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Duck, Duck, Jeep

A classic Jeep on display at last year's Kiwanis Jeep Show.
A classic Jeep on display at last year's Kiwanis Jeep Show. Photo by: Jeremy Wells
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

The Kiwanis Club Jeep Show returns to Memory Days this weekend in Grayson. Father Marc Bentley, President of the Carter County Kiwanis Club, said last year’s Jeep Show was such a success, and people enjoyed it so much, that the Kiwanis decided to bring it back yet again. The event, now in its fourth year, runs from 1 – 5:30 pm on Main Street, on Sunday, May 25, and allows Jeep owners to show off their own vehicle and enjoy swapping Jeep stories with each other, all while helping support local kids.

“Registration is thirty dollars,” Bentley said. “And pre-registration comes with a t-shirt.”

Jeep owners aren’t required to pre-register and can even register on the day of the event to be eligible for awards and other prizes. First place trophies will be awarded in each class, and categories for judging include  People’s Choice, Best of Show, Best Old School, YJ, TJ, JK, JL, XJ, Gladiator/JT, Non Wrangler, and Rat Rod.

“There is a real culture with Jeep Owners,” Bentley said, and pointed out that there is so much a person doesn’t know if they don’t own – or at least know someone who owns – a Jeep.

“I had never heard of ‘Ducking’,” Bentley said. “Where you leave a rubber duck on someone’s Jeep. So, we will be giving away a lot of those rubber ducks for just that reason during the Memorial Day Parade.”

“It’s pure Americana,” Bentley said of the connection between Jeep owners. “The Jeep is an iconic American car, and to have everyone’s Jeep on Main Street and everyone enjoying themselves is just wonderful. And they (Jeep Owners) do some really cool things with their Jeeps. Last year I saw one that was themed around the movie ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas.’ The creativity is just amazing.”

“Last year we saw people from many different places and of all ages come together over their shared love of Jeeps,” Bentley said. “Yes, they are competing against each other for prizes and trophies, but there is also a camaraderie there as well. A lot of times they know each other and are part of the same clubs, and have gone to the same shows. And they are so welcoming and inviting, and are excited to show off their hard work.”

“They spend a lot of time making their Jeeps really sparkle, sometimes literally,” Bentley said in appreciation. “And to let them showcase that on Main Street during Memorial Day is pure Americana.”

The Jeep Show is a Kiwanis Fundraiser, and all the proceeds go towards all of the things the club does to support the young people in the community. The Kiwanis Club has funded handicap accessible playground equipment at the Grayson Sports Park, the Harvest Pack food drive in the fall of the year, and is, as Bentley said, “Here in the community to help the young people and their families.”

“That’s our mission,” Bentley said. “And events like the Jeep Show help us to not only fulfill that mission, but have a wonderful time doing it.”

For more information, or to pre-register, Bentley said to contact Jami Horton at Jami.horton@bankatcity.com, or call 606-474-7802Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Joyful Noise: Be Still and Let God Fight for You

woman wearing black bra and white tank top raising both hands on top
Photo by Tirachard Kumtanom on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

Exodus 14:14 says, “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”

Be still. God knows you’re tired. He knows you’re doing your best. He knows you’re unsure of what the future holds. But He sees you. He sees that you haven’t given up. He will fight for you. Be still… God is winning battles for you that you don’t even know about. If you still trust God through it all you are walking by faith and not by sight.

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God!” 

Being still means being willing to wait. It means we put our agenda aside and allow God to work on His perfect plan. Will it be easy? No. But while we’re waiting, we can spend time in His presence learning more about Him.

Here are some things we must do to learn how to stand still and let God fight for us!

1. Trust God. This seems like a no-brainer but trusting God takes effort. It takes faith. It takes faith to allow the Lord to fight your battles. Without faith it is impossible to please God. Trust and have confidence in what he’s already prepared for us.

2. Repent of sin. Here’s the truth: sin separates us from God. When we have sin weighing us down, the enemy likes to convince us that there’s nothing we can do to get right with God. That’s a lie from the pit of Hell. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.1 John 1:9. Unconfessed sin builds a wall between you and God. Unconfessed sin gives the enemy a foothold in your life. Confess your sins, sit still before God and watch Him fight your battles.

3. Practice obedience. As Christians, we are called to walk in obedience. When we are being obedient, it is easier for us to remain still in God’s presence.

4. Find Scriptures that remind you how to wait. The Bible has a lot to say on several topics including being able to wait. Spend some time reading, studying, and praying over scripture about waiting.

5. Find a support group. Surround yourself with people who love God and want to pursue Him. Learn from others who have learned to be still. Spend time with those who have learned how to let God fight their battles.

6. Use your gifts to serve others. One of the best things we can do when we’re waiting on God to fight for us is to serve other people. Devote some of your energy, effort, and time to help other people. Maybe you will be the tool God uses to fight someone else’s battle.

7. Practice patience. You’ve probably heard it said before, patience is a virtue. But if you struggle in this area as I do sometimes, you may find it necessary to practice patience. When you find yourself becoming impatient, remind yourself that God’s timing is best. Remind yourself that the Lord will fight for you if you’ll only be still long enough.

And then remind yourself that when God fights for you there’s no repercussions or fallout. Everything is done perfectly with no consequences for anyone. Practice being still.

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.

Mulch, Mold and Fungi

hand of a person planting seeds on the ground
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Mulch can be beneficial in many ways on plant beds, around foundation shrubs and other gardening locations in your yard, but mold can threaten its benefits.

