Written by Dan Radmacher

Dan Radmacher
Dan is Appalachian Voice's Media Specialist. Previously, he worked as an opinion journalist for newspapers in Illinois, West Virginia, Florida and Virginia, and then as a communications consultant for a number of environmental nonprofit organizations.
Youth Build Turbines for KidWind Challenge
Groups of kids all over the nation gather to see who can design and build the best wind turbine. Southwest Virginia’s Off the Grid team won nationals earlier this year.
A DIY Approach to Wind Energy
Roger Beale built a wind turbine in his own Virginia backyard. Now, he’s passing on that information to kids competing in national turbine design competitions.
Former Coal Company Town Integrates Energy Efficiency and Solar
By Dan Radmacher Powering a coal museum with…
Severe Black Lung Disease Makes A Deadly Resurgence
Diagnoses of the most severe form of black lung disease, known as progressive massive fibrosis, are on the rise in Appalachia. The causes of this deadly trend aren’t entirely clear, though it may be linked to the silica rock dust associated with thinner layers of coal.