Home Blog Page 29

Extension Notes: Rinse and Return Recycling Event Set for September 2 at Kee’s Farm Service

person holding red and white disposable bottle
Photo by Lisa from Pexels on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Farmers and homeowners in Carter County are invited to participate in the upcoming Rinse and Return Recycling Program event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 2nd from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Kee’s Farm Service. This initiative offers a safe, environmentally responsible way to dispose of pesticide containers that cannot be recycled through household programs.

The Rinse and Return Program is a voluntary, statewide effort sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Agri-Business Association of Kentucky (ABAK), with support from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Bureau, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and local conservation districts. Since its launch in 1991, the program has collected over 1.8 million pounds of pesticide containers, with more than 100 counties participating.

Because these containers previously held hazardous materials, they require special handling and cannot be recycled with regular household plastics. Through this program, properly rinsed containers are transformed into useful products like drainage pipes, highway sign posts, underground conduit, and spool flanges, reducing landfill waste and supporting sustainable agriculture.

Participants must follow pressure rinsing or triple rinsing procedures before drop-off:

Pressure Rinsing:

  • Remove the cap and drain the container into the spray tank for 30 seconds.
  • Continue holding the container upside down over the sprayer tank opening so rinsate will run into the sprayer tank.
  • Insert the pressure-rinse nozzle by puncturing through the bottom of the pesticide container.
  • Rinse for length of time recommended by the manufacturer (generally 30 seconds or more).

Triple Rinsing:

  • Drain the container into the spray tank for 30 seconds.
  • Fill 10–20% of the container with water, secure the cap, and swirl.
  • Drain rinsate into the spray tank and repeat the process two more times.
  • Puncture the container.

All containers must be clean, dry, and punctured, with labels and caps removed.   Let’s work together to keep Kentucky’s farmland clean and productive for generations to come.

For more information contact your local 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 Mondays at 3:00 PM and on Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8:00 AM. The Grayson Farmer’s Market will be open on Saturdays at 9:00 AM and on Thursdays at 2:00 PM and is located in the shed behind the Extension Office.  
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers – September 2nd @ 6:30 PM – Topic: Honey Labels & Hive Product Marketing
  • The Extension Office is currently offering free hay testing through the East KY Hay Contest.   If you are interested, please call 474-6686 to schedule your appointment.   Participants will receive a free nutrient analysis of their hay.  

Have you ever said ‘it is what it is’ to someone with a real problem?

coffee and clipboard with pen in therapist office
Photo by Alex Green on Pexels.com
By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

(Reprinted by request from 2021)

If you used that phrase and said nothing else, you probably left the impression that you couldn’t care less about what had happened and that you were helpless to do anything in the unlikely event you actually did give a damn.

              Workplace surveys have shown that phrase is highly disliked as being uncaring or callous and, in reality, has become a cop-out for those who don’t want to get involved with someone else’s problems, personal or otherwise.

I had a great boss in the newspaper business who was fond of that expression. But after about a year of hearing him use it regularly in response to a variety of work-related issues, I challenged him to explain his reason for liking and using those frustrating, perhaps even hurtful, words.

To my mild surprise, he said he had learned that allowing someone to fret and worry over what had happened was a waste of time and ultimately made it harder for that person to accept the challenge of finding a timely solution or mitigation of the issue.

My limited research found that the origin of the phrase is unclear, as is exactly what it means in any given context. Some say it often is interpreted as a wisecrack or a means of telling someone to take their gloom and doom elsewhere.

A co-worker told me a few years ago that he didn’t like those five words used together because they could influence a less confident person to assume the immediate problem was insolvable.

              A man writing on the subject in an obscure Internet blog described the phrase somewhat jovially as “a pronouncement of the man-in-charge that means the man-in-charge is giving up on a problem or situation.”

He added that such an utterance from the top was a “prompt” for an ambitious lower status male to say he’d like to try “one more thing” for the good of the company, no doubt.

That writer obviously is a prime candidate for sensitivity training on gender equity in the workplace.

I wasn’t sure how to end this piece until I ran across the mournful, broken-hearted lyrics to the title track of an album released last year by musician-songwriter Stephen Bruner whose stage name is Thundercat.

Here’s what he said so profoundly in the third verse about “it is what it is”:

After all is said and done
And I’m all alone.
When I sit back and reflect
From a broken heart.
Sometimes there’s regret.
It is what it is.

(Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com).

Tourism and UTVs

(Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

The Olive Hill Tourism Commission has set their budget and city council has approved it. Jeremy Rayburn, chair of the commission, reported to the Olive Hill City Council at their last regular meeting (August 19) that the commission had approved their budget for the upcoming fiscal year, and the Olive Hill City Council voted to accept that budget.

The city also had the second reading of the city ordinance governing the operation of special use vehicles on city streets and voted to pass that ordinance. KRS (Kentucky Revised Statutes) 186.077, related to “street-legal special purpose vehicles,” or SPVs, passed June 27, 2025, but each county and city in the Commonwealth is required to adopt an ordinance governing their operation as well. The ordinance adopted by the city of Olive Hill is based upon the KRS statue, which can be found by searching the statute number on the general assembly website at https://legislature.ky.gov.

