Latest news with #Appalachian
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
This Bluegrass-Loving Mountain Town Is One Of Virginia's Best-Kept Secrets
Tucked into the quiet folds of Southwest Virginia, far from the hum of the interstates, Independence is a small but spirited mountain town where outdoor adventures meet deep-rooted Appalachian heritage. Hike to spot sturdy wild ponies, pedal along a rail-trail or two, or tap your toes to the twang of old-time fiddle music. It may catch you off guard, but this grounded authenticity is part of the charm. This is the kind of place that invites you to press pause—to slow down and truly appreciate what's around you. When you're ready to explore Independence and the surrounding beauty of Grayson County, here's where to begin. At Grayson Highlands State Park, set off on a scenic hike to spot its famous free-roaming wild ponies. Introduced in the 1970s to maintain the open grassy balds, these stocky, sure-footed ponies have become beloved icons. For your best chance at a sighting, start at Massie Gap and hike north toward Wilburn Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. For a more summit-focused hike, head south on the Big Pinnacle Trail to two of Virginia's highest peaks: Big Pinnacle and Little Pinnacle. 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-7092 Nature lovers and birding enthusiasts will find quiet refuge at Matthews State Forest. The 0.9-mile Birding Trail winds through hardwood forest, white pine groves, and grassy meadows. Interpretive signs call out oft-spotted species, like red-eyed vireos, brown thrashers, and pine warblers. Download the free Merlin app before you go. It can recognize birds by their songs and calls, making it a great companion on your hike. 106 Forestry Lane, Galax, VA 24333; 276-236-2322 One of the oldest rivers on Earth, the New River flows northward through this mountainous region. Rent a kayak, canoe, or tube from New River Outdoor Adventures and get out on the water. Choose a relaxing two-mile float for a mellow afternoon or go for a longer 8.5-mile trip with mountain vistas and gentle rapids. A shuttle service lets you focus on the experience without worrying about logistics. Be sure to pack sunscreen. 5785 Fries Road, Galax, VA 24333; 276-237-8823 Saddle up for a scenic trot with Shoal Creek Horse Adventures, which is located on a 400-acre working farm on the New River. Guided trail rides that last 60 or 90 minutes run from May through October and are suitable for all skill levels, even beginners. Explore rolling pastures, shaded woods, and riverfront paths that make it easy to soak in the quiet beauty of the landscape and the agricultural heritage. 1358 Battlefield Drive, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-0864 Virginia's highest point, Mount Rogers, sits at 5,729 feet. While the summit itself is forested with no panoramic views, the hike to get there is nothing short of spectacular. Starting at Massie Gap at Grayson Highlands State Park, the nine-mile round-trip hike winds across open highland meadows, past grazing ponies, and into a mossy spruce-fir forest ecosystem. The white-blazed Appalachian Trail guides you for most of the way on this moderately challenging hike. 829 Grayson Highland Lane, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-7092 Bring your bike—or rent one locally—and enjoy the region's scenic rail-trails. The 57-mile New River Trail and the 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail are two of the most beloved routes in the state. Both offer gentle grades, restored trestles, and beautiful river or forest views. Shuttle services allow you to take advantage of one-way rides. In 2024, Hurricane Helene damaged some sections of these trails, including the now-closed stretch between Whitetop Station and Damascus on the Virginia Creeper Trail. Always check for trail updates before setting out. Matthews Living History Farm Museum is a 22-acre working farm that brings the early 1900s to life. Wander through authentic buildings, including a barn, spring house, and blacksmith shop, and learn about time-honored Appalachian trades like quilting, soap-making, and woodworking. From late May through early September, weekly music jams with fiddles and banjos celebrate the area's musical heritage. Farm animals, like sheep, cows, and a beloved donkey, roam the grounds. 476 White Pine Road, Galax, VA 24333; 276-773-3080 The Historic 1908 Courthouse is an architectural gem with stories to tell. Designed by renowned architect Frank P. Milburn, the structure features octagonal towers, arched windows, spiral staircases, and bricks shipped by rail from Maysville, Kentucky. The courthouse served as the county's judicial hub until 1979 and today houses the Grayson Crossroads Museum, the Grayson County Historical Society, and Baldwin Auditorium. On Wednesday nights, stop in for the Old-Time Mountain Music Jam from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. 