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
Preserving the past: Malone discusses doughboy statue
Vol Carter County Judge Executive Mike Malone had a special project on the agenda of fiscal court’s special session last Wednesday; repairs to the courthouse doughboy. Malone asked the court to grant him permission to run a project that will raise funds for the repair of the doughboy statue, replacement of the concrete base he … Read More
Honoring the victims: Justice and Hope holds memorial service
National Justice and Hope for Victims of Crime held a memorial service earlier this month to honor those friends and family members lost to violent crime. The event opened with prayers, songs, and candles lit in honor of those lost loved ones while their families shared a meal. The event also featured the unveiling of … Read More
Building the next generation: Carpenters’ union makes donation to woodshop program
Jerry Yates is passionate about creating good job opportunities here at home, so young adults don’t have to leave the area for work unless they want to. Yates, Senior Representative of the local Indiana/Kentucky/Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (IKORCC), has worked on the legislative end of things to help create those job opportunities … Read More
St. Claire Healthcare and NE KY Substance Use Response Coalition awarded $200,000 planning grant project
The Northeast Kentucky Substance Use Response Coalition was recently awarded a $200,000 planning grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. This Rural Communities Opioid Response Program-Planning III project will target Carter, Lewis, Montgomery, and Rowan counties for 18 months of planning and assessment concerning substance use disorder, community resources, and possible jail re-entry programming. … Read More
Urgent care services available one hour earlier
ASHLAND, Ky. – King’s Daughters is pleased to announce its Urgent Care Centers in Ashland and Grayson, Ky., and Burlington and Ironton, Ohio, will be opening an hour earlier, beginning Oct. 1. “We are continually looking for ways to improve our service to our communities,” said Shelly Baier, director of urgent care services for King’s … Read More
What should county taxes cover?
Grayson mayor believes it should be more Grayson Mayor George Steele has been chaffing at what he has called “double taxation” of city residents by the county for some time. His complaints have centered around issues like animal control, the library, E911 dispatching, and even when and where the city fire department should respond. Steele … Read More
Guns in the city: Olive Hill has first reading of firearms ordinance
The city of Olive Hill held the first reading of an ordinance that would prohibit the discharge of firearms within city limits, except under certain situations. The ordinance, if passed, would also apply to bow and arrows, sling shots, or air guns. Exceptions would be granted for the discharge of firearms in temporary or permanent … Read More
Board approves limited return to school
Students in Kindergarten, Sixth and Ninth grades can return this week Superintendent of schools, Dr. Ronnie Dotson, spoke with the school board last Thursday about the possibility of a “soft opening” as soon as Monday of this week. Dotson explained that he didn’t want children in all grades to go back to school in person … Read More
Ethics and annexation: Grayson changes definition of family for nepotism rule
Changes to the Grayson code of ethics ordinance were approved at the last regular meeting of city council, paving the way for acting chief of police Travis Steele, the son of Grayson Mayor George Steele, to be hired permanently into the position. Council voted unanimously to approve the changes to section four of the code … Read More
Cable woes: Residents voice complaints about Suddenlink
What was meant to be a public hearing on Suddenlink’s cable television franchise in the city of Grayson turned into an airing of grievances that encompassed not only the company’s cable service, but their internet and customer service as well. Grayson City Council held the public hearing last Tuesday, before their regular monthly council meeting. … Read More
Building a playground: Kiwanis Legacy of Play contest now active
The Carter County Kiwanis club wants to help the Grayson Sports Park get a new, state of the art, inclusive playground that all kids can enjoy, regardless of their mobility, but they need your help to get it. Kiwanis club president Willis Johnson spoke to the tourism board during their regular meeting last week to … Read More
Heading up Hog Branch: Property owner registers complaint about gate on county road
County roads aren’t allowed to be gated. Even those who gate private roads, on private land, have to provide access to cemeteries on the other side of those gates, or to landowners who need a right-of-way to reach their property. But at least one property owner with land that lies along Hog Branch, a county … Read More
Gearing up for Fall, Y’all: Olive Hill Chamber plans for October event
We may still be a few weeks away from autumn, but the Olive Hill Chamber of Commerce has already been gearing up for their annual fall festival. The It’s Fall, Y’all! Vendor and Craft Festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Chamber president Lisa Messer Conley explained to the … Read More
Roads & Taxes: Fiscal court approves tax rates
Carter county fiscal court met in special session last Thursday to discuss employee issues, discuss road equipment, and approve property tax rates in the county. The only property tax rates that saw an increase for 2020 were those for the ambulance board. That body voted in their regular August meeting to increase their tax rate … Read More
Gov. Beshear Announces Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund Website
FRANKFORT – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced the launch of the Healthy at Home Eviction Relief Fund website, teamkyhherf.ky.gov, where Kentuckians now can visit and apply for assistance. “As we continue to wage this battle against COVID-19, we must make sure renters have a home so they can be Healthy at Home, while also safeguarding … Read More
