Tri-State Living • July/August 2026

July/August 2026

SCALES & TAILS

Iron Mountain Exotics sells lizards, frogs, insects, other unusual pets

MASTER’S TOUCH

Artist paints life, teaches others

Tri-State Living magazine is seeking freelance writers.

WRITERS to be considered must be experienced and must submit no more and no less than three examples of published feature writing to heath.harrison@irontontribune.com.

PUBLISHER

Joe Imel

EDITORIAL

Heath Harrison, Editor

Mark Shaffer, Staff Writer

Amanda Larch Hinchman, Contributor

Cathie Shaffer, Contributor

briefs@irontontribune.com

ADVERTISING

Christie Coleman, Sales Consultant

christie.coleman@irontontribune.com

PRODUCTION

Kandi Thompson, Design

PHOTOGRAPHY

Blair Burns, Contributor

Linda Clifford, Contributor

Let us know what you would like to see

The reception to our May/June issue of TriState Living, our firstever music-themed edition, was tremendous, not just from the bands and artists featured within, but from businesses of the field and many readers.

It was a fun experiment and, with its success, something we hope to repeat in the spring. As was the case last year, we are open to suggestions.

If there are any up and coming bands or established artists you would like us hear, or record stores, instrument shop, venues or other music businesses out there you think should be highlighted, let us know.

And we would like to break format more often and do more themed issues.

We are brainstorming possibilities — maybe one dedicated to the visual arts or writers, a travel issue or an all-

food issue. If any of these ideas appeal to you, or you have a suggestion for an edition, share your thoughts with us.

We would like to hear your feedback, so feel free to send us a message via our Facebook page.

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Tri-State Living

arts & culture

Ashland Kentucky business displays paintings and artwork, offers instruction.

up close p. 8

A MASTER’S

Artist

paints her life, teaches others the joy of creating

Story Cathie Shaffer | Photography Heath Harrison

Patti Del Checcolo has a unique way of saving the memories of her life. She captures them in paintings, giving a depth and memory that no photo can do, from places she’s been to people she’s loved.

She’s spent years helping others find that same joy in creation, currently at her Ashland gallery, The Master’s Touch Gallery located at 3613 Blackburn Ave. She loves teaching children both about the fundamentals of art and art history, and takes great joy in watching her teen and adult students develop their abilities.

Patti says she’s been painting pretty much all her life, but began professionally 25 years ago. The gallery grew from her desire to sell her own work, as well as help others develop a love of painting.

She had a gallery in Huntington for more than a decade, sharing space with a framer. When he passed away, she decided the city’s downtown wasn’t the place for her to be alone in her gallery. So she found her present place about a year ago and renewed her mission of teaching people to love painting.

“I had more foot traffic coming in than being in downtown Huntington, while people are still finding me now” she said, “But I had many students in the evening and I didn’t feel comfortable at night alone there. Some of my students followed me here, but most found me after the move.

With her children’s classes, she uses acrylic paints, which dry quickly, letting the kids take their work

home the same day. Oils are the medium for her adult students because it dries slowly and allows reworking on a painting.

“Many adults believe they don’t have what it takes to be an artist,” Patti said, “but it is more a matter of dedication and desire than talent. Being willing to put in the time and work is what makes the difference.”

She teaches children’s classes for ages 6-10 on Saturday mornings and for those aged 11-18 in the afternoon. She recently added a Monday class for home schoolers, which she said is always a lively experience.

“Children have such an enthusiasm,” she said. “They love to create. The home schoolers aren’t used to the routine that other children find in school, so they’re far more apt to jump in with their thoughts and feel less restrained. We do have fun, though.”

Patti offers classes for adults as well, and tries to ease the concerns of first-timers.

“I provide the materials at their first class, and I provide the subject,” she said. “If they come back, they choose their own subjects and bring their materials. I don’t want anyone to invest and then decide this isn’t for them.”

Patti teaches the techniques of the Old Masters, and often encounters painters who have never used oil before.

