For most of my life, I’ve accepted the validity of that warning in the 23rd verse of the Book of Romans in the New Testament that crime doesn’t pay and, in fact, can exact a high price…our own death.
The actual wording, according to the King James Version of the Bible, is “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
And doesn’t it stand to reason that dying while committing a crime is a perfect example of that biblical prophecy?
If so, why did the Trump Administration announce last Friday that a preliminary agreement had been reached to settle a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the family of Ashli Babbitt, the woman fatally shot by police inside the U.S. Capitol during the riot on Jan. 6, 2021?
Babbitt’s estate filed a $30 million lawsuit last year over her death which resulted from her attempt to climb through the broken window of a barricaded door inside the Capitol.
The police officer who shot her was cleared of wrongdoing by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, which concluded that he acted in self-defense and in the defense of members of Congress. DC police came to the same conclusion.
Lawyers for Babbitt’s estate and the U. S. Department of Justice told a judge in Washington’s federal court that a settlement had been reached “in principle” but the details had not been worked out.
The Capitol Police officer said he fired as a “last resort” and when he pulled the trigger he had no idea whether the person jumping through the window was armed or not. Babbitt, 35, was not armed.
Sadly, the idea that this woman’s family is going to be paid what likely will be a considerable amount of money for her criminal conduct is another example of how the Trump Administration is routinely ignoring and/or defying the rule of law.
I wonder how much our country will have to pay each of the other nearly 1,500 rioters who had their sentences commuted or charges dismissed or pardoned.
Left to Right: Brent Mullholand, Kele Mullholand, Shawn Willhite, and Robbie Fletcher. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By Charles Romans
Carter County Times
Brent Mullholand has been in the construction business for as long as he can remember, and his current business has been going strong for over twenty years.
“We built the building here and just started growing,” Mullholand said. “We started out doing windows and gutters, and grew to everything on the exterior of the home.”
‘Here,’ for Mullholand’s business, is a spot on Route 7 in Greenup County, but he covers Carter and Boyd Counties too, as well as doing a lot of business out of state. Mullholand not only takes care of all of his customers’ exterior needs, but he is also a supplier for all sorts of siding materials and windows.
“And we offer installation on everything we sell,” Mullholand said.
Mullholand not only provides quality work at reasonable prices, but he also has a good relationship with many local contractors whom he has met over the years. In recent years his business has stepped back from installation of gutters, for instance, and now he prefers to recommend those contractors to his customers and supply materials for the project.
“We try not to compete with our gutter guys,” Mullholand said. “If I get a gutter job I usually farm it out to one of the guys who buys materials from us.”
Mullholand said that is a good way to keep everyone working. And, when everyone is working, everyone benefits.
Mullholand carries Gentek siding in a variety of profiles and colors, with a lifetime warranty against color fade and fifty year hail protection. Windows come with a lifetime warranty on frames and glass and even offer a glass breakage warranty which will cover glass replacement in the event of something like the homeowner mowing grass and accidentally breaking a window with a thrown gravel.
“That warranty is transferrable one time,” Mullholand said. “That way if you happen to sell your house, you can transfer the warranty to the new owner.”
This, he noted, helps with resale value, which also benefits the community and the homeowners. And if they ever have to use that warranty, they don’t have to worry about the replacements not matching.
“Any product you see, we can get it,” Mullholand said. “We keep in stock white and black soffit, trim coil, and about a dozen colors for gutter material plus fitting and hangers.”
Mullholand said his company also plans for the unplanned. Each estimate can be adjusted for minor repairs needed to a home during the installation, for instance in the case of damage hiding behind the siding currently on the home or damage behind existing gutters.
“We will do the minor repairs, and I usually include so many square feet of that in the estimate,” Mulholland said; adding that those costs wouldn’t cover serious damage, such as extensive termite damage, which would require another estimate.
But whatever exterior needs a home has, Mullholand said he is sure he can help take care of it; whether that’s matching old vinyl if you just need to repair a damaged section, or helping you or your contractor choose from old standards or the most recent vinyl products to give your home the look you want. Siding, vinyl board and batten, shutters, and even faux stone siding are just a phone call or a visit to their website away. Estimates are free by calling (606) 386-4521or visiting mullholandconstruction.com. They are also on Facebook.
