July/August 2025
SEARCHING FOR SPINS
Elk City Records offers diverse selection of music
THE PEANUT SHOPPE
Celebrating 75 years
PUBLISHER
Joe Imel
EDITORIAL
Heath Harrison, Editor
Mark Shaffer, Staff Writer
Amanda Larch Hinchman, Contributor
Alyssa King, Contributor briefs@irontontribune.com
ADVERTISING
Christie Coleman, Sales Consultant christie.coleman@irontontribune.com
Marye Long, Sales Consultant marye.long@irontontribune.com
PRODUCTION
Kandi Thompson, Design
PHOTOGRAPHY
Blair Burns, Contributor
Fair creates leaders for Lawrence County
At the time this issue of the fair hits the stands, it will be time for the Lawrence County Fair to return to fairgrounds in Rome Township.
This year’s fair runs from July 7-12 and will feature rides, concessions and grandstand entertainment, including rodeos, wrestling, demolition derbies and a visit from the Cincinnati Circus.
But, most importantly, the fair supports and serves as an annual showcase for the 4-H and FFA programs in the county, in which hundreds of students participate, from young Cloverbuds, all the way to high school seniors and graduates.
4-H programs are present in most of the county’s schools and instill not just agricultural and farming skills, but public speaking and social skills, civics and leadership.
A perfect example of the kind of young leader who comes from 4-H can be seen
in the author of our Last Word column this month –Isabella Kerns, one of the most accomplished in her time at the fair, who shares what she has learned along the way. Attendance at the fair, along with contributions from the livestock and Sweet Tooth auctions helps to fund the operation of the event and keep these programs going.
A county fair is always a great event for families to get out and enjoy the summer and we encourage everyone to not just attend one in your area, but, while there, drop by the main barn and see the accomplishments of the county’s youth.
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Tri-State Living
arts & culture
p. 8
Paint & Sip makes art personal, social joyful.
FOSTERING TALENT
Artists inspire creativity through Paint & Sip
In 2017, Huntington, West Virginia, artists Charlie Barager and Stuart Mohr had the idea to create Paint & Sip.
The business is a welcoming studio space, where people regardless of experience can come in and enjoy a two-hour guided painting session.
“The goal has always been to have a fun and relaxing environment for people to come in and be creative,” Charlie says.
From day one, Paint & Sip has drawn in curious beginners, despite many challenges faced over the years.
Charlie says that their passionate, loyal customers and the size of the studio at the time of the pandemic helped keep the business alive and thriving.
Charlie had worked for a similar franchise prior to starting Paint & Sip and saw the potential for something more personal and community based. She expressed her excitement for new improvements and ideas she would like to incorporate later in the future.
Charlie has a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts with multiple concentrations from Marshall University and lives in
Huntington. She had painted several murals prior to the studio, including Backyard Pizza and others. Her favorite part of painting is the process of creation, but she loves to watch others see her work for the first time.
A future goal of Charlie’s is to be happy, enjoy life in all the ways that she can as a 48-year-old and to keep the business running.
A typical class at Paint & Sip is led by one or two artists and starts around 6:30 p.m., lasting about two hours. Prices range from $20 on Tuesdays to $30 on weekends. Whether held at the studio or off-site, the sessions are designed to be beginner friendly. Canvases are often pre-sketched to make things easier, and participants are guided through everything, from brush techniques to blending colors.
The crowd is diverse, and many groups include women looking to unwind and reconnect with friends, often without the responsibility of kids for the evening. Weekday and weekend daytime sessions are open to all ages, but Friday and Saturday evenings are reserved for adults.
Story Alyssa King | Photography Heath Harrison
On Display | arts & culture
Charlie discusses future plans for the business.
“I’ve got some other plans/ideas, but I’m keeping that quiet for now,” she said.
She encourages others to pursue a hobby or career in art.
“Absolutely give it a try!” she said, noting that many people who have come to the studio have started painting at home.
