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Extension Notes: Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Kentucky: Officials Urge Vigilance Among Bird Owners

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By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

State agriculture officials have recently confirmed the presence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in poultry flocks in three Kentucky counties (Jessamine, Fulton & Lawrence).   This is prompting renewed warnings for poultry owners to strengthen biosecurity and monitor their flocks closely.

HPAI is a highly contagious viral disease that poses a severe threat to domesticated birds, including chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, quail, pheasants, and guinea fowl. While wild migratory waterfowl—such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds—often carry the virus without appearing ill, the disease can spread rapidly and prove fatal once it reaches backyard or commercial poultry operations.

According to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the virus spreads through direct bird‑to‑bird contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated droppings. People can also inadvertently carry the virus on clothing, shoes, equipment, or by transporting infected birds.

Despite the seriousness of the outbreak for poultry, federal health officials emphasize that the current detections do not pose an immediate public health risk. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that properly cooked poultry and eggs remain safe to eat, as heating food to an internal temperature of 165 degrees kills viruses and bacteria.

Bird owners are urged to watch for signs of infection, which may include sudden unexplained death, respiratory distress, decreased appetite or water intake, and a drop in egg production. Soft‑shelled or misshapen eggs may also indicate illness.

State officials are asking residents to take simple but critical steps to help contain the spread. These include keeping backyard flocks separated from wild birds, avoiding unnecessary visits to other bird owners, and thoroughly washing clothing and footwear after any contact with poultry. Sharing information with neighbors and fellow bird enthusiasts is also encouraged.

Anyone who suspects their birds may be sick is urged to call the state’s Sick Bird Hotline at 866‑536‑7593 for immediate guidance.

As monitoring continues, officials stress that community awareness and responsible flock management remain the strongest tools for protecting Kentucky’s poultry industry.

For more information about HPAI contact the Carter County Extension Office.   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:

  • Little Sandy Beekeepers – January 6th @ 6:30 PM – Topic – Brainy Bees: Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior
  • Extension District Board – January 13th @ 10:00 AM
  • Livestock Predator Control Program – January 22nd @6:00 PM – Boyd County Extension Fairgrounds

Could the Venezuelan adventure become another disaster like Afghanistan?

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By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

  As a student of history, I was greatly surprised Saturday morning when President Donald Trump announced to the world that U.S. military forces had invaded Venezuela to capture that country’s president and his wife to bring them to this country to answer federal indictments as accused narco-terrorists.

            But I was shocked when he also said that the U.S. would be “running” that South American nation until a new national government could be established and the nation’s oil-based economy could be rebuilt.

            More than 100 persons have been killed in American attacks on suspected drug smugglers based in Venezuela but those actions happened on the high seas.

            Trump said military intervention was ordered to assist U.S. law enforcement with the arrests of Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia.  He also made passing reference to the 203-year-old Monroe Doctrine, a U.S. foreign policy announced by President James Monroe in 1823.

That bold declaration warned European powers against further colonization or interference in the Americas, declaring the Western Hemisphere a separate sphere of influence for the U.S.

            Trump noted several times in his press conference that Venezuela had nationalized the property of American oil companies 25 years ago but had let its “stolen” oil industry infrastructure deteriorate, losing its strong position in the global economy, despite having the largest oil reserves in the world.

            He promised that U.S. oil companies would rebuild the country’s oil industry for the benefit of the Venezuelan people.

            Shortly after the press conference in Florida, Maduro’s newly-appointed vice president, Delcy Rodriguez, said Maduro was the country’s legitimate leader. She also called on the nation to take up arms to resist the Americans.

            In another surprise, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that Cuba could be America’s next liberation target since its economy is failing because of poor leadership.

            U.S. congressional leaders were not told in advance of the pre-dawn military operation and no declaration of war had been approved, as required by federal law.

            Trying to force a regime change in a third world country can be disastrous, as we learned during 20 years of fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan. That adventure cost us the lives of 2,456 service members, the wounding of 20,700 more, the deaths of 3,846 civilian contractors and  total expenditures exceeding one trillion dollars.

            Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

New Year’s Kick Off 3v3 tournament

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Staff Report
Carter County Times

As the New Year kicks off, eight youth soccer teams will take to the court on Saturday, January 10 at KCU’s Lusby Center in Grayson. Each team will be competing for the title of New Year’s Champs in a fast-paced 3v3 futsal-style format that showcases skill, teamwork, and determination. The tournament will feature not only local teams, but also competitors traveling in from across the tristate area, with organizers noting the event is “drawing visitors and energy into the region.”

Brandon Glispie, one of the volunteers working with the event, explained that it was organized by local community members with a shared passion for youth soccer. The event, he continued, was designed to do more than crown a champion.

“The goal is to create positive opportunities for young athletes, encourage participation in sports, and introduce players to a competitive yet supportive environment that can help inspire youth, strengthen community connections, and set a positive tone for the year ahead,” Glispie said.

While registration for the event is closed, the tournament is open to spectators, he noted, with the event kicking off at 10 a.m. and running until 4 p.m.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Undefeated and unstoppable

(submitted photo)

By Brayleigh Boggs

Carter County Times

The West Carter Middle School Comets have cemented their place in local football history with back-to-back undefeated seasons under the guidance of head coach Chris Barker. Across 2024 and 2025 the Comets strung together 23 consecutive victories, claimed two Beckham Bowl championships, and finished the most recent campaign with a flawless 13-0 record. Barker, named EKC Coach of the Year, has built a program defined by discipline, resilience, and a winning culture that has made West Carter a force to be reckoned with. His leadership has not only produced victories but has also developed players who excel individually, as evidenced by the long list of awards and accolades earned by his athletes.

