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Happy birthday to my sobriety

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By Robert Dean

This week I turn 44.

This time last year, I got sober.

I wasn’t a daily drinker, but when I went out, I went hard in the paint—Jameson by the bottle, cheap beer in between. I’d pick booze money over dinner when I was broke. I bought into the fiction that writers had to drink, that good work came from mining your own misery. If you needed a drinking buddy, I was always down. Late nights with weird people. Driving home seeing double. Debit card declined for thirty bucks. It wasn’t my best work.

I’d been thinking about quitting for a while. I was tired of living like a frayed wire—tired of hangovers, of wasting entire days recovering, of letting my demons take the wheel. I’d wake up cringing at my texts, realizing I’d completely misunderstood some simple conversation.

When I told my doctor I wanted to stop, we made a plan. I’ve had anxiety for years; I just didn’t realize I was using alcohol to self-medicate. I got on meds for anxiety and depression—something I wish I’d done years ago.

People ask how I’ve made it a year. The answer’s simple; one day at a time. I never look beyond the day I’m living. I value that my personal life isn’t a cruel sea and that my professional life is thriving. Injecting chaos just to argue in a bar about whether Woody Harrelson was on Cheers isn’t worth losing that peace.

Here’s the story I think about when I wonder if I made the right call:

I was having a bad day. I knew I’d get drunk after work. I had little cash, not enough for Jameson, so I bought a plastic bottle of cheap vodka, a sixer of Talls, and a sixer of White Claws. I drank it all while watching music docs. Still not drunk enough, I cleaned out every stray beer in the fridge and went to the gas station for two magnum-sized tallboys—the ones guys pound after work in parking lots.

Looking back; yeah, that’s a problem.

A year later, the phone rings less, I see fewer people, and that’s fine. I write more. I sleep better.

If you’re thinking about quitting drinking, no one can push you. It’s your call.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com

Public Health student, Olive Hill native sets sights on law school to improve rural health

Public health student John “JT” Maggard-Staton draws inspiration from his rural Kentucky roots as he pursues a career uniting public health and law. Photo by Linda Kim, University of Kentucky College of Public Health. (Submitted photo)

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 14, 2025) — For University of Kentucky College of Public Health student John “JT” Maggard-Staton, growing up in Olive Hill, Kentucky, meant witnessing both the strength of a close-knit community and the challenges that come with living in a region with limited access to health care. Those early experiences fuel his drive to pursue a career that combines public health and law. 

A public health major on the pre-law track, Maggard-Staton is dedicated to addressing health disparities through policy. With plans to attend law school after graduation, he seeks to serve communities like his own by helping shape laws that improve health outcomes for more Kentuckians. 

“I chose the University of Kentucky because of its strong sense of community, as well as opportunities like the Appalachian Career Training in Oncology Program that align with my interests in health care and social impact,” Maggard-Staton said. 

The Markey Cancer Center’s Appalachian Career Training in Oncology (ACTION) Program is a National Cancer Institute Youth Enjoy Science program that recruits and trains early-career undergraduate and high school students from Appalachian Kentucky in cancer research and clinical care. Throughout the program, students gain cancer research knowledge and skills through cross-disciplinary, faculty-mentored research experiences. They also have opportunities to shadow clinicians, participate in career development activities, and conduct outreach within their communities. 

Maggard-Staton is one of the students who has completed both the high school and undergraduate portions, according to ACTION Director Nathan Vanderford, Ph.D., a Markey researcher and associate professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology. 

“I’ve known JT for several years now since he was a high schooler, and I know he’s thought about several different career paths,” Vanderford said. “It’s been this classic transition as he was able to experience different career paths in ACTION that helped him understand what he’s really interested in. And he truly has found a passion in public policy and public health.” 

Vanderford expressed hope that students in the program pursue a wide range of career paths, emphasizing the need for professionals from many different fields to tackle Kentucky’s significant cancer challenges. The state currently holds the highest cancer incidence rate and the second-highest mortality rate in the nation, with particularly elevated numbers in the Appalachian counties where many ACTION students come from.  

“The high cancer rates in Kentucky is why this program is so important because we need more people to help us address this major cancer problem from all these different angles, all these different career paths,” he said.  

While initially on a pre-med track, Maggard-Staton’s focus shifted as he gained greater exposure to the systemic drivers behind health outcomes.  

“I always imagined myself working directly with patients,” he said. “But over time, I started noticing deeper, systemic issues, especially in underserved communities. That led me to explore public health and, ultimately, policy.” 

A pivotal moment in his journey came when he enrolled in Dr. Sarah Cprek’s Introduction to Public Health course.  

“What stood out to me was how she tied real-world issues, like access to care and policy, into the core of public health,” he said. “It showed me how broad and impactful the field is and helped me realize this was the right path for me.” 

He also credits CPH 255 Public Health: Careers for a Healthy World, taught by Professor Janie Cambron, as a turning point. He said the class focused on real challenges communities face. 

“She brought in professionals from across the field and showed how public health connects to everything, which really stuck with me,” Maggard-Staton said. 

As he took more classes and got involved in research, Maggard-Staton said his interests shifted toward the systems and policies that impact people’s health. 

“That’s when I knew I wanted to combine public health and law,” he said. 

With this focus in mind for law school, Maggard-Staton said he hopes to work in public service, especially in roles where he can influence health policy on a larger scale, through government, nonprofits or advocacy. 

“My goal is to address disparities in health care and create policies that ensure everyone has access to care,” he said. 

