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West Carter falls to Rowan: East wins in first game of season

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

The Rowan County Vikings went home with a 21-23 win over West Carter on Saturday night. But it was the weather and inexperience that lost the game for the Comets, with cramps and dehydration causing player after player to drop – up to four or more at a time – and forcing Coach Daniel Barker to keep going to his bench late in a game where he was already playing catch up. 

After a rough first quarter, that saw both teams lose yards over penalties, Rowan scored early in the second quarter with a touchdown and safety putting them up nine points over the Comets with 10:23 still left on the clock. The West Carter team struggled to bounce back, with Cole Crampton and Blake McGlone adding yardage for the Comets until Sam Jones scored the first touchdown for West, taking the score to 7-9 with 43 seconds left in the half after Eli Estepp’s successful kick for an extra point. 

West Carter came out in the second half with a renewed sense of purpose. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome muscle cramps and errors. 

McGlone came out hard in the third quarter, taking the kickoff to Rowan County’s 35 yard line before picking up another ten or so yards of a pass for a first down. However, the Comets then lost yardage on a penalty. Crampton was able to bust through Rowan County’s line to advance, eventually advancing to a West Carter first down with 6:29 left in the quarter, even as his teammates succumbed to muscle cramps. 

The Comets would get into scoring range again, but would have their pass intercepted in the endzone, setting up the Vikings for another touchdown, and ending the third quarter with a score of 7-15 after Crampton successfully blocked Rowan County’s attempted kick for an extra point. 

Crampton would eventually fall to cramps himself, likely a result of dehydration and overexertion in the high heat and humidity, before recovering and returning to the game. 

The Comets started recovering as a team in the fourth quarter as well, but it would prove to be too little, too late. 

Crampton scored the second touchdown for West Carter early in the fourth quarter, taking the score to 13-15. After Neil Lusher connected on a 35 yard pass to put the Comets at first and goal, Jones scored again, putting the Comets ahead, 19-15. Timothy Fields’ two-point conversion put the score at 21-15 West. 

But with just under three minutes left in the game, Rowan County scored again to tie things up, and then pulled ahead 21-23, on their own two-point conversion. 

The Comets might have still had time to bounce back, but poor execution and errors allowed the Vikings to run out the clock on West Carter, taking home the win in this first outing for both teams. 

Jones scored twelve points for the Comets on passes received, while Crampton scored six, also on a reception. Fields scored two points and Estepp one. 

Crampton had the most reception yardage of the night, with 76 passing yards gained on three receptions. McGlone was second, with 37 yards on six receptions. Lusher gained 35 yards on one pass, and Jones 19 on two passes. 

Crampton also led the team in rushing, with 59 yards on 23 attempts. Estepp had 11 yards on six attempts, and McGlone rushed for five yards on two attempts. 

Estepp had 12 pass completions, on 24 attempts, and two interceptions, passing for a total of 167 yards and making three touchdown pass completions. 

Crampton had one fumble recovery and Jones forced on defensive fumble. 

In defense Conner Greene had three solo tackles and eight assists, for 11 total. He was matched at 11 by Jones, with four solo tackles and seven assists. Lusher had three solos and seven assists for ten tackles. Samuel Rayburn had six total; Gavin Adams, five; Timothy Fields, four; Raymond Rayburn and Brent King, three each; Crampton, Wilson, Bradyn Flener, McGlone, and Preston Nauman had two tackles each; and Landen Waggoner, Noah Orcutt, and Ethan Bledsoe had one tackle each. 

East Carter 

Down in Mt. Sterling, East Carter faced off against Montgomery County in the Recreation Bowl for their first game of the season, bringing home the win with a score of 22- 20. Stats and breakdowns for that game were not yet available at press time. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com 

  • West Carter coaches carry Kaden Wilson off the field after he and other players suffered from severe muscle cramps on Saturday. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

Uncle Jack Fultz’s Memories of Carter County: Vaccine mandates nothing new

Smallpox epidemics led to quarantines and vaccines

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

Many comparisons have been made between COVID-19 and the Spanish Influenza epidemic that followed WWI. But a look at public policy related to smallpox outbreaks can also tell us a lot about the restrictions communities have sometimes made on individual liberties to protect the larger community. 

