EJ Henderson After The Flood And “Little Seed,” Inside Appalachia
Nov 11, 2024
After Helene, an Asheville guitar maker grapples with how to help her neighborhood when there’s so much need.
A church in West Virginia is helping turn unwanted guns into garden tools.
And, for writer Wei Tchou, it took leaving her home in East Tennessee to start seeing herself in a new way.
In This Episode
Catching Up With Luthier Jayne Henderson After The Flood
Gun And Garden
A Study Of Identity And Ferns In “Little Seed”
Catching Up With Luthier Jayne Henderson After The Flood
Elizabeth ‘Jayne’ Henderson in her workshop in Asheville, North Carolina before Hurricane Helene. Credit: Janie Witte
Earlier this year, we visited the workshop of renowned guitar-maker Wayne Henderson, for a story about him and his daughter, Jayne Henderson.
Jayne lives in Asheville, North Carolina, and Wayne lives in Rugby, Virginia. Both places were wrecked by Hurricane Helene. Folkways reporter Margaret McLeod Leef caught up with Jayne in the days following the storm.
Gun And Garden
Outside the Shepherdstown Fire Department, Craig Snyder runs a firearm through a power tool, dismantling it. Photo Jack Walker.
Sometimes when people die, they leave behind guns, and their relatives don’t always know what to do with them. So a church in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle is providing a way to dispose of old firearms - and find new uses for them. WVPB’s Jack Walker reported.
A Study Of Identity And Ferns In “Little Seed”
Author Wei Tchou explores nature and personal identity in her book, "Little Seed." Courtesy photo.
The book “Little Seed” by Wei Tchou (CHEW) is a hybrid of nature writing and memoir. Tchou’s parents migrated from China and raised her in eastern Tennessee. The book’s chapters alternate between stories of her passage into adulthood, and descriptions of ferns and closely related plants. Mason Adams spoke with Tchou several weeks before Hurricane Helene.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Amethyst Kiah, Wayne Henderson, Jane Kramer, Gerry Milnes, Steve Earle, John Blissard and Blue Dot Sessions.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. You can find us on Instagram @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Cooking Up Aid For Helene Recovery And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Nov 08, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginians have played a significant role in hurricane recovery efforts in North Carolina – but usually that means heading to the sight of destruction. Last week, a Mountain State native now based in Asheville returned to his childhood roots, where he found more than a little help from his friends.
And our Song of the Week comes from this week’s premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage from the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia. Will Hoge, a singer-songwriter from Tennessee, performs the song “John Prine’s Cadillac.”
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Reimagining Rural Politics, Plus A New Constitutional Amendment, This West Virginia Morning
Nov 07, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Matthew Ferrence did not like what his local representative was saying, so he decided to run against him in 2020. He talked to voters in his Pennsylvania district throughout his campaign, but garnered far too few votes to win office.
Ferrence wrote about the experience in his book “I Hate It Here, Please Vote For Me: Essays On Rural Political Decay.” He spoke with Inside Appalachia's Bill Lynch about the book and whether he would ever run for office again.
Meanwhile, additional results from this year's general election continue to trickle in. Among them, a new constitutional amendment including protections against medically assisted suicide passed by a slim margin, Emily Rice reports.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Election Recap And The End Of The Manchin-Capito Era, This West Virginia Morning
Nov 06, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, another election has ended. West Virginia Public Broadcasting followed major races statewide throughout the evening and reported election results live. Reporters Bri Heaney and Caelan Bailey bring us a wrap-up of some of the major results across the Mountain State.
Also this episode, the election marks the end of an era for West Virginia politics as U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., is soon to depart his seat. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., will become the state's senior senator. Curtis Tate took a look at Manchin and Capito's decade-long partnership at the Capitol.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Party Affiliation In W.Va. And Mason County Growing Pains, This West Virginia Morning
Nov 04, 2024
Tomorrow is Election Day. While West Virginia was once a Democratic stronghold, the Republican Party became the state's most common political affiliation by 2021.
Today, the Republican Party leads the Democratic Party in West Virginia by more than 100,000 members. Reporter Jack Walker asked party leaders and voters in the Eastern Panhandle why they think West Virginia is turning increasingly red.
Plus, with a $3 billion steel plant under construction, Mason County is facing growing pains it’s never before experienced. Workers, housing, road conditions and commercial growth concerns have been thrust upon an area formerly rich with corn, soybean and tobacco fields. Randy Yohe has the story.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Halloween Ends And The Election Approaches, This West Virginia Week
Nov 02, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we wrap up another Halloween season in the Mountain State. We’ll revisit spooky stories, haunted attractions and yearly traditions that made this year’s holiday one to remember.
Plus, the Nov. 5 general election is fast approaching. Our newsroom has talked to candidates for state office, attended a major debate and spoke with early voters. We’ll look back on a week’s worth of election coverage in the countdown to Election Day.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Repurposing Old Sports Gear And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Nov 01, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, most outdoor sporting gear gets thrown away when it wears out. But in western North Carolina, one climber-turned-crafter is giving old equipment a new purpose. Folkways reporter Emily Chen-Newton brings this story.
This week’s premiere episode of Mountain Stage was recorded live at the Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center in Huntington. Nashville banjo artist Kyle Tuttle performed work from his new solo album, “Labor of Lust.” His piece “Hard to Say,” which comes from that album, is our Song of the Week.
Also in this episode, a Democrat running for the West Virginia Senate was left off of one county's early voting ballot. Briana Heaney has the details.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The US Senate Race And A Ghost Story, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 31, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.Va., is not seeking reelection, which means residents are voting on his successor in the Nov. 5 general election. The main-party candidates are Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, and Glenn Elliott, the Democratic former mayor of Wheeling.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting reached out to both Justice and Elliott for interviews. Justice's office did not respond, but Elliott sat down with News Director Eric Douglas in the studio.
A former staff member for Sen. Robert Byrd, D-W.Va., Elliott recognizes he is an underdog for office both politically and geographically. But he told Douglas about his campaign so far, and what he would do if elected.
Plus, you never know where you might run across a ghost — or a good ghost story — in these West Virginia hills. Jim Lange, host of the radio show Eclectopia, spoke to Historic Shepherdstown Commission Museum Committee Chairman John Kavaliunas about a spooky tale from the Eastern Panhandle.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Governor’s Debate And A Spooky Trail, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 30, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia's gubernatorial candidates took the debate stage at Fairmont State University on Tuesday evening. Caelan Bailey was in attendance, and tells us what Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, the Republican candidate, and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, the Democratic candidate, had to say.
Plus, Halloween is fast approaching. To celebrate, West Virginia residents and visitors alike can take part in the state's Paranormal Trail, organized by the West Virginia Department of Tourism.
The trail includes 18 haunted or spooky locations around the state. Briana Heaney stopped by some of the sites and tells us what they have to offer.
Also in this episode, Election Day is Nov. 5, and early voting is ongoing. Briana Heaney went down to Mercer County to talk to voters about the state and local issues important to them.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
An Experiment With Pumpkins, Plus A New Battery Factory, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 29, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, pumpkins are an iconic image of Halloween. As Chris Schulz reports, they are also part of an unconventional learning experience at West Virginia University.
Plus, technology company Sparkz will soon build lithium batteries for energy storage and electric vehicles in Bridgeport, on the site of a shuttered glass factory. Curtis Tate spoke with CEO Sanjiv Malhotra about the batteries and why West Virginia is a good fit for his company.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Gubernatorial Race And A Voter’s Guide, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 28, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the Republican and Democratic candidates for governor, Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and Huntington Mayor Steve Williams, will face off in a televised debate Tuesday evening.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting reached out to both campaigns for an interview. Morrisey’s campaign never scheduled a time to come in. But News Director Eric Douglas sat down with Williams to discuss what he would bring to the governor’s office.
Plus, citizens across the country are preparing to go to the polls in the coming days. But finding information on candidates and ballot issues can be difficult.
Julie Archer, president of the League of Women Voters of West Virginia, spoke to reporter Chris Schulz about resources her organization has created to help voters make more informed choices.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Encore: Spooky Tales And Sci-Fi, Inside Appalachia
Oct 28, 2024
Submitted for your approval, we have a selection of spooky tales for Halloween and beyond.
We have scary stories read by acclaimed sci-fi and horror authors, tales of the supernatural, and we might know someone who says they’ve seen a ghost.
The Return Of The Headless Man And The Murdered Girl
Mike Allen And The Button Bin
Mike Allen is an award-winning science fiction, fantasy and horror writer based in Roanoke, Virginia. Besides writing, Mike also runs Mythic Delirium, a micropress that “specializes in speculative fiction and poetry, with a penchant for writing that’s challenging to classify.”
Mason Adams visited Mike to talk about fantasy and horror and to hear excerpts from one of his stories.
Molly Born And The Spooky Old Tunnel
Spooky stories can be about people, but sometimes they’re just about a place. In Mingo County, West Virginia there’s an old single-lane railroad tunnel that’s become a local legend.
Back in 2018, reporter Molly Born ventured inside the Dingess tunnel to find out what makes it so unsettling.
Ghost Story
Some people are afraid of ghosts. Others want to figure out ways to communicate with them – like Anita Allen, a writer and paranormal investigator in Roanoke.
Mason Adams talked to her about a couple of her ghost encounters.
Another Ghost Story
Haunted places dot Appalachia – moonlit hollers, mist-shrouded cemeteries, and dusty buildings that hold unspoken secrets. Playwright and theater director Dan Kehde knows just such a place in Charleston, West Virginia.
Return Of the Headless Man And The Murdered Girl
James Froemel, an actor and storyteller in Morgantown, West Virginia brought us two stories from Ruth Anne Musick.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by The Animals, Amy Lavere, Jason Isbell, Gerry Milnes, Sierra Ferrel, Southern Culture on the Skids and Red Sovine.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Election Education And A New Way To Surrender Firearms, This West Virginia Week
Oct 26, 2024
On this West Virginia Week we will hear about voter education, rural health care, and this year's fire season.
Jack Walker takes us to an event that gives gun owners a creative way to surrender their firearms.
Plus, we will learn how classrooms are incorporating the election into their curriculum.
Briana Heaney is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Weekis a web-only podcast from West Virginia Public Broadcasting that looks back at the major news of the week. This podcast features rotating hosts and producers from the WVPB Newsroom. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
Check back every Saturday at 8 a.m. to listen to our latest episode and learn what happened this week in West Virginia.
And for daily news, tune in to West Virginia Morning at 7:43 a.m., Monday-Friday on WVPB Radio, through our live stream at wvpublic.org, or tune in through the WVPB mobile app.
Using Elections As A Teaching Tool And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 25, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, presidential elections tend to garner the most attention, and that added excitement provides a unique opportunity to engage students in the classroom with real-world events.
And from this week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage, our Song of the Week comes from Kyshona, a songwriter and powerful vocalist who lends her voice to those who have been silenced and feel forgotten and alone. In this live performance of “Carolina” from her 2024 album LEGACY.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Young Voters Weigh In, And Studying Chemicals From The East Palestine Train Derailment This West Virginia Morning
Oct 24, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, an excerpt from the newest episode of Us & Them takes us to a recent event at Marshall University in Huntington. In the midst of this unpredictable election season, host Trey Kay wanted to talk with students, to hear how this unusual campaign is landing with some of the nation’s youngest voters.
Also, The Allegheny Front out of Pittsburgh looks at a series of studies into the chemicals released from the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment last year.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Us & Them: Next Generation Voters
Oct 24, 2024
For this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay heads to Marshall University to hear from Generation Z voters. In the final weeks of the 2024 Presidential election, young voters share their thoughts on the challenges of political divisions, campaign tactics, and frustrations of whether or not their perspectives are being heard.
The 2024 Presidential election season continues to be a rollercoaster of unpredictable actions, reactions and events and it seems that each week brings big political headlines.
Political campaigns have always had some rough edges, but now, candidates routinely call each other names and some frequently perpetuate outright lies in their speeches and at their rallies. That’s a challenge for many voters, including some of the youngest.
In this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay travels to Marshall University to talk with a new generation of voters. Many Generation Z voters, from 18 to 27 years old, want to get involved. At a recent Us & Them event, they talked about their role in our democratic process, and about the frustrations that come from the compromises our system can require.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, and the CRC Foundation. Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Us & Them host Trey Kay leads a discussion with students at Marshall University. Credit: Julie Blackwood Dr. Marybeth Beller is an Associate Professor in Political Science at Marshall University. She also advises the Cabell County Young Democrats. Credit: Julie Blackwood
“How can you get candidates to respond? Running a campaign now is based on numbers - candidates look at precinct level voter turnout for the previous two elections and if they see high voter turnout then they're going to look at which party predominated and play to that. One of the ways to change this is to get your cohort out to vote. All counties have records of who turned out to voteand while we cannot know how they voted, we can know if they voted. Candidates will pay attention to the voters that they think are more likely to turn out. Every campaign has limited resources and time and money. So if you're voting regularly, people are going to pay attention to you. It's not the way it should be, but it's the way it is.”
