So just after we publish a story questioning pat stereotypes of Appalachia, police in Bell County, Ky. announce they've seized one of the largest moonshine operations in years. Cripes!
Officers found 500 gallons of moonshine and 100 gallons of whiskey. From the scope of the operation it's thought trafficking into Tennessee and Virginia, which border the county, was likely. The man allegedly behind it, Noal Ward, is being held but his bond has not yet been set.
None of the stories I've seen mentions the word Appalachia, but this is one of those anecdotes that fits nicely into the framework people already have of a place decidedly "Appalachian." Eastern Kentucky? Large moonshine bust? Sure, what else is new?
Makes you wonder if the story would garner as much attention if marijuana or cocaine had been seized instead. And whether an Appalachia-wide campaign is needed to highlight the array of illegal substances manufactured in this region other than moonshine.
I mean, we do our part with other substances, too.
Officers found 500 gallons of moonshine and 100 gallons of whiskey. From the scope of the operation it's thought trafficking into Tennessee and Virginia, which border the county, was likely. The man allegedly behind it, Noal Ward, is being held but his bond has not yet been set.
None of the stories I've seen mentions the word Appalachia, but this is one of those anecdotes that fits nicely into the framework people already have of a place decidedly "Appalachian." Eastern Kentucky? Large moonshine bust? Sure, what else is new?
Makes you wonder if the story would garner as much attention if marijuana or cocaine had been seized instead. And whether an Appalachia-wide campaign is needed to highlight the array of illegal substances manufactured in this region other than moonshine.
I mean, we do our part with other substances, too.
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