In landscape beds and gardens, mulch helps control weeds, prevent extreme soil temperature fluctuation, decrease water evaporation and improve drainage. Mulch also reduces mower and string trimmer damage on shrubs and trees by suppressing vegetation near their trunks. As it decomposes, mulch produces organic materials to improve soil and otherwise benefit plants.

You need to periodically re-apply mulch to continually get these benefits.

Nuisance fungi occasionally grow on mulch. They include shotgun fungus, slime molds, stinkhorns, earthstars and toadstools.

The shotgun fungus shoots masses of tiny black spore structures onto adjacent surfaces such as vehicles and home siding. 

Slime molds are more unsightly than harmful. They don’t cause plant diseases and aren’t parasitic. Slime mold spores usually appear from late spring to fall. Abundant wet weather stimulates above-ground appearance of these fungi that initially appear slimy but quickly become dry and powdery when converting into spore masses. You’ll often see slime molds quickly appear and usually disappear in one to two weeks. They tend to reproduce in the same location every year.  Fungicide use isn’t recommended because slime molds aren’t harmful.

When mulch hasn’t been composted, it might contain fungi that cause plant diseases. This situation is rare, however, and only occurs in non-composted mulch. Plant material fertility problems can arise when fungi in decomposing mulch remove nitrogen from the soil.

Insufficient moisture problems can develop when fungi permeate thick layers of dry mulch creating a surface that’s difficult for water to penetrate.

To gain the most benefit, you should use composted mulch with a high bark content and little wood material. Avoid finely ground, woody products that haven’t been composted.

If you buy fresh wood chips from a tree-maintenance firm, add water to the chips and allow them to partially compost for about six weeks. If this material doesn’t have fresh leaves, you can add some nitrogen to speed up the process. Avoid using fresh or partially composted wood chips near the house foundation because they can provide a food source for termites.

Immediately after you put mulch around plants or trees, soak it with water to enhance bacterial activity to initiate decomposition. Periodically wet mulch during the growing season.

Avoid soured mulch because it tends to injure plants. You can spot sour mulch by its acrid odor.

For more information, contact your Carter County 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:

  • Senior Farmer’s Market Vouchers – Call 474-6686 on May 28th to schedule an appointment to pick up your card.  To register for a card you’ll need to provide name, address, birthday, and income information. 
  • Ag Advancement Council – June 2nd @ 6:00 PM
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers Association – June 3rd @ 6:30 PM; Topic – Making Chapstick from Beeswax; Speaker: Morgan Murphy

Op-Ed: Why Cutting LIHEAP Is a Deadly Blow to Eastern Kentucky

gray house with fireplace surrounded by grass under white and gray cloudy sky
Photo by Sebastian Sørensen on Pexels.com

By any measure, the economy of Eastern Kentucky and the wider Appalachian region is struggling. The collapse of the coal industry, the opioid crisis, and the recurring natural disasters have left scars that are slow to heal. Families and individual households trying to make ends meet rely on an array of federal assistance. Recently, there have been cuts or threats to these assistance programs, including a proposed total elimination of a vital energy assistance program that supports 6 million low-income households each year across the country.

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is zeroed out in the proposed federal budget for the fiscal year that begins in September 2025. LIHEAP provides life-saving aid to millions of Americans by helping them afford their heating and cooling bills. For many, it is the difference between choosing food or heat, medicine or air conditioning. In 2024 alone, the program was utilized more than 219,000 times by Kentucky households. These are small disbursements – a max of $250 per season – that function as safety nets for working families, elderly residents, and people with disabilities who are trying to survive on limited incomes in one of the most energy-burdened regions in the country.

Despite this need, the Trump administration’s 2026 budget proposes defunding LIHEAP entirely. Their reasoning is that lower energy prices are on the horizon thanks to a move toward American energy dominance and the America First platform. But here in Kentucky, the future hasn’t arrived yet. Energy bills are still going up, not down.

In some Eastern Kentucky counties, low-income families pay up to 14.5% of their income on utility bills—more than double the 6% threshold that experts define as a “high” energy burden. Rural residents, especially those living in older, less energy-efficient homes, feel this pain the most. Rural areas often pay disproportionately high electricity costs due to utilities charging higher rates, in part due to infrastructure costs utilities incur covering more miles of transmission lines, etc., and in part due to utilities being owned by investors who are guaranteed a certain rate of return on their investment.

And while some cities have access to local programs that might soften the blow of high bills, rural communities often don’t. That’s where LIHEAP comes in. It funds weatherization improvements that make homes more efficient — reducing future energy costs and minimizing the need for repeated emergency assistance. In fiscal year 2023, the program weatherized more than 60,000 homes nationwide and helped prevent countless power disconnections.

The federal government allocated approximately $54 million in LIHEAP funds to Kentucky in fiscal year 2025. To access these funds, individuals must meet certain requirements and provide documentation showing their need for assistance. These requirements are designed to support Kentucky’s most vulnerable residents and some examples include households where someone has a health condition or disability (verified by a doctor’s note), someone is 65 or older, or a child under the age of 6 is present. This money is especially important during the extreme summer and winter temperatures Kentucky experiences. Kentucky is one of just 10 states where utility shutoffs due to nonpayment are allowed even during dangerous weather events. Sometimes families are cut off because they owe as little as $6.

Cutting LIHEAP cannot just be a budget decision — this is an issue that needs to consider the survival of our most vulnerable neighbors. Because it’s so critical, the program is housed under the Department of Health and Human Services and has received bipartisan support for nearly 45 years.

