Sherry Parks was born and raised in the rural landscapes of Kentucky, where she spent her formative years immersed in the tight-knit community of Carr Creek. Her upbringing was characterized by the simplicity and warmth of rural life, where education often took place in modest one-room schoolhouses. Sherry's family roots in Carr Creek run deep, with her ancestors having settled in the area, contributing to the local culture and economy.

Cordelia Collins Schaber is a native of Letcher County, Kentucky, who currently resides in Cold Spring, Kentucky. Born into a family with deep roots in the region, her father, Ray Collins, was an Old Regular Baptist preacher, and her mother, Estelle Collins, was also a Collins before marriage. Cordelia's family history in the area traces back to her great-great-grandfather, who built the home where multiple generations of her family, including her mother and herself, were born.

Debbie Frazier Halcomb, a native of Cody, Kentucky, was born into a family that owned and operated a small grocery store and garage in the area now known as Carr Creek Lake. Her father, Gid Frazier, hailed from Hot Spot, Kentucky (now known as Premium), while her mother, Alma Frazier, was from Vicco, Kentucky. The family moved to Cody when Debbie was six years old, a decision influenced by her impending school years. She attended Carr Creek Elementary School, starting in 1962.

Dee Davis, a native of Hazard, Kentucky, is a prominent figure in the field of rural strategies and social change campaigns. Born to parents who were also from Hazard, Davis has deep roots in the Appalachian region, with his family's history in the area dating back to the 1700s. He attended Hazard High School before moving on to college and eventually settling in Whitesburg, Kentucky, where he has spent the majority of his adult life. Davis is the president of the Rural Strategies Center for Rural Strategies, an organization that has been involved in various social change campaigns.

Etta Gayheart, an octogenarian from Wolfpen, Knott County, Kentucky, has lived a life rich in experiences and memories. Born and raised in Smithboro, Kentucky, she has seen the transformation of her hometown over the years, including the construction of a lake that significantly impacted the local community. Her life story is a tapestry of personal and communal experiences, from her childhood memories of her parents and grandparents to her career as a state worker. Her father was a coal miner, and her mother worked in the local schools, cooking for the students.

George Gibson is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with a rich history and deep roots in the community. Born and raised on a farm, Gibson's early life was centered around his family's country grocery store, which served as a vibrant social hub for the local rural community. His recollections paint a vivid picture of the area's social life, filled with humorous anecdotes and stories that have shaped the area's history. Gibson's experiences extend beyond the family store, encompassing various communities and social spaces in the area.

Golden Glen Hale is a notable figure from the Carr Creek community in Kentucky, known for his rich understanding of the local history and his personal experiences growing up in the area. Born and raised in a close-knit community, Hale's childhood was filled with games and education at Neely Elementary. His life was not without hardship, as he recalls his family's reliance on welfare and commodity cheese, and his own experiences selling newspapers as a child.

Jimmy Hall is a native of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep familial roots in the region. His ancestors, having emigrated from England, settled in Kentucky following the Revolutionary War, establishing a lineage that would endure the trials and transformations of the area. Hall's childhood unfolded in Shingle Branch, where he witnessed the construction of Carr Creek Lake—a development that would forever alter the landscape he knew.

Joe Hall is a long-time resident of Knott County, Kentucky, with deep roots in the community and a wealth of personal history tied to the region. His life story is interwoven with the landscape of Knott County, from the rural farmlands of his youth to the environmental transformations that have since taken place. Hall's experiences span the educational, ecological, and cultural shifts within the area, including the evolution of local schools and the construction of significant infrastructure.

Karen Jones Cody is a native of Smiths Borough in Knott County, Kentucky, where she has deep familial roots and a rich personal history. As co-owner and editor of the Troublesome Creek Times, Cody has a strong connection to her community and a passion for storytelling. Her childhood was marked by a love for reading and writing, and she attended multiple schools, which likely contributed to her broad perspective and understanding of her community.