The studio prides itself on inclusivity and connection, which is the kind of spirit that kept longtime customer Shelly McComas coming back for over seven years.
McComas, 55, of Huntington, discovered Paint & Sip through a simple Google search when she and her husband were looking for something fun and different to do in the area.
“Our first experience was amazing,” she recalls. “It was fun and very relaxing. It was the first thing I’ve done in a long while that allowed me to focus on the task and tune out the rest of the world and worries.”
For McComas, what makes Paint & Sip so special isn’t just the art, it’s the people.
“Charlie and Stuart are great hosts and artists,” she said. “They are so eager to share their talents and help others enjoy their experience. We felt comfortable from the very beginning.”
Over time, that comfort has grown into something even more personal.
“Now they’ve gotten to know us, now they help us do little customizations to our paintings, because they know what we like,” McComas said.
With over 30 paintings under her belt, McComas doesn’t have a single favorite piece, but rather a favorite memory: a ladies’ night with her family. And while the
creative boost is a big plus, the emotional benefits are just as important and rewarding.
“I call my time at Paint and Sip my therapy sessions,” she says.
She attended alone, with her husband, and with her friends. Each experience is different from the last. When bringing in someone new she says, “I get to help them and share what I’ve learned.”
The environment, she says, is fun, entertaining, relaxing and, most importantly, “accepting all walks of life.”
That inclusiveness and sense of belonging has inspired her to start painting at home, too. Her husband has even bought her paints, brushes and supplies. But for McComas, there’s still nothing quite like the studio.
“I still prefer to go to Paint & Sip,” she says.
One thing is for sure — Paint & Sip isn’t just about painting, it’s about connection, relaxation and discovering joy in creativity no matter the skill level.
Paint & Sip is located at 948 4th Ave, in the Frederick Building in Huntington. a
Tri-State Living
shopping
p. 14
Elk City Records keeps the music going.
MUSICALtreasures
Phil and Susie Melick, owners of Elk City Records, have curated a shop that specializes in experiences as much as albums.
They intentionally don’t have an online store, and you never know what you might find digging through the dozens of crates and album displays. Elk City Records stands out in its stock of older records, especially 78 and 45 rpm, and there’s a variety of genres, including classic rock, jazz and country, spanning decades of music.
“We are more willing than a lot of shops, I think, to stock older kinds of records, like 78s and 45s,” Phil says. “We don’t sell anything online. We want people to come to this place and have an experience around real music with real people.”
Records have no trouble coming their way, and much of the shop’s inventory is acquired from buyouts of large collections.
“I have people come in with substantial, interesting bunches of records that we are able to make an investment in,” Phil says. “They’ll find new homes, hopefully be appreciated and it’ll help us continue to be a good, ongoing operation.”
Elk City Records originally opened in March 2017 on Washington Street West in Charleston. Phil retired early from another career, and the couple signed a lease with the building’s owner at the end of 2015, working for more than a year to refurbish and restore the space.
“The idea had been in the back of my mind for pretty
Story Amanda Larch Hinchman | Photography Heath Harrison
In the Biz | shopping
much my adult life as something I would like to try someday,” Phil says. “When Susie and I saw that the neighborhood was enjoying some positive momentum and that we might be able to add to that, we decided to jump in sooner than later, because we couldn’t think of a better spot or time to try it.”
Fast forward to 2023, and the business had outgrown the space.
“We were choked at the gills with inventory and wanted to do some other different things that we just didn’t have the space to do there,” Phil says.
They searched for another location, bought it, engaged local contractors to assist with renovations and reopened on Maryland Avenue in Charleston on Groundhog Day 2024.
“We still feel like we are part of the Elk City revitalization,” Phil says. “We’re glad to see others have moved into our old space, and we are seeing more people. We can still send them down the street for a refreshment or for another retail experience. It’s worked out very well for us here in the new space. We think we’re a bigger and a better record shop than we used to be.”