Saying goodbye to a superhero: Community celebrates life of Vinnie Osborne- Brown
“How do you say goodbye to a real life superhero?” That was the question Vinnie Osborne-Brown’s parents, Elizabeth and Johnny Brown, and all his friends had on their mind last Wednesday when they gathered at the riverside walking trail park in Grayson to celebrate the life of their family member and friend. Asking how you … Read More
Expanding the city: Olive Hill passes ordinances in special sessions
After canceling their regular August meeting, the city of Olive Hill held two special meetings. The first to approve items on the original meeting agenda, and the second to approve the corridor annexation of property at the junction of Route 2 and I-64. That move could allow shops located there to apply for a license … Read More
Justice & Hope: Group seeks closure for victims and families
“When your input is valued, it makes a difference,” said Marsy’s Law for Kentucky Director of Outreach Emily Bonistall Postel, while speaking at a National Justice & Hope for Crime Victims candlelight vigil last Thursday. Those words resonated with many at the event, including the family and friends of Justin Sexton who gathered at the event … Read More
Building playgrounds: Kiwanis works with park board on grant
The Carter County Kiwanis are doing their part to help make sure the children of Grayson will have a nice playground when the Grayson Sports Park opens its gates. The group met with sports park manager Grant Harper during their regular meeting last Wednesday, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down businesses and community … Read More
Small Business Association accepting pandemic related loan applications
Grayson Chamber of Commerce president Michelle Wilhoit shared information from the U.S. Small Business Association about COVID-19 related funds and loans that may be available for businesses suffering during the pandemic. Small businesses, including non-profits and agricultural businesses can apply online at https://covid19relief.sba.gov/. Information on the SBA website explains; “In response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) … Read More
Gallery news and updates: Video art tour set for September
By: Dan Clickfor Carter County Times The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. (GGAC) has been presenting virtual art shows on Facebook since March, 2020 due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID 19 crisis. The August show, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” was inspired by prior plans to host a real-time garden tour in … Read More
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Part of KY 1661 in Carter County Closed Friday for Pipe Replacement
All through traffic must detour, 8 am – 3 pm FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Kentucky Department of Highways crews will temporarily close part of KY 1661 near Leon in Carter County on Friday for drainage repairs. Beginning about 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, crews will close KY 1661 at the 1.5 mile marker just south of the Little Sandy … Read More
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Part of Fultz Road in Carter County Closed Thursday for Bridge Inspections
Traffic detoured, 9 am – Noon FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Highways will temporarily close part of Fultz Road in Carter County on Thursday morning for bridge inspections. From about 9 a.m. until Noon on Thursday, Sept. 3, crews will close Fultz Road at Little Sinking Creek about two miles west of KY 1661 to perform … Read More
A carving for Grayson
Porter works on oak stump You may have noticed that when several old oak trees along Carol Malone Boulevard had to be removed recently, one extra large stump was left behind just outside the city building. There was a reason for that – and that reason was Larry Porter. Porter, who says he has been … Read More
School board discusses sports and technology
By the time the Carter County Board of Education met last Thursday, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) had already made their decision on sports for the school year. Even though in-school classes aren’t expected to open until the end of September, schools will begin the year with high school football. Enough time had … Read More
Buying and selling: Fiscal court purchases new road equipment
Carter County fiscal court met in special session Thursday morning to approve sells and purchases that could speed up road repair and maintenance in the county. Among items approved were the purchase of new trucks for the road department, as well as the purchase of a loader and the sell and dispersal of surplus equipment. … Read More
Council split on tractor purchase: Mayor breaks tie
Grayson City Council met in special session on Tuesday evening to discuss a single issue for approval, the purchase of a Case road tractor, at a cost of $20,000, plus a $1,000 “seller’s premium” for a total cost of $21,000. Mayor George Steele explained that the street department has been interested in a Bobcat or … Read More
Changing the law: Grayson police ask for amendment to nepotism rules
Police officers representing the City of Grayson Police Department came out for the August meeting of Grayson City Council to ask the city to consider amending their rules to allow acting Chief of Police, Travis Steele, to be hired into the job permanently. The police had asked previously to have their new chief hired from … Read More
Another calm weekend: Conversation and dialogue continue
Dee Garrett was back in Grayson – and wearing body armor – on Sunday, but despite the controversial organizers return to town the peaceful atmosphere fostered the previous weekend continued. Garrett spoke briefly at the beginning of the event, which stayed focused on the park next to city hall. But he then turned the microphone … Read More
Will we keep a library?
