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Tired of fighting the barrage of direct giving appeals, should I surrender?

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

           

It was about three years ago when I wrote a piece questioning the tactics of fund raising professionals who seemed to be changing the rules of engagement for direct mail appeals.

            I had made part of my living in that once noble effort for more than 40 years. I began to notice that many charities were increasing the number of direct mail solicitations, also known in the trade as “nuisance appeals” if they exceeded two pleas for cash in the same calendar year.

            It also became apparent that the once sacred pledge of donor confidentiality was being breached systematically as my name, address and giving history triggered similar “asks” from others in the begging trade.

            For example, as a former soldier, my initial gifts to the oldest veterans outfit now also gets me direct mail appeals from six other military-connected organizations.

            Also, my modest giving to the oldest and largest charity fighting cancer has made me the fundraising target of four other anti-cancer groups.  And I now get solicited by five other charities battling other diseases.

            I’m not a tree-hugging environmentalist but four of those groups frequently ask me to contribute to preserving national parks or keeping certain wildlife from becoming extinct. This year we’re trying to save the bees.

            My late wife was a patient at the famous clinic in Cleveland and now they like to keep in touch, as well. But messages from three other huge medical complexes regularly show up in my mailbox. Two groups that send hospital ships to third world countries also know me.

I’m a member of an endangered group called the Democratic Party, but I seldom get mail from their candidates. Instead, I get a constant, 24/7 barrage of text message appeals and a scattering of e-mails from would-be office seekers.

Three years ago, I received direct mail appeals from fewer than 10 charities a week. Today, I sometimes get that many in a single day.  As I discard all of that junk mail each day, I find myself worrying if anyone is raising money for solid waste disposal.

Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

Putting on the finishing touches

Gerald Haney from Utilities Commission updates Grayson City Council on Water Line Project. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

The Grayson Utilities Commission began their September meeting with Director Gerald Haney giving an update on the recent cast iron pipe replacement project in the city.

“They have been working on the ‘punch list’,” Haney told the commission. “Most of what is left is superficial or you could say cosmetic things.”

There were no leaks detected in the recently completed water line replacement, Haney said, and what was left amounted to replacing bricks in some areas, grass reseeding, and general cleanup.

Haney submitted two items to the commission for a vote, including a second change order. The change order (for approximately $5,300) was necessary to address some of the fire hydrants in the city that had a deeper bury and would require adding an extension in order to meet standards. A change order is issued when something unforeseen in the original bid requires completion to finish a project.

Haney also made the commission aware that the final payout on the cast iron pipe replacement project was in the amount of $79,831.54. The commission voted to approve the change order and voted to make the final payout.

Haney informed the commission that a paving project from Standifer that was originally bid at approximately $195,000 in asphalt cost had been updated as well.

“When we actually went out and physically measured and walked it all, it actually came out a bit more favorable on the tonnage required,” Haney said.

There would also be some millwork required that had not been calculated, such as near the church on Pomeroy and on Second Street near the sidewalk, Haney said.

“There will be some additional things, but nothing drastic,” he said. “Nothing street-wide where you would need a subcontractor.”

The additional paving work, Haney told the commission, was connected with the overall pipe replacement project and was the portion the commission is responsible for finishing. Haney explained that certain projects were the responsibility of the commission, and some were the responsibility of the City of Grayson. That, he noted, is why residents might see different colored markings on a roadway denoting who would be finishing repairs.

With the project being virtually complete, Haney told the commission that he did not anticipate the need for any additional meetings with Opell Excavating.

“We will probably just do a ‘walk through’ to make sure everything is complete, and then I’ll recommend that we release the retainage,” Haney said.

The warranty period for the work done by Opell Excavating began August 29 of 2025, Haney said, and the company would be responsible for any related problems for a period of one year. The warranty would include any leaks in the replaced portion of the water lines this winter, Haney told the commission.

Haney said that he did not anticipate any problems with the water pipe replacement project and told the commission that Opell’s Excavating had an extremely good track record.

“They have done a wonderful job,” Haney said. “They started late due to a supply issue but still managed to complete the project thirty days ahead of schedule.”

The cast iron water pipe replacement project is something Haney said the city has needed for some time, and it comes with the added bonus of updating technology that will both reduce the frequency and possibility of leaks while allowing the utilities commission to find the leaks quicker if they do occur. And, in the event a leak does occur, fewer people can expect to be impacted, as the new shut-off valves will allow for a more localized, and less widespread, interruption of water supply.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Week: Meet Jake

Jake is a male mixed breed, around 6-months-old, and 28 pounds. He’s very friendly, good with other dogs, and learning to walk on a leash. Jake is also already neutered, and up to date on his vaccines. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet him or call 475-9771 for more information.

Shelter hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

Lyons to remain incarcerated for now

(submitted photo)

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

More information about the charges against an Olive Hill man – accused of using the internet app Snapchat to solicit a 13-year-old girl he met at a Vacation Bible School (VBS) – came out during his bond hearing last Thursday. This included additional information on the content of some of the text messages exchanged between the two, and details of how the accused used his own child to approach the minor and obtain her telephone number during vacation bible school.