The eighth-grade team was dominant from start to finish, showcasing talent across every position. Gabe Caudill earned EKC Player of the Year honors, while Jordan Barker was named Defensive Player of the Year. Lucas Tackett stood out as Lineman of the Year and claimed the prestigious Region 3 Player of the Year award. The EKC First Team was filled with Comets, including Isaiah Roe, Landen Boggs, Gabe Davis, Grant Richards, and Kobe Stamper, each of whom played a critical role in the team’s success. Together, they formed a unit that overwhelmed opponents on both sides of the ball, defeating programs such as Raceland, Johnson Central, Nicholas County, Lewis County, Greenup County, Bath County, Rowan County, Mason County, East Carter, Powell County, and Fleming County. Each game may have tested their resolve, but Barker’s squad consistently rose to the occasion, proving themselves as the class of the conference.

While the eighth graders grabbed headlines, the seventh-grade team also made its mark. The younger Comets captured the Seventh Grade Beckham Bowl Championship, a testament to their growth and potential. Many of these athletes played up with the eighth-grade team, gaining valuable experience and contributing to the undefeated run. Kolt Inscho was named EKC Player of the Year, while Wayde Keller earned Defensive Player of the Year honors. The EKC First Team featured Tyson Hall, Eli Hanshaw, Nate Lowe, Waylin Wagoner, and Hunter Wagoner, all of whom demonstrated skill and determination beyond their years. Their success ensures that the future of West Carter football remains bright, with a pipeline of talent ready to continue the winning tradition.

Coach Barker’s influence extends beyond the scoreboard. His ability to instill confidence, foster teamwork, and demand excellence has created a culture that players embrace wholeheartedly. The back-to-back undefeated seasons are not just a reflection of talent but of preparation, leadership, and belief in one another. With the seventh graders already proving themselves, championship-caliber and the eighth graders leaving behind a legacy of dominance, the Comets have built a foundation that promises continued success. Under Barker’s guidance, West Carter Middle School football has become more than a team; it has become a dynasty in the making.

Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com

Joyful Noise: Happy New Year 2026

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By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

The opinion of others seems to influence us more than it should. Yes, we do care what others think of us. The real question is what does God think of you?

In the Bible, God expresses His omniscience and understanding of our thoughts through several verses. For instance, in Psalm 139:1-2, it states, “O LORD, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” This verse emphasizes that God knows our thoughts and is intimately aware of our innermost thoughts and intentions. Additionally, Jeremiah 29:11 reassures believers that God knows His thoughts towards them, indicating His plans for their welfare and hope. These verses collectively affirm that God is aware of our thoughts and cares deeply for our innermost concerns down to the smallest detail.

As a believer you don’t need to do more to change your life. You need to eliminate what no longer serves you. You don’t stumble into destiny; you surrender into it. The next level of your life isn’t found in doing more. It is found in removing what no longer fits who you are becoming in Christ Jesus.

God didn’t give Abraham a five-year plan. He gave him an instruction for a departure from familiarity. He told him to leave his father’s house, to leave what is familiar, to leave what’s comfortable. The promise didn’t begin where he was. It began when he was willing to walk away.

Elisha didn’t keep the plow. He burned it. He didn’t leave options open. He removed every exit and backup plan. You won’t transform your life while protecting the old one.

Jesus said, “anyone who leaves everything to follow Him will receive more now (in this life) and forever in eternity.” God never subtracts without intention to multiply, but multiplication only comes after elimination.

Cycles don’t break just with effort. They break with intentional elimination. What you refuse to remove will continue to rule you. Jesus’ first message wasn’t “try harder.” It was “repent.” Change how you think, reorient your perspective. Sin isn’t just behavior. It’s a broken belief system and dysfunction via ignorance. Paul didn’t say he changed occasionally. He said, “I die daily” not physically, but to patterns, to pride, to habits that no longer serve destiny. Salvation isn’t claimed once; it’s surrender into every day.

You don’t break cycles once. You break them every morning and every day you decide what gets to live, and what must die. If it doesn’t serve your future, it cannot survive your present.

This next season (New Year 2026) isn’t about grinding harder, as a believer in Christ it’s about dying smarter each day. It is about releasing what doesn’t serve you. It is about whatever keeps you stuck. It is about letting go so God can take you further. You aren’t losing yourself but becoming what God has always meant you to be.

You may feel a different kind of pain going into this new season. But you are coming out of the hardest season maybe you have faced. You won’t regret what you are giving up following Jesus in this new season. His thoughts are to prosper you and give you an expected end!

Amen! So be it!

JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.

That’s a wrap

Members of the East Carter High School marching band perform in Grayson’s Hometown Holidays parade. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

Grayson Tourism wrapped up a year full of events with their Hometown Holidays celebration around the Christmas season, showcasing everything from a Festival of Trees to an ice-skating rink for Grayson residents and visitors to enjoy. Local businesses also joined in all along Main Street to add to the fun, with most offering special sales for the season. Now, as the decorations are all being packed away to await the next season, Grayson Tourism Director Lana Axtell said she would like the public to offer their views on both what went extremely well, and what could be improved in the future.