— Dr. Marybeth Beller
Dr. Shawn Schulenberg is an Associate Professor in Political Science at Marshall University and serves as Chair of the Faculty Senate. Credit: Julie Blackwood
“The generation that has the least amount of trust in institutions, is the Gen Z era. They are much more skeptical about future oriented issues, especially in the era of sustainability. From most of my conversations and also seeing in the data, there is a thought that none of the institutions are working as they should. We're not getting the results that we should. And therefore, there is some type of breakdown. They're supposed to be solving big problems, but it doesn't seem like we're getting any closer to that.”
— Dr. Shawn Schulenberg
Marshall University students queueing up to ask questions or share a comment about the 2024 Election. Credit: Julie BlackwoodUs & Them host Trey Kay with Marshall University professors Marybeth Beller and Shawn Schulenberg speaking with students about the upcoming election. Credit: Julie BlackwoodCredit: Julie Blackwood
“I do feel a lot of personal frustration when I see a politician just straight lie to my face. I haven't attended a speech or rally, but if I did, I wouldn't be too happy about it. And while I can try to do my best to keep any biases out of my decisions, it's impossible to be completely unbiased. I'm not a big Trump fan and that's because of how many falsehoods he's put out there and stood by - kind of creating this web of lies so much that your voters aren't sure what's true.”
— Gavin Reynolds, Marshall University student
Reagan Clagg, a Political Science major and President of the College Democrats, asked the panel how they feel the media — traditional or social — has motivated young voters. Credit: Julie BlackwoodCredit: Julie Blackwood
“It was very clear for a very long time that President Biden was not a popular candidate for this general election. I think it was a February poll that had even 71 percent of Democrats didn't want him as their candidate. And as that kept being ignored and ignored, I felt very disrespected and ignored by the party. So, while I'm not a huge Harris booster — although I'm very impressed with what I've seen so far — just the fact that they made any change at all in the candidate, I think has motivated a lot of people. They think that the party has listened to them, has listened to the American people in some regard.”
— Logan Stickler, Marshall University student
Credit: Julie Blackwood
“What makes you think that politicians don't come and speak to us like you're speaking to us right now? [Politicians] make claims about climate activism and violence. Show me what you're gonna do to fix it. Like, what makes you think politicians won't come and speak to us like you all are right now?”
— Marshall University student
Credit: Julie Blackwood
“When you're looking for what's motivating young voters, I would look towards activism and issues they're passionate about, and this is just one example. But one significant form of activism we've seen in the past year driven by youth is protests surrounding the U. S. government and institutions support of Israel's genocide in Palestine, but neither major political party seems to be listening. What should young voters be doing? Do you think this might be pushing voters toward third parties? We must demand candidates address the issues we care about, but what does that look like?
— Olivia Andrew-Vaughan, Marshall University student
This Marshall student asked the panel what drives shifts in which party platforms win elections. He referenced Obama’s 2012 win, Trump’s victory in 2016, and Biden’s success in 2020, asking whether changes in voter perspectives, platforms, or key issues influenced the outcomes, and how the panel sees this evolving in the future. Credit: Julie Blackwood Credit: Julie Blackwood
Quinlin Sollars: You keep on talking about the age demographic, I believe 18 to 24 I believe. I'm 22 on the older end of that,and I believe this will be my sixth election I'll be voting in. But my question is … how do you think the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United has undermined trust in our institutions and specifically for my generation which came of age politically entirely in a post Citizens United era?
Trey Kay: Can you explain to me what a person 22-years-old knows about Citizens United? Why does it matter to you?
Quinlin Sollars: It matters to me because a lot of the very wealthy people and very large industrial companies might donate to both political sides because they want a certain policy. And that way they win either way when it comes down because they're like, “Well, if we stay in West Virginia, Democrats most likely not going to win this state.” So if you're a Google, you might be supportin a Democrat in California. But you're also going to support a Republican in West Virginia, because that's who's going to end up in power, and that's who's going to regulate you in that state. So, they're sort of playing both sides. And it makes it hard to trust a candidate when they're taking money from a company that really doesn't care about your issue or anything like that. They're supporting both sides, and they're sort of playing the long games to the point where your voice doesn't matter in the end.
Credit: Julie Blackwood
“I’ve noticed that in both myself and my peers, like people in the general age range, they have issues, but they don't really know how to get involved. And if they do get involved, it's very simple. It's like voting, and that's pretty much all where it ends. And I'm thinking, like, is there any way for people to feel more empowered in, you know, issues, government, media, uh, anything like that?”
— Marshall University student
Election Coverage From Students And Regional Tobacco Production Declines, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 23, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Marshall University’s campus TV studio will be the election day hub for a nationwide broadcasting network of collegiate perspectives on the presidential race and issues facing many first-time voters.
Also, the tobacco industry is still feeling the impacts of a reform signed into law by former President George W. Bush. Lily Burris with WKMS reports that in Kentucky - where there were once well over 100,000 farms growing the crop - now there’s just under a thousand.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Gardening With Guns And A Need For Affordable Healthcare This West Virginia Morning
Oct 22, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, firearm deaths in the United States hit a 40-year high in 2021. Jack Walker reports on one church in the Eastern Panhandle that provides a creative way out of gun ownership.
Also, Maria Young reports that more than 500 people in need of medical care showed up for free treatment Saturday at West Virginia HealthRight's first ever WeCare WV day.
We also have stories on early voting, whooping cough and microcredentialing.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Working To Graduate Debt-Free At Marshall And Hiking West Virginia’s Longest Trail, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 21, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Marshall University's “Marshall For All’ project allows participating students to complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree without accruing any debt. Randy Yohe spoke with Marshall For All Project Director Jennnifer Jimison on how the program works, even as America's student loan debt percentage continues to soar.
Also, fire season came early for New River Gorge Park in September, with the Beury Mountain fire. Caelan Bailey reports on how firefighters prepare, contain, and coordinate fire response.
And Hurricane Helene closed much of the southern Appalachian Trail. Allegheny Trail Coordinator Marissa Bennett wants hikers to know they can find alternatives in West Virginia. She spoke to reporter Jack Walker about efforts to reach more hikers and volunteers.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Mine Wars For Young Adults, Faith After A Flood And Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler
Oct 21, 2024
Textbooks have long left out an important piece of labor history that happened here in the mountains. Now, a new young adult book fills in some of what might have been missed about the Mine Wars.
Also, when flooding devastates a community, people can find solace through faith and through song.
And we remember songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler, who passed away last month. Dozens of musicians have covered his songs including Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash and June Carter and Elvis Presley.
In This Episode
Recalling The Mine Wars For A New Generation
A Family Guitar Brings Peace After A Flood
A Bicentennial Celebration in Fleming County, Kentucky
Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler
Recalling The Mine Wars For A New Generation
Author Steve Watkins wants labor history to be remembered. Courtesy photo
For generations, that history of the Mine Wars in the early part of the 20th century was scarcely mentioned in schools.
The author of a new book hopes to bring the story to today’s young readers. Mason Adams spoke with Steve Watkins, author of “The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers' Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields.”
A Family Guitar Brings Peace After A Flood
Derenia Dunbar (left) stands with parents Ruby (middle) and James Boggs (right) in front of their family home in Millstone, Kentucky. James holds the guitar that was mostly untouched by the floodwaters that filled their house on July 28, 2022. Photo Nicole Musgrave
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, we’re reminded that when disaster strikes, people in Appalachia step up to help their neighbors. In the summer of 2022, floods devastated parts of eastern Kentucky. At the time, Folkways editor Nicole Musgrave brought us a story about the Boggs family, who told her about the joy that comes from the soothing music of an old family guitar.
A Bicentennial Celebration in Fleming County, Kentucky
A church in Fleming County, Kentucky celebrated its 200th anniversary recently. Photo Samantha Morrill
In Fleming County, Kentucky, there’s an old, covered bridge that’s been a popular tourist destination for decades. The Goddard covered bridge was built in the late 1800s, then moved in 1933. It extends over Sand Lick Creek, where the road leads to an old country church. That church celebrated its bicentennial in September.
Samantha Morrill at WMKY, Morehead State Public Radio, visited the church.
Remembering Billy Edd Wheeler
Songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler wrote memorable tunes and was a character. Courtesy photo
Singer/songwriter Billy Edd Wheeler died in September at the age of 91. The West Virginia native and long-time North Carolina resident was best known for writing songs like “Jackson,” which won a Grammy for Johnny Cash and June Carter. He also wrote “Coward of the County,” which was a hit for Kenny Rogers, and “It’s Midnight,” which Elvis Presley recorded. Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce was a friend and fan of Wheeler’s. Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Groce about Wheeler’s legacy.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by James Boggs, Amethyst Kiah, Caleb Caudle, John Blissard, Paul Loomis, Chris Knight, Johnny Cash and June Carter, and Billy Edd Wheeler.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Jennifer Goren. You can find us on Instagram @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
First Time Voters, Surfing W.Va. And Exploring Identity Through Pins, This West Virginia Week
Oct 19, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we hear from first time voters at Marshall University about what matters to them leading up to this year’s election.
Briana Heaney will tell us about a unique way some people are enjoying the Gauley River’s whitewater rapids.
Plus, we’ll hear about an artistic expression of identity at Shepherd University, and what could become the state’s latest public charter school in Morgantown.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Randy Yohe and Maria Young.
The Mine Wars Come Alive For Young Readers And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 18, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Mason Adams spoke with young adult author Steve Watkins for Inside Appalachia about his new book “The Mine Wars: The Bloody Fight for Workers’ Rights in the West Virginia Coalfields." Watkins hopes to bring the story of the struggle to unionize coal mines to today’s young readers.
Also, this week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded in the intimate historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. Our Song of the Week “Dear Louisiana” comes from the talented singer-songwriter and daughter of Levon Helm, Amy Helm.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Hearing From Young Voters And Writing About West Virginia This West Virginia Morning
Oct 17, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, as the general election approaches, polling analysts continue to break down the demographics of voters who might turn the tide in a razor close presidential race. Randy Yohe offers some 2024 election questions for several Marshall University students that will be voting in their first general election.
Also, author Joy Callaway isn’t a West Virginia native, but the state has figured into her writing. Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch spoke with Callaway about West Virginia and her latest book, “What The Mountains Remember”.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Applying For A School Charter And Exploring Identity With Pins, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 16, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, undergrads at Shepherd University say a school’s culture determines whether they feel comfortable exploring their identity. Jack Walker reports on students' visual representations of their LGBTQ experience on campus.
Also, the only organization currently pursuing approval for a charter school in the state held a public forum in Morgantown last week. Chris Schulz reports on what could be the newest charter school in West Virginia.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Surfing In The Mountain State And Supporting Artists In Writing Groups, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 15, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia is becoming a fall destination for surfing. The fall’s Gauley River rafting season is in full swing, and Briana Heaney talked to some landlocked surfers.
Also, Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch recently spoke with When North Carolina poet Clint Bowman about his new book, “If Lost”, forming poetry groups and encourage others.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Frank X. Walker And Flood Stories Past And Present, Inside Appalachia
Oct 14, 2024
This week, Affrilachian poet Frank X. Walker has a new collection of poetry that looks at Black life in Kentucky before, during, and after the Civil War.
We also check in with the people affected by flooding in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee.
A new collection of essays and poems remembers the 2022 flood in Eastern Kentucky witnessed by writers trapped at the Appalachian Writers Workshop.
And bird watching only sounds relaxing. Sometimes, it can get a little wild.
In This Episode
Frank X. Walker Explores The Civil War
Witnessing The Historic Flooding Of East Kentucky
The Historic Flooding in Western North Carolina and Tennessee
Endangered Birds of Appalachia
Frank X. Walker Explores The Civil War
Poet Frank X. Walker returns with his latest collection "Load In Nine Times."
Courtesy
Kentucky poet Frank X. Walker co-founded the Affrilachian Poets Collective to challenge the idea that Appalachian identity is defined by whiteness. He’s published several collections and now has a new book, “Load in Nine Times.” Mason Adams spoke with him.
The Historic Flooding In Western North Carolina And Tennessee
Flooding caused by Hurricane Helene has devastated communities across western North Carolina and east Tennessee. Courtesy Blue Ridge Public Radio
Hurricane Helene left many without water, power or cell service in western North Carolina and east Tennessee. We heard reports from Gerard Albert III at Blue Ridge Public Radio and Riley Thompson at WUOT about communities struggling and coming together in the aftermath of the flood.