For instance, when smallpox struck Olive Hill in June of 1917 the town appointed two guards to enforce the quarantines on those who had been exposed to the virus. But, as the paper noted, two men were not enough, “to guard 4,000 people and tell where they are all at.” 

The Herald actually advocated for a guard to be placed at the door of every household with a known infection, “and not allow either to come or go until it is cured up.” 

If folks didn’t take responsibility, and stay home when exposed, the Herald said, “the entire town will be under quarantine and the progress of business stopped to a stand-still.” 

Though the language is dated, the context should sound very familiar to anyone following the news over the past year. 

By February of the following year, the county health office and state board of health had acted, and the action was a vaccine mandate. 

“The smallpox is going from Olive Hill if anybody happens to ask you,” the February 14, 1918, edition of the Herald read. The reason was, “a general vaccination (the county) enforced, by which every man, woman, and child in the three school precincts (had to) be vaccinated,” according to the paper. 

While the paper supported the vaccination efforts, they lamented that it ever had to come to such, and chastised the doctor who had not “done his duty” – presumably in enforcing quarantines among exposed individuals – so that the community was forced to “obey the law or abide by the consequences.” 

While Spanish flu would come to dominate headlines in the coming year, health officials were keen to stop any new epidemic before it could spread, resulting in the closure of schools, churches, and leisure halls later in the year when an illness that could have been “a good, old time case of the grippe,” another name for influenza, began spreading in the county. Restrictions would tighten again as the flu spread, showing that there is nothing new about the restrictions being put in place for COVID-19 today, or in people ignoring those rules despite the dangers an illness presents. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com 

REAL ID roll out expected to be an obstacle for rural Kentuckians

During the 2020 Regular Session, the Kentucky General Assembly passed House Bill 453. The bill ultimately made the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet the sole issuance entity for REAL IDs, licenses, and personal identification cards. The legislation also eliminated the requirement that an ID must be issued in the county of residence. The legislation is set to take effect on June 30, 2022.

HB 453 came to fruition following a deadline set by the federal government for states to transition to a REAL ID which will be a requirement for domestic air travel after May 3, 2023, per Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The law grants the authority of REAL ID issuance to regional offices across the state that will administer the process. It is a stark contrast when compared to the current renewal and issuance procedures vested in the local circuit court clerks’ office. .

I voted against this legislation and still oppose it today. I do not believe constituents should have to travel great distances to get their licenses. Although the bill outlines a plan for popup services around the state, I still think it won’t be feasible for many of our rural areas. I plan to continue discussions with Transportation Cabinet officials on avenues to make it easier for ALL Kentuckians to upgrade to a REAL ID.

  • For more information, visit drive.ky.gov/REALID or legislature.ky.gov.
  • As always, you can stay in contact with me in the following ways:
  • To leave a message for any legislator, call the General Assembly’s toll-free Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. People with hearing difficulties may leave messages for lawmakers by calling the Kentucky Relay Service at 711.
  • You can write any legislator by sending a letter with the lawmaker’s name to Capitol Annex, 702 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601-3448.
  • You can also email me directly at Robin.Webb@LRC.KY.GOV.

Realities of life often revealed in country music

By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

We’ve been warned for years that some rock music, if played backward, would bring forth a dangerous, even devilish message.

On the other hand, some folks say they believe that if you play a country song backward, you’ll likely get your job back, your doublewide trailer will be returned by the bank, your wife and/or girlfriend will come back with the kids, and the finance company will give you back your pickup truck, dog and all.

Years ago, as a college student trying to make a few bucks, I worked part-time as a country music disc jockey. 

I grew to love the music, especially the lyrics which told the unvarnished truth about life. Genius songwriter Harlan Howard said it best: “country music is three chords and the truth”.

My only complaint was that I hosted a Saturday morning radio show that started at 6 a.m. with the farm market report and ended at noon. 

Sometimes I felt silly talking about the “Early Bird Jamboree” at five minutes till noon. We took telephone requests and that was an education in and of itself.

One seemingly unhappy woman called almost every Saturday, asking simply for “a cheatin’ song” dedicated to her worthless, so-and-so husband. I finally got up the nerve to ask her if she believed her husband was seeing another woman. 

