At the 42nd annual Western Kentucky University's Mountain Workshops, more than 90 visual journalists from across the country and around the globe spent October 24 - 28, 2017 documenting Rowan County's people and places. These are their stories.
Come visit Morehead, Ky. and take a look at how Western Kentucky University documented the lives and places that make up this Eastern Kentucky city.
Tobacco farmer may call it quits for much-loved lifestyle reaching back three generations
Donna Christian drives the windy roads of Rowan County, delivering mysteries and romances, but her true focus is connecting with locals.
Dr. Mansha Kahloon keeps his Muslim faith, career and family life in balance
Bob Twiggs is launching satellites into space, something he’s been doing for over three decades.
A coach does more for kids than teach them sports
Greg Wing’s passion for playing his trumpet is only rivaled by his love for his wife, Paula.
With 48 photojournalists roaming the county for five days, hundreds of photographs reveal the beauty of the land and the spirit of its people. Here are some of the best.
Joe Sartor has always been a painter, but he found his purpose after he met the love of his life.
Biologist Tom Timmermann passes on his love for nature to the next generation
In a screen-obsessed world, David Dummer tries to pass along his love of nature to his grandchildren.
Holbrook Drug is more than a drug store; it has been a community gathering place for generations.
Jeremy Short’s passion for the blues transports his audience to his inner world charged by grief, love, loss, and soul.
After fleeing Africa as a refugee, Denise Luke found community and a path to success.
A veteran gives his all to recognize and support others whose sacrifice he believes far exceed his own.
Morehead State University students have been instrumental in launching satellites for purposes of educational outreach and exploring the universe.
Everybody pitches in when the Pecco family handles chores on fields spread around the region
Melissa Caskey, the self-proclaimed queen of part-time jobs, channels the blues to take on the challenges of life.
Jackie Matthews came from New Jersey to Kentucky because the dogs needed her.
A first-generation Kentuckian, Thomas Albert finds a sense of belonging through traditional music.
Leading Rowan County EMS, Danny Blevins encourages a growth mindset to help raise the town that raised him.
Lesley Jackson chose to return to Eastern Kentucky when she finished medical school, because she wants to make a difference in a rural community.
A former ballerina finds joy in motherhood
Sherridan Keltner has devoted herself to family and God after her daughter Kinlee nearly drowned seven years ago.
Logan Young embraces brotherhood on the road to recovery
Rowan County is a stereo-type breaking part of Eastern Kentucky. Many think coal would be the driving economic factor but this assumption could not be further from the truth.
Robyn Cline, beauty salon owner, connects her work to her relationship with God.
Surmounting Down Syndrome, an 18-year-old Morehead senior was elected Rowan County Homecoming Queen by wide margin
Nestled into the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Morehead combines traditional folkways with modern innovations. A time-lapse story.
Robert Franzini carries on the tradition of print-making in a world filled with glowing screens.
Tony Wilburn meets health and cognitive challenges with the help of the community
Claudia “Chick” Hicks might be retired from basketball coaching, but she is far from being done with following her passions.
A father and son lead a local lumber company through years of change.
The journey to happiness has a surprisingly simple solution for Debbie and Fred Howes: handcrafted traditions, love of nature, and a quiet existence.
This coroner is much more: comforter, father and community leader
Marty Stevens examines the world through collecting anything old: cars, signs, knickknacks, antiques and ephemera.
From horse-riding girl to farm-loving ambassador, this woman is happy to be ankle-deep in manure
Toby Pettit’s loyalty to his home-place keeps him grounded, and also gives him the freedom he craves.
Megan Newsome has always loved riding horses but has found an outlet for her passion through her programs of study, agribusiness and animal science.
A nearly 60-year-old pipeline that crosses southern Rowan County is once again being used to transport highly volatile gasses leaving many residents concerned for their safety.
Cave Run Lake unites a local guide with anglers in pursuit of muskie.
Nadia Richardson loves learning, despite the stresses involved in being a 17 year old in college.
Fuzzy Duck Coffee Shop and CoffeeTree Books bring two favorites under one quaint roof
Bill Miller, a Vietnam vet, is a master craftsman who builds hand-made wooden flag boxes to give to the families of deceased vets.
In this forested region, second-generation logger Mark Donahue is always in demand.
Tim Cantrell drives a truck but it’s his passion for his family that drives him.
A 17-year-old strives for academic perfection.
For the last 35 years, Stephen Tirone has been on a mission to bring art into public spaces.
Fire Chief Jeff Anderson lives apart from his family to run the department in Morehead
After years of service to his country and his family, Baker Hollis has formed a close bond with his K9 partner, Bandit.
Couple with a community commitment are out to reclaim a former brickyard property for use as a center for Haldeman
Dr. Phil Prater credits horses with teaching him patience and helping him grow into his best self.
Two clinics, staffed by volunteer medical professionals, provide free services for Eastern Kentucky’s uninsured.
Jenny and Lee Pennington are committed to fostering community and helping people connect with fresh local food, through their farm to table store.
Jason Ratcliff inspires Rowan County High School students with his passion for art.
Jason Jones overcame alcohol and drug addiction after ten years of using prescription pills.
Caregiver Madge Plank is the saving grace for the Trent family.
Katina Solis navigates the busyness of life as a single mother of six, and love is the driving force.
Katie and Hershall Salyer fell in love because of their shared love of horses and dreamed of owning their own farm. Today they are living their dream.
Despite challenges, Alvie Bemount Jr. contributes to the community he\’s found at Heritage Place.
A single mom bonds with her daughter while running the family bakery where their laughter cuts through the stress of business and early mornings.
A sculptor lives alone but finds solace in his work.
Jerry and Susan Hart infuse Rise & Roll Brick Oven Company with fresh ingredients, quality customer service and love for good food and each other.
For Joey Osborne, becoming a farmer means embracing a family legacy.
Scott Creek Marina prepares for the coming winter at Cave Run Lake
It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes strong families to create that village.
Rowan County band director strikes many notes in lifetime devoted to music
Suzanne Meadows home schools her children, but hopes to teach them more than the facts found in their textbooks.
At Pop’s BBQ, you can trust two things: The smoker is on and the people are hungry.
A couple return to create a family farm on the wife’s homeplace
A flight instructor and airport manager shares his love of flying with his students
For four decades, Dr. Ralph Derrickson has cared for animals and earned their owners’ trust.
Tech-savvy MSU students have space on their radar.
Motorcycles have been a part of Philip Cooper’s life since he was a boy
A fishing and boating community on the largest man-made lake in eastern Kentucky
Music majors Caroline Copley and Elizabeth Bowman find friendship and a future in folk music.
A life dedicated to a love for children
Craig McClure is a photojournalist in Virginia Beach, VA. During his time at Mountain Workshops, 2017, he documented the Blevins family in Morehead, KY.
The Hogtown Gas & Food Mart is the hub of the community