“It was a real busy event,” Axtell said of Hometown Holidays, before admitting that she, like many people, is still in the process of taking down her own Christmas décor.

“Give me until the middle of January and ask again,” she joked.

But while a lot of work went into setting everything up, and a lot of work is still left to do in breaking it all down, she said it was the time and effort.

“I think everyone had a really good time,” Axtell said of tourism’s most recent event. “We have gotten some good feedback and are always looking for more. I feel like the Festival of Trees went really well. And most of the kids’ activities went well.”

As always, Axtell said there is a learning curve. Once an event is put on, it pays to examine what went well and perhaps how things could have been done differently. The goal, she said, is to always be improving so that the residents of Grayson always have the best tourism has to offer.

“We have learned a lot this year,” Axtell said. “Like with the skating rink and the volunteer program. We had a cancellation from some of the volunteers with less than 24-hour notice, which could have put everything in a bind. Fortunately, East Carter Middle Football jumped in in a big way and covered most of the days we needed volunteers.” 

To prevent this happening in the future, she said, tourism might discuss having paid positions to run the rink on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday during the event.

Axtell said the general consensus among the people who have reached out is that the skating rink is an amazing addition to Grayson, and they hope it continues to be available. And perhaps the next season, she said tentatively, her husband Rob Axtell might be offering skating lessons for kids when the rink is set up.

“We don’t have a lot of people around Grayson that can show people how to skate,” she said. “And I think people would love having that made available to them.”

And if there are other things they’d like to see, she said, tourism wants to hear about them too.

“I’d like to know what the public liked and what they didn’t like,” Axtell said. “What do they think we could improve? Did they like the skating rink hours and the location? And what did they think about the Festival of Trees and that process?”

Those were a few potential questions people could answer, she said.

“And what did they think about the kids activities, the Santa Shack, and the train station?”

Any insight people had to offer on the Christmas Market, and the general appearance of Downtown Main Street would also be welcome, she said.

The best way for the public to offer feedback, Axtell said, was to reach out through email. That email is graysonkytourism@gmail.com. An alternative contact would be to call the Grayson Tourism office at 606-474-8740 and leave a message. But however they choose to reach out, Axtell said, they’d love to hear the feedback. Afterall, there’s only 11 months to get prepared for the next holiday season.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

The damage we don’t count

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By Brandon LaVoie

For the Carter County Times

Some things don’t stay abstract when you live with their consequences long enough.

I’m a father of three boys and a small business owner here in Carter County. I work, raise my kids, and try to build something steady in the same place a lot of us are fighting to hold together. I’m not writing from theory. I’m writing from absence.

Drugs like fentanyl and meth didn’t just hurt my family. They erased it.

I’ve lost almost everyone. Some are gone to addiction. Some to the long-term damage it leaves behind. Some are dead. These aren’t statistics to me. They’re empty seats at holidays. Names my sons should know but never will.

My uncle Jimmy Blevins was my hero. He was a veteran. A hard worker. Someone I thought I’d spend my life working beside. Years ago, while working construction on a National Guard project in New Mexico, he became addicted to meth and opioids.

 He came home different. He didn’t last long. He died of a heart attack at 32.

He never met my boys. Never saw the life I’m trying to build. And there are many others who were supposed to still be here… but who aren’t.

We talk about “weapons of mass destruction” as something distant. Something overseas. Something that comes with sirens and headlines. But I’ve watched substances wipe out families and hollow out a town quietly, one person at a time, over decades. If the measure is lives lost and futures erased, then we’ve been living with mass destruction right here at home.

What makes this harder is that we didn’t ignore the problem.

In the mid-2000s, I marched in Grayson with Pastor Jim Varney and thousands of others against drugs. Churches showed up. Schools showed up. Emergency services showed up. Families walked together. There was a shared belief that if we stood shoulder to shoulder, we could interrupt what was happening.

In the period that followed, pressure increased. Arrests were made. For a while, it felt like something real had been disrupted.

Many of the people I marched beside are gone now.

Time has a way of telling the truth. Awareness alone didn’t stop it. Enforcement alone didn’t stop it. Silence didn’t stop it. Pretending it was someone else’s problem didn’t stop it. The damage resumed quietly, and it kept taking people who burned bright; the complicated, creative, stubborn souls who carried joy and conviction at the same time.

Those are the people who organize cookouts. Who stand up at meetings. Who pull others together. Who would have stood beside me and many others when our community needed defending.

We don’t just lose individuals to drugs.

We lose community infrastructure.

I’m grateful to law enforcement for doing their job. Taking dangerous substances off the street matters. But this crisis isn’t fixed by arrests alone, and it isn’t fixed by treating addiction as a private failure that only requires private recovery.

We talk a lot about rehab for people, and we should. But we rarely talk about rehab for towns.

If we’re serious about healing, we should be asking bigger questions. What does it look like to restore the places where people gathered? Where families ate together. Where kids played. Where neighbors argued, laughed, and stayed connected. Where belonging was built instead of assumed.

Recovery shouldn’t end at the clinic door. It should extend back into the communities that were hollowed out.

Imagine spaces designed to bring people back together; community centers with picnic tables and food trucks, places for games and music, rooms for church groups, recovery groups, family gatherings, and town meetings. Places that replace what was lost instead of just naming it.

We owe that much to the people we buried.

And to the kids growing up now who deserve more than silence and memory.

If we don’t take this seriously – not as a headline or a talking point, but as a long-term responsibility – the cost won’t show up on a balance sheet.

