McDowell Free Press

By Miles Layton

A few years ago, when I drove through McDowell County, I discovered a new world – people and places I wanted to know more about.  

That inspired my wife, Nicole, and me to build this website to serve as a local newspaper to promote McDowell County and the surrounding region in a positive light. 

We’ve watched many videos of idiots traveling through that neck of the woods – most of the comments they spew are negative and condescending, and it’s always that way when they talk about rural America. Screw em!  

God called me to write the stories that bring the community together — there’s a lot of good things going on in McDowell County, Welch, Iaeger, War, coalfields, churches, schools and homes. 

My wife Nicole and I lived in West Virginia for many years – our kids were born and grew up there. I even have a master’s degree from West Virginia University — go Mountaineers!

We want to do something to help out – McDowell County doesn’t have a newspaper, and I have years of experience covering news in Appalachia.  Let’s work together to tell McDowell County’s story!

Please send news tips my way to mileslayton1969@gmail.com