Honoring a legacy: Jenkie’s Journey offers recovery opportunities
The new Jenkie’s Journey residential treatment facility is aptly named, according to the mother of the man it was named for. Josh Jenkins – Jenkie to his friends – saw himself as a protector and a caretaker for those friends, Cheryl Oney explained. He was also their biggest advocate and cheerleader. “Josh was happy go … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 5/5/21
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. Bryant Bowling, 43, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of speeding – 20 MPH … Read More
Bridge project leads to water outage: Crews rupture line during relocation
Homes off of US 60, just west of Globe, experienced an unanticipated water outage last week as crews working on a bridge replacement project near Tygart Creek Elementary hit a water line while digging on Wednesday. Contractor crews were planning to relocate the water line as part of the bridge replacement project over Tygart Creek, … Read More
Property Transfers: 1/4/21-1/26/21
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Job Fairs
Today: The Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring a job fair event today, Wednesday, May 5, at from 10 am – 2 pm at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall, 110 Caleb Powers Lane, in Olive Hill, with setup beginning at 9 am. Social distancing will be maintained and all attendees are required to … Read More
Looking for a raise: Fiscal Court tables jail salary issue
Carter county fiscal court moved to table any further discussion of raises for county employees until after the fiscal year, but the court acknowledged that raises for county employees, and increased starting pay, are inevitable if the county is to retain talent. Pay raises weren’t explicitly on the budget for last Thursday’s special session, but … Read More
Bikes and kids: Kiwanis Bike Show builds inclusive playgrounds
“Kiwanis helps kids,” Willis Johnson says matter of factly when he’s explaining why he’s involved with the organization. It’s what they’ve done with bicycle projects, and bed projects, and home computer projects; and now it’s what they’re doing to help support inclusive play opportunities for children at the new Grayson Sports Park playground. The organization … Read More
Weekly Arrest Report: 4/28/21
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. Ronna Pope, 53, of Fort Thomas, self-surrender, booked on April 19. Derrick Harper, 23, of Detroit, Michigan, … Read More
Grayson public hearing on application for zoning variance
The City of Grayson Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments will hold a public hearing concerning an Application for a Zoning Variance. The applicant wishes to install a wall sign on a new structure located at 645 Interstate Drive that exceeds the dimensional size allowed. Interested property owners near the property in question are hereby … Read More
Cameron speaks with crime victims
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, pictured with Justice & Hope founder Ann Bauers, spoke at an awareness event sponsored by the National Justice & Hope for Crime Victims group in Grayson last week. The event, part of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, also featured presentations by Marsy’s Law for Kentucky Director of Outreach Dr. Emily … Read More
Digital school and supplemental years: Board clarifies what life after COVID could be
The Carter County Board of Education spent Monday night looking at two fundamental questions the district will be facing as they move forward in a post COVID world; how to best serve students who thrived under the virtual learning environment, and how best serve those who did not. The first issue on the agenda was … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 4/21/21
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. Kevin Carroll, 31, of Grayson, self-surrender, booked on April 12. Gregory Hall, age and address unknown, arrested … Read More
Library seeks Grayson board member
The Carter County Public Library is seeking a new board member from the Grayson area. Board members vote on and approve library actions, expenditures, and other library issues. Those interested in serving on the board, or more information on the role, can apply by message to Carter County Librarian Christy Boggs directly through the library … Read More
ACTC announces “normal” fall semester
ASHLAND – Dr. Larry Ferguson, President/ CEO of Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) recently announced to the ACTC community that plans are in progress to return to normal operations in the Fall 2021 semester. “In the last year, many ACTC classes and services have transitioned online to keep our campus community safe, but we … Read More
Free skin cancer screenings in May
ASHLAND – May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 and having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. However, skin cancer can be treatable if caught early. King’s Daughters is … Read More
Fighting fire: Fiscal court moves to fund paid firefighters
The Grayson and Olive Hill Fire Departments will be adding paid weekend staff – possibly as soon as this weekend – after fiscal court took action Monday evening to approve covering the increased cost for the two cities. Kyle Morgan, with the Grayson Fire Department, and Jeremy Rodgers, with the Olive Hill FD, spoke with … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 4/14/21
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. Christopher Smith, 37, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle … Read More
Collecting the bills: Emergency ambulance discusses billing service