The special use vehicles must comply with all regulations for any other motor vehicle operated on city streets, and violations are subject to fines. Special purpose vehicles are prohibited on controlled access highways such as interstates. Operators must hold a valid driver’s license, and all special purpose vehicles must display a valid license plate. The use of Department of Transportation approved head protection, or a helmet, is encouraged but not required in vehicles equipped with roll cages or roll bars. Violations of these laws will incur fines beginning at $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses, plus court costs.

The ordinance was voted on and approved by the city council.

Jennifer Meade also spoke to the city council about brownfield properties. Meade, who is a grants consultant for the city, said that she spent the week before last in Chicago at a conference on brownfield grants. Meade said she had spoken with an expert from Louisville who was going to be working with the city on brownfield property assessment.

“As we go further along in that process, I’ll be bringing to you potential project ideas,” Meade said. “Right now, we are just hammering out some details, but I will keep you updated on that.”

Councilman Eric Rayburn asked questions about the brownfield grants.

“Are there areas that have already been deemed brownfields, and are you trying to add to that?” Rayburn asked Meade.

“The assessment grant is where you do that assessment,” Meade answered. “But there are areas by their very definition that are considered brown fields.”

Meade said that one determination is what businesses have been on a property, such as the old brick yard in Olive Hill. Such properties have not been officially deemed as such by the organization that determines what is and is not a brownfield property, but Meade said that once assessed it would be.

“The phase one and two assessments are first,” Meade said. “That is where you do any testing that might need to be done, though testing does not always need to be done. You document the businesses that have been there, and that’s when they come in with their own specialists.”

Rayburn voiced a concern that once an area was deemed a brownfield it might be difficult to have that designation removed.

“For instance, if something was added to the brownfield, then it is going to bring the property value down?” he asked. “And it will also bring the value down for surrounding properties?”

“No, because part of the reason for getting a brownfield grant is the remediation,” Meade answered. “It would include cleaning up whatever is there. There could be contaminants where you would have to go deep in the soil to remove it, but if that isn’t present there would be no need for remediation.”

Meade pointed out that there was nothing stopping anyone from building in downtown Olive Hill. She did point out, however, that brownfield grants could potentially provide federal funds that could serve as an incentive to attract developers.

Brownfield grants cannot be applied to property that is already owned by the city, Meade pointed out. The property in question would need to be assessed and purchased as a brownfield property, then be remediated. Should a potential property be assessed and the city chose not to buy it, the current owner would bear no responsibility for remediation, barring any existing violations.

In other business, the city voted to adopt Ordinance 2026-1 to authorize the mayor (and successors to that title) as official project representative of a Kentucky Water and Waste Water Assistance for Troubled or Economically Restrained Systems Program Project. The city also adopted Ordinance 2026-2 to enter into an agreement with Tania’s Journey to Healing Treatment Facility to allow participants to perform community work for the city.

The city council also voted to make KYMEA the city’s exclusive supplier of electricity, effective immediately. KYMEA, the Kentucky Municipal Energy Agency, is a joint public agency that, according to their website, was “formed to facilitate effective collaboration among its members to do all things necessary or convenient to serve the current and future electric power and energy requirements of the members and to provide assistance to the members related to their electric power and energy utility systems.”

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Letter to the Editor: Questioning party changes

person using silver apple magic keyboard beside of white ceramic mug with coffee beans
Photo by Lukas on Pexels.com

Questioning party changes

Editor,

I found reading Robin Webb’s “Legislative Update” in the Wednesday, August 20 edition of the Carter County Times took quite a bit of suspension of disbelief to make it through to the end. Sen. Webb wrote, “As the newest Republican member of the General Assembly, it was inspiring to gather with Republicans across the state to celebrate the principles that guide our parts and public service.” So, what are the fruits of the values of the party which she so recently joined? The dismantling of Medicaid, gulags to house people with no regard to due process, who are deported to countries on another continent where they don’t speak the language, have no knowledge of the culture and – what’s clearly the point – there exists no process to challenge the actions that brought there, let alone have any chance to return to their country of birth. And, speaking of birth, challenging the 14th Amendment granting birthright citizenship, the clear intent of which has been understood by all courts and legislatures since its passing 157 years ago.

Sen. Webb went on at length to tout wildlife conservation, particularly citing “grounded in sound science.” That, from the newest member of the part that so clearly disdains science, as evidenced by its denial of anthropogenic climate change, the firing of entire staffs of the EPA’s most influential science advisory panels, removing publicly-funded-and-peer-reviewed research results from government sites whenever it contradicts the policy views of the current administration, gutting research funding from the National Institute of Health, the National Science Foundation, NOAA, NASA, the Department of Energy, and on and on. She’s raving about the commitment to conservation of her new party, the head of which wants to slash the size of protected areas such as Bear’s Ears and Escalante-Grand Staircase National Monuments, remove protections from 59 million acres of National Forest lands, and open the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas exploration. The “party of conservation” is now actively stifling development of renewable energy sources (wind, solar, geothermal) in favor of a renewed commitment to fossil fuels, while at the same time relaxing any regulations or efforts to mitigate the pollution these fossil fuels produce through both production and consumption.

