Shelly McKinnon Oral History Interview

Shelly McKinnon, a lifelong resident of Carbon County, Utah, shares her deep appreciation for rural life, emphasizing the freedom, unique landscape, and strong community bonds, which she experienced particularly after short stints living in California and Illinois. She discusses the challenges of limited job opportunities and the shift in the housing market, noting the difficulty her sons face in finding employment and affordable homes in the area. McKinnon, whose family has deep roots in the coal mining industry, also reflects on the significant impact of its decline on Carbon County and the efforts to rebrand the region, expressing her hope for thoughtful expansion that preserves the community's distinct character and camaraderie.