There’s a camaraderie between the small businesses in Charleston’s Elk City District, many of which are family owned and operated.
“I think it correlates with wanting to see others succeed,” Phil says. “We’ve felt like we’ve had great community support, but more important than that is the collegiality of the neighboring businesses. Everybody here seems to get along quite well.”
Phil has been collecting records for more than 50 years; he enjoys every aspect
of the medium, and the mechanics of vinyl can’t be beat, he says. He’s also part of a radio show on WTSQ each Sunday morning, dubbed “PhonOmelet,” showcasing a wide range of American music from the 1920s through the ’60s on 33, 45 and 78 rpm records.
“I enjoy having a record, thinking about what I’m going to listen to next, turning it over, playing the other side,” Phil says.
“I mean, it’s really a miracle,” he says. “A little needle vibrates and captures not just the pitches but the timbre, the color, every other aspect of what people were singing or playing in the studio. I don’t think anybody’s ever going to figure out how that works — it’s magical.”
In addition to merch, such as T-shirts, stickers and hats, Elk City Records also sells professionally refurbished equipment, something they couldn’t offer in their previous location, helping customers enjoy their music at the highest quality. While digital recording is a fantastic technology, Phil says, there’s simply no substitute for analog reproduction, especially on older records, like those for sale at Elk City Records.
“You hear the performance that includes the engineers, people who pressed the records, who recorded
the music, set the gain controls,” he says. “It puts you in a more direct touch with the music as it was originally rendered in the recording studio. There is a warmth, a depth to records that I don’t think can be exceeded. There’s a great enthusiasm among musicians these days to have their music recorded and dispensed in a more traditional way via the phonograph record.”
The Melicks want to continue doing what they do well and improve where they are, being part of the efforts to make Charleston and West Virginia more attractive places for people to visit, work and live.
“You have to make a neighborhood out of it,” Phil says. “West Virginia is not going to get healthier on the mighty shoulders of Susie and me, but we can do our little part to help make it an attractive place to live.”
Phil is not from Charleston originally, though Susie is, having grown up near the shop.
“That’s another reason that we felt committed to this part of town,” Phil says. “We’ve lived here for 41 years now. This is our neighborhood. Am I from Charleston? No, but I feel like I am now. It’s been a lot of fun, and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people and learned a lot from them about music that wasn’t on my radar 10 years ago.” a
feature | Daniel Johnston
A MESSENGER OF HOPE
Hall of Fame exhibit, ceremony honor music and art of Daniel Johnston
Story Heath Harrison | Photography Submitted, Heath Harrison
For much of his life, Daniel Johnston maintained a cult following, creating music and art outside of the mainstream of pop culture, but his impact on that dedicated, loyal base was immense, with many acclaimed musicians and artists counting themselves as major fans, inspired by his creativity.
And that was very evident on April 12, when Johnston was inducted as part of this year’s class of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame in a ceremony at the Culture Center in Charleston.
Johnston, who was born in California in 1961, moved to West Virginia as a child and grew up there, graduating from Oak Glen High School in New Cumberland.
From there, he briefly attended college in Texas, before enrolling in the art program of Kent State University’s East Liverpool campus, just across the Ohio River from his West Virginia hometown.
Johnston always aspired to be a comic artist, and his drawings were prolific, continuing throughout his life, featuring his original characters, as well as his popular favorites such as Captain America and Casper the Friendly Ghost, who would recur in his works.
He began recording music in his home as a teen, playing both the piano and chord organ into a boombox, and his family recalls the songwriting contests he would have with friends, improv sessions based around random words chosen by the group. In the early 1980s, Johnston began passing out tapes of his work at his fast food job. Then, after moving to Texas, doing so at a traveling carnival.
It was there that he began to build a
Daniel Johnston | feature
Daniel Johnston (courtesty of Peter Juhl)
feature | Daniel Johnston
following, becoming a popular booking at live shows, while his self-released tapes, meticulously decorated with his art, drew the attention of the local press for the raw, childlike quality of his songwriting and its introspective nature.