Grayson council decision could threaten library’s future It isn’t just local funding that is suffering from the city of Grayson’s decision not to fund their share of the Carter County Public Library. The city’s decision could end up impacting state grant funding available to the library as well, threatening the future of the library. Chris … Read More
School system provides clarification on digital learning
Following questions from the parents of students on just what digital learning would entail, Carter County Schools have provided some clarification on the online requirements for classes and how often students would need to access the internet. They wanted to make it clear to parents that their children would not be expected to spend the … Read More
Olive Hill city official receives training award
Chimila Hargett, City Clerk/Treasurer/ABC Administrator for the City of Olive Hill was among 87 city officials from across the state who the Kentucky League of Cities (KLC) recognized this year for Achievement in City Governance. Award recipients will be acknowledged during KLC’s Virtual Conference & Expo taking place September 21-25, 2020. The City Officials Training … Read More
County hears requests to remove and take roads into system
Carter County fiscal court met in regular session on Monday evening and heard requests to take roads into, and to remove them from, the county road system. The first request was from a landowner who had complaints about a gate put up along Moonlight Drive. The landowner said she was one of three landowners who … Read More
Back to positive: BLM demonstrators reach out to counter-protesters
Black Lives Matter rally organizer Denorver “Dee” Garrett was not in Grayson this past Sunday. Garrett had been arrested in Louisville late Saturday night on a number of charges, including reckless driving, riot – first degree, disorderly conduct second degree, failure to maintain insurance first offense, license to be in possession, and failure to notify … Read More
New COVID scam uses contact tracing claims to scare targets
There are reports circulating on social media of a new COVID-19 related scam targeting those who might not be sure how contact tracing works. The way the scam works is that the target receives a phone call purporting to be from the local health department. The person on the phone tells them that someone they … Read More
Will Davis completes Kentucky Master Agriculture Teacher program
West Carter High School agriculture teacher Will Davis was recognized during last week’s state agriculture teachers’ virtual conference for completing the Kentucky Master Agriculture Teacher Program. KMAT, as the program is called, is a two-year leadership program for Kentucky agriculture teachers who have between five and 15 years of experience in the classroom. The program … Read More
Ambulance board raises tax rate: Increases by 0.4%
The Carter County Ambulance Board moved to raise their tax rate across the county by a small amount during their regular meeting on Monday. The raise, the maximum amount the body can raise it by law, wasn’t a huge increase. The increase was only 0.4%, which will increase the tax from .096 per $100 of … Read More
School year to begin with virtual classes
Carter County Public Schools released the following statement about the beginning of the school year on Tuesday morning: Following the recommendation from Governor Beshear, Carter County Schools will begin the 2020-2021 school year with virtual classes. Teachers will use a variety of online platforms (Google Classroom, Zoom, etc.) to present lessons. Virtual classes will continue … Read More
BLM rally more subdued, despite physical attack
Temperatures, and tempers, were still hot this past Sunday, but – with the exception of a brief altercation at the beginning of the march – neither seemed nearly as hot as they were during last week’s event. There was a larger contingent of BLM protesters this week than there was at last week’s controversial march, … Read More
Olive Hill PD plans for new station
It will likely be next year before they get to move in, but the Olive Hill Police Department is looking forward to new digs that, according to police chief Bobby Hall, will give the department, “ten times the room” they have in their current location. The new police department will be housed in the old … Read More
Here they grow again: Galaxy Project plans for new youth and community center
If you see someone knocking on your door in a Galaxy Project t-shirt in the coming days, don’t fret. They aren’t trying to sell you anything, and they will respect a COVID safe social distance. All they need from you is to answer a few survey questions so they can move forward with plans for … Read More
Loud and ugly: BLM rally draws armed protests and racist hecklers
There was no NFAC militia. There were no Bloods nor Crips. No New Black Panthers. What Grayson did see on Sunday, however, were a whole lot of white faces with guns and – initially – one black face, with a few white friends. And a whole lot of ugliness. While Dee Garrett attempted to speak … Read More
Board moves school start date back: Teachers will start August 11, students August 26
The Carter County School Board met in special session on Friday with one item on the agenda, the start date for classes in Carter County. The board voted unanimously to change the start date for students, pushing it back another 16 days from Monday, August 10 to Wednesday, August 26. Teachers will return to work … Read More
Budgets, boards, grass and trailers: Olive Hill takes action on Code Enforcement Board and 2020 budget