The Trump administration recently acknowledged that Appalachia is at a disadvantage due to loss of coal jobs and the opioid crisis, and because of that, they were leaving funding for another program in the budget that benefits this area. We argue that many low-income communities across the country face similar systemic challenges that have them needing a little extra help to stay and revitalize these areas of the United States.

If you have an experience to share about how LIHEAP has impacted you or your community in a time of need, now is the time to share your story.

Chris Woolery is the Energy Projects Coordinator at Mountain Association. Over his career, Chris has helped deliver residential energy efficiency upgrades to more than 800 households. He can be reached at chris@mtassociation.org.

Can and will No. 47 stay on the high road with No. 46 who is facing cancer?

By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

Former President Joe Biden ordinarily would have been out of the line of fire for nearly a year since giving up his reelection bid last July.

            Yet, he continued to be criticized by President Trump during the balance of the 2024 campaign and almost on a daily basis since the new administration took office on Jan. 20.

            To his credit and my mild surprise, President Trump and his wife sent well wishes to the Bidens, along with other of the former president’s political allies and rivals alike on Sunday following news of the cancer diagnosis. 

No. 47 is known to be harsh, even cruel at times, in his public statements and online posts when responding to his critics. The news of Biden’s health challenges came at a time when new questions are being asked about his decision to run for a second term despite concern about his mental sharpness.

Much of that chatter came from Democrats who said he should have dropped out earlier. Also, several prominent members of his party were frustrated by the former president’s return to the media spotlight to challenge those assertions.

But compassion won out over politics on Sunday as Democrats and Republicans — including some of his most outspoken critics — chose to take the respectful high road by praising his four decades of service to America and wishing him well in his battle against prostate cancer, the second deadliest form of the disease in men.

The Trumps extended their “warmest and best wishes” to Biden for a full recovery. In my opinion, it might have been Mr. Trump’s most presidential act since starting a second term in the White House.  

 Ironically, Mr. Biden had a painful personal connection to cancer well before the diagnosis, having lost his son Beau to brain cancer.  As a senator, vice president and president, he was a strong advocate for cancer research and early detection.

It is sad that his legacy of public service will be tarnished by suspicions that his closest advisers may have concealed his cognitive decline during his time in the White House. 

I commend President Trump for realizing that an opponent’s cancer diagnosis is not the time for politics as usual. I hope he can stay on that noble path.

Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

Playing in the band

Violinist and music teacher Elaine Swinney Brunelle talks with students during her introductory community orchestra lesson. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

Standing outside the classroom, after the first meeting of the Olive Hill Community Orchestra, violinist Elaine Swinney Brunelle talked with a student about all the places that music can take them, and the opportunities it can provide.

“I mean, I know people all over the country. I’ve played a lot of places. And there’s no way I would’ve had the experiences, outside of music, that I’ve had,” Brunelle noted. “I mean it’s amazing!”

But Brunelle – who has played with Kansas, YES, the Moody Blues, and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, among others in the pop and classical world over the course of her career – said she, like many others, started playing music just to spend time with friends.

“I started just like everyone else,” she remembered. “I was just a little nine-year-old fourth grader. I didn’t even know what a violin was. I come from a very athletic family. My father said he played the radio. That was his music.”

Her mother and the rest of the family were similarly inclined, she explained. So, when her best friend said she wanted to play, Elaine’s first response was a question.

“What? Why do you want to do that?” she remembered asking.

“But,” she continued, “if she was going to do it, I was going to do it. She wasn’t doing something that I wasn’t doing. That’s how it started, and I just kept it going.”

She said until that point she had been “pretty scattered” as a child. Playing violin, though, “was the first time for me, anyway, that I could focus.”

And even before it became her career, it gave her an opportunity to travel, to compete, to collaborate, and to make new friends.

Those are the sorts of opportunities she said she hopes to offer her private class students as well as the members of the newly formed community orchestra, which meets every Saturday, at the Olive Hill Center for Arts & Heritage (OHCFAH).

She understands that the folks participating in the orchestra – the group is open to anyone age nine or older – will all come with different levels of experience, from advanced students to complete beginners. But she believes the orchestra can be fun and rewarding for all participants, regardless of their background or experience level. Some might make music their career someday, like she has. But, she noted, she has had several students who went on to work in different fields.

“One is a computer scientist who works for Google. Another one is a physician. There are several of them. They’ve gone into different fields. But guess what? They play in an orchestra! They play in their community orchestra, or they’re semi-pro. Music is still a big part of their lives.”

That kind of fulfillment, and the ability to convey both beauty and heartache without the use of words, is something that can be rewarding for anyone, no matter their age or station in life, Brunelle explained.

“That’s why this orchestra is open to anybody, with or without experience,” Brunelle said. “We’re starting fresh. It’s going to take a little time. There’s going to be some bumps, and it’s going to take a little bit of time to get to where we need to be to call ourselves a community orchestra.”

But, she added, “You’ve just got to start somewhere, right?”

For Brunelle and the OHCFAH, that somewhere is here, and the time is now.

The community string orchestra meets on Saturday mornings at 10 a.m. at the OHCFAH, 120 Comet Drive in Olive Hill. Positions are available for violin, viola, cello, and bass players. While participants are responsible for their own instruments, a limited number of beginner instruments are available thanks to a donation from Old Town Violin in Lexington. For more information, email EStudioViolin@yahoo.com or call the Center at (606)207-1480.

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Laurels and Lavender

Jeremiah Littleton addresses Grayson Tourism Commission about Lavender Fest 2025. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)

The Grayson Tourism Commission met on May 15 for their monthly meeting, with two members joining the meeting remotely. In reviewing the financial statement for the previous month of April, Commission Chair Daniel White informed the commission that the transient room tax continued to perform well. April was at $5,600.00, and $71,000 year to date from last July through April 2025. White said that in spite of a more “flat” month in May 2025, overall, the report was positive.