She finishes by saying, “As the new school year approaches, I want to wish students, teacher and families a successful start.” This from the newly converted member of the party that dismantled the Department of Education! This is the department that distributes money Congress approves for school systems and ensures that the money is spent as intended, ensures that schools do not discriminate on the basis of race (Title VI), requires that schools equally fund athletic opportunities for girls and young women (Title IX), ensures that students with disabilities have the educational opportunities and support due them, and provides student financial aid via Pell Grants, student loans, and work-study programs. It did not, however, have any role in setting educational curriculums, that being up to state and local school boards.

Sen. Webb clearly switched parties in Deep Red Kentucky to improve the chances of holding on to her job. The line about the Democratic Party “lurching to the left” rings hollow when the Republican Party has moved so far to the right that the phrases “a fascist American” and “Constitutional Crisis” appear frequently in the national discourse, and previously unthinkable actions against the press, perceived enemies (John Bolton, anyone?) the use of US troops for law enforcement, and the regular usurpation of State, Congressional, and Judicial prerogatives by the Executive are normalized. Robin Webb should feel right at home in the party that will abandon any standard, any respect of democratic principles, and any regard for truth to remain in power.

Robert S. Duncan

Grayson, KY

Editor’s Note: Many of the criticisms aimed at Senator Webb in this letter (and other more vitriolic letters-to-the-editor we’ve chosen not to publish) have more to do with the federal government and national party than the Kentucky specific issues that Webb and other state senators and representatives in Frankfort focus on. While criticisms of the GOP, and Senator Webb’s decision to move to that party, are valid discussion points, it remains to be seen how, or if, that switch will impact any of Webb’s votes or policy decisions. She’s promised that her core values have not changed, and neither will the issues she supports. Until we see indication in the voting record that they have, we will take her at her word. Trust, but verify, as the saying goes.

Joyful Noise: Change your battle ground

Hand reaching sun ray

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

I have read that the eagle does not fight the snake on the ground. Instead, it picks it up into the sky and changes the battle ground and then it releases the snake while in the sky. When the snake is left in the air it loses its power, stamina, and balance. In midair it becomes weak, useless, and vulnerable. Unlike on the ground where it is powerful, wise, and deadly.

Likewise, the enemy has no power and is useless if you take your fight into the spiritual realm by praying the word of God. When you do so, God takes over your battles and begins to fight for you. Don’t fight the enemy in his comfort zone. Change your battle ground like the eagle and allow God to take charge through your earnest prayer and worship. The enemy loves to make you a playground. Show him your new game by fervently praying the word of God’s promises.

Pray this prayer. “Father, your word is forever true. And your promise of blessings and multiplication that you have given me throughout the ages (Genesis 22:17, Hebrews 6:14) is forever mine, in Jesus’ name. You have promised to bless me exceedingly and it is your heart’s desire to enlarge my coast. Every satanic covenant that is going against your continual and uninterrupted blessing, I command the power of God to consume them, in Jesus’ name. I pray against every spirit of lack and wretchedness. Oh Lord, let your peace, joy, happiness, and comfort saturate me now, in Jesus’ name.”

The anointing of the Lord through His word and the blood of Jesus is going to shatter every demonic power that tries to keep you from the place God has planned for you. The battle you are facing is preparing you for the blessing that’s coming. Keep fighting and don’t give up. I know it feels like sometimes you are breaking, but God is building you up for greater days ahead! These trials are not meant to break you, but to refine and strengthen you for the path that God has set before you. Trust in His purpose and lean on His grace. Stay on the battlefield for the Lord. Victory is coming. You are a winner every time.

Your prayer, praise, and worship will be the game changer that will bring sweet victory. Stand fast in your profession every day.

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.

Grayson Gallery celebrates Final Friday

“Lids”, a cyanotype photograph, by Barbara Morrison, on display at the Grayson Gallery & Art Center. (File photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

The Grayson Gallery & Art Center will wrap up their summer programming with the “Lots of the Fun in the Summertime” art show and sale, which will be on display through mid-September. An opening reception, free for artists and the public, will take place during the monthly Final Fridays in Grayson on August 29 from 6 – 9 p.m. A variety of subjects and mediums by artists across the region will be on display and refreshments will be available all evening.

In addition, entertainment will be provided by featured band, Middle Run Grass. The band will feature, “a little country, a little grass,” according to Eddie Riffe, the group’s founder/organizer. With Riffe on guitar and vocals, Tom Mallory playing bass, Shirley Seim on fiddle and David Chandler also playing guitar, they promise to delight the crowd with their selection of popular crossover tunes.

Refreshments will be provided by Sheila Marie Catering. An Awards & Announcements presentation will take place at approximately 7:45 pm, during which four, $50.00 cash prizes (or equivalent purchase award) will be given. The People’s Choice award selection will help engage visitors as they vote for their personal and favorite piece, while the Grayson Gallery Board of Directors will select their own special work. The Pen Lady, who also adds some information and an artsy “pin” for her selection, will choose the winner of her award. And the Brandon Click Art Memorial award will be chosen by the late artist’s family members.

Coming up in September will be a dual-artist exhibition and October will bring back the GGAC’s annual Halloween Art Show & Costume Party. More details about a special themed category and a special October event will be forthcoming.

