AGP Executive Report

Road & Traffic Updates: A WVDOH signal project is set to begin Monday at the US 522 and Cavendish Drive intersection in Morgan County, with periodic lane closures and possible delays. Outdoor & Family Fun: The New River Gorge Historical Society hosts a Miners’ Vacation fish fry and free historical program June 13 in Hinton, with dinner tickets $15 and talks on coal and rail history. Travel Planning for Summer: Educators share simple ways to keep kids learning during summer break—short reading routines, games, and tying lessons to everyday activities like cooking, gardening, or grocery trips. Big Sports, Big Weather: Strong winds at the Morgantown NCAA Super Regional sent five people to the hospital, but West Virginia still crushed Cal Poly 17-1 to reach the College World Series. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show E85 as low as $3.48 in Mineral County and E15 as low as $4.16 in Raleigh County for the week ending May 30, with multiple county-by-county lowest-price updates statewide. Scouting & RV Tourism: Go RVing joins Scouting America as the official RV partner for the 2026 National Jamboree at Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean (July 22–30).

NCAA Baseball & Travel Safety: A strong wind ripped through the Morgantown Super Regional at Kendrick Family Ballpark, sending 5 people to the hospital; WVU still crushed Cal Poly 17-1 and advanced toward the College World Series. College World Series Update: With WVU now set for Omaha after its first-ever MCWS trip, the tournament field is taking shape as other super regional games resume after weather delays. Family Fun in WV: A roundup of 10 free summer things to do highlights waterfalls, rail trails, scenic overlooks, and historic spots—perfect for budget-friendly weekend plans. Outdoor & Nature Watch: A story on kudzu explains why the invasive vine spreads fast and how it can smother habitats, with a conservation angle for hikers and gardeners. Local Energy Costs: GasBuddy reports show E15, midgrade, and diesel prices varying by county in the week ending May 30, with several low-price finds that could help road-trippers plan cheaper stops. Community & Health: WVU Health System signed a definitive agreement to acquire Independence Health System, aiming for major facility upgrades across five Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals.

College Baseball & Travel Buzz: West Virginia punched its ticket to the College World Series with a 17-1 win over Cal Poly, sweeping the Morgantown Super Regional and setting a new single-season program wins record—big news for fans planning Omaha trips. Family Fun (Free): A guide to 10 free things to do in West Virginia this summer highlights easy, budget-friendly outings like Sandstone Falls. Outdoor Food: The “mountain pie” campfire snack gets a spotlight as a must-try West Virginia-style twist on classic s’mores. Local Learning & Tourism Ties: Bridgeport student Miyah Swiger brought back lessons from an FFA International Leadership Seminar in Spain, showing how agriculture education can connect communities globally. Health & Regional Growth: WVU Health System signed a deal to acquire Independence Health System, investing $800 million in upgrades across five Southwestern Pennsylvania hospitals. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports show bargain-hunting across the state, including low regular prices in Mineral County ($3.98) and Greenbrier County ($3.79), plus diesel and midgrade lows in multiple counties.

College Baseball & Travel Buzz: West Virginia is one step from the College World Series after a 17-1 super regional clincher over Cal Poly, setting a new single-season program wins record and drawing a big Kendrick Family Ballpark crowd—good news for fans planning Omaha trips. Family Summer Fun: A guide to 10 free things to do across West Virginia this summer spotlights waterfalls, rail trails, scenic overlooks, and historic stops. Campfire Food: Meet the “Mountain Pie,” a three-ingredient campfire snack that’s basically a campfire Hot Pocket—easy to pack for hikes and lake days. Community & Service Travel: Ride for Veterans rolled into Topeka on a cross-country mission to connect with veterans and deliver essential items. Local Events on the Water: Wheeling’s Ohio River Splashtacular returns at Heritage Port with free family activities, water-ski shows, and raffles benefiting Easterseals. Fuel Watch: GasBuddy price reports for the week ending May 30 show West Virginia averages easing slightly, with several counties posting standout low regular and diesel prices for road trips.

