Pete is a mixed breed, believed to be about one-year-old, and is currently the longest resident at the shelter. This good boy gets along well with other dogs, and walks on a leash. His $100 adoption fee includes rabies vaccination and being neutered. 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.
Dear Editor,
On Saturday, October 18, there will be a “No Thrones, No Crowns, No Kings” Rally in Morehead, Kentucky in conjunction with gatherings around the country. The event is a peaceful national day of action and mass mobilization in response to the increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption of the current administration.
The event will be held at Fountain Park in downtown Morehead at the corner of Main St and Route 32, across the street from Wendy’s Restaurant. Time is 12 – 2 pm. Convenient parking available. If able, bring an item for a food drive collection at the event.
There will be music, and the following speakers will give brief remarks: Kay Tillow – coordinator of the All Unions Committee for Single Payer Health Care; George Wright – Former Army spokesman at Pentagon, retired soldier and founder & chairman of the Kentucky Democratic Veterans Council; Nancy Gowler – minister of First Christian Church, and; Ned Pillersdorf, an Eastern Kentucky attorney, running in the Democratic primary for Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District.
Thanks,
Ann Colbert
By Pastor Naomi Mitchell
For Carter County Times
In Matthew 5:13 Jesus uses the metaphor of salt to describe the Christian’s function in the world, saying, “You, are the salt of the earth.” In Jesus’s Jewish culture salt had three uses—all of which apply here.
First, salt was used as a seasoning for food (Job 6:6). As a seasoning, the right amount of salt can draw out the full flavor and true taste of the food it seasons. Too much salt masks the flavor. If there is no salt, then the food is tasteless. But just a little salt enhances the flavor greatly. When Jesus told his disciples that they are the salt (seasoning) of the earth he is telling them that though there are few of them, their godly lives will draw out the good in the world around them. It is important for believers to remember that they are not called to be a majority. They are called to fulfill their function as salt. Godly living then salts the earth. It is an invitation for others to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
Second, salt was used as a preservative. In the days before refrigeration, salt kept food from spoiling before it could be consumed. As a preservative, the Old Testament uses salt as a metaphor for endurance, signifying the covenant between God and his people, or his lasting covenant with King David. When Jesus told his disciples that you are the salt (the preservative) of the earth, he was telling them that their godly lives are the seasoning that preserves the goodness in society.
Third, Moses taught that salt was the key ingredient for the incense that burned before the altar. The incense was perfume, whose aroma was to be “salted, pure, and holy.” (Exodus 30:34-35). Likewise, the faithful lives of Jesus’s followers are salt that is used to become the “fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and those who are perishing” (2 Corinthians 2:14-16). Moreover, the righteousness of Jesus’s followers that does not conform to the world’s standards salts their living sacrifice and signifies their covenant with God (Mark 9:49-50; Romans 12:1-2).
As salt, Jesus’s disciples are to be all three of these things. They are to be the seasoning that draws out what is good. They are to be the preservative that keeps what is good. And they are to be an ingredient in the altar’s incense that signifies what is holy and pleases God. But if the salt becomes tasteless and loses its saltiness it does none of these things. Pure sodium chloride does not spoil. In the time of Jesus, it is likely their salt contained compounds other than sodium chloride. If their salt came from the Dead Sea, and it was like today’s salt, it might have been less than half sodium chloride. If left in humidity, the sodium chloride could dissolve, leaving behind salts other than sodium chloride. What would remain would not serve the function that sodium chloride serves, as it would not have the proper flavor.
When Jesus rhetorically asks, “how can it be made salty again?” he is saying, “there is no way to fix spoiled salt.” You (his followers) are it (v 13). If you (his followers) lose your saltiness you become useless to serve as salt. You (his followers) are no longer good for anything except for one thing, to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men (v 13). Perhaps after the sodium chloride spoils, the remaining salt is useful as an herbicide. Jesus might be referencing methods of salting roads to keep them free of weeds and thorns, by scattering the spoiled salt and allowing it to be trampled underfoot by men (v 13). In any event, the metaphor makes a stark contrast between the two uses. One is to bring out goodness; the other is to be discarded and forgotten. Amen! Be the good salt that makes a difference every day! (Excerpts from THE BIBLE SAYS).
