AGP Executive Report

Road Access & Tourism: Gov. Morrisey cut the ribbon on an 11-mile, four-lane Corridor H stretch from Kerens toward Parsons, improving safety and travel times and connecting Randolph and Tucker counties—good news for visitors heading into the Mountain State. Local Jobs & Community: The WV Supreme Court refused Morgantown’s bid to block a holiday-pay fight, clearing the way for firefighters to seek compensation under state wage law. Summer Travel Costs: AAA reports the national average gas price has dipped to $3.99 as the July 4 travel rush ramps up. Outdoor Fun: The 12 best swimming holes in West Virginia are highlighted for easy summer escapes, plus road-closure notes for access to Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas. Family & Culture: Tamarack Marketplace in Beckley celebrated 30 years, and Miss West Virginia’s outgoing reign spotlighted how the titleholder travels all 55 counties as an ambassador. Weather Watch: A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for parts of the region through 9 p.m., with damaging winds, hail, and heavy rain possible.

Road-Trip Buzz: A new report says more Americans are choosing West Virginia for summer road trips, pointing to the New River Gorge’s national-park spotlight and the state’s mix of scenery, outdoor recreation, and small-town stops without big crowds or big costs. Summer Splash Spots: Charleston-area coverage highlights the best publicly accessible swimming holes in West Virginia, with picks like Audra State Park and other clear, mountain-fed swimming destinations for hot-weather escapes. Outdoor Access Updates: The U.S. Forest Service is planning phased repairs and temporary closures on flood-damaged forest roads serving the Cranberry and Williams River recreation areas—expect detours and limited access during work. Local Tourism Spotlight: Oglebay Park Resort’s Lindsey Scripture was named to The State Journal’s “Generation Next” list for reshaping the resort’s brand and guest experience, including a tourism award-winning push. Community & Family Fun: Lake Forest Senior Living residents are collecting postcards from all 50 states for the nation’s 250th anniversary, and they’re still missing dozens—an easy way for visitors and locals to get involved. Statewide Nature Angle: A feature argues West Virginia is among the wildest states east of the Mississippi, citing heavy forest cover, public lands, and wildlife. Sports Event Watch: USA Cycling Pro Road Championships roll through Charleston this week, bringing races and downtown spectator energy.

Road Access for Outdoor Trips: The U.S. Forest Service is starting phased repairs to flood-damaged forest roads that serve popular Monongahela National Forest recreation areas, with detours and temporary closures expected on Forest Road 76 (Cranberry) and Forest Road 86 (Williams River) in late June/early July—plan ahead if you’re heading for camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting. Summer Splash Picks: A new guide spotlights the 12 best swimming holes in West Virginia for summer escapes, highlighting clear, mountain-fed waters and public access options like Audra State Park and Blue Bend. Cycling in Charleston: The USA Cycling Pro Road Championships are underway in Charleston through Sunday, with time trials, criteriums, and road races using a downtown loop route near Slack Plaza and the Kanawha River. West Virginia Day Fun: West Virginia Day celebrations drew crowds at the Culture Center in Charleston and events around the Capitol Complex, with birthday cake and tourism officials encouraging visitors to get outside. Historic Stops: Grave Creek Mound’s broader prehistoric “ceremonial landscape” is getting fresh attention, with new context for what travelers can see from the Grand Vue Park overlook. Wildlife at Night: Scientists say West Virginia’s darker skies may be helping fireflies, even as light pollution grows elsewhere. Gas Prices Watch: AAA reports the national average for regular gas has dipped below $4 as the July 4 travel rush approaches.

Road & Trail Updates: The U.S. Forest Service is starting phased repairs to flood-damaged access roads in the Monongahela National Forest, with detours and temporary closures expected on Forest Road 76 (Cranberry) and Forest Road 86 (Williams River) starting late June/early July—plan ahead for camping, fishing, hiking, and hunting trips. West Virginia Day Buzz: West Virginia marked its 163rd birthday with free cake and Capitol-area celebrations, plus tourism leaders encouraged visitors to get outside and explore trails and waterfalls. Outdoor Wildlife & Night Skies: Scientists say West Virginia’s darker nights are helping fireflies thrive as light pollution rises elsewhere—good news for stargazers and summer nature walks. Local History for Visitors: Wheeling’s Ohio County Public Library is hosting “Lunch With Books” on vintage matchbooks, a fun way to explore the city’s past businesses and tourist-era stories. Family Fun Event: The Wild Trails Music Festival is set to run through the weekend in the Greenbrier Valley, drawing campers and big-name country acts. Travel Season Costs: AAA reports the national gas average has dipped below $4 as July 4 travel ramps up, making road trips a bit easier on the wallet.

