destination work from roles including the Greenbrier Valley Convention & Visitors Bureau. Family Fun in the Mountains: The 9th annual Beckley Honey Festival returns Aug. 15 at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine with honeybee demos, local honey tastings, kids’ activities at the Youth Museum, mine tours, and a sanctioned honey competition. Outdoor Travel Spotlight: Two Monongahela National Forest fishing favorites land on a “most under-the-radar” list—Cranberry River (Pocahontas County) and Spruce Knob Lake (Randolph County)—both praised for clear water and trout fishing. Community & Visitor Economy: Tygart Valley United Way announces a $20,000 founding gift to Interact Children’s Museum in Elkins, backing a new family destination and ongoing museum programming. Disaster Recovery Funding: Gov. Morrisey announces a $3 million grant to WV VOAD to help West Virginians recover from disasters, following a southern WV water listening tour. Travel Planning Bonus: West Virginia DMV says it has just over 500 limited-edition “America’s 250th” license plates left at regional offices. Local News Note: Tucker County commissioners face misdemeanor charges tied to the Sheriff’s Incentive Program.

State Fair of West Virginia: The 101st State Fair opens Thursday in Lewisburg for a 10-day run (Aug. 13–22), with major Grandstand concerts including Dierks Bentley, Stone Temple Pilots, Trace Adkins, Sierra Ferrell and more, plus livestock, agriculture and family activities. Outdoor & family travel: Pocahontas County is pitching a back-to-school getaway with hikes in Monongahela National Forest and Beartown State Park, plus biking on the Greenbrier River Trail and easy trail picks at Watoga State Park. Fishing spotlight: Two Monongahela National Forest favorites made a national “underrated” fishing list—Cranberry River (Pocahontas County) and Spruce Knob Lake (Randolph County). Solar viewing: A total solar eclipse hits Aug. 12; Ohio is on the fringe for a partial view, with viewing times and visibility percentages shared for major cities. Local travel logistics: Route 68 bridge work in Wood/Jackson County line stays closed with no firm reopening date, with detours expected to affect some commutes. Community events: The 9th Annual Beckley Honey Festival returns Aug. 15 at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine with beekeeping demos, kids’ activities and discounted mine tours. Disaster recovery: Gov. Morrisey announced a $3M grant to WV VOAD to help West Virginians recover from disasters and meet unmet needs.

Back-to-school planning: Pocahontas County is pitching a family-friendly getaway with hikes in Monongahela National Forest (including Falls of Hills Creek), easy boardwalk time at Beartown State Park, and scenic rail-trail biking on the Greenbrier River Trail. State Fair season: The 101st State Fair of West Virginia opens Thursday in Lewisburg for a 10-day run of concerts, carnival rides, livestock and ag exhibits, with organizers touting about $48M in economic activity. Road trip reality check: Route 68’s bridge on the Wood County line stays closed with no firm reopening date; crews plan concrete pours Aug. 17 and a parapet install after, with teacher commutes using detours. Disaster recovery funding: Gov. Morrisey announced $3M for WV Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster to help residents recover and meet unmet needs. Local housing wins: Bluefield was recognized for adaptive reuse housing efforts, including restoring the Hotel Thelma and the former Traveler’s Hotel. Weather impacts: Pocahontas County reported trees and power lines down after storms—drivers are urged to avoid downed lines and watch for debris. WVU leadership: WVU President Michael Benson reflects on a year of statewide travel and pride-building ahead of the next chapter. Tourism spotlight: WVU students are gaining hospitality experience through a growing partnership with Nemacolin luxury resort.

WVU Leadership & Campus Life: WVU President Michael Benson says he wants West Virginians to feel proud of the university after a 55-county, 6,600-mile listening tour, while new WVU CFO Chris Kabourek says he’s focused on moving forward after baggage from a prior Ohio State role. Tourism & Weather: The Greenbrier Valley is leaning into “coolcations” as travelers seek cooler mountain and forest getaways from extreme heat. Outdoor Events: The Rail Yard Event & Conference Center in Elkins opened to the public and hosted the West Virginia Outdoor Expo, with more events planned. Local Travel Boost: Durbin won a $5,000 LEDA grant for free Main Street Wi‑Fi and new bicycle racks to support visitors and cyclists. Road & Safety Notes: Patchy dense fog is expected early this morning in parts of southeast West Virginia; I‑77 reopened after a fatal single-vehicle crash in Wood County. Gas Prices for Road Trips: West Virginia’s E15 average was $3.33 in the week ending Aug. 1, with standout low prices reported in several counties (including $3.02 in Mineral County).

Outdoor Expo in Elkins: The Rail Yard Event and Conference Center opened and kicked off the West Virginia Outdoor Expo, with vendors, talks, and a full schedule ahead (including a 420-seat theater next weekend). Coolcations for summer heat: Greenbrier Valley is leaning into “coolcations,” with travelers seeking cooler mountain and cave escapes as extreme heat reshapes vacation plans. Weather watch: Mid-Ohio Valley updates note August is already wetter than usual after a July marked by heavy rain and tornado activity, a reminder to plan flexible outdoor days. Road trip safety: One person died in a single-vehicle crash on I-77 in Wood County; I-77 North briefly closed near mile marker 180.2. Lodging/careers: A record number of WVU students are interning behind the scenes at Nemacolin, showing how luxury resorts run beyond the guest experience. State parks dining: West Virginia State Parks are bringing back farm-to-table dinners at park restaurants with local chefs and Appalachian flavors. Camping incident: Barbour County police charged a woman after a campsite shooting, alleging attempted murder. Water quality spotlight: Gov. Morrisey’s “water listening tour” in McDowell County faced sharp pushback over tap water concerns in Gary. Gas prices: GasBuddy reports show lower national averages, with several WV counties listing notably cheap regular, E15, E85, and diesel options for drivers.

Greenbrier “coolcations” boom: With extreme heat pushing travelers toward higher elevations, West Virginia’s Greenbrier Valley is leaning into cooler cave and mountain getaways, including Lost World Caverns. Outdoor Expo in Elkins: The Rail Yard Event and Conference Center opened and hosted the West Virginia Outdoor Expo, with vendors and talks—and next weekend’s 420-seat theater reveal. WVU hospitality pipeline: A record number of WVU students are spending the summer at Nemacolin Resort through a partnership aimed at training future hospitality leaders. Water worries in McDowell County: Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s “water listening tour” in Gary drew sharp pushback after residents showed discolored tap water, renewing questions about fixes and trust. Roadside safety update: WVDOH crews are planning minor repairs for cracked, uneven pavement on the Eugene A. Carter Memorial Bridge in Charleston ahead of a larger deck replacement project next spring. Gas watch (week ending Aug. 1): Prices vary widely by county—regular hit as low as $3.85 in Preston County, while diesel lows included $4.59 in Monongalia County and $4.99 in Raleigh County. Camp shooting charge: West Virginia State Police charged a Barbour County woman with attempted murder after a campsite altercation involving gunfire.