It wasn’t too long ago that the Carter County Emergency Ambulance Board took action to switch from using a billing service to collect for ambulance rides to doing billing in-house. After experimenting with in-house billing for a couple of years, the board moved last month to enter into a temporary contract with a new billing … Read More
Cleaning up: Fiscal court hears disaster update, approves flood repair loan
First came the ice. Then came the floods. Now, the cleanup and repairs. Carter County Fiscal Court heard disaster updates during their regular monthly meeting Monday night. This included updates on the progress of ice storm damage cleanup, flood damage, and FEMA assistance. While cleanup of the ice storm debris continues apace on county roads, … Read More
ACTC to host open house April 23
ASHLAND. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) will be hosting an Open House on Friday, April 23. The event, which will be held outdoors, will be at the College Drive Campus from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The Open House will be an opportunity for prospective students to learn more about ACTC and ask … Read More
Workforce Solutions offering deckhand training
ASHLAND – Workforce Solutions is offering a one-week deckhand training course. According to Chris Boggs, Business and Industry Project Coordinator, deckhands operate and maintain equipment on the deck of a vessel and assist with docking and other operations. Together, the deckhands make up the deck crew and are responsible for maintaining the ship, other than … Read More
Unemployment insurance update
FRANKFORT – On Monday, Amy Cubbage, general counsel for Gov. Beshear, updated Kentuckians on when the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) system will go live again after a temporary shutdown for security upgrades. According to Cubbage, the system will go live again at 7 a.m. EDT on Apri 13. “So far, 100,000 letters have been mailed … Read More
Gov. Beshear announces 2.5M vaccination challenge to lift capacity restrictions
FRANKFORT – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the Team Kentucky Vaccination Challenge: When 2.5 million Kentuckians have received at least their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the state will remove most capacity restrictions. When the goal is met, the Governor said he will lift capacity restrictions and physical distancing requirements for nearly all … Read More
Taking stock: Grayson RECC reflects on ice storm
Grayson RECC President and CEO Bradley Cherry hadn’t been in the position long when the ice storms hit in February. He was still technically the “interim President and CEO” on the night of February 10 when the first customers started reporting power outages. “With the first ice storm, through those next five days, we got … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 4/7/21
The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. Samuel Pennington, 46, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of probation violation and … Read More
Traffic changes on Carol Malone Blvd due to $6 million widening project
FLEMINGSBURG – Major traffic changes will start this week on Carol Malone Boulevard (KY 7/KY 1) at downtown Grayson as contractors ramp up work on the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s $6 million highway widening project. Beginning Monday, April 5, crews started shifting all traffic on the four-lane highway into a new three-lane configuration – one lane … Read More
Legislative Update: 4/7/21
FRANKFORT – Well, it’s a wrap. Legislators worked late into the night on Tuesday, the 30th and final day of the 155th regular meeting of the Kentucky General Assembly, concluding what has been a particularly odd legislative session. It has essentially felt like something out of a movie with all the plot twists and uncertain … Read More
ACTC to host drive-thru graduation ceremony
ASHLAND – Students who graduated from Ashland Community and Technical College at the end of the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters will have the opportunity to celebrate their achievements during a special drive-thru ceremony on Saturday, May 8. Students who have applied to graduate at the end of the Summer 2021 semester are also … Read More
Widening to begin on Carol Malone: Road will be restricted to two lanes over the next year
If you use Carol Malone Boulevard as your main route through Grayson, you may want to begin considering other ways to get to and from work or home. Construction on a road widening project was set to begin on Monday, with barrel placements, and it’s expected to last for more than a year. All rerouting … Read More
Stapleton named EM Director: County Clerk has record year
Carter County has a new Emergency Management Director. The fiscal court returned from executive session last Thursday and moved to hire Adam Stapleton for the position. Stapleton will be taking over from resigning EM Director, and current Olive Hill Fire Chief, Jeremy Rodgers. Rodgers had tendered his resignation earlier this year, after accepting the Olive … Read More
Olive Hill man arrested on child porn charges: Charged with first-degree sexual abuse
An Olive Hill man was arrested over the weekend on charges of possessing child pornography and of first degree sexual abuse of a minor, among other charges. Lonnie Williams, 35, of Olive Hill was arrested by Kentucky State Police over the weekend on a variety of charges related to the use of underage persons in … Read More
Indictments issued for murder and human trafficking: Reynolds indicted on murder solicitation, Rose on human trafficking