“They have always used acrylic paint and are a little leery of using oils,” she explained. “But when they realize how forgiving oils are, and how you can really work on a piece, they don’t want to go back. That’s part of becoming an artist, touching up and repainting when you want to make a change.”

With children’s classes on Saturday

and adults on weekdays, that leaves Fridays open at the gallery. This is when Patti hosts parties, couples painting classes and similar events in a separate room from the gallery. She welcomes birthday parties where children can complete a project before having cake and opening presents there.

One option she offers on Fridays is acrylic pouring, which she says with a laugh is perfect for teens and husbands. This is a technique where acrylic paint is mixed with a pouring medium to create a thin, fluid consistency, then poured onto a surface to form unique, flowing abstract patterns. The results can be interesting, she said as she pulled an example off the wall.

“My husband did this,” she says. “I love it because of the shapes created in there, like little creatures.”

The gallery is more than just a place for people to learn. Its walls are covered with art works for sale in a variety of techniques from landscapes to portraits. Patti said her favorite is portraits, with which she started her career 25 years ago. Along with portraits of people, she also takes commissions for portraits of pets.

“I paint from photos of the pets,” she said, “but I also study the breed and find pictures of others of that same breed. Just like with portraits of people, I don’t want to recreate the photo, I want to capture the look in their eyes and who they are.”

Patti’s Facebook page, The Master’s Touch Gallery, shows photos from her classes along with information on when new classes are starting and other details of how to contact the gallery. a

Tri-State Living

shopping

close p. 16

Newly-opened Iron Mountain Exotics in Ironton has wide range of unique pets.

In the Biz | shopping

Since opening Iron Mountain Exotics on April 10, Leslie and Bradley Sligar say the reception has been has exceeded their expectations.

“It’s way busier than we ever thought it would be,” Leslie says of the family-owned exotic pet store, located at 110 N. 3rd St. in Ironton, in the Rotary Fountain plaza.

The Sligars moved to the Tri-State four years ago from the Kansas City area.

“We started as a hobby,” Leslie said, explaining that their business began out of a bedroom in their home in South Point, while they built a following online.

She said they signed the lease for their space in December 2025 and began the process of readying the location, building enclosures for the various animals, which include chameleons, caiman lizards, frogs, tarantulas, scorpions, giant millipedes, tortoises and pacman frogs.

Leslie said they extensively researched each animal, so they can properly care for them and explain to customers what is needed so they can “thrive and not just survive.”.

In the Biz | shopping

“And I love talking about them,” she said.

She said one thing that was key to the store’s design is that they built it so the animals are at a lower level.

“We wanted it to be so that kids can come in and look at things on their level,” she said. “I never liked having to look up at things.”

A steady stream of customers can be seen headed to the store on most days, either to purchase a pet or to buy supplies for ones they already have.

Leslie said the business boomed “as soon as we opened the doors” on the first day. She said animals that have been especially popular with customers are the bearded dragons, tortoises and pacman frogs.

In May, they sold prairie dogs, which happens once a season, and Sligar said they were so popular they were all

In the Biz | shopping

Sligar noted that for their animals, they utilize breeders from the U.S.

“We have some in California, Texas and Las Vegas,” she said. “We have vetted a lot and look for people who really put their passion into it.”

She said with summer's arrival and schools out of session, they have been seeing more families come in.

“Moms and dads bring their kids in,” she said. “And the kids always ask questions and get excited.”

She said their animals can be an alternative and, often, “easier than getting a puppy.”

She said she has had many customers come in who have never owned a reptile, or some who come in and are “terrified” at first, but, after going home and doing research, change their minds.

Leslie said the shop often changes their stock and there is always something new to see. For instance, in June, they had guinea pigs.

“There’s always something cool to look at,” she said.

In addition to animals for sale, the shop is also home to Ruby, a red tail boa constrictor, who provided atmosphere.