Maggard-Staton’s specific areas of interest include Medicaid, cancer research funding and substance use treatment. He said those are issues that directly affect vulnerable populations, especially in rural communities like his. The Olive Hill native believes that having public health voices in law and policy is essential. 

“It’s crucial to have people with public health backgrounds in the legal and political fields,” he said. “They bring a unique perspective on how policies impact communities’ health and well-being.” 

Maggard-Staton encourages students considering public health to stay curious by asking questions. 

“If you see something that bothers you, don’t ignore it — learn about it,” he said. “That’s what public health is all about.” 

Looking ahead, Maggard-Staton remains focused on impact. 

“I want to use what I’ve learned to make things better,” he said. “Even if I can make a small change, that’s worth it to me.” 

As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It’s all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.

Have you ever claimed you’ve seen every weird thing imaginable?

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Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano on Pexels.com
By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

I last made that statement about a week ago when a respected zoo in Denmark announced it was inviting pet owners to donate their living household animals to that institution.

No, the purpose wasn’t to expand their animal exhibits or to benefit any ongoing research projects or to even to start a rescue mission for unwanted pets. Believe it or not, it was to utilize the donated dogs and cats and rabbits and other beloved creatures as food for some of the zoo’s wild animals.

It seems the Danish zoologists had determined that certain animals in captivity lived longer, healthier lives when they captured and devoured the kinds of small living creatures they would normally hunt in the wild.

Reading that news story reminded me to a trip I made to the National Zoo in Washington as an eight-year-old. The reptile house fascinated me because of the big snakes.

That sense of wonderment stayed with me for a few nights of scary dreams as I vividly recalled a young live pig being thrown into the enclosure of a 20-foot anaconda and the pig running wildly up and down the floor of the cage while the big snake waited patiently.

Finally, the exhausted, terrified pig stopped running and the snake quickly swallowed it whole. To this day, I’ve wondered who at the Smithsonian decided snake feeding would be educational for families with young kids.

But I’ve topped the snake story with one that’s even more bizarre. I learned that a “green funeral” for a dead person in 13 of these United States actually is human composting. By the way, Kentucky is not among those states…yet!

That term is not a typo. It is avoiding chemical embalming or cremation or direct burial in a wooden casket by letting a human body break down into compost like what you can create at home with leaves, weeds, wood chips, kitchen scraps, etc.

I don’t have space to share all I’ve learned about human composting, but it is growing in popularity with 12 other states now considering its legalization. The funeral industry reportedly is trending toward more environmentally friendly burials.

I had an uncle who loved flowers and converted most of his backyard to a flower garden. He spent countless hours caring for his cherished flowers, especially the roses.

But, in retrospect, I’m not sure he loved those flowers enough to spend eternity with them.

Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

Extension Notes: Carter County Joins Regional Effort to Strengthen Beef Industry

Submitted photo
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

I had the privilege of representing Carter County at the Mid-South Beef Leadership Conference, held August 3–6 at Fall Creek Falls State Park in Tennessee. Alongside Bob Flaugher, president of the Northeast Area Livestock Association, we joined fellow extension agents, specialists, and producers from Kentucky and Tennessee to tackle some of the most pressing issues facing our beef industry today.  Only 25 Kentucky counties were invited to participate.  

This four-day event was more than just a conference—it was a collaborative effort to shape the future of beef production in our region. We engaged in meaningful discussions on land use, farm economics, and producer education, and explored innovative ways to support our local farmers. Additionally, we toured Barker Brothers Farm in Readyville and Short Mountain Distillery to learn more about their operations.  

With multiple counties and stakeholders at the table, the future of beef in the Mid-South looks promising—and more connected than ever.  There’s a real momentum building around strengthening producer networks, expanding consumer outreach, and promoting best practices in livestock management. These conversations weren’t just theoretical—they’re going to lead to real programming and partnerships that benefit producers right here in Carter County.  We’re excited to bring these ideas home and work with our local producers to ensure Carter County remains a strong and innovative part of Kentucky’s beef community.

A person and person standing next to a sign AI-generated content may be incorrect.As always, if you have questions or want to get involved in upcoming beef-related programs, feel free to reach out to the Carter County Extension Office. Let’s keep the momentum going—together.  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.  
  • Hike & Learn – August 22nd @ 1:00 PM – Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center

Promoting community and economic development

Dan and Mindy Click present awards at a past Grayson Gallery F!nal Fr!day event. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

The Grayson Gallery and Art Center will host their second edition of the Grayson PLACE Community Assessment Workshop series on Thursday, August 14, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Gallery director, and former Main Street director, Dan Click said that though this is the second in the series, those who missed the first shouldn’t let that stop them from getting involved in what he described as, “a collaborative workshop aimed at building a stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient Grayson.”

Click explained that the workshop will “build off community input” and recommendations for implementing the strategies that were discussed in the first workshop, while “diving deeper” into what he described as “actionable short, mid, and long-term strategies” that the group uncovered in the previous session. Click described the ideas that grew out of the first meeting as “a road map for community improvement.”

Click said while the event is completely free to attend – with lunch provided – they would like folks to pre-register for the event via Eventbrite.

Topics from the first round that will be more developed in this second round include; local food, resilience, and tourism; trails and active transportation; and housing. In this second round they will further develop short-term action items identified during this first meeting. For instance, short-term action items considered under the tourism topic included organizing further river and roadside cleanups, and promoting local destinations with signage or small grants. On the housing front the group considered housing co-ops tied to rural industries, like farming or forestry, hosting forums on housing needs and costs, and mapping areas where housing needs are a greater priority. Trails and transportation topics included everything from public art projects and other programs designed to encourage walking downtown, as well as an inventory of ADA compliant ramps, the mapping of trails and sidewalks, and exploring safe walking and biking routes for children traveling to and from school.