Witnessing The Historic Flooding Of East Kentucky
"Troublesome Rising" features writers who witnessed the 2022 flooding in Eastern Kentucky first-hand.
Courtesy photo
Flooding is not uncommon in Appalachia. In 2022, parts of Eastern Kentucky were also ravaged. Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, an author from the Qualla Boundary, the territory of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina was at the Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in Hindman, Kentucky, when it was struck by the thousand-year flood. Her writing is included in the new anthology, “Troublesome Rising,” which compiles poetry and stories from writers who witnessed the flood.
B-P-R and Grist climate reporter Katie Myers spoke with Clapsaddle about flooding in the mountains.
Endangered Birds of Appalachia
Photographer and author Matt Williams hopes people who love watching birds can be encouraged to take a more active role in conservation.
Courtesy photo
Nature photographer Matt Williams hopes a passion for bird watching might lead people to conservation. He’s published three books of photographing wildlife, including his latest — “Endangered and Disappearing Birds of Appalachia and the Southeast.” Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Williams about the book.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Amethyst Kiah, Larry Rader, Jeff Ellis, John Blissard, Sierra Ferrell and Blue Dot Sessions.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Jennifer Goren. You can find us on Instagram @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
A Special Session Wrap, The Greenbrier Auction Block and Skateboarding DIY Style, This West Virginia Week
Oct 12, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we start with the yays and nays of the legislature’s second special session of the year.
Reporter Briana Heaney will also tell us about the on-again-off-again sale of the Greenbrier Resort.
Plus, we’ll hear about do-it-yourself skate parks… and the search for a permanent place for kick flips, knee slides and all your skateboarding thrills.
Maria Young is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Randy Yohe and Maria Young.
Endangered Birds And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 11, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, nature photographer and conservationist Matt Williams has a passion for birds. His latest book is “Endangered and Disappearing Birds of Appalachia and the Southeast.” Bill Lynch spoke with Williams about the book and helping the bird population.
Also in this episode, Mountain Stage hosted two shows at The Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee this week. Our song of the week comes from the performance of Judith Owen, a Welsh singer-songwriter and self-described "drama queen."
Owen and her band called the "Gentlemen Callers" performed the cult classic song "I Put A Spell On You," originally recorded in 1956 by "Screamin' Jay" Hawkins.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Maria Young produced this episode. Teresa Wills is our host.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Youth Football Lawsuit And Rural Appalachians On Solar, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 10, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, sports can unite teammates from all different backgrounds. But in the next episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at one way sports can drive us apart.
Allegations of discrimination in youth football were raised by a West Virginia lawsuit, highlighting questions about who is allowed to play. Kay spoke with Olobunmi Kusimo Fraser, a lawyer who handled the case, in the latest episode of Us & Them: “Is The Playing Field Fair?”
Also in this episode, new research is examining how rural Appalachians feel about the usage of their land for solar energy. The Allegheny Front, a Pittsburgh-based public radio program that reports on environmental issues in the region, brings us this story.
Plus, the West Virginia Legislature adjourned this year's second special session Tuesday evening. Reporters Briana Heaney and Caelan Bailey recap what happened at the Capitol.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Coal’s Use Beyond Energy And Special Session Updates, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 09, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Pennsylvania-based Consol Energy announced it would merge with St. Louis-based Arch Resources to form Core Natural Resources. The combined company won’t just produce coal for generating electricity or making steel. Curtis Tate spoke with Dan Connell, senior vice president for Consol Energy , about what else coal can do.
And reporters Briana Heaney and Caelan Bailey have the latest from the West Virginia Legislature's second special session of the year, including another cut to the state's income tax and an embattled child tax care credit.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Us & Them: Is The Playing Field Fair?
Oct 09, 2024
Sports in America often sit at the crossroads of social, cultural, and racial debates. From controversial referee calls to athletes taking a knee during the national anthem, the conversation extends from little league to the pros. In this episode, we explore how sports and race intersect in a Kanawha County youth football league.
We love our sports in America.
From little league to professional competition, athletic teams can bring us together. However sports can also spotlight some of our most pointed social, culture and racial debates. Mascot names drive a wedge between fans. Some athletes choose to display their opinions about political candidates or police violence.
In this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay looks at the intersection of race and sports. Lawsuits over youth football in West Virginia have highlighted questions between teams and leagues over who’s allowed to play and whether young Black and brown athletes face discrimination. While some parents accuse the youth leagues of foul play, the leagues say some parents are simply not following the rules.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council, the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation, and the Daywood Foundation.
Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Coach Rayshawn Hall speaks to his Charleston Cougars football team at the end of a practice on a hot Saturday morning in August.
The Charleston Cougars football team is not allowed to play in their local league in Kanawha County, West Virginia. To compete, they must travel over an hour to face teams in Parkersburg or even Ohio. Coach Rayshawn Hall explains that the travel is a financial strain for some parents and a challenge for others who need to take time off work. When Us & Them host Trey Kay asked Hall how it feels not being able to play locally, he responded, "Weird. It doesn’t feel right. It doesn’t feel like home. Even when we have home games, it doesn’t feel the same. Nothing feels the same."
Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier is an attorney based in Charleston, West Virginia. Photo courtesy of Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier
In the fall of 2013, Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier was asked to represent a youth football team from the West Side of Charleston, W.Va. that had been barred from a Kanawha County football league in West Virginia. The team, part of a club league not governed by a school system or any single authority, had nowhere to play that season. Each league has its own bylaws and requirements, often run by parent volunteers, which can lead to inconsistencies and confusion when new teams join. It also opens the door to potential unfair practices.
Kusimo-Frazier said all the teams were originally part of one league, but when that league disbanded and formed a new one, existing teams were invited to reapply for membership. However, some teams were not accepted, including those with a high concentration of African-American and mixed-race players. To Kusimo-Frazier and the affected teams, the exclusion appeared racially motivated.
She filed a civil rights lawsuit to allow the excluded teams to play. The suit, against the Kanawha County Board of Education, sought to prevent the league from using school property for games unless all teams—representing all citizens—were allowed to participate. Kusimo-Frazier noted that while private clubs can discriminate against non-members on private property, an organization cannot enforce discriminatory practices on public property.
The case was settled without an evidentiary hearing, but Kusimo-Frazier said she felt confident in the legal theory of her case.
But why were these teams excluded in the first place?
Kusimo-Frazier recalled that many around the league didn’t like how certain parents behaved during games.
“They didn’t like the way the parents acted. They felt the parents were sometimes vulgar,” she said. “This is a Sunday morning, and they didn’t want to deal with rowdy parents. They wanted a more congenial atmosphere, with good sportsmanship. They didn’t like that the coaches would curse in front of the children.”
However, she believes there was another factor. The excluded teams had a history of success on the field.
“When you look at who was winning championships before the league was restructured, it was [the excluded teams]—year after year. I think they got tired of it.”
Trent Redman, a lawyer and youth football coach, has a son who has been playing in the league since 2021, starting at age 6. Photo courtesy of Trent Redman
Redman, who is Black, has a mixed-race son who has played youth football for three years. He says he's seen situations similar to the 2013 lawsuit brought by Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier, although some issues are more about leadership than race.
"There are so many layers to this onion," Redman says. "The most recent issue wasn't about color—it was about leadership. People were upset because we were winning by 40 points with a team of talented kids from across the city. After we went undefeated, there were suddenly issues with the paperwork, and the majority-Black team was disqualified."
The "books" Redman refers to are the paperwork each player must have, such as a birth certificate, medical clearance, and proof of address. A player must have a waiver to join a team outside their zone. After his team’s undefeated season, the league cited problems with some players’ paperwork.
"We went to court and got permission to play in the playoffs, but it didn’t work out for us. After the court hearing, teams left to join a different league, and the league basically dissolved. The following year, we won the championship again, but they disqualified us because a player had participated in middle school football," Redman says.
Because of the rules violation on one team, all three of Redman’s teams were disqualified. His wife, Tiffany Davis Redman, also a lawyer, filed an injunction, allowing the other teams to continue playing.
Attorney Olubunmi Kusimo-Frazier reflected on the disqualifications, comparing them to voter suppression tactics.
"It feels like a poll tax—like keeping the wrong people from voting," Kusimo-Frazier says. "Instead of educating and helping people follow the rules, they make it exclusive. Why kick people out instead of guiding them to do it right?"
Justin Knapp, a volunteer coach for South Hills Football Club, has a son who has played youth football for three years. Photo courtesy of Justin Knapp
Knapp, who is white, says his team is about 90% white this year. He explains that players must get a waiver to switch teams, including kids from travel leagues whose seasons end in the middle of the youth football season.
In 2021, before Knapp became a coach, South Hills allowed several travel team players to join midseason, which led to them dominating other teams. This upset parents, prompting league presidents to agree on stricter rules for waivers and transfers.
When the next season began, several players from South Hills wanted to transfer to the Charleston Cougars but were denied due to the timing. The decision caused outrage, leading to racial accusations against the South Hills president and threats that escalated to police involvement.
Knapp insists the issue wasn’t racial but a matter of following rules. “It wasn’t about race—it came down to rules,” Knapp said, explaining that travel teams have both Black and white players. “But on social media, it turned into a racial issue.”
To avoid conflict, South Hills canceled a game against Charleston, and later, the team withdrew from the playoffs. The controversy contributed to South Hills’ decision to leave the league, as they believed other teams weren’t adhering to the agreed-upon rules.
Knapp acknowledges the inconsistency in leadership year over year, as new board members and coaches take over when others leave. Despite this, he says many coaches and volunteers go out of their way to support the kids, even buying equipment or helping them with schoolwork.
At the end of the day, Knapp, like Trent Redman, says that every time something like this happens, teams leave the league—and it's the kids who lose out.
Coach Rayshawn Hall of Charleston Cougars football team on a field at the North Charleston Recreation Center in Charleston, W.Va. Credit: Trey Kay
Rayshawn Hall has played football since he was 5 years old and believes in the value of bringing kids from different backgrounds together through sports.
"I met a lot of people through playing sports, even some of my best friends, whether they were white or Black," Hall said. "It didn’t matter. Once we came together, it was like a brotherhood. I don’t know what they did outside of sports, but when we were together, that’s all that mattered."
Record-Keeping And Democracy, Plus Billy Edd Wheeler’s Legacy, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 08, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, record-keeping might sound dull, but it’s an important part of maintaining a sense of culture and place. As Chris Schulz reports, a recent visit from a federal record-keeper to West Virginia emphasized the importance of records in maintaining our democracy.
Plus, West Virginia Music Hall of Famer Billy Edd Wheeler died last month at the age of 91. The Boone County native was a singer, author and a playwright, but was best known for writing songs like “Jackson,” which won a Grammy for Johnny and June Carter Cash, “Coward of the County,” a hit for Kenny Rogers, and “It’s Midnight,” which was recorded by Elvis Presley. There were many others.
Mountain Stage co-creator Larry Groce was a friend and fan of Wheeler’s. Bill Lynch talked to Groce about Wheeler’s legacy and getting to know him.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A DIY Skatepark, Plus Disability Justice During Hazardous Spills, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 07, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, there’s no public skatepark in Martinsburg, so locals spent a decade building one from scratch. And they’re not alone: Skaters nationwide are adding ramps and rails to abandoned lots, calling them DIY skateparks.
Reporter Jack Walker visited the “do-it-yourself” park in Martinsburg. He talked to skaters about the spot, plus a push for something permanent.
Plus, how do government and emergency response agencies make sure people with disabilities are safe during chemical or oil spills? We hear from The Allegheny Front, a Pittsburgh-based public radio program focused on environmental issues in the region.
Also in this episode, we dive into the latest from the West Virginia Legislature's interim session following several committee meetings Sunday.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Eric Douglas produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Hurricane Helene Comes To The Mountains, Inside Appalachia
Oct 07, 2024
Hurricane Helene dumped nearly 30 inches of rain in parts of western North Carolina and east Tennessee. Communities are reeling from the devastation. We check-in with Lilly Knoepp at Blue Ridge Public Radio in western North Carolina.
Also, a new book illustrates the tiny worlds of mountain critters, like a lizard that changes color.
AndWhite potters co-opted the African art of face jugs in the 1800s. A modern-day Black potter says his art can’t be replicated.
In This Episode
Hurricane Helene Hits Appalachia
Rosalie Haizlett Explores “Tiny Worlds”
Reclaiming An African Art
Hurricane Helene Hits Appalachia
Hurricane Helene brought flooding through Appalachia, including southwestern Virginia. Photo by Roxy Todd
As we were working on this week’s show, Hurricane Helene hit the Southeast. The storm washed away roads and bridges, knocked out power and cell service and left a trail of devastation. Many people are still missing, and the number of confirmed dead continues to rise. Mason Adams spoke with Blue Ridge Public Radio reporter Lilly Knoepp, who lives in western North Carolina, near where the storm caused the most damage.
