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Non-partisan race filings released

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Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

By: Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

Candidates running with one of the two major political parties had to be registered prior to the primary elections in May. But those running as an independent, or in one of the non-partisan races – like city council or mayor – had a little longer to file. That window has closed now too, and the final list of candidates running in the general election has been released. 

“If they want to run now, it will have to be a write-in,” county clerk Mike Johnston said. 

Joining Republican Brandon Burton and Democrat Dustin Howard in the race for Judge Executive is Grayson city clerk Duane Suttles. In addition to serving as the current city clerk for Grayson, Suttles served for several years as a Grayson city councilman, and in various administrative capacities and leadership roles for the Grayson Volunteer Fire Department. 

City councilman Troy Combs has a challenger for the role of Grayson’s mayor too. Fred Miller has also registered to run for that office. 

Whoever wins the race will be working with a mix of new and veteran city councilpersons. Running for that office are incumbents Terry Stamper, Sudy Walker, and Bradley Cotten, as well as former councilperson Jennifer Scott McGlone. They’re joined on the ballot by Michael Harper and Dustin Burchett. 

Over in Olive Hill, city councilman Justin Dixon has filed to run against incumbent Jerry Callihan in the city’s mayoral race.

Even with Dixon hoping to move into the mayor’s seat, there is a real race for council in Olive Hill, with seven candidates filing to fill one of the six seats on council. Incumbents Wayne Russell, Eric Rayburn, Chris Bledsoe, Shannon Shutte, and Kirk Wilburn, who stepped in to fill an unexpired term last year, are joined on the ballot by Stevie Clay and Shane Tackett. 

In the soil conservation district, voters will choose between Mike Sexton, of Willard, Lois Barber, of Grayson, and Barry Shaffer, also of Grayson. 

In the school board races, Miranda Tussey is running unopposed in District 2 while Chris Perry is running unopposed in District 5. Both Tussey and Perry were appointed to fill unexpired terms, with Perry filling the seat vacated when Wilburn left the school board for the open city council seat. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Guest Editorial: The actual science of being transgender

blue white and red striped textile
Photo by Markus Spiske on Pexels.com

We’re leaving critical information out of the conversation – namely, the growing evidence that gender dysphoria has a basis in biology.

Most of us witnessed with horror the passage of anti-transgender bill SB150 by legislators who ignored overwhelming opposition. Since Governor Beshear is expected to veto it, our only recourse is to convince legislators not to override that veto.

If you’re dubious, hear me out: We’ve left critical info out of the conversation, namely the growing evidence that Gender Dysphoria (GD) has a basis in biology. Skeptical that would work? Well, research shows that when people understand this, their support for trans people increases.

Many in the trans community bristle at the idea of discussing GD as if it were a defect. But I believe we can be sensitive; and I take inspiration from researcher Dr. J. Graham Theisen of Augusta University, who describes it as a “variant,” like blue eyes or brown hair, that doesn’t cause disease but makes us individuals.

Plus, we must meet the opposition where they are, if we hope to bridge the gap. I’ve heard awful comments about trans people; but I look for common threads, like the belief it’s a choice or lifestyle, or that it ignores what God intended. Evidence of a biological basis discounts these arguments and might persuade more legislators to push the PAUSE button on anti-trans legislation.

So here’s a sample: First, research has confirmed that male and female brains are different. Second, during fetal development, hormones influence the gender of the external and internal sex organs during the first trimester; hormones program gender development in the brain, where gender identity is experienced, later in the pregnancy. Research in the Netherlands from 2014 found that in some cases, physical development in utero was subject to a hormonal mismatch from brain development, “so that the body was masculinized and the brain was feminized, or the other way around.” This corresponds with transgender people’s reported experience of their gender identity, which occurs before age seven for three-fourths of the population.

In 2018, an Australian study comparing transgender women and cisgender men (both born male) found statistically different variations in four genes. In 2020, both a US and a UK meta-analysis (compilation of multiple studies) found that “people with gender dysphoria have a brain structure more comparable to the gender to which they identify” rather than to the sex assigned at birth. Yet a 2020 German study found that the brain structure of trans women was different from both cisgender males and females. In view of this, researchers suggest that we view gender as a “spectrum” rather than a binary construct.

Theisen clarifies that “once someone has a male or female brain, they have it and you are not going to change it. The goal of treatments like hormone therapy and surgery is to help their body more closely match where their brain already is.”

Proof of transgender biology indicates that SB150 will invite a civil rights lawsuit. Thus Kentucky taxpayers will pay to defend legislation that 71% of Kentuckians don’t want — potentially costing hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars; just ask Floridians about the price tag for defending controversial legislation.

Written by Kimberly Kennedy, who is a writer, blogger, former educator, and parent of an LGBTQ+ young adult.

Editor’s Note: We at the Carter County Times do not in any way support the medical transitioning of youth who identify as trans. Medical transitioning is a final step, and one that can never be fully reversed. If someone transitions to the opposite sex, then decides to transition back later in life, they will not regain the full functionality of lost organs. 

But it is the final step in a process – a process that needs to begin with frank discussions between children and parents, their doctors, and mental health professionals. 

We support following the science, and that includes allowing health professionals to have these discussions with their patients without fear of reprisal. It includes allowing students to talk with trusted teachers or counselors about the feelings they are struggling with when they need a sympathetic ear to hear them. 

We don’t have to support medical transition for children to support listening to and caring for them. 

– Jeremy D. Wells, Editor, Carter County Times

Final Friday celebrates women in the arts

“Guardian,” acrylic on canvas, from artist Emily Beedle, is one of the many paintings on display at this month’s Final Friday event celebrating the women in arts. (submitted photo)

The Grayson Gallery & Art Center will host their annual “Women in the Arts” event, now in its eleventh year, with an opening reception this Friday, March 31 from 6 – 9 p.m.  Honoring Women’s History Month each year, the popular arts event has a focus on showcasing female artists in various genres, from the visual arts to music, poetry and the culinary arts as well. Up to 100 pieces in various mediums have been submitted with most available for purchase, representing artists from across the eastern Kentucky region and Tri-State area.

