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Debating electric rates

Protesters with tape covering their mouths held signs outside the Grayson RECC offices last Thursday, prior to the co-op’s annual business meeting. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells

Carter County Times

A group of Grayson Rural Electric customers, with questions about the electrical cooperative’s high bills and what they see as a lack of transparency, held a silent protest during the co-op’s annual meeting last week. That protest, which included holding signs on the street outside the co-op offices while the protesters stood with tape over their mouths, was a direct response to the lack of a public comment period on the agenda.

“Most annual meetings for co-ops, there is an extensive time where people get to speak,” explained protester Brandon La Voie. “There’s an extensive time where people get to speak. They get to air their grievances. Then we can decide on the board, and whether the board is good.”
Because the agenda for the Grayson RECC meeting didn’t include an agenda item for public comment, La Voie added, “a lot of people feel like this is on purpose, that we’re not allowed to speak because they’re afraid of what we’ll say.”

But Grayson RECC President Bradley Cherry said he felt the response from the protesters was based, at least in part, on a misunderstanding of how the annual membership meetings are organized. Cherry noted that although the agenda for their annual meetings does not include an agenda item explicitly for public comment, it does include a new business section. Any co-op member is allowed to introduce or raise an issue with the board during this time period, he noted.

“I think a lot of it is misunderstanding, not knowing and understanding all of the facts,” Cherry said. “The comment was made yesterday that we would not allow anyone to speak at our annual meeting. We have never limited anyone speaking at our annual meeting. You can go back and look at our agendas. As far back as we have one, it is an annual meeting of our membership. So, the line item there with new business is the opportunity for any member in attendance, not just a board member, but any member in attendance, to address any concerns or questions they have. That was not something that was added. That’s not something that’s new. It’s been there and it has been utilized in the past.”

GRECC attorney Derrick Willis did pause briefly during the new business section, after offering anyone who would like to speak three minutes of time to do so, but none of the protesters stepped forward to speak at that time.

Writing later on social media, La Voie characterized the offer to speak as a contrived moment, designed specifically to delegitimize the protesters and their complaints. He also noted that three minutes was not a sufficient period of time to raise all of their issues with the co-op, much less begin addressing them.

Among those issues was a claim that some Grayson RECC staff receive up to $700 a month cash in lieu of insurance.

“That’s a full income for some people in our area,” La Voie said. “If you look at the median income for Carter County, it’s $38,000 to $50,000 depending on if you’re in the city or in the county.”

But even folks at the upper end of the income spectrum are feeling the pinch of their electrical bills, he said.

“This is something that people want to stand up and speak about, but we don’t,” La Voie continued. “So, we’re going to have to put a petition together, to be able to create a space where we can air our grievances – where we can decide on what would be best for our co-op. We are member-owners and this is our co-op, and we are going to fix this.”

Cherry said that none of the board members receive any cash in lieu of insurance. What they do receive, he said, is “a standard monthly stipend.”  He also welcomed any input and feedback from the group, or any Grayson RECC customer. Ultimately, however, any complaints about the utility come down to the costs of electricity.

Because of the high cost of electric bills, La Voie said, “people are having to move.”

“They’re having to decide if they want medicine, or if they want to keep their heat on at night,” he said. “They’re shivering. They’re elders… And what is causing that? People say that it’s just operation costs, but behind that operation cost is excessive executive salaries that total almost $200,000 once you put all benefits in place, and we haven’t even got the documents back.”

He noted that they’ve requested documentation related to business expenses, based on rumors of foreign trips and vacations on the co-op’s dime.

But business trips aside, La Voie said, “We should not be paying almost $200,000 salaries when we have a media income that’s less than $50,000 in our area.”

Cherry, however, said it isn’t salaries or benefits that have caused electric bills to be so high. Instead, it’s a complicated fuel charge and a purchase agreement with East Kentucky Power that limits the co-ops ability to look for cheaper electricity sources. More than 70% of what the co-op bills goes directly back to their power supplier, he noted, leaving the remaining 30% to cover operational and infrastructure costs.  

“So, the biggest issue that we’ve faced over the last 12 to 18 months is the volatility in our FAC (fuel adjustment charge),” Cherry explained. “That is a pass through from East Kentucky Power. We receive no margins from it. So, what they bill us is what we end up billing our members.”

But, because billing each month is based on the charges of previous months, sometimes that fuel charge is passed on during a time when energy consumption has changed. It’s also why Grayson RECC customers sometimes pay more per kilowatt hour than customers who receive their electricity from a different utility.

“The difficulty with that,” Cherry continued, “and why it varies from each co-op and from each utility is those costs.”

The fuel surcharge can sometimes be from months previous too, adding to the confusion and volatility of each month’s bill.

“For an example, let’s say our January usage, what we’re billed for January is on our February bill. We receive that bill. Then, that goes into our calculations for our March bills. So, there’s really a two month lag from what East Kentucky bills us to what we bill our members. During those two months, this calculation is based off of usage. If they’re billing us off January usage, which this year and typically is a lot higher, that charge would be substantially more because of the usage – the amount of kilowatt hours that sold. I believe, for instance, we purchased 32 million kilowatt hours in January. We’ll only bill it in March, or then to April.”

He explained that they also have what they call a “shoulder month” when weather is milder.

“It’s not as hot. We’re not running as much. Our members aren’t running as much. So, our usage is down.”

Because of this, they’re billing on decreasing numbers of kilowatt hours. But they still have to pay that fuel surcharge, even as their usage is dropping.