Outdoor & Wildlife: Scientists say West Virginia’s darker skies are helping fireflies thrive as light pollution rises elsewhere, making the state a refuge for the insects’ summer “lantern” displays. Historic Travel: New reporting highlights Grave Creek Mound’s role in a once-sprawling ceremonial landscape around Moundsville, giving visitors a bigger story than the mound alone. Trails & Nature Access: A new Meadow River Rail Trail section opened in Rainelle, with officials calling it an economic boost for local lodging, dining, and shops. Festivals & Family Fun: The state Department of Tourism is hosting a free West Virginia Day celebration at the Capitol Complex Saturday, with scavenger hunts, guided tours, and the America 250 “Semiquincentennial Quilt” unveiling. Music & Camping: Wild Trails Music Festival returns to Lewisburg with major country/rock acts and includes free tent camping for ticket holders. Community Events: Asylum Pro Wrestling’s “Slugfest” weekend in Morrisdale mixes wrestling, music, fireworks, and foam parties, with camping available. Local Spotlight: Wheeling’s Ohio County Public Library is set to host a Lunch With Books program on local history told through vintage matchbooks. Safety/Travel Disruption: Search updates continue for missing Richwood woman Mary Catherine Green, with authorities pausing one search area and shifting focus elsewhere.

West Virginia Day at the Capitol: The state Department of Tourism is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration Saturday, June 20, with scavenger hunts, guided Capitol tours, and Culture Center activities including the America 250 “Semiquincentennial Quilt” unveiling plus food while supplies last. New River Gorge tourism spotlight: Leadership West Virginia’s class is spending time at Adventures on the Gorge near the New River Gorge Bridge, focusing on the region’s outdoor recreation economy—camping, rafting, hiking, climbing, and more. Trail news for visitors: A new section of the Meadow River Rail Trail opened in Rainelle, extending the 18-mile route and setting up future connections toward the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Local history for travelers: Wheeling’s Ohio County Public Library is set to host “Lunch With Books” on June 23, featuring vintage matchbooks and stories of the city’s past businesses. Outdoor community event: This Sunday, a Fox Forest foray hike is planned near the DNR boat dock on Scotts Ford Road as part of Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area’s Community Trail Talks series. Safety note: Search efforts for a missing Richwood woman were paused as state police pursue other leads.

West Virginia Day (Capitol Complex): The state’s 163rd birthday celebration hits Charleston Saturday, June 20, with free, family-friendly activities at the Capitol Complex, including scavenger hunts at the State Museum, guided Capitol tours, and a noon showcase of the America 250 “Semiquincentennial Quilt,” plus birthday food while supplies last. Trails & Outdoor Recreation: A new section of the Meadow River Rail Trail officially opens in Rainelle, extending the 18-mile route and setting up future connections toward the Gauley River National Recreation Area. Music + Camping: Lewisburg’s Wild Trails Music Festival runs through the weekend at the State Fairgrounds, with headliners Koe Wetzel, Tucker Wetmore, Ian Munsick, and Shane Smith & The Saints; tickets include free tent camping and RV hookups are available. Community Events: Williamsburg hosts a West Virginia Birthday Celebration Saturday at the Williamsburg Museum with local entertainment, youth presentations, and exhibits, plus hot dogs and dessert. Health & Travel Safety: Two health departments are offering doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease after tick bites, aiming to reduce urgent care and ER visits during an “extreme tick season.” Gas Prices for Road Trips: AAA reports the national average drops below $4 as summer travel ramps up. Missing Persons Update: Search efforts for a missing Richwood woman have been paused as state police pursue new leads. Water Adventure: The annual Tour de Coal paddle trip returns Saturday, drawing nearly 2,000 people for a 13-mile float down the Coal River.

West Virginia Tourism & Culture: The West Virginia Department of Tourism is gearing up for West Virginia Day at the State Capitol on June 20, with free family-friendly celebration plans. Outdoor Safety & Nature: Two health departments are now offering doxycycline to prevent Lyme disease after tick bites, as cases rise sharply statewide; meanwhile, wildlife officials say baby deer “fawns” are showing up more often in June, usually because moms leave them hidden while they feed. Travel Disruptions: Expect nighttime detours on the I-81/I-70 interchange in Washington County the week of June 22, as overhead signs are replaced from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Local Hospitality: Historic Hermitage Inn in Petersburg has new ownership under Samuel and Kelly Williams, continuing a restoration legacy. Community & Access: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital expanded pediatric sleep medicine access for kids across southern WV and Southwest Virginia. Weather Watch: Strong storms and downed trees are causing road hazards and power outages across parts of the state.