The Carter Circuit Court has issued an indictment in the Billy Reynolds murder for hire plot. Reynolds, age 41 of Olive Hill was arrested on January 28 by Kentucky State Police officers, from Ashland Post 14, two weeks after the state police received a tip, on January 15, that Reynolds “had contacted an individual in … Read More
Making a splash: Park board plans for progress
The Grayson Park Board has a couple of options before it for the new sprayground to be featured at the Grayson Sports Park complex. But, depending on the information they get back, the park may choose to go with fewer amenities to start with so they can build out in the future on a better … Read More
Helping H.E.L.P: Group holds online auction for building
The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP) collects a lot of items that are then stored until they can get them out to the people who need to use them. As Eddie Adams explained last year, “Anything anyone needs, God’s already provided. We just need to connect the donations with the need.” But what they also … Read More
Cleaning up and more: Chamber plans for new events
The Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce are ready to get started on spring cleaning. Chamber president Lisa Messer-Conley told the members she would like to begin planning for regular Clean the Town cleanup events beginning in April. These types of events had a huge impact on the look of the town last year and the … Read More
Legislative Update: 3/24/21
By: Robin L. Webbfor Carter County Times FRANKFORT – ’Twas the night before veto daysIn the Senate and the House, So much was occurring,concurring, and choused.Some bill drafts were burning,churning hot off the press, Some did more for Kentuckians,But others did less. The clock struck midnight as the Kentucky General Assembly adjourned on Day 28 of the … Read More
King’s Daughters expands COVID clinic: Grayson location moves to First Church of Christ
If you got your first COVID vaccination at the KDMC clinic location in Grayson, you’ll be getting your next one at the First Church of Christ community center on Pomeroy Street. The KDMC COVID clinic, now beginning to administer that second round of vaccines, needed extra space to accommodate the expected jump in numbers as … Read More
Fire and ice: County discusses emergency response and storm cleanup
The Grayson and Olive Hill fire departments are currently employing part time staff for eight hours a day, five days a week. They’d like to get that up to seven days a week, adding three part time firefighters to the weekend schedule at each department. But they need the county’s help to do it, and … Read More
Injecting a shot of hope: Governor visits KDMC regional vaccination site
Governor Andy Beshear was in Bellefonte last week, stopping by the King’s Daughters Medical Center COVID clinic to review the process and discuss plans to enter eligibility phase 1c of vaccination. This phase opens up vaccinations to adults with certain underlying conditions, regardless of age. Eligible issues and conditions include; asthma, cerebrovascular disease, cancer, chronic … Read More
Work Starts This Week on Project to Widen I-64 Westbound Off Ramp at Grayson
One-lane traffic on I-64, off ramp during construction FLEMINGSBURG – Work starts this week on a $700,000 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet project to widen the I-64 westbound off ramp (Exit 172) at Grayson so it can handle more traffic. The project will add an extra lane to the off ramp to provide two longer left-turn lanes and … Read More
Extension notes: Upcoming educational opportunities for beekeepers
Bees are an important part of agriculture because they provide the pollination required to produce many crops. Beekeeping not only helps ensure that your crops get pollinated, but it can be a very rewarding experience, not to mention producing some very tasty honey. The Kentucky State Beekeepers Association has many upcoming educational programs to help … Read More
Old and in the way…
Last Friday was National Paste-Up Day. For most folks working in publishing today, pasting is something you do in Microsoft Word or InDesign. It’s all digital. Paste-up, as a term, isn’t something you really hear anymore. You still do layout, but there isn’t any need for a paste-up phase. You layout and save and send. … Read More
Five indicted for capital offenses: Commonwealth issues indictments in Waggoner murder
The Carter Circuit Court Grand Jury issued indictments last month charging five individuals – four from Grayson and one from Morehead – with complicity to capital murder in the December death of John Waggoner. Waggoner, 25, of Grayson, was found dead after Grayson police responded to a call at around 10 p.m. on Friday, December … Read More
A Center 4 Change plan for growth: Council endorses corporate headquarters move
If Tonya Bond-Judd has her way, downtown Olive Hill could be getting 30 more professional office jobs, and the city and county could be getting occupational taxes that are currently going to Morehead and Rowan county. Judd discussed many different things with council during their rescheduled regular meeting last month; including misperceptions about what services … Read More
Grayson Youth Soccer open for registration through Friday
The Grayson Youth Soccer Association hasn’t played a game in over a year. “The last time we were able to play was Fall 2019, due to COVID,” explained Aimie Walker, president of the league. But they’re ready to come back this year, with games expected to begin April 10 – though flooding related delays may … Read More
Neighbors helping neighbors: Willard community feeds families during storm