While enjoying the visual art, visitors to the gallery will also be entertained by female musicians.

Live music will be presented by Karen Combs and the Appalachian Ladies Revue with support and sound by 9 Lives Records of Ashland.
In addition to the musicians and those set to read poetry, an “open mic” portion of the evening will allow guests to join in on the festivities on the GGAC stage. 

Refreshments will be provided from Catering by Sheila Marie, and the event is free to the public with donations accepted at the door and tips for those on stage much appreciated. 

Awards and Announcements will take place at approximately 7 p.m. During the awards announcement three $50 awards will be presented for People’s Choice, chosen by popular vote; the GGAC Board Choice, as chosen by the board; and the Brandon Click Memorial Award, given by the late artists family.  

Coming up at the gallery next month will be the annual “Celebrate the Earth” art show and sale, while the month of May brings back the East Carter High School students’ and the works of art teacher Heather Berry during Grayson’s Memory Days weekend. For more information on these and other upcoming events at the gallery, or for information on participating in upcoming shows, contact Dan Click, GGAC director for all art-related information, classes and volunteer opportunities via email at graysongallery@gmail.com.

You can also find them online, on Facebook, at Grayson Gallery & Art Center.

Carter County All-County Band perform at East Carter

Carter County All-County Band perform at East Carter
Staff Report
Carter County Times

The Carter County All-County Band took place at East Carter High School Gym last week under the direction of Matt Wooten. The event combined both East & West Carter bands together for rehearsal during the morning and afternoon with a public performance at 3p.m. This event is part of Music in Our Schools Month, an annual celebration of music education in schools by the National Association of Music Education.

Guest Conductor Wooten serves as Director of the School of the Arts and Director of Bands at Christian Academy of Louisville. Wooten has served at Director of Bands for 20 years, and as Director of the School of Arts for 13 years.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Western Kentucky University, as well as a Masters in Music Education from Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. Under his direction, the band program at Christian Academy has grown from 50 students in 2003 to currently over 225 students in grades 5-12 grade.

Wooten helped found the academy’s Wind Ensemble program in 2008. They’ve performed at the Grade VI level and has received a Distinguished or Superior rating each year at both the District and the National level. In 2016 this ensemble earned the Bronze Award for Concert Bands at the Festival Disney competition in Orlando, Florida, and in 2018 won the Golden Mickey at the same competition.

In 2013 the Marching Centurions were named a KMEA State Finalist and in 2017 were named a Midwest Championship finalist in Class AA. In 2022 they finished 2nd at the Bands of America Obetz regional in class A.

In 2009 Wooten developed, and continues to direct, the Christian Academy School of the Arts, with the help of an incredible staff. The CAL School of the Arts program currently serves over 150 students in both visual and performing arts. Alumni have gone on to receive degrees from several state universities as well as the Peabody Institute, North Texas University, Belmont University, and Samford University.

Wooten is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Fraternity and the Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster’s Fraternity. He has been married to his wife Leslie for 25 years. Together they have two children, Sammy, a bassoonist currently attending Western Kentucky University as a Music Education major, and Hannah, who plays the trumpet in Christian Academy Honors Wind Ensemble, Marching Centurions, Honors Jazz Band and Symphonic Orchestra.

Despite a career crowned by such achievements, Wooten remains humble and considers the work he’s done with other schools, like the Carter County programs, as an important part of that career.

“One of the highest honors of my 20-year career thus far was spending the day with the Carter County All-County Band,” Wooten said. “The work that Mr. Skidmore and Mr. Arthur are doing is second to none and the future is bright for both programs! It was my honor to conduct such marvelous students of both East and West Carter High School.”

Construction manager on deck at special Carter County Board of Education meeting

The Carter County Board of Education convened for a special meeting Monday night to approve a construction manager for the proposed consolidation project (Photo by Miranda H. Lewis, Carter County Times)
Miranda H. Lewis

Carter County Times


The Carter County Board of Education convened for a special meeting Monday night.

As the administration pushes ahead with plans for the construction of a new Carter County High School, Carter County Career and Technical Center, and amenities, the only item on the agenda was an executive session to select a construction manager for the upcoming project.

The board took the next step toward a building referendum at the special session by unanimously voting to approve Trace Creek Construction, Inc. as the Construction Manager at Risk.

“We are super excited to have you join RossTarrant,” said Lisa Ramey-Easterling as she welcomed David West, President, and Clay Ratliff, Vice President of Trace Creek Construction, Inc.

“We know you guys will do great things when – and if – we get to that process,” she continued.

Trace Creek Construction, Inc. is a Kentucky-based contractor that performs construction-related services from its office in Vanceburg.

According to their website, the construction company has over 27 years of experience and specializes in construction management, design build, and general contracting.

Trace Creek’s operating philosophy is “your job is our reputation.” They pride themselves on executing their projects based on their clients’ goals and needs through careful planning and innovative construction approaches, on time and on budget.

Trace Creek will start by working alongside architectural firm, RossTarrant, to help shape how community feedback is gathered in advance of a referendum.

“We’re excited about it, for sure,” said Ratliff. “We’re local and looking forward to it.”

The Carter County Board of Education is hosting its first public forum on May 1 at 6 p.m. at the Carter County Career and Technical Center.

Public input on the design of the proposed consolidation project is encouraged during this time as the board looks to review the Kentucky Department of Education’s Facility Construction Process and discuss a timeline for the project. During the public forum, breakout sessions will include a gallery walk with design ideas, programmatic needs, and amenities/athletic facilities.

Superintendent Dr. Paul Green has previously emphasized that feedback is pivotal as the district looks to consolidate East Carter and West Carter High School as well as build additional facilities such as a Career and Technical Center and a sports complex.