“So, we had this cost for them that was spread over, for us, 32 million kilowatt hours; but we’re having to bill it to our members on 22 million or 18 million kilowatt hours. So, mathematically, you have a smaller denominator.”

Cherry said they understand that folks are feeling that pinch, and they’ve been working to address this issue.

“We have a mechanism that we have to use to calculate, now, how everyone recognizes their revenue, and when they recognize it. And all of that varies amongst co-ops and that, again, is why you have a little bit of a difference. We have looked at ours, and that has been a concern of ours, and a concern of mine, is how volatile our (FAC) is compared to what others’ are. Over the last several months, we’ve worked with East Kentucky, we’ve worked with the PSC (public service commission), we’re working with the consultant to look at that, analyze that, and see if there’s anything that we can do, that we could do different, starting this month. We’ve looked at it a little bit different, and we hope – and it does look like – that should eliminate a lot of that volatility that we’re seeing.”

That doesn’t mean they are going to eliminate the charge, or eliminate credits, Cherry said.

“We do think that we have something in place that’s going to help with that volatility, and eliminate some of that, to where it’s more levelized, and follows the curve that East Kentucky sends us.”

But, he said, they are limited by the public service commission in what they can and can’t do with billing as well as with where they purchase their power.

Cherry said that rumors that the co-op was paying for trips or vacations for employees were also unfounded, noting that the co-op is audited on an annual basis, and those records are available for public review. He said issues found in past audits were just that – in the past.

“That’s the past,” he said. “We submitted and worked, developed action plans to address some of the items. We went through that. We reported every six months to the commission, and we’ve satisfied all those requirements… so, yes, it happened. Yes, it’s in the past. But we’ve grown from it. We’ve moved on from it, and we’re better from it.”

La Voie, and GRECC Truth, however, are still intent on having their voices heard and making a change with the co-op leadership.

“The numbers are being built, and the cases being built, and as we compile everything, we’re really hoping that the person that can help us in this fight for our community will step up and show himself or herself,” La Voie said. “It would be incredible if it was a group of people that would stand up for our community. Because, right now, we need help. People are having shutoffs when they shouldn’t be paying $400 to $500 a month on electric.”    

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Livestock and grain market report: 5/10/25

Container Gardening Can Turn Small Spaces into Great Gardens

crop ethnic farmer with eggplants in box on plantation
Photo by Zen Chung on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Container gardening turns even the smallest balcony or stoop into a pocket-sized farm. If you rent an apartment, battle heavy clay soil, or just prefer vegetables closer to the kitchen door, planting in pots lets you sidestep many headaches that come with traditional plots. The method also works for those with limited mobility as containers can sit on a sturdy table or a rolling platform, bringing those veggies up where bending and kneeling are not required. 

Pots let you match each crop to its favorite microclimate. A lettuce tub can chill in afternoon shade, while an eggplant basks beside a sun-soaked brick wall that stores extra heat. Moving crops from ground to container now and then even plays a role in crop rotation; shifting soil out of the disease cycle keeps problems such as wilt or root rot from getting a foothold. 

Almost any vegetable will grow this way, yet leafy greens, herbs, bush beans, peppers, and cherry tomatoes shine. Plant breeders have created compact “patio” versions that load fruit on short stems. One large pot can hold a cherry tomato, another supports a dwarf pepper, and a shallow tray brims with spinach. Remember that every plant sharing a container must enjoy the same amount of sunlight and moisture, or one partner will suffer. 

The container itself matters less than drainage, volume, and weight. Clay and wooden pots breathe, so roots rarely drown, though you’ll water more often on hot days. Plastic, metal, or glazed ceramic hang onto moisture longer, which is handy during vacations but demands restraint with the hose. No matter the material, drill or punch several quarter-inch holes near the bottom and raise the base on bricks or pot feet so extra water can escape. Dark, pint-sized pots heat up fast; keep them out of relentless sun unless you’re growing chilies that adore warm roots. 

Fill your vessel with fresh soilless mix, not ground soil. The bagged blend of peat or coir, vermiculite, and compost stays light, resists compaction, and comes free of weeds. Moisten it the day before planting; dry peat sloughs off water at first, so give it time to drink. Mix a slow-release fertilizer into the top few inches or plan to feed weekly with a half-strength liquid fertilizer once seedlings sport their second set of leaves. 

Tall or vining crops need backup from the start. Slide a tomato cage, bamboo stakes, or a small trellis into place at planting so roots remain undisturbed later. On a windy balcony, lash cages to the railing or slip the container inside a larger, heavier planter for ballast. 

Check moisture by sticking a finger two knuckles deep; water only when the mix feels dry. Soak until you see water run from the holes, then empty saucers so roots don’t sit in a swamp. During blistering weather, move pots to temporary shade or cluster them together where foliage casts mutual cover. 

When lettuce bolts or beans finish, pull the spent plants, toss the used mix onto a compost heap or garden bed, scrub the container with a 10% bleach solution, and start planning the next round. With a small stash of pots, fresh mix, and a bit of attention, you’ll harvest salads, salsas, and stir-fry ingredients right outside the back door—no backyard required. 

Contact your local Carter County Extension office for more information on creating great container gardens.  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:

  • Hike & Learn – May 16th – Menifee County – Call 474-6686 to register.
  • 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. 