Michael Lyons, age 32 – who was indicted last year in Greenup County on 14 counts of first degree criminal abuse of a minor under the age of 12, along with three other defendants, for his role in the alleged abuse of children in the special education program at McKell Elementary School – was free on bond in that case when he reportedly approached the victim in the Carter County case. According to testimony from Detective Eddie Littleton, with the Carter County Sheriff’s Department, the victim testified that Lyons approached her and asked if she could take a photo of him with his daughter and text it to him. Once they had connected via telephone, they moved their conversation to the Snapchat app. It was in that app that he allegedly asked the victim to send him nude photos, as well as sending her photos of male genitalia that he claimed he found online. However, retrieving all of that information has proven difficult, Littleton testified, because of the nature of the app. Conversations on Snapchat are not archived in the same way as traditional text or other personal messaging applications. By default, all messages sent through the app are deleted within 24 hours of being read, though users may adjust their settings to delete read messages immediately, or hold them for seven days before deleting; unless they are otherwise archived by the user. Because of this there are gaps in the conversation they’ve been able to retrieve from the victim’s device, Littleton testified. But they are working on retrieving them.

Littleton also recounted testimony that he had presented during Lyons initial arraignment on the Carter County charges, including reading the contents of a text conversation between Lyons and the victim’s father where Lyons begged the father not to contact police or press charges, stating that he couldn’t lose his family or his “church family,” and claiming that he didn’t know how old the victim was.

Littleton noted that although Lyons and the victim’s family weren’t close friends, they were familiar with each other through church, and that Lyons worked with youth in the church during VBS, though he couldn’t testify to any official youth leadership position.

Lyons’ attorney, however, claimed that Lyons wasn’t aware of the victim’s age, and introduced text messages that seemed to indicate the victim had misrepresented her age to Lyons. But the Commonwealth countered that VBS is for minor children only, and argued that even if Lyons wasn’t aware of her exact age, he was aware of which age group she was involved with during VBS.

There was also discussion of the conditions of Lyons’ bond in the Greenup case. Judge Rebecca Phillips noted that the terms of his bond in the Greenup case appeared to have been modified. She stated that it initially appeared as though he had been ordered to have no contact with children, and that it appeared it was modified to no unsupervised contact with children.

While Lyons’ attorney argued that he had not violated the terms of his bond in that Greenup case, Phillips said she needed to talk with the judge in that case to determine if there had been a violation of terms, and whether the terms of bond at the time of the incident – which occurred in June – were to have no contact with minor children, or no unsupervised contact.

And though the defense continued to claim the minor had misrepresented her age, pointing to the text where she allegedly apologized for doing so, attorney for the Commonwealth Barry Bradley said that wasn’t enough to justify releasing Lyons.

“She might have lied (about her age),” Bradley said during his final statements to the judge. “But this is a grown man who went to Vacation Bible School to (pick up) a girl.”
“This wasn’t someone he met in a college library, who lied about her age,” Bradley noted. “And, in his own words, you heard him apologize to (the victim’s father).”

Bradley noted that even in that apology, Lyons’ concern was on himself, and the impact the incident would have on him and his relationship with the church and his family.

“That’s what he was worried about,” Bradley said. “Not what he did to the victim.”

Bradley reiterated the nature of the Greenup County crimes, noting “this isn’t the first time” Lyons had been accused of abusing or exploiting children, and that he was aware he wasn’t supposed to have contact with minors as a condition of his bond in that case.

Despite this knowledge, Bradley said, “he went to a VBS and picked up a girl… at some point we have to use our common sense.”

Phillips said she was delaying any decisions on bond in this case until she had time to review family court proceedings and content from the Greenup case.

At press time Lyons was still incarcerated at the Carter County Detention Center on charges of procuring or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means, and distribution of obscene matter to a minor. According to notes on his arrest record there is a hold on Lyons from the Greenup County Circuit Court, with the reason listed as “no bond per Judge McCloud.”  

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Joyful Noise: Big deal?

woman looking at sunset
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

We don’t think these sins are a big deal, but God does! It is all in the scriptures. Let these remind you the next time you just think “it’s ok” God won’t mind.

  1. Gossip. We thought it was just sharing our opinion. But God says gossip stirs up conflict and separates close friends. (Proverbs 16:28)
  2. White Lies. We thought we were protecting someone’s feelings. But God says all liars will have their part in the lake of fire. (Revelation 21:8)
  3. Pride. We thought we were just being confident. But God resists the proud and gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6)
  4. Gluttony. We thought we were just enjoying food. But God says those whose god is their belly are enemies of the cross. (Philippians 3:19)
  5. Being Lukewarm. We thought we were just being “balanced.” But God says He will spit out the lukewarm. (Revelation 3:16)
  6. Idleness. We thought we were just resting, But God warns that laziness leads to poverty and ruin. (Proverbs 6:10-11)
  7. Lustful Glances. We thought we were just looking. But Jesus said looking with lust is adultery in the heart. (Matthew 5:28)
  8. Envy. We thought we were just wishing for what they had. But God says envy rots the bones. (Proverbs 14:30)
  9. Complaining. We thought we were just being honest. But God says grumbling shows a lack of trust in Him. (Philippians 2:14)
  10. Not Helping Others When We Could. I thought someone else would help. But God says if I see a need and do nothing, that’s sin. (James 4:17)
  11. Being Easily Offended. We thought we were just being sensitive. But God says love is not easily offended. (1Corinthians 13:5)

It matters to keep your heart on the altar. It’s not a one-time act of surrender. It’s a daily decision to invite God into your motives, emotions and responses every day. Romans 12:1 says to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to the Lord. This is your true and proper worship. This is necessary as an un-surrendered heart is a vulnerable heart. Bitterness, pride, and offense fester when your heart drifts from the fire of God. The altar is where healing, conviction of sin, and purification happens.

These sins create legal access for the enemy to torment, distract and divide you so he can keep you ineffective. It is the little foxes that spoil the vine, that can wreck a close relationship with the Lord. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything hiding in your heart. The altar is your anchor so your heart stays yielded to do what is right.