Leslie said, this summer, they are planning to set aside a few Saturdays, in which dedicated to Ruby, as well as Speedbump, a large, seven-year-old tortoise of the Sligars, who they will bring in to show the public.

“People can learn about them — like the things the animals eat,” she said.

Leslie said many customers come in, having been recommended by others,

In the Biz | shopping

or saw the shop on Facebook or in the media.

Others come in, just curious, to look, and she says they always welcome that.

Leslie said they are very appreciative of their customers and the reception they have received from Ironton and the Tri-Sate.

“It’s been awesome to meet so many people and form friendships and relationships with the people we see here all the time,” she said.

Iron Mountain Exotics is open 11 a.m.8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 11 a.m.6 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit their page on Facebook. a

Folklore Music Exchange | feature

Bog Witch Beauty | shopping

A MUSIC COMMUNITY

Folklore Music Exchange sells instruments, hosts concert space

It’s a Monday afternoon, and it’s a busy day at Folklore Music Exchange, but that just means it’s a typical day at this downtown Charleston business.

People are jamming on bass and guitar. Customers drop in and out, and the shop dog, Freda, does her best to greet everyone in this super casual environment. Someone is looking for a 12-string guitar, but she’s too late. It sold last Saturday.

Inventory moves fast here, and you never know what will be in the shop next, as owner Justin Puett tells me.

Folklore Music Exchange carries an array of stringed instruments, from guitars and basses to mandolins and banjos, along with amps, pedals and accessories. As Puett is the only employee

— unless you count Freda — the selection is carefully curated, and much of it is also made up of trade-ins and consignments.

“We wanted to keep it small; if you branch out into too many instruments, you end up having to order so much, and I wanted to keep it more centralized around strings,” Puett says.

Of course, if customers need anything not carried in store, Puett can place special orders online.

“We do a little bit of everything,” he says. “If someone needs drum accessories, I can get it. We also do microphones, and I can order speakers. We sell online; I try to keep my inventory as up to date as possible on our website.”

Originally located in a small space in Charleston’s West End, the business opened in May 2019. Puett and his wife, Jodie Cox-Puett, both musicians themselves, decided to move to Charleston from Beckley to pursue

their dreams.

“We’ve always had this plan, like why not move up to Charleston? Because I think it was lacking a guitar shop,” Puett says. “It was a great way to build up our name, build up our clientele, kind of introduce ourselves to Charleston.”

Two years later, Folklore Music Exchange moved to a larger spot on Quarrier Street, which allowed them to begin hosting open mic nights and live music. That quickly increased in popularity as word spread, Puett says.

“I always wanted to do live music and a music store together,” Puett says. “We noticed people wanted to come and hang out and play our open mic nights. It grew really big.”

As luck would have it, one day, representatives from the West Virginia Department of Commerce walked into the store and pitched Puett an idea; they wanted to host a

live show and livestream it. The problem was, they didn’t yet have a venue or equipment. Puett, on the other hand, had had the same idea; with all the necessary equipment, he didn’t have any way to livestream shows.

“We automatically hit it off, and we started up a show called Mountain State Music,” he says. “We just celebrated three years.”

Available on YouTube, Mountain State Music is a monthly show featuring West Virginia artists performing 30 minutes of all original music inside Folklore Music Exchange.

“It’s only West Virginia acts, and they get a fully live recording out of it,” Puett says. “We’ve never had any repeats, and we still have all kinds of new West Virginia artists popping up. It’s amazing.”

During that time, Puett also began hosting trivia at Fife Street Brewing on Summers Street and fell in love with the area. He told his wife he’d love to have a shop on Summers one day. Luck was again on his side; a week or so later, a landlord stopped in to Folklore and told Puett about a corner spot that he’d love to see transformed into

a guitar shop and music venue.

“This used to be a barber shop, so we had to do a lot of remodeling, but we saw the vision,” Puett says, gesturing around the current space. “It was perfect.”