Morehead Optimist Club Sponsors Little League

(l-r) Tony Cooper, Dr. Tim Miller, Paul Cooper, Jackie Cooper, Randy Stacy, Morgan Grannis, Bill Redwine, Mayor Laura White-Brown, Jim Fluty, Melissa Cooper, Matt Hamilton, Jim Wells, Loretta Justice

MOREHEAD – During their weekly lunch meeting on April 29th, the Morehead Optimist Club presented Morehead Parks and Recreation a check for $3,000 to support the 2025 Little League Program. The Optimist Club has been a heavy sponsor for City recreation for several years. With over 580 participants this season—and growing each year, this donation helps Parks and Rec provide better equipment, safer facilities, and more opportunities for young athletes to thrive. “It takes a village, and we’re proud to support the youth in our community and build a brighter future through parks and recreation,” said Bill Redwine, President of the Optimist Club.

The Morehead Optimist Club has been supporting youth programs in Morehead and Rowan County since their founding in 1964. Other programs and service projects that the Club engages in include junior golf, RCSHS Theatre, Speech, athletics and the RCMS trip to Washington DC each Fall.

For information about the Morehead Optimist Club, please contact Bill Redwine at (606)356-0666 or visit our website at http://www.moreheadoptimist.com.

New refugees of color are OK only if they are white from South Africa?

By: Keith Kappes
Columnist
Carter County Times

Soon after taking over in Washington in January, the Trump Administration took a high profile, anti-immigrant position by halting refugee programs and stopping arrivals from other parts of the world.

Coupled with its all-out assault on DEI programs throughout the federal government and elsewhere, including the unjustified firing of blacks and females in high positions, the White House vigorously denied that it was promoting white supremacy.

Yet, the new administration fast-tracked an exception to the no-refugees ban and last week welcomed the first planeload of white South Africans, commonly called “Afrikaners” who claimed they were being persecuted by a black-dominated government at home.

White men ruled South Africa as a Dutch colonial empire for three centuries and denied voting and other rights to blacks who now constitute about 80 percent of the population.

South Africa, you recall, was shamed by the world during the years of its cruel, oppressive policy of apartheid which severely limited the freedoms of black citizens. Brave leaders like Nelson Mandela led the peaceful overthrow of that racist government.

The South African government said U.S. allegations that the white minority Afrikaners  are being persecuted are “completely false” and that Afrikaners are among the richest and most successful people in the country.

Elon Musk is a native of South Africa who became a U. S. citizen while also becoming reportedly the richest man in the world. He is among those claiming the country has anti-white laws and policies.

Afrikaners are the descendants of mainly Dutch and French colonial settlers who first came to South Africa in the 17th century. There are around 2.7 million Afrikaners in the country’s population of 62 million.

The Associated Press reports that many Afrikaners are successful business leaders and some even serve in government as Cabinet ministers and deputy ministers. Their language is  recognized as an official language, and churches and other institutions reflecting Afrikaner culture are prominent.

The government claims there is no targeting of white people in South Africa and no persecution, and that farm attacks are part of its struggles with violent crime.

The South African whites are saying they are the victims of reverse racism by the Black-led government as punishment for how blacks were treated during apartheid. The government denies that, of course.

Regardless, a policy that only favors white people is a form of white supremacy.

Contact Keith at keithkappes@gmail.com.

Staying safe

Hannah King shares the anguish of losing her brother, Brent, in an automobile accident. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Jeremy D. Wells
Carter County Times

As he prepared for the pre-prom assembly of West Carter students, Carter County Schools police chief RD Porter said that students noticed when they brought in a wrecked car the evening before. He said he received calls about a wreck at the high school, as did dispatch – who were aware of the impending prom safety event.

And, if they hadn’t noticed it before, he said, they did when they came in that morning. They also noticed the coffin in the lobby and, as they looked inside, their own reflection staring back at them.

The car and coffin were primers for what came later that morning – a presentation in the gym for juniors and seniors who might be attending prom on the dangers of drinking and driving; not just for themselves, but for others.

The presentation, a compliment to the mock accidents that are conducted every other year so that students have an opportunity to experience both before graduation, included video testimonials from the victims and families of sober drivers involved in accidents with drunk drivers. It also included the experiences of drunk drivers, some behind bars, who have had to live with the consequences of their actions. These consequences included not only incarceration, but living with the knowledge of what they had caused.
Students heard the 911 calls of anguished drivers, and interspersed with the videos and audio were dramatic readings from students explaining the outcomes of different accident scenarios.

But one of the most powerful moments of the day came when Hannah King, sister of Brent King, gave a tearful plea for her friends and classmates to avoid drinking and driving. King shared the pain that the loss of her brother had brought to her and her family while urging her classmates to make responsible choices.

WCHS English teacher Jared Salyers then narrated the obituaries of students as “Death” snuffed each of their candles, culminating with the final student who, rather than getting into a car with folks who had been drinking, cheated “Death” when he called his parents for a ride.

Students were also given information on after prom events, and the Phoenix Project shared information on the availability and use of Narcan and drug testing strips, so that anyone who chose to party could do so in a safer manner.

As he closed the event, which was similar to one conducted at East Carter the previous week, Porter emphasized to students that their safety was the main priority of parents and law enforcement on prom night. Porter gave a standing offer to pick up any students who needed a ride if they or their ride had been partying and weren’t safe to drive on their own. Any student who needed his assistance was free to call him at any hour, he told them.

“No jail,” Porter said. “No judgement. I just want to see your face in the hall on Monday morning.”

Contact the writer at editor@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Week: Meet Lady

Lady is a female mixed breed, around three years old, and weighs 53 pounds. This friendly girl is already spayed, up to date on her shots, and has a free adoption to an approved home. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet her or call 475-9771 for more information.