While some of these ideas – like safer routes for school children and plans to improve housing – are designed exclusively to benefit locals, initiatives like trash clean-ups and the mapping of transportation resources could prove beneficial to both locals and visitors alike. In this way, Click said, they can contribute to the economic development of the community by driving more traffic to downtown businesses.

For more information, follow the link to the Eventbrite registration, or contact Dan Click at the Grayson Gallery & Art Center, or through the Gallery’s social media page on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/GraysonGalleryArtCenter.

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Week:

Jack and Jill are a pair of mixed breed pups, around 12 weeks old. Jack weighs 14 pounds while his sister is slightly larger, at 18 pounds. These playful pups have a $100 adoption fee which includes rabies vaccination and being neutered/spayed. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet them, or call 475-9771 for more information.

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

Joyful Noise: For the love of God

woman in white sweater and blue denim jeans sitting on bed
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

“For the love of God” is an old-fashioned expression used as an oath of shock, exasperation, annoyance, frustration, or anger. “For the love of God, I didn’t even see that car coming!” “Would you let me finish my story, for the love of God?” “Oh, for the love of God, I just had the car fixed and now you’ve put a dent in it!” 

It’s an oath of shock to express one’s anger, exasperation, and frustration with someone or something. I have heard people use this expression several times in my life and I am sure you have, too. People don’t realize they are using the Lord’s name in vain. The meaning of “for the love of God” is used to give added force to an angry statement. I ask you a question, If it wasn’t “for the love of God” where would you be today?

The real “for the love of God” meaning can be found all throughout the Bible. Because of the “love of God” for us He sent His only begotten Son that we might have eternal life. God’s love truly was in Jesus who became a sacrifice for us so we could be redeemed from our sin.

In the Bible, Jesus tells us how to love God: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). In other words, God wants us to love Him with our whole being and in every possible way. God’s own Son taught us to love God the Father with everything we are. Saying this was the first and greatest of all the commandments (verse 38).

We love God by keeping His commands and doing His will (John 14:15, 23; 1 John 5:3; 2 John 1:6; Psalm 40:8). Jesus said the second greatest command, which is like the first, is to love others, and the measure by which we are to love them is as much as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:39). It is impossible to genuinely love the Lord without loving other people, for the desire within God’s heart is to love others.

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent His only Son into the world . . . as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another (1 John 4:7–11). Because of God’s love for us, we are bound to love one another. Demonstration of that love is carried out in part by reproducing His life in others as we spread the gospel of His kingdom.

God desires to have an intimate love relationship with us. Our love for Him is a response to His divine love for us (1 John 4:19). We express our love for God by spending time in His presence, enjoying His nearness, listening to His voice, reading His Word, and daily seeking to know Him better. As the apostle Paul said, “Whoever loves God is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:3).

Perhaps one of the purest examples in the Bible of how to love God comes from an unnamed woman who anointed the Lord’s feet with her perfume (Luke 7:36–50). So grateful was she for Christ’s forgiveness of her many sins that she poured out her love in extravagant worship and absolute devotion. This woman appreciated the true worth of her Savior, and in humble gratitude, sacrifice, and servitude, she loved and worshiped Jesus with her tears, her hair, her kisses, and her priceless bottle of perfume. She loved God with all she was and everything she had to offer. Jesus didn’t become angry and say, “Woman, for the love of God don’t embarrass me in front of these people!”

 Remember, “Whoever loves God is known by God” (1 Corinthians 8:3). 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.

Can Beshear hit big-league pitching?

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By Al Cross

Northern Kentucky Tribune

Gov. Andy Beshear said one reason he went to South Carolina last month was to see his 16-year-old son Will play baseball. But he spent the first two days there entering the big leagues of politics, in the state where Democrats are scheduled to cast their first votes for president in 2028.

His trip gave the clearest idea yet of what a Beshear campaign for the White House would look like, and his first close read by observers in a critical state.

Beshear’s excursion was set up nicely by his greatest sustained national news-media exposure: a 43-minute podcast with The New Yorker magazine, published online July 9; a July 13 interview on “Meet the Press,” and favorable treatment from conservative columnist George Will, who prefers governors as presidents and likened him to Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, Southern governors who moved up.

“His electoral and governing achievements are impressive,” Will declared, citing three straight wins in a state that has become solidly Republican.

Kentuckians know Beshear’s success has come not only from his handling of the pandemic, disasters and economic development, but a unique mix of dynastic Democratic-heritage politics and associated name recognition, which narrowly elected him attorney general in 2015; deep dislike of the Republican governor he unseated in 2019; and running on abortion rights after the Supreme Court changed the politics of that issue.

None of that will matter if Beshear runs for president, but his ambition should be helped by two characteristics that have been greatly responsible for his political success. The first is his ability to stay disciplined and focused, as noted in a Vogue magazine profile. That’s key in presidential campaigns, where tangents and pitfalls await at every stop. The second is his continued self-improvement. Looking at video from South Carolina, he still seems just a bit green, and he still hasn’t learned to say “who” instead of “that.” (See below.) But news coverage and commentary showed that he continues to get better, and that he drew good crowds and won some friends in a key state.