Helene also rocked southwestern Virginia. Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd reported.
Rosalie Haizlett Explores “Tiny Worlds”
"Tiny Worlds" is a menagerie of little critters found in the Appalachian Mountains. Photo by Rosalie Haizlett
In 2022, nature artist Rosalie Haizlett set out on a trip to illustrate some of the tiny “critters” of the Appalachian mountains. Her illustrations became “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains, an Artist’s journey.” Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Haizlett about the book.
Reclaiming An African Art
African Face Jugs came to America through Slavery. Artist Jim McDowell uses the art form to speak about the African American experience. Courtesy
You’ve probably seen pottery with a face on it.
There are lots of examples of face-shaped vessels out there — from cheap souvenir shop knick-knacks to museum-quality pieces that can sell for millions of dollars.
Some are connected to African Face Jugs, an artform made by enslaved people in the deep South in the mid-1800s.
In 2023, Folkways reporter Zack Harold traced the story of Face Jugs, beginning in the basement pottery studio of West Virginia artist Ed Klimek.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Dinosaur Burps, Sierra Ferrell, Sean Watkins, Joe Dobbs and the 1937 Flood, Paul Loomis, Blue Dot Sessions
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
A Second Special Session, Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath and Repurposed Power Plants, This West Virginia Week
Oct 05, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we start with the legislature’s second special session of the year. The Governor’s original call for this special session prioritized childcare tax credits and cutting the income tax by 5 percent, but once lawmakers gaveled in, discussions quickly devolved.
Statehouse Reporter, Caelan Bailey will tell us about one measure on nuclear regulations that passed with the smallest margin of 73 yeas out of 91 votes cast.
Plus, we’ll hear about the devastation in the southeast from Hurricane Helene and how West Virginia’s National Guard will help recovery efforts.
Also, a ballot amendment could decide the fate of medically assisted suicide in West Virginia this November, a possible transition from coal power to natural gas and a community pushes back against a new city ordinance.
Emily Rice is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Randy Yohe and Maria Young.
Illustrating Appalachia’s Wildlife And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 04, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, nature artist Rosalie Haizlett set out to illustrate some of the birds, reptiles and animals hiding away in the Appalachian Mountains.
Those illustrations became the new book, “Tiny Worlds of the Appalachian Mountains, an Artist’s Journey.” Inside Appalachia’s Bill Lynch recently spoke with Haizlett about the experience.
Also in this episode, we have our Song of the Week from singer, songwriter, poet, and Grammy winner Carrie Newcomer.
She performs “Take More Time, Cover Less Ground” from her 2023 album, A Great Wild Mercy. In the liner note for the song, Carrie states she was inspired by a quote from the contemplative Trappist monk, Thomas Merton, who lived in Kentucky.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director, and he produced this episode. Teresa Wills is our host.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Assisted Suicide On The Ballot And State Senate Candidates Debate, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 03, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia voters will decide on the ballot in November whether or not to change the state’s constitution to prohibit medically assisted suicide.
And a contested race for state Senate brought two candidates to the debate stage in Shepherd Tuesday evening.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Fighting An Urban Camping Ban And Living With Road Work, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 02, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Morgantown’s City Council passed a camping ban aimed at addressing homelessness in the city. Community members have vowed to oppose the ban and that opposition has coalesced into a formal petition to repeal the ban.
Also, road construction challenges around the state are not confined to the interstates. In Huntington, a nearly two-year upgrade to one of the city's main traffic arteries is nearing completion. But some are concerned that the traffic element of the upgrade will remain a challenge.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Switching From Coal To Gas And The Legislature’s Second Special Session, This West Virginia Morning
Oct 01, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Appalachian Power is at least considering a conversion of two West Virginia power plants from coal to natural gas. The region produces a large amount of natural gas, which has become the preferred fuel for generating electricity nationwide and in the states surrounding West Virginia.
Also, the West Virginia legislature convened for its second special session of the year Monday to focus on supplemental appropriations, as well as proposed tax cuts.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Student Mental Health Resources And West Virginia’s Poet Laureate, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 30, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, students and their parents across West Virgnia can now access free online mental health resources. That's after a pilot program in five counties via a partnership between the West Virginia’s Department of Education and the Cook Center for Human Connection so impressed education officials was expanded to all of West Virginia’s 55 counties in May.
Also, Ohio County author Marc Harshman has spent decades writing poetry and children’s books and has served as West Virginia’s state poet laureate since 2012. This year, Harshman was recognized by Shepherd University as the 2024 Appalachian Heritage Writer-in-Residence. He sat down with reporter Jack Walker to discuss his work and Appalachian literature
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Encore: Remembering Travis Stimeling And The Age Of Deer
Sep 30, 2024
Inside Appalachia remembers Travis Stimeling. The author, musician and educator left a deep mark on Appalachian culture, and the people who practice and document it.
And, grab your dancing shoes and learn about a movement to make square dance calling more inclusive.
Plus, it’s not just you. There are more deer than ever these days. A writer explores the long, complicated entwinement of people and our wild kin.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
Remembering Travis Stimeling, A Musician, Scholar And Mentor
Travis Stimeling, a WVU professor and noted scholar of traditional Appalachian music, died in their home on Nov. 14, 2023. Photo Credit: Ellen Linscheid
Travis Stimeling carried the torch for bluegrass and traditional music in Appalachia.
It was a shock when the author, musician and West Virginia University (WVU) professor died abruptly in November at the age of 43. News of their passing prompted an outpouring of remembrances from colleagues, former students and friends.
Some shared their stories with Folkways Reporter Zack Harold, who brought us this remembrance.
Traditional Dance Callers Updating For Inclusivity
A multigenerational group of dancers follows Becky Hill’s calling at the Augusta Heritage Center in July 2023. Photo Credit: Lydia Warren/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
The use of they/them pronouns signals more than a change in language; it’s also a cultural change that allows for people to be identified as they see themselves. And, it’s happening even in the region’s dance halls.
Folkways Reporter Lydia Warren brought us the story.
The Age Of Deer
Erika Howsare explores our relationship to deer, which has been long and complicated.
Courtesy photo
Few animals are as polarizing as the white tail deer. They’re graceful and majestic — and kind of cool to see up close. But they can also ravage gardens, and drivers hit countless deer every year.
Yet, there seem to be more deer than ever.
Erika Howsare is the author of The Age of Deer: Trouble and Kinship with Our Wild Neighbors.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Howsare.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Amythyst Kiah, Watchhouse, John Blissard, Yonder Mountain String Band and Larry Rader.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Acting Anecdotes, Declining Overdoses And Child Care Chaos, This West Virginia Week
Sep 28, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we look back at the life of renowned actor James Earl Jones, who died this month at age 93. Jones was a cast member in the 1987 John Sayles film “Matewan,” shot in Thurmond, West Virginia.
Reporter Curtis Tate spoke to David Wohl, who invited Jones to speak to his acting class at West Virginia State University decades before his passing.
Plus, we’ll hear some good news about the overdose rate from public health issues, concerns over how to address a growing child care crisis and the latest on keeping students focused in the classroom.
In this episode, we also travel 110 years into the past, where a murder, payroll robbery and posse chase played out in one weekend in the hills of Mingo County.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting debuted an original radio play entitled “The Last Train to Glen Alum” this week. The story relives the century-old caper through the contemporary writing of News Director Eric Douglas.
Douglas sat down with historian Stan Bumgardner to discuss the dramatic moment in West Virginia history. You can learn more about the play at this link.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Randy Yohe and Maria Young.
‘The Last Train To Glen Alum’ And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 27, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, we travel 110 years into the past, where a murder, payroll robbery and posse chase played out in one weekend in the hills of Mingo County.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting will debut an original radio play on local stations Friday at 8 p.m. Entitled “The Last Train to Glen Alum,” the story relives the century-old caper through the contemporary writing of News Director Eric Douglas.
Douglas sat down with historian Stan Bumgardner to discuss the dramatic moment in West Virginia history.
Also in this episode, we hear from this week's premiere broadcast of Mountain Stage, held at the historic Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg.
Mississippi native Paul Thorn has performed on Mountain Stage more than 10 times, and stopped by Harrison County for another show. Before becoming a singer-songwriter, Thorn was a professional boxer, and his forthcoming album “Life Is Just A Vapor” packs a punch. Our song of the week is a track off that album with the same name.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Child Care Crisis And Banned Book Week, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 26, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, estimates suggest one-third of West Virginia children are not receiving sufficient child care. Gov. Jim Justice is calling lawmakers to Charleston on Monday for a special session where child care will be a main topic of discussion.
Briana Heaney visited the Capitol and spoke to child care providers to learn more about the state's growing crisis.
Meanwhile, we're in the middle of Banned Book Week, an annual campaign that raises awareness about efforts to remove books from libraries and schools. Reporter Caelan Bailey tells us how restrictions on book access have affected West Virginia.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Us & Them: Pre-Election Politics & Food For Thought
Sep 25, 2024
It’s election season, and Us & Them is back at the dinner party table for a potluck gathering. With just weeks until the election, our guests have a lot on their minds as they consider their votes. The group discusses some of the year’s biggest stories shaping this campaign—the candidate debates, recent assassination attempts, trust in elections, campus carry laws, gun rights, and what West Virginia might look like without U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin.
Us & Them host Trey Kay invites us all back for a new dinner party episode bringing together a wide-ranging group of people for food and conversation. Kay has used this gathering as a forum to break bread with folks who hold vastly different beliefs.
The topics are varied… trust in elections - campus carry and gun rights - party conventions and candidate debates - and U.S. Sen. Joe Manchin’s (D-WV) legacy. We began this dinner party tradition in 2020 and have continued it through the turbulent times since then.
While election season can make it difficult to come together with people who disagree, Kay’s guests offer a fresh perspective and share their reactions to some of the biggest stories of the year shaping this election season.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the West Virginia Humanities Council and the CRC Foundation.Subscribe to Us & Them on Apple Podcasts, NPR One, RadioPublic, Spotify, Stitcher and beyond.
Trey’s mom Kathy Kay carefully and lovingly sets the table for this year’s Us & Them Pre-Election Dinner Party. Credit: Us & Them team
In the fall of 2020, during the pandemic and the run-up to the presidential election, the Us & Them team hosted a virtual dinner party that brought together a diverse group of West Virginians. The episode created from that event earned a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award, inspiring the continuation of the tradition. Once the pandemic subsided, the Dinner Party Crew began meeting in person for potluck dinners and thoughtful conversations at the home of host Trey Kay’s mother in Charleston, West Virginia.
Us & Them host Trey Kay stands in front of the serving table filled with dishes brought by the dinner party guests. The feast included roast chicken, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, caprese salad, and soft rolls. Credit: Us & Them teamTerri Triplett Delauder, veteran to most of the Us & Them Dinner Parties who identifies as conservative, welcomes new guests Alexus Steele and Michael Borsuk, who are students at Marshall University. Steele, who is registered as a Democrat, says she is fiscally conservative on some issues, but is far left on social issues. Borsuk identifies proudly as a Republican, however, he does not consider himself far right, but rather in the middle of the Republican spectrum. Credit: Us & Them TeamUs & Them host Trey Kay kicks off the gathering with introductions, including from left to right, Felicia Bush, Joe Solomon, and Jay Gould. All three were part of the first virtual dinner party and have participated in most of the subsequent gatherings. Bush, who lives near Parkersburg, identifies as a fiscally conservative Democrat but a social justice liberal. Solomon, a Democrat, serves on Charleston, West Virginia’s City Council and is active in helping people who live with substance use disorder. Gould, from Montgomery, West Virginia, is mostly retired from a business that repairs mining equipment. He describes himself as a conservative Democrat but adds, “There's no such critter anymore, so I’m registered Republican.” Credit: Us & Them TeamFrank Annie (L) serves on the Charleston City Council alongside Joe Solomon. Annie is a registered Republican and describes himself as right of center on most issues. Although he and Solomon hold different political views, they see eye to eye on many issues and often collaborate on solutions. They campaigned for office together and refer to themselves as the Bipartisan Bros. Credit: Us & Them TeamUs & Them host Trey Kay kicks off the gathering with introductions, including from left to right, Felicia Bush, Joe Solomon, and Jay Gould. All three were part of the first virtual dinner party and have participated in most of the subsequent gatherings. Bush, who lives near Parkersburg, identifies as a fiscally conservative Democrat but a social justice liberal. Solomon, a Democrat, serves on Charleston, West Virginia’s City Council and is active in helping people who live with substance use disorder. Gould, from Montgomery, West Virginia, is mostly retired from a business that repairs mining equipment. He describes himself as a conservative Democrat but adds, “There's no such critter anymore, so I’m registered Republican.” Credit: Us & Them TeamElliot Hicks (R) sits next to Marshall University student Michael Borsuk (L). Hicks, an attorney based in Charleston, West Virginia, is a registered Democrat who describes himself as progressive on social issues, but reasonable on fiscal issues. Credit: Us & Them Team
The Dinner Party guests discussed some of the year’s biggest stories shaping the upcoming election. Topics included the Trump-Biden debate, the assassination attempt on former President Trump, trust in elections, campus carry laws, and gun rights. Everyone admitted to having strong feelings about the election’s outcome in November. The group has committed to gathering again on the Thursday after the election.