On Quarrier Street for three years, Folklore Music Exchange moved into its present — and final — location on Summers Street on May 25, 2024, coinciding with the seven-year anniversary of its grand opening.

“Since we’ve moved here, it has just grown exponentially,” Puett says. “We’ve been booking shows like crazy. We’ve had really cool acts coming through here.”

It’s all about community at Folklore. Welcoming local artists as well as touring acts, unless it’s a ticketed show, they collect donations to give to the bands that play, and these musicians don’t have to bring any gear; the business provides everything already on the stage. That’s another reason for the shop’s limited inventory, to easily accommodate the stage and space for 75 chairs during performances.

“When bands play here, I have amps, drums, PA,

everything ready to go, so they can roll in, set up and go,” Puett says.

As well as weekly live music, Folklore Music Exchange offers repairs and lessons. When people donate guitars to the shop, many times Puett will save them for people who want to take lessons but don’t have an instrument at home to practice with. At Christmas time, some folks even paid it forward, buying acoustic guitars to be left behind the counter to give to someone else.

“They said, ‘You’ll know when the right person comes in for this,’” Puett says. “That’s happened several times. It’s really cool to see people wanting to support each other like that.”

As part of that same community-minded mission that encompasses every aspect of the business, Folklore has a Guitar Club that meets every two months, stemming from a group of guys who would come to the shop and show off their guitars. Operating like a show and tell, anyone is welcome to join in, Puett says.

“If you have a really cool guitar, pedal, amp or just some kind of weird, rare piece of gear and you want to show it off, bring it in,” he says. “We set up stations. You jam a little bit and try each other’s gear out. We provide pizza and drinks. We do giveaways.”

Additionally, Folklore can even host private events, like karaoke nights, DJ parties and more.

“Just anything I can get my hands in lately,” Puett says. “I love to have things for the community to do, to bring people in as much as possible, to give people a place to play and hang out.”

On top of everything else, the shop recently started a podcast, Folklore: Frights and Sounds. Recorded in the store, Puett welcomes local musicians as guests to tell ghost stories. With new episodes produced once a month, Folklore: Fright and Sounds is available on YouTube and Spotify. Folklore

feature | Folklore Music Exchange

“We put paranormal with music,” Puett says. “At the end of it, we have them get on stage and play an original song. They get a full recording out of it, a good quality video that they can share and promote themselves.”

With expansions and so much accomplished since first opening in 2019, Puett says they want to continue to build up the venue side of the business, as well as the podcast, doing on-location episodes at haunted places or concert venues.

Puett says moving to Charleston and opening Folklore Music Exchange is his favorite thing he’s ever done. The city’s support has been vital to the business.

“Charleston is wonderful,” Puett says. “I love it up here so much. From day one, seeing the support that this city gives you for small business and music and art, it’s incredible. It stays pretty busy, because we have such a great support system.”

Located at 191 Summers St. in Charleston, Folklore Music Exchange is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. and stays open later whenever there is live music. Shop online at www.folkloremusicexchange.com and keep up with them on social media @folkloremusicexchange.

“I’m really happy where I am,” Puett says. a

up close p. 32

The Putnam Farmers Market has been home for artisans and producers for 17 years.

SELLING — for the — SEASON

Putnam Farmers

In the Kitchen | food

Market is space for producers and artisans

Celebrating its 17th anniversary this year, the Putnam Farmers Market continues to connect producers, growers and crafters to the community.

Established in 2009 by local farmers, the market consists of a 60/40 split between producers and artisans, respectively, and artisans include potters, soap makers, bakers and more, according to Connie Sue Gilkeson-Boggess, former market president and current treasurer.

Growing from six in its first year, there are now 22 vendors with a variety of offerings participating throughout the season, many of which are small farmers.

“They don’t have hundreds of acres,” Gilkeson-Boggess says. “They have urban farms where they’re growing microgreens in a subdivision; they’re right off of Teays Valley Road in high tunnels.”