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.
By Ken Paulson
Artificial intelligence is going to transform everything we watch, hear and read. You can already see it happening.
Asking an AI search engine a question about an obscure fact can yield quick and surprisingly detailed responses. Type in a cellphone model number and you’re suddenly a highly informed consumer. And when it comes to transforming legendary television show casts into babies, AI is world-class.
But news? AI-fueled news poses problems.
The first is that news is about reality. AI provides tools to bend reality. We’re seeing a wave of AI-abetted falsehoods and deepfakes online, all designed to mislead us with doctored images and video.
No, Ukraine is not sending children, the disabled and the elderly to clear minefields. President Trump does not have a forehead indentation indicating serious illness. Sen. Amy Klobuchar didn’t attack Sydney Sweeney and complain that Democrats are “too fat to wear jeans or too ugly to go outside.”
It’s time to retire “seeing is believing.”
A second issue with AI is that it doesn’t know what the truth is. Its take on the world will be driven by the data it accesses. Popular but untrue information isn’t necessarily filtered out. There’s no one sitting at a desk signing off on AI’s best guess.
In contrast to the breathless tone of clickbait, newspapers in print and online can seem a little old-school. Traditional. Reliable. Safe.
Local newspapers embrace the original AI: accurate information. How refreshing is that? Newspapers focus on your community, written by neighbors who shop at the same stores and send their kids to the same schools. Most can readily be reached by phone or email, and when they make an error, they correct it.
How quaint. How essential.
AI isn’t magic. When used for search, it offers an analysis and recasting of information about what’s already known, drawing on the vast resources of the web.
Any search about your hometown, though, depends on that information being captured and published in the first place. If your local newspaper doesn’t report on a new transportation plan for your community, there’s nothing for an AI search to draw upon. AI is not sitting in the third row of the city council meeting.
There’s an oft-used phrase in data analysis: Garbage in, garbage out. No local news in, no local news out.
In the long run, artificial intelligence may be good for us; it may be bad. But it will be.
The question is whether we will support the local daily journalism that informs us, protects our communities, and yes, fuels AI.
Unless we support local newspapers and local journalism of all sorts, we will lose the collective knowledge and insight that allows a community to address its needs and move forward. We can’t fix what we don’t know is broken.
If we don’t subscribe and support local news media, we will no longer know how our tax dollars are being used, how well elected officials are doing their jobs, or what the real stakes are for the next local election.
But just wait until you see the mayor as a baby.
Ken Paulson is the director of the Free Speech Center at Middle Tennessee State University and a former editor-in-chief of USA Today.
National Newspaper Week takes place Oct. 5-11. Support your local newspaper.
By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
It was a night to remember at Wildcat Field as the East Carter Raiders rolled into Bath County and left no doubt who was in charge. The Raiders dominated from the opening whistle, delivering a powerful 41–6 victory over the Wildcats, and along the way, Landon Yoak (20) made history by becoming East Carter’s all-time leading rusher.
Right from the opening kickoff, East Carter showed why they’ve been such a force this season. Caleb Hall (21) caught the ball at the 24-yard line and set the Raiders up with excellent field position. Yoak wasted no time turning that opportunity into big yards, powering through the Wildcats’ defense with the kind of physicality and vision that has made him a standout all year. Even when a fumble threatened to disrupt the momentum, the Raiders were quick to recover and keep the drive alive.
On a crucial third-and-eight, Yoak exploded through the line for a 23-yard run that electrified the crowd and set up East Carter deep in Bath County territory. DZsawn Beason (23) followed with a punishing 13-yard run, bulldozing his way near the goal line. It wasn’t long before the Raiders punched it in for the game’s first touchdown, taking a 7–0 lead that set the tone for the night.
Bath County tried to respond but struggled to gain traction. Their opening drive featured a few short gains, but a failed fourth-down attempt quickly handed the ball back to the Raiders. East Carter’s offense kept grinding, with Yoak and Beason alternating carries and wearing down the Wildcats’ defense.