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

Joyful Noise: Beautiful Feet

crying ethnic female wiping tears with napkin
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

Every Sunday afternoon a pastor and his 11-year-old boy handed out gospel tracts. But one Sunday, the weather was terrible. It was cold, windy, and pouring rain.

The boy bundled up in his coat and said, “Okay, Dad, I’m ready to go.”

His dad said, “Ready for what?”

“It’s time to pass out tracts, like we always do.”

“Son, it’s freezing and raining hard. I don’t think we should go out today.”

“But Dad, people are still going to Hell, even if it’s raining.”

The father paused. He couldn’t argue with that.

“Alright. You can go. Just be careful.”

“Thanks, Dad!” the boy headed out into the storm.

For two hours, he walked the streets in the rain, giving out tracts to anyone he could find. Soaked and shivering, he finally had just one tract left. The streets were now empty. He looked around, then walked towards the nearest house and rang the doorbell. No answer. He rang it again. Still nothing. He knocked. Waited. No one came. He turned to leave, but something in his heart told him to try one more time. He rang the bell again and knocked hard.

Finally, the door slowly opened. An elderly woman stood there looking tired and sad. “What can I do for you, son?”

With a warm smile, the boy said, “Ma’am, I just want you to know – Jesus loves you. This is my last gospel tract. I came to give it to you.”

He handed her the little booklet.

“Thank you, son. And God bless you,” she said as the boy turned and walked back into the rain.

The next Sunday, in church, the pastor asked, “Would anyone like to share a testimony?”

From the back row, a woman stood up. No one in the church had ever seen her before. She began: “My husband passed away some time ago, and I have been completely alone. Last Sunday, I decided I couldn’t go on living. So, I took a rope and a chair. I tied the rope to a beam. I then stood on the chair. I was about to step off…but the doorbell rang. Once. Then again. Then again. It wouldn’t stop. Whoever it was, began knocking loud and hard. I thought, ‘Who could that be? No one ever visits me.’ I went downstairs and opened the door. And there stood a little boy soaked with rain. He said, ‘Ma’am, Jesus loves you.’ Then he handed me this little booklet and walked away. I closed the door and read every word of that Gospel tract. Then I went back to put away the rope and chair. Today, I came here to receive Jesus as my Savior.”

There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

The Bible says, “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news.” Someone somewhere is needing to hear some good news today. Will you be the one to bring the good news to a broken soul?

As a Jesus follower, my job is not to be the morality police, constantly checking up to see if others are behaving in a way that I deem “correct” or “righteous.” Instead, my job is to love others in ways that heal their broken heart and set them free from all the unkindness that holds them captive. We need to treat people like Jesus died for them. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.”

When you feel invisible, remember this: God sees every tear, every prayer, every step. You are fully known and deeply loved. Your tears have been heard. Each drop of pain has been collected and counted by your Heavenly Father. You have not gone unnoticed. Your cries have awoken the heart of God.

I pray for the hurt souls right now, Jesus. I pray in your mighty and matchless name that they find comfort in you, knowing that you will rescue them in this season. May all the tears they shed throughout this time of trials and attack from the enemy, be replaced with your love and victory. Amen!

God is always on time for those who need him. He will work through people in many unusual ways to reach the lost and hurting. Yes, reading this article is no accident. God loves you right now wherever you are! Your life matters to Him. Amen! So be it!

JOYFUL House of Prayer, 2519 Quicksand Road, (P.O. Box 856), Jackson, Kentucky 41339. Send Comments/Prayer Requests: Pastornaomi4god@gmail.com. FB: JoyfulHoprayer. Services: 10am Sunday and Joyful Kids Class at 10:30am, 6:30pm Thursdays. Radio Broadcast: WJSN 97.3 FM & WEKG 81.0 AM Sundays 1-2pm.

Grayson holds budget workshop

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

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

Members of the Grayson Tourism Commission attended a special Grayson City Council budget workshop last Tuesday, May 6. Commissioners discussed the opening left by former sports park manager Grant Harper, and informed the council that Harper’s position had only been partially filled. The reason for this, they explained, was that the former manager had by default filled many positions at the sports park, and the tourism commission was working on a list of duties and expectations for Harper’s replacement.

The commissioners also discussed the tourism budget for the upcoming year, which is also part of the City of Grayson’s budget. The tourism commission’s estimated budget is $226,000.00, with some reductions due to cancelled contracts. Commissioner Deana Miller also discussed a part-time accountant for the commission and other routine expenses, and told the city council that tourism was working toward creating a redundancy or backup so that losing one employee in the future would not create a problem in day-to-day operations.

Miller also updated the council on plans for the Blue Goose building. The tourism commission is still waiting until after the Memorial Day holiday to even take bids on the demolition of the building, and are still discussing whether it is possible to use some of the funds that were intended to go to remodeling on the demolition. The plan is still to demolish the building and reclaim the land as a green space temporarily until the next viable plan is made.

Grayson Mayor Troy Combs mentioned to the commissioners present that he had entertained the idea of the city and city tourism collaborating on possible uses for the current city building. Combs and the council had discussed in a previous meeting the possibility of renovations versus rebuilding, but the city had planned to have the building inspected by an engineer for the viability of either plan before moving forward. Combs said it was just an idea to consider, and not necessarily a recommendation.

Council also discussed the 2025–26 budget for the Grayson Fire Department. The total expenditures for the department were reported at $575,852 and the budget was reported at $538,352. This does not include any expenses that could be incurred for repairs to the tank truck, because there have been no repair estimates turned into the fire department at this time.