Contact the writer at miranda@cartercountytimes.com

Selecting a school site

(Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By: Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

When the Carter County School District released information on the site chosen for the construction of a new vocational facility – and potentially a new consolidated high school as well – they didn’t release a map or other specifics on the location. They said it was located on property sited between US 60 and I-64, halfway between Grayson and Olive Hill, but beyond that they didn’t provide any details.

The reason for this, though, isn’t because they are seeking to avoid transparency, superintendent Dr. Paul Green told the Times last week. Instead it’s because the district is bound by Kentucky Department of Education restrictions that prevent them from releasing that information until the process is complete.

“The Kentucky Department of Education is really rigid on the process for schools, for site selection,” Green explained.

He said it isn’t the same where, as a private citizen, you can go out and make an offer of purchase on a property and openly discuss all aspects of it.

“There’s a lot of steps,” he said. “When we first started this process last April, a year ago, we went to the center of the county and we looked at every property that had enough property in a tract that would allow us to build a new facility.”

He explained that this was the area identified as the most fair through their listening sessions and the facility planning meetings hosted throughout the county.

Throughout that process, he said, it became, “very clear that most favored a location that would be as close to the geographical center of the county as we could make it. So, we really looked in that area”

“We identified every site that met the direct criteria,” he continued. “We started out with a list of nine. We approached several different property owners. We had several that declined. We then narrowed that to a list of five. We had the Kentucky Department of Education come in, and they did an initial site review of those five sites. A couple of those were immediately ruled out due to environmental issues.”

So, he said, from there they narrowed it down to three, eventually going with the one in the middle.

“We narrowed it down to three, two of which were pretty significantly considered,” Green said. “We had conversations with landowners. We actually had some preliminary work done, or preliminary investigative work, around the sites to see the costs and that type of thing. Ultimately, we narrowed the focus to one site.”

But, he continued, “you have to do that process because then there’s a lot more studies that have to take place around the site.”

For the past several months, he said, they’ve “been conducting studies, geotech surveys, topographical surveys, (and) environmental transportation studies” at the site.

But they can’t reveal the exact location just yet – even though overhead photos of the presumed site have been circulating on social media.

“We are still trying to get final approval from KDE in order to purchase the site,” Green said. “And until that approval is granted or given to us, we can’t release that information. Because we don’t own the property and it’s not ours to divulge.”

But, he said, “it is the geographic center, or as close to the geographic center of the county as you can get.”

While one of the concerns from some corners has been about the additional travel time, Green said it’s important to remember that elementary and middle school kids will not be impacted at all. Some high school age children will have slightly longer times on the bus, but for some the time on the bus will be shorter. Those who will have longer commutes, he said, will be on the bus for no more than an extra 10 or 15 minutes.

“If you’re travelling US 60, the entrance of this school will be within tenths of a mile from being halfway between those two high schools. So, we’re looking at about six to seven miles between both facilities to the entrance to the new facility. So… if you’re talking 40 miles per hour, safe speeds on a bus… no kid would have more than ten minutes extra in transportation,” Green said.

“On the other hand, we’re going to have a lot of kids that are going to have shorter bus rides,” he added.

All of this, though, is presuming they move forward with building a consolidated high school. It’s a move Green said he’d support, especially as a way to preserve programs as the school population continues to shrink. But there are still several steps to complete before a final decision is made.

“Now that we have an architect in play, we already have scheduled on May 1, we will have our first public forum for design and programmatic ideation,” Green said.

“We are going to design a new high school, a new career tech center, and all the amenities,” Green said.

“Since I’ve  been here and been superintendent, I’ve tried to be as transparent as I could about this,” he continued. “My goal is to have it designed; here it is. Once we have it designed, then the final decisions will be made about what’s being constructed.”

That could be a joint high school and career tech center, or it could be a stand alone career tech center.

“I will say that there is a good chance that if we can do everything we want to do, I will support the construction of a new high school. And I do that because I understand our budget constraints,” Green said. “We have 11 campuses currently. We have lost over 1300 students in Carter County since 2000… (and) now that we’re projected next year to be funded on less than 3,600 (students)… that’s unsustainable with 11 campuses. So we’ve got to look at how can we cut costs; and by putting kids into an energy efficient building and closing three older buildings, just the energy savings alone is a tremendous impact on our budget that will allow us to offer more programs, more things, and sustain this district for a long time.”

Right now, he said, they’re already cutting programs because of the budget issues.

“We’re losing programs right now, and we will continue to lose programs,” he said. “What (consolidation) would allow us to do is add back programs, or, at (least) stop the cutting of the programs because of all the money we’re saving.”

“It’s just the reality that, as you shrink in terms of student population, you’re forced to do some things (like cut programs). Now, on the other side of this, we have an opportunity to build a state of the art, wonderful facility. That’s what we want to make sure we get the public input on. What do we want? What do we want the aesthetic of the building to look like? What type of design? What type of architectural structure? What programs do we want to offer?”

“We have an opportunity to do things,” he continued. “We can do marching band and we can have drama, and all these different programs.”

“Then, when we get into our career tech center, we get to design what programs do we want to add to that,” he said. “Do we need plumbing? Electricity? Auto mechanics? Do we want to look at other programs that we can add to this? So, that to me is very exciting.”

He said they could also look at expanding career tech programs out to students earlier, allowing them to begin exploring trades they might like to focus on at an earlier age.

But, Green said, he understood the parental concerns, and that with rising costs the money available for construction might not go as far as they once hoped. If it turns out they can’t add all the amenities they already enjoy at the other campuses, he wouldn’t support plans to consolidate anymore either, he said.

If, he noted, after driving the extra ten minutes, kids from the western end then had to drive into Grayson to access baseball fields for practice, or kids from the east end had to go to the old West campus for basketball or volleyball practice, that wouldn’t be a positive experience for the children. It would take opportunities away instead of providing then. If that was going to be the case, he said, then the county should focus on a new career tech center alone. But he doesn’t currently feel that is the case.

He also wants the county to know the board has been as transparent as they are legally allowed to be.

“I’ve tried very hard (to be transparent),” Green said. “It bothers me for people to think that we’re not being transparent, when (they’re focusing on) elements of this that we can’t be.”