Pray this prayer. Father, I ask you to create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Reveal anything I’ve buried – offense, pain and unforgiveness and bring it into your light. I choose to surrender over self. I choose obedience over bitterness. Keep me on the altar. Let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing in your sight. In Jesus’ name.

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.

The real Appalachia is still rebuilding

village among hills in countryside
Photo by ganimatque on Pexels.com

By William Ney

J.D. Vance got famous telling the world what’s wrong with Appalachia.
He turned struggle into a brand and pain into a talking point, packaging the region’s hardest truths for readers who’d never set foot here. His book Hillbilly Elegy painted Eastern Kentucky and Southern Ohio as broken places filled with broken people — a morality tale about failure.

But if you actually live here, you know that story’s not complete.

I wasn’t raised deep in the mountains. I grew up in Kirksville, in the foothills, where I had more opportunity than most — a professional father, a mother with a psychology degree, and the expectation that life would go according to plan. Yet when alcoholism wrecked that plan, it wasn’t privilege that steadied me. It was Eastern Kentucky.

People who had lost more than I ever had still showed up for me — quietly, consistently, without judgment. That’s what recovery really looks like here. It’s a neighbor brewing coffee for a 7 a.m. meeting. It’s a peer-support worker driving an hour of back roads to check on someone who missed group. It’s counselors staying late because hope doesn’t keep business hours.

Vance called our region a cautionary tale. What I see is a master class in endurance.

Working as the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Coordinator for Pathways Inc. in Ashland, I see that endurance every day. The clients I meet aren’t failures; they’re proof that healing happens in small, steady steps. Every phone call returned, every therapy session attended, every relapse met with another try — those are victories. They don’t make national headlines, but they keep families together and towns alive.

That same spirit filled the fairgrounds in Ashland this year during Healing Appalachia 2025, where more than 25,000 people gathered to celebrate recovery through music and community. The event, organized by Hope in the Hills, a West Virginia-based nonprofit, shows what’s possible when Appalachians lead their own renewal. No political campaign could build that stage. It rose from faith, creativity, and the conviction that dignity is a renewable resource.

The truth is, Appalachia doesn’t need elegies — it needs investment, partnership, and respect. We don’t need outsiders explaining us; we need neighbors believing in us.

When I look around Carter County and the surrounding hills, I don’t see hopelessness. I see people fixing cars, mentoring kids, starting recovery groups, and helping each other stay afloat. It’s messy work, but it’s holy work — the kind that builds communities strong enough to outlast any election cycle.

So, to anyone still quoting Hillbilly Elegy as the final word on who we are, I’d invite them to come see for themselves. Spend an evening at a recovery meeting, or a night at Healing Appalachia, and watch the real story unfold. You’ll find that Eastern Kentucky isn’t a monument to what was lost — it’s a living proof of what can be found again.

About the author:
William Ney is the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Coordinator at Pathways Inc. in Ashland, Kentucky, and a Master of Education candidate in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Lindsey Wilson College.

Gaga for gaga ball

Boy Scout Jake Sherrard (Troop 109) speaks with the Grayson Tourism Commission about an Eagle Scout project. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

Local Boy Scout Jake Sherrard (Troop 109) spoke to the Grayson Tourism Commission at their regular meeting in October about his plan for his Eagle Scout project.

“I am here with a project for a gaga ball pit,” Sherrard told the commission. “I plan on putting it between the splash pad and the playground area at the sports park.”

The pit, he said, would not be fixed but movable, as necessary.

Sherrard explained the project to the commission – one which would be totally funded, both materials and labor, through his efforts. It involves erecting a pit structure 30 inches high and 10feet long on each side in an octagon shape, with a blue powder steel frame to match the playground and a mulch base inside. Sherrard told the commission that he needed their approval for the project before he could submit his completed plan to Boy Scouts of America.

Gaga ball is a game that is played in a pit setting, with players striking the ball with an open hand and attempting to strike their opponents below the knee, thereby eliminating them. Multiple opponents can be eliminated with one strike of the ball, which adds another challenging dimension to the game. Players cannot pick up or ‘scoop’ the ball, and play continues until all players are eliminated in a ‘last man standing’ scenario. The only limit to the number of players is the dimensions of the pit itself.

“My brother built one at Carter Caves and it was a massive success,” Sherrard told the commission. “We went by on a random Tuesday and there were about eight or nine people playing.”

Sherrard told the commission that Prichard Elementary has a gaga ball pit, but it is locked up after school hours. Building a gaga ball pit at the sports park would allow young people in Grayson and the surrounding areas to be able to play without those restrictions, especially on weekends when the school is not open. After hearing Sherrard’s proposal, the commission voted to approve it on the contingency that the sports park manager would oversee it.

Sports Park Director Bert Bayes reported to the commission that the sports park was doing well with plenty of traffic.

“We did a hard count and there were 650 cars by 10:30 in the morning, not counting in overflow parking,” Bayes said. “We estimate there were somewhere between 2,200 and 2,500 people at the park for about five or six hours. We had a very large crowd, and everything went well. We were also fortunate with the weather.”

“We continue to stay really busy,” Bayes reported. “During our events we continue to see really good turnouts, and everything runs smoothly. We haven’t had any complaints. And we have had a lot of compliments from the visitors coming in.”

Bayes told the commission that the majority of people were actual visitors, and not from Grayson.

“And sometimes they are from far away,” he said. “On the soccer games we have people driving from Louisville and Elizabethtown.”

Bayes told the commission that the Sports Park was just touching the tip of the iceberg, so to speak, when it came to soccer. He said he expected it to continue to grow and to see numbers comparable to what they have seen for baseball and softball.