Councilwoman Jennifer McGlone pointed out that there needed to be something listed in the budget, even if the figure was only an estimate, because it is a known issue that would have to be dealt with most likely in the near future. Mayor Combs recognized that there was money in the fire department budget under maintenance, but that the repair figure on the truck might exceed that amount.

Typical budget items for the fire department include the mentioned maintenance, equipment, and firefighter’s expenses. It also covers insurance claims/costs, fuel, various supplies, training, and utilities. The current year budget has not yet been finalized, nor have the budgets for other city departments, and the work session meeting on May 6 was designed to discuss what projected expenses are for the coming year before the budget is set and voted on.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Board of education grapples with funding cut

Superintendent Paul Green speaks at the groundbreaking of the new Carter County High School. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

The Carter County Board of Education is among the organizations feeling the impact of federal budget cuts. Recently the board learned that a portion of the funds they had received from the government through the Esser ARP Fund – or Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds under the American Rescue Plan Act, a federal grant program designed to provide funding to states and local districts to help them address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on K-12 education – had been ‘taken back’ by the federal government.

These funds had been earmarked in the board of education budget for the building of the new school. The funds came with a deadline but allowed for an extension of that deadline for extensive projects. According to Carter County Board of Education Superintendent Dr. Paul Green, Carter County’s extension had been approved until March of 2026 before the federal clawback.

“We were spending the money,” Green said. “That’s what is actually being spent on the site development project right now.”

Green said the board had spent about $9 million of the $13 million the school had been approved to receive, leaving approximately $4.1 million left. The board was spending roughly one million dollars per month on the high school project and would have completed the spending of the funds by July or August of this year, he said.

“But then we were notified that the federal government was, basically, whatever money had not been spent by the end of March this year, the federal government was taking that money back,” Green said.

The funds were dispensed on a reimbursement model, Green explained. The board of education spent money on approved projects and then would apply for reimbursement from the federal government.

“Every month we would spend the money, then file the request and the government would give that money back,” Green said. “So, we had 4 million dollars to be reimbursed for and then they pulled that money back.”

“We will still complete the site development project,” Green continued. “That is on schedule to be completed about September or October of this year. We are still planning and are in the final stages of the plan and schematic design for the new school.”

There may be some reevaluating, however, he said.

“Of course, by losing this money we are going to have to look at the overall scope of the project. We are going to have to look at the possibility of pushing it back until next spring, but we would not delay more than six months regardless. It might cause a small delay, but it may not. We may just move forward with the building, start the project, and hope that we get that money returned.”

The possibility does exist that the federal funds budgeted for the project could be returned, Green said.

“There is a process to go through, but at this point we are not sure if or when the funds might be returned.”

Currently the board is working with the State Education Department to submit an appeal on their behalf.

“The Kentucky Board of Education will submit the appeal to the federal Department of Education,” Green said.

The federal government will then make a ruling for or against the return of the funds, Green explained.

“Some states are actually filing lawsuits,” he added.

Green said that he didn’t want the residents of Carter County to think that the withholding of these funds from the federal government was going to prevent the building of the new high school.

“We have other money, and will continue moving forward with the project,” Green said. “But it does affect the overall budget.”

Green said that the project cost was over $100 million, and although $4 million is a lot of money, it isn’t enough to ‘break’ the project.

That amount of money based against the total project, Green said, would pay for a sports complex, for instance. So, the considerations the board are discussing are scenarios such as should they go ahead and build the school then wait a year to build athletic fields.

“Some of the amenities we might have anticipated having from the start might need to be ‘phased in’,” Green said. “But we are going to build the school.”

The new school project is still six months away from opening bids for construction, and there are always many factors in play. The tariffs could be a factor, as well as interest rates and bonds.

“A lot has changed in the last six months, and a lot could change in the next six months,” Green said. But the board will be moving forward in spite of any budget challenges.

“We are going to be hopeful that we get that money back, but there is no guarantee,” Green said of the appeal.

And though the board is exploring numerous options and alternatives, Green said that there is no plan to raise taxes to fund the building of the new high school.

“We are the third lowest tax base in this area,” Green said. “Our taxes in Carter County are the third lowest in all the counties in the Northeast section of the state.”

“It is disappointing the federal government chose to take back funds,” Green continued. “And it only hurts the students of Carter County. We were granted these funds, we were allocated these funds, and our extension was approved by the federal government. But we are being penalized because we took longer to spend the money than other schools.”

Most schools receiving the Esser ARP funds did use those funds for construction projects, but typically those projects were not on the scale of the Carter County project. Green said that nearly a dozen schools that he knows of with extended projects have lost the unspent portions of their funds, though he is not aware of how many of those schools have appealed the federal government’s decision. In the meantime, he said the Carter County Board of Education is moving forward in spite of the lost funding.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: Spring cleaning tips

person wearing white pants and white socks standing beside brown broom
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

I am frequently asked about spring cleaning and what we can do to make it less of a chore because cleaning our home isn’t exactly a fun weekend event but there are ways to make it more enjoyable. Putting on music is a wonderful way to enjoy your favorite tunes while helping to motivate you to get going. I also call this time of year spring clearing since not only is it important to have a clean home, it’s also important to clear away things we no longer need.

You don’t have to turn spring cleaning into an organizing project, just be aware that the less you have in your way, the more effective your efforts will be. We clean our homes a lot better without the clutter and when we clean and organize the first time we won’t have as much in our way the next time spring comes around.

Here are a few tips to help with your spring cleaning:

Clear space by putting things where they belong. Reducing the clutter will open up areas for better cleaning.