A costly penalty wiped out a Bath County touchdown later in the quarter, and a turnover on downs sealed the fate of that drive. Meanwhile, the Raiders kept their foot on the gas. Beason powered his way into the end zone on a 15-yard run, extending East Carter’s lead to 14–0.
Bath County managed to get on the scoreboard late in the first half, narrowing the gap to 14–6 with a touchdown of their own, but the Raiders headed into halftime firmly in control.
The second half was all East Carter. The Raiders’ defense stepped up, forcing false starts and shutting down Bath County’s run game. Hall ignited the crowd with a 23-yard kickoff return, giving the Raiders excellent field position to start the half. Yoak then continued his relentless assault, breaking tackles and moving the chains with ease before finishing the drive with a touchdown run that pushed the lead to 21–6.
East Carter’s defense then came through again, recovering a Bath County fumble and turning it into points. Quarterback Thomas Burton (1) connected with Chase McGuffin (2) on a beautifully executed touchdown pass that electrified the crowd and extended the lead to 28–6.
The Wildcats fought hard to mount a comeback, but penalties and turnovers kept setting them back. One particularly tense moment had everyone’s attention when Burton threw a high, blind pass that left McGuffin vulnerable to a hard hit by Bath County’s Johnny Manley (16).
Not to be denied, Yoak ripped off a 19-yard run, and Burton scrambled for an impressive 34 yards before Hall wrapped up the scoring with a touchdown run, sealing the game at 41–6.
East Carter’s dominance was clear on every level: powerful running backs, precise passing, and a suffocating defense that forced multiple turnovers and kept Bath County off balance all night. Yoak and Beason led the ground attack with determination, while Burton showed poise and leadership from behind center.
But beyond the big win, the biggest story of the night was Yoak officially becoming East Carter’s all-time leading rusher. It was a milestone moment for the senior, capping off a night where he proved he’s not only one of the best players on the field but one of the best in the school’s history.
With this kind of performance, the Raiders aren’t just playing to win; they’re playing to make a statement that they’re a team to watch all season long.
Contact the writer at news@cartercountytimes.com
Disasters strike, leaving devastation in their wake. First responders are dedicated to providing assistance to those reeling from all too unpredictable circumstances, placing themselves in harm’s way to help those in need. Fire, police, ambulance, and other local departments train constantly to provide the relief only they can, and part of that training is to project and plan for worst case scenarios and how best to respond and save lives.
Grayson Emergency Management Director Roger Dunfee addressed a gathering of first responders last month (September 18) and discussed the need for advance planning in every community.
“In the case of a real, catastrophic incident in Carter County or the City of Grayson, we need to manage our resources,” Dunfee said.
Dunfee said that several years ago, when local first responders turned up in the wake of the West Liberty tornado, the area resembled nothing less than a war zone.
“That city was devastated,” Dunfee said.
That level of destruction, he explained, left the residents in need of everything; basics such as food, clothing and, in many cases, shelter as well.
“We took some supplies and helped do damage assessment,” Dunfee told the assembled first responders. “And we saw firsthand how West Liberty and Morgan County were not prepared for that.”
The devastation, he said, left residents there dependent upon agencies and individuals from all over the state for help. There had been no real plan, he said, established for that type of catastrophic event.
Dunfee said that when he and wife Joanne took over emergency management for the city, one of the things many people told them was that at least they did not need to plan for a tornado response. They were told, he said, ‘that the hills and the mountains will protect us.’ But, sadly, the events in West Liberty proved that to be a short-sighted philosophy.
“The State of Kentucky, through Kentucky Emergency Management, said that the local emergency management (agencies) needed to start making plans ahead of time,” Dunfee said. “So, one of the things that we have done that has been recommended by the state is to have a plan set up ahead of time, and to have mutual aid agreements with different organizations, so that we will be ready to help each other in an emergency.”
To this end, Grayson Emergency Management has established procedures, protocols and a distribution management plan. The plan establishes C-PODs, or Commodity Points of Distribution where emergency commodities can be dropped off and stored. The plan also establishes staging areas where the equipment necessary to load, unload, and maneuver commodities will be secured and guaranteed to be available. The plan also allows for individuals to be recruited and trained to provide the necessary staffing for the management of the distribution plans.