“Until we own the property, until we’ve signed the deeds, it’s very difficult for us to say a lot publicly about that property,” he explained. “Once we have that property, and it is our property, then we immediately plan to put out the maps, all the locations, and all the details about that property. But it’s not ours. So, it’s not ours to do that with yet.”

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

AEP skips out on meeting

Olive Hill city council members hear discussion of the city’s high electric utility bills. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By: Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

The big issue on everyone’s mind at the last meeting of Olive Hill city council was electric bills. Specifically, a fuel cost adjustment for February that more than doubled some bills for the month. But those who hoped for an explanation directly from American Electric Power on the fees were in for a disappointing evening, as the power company apparently chose to back out of the meeting, failing to send a representative to answer questions.

Max Hammond, after announcing an award of nearly $300,000 from two grants secured through FIVCO for pump station upgrades, discussed his reading of the contract the city had with AEP, and how the lack of language related to net metering and solar power generation could serve as an avenue for getting out of the current contract before the May 2025 expiration date.

Net metering is the process of running an electrical meter backwards when power generated by solar cells, or other renewable energy sources, outpaces use and feeds back into the grid. While it doesn’t result in a payment to the person whose home is generating the energy, it can reduce power bills and lead to credits on days when generation outpaces usage.

While council had, in the past, been reticent to act on a net metering ordinance, councilman Eric Rayburn suggested moving forward with a plan to offer it.

“I think we should move forward,” Rayburn said, adding that if AEP could then show the city where their contract specifically prohibits the use of solar cells and net metering, the city could deal with it at that time.

During the open comment period the audience sought greater understanding of the billing process for their electrical bills despite the absence of AEP representatives.

One asked where the fuel adjustment formula used to calculate the costs for February came from. City clerk Chimila Hargett explained that the formula and rate had been approved by a previous city council and mayor in 2013, and were not due to expire until 2025.

It’s a bad deal, the mayor said, and one that is also impacting other communities in the region.

“We’re not the only city being screwed,” Mayor Jerry Callihan said, noting that Vanceburg operates under a similar contract.

Hargett said she did “a rough estimate” and figured the city had a loss of around $184,000 on power costs for the 2022 calendar year.

Callihan said the city had hired to group to work with them, and the city of Vanceburg, to looks for new options – including a new contract with AEP or a move to purchase power from another provider.

Community members speaking to council told stories of individuals taking out loans to pay their utilities, or who spent their entire paycheck on utility bills and letting other debts go unpaid. Others told of individuals who were moving outside of city limits not because of their rent, but because of the high cost of power for anyone purchasing electricity through the city. Some, who had been direct customers of AEP before moving inside city limits, said they appeared to have been paying less per kilowatt hour as AEP customers than the city was paying to purchase the same power, before they resold it.

Another asked if the city would be turning off electricity for non-payment once the weather had warmed up and they were legally allowed to. They noted that many of those struggling to pay their power bills had already exhausted aid available to them through groups like Northeast Kentucky Community Action.

Council ended their discussion of the power issue by noting that Hammond and city attorney Derrick Willis would work together on a net metering ordinance for the next meeting.

In other action council heard from Trane on the water plant upgrades and voted to pay the next disbursement, with Rayburn and councilman Kirk Wilburn voting no, and all other council members voting aye.

Hammond also discussed the city’s share of opioid settlement money, with Hammond asking for – and receiving – half of the city’s expected $8,000 payout for the Pathfinder Initiative, a drug abatement program sponsored through the Galaxy Project that seeks to keep kids off drugs by giving them activities to be involved in instead of just admonishing them to “just say no.”

“We want to instill not only pride in our place… but pride in our children once again,” Hammond said.

After hearing from Hammond and others on the science based program, councilman Chris Bledsoe made a motion to grant the Pathfinder Initiative $4,000 of the city’s approximate $8,000 in opioid settlement funds.

“I think it’s worthy of support,” Bledsoe said, with council agreeing and voting unanimously to grant the request.

Hammond also spoke on behalf of FIVCO, announcing a pair of grants, one for $100,000 and a second for $209,000, to be used for pump stations along Tygart Creek.

Council also heard an update on Logan Middleton’s Eagle Scout project. As part of his project, Middleton raised $1,500 for supplies and did work himself on repairing the amphitheater in Olive Hill’s city park.

Council also heard department reports, and voted to approve bucket brigade “road blocks” for charity donations in the coming year.

Council had 14 apply this year, and with only 12 slots had to refuse some requests. While Rayburn asked about increasing the available days by two, that would require a change to the ordinance, and some bucket brigades needed to be approved prior to the next meeting. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com.

Bluegrass Bible beat

silhouette photography of hanging rosary
Photo by Vanderlei Longo on Pexels.com
By: Scott Adkins
Carter County Times

Easter approaches. Let’s talk about Easter’s first morning when, as Jesus promised (Mark 9:31), He got up ‘n walked out of that grave, forever alive again. (Revelation 1:18) (“I am He that liveth, and was dead; and behold I am alive forevermore.”). Five hundred saw Jesus after His Resurrection. (I Corinthians 15:6). We focus on history’s first eyewitness. Some label Mary Magdalene a prostitute. But the Bible doesn’t. Rather, the Bible distinguishes Mary as first to see God’s Resurrected Son. (John 20:14-16). But why did this hallowed distinction land on Mary Magdalene, and what does that teach us?

Mary Magdalene—Faithful Beyond Death

Jesus rescued Mary from deep depravity when He cast seven demons out of her. (Luke 8:2). Like the woman at Nane, who loved Jesus much because He forgave her many sins, (Luke 7:47), Mary too realized how deep her own depravity was when Jesus rescued her. And she loved Jesus for that. But Mary didn’t just stand around the synagogue singing, “Oh, how I love Jesus.” Oh no. Mary’s actions did the singing. That is—she acted faithfully and courageously for Jesus, no matter what. And Mary did so even before seeing God’s Resurrected Son that first Easter morning!