West Virginia Day at the Capitol: The state tourism department is hosting a free, family-friendly West Virginia Day celebration at the State Capitol Complex, with scavenger hunts, Culture Center activities, Capitol tours, and free food from noon to 2 p.m., plus the noon unveiling of the Semiquincentennial Quilt. Storm travel headaches: Appalachian Power crews are working after strong storms left thousands without electricity, and WV511 reports multiple downed-tree hazards on roads including Tams Highway in Raleigh County and other southern WV routes—slow down and watch for cleanup crews. Outdoor/heritage tourism picks: Rainelle’s Meadow River Rail Trail gets a new trailhead opening, and Lewisburg’s Penn Alps is set for a West Virginia Brass Quintet performance at Spruce Forest. Family travel inspiration: A roundup highlights classic summer road trips that include an Appalachia-to-Nashville route through West Virginia. Health closer to home: WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital expands pediatric sleep medicine access via a new collaboration, aiming to reduce travel for families. Baseball tourism buzz: WVU’s historic College World Series run ends after a 12-7 loss to North Carolina, but the program’s record-setting season keeps Mountaineer travel energy high.

Outdoor Access & Trails: Rainelle’s Meadow River Rail Trail gets a new open trailhead, expanding an 18+ mile corridor for hiking, biking, horseback riding, rock climbing and skiing. Parks & Nature: Tomlinson Run State Park highlights a rare Northern Panhandle ecosystem, protecting a watershed and plant communities more typical of central West Virginia. Local Tourism Boost: Nitro’s Ridenour Lake Preserve opens with a new 310-acre trail system plus free 5K/10K and an 11-mile bike race. Historic Preservation for Travel: A West Virginia-backed Senate bill would expand federal historic tax credits, aiming to turn aging downtown buildings into housing and tourism-ready spaces. Statewide Visitor Event: West Virginia Day celebrations hit the Capitol Complex Saturday with museum scavenger hunts, Capitol tours, and free family activities. Wildlife Tourism: A new “Larry Bob Wilson” elk statue marks elk restoration progress, with the herd now around 140. Travel Convenience: TSA’s new CT “3D” scanners are rolling out so travelers may soon keep laptops and 3-1-1 liquids in carry-ons. Sports Tourism: Elkins’ $11.6M Railyard Event & Conference Center is set to open mid-July, adding major event capacity downtown.

West Virginia Day Plans: The WV Department of Tourism is hosting a free, family-friendly celebration Saturday, June 20 at the State Capitol Complex, with scavenger hunts, Culture Center activities, guided Capitol tours, and the Semiquincentennial Quilt unveiling plus free hot dogs, lemonade, and cake. Outdoor Recreation: Nitro’s Ridenour Lake Preserve opens for summer this weekend with a new 310-acre trail system—21 trails, plus free 5K/10K and an 11-mile bike race. Culture Center Update: Renovations at the West Virginia Culture Center are moving forward, with the roof design approved and headed to bid, along with interim window protection and planned electrical work. Local Tourism Development: Barboursville officials want to acquire the former Barboursville School property for a lodge and tourism use, pushing back on uncertainty about the state’s plans. Family Travel & Events: Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine and Youth Museum marks West Virginia Day with live music, vendors, discounted tours, and a new “Forever Forest” exhibit. Zoo Leadership: Oglebay Good Zoo in Wheeling names Amy Rutherford vice president and zoo director. Travel Disruption Watch: Allegiant Air is cutting 61 routes (including 12 in Florida) while adding 49, a reminder to double-check summer flight plans.

Wild Trails Festival: Lewisburg’s Second Annual Wild Trails Festival kicks off Thursday, June 18, at the State Fairgrounds with Koe Wetzel, Tucker Wetmore, Ian Munsick, and Shane Smith & The Saints; tickets include free tent camping, with RV hookups and first-responder/nurse/military/veteran free entry on Thursday. Historic Stops: A new look at West Virginia’s standout buildings highlights six historic sites—from the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum to the State Capitol—showing how architecture preserves the state’s story. Tourism + Community Use: Barboursville officials want to repurpose the former Barboursville School into a lodge and tourism development, pushing back against reports it could house juveniles again. Outdoor Adventure: The New River Expedition launches a 320-mile paddle trip through the New River watershed, with meet-and-greet events planned in the New River Valley. Local Culture: The West Virginia Humanities Council released its summer 2026 People & Mountains digital magazine, featuring folklorist Gerald Milnes and a restored Moorefield visitor center. Weather Watch: Severe storms in the region include a confirmed tornado outbreak in Western Pennsylvania, a reminder to plan travel with forecast changes in mind.