It will show up as absence.

Again.

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: A new year!

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Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

Here it is! 2026! It’s a brand new year with all its opportunities for renewal. It is calmer now, giving us breathing room to make decisions about how we want to move forward. Be grateful for this chance to explore and allow for new adventures to unfold. 

This is the time to ask ourselves what we want in this new year. It’s the time to ask ourselves how we can make a difference, not only in our homes but in our behavior toward ourselves and others. It’s a time to reflect on the past year in order to improve and then put the past behind us with a new outlook for this new beginning.

Reflection will bring about ways we can adopt new ideas and processes for growth, and that may require changes to our ways of doing things. Since we are creatures of habit, it can be difficult to examine our habits to see if changes may be warranted. We have to want to be open to creating new ways to move through our lives by considering changing our behavior. 

Try to let the word ‘change’ be positive and to let it be the effort we use for a positive outcome. Even if change is difficult and attacks our hearts, we must go through those times to get to the other side where possibility lies waiting. If we look at change as an opportunity, we can set goals that are not so rigid that as changes arise – and they will – we will be able to cope. \

We have a wonderful new year ahead with 365 days of life that can be rewarding no matter what comes our way. Live in the moment and be open to the amazing changes ahead.

It’s as simple as that!

Send your questions and comments to me at info@confusionsolution.com

Weekly Arrests: 1/7/25

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.

  • Eddie Kennedy, 70, of Webbville, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of failure to produce an insurance card, driving on a DUI suspended license – first offense (aggravating circumstances), first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked December 30.
  • Angela Stapleton, 39, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt, arrested and booked December 30.
  • Robert Carroll, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on two counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked December 31.
  • Garriet Greer, 19, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked December 31.
  • William Sloas, 54, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and four counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked December 31.
  • Stephanie Brown, 39, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of theft by unlawful taking – shoplifting, three counts of failure to appear, two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, and one count of contempt of court – libel/slander – resistance to order, arrested and booked December 31.
  • Wendell Adams, 35, of Ashland, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of contempt of court – libel/slander – resistance to order, arrested and booked January 2.
  • David Phillips, 38, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked January 2.
  • Dale Kitchen, 69, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), resisting arrest, non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, and failure to appear, arrested and booked January 2.
  • William Yeager, 65, of Olive Hill, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked January 2.
  • Brayan Hernandez, 24, of Mount Sterling, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked January 2.
  • Joseph Jordan, 33, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked January 3.
  • Brittany Jordan, 37, of Ashland, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked January 3.
  • Tami Hay, 35, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, arrested and booked January 3.
  • Jeffery Hay, 41, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, arrested and booked January 3.

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.

Gov. Beshear: Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan Accepted In Full, $212.9 Million Secured

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FRANKFORT, Ky. – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan (RHTP) was accepted in full by the Trump administration, securing $212.9 million in funding to lessen the impacts of recent federal cuts and help support health care in Kentucky’s rural communities. The funding was authorized by Congress earlier this year (2025) and administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

“Health care is a basic human right, and it was a priority for me and my administration to submit this application and fight for funding to support our rural health communities – especially following the passage of devastating Medicaid cuts,” said Gov. Beshear. “I am proud our community-driven plan was accepted in full and now $212.9 million will help provide our fellow Kentuckians with the quality care they need and deserve.”

Kentucky’s plan was developed by the Beshear administration in partnership with health partners from across the state and will use the $212.9 million over five years to help address the unique challenges rural Kentucky faces, including high rates of chronic conditions, maternity care deserts and gaps in coverage for oral care, emergency services and behavioral health. 

“Our Rural Health Transformation Plan reflects the best of Team Kentucky,” said Cabinet for Health and Family Services Secretary Dr. Steven Stack. “We are working with local health leaders, hospitals, universities and community partners who share in the vision of a commonwealth where every Kentuckian can reach their full human potential and all communities thrive.”

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (KDPH) will lead implementation of the plan in partnership with stakeholders across the commonwealth. The Rural Health Transformation Plan addresses several of Kentucky’s most pressing rural health challenges, including:

  • Chronic disease: Seventeen percent of Kentuckians live with multiple chronic conditions, compared with 11% nationally.
  • Women’s health: Nearly 1 in 6 Kentucky women of childbearing age live in maternity care deserts, more than four times more than the national average.
  • Behavioral health: Persistent shortages of mental health professionals in rural areas place strain on emergency departments and first responders.
  • Oral health: Appalachian counties experience some of the lowest dental visit rates and highest rates of complete tooth loss among seniors.
  • Emergency response: Nearly half of Kentucky’s paramedics are concentrated in the state’s five largest counties, limiting access in rural communities.

To address these challenges, Kentucky’s plan advances five integrated care innovation models:

  1. Rural Community Hubs for Chronic Care Innovation
    Local hub-and-spoke models focused initially on obesity and diabetes prevention and management, integrating nutrition, physical activity and digital self-management tools.
  2. PoWERing Maternal and Infant Health
    Telehealth-enabled, community-based maternal care teams expanding prenatal and postpartum services in maternity care deserts and high-risk regions.
  3. Rapid Response to Recovery (EmPATH Model)
    Mobile crisis response, telepsychiatry and stabilization services connecting individuals to community-based behavioral health and recovery supports.
  4. Rooted in Health: Rural Dental Access
    Expanded dental hygiene training, externships and portable or tele-dental clinics to improve preventive oral health services.
  5. Crisis to Care: Integrated EMS Response
    Enhanced pre-hospital care and trauma coordination through treat-in-place protocols, workforce training and improved data connectivity.