I’ll never forget her answer: “On no, he’d never be that brave or that dumb. But I bet he thinks about it. Besides, I just like cheatin’ songs.” I remembered her about 20 years later when John Anderson scored a big hit with “She Just Started Liking Cheatin’ Songs”.

Not surprisingly, I had trouble balancing my social life and being on time to work so the station manager showed up one morning with my replacement…and fired me.

The friendly stranger told me his name was “Pee Wee” and that someday he was going to Nashville to become a famous songwriter and musician. 

He wasn’t kidding. Country music fans came to know and love him as Tom T. Hall. 

May he rest in peace.

Keith Kappes can be reached at keithkappes@gmail.com

AS WE SEE IT: Time to pay the piper

In the late 90s, just as Purdue Pharma was really starting to push their new prescription opioid Oxycontin, the drug had already taken hold in the rural mining communities that would end up serving as the epicenter of a new opioid epidemic. Folks suffering from coal coking related cancers and whose bodies were broken down from years in the mines were prescribed the drugs, and then their kids and grandkids became addicted to them. 

Purdue began pushing the drug with doctors by 1996, shortly after it obtained approval. Within a couple of years, large boxes of Oxycontin promotional items, like coffee mugs bearing the logo and intended for distribution to doctors’ offices, were being sold in local Dollar Tree stores. 

Addiction was part of the landscape now, and it left an indelible mark across an entire generation. 

While Purdue Pharma continued to claim for years that they were not illegally marketing Oxycontin, or promoting non-therapeutic usage, internal documents indicate otherwise. 

The company – including the Sackler family who ran it – were aware that Oxycontin were being misused. They were aware that this was making the company tons of money. But rather than do anything about the unethical writing of prescriptions, or the establishment of pill mills to meet the growing demand, the company continued to enjoy record profits and say nothing. 

Or, at least, continued to say nothing publicly and to privately laugh at the very people whose addiction they were profiteering from. 

Internal documents and emails show that company executives and sales reps mocked addicts and were fully aware of the negative impact of their drugs on the communities where the opioid epidemic first took hold. Communities like our own. 

The company can’t dispute any of this, and they have agreed to pay billions in damages for the pain, death, and destruction they’ve caused – $4.5 billion in fact. But now David Sackler, a former board member of Purdue Pharma, has said he and his family will pull out of that agreement unless they are granted broad immunity from future prosecution. This includes prosecution not only related to Oxycontin and opioids, but any other drug Purdue Pharma has made – including addiction treatment drugs and drugs used to treat opioid related constipation. 

Unless they – and their fortunes – are granted these broad protections, they will pull out of the deal. This will mean that instead of paying out the settlement to be split between claimants, each individual state and community, including indigenous tribal nations, will have to take Purdue Pharma to court individually. This is a time consuming and labor intensive process, and one many smaller communities and tribal nations simply won’t be able to afford. In those cases, Purdue will win by default, and the communities they’ve stolen futures from won’t be able to afford treatment for their adult addicts, or healthcare for the children born addicted to the poison the Sackler family pushed. 

The Sacklers know this. They know that these smaller states and communities, especially, are relying on this settlement to try to build something better from the ruins of an entire generation Purdue’s drugs helped destroy. They know this, and that’s why they are demanding this immunity now. 

Not because they think they are innocent. They’ve been proven guilty already. Their own internal documents indict them. 

No, they are doing this now for the same cynical and self-serving reasons they didn’t care to addict our communities in the first place. They’re doing it to protect their own fortunes. 

In a just world every penny of the Sackler fortune would be redistributed for treatment and recovery programs. In a just world any family member or executive who knew about the unethical prescription of opioids would be in prison for their role in the scheme. 

But in the world we live in, the best we might be able to hope for is letting David Sackler and his family walk away, so our communities can split the $4.5 billion to clean up the mess they left us.

It’s not justice, but it might be the best we can get. 

WUGO/WGOH new home for MSU sports: Station will broadcast football and men’s basketball

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

Morehead State University’s football season kicks off next Saturday. If you are a fan, you probably already knew that. What you might not have known, though, is if you want to listen to those games, all you need to do is tune your radio to local favorite WGOH GO Radio. 

GO Radio is the new home for Morehead State football and men’s basketball this season – at least on this end of the state. 