“Andy Beshear is the sort of Democrat South Carolina likes,” read the initial headline over the column of longtime Charleston Post & Courier metro columnist Brian Hicks.

Beshear’s approach contrasted with that of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was in South Carolina for two days the week before. Newsom appeals to base Democrats by baiting President Trump; Beshear is aiming for moderates, independents and anti-Trump Republicans with a focus on kitchen-table issues.

“We can’t be runnin’ after every outrage of the day,” he said on Pawleys Island. “The most important thing we can do is be laser-focused on people’s jobs, their next doctor’s appointment, the roads and bridges they drive, the school they drop their kids off at, and whether they feel safe in their community.” He told The New Yorker that he’s for term limits, a populist totem, and that the party and its candidates “need to spend 80 percent of our time on these issues” because “People don’t wake up thinking about politics.”

On the other 20 percent, Beshear blasts Trump’s tariffs, “cruelty and incompetence” and his big bill’s impact on rural areas. He deals deftly with LGBTQ+ rights, the most troublesome culture-war topic for Democrats. He told The New Yorker that when he vetoed “the nastiest piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation our state had ever seen . . . I said ‘My faith tells me that children are children of God, and I’m gonna stand up for these kids.’ . . . People respect conviction and they want people that stand up for what they believe in.”

A deacon in the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church), Beshear typically refers to his faith in speeches. That’s trickier than it was for Carter, because the country is more secular now. It seemed to play well in South Carolina, which is friendlier territory for a Southerner than, say, New Hampshire. But independents can vote in the New England state’s primary, which could be Democrats’ first in 2028. Beshear’s been there, too.

He will be in many places through 2026, as that year’s chairman of the Democratic Governors Association. It’s his best chance to build political capital, especially with campaign contributors. He surely knows it’s a heavy lift. “What we really need is someone who can heal this country, to get us back together, to not have this constant us-versus-them,” he told The New Yorker. “And what I’ll consider is, am I a candidate that can do that? Or is someone else a candidate that can do that? And if it’s someone else they’ll have my full backing, because I love this country more than anything, and we’ve just got to get back to a better place for every future generation.”

This commentary is republished from the Northern Kentucky Tribune, a nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism.

Fiscal court discusses contracts and roads

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

The Carter County Fiscal Court held its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday, August 11. Items on the agenda included public comment, the 2025 waste tire event, and typical business which included claims, transfers, and department reports. The August meeting also included an Executive Session concerning litigation, but no action was taken.

Rene Parsons from Business Cultivation Foundation presented a report to the fiscal court concerning her company’s performance over the past year. BCF had been retained as a grant writer for the county for a period of one year, and that year ends at the close of August. Parsons presented the report, which included grant writing activities and the company’s assistance in managing funds from the opioid settlement.

Parsons presented the fiscal court with a new two-year contract to continue those services as well as further assisting the fiscal court in completing the setup of the proposed Opioid Advisory Board which would help the court to process and consider the viability of grant applications for use of the county’s opioid funds.

“It’s the same price, and it’s for two years because we applied for an AMLER on your behalf, which takes three years to get,” Parsons said.

The AMLER is a grant from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program​. According to their website, “The AMLER Program is an opportunity for Appalachian communities to achieve economic and community development goals in areas that have​ been impacted by the downturn of coal production.” The grant proposal Parsons’ company submitted was for 6 million dollars.

The fiscal court discussed the upcoming waste tire event, and annual event that helps Carter County residents dispose of old tires, and judge executive Brandon Burton told the court that approval was needed to be part of it.

“We are ‘piggybacking’ on the state this year,” Burton told the court. “The state is going to host it, and we have the dates set for October 2-4. (The event) will take place at the old entrance to the Road Department in the back.”

The court voted unanimously to approve participation in the tire event. More information will become available on the court’s website as the event approaches.

The court also voted to take Mobley Flats Road into county maintenance. The .25 miles was previously known as Gimlet Creek.

“It does meet the county road ordinance,” Judge Burton told the court. “There are three or more addresses, drainage, and structurally sound gravel.”

The court voted unanimously to accept the road into the county maintenance schedule.

Carter County Jailer R.W. Boggs gave an abbreviated report, but did address concerns following the incident in Boyd County where jail personnel were affected by exposure to a chemical substance which led to one officer being hospitalized in critical condition. Boggs said that some of the new drugs being attempted to be smuggled into jails not only in our region but across the county are difficult to track. Dealers can change the ‘mixture’ on these drugs by a small fraction, and this has in some cases allowed those drugs to even get past drug sniffing canines.

“We don’t even allow regular mail into the jail,” Boggs told the fiscal court.

Now, everything except money orders addressed to the jail go to an entirely separate location, he said. That mail is converted to digital form before it returns to the jail. Boggs said this helps to circumvent contacts on the outside being able to ‘smuggle’ substances in through the mail.

“It has always been a constant battle,” Boggs told the fiscal court.

Drug users who have been incarcerated are always attempting to get drugs from associates on the outside, including individuals representing themselves as attorneys (who are not attorneys) and attempting to slip drugs to inmates through bogus legal correspondence.

Boggs discussed Suboxone prescriptions and told the court he believed they should not be allowed. There are those who need it, he said, but managing the presence of drugs and ensuring that they are administered properly is challenging.

“Some inmates have to have it,” he said. “But I think it should be by shot.”

There are people who may have a valid prescription, he said, who then use that prescription to attempt to smuggle the drug in to other inmates.