New River Gorge & River Tourism: The New River Expedition Team (NRX26) is launching a 320-mile paddle journey from Todd, North Carolina to the Gauley River confluence in Gauley Bridge, with meet-and-greet stops planned in the New River Valley, including a June 27 Radford event and a July 4 Narrows celebration. Outdoor Safety: A Trooper 5 helicopter rescue helped get an injured hiker out of a remote Grant County area near Chimney Top. Local History & Culture: The West Virginia Humanities Council released its summer 2026 digital magazine, People & Mountains, featuring folklorist Gerald “Gerry” Milnes and the Robert Higgins House restoration in Moorefield. Tourism Leadership: Dr. Mandy Wriston was named executive director of Friends of New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Road & Travel Planning: WVDOH announced a June 30–July 10 closure of Dempsey Road (CR 8/1) in Fayette County for a bridge replacement. Community Events: The WV Department of Tourism recognized Paw Paw residents Barbara and J. Brown Norton as 2026 History Heroes.

Road & Infrastructure: Wheeling is getting $2 million in federal help to rebuild Northern Parkway, a buckling, uneven stretch built on a landfill, with work planned to take it out, recompacted, and reconstructed. Local Tourism & Events: Elkins’ new Railyard Event & Conference Center (28,000 sq. ft.) is set to open in mid-July, aiming to bring major conferences, weddings, live entertainment, and community gatherings to downtown Randolph County. Family Travel & Summer Planning: West Virginia lawmakers are again hearing concerns that the state’s enrollment-heavy school aid formula leaves too little for students with special needs—an issue that can ripple into summer programs and family planning. Outdoor & Nature: More New River Gorge hikers are shifting from Endless Wall to the Grandview Rim Trail, while a major access road to Dolly Sods Wilderness is closing for repairs. Health for Pet Travelers: USDA-approved canine vaccination guidance highlights Lyme and leptospirosis risk, with West Virginia and nearby regions flagged as tick-prone areas. Sports Tourism: WVU’s College World Series run is in an elimination-game rematch vs. Troy at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, keeping West Virginia fans traveling for baseball. Community Culture: The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum is hosting an exhibit reception on black lung and silica dust, tying local history to public awareness.

College World Series (WV vs UNC): West Virginia is back in an elimination spot at Charles Schwab Field Omaha, facing North Carolina at 6 p.m. with a berth in the Final Four on the line after a tough run that’s included bouncing back from losses. Outdoor Access (Dolly Sods): The U.S. Forest Service will close Forest Road 19 to vehicles starting June 22 for repairs, though foot travel stays open and access to Dolly Sods remains via Jordan Run Road. Hiking Alternatives (New River Gorge): With Endless Wall and Long Point drawing crowds, more visitors are seeking other routes, including the Grandview Rim Trail area, as parking and trailheads get busier. Local Travel Logistics (Clarksburg paving): WVDOH District Four schedules milling and paving on WV 20 in Clarksburg June 15–19, with daytime work and no street parking. Family Travel & Summer Meals: Kanawha County and partners are expanding summer feeding sites as grocery prices strain budgets and child hunger remains high. Gas Prices: AAA reports national pump prices easing for the third straight week, with Northeast Ohio still slightly higher than last year. Stonewall Resort: Stonewall Resort launches new Mosaic Cruiser lake tours on Stonewall Jackson Lake, adding a fresh way to see the area from the water. History & Culture (Mine Wars Museum): The West Virginia Mine Wars Museum hosts a June 20 reception for an exhibit on silica dust and black lung, spotlighting the human cost and ongoing fight for safer work. Tourism Spotlight (Moundsville glass show): The Fostoria Glass Society’s annual Glass Show and Sale drew collectors to the former West Virginia Penitentiary, boosting Moundsville tourism.

Outdoor Access Update: Kanawha State Forest’s bridge near Campground Road reopened after a May 15 closure for steel beam deterioration, helping cut emergency response times and supporting summer events like a bike race. Trail Planning: Dolly Sods Wilderness access road changes start June 22, when Forest Road 19 closes for repairs; foot travel stays allowed, and Jordan Run Road remains an alternate route. Hiking Crowd Shift: More New River Gorge hikers are moving from the popular Endless Wall area to the Grandview Rim Trail as visitors look for less-packed routes. Local Events & Tourism: The Fostoria Glass Society of America’s 45th annual Glass Show and Sale drew collectors to Moundsville, boosting local tourism and supporting the society’s museum. Community & Travel-Friendly Safety: A BASE jumping incident in Grand County left two dead, a reminder that adventure travel needs extra caution. Family Travel & Summer Meals: Kanawha County Schools is running free summer breakfast with local ingredients as grocery prices strain families and child hunger remains high. History Tourism: West Virginia’s hidden mountaintop Civil War sites highlight overlooked battlefields along eastern WV’s rugged routes. Sports Travel Buzz: WVU’s College World Series run continues in Omaha with fans traveling long distances for games.