Alexus Steele: I’m excited to hear what you guys have to say [in November]. I am nervous about it, but not so much about talking to you guys, just seeing how it’s gonna change our country.
Michael Borsuk: I’m all for coming back. My only fear is doing it that Thursday immediately after—we might not have results.
Trey Kay: And that might be part of the tension that we need to wade through.
Felicia Bush: I can come and be elated or devastated, and I’ll still feel safe expressing it here. There’s nothing to fear here. We’re just Americans.
Jay Gould: Last night, I listened to our discussion last year. A big topic of that was trust. Canyou name anything that has happened since last year that would have increased our trust in our country and in the officials and so forth? I can name you a whole bunch that would have diminished it.
Terri Triplett Delauder: I wanted to say something that's positive about voter integrity now. Judicial Watch, which is a right-leaning, a bunch of lawyers that do really good work - they sued California, Ohio, North Carolina, Texas, to clean up their voter rolls. So we should have a little bit more confidence in especially those states, that those rolls are cleaned up. It makes me feel a little better.
Eliott Hicks: Right, but what we have to be in mourning for is that there is somebody who has led this whole argument that our elections weren't fair… And we know we've had voter identity issues in West Virginia. We know we've had that, but we keep getting better. What I'm in mourning for, is that there's somebody who continues to agitate and people who jumped on the bandwagon with him to tell people that our elections are not fair when we get better every single time we get better at this.
Frank Annie: I'm happy with the decision by the President [Biden] to step down. I think it was very timely… I think people are tired overall, collectively. They kind of want a little bit [of the] 70 days to be done. It's been an interesting couple months so far.
Joe Solomon: I feel like a real kinship and affinity with this group and the space that creates… I worry about other long shadows, but I don’t worry about more long conversations.
Editor's Note: Elliot Hicks serves as the volunteer president of the West Virginia Public Broadcasting Friends Board.
Remembering James Earl Jones, Plus New Overdose Data, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 25, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, renowned actor James Earl Jones died earlier this month at age 93. He was part of the cast of the 1987 John Sayles film “Matewan,” which was shot in Thurmond, West Virginia.
Curtis Tate spoke to David Wohl, who once asked Jones to speak to his students at an acting class at West Virginia State University.
Plus, early data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show a dramatic fall of 12 percent in overdose death rates across the United States in the last year. West Virginia’s drug overdose rate fell almost 11 percent during that time.
To gain insight into this encouraging development, Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice spoke with West Virginia’s own Dr. Rahul Gupta, who directs the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Smartphones In Schools And StoryCorps In Huntington, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 24, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, smartphones are often presented as modern tools that offer us the world’s knowledge at our fingertips. But the past several years have proven they can also be a serious distraction to all age groups.
As Chris Schulz reports, schools across West Virginia are starting to restrict access to smartphones in the hopes of directing students’ attention back to the front of the classroom.
Plus, twelve million National Public Radio listeners hear StoryCorps stories weekly on Morning Edition. These recordings are collected in the United States Library of Congress and in an online archive, which is now the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered.
Randy Yohe reports that the StoryCorps Airstream is parked on the Marshall University campus with its recording studio at the ready.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Randy Yohe produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Reducing Domestic Violence, Addressing An Apple Surplus, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 23, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the Charleston and Wheeling areas of West Virginia are among 78 communities in the United States approved for a local-federal partnership to reduce firearm violence in domestic abuse cases. Maria Young spoke to the state's two U.S. attorneys, who will manage the program.
Plus, many orchards struggled to find wholesale apple buyers last year, causing a surplus. Federal dollars helped orchards that were unable to sell their produce. But, as Jack Walker reports, the apple market may still face risks.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Black Mountain Poet, Fascinating Fungi And A Unicorn Mug, Inside Appalachia
Sep 23, 2024
This week, a poet talks about his new collection, “If Lost.” He found inspiration for it by walking around in the woods. .
Also, now is a great time for mushroom hunters to head to the woods and find all kinds of fascinating fungi – even those not meant to be eaten.
And, almost everybody has a favorite cup or coffee mug, but how far would you go to replace yours?
In This Episode
What to do “If Lost.”
Meandering With Mushrooms
The Perfect Mug Exists
What to do “If Lost.”
Poet and poetry organizer, Clint Bowman, says the best way to read poetry in front of people is to read poetry in front of people. Courtesy
When Clint Bowman of Black Mountain, North Carolina couldn’t find the writing group he needed, he formed the Dark City Poets Society.
Bowman has used the group to develop his poetry, some of which explores people and their connection to nature.
Producer Bill Lynch recently spoke with Bowman about his new collection, “If Lost.”
Meandering With Mushrooms
Glow in the Dark Jack O’ Lantern mushrooms spout out of a hundred-year-old Black Gum tree. These mushrooms make up one of many species that make this area a biodiversity hotspot. Courtesy
The fall tends to be a great time to hunt mushrooms in Appalachia. You might see orange, yellow, red, even blue mushrooms. A few are edible, but some are poisonous, and it’s best not to pick them unless you know what you’re doing.
Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd joined a mushroom hike in southwestern Virginia to learn more.
The Perfect Mug Exists
The magic is in the mug. Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Inside Appalachia’s Folkways stories cover a lot of ground. They can also be about finding something lost. Folkways reporter Wendy Welch brought us a mystery behind a very specific mug.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Kaia Kater, Joe Dobbs and the 1937 Flood, Jeff Ellis, John Inghram, Gerry Milnes and Blue Dot Sessions.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Wild Mushroom Safety And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 20, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, wild mushrooms come out in the fall, but it’s best not to pick them unless you know what you’re doing. Radio IQ’s Roxy Todd joined a guided mushroom tour in southwestern Virginia to find out a little more.
Also, the annual Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant is this weekend, a power rate increase for residential customers is off the table and Governor Jim Justice declines to participate in a Senate debate with his opponent.
And our Mountain Stage Song of the Week comes from Fantastic Cat. “All My Fault” is performed by the indie "supergroup" comprised of some of New York’s best singer-songwriters, including Anthony D’Amato, Brian Dunne, Don DiLego, and Mike Montali.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Fall Foliage Comes Early And A Decrease In Overdose Deaths, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 19, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, leaves are already beginning to change color after a dry hot summer. Briana Heaney sat down with New River Gorge National Park Ranger Eve West to discuss what this year's fall will look like in the park.
Also Katherine Johnson, along with her Hidden Figures colleagues, were honored by Congress Wednesday.
And, indictments in the neglect death of a Boone County girl, fire season starts early in the New River Gorge National Park and overdose deaths decrease.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Healing Appalachia Festival And Mingo County’s Hospital Reopens, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 18, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the Healing Appalachia music festival featuring singer/songwriter Tyler Childers returns to Lewisburg this week. Bill Lynch spoke with Dave Lavender, president of the festival's board of directors about the festival and what it wants to accomplish.
Also the passing of a native artist, Mingo County’s only hospital reopens and a deepening drought.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
The Appalachian Queer Film Festival And Responding To School Threats, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 17, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the Appalachian Queer Film Festival showcases creative works centered around the LGBTQ experience in rural America. For its tenth anniversary this year, the festival is headed to Shepherdstown at the end of September.
Also, although no serious incidents have occurred, more than 130 threats have been made against schools across the state. Rob Cunningham, Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security spoke with reporter Chris Schulz about the state's coordinated response to the threats.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Weight Loss Drug Coverage And Religious Abortion Support, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 16, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia’s state employee health insurance agency canceled a pilot program that covered weight-loss drugs due in part, to the program’s cost to the state. But advocates say the state will end up paying more for the health complications caused by obesity.
Also, two years since a near-total ban on abortions in West Virginia, loopholes and travel funds have allowed abortions to continue. Pro-choice religious leaders are joining forces to facilitate access to abortions, just as they did in the days before Roe v Wade.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Hip Hop And Black Lung, Inside Appalachia
Sep 16, 2024
One of America’s greatest contributions to world culture … is hip hop. A new compilation documents what it sounds like across Appalachia.
Also people in the region love their local water springs, but in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, they take that dedication to another level.
And, congressional Republicans are trying to freeze funding for new mine safety rules. Advocates are concerned.
In This Episode
“No Options” Explores Hip-Hop in Appalachia
The Watery Allure Of Berkeley Springs
The Continuing Battle Over Black Lung
“No Options” Explores Hip-Hop in Appalachia
Rapper Monstalung is one of the artists featured in "No Options," a CD collection of Appalachian hip hop. Courtesy
Hip hop has been in Appalachia for about as long as the genre has been around, about 50 years. A new compilation from June Appal Recordings, “No Options: Hip-Hop in Appalachia” 24 tracks from across the region. Mason Adams spoke with executive producer JK Turner, and rapper Eric Jordan, also known as Monstalung.
The Watery Allure Of Berkeley Springs
Fans of spring water come from all over to collect water from Berkeley Springs. Zack Harold/West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
There are natural springs all over Appalachia. Before indoor plumbing, that's where most folks got their fresh water. In Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, people still fill jugs with spring water to lug back home. In 2022, Folkways reporter Zack Harold visited the springs and brought us this story.
The Continuing Battle Over Black Lung
Assistant Secretary for Mine Safety and Health Chris Williamson moderates a panel on Black Lung and MSHA's new silica dust rule.
As Appalachian miners cut into increasingly thinner seams of coal, they’re encountering more silica dust from rock. The dust contributes to an advanced form of black lung disease. Coal miners and advocates have spent decades negotiating with the federal government to add safety rules. When a new rule was finalized in April, advocates celebrated, but before it could take full effect, opponents threw up another roadblock.
Emily Rice reported.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Joshua Outsey, Monstalung, Tim and Dave Bing, Deep Jackson and Dinosaur Burps.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Another Special Session Is Called, A Popular Food Benefits Program Gets Paused And Addressing Hunger In The State, This West Virginia Week
Sep 14, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we’ll tell you about a very popular nutrition assistance program at local farmers’ markets that has been temporarily paused because of a lack of funding.
Plus, Gov. Jim Justice formally calls a special session of the legislature, and lawmakers discuss what they want to accomplish.
We’ll also hear a conversation with the director of a local food bank about hunger in West Virginia.
Also, we have stories on efforts to address mental health issues in the state’s military veteran community, rate hikes at one power utility company and avoiding head injuries.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Emily Rice produced this episode.
Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Appalachian Hip Hop And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 13, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, “No Options: Hip-Hop in Appalachia” is a compilation album from Appalshop showcasing Appalachia’s long running hip hop scene. For Inside Appalachia, Mason Adams spoke with executive producer JK Turner and rapper Eric Jordan about the recording.
Plus, this week's broadcast of Mountain Stage brought together an array of artists at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, West Virginia.
Among them was the band of John R. Miller, a singer-songwriter from the Eastern Panhandle. “Basements,” a track from Miller's 2023 album “Heat Comes Down,” is our song of the week.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Caelan Bailey, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick, Maria Young and Randy Yohe.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Suicide Prevention And Community Storytelling, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 12, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a 2022 report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicated that veterans remain more likely to die by suicide than their civilian peers.
In the Eastern Panhandle, advocates say this requires new conversations on mental health. Jack Walker stopped by the Martinsburg VA Medical Center to learn more.
Also in this episode, storytelling and the arts can help build community and that’s just one of the goals of a popular FestivALL Charleston program. Recently Us & Them host Trey Kay joined other guests to explain what inspires them. We'll hear an excerpt from the latest Us & Them episode.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Rural Science Fiction And Hunger Relief, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 11, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Christopher Rowe is a nationally recognized science fiction and fantasy writer. He imagines the future not in cities or outer space, but in rural areas like the one he grew up in.
Kentucky Public Radio’s Sylvia Goodman spoke with Rowe just after he moved back to the Kentucky county where he grew up.
Plus, September is Hunger Action Month, a campaign meant to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in the United States.