Johnston’s fanbase continued to grow and, in 1988, he traveled to New York City, where he made his first professionally recorded album in a studio.
However, as his acclaim grew, Johnston’s struggles with bipolar disorder increased, with him being committed multiple times to psychiatric hospitals.
This was the case in 1993, when major labels engaged in a biding war to sign him. Kurt Cobain, of Nirvana, a fan, wore a shirt featuring Johnston’s character, Jeremiah the frog, to the MTV Video Music Awards, giving the musician more exposure then he had seen to that point.
With alternative music in its commercial heyday at the time, the labels were eager to sign Johnston. He eventually inked a deal with Atlantic Records, releasing the album, “Fun,” recorded with much difficulty due his lithium tremors making him unable to play instruments.
With Johnston unable to take part in its promotion, “Fun” sold only 5,800 copies, and he was dropped by Atlantic the next year.
His major label days behind him, he continued his music career, recording and releasing several more albums, through independent labels and self releases, through 2012.
In the early 2000s, Johnston’s music and art again saw prominence.
In 2001, a cover of his song, “Speeding Motorcycle,” was featured in a Target ad by
Photo by Blair Burns
Photo by Blair Burns
Daniel Johnston - J McConnico
Daniel Johnston - Deb Pastor
Daniel Johnston (courtesty of Peter Juhl)
indie folk musician Mary Lou Lord.
Lord said she, like many of her contemporaries, discovered Johnston through his tapes and a shared love and knowledge of his work helped her to build a kinship with other musicians, including Cobain, who she knew early in his career.
Lord performed a number of Johnston’s songs in her live shows and while busking in her hometown of Boston, and eventually shared a bill with Johnston live.
Her cover of “Speeding Motorcycle” appeared on her self titled 1995 album, released through Kill Rock Stars.
Lord said, when she was approached by Target, she suggested they use Johnston’s version of the song for the ad, centered around a leather jacket, wanting him to get the exposure.
But she said the lo-fi, rough nature of Johnston’s recording did not interest the company, and they insisted on her version.
Accompanying the ad, Lord rereleased her cover as a
single on Rubric Records, and she said the commercial and accompanying royalties netted Johnston some of his biggest income from his music career.
“And I was really glad to hear that,” she said.
In 2005, Johnston was the subject of the documentary, “The Devil and Daniel Johnston,” which recounted his life up to that point, through rare footage and recordings, showcasing his artistic impact and detailing his struggles with mental illness. The highly-acclaimed film won the Documentary Directing Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
Johnston eventually fulfilled his dreams of comic publication as well. In 2012, BOOM! Studios released a book featuring his original characters themed around his album “Space Ducks,” his final release during his lifetime. While in 2022, his works were posthumously featured as variant covers for DC Comics issues, including Batman and Superman.
One musician who says he was highly influenced by
Photo by Blair Burns
feature | Daniel Johnston
Johnston is Jeff Tweedy, leader of the band Wilco.
His side band, Tweedy, recorded a live album with Johnston two years before his 2019 death.
“There is and was only one Daniel and to be able to work with him and help present his music was and is a huge honor for me and the band, one for which we are all very thankful,” Tweedy said.
He spoke of the depth of Johnston’s catalog of work.
“His body of work — the incredible songs, the heartbroken songs, the funny songs, the terrifying songs, all of the vibrant, carefree art — could fill every gallery in the world or be celebrated on every refrigerator, depending on who you ask,” Tweedy said. “He left all of it — he left all of himself — for us to embrace and be happy that it existed at all.”
Tweedy was chosen to be the presenter at the Charleston induction ceremony, which was accompanied by the opening of an extensive exhibit dedicated to Johnston, featuring his handwritten lyrics, artwork, instruments and personal effect, ranging from his clothing to bottles of his medication. Hall founder Michael Lipton said the show will remain on display at the museum, located in the Charleston Town Center, through September.
