Southeast Ohio

The Scene

Bellaire restores Great Stone Viaduct

Written by Donovan Hunt, Photos by Hannah Campbell. The Great Stone Viaduct has stood tall for over 150 years, connecting Bellaire, Ohio, to Benwood, West Virginia, over the Ohio River by rail. Construction on the bridge began in 1870, five years after the Civil War, and each arch is supported by 37 ring stones representing […]

In Your Neighborhood Uncategorized

Pure Prairie League Band rocks on

Written by Max Abbatiello, Photos by Jessica Stelzer The terms “longevity” and “stability” don’t necessarily apply to bands. In fact, the average life expectancy of any band is seven years, according to film director and DJ Don Letts. Rarely does a rock band manage to stay alive for more than a decade. Even rock legends, […]

Features Uncategorized

Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch’s a-grazing

Written by Alex Ifft, Photos by Zach Vogeler From the brink of extinction to a remarkable resurgence, the history of bison is a testament to time. Bison faced annihilation in the early 19th century. However, thanks to the dedication of conservationists as well as help from farmers and ranchers, their numbers have rebounded. As years […]

Features

Southeast Ohio’s newest farmers turn their passions into full time jobs

Written by Donovan Hunt, Photos by Ashley Beach Julie Sharp has dreamed of starting a farm for many years and about 18 months ago, she made her dream a reality, but some of the hardest lessons have come from as she says her dreams hitting reality. One day, Sharp had nearly finished bush-hogging her pasture […]

Behind the Bite

Vinton County’s delicious Air Show’s Chicken Tradition

Written and photos by Zach Vogeler The Vinton County Air Show is one of the most popular and successful events of its kind in the heart of Ohio. It dates to the 1970s and attracts around 5,000 attendees annually. During the one-day event, cars crowd the grassy parking lot, lawn chairs dot the viewing area […]

What's Your Story?

Randall Crossen Sr.’s Service to Safety

Written by Cole Patterson, Photos by Jessica Stelzer The year was 1975 when Randall Crossen Sr. first experienced the heat of firefighting. It was his father who took him to just off state Route 681, past county Route 69, where a brush fire broke out because of a woman burning trash. “He’s just one of […]

Features

The famous mineral springs of Adams County

Written and photos by Lillian Barry In 1840, just south of present-day Peebles, Charles Matheny stumbled upon a spring that winded through Peach Mountain, dipped his hands into its waters, and drank. What he found would prove to be invaluable — Matheny believed he had discovered medicinal gold.   Matheny’s Medicine According to Mineral Springs: Adams […]

Talking Points

Southeast Ohio dog shelters adapt to overcrowding issues

Written by Trinity Trimble, Photos by Hannah Campbell Dog shelters around Ohio are coping with an increasing number of shelter dogs. Shelters are accepting fewer surrenders, getting help from rescues, building new facilities, increasing advertising, and, in the worst cases, euthanizing dogs. Accepting Fewer Surrenders Some shelters are choosing not to take in dogs from […]

In Your Neighborhood

Monroe Kids Got Talent starts careers, one kid at a time

Written by Arielle Lyons, Photos by Jessica Stelzer Adalynn “Addy” McGuire is a 13-year-old self-taught singer. This time last year, she hoisted a trophy declaring her the winner of Monroe Kids Got Talent, an annual event that showcases young local talent between the ages of 5 and 20. Now, she was onstage again, wearing a […]

Behind the Bite

Pawpaws for all

Written and Photos by Jamie Miller “The flavor of the pawpaw sells itself,” says Chris Chmiel of Integration Acres. An overcast afternoon lit the farmer’s pawpaw trees. Small buds decorated trees, alongside pink, white and green ribbons. The plants were treated to an unusually warm day in February. Chmiel smiled when speaking about his produce. […]

In Your Neighborhood

In pursuit of leather things

Written and Photos by Anna Millar – Nearly 13 years ago, Aaron and Erin Buckley set out to start their own leather-working business. Aaron had been stuck inside due to a motorcycle injury and was looking for something to occupy his time, he says.    It all began at a local shoe repair shop, where Aaron […]

Features

Exploring the roots, impact of bluegrass in Southeast Ohio

By Katie Millard, Photos by Lena Kalantzis Fiddles and banjos underscore Southeast Ohio, with a surprising history connected to the region. Coal and soot fell from stomping boots as miners, factory workers and families were swept up in rising fiddles and train-whistle harmonies. After long shifts, the blue-collar workers who made Southern Ohio often relaxed […]

What's Your Story?

Brooke Miller offers doula services for mothers in Southeast Ohio

By Savannah Dawson, Photos by Milton Lindsay As maternal mortality rates rise across the U.S., Brooke Miller works to make birth comforting and empowering. In addition to her work as a mother of three and an intervention specialist at Zane Trace Elementary School, Brooke Miller has a third job. In her work as a doula, […]

In Your Neighborhood

Midway Speedway tracks improvements and racing culture

Written and Photos by PJ Marolt Start your Engines Massive vibrations shake the ground. Green-layered hills span the looming spotlights. Hundreds of people pepper the landscape, spread across the stands and the track. Red clay rains from the infield, covering fans too close to the fence, in search of a closer look of the ⅜-mile […]

Talking Points

Wayne National Forest changes its name to Buckeye National Forest

Written and Photos by Henry Jost In August, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced a proposal to rename Ohio’s only national forest, Wayne National Forest. It could soon be called Buckeye National Forest. After requests from American Indian Tribes and local community members, the USDA announced a proposal to change the name of Wayne National […]