GLEN JEAN, West Virginia, Dec. 16 -- The National Park Service Youth Arts in the Parks issued the following news release: Youth Arts in the Parks (YAP) 2024 Appalachian Spring Wildflower Art Contest time is here! Local students can tap into their love of nature by entering this year's contest in two categories, the classic Wildflower Art and the Digital Art Critter Challenge. The contest tradition of creating handmade flower art continues, while wildlife artists must make their art digitally on  more

DURHAM, North Carolina, Dec. 14 (TNSres)(TNScapv) -- The North Carolina Waste Awareness and Reduction Network issued the following news release on Dec. 13, 2023: In an open letter sent today, 84 businesses and nonprofits called for NC Governor Roy Cooper and Attorney General Josh Stein to demand open clarification of Duke Energy's secretive plans* for hundreds of miles of new and expanded power line corridors in a targeted area of North Carolina. The groups say Duke's plan to invest $10 billio  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 6 -- The American Farmland Trust issued the following news release: The United States' ability to sustainably produce food, steward natural resources, and support rural economies depends on ensuring greater access to land for the next generation of farmers and ranchers. Working in partnership with public and private land protection leaders throughout the country, American Farmland Trust (AFT) announces a new "Land Transfer Navigators" program in partnership with USDA Natural Re  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 (TNSres) -- The Appalachian Regional Commission issued the following news release: * * * Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy applications due February 2, 2024. * * * The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2023, are free intensive learning experiences specific  more

ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, Dec. 7 -- Visit Atlantic City posted the following news release: Today, Race Across America (RAAM) announced in partnership with the Atlantic City Sports Commission that Atlantic City will serve as the finish line for the 42nd edition of the cross-country bicycle race, taking place in June 2024. The 3,000 mile coast-to-coast bicycle race begins in Oceanside, CA on June 11, 2024 with finishers expected to begin crossing the finish line in Atlantic City on June 18, 2024  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 16 -- Rep. Troy Balderson, R-Ohio, issued the following news release on Dec. 15, 2023: This week, the House overwhelmingly passed the Remote Opioid Monitoring Act by a vote of 386-37. The bill, which was introduced by U.S. Representatives Troy Balderson (OH-12) and Robin Kelly (IL-02) in June, would direct the federal government to conduct a study on the benefits and efficacy of remote monitoring technology that would enable healthcare providers to track and ensure the wellbein  more

MILLIGAN, Tennessee, Dec. 13 -- Milligan College issued the following news release: Milligan University presented its Fide et Amore award to Dr. Carolyn Carter, associate dean of the William B. Greene, Jr. School of Business and Technology, for her loving and faithful service to the university. The Fide et Amore award, Milligan's highest acknowledgement of service, was announced and presented at Milligan's commencement ceremony held Friday, Dec. 8, in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium located in S  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- Rep. Morgan McGarvey, D-Kentucky, issued the following news release on Dec. 14, 2023: This week, Congressman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) introduced the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act alongside Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) and cosponsors Reps. Gerry Connolly (VA-11), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Dan Kildee (MI-08), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Joe Neguse (CO-02), and Abigail Spanberger (VA-07). The bill will make it easier for survivors of miners who died of pneumoconiosis  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 -- The Environmental Defense Fund issued the following news release on Dec. 11, 2023: In an order issued today, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear challenges to EPA's Clean Air Act responsibility to address climate pollution. Two organizations had challenged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endangerment Finding - the foundational, science-anchored determination that carbon dioxide, methane and other climate pollutants endanger human health and the environment  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13 -- Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Virginia, issued the following statement on Dec. 12, 2023: * * * Today, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) announced that the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded $25,000 to the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce through the ARC Ready Non-profits Capacity Building initiative. "This $25,000 investment by the Appalachian Regional Commission will go a long ways towards helping the Wytheville-Wythe-Bland Chamber of Commerce   more

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Dec. 13 -- Appalachian Voices issued the following news release on Dec. 12, 2023: Last month, several nonprofit organizations submitted a request for more transparency and public engagement into the Tennessee Valley Authority's Integrated Resource Plan process. The board has failed to respond to the groups' "Motion to Intervene" for more than 30 days. In response to TVA's failure to offer opportunities for substantial input on the IRP, the groups will hold a "People's IRP  more

FORT WAYNE, Indiana, Dec. 12 -- Indiana Michigan Power, an American Electric Power company, issued the following news release: Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is preparing for the upcoming winter season at its Elkhart Hydroelectric Generating Station. To prevent ice buildup, I&M will lower the reservoir level at the facility. Starting next Monday, Dec. 18, the reservoir level at the Elkhart Hydroelectric Generating Station, located on Johnson Street near downtown Elkhart on the St. Joseph River,   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-New York, issued the following news release: WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) announced an Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Rural Development Grant for the Village of Hammondsport in the amount of $150,000. This grant will be used to construct a village-owned wastewater collection and treatment system to address needs in the business district. "This investment in Hammondsport's business district will increase oppo  more