At the ceremony, hosted by Ray Benson and Juliana Soltis, Johnston’s life was recounted in a short film narrated by former Mountain Stage host Larry Groce, followed by two video presentations.
The first, from Simpsons creator Matt Groening, congratulated “my pal and favorite songwriter” for his induction. Groening held a figure of Jeremiah the frog
by
Jeff Tweedy gives the induction speech for Daniel Johnston at the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame ceremony on April 12. (Heath Harrison)
Photo
Blair Burns
for the video.
The second was from legendary singer and author Patti Smith, who said it was an honor “to join countless people been inspired and influenced by the work of Daniel Johnston.”
“His work has always been so innovative and maintained its innocence,” she said.
Tweedy, who covered three of Johnston’s songs for the ceremony, said he did not “have a lot to say that Daniel didn’t say for himself.”
He read, in its entirety, the lyrics to Johnston’s autobiographical song, “The Story of an Artist.”
“The artist walks alone/Someone says behind his back/He’s got his gall to call himself that/He doesn’t even know where he’s at!” a portion of the lyrics read.
Tweedy reflected on the song, as it related to the moment of Johnston’s induction.
“Daniel wrote those lyrics and I think he believed no
LEFT: Daniel Johnston’s family accepts his induction into the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame. BELOW: Juliana Soltis gives the introduction. (Heath Harrison) BOTTOM L-R: Jeff Tweedy and family perform Daniel Johnston’s music. Jeff Tweedy gives the induction speech. Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, in a video message for Daniel Johnston’s induction. (Heath Harrison)
one would ever like what he was doing,” Tweedy said. “I was happy to hear from his family that, many years after he wrote that song he stopped singing it because he didn’t feel that sentiment anymore, and he felt loved and appreciated.”
Accepting the award for Johnston were his siblings, Marjory and Richard.
Marjory said she dressed for the occasion, as she knew Daniel would — in tennis shoes, sweatpants and T-shirt in his favorite color of yellow.
“Dan had a creative urge from a very young age and it couldn’t be squelched — even in his journey into mental illness,” she said. “He shared that journey through songs and his drawings, with raw honesty. He shared his experience and his struggles, his pain and his joy — the things that he shared, and the message he gave touched so many people.”
Richard said the family will continue to release music
from the hundreds of unheard songs Johnston left behind, while they have created the Hi, How Are You Project, a nonprofit which focuses on mental health education through creative events and projects.
Marjory said, as Daniel’s caretaker, she would often read fan letters to him, and many had the same message.
“Letter after letter would say, ‘I listen to your music and I don’t feel alone anymore, and I think I can make it now.’”
She said she felt “his spirit is here” as she accepted the award in his “favorite state of West Virginia.”
“I believe Dan will live forever,” she said. “He is in every song and every drawing that he shared with the world. Daniel, in my mind was a prophet and a messenger for our world and our time. And his message was: Hope never ends and love is the answer.” a
Daniel Johnston (courtesy Dick Johnston) 1978 Dan in car.
Daniel Johnston (courtesy Tim Broddin)
Photo by Blair Burns
close p. 28
Peanut Shoppe has been serving Charleston customers for 75 years.
— Peanut Shoppe celebrating 75 years — serving generations Generations.3
Story Amanda Larch Hinchman | Photography Blair Burns
The Peanut Shoppe has been a staple on the corner of Capitol and Quarrier streets in Charleston, West Virginia for 75 years.
Walking into the small but homey space, seeing the display cases full of roasted nuts and other goodies, you’re nearly transported back to childhood. The Peanut Shoppe surely feels — and smells — the
same today as it did the first time its doors opened. Its nostalgia is potent.
Peddling comfort food at its finest, the establishment exudes comfort, timelessness and happiness. Photographs from years and decades past line the walls behind the counters, and on a good, slightly breezy day, when the door stands open, the surrounding block is
made cheerier from the sounds and smells coming from within.