Most ran away, or denied they ever knew Jesus. (Matthew 26:56, 72). But not Mary Magdalene. No way. She, and three others, faithfully and courageously trudged up Golgotha, where Roman soldiers crucified Jesus. Mary, and those three others, then stood and watched Jesus suffer and die. (John 19:25-26). But even that horrifying spectacle could never diminish Mary’s love, faithfulness, and courage for the Lord Jesus.

After Jesus was entombed, all others eventually gave up and went home. (John 20:10).

But not Mary. Seeing Jesus’s body gone, Mary remained outside the empty tomb and wept. (John 20:11). Then, Jesus showed up . . . disguised as the gardener. Still weeping, Mary told the disguised gardener if he’d taken her Lord’s body elsewhere, she would go get it. (John 20:15). Mary stood there all alone, yet still faithful to the Lord because she loved Him.

Then, Jesus said, “Mary.” Only then did Mary realize “the gardener” was the Lord Jesus, Who’d kept His promise to rise again. (John 20:16). But even before Jesus presented Himself to the Father, Jesus honored Mary’s faithfulness and courage by making Mary history’s first eyewitness to His Resurrection, and then by making her Easter’s first messenger to those who’d given up. (John 20:17). That’s incredible! That’s Jesus—incredible in all His ways so He might rescue us from sin.

Easter’s lessons? First, Jesus kept His promise: He got up ‘n walked out of that grave, alive again forevermore. Second, genuine love for the Savior proves itself via unconditional and unflinching faithfulness and courage for Him via actions, not words. Third, when we so love the Savior, He and the Father love us and come live inside us. (John 14:23). That’s what Easter teaches us.

NEXT WEEK: SCIENCE PROVES HIS RESURRECTION.

/s/Sling ‘n Stone Ministries.

Focus on home

By: Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

Last week I was privileged to attend an event hosted by Attorney General Daniel Cameron at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. Ostensibly a panel on the fentanyl problem, and strategies for confronting and addressing it, it was in many ways a stealth campaign event for Cameron’s eventual run for governor. He criticized the president and made statements of the tough-on-crime platform he would enact if empowered to do so, including discussion of his stances on border policies, something many Kentuckians worry about, and just as many think is a distraction from issues inside the state. Ironically, after Cameron insisted the Mexican border was a source of fentanyl coming into Kentucky in his statements, a law enforcement officer noted that the main source of fentanyl in eastern Kentucky is coming across the northern border, from Canada, through Detroit, and south into Kentucky.

Also ironic is the fact that while we’re one of the most impoverished regions in the state, and nation, the officer noted that in Detroit they refer to Ashland as “Cashland” and to Huntington as “Moneyton.”

This was one of many missed opportunities throughout the afternoon to discuss the connection between our lack of economic opportunities and the scourge of addiction and exploitation of that it breeds. Another was when the director of the KY Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission noted that the gap in opioid related deaths between black and white Kentuckians – once so prevalent among rural, white Appalachians that it coined the term “hillbilly heroin” to describe the Oxycontin addiction problem – had closed.

But if Cameron and Opioid Abatement director Hubbard were in campaign mode, I hope they were also in listening mode, because law enforcement, judges, and local people had plenty to say about what it is we need, locally, to address this problem here at home.

Law enforcement discussed working their way “up the food chain” to take the suppliers out at their source, instead of continuously arresting low level users. This is something that might lead back to the Mexican border, after all the same law enforcement officer who said the fentanyl is coming from Canada noted that methamphetamine does flow north into Kentucky (and some of it contains added fentanyl).

Judges backed this up, noting that the old way of doling out punitive sentences hasn’t impacted the problem, but allowing more treatment options has had a positive impact on many lives.

Some people wanted to see more punishment, but most were asking for more treatment opportunities. After years of fighting the problem, police see the issue differently too. They recognize that no one wants to be an addict. That it’s a struggle for them, and a cycle they want to break.

We hope that Cameron takes away how complex the issue is in eastern Kentucky, how it’s impacted every person and family without fail, and how the people here are looking for a way to move forward with healing.

Cameron can feel however he wants about the border, the president, and other national issues. You and I might even agree with him on some of those things. But his focus needs to be on the things he can do in Kentucky, particularly eastern Kentucky, if he hopes to be effective in his current job, or to be chosen for the one he aspires to.

Mexico matters. But it’s a long way from Kentucky and where a governor’s gaze needs to be.

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Week: Meet Willow

We don’t know how old Willow is, but we do know this 45 pound love bug is a husky mix, and friendly with everyone she meets. She’s good with other dogs, and loves to talk with you. Her $100 adoption fee includes rabies vaccination and being spayed. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet her or call 475-9771 for more information.

Shelter hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

Weekly arrests report: 3/29/23

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.

