Patriotism on display in the town of War, Feb. 19, 2014. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

William Hagerman, left, and Norma Barnes, center, talk with a waitress at the War Coffee Shop in War, Feb. 19. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

Jayson Ratliff, right, 14, and Jesse Waldron, 15, on the streets of Welch, Feb. 19. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

A yard in Welch, Feb. 20. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

Ed Shepard waits for the rare customer at his service station in downtown Welch, Feb. 20. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

Shepard has owned this station for more than 60 years. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

A mural of Jesus on a door next to a handicapped parking spot outside a church in Kimball, Feb. 18. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

An abandoned Coke machine at a former gas station and a vacant house in Anawalt, Feb. 19. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

A mural in Raymond’s Restaurant in Welch, Feb. 18. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

Raymond Bean, 87, at the counter of his namesake restaurant. He doesn’t get many patrons these days, but he gets by on catering events. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America

A Budweiser ad on a door at a gas station near Welch, Feb. 20. Ian C. Bates for Al Jazeera America