Tag: Inside Appalachia

One of the most immediate effects of the federal government shutdown hits tourists.

A record number of raptors flew over an observation point in West Virginia recently.

A story teller puts a new twist on old Appalachian traditions.

And a Kentucky school program helps who want to children learn music.

TN Smokies Closed: Shutting down much of the federal government this past week meant national parks across the country were closed. The third most visited park in the country last year according to the National Parks Conservation Association is the Great Smoky Mountains. Brandon Hollingsworth and Christine Jessel from WUOT in Knoxville, Tn., went to the Smokies to get reaction from visitors hoping for a fun fall experience only to find the park closed. Hear from Drema and Fred Johnson from West Virginia, Alyss and Rachel Miller from Ohio, Florence Gibson from Missouri, Don and Rebecca from Alabama and their granddaughter, Abigail, from Kentucky and Zack Newman who lives in Maryville, Tn. and works at a restaurant just outside the Park entrance in Townsend. 

KY WV Parks Open: State parks across Appalachia want to make sure visitors know there’s an alternative to visiting the national parks. West Virginia’s state parks and forests have been publicizing the fact that they’re open and have lodging available. All of Kentucky’s 49 state parks remain open.

WV Inspiring West Virginian: As we continue our series of Inspiring West Virginians, here’s the story of a man originally from Berkeley County who’s working hard to preserve the state’s unique and wild places. Producer Jean Snedegar takes us to the top of a mountain with field biologist Rodney Bartgis, the State Director of The West Virginia Nature Conservancy.

WV Raptor Migration: This month, hawks, falcons, and eagles will continue their migration south, and thousands will pass through the eastern mountains of West Virginia. This year, on Sunday, Sept 22^nd, one thousand 591 raptors were counted at the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County, W.Va. This broke the record for the most raptors logged at Hanging Rock in a single day since 1995. To see the migrating raptors pass just feet from view, hundreds of visitors come each Fall to the Hanging Rock Lookout Tower, originally a fire tower for the Forest Service, located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, in the southeastern corner of West Virginia. recently Roxy Todd and Dan Schultz caught up with some of the volunteer naturalists who travel daily to help record the migration of raptors up at Hanging Rock.

WV Story Teller CD: Story telling is an old art form in Appalachia. One West Virginia story teller’s newest project, a CD of music and stories entitled The Mountain Came Alive, attempts to modernize this tradition by addressing today’s concerns.

KY School Music Program: Instruction which includes instruments is known to enhance a child’s appreciation of music. But, musical instruments are not always within the reach of families with modest means.  A program launched by the Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra provides the tools needed by low-income music students.  WEKU’S Stu Johnson has more from Lexington.

New environmental regs, coal a tourism draw in southern W.Va, an historic clock in downtown Lexington Ky. restored and Big Stone Gap Va. gets a taste of Hollywood.

WVU Professor on EPA Regulations: With the proposed regulations targeting new coal-fired power plants, one West Virginia University law professor is predicting new challenges for the region’s coal industry.

Coal Tours: Coal mine history is providing a tourism boost to southern West Virginia. A tour guide company that specializes in the mine mars has been showing guests through the region for three years now.

Historic Clock: For eight decades, a clock in front of Skuller’s Jewelry Stores on Main St. helped Lexington, Ky., residents measure their day.   But, over time, the clock became erratic, until finally its hands stood still.  Now, after a facelift and significant repairs, the clock is again ready to keep time.

Sounds of Fall: The first day of fall is upon us, and the season brings visions of the brilliant foliage- but what about the sounds of fall? West Virginia Public Radio’s Jim Lange reflects on the symphony fall brings, both manmade and natural. 

Big Stone Gap Movie: Big Stone Gap, Va., is getting the big screen treatment. The governor’s office says a film version is being made of author Adriana Trigiani’s novel of the same name.  In 2011 Trigiani spoke with West Virginia Public Radio about her career as an Appalachian writer.