“Team Kentucky’s rural communities are the heart of our commonwealth,” said Kentucky Department for Public Health Commissioner Dr. John Langefeld. “This is about strengthening local health systems, creating jobs and ensuring every family has the opportunity to live healthy and thrive.”

The application process for the Rural Health Transformation Plan was guided by input from more than 100 stakeholders across the commonwealth. Team Kentucky collaborated with key partners, including the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, the Kentucky Primary Care Association, the Kentucky Hospital Association, the Kentucky Office of Rural Health and others.

“We’ve worked for years to tackle some of Kentucky’s toughest health challenges, and we are inspired and energized to see a unified, statewide plan to bring innovation, investment and hope to our rural communities,” said Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky President and CEO Allison Adams. “This effort reflects the best of Kentucky: partnership, practicality and a deep belief that healthier communities mean a stronger commonwealth.”

“Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation initiative reflects a simple truth community health centers have always embraced: Lasting change begins locally,” said Molly Lewis, CEO of the Kentucky Primary Care Association. “Through investments in prevention, primary care and community collaboration, this effort is creating a stronger, healthier future for rural Kentucky.”

“The Kentucky Hospital Association has been pleased to work with the Cabinet for Health and Family Services to help produce Kentucky’s application for the Rural Health Transformation Program,” said Nancy Galvagni, president and CEO of the Kentucky Hospital Association.

“Health care access improves health care outcomes. It improves lives and saves lives,” said Dr. Jason Smith, CEO of University of Louisville (UofL) Health. “UofL Health supports Kentucky’s focus on improving access in our rural communities to address chronic illness, maternity care, mental health, oral health and emergency care.”

“We were pleased to learn of Kentucky’s notice of award from CMS related to the Rural Health Transformation Program,” said Mark D. Birdwhistell, senior vice president for health and public policy at the University of Kentucky. “The University of Kentucky looks forward to partnering with the state and other stakeholders to help transform health in rural Kentucky.”

The Rural Health Transformation application process began in September 2025, with awards announced on Dec. 29. In total, the Rural Health Transformation Plan provides $50 billion nationwide over five fiscal years between 2026 and 2030. More information about Kentucky’s Rural Health Transformation Plan will be available at RuralHealthPlan.ky.gov.

Samuel W. Kozee

Samuel W. Kozee, age 85, passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by loved ones on December 27, 2025.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all that knew him.

Sam was born on September 4, 1940 to the late Beecher and Ruby Kozee of Johns Run, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents, Sam was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl, Jim, and one sister, Janet Duncan.

Sam served his country in the United States Army and retired from Local 150 as an operating engineer.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Nancy; two daughters, Kellie (Brian) Warren and Samantha (Drew) Perkins.

Sam was lovingly called “Umpy” by his grandchildren, Sam Sophia, Sadie, Max and Kate whom meant the world to him.

Sam loved to golf, fish and was known to many as “The Koz”! May he rest in peace!

Visitation will be Friday, January 2nd from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026 at Grayson Funeral Home, 49 McCoy Road, Grayson, Kentucky.

Burial will be Monday, January 5th, 2026, at the Veterans Cemetery, Grayson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. John and Elizabeth Catholic Church, State Hwy 1947, Grayson, Kentucky, 41143.

Grayson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Samuel W. Kozee.

Alice Joan Bryant Strickland

Alice Joan Bryant Strickland, age 91, of Greenville, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, her son’s residence in Catlettsburg, Kentucky.

She was born March 31, 1934, in Posey County, Indiana, a daughter of the late Auburn and Mary Robb Bryant.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Vincent Strickland; one son, Morgan Randall Strickland; two brothers, Richard Allen Strickland, James Auburn; one sister, Carolyn Jones.

Alice is survived by three sons Daniel Vincent (Linda) Strickland of Ashland, Kentucky, Robert Joseph (Deborah) Strickland of Webbville, Kentucky, Michael Douglas Strickland of Litchfield, Kentucky; four daughters, Jeanie Kay Bruce of Boonesville, Kentucky, Deborah Lynn Weldon of Greenville, Indiana, Cynthia Lee (Charles) Berry of Hillsboro, Kentucky, Brenda Sue (William) Bendell of Greenville, Indiana; one sister Gina Thomas of Henderson, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

At Alice’s request there will be no service.

Grayson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Alice Joan Bryant Strickland.

Autumn Kay Watkins Hanshaw

Autumn Kay Watkins Hanshaw, age 49, of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at her residence.

She was born Saturday, November 20, 1976, in Boyd County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Charles Watkins and Mary Ferguson Spurlock.

Kay will be remembered for her joyful spirit and the laughter she brought into every room. She had a love for reality TV shows, enjoyed learning and trying new recipes, and rarely started her day without a good cup of coffee in hand. Kay had a natural gift for making people laugh and feel at ease, and her sense of humor was one of her greatest treasures. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and friends creating memories.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Sally Watkins.