“At some point, even if we have to pay for it, I would like to get the body scanner,” Boggs told the fiscal court. ”I don’t want to spend money we might not have to spend, but this is a constant battle. You have a ton of addicts who are trying to get the drugs in.”

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Bigfoot Festival coming to Olive Hill

A guest displays a cast of a purported Bigfoot print at a previous meetup hosted by Steagall. (File photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

They have been called a lot of different things in a lot of different places. Wood Booger, Knocker, Hairy Man, Skunk Ape, and even Yahoo. The indigenous people of North America commonly referred to it as Sasquatch, and in modern times the go to name is Bigfoot. Folks claim to hear its haunting call issuing from the woods and other lonely places, and numerous television shows have been dedicated to the search for evidence of a creature who is, indisputably, the master of hide and seek.

Whether we truly know what it is, there are some who believe in the existence of Bigfoot and others who do not believe, while some firmly straddle the fence. But whether you believe, disbelieve, or might believe, there is one indisputable fact – Bigfoot will be having his very own Festival in Olive Hill on Saturday, September 13, at 140 Railroad Street.

The event runs from noon until 7 pm, and will have live music by Neon Country, food trucks, and vendors with unique Bigfoot merchandise. There will also be face painting for kids (and grown-up kids), not to mention a Bigfoot Calling Contest. For those who really want to immerse themselves in Bigfoot there will also be a costume contest, and, of course, there will be a time set aside for people to share their own experiences.

The event will include a meet and greet with television personalities Turtle Man and Swamp Man, and will feature guest speakers Joe Perdue, Ron Lanham, Michael Cook, and Charles Romans. Emcee for the event will be Kentucky Bigfoot Research Organization founder Charlie Raymond. The event is hosted by the Carter County Bigfoot Research Group, and is sponsored by Carter County Tourism and Olive Hill Tourism.

The event has been planned by Tabatha Steagall of the Carter County Bigfoot Research Organization (CCBRO), who has been involved in Bigfoot hunting in Carter County for over ten years.

“I started it (CCBRO) about eleven years ago,” Steagall said. “People have shared their stories with us, and some have even let us come on their property to investigate.”

Steagall has even investigated around Carter Caves with her group, searching for the elusive creature.

Steagall was also recently featured on the show Red Earth Uncovered, a YouTube program produced by documentary filmmakers at Small Town Monsters. In addition, she has been a guest on numerous podcasts and has had visitors from all over the country come to help her hunt Bigfoot near her home in Grahn.

The idea for a Bigfoot Festival is something Steagall said she has thought of for years, but recently she mentioned it to a friend who she said kept pushing for it. Steagall said that she hopes the event will be a success and believes it will be because there are so many people in the Carter County area and surrounding counties who are fans of the elusive cryptid. She also hopes to see the show become an annual event people look forward to attending.

Steagall said she regularly posts any updates to the event such as guests, vendors, etc., on her Facebook page, and people can feel free to visit her there if they have any questions about the event.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: DIY Gone Wrong

black claw hammer on brown wooden plank
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

I love fixing up my home. I am able to do things like painting, unclogging drains, or installing window blinds. Things that are relatively easy by just looking up how-tos on the internet, purchasing the right part, and there it is all fixed and proud of myself for not needing to spend money on hiring a professional.

Recently, I was framing a wall that I had removed to open space from the living room to the kitchen. There was a wall outlet that wasn’t being used right in the middle of where I was to be installing the new frame. It needed to have the wires capped off and a metal plate installed to make it safe so it could be covered by the framing. So, I turned off the power, removed the plug attachment, capped off the four wires, and turned the power back on. And what do you know? The whole house went dark. It became apparent that one of the wires was linked directly to my power panel which controlled everything electrical. That’s when I knew I had to call in an electrician.

I have replaced many wall outlets before by learning from the experts, but when it came to fooling with the entire power grid, I thought better of trying to fix this on my own. The electrician came out and did the repairs safely and without my help. I then decided that the best solution would be to cut a hole in the framework and expose the outlet so it could be used or accessed if something more serious were to come up. It was worth every penny spent to hire a trained electrician.

It’s wise to know when you need help with your DIY project; especially when it involves major plumbing, heating, and electrical fixes. Be aware of what needs to be done before you do it and, most importantly, don’t let pride get you into trouble.

It’s as simple as that!

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

Weekly Arrests: 8/13/25

The following individuals were arrested and booked into the Carter County Detention Center (CCDC) 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.

