Haunted By History
Ghost hunter hopes to help restless spirits tell their stories Jessie Crowell turns off the engine of her crimson sedan, steps out of the car, and unloads her gear. This isn’t the first time she’s been here, searching for answers…
"Owned by those we serve"
Month March 2026
Fabulous Fall
Check out some of the local sights Autumn in the Tennessee Valley is a magical time of year. The hills and hollows take on a new personality as the foliage turns into a kaleidoscope of colors. Brilliant orange, vermilion, and…
Always on the Line
Linemen serve combined 97 years at NAEC Richard Ballard and Eugene Talley had no idea nearly five decades ago what lay ahead of them when they came on board at NAEC. Now, having worked at the cooperative for a combined…
Rollin’ on the River
Paint Rock Canoe offers weekend adventure Day after day, Amanda Vest sits in a windowless office. But every weekend from May until September, she and her husband, Lucas, bring their kayaks from Decatur to Paint Rock Canoe. “I work in…
Senior Salute
Smith graduates with honors Dawson Smith, 18, is the son of North Alabama Electric Cooperative fiber technician Kirkland Smith Jr. and Jonell Brooks. He is the first student in the history of North Jackson High School to earn his associate…
Bringing the Outdoors In
Bart Nelson’s lifelong love of nature inspires his paintings Bart Nelson has enjoyed creating art ever since he could first hold a pencil. “I was always drawing and eventually began painting,” he says. The walls of his home are filled…
Finding Hope
Local equine sanctuary offers solace to veterans and horses There’s just something about a horse. Kara Stephan couldn’t stop herself from getting involved when she got word about a horse that would soon be killed because of a fractured leg.…
Repurposed
Man finds meaning breathing new life into old wood An old, fallen tree laying on the side of the road is often seen as just that — an old tree. But Jason Shrader sees the beauty in what the wood…
Taking Flight
Grad student analyzes local waterfowl Brittany Hansey may be far from home, but she feels comfortable anywhere she gets to be outdoors. She dedicates her time and education to learning more about waterfowl, including their habits and migration patterns. As…
Paradise Found
Couple finds purpose rescuing and rehabbing wildlife Shamballa Wildlife Rescue is tucked away from the world on a dirt road surrounded by woods. But to John and April Russ, Shamballa isn’t just a place. It’s a state of mind. The…