Barbara Crozzer captured the winning shot at her Whispering Opossum farm in Elk Falls. The farm has become a sanctuary for a variety of animals, including the pictured donkeys, Bridget and Donkey, who were in need of a new home after their previous owners passed away. Animals are unpredictable, she says, which make them her favorite subject to photograph. “That picture to me was just perfect with the chickens in the window, the donkeys, and the flag,” she said.

Barbara has lived in Elk Falls for the last three years, but she has been connected to the area for much longer. She grew up in the area, living in Elk Falls and attending school in Moline and Howard. Her grandmother, Marie Cannon, ran the Circle Inn for years, and now Barbara has an Airbnb on her property called the Whispering Opossum Hideaway. She loves living in Elk Falls, because of the peacefulness of the area and the beautiful Falls.

Thank you to all the local photographers who submitted a picture for our annual cover photo contest. Check out photos from our runners up – Lori Mattingly and Tabitha Shelton, both of Dexter.

Second Place Winner – “Pretty Mama with her Mini-Me” taken by Lori Mattingly

Third Place Winner – “Taken on a Dirt Road” by Tabitha Shelton