  • Melissa Porter, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked August 3.
  • Jimmy Conn, 45, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of fourth degree assault (dating violence) with minor injury, and public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked August 4.
  • John Lusher, 66, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked August 5.
  • Mariah Stumbaugh, 22, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of public intoxication on a controlled substance, arrested and booked August 5.
  • Michael Smith, 40, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of endangering the welfare of a minor, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Evin McConnell, 28, of Portsmouth, OH, arrested by Boyd County Jail, for failure to appear, arrested May 5, booked into CCDC August 6.
  • Charles Bryant, 37, of Grayson, arrested by Boyd County Jail, on charges of failure to appear, first degree wanton endangerment, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, reckless driving, failure of owner to maintain required insurance, failure to produce an insurance card, and operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, arrested and booked August 6.
  • David Hill, 40, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for contempt of court – libel/slander – resistance to order, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Chris Destocki, 45, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, and improper parking violations, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Brandon Finley, 31, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of second degree assault, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Bryan Hernandez, 24, address unavailable, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of failure to wear seat belts, reckless driving, failure to produce an insurance card, license not in possession, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Nicolas Salvador, 52, address unavailable, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked August 6.
  • David Richards, 63, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a hold for drug court, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Anthony Light, 54, of Grayson, arrested by Carter Couty Circuit Court, on a hold for drug court, arrested and booked August 6.
  • Bobby Harris, 19, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 7.
  • Steven Diedrich, 43, of Nicholasville, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, first degree wanton endangerment, disregarding traffic control device/traffic light, reckless driving, license not in possession, failure to give right of way to emergency vehicle, failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle, and failure to maintain required insurance, arrested and booked August 8.
  • Cimber Arthurs, 34, of Sandy Hook, arrested by Carter County District Court, weekender, arrested and booked August 8.
  • Joseph Burton, 49, of Olive Hill, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked August 8.
  • Timothy Hammons, 41, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County District Court, weekender, arrested and booked August 8.
  • Chester Harper, 65, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, third degree assault of a police officer, and public intoxication on a controlled substance, arrested and booked August 8.
  • Joshua Greer, 44, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and persistent felony possession of a firearm, arrested and booked August 9.
  • Elijah Silcox, 26, of Denton, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with minor injury, no registration receipt, no registration plates, improper display of registration plates, failure to produce an insurance card, license not in possession, no operator’s license, instructional permit violations, and failure to wear seat belts, arrested and booked August 9.
  • William Elliott, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked August 9.
  • Jeffrey Riddle, 41, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of failure to wear seat belts, careless driving, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, arrested and booked August 9.
  • Andrew Stepp, 35, address unavailable, arrested by Department of Fish and Wildlife, on charges of failure to operate boat at idle speed in a harbor or congregated area, and operating a boat or watercraft while intoxicated or under the influence, arrested and booked August 9.
  • Alex Kidd, 24, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and failure to wear seat belts, arrested and booked August 10.

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.

Olive Hill Legion to host claim processing event for veterans

side view photo of person wearing military uniform
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Staff Report
Carter County Times

Moore-Armstrong American Legion Post 138, of Olive Hill, will be hosting a Veteran Processing Claims Center Event for veterans and their family members needing assistance in filing Veteran Affairs Claims. Hour of operations is from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturday, August 30. If it applies, please bring the following documents:

∙A copy of DD Form 214.

∙Current Marriage Certificate and a list of all previous marriages and divorces on both the

veteran and their spouse.

∙Legal custody documents on all dependents.

∙Copies of any previous or current VA claims letters like, C&P Exams and Decision

Letters from DVA.

∙A voided check or deposit slip.

For more information, please contact John Maxwell at (502) 208 8807; 138th American Legion

Post Service Officer.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Registration open, sponsorship opportunities available for annual ACTC golf scramble

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ASHLAND, Ky. – Registration is open for the annual Ashland Community & Technical College Golf Scramble.

“We are proud to host our 12th annual golf scramble, which has raised $245,000 over the past 11 years to support our Golf Scramble Endowment,” said Kim Minnehan, ACTC advancement administrator. “Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and participants, we’ve been able to award more than $46,000 in scholarships since 2016.”

The event will take place beginning at 9 AM on Friday, Sept. 26 at the Bellefonte Country Club. 

“This year’s scramble is especially meaningful as it is held in memory of Al Flath, and we are grateful to Dr. Mary Cat Flath for her continued leadership as our Golf Scramble Chair,” said Minnehan. Al Falth assisted with the planning of the Golf Scramble and served as co-chair for three years before his passing in January of this year.

Each team will be made up of four players. Participants can field their own teams. Individual golfers will be assigned to a team by the golf committee.

The cost to participate is $175 per player. Registration for a team of four is $700; a team of four with one hole sponsorship is $900. Two foursomes with two-hole sponsorships is $1,700. 

The cost includes cart and green fees, as well as lunch. 

Opportunities are still available for sponsorships and golf team participants. Multiple sponsorship opportunities are available and include team entry fees, varying levels of signage as well as recognition in mailings and programs.

A portion of the sponsorship opportunities and registration fees are tax deductible and proceeds from the event go toward scholarships for deserving ACTC students. 

“We are deeply thankful for the support of our platinum sponsors, Bob and Christy Craycraft and Clark’s Pump-N-Shop, as well as our gold sponsors, Paramount Properties and Kentucky Power Company, who help make this event and its impact possible,” Minnehan said.

To register or for more information on how to sponsor the event, call 606-326-2071 or email AS_Foundation@kctcs.edu. 

Sponsorship levels are as follows:

  • Platinum level sponsorship is $5,000 and above and includes two golf teams, 10 mulligans, premiere signage, recognition in mailings and programs, as well as a gift indicating corporate sponsorship.
  • Gold level sponsorship is $2,500 and includes two golf teams, five mulligans, a medium sized banner and recognition in mailings and programs.
  • Silver level sponsorship is $1,000 dollars and includes one golf team, 5 mulligans, a small banner and recognition in mailings and programs.

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Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky. 

Put mental health on the back-to-school checklist (University of Kentucky)

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The University of Kentucky Public Relations and Strategic Communications Office provides a weekly health column available for use and reprint by news media. This week’s column is by Mary Shea, Ph.D., pediatric psychologist at Kentucky Children’s Hospital.

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Back to school is a busy time for everyone with lots of items on the checklist — school supplies, sports physicals, plan for after school care and more.

Another important item to check off is a mental health check-in with your child. Going back to school can be stressful and full of uncertainty — especially for children with a history of mental health concerns. Mental health care needs to be on the checklist to help set your child up for a successful school year.