With an abundance of fresh fruits and veggies, other products for sale include eggs, rabbit meat, buffalo meat, chicken, flowers, honey, maple syrup, mushrooms and much more, as well as handcrafts, baked goods and value-added products like salsas, jams and jellies.

“We have tomatoes, celery, bok choy, a variety of lettuces, cold crops, which would be broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard greens, that kind of stuff, all being grown right now,” GilkesonBoggess says.

To participate, farmers and vendors must be from West Virginia or located within a 50-mile radius of the market, which moved locations from Valley Park to Area 34 in 2022.

“We’ve got folks from Milton, Braxton County, Poca, Kenova,” Gilkeson-Boggess says.

Thanks to support from the market manager, the nonprofit organization ensures it remains in compliance with rules

and regulations set by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

full-time gig because I can be creative with other people and I still get to nurture folks.”

“We have to make sure that our farmers have gone through the appropriate trainings,” Gilkeson-Boggess says. “The Department of Agriculture sets rules to make people safe. We follow those rules.”

About 15 years ago, Gilkeson-Boggess started making soap, growing herbs and making herbal products, establishing her business Good Horse Scents. In 2017, she became a vendor selling her wares at the Putnam Farmers Market, and in 2022, she had the opportunity to buy what was then Drip Coffee located at Area 34. She changed it into Putnam Provisions Company, a coffee shop and artisan boutique.

“That gave me the leverage to be able to grow and expand,” Gilkeson-Boggess says. “We did not move the market because I bought the shop. We moved the market because we needed more room.”

Though she no longer sets up as a vendor, GilkesonBoggess’ shop works in tandem with the mission of the market.

“It just gives us another opportunity to make sure we sell our wares and get them out to the community,” she says. “The farmers market absolutely drove my company up. I’m an occupational therapist, and this became my

Having a place like Putnam Provisions can help when factors such as weather or drought affect farmers’ crops, as vendors can place their products in store to be sold during the off-season.

“You have to punt as a farmer; you have to be able to do that or you’re not going to succeed,” GilkesonBoggess says. “How can small farmers pivot a little bit to make their livelihood sustainable in the future? That’s what’s really important, and that’s what value-added produce is about.”

Everything at Putnam Provisions is community based, Gilkeson-Boggess says, and the shop has also hosted book readings and classes.

“What we teach at Putnam Provisions is how to process and how to preserve,” she says.

Local artists display their wares for sale too, including stained glass, woodwork crafts, books, cut flowers and more. Throughout the year, the shop carries food from local growers, like duck eggs and microgreens when available.

“You can get not only our locally roasted coffee, but you can get local loose leaf teas, herbal products, fresh herbs and, of course, Good Horse Scents soap, bath and

body products and candles,” Gilkeson-Boggess says.

“We have a variety of different things here in the shop because we want to see small businesses grow,” she continued. “That’s what we’re supposed to do, and to have that relationship with an artist is irreplaceable.”

Area 34 is a great location for both the market and Putnam Provisions for its influx of travelers, GilkesonBoggess says — helping stress the importance of shopping local.

“Why buy locally? Because you’re not paying for travel. It wasn’t picked out of season and brought up here so that’s important, I think,” she says.

The Putnam Farmers Market is located at 971 WV-34 in Hurricane, West Virginia and takes place outside from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. each Saturday May-September, though it can be moved inside Area 34 due to inclement weather. They also host pop-ups throughout the winter months.

“Because folks still have things like the value-added products, and then you develop those relationships with those farmers and you can get those products

when the market’s not even going,” Gilkeson-Boggess says. “We have a conglomeration of folks that are just great. It’s consistent. We want to see our farmers and producers grow.”

To get children involved and introduce them to the importance of supporting local farmers, Kids Day at the market takes place the last Saturday of each month, with farm-related activities for children and credit for them to spend. As a nonprofit, Gilkeson-Boggess says they’re looking for sponsors for Kids Day throughout the remainder of the season as well.