When winter storms led to power outages and lost water across the county, the Willard community didn’t waste time fretting about what to do. Instead the folks there, like others across the county, stepped up and did what needed to be done to keep their friends and family warm and fed. They didn’t do it … Read More
Clearing the brush: County considers outside help with cleanup
Carter County has a lot of brush to clean up after the damage to trees from recent ice storms. More than county road and sanitation crews could feasibly cleanup on their own – at least in any sort of timely manner. So what can a county without a lot of resources do in a situation … Read More
Flooding follows ice and snow: East end hard hit by rising waters along the Little Sandy and tributaries
Grayson Rural Electric and Kentucky Power still didn’t have electricity back on for everyone following recent ice storms before the snow and ice turned to rain, and creeks began overflowing their banks. Rising waters in Hitchins and Willard led to water rescues in those communities, according to social media posts. Flood waters in Hitchins eventually … Read More
Going to school: Board discusses in-person learning and truancy
Carter County schools haven’t been meeting much over the past week, with heavy snow and ice disrupting electrical service – something that is necessary with the focus on online classes this year. But, once we’re on the other side of the bad weather, Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Dotson is hopeful that the school system can begin … Read More
Water and electric restoration efforts ongoing
Carter County residents, many on their second week without power and – in some cases – without water, should be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Crews from across the state and country have been in Carter County and surrounding counties helping restore power to customers who were impacted by heavy ice … Read More
Recognizing dedication: Grayson Council presents key to city and renames council room
Grayson city council opened their special session on Monday night by recognizing the contributions of two of the city’s citizens. Camila Haney was recognized with the key to the city for her years of work at First National Bank and involvement in other community groups. Haney, who recently retired from First National Bank with 48 … Read More
EAS receives clean audit: Ambulance comes out ahead on upgrades
The Carter County Emergency Ambulance Service received audit reports of their fiscal year 2018 and 2019 financial statements on Monday during their regular monthly meeting. “In short, you have a clean audit,” explained auditor John Clevenger, with Griffith, DeLaney, Hillman & Lett, CPAs. The board moved to accept Clevenger’s report before moving on to the … Read More
Removing right-of-ways and paying crews: Road discussions dominate fiscal court
Carter County Fiscal Court started their regular meeting on Monday night by hearing requests from two different property owners who are seeking to have their roads removed from the county road system. Doug Collins addressed court, noting that he had documentation showing that his road should have been removed from the county road system years … Read More
COVID vaccination clinic coming to Grayson on February 13 and 20
ASHLAND – King’s Daughters is pleased to announce a collaboration with Three Rivers Medical Center and Kentucky Department for Public Health to provide COVID vaccine clinics to residents living in Lawrence, Carter and the adjacent counties in Kentucky. The clinics will be by appointment only and focus on providing vaccine to Kentuckians age 70 and … Read More
Grayson man arrested on sexual abuse charges: Workman charged with multiple counts of abuse against minor
The Kentucky State Police (KSP) announced last week that a Grayson man was arrested on multiple counts of sexual abuse and other sexual offenses in charges stretching back to 2016. The Kentucky State Police Post 14, in Ashland, announced on January 28 that William R. Workman, 24, of Grayson, had been arrested on multiple charges. … Read More
Olive Hill man arrested in murder for hire plot: Reynolds accused of plotting to have mother murdered
An Olive Hill man was arrested by Kentucky State Police (KSP) last week on charges that he conspired to pay another person to have his mother murdered. The Kentucky State Police Post 14, in Ashland, issued a release on January 28 announcing the arrest of Billy G. Reynolds, 41, of Olive Hill, in the plot. … Read More
Keeping the utilities on: Fiscal court approves participation in grant program
Carter County Fiscal Court met in special session on Monday to approve participation in a CDBG utility grant that will help local people struggling to pay their utility bills during the pandemic and take pressure off local utility departments that aren’t being paid regularly for the services they provide. Malone explained to fiscal court that, … Read More
State road crews on alert as winter storms blanket area
When winter weather hits, it’s probably best to stay home and avoid the roads. Especially rural and secondary roads where hills can shade icy patches and prevent melt and state road crews don’t spread salt. But if you absolutely have to get out, and you can reach a state route, you can rest assured that … Read More
Legislative Update
By: Senator Robin L. Webbfor Carter County Times FRANKFORT – On Tuesday, February 2, lawmakers will return to Frankfort and begin Part II of the 2021 Regular Session. In odd-numbered, non-budget years, sessions may not last more than 30 legislative days. However, like most things, a global pandemic has modified how we handle business as … Read More
Taking the shot: Health department giving vaccinations as quickly as they get them