Contact Dan Click, GGAC director via email: graysongallery@gmail.com and look for them on Facebook. The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. is a not-for-profit, 501c3 corporation. Donations are always welcomed, may be tax favorable and much appreciated.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Comets Dominate Beckham Bowl

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

By Brayleigh Boggs

Carter County Times

Week one of high school football kicked off with West Carter earning a dominant 49-6 win over Lewis County to open the season at 1-0.

The Comets opened with a slow start, punting on their first possession. Lewis County took over but came up short on fourth down, giving West Carter the ball once again. The Comets also stalled on their second drive, failing to convert on fourth down deep in Lions territory.

Momentum shifted moments later. A bad snap by Lewis County led to a safety, putting West Carter on the board first, 2-0.

Following the safety, Trip Lemaster (23) returned the kickoff for a seven-yard gain. West Carter started gaining traction with a 25-yard pass from Hayden Hall (15) to Weston Kiser (3). Hall then advanced the ball on the ground with a nine-yard carry. A delay of game penalty backed them up five yards, but Kadin Thompson (1) picked up the first down with an eight-yard reception.

Peyton Walker (22) finished the drive with a three-yard touchdown reception, extending the lead to 9-0.

Lewis County responded with an early first down on their next possession, but the drive stalled and ended in a punt. West Carter quickly returned to scoring position with a 47-yard run by Hayden Hall (15), setting the Comets up at the one-yard line. Nathan Flannery (0) powered it in for the touchdown, making it 15-0.

On the following drive, Connor Oney (2) recorded a tackle for loss, and the Lions were once again forced to punt. West Carter took over but was stopped short, turning the ball over on downs. Lewis County’s next series was hampered by penalties, pushing them back to their own 10-yard line.

The Comets regained possession at midfield. A pass from Hall to Weston Kiser (3) brought them down to the 15-yard line, but the clock ran out to end the first half with West Carter up 15-0.

Lewis County received the ball to open the second half and attempted to switch up its offensive scheme. However, they remained scoreless. West Carter fumbled on their opening possession, giving the Lions a chance to cut into the deficit.

Lewis took advantage. A screen pass to Braylon Puente (1) set them up at the five-yard line. A few plays later, quarterback Ryan Wolfe (11) scrambled into the end zone. The two-point attempt was no good, and the score stood at 15-6.

West Carter responded quickly. Hayden Hall (15) connected on a 30-yard pass to Landon Callihan (11). An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Lewis County advanced the Comets to the 15. A few plays later, Hall found Peyton Walker (22) for a 13-yard touchdown—his second of the night.

Kicker Wyatt Martin (13) followed up with a successful onside kick, and the Comets retained possession. Nathan Flannery (0) carried the ball twice for a combined 45 yards, finishing with another touchdown to extend the lead.

In the next series, Landon Callihan (11) intercepted a pass and returned it 36 yards for a pick-six. On the following Lions drive, Will Caudill (10) picked off another pass and returned it 10 yards to set the Comets up in scoring range again.

Nathaniel Hale (24) kept the offense rolling with a 20-yard touchdown run, further widening the gap. Defensively, West Carter closed strong, forcing multiple tackles for loss and maintaining control.

To seal the game, Nathaniel Hale (24) added one final 20-yard touchdown run, bringing the game to its final score: West Carter 49, Lewis County 6.

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Live, from Rochester

hamburger and fries photo
Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com

By Robert Dean

Carter County Times

Chowing down on an overflowing plate of mac salad, home fries, and a burger smothered in “meat sauce” is a ritual in upstate New York. They call it a “garbage plate,” a little bit of this and that thrown together to make something unholy both in practice and by your cardiologist’s standards. But you gotta do it: travel injects perspective, and on life’s highways and byways, I’ve wound up in Bills Country. Looking into the garbage plate is like looking into the chasm of eternity, except it’s covered in mustard and sauce and some guy in a Josh Allen jersey is watching with perverted pleasure.

I’ve never been up here before, so I’ve been learning what counts as “the right” way to drop a chicken wing into grease, along with the proper level of sauce coverage. The wing should have a certain crispness—no one wants a soggy flat.

Travel is education. It shows us who we are, and maybe who we aren’t. Everywhere has its “thing,” and learning those quirks matters if you want to see how the other half lives. In Rochester, I learned that “the right” hot dog isn’t mine. I grew up in Chicago, where hot dogs are sacred—here they torch them until they taste like pencil shavings. But that’s part of the pact when you hit the road: you don’t just eat the food, you eat the custom. You ask why everyone guzzles Labatt Blue like Niagara pumps it for free. Politicians scream about tariffs; the guy at the bar just wants his beer cold.

The country’s big. Too big. We’ve got too many people, too many opinions, and too many heads smashing together to be the loudest voice in the room. But it’s worth getting in the weeds, and grabbing a beer with a weirdo, because you might learn something about yourself.

The fast truth of travel is lore versus custom. Just because I eat a hot dog one way doesn’t mean it’s the only way to choke down encased meat. Bias lives in hometowns. Bias cracks when you sip from someone else’s longneck. Half this country lives a life you never even consider.

The real monuments aren’t buildings; they’re people. The guy puffing a heater outside the gas station who lost three fingers to a snowblower but still keeps driveways clean—that’s where you learn. Discomfort is the ticket price: sketchy beds, bathrooms with mysteries you don’t want to solve, ordering fish when the room screams steak. That’s how you grow.

