West Virginia
Progress continues on West Virginia’s first stargazing cabins
BRUCETON MILLS, WV (WVNS) — Progress continues to be made on the first stargazing cabins in the Mountain State.
The stargazing cabins will be located at Coopers Rock State Forest and are estimated to open in fall 2024. Reservations for the cabins will begin to be accepted on August 1, 2024. Governor Justice visited Coopers Rock State Forest on Monday, June 24, 2024 to check on the progress on the cabins.
This is another exciting day for West Virginia with the addition of these incredible cabins. Coopers Rock State Forest is a gem within our state park system, and as we continue to draw visitors from around the world, it’s important that we maintain and enhance its amazing condition and reputation. This stunning park is among our most frequently visited, and the projects we’re working on here will further put this forest on the map.
Governor Jim Justice
The stargazing cabins are part of more than $200 million in improvements made to the West Virginia parks system under the leadership of Governor Justice.
There will be five A-frame stargazing cabins that will be found by the main ridge between Raven Rock and the main overlook, and there are plans to add seven more cabins in spring 2025.
The cabins will be set up to give guests a chance for unique stargazing opportunities using the telescopes in the cabins to look at some of the darkest skies on the East Coast.
It’s amazing to see these improvements coming to fruition at Coopers Rock State Forest. Gov. Justice has brought the West Virginia State Parks system to much higher levels with his vision and guidance. I’m looking forward to all of the new and returning visitors who will come to stay in the newly constructed cabins and at the campground once they’re ready.
Brett McMillion | Division of Natural Resources Director
Investments were made at 36 parks, nine forests and three rail trails throughout the Mountain State. Cacapon Resort State Park’s new lodge, creating two new state parks, new recreational facilities, hundreds of new campsites built or upgraded, systemwide infrastructure upgrades, and renovations at every lodge and cabin in the system will be included in the projects.
Since the investments were made, revenue grew significantly and visitation increased, which will allow for reinvestment in public lands in West Virginia.
We continue to see folks interested in unique lodging, and I’m thrilled to see our state’s first stargazing cabins nearing completion. The more than $200 million in improvements at our state parks system are paying dividends. A visit to any of our parks will show the incredible quality of our facilities and the popularity of our public lands. Our state parks system is a true gem, and we are forever grateful to the Governor for his continued commitment to ensuring our facilities the very best.
Chelsea Ruby | West Virginia Tourism Secretary of Tourism
More than $15 million in investments were made at Coopers Rock State Forest. Some of the improvements include the stargazing cabins, major water and wastewater treatment improvements, a new laundry and firewood facility, and a modern 25-site RV campground.
The contracts in the investments were awarded to companies and firms in West Virginia. The first five stargazing cabins and new campground to Wolfes Excavating in Clarksburg, the next seven cabins will be built by Zetti Contracting LLC in Morgantown, ZMM did the architectural work, and CEC completed the engineering.
West Virginia
Bonner-Prendie wide receiver Jalil Hall commits to West Virginia
Bonner-Prendergast’s Jalil Hall, a three-star wide receiver, Saturday announced his commitment to West Virginia University, becoming the program’s 21st pledge in the class of 2025.
The 6-foot-4, 185-pound Hall is ranked No. 19 in the state by 247Sports. He also held scholarship offers from Syracuse, Maryland, Duke, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, and Pittsburgh.
Hall will join Chris Fileppo, a linebacker at La Salle College Preparatory High School, next fall in Morgantown. St. Joseph’s Prep graduates Brandon Rehmann (receiver) and linebacker Josiah Trotter, younger brother of Eagles rookie Jeremiah Jr. and son of Eagles great Jeremiah Sr., are currently in the Mountaineers’ program.
Hall helped the Friars (9-3) advance to the quarterfinals in the Class 4A state playoffs last season. They fell to Dallas High School of Luzerne County, 28-27.
West Virginia
WVSports – 2027 WR Lora excited about West Virginia
Warwick (R.I.) Bishop Hendricken School 2027 wide receiver Sebastian Lora was excited to add West Virginia to his list of scholarship options.
Lora, 5-foot-11, 150-pounds, found out about the news after speaking with defensive line coach AJ Jackson.
It’s something that excited Lora because of what he knows about the school, his relationship with Jackson and the fact that he grew up following former wide receiver Tavon Austin.
The underclassman is just getting to know more about the school but likes what he’s heard.
“He basically told me he loved my film and to keep my body healthy this summer and hopefully I can go down there for a game and visit the school,” he said. “He is truly an amazing coach. He keeps it 100-percent real and tells you what you need to work on to be better.”
West Virginia, along with other schools, are targeting Lora wa a wide receiver and have been impressed with what he is able to do with the ball in his hands.
“What coaches and schools like about me is that I’m hard working, break out fast from my routes and the ability to go jump high for the ball,” he said.
College coaches also like the fact that he is a leader on the field.
Lora plans to visit West Virginia in the future and is excited about getting there in order to see what the school is all about.
“One of my biggest plans is to visit West Virginia,” he said.
Lora is looking for a school that is going to help him feel at home and where he has a great relationship with the coaches and the staff.
West Virginia
Hurricane house sustains damage in early morning fire – WV MetroNews
The fire was at 3 South Brooke Drive. (Photo/Nitro Fire Dept.)
HURRICANE, W.Va. — A fire caused significant damage at a house in Hurricane early Saturday morning.
Flames were showing through the roof when firefighters arrived on the scene at 3 South Brooke Drive at around 4:45 a.m.
Firefighters from Hurricane, Teays Valley, Nitro, Milton and Culloden battled the blaze. A ladder truck was used for an aerial attack.
There were no injuries reported and no word on what may have started the fire.
Authorities said the homeowner noticed the fire as he was getting ready for work.
-
News1 week ago
Tracking a Single Day at the National Domestic Violence Hotline
-
Fitness1 week ago
What's the Least Amount of Exercise I Can Get Away With?
-
News1 week ago
Supreme Court upholds law barring domestic abusers from owning guns in major Second Amendment ruling | CNN Politics
-
World6 days ago
Israel accepts bilateral meeting with EU, but with conditions
-
Politics1 week ago
Trump classified docs judge to weigh alleged 'unlawful' appointment of Special Counsel Jack Smith
-
Politics1 week ago
Supreme Court upholds federal gun ban for those under domestic violence restraining orders
-
World7 days ago
New Caledonia independence activists sent to France for detention
-
World1 week ago
Is Israel’s Smotrich fulfilling his dream of annexing the West Bank?