NCAA Baseball: West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after beating Cal Poly 12-2 in Game 1 of the Morgantown Super Regional, with Chansen Cole striking out 11 and Sean Smith going 3-for-4 including a 402-foot homer. Local Sports & Tourism: The Morgantown Super Regional continues Saturday at noon (ESPN2), with the game sold out and parking guidance for visitors. Outdoor & Heritage: The New River Gorge Historical Society is hosting a “Miners’ Vacation” fish fry fundraiser in Hinton on June 13, blending local history with community food and speakers. Family Travel & Summer Planning: West Virginia’s Summer Food Service Program sites are opening statewide, helping families find meal locations during school break. State Tourism Business: West Virginia Explorer named Davie Chinn (tech) and Lori Noble (advertising) to boost destination marketing for outdoor recreation and heritage travel. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy’s week-ending May 30 reports show some of the lowest regular gas deals in Greenbrier County ($3.79) and Mineral County ($3.98), plus diesel lows like Morgan County ($5.19) and Nicholas County ($5.68).

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown): West Virginia is one win from the College World Series after a 12-2 Game 1 rout of Cal Poly at Kendrick Family Ballpark. Game 2 is Saturday at noon on ESPN2, and the sold-out matchup has free off-site parking options at WVU Medicine at University Town Centre and Walmart. Outdoor Fun (Wheeling): The free Ohio River Splashtacular returns Sunday at Heritage Port (noon–4 p.m.) with water-ski shows, family activities, raffles, and music—benefiting Easterseals Rehabilitation Center. National Parks (Travel): A new travel spotlight highlights New River Gorge National Park as America’s newest national park, noting no entrance fee and easy access via Route 19 or I-64. Tourism Business (Publishing): West Virginia Explorer names Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising to boost destination marketing and outdoor/heritage coverage. Gas Prices (Road Trip Planning): AAA reports the national regular average is down to about $4.24, while GasBuddy shows West Virginia prices easing in late May, including premium around $5.34 statewide. Local Culture (Morgantown): Morgantown Public Library’s StoryFest runs Saturday, June 6 (3–6 p.m.) at the Spruce Street Pavilion with a Fairytale Forest theme and free crafts.

New River Gorge National Park travel guide: A fresh look at West Virginia’s newest-feeling national park spotlights how to get there (via Yeager Airport and a scenic drive), when to visit (summer rafting and fall color), and the big perk for travelers: no entrance fee for overlooks, trails, and outdoor recreation. Morgantown Super Regional buzz: WVU is one win from the Men’s College World Series after a 12-2 Game 1 rout of Cal Poly, with Sean Smith’s long homer and Chansen Cole’s dominant start (7 innings, 11 strikeouts). Family-friendly local events: Morgantown Public Library’s StoryFest (June 6, 3–6 p.m.) turns a Spruce Street Pavilion “Fairytale Forest” into a free, hands-on storytelling day with crafts, author activities, and giveaways. Fuel watch for road-trippers: GasBuddy reports show West Virginia prices easing overall, with Mercer County premium at $4.88 and Ohio County regular at $4.07 (week ending May 30), plus diesel and E15 deals in several counties. Regional air access: Contour Airlines adds Myrtle Beach flights from Beckley starting June 3 (Wednesdays and Saturdays), with Parkersburg service planned to begin July 1.

Air Travel & Access: Contour Airlines is expanding beach travel from West Virginia, launching Myrtle Beach flights from Beckley (Wednesdays and Saturdays starting June 3) and adding seasonal nonstop service from Parkersburg to Myrtle Beach beginning July 1. NCAA Baseball (Morgantown as a travel draw): West Virginia hosts Cal Poly in the NCAA Super Regionals June 5-7 at Kendrick Family Ballpark, with games on ESPN2 and a Sunday “if necessary” matchup—another big weekend for visitors heading to Morgantown. Road & Travel Planning: WVDOH schedules nightly alternating lane closures on US 340 at the Shenandoah River Bridge in Jefferson County (June 10-12, 6 p.m. to 6 a.m.) for asphalt repairs. Local Events: The Allegany Garrett Counties Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association Parade runs Saturday, June 6 around 6 p.m., with temporary road closures and traffic delays along the Piedmont-to-Westernport route. Outdoor & Summer Safety: Tick bites and Lyme-related ER visits are rising this spring, with CDC warning travelers to take precautions. Family Summer Meals: WVDE and partners are again offering summer feeding sites for kids across West Virginia through the USDA Summer Food Service Program.