Former sports park manager Grant Harper attended the meeting both in an ongoing effort to assist in the transition of the new employees at the park who were hired to fill his vacant position and to formally introduce the new sports park maintenance director Tommy Roe.

“As expected, he has jumped in with both feet,” Harper told the commission. “And maintenance-wise, we haven’t missed a beat.”

Roe, Harper told the commission, has been involved at the park through an independent contractor for nearly three years.

“We did hire two high school students that will work evenings and weekends to help with weed eating and mowing,” Harper said. “Tommy is already working on walking trail maintenance and other projects, and once he is paired up with someone on the business side (i.e. a park business manager) we should be doing great.”

On the subject of a business manager for the park, Harper presented the commission with a list of qualifications and duties that he felt would be beneficial in a business manager. Harper’s recommendation will be reviewed by the commission, then combined with other qualifications the commission deems necessary, and officially posted at a later date. White said that most likely the commission would want a July 1 start date for the position.

There were also several guests present at the commission meeting. Sabrina McWhorter told the commission that she had spoken with Grant Harper several times about more activities for children at the Grayson Sports Park. She said she had been doing a program for a couple of years with home schooled children called Wonder Kids.

“It’s basically getting kids out in nature with forest projects and things like that,” she explained.

Working with Harper, she said they had recently held their first event at the sports park with 39 kids in attendance.

“We posted about it at the end of April, and by May we had 39 kids show up,” McWhorter said.

The group was composed of children aged 2 to 5, and she described it as “wild,” but wonderful. It was a free, two-hour event with open registration. It included a nature scavenger hunt, story time, and crayon leaf tracing. The children who participated were from four different counties, Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence. And 38 percent of those who attended had never been to the sports park before. Future events will be held on May 21 and May 26.

McWhorter said that her efforts are funded through donations, and that she can be reached through email at wonderkidswander@gmail.com. Donations don’t have to be cash, either.

“You can donate an old quilt you might have laying around for the kids to sit on,” McWhorter said. “We are working on a Facebook page so people can follow us and stay connected. And we plan on having more events in June. And we are planning more activities like bird houses, more leaf tracing, and a focus on local insects.”

Business Cultivation Foundation (BCF) reported to the commission that their community garden at the cabin was doing well. Flags have been added to show all the local businesses that have sponsored the garden, and there has even been interest from an individual about having a wedding there. On May 24, after the Memory Days Parade, BCF will be hosting ‘Picking on the Porch’, and will be having a Grand Opening with a green ribbon to celebrate the garden.

Jeremiah Littleton also spoke to the commission about the upcoming Lavendar Fest. Lavender Fest was a success last year, and Littleton and wife Cindy Littleton said they hoped to expand upon it in 2025. The event was held last year in local businesswoman Pam Wilburn’s parking lot, and Littleton said they set up a processing exhibition under a small tent.

“Our processing requires the use of a copper still,” Littleton said. “We processed our lavender and had a lot of local vendors in attendance. Everyone had a great time at a very low cost.”

Littleton said that cost was one often prohibitive factor for local, smaller vendors, who must sell a lot simply to pay for their setup fee at events.

“We love to set up something where they (vendors) can come for a very low – or no – cost. So, we just opened up the parking lot and had a good time.”

Littleton told the commission that they would like to set up in the park this year, where people can enjoy the green space, and in the case of temperatures shaded areas that are much more comfortable than an open parking lot. He also joked that he didn’t want to look too much like a “Hillbilly couple setting up a copper still in a parking lot.” He said the park would also make it much easier for people to visit vendor tables and that the parking would facilitate food trucks. The event is scheduled for September 20, from 9 am to 7 pm. Details and updates can be found on Facebook.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Week: Meet Oliver

Oliver is a male mixed breed, believed to be between one and two years old, and currently the longest resident at the shelter. This good boy is very friendly, gets along well with other dogs, and walks on a leash. He’s already neutered, up to date on all shots, and has a free adoption to an approved home. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter today and meet him or call 475-9771 for more information.

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

Call for work: Pride in the ARTS 2025

man singing
Photo by Aleksandr Neplokhov on Pexels.com

By Dan Click

Grayson Gallery

Summertime is near! It’s also the time of year for our annual show: Pride in the ARTS. Again this year, simply inclusion, diversity and love for all will be the theme. Artists are invited to share their original artwork this month at the Grayson Gallery for this annual event with a fun evening planned. Can you say GARAOKE? Yes, we’ll have unique entertainment as well as offering up your favorite karaoke and sing-along tunes! Artists and the public, with a special invitation to those in the Community, are all invited to attend the Opening Reception on June 27 from 6 – 9 pm.

Artists may submit up to three pieces, in any medium and include any subject (each submission will be accepted, regardless of theme or subject matter), with submissions set for two dates:

Saturday, June 21 and/or Monday, June 23 from 10am to 2pm each day at the Gallery (301 E Third St, Grayson).

There is no entry fee. Works must have artist name, title, medium and price on the back (or tagged for 3D pieces) with wire hangers or other means of hanging. All work on hand may also be picked up during the above dates!

You may contact us for a form to be completed prior to the drop-off dates, but it is available in-house as well.

Four cash awards of $50 each (plus a blue ribbon!) will be given for People’s Choice, by popular vote; GGAC Board Choice; the Pen Lady choice – or purchase; and the Brandon Click Art Memorial Award, given by our family.