107 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-3711 For a deeper dive into Southwest Virginia's musical roots, don't miss the Grayson County Fiddlers' Convention. Held annually in Elk Creek since 1967, this two-day music festival takes place the last full weekend of June. Bring your folding chairs for a twangy celebration of old-time and bluegrass music, complete with youth competitions, flatfoot dancing, and toe-tapping performances set against the Blue Ridge Mountains. For a filling, no-frills breakfast, Aunt Bea's in Independence hits the spot with classic Southern fare like scratch-made biscuits, pancakes, and fluffy omelets—all served all day long. In nearby Mouth of Wilson, Corner Market & Café features breakfast staples like French toast, cheesy scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon. Fuel up for a day of mountain adventures. 529 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-2100 4013 Troutdale Highway, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-4440 In Fries, just a short drive from Independence, settle in at Windy River Café and dig into comfort foods like country-fried steak, pork chops, and fried okra. If you're craving more elevated dining, Fries Dam Steakhouse serves up bourbon-glazed salmon, filet mignon, and fried green tomatoes, with a side of New River views. 335 Firehouse Drive, Fries, VA 24330; 276-744-0137 439 West Main Street, Fries, VA 24330; 276-313-0916 A picnic beside Powerhouse Falls—also known as Peach Bottom Falls—can be a relaxing mid-day break. Picnic tables overlook the cascades, and a short trail allows for easy exploration. Grab lunch to go from Angie's Sip & Taste on Main Street, where the fresh-made sandwiches, hearty soups, and garden salads are a great choice for a light picnic lunch to enjoy outdoors. 310 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-1035 Indulge in a sweet treat at the end of the day. In Mouth of Wilson, the Grayson Highlands General Store & Inn serves hand-dipped Hershey's ice cream in classic flavors like Moose Tracks and Cookies 'n Cream. Windy River Café in Fries offers a line-up of sundaes and banana splits, while The Frosty Monkey in Independence is the stop for milkshakes, shaved ice, and signature ice cream creations, like ice cream nachos. 4249 Highlands Parkway, Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363; 276-579-4602 335 Firehouse Drive, Fries, VA 24330; 276-744-0137 305 East Main Street, Independence, VA 24348; 276-773-2228 Dream Rock Silo is a creatively restored 1950s dairy barn turned boutique lodging. The four-story structure features three one-of-a-kind suites, including the circular Silo Suite with a round king-size bed and wrap-around mountain views. Outside, rock gardens and the soothing sounds of nature set the tone for peaceful exploration. It's no surprise this spot has earned a place among Airbnb's most wish-listed stays in Virginia. 664 Saddle Creek Road, Independence, VA 24348; 276-768-6350 For riverside charm, book a room at The Washington Inn in Fries. This beautifully restored inn dates to 1902 and offers easy access to the New River Trail. With 11 individually coded ensuite rooms—including a spacious Hideaway Suite that sleeps up to eight—it's a comfortable and convenient spot for couples, families, and solo travelers alike. 509 West Main Street, Fries, VA 24330; 704-778-7734 Read the original article on Southern Living
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump administration reverses MSHA closures that coal mining advocates fought to keep
CLARKSBURG, (WBOY) — Appalachia and coal miner advocacy groups celebrated that dozens of Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) offices that were scheduled to close will now remain open, the Trump administration announced Thursday. A total of 34 offices were set to close, including one in Summersville, West Virginia, after being targeted by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) earlier this year. The terminated leases for the offices would have saved an estimated $18 million, the Associated Press reported, but the United Mine Workers of America said that the closures would have had 'dangerous implications.' 'The idea that anyone would even consider shuttering dozens of MSHA field offices, most of which are located in remote mining communities, shows a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to keep miners safe,' UMWA International President Cecil Roberts said in a press release. Elon Musk is leaving the Trump administration after criticizing president's 'big beautiful bill' The union press release said the group is relieved that the closures have been reversed. Appalachian Voices, a group that spoke out against what it called a 'targeted attack on Appalachian coal miner safety' after announced cuts in MSHA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), also applauded the reversal. 'For months, coal communities have been raising the alarm about how cuts to MSHA and NIOSH would be disastrous for our miners,' Vonda Robinson, Vice President of the National Black Lung Association said in the Appalachian Voices press release. 'We're glad that the administration has listened and restored these offices, keeping mine inspectors in place.' Some MSHA offices are still listed on the chopping block on the DOGE website, but the statement did not indicate whether those closings will move forward, the Associated Press reported. According to the AP, MSHA has seen a reduction in staff by 27% in past 10 years, even without the cuts proposed by DOGE. DOGE also ordered cuts in NIOSH, including hundreds of jobs in Morgantown; some of those jobs have been restored. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