“Unforeseen disasters may not be preventable,” Dunfee said. “But the ability to respond and recover is aided by thoughtful preparation.”
Commodity Points of Distribution outlined in the plan include the old Ralph’s Building in Grayson, the Carter County Road Department, and Wilson’s Martial Arts in Olive Hill. Staging areas include Wood’s Brothers Shopping Center, the semi parking lot behind Love’s, and the parking lot at Wilson’s. Alternate Emergency Operations Center include MOU, KCU, and the Carter County Courthouse.
For more information about the City of Grayson’s disaster preparedness, residents can email Dunfee at rdunfeegem@gmail.com.
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
By Robert Dean
Carter County Times
I don’t like Bad Bunny’s music. I dislike all forms of music that sound like that. I wasn’t thrilled when I heard he’d been tapped for the Super Bowl Halftime Show. I was hoping Metallica would finally get their day, so the world could see those dudes rip through “For Whom the Bell Tolls” after “Enter Sandman,” which is played at every sporting event on Earth. People know that riff. Jack White or Sturgill Simpson would’ve been cool. Hell, I’d take Zach Bryan and his antics. But then it hit me: the Halftime Show isn’t for me. It’s one big commercial for pop music, not rebellion, and rock isn’t part of the national cultural conversation right now.
Metallica, with a 40-year career, has sold over 150 million albums worldwide. Bad Bunny, in less than a decade, has already racked up more than 115 million equivalent sales through streaming and albums. As much as I’d love to hear “Master of Puppets,” the kids of today — on a global scale — are into what Bad Bunny does. That’s just the math mathing.
Every year, people complain about the Halftime Show, just like they complain SNL isn’t funny or that The Simpsons has gone downhill. It’s as predictable as it gets.
Culture is personal. We like what we like. I hate Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel, the Eagles, and Guns N’ Roses. The Halftime Show isn’t supposed to reflect mine or yours — it’s pop spectacle, shilling Apple Music (Pepsi before that). Are you going to be shocked when you see rampant product placement? Oh! A Miller Lite commercial? The horror.
And for anyone griping about a Puerto Rican artist headlining, saying he’s “not American”: my dudes and dudettes, Puerto Rico has been a U.S. territory since 1898. We just never made it the 51st state, probably because we like round numbers.
Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean it’s un-American. The Super Bowl is a marketing event with fireworks and celebrity polish. People will always complain about who gets the gig. But the best one was Prince — and that’s just a fact. “Purple Rain” IN THE RAIN? COME ON. Bad Bunny is fine. It’s literally :30 minutes during a football game. Go chug a beer, eat some bean dip and move on with your life. If Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs aren’t there, that’s the real win.
Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com
By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times
Christopher Carpenter entered a change of plea last Thursday (October 2), ending a case that started last June after the 35-year-old Olive Hill man turned himself in to an Olive Hill police officer following an incident involving Grayson police.
Carpenter pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a total of 12 years on charges including two counts of attempted murder of a police officer, two counts of wanton endangerment of a police officer, and single counts each of resisting arrest and first degree fleeing or evading police. A seventh charge, of theft of identity – a Class D felony – was bargained down to a misdemeanor charge of giving a police officer false identifying information.
After accepting the change of plea Circuit Court Judge Rebecca Phillips found Carpenter guilty and sentenced him to five years each on the two counts of wanton endangerment, six months on the charge or resisting arrest, another five years on the fleeing or evading charge, and 12 years each on the two charges of attempted murder. Carpenter was sentenced to 90 days on the amended count of giving false identifying information. All of the charges were set to run concurrently, for a total sentence of 12 years.
Due to the length of the sentence handed down, the court chose to waive court costs. Likewise, the court didn’t recommend any fines, and no restitution was required.
Because he was sentenced on charges that include violent crimes, Carpenter will be required to serve at least 85 percent of his sentence – more than 10 years – before being eligible for release.
Carpenter’s ordeal began in the early morning hours of June 10, 2024, when Grayson police attempted to pull him over, resulting in an officer-involved shooting and one of a pair of officers being transported to the hospital after being struck by Carpenter’s fleeing vehicle.
