Q&A: Coalfield Development Corp. Leader On Heinz Award

This past summer, the executive director of a nonprofit called Coalfield Development was awarded a $250,000 grant from the Heinz Family Foundation. 

That director — Brandon Dennison, who helped found Coalfield Development almost 10 years ago — says the money will go toward a lifelong learning fund for his employees.

The group operates mostly in southern West Virginia. It has about 60 full-time workers now, all working on different enterprises meant to diversify West Virginia’s economy. Emily Allen spoke with Dennison. We hear some of their conversation.

Also on today’s show, Harpers Ferry is well known for its American Civil War history. It was the site of John Brown’s Raid, the Battle of Harpers Ferry, and the town changed hands from Union to Confederate at least a dozen times. Harpers Ferry saw so much destruction during the war that many now say it’s a town home to ghosts and hauntings.

Liz McCormick went on a ghost tour there and brings us her report.

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