New book ‘Holler' tells the story of Appalachian climate activists
Protesters at an Mountain Valley Pipeline construction site in 2023. (Katie Myers | BPR) This coverage is made possible through a partnership between BPR and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. The Mountain Valley Pipeline transports natural gas through West Virginia and Virginia. But for 10 years, climate activists and worried locals opposed it, even locking themselves to equipment and camping in the pipeline's path. Many were opposed specifically to the transportation of natural gas, which includes methane, a highly flammable fossil fuel with a large carbon footprint. A new graphic novel, Holler, released in May, tells the story. Denali Sai Nalamalapu, a Southwest Virginia-based climate activist and illustrator, spoke with BPR on what this fight meant for people who were involved and what it means now. This conversation has been condensed and edited for clarity. Tell us a little about yourself and why you were drawn to the Mountain Valley Pipeline to begin with? I joined the pipeline fight to support, with communications and federal and congressional advocacy. As I started traveling more to the region, I got more connected to the community here that was fighting the pipeline and also to the mountains. I wanted to figure out different ways to tell the stories I was hearing, particularly stories of ordinary people who were just living their lives and then became pipeline resistors. And so I sat down with six people across the region that's impacted by the pipeline in Central Appalachia, and the book came to life from there. What did this pipeline mean, not only to the people in West Virginia that the pipeline directly impacted, but also to the broader Appalachian community? How did it unfold regionally? When the pipeline was first proposed, it was part of and continues to be part of a centuries-long history of massive extractive fossil fuel projects coming to the region. Part of what made it unique though, is that it is such a huge project, being three 303 miles long, going through all of West Virginia, through Southwest Virginia, into Southern Virginia, with extensions that threaten communities in Northern North Carolina. And it's methane gas, which is a highly flammable gas that's also contributing to climate change. It was such an intense, huge fight that came right after and during the fights against coal mining and specifically mountaintop removal in Central Appalachia. It did show up in this lineage of strong resistance in Appalachia that is very well known in this region, but continues to go overlooked outside of the region. 'Holler' is a graphic novel, which is a unique way to tell a character-driven story. Why did you choose the graphic novel format, and to explore the MVP through these six activists? All of that thinking was part of, how do I tell a story of the Mountain Valley Pipeline Fight with the voices of the resistors uplifted? One of them is pretty well known. Her name's Becky Crabtree, and she is known as the Grandma who locked herself to her Ford Pinto when her sheep farm was threatened by the pipeline. And the other is a quieter resistor named Paula Mann, who is a photographer who used her skills to document the way the pipeline threatened the woods that seven generations of her family have lived in. Part of who ended up being part of the book … were people who both had been part of the struggle and had been covered by the news, and who were the quieter resistors, and who were the younger resistors who were in college when they learned about the pipeline, and who were the people that were well into their 80s learning about it, and also diversity because I think central Appalachia gets thought of as this very white, very poor region that has no diversity. Oftentimes, the Monacan tribe and the other indigenous tribes in the Southeast don't get recognized as tribes and people who are continuing to fight and protect this land. The MVP ultimately was greenlit in 2024, and is continuing to make its way down through to North Carolina. Protesters may have the opportunity to carry these lessons forward. In 2020, the government approved an extension of the MVP into North Carolina called Southgate. Where does the pipeline fight go from here and what's happening now? It felt important to me that we did lose the fight, in a traditional way of deeming did you win or lose the pipeline fight, while also telling engaging and authentic stories of the community that was built through the pipeline fight and the people that were changed by the pipeline fight. And as we see the federal government in the U.S. and many powerful entities across the world not take climate change as seriously as we believe that they need to, we're going to have to define winning with more nuance than, did you absolutely stop the project or not? Denali Sai Nalamalapu is the author of the new graphic novel Holler, which is available from Timber Press. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Vance rode Middletown pride to the White House. Will he help its schools?