The shared human experience boils down to saying, “I did it.” I met the weirdo. I survived the garbage plate. Messy, greasy, unholy, but American. Tasting is understanding, and it’s saying, “I’ll see you on your terms.” Prejudice thrives when you stay home. Curiosity thrives when you wander.

And that’s the garbage plate: contradictions piled high, sauce dripping everywhere, somehow it works. Same with us. We’re all a little gross, thrown together, but worth tasting. Go Bills?

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Food, taxes, and student success

The Carter County Board of Education recognized students and staff for their participation in the district’s summer feeding program. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

The first item on the Carter County Board of Education’s agenda last Monday (August 18) was recognizing those involved with the very successful summer feeding program. Acting Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Fraley voiced her excitement for it being her first such recognition.

“The Summer Feeding Program is something we are so absolutely fortunate to have in our district,” Fraley said.

The superintendent pointed out that everyone involved in the program, both staff and volunteers, had invested a lot of hard work to make it such a success.

“They worked so hard over the summer to serve 222,497 meals,” Fraley told the board. “This absolutely would not be possible without the help of those people we are recognizing tonight.”

This included not just staff, but students.

“One of the things I think is so special is that we get to recognize ten students that were also part of the Summer Feeding Workforce,” Fraley said.

When she asked what those students did for the program, Fraley was told simply that they did “everything.”

“They handed out meals, they packed meals, they carried boxes, and they took meals to cars. They did everything,” she said, “That made this program successful. So, the fact that we have students that have given back to our community, have given back to their fellow students and their families, is absolutely wonderful. Tonight, we are going to recognize ten of those students for the work they did.”

Not all students who helped with the summer feeding program were in attendance at the board meeting, but each student received an award recognizing their efforts.

School staff members involved in the summer feeding program were also recognized for their dedication and hard work. Those staff members receiving recognition were Debbie Hale, Felicia Kitchen, Gavin Bond, Tammy Sparks, Sheila Marie Skaggs, Viola Middleton, Debbie Potter, Rita Moore, Samantha Bradshaw, and Dorothy Caudill.

School finance officer Andy Lyons presented financial information to the board following the recognition of students and staff members. Lyons said that the board’s financials were healthy and that their balances mirrored where the board stood last year. Lyons reported the balance at around $6.8 million, as opposed to a pre-COVID balance of around $2 million.

“Post COVID we are doing really well,” Lyons told the board. “Of course, we know we have some expenditures coming up. We have some things to buy.”

Lyons also pointed out to the board that given a previous grant to purchase school buses, the board did not have to worry about that major expenditure.

“I can’t say enough how much that school bus grant has benefited us,” he said.

Lyons said that next month (September) the final budget would be submitted. But he added that he was not expecting many changes from the tentative budget that had already been reviewed.

Property taxes were another thing Lyons discussed with the board.

“Probably one of the biggest things you do every year is set the property taxes,” Lyons told the board. “Our property tax last year was 47 cents per one hundred dollars of assessed value.”

“Tax rates are a fairly complicated process,” Lyons continued. “They give you a range you can levy, and it’s based on the amount of money you generate, not the percentage of rate you levy. So, if you levy the same rate as last year, it would be about a four percent increase. That’s about $298,000 more than last year at the same rate.”

The board voted not to increase the rate but rather maintain it at the same rate as the previous year. According to Lyons, the last substantial raise was in 2011 when Carter Elementary School was built. The board also voted not to raise motor vehicle taxes.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: Before you go

white flowers on the coffin
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

On August 11, my 96 year old mom passed away. My sister and her daughter were tasked with making funeral arrangements and distributing whatever property was left behind. Mom had a will, but there were a great many specifics that needed to be dealt with. That being said, they created a loving and respectful celebration of life event for family and friends to remember her.

This amazing situation was a result of my mom’s decision to discuss her desires well in advance of her passing. Not only did she leave a will, she had made arrangements in a more personal way for all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She prepared documents that expressed her wishes, put stickers on the backs of things she owned with the name of the person she felt would want them, and she assigned someone to make sure everything would be taken care of. Just knowing what she wanted made making decisions much easier.

Because things change daily whether they are changes in relationships, travel, entertainment, or work, we have no way of knowing what is to come. It’s never healthy for us to dwell on the unexpected, but we do have the opportunity to give some thought, at least once in our lifetime, about how our passing may impact those we love. In my line of work, I have experienced too many situations where loved ones left so much behind that it became difficult to make final decisions. It is sad that sometimes our loved ones feel enabled to take things, causing ill will and uncomfortable discussions about final arrangements.

It’s your wishes that will eliminate discord in the family during this highly emotional time that we will also face ourselves someday. Making a will is the expression of our desires for the distribution of our property and assigning someone to be responsible to handle those desires. Establishing a relationship with a funeral home makes sure everyone understands what comes next.

I know this is not something we like to think about, but taking the time to assess your wishes now will result in the knowledge that you are giving your loved ones less confusion and more time to honor your memory.

It’s as simple as that!

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

Weekly Arrests: 8/27/25

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.