Chuck Mraz, the voice of Eagles football and basketball, explained that WIVY is still the parent station for Morehead’s games. But, he explained, media relations director Matt Schabert and GO Radio Program Director Mike Nelson began talks several months ago about making WGOH a WIVY affiliate for local sports broadcasts. 

Mraz said there are Morehead alumni and fans throughout the region and he’s glad that the WGOH signal will help them reach more of those fans.

“Their signal will get into Ashland and Huntington, which will get to our alums and fans in that area,” he said. “We’re excited to reach those listeners and bring more in state basketball and football to them.”

He said he’s particularly excited to be working with WGOH again to make that happen, noting he worked with the station when he first started as voice of the Eagles.

“I know I’ve been doing this here since the ‘86 and ‘87 season, and they were affiliates of ours back then,” Mraz said. “It’s just great came to have them back.”

Morehead State squares off against James Madison at 6 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, for the first game in their fall schedule. 

You can find WGOH on the FM dial at 100.9 and on AM at 1370. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Splish splash: Park still hopeful splash pad may be open before season ends

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

The park board had high hopes that the splash pad portion of the playground at the Grayson Sports Park could be open before summer ended. They’re still hopeful that might happen, but if it does happen now, there won’t be much time to play before cool weather sets in and the facility has to be shut down for the season. 

Park manager Grant Harper told the board that despite delays related to weather and the availability of materials, construction has now started on the splash pad. The facility, which will be tied into sanitary sewer drains and draw directly from city water, rather than employing a pump and filter like a traditional pool, is designed to minimize water usage. It will ultimately be cheaper, and save more water and energy, than a recirculating system, Harper said. 

He said the board may also want to consider employing a lifeguard for the facility. Though there is no standing water, like at a pool, there are hazards associated with running and slick surfaces that may require someone to chaperone play. 

In other action the park board heard an update on hotel and restaurant taxes, including news that the hotels were all caught up on back taxes. They also discussed Little League use of the park fields, and the possible formation of a city or county recreation league – with a Little League charter – to handle all youth sports for one fee. Other discussion items included the bidding of concessions for next season, ways the sports park staff can advise visitors on local restaurant offerings, and the possibility of adding additional bench seating and lighting to the playground. 

The park board also approved a motion to accept donations, as a pass through entity, for the sealing of merchant’s parking lot, and approved a grant request for $250 to purchase t-shirts for the Kiwanis 5K event (see cover story). 

The next regular meeting of the park board is scheduled for September 9, at 9 a.m. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Work on water treatment plant set to begin soon

Harshaw-Trane expect to begin work on water plant renovations soon. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

Olive Hill City Council heard an update on the water treatment plant project from Harshaw-Trane during their regular August meeting on Tuesday. A representative with the company explained to council they had some issues with the blend of a concrete, but they worked that issue out and are now “back on track.” When, exactly, they will start or expect to complete work is still unknown, however. The Trane representative told councilman Chris Bledsoe they couldn’t project any firm dates at this point, in response to Bledsoe’s questions about the timeline, but they still expect to be completely finished before 2022 draws to a close. 

Council also heard from American Electric Power on the contract renewal process, and adopted the replacement resolution trading ownership of State Highway 986 for Cross Street between the city and the state on second reading. 

Council also moved to accept treasurer’s reports for the month of July – including the bank balances report, utility and general fund check registers, and statements of operations – and department reports from police, fire and code enforcement. 

Council also recognized councilman Allen Stapleton for his time with the fire department. Stapleton, with 57 years of service in his community, has been a volunteer firefighter since 1964. 

He was recently recognized by the fire department with the department’s training facility named the Allen Stapleton Training Center in his honor. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the week: 8/25/21

Bailey is a one-year-old female shepherd mix. She’s an awesome girl, who gets along great with everyone and is good with other dogs. She has a FREE adoption to an approved home, has her rabies vaccination, and has been spayed. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet her or call 475-9771 for more information. 

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

Livestock and grain market report: 8/21/21

Extension notes: Horse hoof care 101

By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Hoof care is important to keeping your horses comfortable and healthy. Proper hoof care can help ensure that you enjoy your horse for a long time. 