Here are some tips for getting your child or teenager’s mental health in shape for back to school.

Start a conversation. Ask child/teenager about how they are feeling for the upcoming school year. Have them to share one thing they are looking forward to and one thing they are not looking forward to. Even if they are worried about something that you don’t think will happen, show you are listening to their concerns (“You’re worried you won’t have any friends in middle school”) before moving to problem solving and reassuring them. 

Get back into routine before school starts. Even if the first day of school is weeks away, start scheduling bedtime and have them wake, get dressed and eat breakfast as they would during the school year. Likewise, scheduling meal and snack time and setting limits to screen time will help ease them back into their school year routine.

Setup a trial run. This is especially if you have a child or teen who has avoided school in the past or is transitioning to a new school. Driving by the school and walking the halls will help them orient themselves in a new space. Open houses and back to school nights are great way to help kids find their classes, figure out where their lockers are and get a general lay of the land before the first day. 

Make a plan. A successful school year starts with a plan. This is especially important if they have struggled at school before. Make organization and time management a priority and talk about what they can do when things don’t go according to plan. Consider sharing the plan with a support staff member at school. 

Enlist the help of their pediatrician. Remind them that they can always come to you with questions or to talk about how they’re feeling. Encourage your child or teen to talk about struggles they have been having at school with their doctor. Remember that back-to-school sports physical you need? That could be a good opportunity for a mental health check-in. This article has some tips on how to start the conversation with their pediatrician. 

Remember that it make take a few weeks for the whole family to get back into the groove of the school year, especially when faced with changes such as starting at a new school. It’s normal for your child to experience difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions, but when those feelings interfere with their success at school, talk to their pediatrician on how to support them.

UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated health care professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns and the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.

As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the health care landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other health care professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come. 

Kentucky Participates in Nationwide Campaign To Curb Impaired Driving During Labor Day Weekend

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FRANKFORT, Ky. – As Labor Day approaches, Kentuckians are reminded to celebrate the end of summer safely by planning for a sober, designated driver if festivities include alcohol.

“Our top priority is keeping Kentuckians safe,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “If you are under the influence and choose to get behind the wheel, you put everyone on the road in danger, including yourself. Let’s work together to eliminate preventable crashes by committing to celebrate responsibly.”

Although impaired driving enforcement is a year-round effort, crashes tend to increase over holiday weekends. That’s why the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and law enforcement agencies across the country in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, which runs from Aug. 13 through Sept. 1, 2025.

“It is never acceptable to drive impaired,” said Kentucky Transport Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. “Alcohol, drugs and even prescription medications can impair your ability to operate a vehicle safely. You may feel ‘OK,’ but impairment slows your judgment, coordination and reaction time.”

According to the KOHS, last year in Kentucky, there were 4,260 total crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 2,062 injuries and 185 deaths. Last year, 45 alcohol related crashes involving only a motorcycle were reported, resulting in 41 injuries and 6 deaths.

During the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend, there were 76 crashes involving an impaired driver, resulting in 44 injuries and one death.

 

The following tips are recommended to stay safe:

  • Before the festivities begin, plan a way to get home safely at the end of the night;
  • If you’re impaired, use a ride-booking company or taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation to get home safely;
  • If you see an impaired driver, safely pull over and contact law enforcement. You may dial the Kentucky State Police toll-free line directly at 1-800-222-5555 or call 911. Provide a vehicle description, license number, location and, if possible, direction of travel;
  • If you know people who are about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to their destination safely;
  • Wear a seat belt! It is not only the law, but it is also the best defense against an impaired driver. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if you are involved in a crash.

 

For more information on drunken driving visit kydrivesober.com

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Weekly Arrests: 8/06/25

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.

  • Jacob Steagall, 31, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a probation violation (for a felony offense), and charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and giving an officer false identifying information, arrested and booked July 28.
  • Sam Shephard, 57, of Louisa, arrested by Kentucky State Police, serving a warrant for a parole violation, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, as a fugitive (warrant not required), and possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor over age 12, arrested and booked July 28.
  • Jackie Henderson, 33, address unavailable, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of fourth degree assault (dating violence) with no visible injury, and third degree terroristic threatening, arrested and booked July 28.
  • Joanie Tolliver, 33, of Rush, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of first degree criminal abuse of a child 12 or under, arrested and booked July 29.
  • Dalton Thomas, 27, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a hold for drug court, arrested and booked July 30.
  • Thomas Boggs, 53, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked July 31.
  • Lindsay Hataway, 29, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of possessing a license when privileges are revoked, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, speeding 26 MPH or more over the speed limit, failure to surrender a revoked operator’s license, and failure to appear, arrested and booked July 31.
  • Shawn Terry, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a probation violation (for a felony offense), arrested and booked August 1.
  • Russell White, 56, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 1.
  • Stephanie Vannatter, 40, of Grayson, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked August 1.
  • Maurice Wallace, 45, address unavailable, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked August 1.
  • Joseph Burton, 49, of Olive Hill, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked August 1.
  • Sabrina Gibson, 31, address unavailable, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 1.
  • James Vallandingham, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of failure to appear, and trafficking in narcotics (fentanyl), arrested and booked August 1.
  • Mickie Skaggs, 23, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of attempted murder, arrested and booked August 1.
  • Whitney Hayes, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (two or more grams of methamphetamine), and two counts of trafficking in narcotics (fentanyl), arrested and booked August 2.
  • Kenny Wages, 43, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of trafficking in narcotics (fentanyl), and first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (two or more grams of methamphetamine), arrested and booked August 2.
  • Justin Couch, 27, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked August 2.
  • Christian James, 23, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, failure to produce an insurance card, failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle, first degree wanton endangerment, third degree terroristic threatening, first degree unlawful imprisonment, attempted murder, and non-payment of courts costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked August 3. 
  • Darren Walker, 30, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Detention Center, weekender, arrested and booked August 3.