New Route to the Beach: Contour Airlines will start seasonal nonstop flights from Parkersburg (PKB) to Myrtle Beach (MYR) on July 1, running twice weekly (Wednesdays and Saturdays) through Aug. 15. Trail Time: West Virginia State Parks is gearing up for National Trails Day with guided hikes and trail cleanups, including a 1.8-mile Coopers Rock hike on June 6. Outdoor Music in the Gorge: The Outpost at New River Gorge is building its 2026 summer lineup with “Fireside Jams” (free, community shows) and “Groove In The Gorge” (touring acts). Gas Watch: Week ending May 30 saw some of the lowest reported prices in multiple counties, including regular at $3.99 in Marshall County and $4.03 in Marion County, plus E85 at $3.95 in Monongalia County. Health on the Go: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Morgantown (June 30), Lewis County (July 1), and Jane Lew (July 2) for low-dose CT scans.

National Trails Day in West Virginia State Parks: State Parks is rolling out guided hikes and trail clean-ups on Saturday, with Coopers Rock near Morgantown hosting a 1.8-mile Roadside/Advanced/Intermediate Ski Trail loop (meet at the Day Use Parking lot at 3 p.m.). Community Recovery: Ohio County flood survivors and helpers can gather June 4 (5:30–7:30 p.m.) at Valley Grove VFD for “Stronger Together,” with practical tools for coping after severe weather. Energy & Infrastructure: West Virginia residents overwhelmingly oppose NextEra’s $1.16B MidAtlantic Resiliency Link transmission line; PSC hearings are set in Keyser, Romney, Morgantown, and Kingwood. Health Access: WVU’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, will visit Morgantown (June 30), Lewis County (July 1), and Jane Lew (July 2) for low-dose CT scans. Tourism & Travel: Contour Airlines launches nonstop Beckley-to-Myrtle Beach service twice weekly (Wednesdays and Sundays) through Aug. 12. Road Trips & Safety: Summer road work is ramping up; drivers are urged to slow down and use WV511 for detours. Local Events: Community listings include a June 6 Veterans Park dedication in Friendly, plus family fishing day June 7 at Lewis Wetzel Pond.

Mobile Health Access: WVU Medicine’s LUCAS mobile lung cancer screening unit is heading to Monongalia and Lewis counties with LDCT appointments June 30–July 2, including options for uninsured West Virginians who meet criteria. Cancer Care Expansion: Princeton Community Hospital added three advanced cancer therapies—Pluvicto, THOR photobiomodulation, and Cooling Cap therapy—to bring more treatment closer to home. Wildlife & Outdoors: The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service finalized critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, including parts of West Virginia. Tourism & Community Events: West Virginia State Parks is gearing up for National Trails Day with guided hikes and trail cleanups. Road & Travel Planning: Ramp Road in Summers County gets a temporary closure Friday (8 a.m.–5 p.m.) for emergency pipe replacement; plus, summer road work is ramping up as traffic peaks—check WV511 before you head out. Local Pride: Follansbee unveiled a new West Virginia steel community sign, aiming to boost civic pride and tourism.

Health & Access: WVU Medicine’s mobile lung cancer screening unit, LUCAS, is set to visit Monongalia and Lewis counties on June 30–July 2, with LDCT scans available via insurance (and grant-funded help for eligible uninsured patients). Road Trips & Park Plans: A 20-foot bridge near the Kanawha State Forest campground is nearing completion, with reopening hoped for early next week, while the WV 68 Pond Creek Bridge will close Thursday for a full replacement through mid-August. Outdoor Calendar: West Virginia State Parks is marking National Trails Day (June 6) with guided hikes and trail cleanups across parks and forests. Local Tourism Boost: Follansbee unveiled a new steel “West Virginia” community sign aimed at civic pride and tourism, funded through a local economic development grant. Wildlife & Nature: U.S. Fish and Wildlife designated critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee in parts of Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties. Safety & Travel Disruptions: The West Virginia Parkways Authority is studying whether to eliminate toll booths on the West Virginia Turnpike to improve safety and reduce slowdowns.