Dust before you vacuum. And while you’re dusting, take inventory of the things on shelves, counters, and tables to see if they are ready to be retired.

When shopping for cleaning supplies, look for ones that are less harmful for the environment and for the people, and you, who occupy space in your home.

Don’t forget to clean your waste baskets to get rid of odors that accumulate over time.

Take on one room at a time and give yourself breaks. It’s waited for spring since last spring so be kind to yourself.

Schedule your time to avoid interruptions. Planning will relieve a lot of stress.

Get your family to help, as well. It will be a lot more enjoyable when everyone is working together. Then go out for ice cream.

Finally, doing a deep clean once a year brings with it a great deal of peace knowing you can take off for work, or an event, feeling good about returning to the comfort of a clean home.

It’s as simple as that!

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

Weekly Arrests: 5/14/25

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.

  • Heather Reynolds, 42, of Grayson, arresting agency unavailable, on a charge of first degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), arrested and booked May 4.
  • Walter Limings, 52, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, no registration receipt, no registration plates, failure to produce an insurance card, operating on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, improper equipment, failure to use or improper signal, and disregarding a traffic control device/traffic light, arrested and booked May 4.
  • Michael Ludwig, 46, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a probation violation for a misdemeanor charge, arrested and booked May 5.
  • Hunter Randolph, 22, of Olive Hill, arresting agency unavailable, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 5.
  • Shane Baier, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Boyd County Jail, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (heroin), public intoxication on a controlled substance, giving an officer false identifying information, and a probation violation (for felony offenses), arrested and booked May 6.
  • Joshua Hollon, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of public intoxication on a controlled substance, arrested and booked May 6.
  • Eric Hannah, 26, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of public intoxication on a controlled substance, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Joshua Hollon, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of leaving the scene of an accident – failure to render aid or assistance, first degree criminal mischief requiring restitution/repair, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Nathan Carver, 22, of Vanceburg, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for drug court, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Heather Suarez, 42, of Vanceburg, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for drug court, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Martin Miller, 47, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for drug court, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Zachary White, 36, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, as a registered sex offender with violation of school restrictions, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Richard Winston, 33, of Detroit, MI, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance (100 grams of heroin or more), and possession of marijuana, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Jeremiah Jackson, 34, of Dearborn Heights, MI, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance (100 grams of heroin or more), and possession of marijuana, arrested and booked May 7.
  • Ashley Ford-Mitchell, 32, of Danville, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of speeding 13 MPH over limit, possession of marijuana, aggravated trafficking in a controlled substance (100 grams of heroin or more), and failure to appear, arrested and booked May 8,
  • Devan Burchette, 34, of Rush, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, arrested and booked May 8.
  • James Brown, 39, of Ashland, arrested by Grayson PD, on six counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked May 8.
  • James Stephens, 50, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), failure to wear seat belts, and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked May 8.
  • Nathan Rogers, 25, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked May 9.
  • John Dyer, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (heroin) second offense, and public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked May 9.
  • Stephanie Refitt, 46, of South Shore, arrested by Carter County District Court, weekender, arrested and booked May 9.
  • Nathan Navarre, 36, of Ashland, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked May 9.
  • Lori Mabry, 31, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, arrested and booked May 10.
  • James Manier, 74, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on two counts of failure to appear, arrested and booked May 10.
  • Rachel Bays, 36, of Morehead, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, reckless driving, possession of drug paraphernalia, first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first degree possession of a controlled substance (heroin), and failure to or improper signal, arrested and booked May 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.

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George Eugene (Little George) Gilbert

George Eugene (Little George) Gilbert, age 38, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, May10, 2025, in Grahn, Kentucky.

He was born June 27, 1986, in Black Shear, Georgia, a son of Karen Mauk Gilbert and the late Elijah (George) Gilbert.

George enjoyed working on cars, mushroom hunting, spending time with friends and taking his dog, Shorty, everywhere he went.

George is survived two daughters, Kylie Gilbert of Grayson, Kentucky and Haylee McGuire of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one sister, Angie Mabry of Grayson, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Friday, May 16, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Jason Lewis officiating. Burial will follow in the Gilbert Family Cemetery in Barker Flatts, Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025 and 9 a.m. until the service hour Friday, May 16, 2025 at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Donnie Callihan, CD Leadingham, Jacob Nunley, Darren Gilbert, William Biggerstaff, and Todd Rodgers will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky, is honored to serve the family of George Eugene Gilbert.

Alan Kenneth Jones

Mr. Alan Kenneth Jones, age 73, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, May 9th, 2025, at St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead KY.

Alan was born on June 19, 1951, in Medina, Ohio.

Alan began working at the Olive Hill Finishing Company, also locally known as “The Card Factory” under the guidance of his father in the early 1970s. He eventually became the owner and operator, leading the business until its closing. He then worked at the Family Dollar Distribution Center, where he remained until his retirement after 10 years.

Alan loved riding his Harley Davidson, working in the yard, and always liked to stay busy. He enjoyed going to the movies, cherished the holidays with his family, and treasured any chance to spend time with them. He was also a big boxing fan and rarely missed a fight.

Alan is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Norma Jones, and two brothers, Ronald and Donald Jones, whom he missed every day.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Paulette Jones, of 55 years this June; his precious daughter, Shellie Anne (Ben) Hallock; and his beloved son, Timothy Alan (Jessica) Jones.

He was the proud grandfather of Sarah (Conner) Barker and Sydney Hallock, who were the sunshine of his life. He is also survived by his two brothers and their wives: Rick and Cleda Jones, Chris and Erma Jones.