  • Mark Bush, 51, of West Liberty, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation (HIP violation), arrested and booked August 18.
  • James Vallandingham, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Detention Center, on a charge of trafficking in narcotics (fentanyl), arrested and booked August 18.
  • Jack Bennett, 18, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to notify department of transportation of address change, failure to produce an insurance card, first degree wanton endangerment, fleeing or evading police – second offense, reckless driving, and speeding 24 MPH over limit, arrested and booked August 18.
  • Joy Johnson, 71, address unavailable, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and license not in possession, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Reynaldo Lopez, 33, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of speeding 26 MPH or more over the limit, reckless driving, careless driving, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, failure to wear seat belts, and no operator’s license, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Trenton Goley, 21, of Lexington, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Eddie Sizemore, 51, of Manchester, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Larry Mobley, 45, of Cincinnati, OH, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Jason Marcum, 28, of Lilly, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Andrew Saunders, 30, of Barboursville, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Charles Cargle, 53, of Richmond, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Bobby Hubbard, 23, of Manchester, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Perry Whatley, 57, of Cincinnati, OH, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Jarrod Strother, 33, address unavailable, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of second degree cruelty to animals, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Steven Sharp, 44, of Madisonville, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges including two counts of failure to comply with sex offender registration, and failure to appear, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Jacob Clifton, 24, of Elk Horn, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked August 19.
  • James Virgin, 22, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 19.
  • Ethel Barker, 47, address unavailable, arrested by Boyd County Jail, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 20.
  • Shawn Brown, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on three counts of failure to appear, and three counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked August 20.
  • Brian Boyd, 44, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 20.
  • Bryant Bowling, 47, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked August 21.
  • Randi Littleton, 36, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of one headlight, improper equipment, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked August 22.
  • Estill Stamper, 54, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a probation violation for a felony offense, and for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 22.
  • Joseph Burton, 49, of Olive Hill, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked August 22.
  • Timothy Hammons, 41, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County District Court, weekender, arrested and booked August 22.
  • Zachary White, 36, of Grayson, self-surrender, charges unavailable, arrested and booked August 22.
  • Lisa Smith, 54, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of fourth degree assault with minor injury, arrested and booked August 23.
  • Billy Eldridge, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (two or more grams of methamphetamine), first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (10 or more dosage units of an unspecified drug), first degree possession of a controlled substance (heroin), first degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), and possession of a drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked August 23.
  • Michael Williams, 44, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of second degree assault, arrested and booked August 23.

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.

8/27/25 e35

8.27.25 e35Download

Malinda “Linda” Dean Johnson

Malinda “Linda” Dean Johnson, age 83, of Elliott County, Kentucky, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025, at Elliott County Nursing Home and Rehabilitation in Sandy Hook, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sunday, October 12, 1941, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Raymond and Grace Stevens Dean.

Linda was of Freewill Baptist Faith and was happy being a wife and mother. She enjoyed making crafts, sewing, crocheting and after raising her family, she enjoyed traveling with her husband. Her greatest joy in life was being a Grandmother and Great-Grandmother.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Hobert Dean.

Linda is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Keen Johnson; three sons, Keen Allen Johnson, John Johnson both of Taylor Michigan; Jeffery “ Annie” Johnson of Gig Harbor, Washington; one daughter, Kathy “Danny” Gomez of Webberville, Michigan; 5 grandchildren, Nathanael (Aliza) Gomez, Rebekah (George) Payton, Alyssa (Chase) Toth, Nicole Johnson (Stephen Solliday), Penny Johnson; 9 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Daniel Dean of Tecumseh, Michigan, Ronald “Alice” Dean of Fort Wayne, Indiana; two sisters-in-law, Sonja Dean and Linda Johnson both of Olive Hill, Kentucky; special cousin, Bonnie Bond of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Gary Sparks officiating. Burial will follow in Garvin Ridge Cemetery, in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025 and after

9 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Nathanael Gomez, Clifton Dean, Chase Toth, George Payton, Stephen Solliday, Carter Payton, Charles Payton, Luke Toth will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Malinda “Linda” Dean Johnson.

Troy Lynn Lewis

Troy Lynn Lewis, age 73, of Grayson, Kentucky, passed away Friday, August 22, 2025, at Community Hospice in Ashland, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born December 27, 1951, in Elliott County, Kentucky, a son of the late Daniel Turner and Lissa Whitt Lewis.

Troy was a member of Ashland Pentecostal Holiness Church. He loved going to church and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Lewis, Arthur Lewis and his wife Judy; four sisters, Emily Jane Holbrook and her husband, Roy, Vivian Sammons and her husband, Charlie, Finetta Lewis and Gemella David Lewis.

Troy is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Linda Skaggs Lewis; two daughters, Amanda (Trevor) Arts of Dallas, Texas, Angela (J.D.) Williams of Grayson, Kentucky; 5 grandchildren, Kaylee Hall (Nick) Burdick of Birmingham, Alabama, MaKenzie Hall (Chandler Tucker) of Dallas, Texas, Jordyn Arts of Dallas, Texas, Ava Williams and Kaden Williams both of Grayson, Kentucky; one brother, Oscar Lewis (Ruth) of Sandy Hook, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Patty Lewis, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home and Cremation Services with Brother Ron Evans and Brother Tommy Romans officiating. Burial will follow in Bentley Cemetery on Salem Road in Grayson, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. unitl 8 p.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025, and after 9 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, until the service hour at Grayson Funeral Home.