Kay is survived by one son, Derick David Young of Proctorville, Ohio; four daughters, Miranda (Mike) Burchett of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Haleigh (Dillon) Duncil of Hazel Green, Kentucky, Hannah (Christopher) Brown of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Mary Young of Ashland, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren, Lily, Mia, Gracie, Palmer, Sutton, Ian, Lukas, Riley, Owen; two brothers, Scott (Beth) Ferguson of Ashland, Kentucky, Jason Donald of Huntington, West Virginia; one sister, Amanda (Mark) Black of Ashland, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 7 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Roger Dale Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at a later date in Hanshaw Cemetery.

Friends may visit after 6 p.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky, is honored to serve the family of Autumn Kay Watkins Hanshaw.

Bobby Lee DeBord

Bobby Lee DeBord, age 83, of Xenia, Ohio, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Tuesday, May 19, 1942, in Carter County, Kentucky, a son of the late Frank and Gladys Tabor DeBord.

Bobby loved fishing, bowling, woodworking, tinkering with clocks and spending time with his family. He retired from General Motors after 35 years as a cutter grinder.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, David Lee DeBord; one daughter, Angela DeBord; three brothers, Billy DeBord, Eual DeBord, Roger DeBord; three sisters, Jonda Whitt, Vivian Rice and Betty Lawless.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Darlene Rose DeBord; one son Daniel (MaryKay) DeBord of Powhatan, Virginia; one daughter, Donna (Doug) Moore of Centerville, Ohio; 4 grandchildren, Maggie DeBord, Jack DeBord, Kourtney Wolf, Kade Wolf; three sisters, Shirley Gordon of Centerville, Ohio, Virginia Plunkett of Norman, Oklahoma, Sue Turkson of Alliance, Ohio, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Pastor Paul Santoro officiating. Burial will follow in DeBord Cemetery on Square Lick in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 7, 2026, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Bobby Lee DeBord.

Michael Eugene Leadingham

Michael Eugene Leadingham, age 65, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026, at UK-St. Claire Healthcare in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 30, 1960, in Carter County, Kentucky, a son of Donald Kay and Loretta Hedge Garvin of Olive Hill, Kentucky and the late Joy Eugene Leadingham.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one son Phillip Randal Leadingham; one granddaughter, Lexi Leadingham; one great-grandson, Brody Flener and one brother-in-law, Bill King.

Mike was the epitome of a good man—one who would give you the shirt off his back, was always just one phone call away, and believed deeply in forgiveness over holding grudges. He truly enjoyed life. Among the many things he loved were coon hunting, horse riding, and carpentry—if it involved working with his hands or being outdoors, he was happy. Mike had a family in every area of his life, but his greatest joy was found at home, sitting on the back porch with a cup of coffee, watching his chickens and the birds when his grandkids weren’t there. His pride and joy were his children and grandchildren; he lived for them and always wanted to do his very best by teaching through his actions the importance of hard work, kindness, forgiveness, and faith. He was their protector, encourager, and biggest supporter. He also cherished his parents, whom he faithfully called every morning and every night, just to check in—- a simple act that reflected his deep love and devotion. Today, we find comfort in knowing that Mike’s earthly work is finished and that he is now resting in the presence of his Savior. Heaven gained a faithful servant, and though our hearts ache, we trust God’s promise that we will see him again.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife, Pam Logan Leadingham; two sons, C.D. (Karri) Leadingham of Morehead, Kentucky, Donald Leadingham (Sarah) of Roanoke, Virginia; three daughters, Michelle (Ryan) Williams of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Haley Leadingham (Katie) of Ashland, Kentucky, Mariea Lair of Indianapolis, Indiana; 12 grandchildren, Cory, Heaven, C.C., KayLee, Teagan, Neala, Marley, Brentyn, Jase, Jaxon, Cade, Kashtyn; one great-grandson, Asher; two sisters, Regina King, Angie (Ryan) Barker all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, special daughter-in-law, Heather; Mother of his children, Kimberly (Gary) Major, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Kenny Hall officiating. Burial will follow in Hedge Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Monday, January 5, 2026, after 9 a.m., Tuesday, January 6, 2026, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

C.D. Leadingham, Donald Leadingham, Ryan Williams, Rick Bond, Tony Buckler and Donnie Callihan will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Michael Eugene Leadingham.

Verlena Kaye “Bean” Middleton Turner

Verlena Kaye “Bean” Middleton Turner, age 53, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at UK-King’s Daughter Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sunday, October 8, 1972, in Alliance, Ohio, a daughter of Rufus Middleton of Olive Hill, Kentucky, and the late Alice Faye McGlone Middleton.

Verlena enjoyed watching UK Basketball, her Saturday morning trips to Dollar General and Wal Mart. She devoted her life to her children and her family.

In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Billy James, Kyle Wilburn; one niece, Kayla Renee.

In addition to her father, she is survived by her loving husband of 25 years, Darrell Turner; one son, Darrell Lee Turner II of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one daughter, Kaylee Nicole Turner of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one brother, Rufus Lee Middleton of Olive Hill, Kentucky; four sisters, Sandra Faye Middleton, Viola Middleton, Wanetta Middleton (James) all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Paula (Jeff) Messer of Grayson, Kentucky, her best friend, who was like a sister, Charity Brown; adopted brother, Keith Burnett; Austin McGlone (Ashley) and Pasiley McGlone, whom she thought of as her own; one special nephew, Kyle Jordan, three nephews, Maddox Middleton, Tobey Middleton, Amos Middleton; one niece, Niamaya Middleton; one great niece, Autumn Skie; four aunts, Bonnie Middleton, Kaye Carpenter, Lorene Thomas, Maxine Middleton, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky with special friends, Seth Brown, Charity Brown and Jesse Morgan officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunshine Hill Cemetery in Carter County, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 1 p.m., Sunday, December 28, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Darrell Turner, Darrell Turner II, Kyle Jordan, Austin McGlone, Jesse Carpenter, Ray Middleton, Ryan “180″ Twining and Terry Burgess will serve as pallbearers.