According to reports from the Grayson PD, what began as a routine stop escalated when – after a second officer arrived on scene – Carpenter attempted to flee, striking the first officer with his vehicle. That was when the second officer reported firing several rounds into the vehicle before Carpenter was able to flee the scene.
The police advised the public at the time that Carpenter was considered “armed and dangerous,” and further advised them not to approach him if seen, but to call 911 or otherwise contact authorities – however a weapon was never recovered in the case. Carpenter surrendered to Olive Hill police early the next morning, and was booked into the Carter County Detention Center where he remained incarcerated while the legal process played out.
Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com
By Daryl Ashley
Confusion Solution
This is the time for the season’s decorations to come out in all their glory. Pumpkins, ghosts, and fall leaves adorn our front porches and yards. We love this time of year and show off our displays with pride.
Decorating is fun. We have saved past items and bought new items. We even begin buying ahead in preparation for Christmas. We look for decorations on sale and occasionally spend a little more to get that very special thing that will stand out in our neighborhood.
This is also the time to think about how to store those decorations when the winter season rolls around. Now, I know I have addressed this topic before, but I can’t stress enough how saving space will make it so much easier the next time fall is upon us.
Just think how simple it would be to unpack the decorations from last year, repurpose or donate some, and make more room to store the new ones that we will inevitably buy for this year. Try to avoid buying new storage by reusing the ones from last year.
Save some space and enjoy the season.
It’s as simple as that!
Send your questions and comments to me at info@confusionsolution.com
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.
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.
ASHLAND, KY – Safe Harbor of Northeast Kentucky will hold its annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday October 23, 2025, at 5pm.
The event is in conjunction with October’s observance of Domestic Violence Awareness Month and honors the memory of those individuals in Kentucky who lost their lives in the past year as the result of domestic violence. This year’s vigil will honor the memory of 23 Kentucky women, children, and men.
Also, during the vigil, Safe Harbor’s annual White Ribbon Awards will be presented. The awards honor outstanding volunteerism and commitment to Safe Harbor’s mission.
This year’s honorees include Avery Caudill/Calvary Episcopal Church, Chris Wallace/Mary Kay Representative, Lynn Hutchinson/Women’s Group with Legacy Church and Girl Scout Troop 1100.
Safe Harbor is a domestic violence shelter that serves the counties in the FIVCO ADD area: Boyd, Greenup, Carter, Elliott, and Lawrence. The Ashland-based shelter and outreach program offers three levels of care, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent, supportive housing (apartments) on site.
Immediately after the vigil, a brief reception will be held and artwork made by clients will be displayed and available for purchase. We will also be having a memorial to our shelter dog, Maggie that just passed away in August.
Safe Harbor has occupied the former tuberculosis hospital complex in Ashland for 30 years. During its three decades, Safe Harbor has housed 20,000+ women, children, and men.
“Safe Harbor provides individuals and families a safe place where they can take time to put their lives back together in order to leave an abusive relationship.” Mrs. Perkins said. “Our program offers them tools to become self- sufficient and independent. We are a holistic program that addresses everything a family needs.”
For more information, call Linda Day at (606) 329-9304.
Mary Magelane Evans Clark, age 92, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, October 2, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.
She was born Wednesday, March 1, 1933, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Charlie Huston and Jennie Conn Evans.
Mag was a member of the Church of God for many years and loved going to church. She enjoyed going to yard sales, painting, nurturing her garden, working in her resale store and spending time with her family.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Sherman Schuylar Clark; seven brothers, Earl Evans, Stearl Evans, Beecher Evans, Toots Evans, Nigel Evans, Junior Evans, Johnny Evans; three sisters, Mearl Shumate, Pearl Evans and Ester Hall.
She is survived by one son, Sherman Schuylar “Skip” Clark (Sharon Snow) of New Symrna, Florida; two daughters, Angie Stevens of Morehead, Kentucky, Teresa (David) Forman of Olive Hill, Kentucky; 4 grandchildren, Scott Clark, Alex Stevens, Skylar Forman, Haley Forman; 1 great-granddaughter, Isla Clark, along with many other family and friends, who will sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Clifford “Tippy” Price officiating. Burial will follow in Clark Cemetery, St. Rt. 955, Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m., Saturday, October 4, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.