Please Note: Due to the large number of pieces and artist turnout expected, dates will not be extended in order to have the exhibit ready for the opening.

Sold works only have a 20% Commission to the GGAC

Contact the writer at graysongallery@gmail.com

Grayson council discusses paving

Mayor Troy Combs (File photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

Grayson City Council started off their regular monthly meeting last week by hearing from a local resident who told the council that items removed by a contractor during a city project had not been replaced. Specifically, the resident noted, fencing and bushes had not been replaced that had been taken down by contractors during the city’s sidewalk project that began last August. The council listened to the resident’s complaint, and Mayor Troy Combs said he would look into the issue to determine why the promised replacement had not been resolved.

The council also heard the audit from Bobby Cox representing Kelly, Galloway, Smith, and Goolsby. The audit is standard practice and required for the city, and Cox reported that there were no irregularities in the audit and that it was ‘clean.’

The mayor told the council that he had been given an update concerning road paving by utilities commission superintendent Gerald Haney. The paving is being done to repair areas of roadway disturbed by line replacement within the city.

“The replacement of lines on various roads has begun,” Combs told the council.

Combs said that as the work progresses, Haney has been going door to door, letting residents know about the work being conducted.

“At this point they (utilities commission) are ready to begin paving over the parts that had been dug up,” Combs said.

The ’spot paving,’ Combs reminded the council, was temporary until the utilities commission was able to pave the entire roadways in affected areas. That work should take place in August or September according to their schedule.

“But what has been dug up will be paved by Memorial Day Weekend,” Combs told the council.

The utilities commission posts updates to their paving schedule on their website as well as on various other local government websites.

The council discussed issues with a derelict house located at 408 E. Fifth Street. City Attorney Jason Greer told council that the building was in much worse condition than it was initially thought to be and was not fit for habitation. Greer said it would need to be inspected by a qualified inspector, but if the city council moved to condemn the building, then the city could prevent anyone from entering the building for their own safety.

In other business, tourism director Lana Axtell told council that she had been working with Memory Days, but that the Memory Days Committee had things under control. Axtell also told the council she had been working with the street department to get the skating rink out of storage at the Blue Goose building and set up to be used during Memory Days.

The Blue Goose is scheduled to be demolished in the near future but is being used until after the Memory Days event. The Grayson Tourism Commission is the corporate sponsor for Memory Days, having donated labor, marketing materials, and in monetary fashion.

Mayor Combs made the council aware that several members of the tourism commission were up for reappointment, and one commissioner would need to be appointed due to the recent resignation of a commissioner. Combs also requested a budget workshop for May 27 at 5:30 pm.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Counting down to Memory Days

Amber Samons from BCF (pictured in hat) talks about Memory Days and the grand opening of their community garden during the Chamber of Commerce meeting in Grayson. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

The Grayson Chamber of Commerce started off its regularly scheduled meeting for the month of May by stating that membership is officially up to 215 members. Mike Nelson also welcomed the newest members to the chamber, 606 Bar and Grill and Casey’s Lanes, 410 Functional Health and Moore Wellness, and Arrick’s Propane.

Treasurer Betsy Fannin reported that it had been a busy time for the chamber, especially with Memory Days right around the corner.

“We have had so much great cooperation from our businesses,” Fannin told the chamber. “We have collected, between vendor fees and sponsor fees, about $40,000, which is a record.”

Fannin reported that the income for the past month (April) was $10,638.60, with expenses calculated at $4,941.68 and a net operating income of $5,696.92. For the year, including Memory Days, profit was at $41,777.27, though that did not include expenses for Memory Days, Fannin told the chamber.

“But we are in great shape,” she said. “The money in the bank including our checking and investment accounts is $127,082.67.”

Fannin concluded her report by thanking everyone involved and saying that Memory Days was something exciting to look forward to this year.

Memory Days Chair Michelle Boggs addressed the chamber and said the first thing she wanted to do was thank the chamber for sponsoring Memory Days.

“Without you all, this could not happen,” Boggs said. “And I hope that when this weekend is over you are really excited and proud of the way we spent your money.”

“We have really focused on kids this year,” Boggs continued. “These are some new things we are doing. We have an art contest that will be displayed, and there are about 40 registered for the Gala as of this morning.”

Boggs said that everything planned for Memory Days is on the Memory Days Facebook page, and she encourages people to look through the events and see what they might want to be involved in; whether it be donating for the door prize giveaways or whatever else they might wish to support.

“There are signups for the beauty pageant, the dog jog, the 5K run, and a lot of other things,” Boggs said.

Business Cultivation Foundation (BCF) project administrator Amber Samons also spoke to the chamber, making them aware of the things BCF has planned in conjunction with Memory Days. BCF is located in the cabin in Grayson and has recently set up a volunteer garden.

“I have a green thumb.” Samons said. “So, we decided it would be a good idea to start a volunteer garden here. And what better place than next to the cabin?”

“We got permission and set up six raised garden beds. Our Grand Opening is on May 24, right after the parade,” Samons told the chamber. “And we will be dressed up,” she said, in line with Memory Days encouraging people to show up dressed in period outfits from their favorite era.

“We will have flowers and a nice planter for the kids,” Samons said. “And of course there will be bluegrass music on the cabin porch.”

Samons said that since BCF decided to go with the pioneer theme there will also be a little skit performed at the cabin.

“I’m not an actress,” Samons said. “But it’s going to be a lot of fun. And there is a schedule for upcoming events at the garden that you can check out on our website.”