Sam Middleton, Keith Burnett and Jeff Messer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Verlena Kaye “Bean” Middleton Turner.

A great start to a new year

selective focus photography of bookshelf with books
Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

As 2025 winds down, many people look toward 2026 and the things they hope to achieve beginning the morning after the Times Square countdown. Some make resolutions that include better diet and exercise habits, finding a better paying job, or perhaps looking toward that final year before retirement. There are even those who plan to make 2026 the year they return to or begin higher education, whether that is pursuing a conventional degree, learning a skilled trade, or even just going back to school to add to their current credentials.

One thing most people don’t consider, however, is that educational institutions themselves often have goals or New Year’s resolutions. In fact, they do it every year in the form of planning out curriculum, enhancing student services, or improving sports programs. Every institution pursues healthy growth, and these areas are all a part of that growth. Kentucky Christian University in Grayson, makes their ‘resolutions’ each year; but unlike many comparable schools, KCU is walking into 2026 with a serious advantage most other institutions don’t share.

In 2025, Kentucky Christian University paid off all of their outstanding debt, so the Knights can march into 2026 debt free.

“Being debt free has opened a lot of doors for us,” KCU President Dr. Terry Allcorn said as he looked forward to all the exciting things slated for the upcoming year. “We are trying to be very purposeful about taking advantage of this season. We are going to expand our academic program, and I am really excited about upcoming campus improvements.”

One campus improvement Allcorn mentioned was ongoing improvements to the campus chapel.

“We redid the back wall of the stage, and it will be more like a giant screen. It really looks nice, though I haven’t seen it completely finished yet,” he said. “It will be finished when the students return in January, and I think that will be really nice for our concerts and other events.”

“God was good to us in 2025,” Allcorn continued. “And we are excited about what is going to happen in 2026. We have received word on a couple of grants we are going to get and those are a huge blessing to us. And we hope to continue being engaged in the community. We welcome anyone from Grayson on campus at any point because Grayson is a wonderful community.”

“I am very optimistic about 2026,” Allcorn added. “God has stood with the university for 106 years, and even in the ‘lean’ years, he was still faithful. And we are honored to still be serving the community. It’s an exciting time for us at KCU.”

Some things the university are improving and working on for the upcoming year and beyond are two doctorate degrees (one in the Keeran School of Bible and Ministry and one in the Yancey School of Nursing). The university is also launching an EMBA and Master of Arts in Teaching, along with the expansion of their online ministry training programs. There is of course the chapel renovation project (including projection technology) as well as other projects they will announce during the course of the year. The school is also working on a grant to provide a third training manikin for the nursing program.

Community events are on the horizon as well for KCU, including Summer in the Son and various concerts. Though it is now several seasons away, the university plans to be involved in the 2026 Project Merry Christmas and events such as the Grayson PD Christmas Party, as it was this Christmas season.

“And we always like to stay involved in the other community parades and events,” Allcorn said.

The reason the university is committed to being a good community partner is very simple, Allcorn said.

“The University and the community are really intertwined,” he said. “If Grayson does well, it is a blessing to KCU. And if KCU does well, then, the university can help to bless the community.”

Kentucky Christian University currently has an annual 19-million-dollar impact in the community, which is quite substantial in economic terms and beyond. The university currently has nearly one hundred full-time employees and more than that in part-time and student employees, all of which participate in the employee tax. But the impact of the university goes beyond those figures in a variety of ways.

“We have to do our part,” Allcorn said of being a community partner. “And we enjoy being a part of the community and making the connections necessary to do that.”

“From my perspective having lived in a lot of different places, Grayson is a great town with a lot of community spirit,” Allcorn said. “And I can see that continuing into 2026. I see that in the city meetings I go to, and I see it at the parades we attend. Grayson is a great town, and I feel like there are a lot of good people here that want to see the community continue to progress. And I don’t see any reason why that is going to slow down.”

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Extension Notes: Beginning Farmers Encouraged to Apply for 2026 KY Farm Launch Program

photography of cows during sunset
Photo by Steyn Viljoen on Pexels.com

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own farm but felt overwhelmed by the business side of things? Or maybe you’ve already dipped your toes into farming and want to take your operation to the next level. If that sounds like you — and you’ve been farming for less than 10 years — KY Farm Launch might be the perfect opportunity.

KY Farm Launch is a nine-month, in-person training program based in Lexington, designed specifically for beginning farmers. The program kicks off in March 2026 and runs through November, meeting one full day each week. Best of all? There’s no cost to participate, just a commitment to show up and a passion for building your farm business.

This hands-on program is more than just learning how to grow crops or raise livestock. It’s about building a sustainable, profitable farm operation. Participants will receive training in production techniques for vegetables, small fruits, beef cattle, sheep, goats and poultry. KY Farm Launch also dives deep into business planning, marketing strategies and management skills, areas that often seem overwhelming to new farmers. The goal is to take away some of the barriers that discourage people from getting started.