“We continue to be very busy,” he said. “And we have events scheduled through the second week of November.”

The numbers they have experienced are just one good reason to make a comprehensive development plan, he said, with a focus on improving parking and other future needs.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

East Carter dominates Lewis County

(Photo by Steele Photography, Carter County Times)

By Brayleigh Boggs

Carter County Times

The East Carter Raiders wasted no time stamping their authority on Friday night’s matchup against the Lewis County Lions, running away with a 37-13 victory. From the opening kickoff, the Raiders came ready to play, setting the tone with big plays and relentless defense.

Lewis County kicked off, and East Carter’s Gavin Elliott (10) took the ball at the 49-yard line, quickly putting the Raiders on offense. After a false start stalled the drive momentarily, quarterback Thomas Burton (1) unleashed a long pass to Caleb Hall (21), who hauled it in for a quick touchdown, waking up the crowd and putting East Carter up 7-0 early.

The Raiders’ defense then took over, with linebacker Hunter Stickler (40) forcing a safety to extend the lead to 9-0. That set the stage for a strong offensive push, as Burton found Chase McGuffin (2) near the Lewis County 16-yard line. From there, East Carter’s powerful Layne Gillium (9) bulldozed his way into the end zone, making it 16-0.

Lewis County struggled to find rhythm on offense, thanks in part to a bad snap that pushed them back near their own goal line. They were forced to punt, giving the Raiders excellent field position at their own 38. Capitalizing on the opportunity, Dzsawn Beason (23) ripped off a 14-yard run to get things moving. Shortly after, Gillium punched in another touchdown, putting East Carter firmly in control at 23-0.

After a touchback on the kickoff, Lewis County punted again, this time on their own 46-yard line. Burton then connected on a short pass to McGuffin, who did the rest, sprinting into the end zone for a touchdown. With Reese Bush’s (7) extra point adding the icing, the Raiders led 30-0. On defense, Gillium continued to wreak havoc, delivering a big tackle for loss that helped stall the Lions’ offense.

Lewis County finally got something going late in the first half, intercepting a pass and returning it to East Carter’s 42-yard line. But the Raiders’ defense held strong, forcing a turnover on downs and regaining possession. The offense responded with a long run by Gillium and a clutch pass from Lawson Wilder (11) to Kale Kunder (18), moving deep into Lewis territory. Then, Gillium powered his way to the 1-yard line before crossing the goal line again, extending the lead to 37-0.

The Lions weren’t ready to quit just yet, answering with a long 37-yard touchdown reception just before halftime to make it 37-7 going into the break.

Lewis County came out with some renewed energy in the second half, driving inside East Carter’s 25-yard line before a crucial turnover on downs stopped their progress. The Raiders’ offense moved steadily with solid runs from Elliott and Bryson Matney (8), but the Lions’ defense made a key sack on East Carter’s quarterback Wilder as the third quarter came to a close.

In the final quarter, Lewis County managed to chip away at the lead with a touchdown run making it 37-13. However, East Carter’s commanding lead proved too much, and the Raiders held on for the decisive victory.

The Raiders offense showed confidence and power throughout, while the defense was relentless in shutting down the Lions’ attempts to mount a comeback. East Carter improves with this win, sending a message to the rest of the region that they’re a force to be reckoned with. They move on to next week where they will face the Russell Red Devils in what is assured to be an intense matchup.

(Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com)

Fighting the Drug War on the wrong front

orange and white prescription bottle on table
Photo by Kevin Bidwell on Pexels.com

By Robert Dean

Carter County Times

I know people who’ve died from overdoses. I also know people who’ve been saved with a timely Narcan administration. The pollution of fentanyl in street drugs is widespread in America. This isn’t a hot take. People are dying. This is reality.

What’s not rooted in reality, though, is this idea that Venezuela is some major drug trafficking center. We all know that’s a false narrative. Mexico is where the cartels live. Venezuela is where a corrupt government that refuses to play ball with the United States on oil lives. That’s what creates this optical illusion for political theater—when anyone with a working internet connection can tell you the plain truth about where the drugs actually come from.

Despite political rhetoric pointing fingers at Venezuela, the fentanyl crisis is overwhelmingly rooted in Mexico, where major cartels like Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation operate large-scale labs manufacturing fentanyl using precursor chemicals shipped from China and India. These organizations control production, distribution, and smuggling networks that move the drug across the U.S. border—primarily through official ports of entry, not remote desert crossings. According to the DEA’s 2024 National Drug Threat Assessment, nearly 97 percent of the fentanyl seized in the U.S. originates from Mexico, and more than 80 percent of those seizures occur at legal border crossings. Venezuela plays virtually no direct role in this supply chain; the problem is entrenched in Mexico’s criminal economy, not its neighbors.

This isn’t an anti-Mexico statement. I’m pro-immigration. I’m for people living their best lives. As I’ve said before, I’d rather have a family who walked through hell to be my neighbor than the guy down the street who just won the birth lottery. What I’m calling out is the Trump administration’s false narrative that we’re somehow attacking the “war on drugs.” That war has proven over and over to be a pointless war of attrition—and now we’re blaming Venezuela? Nah, bro. That ain’t it. They didn’t make Narcos or Sicario about Argentina, did they?

When a suit starts yapping about “drug traffickers” in Venezuela while ignoring the very real cartel networks operating just across our southern border, the lingo isn’t about saving American lives—it’s setting the stage for regime change. Venezuela’s government, for all its corruption and dysfunction, sits on the largest proven oil reserves in the world—about 18 percent of the global total, according to BP’s 2023 Statistical Review of World Energy. Maduro refuses to play nice with Washington or American energy interests. That’s the common thread in every so-called “intervention” we’ve ever justified: gussy it up as fighting drugs, terrorism, or tyranny, but the prize is always oil.