All of the charges listed are arrest charges only, and do not indicate an indictment or a conviction for the charges in question. All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Information is compiled from publicly available sources, but may not be comprehensive.

Kenneth Maddox

Kenneth Maddox, 85, of Olive Hill, passed away Tuesday, August 5th, 2025, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky. The Grahn, Kentucky native was born June 21, 1940, the son of the late Woodrow Maddix and Edith Bailey Maddix. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Mary Cox Maddix Harper. 

Mr. Maddox was a self-employed farmer, working on his family farm for many years. He enjoyed rummage sales and going fishing. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter: Tammy Maddix

He is survived by his daughter: Lisa (William) Paynter of Mount Perry, Ohio and son: Wade (Pauline) Maddix of Kentucky, grandchildren: Natasha (John) Perkins, Tiffany Perkins, Sierra Perkins, Anthony (Brenda) Maddix, and Andrea Maddix-Click; two sisters: Flora Jean Fultz and Debbie (Terry) Robertson and brother: Art Maddix.  He will be missed by many.

Special thanks to the staff at the Community Hospice Care Center of Ashland, KY for the special care they provided and support for the family. 

There will be no services per Mr. Maddox’s wishes.  Tracy Brammer-Monroe Funeral Home, 518 South 6th Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638, is honored to assist the Maddox family.  www.tracybrammerfh.com

Extension Notes: Welcome Garden Spiders

Orb weaver spider (submitted photo)
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

For some of us, the thought of a spider makes us run for a big shoe. Stop before you do that. Most spiders in Kentucky will not harm you, and in fact, spiders play an important role in a healthy ecosystem, controlling insect pests that raid our gardens. 

You may notice the large, intricate webs of orb weavers in your garden, particularly in late summer. There are many species of orb weaver spiders in Kentucky. No other common Kentucky spider makes organized, circular, grid-like webs like orb weavers. These spiders are almost always encountered inside their webs. 

Orb weavers range in size from the size of a pencil eraser to a little larger, with their legs outstretched, than a U.S. silver dollar. Their coloring ranges from solid tan or brown to colorful, vivid patterns. Seeing one of Kentucky’s largest spiders, a yellow and black Argiope in the center of its web in the morning, when dew droplets turn their work into garden jewelry is a real treat. By the way, their bites are harmless to humans, unless you’re allergic. 

When their legs are outstretched, grass spiders are about the size of a U.S. quarter. They are brown with noticeable gray or tan stripes that run the length of their body. They can be distinguished by their prominent hind spinnerets, which are two, finger-like projections on the end of its abdomen that are used to spin the web. Many other spiders have spinnerets, but they are particularly noticeable in grass spiders. 

Wolf spiders come in a range of species and sizes, from the size of a pencil eraser to a U.S. silver dollar. Most are dark or light brown, usually with contrasting spots or stripes. They can move fast and are often seen running on the ground. They don’t build webs to catch their prey. Instead, they use their sight to pinpoint their prey, mostly at night, and chase them down like their namesakes, wolves. 

You may see wolf spiders in your home, but unless you’re allergic, their bite is harmless. 

Grass spiders are very common in Kentucky lawns, where they build large, funnel-shaped webs. They also occasionally wander into homes. They can be mistaken for brown recluse spider, because they are brown and similar in size. They are, however, harmless to humans unless an individual is allergic. 

Speaking of brown recluses, they are one of two Kentucky spiders that can harm humans, the other being a black widow. Tan to dark brown, a brown recluse’s abdomen and legs are uniformly colored with no stripes, bands, or mottling. The legs are long and thin and lack conspicuous spines. They have a dark violin-shaped mark on their back, with the neck of the violin pointing toward the rear of the spider. This feature is consistent in adult brown recluses, but is less obvious in younger spiders. Also, brown recluses only have six eyes: most Kentucky spiders have eight, but let’s be honest. Are you really going to get close enough to count? 

Their bites are serious and require immediate medical attention, but brown recluses are timid and unlikely to bite unless handled. These spiders are common in all areas of Kentucky. They tend to occur in hidden locations indoors and outdoors, such as piles of cardboard or paper, stacks of cut wood and wall-voids of buildings. 

Black widow spiders are also common throughout the state. The female black widow is about a half-inch long and is glossy black with a variable number of red markings on the top and/or bottom of her abdomen. Adult males smaller and are similar in color, but with a few added white markings. Juveniles are highly variable. Their bites are very serious and require immediate medical attention, but the spider is timid and unlikely to bite unless handled. They tend to hide out in concealed outdoor locations such as piles of rocks or firewood and dark corners of garages and out-buildings. Females are common; males are very rarely encountered. 

To learn about more of Kentucky’s spiders, visit the University of Kentucky Department of Entomology’s Critter Files, http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CritterFiles/casefile/spiders/spiderfile.htm or contact the Carter County Office of the UK Cooperative Extension Service.  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.  
  • Ag Advancement Council – Monday, August 11th @ 6:00 PM
  • County Extension Council & District Board – Tuesday, August 12th @ 10:00 AM
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