Road & Construction Updates: West Virginia 68’s Pond Creek Bridge is set for a full replacement starting Thursday, with a two-plus-month closure and detours for northbound and southbound drivers. Local Travel Disruptions: Bridgeport’s Center Street bridge work will bring flaggers and truck traffic on Main Street from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday, so plan for delays. Outdoors & Family Fun: West Virginia State Parks is marking National Trails Day (Sat., June 6) with guided hikes and trail cleanups across parks and forests. Nature & Wildlife: Parts of Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties have been designated critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee, with most of the land inside Monongahela National Forest. Culture & Community: Matewan unveiled a new America250 mural project, and the Parkersburg Art Center hosts free receptions for two new exhibits this week. Sports Tourism Buzz: WVU baseball’s run to the super regionals is driving big local energy in Morgantown, with fans packing Kendrick Family Ballpark for “Country Roads” singalongs.

NCAA Baseball (Morgantown Regional): West Virginia extended its season with a wild, come-from-behind run, beating Kentucky 11-9 in the Morgantown Regional final after scoring five in the ninth. Catcher Gavin Kelly was named regional MVP as WVU won five games in four days, setting up a Super Regional in Morgantown against Cal Poly. Tourism & Community Events: Front Royal’s Main Street gazebo area is getting a new vintage market starting June 6, running monthly through October (with a July 4 holiday adjustment), bringing 16 vendors and encouraging shoppers to support downtown businesses. Outdoor Safety (Ticks): Tick activity is surging in parts of the U.S., and West Virginia is named among higher-risk areas; the CDC notes tick-related ER visits are at their highest for this time of year since 2017, with tips to create a “tick-free” yard zone. Arts & Culture: West Virginia Public Theatre kicks off its 2026 season with “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood” at WVU’s Canady Creative Arts Center, running through June 11. Local Giving: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members donated $100,000 to support the WVU Art Museum’s biggest needs.

W.Va. Tourism Boost: West Virginia’s 2026 Vacation Guide is flying off shelves and screens, with more than 200,000 printed copies distributed since the February launch and requests running 92% ahead of last year, plus digital downloads up 144%. Outdoor Plans: West Virginia State Parks is lining up guided hikes and trail cleanups for National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, with events at parks including Audra, Beech Fork, Blackwater Falls and Bluestone. Local Travel Disruption: Bridgeport travelers should expect delays downtown this week as crews set new beams on the Center Street Bridge; Main Street will be down to one lane from 7 a.m. Wednesday to 7 p.m. Thursday, with Route 50 and East Philadelphia Avenue as alternates. Sports Tourism Moment: Morgantown’s NCAA baseball buzz is peaking after WVU’s dramatic 11-9 comeback win over Kentucky to force a deciding game, keeping fans and visitors focused on Kendrick Family Ballpark. Health-Cost Reality Check: A WalletHub report ranks West Virginia among the states spending the most on health care as a share of income (9.14%), a reminder that travel budgets can get squeezed by everyday costs.

WVU Baseball at Home, High Stakes: West Virginia kept its NCAA Morgantown Regional hopes alive with a 10-5 win over Wake Forest, led by Dawson Montesa’s 7.1 innings and a big WVU offense surge, setting up a must-win rematch with Kentucky. Morgantown Regional Drama: Kentucky then beat WVU 11-9 to advance, after a wild game that swung from a 6-0 UK start to WVU comebacks—leaving WVU to face Wake Forest again in the elimination bracket. Local Tourism Watch: West Virginia experts say tourist towns can lose money when businesses close on Sundays, since weekend visitors often spend less when hours aren’t consistent. Wildlife Safety & Travel: New wildlife crossing funding efforts in other states aim to cut animal-vehicle crashes—an issue that matters for West Virginia road trips too. Arts & Culture Stop: Two retired WVU School of Medicine faculty members donated $100,000 to support the WVU Art Museum, backing community art events and future programming. Outdoor Weekend Pick: Scott Ainslie brings the inaugural 2026 Milepost Music concert to Mabry Mill on the Blue Ridge Parkway (June 7).