Hellos and Goodbyes
Lee Payne
After two years of inspired, dedicated and thoughtful service to The Appalachian Voice publication, former Associate Editor Elizabeth (Lee) Payne left that role in August to pursue gardening and homesteading projects in Ashe County, N.C., and bring her many talents to the local library. While we miss her daily good cheer and sharp research skills, we are grateful that she remains a valued part of the Voice team as a contributing editor and volunteer distributor of the publication.
Kevin Ridder
Kevin Ridder has stepped into the role of associate editor for the publication and communications associate for the organization. A Voice freelance contributor for the past two years, Kevin graduated from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville in 2016 with a degree in geology and environmental studies with a concentration in journalism. He also served as a CAC AmeriCorps member with the City of Knoxville Solid Waste Office. We’re thrilled to welcome him to our team, and look forward to hearing him play the slide trombone at our next office potluck.
Becca Bauer
Becca Bauer also joins us as our newest AmeriCorps Project Conserve member. Becca grew up outside New York City and moved to Boone, N.C., to attend Appalachian State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in sustainable development and a minor in sustainable technology. After volunteering with us for two years, she now brings her passion for the mountains and conservation to our Energy Savings team. And Katie Kienbaum is returning for a second AmeriCorps Project Conserve year with our Energy Savings team.
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Signs of Life
In the Nantahala National Forest, a team of biologists spotted Indiana bats, an endangered species that hasn’t been seen in North Carolina for the last 11 years.
‘First Line of Defense’
During Hurricane Helene and its aftermath, rural fire departments and other first responder hubs played critical roles in keeping their communities safe, even without power and cut off from outside support for days or weeks after the storm. Two years later, plenty of work remains to ensure these hubs have the resources they need to operate day to day and be ready when emergencies or natural disasters strike.
The Rocky Road — and Bridge — to Recovery
Hurricane Helene is estimated to have damaged nearly 7,000 private roads and bridges in Western North Carolina. Two years later, many restoration projects are complete, but the journey hasn’t been easy — and isn’t over for others.
After 20 Years, Letcher County Prison Proposal Is Still Alive, Though Obstacles Remain
A $605 million proposal for a federal prison on a former strip mine site in Letcher County, Kentucky, championed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers, refuses to die, despite local opposition, a lack of support from the executive branch and numerous other obstacles.
The Washout and Rebuild
For nearly two years, residents of Unicoi County, Tennessee, have had to make do without a hospital after Hurricane Helene destroyed the rural hospital. Ballad Health, which owns the hospital, broke ground on a new location — in another floodplain — in August 2026.
The Shenandoah Salamander
The Shenandoah salamander is a woodland salamander, which has adapted to life at higher elevations away from water. This sparkling rarity lives among the dry leaves, cracked logs, and stony hillocks on the highest peaks of Shenandoah National Park.
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