Upcoming events, Samons said, include ‘Gossip in the Garden’ and ‘Tea in the Garden,’ as well as other events.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

We live down here

photo of man in blue denim jeans holding brown cardboard
Photo by Sora Shimazaki on Pexels.com

By Robert Dean

For the Carter County Times

We’ve got an obsession with blaming the other.

The guy holding a sign? Can’t keep a job. Probably a junkie.

The mom sleeping in her car? Must’ve screwed up somewhere. Look at that guy looking for work out in front of the Home Depot. I bet his cousin sells drugs.

Everyone has a story about how they hit bottom. But often, it’s not the bottom—it’s their whole life. It’s the system we’ve carved out for people scratching out an existence in a cruel climate. Doesn’t matter how you got there: in America, we sweep you under the rug.

When someone returns home from battle, they should be afforded the promises made: school, housing, a stable life. No one should fight a rich man’s war, but plenty sign up out of duty—or looking for their way out. They held up their end of the bargain. And if they come home changed after being taught to kill or be killed, can you blame them for not being able to work in a paint store?

Every day, I see men in faded Marines jackets or holding signs that say “former vet” on the median in the middle of the road. But, while this guy bakes in the heat, the city put up those metal spikes on the library ledge. Problem solved. A contractor’s CEO made $42 million last year. The veteran got a bus ticket to ‘anywhere but here.’

When politicians talk about ‘supporting our troops,’ they mean sending them to war, not welcoming them home. They’ll wrap themselves in the flag for a photo op, then vote against VA funding faster than they cash their defense lobby checks. Patriotism is a hell of a drug when you’re not the one shooting—or getting shot at. “Ain’t that America?” as John Mellencamp crooned.

As the machine of the world grinds on, these folks slip through the cracks. They wind up on the side of the road holding a sign. Someone snaps a photo. Puts it on Facebook.

Then come the questions: Why do immigrants get money? Why do “they” get handouts? Why don’t these people have a place to live? The answer’s in the question. It’s easier to blame a boogeyman than to face reality.

The Budget Reality (By the Numbers)

In 2023, the Pentagon’s budget was over $850 billion, while the entire housing assistance budget – including programs for the homeless – was under $100 billion.

Experts estimate it would cost just $11–30 billion a year to end homelessness in the U.S.—a fraction of what we spend on tanks, bombs, and bullets.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the U.S. has allocated approximately $182.8 billion in emergency funding. Roughly $83.4 billion has already been disbursed, some as loans, some as weapons. Since September 2024, the U.S. has spent a record $17.9 billion on military aid to Israel—the highest in a single year. I don’t want my tax dollars going toward killing people. I want them making sure everyone has something to eat, and a roof over their heads. We should care about the war on making everyone’s lives better, not how Raytheon or Black Rock make another billion.

The False Choice Narrative

We’re not choosing between veterans and immigrants.

We’re choosing between stuffing defense contractors’ pockets or giving people a roof over their heads. Jeff Bezos got billions in subsidies. Your cousin got denied SNAP for making $200 too much. Fairness is a rigged game these days.

We blame immigrants. We blame the homeless. We blame everyone but the ones holding the purse strings. We have the cash. We don’t have the will to spend it on our people. I don’t care if you’re red, blue, or disgusted by both—we should all agree that no American who served this country should sleep on the ground tonight.

Everyone deserves a place to live.

Don’t tell us where our taxes go without a tally sheet showing whose pockets are being stuffed. No matter what you do – or did – for a living, you deserve to sleep somewhere dry. Somewhere safe. If the wealthiest country in the world can fund wars across the globe, but won’t make sure its own people have a bed at night, maybe it’s not the poor who are failing the system.

If  you served your nation, you deserve a roof and a full stomach.

If you walked for three months with your stuff in a plastic bag to find hope and a better life, you’re welcome to be my neighbor.

Maybe it’s the system failing all of us.

Because the real welfare queens wear a suit and tie.

Share your thoughts with us! Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: Organizing help for the elderly

daughter explaining elderly mother how using smartphone
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

Many of us have or know of older people who live on their own or in assisted living homes. It is important for them and their families to have direction and physical support for organizing their living spaces. The following are tips that you can use to make their lives a little easier.

  • Have conversations to determine their needs and mobility concerns.
  • Involving you and other family members is an important step in making people feel comfortable while changes are taking place.
  • Consider their ability to read and make sure that whatever is labeled is large enough for them to see.
  • Create clear walking space.
  • Ensure that every day necessities are within their reach.
  • Avoid making changes often. Having things stay in the same places will eliminate confusion.
  • Leave them clear contact information for you and for emergencies.
  • Set a schedule to check on them regularly. This doesn’t mean you have to do anything but visit.
  • Check to see if their budget can support hiring a professional organizer.

The fact that you are aware of the importance of maintaining a space for an elderly friend, acquaintance, or family member is invaluable. Just being there will add joy to their days.

It’s as simple as that!

P.S. Confusion Solution will be in the Memory Days Parade and offering sign-ups for free consulting. Come see us and all the amazing Grayson contributors.

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

Weekly Arrests: 5/21/25

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.