Farriers and veterinarians are the experts when it comes to horse hoof care. It is important for you to have a good working relationship with both. They can help you maintain a regular maintenance schedule and quickly address any hoof-related problems. 

As a responsible horse owner, you should clean your horse’s feet daily. This practice gets them comfortable with having their feet handled and helps ensure they will stand for the farrier. This will make the experience safer for both the horse and the farrier. Have your horse’s hooves trim or shod as needed to protect your horse from developing hoof infections and lameness. 

Horses’ hooves grow at different rates, depending on the horse and its intended purpose. For example, hooves of performance horses may grow quicker than those used for pleasure riding. Generally, hooves grow quicker during the summertime compared to the winter. In the summer, trim or shod horses every six to eight weeks. In the winter, you might be able to stretch maintenance to every six to 12 weeks, but again, it depends on the horse. 

Horses should have balanced hooves. They put less strain on the horse’s bones, tendons and ligaments and allow for easier and more fluid movements. When hooves are balanced, they have the following characteristics: 

A straight line from the pastern through the front of the hoof wall. 

Toes that are not too long, square trimmed or rounded and rolled. 

The shoe reaches to the back of the hoof wall and supports the entire leg. 

If you wait too long between trimmings, a horse’s hooves can crack. This can lead to serious health problems including lameness. Their hooves can also become dry and crack during dry weather, wintertime or frequent changes between dry and wet conditions. If your horse’s hooves become dry, brittle or start developing cracks, apply a hoof moisturizer to the hoof wall and sole. 

Wintertime calls for specific hoof care. Horses should be left barefoot if they are not normally shod. Bare feet can help them grip surfaces and prevent slipping. However, you may need keep shoes on your horse during the winter if it is prone to bruising. 

Keep areas where horses frequent clean and dry. Wet, dirty conditions can cause thrush, which is a smelly, black fluid that leaks from the hooves. It can invade the horse’s tissues and cause lameness. 

Proper nutrition goes a long way to reducing hoof cracks and ensuring optimum horse health. Generally, horses need high quality hay, the appropriate amount of vitamin and mineral supplements and fresh, clean water. You can also purchase a supplement containing biotin, zinc or methionine to improve hoof health. 

More information on horse health is available at the Carter County office of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. 

Final Friday at the Gallery: Featuring music by Blue Sky

Continuing 2021 summer events with an “open to all” art show & sale, the Grayson Gallery & Art Center will host their free monthly F!nal Fr!day opening reception for artists and the public on August 27. Sponsored by local businessman Larry Doucet of Blue Sky Telecom, doors will open at 6 p.m. and the show will last until 9 p.m. A variety of works featuring a multitude of subjects & media and up to 50 pieces will be on display through mid-September. 

The gallery also welcomes back the band Blue Sky, who will be performing throughout the evening. Tips for the band and donations at the door are much appreciated. 

Refreshments will be provided by Snowies of Grayson at affordable prices; their food truck will be located on the mural/Carol Malone Blvd. side of the building. The GGAC will offer discount tickets for meals while they last so visitors may ask a volunteer for a coupon. 

In addition, as a special exhibit this month, there will be a display of aviation models and collectibles of the late Mike Phillips, a well-known WGOH Radio personality and former band member of Hung Jury. Pieces are presented thanks to a loan of the collection by his wife, Cindy Phillips. Be sure to check it out closely as various items will also be for sale. 

Coming up is a dual-artist exhibit featuring regional artist Cynthia Moegling (aka SYYN) with her collaborator-in-art Marcos Kura of Corrientes, Argentina where he is muralist working for the Department of Public Art in Corrientes. The opening reception for this show, entitled Neos Anthropos: An Energetic Storm, is set for September 24. Watch for more details on all upcoming events and programs. Contact Dan Click, GGAC director, via email: graysongallery@gmail.com or via Facebook.

Weekly arrests report: 8/25/21

The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center over the past week. This list includes local arrests only. It does not include federal inmates being housed at or transported through the detention center. 