If this were about saving lives, we’d be investing in treatment, education, and harm reduction, not missiles and PR campaigns. If this were about stopping fentanyl, we’d be working with Mexico and China to crush the chemical supply chain instead of potentially bombing Caracas. We’ve seen this play before—in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and a dozen other countries where our “good intentions” left chaos in their wake. Before you know it, we’re happy to see someone get shoved out the door, the country falls apart, and we stuff our pockets before turning the land back over—only in worse shape than when we found it.

It’s a familiar pattern. Google it. I’d tell you they’d teach this stuff in school, but when we’re still arguing over whether a kid can read Charlotte’s Web or Notes of a Native Son, making sure kids have a solid understanding of political corruption might be a little above the average teacher’s pay grade.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: Finding lost things

person holding a keychain with key
Photo by Kindel Media on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

How many times have we said, “I can’t find my keys?” or “Where did I put the remote?” Well, I would say a lot. Why does this happen? Did we just simply forget where we left them? Yep, that’s exactly what happened. We are in such a rush during our day that we drop and run resulting in memory loss.

It’s not that we are naturally forgetful, it’s just that we don’t put things where they belong in our hurry to get ready for the next moment. Most of the time, we can find those lost things, but there are times when it takes longer which leads to confusion and time loss.

I remember a time when I lost my keys while preparing to leave for a client’s home. I was running late and though I franticly searched, I was quickly running out of time. It finally came to the point when I was going to miss my appointment and it didn’t involve me alone because my associate was waiting for me to pick her up, as well. So, I called a locksmith and got access to my car and left. We made it being only a few minutes late, but in my panic, I spent $150 on keys. The job was a success. The client was happy, and I made it home at the end of the day without further incident.

Did I find my keys? Yes, they were on my bed where I had laid them down while getting ready to leave and during my search I had buried them under the covers. If I had put them away in their rightful place, I would have saved myself worry, frustration, and money.

Keep your things where they belong and think before you drop.

It’s as simple as that!

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

Weekly Arrests: 10/22/25

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.

  • Martha Potter, 37, of Argillite, arrested by Greenup County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 13.
  • Barren Barker, 31, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, serving a warrant for a parole violation, arrested and booked October 13.
  • Tyler Ratcliff, 21, of Willard, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 13.
  • Christopher Pennington, 45, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 13.
  • John Dyer, 39, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked October 13.
  • Bryan Scott, 46, of South Shore, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 13.
  • Danny Tackett, 41, of Grayson, arrested by Boyd County Jail, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 14.
  • Jose Mendoza, 30, of Ashland, arrested by Carter County Jail, on charges of third degree terroristic threatening, intimidating a participant in the legal process, second degree unlawful imprisonment, third degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked October 14, with an ICE detainer.
  • Brent Blankenship, 23, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of improper display of registration plates, no registration receipt, and failure to maintain required insurance, arrested and booked October 14.
  • Melissa Pennington, 40, of Hitchins, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked October 14.
  • Gary Rogers, 40, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, arrested and booked October 14.
  • Davina Arthur, 59, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 15.
  • Mason Skaggs, 21, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked October 15.
  • Kimberly Ferguson, 43, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of theft by deception – including cold checks – valued at more than $1,000 but less than $10,000, arrested and booked October 15.
  • Jeremy Creech, 44, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of third degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), possession of marijuana, first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, arrested and booked October 15.
  • Vanessa Gollihue, 34, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a hold for Drug Court, arrested and booked October 15.
  • Samuel Barker, 18, of Morehead, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and first degree criminal mischief, arrested and booked October 16.
  • Randall Hamm, 55, of Morehead, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of speeding 15 MPH over limit, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol with aggravating circumstances, arrested and booked October 16.
  • Linda Gee, 55, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), and resisting arrest, arrested and booked October 16.
  • Richard Reynolds, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of no registration plates, no registration receipt, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, and failure to wear seat belts, arrested and booked October 16.
  • Cody Tucker, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Detention Center, charges unavailable, arrested and booked October 17
  • Jason Runyon, 43, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of third degree criminal trespassing, arrested and booked October 17.
  • Timothy Hammons, 41, of Grayson, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked October 17.
  • Frank Eldridge, 48, of Morehead, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked October 18.
  • Jessica McGuire, 34, of Flatwoods, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of failure to appear, and flagrant non-support, arrested and booked October 18.
  • Brad LeMaster, 40, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, failure to maintain required insurance, no registration plates, and two counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked October 18.
  • Benjamin Stafford, 44, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of second degree assault – domestic violence, arrested and booked October 18.
  • Richard Walsh, 50, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked October 19.
  • Toby Kronmueller, 55, of Morehead, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of first degree burglary, first degree criminal mischief, theft by unlawful taking of items valued at more than $500 but less than $1,000, and first degree criminal trespassing, arrested and booked October 20.
  • Tyler Leadingham, 28, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked October 20.

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.

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Shirlene Bryant Barker

Shirlene Bryant Barker, age 76, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, at U.K. St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Saturday, July 30, 1949 in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Roy and Genevene Easterling Bryant.

Shirlene was a homemaker. She attended Mt. Top Chapel Church, and enjoyed singing, cooking, gardening, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by one brother, Larry Wayne Bryant, and one sister, Brenda Faye Bledsoe.