Among the next steps for the City of Olive Hill will be creating a new code enforcement board, and approving a 2020-2021 budget. Council took action last Tuesday to repeal a 2017 ordinance that set council as the code enforcement board for the city. Council also approved an amended 2019-2020 budget and entered into the … Read More
Board gives teachers extra prep time: Students will return to school on August 10
The Carter County School Board has made some adjustments to their original planned start date, but it isn’t the push back to late August that some parents and faculty feel the board should be considering. The board voted four to one to approve a recommendation from Superintendent Dr. Ronnie Dotson to push the start date for … Read More
Grayson says “no” to library: Approves budget and pay raises for city personnel
The city of Grayson approved their budget during their regular meeting last Tuesday, including pay raises of $2 per hour for all police personnel and a total police budget in excess of $1 million. But Mayor George Steele did not include funding for the Carter County Public Library in a budget he told council last … Read More
Olive Hill votes to fund library
City looking at CARES, LIHEAP and other funding sources The city of Olive Hill took action in a special session budget meeting to help keep the Carter County Library running while the county looks at other funding on the same evening that the city of Grayson voted not to continue funding the library. Library board … Read More
Libraries, grants, and trash
Fiscal court issues run the gamut at Monday meeting Carter County Fiscal Court handled a mixed bag of issues on Monday night, but, as always, roads were a central component. George Tomlin addressed the court during the public comment period, asking for a road leading to a family cemetery plot to be renamed. The road … Read More
Finishing up the park: Park board discusses utility right-of-way and finishing work
The COVID-19 pandemic may have shut down the tournaments that the Grayson Sports Park hoped to host if they had gotten to open this spring as originally planned, but it hasn’t stopped construction work on the park or park manager Grant Harper’s work to get the park ready for next year. The park board met last … Read More
Returning to normal: As runs increase EMTs encountering more coronavirus cases
Carter County EMS executive director Rick Loperfido reported to the EMS board on Monday that, while the service was “still down about 300 runs” for the year to date, they have been “slammed” the last couple of days, an indication, he said, that numbers are beginning to return to normal. The service responded to 476 … Read More
County reports first COVID-19 death
Health Department reports highest one day jump on Sunday The Carter County Health Department reported on Monday that the county has experienced their first COVID-19 related death. “It comes with great sadness that I have to report our first COVID death in our county,” Carter County Health Department director Jeff Barker wrote on his Facebook … Read More
Grayson Gallery & the blues on July 17
The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. (GGAC) will host the Huntington Blues Society, Inc., a 501c3 “for social-profit” corporation, for their annual Membership and Fundraising Drive on July 17 from 7- 9 p.m. Proceeds will also be used by the HBS to hold their annual Greater Huntington Blues Challenge for prize money and sponsorship … Read More
Old Time Farm Machinery & Antique Association cancels September show
Grayson’s Old Time Farm Machinery & Antique Association has canceled their 39th annual Farm Machinery Show, originally scheduled for September 11 and 12 of this year, due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. “The show is always the second weekend in September,” explained association spokesperson Judy Campbell Lewis. “(But) we want to keep our town, … Read More
Going back to school: School board moves forward with plans for August 6 start date
While many other school districts around the state are looking at taking advantage of changes to the KRS that may allow a later start date, Carter County plans to go forward with their plans to start school on August 6. Carter will join Pulaski County as one of the only school districts moving forward with … Read More
Deputies test positive for COVID-19: Boggs says jail following procedures to keep inmates safe
Carter County Health Department director Jeff Barker updated the county’s COVID-19 numbers last Thursday to include two new cases, bringing the county’s total number of infected at that time to 33. Of those 22 had already recovered, 10 were isolating at home, and only one was hospitalized – though by July 4 those numbers had … Read More
Masks, Sashes and Tiaras: Miss Grayson’s Outstanding Teen champions face coverings for charity
The COVID-19 novel coronavirus may have changed the way that many organizations and events are occurring, but the pandemic has also given Miss Grayson’s Outstanding Teen Jasmine Webb a novel way to raise charitable funds for the Miss Kentucky Teen pageant – selling designer face masks. “With everything going on, you have to wear masks … Read More
Waiting for the count: Absentee ballots put election results on hold
Carter County Clerk Mike Johnston’s office counted the ballots returned last Tuesday from the four polling places open in the county, along with absentee ballots they had already received, but they couldn’t release official results until yesterday when all mail-in ballots were counted and added to the tally. Mail-in ballots had to be postmarked by … Read More