  • Terry Sublett, 55, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of contempt of court – libel/slander – resistance to order, arrested and booked August 17. 
  • Donald Binion, 65, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to produce insurance card, no registration receipt, license not in possession, reckless driving, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked August 17. 
  • Vanessa Gollihue, 29, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a probation violation (for felony offense), arrested and booked August 17.
  • James Eden, 44, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to wear seat belts, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, no registration receipt, failure to produce insurance card, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, and first degree possession of a controlled substance – methamphetamine, arrested and booked August 18. 
  • Jennifer Hamm, 41, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to appear, first degree possession of a controlled substance – heroin, third degree possession of a controlled substance – drug unspecified, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked August 19. 
  • Jeremy Dennison, 33, of Pelahatchine, Mississippi, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of public intoxication, arrested and booked August 20. 
  • James Minor, 30, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and no registration plates, arrested and booked August 21. 
  • Brandon Horne, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) – no visible injury, arrested and booked August 21. 
  • Alex Gruber, 34, of Xenia, Ohio, arrested by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, on a charge of failure to wear seat belts, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked August 21. 
  • Eric Hannah, 30, of Hitchins, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of failure to appear, arrested and booked August 22. 
  • Stefanie Bodkins, 44, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of failure to appear, arrested and booked August 22. 
  • Derek May, 30, of Carter City, arrested by Kentucky Fish & Wildlife, on two counts of failure to appear, and a charge of theft by unlawful taking – under $500, arrested and booked August 22. 

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. Individuals who are released or post bail shortly after arrest may not be listed. 

Bringing fiber to Grayson: Council approves plan to support broadband in city limits

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

 People who live within the city limits of Grayson could have the opportunity to get fiber optic broadband delivered right to their door, with a plan approved by Grayson city council at their last regular meeting. 

Tim Williamson, director of operations for Kinetic by Windstream – Windstream’s reorganized fiber division – explained how his company could serve as the “last mile” of the KentuckyWired program to bring the opportunity for fiber internet service to every home within Grayson city limits. 

Windstream has some fiber customers within city limits already, he said. Business customers along US 60 were connected, and homes along the corridor also benefited from the infrastructure they built out for the business connections. But they could bring it to everyone in the city for as little as $250,000. Everyone in the eastern half of the county could have access for an investment of $8,000,000 – but that’s something the company would have to discuss with the county, Mayor George Steele told Williamson. He was intrigued, however, with the idea of providing access to everyone in the city. 

“It’s important to business,” Steele said of reliable high-speed internet service. “It’s important to all of us.”

He asked about the timeline if the city agreed to funding their share of the project – total cost for city coverage would be around $800,000, with Windstream covering $550,000 of the installation – and was told that though the timeline depends on the design, and the amount of “middle mile” wire to be laid, once the wiring began it would take “about 90 days” to complete a city size project. 

Williamson said they could build out and offer the opportunity for broadband to everyone in the county in less than a year. He said the city could also meet their share of funding through grants or other funding options. 

Steele, however, said the city may already have some funding available that could be used for digital infrastructure. 

Council moved to approve the plan to build out the city’s broadband infrastructure, contingent on the approval of funds for use on such a project. 

Costs for the broadband connection, once built out, would be “up to $79 per month” for “gig service” Williamson told council. 

In other action council heard from a Mr. Skyles, who expressed concerns about potential changes to zoning along U.S. 60. He said he was unaware of any rezoning until he received a letter in the mail about a change from residential to mixed business, and that he was not in favor of the rezoning. 

Steele listened to Skyles’ concerns but said it would be inappropriate for council to respond at this time. 

No action has been taken on rezoning yet. 

Council also moved to approve a motion to purchase a desktop computer and printer for the road department, to generate monthly reports, and moved to create one full time cleaning and custodial position to handle the city building and police department buildings. The new position will replace two part time positions. The previous part time custodian of the city building will receive the proper certifications to work in the police department and will take on the duties left open by the retirement of the police department’s part time custodian. 

Council also entered into the first reading of a new administrative hold ordinance, related to unpaid taxes, fines, or abatement costs. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com.

Running for kids: Kiwanis holds 5K

Top finishers in their age and group, from left to right, Tyler Rupert, Gavin Brock, Michael Short, men’s overall winner A.J. Barker, women’s overall winner Riley Brown, Joe Alcorn, Ryann Brown, and Autumn Egleston. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

 The Carter County Kiwanis Club’s first annual 5K event brought more than 50 runners and walkers to Grayson’s Sports Park this weekend. Organizer Willis Johnson said they weren’t sure exactly how much money they had raised on the morning of the event – the 51 adult runners paid $25 each to participate in the event – but the Kiwanis Club has a goal of raising $48,000 to purchase a swing set for the sports park’s playground.