The U.S. Department of Education is recalling millions of promised federal dollars from 18 Ohio school districts, including $5.6 million from Middletown City Schools. I wonder if Vice President J.D. Vance will step up and save the day for his hometown school district, considering that 62% of Middletown voters cast their ballots for him and Donald Trump in the 2024 election. It remains to be seen if Vance is as committed to Middletown. As a Middletown native, count me among the skeptics. Unlike so many of my Middletown brethren, I never fully bought into Vance's pretense about his love for our town. I always felt Middletown was nothing more than a prop Vance used to further his personal and political goals. He trashed Middletown in the selling of his book "Hillbilly Elegy," something many proud residents took exception to. He played up his Appalachian roots and connection to the Butler County steel-mill town during the presidential campaign to make himself seem more Middle America, despite more recently being a Silicon Valley tech guy. More: JD Vance's Middletown: What really went wrong In the end, I saw Vance as little more than an opportunist preying on Middletown's sense of community pride. That's the thing about my hometown; the people there are very proud of their own. Middletonians who achieve great success are celebrated, revered, and, most of all, strongly supported and promoted. So, I wasn't surprised when Middletown went all out backing the Trump-Vance ticket. I won't say politics wasn't the main decider, but Middie pride was a big factor in how people there voted, too. Heck, the city put up road signs honoring Vance just a couple of weeks after he was sworn in as vice president. Middletonians stand up for each other that way. More: JD Vance blames local deputy's death on leaders who make police officers 'to be enemies' Now, Vance has the chance to do the same − a chance to show that I'm wrong about him. At least on this one thing. Deliver for all those Middletonians who believed in you enough to give you their votes. Who believed that you could help fix the town's "bad rap." Who believed that not only could you and Trump "Make America Great Again," but that, together, you might also help bring about the resurgence of a once All-American City. Make sure Middletown schools — the district you attended — get to keep that $5.6 million, Mr. Vice President. Pull whatever levers you need to; talk to Trump directly if you have to. Selecting Middletown High School's marching band to perform at the Inaugural Parade in Washington, D.C. was nice for those students, but securing nearly $6 million for a new transportation center would benefit Middletown students districtwide. The community is counting on that money, and it is counting on you. You've certainly profited from our hometown. Now it's time to return the favor. Opinion and Engagement Editor Kevin S. Aldridge can be reached at kaldridge@ On X: @kevaldrid. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Middletown's loyalty to Vance meets federal abandonment | Opinion
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Appalachian Ohio's public schools face tough choices with potential state, federal funding cuts
Ohio school children in a classroom. (Photo by Morgan Trau.) Public school leaders in Appalachian Ohio say that state and federal funding cuts would cause suffering for schools and the students they serve. An analysis of the Ohio House Republican budget proposal shows it would result in more than $565 million in lost funds for Appalachian school districts over the next two years and a loss of $2.75 billion for public schools statewide, compared to the Fair School Funding Plan that's been in place the past two budget cycles. The Ohio Senate is currently working on a state operating budget draft that would spell out, among other things, how the chamber thinks public and private education should be funded by the state. The big question right now is whether Ohio Republican lawmakers will keep to the Fair School Funding Plan that was passed with bipartisan support four years ago and included a six-year phase-in, or whether they will abandon it before the third and final phase. Republicans control supermajorities in both chambers of the Ohio Statehouse. Ohio House Republicans have already laid out their proposal. It does not include a continuation of the Fair School Funding Plan, which distributes support based on a funding formula that takes into account individual district needs, student demographics, and poverty rates, among other categories. The House budget proposal gives schools an additional $226 million, which House Finance Chair Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Ashville, said would be an increase from 2025 funding. Democrats and Fair School Funding Plan advocates say that with inflation schools need much more than that to be fully funded, based on the needs identified as part of the funding plan's data. A fully-funded increase would be between $666 million and $800 million, they say. School board members from across the state signed on to a letter organized by advocacy group All In for Ohio Kids, asking that the legislature go back to the Fair School Funding plan. The members write that the funding formula 'is working as intended,' and that it 'provides an equitable and transparent foundation for a shared responsibility between the state and local communities to support public education for the nearly 90% of Ohio students attending public schools.' 