Shirlene is survived by her loving husband of fifty-seven years, Harlan Barker; four sons, Kevin Lee Barker, Clifton Elliott Barker, Delbert Ray Barker, all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Grover Lee Barker of Morehead, Kentucky; one daughter, Della Dee Barker of Olive Hill, Kentucky; fourteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; five brothers, James Bryant, David Bryant, Greg Bryant, Barry Bryant, all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, and Michael Bryant of Grayson, Kentucky; one sister, Wanda Lee Spencer of Portsmouth, Ohio, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Roger Greenhill officiating. Burial will follow in Bryant Cemetery, Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m., Thursday, October 16, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Clifton Barker, Devin Barker, Bryan Barker, Tommy Kiser, Phillip Barker, Corey Barker, Tyler Barker, and Canan Barker will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Shirlene Bryant Barker.

Thelma “Jean” Owens Back

Thelma “Jean” Owens Back, age 95, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, in Flatwoods, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sunday, November 17, 1929, in Brayholm, West Virginia, a daughter of the late Vess and Stella Myrtle Riley Owens .

Thelma was a Published Author, a homemaker, and she attended Bowen Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. She enjoyed working with her art, writing, and taking care of her home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 53 years, Harold L. Back; two brothers, Danny Owens and Forrest Owens; one sister, Yvonne Thomas; two daughter-in-laws, Rita Back and Boneva Back.

Thelma is survived by four sons, Gary (Linda) Back of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Michael (Ruthie) Back of Grayson, Kentucky, Ronnie Back of Flatwoods, Kentucky, Richard L. Back of Eaton, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; three brothers, Jewett Owens of Emerson, Kentucky, Bobby Owens of Vanceburg, Kentucky, Jimmy Owens of Emerson, Kentucky; one sister, Joyce Branham of Hayden, Alabama; along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Justin Wagoner officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m. Saturday, October 18, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Ron Back, Kip Back, Monty Back, Jarrod Back, Dustin Back and Brayden Back will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Thelma “Jean” Owens Back

Michael Rufus P’Simer

Michael Rufus P’Simer, age 49, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Friday, October 10, 2025, with his best friend by his side, at Southern Ohio Hospice Care Center.

He was born Wednesday, November 12, 1975, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a son of the late Rufus and Linda Reynolds P’Simer.

He enjoyed horseback riding, fishing. He loved joking and pranking others, expecially family and friends.

Michael is survived by two sons, Dalton Brown (Peyton Rice) of Morehead, Kentucky, Prestin Easterling of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one granddaughter, Harper Brown; two brothers, Jeff P’Simer, Jake P’Simer both of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three sisters, Tammy Oney, Lisa (Sam) McCleese, LeAnn P’Simer all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Jason Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in P’Simer Cemetery, Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m., Monday, October 20, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Michael Rufus P’Simer.

What is love?

close up of comics
Photo by Erik Mclean on Pexels.com
By: Tommy Druen
Guest Columnist

My uncle collected comic books. Growing up, that meant I had access to stories far beyond the standard superheroes my friends knew. But it wasn’t the adventures that hooked me most—it was the encyclopedias: The Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe and DC’s Who’s Who. They cataloged every character with details like aliases, first appearances, and, most fascinating to me, origin stories.

Origins mattered because they explained the “why.” They showed the crucible moments that turned ordinary people into something greater—or darker. Peter Parker became Spider-Man not because of the spider bite, but because of the guilt he carried after Uncle Ben’s death. Bruce Wayne donned the cape because he couldn’t endure others suffering as he had when his parents were gunned down in an alley. (Granted, not every character had that depth—sorry, Matter-Eater Lad.) Still, origin stories revealed purpose.

We may not have superpowers, but we all have our own origin stories. Mine includes 1992, when I was 14 and entering eighth grade. My mom received the class roster, and I eagerly searched for guys I hoped were on it. None were there. Not even the boys I didn’t like. By fate or mischief, I landed in a class with eight boys and twenty girls. Many would envy those odds. My 14-year-old self did not.

Yet that year became my favorite. I learned quite a bit, mostly outside of the textbooks. It was like I was living in a lab related to how girls thought. It was also the year that Trinidadian-German artist Haddaway made us all ponder the question: “What is Love?” (Feel free to pause here for a Will Ferrell–Chris Kattan head bob.) The answer, I discovered, was that I could truly love a girl—or an entire gaggle of them—on a purely platonic level. The romantic love we mostly think of would evade me for a long time. And that was okay.

However, by my final semester of college, I worried a little. I was at the ripe old age of 22 and I still hadn’t met “the one.” It wasn’t like I was without passion though. It just typically was on the golf course. Everyone has a love language; at the time, mine involved a straight drive and a long putt. Then, one cold winter night, I fired up AOL Instant Messenger and randomly messaged someone with the handle “Chem Nerd 7.” It turned out to belong to a freshman at Georgetown College. We talked that night. And the next. And the next. Soon, our conversations weren’t distractions from my classes and golf, but rather they were distractions from our conversations.

Eventually, I did the unthinkable and asked to meet. To my surprise, she agreed to hang out together in her dorm. Her friends checked in often, making sure she was safe from the “random internet boy.” I didn’t mind. Their concern meant she was someone worth protecting.

From that night forward, I’m not sure we’ve gone a single day without talking. That online chat became my true origin story. I soon could easily time the drive to Georgetown. Career plans shifted. Before long, I was picking out China patterns and looking at house plans with someone who had soon before been just words on a screen.

