Hello & Welcome Back!

the January issue

VOLUME 08 / ISSUE 01 / JAN 2026
1/2/2026
As we (or some of us) tuck away the last of our Christmas decorations and settle into the quiet calm of winter, it feels good to finally slow down.
As we (or some of us) tuck away the last of our Christmas decorations and settle into the quiet calm of winter, it feels good to finally slow down.

January invites us to breathe a little deeper, rest a little longer, and wrap ourselves in a warm, cozy blanket. I always keep a few wreaths, soft white lights, and bits of winter décor around the house this month—they bring a gentle cheer that brightens even the coldest days. It’s a simple little trick, but it certainly helps keep the winter blues away. This issue is filled with joy from across our community. Elk River families shared wonderful photos from the holidays and from our first big snowfall of the season. Kids bundled up, parents braved the cold, and everyone seemed to find a little magic in the snow. These snapshots are sure to warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. We’re also proud to shine a light on Elk River’s own Billy Crede, who was recently inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. Billy has spent a lifetime giving back to the sport— first as a standout wrestler, then as a dedicated coach and official. His impact on young athletes and our community runs deep, and we are honored to celebrate him this month. And if winter weather has you craving comfort, Gabi Walker has just the thing: her delicious copycat recipe for Bob Evans’ Cheddar Baked Potato Soup. It’s warm, hearty, and truly good for the soul. I encourage you to make a big pot and share it with someone who could use a little love—especially seniors who may not cook as much when they’re home alone. A bowl of soup is such a simple gift, but it can mean the world. Stay warm, stay safe, and remember— you are loved.

FEATURE STORY
1/2/2026
Dashing Through the Snow
Dashing Through the Snow

Everyone dreams of a white Christmas, but the Elk River community received their wish two weeks before! Here are some photos shared with us from family and friends this holiday season.

Trail Mix
1/2/2026
Troop 123 Leaves Their Mark on the Elk River Trail
Troop 123 Leaves Their Mark on the Elk River Trail

The Elk River Trail Foundation is excited to highlight meaningful contribution recently completed by Boy Scout Troop 123 of Clay County, led by Eagle Scout candidate Elijah Lough.

The Elk's Garden
1/2/2026
Birds in Your Backyard This Winter
Birds in Your Backyard This Winter

Winter is one of the most rewarding seasons to welcome birds into your backyard—and sometimes, the best thing you can do is embrace a little “natural mess.” Brush piles made from fallen branches or trimmed limbs create excellent shelter for small birds, especially when placed near feeders.

The Elk's Journal
1/2/2026
Off-Kilter Chronicles by Lynne Sturtevant
Off-Kilter Chronicles by Lynne Sturtevant

If you are looking for a great series to curl up with this winter, check out awardwinning author, Lynne Sturtevant. Now residing in Marietta, Ohio, Lynne’s newest fantasy series is set in the hills of West Virginia. You can find Lynne’s books on Amazon or in your favorite bookstore!

The Elk Reflects
1/2/2026
Clendenin Floods
Clendenin Floods

This month we reflect on the floods of 1918 and 2016 in the town of Clendenin. The first photo is what is now the Save- A-Lot parking lot property back in 1918. The second photo with the beloved Dairy Queen sign is the same location in 2016.

The Elk's Cookbook
1/2/2026
The Elk's Cookbook
The Elk's Cookbook

I was genuinely surprised by the very first spoonful of this soup. It was one of those rare kitchen moments when you realize—you’ve finally nailed it. Rich, creamy, comforting… perfection in a bowl.

Reach out to us for sizing and pricing

Advertise with ERL and help support the community.

Reader's Submission
1/2/2026
The Elk's Students
The Elk's Students

Congrats to Ahaziah Smith for being named West Virginia High School Volleyball Player of the Year by the WV Sports Writer’s Association!

A Passion for Wrestling - Billy Crede, Inductee in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
1/2/2026
A Passion for Wrestling - Billy Crede, Inductee in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame
A Passion for Wrestling - Billy Crede, Inductee in the National Wrestling Hall of Fame

From athlete to coach, official to mentor, Billy Crede’s lifelong dedication to wrestling has shaped generations of young athletes.

Elk River Living is a local and independently- owned magazine devoted to the wonderful people, businesses, and events in the communities on the Elk River, WV.

OUR COMMUNITIES

From Charleston to Sutton, Elk River Living holds a mirror up to the places that line the Elk River and reflect them to you. There are so many rich traditions that make celebrating easy, and we bring them to you in our recurring segments each month: The Elk's Cookbook; The Elk's Journal; The Elk Reflects; The Healthy Elk; The Elk's Students; Trail Mix; Around the Elk; At the Library; and more!

OUR BUSINESSES

We celebrate our local businesses, and the hard-working people behind them. They are an integral part of the fabric of the places we call home. The Elk River economy is continually expanding, with existing and exciting new developments surrounding the Elk River Trails, and Elk River Living is here to promote and bring their stories to you.  If you have an opportunity, please consider our sponsors for your needs!  They care a great deal about you and the community.

ERL is free of charge at these local businesses in limited supplies

At the beginning of each month a limited number of copies of Elk River Living is printed and dropped off at the following businesses in the Elk River area. This list is subject to change and we encourage you to contact the business beforehand to confirm they have remaining copies.🖤

ERL offers subscriptions that are sent directly to your mailbox

To ensure our readers get Elk River Living, we offer an annual subscription for a fee and each issue will be mailed to you at the beginning of each month..🖤

For more information:

info@elkriverliving.com

304.546.9243

Elk River Living + Google Earth Studio =  a fun ride up the Elk River, WV.

Elk River Living used Google Earth Studio to create an aerial tour of the communities that line the Elk River, from Charleston to Sutton, West Virginia. Enjoy the ride!

🖤

We love to hear from you!

Let’s get in touch!

Thank you

Thanks for reaching out. We will get back to you soon
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

we do this together

If you're reading this, then you know and care about the communities that we call home. That also means your input really matters! If you know of any people, businesses, and events  in your neck of the woods that should be featured in ERL, let us know.