Vacating roads: Fiscal court removes portion of Campbell and Bailey Cemetery Road
Bailey Cemetery Road Number One and a portion of Campbell Road were removed from the county road system in a special session on Monday, following a public hearing on plans to remove the roads that failed to draw any opposition to the planned move. The roads were in the process of being removed from the … Read More
Keep it in your yard: Grayson amends yard sale ordinance
By: Jeremy D. WellsCarter County Times Grayson City Council met in special session last week to discuss employee retirements, budgets, and ordinances amendments. It was the amendments to the city’s yard sale ordinance, though, that generated the most discussion among council and the most questions from the public in the comment section of the city’s … Read More
Board plans for new school year
By: Jeremy D. WellsCarter County Times Carter County parents who are anxious to know what the new school year will bring for their children can expect to start receiving phone calls the first and second weeks of July. Carter County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ronnie Dotson told the board last Thursday that parents will be … Read More
Growing Olive Hill
City council approve corridor annexation along Rt. 2 By: Jeremy D. WellsCarter County Times The city limits of Olive Hill took steps to grow a little bit bigger last Tuesday, when council moved to approve an intent to annex ordinance that expands the city through what is known as corridor annexation along KY Route 2. … Read More
Improving care and saving cash
New jail medical contract already paying dividends Carter County Jailer RW Boggs has worked tirelessly to not only save money for the county, but to make the Carter County Detention Center profitable since taking office. He’s renegotiated phone contracts, taken on prisoner transports and inmate housing contracts for I.C.E. and other federal inmates, and worked … Read More
Cutting the sewage bills
Council approves new spigot meter policy By: Jeremy D. WellsCarter County Times If you are tied into the city of Olive Hills municipal water and sewage system, you pay bills for both based on your water consumption. The assumption is that any water used by a home for washing dishes, doing laundry, taking showers or … Read More
Hitting zero: Emergency ambulance board pleased with Loperfido’s work
By: Jeremy D. WellsCarter County Times If the reaction of the ambulance board is any indication, Rick Loperfido is doing a bang up job in his role as the executive director of the Carter County Emergency Ambulance Service. Loperfido and Valerie Nolan presented the board with their budget for the service, showing that they are … Read More
Looking past quarantine
Carter County Tourism Board discusses events after COVID-19 It’s been a strange summer for the Carter County Tourism Board and the businesses and events they support. Most of the county’s events, including the planned Fourth of July fireworks displays, have been cancelled. Only Tres Hermanos restaurant in Grayson is planning a fireworks display this year, … Read More
Sheriff releases property tax numbers
Counties share of more than $7 million is $808,468 Carter County Sheriff Jeff May released the numbers for property tax settlements and unmined coal settlements during Carter County Fiscal Court’s regular meeting last week. Out of a total of $7,286,403.90, the county’s share from property tax charges came to $808,468.14. Schools took the lion’s share … Read More
Smoothing out the rough spots
County borrows money to meet road repair needs Carter County Judge Executive Mike Malone told the fiscal court last week that, at least when it comes to the money available from the state, he wishes every year was an election year. Malone told the court that while the county claimed a windfall $800,000 for paving … Read More
Giving it Teeth
Grayson considers revision to nuisance ordinance Grayson city council began their regular June meeting by swearing in new councilman Jerry Yates, but then it was straight down to business. Yates, who has been a regular fixture at Grayson City Council meetings, works as a senior representative with the local carpenter’s union, the Indiana Kentucky Ohio … Read More
Bring on the books: Carter County Public Library announces reopening plan
New Carter County librarian Christy Boggs came on at an unusual time. Shortly after she accepted the position, the library board voted to close Carter County’s two library branches to the public in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Since March the library has been closed to the public, although they have still provided home book … Read More
Porter bags murder suspect
Olive Hill officer made arrest Wednesday evening Olive Hill Police got more than just another suspected drug dealer when they picked up Daniel L. Swanner for trafficking in a controlled substance last night. They also got a murder suspect. Swanner, 41, of Morton, Mississippi was arrested by Olive Hill Police officer R.D. Porter on Wednesday … Read More
Paving funds decrease
Carter County Judge Executive Mike Malone told the court that he expected to see $150,000 to $160,000 awarded to paving projects in the county this year.
Out of the mouths of babes
“No bullying black people,” admonished Elizabeth, age 6. “We have to be nice to other people.” This simple wisdom from the lips of a tiny wisp of a girl couldn’t have been more appropriate to the setting and intent of Grayson’s Black Lives Matter demonstration. The event – like others across the nation in recent … Read More