It’s now been more than 25 years since I met Erin Scott, and 22 since she took my name at the altar. Together we’ve shared joys, sorrows, two remarkable children, and the daily rhythm of life. Logically, I know the odds are slim that one person could simultaneously be the kindest, funniest, most compassionate, and most beautiful woman alive. Yet, in my heart, I know it’s true.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians describe love as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, never conceited or selfish. I believe all of that. But I’ve also learned that love can be clumsy, stubborn, moody, independent, charming hilarious, and deeply faithful.

So when Haddaway asked, “What is Love?” I think of Justice Potter Stewart’s famous line about obscenity: he couldn’t define it, but he knew it when he saw it. I know love every time I see Erin Scott Druen, and miss her when I’m not in the room with her, and my soul is filled with a love unlike any other I ever will experience.

My hope is simply that others may be just as fortunate.

Audiences, musicians to help select new conductor of Cave Run Symphony

a woman in black clothes sitting in front of a music stand
Photo by Thirdman on Pexels.com

“The race is on for a new baton.”

            That’s the motto of the final phase of the innovative search for a new principal conductor of the Cave Run Symphony Orchestra. It will seek the input of audiences and orchestra musicians in the evaluation of three finalists to succeed Maestro Terry Durbin who is stepping away from the podium after six seasons.

            “Each of our finalists will conduct the orchestra in one concert this season and Dr. Durbin will return to conduct one performance,” said Dr. Lori Baruth, search committee chair. “We are excited about the prospect of allowing audiences and orchestra members to have the opportunity to comment on each candidate’s demonstrated expertise through an evaluation form after each of the three concerts.”

            The finalists were chosen recently through a traditional evaluation of written applications and supporting documentation.

            Dr. Baruth is principal clarinet for the Cave Run Symphony and serves as chair of the CRSO’s Artistic Advisory Committee, which is responsible for orchestra programming and musical personnel.

            Dr. Craig Burrows, chair of the Symphony’s Board of Directors, also is enthusiastic about inviting concertgoers and musicians to comment on the musical mastery, leadership skills, and artistic vision of each finalist.

            “Inviting those persons with the most exposure to our performances to help  us find a new principal conductor is most appropriate for this community-supported symphony orchestra and I applaud the search committee’s creative approach,” Burrows added. “This process is certainly in keeping with the spirit of strong community involvement which has guided us since the orchestra’s founding twelve years ago.”

            The Cave Run Symphony Orchestra opens its 2025-26 concert season on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 3 p.m. in the Morehead Conference Center with the theme of “Scandinavian Showpieces.”

            Conducting will be Kyle Elgarten of Coral Gables, Fla., who currently serves as assistant conductor of the Palm Beach Symphony, associate conductor of the Frost Symphony Orchestra, and assistant conductor of the Henry Mancini Institute Orchestra.

            Season tickets are $35 if purchased on or before Oct. 26 but will be $50 after that date. They are available at the Morehead Visitor Center or may be purchased online at caverunsymphony.org or at the door or by mail at CRSO, PO Box 441, Morehead, KY  40351.

Adult tickets for single concerts are $18 and can be purchased at the door or online or by mail. Students and other children are admitted free of charge.

Ticket questions should be directed to the telephone message line at 784-9894 or by e-mail to caverunsymphony@gmail.com.

                                                                 (Media Contact: keithkappes@gmail.com)

Extension Notes: Creating a Cozy Garden and Landscape: Fall Chores that will Lead to Spring Success

assorted plants with trees photography
Photo by Creative Vix on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

As autumn settles in and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to prepare your garden for winter. Fall offers an ideal window to protect your landscape and lay the groundwork for a thriving spring. Here’s a streamlined guide to help you get started. 

Begin by clearing away fallen leaves, twigs, and plant debris. These materials can harbor pests and diseases, so remove and compost healthy matter while discarding anything that is infected. While most pruning of trees and shrubs should be left until late winter or early spring, fall is suitable for pruning dead or damaged branches. Remove any limbs that pose a risk during winter storms. 

Soil preparation is also key. Incorporate compost or organic matter to improve structure and fertility. Consider testing your soil’s pH and nutrient levels to guide amendments for optimal spring growth. 

Fall is the best time to fertilize cool-season grasses like fescue and Kentucky bluegrass. Apply nitrogen in two or three doses spaced six weeks apart. Woody plants benefit from late-season feeding as long as soils are not frozen. Wait until the leaves on deciduous plants are turning colors to apply fertilizer to ensure proper hardening. 

If you are looking to spruce up your landscaping, fall is an ideal time to establish perennials, shrubs, and trees. Spring-flowering bulbs can be planted between mid-October and Thanksgiving. 

Next, apply mulch to insulate your soil and tree roots. A two- to three-inch layer of organic material — such as wood chips, straw or ground leaves — helps regulate temperature, retain moisture and suppress weeds.  

While mulching, assess frost-sensitive plants. Cover tender annuals and tropicals with frost cloth or burlap on cold nights and move potted plants to sheltered areas to prolong growth and flowering for a few days. Watering before a freeze can help, as moist soil retains heat better than dry soil. 

Finally, consider wildlife as you winterize. Leave seed heads for birds, create brush piles for small mammals, and install feeders. Piles of fallen leaves may also provide overwintering sites for butterflies, their larvae or other beneficial insects. Berry-producing shrubs and ornamental grasses add seasonal interest while supporting local ecosystems. 

By completing these essential tasks, you’ll safeguard your garden through winter and ensure a vibrant return in spring. 

To learn more about fall garden and yard landscaping care, 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:

  • The Olive Hill Farmer’s Market is located in the Save-a-Lot parking lot and is open on Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8:00 AM. The Grayson Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturdays at 9:00 and is located in the shed behind the Extension Office.  
  • Hike & Learn – October 17th – Call 474-6686 for more details. 

