Resolve to Read More Rural Journalism in 2022
Because the small towns, hamlets and hollers of central and eastern Kentucky have so many stories to tell.
Surprise.
Since launching in late summer as part of the first-ever Substack Local cohort, The Goldenrod has been met with quite a bit of surprise, both from readers on-the-ground in central and eastern Kentucky and nationally.
Surprise that there are so many local stories to report from the small towns, hamlets and hollers of our region that were previously going untold.
Surprise that a publication in rural Kentucky would make the choice to center the voices of the people—not the powerful.
Surprise that our region is experiencing a sea change when it comes to diversity, inclusivity and pushback against outmoded ways of thinking.
Surprise that with a commitment to high-quality storytelling and a little bit of trust, we can start rebuilding a media landscape that’s been decimated by corporate interests for decades.
And, if I’m being honest, Surprise that Substack newsletters are even a thing! Among our readership, most of whom are not Super Online, Substack itself was a new discovery.
That’s why—Surprise!—we’re offering a 20 percent off discount on annual subscriptions through the end of January. Whether you’re a longtime free subscriber looking for a nudge to upgrade; made a New Year’s resolution to take in more local journalism in 2022; or just want to encourage a pal (or seven) to keep up with what you’re already reading, there’s never been a better time to subscribe to The Goldenrod.
Need convincing? Check out a handful of the pieces from our first five months of life:
If you’re looking for a story about religion…here’s my live-from-the-pews look at the all-too-common (and, in some cases, potentially illegal) act of carrying guns into church.
If you’re looking for a story about yaks in Appalachian Kentucky…don’t worry—we have you covered (x3).
If you’re looking for a story about coal…I asked soil scientists and fruit tree biologists whether or not apples can actually grow on reclaimed mine land like former coal baron Jim Booth is touting in Martin County.
If you’re looking for a new favorite song…we commissioned a good ‘ol fashioned haunted one about the mountains.
If you’re looking for a story about environmental issues…here’s an investigation into how Kentucky’s elected officials have a dangerous mess on their hands when it comes to electronic waste.
If you’re looking for a story about the opioid epidemic…I questioned why most libraries in central and eastern Kentucky don’t carry life-saving Narcan.
If you’re looking for a story with an artistic bent…we created our first digital art gallery this fall as part of an ongoing effort to redefine and expand the possibilities for what creativity means in eastern Kentucky.
If you’re looking for a story about how the kids are alright (but schools aren’t)…get inspired by siblings who called out ableism at Paul G. Blazer High School in Ashland.
If you’re looking for a story about the post office…you’ll love this photo essay of USPS outposts from eastern Kentucky’s unincorporated communities in the 1980s.
If you’re looking for a story about shifting demographics…take some time to examine our map of how rural Kentucky’s Hispanic population is growing exponentially.
If you’re looking for a story about Little Bubby Child…well, right this way.
We’ll be back next week with a legislative preview specifically for small town central and eastern Kentucky folks. (I also might have jury duty—yes, in the middle of a COVID surge—so be prepared to hear a lot about how that in-person civic responsibility looks as the pandemic rages.)
In the meantime, once again, here’s that new year, new deal paid subscriber special for *radio announcer voice* a limited time only: