Protesting Pride: Citizens raise religious objections to art gallery event
According to Bretta Aukerman, not only did the Grayson Gallery violate several city ordinances with their Pride month art display and drag performance, but they violated the innocence of an unidentified young man that Aukerman called “Jimmy.” According to Aukerman, although she never went inside the gallery to see any of the event, she said … Read More
Weighing in on masks for kids: Parents offer opinions for and against requirements
The Carter County Board of Education began their meeting on Monday evening swearing in new board member Miranda Tussey, and then jumped into the superintendent’s report and public comment period. That public comment centered mostly around the possibility of a mask requirement for students. Melissa Carter opened the public comment period. Identifying herself as a … Read More
Weekly arrests report: 7/21/21
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. Ronald Williams, 59, of Flatwoods, arrested by Greenup County Sheriff, on charges of failure to appear, arrested … Read More
Carter County Schools faculty receive Excellence in Teaching award from Campbellsville University
CAMPBELLSVILLE – Campbellsville University’s 35th annual Excellence in Teaching Award Program honored 205 teachers throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky from 72 districts and/or private schools. Although the ceremony wasn’t in person, a video was sent to each recipient with a welcome from Dr. Lisa Allen, dean of the School of Education, who thanked them for … Read More
Library hosts Really Free Yard Sale: Offers pulled pork sandwiches for first 50 visitors
By: Matthew Parsonsfor Carter County Times The Carter County Public Library is delighted to partner with EKY Mutual Aid to present the 606 Really Free Yard Sale on Saturday, July 31, at the library’s Olive Hill location at 120 Comet Drive. EKY Mutual Aid is a grassroots group that has worked hard to connect folks … Read More
County requests info from ice storm volunteers
Volunteer hours could reduce required FEMA match By: Mike Malonefor Carter County Times The storms that hit our area so hard in February and March of this year were some of the most destructive we have ever seen with damages approaching $10,000,000 to county property alone. While FEMA may pay some of the costs, the … Read More
Funding firefighters
The Carter County Fiscal Court approved a motion on Monday to continue funding paid weekend staff at the Grayson and Olive Hill Fire Departments, and to distribute a similar level of funding to other volunteer fire departments in the county.
Labor shortage hurts EMS
Only Boyd County pays more when you also consider contributions to insurance and retirement. But, despite this, the ambulance service is understaffed.
Weekly arrest report: 7/14/21
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. Sierra Christiansen, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of first degree strangulation, … Read More
Welcome to Olive Hill: Community opens new Welcome Center
It’s been a long time in the making, but the community of Olive Hill finally held a ribbon-cutting for a new Welcome Center at the Depot this weekend. The new facility – which holds memorabilia highlighting local musicians, songwriters, and other notable Olive Hill natives – will serve as a place for visitors to learn … Read More
Feeding the kids: Galaxy Project secures grants for food program
The Galaxy Project purchased a new building last year, and they’re looking forward to moving into it. But, like with many projects, work on getting the building ready to move into has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. But while the organization waits for renovation grant funds to be made available, executive director Chelsa Hamilton … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 7/7/21
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. Brandon Johnson, 24, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on three counts of failure to appear, arrested … Read More
Not the right time: Dotson explains decision to rescind resignation
The Carter County Board of Education had an item on their meeting agenda last week they ended up dropping right from the outset – the resignation of Superintendent of Carter County Schools, Dr. Ronnie Dotson. After amending their agenda to move executive session from the end of the meeting to the beginning, and to remove … Read More
Police conclude search of Olive Hill pond: No new information released
Authorities have completed their search of a Carter County property where they were looking for any signs of a missing infant – but what they found, if anything, still isn’t clear. According to various media reports and press releases Kentucky State Police helped Huntington Police and the FBI to serve a warrant on a property … Read More
Finishing the road cleanup: Fiscal court discusses last steps, approves budget
Contractors working on storm debris cleanup on county roads are close to finishing their work. But before the county releases them from their contract, Judge Executive Mike Malone is asking magistrates to drive the roads in their districts and make sure all the work has been completed to their satisfaction. “We need to ride (the … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 6/30/21
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. Joseph Elam, 33, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on three counts of failure to appear, arrested … Read More
Legislative Update: New laws in effect June 29
By: Senator Robin L. Webbfor Carter County Times FRANKFORT – Committees, task forces, and legislative working groups continue to meet throughout the Interim Joint Session and discuss a wide variety of issues. As we look toward the latter portion of 2021, lawmakers will continue these conversations in advance of the 2022 Regular Session. Recently, I … Read More
Primary Plus cuts ribbon on new Grayson location
Primary Plus CEO Jerry Ugrin said he knew Grayson needed a new Primary Plus location because of the number of people from Carter County he was seeing at his facilities in Lewis, Greenup, and Boyd Counties. “We have sites in Vanceburg, Ashland, and South Shore,” Ugrin said. “And we saw an increasing number of folks … Read More
EMS approves budget: Approve hire of new EMT
Carter County Emergency Ambulance executive director Rick Loperfido wasn’t present for the last meeting. The director had fallen and broken his arm, board president John Brooks told the board. But before sustaining his injury, Loperfido had completed and submitted his report to the board. His report, read and put into context by Valerie Nolan – … Read More
Giving the folks a raise: Fiscal Court approves pay increases for all county employees
Kyle Morgan, from the Grayson Fire Department, was at the last Carter County Fiscal Court meeting to ask the county to continue funding for weekend firefighters in the cities of Grayson and Olive Hill. New librarian Matt Parsons was there as well, asking for the county to maintain their current level of funding. But while … Read More
Weekly arrest report 6/23/21
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. Eric Swanigan, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of first degree possession … Read More
High waters cause road closures: 101 culverts washed out across county roads
Unseasonably heavy rains led to flooding across Carter County last week, with several roads temporarily closed and others sustaining flood related damage that the state and county hurried to get fixed so the roads could be reopened. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) closed US 60 west of Olive Hill on Wednesday evening as rising flood … Read More
The libraries are open: Both Grayson and Olive Hill branches open to the public again
When COVID restrictions were put in place last year, a number of spaces were closed to the public – restaurants, stores, courthouses and city buildings, and the Carter County Public Library. It came at a very inconvenient time, new interim director Matt Parsons said. Not only had a new director, Christy Boggs, just taken over … Read More
Making it law: Grayson passes EMS and nuisance ordinances, annexes property
Grayson City Council had a busy evening last Tuesday, passing three new ordinances, discussing library issues, and hearing and approving various department requests. Two of the city’s ordinances, passed on second readings were simply amendments to existing law. The first, an amendment to the city’s existing nuisance code, changed language to replace the term “city … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 6/16/21
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. Derek Wright, 20, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of receiving stolen property – … Read More
KCTCS Board votes to freeze tuition rate for 2021-22
ASHLAND – Students and parents can breathe a little easier this fall because the 16 colleges of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), including Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) will not be raising tuition. At $179 per credit hour, KCTCS colleges already have the lowest tuition in the state, which saves families … Read More
Marshall names National Society of ACTA Scholars
HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University’s John Deaver Drinko Academy for American Political Institutions and Civic Culture has announced its 2021 inaugural cohort of National Society of American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) Scholars. One hundred Marshall undergraduates have qualified for this prestigious honor. The following student from Carter County has received this recognition: Evan … Read More
Property Transfers: 2/26/21- 3/29/21
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East Carter could receive $14 million for renovations: Board also looking at options for West upgrades
The Carter County Board of Education met in special session on Monday night to accept an offer from the School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) for assistance in funding renovations to East Carter High School. The SFCC sent a letter to superintendent Dr. Ronnie Dotson informing him they had “been authorized to make an additional offer … Read More
County satisfied with cleanup improvements
Two weeks ago, the county was discussing terminating their contract with debris cleanup specialists Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR). In one week, however, the company was able to turn things around to the satisfaction of cleanup managers John McDavid and Scott Greenhill and the county is satisfied with the progress being made. The county set the … Read More
What’s up with the water plant? – Olive Hill continuing forward with improvements
Work on the new water treatment plant in Olive Hill could begin this month, according to representatives with Harshaw Trane, the contractor working on the facility as part of the city’s energy savings plan. Anthony Wright, who recently took over from Brandon Marcum as Harshaw Trane’s project lead, spoke with city council during their last … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 6/9/21
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. Angela Hanna, 50, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor … Read More
Funding hope: Governor visits Grayson to present Genesis check
It was a rainy afternoon outside, but inside the Genesis Recovery Center in Grayson last Friday, Governor Andy Beshear was all sunshine and optimism. The governor, visiting the center to present them with a check to cover COVID related funding losses, touted the state’s strong recovery from the pandemic and a record setting sales tax … Read More
A place to play and learn: Carter Childcare West offers new daycare option
Parents who live or work near Olive Hill now have a new option for daycare in town – Carter Childcare West. The new facility, located between the West Carter Middle and High Schools in the old Wilson Martial Arts location, has been open for nearly a month now, but still has some slots available for … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 6/2/21
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 Roe, 39, of Sandy Hook, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor … Read More
ACTC names 191 to Spring 2021 President’s List
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College has named 191 students to the President’s List for the spring 2021 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
Cleaning up the mess: County has strong message for ice storm contractors
County officials and residents aren’t very happy with the ice storm cleanup from contractor Southern Disaster Recovery (SDR), so fiscal court scheduled a special meeting to discuss this issue with the company on Monday of this week – a meeting that representatives of the contractor didn’t bother to attend. That absence didn’t stop the fiscal … Read More
Growing the city: Grayson council considers rezoning and annexation
Grayson city council discussed possible rezoning, the annexation of land into the city, and other issues related to growth of the city and its business during their last regular meeting. Council opened the meeting with discussion of a possible variance for Primary Plus healthcare. Tracey McGuire, CMO for the healthcare provider, told the council she … Read More
Fighting the fire department: Olive Hill residents upset over fire house discussions
The purchase of a piece of property near city park, and the possibility that a new fire department might be built there, had some Olive Hill residents in an uproar during a recent meeting of city council. Mayor Jerry Callihan did his best, however, to put those fears to rest. While he acknowledged that it … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 5/26/21
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. Russell Binion, 63, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor … Read More
Greenhill resigns: Veteran school board member steps down
The Carter County School Board only had one discussion item on their agenda when they convened in special session last week – the resignation of a board member. Board members Lisa Easterling, Rachel Fankell, Patrick Ferry, and Kirk Wilburn voted unanimously to accept the resignation of veteran school board member Bryan Greenhill. The school board … Read More
ACTC announces Spring 2021 Dean’s List
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College has named 198 students to the dean’s list for the spring 2021 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 for … Read More
Board split on SB 128: Votes 3-2 against option to repeat school year
There were a lot of exciting things on the agenda for Monday night’s regular meeting of the Carter County Board of Education – a $1,000 stipend for all staff members, $17 million for a new Career & Technical Center, an increase in the number of tickets each graduate would be allowed for their family from … Read More
Little libraries for little readers: Little Free Library newest Olive Hill fixture
Young readers with a hunger for new books have another place to turn to when the library is closed. A new Little Free Library box was dedicated in Olive Hill last week, behind the Olive Hill Elementary School. Donna Stamper, coordinator with the school family resource center, worked with the Foundation for the Tri-State, the … Read More
Remembering Jim Phillips: Grayson dedicates conference room to veteran newsman
Family, council members, city employees, and friends joined Grayson Mayor George Steele last week to dedicate the city building’s meeting room as the Jim Phillips Conference Room. Steele and others remembered the late print and broadcast journalist for his dedication to accuracy, transparency, and accountability. “The world would be a better place if we had … Read More
Traffic Advisory: Lane closure on US 60 at Summitt in Boyd County
FLEMINGSBURG – A lane closure on part of US 60 east at Summitt in Boyd County could cause traffic delays beginning next week. On Monday, May 17, the right lane of eastbound US 60 will be closed between Summitt Road and Midland Trail – just past Giovanni’s going toward Ashland – and will remain closed … Read More
Looking for work: Career Center and Chamber hold job fair
When Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce members told her they needed to find help to grow their businesses or, even more alarming, that they might have to scale back their hours because they couldn’t find enough employees to cover shifts, chamber president Lisa Messer Conley said she knew she needed to do something. She needed … Read More
Weekly arrest report: 5/12/21
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. Leonard Danner, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of second-degree criminal trespassing, and probation … Read More
Roosters to road flares and everything between: Shrine Club plans for Second Annual Swap & Sell
One of the beautiful things about flea markets, swap meets, and yard sales is not knowing exactly what you might find, and then being completely tickled when you find just what you wanted or needed. Sure, you might go hoping to find a goat or laying hens or pocketknives – and chances are you will … Read More
Asking for fire funding: Norton Branch speaks to court
Norton Branch Fire Department wants the county to help them pay for vehicle repairs and maintenance or, according to chief Jason Gillum, they may not have any volunteers left. Gillum approached fiscal court this week asking for additional funding, citing a recent move by the county to help Grayson and Olive Hill fund paid fire … Read More
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
Blackberry cobbler time!
It’s that time of year again. The blackberries are getting ripe, and Nicole made me my first cobbler of the season last week. I say “my cobbler” because, even though anyone was welcome to a piece, I’m the blackberry fan in the house. Blackberries are easily my favorite fruit. They’re sweet, tart, and – with … Read More
‘Let’s go fly a kite’ is more than a song title
Are you concerned that too many kids today are preoccupied with handheld electronic devices and don’t know how to play outdoors? I, too, shared those feelings until a recent visit to the seashore with my grandchildren. One of my grandsons was captivated watching several kites flying high above the beach. Shortly thereafter, thanks to an … Read More
AS WE SEE IT: To mask, or not to mask…
You may see our editor out and about in the community without a mask on. This doesn’t mean the pandemic is over. Our editor and publisher have both fully vaccinated. Even with those vaccinations, however, they continued to wear their masks for quite some time. It was only after the governor began lifting mask mandates … 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