What gives your hometown its character, its heart? The geography, history, and physical things you see are only part of the story. At the heart of every community is its people. The teachers and the shop owners. The leaders and public servants. The vocal movers and shakers, along with the quiet contributors who serve in the background. Hometown Voices brings you the stories of these people. Each voice is a thread that is woven together with others to create the rich tapestry of our communities. These stories document the past and reflect on the changes, while also sharing a vision for the future where new chapters are unfolding. This version of Hometown Voices focuses on Fort Payne, situated in the northeast corner of Alabama. It’s a fitting start to the series, as it’s where host and producer Stephen V. Smith was born and raised.