Skip Clark, Alex Stevens, Dave Forman, Skylar Forman, Haley Forman and Scott Clark will serve as pallbearers.
It is with great sadness that the family of Ray Dearl McCoy announces his passing on September 28, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born on January 26, 1931, to the late Willie and Florence (Hollingsworth) McCoy, Ray spent most of his life in Olive Hill, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 73 years, Alberta (Duncan) McCoy; his son, Joe McCoy; brothers Charlie, Burl, and Bob McCoy; and sisters Lillian Offill, Blanche Osenton, Betty Dixon, and Billie Jean Holland.
Ray retired after a 31-year career with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, where he served as a game warden and conservation education program leader. He especially loved visiting local schools to teach children about wildlife conservation and even traveled to his grandchildren’s school in Ohio to share his passion. A strong supporter of summer conservation programs, he spent many seasons providing leadership at Camp Earl Wallace and Camp Robert Webb.
An active member of his community, Ray was a 66-year member of the Olive Hill Masonic Lodge #629 and a 52-year member of the Olive Hill Eastern Star Chapter 290. He also served several terms on the Olive Hill City Council. Ray was a proud member of the Christian faith and a devoted fan of the Kentucky Wildcats.
Above all, family was Ray’s greatest joy. He is survived by his daughters Martha Jean Kelly of Arcanum, OH, and Rhonda (Ron) Reynolds of Olive Hill; grandchildren Jennifer (Mark) Panganiban of Creedmoor, NC, Brent McCoy of Elkhart, IN, Victoria (Joe) Martin of Greenville, OH, Stephanie Reynolds of Olive Hill, Rachel (Jeff) Francis of Greenville, OH, Jessica Reynolds of Olive Hill, Robin (Craig) Boughey of Louisville, KY, and Jack Reynolds of Sandy Hook; and eleven great-grandchildren.
Ray’s grandchildren treasure memories of his tall tales, bumpy rides to the farm in the back of his truck, his famous greasy stovetop popcorn, and tubs of homemade ice cream. Ray doted on his great-grandchildren—Nathan, Natalie, and Mark Panganiban; Ryan and Kamryn Martin; Camari Parker; Madilyn and Parker Francis; and Abigail, Isaac, and Ethan Boughey—always ready for treats at Dairy Queen and saving all his spare change to fill their piggy banks.
Ray is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Services
Visitation will be held Sunday, October 5, from 6–9 p.m. and Monday, October 6, from 9–10 a.m. at Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill. A Masonic funeral service, conducted by Olive Hill Masonic Lodge #629, will take place Sunday evening at 7 p.m. The funeral service will follow on Monday, October 6, at 10 a.m., with burial at McFerren Cemetery in Olive Hill.
Pallbearers will be Brent McCoy, Jack Reynolds, Mark Panganiban, Joe Martin, Jeff Francis, Craig Boughey, Nathan Panganiban, Ryan Martin, and Mark Panganiban Jr. Honorary pallbearers include Ron Reynolds, Isaac Boughey, and Ethan Boughey.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Olive Hill Meals on Wheels program in Ray’s honor. Donations can be sent to Herbie Jones 465 Hitchins Avenue Olive Hill, KY 41164.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Ray Dearl McCoy.
Jerry Jay DeHart, age 50, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at his residence.
He was born Sunday, August 10, 1975, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a son of Brenda Steagall DeHart of Olive Hill, Kentucky and the late Jerry Wylie DeHart.
Jerry worked with telecommunications and was a telephone installer. He enjoyed working on the road, welding, tinkering on things that had a motor, most of all he enjoyed family cookouts and spending time with his family.
In addition to his mother, Jerry is survived by two sons, Isaiah DeHart of Grayson, Kentucky, and Noah (Sirenna) Dehart of Olive Hill, Kentucky; five brothers, Jarrett (Jennifer) DeHart, Travis Porter, Clyde (Rose) Carpenter, Richard Dunaway, Jeff Parker all of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one sister, Michelle (David) Stillwell of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 27, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Michael King officiating. Burial will follow in the Steagall Cemetery, on Tick Ridge, in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 26, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel.