Reporter Jack Walker talked to Chad Morrison, development director at Mountaineer Food Bank about hunger in West Virginia.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Food Benefits Program Paused And Wheeling University’s New President, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 10, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a government program that can triple nutrition assistance benefits for shoppers at local farmers markets has been temporarily paused because of a lack of funding. Emily Rice reports that the problem centers around the program’s popularity.
Plus, Chris Schulz reports that Wheeling University has named a new president.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Addressing Risky Behavior And The Logistics Of Search & Rescue, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 09, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a hiker was rescued earlier this month after going missing in Kentucky's Red River Gorge for two weeks. Shepherd Snyder has more on what it takes to pull off these rescues.
Also, young people in rural communities are just as likely to exhibit risky behaviors as their urban and suburban peers but may have less access to help. West Virginia University is part of a coalition developing resources to change that nationwide.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Marble Madness And Jon McBride, Inside Appalachia
Sep 09, 2024
Schoolyard games come and go, but for kids in one community, marbles still rule.
Also, this year marks the anniversary of some country music milestones, including the 40th anniversary of Floyd, Virginia’s Friday Night Jamboree.
And we remember West Virginia’s first person in space, Jon McBride.
In This Episode
Marble Madness Lives On In Boone County
Country Music Milestones and The Floyd Country Store
Marble King will release a special peacock blue catseye to celebrate its 75th birthday. Zack Harold/ West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Some playground games never go out of style – hide and seek, tag, and Duck, Duck Goose. Kids today still play those classics. Every spring, the students of one Boone County elementary school still get excited for a game that’s over a hundred years old. Folkways reporter Zack Harold had the story.
The Vaccine Divide In WV
As kids head back to school, pediatricians are reminding parents that their child must be immunized to attend school. But for some, this routine has become a time to grapple with fears about the safety of their children.
West Virginia lawmakers have been arguing over whether to loosen long-standing vaccination requirements. But how do parents and doctors feel about that? Emily Rice visited a pediatrician’s office to learn more.
Country Music Milestones And The Floyd Country Store
The Floyd Country Store Friday Night Jamboree celebrates 40 years in 2024. Mason Adams/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
This year is the anniversary of many country music milestones, among them the Friday Night Jamboree at the Floyd Country Store in Virginia. Mason Adams took us there for a visit in 2022.
The Blue Ribbon Queen Of Russell County, Virginia
A staple of county and state fairs are the annual craft competitions, where everyone from 4H kids to the local dentist brings their finest quilts, pumpkins or peanut butter fudge to be judged for cash, prizes and bragging rights.
Few have been as successful as Virginia’s Linda Skeens, who has won hundreds of blue ribbons.
In 2023, producer Bill Lynch spoke with her about competing at the fair and her favorites.
Remembering Jon McBride
The crew of STS-41G, including its pilot, Capt. Jon McBride, lower left, in 1984.
NASA astronaut Jon McBride died August 7. He was 80. McBride was the first astronaut from West Virginia, and the only West Virginian to pilot a shuttle mission. Jennifer Levasseu is curator of space history at the National Air and Space Museum. She spoke with WVPB’s Curtis Tate about McBride’s legacy.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Paul Loomis, Frank George, John Blissard, Dinosaur Burps and Blue Dot Sessions.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editors Nicole Musgrave and Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Playground Traditions And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 06, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, some playground games never go out of style. From the latest episode of Inside Appalachia, Zach Harold has the story of the students of one Boone County elementary school that still get excited for a game that’s over a hundred years old.
Also, our Song of the Week is “My Uncle Used to Love Me But She Died” by The Sweetback Sisters. This week's show is a compilation episode of Mountain Stage featuring odd, unusual and hilarious takes on familiar subjects from Randy Newman, Todd Snider, Julia Sweeney, Jeff Daniels, and many more.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Camping Ban In Morgantown And Mine Rescue Training This West Virginia Morning
Sep 05, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Morgantown’s City Council passed a camping ban aimed at addressing homelessness in the city. As Chris Schulz reports, Morgantown is the third municipality in the state to pass such a ban in the past year.
Also, deaths in the mining industry hit a nearly decade high last year, with most occurring in surface mines. But as Kentucky Public Radio’s Justin Hicks reports there are fewer opportunities to train above ground miners how to rescue their coworkers.
And an anticipated special session of the West Virginia Legislature is announced.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Investigating Timber Theft And The Beyond Coal Campaign, This West Virginia Morning
Sep 04, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a West Virginia logging firm has been accused of stealing ten acres of timber – some of it from trees estimated to be 100 years old – from the Monongahela National Forest. Maria Young caught up with U.S. Attorney William Ihlenfeld of the Northern District of West Virginia, whose office has filed suit against the firm, to find out what happened and what outdoor enthusiasts can do if they come across something that looks suspicious.
Also, Mary Anne Hitt led the Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal campaign for a decade. As West Virginians grapple with the rising cost of maintaining coal’s dominance over the state’s electricity supply, she spoke with Curtis Tate about what’s changed and what hasn’t.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Encore: The Gatlinburg Fire Of 2016, Inside Appalachia
Sep 02, 2024
In 2016, a wildfire escaped the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It killed 14 people, injured dozens more and destroyed parts of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. We talk with an investigative journalist who has new information on the incident.
Also, four decades ago rice seeds from Laos crossed the ocean to California and made their way to a family of Hmong farmers in North Carolina.
And the Appalachian trail has been exhaustively hiked, explored and written about, but it’s still got a few secrets left.
You'll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In 2016, a wildfire at Chimney Tops in Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee spread beyond the park boundaries into the nearby tourist towns of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. At least 14 people were killed. Many more were injured and thousands of residents and tourists had to be evacuated.
A new investigation revealed that National Park Service officials underestimated the severity of the wildfire and were slow to alert Tennessee officials about the danger.
Tyler Whetstone, an investigative reporter, spoke with Mason Adams about his reporting.
The Sweet Sticky Rice Of Western North Carolina
Tou Lee holds sweet sticky rice stalks in his rice field in Morganton, North Carolina.
Credit: Rachel Moore/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
When you think of rice, you might not think of western North Carolina. But the area is home to several varieties of heirloom rice that made their way here from Laos nearly five decades ago. The rice was carried and cultivated by Hmong refugees.
One family now sells their rice at markets and to restaurants, and they’ve built a passionate following.
Folkways Reporter Rachel Moore has this story.
Save The Salamanders!
The West Virginia spring salamander.
Credit: U.S. Geological Survey
Have you ever heard of a West Virginia spring salamander? They’re a species found in the General Davis Cave in Greenbrier County, West Virginia, but there are only a few hundred left.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to put the West Virginia spring salamander on the endangered species list.
WVPB's Curtis Tate spoke with Will Harlan, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity.
An Appalachian Trail Mystery
The Appalachian Trail was completed in 1927. For 25 years, hikers took to the trail and traveled along the mountains from Georgia to Maine, but then the trail was moved. And the old trail was nearly forgotten.
Historian and podcaster Mills Kelly discovered the lost trail and wrote about it in his new book, Virginia’s Lost Appalachian Trail.
WMRA’s Chris Boros speaks to Kelly about rediscovering the trail.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by David Mayfield, Chris Knight, John Blissard, John Inghram, Eric Vincent Huey and Steve Earle.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Heirloom Rice And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 30, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, you might not think of western North Carolina when you think of rice. But the region is home to several varieties of heirloom rice that made their way here from Laos nearly five decades ago. Folkways reporter Rachel Moore brings us the story.
Plus, this week's broadcast of Mountain Stage is an archive special from 2014 featuring blues and soul guitar great Robert Cray, gospel titans Blind Boys of Alabama, bluesman John Hammond and New Orleans funk rockers Dumpstaphunk.
Our Song of the Week is "You Move Me" by Robert Cray, from his 2014 albumIn My Soul. Joining Cray is keyboardist Dover Wienberg, drummer Les Falconer and bassist Richard Cousins, whose original tenure with Cray included the landmark albums Strong Persuader and Don't Be Afraid of the Dark.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Morgantown Camping Ban Aimed At Homelessness, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 29, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a camping ban aimed at addressing homelessness in Morgantown is expected to pass next week. As Chris Schulz reports, community members and advocates are speaking up in opposition.
Plus, we hear about the failure of Southern Coal, a company owned by Gov. Jim Justice, to pay for mine safety violations, and how pieces of evidence from past sexual assaults across West Virginia are now being used to identify suspects.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Electricity Rates And Silica Dust Regulations, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 28, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Appalachian Power has asked state regulators for permission to raise electricity rates for the first time in five years. As Curtis Tate reports, the public reaction has been less than receptive.
Also in this episode, coal miners and their advocates have spent decades negotiating with the federal government to put safety rules in place that limit the miners’ exposure to toxic silica dust, which causes black lung and silicosis.
When a new rule was finalized in April, miners and their advocates celebrated. But even before it could take full effect, opponents threw up a new roadblock.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Emily Rice brings the latest story from our series “Public Health, Public Trust” produced in partnership with the Global Health Reporting Center and with support from the Pulitzer Center.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Solar Panels And Supporting Residents With Developmental Disabilities, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 27, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the Department of Human Services announced the hiring of West Virginia's first statewide Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) coordinator last month.
Appalachia Health News Reporter Emily Rice sat down with Susan File to discuss how she will assist residents with disabilities in her new role. Christina Mullins, commissioner for the state's Bureau for Behavioral Health, also joined the conversation.
Plus, Pittsburgh-based public radio program The Allegheny Front brings us their latest story on solar panels, and the tax credits and rebates that many consumers are unaware of.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Music In Osage And The Wakefields, Inside Appalachia
Aug 26, 2024
During the Great Depression, the river town of Osage, West Virginia was a raucous, little place. It’s sleepier now, but music is keeping the magic alive.
Also, after six generations, the struggle to keep a family farm going can be rough.
And the Federal program 340B cuts the price of prescription drugs for people who most need them. So, why are attack ads falsely connecting it to border safety?
The Wakefields, The Saga Of Two Brothers And Six Generations
Truth And Lies About 340 B
Aristotle Jones (right) and choir member Shelley Riley (left) singing “Oh, Happy Day” at the monthly choir meeting. Clara Haizlett/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
The Enduring Music of Osage
Just across the Monongahela River from Morgantown is a small unincorporated community called Osage. Years ago, it was a bustling, industrial town with a thriving nightlife. Today, Osage isn’t quite so bustling, but the love of music endures among its residents. Folkways Reporter Clara Haizlett had this story.
Thad Wakefield stands in his family's field. The Wakefields have farmed for six generations, but it's becoming more difficult to continue. Cade Miller/Courtesy
The Wakefields –Two Brothers, Six Generations
The Wakefields have been farming in Pennsylvania for six generations, but the struggle to keep the family business going reached a breaking point when one brother decided to retire. Cade Miller, with the Penn State News lab, brought us this story.
The group went on to take credit for Blairs lost election. The group says that Blair failed his district (Senate District- 15) by protecting the federal 340B program. The 340B program is not taxpayer funded and is in no way related to immigration policy. Screenshot of one of the "Stand For Us" Pac campaign ad.
Truth And Lies About 340 B
340B is a federal program that requires drug companies to provide medicine at discounted prices to pharmacies and hospitals serving vulnerable communities. But the program has been the target of a smear campaign that’s affected West Virginians. WVPB’s Briana Heaney explained.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by John Blissard, Aristotle Jones and Brother Robert Jones, Larry Rader, John Inghram and Blue Dot Sessions. Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Mallory Noe-Payne. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Student Prayer, Child Care And Basketball, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 26, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a new school year is in full swing in West Virginia. But Chris Schulz reports that one group of students in Morgantown has a unique concern this year: needing a place in school to pray together.
Meanwhile, another interim session of the West Virginia Legislature is underway at the state capitol. Teachers, child care providers, legislators and advocates gathered in Charleston Sunday to call on Gov. Jim Justice and lawmakers to address a child care crisis in the state. Briana Heaney attended the rally and has the story.
Plus, recreation league basketball can bring joy to small communities. Evan Ellison and Abram Whitt, students at the Fayette Institute of Technology, tell us about the Mount Hope Basketball League in Raleigh County.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Greenbrier Off The Auction Block, An HIV Mystery And A Camping Ban That Targets The Homeless This West Virginia Week
Aug 24, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we’ll hear from Governor Jim Justice about efforts to auction off his Greenbrier Resort – and what he says is behind it all.
Plus, why health officials worry that HIV infections in rural West Virginia are going undetected – and spreading.
We’ll also take a look at a proposed camping ban some say targets the homeless in Morgantown.
Maria Young is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Remembering Osage’s Lively Past And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 23, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, just across the river from Morgantown is the small unincorporated community of Osage. Folkways reporter Clara Haizlett looks at the love of music that enduring in the formerly bustling community for the latest episode of Inside Appalachia.