The program is a partnership between the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, the Kentucky Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (KCARD), the Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office, UKCSA and The Food Connection @ UK. It’s funded through a USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program grant, which means participants get access to top-notch resources and expertise at no cost.

Participants will learn from experienced community farmers and Extension staff on UK farms in and around Lexington. You’ll get one-on-one mentoring and join a supportive cohort of other beginning farmers who share your challenges and goals.

If you’ve got less than 10 years of farming experience and the drive to grow your operation, don’t miss this chance. Applications for the second class of KY Farm Launch are now open. For more information, contact your Carter County Extension office or visit https://bfrdp.mgcafe.uky.edu/.  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:

  • Little Sandy Beekeepers – January 6th @ 6:30 PM – Topic – Brainy Bees: Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior
  • Extension District Board – January 13th @ 10:00 AM
  • Livestock Predator Control Program – January 22nd @6:00 PM – Boyd County Extension Fairgrounds

The best laid holiday plans can go astray despite our good intentions.

selective focus photography of a mailbox
Photo by Abstrakt Xxcellence Studios on Pexels.com
By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

This is the sad tale of how a brilliant idea of this writer about saving money at Christmas this year went south because of my lifelong affliction with procrastination. I’ve been meaning to seek help for my condition but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

For openers, I need to cut myself some slack in the guilt department because this was my fourth Christmas holiday without the incredible benefit of being coached by my late wife, the most organized human being ever to walk the earth.

This particular scenario actually began a few years ago when I realized that several national charities had started the practice of sending free, ready-to-use Christmas cards to their regular donors. Some were higher quality than others but I started putting most of them aside.

My family had been using the photo cards for some time, but they were becoming more expensive each year and the constantly-increasing cost of a first class stamps is a sore point with me.

So, I decided that this year I would use all of the free cards instead of buying another round of photo cards. I had accumulated nearly 200 of them in all sizes and colors, some with happy messages and most with reminders of the reason for the season.

I waited too long to separate the cards and had to ask a friend to help me. Color-coded cards had been separated from their matching envelopes. Some beautiful cards had no pre-printed messages but I didn’t have time to write anything meaningful and personal.

I kept assuring myself that I was saving money by not buying commercial cards and envelopes and that the folks on my mailing list might appreciate a change from getting just another photo card.

The bottom line is that my cheapskate plan fell apart and my recycled cards didn’t make it into the postal system until two days after the holiday.  To ease my shame at being so tardy, I added a printed sticker saying the delay in delivery was my fault and don’t blame the post office.

Yep, next year I’ll be sending those handy, dandy photo cards again.

Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

East Carter turns pressure into power

East Carter’s Josie Rudd (10) prepares to shoot a free throw. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)

By Brayleigh Boggs

Carter County Times

East Carter and West Carter opened their Tuesday night matchup with the kind of physical, defensive-heavy basketball that always seems to surface when the county rivals meet. West struck first, jumping out to a 4–0 lead behind strong rebounding from Sydney Cecil (10), who controlled the glass early and helped the Comets dictate the opening minutes.

East Carter finally broke through when Avery Hall (4) knocked down a three to cut the deficit to 4–3, but both teams struggled to find rhythm as turnovers piled up on each end. Coach Matt Clark settled down his team and made some adjustments, and the shift paid off. Hall grabbed a rebound and pushed the ball ahead to Bristol Boggs (1), who finished at the rim to give East its first lead at 5–4.

West Carter answered with a burst of momentum behind Novaleigh Hatton (35), who buried back-to-back threes to swing the lead and send the Comets into the end of the first quarter ahead 12–10.

East Carter opened the second quarter with renewed energy. Boggs powered in a layup to tie the game at 12–12, and Brynlee Walker (24) muscled in a putback to push the Raiders ahead 14–12. Hall continued to make plays defensively, jumping a passing lane for a steal that fired up the Raider bench.

West responded with buckets from Madison Stamper (22) and Maci Holbrook (3) to reclaim a 17–14 lead, but Boggs answered again, stepping into a confident three to knot the score at 17–17. Aubrey Mullins (50) added a strong finish inside, and moments later Jocie Rudd (10) delivered one of the biggest plays of the half, an and‑one that swung momentum firmly back to East Carter.

West Carter’s Holly Adams (30) kept the Comets close with a putback, but Walker calmly knocked down a pair of free throws to send the Raiders into halftime leading 23–21. With 2:11 left in the half, West’s Kinleigh Kiser (43) came up with a big block, but East carried the energy into the locker room.

The second half belonged to the Raiders.

Walker opened the third quarter with another strong finish inside, but West answered with a layup from Holbrook to stay within striking distance. East responded with a steady dose of Walker in the paint, a layup, another finish off an assist from Hall, and a putback that stretched the lead to 36–25 with 2:43 left in the third.

Rudd continued her strong night with an and‑one and another steady finish, helping East Carter close the quarter on a 40–25 advantage. West Carter moved the ball well but struggled to convert, unable to finish possessions as the Raiders’ defense tightened.

Holbrook opened the fourth with another bucket for West, but East countered with fresh legs as Mullins, Jenna Goble (20), and Kharlie Rutledge (2) checked in. Adams pulled down a key rebound for the Comets, and Kiser re-entered to bolster West’s interior, but the Raiders maintained control.

With 4:25 remaining, Boggs buried a pull‑up jumper to push the lead to 42–27, sealing the momentum for good. West added one final basket, but East Carter closed out a steady, disciplined second half to secure a 42–30 rivalry win.

Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com

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