Grayson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Troy Lynn Lewis.

David Lee DeBord

David Lee DeBord, age 61, of Jamestown, Ohio, passed away Friday, August, 22, 2025, at his family’s farm on Square Lick in Olive Hill, Kentucky, from injuries sustained in a farming accident.

He was born Thursday, October 17, 1963, in Cincinnati, Ohio, a son of Bob and Darlene Rose DeBord of Xenia, Ohio.

David proudly served his country in the United States Marines, He retired from Greene County Ohio as a Sanitation Engineer with 30 years of service and was currently working at Lowe’s. He attended Abundant Life Tabernacle and enjoyed bowling, fishing, gardening, tinkering on things and working on the family farm in Kentucky.

He was preceded in death by one infant sister, Angela DeBord.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by one daughter, Maggie DeBord of Xenia, Ohio; his companion, Trena Dotson; one brother, Daniel (Mary Kay) DeBord of Powatan, Virginia; one sister, Donna (Doug) Moore of Centerville, Ohio; Trena’s children, whom he thought of as his own, Jennifer Dotson, Brian Dotson; one granddaughter, Blakelee Dotson; two nephews, Jack DeBord, Kade Wolf and one niece, Kourtney Wolf along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Pastor Paul Santoro officiating. Burial will follow in DeBord Cemetery on Square Lick in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, August 27, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Maggie DeBord, Daniel DeBord, Doug Moore, Kade Wolf, Brian Dotson and Greg Hillman will serve as pallbearers.

Military Honors will be conducted at the gravesite by Olive Hill American Legion Post 138.

Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date in Ohio.

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

Joe Ray Lawson

Joe Ray Lawson, age 83, of Rush, Kentucky, peacefully departed this life on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on March 2, 1942, in Omar, West Virginia, Joe was the cherished son of the late Earl and Irene Damron Lawson.

Joe’s life was a testament to love, dedication, and resilience. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Jacob “Jake” Lawson, and his siblings: two sisters, Leatrice Joy Gillum and Willa McAlister, and two brothers, Thurston “Ben” Lawson and J.C. Lawson.

A proud retiree, Joe dedicated 25 years of his life to Ashland Coal, where he served as a coal dock supervisor. His commitment to his work was matched only by his devotion to his family and faith. A long-time member of Coalton Baptist Church, Joe found strength and solace in his faith, which guided him throughout his life.

Joe was a man of many passions. He found joy in riding his Harley Davidson, shooting trap, and practicing archery. His love for the outdoors was evident in his care for his horses and his enthusiasm for trail riding. Additionally, Joe had a knack for working on dirt track cars, a hobby that brought him much happiness and camaraderie.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 60 years, Judy Darlene Earls Lawson, who was his partner in life and love. Joe is also survived by his two sons, Randall Dewayne (Allison) Lawson of Springfield, Missouri, and Robert Shane (Pamela) Lawson of Rush, as well as his daughter, Tammy Ryna Lawson of Rush. He was a proud grandfather to three grandchildren: Wyatt Shane Lawson, Dustin Shane Lawson, and Tobin Grinder; and James Orville Swinford who was like a brother. Joe will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Funeral services to honor Joe’s life will be held at 7 PM on Wednesday, August 20, 2024, at the Malone Funeral Home, with Bro. William Martin officiating. Visitation will take place from 5 PM until the service hour.

In this time of sorrow, the family invites you to share your condolences and memories at http://www.malonefuneralhome.com. Joe Ray Lawson’s legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering faith will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.

Nancy Lee Steele Haney

Nancy Lee Steele Haney, age 71, of Grayson, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 6, 1954, in Carter County, Kentucky, the daughter of the late Bill and Missouri Newland Steele Blair.

Nancy enjoyed her flower garden, fishing, playing with her cats, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Patty Albright and Molly Hall.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Charles Haney; two sons, Jason Jackson, David Haney all of Grayson, Kentucky; one daughter, Jennifer Jackson of Rush, Kentucky; 4 grandchildren, Martin and Charlie Haney, Abigail Rice, Chase Steele; 3 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Norman Steele, Ralph (Joanna) Steele of Grayson, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg, 11512 Midland Trail Rd., Ashland, Kentucky, with Brother Lee Jackson officiating. Burial will follow in East Carter Memory Gardens, in Grayson, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 11 a.m., Thursday, July 31, 2025, until the service hour at First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg.

Grayson Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Nancy Lee Steele Haney.

Johnny Lee Pennington

Johnny Lee Pennington, age 77, from Beetle, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2025, while residing at Paramount Senior Living at Cabell Midland in Ona West Virginia.

He was born April 20, 1948, in Grayson Kentucky, the son of the late Estill and Clara Marshall Pennington.

John was an Army Veteran, who served his country in active duty and served in the National Guards. He retired from Ashland Oil with 30 years of service, a member of Local 40 Boilermakers for over 5 years, founder and shareholder of Grayson Funeral Home, business owner of Lee Ann Company, Inc., which included real estate, excavation and car sales. He was a life long cattle farmer, and a professional puller of his grandchildren’s teeth.

He was a member of Willard 626 Masonic Lodge and Willard American Legion. John enjoyed taking his grandchildren to the “Airplane” store for ice cream, hotdogs and whatever else they wanted. He was very proud of his daughters, grandchilden and spoke of them often to anyone who would listen.