Also, this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage features the 70 plus member West Virginia Symphony, under the musical direction of Maurice Cohn. Our Song of the Week is “Michael from Mountains” performed by Judy Collins. She sings the song, originally written by Joni Mitchell, with accompaniment from the West Virginia Symphony.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University and Marshall University School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Contaminated Water Lawsuit And The History Of Voting This West Virginia Morning
Aug 22, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, residents around Indian Creek say their water has been contaminated by mining. Briana Heaney went down to Pineville to talk those who are beginning to take legal action.
Also on this episode, many people expected the 2024 presidential election would be unpredictable. But no one anticipated the recent sequence of events.
The latest episode of WVPB's Us & Them looks at where all this is leading to… the ballot box. Host Trey Kay talks with two historians about our right to vote and access to the ballot box.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
HIV In Rural Communities And Navigating Period Poverty This West Virginia Morning
Aug 21, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, West Virginia ranks 18th in the rate of new HIV infections but that may be an incomplete picture. Caleb Hellerman brings us the fourth episode of a month-long series called “Public Health, Public Trust” produced in partnership between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the Global Health Reporting Center.
Also, roughly one-third of American women have struggled to afford products like pads and tampons. Reporter Jack Walker spoke to Lacey Gero, director of government relations at the Alliance for Period Supplies, about the danger of period poverty, and what folks across the country are doing to address it.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Remembering A Local Astronaut And Turning River Trash Into Art This West Virginia Morning
Aug 20, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, NASA astronaut Jon McBride - the only West Virginian to pilot a shuttle mission - died earlier this month (Aug. 7) at age 80. Curtis Tate spoke with Jennifer Levasseur, curator of space history at the National Air and Space Museum, about his legacy.
Also, the Allegheny Front reports on kayakers making art from the stuff that washes up on the riverbanks around Pittsburgh.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Collecting Rainwater And Cleaning Up A Creek, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 19, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, with temperatures rising and storms intensifying, rain barrels can help farmers and gardeners collect rainwater and ensure it goes directly to their crops.
Also, pollution from abandoned mine drainage is one of the unfortunate legacies of West Virginia's energy history. But one waterway in Monongalia County is on a path to recovery with new opportunities on the horizon.
And a groundbreaking ceremony in the city of Weirton this week celebrates efforts to improve clean water access.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Absentee Voting, A Cold Case That May Have Been Solved, And The Vaccine Divide On This West Virginia Week
Aug 17, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we look at who’s eligible for absentee voting in the Mountain State and how to apply.
Plus, a flight school for future pilots – hundreds of miles from the main campus.
We’ll also delve into the vaccine divide as students head back to class.
Maria Young is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
The Hawks Nest Tunnel Disaster And Our Song Of The Week, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 16, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, author Raymond Thompson Jr. speaks with Inside Appalachia's Mason Adams about his new book, “Appalachian Ghost: A Photographic Reimagining of the Hawk’s Nest Tunnel Disaster.” It recounts the 1930 industrial tragedy that killed more than 700 men, most of them African American.
Plus, this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage features jam-grass pioneer Vince Herman and his band performing the song “Lost Lover’s Eyes.” It comes from his 2022 solo album “Enjoy the Ride,” and was performed at West Virginia University’s Canady Creative Arts Center.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Kentucky Artist Behind ‘No Hate In My Holler’ Debuts A Mural Featuring A Town’s Legendary Midwife
Aug 15, 2024
This conversation originally aired in the August 5, 2022 episode of Inside Appalachia.
A mural in Pound, Virginia, depicts Nancy Mullins Shores — a longtime midwife who delivered many of the town’s residents in the 20th century.
Hale is probably best known for “No Hate in My Holler,” a screenprint she designed in 2017 that has spread across Appalachia on TV shirts, tote bags and even billboards.
Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams sat down with Hale to find out more about her mural of Nancy Mullins Shores, and the legacy of “No Hate in My Holler.” Courtesy
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Hale: We had several community meetings to see what the projects were going to be about. And Granny Shores kept coming up: Granny Shores, Granny Shores. I found out that she was a midwife in the very early days of Pound who delivered over 1,000 babies. She was born in 1867 and she passed away in 1945. Her husband was a doctor and she went apparently to some of his appointments with him. That's how she kind of got into becoming a midwife. She boasted that she never lost a mother and she lost very few babies. Basically everybody early on in Pound, Virginia, was delivered by this woman, Granny Shores.
Adams: In this Granny Shores mural, you see her, but a lot of it's dominated by this very prominent quilt. Can you tell me more about that?
Hale: Whenever I do a piece of public art, if I'm working with the community, I want the community to be involved. I cut all these pieces of polytab, which is basically parachute material, and we had a community painting day. We let people from the community come and they got to sit down and fill out the quilt any way they wanted to. It was kind of like a modern day quilting bee, I guess.
They could sit there with their own little quilt square and decide how they wanted to make it. It was really cool to see what the community members came up with. I knew once they were installed on the mural itself, that all of these pieces, even though they were very different, would make a cohesive quilt. Just like a community, you know, we're all different and we can work together and make this place that is vibrant and colorful.
rtist Lacy Hale’s mural, honoring Nancy Mullins Shores, a beloved local midwife in Pound, Virginia. Courtesy
Adams:I wanted to ask you about “No Hate in My Holler.” How did you first come up with that design?
Hale: In 2017, I was working with Appalachian Media Institute at Appalshop. We were working with youth, and we got word that a group of neo-Nazis were coming to recruit in Pikeville, which is about an hour from here. One of the youths suggested that we have an art-in-response day, which I thought was awesome. The night beforehand, this phrase just popped into my head: “No hate in my holler.” I do a lot of printmaking, I do a lot of block printing.
The next day we had the art-in-response day, and I just sat down, sketched it out, cut a block, carved it and printed it. I posted it on my Facebook, and it kind of blew up. People really took to it and identified with it. For the last five years it just keeps on cycling and growing — and it's not always been for the best reasons. Sometimes when something horrible happens, there's an influx of desire for more t-shirts and stuff. I always donate at least 25 percent of the proceeds from any of the merch sales of “No Hate in My Holler” to nonprofits working toward equality in the region.
Adams: I think it's like the best of art, in that it's taken on its own life once you set it free in the world. Now this design is five years old. What do you think it means today?
Hale: Hopefully now we're at a point where this does not need to be said anymore. And there's always something new that happens that, okay, so this does need to be said again, or reiterated in some way. “No Hate in My Holler” is probably the piece of artwork that I made that I'm most proud of. If you want to know something about me, look at that piece, and that should tell you all that you need to know.
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Since this interview was recorded, eastern Kentucky was inundated with historic flooding. The floods saturated Hale’s studio and Roundabout Records, the record store owned by her family. They’ve since relaunched the business with a new name in a new location in Whitesburg, Kentucky. It’s now called “Sisyphus Records.” Its motto? “Let’s try this again.”
The record store is located in EpiCentre Arts’ gallery space on Main Street in Whitesburg.
“We love our town and we never planned on leaving,” Hale said.
Kentucky Artist’s New Mural Commemorates Recovery, Hope After Floods
Aug 15, 2024
Lacy Hale’s art is decorating more of Appalachia's landscapes.
The eastern Kentucky artist is probably best known for “No Hate in My Holler,” a screenprint she designed in 2017 that has spread across Appalachia on TV shirts, tote bags and billboards.
Hale spoke with Inside Appalachia host Mason Adams, describing the new mural and sharing stories about how it came together.
“The design is a blue sky with a big sun at the top, and there's a redbud tree that is reaching toward the sun, and really blooming and full and thriving. Then there's a calm stream at the bottom, and there's some mountains in the background. At the bottom, there are these … I call them orbs, but they're circles of different colors that represent flowers or hugs, like the XO.
“This summer, I've had an assistant paid for by the Cowan Community Action Group. They do so much good work in Ledger County, and they placed 45 high school students in different businesses and nonprofits in Letcher County. We got an intern. She helps me prime the mural, and she'd help me mix paint. She helped me get ready for community groups to come out and help us paint.
“We were finished with the community involvement portion, and we were sitting there on the steps. We were going to go in and fill in detail. We were talking and she was like, “You know what? Wouldn't it be cool if community members could come and add their thumb prints and paint to represent the redbud blossoms?” And I was like, “You know, you're 16, 17 years old. That's one of the best ideas.” I was just blown away. It was so awesome. Her name's Chloie Webb, and I was just thrilled. And I was like, “Yes, let's do that.”
“So many people came out and added their thumbprints and would take pictures and remember which step they were on. Families would come out and put them together in a little grouping. I'm getting teary eyed just thinking about it, because it was just such an excellent addition to this mural, and it made it even more special.”
The Vaccination Divide And GenreCon, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 15, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, kids are heading back to school, which means they must update their immunizations. This has become routine for some, but for others sparks recurring concerns over the safety of their children.
Some state lawmakers are pushing for looser student vaccination requirements. Reporter Emily Rice looked into how parents’ concerns are playing out in the doctor’s office.
For this story, West Virginia Public Broadcasting joins with the Global Health Reporting Center. It's the third episode of a month-long series called “Public Health, Public Trust.”
Also this episode, GenreCon is coming to the DoubleTree Hilton in Huntington this weekend. The convention is an annual genre writing conference for aspiring authors of all backgrounds. Bill Lynch caught up with its hosts.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Culture Of Violence At Southern Regional Jail, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 14, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, two more former corrections officers with the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver pled guilty last week for their role in the beating death of an inmate in March 2022. That leaves four more defendants facing trial in October.
Maria Young caught up with U.S. Attorney Will Thompson of the Southern District of West Virginia to learn more about the efforts to change what he sees as a culture of violence at that facility – and possibly others.
Also this episode, a new statewide program is rewarding improved child and community health outcomes. Chris Schulz has the story.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Campus Carry And Aviation Education, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 13, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, Senate Bill 10 — widely known as the campus carry bill — was implemented on all West Virginia college campuses this summer. But with students returning to campus, one of the law's major exceptions is taking shape for college sports fans. Chris Schulz has more.
Also this episode, Marshall University has expanded its degree program for professional pilots into the Eastern Panhandle. This fall, students can pair online classes with in-person training at an airport in Martinsburg. Eastern Panhandle Reporter Jack Walker spoke with Nancy Ritter, director of Marshall’s Bill Noe Flight School, about the program expansion and efforts to recruit new pilots more broadly.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
West Virginia Olympians And Wildlife Corridors, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 12, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the 2024 Paris Olympics concluded last night. But for the athletes that participated in the games, the memories will last a lifetime.
Ed Etzel was a West Virginia University rifle coach when he registered a near-perfect shooting score to win a gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. He recently spoke with reporter Chris Schulz about his experience and perspective 40 years on.
Also in this episode, Pittsburgh-based public radio program the Allegheny Front reports on an effort in Pennsylvania to establish wildlife corridors for the safety of animals — and drivers.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Curtis Tate produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Workhorses And The Intimacy Of Spoons, Inside Appalachia
Aug 12, 2024
A few people still farm the way folks did before tractors. We visit with farmers who still rely on real workhorses to get their work done.
Also, Kentucky artist Lacy Hale’s “No Hate in My Holler” screenprint may never go out of style. Appalachians are still telling her how much they identify with its message.
And a Virginia poet reflects on the importance of spoons and what’s helped his writing.
A family photo of Danny Wingate using a team of horses to plow his sister's garden in Comers Rock, Virginia. Shortly after being interviewed for this story, Wingate passed away.
Workhorses On The Farm
Before the tractor, farmers in Appalachia relied on workhorses to plow fields and pull their wagons. In southwestern Virginia, the practice has mostly disappeared, often along with the farms themselves. But a few farmers never let go of farming with a horse.
Folkways reporter Connie Bailey Kitts had the story.
No Hate In My Holler
In Pound, Virginia, a mural depicts an old woman smoking a pipe and holding a baby wrapped in a big bright quilt. The mural honors midwife Nancy Mullins Shores and is part of a growing body of work by artist Lacy Hale. Her work also includes the viral image “No Hate in My Holler.” In 2022, Mason Adams spoke with Hale about her work, but also caught up with her recently.
Writer Jim Minick explores meanings in silverware, among other things in "The Intimacy of Spoons."
Jim Minick And The Intimacy Of Spoons
Jim Minick made a career as a writing professor, teaching at colleges and universities in Georgia, South Carolina and southwestern Virginia, but he’s also the author or editor of eight books. His latest is a volume of poetry/collection of poems titled The Intimacy of Spoons.