Noah DeHart, Eddie Adams, Gregory Adams, Richard Dunaway, David Stafford and Isaiah Dehart will serve as pallbearers.
Waylon Messer, Clyde Carpenter, Jeff Parker and Travis Porter will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Jerry Jay DeHart.
On September 20th, 2025, Jesus lovingly welcomed His precious daughter, Della June Farkas, to her Heavenly Home, surrounded by her children while praising and worshiping Jesus.
Della was born on January 17, 1953, in Olive Hill, Kentucky, to Glenn and Esther (Burton) Maggard. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her sisters Mary Elizabeth Maggard, Glenna Sue Buckler (and husband Larry), and Bertha Ellen McCoy; her daughter-in-law Kimberly Sue Bledsoe; and her great-grandchild Alphonse Lee Rose.
Della will be remembered most for her unwavering devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She was a true prayer warrior, a woman whose faith ran deep and steady. Her trust in God was absolute — not just in words, but in the way she lived every moment of her life.
She never missed an opportunity to witness to others about God’s love and saving grace. Even in her final weeks, as she lay in the hospital, she continued to be a vessel of light and hope. Though her voice was taken, her testimony never stopped. She lifted her hands in worship, a silent witness to God’s presence in her life. Despite the doctors’ diagnoses, she praised Him with all she had. She showed the world what it means to live by faith and not by sight.
Della was also known for her incredible work ethic. Age never slowed her down. She gave 33 years of service to Haworth, followed by 12 years at Magna. Whether at work, at home, or in her community, Della poured her heart into everything she did. Her care for others, especially her family and friends, was evident in every interaction. She believed in the goodness within people and always sought to help them reach their full potential.
She is survived by her loving children: Kathryn Dyer, Donna Lubbers, Joseph Bledsoe, Matthew Bledsoe, and Frank Farkas III.
Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Alexander Lubbers, Angelica Uehling, Anthony & Amanda Postma, Brittany & Jared Rose, Timothy Dyer, Robert Lubbers, Damien Bledsoe, Aragon Troeger, Frank Farkas IV, Rosemary Dyer, Lilyanna Farkas, Leigha Grant, Amadeus Grant, and Shiloh Farkas and great-grandchildren: Dale Uehling and Olivia Rose.
She is also survived by her siblings: Evelena & Charles Cooper, James Maggard, and brother-in-law, Robert McCoy. Along with many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Della June Farkas lived a life marked by faith, love, and service. She ran her race will, and she has now received her eternal reward. Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice in knowing that she is with her Savior——-fully healed, fully whole, and forever in His presence.
“Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” ———- Matthew 25:21
Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 10 a.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.
Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Della June Farkas.
Ava is a one-year-old female mixed breed. She’s good with other dogs, very friendly, spayed, and up to date on all her shots. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet her or call 475-9771 for more information.
Shelter hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.
Big shade trees are a gift — until their roots start showing in the lawn. Surface roots make mowing tough, trip people up and can heave sidewalks. They aren’t a sign your tree is failing, though. In most cases, they’re a normal response to how roots grow and how soil behaves.
Most tree roots spread outward in the top 4–15 inches of soil because that’s where oxygen is available. In heavy, compacted, or poorly drained soil, oxygen is scarce, so roots creep even closer to the surface. Each year those roots thicken, the way a trunk does, and they can push through the turf. Erosion from rain and foot traffic exposes them more. Nearly any mature tree can develop surface roots, though poplars, willows, maples (Norway, red, silver), sycamores, aspens, beeches and some ash and pin oaks are frequent culprits.
The worst thing you can do is cut or grind off visible roots. That invites decay and insects, removes thousands of feeder roots that absorb water and nutrients, and can weaken the tree’s stability. Piling on lots of soil is risky too; deep fill over the root zone can suffocate roots.
First, consider adding a mulch layer over exposed roots. A two- to three-inch layer of shredded wood or chips cushions the roots, reduces mowing around the tree and holds moisture. Extend the mulch ring as far as you can — ideally to the dripline — and keep it pulled back a few inches from the trunk. Skip “volcano” mulching—don’t pile mulch around the trunk. If you want plants under the canopy, hand-dig small pockets within the mulched area for shade-loving perennials or groundcovers between roots; avoid rototillers and do not add thick layers of soil first. Make sure plant roots extend down into the soil and not just into the mulch.