  • Stephen Young, 48, of Ashland, arrested by Boyd County Jail, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked March 20.
  • Elisha Parker, 44, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges including three counts of flagrant non-support, and three counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked March 20.
  • Christopher Haywood, 42, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked March 21.
  • Jeffery Fields, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, charges unavailable, arrested and booked March 21.
  • Robert Sturgill, 34, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked March 21.
  • Ryan Harlow, 42, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of failure to appear, arrested and booked March 22.
  • Joseph Logan, 60, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of driving on a DUI suspended license, failure to maintain required insurance, and no registration plates, arrested and booked March 22.
  • Timothy Griffith, 30, of Olive Hill, self surrender, charges unavailable, arrested and booked March 22.
  • Philip Demerchant, 57, of Meriden, CT, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of reckless driving, obstructed vision and/or windshield, no registration plates, no registration receipt, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, improper display of registration plates, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked March 22.
  • Morgan Miller, 34, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of failure to appear, no registration receipt, no registration plates, driving on a DUI suspended license, and failure to produce an insurance card, arrested and booked March 22.
  • Daniel Bowling, 59, of Sandy Hook, arrested by Elliott County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked March 23.
  • Matthew Callihan, 31, of Olive Hill, arrested by Department of Correction, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked March 23.
  • James Estep, 40, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, failure to wear seat belts, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked March 23.
  • Joseph Wheeler, 23, of Maysville, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, serving a warrant for a parole violation, and on charges of operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, reckless driving, failure to maintain required insurance, first degree fleeing or evading the police (motor vehicle), first degree wanton endangerment, tampering with physical evidence, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and being a persistent felony offender, arrested and booked March 24.
  • April McGowan, 33, of Maysville, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a warrant as a fugitive from another state, arrested and booked March 24.
  • Jason Reynolds, 41, of Carterville, IL, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked March 24.
  • Alisha Hayes, 29, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a probation violation for a technical violation, arrested and booked March 24.
  • Kenneth White, 33, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, and five counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked March 24.
  • Jerald Jackson, 41, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges including two counts of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia, and public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked March 25.
  • Troy Burton, 45, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, charges unavailable, arrested and booked March 25.
  • Virginia Spears-Skaggs, 42, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of receiving stolen property valued at more than $1,000 but less than $10,000, receiving stolen property valued at more than $500 but less than $1,000, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and receiving stolen property, arrested and booked March 25.
  • Billy Greenhill, 52, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of failure to appear, arrested
  • and booked March 25.
  • Autumn Hart, 29, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to appear, possession of drug paraphernalia, no registration receipt, no registration plates, and failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Wendy Jackson, 34, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Dana Robinson, 34, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of failure to appear, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Katherine Jessie, 30, of Grayson, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of all terrain vehicle violations, improper stopping at a flashing red light, second degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), no operator license, failure to produce insurance card, no registration plates, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, criminal littering, and three counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Tyler Sexton, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of no registration plates, no registration receipt, failure to maintain required insurance, driving on a DUI suspended license – second offense, failure to register the transfer of a motor vehicle, and failure to produce insurance card, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Rodney Clevenger, 46, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Detention Center, for non-payment of court cots, fees, or fines, arrested and booked March 26.
  • Brandi Fultz, 45, of Sandy Hook, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges including two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, no registration receipt, no registration plates, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, and failure to maintain required insurance, arrested and booked March 26.

All of the charges listed are arrest charges only, and do not indicate an indictment or a conviction for the charges in question. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Information is compiled from publicly available sources, but may not be comprehensive.

Star Elementary student ranks top in state at Governor’s Cup 

Miranda H. Lewis

Carter County Times

From quick recall to content area knowledge experts, local elementary students shined at the Regional Governor’s Cup competition earlier this month. The regional competition is the highest level for elementary students. 

Landon Serat, a fourth grader from Star Elementary School, ranked first in the state in Arts and Humanities. 

Serat tied with the highest score across the Commonwealth. 

In addition to Star Elementary, students from Russell McDowell Intermediate, Olive Hill, Greysbranch, Carter City, Heritage, Garrison, Argillite, McKell, Tygart Creek, Raceland-Worthington, Prichard, Elliott, Lewis County Central and Wurtland also participated. 

Olive Hill Elementary placed first in Future Problem Solving. 

Russell-McDowell Intermediate won overall with a total of 59.5 points. Star was the runner-up with 12 points and was followed by Olive Hill (10), Greysbranch (10) and Carter City(8). 

High school tennis roundup: East Carter sweeps Greenup 

tennis ball on tennis court beside black and white tennis racket
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com
Miranda H. Lewis

Carter County Times

The East Carter Raiders defeated the Greenup County Musketeers on Tuesday, March 21 in boys’ and girls’ tennis action. 

Lady Raiders 5, Greenup County 4 

The Lady Raiders are 1-2 for the 2023 season. 

Single winners were Emersyn Elliott, Ava Oney, Megan Sexton and Karli Boyd.  

Doubles duo Ava Oney and Megan Sexton helped secure the win for the Lady Raiders. 

Raiders 5, Greenup County 3 

The win for the Raiders makes them 2-1 for the season. 

Tanner Osborne, Lane Moudy, and Wilson Tomaselli were winners in singles play, while the pairs of 

Tanner Osborne and Wilson Tomaselli and Lane Moudy and Colin Combs won in doubles.

West Carter falters against Raceland; tops Martin County

Senior Xavier Rose led the Comets to their first victory of the 2023 season over Martin County on Thursday (Submitted photo)
Miranda H. Lewis

Carter County Times

Xavier Rose, Corey Hedge and Jake Carter led the Comets in hits in the 2022 baseball season.

Sophomore Carter led the Comets in batting average (.385) and RBI’s (16) last season.

He returns to foot the rubber as West Carter’s shortstop and will also join senior Rose and junior Hedge in pitching rotation for the 2023 season.

Rose will step up to fill the void at shortstop when Carter pitches and will relieve Hedge as catcher, too.

Freshman Tabor Tackett has proven his potential as the Comets’ first basemen.

Junior Ty Stinson will be at the hot corner and may handle some innings on the mound, if needed.

Freshman Brody Boggs, sophomore Kale Back, and senior Christian Manning are covering the outfield for the Comets.

West Carter (1-3) hosted Raceland (4-1) in the 16th Region All “A” Classic Semi-Finals on Tuesday, March 20.

The Rams earned a 15-0 win with five innings of work.

Like most early season experiences, the game had rough edges. There were three walks issued to the Comets and 15 earned runs.

All things considered, the on-field product and the pace showed promise for West Carter as they battle through inexperience and a pitcher shortage.

In the top of the first, Rose turned a 6-3 double play.

Hedge reached on a throwing error by third baseman in the bottom of the first, Rose flew out to left field and Carter struck out swinging.

A Raceland batter shot a triple into the right field gap at the top of the second.

Stinson and Tackett walked in the bottom of the second, Tackett was picked off at first base.

The Rams opened the top of the third on fire and carried that momentum to finish out their five-inning win.

Raceland highlights from the top of the third included a sacrifice fly to the center and a double into the left center gap that advanced the runner from first to third base.