The swing set is designed and built by the same folks who built the existing playground equipment. While it’s pricey, it is wheelchair accessible and allows children of all mobility levels to play together on the same equipment. 

Johnson thanked everyone involved in the event, from the runners to the volunteers. He told participants the Kiwanis look forward to making this a reoccurring annual event and that he already has some ideas for improving the course next year. 

The event organizer, who used to coach cross-country, also asked the runners to reach out to him with any feedback on how they can improve the course next year. 

“I think we can make this a really fast course,” Johnson said. 

Riley Brown turned in the fastest time overall for female runners, and A.J. Barker came in first in the men’s field. 

Others placing in the event for their age groups included Gavin Brock, Tyler Rupert, Joe Alcorn, Coach Michael Short (Rowan County), Autumn Egleston, and Ryann Brown. Top finishers in each class received medals and trophies. A full list of finishers and their times was not available at press time. 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

  • Top finishers in their age and group, from left to right, Tyler Rupert, Gavin Brock, Michael Short, men’s overall winner A.J. Barker, women’s overall winner Riley Brown, Joe Alcorn, Ryann Brown, and Autumn Egleston. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

Picking a superintendent

Interim superintendent Dr. Jake Bell addresses the staff and parents at a special meeting of the school board last Tuesday. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

Board holds meeting to solicit community feedback

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

Carter County is “already on firm ground” interim superintendent Dr. Jake Bell told the board and the community at the outset of a special meeting of the board last Tuesday. Now, the job of the board is to choose the person best suited to keep that firm footing from among the candidates put forward by the search committee. But, he said, he doesn’t have any role to play in that process, and so excused himself before the meeting continued. 

Don Martin, from the Kentucky School Board Association, then took over the running of the meeting – repeating the process laid out in the KRS for choosing a search committee and explaining that the process will begin in earnest after Dr. Ronnie Dotson steps down as acting superintendent on September 1. 

He said although applications have already been coming in to the KSBA’s “digital mailbox in Frankfort,” none have been considered yet. 

He said before that step, the policy for boards across the state are always the same – gather as much criteria as possible to make sure the candidates are a good fit. 

The purpose of meetings like this one, he explained, were to solicit feedback to help define those criteria. The board would then ultimately decide on what criteria they wanted to prioritize as they moved forward. 

“The criteria established by the board of education (helps keep the committee focused), and gives everyone the opportunity to provide input into the criteria,” Martin said. 

He also reminded the board that they were not required to speak or answer any questions at this time, only to gather information. 

A few parents showed up in person to speak, and hear about the process, but most chose to provide their feedback online. The board said their online survey had already received more than 500 replies since going live. 

Parent Jessica Fritz, who showed up in person to provide her feedback, told the board that important qualities for her included transparency, and the ability to distill complex ideas into simple explanations. She said she also wanted someone who would be involved more directly in the community. As a leader, she said, the superintendent needed to be reflective, and needed to accept and learn from any mistakes they might make or any problems that arose in the district. Most importantly, she said, they needed to be a good listener, who would seriously consider the concerns of parents and the community. 

Veronica Flannery, pre-nursing instructor at Carter County Career and Technical Center, said she wanted to see someone who would support the continued growth of their programs, and opportunities in the community. She said she also wanted the new superintendent to be someone who would listen to staff and student input on planned school renovations. 

Though Martin reminded the board that they didn’t need to speak, board chair Lisa Ramey Easterling thanked those present for sharing their thoughts with the board and promised to keep their comments in mind as they set their criteria. 

Easterling told them the board would, “take (their input) very seriously.” 

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Public Notice: Public Auction

William Lark “Bud” Frazier

1938-2021

Mr. William Lark “Bud” Frazier, age 83, of Grahn, Kentucky passed away Friday, August 20, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born on Saturday, July 23, 1938 in Carter County, Kentucky to the late Edward Earl and Hazel Kiser Frazier.