BOONE, North Carolina, Dec. 14 -- Appalachian Voices issued the following news release on Dec. 13, 2023: This afternoon, lawmakers and advocates for miners with black lung called on Congress to pass major legislation during a virtual press conference. Leaders from the National Black Lung Association, Appalachian Citizens' Law Center and Appalachian Voices were joined by U.S. Rep. Morgan McGarvey (D-Ky.), who announced the introduction of the Relief for Survivors of Miners Act of 2023, which wou  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 -- The Library of Congress issued the following news on Dec. 13, 2023: Twenty-five influential films have been selected for the 2023 Library of Congress National Film Registry, Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced today. The films are selected each year for their cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to preserve the nation's film heritage. The newest selections include a diverse group of films, filmmakers and Hollywood landmarks exploring the drama of history,   more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 15 -- The Appalachian Regional Commission issued the following news release on Dec. 14, 2023: Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced $995,339 in awards through READY Nonprofits, one of four tailored tracks under ARC's capacity-building initiative, READY Appalachia. Funds will help 40 nonprofits from 11 Appalachian states build internal operating capacity, enabling them to solve pressing issues and create opportunities in their communities. Today's award pac  more

WASHINGTON, Dec. 14 -- The National Park Service National Historic Landmarks issued the following news release on Dec. 13, 2023: Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland today designated 16 new National Historic Landmarks (NHLs) and two new National Natural Landmarks (NNLs). The designations reflect the importance of the sites in sharing America's rich history and extraordinary natural features. "The new National Historic and Natural Landmarks designated today further the Interior Department's vi  more

LEXINGTON, Kentucky, Dec. 7 -- The Nature Conservancy issued the following news: The Nature Conservancy (TNC), Mountain Association and the City of Middlesboro announced today the installation of solar panels on the Middlesboro Community Center, eliminating most of the Center's energy costs and reducing its carbon emissions. The Center, a mainstay of activity in Middlesboro, is used for community gatherings from birthday parties to business meetings. The installation is part of a growing trend   more

THE PLAINS, Virginia, Dec. 15 -- The American Bird Conservancy issued the following news release: Todd Fearer, an American Bird Conservancy (ABC) staffer and the coordinator of the Appalachian Mountains Joint Venture, recently received an award named in honor of one of ABC's longtime leaders. The North American Bird Conservation Initiative (NABCI) presented Fearer with the 2022 David Pashley Award in November. NABCI created the award to memorialize and honor one of its founding members, David   more

NEW YORK, Dec. 14 -- The Open Space Institute issued the following news: The Open Space Institute and the Trust for Public Land are proud to announce the conservation of 1,230 acres of Victory Hill in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom. The region is known for world-class recreation opportunities and plays a key role in protecting a biological hotspot. The conservation of Victory Hill was supported through a grant from the Open Space Institute's Transborder Fund. The Fund was established to protect t  more

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 15 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release: During his first year in office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration got stuff done by furthering Pennsylvania's role as a national energy leader and advancing commonsense measures to defend public health and safety while protecting and creating good-paying energy jobs. By leveraging millions in historic federal funding, the Shapiro Administration plugged 135 wells - more orphaned and  more

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Dec. 12 -- The Tennessee Department of Transportation issued the following news: The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) has partnered with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to create a new electronic guide called the Mountain Byways of Tennessee & North Carolina. The e-Guide is available for free by visiting https://www.tn.gov/tdot/ScenicRoadways and is a web-based resource for travelers to the areas of East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. "  more

COOKEVILLE, Tennessee, Dec. 13 -- Tennessee Technological University issued the following news release: A group of Tennessee Tech University graduate students and faculty recently embarked on an immersive four-day trip into the history and culture of Cherokee, Appalachian and other rural communities across Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia. The trip was organized as part of the new "Engendering the Spirit of Gadugi at the Food-Energy-Water Nexus" program at Tech, which received a $3 million  more

NEW YORK, Dec. 15 -- The New York Community Trust issued the following news release on Dec. 14, 2023: The New York Community Trust today announced more than $7.5 million in grants to 40 nonprofits working to advance economic and educational opportunities for New Yorkers and improving lives throughout the city and beyond. The latest round of grants supports local organizations addressing a wide swath of community needs and opportunities ranging from an initiative to train middle and high school  more

GREENVILLE, Tennessee, Dec. 11 -- Tusculum University issued the following news: Completing their studies as career-ready professionals, another 125 Tusculum University students have graduated and are ready to tackle the next phase of life with a pioneering spirit. Tusculum held its fall semester commencement ceremony Saturday, Dec. 9, which featured jubilant graduates, families and other supporters. The university celebrated the graduation of this impressive cohort, which came from 10 states   more

PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, Dec. 12 -- The University of Pennsylvania School of Arts and Sciences issued the following news: University of Pennsylvania 2022 graduate Ashley Fuchs has been chosen as a 2024 Marshall Scholar. Established by the British Government, the Marshall Scholarship funds as many as three years of study for a graduate degree in any field in an institution in the United Kingdom. Fuchs is among the 51 Marshall Scholars for 2024 representing 34 institutions in the United Stat  more

BLUEFIELD, West Virginia, Dec. 15 -- Gov. Jim Justice, R-West Virginia, issued the following news release on Dec. 13, 2023: Gov. Jim Justice today held an event (https://www.youtube.com/live/xJdaGqzFhnU?si=lFwczdbVD5D8rZME&t=85) to cut the ribbon and celebrate the grand opening of an approximately three-mile stretch of the King Coal Highway spanning from Airport Road to John Nash Boulevard near Bluefield. The approximately $68 million project, the first section of the King Coal Highway to be f  more