'Alarmingly, provisions in the current state budget for (fiscal year) 2026-2027 threaten the integrity of the (fair funding plan), leaving many districts, especially those with limited local tax bases, struggling to meet rising costs and educational demands,' the letter stated. 'These changes risk stalling progress, undermining the formula's effectiveness and disrupting local school districts' ability to plan responsibly for the long term.' School districts from urban, suburban, and rural regions all stand to be impacted. But the Appalachian region's districts could face cuts that would dramatically change the way education is provided in an area with limited resources as it is. Tom Gibbs, Ph.D., superintendent of the Athens City School District, has spent two decades of his career in education working in Appalachian districts, and during that time, he's seen several 'funding mechanisms' put in place for public education, but he's also seen the different challenges schools and districts face, specifically Appalachian schools. 'Obviously, two of the biggest challenges are, one, poverty … and the other is that you're spread out, so everything is hindered by transportation (needs) and technology access,' Gibbs said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX He said Athens is unique with its location near and connection to Ohio University, but the district still has its share of needs. He's in favor of the Fair School Funding Plan because it's 'research-based,' and based in the local-level facts of each school district, he said. 'I do have some concerns that we're moving away from a formula again,' Gibbs said, adding that he's worried about plans to reduce taxes that help school districts, and talks of requiring schools to return carryover funds after a cap. An analysis by the Ohio River Valley Institute found that the Ohio House budget proposal would result in more than $565 million in lost funds over the next two years for Appalachian public schools, 'yielding the lowest state share of school funding in Ohio's history,' the institute said. Because it 'ignores inflation and eliminates targeted funding for districts with wealth disparities or districts that lose students to private schools,' the analysis found the Ohio House Republican plan would underfund public schools statewide by $2.75 billion. 'We're risking putting our students and teachers even further behind other states,' said the study's author, Nick Messenger, an economist and senior researcher for the Ohio River Valley Institute. Messenger used state budget data and funding projections from think tank Policy Matters Ohio to focus his analysis on counties in Ohio served by the Appalachian Regional Commission. The biggest change over fiscal years 2026 and 2027 would be seen in Mahoning County, according to Messenger's research. Using the Fair School Funding Plan, schools there would receive $262.5 million. Under the House proposal, the district would only see $166.6 million. Athens County would receive $72.45 million under the Fair School Funding Plan model, the analysis found. Under the House proposal, schools there would see $52.8 million. In addition to state uncertainty, Gibbs also said any change in funding on the federal level to public education, for which Athens receives about $1 million from 'various funding streams,' would impact their ability to provide tutoring and specialized programs, like special education. Policy Matters Ohio said the state's public schools receive $3 billion per year in federal funding, about 11.6% of public school revenue. Much of the federal funding schools like Athens receive is based on their participation in the free and reduced-lunch programs, eligibility for which is based on the income level of a student's household. Athens has higher levels of eligibility for the program than some other districts, therefore their funding can be used for 'school-wide' programs, according to Gibbs. 'We have some flexibility to implement programs, which means reading intervention, math intervention,' Gibbs said. 'Any reduction in that funding stream is going to have a negative impact on the additional tutoring support services we provide.' Seeing decreases in state aid and federal aid, along with possible limits in how districts can raise local funding would be challenging, he said, 'and we could be creating an environment where more schools have to go back to the ballot more often.' Ohio Statehouse lawmakers have until the end of June to develop a final budget draft to send to the governor for his signature. The Ohio Senate's Finance Committee, which leads the chamber's budget development, is hearing from not only school districts, but Ohioans speaking on behalf of topics like public libraries, disability rights, parks and recreation, and food banks throughout the week, with hearings currently scheduled through Friday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