So far the Carter County Health Department has given out “about 333 vaccinations,” according to public health director Jeff Barker. “We’ve received three shipments of 100 doses per week,” Barker said. He noted that “some were a little more” than 100 doses, which is why they were sitting at 333 vaccinations last week. But, he … Read More
One more cup of coffee: Goose Bridle raises over $1,000 for local organizations
What if you could help support local organizations, like church camps or scout troops, while doing something you do every day anyway like having your morning cup of coffee? That’s what Goose Bridle Coffee’s Will Stevens had in mind when he began doing fundraiser packs for his coffee beans. When Stevens saw that various non-profit … Read More
Fiscal court discusses COVID vaccines: Approves claims and report
Carter County fiscal court met in special session on Monday to approve claims and to accept the sheriff’s quarterly report. After court adjourned, however, judge executive Mike Malone asked the court to briefly remain on their Zoom conference to discuss the state of COVID-19 vaccinations in the county. Malone told the magistrates that he didn’t … Read More
Board of Adjustment grants variances: Commercial and residential projects approved, with stipulations
The Grayson Board of Adjustment met on Monday night to hear requests for variances on three different proposed projects – one residential, one commercial, and one related to a county E911 project. The first was a residential building project at a property along U.S. 60 within city limits. The owner of that property, Brenda Sexton, … Read More
Upward Bound program seeking summer instructors
The Upward Bound Programs at Morehead State University are seeking applications for Morning Core, Afternoon Elective, & Evening instructors for its Summer Academy. Morning Core instructors will teach English, math or science to area high school students within a 17-county region of the MSU campus. Class size ranges from 25 – 30 students. Afternoon Elective … Read More
Online school returns: Health Dept recommends change back to remote learning
Just when staff and students were getting used to Carter County’s hybrid model again, the school system has gone back to an entirely online virtual school schedule at the recommendation of the Carter County Health Department. Carter County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Ronnie Dotson, told the board on Monday night that beginning the next day … Read More
Park board eyes spring for sprayground install: Plans for future expansion
Grayson Sports Park manager Grant Harper is hoping for an early spring installation of sprayground and playground equipment in the park, and is also planning ahead for future growth of the installations. Harper told the board he has settled on Landscape Structures for the playground equipment and installation. Harper explained that the park had already … Read More
Inspired reading: New organization to bring Dolly Parton program to Carter County
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is an amazing organization. It brings two age-appropriate books a month to children in participating communities, from birth until they start school, no matter their family income. Anyone can sign their child up, as long as there is a sponsoring organization in their community. Unfortunately there hasn’t been any sponsoring organization … Read More
Grayson approves CARES funds use: Police and fire to get new gear
The city of Grayson has been reimbursed the promised $87,600 in police related expenses like salary costs through CARES Act funds and, following the recommendations made in their December meeting, moved to approve the purchase of mobile computer units for department use. Those units, at a cost of $43,128, include a tablet and a docking … Read More
ACTC names 188 to President’s list
ASHLAND – Ashland Community and Technical College has named 188 students to the President’s List for the fall 2020 semester. To be eligible for the president’s list, a student must earn a perfect 4.0 grade point average and successfully complete at least 12 KCTCS semester credits of course work numbered 100 or above (excluding any … Read More
ACTC announces Dean’s List
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College has named 241 students to the dean’s list for the fall 2020 semester. To be eligible for the dean’s list, a student must complete at least 12 semester credits (of 100 level courses or above) or more for the semester and earn at least a 3.5 GPA … Read More
COVID vaccines, E911, and funding: Fiscal court discusses funding and the impact of the virus
Whether it’s jail income being down because of the virus, or strategies for increasing access to vaccination, it hardly seems like a government meeting can go by without some discussion of COVID-19. Fiscal court opened their meeting on Monday by approving the treasurer’s report and approving claims and transfers. This included the transfer of $100,000 … Read More
New year brings relief to ambulance service: Organization receives CARES funding and adds paramedic to staff
Carter County emergency ambulance ended their year up by 21 runs over December of 2019. They had 500 runs for the month, beating the 2019 total of 479 calls. But even with that December jump they were down for 2020 by 73 runs compared to 2019. The services total number of runs for 2020 was … Read More
February 1 deadline set for $51,000 engineering scholarship: Provides career path for area high school, college students
FLEMINGSBURG – High school and college students interested in becoming a civil engineer should apply now for one of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s $51,000 scholarships. Since 1948, the Kentucky Transportation Civil Engineering Scholarship Program has provided about 80 scholarship openings each year that are filled with new and returning students to improve the overall engineering … Read More
