Nurse Practitioner Opens Free Clinic for Uninsured Residents
Healthcare costs remain a heavy burden in many Appalachian communities, but one nurse practitioner is determined to change that—one patient at a time. Jennifer Hall, a lifelong resident of Coalton, West Virginia, recently opened the Coalton Community Clinic, offering free medical services to uninsured residents.
Mountain Storytelling Circles Keep Appalachian Folklore Alive
In a small community center high in the Smoky Mountains, locals gather each month for a tradition that’s older than any written record: storytelling. From ghost tales to family legends, these storytelling circles preserve the rich oral history of Appalachia.
Retired Miners Find New Purpose Helping Neighbors in Need
In the town of Red Creek, a group of retired coal miners is proving that community spirit never fades. After decades underground, these men and women are now dedicating their time above ground to help neighbors in need. The group, called the Red Creek Helpers, formed two years ago when longtime miner George Ellis realized […]
Summer Bluegrass Festival Brings Music, Food, and Unity to the Valley
This summer, the hills of Appalachia will echo with the sounds of banjos, fiddles, and joyful voices as the annual Bluegrass Festival returns to Pine Valley Park. Organizers are expecting record crowds after several years of smaller events due to the pandemic. “It’s more than music,” says festival coordinator Sarah McKnight. “It’s a chance for […]
Is Renewable Energy Appalachia’s Path Forward or a Threat to Tradition?
Appalachia’s forests have long fueled the regional economy, providing timber for homes and jobs for thousands. But environmental advocates warn that without careful management, these resources—and the ecosystems they support—could be irreversibly damaged. Timber companies say they’re committed to sustainable practices. “We replant more trees than we cut,” insists Mark Simmons, a forestry manager in […]
Preserving Appalachian Dialects: A Fight for Cultural Survival
The Appalachian dialect has long been the musical soundtrack of mountain life. From the hills of Kentucky to the valleys of West Virginia, unique words, phrases, and accents reflect centuries of history. Yet many fear this rich linguistic heritage is vanishing as younger generations trade regional speech for a more neutral “standard” accent. “Our dialects […]
Young Appalachian Voices Demand a Seat at the Political Table
A quiet revolution is brewing among young people in Appalachia. Long dismissed as politically disengaged, many are determined to reshape the narrative and demand a seat at the table where decisions about the region’s future are made. “People always say young folks don’t care,” says Marcus Long, a 26-year-old activist from Charleston, West Virginia. “We […]
Is Appalachian Tourism a Blessing or a Burden? Locals Share Mixed Views
Tourism has become a booming industry across Appalachia, bringing new money and attention to towns once overlooked. Festivals, hiking trails, and scenic vistas are drawing crowds from across the country. But while the economic boost is welcome, locals are divided over whether tourism is a true blessing or simply a burden in disguise. “I love […]
Severe Storms Knock Out Power Across Appalachian Region
Power crews are working around the clock after powerful thunderstorms swept through the region late Tuesday night, leaving thousands of Appalachian residents without electricity. High winds exceeding 60 mph brought down trees and power lines across multiple counties, including Greenbrier,… You must be logged in to view this content
Volunteers Rally to Clean Up Riverbanks for Appalachian Earth Day
In celebration of Earth Day, over 60 volunteers gathered early Saturday morning to remove litter and debris along the Elk River in Nicholas County. Organized by the Elk River Watershed Association, the cleanup covered nearly three miles of riverbank stretching from Craigsville to Birch River. Volunteers collected nearly 1.5 tons of trash, including tires, plastic […]