Those interested in becoming a vendor at the market may email theputnamfarmersmarket@gmail.com or fill out a vendor application on the website, www.pfmwv.com.

“We’re a volunteer group of human beings that run a market that’s pretty seasonal, but who are legitimate about wanting to have the best of the folks,” GilkesonBoggess says. “Come to the farmers market. It’s awesome. It’s a fun market, and you can feel the atmosphere. We welcome folks into it.” a

Dill Pickle Dip

• 8 ounces cream cheese

• 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish

• 1/4 cup Dandy Celery, finely chopped, plus additional for garnish

• 3 tablespoons pickle juice

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

• Crackers, for serving

• Dandy Celery Dippers, for serving

Breadcrumb Topping:

• 1 teaspoon butter

• 3 tablespoons panko crumbs

Allow cream cheese to soften about 20 minutes outside of refrigerator.

While cream cheese is softening, prepare breadcrumb topping. In pan over medium heat, stir butter and breadcrumbs until fully combined. Breadcrumbs will toast in 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat once toasted, as desired.

In bowl, mix softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup pickles, 1/4 cup celery, pickle juice, dill, salt and pepper until fully combined. Transfer to serving bowl.

Before serving, sprinkle dip with cooled, toasted breadcrumbs and additional pickles and celery. Serve with crackers and celery dippers.

Easy Elote Corn

• 1 Dandy Sweet Corn Tray (4 count)

• 1 lime, juice only (about 2 tablespoons)

• 1 cup mayonnaise or Mexican crema

• 2 tablespoons Elote seasoning

• 1 cup cotija cheese, crumbled

• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

• Hot sauce or chili powder (optional)

Heat grill to medium-high heat.

Place corn directly on grates and cook 10-15 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until charred and cooked through.

While corn is still warm, squeeze lime juice on all sides. Brush or spoon mayonnaise on each ear, ensuring all sides are coated.

Evenly sprinkle Elote seasoning over coated corn. Using hands, gently press seasoning into mayo.

Arrange Elote on serving platter, sprinkle with cotija cheese and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with hot sauce or chili powder for extra heat, if desired.

Many help bring fair to life

What is the Lawrence County Fair to you?

To some, it is a ferris wheel, funnel cakes and a demolition derby.

But, to me, it is far more! It’s a community and a lifestyle.

I have been a part of the Lawrence County Fair for many years. From days as a Cloverbud to livestock and general projects, 4-H was a big part of my life.

Once I aged out of the 4-H and FFA programs, I decided it was time to do my part and give back. I have served as a county livestock committee member and current president of the livestock sales and barn committees. One of my most recent roles is as a Lawrence County Senior Fair Board member. Throughout these levels of involvement I can tell you the meaning has become more in depth.

We all enjoy the midway treats, grandstand shows and seeing the community come out to enjoy our grounds, and we can’t forget watching our youth and community display their projects through 4-H and FFA.

But what doesn’t the public see from the outside, that I do? I see so many volunteers and board members who have attended meetings, tagged animals and done all we can to provide the best we can for our community. I may be considered one of the leaders now, but I will always be

agriculture and youth leadership has made him a valued volunteer and supporter of the

thankful for everyone who has been a leader for me and countless others!

This year, come out and see what I would consider the largest event in the county and thank a volunteer, OSU extension staff member, board member or sponsor!

The Lawrence County Fair begins July 12 in Rome Township.

Cabell Huntington Hospital Among America’s 50 Best Hospitals for 2026!

Marshall Health Network – Cabell Huntington Hospital has been named one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades for 2026—the first and only hospital in West Virginia to earn this distinction. This achievement, Healthgrades’ highest honor for clinical excellence, places CHH among the top 1% of hospitals nationwide and reflects its unwavering commitment to exceptional patient care.

As we celebrate 70 years of caring for our region, this recognition honors a legacy rooted in our mission of advancing health, inspiring hope and serving you—made possible by our physicians, nurses and care teams working together to deliver exceptional care and trusted outcomes, close to home.