Community Bulletin Board
January 18 – A public forum regarding School Health & Nutrition in the schools will be held during the meeting of the Carter County Board of Education. The meeting will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Carter City Elementary School. February 8 – The next meeting of the Carter County Emergency Ambulance Board will occur … Read More
Community mourns Comets and Wildcats athlete
The Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce is sad to report that Ben “Big Ben” Jordan, a former West Carter Comets and UK Wildcats basketball and baseball player, has passed away. In support of the Jordan family they are asking the community to please hang a blue ribbon at their home and/or their place of business. … Read More
Ambulance service to get $300K: Fiscal court approves distribution of CARES funds
The Carter County emergency ambulance service has been hard hit by the COVID crisis. In addition to COVID protocols at area hospitals slowing their response time, ambulance staff are also taking extra time to sanitize trucks between runs to prevent the spread of the virus between patients. Even with those precautions, and staff wearing masks … Read More
The changing face of paving: County road crews going all in on cold paving
Carter County road crews are sold on cold paving, and they’re making changes to their equipment to accommodate the new method of paving roads and filling potholes. Road supervisor Jason Carroll brought a request to fiscal court to trade equipment that will enable the road department to be more productive with cold paving, while still … Read More
So long and thanks from all the fish: KDFWR will recycle your old Christmas tree as fish habitat
If you had a real Christmas tree this year, and you aren’t sure what to do with it now that the holidays are over, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) has a suggestion for you – give it to the fish. The US Army Corps of Engineers at Grayson Lake have put … Read More
Olive Hill Fire Department seeks volunteers: Department hopes to add more paid positions in future
While the Olive Hill City Council recently voted to add the description of firefighter to paid city positions, allowing the fire department to employ part time staff three days a week, new fire chief Jeremy Rodgers says the department still needs more volunteers to fill the needs of the city and surrounding communities the department … Read More
Carol Malone widening funded: Mountain Enterprises wins bid for $6 million project
The often discussed road widening project on Carol Malone Boulevard could see some progress in the new year. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced last week that a contract has been awarded for the project which KTC expects to begin “early next year” according to a press release from the cabinet. The contract for the project, … Read More
HELP extends thanks to volunteers and donors
The Health Equipment Loan Program (HELP), founder Jean Adams, and volunteers would like to thank those who have helped them put a smile on the faces of more than 87 elderly and out of work individuals with gift bags this holiday season. They started with a few and “it just kept growing until they reached … Read More
I do solemnly swear…: Grayson City Council members sworn in
The city of Grayson held a swearing in ceremony last Wednesday for the men and women who will be serving the community on City Council in the coming year. Four of those sworn in last week by Judge David Flatt – Derrick McKinney, Sudy Walker, Pearl Crum and Jerry Yates – are returning council members. … Read More
Going back to school: Board moves to extend holiday break
Carter County students got an unexpected Christmas gift from the school board last week – an extra week of Christmas break. Like any gift, though, they’ll have to pay for it eventually, and in this case the bill will come due this Spring. Students were originally scheduled to resume classes on January 4, but, as … Read More
Olive Hill appoints new fire chief: Council approves mayor’s nomination of Rodgers
Olive Hill has a new fire chief and assistant fire chief. Council moved last week to approve the recommendation from mayor Jerry Callihan to appoint Jeremy Rodgers as the new chief and John Humphries as the assistant chief. Councilman Justin Dixon made the motion to accept the mayor’s nominee with Chris Bledsoe seconding the motion. … Read More
EMTs and the pandemic: Ambulance board discusses impact of virus on personnel
Carter County EMT Shawn Laughman disinfects an ambulance following a run. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
Paving and playgrounds: Park board close to decision on playground equipment
Grayson sports park manager Grant Harper told the park board he won’t know exactly what kind of costs the park will incur until they open, but he and board member and Tourism treasurer Don Combs have put together a tentative budget. For instance, he won’t know employee costs until they have to start mowing and … Read More
Body cams and instant scans: Grayson police get tech upgrade
Many first responders were training on the new E911 Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system update last week, but Grayson police couldn’t join in. During the regular meeting of Grayson City Council last Tuesday police chief Travis Steele informed council that, while the much anticipated E911 update brings with it a number of perks that can … Read More
Five arrested in Grayson murder
Five people have been arrested in the murder of a Carter County man on Friday.