Hundreds of eastern Kentucky high school students participate in third annual AgVenture Day

Submitted photo

On Thursday, September 25, 2025, 242 students from seven eastern Kentucky schools gathered at Imel’s Greenhouse in Greenup County for the third annual AgVenture Day. Students from East Carter, Elliot County, Greenup County, Lawrence County, Lewis County, Paul Blazer and West Carter explored career paths in agriculture, connected with local ag partners, and put their skills to the test in interactive contests.  

The event, hosted in partnership with Farm Credit Mid-America and greenhouse owner Kenny Imel, looks to help eastern Kentucky students better understand agriculture’s importance in the region.

AgVenture Day is the brainchild of  Imel, who hopes to inspire more young people to return home and pursue agricultural careers. “If we aren’t pouring into that next generation, we can’t be mad when it’s not there,” Imel said during the event’s early planning. “Somebody’s gotta step up and do something.”

Throughout the day, students participated in various on-site workshops and activities including:

  • Scavenger hunt exploring Imel’s greenhouse while learning about agriculture and greenhouse production
  • Goal-setting workshop where they built a customized action plan for personal and academic success
  • Pencil with a Purpose activity to practice critical thinking through engaging prompts
  • Backpack packing where students loaded 500 backpacks with food to help fight food insecurity for families in their local communities

Students also competed in five different challenges, with a total of $10,000 in cash prizes awarded to top students and their FFA chapters. The overall grand champion was West Carter whose FFA chapter received a $2500 prize. Individual contest winners were awarded $1000 for their FFA chapter and $500 to split between the two student contestants. Winners were:

Forestry Contest: Paul Blazer, Riley Layman Bohannon and Branden McGhee

Marketing Contest: West Carter, Roy Utley and Lily Gilbert

Business Plan Contest: Paul Blazer, Keaton Stevens and Marley Walter

Sales Contest: Paul Blazer Ryder Phillips and Kahlil Ealey

Agri-Tank Contest: Elliott County, Brody Markwell and Jackson Kidd

Grand Champion: West Carter

In partnership with Imel’s Greenhouse, AgVenture Day is sponsored by Farm Credit Mid-America, a financial services cooperative serving farmers and rural residents in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee.

# # #

About Farm Credit Mid-America

A proud member of the Farm Credit System, Farm Credit Mid-America is securing the future of rural communities and agriculture® as a leading provider of reliable, consistent credit and financial services to farmers, producers, agribusinesses and rural residents in Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. The customer-owned cooperative serves more than 145,000 customers and manages a portfolio of $44.1 billion in total earning assets owned and managed. Farm Credit Mid-America’s products and services include loans for real estate, operating, equipment, rural living, crop insurance and vehicle, equipment and building leases. For more information, visit www.fcma.com.

Comets Dominate in District Opener

West Carter’s Nate Hall runs the ball. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs)

By Brayleigh Boggs

Carter County Times

The West Carter Comets came out strong in their first 2A District 6 matchup Friday night, setting the tone early and never letting up in a commanding 51-6 victory over Jackson County.

West Carter wasted no time putting points on the board. After pinning Jackson deep on the opening kickoff, Trip Lemaster (23) broke through for a safety, giving the Comets a quick 2-0 lead. On the ensuing possession, West Carter capitalized on the field position. Starting at the Jackson 22-yard line, Nate Hale (24) punched it in from 28 yards out for the first touchdown of the night. With the extra point good, the Comets led 9-0.

Jackson County struggled to find momentum, starting their next drive deep in their own territory. A false start penalty and a strong defensive stand forced another punt, which Westin Kiser (3) fielded with a fair catch at the 37.

Peyton Walker (22) opened the drive with an 8-yard gain on the ground, but a penalty pushed the Comets back. Despite the setback, Hale broke loose for a big run, only to fumble, giving Jackson County a rare opportunity. That momentum was short-lived, however, as a block in the back penalty pushed the Generals into a 2nd-and-long situation. On the very next play, Walker made up for the earlier penalty by coming up with an interception.

Capitalizing quickly, quarterback Hayden Hall (15) connected with Kadin Thompson (1) for a 25-yard touchdown strike, extending the lead to 16-0.

The Comets’ defense continued to shut down Jackson County’s offense, forcing another punt. Kiser sparked the next series with a big gain, followed by another 15-yard burst on the ground. Hall and Hale each chipped in rushing yards before Hale capped the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run, bringing the score to 24-0.

Jackson County’s struggles continued as Kiser snagged an interception shortly after the kickoff, then followed it up with a 21-yard run and another touchdown carry, making it 30-0.

With time winding down in the first half, West Carter remained relentless. Hall connected with Kiser on a 22-yard screen pass, and after a false start set them back, Hall found Walker for another touchdown through the air. The Comets took a 37-0 lead.

After a Jackson County punt, Hall aired it out once more, finding Landon Callihan (11) deep for a 45-yard touchdown to push the lead to 44-0.

Late in the game, West Carter began rotating in younger players, but the offense didn’t slow down. Weston Kiser hit Eli Hancock (21) on a pass that Hancock turned into an 80-yard gain, marking the final Comet touchdown of the night. The extra point made it 51-0.

Jackson County managed to avoid the shutout with a late touchdown run by Gavin Nolasco (3) as the clock expired, bringing the final score to 51-6.

The win moves the Comets to 1-0 in district play as they look to carry that momentum deeper into the season. They host another district rival, Breathitt County, this Friday in Olive Hill.

Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com

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