Producer Bill Lynch spoke with Minick about Appalachian book festivals and writing about silverware.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Ed Snodderly, James Michael Stevens, Morgan Wade, John Blissard, Tim Bing, Sierra Ferrell and Kaia Kater.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editor Chris Julin. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
Inside Appalachia is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
Jon McBride, A World War II Veteran And Drought-Resistant Farming, This West Virginia Week
Aug 11, 2024
On this West Virginia Week, we look back at the life of Jon McBride, the first astronaut from West Virginia to travel to space.
Plus, we hear about the life of Private First Class Mose Vance of McDowell County. At age 21, the West Virginia native died in action during World War II. Eighty years later, he’s finally receiving a proper burial.
Jack Walker is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Keeping A Farming Tradition Alive And Our Song of the Week, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 09, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a few farmers in southwestern Virginia are working their land the old-fashioned way - with a horse. For the latest episode of Inside Appalachia, Connie Bailey Kitts spoke with farmers and horse breeders that believe the old way is the best way.
And this week’s encore broadcast of Mountain Stage was recorded in front of a live audience at the Moss Arts Center in Blacksburg, Virginia on the campus of Virginia Tech with host Kathy Mattea, featuring a highly anticipated performance by Hot Tuna during their “Final Electric Run.”
Our Song of the Week is Hot Tuna’s cover of “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” which is originally by the American gospel blues singer-guitarist Reverend Gary Davis.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Drought-Resistant Agriculture And Jobs For Former Inmates This West Virginia Morning
Aug 08, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, drought conditions have ravaged agriculture in West Virginia, and with temperatures rising globally some say more challenges lie ahead. Reporter Jack Walker spoke with agriculturists about sustainable farming techniques that could be the path through a changing climate.
And from our latest episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay moderated a recent event in Charleston called “Second Chances for a Stronger Workforce” where organizers addressed employers’ concerns over former prisoners filling the state's workforce gaps.
Also, a soldier from McDowell County will be buried Saturday, nearly 80 years after he was killed in action.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Needles And HIV Plus A Virginia Author’s New Book, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 07, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, major HIV outbreaks in Huntington and Charleston over recent years have exposed conflicting views on the disease among state officials and national experts. Most disagreement surrounds a single topic: needles.
West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the Global Health Reporting Center report together on this issue, with support from the Pulitzer Center. It was reported by Caleb Hellerman, with production help from Emily Rice, as part of an ongoing series called “Public Health, Public Trust.”
Also this episode, southwestern Virginia author Jim Minick is a staple at Appalachian book and literary festivals. The author or editor of eight books, his latest is called “The Intimacy of Spoons.”
Inside Appalachia's Bill Lynch talked with Minick about Appalachian book festivals and writing about silverware.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
A Medical Disinformation Campaign And The Hope Scholarship This West Virginia Morning
Aug 06, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, a federal program that funds critical healthcare for vulnerable people is under threat after a series of ads that promote disinformation and lies.
Also, a recent graduate from West Virginia University looks into the Hope Scholarship program and its impact on the families that use it as well as the public education system.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Negotiating Higher Ground And Emerging Appalachian Voices This West Virginia Morning
Aug 05, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, the increases the risk of flooding in eastern Kentucky has spurred the state to build high ground communities to help residents. But one small mountain town has their own plan for high ground homes.
Also, Inside Appalachia’s Mason Adams speaks with Zane McNeill, the co-editor of a new collection of essays exploring the intersection of queer Appalachian life and the environment.
And, a short look at annual West Virginia symposium enhancing biomedical research in the state’s colleges and universities.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Encore: Remembering Floods And Recovering From Disaster, Inside Appalachia
Aug 05, 2024
Flooding is a recurring problem across Appalachia. This week, we’re taking stock, and looking back on floods that have devastated parts of West Virginia and Kentucky.
We explore some of the reasons for floods, as well as the aftermath and the slow recovery that often follows disaster.
It’s not all gloom. Even in our hardest moments, there’s always hope.
You’ll hear these stories and more this week, Inside Appalachia.
In 2016, West Virginia saw 10 inches of rain in 12 hours. The resulting flooding led to 23 deaths. The governor mobilized hundreds of members of the West Virginia National Guard.
Jessica Lilly reported from the town of Richwood and told a story that went back decades.
Reclaiming Rand
Rand, West Virginia, is a town of about 900 people just outside Charleston. Flooding has been a regular problem for decades, partly because of longstanding issues with faulty storm sewers.
Tiara Brown reported this story.
Healing Comes From Alan "Cathead” Johnston’s Ballad
Alan "Cathead" Johnston with his daughters Jessi and Stacey at the Wheeling Jamboree. Courtesy Photo
Singer and songwriter Alan “Cathead” Johnston wrote the song, “Muddy Waters” about two horrific back-to-back 100-year floods that tore through McDowell County in 2001 and 2002.
It’s been a couple of decades, but Folkways Reporter Connie Kitts found that people are still drawing strength and comfort from this ballad.
The Flood In Hindman, KY
It’s impossible to talk about flooding without acknowledging last year’s historic flooding in eastern Kentucky. The floods killed at least 38 people and damaged some of the region’s cultural centers, including Appalshop in Whitesburg and the Hindman Settlement School.
WFPL’s Stephanie Wolf visited Hindman just after the floods and took stock of what was lost.
Coming Back From Disaster Through Faith And Music
Dean (Dino) McBee cleans old recording equipment damaged in the 2022 floods in Kentucky. Credit: Nicole Musgrave/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
When you spend time in Appalachia and live through a few floods, you tend to notice a recurring theme: neighbors helping neighbors. In Millstone, Kentucky gospel musicians were cut off from participating in part of their culture after they lost instruments. Many found help reconnecting with their music.
Folkways Reporter Nicole Musgrave brought us this report.
A Poem For A Flooded Town
West Virginia poet Doug Van Gundy at the Hindman Settlement School in Kentucky for the Appalachian Writer’s Workshop in 2022 the night Troublesome Creek flooded.
He shared this poem with us, which was partly inspired by what he saw.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Jackson Browne, The Dirty River Boys, Alan “Cathead” Johnston, Dino McBee and Yonder Mountain String Band.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
We talk to a dietician about navigating food and diet information on social media and speak with farmers in the Eastern Panhandle as they navigate an ongoing drought.
We also hear about Charleston’s HIV outbreak in the first installment of a joint series between West Virginia Public Broadcasting and the Global Health Reporting Center, supported by the Pulitzer Center.
Chris Schulz is our host this week. Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert.
West Virginia Week is a web-only podcast that explores the week's biggest news in the Mountain State. It's produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Dietary Misinformation On Social Media And Our Song of the Week, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 02, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, social media is filled with life advice from 5-minute crafts to how to live a healthier lifestyle. However, some information can be harmful or downright untrue. Briana Heaney sat down with Dietitian Gina Wood at the West Virginia University Extension to discuss navigating food and diet information on social media.
Plus, this week’s encore episode of Mountain Stage was recorded last year at the intimate Franklin Theatre in historic Franklin, Tennessee. Host Kathy Mattea welcomes some of Americana’s top artists, including Grammy Award-winning musician, singer and songwriter Jason Isbell, in a solo acoustic set.
Our Song of the Week is Isbell’s solo performance of “Strawberry Woman,” from his 2023 album Weathervanes.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Appalachia Health News is a project of West Virginia Public Broadcasting with support from Marshall Health.
West Virginia Morning is produced with help from Bill Lynch, Briana Heaney, Chris Schulz, Curtis Tate, Emily Rice, Eric Douglas, Jack Walker, Liz McCormick and Maria Young.
Eric Douglas is our news director. Teresa Wills is our host. Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Communities In Schools And School Discipline, This West Virginia Morning
Aug 01, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, while educators across the nation are getting ready for the start of another school year, coordinators for an innovative school support program are meeting in Morgantown this week. As Chris Schulz reports, they’re gathering to learn how best to help their most vulnerable students.
Plus, Black and brown students across America are disciplined at twice the rate of white students. Students from poor families get suspended from school for bad behavior more often. West Virginia reflects this national trend.
In this episode, we hear an excerpt from the Us & Them episode called “The ‘Toxic Stew’ of School Discipline,” which was recently honored with a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Reporting on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Revisiting An HIV Outbreak And Building Homes On Old Mine Sites, This West Virginia Morning
Jul 31, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, at the height of the COVID outbreak, Charleston was sideswiped by a second deadly epidemic: what the Centers for Disease Control called the most concerning outbreak of HIV in the entire country. There was a bitter tug-of-war over how to respond. But where did that leave the patients, and the people most at risk? And what’s happened to the outbreak since then?
West Virginia Public Broadcasting has joined with the Global Health Reporting Center, supported by the Pulitzer Center, for this story. This is the first of a series of joint stories we’re bringing you throughout August.
Plus, Kentucky has a bold plan to create seven new neighborhoods, most on top of old mining sites in the eastern part of the state. In the second installment of a three-part series on high ground housing Kentucky Public Radio’s Justin Hicks reports with the new communities, come some new challenges.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Maria Young produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Navigating The Drought And Crisis Mental Health Care This, West Virginia Morning
Jul 30, 2024
On this West Virginia Morning, most of the state is experiencing drought conditions, but the Eastern Panhandle and its agricultural industry are feeling the worst of it. Eastern Panhandle Reporter Jack Walker traveled to Jefferson County to see the drought’s impact firsthand.
Also this week, a Charleston-based non-profit is hosting a summit to discuss crisis care and mental health in West Virginia. Emily Rice walks us through the event.
West Virginia Morning is a production of West Virginia Public Broadcasting, which is solely responsible for its content.
Support for our news bureaus comes from Shepherd University.
Chris Schulz produced this episode.
Listen to West Virginia Morning weekdays at 7:43 a.m. on WVPB Radio or subscribe to the podcast and never miss an episode. #WVMorning
Temperature Blankets Tell A Story And Deviant Hollers, Inside Appalachia
Jul 29, 2024
A good blanket will keep you warm — but a handmade temperature blanket can convey a message to a loved one. This week, we talk to crocheters who make and share their art.
Since 2018, there’s been an explosion of LGBT writing about Appalachia. The editor of the new essay collection “Deviant Hollers” tells us about it and more.
And there’s an alternative to invasive bamboo, and it’s native to the region and found by rivers.
In This Episode
Temperature Blankets Record Life
New Book Explores Queer Appalachian Life And The Environment
A Bamboo To Call Our Own
Henderson Guitars For The Next Generation
Temperature Blankets Record Life
Karen Long is making a blanket of 2024’s high temperatures for herself. Photo Credit: Wendy Welch/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Temperature blankets are a popular project among crocheters. They began as a way for artists to document the daily temperatures of a year, using red yarn for record highs and shades of blue for the cooler days. But the tradition of telling a story through textiles goes back to ancient times.
Folkways reporter Wendy Welch had the story.
Henderson Guitars For The Next Generation
Jayne Henderson builds her own future as a guitar and ukulele maker. Photo Credit: Margaret McLeod Leef/West Virginia Public Broadcasting
Guitars by Wayne Henderson are prized by players who are willing to wait up to a decade to get their hands on one, but his daughter, Elizabeth Jayne Henderson, grew up wary of following in her father’s footsteps.
But Jayne decided to carry on the family tradition, but in her own way. Folkways reporter Margaret McLeod Leef had this story.
New Book Explores Queer Appalachian Life And The Environment
Courtesy "Deviant Hollers," edited by Zane McNeill and Rebecca Scott with foreword by Stephanie Foote.
The number of books and articles about Appalachia’s LGBT communities has grown with recent works like Neema Avashia’s “Another Appalachia” and Willie Carver Jr’s “Gay Poems for Red States.” Now, a new collection of essays explores the intersection of queer Appalachian life and the environment. The book is titled “Deviant Hollers: Queering Appalachian Ecologies for a Sustainable Future.”
Mason Adams spoke with the book’s editor Zane McNeill.
A Bamboo To Call Our Own
Volunteers in southwestern Virginia are trying to revitalize river cane. Photo Credit: Roxy Todd/Radio IQ
There are more than 1400 varieties of bamboo in the world.The most common variety in the U.S. is Golden or fishpole bamboo from China, but America has a native species, too. It was once commonly found in Appalachia near rivers and streams.
The species was nearly wiped out, but a group of mostly volunteers is working to restore the plant in southwestern Virginia.
Roxy Todd reported.
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Our theme music is by Matt Jackfert. Other music this week was provided by Jeff Ellis, Blue Dot Sessions, John Inghram, Paul Loomis and Frank George.
Bill Lynch is our producer. Zander Aloi is our associate producer. Our executive producer is Eric Douglas. Kelley Libby is our editor. Our audio mixer is Patrick Stephens. We had help this week from folkways editors Mallory Noe Payne and Jennifer Goren. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter @InAppalachia.
You can send us an email: InsideAppalachia@wvpublic.org.
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