Detention Center is COVID free: Fiscal Court approves Pathways grant, discusses cemetery roads
The Carter County Detention Center is “COVID free at the moment,” according to jailer R.W. Boggs. Boggs shared that information with Carter County fiscal court during their regular meeting on Monday night, held via Zoom teleconference because of COVID-19 restrictions. Boggs said that, after having several inmates test positive for the virus earlier this year, … Read More
Getting paid: Olive Hill City Council holds special meeting
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, provided over $2 trillion in economic stimulus in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, including payments to individual Americans, unemployment funds, loans and aid to small and large businesses, and almost $340 billion in payments to state and local governments. These payments to local … Read More
A vote for reading: Olive Hill approves library funding and board members
Olive Hill Council, masked and spread around the room at different tables, accepted an email report from Carter County librarian Christy Boggs during their regular meeting last Tuesday, which was broadcast to the public over Facebook Live – the very picture of a public meeting in the pandemic age. Questions and comments were solicited during … Read More
Fighting fires: Olive Hill council adds fire to paid departments
The city of Olive Hill has opened the door to adding paid staff to the fire department in the future. City council approved a municipal order last Tuesday, adding the job description for fire fighter to their employ classification schedule. The expressed purpose of adding that job description was so the fire department could employ … Read More
Bank announces lobby restrictions
Staff ReportCarter County Times The Commercial Bank of Grayson and First National Bank have announced new lobby restrictions aimed at helping curb the spread of COVID-19 over the holiday season. Both banks have closed their lobbies to the general public at all branches, opening them to customers by appointment only. Drive through tellers are still … Read More
To turf, or not to turf?: Artificial surface still option for park
Grayson Sports Park manager Grant Harper has been working to seed the ball field at the park with grass. He’s also discussed options for bringing in topsoil to help that grass grow. But this doesn’t mean the idea of artificial turf surfaces are off the table just yet. Harper spoke with the Grayson Tourism Commission … Read More
Getting new cruisers: Grayson council discusses police car lease program
New police cruisers have been on the agenda for Grayson City Council since before Chief Travis Steele took over the position from retired Chief Kevin McDavid, but the city got one step closer to making a decision on the issue during their regular meeting last Tuesday. The police department discussed a possible fleet management program … Read More
Carter County goes for Trump: McConnell takes majority of Senate votes
The results of the election may not be known on a state and national level until all absentee ballots, mail-in ballots and other early voting results are added with the mechanically tabulated votes from election night. But at the end of the night on Tuesday Carter County was leaning toward reelecting President Trump. In the … Read More
Welcoming visitors: Chamber discusses welcome center with Olive Hill council
When the Olive Hill depot building was purchased by the city there were a few stipulations. One was that the building must be maintained as a historical structure, meaning no significant changes can be made to the building and any repairs have to adhere to historical standards. The other, Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce President … Read More
Books, bridges and landing pads: Fiscal court meets in special session
The Carter County Public Library was at the top of the agenda when fiscal court met in special session last week. The future of the library has been in question since the city of Grayson chose to discontinue their share of funding for the library earlier this year. The library, which has a branch in … Read More
Service that speaks for itself: Ramey-Easterling touts success under her tenure
During the six years she’s served on the Carter County School Board, Lisa Ramey-Easterling said she has only missed one meeting, and that was when her mother passed away. Ramey-Easterling, who has worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs for nearly 30 years, was first appointed to the board by the state education commissioner to … Read More
BLM in Olive Hill: Louisville group holds protest march and rally in park
A Black Lives Matter rally, organized by Dee Garrett, took place in Olive Hill on Sunday. Protesters, most of whom bussed in from Louisville, marched from the Save A Lot grocery to J.A. “Skinny” Raybourn City Park where they engaged with Olive Hill residents and others from outside the area who showed up either to … Read More
McGrath visits Carter Caves: Senate candidate talks with locals and discusses platform
“I married a lifelong Republican,” Amy McGrath told the crowd who came out to Carter Caves to hear the Democratic candidate for senate speak. “But we’re Americans first.” That message, on service and rebuilding a United States Senate that worked together for the good of the American people, regardless of political party, was the gist … Read More
Helping families: Derrick Willis wants your vote for family court judge
Derrick Willis, candidate for family court judge, started focusing on family law after working as an assistant county attorney. “In 2010 I came to Grayson to work as an assistant county attorney, and started working with Bob Miller,” Willis explained. “He had me prosecute child dependency neglect abuse cases. It was one of my job … Read More
Trails and tourism: Flannery hopes to create new opportunities for region