He was retired from Kentucky Electric Steel Mill. He was of the Freewill Baptist Faith and was a ordained minister for 51 years, Bud loved going to church, singing, being outdoors, preaching God’s word and spending time with his family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by one brother, Kenny Frazier and one sister, Peggy Hignite.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Betty Duncan Frazier, two sons, Joey Todd (Kathy) Frazier of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Gregory Lark Frazier of Grahn, Kentucky, one brother, Don Frazier of Grahn, Kentucky, one sister, Murlene Adams of Grahn, Kentucky, two grandchildren, Jessica (Wes) Brown and Kaden Frazier, one great grandchild, Reanna Brown.

Graveside service will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, August, 25, 2021 at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Friends may visit from 10:30 to 11:00 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Military Graveside rites will be conducted by Olive Hill American Legion Post 138 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Grahn, Kentucky with Brother Jack Evans and Brother Bobby Day officiating.

Joey Todd Frazier, Mickey Nolen, Steve Carroll, Gregory Frazier, Leo Valandingham, Harold Gilliam will serve as pallbearers.

Kaden Frazier, Wes Brown and Scott King will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, we ask that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.globefc.com.

John Wayne Conn

1957-2021

Mr. John Wayne Conn, age 64, of Olive Hill, Kentucky passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021 at St Joe Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky

John was born on Wednesday, July 3, 1957 in Boyd County, Kentucky to the late Cegar and Ella Caudill Conn.

He was a member of Shady Grove Church of God. John enjoyed going out to eat, loafing and talking to his friends, sitting on the porch and spending time with his two granddaughters.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife of 29 years, Brenda Mayo Conn, one brother, Andrew Conn.

He is survived by his daughter, Jessica Gilbert (Chad) of Olive Hill, Kentucky, two grandchildren, Lily Gilbert and Ellie Gilbert, one brother, Jimmy Conn of Elliott County, Kentucky, three sisters, Bonnie (Bob) Wilburn of Grayson, Kentucky, Diane Conn and Rosie Shields both of Olive Hill, Kentucky. Along with a host of nieces and nephews who will sadly mourn his passing.

Graveside service will be conducted 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, August, 25, 2021 at the Everman Cemetery in Carter City, Kentucky with Brother Ben James officiating.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, we ask that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.globefc.com.

Zack Donald Jessie

1935-2021

Mr. Zack Donald Jessie, age 85, of Morehead, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at his residence surrounded by his loving family on Rob Mountain Road in Morehead, Kentucky.

Donald was born on Tuesday, December 10, 1935 in Carter County, Kentucky to the late Arnold Jessie and Mary Magdeline Eden Jessie.

Donald retired from Bass Hawk Boat Factory. He was a member of Dry Branch Church of God, Donald loved going to church, helping folks, gardening, using his chainsaw and spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Donald is preceded in death by his first wife of 41 years, Mary Susan Warner Jessie. Two brothers, Willis Jessie and Floyd Jessie. One grandson, Austin Jessie.

He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Garnett Gillum Jessie. Three sons, Kendall Jessie of Grayson, Kentucky, Scottie Edward Dunn of Amarillo, Texas and Steven Kelly Dunn of Morehead, Kentucky. Three sisters, Eddie Lee Greenhill, Emily Black and Brenda (Jack) Evans all of Olive Hill, Kentucky. Ten grandchildren, Amber, Amanda, Eric, Kathrine, Dylan, Dakota, Rowdy, Lexxa, Addison and Hunter Steven. Nine great-grandchildren, a very special friend, Anthony Jessie, along with a host of other family members, church family and friends who will sadly mourn his passing.

Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, August 22, 2021 at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky with Brother Herbie Lewis, Brother Steve Madden and Brother Gary Madden officiating. Burial will follow in Bowen Chapel Cemetery.

Friends may visit after 6 p.m. Saturday, August 21, 2021 and after 10 a.m. on Sunday at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Hunter Dunn, Steven Dunn, Preston Hall, Alvin Kidd, Anthony Jessie, David Debord and Bobby Gillum will serve as pallbearers.

Ray Glover, Bill Hall, Timmy Brown, Greg Kiser, Paul Stegall and Tim Hamilton will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Due to COVID-19 regulations, we ask that everyone wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.globefc.com.

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