Growing grass under trees is also an option but has its own challenges. Even shade-tolerant species may not provide a thick enough cover to be attractive. The grass and tree roots will constantly compete for moisture and nutrients, and you may find yourself watering the grass under the tree more often than in other parts of the yard. Nevertheless, if you want to try grass, rake away debris of sticks and excess leaves, then add just enough topsoil —a half inch or less — just enough to fill in between roots and smooth the surface. Seed with a shade-tolerant grass and water as needed. When mowing, you may want to set your mower deck a bit higher to avoid damaging any exposed roots. Because roots continue to thicken, expect to repeat this light topdressing every year or two rather than burying everything at once.
Planning and planting choices help prevent the problem. In compacted or clay soils, select trees with deeper root systems such as black gum, ginkgo, yellowwood, zelkovas and many oaks are good options. You can also choose smaller ornamental trees whose roots are less likely to grow large enough to cause trouble. Plant slightly high (about two inches above grade), give trees room near pavement, and check local rules before planting along streets. Remember that roots extend well beyond property lines and will follow air, water, and space.
In short, surface roots are mostly an aesthetic and maintenance issue — a response to soil conditions rather than a sign of poor tree health. Treat the soil gently, protect the roots, and manage the area with topdressing or mulch. Your tree will thank you — and your mower will, too.
Contact your local Carter County Extension office for more information. 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.
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The world awoke last Sunday morning with horrific news of a Michigan church full of worshippers being the victims of gun violence and arson. At least four persons were killed, eight were wounded and others were reported missing. Officials said the death toll likely will go higher.
“This appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians in the United States of America,” was the reaction of President Donald Trump, who promptly ordered the FBI and other federal agencies to investigate the incident at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township.
Recent attacks have centered on Christian churches, but our nation also has a sad record of assaults on members and houses of worship of the Jewish and Muslim faiths.
Reports of this and other examples of terror tactics against religious facilities and believers in the U.S. bring to mind the evil but effective strategies used by the Ku Klux Klan to resist integration and uphold white supremacy, starting after the Civil War and enduring through the Civil Rights era.
Why have churches been the targets of hatemongers here and elsewhere?
Almost from the founding of America, churches have served as a central, protected space for minorities, be they of religious or ethnic makeup. Churches often function as a school, a meeting place, and a refuge. By attacking such an important space, Klan members and other bigots hoped to demoralize the entire community.
Religious symbols on houses of worship, including the Christian cross, the Star of David for Jews, and the Star and Crescent for Muslims, often are targeted for desecration in hopes of twisting religious imagery of faith into symbols of terror. The goal of that tactic is to create a warning that the hatred of their enemies supersedes the protection of God or whomever.
If we cannot settle our differences, political and religious violence potentially could destroy this 250-year-old land of the free and home of the brave.
Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.
| By Angela Layne |
| Rural Carrier Jolena Kees was surprised to learn her route is one of the top ten longest routes in the nation and the longest route in the Kentucky-West Virginia District. Kees drives a whopping 135 miles per day to serve 479 delivery points in and around the Webbville, KY community. A 23-year postal employee, Kees has been the rural carrier on this route for the last year. “I plan on retiring on the route. I love going the extra mile for my customers and taking pride in knowing I’m taking care of this community,” she said. Kees is quick to add she has the best route with wonderful customers. On any given day she will see turkeys, peacocks, goats, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, owls, and deer. She recalls one occasion when a deer was crossing Bishop Road, so she honked her horn. The deer stopped in the middle of the road, then walked up to her vehicle and head-butted her Jeep and walked on. “That’s one of the craziest things that has happened to me on the route.” Another time, she found an injured owl in the road. She told one of her customers, who rescued the owl and took it to the vet. The owl fully recovered. She loves driving with the window down because it is so peaceful to hear the water flow from the creeks, and the birds singing. Just the everyday life of a rural carrier driving through wooded “wildlife” area to deliver mail. “I love the natural beauty of my route,” Kees says. |
The Carter County Times is a weekly newspaper serving Carter County, Kentucky, since June 2020.
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