Patrick Flannery says as state representative he’d work to create new opportunities for Carter and Lawrence Counties and champion conservative values that he feels the region believes in and incumbent representative Kathy Hinkle has failed to deliver on. “She’s not representing the values of the district and is an ineffective legislator,” Flannery said. He said … Read More
Running on her record: Hinkle seeks re-election as state representative
Kathy Hinkle is seeking re-election to the role of state representative for the 96th district, and she is running on her record since her election to office two years ago. Hinkle, who is being challenged by Olive Hill lawyer, and former county attorney, Patrick Flannery, said she’s worked hard during her short time in Frankfort … Read More
Writing it in: Brammell runs as write-in candidate in third educational district
“I don’t think our people are being represented very well,” explained Trish Brammell when asked what motivated her to run for Carter County Board of Education as a write-in candidate. Brammell, who has a daughter with special needs in the school system, decided to run as a write-in candidate for the Third Educational District after … Read More
Fighting for life: Ralph’s Foodfair raises over $18,000 for American Cancer Society
It takes a lot of fudge and raffle tickets to raise over $18 thousand, but that’s exactly how Ralph’s FoodFair raised the $18,530.66 they presented to the American Cancer Society last week. Assistant Store Manager David Sullivan explained that the store raised the money they donated by selling candy, along with raffle tickets for high … Read More
Keeping COVID numbers down: School board discusses East Carter High School quarantine
Contact tracing is working. That’s the takeaway from the recent news that some students at East Carter High School might have been exposed to the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Superintendent of schools Dr. Ronnie Dotson told the board of education last week that of the 50 students initially quarantined due to possible COVID exposure, 18 have … Read More
Ready to play: Sports park will host games next spring
Fencing, gates, and grass are three of the top issues that Grayson Sports Park manager Grant Harper is working to address, but he promised Grayson Mayor George Steele the park would be ready to play ball on come next spring. Steele visited the park board during their regular meeting last Thursday with questions about the … Read More
Gov. Beshear provides update on COVID-19
FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear on Monday updated Kentuckians on the state’s continuing efforts to fight the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). “We’re going to get through this together, what appears to be our third escalation,” said Gov. Beshear. “We’ve got to come together to do what it takes to defeat this virus. As for me … Read More
Being best: Carter City Elementary recognized as Blue Ribbon school
Carter City Elementary has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School – one of only five in the entire state of Kentucky to earn the distinction this year. Carter City principal Jo Ashworth explained that the school earned the distinction in two separate categories. The school was recognized for “closing the gap” and as an … Read More
Paying their due: Tourism board sees potential for resolving hotel tax issue
The Grayson Tourism Board has had ongoing issues with collecting on taxes they are owed by local hotels. These taxes, which are charged on every hotel room rented in the city of Grayson, are being collected by the hotels. But the hotels haven’t been passing the money they collect on to the Tourism Board in … Read More
Combating COVID: EMS implements decontamination programs
Carter County EMS are performing decontamination steps between each run; doing wipe-downs with disinfectants to combat the possible spread of COVID-19 between patients, just in case they’ve transported someone who didn’t know they had the virus. In cases where they are contacted by the hospital and alerted that the patient they transported has tested positive … Read More
Slowing down: Fiscal court has first reading of speed limit ordinance
If you’re used to driving 55 miles per hour on county roads, you might want to start slowing down. Fiscal court had their first reading of a new ordinance on Monday evening that will set speed limits on all county roads at 35 mph, unless otherwise marked. The ordinance also lists roads where the speed … Read More
Grayson’s Genesis Recovery Center among facilities eligible for grant funding
Funds help support safe, stable housing for those recovering FRANKFORT – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear announced $2.8 million for 14 Recovery Kentucky centers across the commonwealth to help ensure safe, stable housing for those recovering from substance use disorder. Through Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV) funding, each center will be eligible for … Read More
Smoothing things out: Fiscal court approves use of state road and bridge funds
Fiscal court approves use of state road and bridge funds.
Pleasant Valley Cemetery Flag Pole Raising
Army National Guard members from the 201 Olive Hill National Guard hoisted the first flag over the Pleasant Valley Cemetery on Saturday. Garrett Nickoson, Donald Palowich, Joshua Gulley, Chase Hall, Travis Steagall, and Dutch Chapman came out to present the flag and perform taps, in honor of the soldiers buried there, while the flag was … Read More
One-Day Closure of KY 773 Monday at New Bridge Project in Carter County
Closed at Bucksaw Junction, 7-7 FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. (Oct. 9, 2020) – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet will temporarily close KY 773 near Grayson on Monday, Oct. 12, for road work at the Little Sandy River bridges. Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, and continuing until about 7 p.m., crews will close KY 773 at Bucksaw Junction south of the … Read More