To round out the third, the Rams took advantage of a 5-3 throwing error to score.

Rose went down looking in the bottom of the fourth and Carter hit a fly ball to left field.

Comets top Martin County

The Comets recovered with a 5-0 win over Martin County on Thursday, March 23.

Rose pitched seven strong innings, showing a dominant arm – throwing 88 pitches – eleven of them for strike outs.

“We’ve had a rough start going 1-3, but we’ve had a few guys step up and take a role on the field,” said Rose.

“Being down a few arms really motivated me to go all seven innings and secure our first win of the season,” he added.

Back paced the Comets in hitting with a 2-for-4 night, .500 (AVG). West Carter returns to action Thursday, March 30 against Fairview.

East Carter High School’s FPS Team heads to state competition 

(L-R Jessie Marshall (Head Coach), Griffin James, Jacob Holbrook, Sarah Cordle, Kaylee Lawhorn, Noah Porter, and Brandon Marksberry (Assistant Coach) (Submitted photo)
Miranda H. Lewis

Carter County Times

Members of East Carter High School’s Future Problem Solving (FPS) team recently competed at the state finals held at the Galt House in Louisville, March 17-20.

This feat was quite an achievement, as it had been ten years since the Raiders qualified for state level competition in FPS.

“The last year East Carter High School advanced to KAAC State Finals for FPS was 2013,” said head coach Jessie Marshall.

The Governor’s Cup is a statewide academic competition involving hundreds of schools and thousands of students across Kentucky.

Governor’s Cup is, in essence, the academic “playoffs” for elementary, middle, and high schools across the Commonwealth. The competition has been held annually since 1986 and is the foremost academic competition in the state.

In total, Governor’s Cup boasts eight events, including two team events, FPS and quick recall. FPS involves a four-person team. Students are provided with a current issue, set in a future time, which they address and solve through a six-step process.

“In the six-step process students identify 16 challenges in the future scene, create an underlying problem that considers the challenges of the future scene, create 16 possible solutions to solve the underlying problem, evaluate the solutions with criteria questions, display results of criteria in a data grid, and write an action plan about the top-ranking solution in the booklet,” noted Marshall.

Even more challenging, this process is timed and is expected to be completed within two hours or less.

The Governor’s Cup competition is a component of the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition (KAAC) and comprises 64 districts and sixteen regions.

The KAAC has two levels of the Governor’s Cup Competition (district and regional) that students must qualify through before they are eligible to compete at the state finals. The top two schools in the team events advance to the next level: district to region and region to state.

“Our FPS team placed second at District Governor’s Cup Competition, then placed second at Regional Governor’s Cup Competition,” she said.

Members of the East Carter High School FPS team include Sarah Cordle, Jacob Holbrook, Griffin James, Kaylee Lawhorn, Noah Porter, and Stephen Copeland.

Although only four students compete in each competition, alternate teammates provide a contingency in the event of a student absence during a competition, explained Marshall.

“Even though we did not get a top ten placement at state finals, our team has made great progress this FPS season,” said Marshall of her students.

She continued, “They continue to work together to improve their processes. Each time we come back from a competition, our students are ready to review what they did well, and more importantly where they can improve for future competitions. I am so proud of their growth this season, and we have big goals to make it back to State Finals next year!”

GOP-controlled legislature laser-focused on defeating Gov. Beshear

Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky
By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

Political history has shown us many times that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and the Republican-dominated Kentucky General Assembly is proving the truth of that adage.

Hate-mongering is alive and well among the GOP’s veto-proof lawmakers who charge on with their efforts to turn back the clock here in the Bluegrass State.

It appears they are determined to force us back to a time when fear of something or someone different was justification for mistreating those who don’t look or act like the rest of us — the good, God-fearing, Anglo-Saxon descendants who are the “real” Americans and Kentuckians.

With a dozen of their brethren running for governor, the Republicans have cleverly devised “hot button” legislation that is guaranteed to be vetoed by Gov. Andy Beshear, thereby becoming potentially a political liability for him in this year’s run for a second term.

The most blatant example of this strategy was the successful effort of Sen. Max Wise, running mate of gubernatorial candidate Kelly Craft, who almost single-handedly resurrected the anti-trans bill and helped make it even more hateful with harsher restrictions on those already-marginalized families.

By the time you read this, the lock-step Republicans in the General Assembly likely will have overridden the governor’s veto and started bragging about how those strange folks are going to have to go to their own original restrooms, use the correct pronouns in identifying themselves, play on the intended sports teams and dare not consult with medical personnel about their gender conflicts. But nothing will be said about their suicide rates.

These are the same legislators who again refused to make exceptions to their cruel anti-abortion laws to protect the victims of rape and incest and those pregnant women at risk by carrying fetuses with fatal birth defects to full term.

And never mind all of the legislative meddling in how public-school teachers handle their classes. KEA and other education groups will find it much harder to organize protests when they no longer receive membership dues automatically deducted from teacher paychecks.

That heavy-handed payback for the state’s largest teachers union was clearly an example of sometimes when you mess with the bull, you get the horn.

(Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com).

Get your home garden off to a good start

man in blue shirt holding a plant
Photo by Dany Teschl on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Springtime in Kentucky is the perfect time to get outside and start your home garden. A few tasks will help you have a successful season.  

Planning your garden on paper before you begin allows you to visualize the plants you want to grow and when they will be ready to harvest.  

Next, select a good gardening site. Plan a site in full sun, relatively level, well-drained, close to a water source and that dries quickly from morning dew. You may need to get a soil test to best prepare the soil. Add fertilizer according to soil test results.  

Remember to only plan a garden as large as you can easily maintain. Beginning gardeners often overplant and fail because they can’t keep up with the required tasks. You must manage weeds and pests and apply water so your plants will be ready to harvest on time. 

A few other important tips: 

  • Grow vegetables that will produce the maximum amount of food in your available space. 
  • Plant during the correct season for the crop. 
  • Choose varieties recommended for Kentucky. 

