Where Routes 681 and 7 come to a crossroads in Weigs County, Ohio, amid rolling hills and open fields, sits the unincorporated community of Tuppers Plains. Found on the boundary of both Orange and Olive townships, the concept of community for area residents is defined by their relationships with each other and the land rather than lines drawn on a map
Pictured: As the sun sets over Tuppers Plains, a semi-truck hauls past the Caldwell farm while steam from industrial plants tower in the distance. Route 7 has become a well traveled route for truckers coming and going through southeastern Ohio and West Virginia.
Nevada Johnson, 9, of Tuppers Plains, looks out from behind a firetruck at pictures of firefighters on the adjacent wall inside the Tuppers Plains Volunteer Fire Department. Both Johnson's mother and father are volunteer firefighters with TPFD, and Nevada often explores when they spend time in the firehouse together as a family.
Josiah Williams tucks his hand in his pocket as he talks to Kalmbach Feeds representative Levi Richards, of Bowling Green, Ohio, about the quality of their hay and feed. Williams wears a belt buckle that embodies the way of life for many in this part of the country.
Marshall Caldwell, left, 6, and Olivia Francis, 7, both of Tuppers Plains, Ohio, prepare for the Sunday morning service at St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Fans react to cheerleaders throwing souvenirs to the audience during the men's basketball game against Eastern's rival, Southern High School, at Eastern High School just outside of Tuppers Plains. Students from Tuppers Plains and other communities in the Eastern District, as well as local families and alumni, create a lively fan base for the basketball teams, one of the most popular sports played in the area.
Rick Johnson washes his dog, Cassidy, after catching her rolling around in the muck created by weeks of intermittent heavy rains in the hills of Tuppers Plains.
Pistols hang beside family pictures at the home of local musician Harry Gorrels in Tuppers Plains.
Randy Friar, of Pomeroy, works on his wife's vehicle at his step brother's, John Rankin, garage in Tuppers Plains. "It's the type of community you want to live in. You know almost everyone and we all help each other out when you can," said Rankin.
Kimi Francis tickles the feet of her six-week-old daughter, Charlotte, on a quiet Saturday afternoon at home.
Frozen air bubbles and water flow can be seen in the icy east branch of the Shade River. Several branches of the Shade River run through the area surrounding Tuppers Plains, providing water for farm irrigation over the years but far enough from most farms to avoid flooding.
John Rice, of Tuppers Plains, Ohio, prepares to dress in his insulated coveralls inside his home on Rice Run Road. Now the only person residing on the farm, Rice lives in his childhood home surrounded by pictures of family that adorn his walls.
A cow and calf are silhouetted against the morning sky on Rice Run Road.