  • Derrick Rivers, 49, of Morehead, arrested by Rowan County Detention Center, on a charge of receiving stolen property valued at more than $1,000 but less than $10,000, arrested and booked May 12.
  • Derrick Blevins, 24, of Grayson, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of reckless driving, improper passing, and failure to maintain required insurance, arrested and booked May 12.
  • Trever Biggs, 23, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, arrested and booked May 12.
  • Kody Haines, 31, of South Point, OH, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of public intoxication on a controlled substance, and theft by unlawful taking or disposition, arrested and booked May 13.
  • Travis Ruffin, 43, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of fourth degree assault causing minor injury, arrested and booked May 14.
  • Edgar Binion, 43, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, serving a warrant for parole violation, arrested and booked May 14.
  • David Fink, 60, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 14.
  • Christopher Embry, 23, of Springfield, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 14.
  • Carrie Tackett, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on three counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked May 14.
  • Kara Todd Estep, 44, of Wurtland, arrested by Greenup County Sheriff, on charges of no registration receipt, no registration plates, failure to maintain required insurance, improper display of registration plates, and license not in possession, arrested and booked May 14.
  • Heather Johnson, 46, of Ashland, arresting agency not listed, on two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked May 15.
  • Virgil McDavid, 48, of Webbville, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of second degree disorderly conduct, menacing, resisting arrest, driving on a DUI suspended license – third offense (with aggravating circumstances), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance – second offense (with aggravating circumstances), trafficking in a controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first degree trafficking in a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), possession of drug paraphernalia, no tail lamps, improper or no windshield, improper equipment, inadequate silencer (muffler), rear license not illuminated, failure to wear seat belts, second degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), failure to produce an insurance card, and no registration plates, arrested and booked May 15.
  • Hollie Crisp, 44, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for flagrant non-support, arrested and booked May 15.
  • Steven Medaris, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 15.
  • Jason Smith, 47, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of no registration plates, no registration receipt, improper equipment, failure to wear seat belts, rear license not illuminated, improper display of registration plates, resisting arrest, and failure to register transfer of motor vehicle, arrested and booked May 15.
  • Stephanie Reffitt, 46, of South Shore, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked May 16.
  • Devon Savage, 25, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) causing minor injury, arrested and booked May 17.
  • William Huff, 69, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of first degree wanton endangerment, arrested and booked May 17.
  • Brian Anthony, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of reckless driving, improper passing, fleeing or evading police, first degree wanton endangerment, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, speeding 26 MPH or greater over the speed limit, and license not in possession, arrested and booked May 17.
  • Gregory Davis, 47, of Rush, arrested by Boyd County Jail, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 18.
  • Jacquline McClurg, 42, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of violating a Kentucky EPO/DVO (emergency protective order / domestic violence order), and flagrant non-support, arrested and booked May 18.
  • Tommy Duncan, 44, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fine, theft by unlawful taking or disposition of items valued between $1,000 and $10,000, and first degree criminal mischief, arrested and booked May 18.
  • Triston Runyon, 19, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of first degree fleeing or evading police, first degree wanton endangerment, reckless driving, no registration plates, and no motorcycle operator’s license, arrested and booked May 18.

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.

Volunteers needed in KY counties to review cases of children in foster care

FRANKFORT – Twenty-six Kentucky counties are calling on compassionate community members to make a difference in children’s lives through volunteering with Citizen Foster Care Review Boards. CFCRB volunteers review cases of children in foster care due to dependency, neglect and abuse, and make critical recommendations regarding their care and placement.

“It takes a lot of wonderful people to do this meaningful work, and we are greatly in need of more volunteers to join us,” CFCRB State Chair Rosalyn Patton-Pelt said.

Learn more in a brief video at https://kcoj.info/VolunteerCFCRB.

Volunteers are needed statewide, but the following 26 counties are in dire need: Boone, Boyd, Bracken, Campbell, Carter, Clay, Elliott, Fleming, Greenup, Hardin, Johnson, Kenton, Laurel, Lawrence, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Montgomery, Morgan, Powell, Robertson, Rowan, Whitley and Wolfe.

Thousands of children are placed in foster and other out-of-home care each year in the commonwealth. CFCRBs are teams of court-appointed volunteers who conduct interactive reviews on the children’s cases and make recommendations to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services and state courts for each child. Boards recommend services to help children and advocate for placing children in safe, permanent homes as soon as possible, whether with their parents, other relatives or an adoptive family. The CHFS oversees the state foster care program.

Volunteers generally review cases one day a month.

Potential volunteers are required to apply, consent to criminal record and Central Registry checks and complete six hours of initial training. The training includes two sessions held via Zoom and two self-study webinars. Those interested are encouraged to apply as soon as possible so they can be screened and, if approved, scheduled for training.

Once a potential volunteer has completed training, the local Family Court or District Court judge recommends their appointment to the local CFCRB.

To apply and get more information, visit https://kcoj.info/CFCRBVolunteer. A CFCRB recruitment flyer is available at https://kcoj.info/CFCRBrecruitflyer to be shared in communities.

Citizen Foster Care Review Board

The Kentucky General Assembly created the state CFCRB in 1982 to decrease children’s time in out-of-home care.

More than 700 dedicated volunteers across the state serve as members of the Kentucky CFCRB. The average length of service is six years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to children in need.

CFCRBs review each child’s case in foster care at least once every six months as required by statute. In fiscal year 2024, volunteers reviewed 19,565 cases involving 11,301 children in out-of-home care. Learn more at https://kcoj.info/CFCRB2024.

Administrative Office of the Courts

The Administrative Office of the Courts administers the CFCRB program. The AOC is the operations arm for the state court system and supports the activities of nearly 3,300 employees and 412 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks. The AOC also executes the Judicial Branch budget.

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Local McDonald’s Managers Honored with Prestigious Award

Submitted photo

 

OLIVE HILL – McDonald’s of Appalachia is proud to announce that a local General Manager has been honored with the prestigious Outstanding General Manager Award. This award is presented annually to a select group of General Managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership. Only 10% of General Managers across the entire United States receive this award.