He was surrounded by every member of his family during the entire seven days he was hospitalized.

Alan was deeply loved by his family, and they were his pride and joy. He will be missed so much that words cannot express.

Funeral services will be held, 1 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky with Brother Brent Duncan officiating. Burial will follow in Jones Cemetery in Olive Hill.

Friends may visit after 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Pallbearers: Tim Jones, Dave Jones, Ben Justice, Ben Hallock, Conner Barker and Ti Jones.

Globe Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the family of Mr. Alan Kenneth Jones.

Jeremy Curtiss Bryant

Jeremy Curtiss Bryant, age 37, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at UK St. Claire Healthcare in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born October 30, 1987, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a son of Curtiss Lee (Gale) Bryant and Charlene Tackett Bryant.

Jeremy was a former employee of SRG Global. He enjoyed playing X-Box, fishing, riding horses and spending time with his family, especially his children.

He was preceded in death by one sister, Julie Owens Clark.

Jeremy is survived one son, Braxton Reid Bryant of Grayson, Kentucky; one daughter, Willow Rene Bryant of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one brother, Curtis Owens of Lawton, Kentucky; five sisters, Jessica (Seth) Lewis of Elliott County, Kentucky, Kaleena (John Parker) Johnson of Lewis County, Kentucky, Terri Duncan, Abby Daniel, Cassitie Bryant, all of Olive Hill, Kentucky, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.

Funeral services will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother James Taylor and Brother Clifford Earl Tackett officiating. Burial will follow in the Bryant Family Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Wednesday, May 14, 2025 and 9 a.m. until the service hour Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Seth Lewis, John Parker, Michael Paynter, Michael Burchett, Keegan Clark, Eric Burchett, Dylan Kiser and Ben Parker will serve as pallbearers.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky, is honored to serve the family of Jeremy Curtiss Bryant.

Erenestine Tackett Jones

Erenestine Tackett Jones, age 86, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born Sunday, February 12, 1939, in Carter County, Kentucky, a daughter of the late James and Dessie Egans Tackett.

She enjoyed reading, going to yard sales, working in her flowers, garden, swinging on her front porch, fishing, quilting, cooking, making crafts, spending time with her grandchilden and her dogs.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Jason Parker; five brothers, Rufus Tackett, Ivan Tackett, Ora Estill Tackett, James Tackett Jr. Edward Crawford; two sisters, Opal Fannin and Zella Davis.

Erenestine is survived by one son, James (Shonnie) Jones of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one daughter, Lisa (James) Conn of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three grandchildren, Patience Jones, Maggie Jones, Samuel Jones; 2 children whom she thought of as grandchildren, John Esteppee and Ashley Brook Esteppee; one sister, Aileen (Earsel Jr.) Porter; special caregivers, James Conn and Faye Swisher, with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Elder David Sturgill officiating. Burial will follow in Olive Hill Memorial Park in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 10 a.m., Saturday, May 10, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Eddie Tackett, Samuel Jones, Brad Seagraves, James Conn, Timothy Gilliam, Johnny Esteppee and Timothy Moore will serve as pallbearers.

Earsel Porter Jr. will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Erenestine Tackett Jones.

Charlotte Gayle James Cline

Charlotte Gayle James Cline, age 85, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, peacefully went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Fountain Circle in Winchester, Kentucky.

She was born Saturday, February 24, 1940, in Grahn, Kentucky, a daughter of the late William Dennis and Dora Easterling James.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 50 years, Joseph Edward Cline; three brothers, Freddy James, William Michael James, Raymond Eugene James; one sister, Peggy Joann James Brinegar.

Gayle is survived by two sons, Joseph Stuart (Robyn) Cline of Morehead, Kentucky, Mark Anthony (Gaylena) Cline of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one daughter, Tiffany Susan (Jerry) Caudill of Ponce de Leon, Florida; 6 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Ida Fay Littleton of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with her sons, Joseph Cline, Mark Cline and daughter, Tiffany Caudill honoring their Mother. Burial will follow in Garvin Ridge Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.

Friends may visit after 9:30 a.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, until the service hour at Globe Funeral Chapel.

Zechariah Cline, Austin Kilgore, Caleb Kilgore, Jarad Cline, Tony Russell and David James will serve as pallbearers.

Nicholas Hargett, Andy Russell and Cody Lawhorn will serve as honorary pallbearer.

Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Charlotte Gayle Cline.

UK to Host Alpha-Gal Syndrome Webinar

a tick is on the skin of a person
Photo by Erik Karits on Pexels.com
Rebecca Konopka Carter County Extension Office Agriculture & Natural Resources

During the summer, our chances of tick interactions increase. Most tick bites are an itchy nuisance that last between seven to 10 days, but ticks can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and erlichiosis, a bacterial disease. A relatively new tick-borne illnesses that is increasingly attracting attention is Alpha-gal syndrome.

Known as the “red meat allergy,” alpha-gal syndrome was discovered by medical researchers in 2009 to be a reaction in humans from lone star tick bites. Scientists found the saliva the tick injects as it feeds causes individuals to develop a reaction to galactose-alpha-1,3-galactose, a sugar found in mammalian meats. Alpha-gal is a rare disease but is increasingly becoming more common.

Individuals who have alpha-gal syndrome can have reactions similar to individuals with other food allergies with symptoms that include skin irritations, hives, digestive tract issues and breathing problems. But unlike the typical person with a food allergy, a person with alpha-gal syndrome may have a delayed allergic reaction, anywhere between three and six hours after ingesting mammalian meat or its by-products.