John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Shelia Dickison Pennington, two daughters, Melissia Pennington (Marshall) Hamilton of Salem, Virginia, Rebecca Pennington (Daven) Copeland of Beetle, Kentucky; 4 grandchidren, Alice Marie Copeland, Gracey Mae Copeland, Stephen Michael Copeland and Erin LeAnn Hamilton; one brother, Charles (Cheryl) Pennington of Wheelersburg, Ohio; one sister, Sue (Ron) Baker, Columbus, Ohio, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will also be remembered by many close friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Luke Pennington, three sisters, Phyllis Porter, Janet Walker and infant Clara Belle Pennington.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Grayson Funeral Home, 49 McCoy Road, Grayson, Kentucky, with his granddaughters, Gracey Copeland, Alice Copeland, Erin Hamilton and Brother David Boggs officiating. Burial will follow in Pennington Family Cemetery in Grayson, Kentucky.

Military Honors will be conducted at the graveside by American Legion Post 138.

Friends may visit after 10 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2025, until the service hour at Grayson Funeral Home.

Jon Franklin Glass

Jon Franklin Glass, age 61 of Grayson, Ky went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, July 26, 2025.

Jon was the cherished son of Betty Pence and the late Franklin Glass. Jon was born on November 10, 1963, in Ashland, Ky.

He was a 1994 graduate of Ashland Community College where he earned an associate’s degree in business. He then went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in marketing at Morehead State University. Jon loved to learn and always excelled academically. Jon worked for the Department for the Blind installing computer systems, and later worked as a substitute teacher at Carter County Schools.

In college he became very well-known with his sidekick, and guide dog JD by his side. He spent several years tutoring students who became friends. One of the things Jon enjoyed the most was helping his friends with whatever project they were working on. Through the years he installed countless stereo systems for friends and worked on computers for both friends and strangers who would become friends. He was always ready to lend an ear to listen to his friends and offer help and advice however he could.

Jon was a big talker and often said he “had the gift of gab”. He was a very social person and never met a stranger. Jon attended Grayson Nazarene Church and was an inspiration to his church family. Wherever Jon went he happily gave his testimony as a new creature in Christ. Jon had also been a member of the Masonic lodge and enjoyed the fellowship with his Mason brothers.

Jon is survived by his loving mother Betty Pence, his brother Greg Glass (Beverly), three nieces; Autumn Glass, Candice Glass (Michael Kinder), and Angel Glass; one great nephew,Tyrion Tackett; two great nieces, Onyx Glass-Colvin, Aislinn Glass-Colvin; and his lifelong friend Larry Doucet, his best friend Russell Bustetter, and a host of other family and friends who will miss him greatly. A graveside service to honor Jon’s life will be held on Tuesday August 5, 2025, at 11am at East Carter County Memory Gardens. Friends and family may meet at the Grayson Funeral Home and Cremation at 10:30 am for a procession. Pastor Charles Bayless will be officiating the service upon arrival to the cemetery where Jon’s ashes will be placed.

Grayson Funeral Home and Cremation Service is honored to serve the family of Jon Franklin Glass.

Roscoe Reynolds

Roscoe Reynolds, age 91, of Elliott County, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at his residence.

He was born day, April 27, 1934, in Elliott County, Kentucky, a son of the late Millard and Rejina Holbrook Reynolds.

He enjoyed going to shooting matches, rabbit hunting, going to flea markets, eating at walkers, and attending family get togethers.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 49 years, Angie Blankenship Reynolds; two children, Carolyn Sue Reynolds, Robert Reynolds; 2 great grandchildren, Rylan Skaggs, Tanner Skaggs; five brothers, Clifford Reynolds, Rupert Reynolds, Stanley Reynolds, Earl Reynolds and a infant brother, Clyde Reynolds; three sisters, Gaythel Walker, Emma DeHart and one infant sister, Hazel Reynolds.

Roscoe is survived by two sons, James Reynolds of Lexington, Kentucky, John (Clara) Reynolds of Morehead, Kentucky; three daughters, Diana (Danny) Middleton of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Debbie (Charles) Whitt of Morehead, Kentucky, Ella (Larry) Carter of Sandy Hook, Kentucky; 12 grandchildren, Angilena (James) Bowling, Susan (Shawn) Diamond, Teisha (Casey) Skaggs, Steven Middleton, Joseph (Jennifer) Carter, Charles (Crystal) Whitt, Tiffany (Dale) DeBord, Megan (Brian) Sammons, Cody Reynolds, Anissa (Michael) Jenkins, Amber Reynolds, Matthew Reynolds; 21 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchidlren; one daughter-in-law, Regina Reynolds of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one sister-in-law, Hazel Reynolds of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Charles Whitt and Brother Bobby Day officiating. Burial will follow in Binion Cemetery, Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Friday, August 22, 2025, and after 9 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Steven Middleton, Dale DeBord, Cody Reynolds, Joseph Carter, Brian Sammons, Matthew Reynolds, Landin Diamond, Michael Jenkins, and Shawn Diamond will serve as pallbearers.

Clede Middelton, Dallas Middleton, Ronnie Reynolds and Charlie Whitt will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Roscoe Reynolds.

1...282930...289Page 29 of 289