 

An Outstanding General Manager makes sure their restaurant operates smoothly, with attention to detail in areas like food quality, speed of service, and cleanliness. They maintain a high level of customer service and ensure that guests have a positive experience. And, an Outstanding General Manager as the ability to motivate and lead a team while fostering a positive work culture. These managers have set an example for others to follow within the McDonald’s system.

 

To be eligible for the award, a General Manager must have at least one year of experience and be a graduate of Hamburger University, McDonald’s global operations training and leadership development program in Chicago.

 

“This group of managers have truly exemplified what it means to lead with integrity and passion,” said local Owner/Operator Tom Wolf. “Their ability to inspire their team, drive performance, and create a positive atmosphere for both employees and customers makes them incredibly deserving of this recognition.”

 

The Outstanding General Managers in Olive Hill are:

 

·         Mickey Triplett

Jessie Mae Boggs

Jessie Mae Boggs, age 80, of Lawton, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at UK-St. Claire Healthcare Center in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sunday, March 25, 1945, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Richard and Thelma Irene Henderson Boggs.

Jessie enjoyed watching UK Basketball, NASCAR and spending time with her children, especially her grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, Caney Lee “Rabbit” Boggs; one son, Caney Lee Boggs; one brother, Robert Boggs and one sister, Bonnie Handshaw.

Jessie is survived by two sons, Claude Lee (Cassy) Boggs of Morehead, Kentucky, Willie Ray Boggs of Lawton, Kentucky; two daughters, Tammy “Mike” Bailey of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Ellie Mae Boggs of Lawton, Kentucky; 9 grandchildren, Harley Michael (Allison) Bailey, Heather Renee Boggs, MacKenzie Grace Boggs, Kyle Chase Logan, Mia LeAnn Boggs, Kenzie Jeanette Stidham, Nolan Stidham, Nevaeh Crisp, Coby Crisp; three brothers, Richard Boggs Jr., Danny Boggs both of Grayson, Kentucky, Larry Boggs of Elliott County, Kentucky; one sister, Brenda Sparks of Warren, Ohio, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Rick Crank officiating. Burial will follow in the Brown Cemetery, Lawton, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m.,Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and after 9 a.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Harley Bailey, Joe Barker, Homer Barker, Sid Parish, Jerry Mollett, Donnie Boggs, Zeb Clark and Micheal Clark will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Jessie Mae Boggs.

Debra Lynn Gillam Stephens

Debra Lynn Gillam Stephens, age 61, of Grayson, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Community Hospice Care Center in Ashland, Kentucky.

She was born Monday, August 5, 1963, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late Roy Gillam Jr. and Helen Lucille Kiser Gillam.

Debbie was a loving and caring person. She enjoyed singing, dancing and spending time with her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Ralph Simon Holbrook; one daughter, Melanie Holbrook; two grandchildren, Sunshine Holbrook, Flower Holbrook; two sisters, Eva Sue Gillam and Charlene Sparks.

Debbie is survived by two daughters, Tabitha Michelle Holbrook of Olive Hill, Kentucky and Cheyenna Rae Williams of Morehead, Kentucky; one brother, Marion Gillam Jr. of Louisville, Kentucky; four sisters, Barbara Helen Hedge of Morehead, Kentucky, Phyllis Ann (Carl) Parsons, Juanita Rose all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Sheila Irene Gillam of Morehead, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother LA Biggs and Sister Brandy Glover officiating. Burial will follow in Kiser Cemetery, in Grahn, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 6 p.m., Wednesday, May 21, 2025, and after 9 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Debra Lynn Gillam Stephens.

Jimmie “Darrin” Hargett

Jimmie “Darrin” Hargett, age 58, of Olive Hill, Kentucky passed away Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Lifecare Center, Morehead, KY.

Darrin was born September 8, 1966 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky as the 3rd son of Elsie Gay (Stevens) Hargett and the late Jimmie Ray Hargett.

Darrin attended Upper Tygart school, was a 1984 graduate of West Carter High School and attended Morehead State University and Rowan Technical Community College.

Darrin was a member of the Bowen Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. Darrin was known for his kind and loving spirit, great sense of humor, love of his family. He enjoyed animals and all things Halloween.

Darrin worked at Carter Caves, SuperAmerica and the Olive Hill lumber company. He was a dedicated volunteer for years at Upper Tygart Elementary and was known to be very close to Santa.

Darrin is survived by his mother, Elsie Gay (Stevens) Hargett, a brother brother Dennis (Kathy) Hargett, and a sister-in-law Kimberly (Jones) Hargett.

In addition to his father Darrin was preceded in death by his brother Joel Darrell Hargett, grandparents Williams Russell and Artie Missy (Carpenter) Hargett and Charlie and Tina (Stigall) Stevens and his wife of 25 years, Chimila Michele (Fraley) Hargett.

Darrin was always a fun and loving uncle and will be missed by his nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews including Kelli Hargett, Travis Hargett, Zachary Hargett, Stacy Hargett, Andrew Hargett and 10 great nieces and nephews. Darrin leaves behind and will be remembered by his many cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends, including a special young man, Ethan Withrow.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, May 17, 2025 Day, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy. 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky , with brother Clifford “Tippy” Price and Steven Madden officiating. Burial will follow in the Hargett Cemetery on Greasy Creek in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Darrin’s nephews and cousins will serve as pallbears including Travis Hargett, Zachary Hargett, Andrew Hargett, Keith Hargett, Byron Hargett, and Kurt Taylor.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 am until the time of services at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Darrin Hargett.

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