Medical professionals can diagnose alpha-gal through a blood test. Individuals who are diagnosed with the disease must refrain from consuming beef, pork, lamb and venison. Fortunately, they can still eat all fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, legumes, poultry and seafood. Some people may also have reactions to mammal-derived products including milk, cheese, gelatin and lard. As a result, they and their family members must check ingredient labels before consuming prepackaged food. As individuals with alpha-gal tend to have different tolerance levels to these meat-derived products, individuals should work with a health care provider, such as a registered dietitian, to find a diet that works for them.

Education and prevention are key in reducing your exposure to ticks and any tick-borne diseases. The lone star tick is found throughout Kentucky and the eastern United States, most likely in or near wooded areas. The tick, which gets its name from the iconic white spot found on the female’s back, needs three blood meals for survival during its lifetime. It is most active during April through August.

There are several effective precautions to take to lower your chances of getting a tick bite. Wear a repellent. One repellent containing permethrin can be put on clothing and is particularly effective. Avoid walking through uncut fields or brush and areas with tall vegetation where ticks are most likely to occur. Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easy to spot. If you are spending a significant amount of time hiking or pursuing other outdoor activities in a tick-prone area, check yourself, your children and other family members for ticks when returning home. Check pets when they come in from outdoors. Common places that you will find ticks are behind ears, hair, neck, legs and around the waist.

If you find a tick on your body, remove it by using fine-tipped tweezers, getting as close to the skin as possible to make sure the entire tick is removed. Once it’s removed, you should wash the bite area and your hands and apply an antiseptic to the bite site.

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is offering a free webinar event on May 29th at 6:00 PM focused on “Living with Alpha-gal Syndrome”. This webinar aims to educate attendees on the basics of AGS, as well as strategies for tick bite prevention and diet and lifestyle management. The session will also include a Q&A segment, providing an opportunity for participants to get their questions answered by experts.  Register now at www.ukfcs.net/AgS.

Additional information is also available in UK’s publication ENTFACT-618: Ticks and Disease in Kentucky. It is available online at https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef618 or through the Carter County office of the University of Kentucky 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:

  • Hike & Learn – May 16th – Menifee County – Call 474-6686 to register.
  • 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. 

Using words to build walls

close up shot of a woman speaking
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com
By: Tommy Druen
Guest Columnist

When the United States entered World War II, it quickly became clear that winning wouldn’t depend solely on firepower. It would require something far more subtle: secrecy. Our military faced a critical vulnerability—not in troops or equipment, but in language. The Axis powers had proven themselves adept at intercepting communications and cracking codes. It is often said that knowledge is power, but in warfare, information means survival.  Allied encryption methods were too slow. Codes were too fragile. What we needed wasn’t just security—it was speed and secrecy rolled into one.

The War Department knew it had to try something radically different. Fortunately, America had an asset our adversaries did not—our Indigenous peoples. In 1942, the Marine Corps recruited twenty-nine young Navajo men, fluent in their native tongue, and tasked them with creating an unbreakable code based on their language. It worked. The Navajo Code Talkers transmitted thousands of vital messages across the Pacific Theater. Not one was ever deciphered.

Other Native nations, including the Comanche, Lakota, and Cree, made similar contributions in Europe. There’s a certain poetic justice in that. For generations, Native languages had been suppressed, mocked, or forcibly erased. But in this moment, that same culture—so often overlooked—helped save the lives of thousands of Americans and win the war.

It’s a story I come back to often—because it reminds me how powerful and precious language can be. But I also know how language can exclude just as easily as it can protect. Words matter. Language can divide or unite, conceal or reveal, depending on how and when it’s used.

A while back, I read about a seminar offered to professional women, designed to explain the sports metaphors commonly used in corporate America. These were women with advanced degrees from top institutions—yet they were lost in meetings not because of lack of ability, but because of how things were being said. Phrases like “full-court press” or “swing for the fences” seem innocuous if you grew up glued to ESPN. But for others, you might as well be speaking Klingon. It’s not about intelligence; it’s about access. Intentional or not, language can become a gatekeeper.

And it’s not just sports. Every profession, every subculture, every group has its own dialect. Education, law, medicine, IT—they’re all full of acronyms and shorthand that turn insiders into a tribe and relegate outsiders to being observers.

But nowhere do I find this dynamic more troubling than in matters of faith.

As a Christian, more specifically a Baptist, I grew up in church, becoming fluent in the vocabulary of my denomination. Words like “fellowship,” “salvation,” and “communion” feel second nature. But I sometimes wonder how those words sound to someone who’s never darkened the door of a sanctuary. Do they land with warmth and clarity—or do they confuse, intimidate, and distance?

Nearly every religion and denomination say they want to be welcoming. And I believe them to be sincere in that sentiment. Yet too often, the language of faith serves as a velvet rope. Not because of what we believe, but because of how we say it.

There’s a quote attributed to George Eliot that resonates with me: “The finest language is mostly made up of simple, unimposing words.” It’s a truth we’d do well to remember—not only in our pulpits, but in our boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms.

In times of war, speaking in code can save lives. But in times of peace—or at least, in the day-to-day moments of community and connection—we ought to aim for something else entirely. Not encryption, but invitation. Not mystery, but meaning. Maybe our challenge today isn’t to come up with the perfect words, but to strip them down. To stop speaking in riddles when clarity will do. To remember that the first rule of good communication isn’t to impress—it’s to connect.

Because if our words build walls instead of bridges, then we’ve forgotten what language is for in the first place.

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