Harvest vegetables at their proper stage of maturity. Consider how you will store them if you don’t use them right away.  

Consult the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s Home Vegetable Gardening publication ID-128, available online at https://tinyurl.com/yckrmd39.  

For more information about gardening or other horticulture topics, contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service.  Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

Upcoming Events:

  • Sheep & Goat Predator Control Workshop – April 1st @ 8:30 AM – Call 474-6686 to register.
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers – April 4th @ 6:30; Speaker: Caroline Kane; Topic: Viruses & Nutrition Supplements
  • Hike & Learn – April 6th @ 1:00 – Carter Caves State Resort Park – Natural Bridge Trail & Stream Stomp
  • Extension District Board Meeting – April 11th @ 10:00 AM

Spring tasks for beef cattle producers

By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Rural Kentucky pastures are beginning to show off spring calves. For cattle producers, this brings in a new cycle of farm management. Farmers have a lot to remember to ensure healthy calves and to successfully rebreed cows.   

Observe spring calves closely, checking them at least twice a day. Check first-calf heifers even more. Be ready to assist heifers after one to two hours of hard labor or 90 minutes after the ‘water bag’ is visible. Be prepared to dry and warm chilled calves as soon as possible. Remember that each calf should get colostrum within an hour of birth.  

It’s also important to begin identifying calves with ear tags or tattoos while they are still young and easy to handle. Record the birthdate and the dam ID. Castrate and implant commercial male calves as soon as possible and weigh registered calves within the first 24 hours of birth.  

Go ahead and separate cows that have calved and increase their feed. Supplemental energy is important for cows receiving hay to prepare them for rebreeding. 

A 1,250-pound cow giving approximately 25 pounds of milk per day will need about 25 pounds of fescue hay and five pounds of concentrate daily to maintain good condition.  

To go from a condition score of 4 to 5, add an additional two pounds of concentrate to support that cow. Cows must be in good condition to conceive early in the upcoming breeding season. 

Avoid feeding hay in excessively muddy areas of pastures to avoid contaminating cows’ udders. Calf scours is something to watch for in the herd. If scours becomes a problem, move cows that have not calved to a clean pasture.  

Calves with scours may become dehydrated and need fluids to reverse the situation. Consult your veterinarian and send fecal samples to the UK Veterinary Diagnostic Lab to determine the most effective drug therapy.  

Plan to vaccinate calves for clostridial diseases like blackleg and malignant edema as soon as possible. It’s also a good time to get yearling measurements on bulls and heifers, if necessary, for special sales. You may need to increase bulls’ feed to increase their conditioning for breeding or order semen if you plan to use artificial insemination.  

For more information on beef cattle management, contact the Carter County Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.  

  

Upcoming Events:  

  • Farmer’s Market Taxes & Record Keeping – March 23rd @ 6:00 PM via zoom – Call 474-6686 to register.  
  • Northeast Area Livestock Association – March 28th @ 6:00; Speaker: Dan Miller, KY Beef Network  
  • Sheep & Goat Predator Control Workshop – April 1st @ 8:30 AM – Call 474-6686 to register.   
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers – April 4th @ 6:30; Speaker: Caroline Kane; Topic: Viruses & Nutrition 
  • Supplements  
  • Hike & Learn – April 6th @ 1:00 – Carter Caves State Resort Park – Natural Bridge Trail & Stream Stomp  

James Henry Campbell

James Henry Campbell, 75, of Grayson went to be with his Lord Friday March 24, 

2023 at the Hospice Care Center in Portsmouth, OH, surrounded by his loving 

family.  James was born August 31, 1947 in Carter County, KY, a son of the late 

Walter and Coletine Miller Campbell.  In addition to his parents, James was 

preceded in death by two brothers, Donald Campbell and Arnold ‘Rock” Campbell; 

and two nephews, Keith Campbell and Chris Campbell. 

James was a life-long farmer, and was a member of Hopewell United Methodist 

Church.  James loved being outdoors on the farm and spending time with family.   

James is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Kathy Lynn Smith Campbell; a son, 

Stephen (Elaina Malone) Campbell of Grayson; 2 grandchildren, Reece Campbell 

and Kimber Campbell; a sister, Glenda (James) Flannery of Oldtown; a sister-in-

law, Mary Roberts Campbell of Grayson; a brother-in-law, James Smith of 

Chesapeake, OH; and several special nieces, nephews and extended family who he 

loved dearly.   

Funeral services will be 1 pm Tuesday March 28, 2023 at the Malone Funeral 

Home in Grayson with Bro. Chris Bellew officiating.  Burial will follow in the 

Campbell Family Cemetery.  Visitation will be 11 am Tuesday until the service 

hour.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com  

Pallbearers will be: Stephen Campbell, Reece Campbell, Brian Flannery, James 

Smith, David Campbell and Charlie Campbell. 

Kathleen (Kathy) Carrera

Mrs. Kathleen (Kathy) Carrera, age 62, of Grayson, Kentucky, went home to be with her Lord, Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at the Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Ky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Tuesday, October 18, 1960, in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Edward Taylor and Mary Farmer Taylor of Charleston, West Virginia.

Mary was a loving mother and grandmother. She worked as a seamstress for over 25 years for the VA hospital in Martinsburg, West Virginia. She enjoyed crocheting, playing with her puppies, watching Hallmark and mystery shows, and food TV.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 4 years, Robert Carrera; one son; one brother, James; one sister, Helen.

Kathleen leaves behind, two sons, Douglas (Melissa) Craig of Martinsburg, West Virginia and Kenneth (Monica) Craig of Grayson, Kentucky; one daughter Mary Craig (Mitch Sturn) of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia: 7 grandchildren, Danielle, Samantha, Cheyenne, Hailey, Shawnee, Austin and Taylor, 3 great grandchildren, Luna, Aries and Alexander. Three brothers, Danny Craig, Donnie Craig and Mike Craig all of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; She also leaves behind many other family members and friends who sadly mourn her passing.

At Kathleen’s request, there will be no service at this time. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please send all donations to Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky.

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