Written by Elizabeth E. Payne
Elizabeth E. Payne
A native of Boone, N.C., Lee earned degrees in archaeology and ancient history at Brown University and Boston University, and received a Ph.D. in Near Eastern languages and civilizations from Yale University. She served as our AmeriCorps Communications associate from 2015-16, and as our Communications Associate from 2016-2017.
Fonta Flora Trail to Span Over 70 Miles in N.C.
A new addition to the North Carolina State Park System, the Fonta Flora Trail, aims to attract visitors and unify towns in Western North Carolina.
Community Mural Highlights Kentucky Town
The town of Jenkins, Ky., is painting a mural as part of its “Our Town” project that will strengthen the cultural identity of the community and attract visitors.
Birthplace of Country Music Celebrates “Hometown Stars” and Other Shorts
The Birth Place of Country Music Museum highlights “Hometown Stars” in new exhibit, Asheville will retain ownership of its water system and an export facility for biomass opens in Wilmington, N.C.
DuPont to Pay $50 Million in Pollution Settlement
In a settlement reached in December 2016, DuPont Chemical will pay over $50 million for releasing mercury into Shenandoah Valley waterways.
Mountaintop removal limited — not stopped — in Tennessee
The Obama administration has approved a petition from Tennessee to designate some 75,000 acres of mountain ridges off limits for surface coal mining. The move protects mountain streams, wildlife habitat, scenic views and eco-tourism assets of the iconic Cumberland Plateau. But other mountains in Tennessee are still threatened with mountaintop removal mining. Take action today.
Devastating Forest Fires Ignite Southeast
Numerous forest fires burned across the Southeast throughout the autumn. Nearly 120,000 acres of forest burned, and the city of Gatlinburg, Tenn., was badly damaged, with 14 lives lost.
W.V. Chemical Spill Settlement Reached
A settlement in a class-action lawsuit compensates residents affected by the Jan. 9, 2014, chemical spill at Freedom Industries in Charleston, W.Va., which dumped 7,500 gallons of the coal-washing chemical MCHM into the Elk River.
New POWER Initiative Grants Aim to Bolster Coal-Impacted Economies
An October round of POWER Initiative grants awarded nearly $28 million dollars of support for 42 projects in 13 states that have been negatively impacted by the decline of the coal industry.
Residents Seek to Halt New Development
A proposed city plan to erect a shopping center and sports complex in Abingdon, Va., along the Virginia Creeper Trail faces criticism.
Public Frack Complaints Unearthed and Other Shorts
Public Frack Complaints Unearthed, Bill to Study Health Impact of Mountaintop Removal Introduced, W.Va. Coal Company Settles Water Pollution Lawsuit, and other news briefs