The most common story owners Adam and Kandi Kimble hear from customers is how they grew up going to the shop, being brought by parents or grandparents. It’s no wonder it’s a generational thing, when Adam is a third generation employee himself. His grandfather, Delbert Moore, opened the business in 1950.
A World War II veteran, Moore got a job working for Planters Peanuts, first as a shop boy and working his way up through the company as general manager. Based in New Jersey at the time, Moore was approached about opening a retail store in West Virginia.
“Planters Peanuts did not have a store in West Virginia at all,” Adam Kimble says. “They asked him if he wanted to open the store, he agreed and they gave him the option of opening one either in Charleston or Huntington. He chose Charleston, being the capital city.”
When Planters made the decision to dissolve its retail stores in 1960, general managers like Moore were given the option to buy. In operation since Sept. 15, 1950, The Peanut Shoppe has been owned by the family since 1960 and is now the only one left in the state.
“Most of the small Peanut Shoppes were Planters stores,” Kimble says. “Over the years, we did open one in Morgantown on High Street. The one in Huntington we were not affiliated with. It switched hands over the years a couple times, but the only one left in the state is ours, the one in Charleston.”
Kimble says The Peanut Shoppe has been so successful — and beloved — over
In the Kitchen
the years because of how they cater to customers and treat them like family.
“We look at the customer as there’s no difference in if someone’s coming in and buying pounds of stuff versus someone coming in just buying a quarter pound,” he says. “There’s no difference, big or small.”
The best seller has always been the chocolate covered peanuts, with salted cashews a close second, Kimble says. Over the decades, The Peanut Shoppe has expanded its offerings, with its chocolate line now more popular than ever.
“Used to be, the number one seller was a lot of the nuts; now it’s switched over and is chocolates,” Kimble says.
The Peanut Shoppe can satisfy any sweet tooth or salty craving. There are chocolate covered raisins and chocolate covered nuts such as cashews, pecans and almonds. Customers can sample them all with the bridge mix, or try any of the roasted and salted nuts.
Handmade creams and chocolate sea salt caramels are other favorites, and Kimble says they offer old fashioned candies like French burnt peanuts and Boston baked beans as well as gummy bears, Jelly Belly jelly beans and much more. “It’s a pretty big line of candy,” he says.
With the 75th anniversary coming up in September, the family is planning a celebration. Kimble references the shop’s 60th anniversary, during which streets were shut down for a community party.
“We did have a nice anniversary for 60 years, and everybody enjoyed that,” Kimble says. “We had a little street fair. We had some face paintings, a clown walking around, a balloon artist, a few little things like that, and that’s probably going to be on
the list for this year.”
One thing many may not realize, Kimble says, is that all of the nut mixes are still made in house and follow original recipes.
“We get all of the nuts in raw, and we cook and salt them all,” he says. “The mixes we do on the nut side are original recipes; mainly my grandfather came up with those, and a lot of the practices we do nowadays with the way we cook them, the way we prepare them, is the way they were done when we opened — nothing has changed. In such a small space, that makes a difference.”
Still in its original location, customers can see remnants of the Planters days with a Mr. Peanut mascot arranged in the shop. The history of the space is tangible, and aside from a renovation in 1994, nothing major has changed.
“We have not switched locations,” Kimble says. “We’ve done a few little small things since then, but it’s just always been the same location.”
Kimble himself is a third generation employee. With
four kids of his own, it’s very possible a fourth generation can come in and take over one day. He says it’s a job that never feels like work and credits the customers with the joy he takes away each day.
“For us, it’s the customers,” Kimble says. “Loyal customers have been coming in for years, for generations. Just about everybody that comes into the shop can tell a story: ‘My grandmother used to bring me here, my father used to bring me to town.’ It always starts out as something along those lines, as a memory of childhood, and we get that almost every day, somebody coming in wanting to share their story with us.”
The Peanut Shoppe is located at 126 Capitol Street, and its hours are 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. During the holiday season, typically beginning Small Business Saturday, the shop is also open on weekends.
“We couldn’t have made it this long without such great customers,” Kimble says. “That’s our favorite thing is our customers. We wouldn’t be here without them, definitely.” a
Kefir Overnight Oats
• 2 cups Maple Hill Strawberry Kefir
• 1 cup quick-cooking oats
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon beetroot powder
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2-1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Sliced strawberries (optional)
• Walnuts and nut butter (optional)
Whisk strawberry kefir, oats, chia seeds, beetroot powder, vanilla and maple syrup until smooth. Allow to sit 5 minutes then whisk again to prevent clumps.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight.
For serving, top with sliced strawberries, walnuts, nut butter or other favorite toppings.
Blackberry Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
• 4 slices whole-grain bread
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 10-12 blackberries, cut in half
Heat medium skillet over low heat.
In small bowl, mix mayonnaise and mustard; spread on one side of each slice of bread.
Place bread mayo-side-down in skillet. Top with cheese and blackberries. Add second slice of bread mayoside-up.
Cook 3-4 minutes per side, or until bread is toasted and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Recipe courtesy of Healthy Family Project
food | From the Cookbook
Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint
• 1/4 cup lemon vinaigrette
• 4 cups cubed watermelon
• 1/2 English cucumber, cut into 1/4-inch half moons
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, roughly chopped
Drizzle vinaigrette in bottom of large canning jar. Layer with watermelon, cucumber, red onion, feta and mint.
Cover tightly with lid and shake to combine. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
Substitution: Use Greek dressing in place of lemon vinaigrette.
Recipe courtesy of National Watermelon Promotion Board
Frosted Peach Lemonade
• 2 scoops Premier Protein Vanilla Milkshake 100% Whey Protein Powder
• 1 cup lemonade
• 1 cup frozen peach slices
In blender, blend protein powder, lemonade and frozen peach slices until smooth.
Creating memories, building life skills
When I think of summer, it’s not the beach or ballfields that come to mind — it’s the Lawrence County Fair. This is where I have discovered the kind of person I want to be in life.
During my 10-year involvement with 4-H, I have won a total of seven Grand or Reserve Champion titles, Fair Princess, Fair Queen and Senior Showman of Showmen. I started out my journey at the bottom and worked until my idols became my rivals.
At my very first show I finished dead last in my class and walked out of the ring, disappointed in myself. My dad asked me if I was “in or out” and I confidently said “in.” That one word helped push me for the rest of my journey.
As long as I can remember, one of the highlights of my year has always been fair week. My years in 4-H have created the best childhood memories I could’ve asked for — the livestock shows, rodeos, derbies, late nights in the barn with friends, judging the Old Timer Show, helping beginner 4-Hers learn showmanship skills and so much more.
The Lawrence County Fair has given me the best gifts in life. I met people who quickly became friends and later became “family.” I truly found myself through
my involvement at our fair. I found confidence in myself and learned responsibility through my projects. I also learned to hold myself accountable for the work required to be successful.
The fair has given me the chance to create many valuable connections, ranging from county fair queens and princesses throughout Ohio, county commissioners and elected officials, state representatives, senators and the governor. Meeting this wide variety of people has created an invaluable network of connections for me and provided many opportunities.
Through my 4-H experience I have had the opportunity to show or help train all species of large animals shown at our fair (goats/steers/lambs/hogs). This created a passion that led to my career goal of veterinary medicine, specializing in large animal care.
This summer, my 4-H journey as a competitor will come to an end. Looking back, I realize the profound impact the organization has had on me and the impact I have had on younger members.
I’m extremely thankful that my parents got me involved in 4-H and am very proud of my journey over the past 10 years. After being involved for so long this will be my very hardest goodbye, but at the end of the day I can’t wait for what’s next.
Isabella Kerns is a 2025 Ironton High School graduate and was the 2024 Lawrence County Fair Queen and the 2023 Senior Showman of Showmen.
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