Staff and team members cut a ribbon, officially opening the new bass fishing building. (Photo by Megan Seymore, KCU)
By: Charles Romans Carter County Times
Kentucky Christian University held a ribbon cutting to unveil their new bass fishing facility late last month. The new building, which will house twelve bass boats and all their assorted gear, supports the university’s highly competitive bass fishing program by sheltering the boats from the elements when they are not being used and providing the students with a clean and dry location where they are able to make any necessary changes and upgrades to their equipment. It also provides a secure parking location that is monitored by both people and cameras.
“I want to express the institutions appreciation for this building,” KCU President Terry Allcorn said at the ribbon cutting. “It is fantastic, and I appreciate the Keeney family’s vision to make this happen. A lot of people on campus worked very hard on this building to make it happen. And we are grateful for the contributions all of you have made.”
Grayson Mayor Troy Combs said that he considered himself fortunate to be able to work with everyone involved in the fishing complex project.
“On the city’s behalf, the only thing I can say is how proud I am to have this beautiful facility here,” Combs said. “We have always been proud to have Kentucky Christian University here in Grayson, and for university to be a part of this community.”
Combs said that Grayson is excited to see what KCU does next and will always welcome being part of it.
The new building, which has been named The Keeney Fishing Complex, is a result of a generous donation from the Keeney Family and lots of volunteer hours. Josh and Amy Keeney, parents of KCU student Reese Keeney, live about a half hour south of Green Bay, Wisconsin. Josh Keeney shared part of the story behind how their son came to attend KCU.
“Reese came up through youth bass fishing and then high school bass fishing, where he won the High School National Championship,” Keeney said.
Keeney shared that his son was never a ‘college’ kid, and they thought that he would choose a technical school instead of traditional college degree programs. So, he and his wife started researching schools that offered scholarships for fishing – something that is on the rise nationally. This led them to visit several schools, including KCU.
Keeney said that in spite of being far from home, KCU was the right size, and that his family was impressed by the leadership of Kentucky Christian University.
“So, he got accepted,” Keeney said. “And he has excelled and developed a passion for academics to match his lifelong passion for fishing. It’s a win-win for everyone. They (KCU) are changing these kids’ lives.”
Keeney said that a lot of the bigger schools don’t know much about their students’ lives, but said that the exact opposite is true at Kentucky Christian University.
“They are really connected, and the kids have access to the leadership in their daily lives. That is a huge benefit to the students, and it was one of the things that helped Reese choose KCU.”
Keeney said that donating to make the new facility a reality wasn’t just about his son, but was “the right thing to do.” His son will only be at KCU for another year, but there will be other students who need what the facility has to offer.
“This program will grow well beyond what we are doing today,” he said. “We are building a legacy for the future, because college fishing is the feeder program for professional fishing. And when you see it all come together like this you realize it was the right thing to do.”
Lily Gilbert took first place in individual competition for West Carter’s Problem Solving Group at state level competition. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By Jeremy D. Wells Carter County Times
Lily Gilbert has been a junior firefighter with the Grahn Volunteer Fire Department since last July, but she learned how dangerous fires could be long before that. And she wanted to do something about it.
“I saw firsthand all the fires in my community, and I hated seeing that,” Gilbert explained. “And I wanted to do something about it. So, I started a fire prevention project, the FAST project, which stands for fire awareness safety tactics.”
The program uses a website and Instagram posts to disseminate information about fire prevention and safety from other state organizations. This includes information that can help prevent not only structure fires, but also wildland fires, Gilbert explained.
“I have a website that I promote through Instagram and pamphlets,” Gilbert said.
The site includes information she’s received through National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) regional manager for Kentucky, Bobby Dawson.
“He gives me the information that I put out for the community,” Gilbert said. “And then, I also put statistics and stuff that I get from here local, just the statistics and stuff that I get here local, from the local fire departments. I think of myself as a middleman between NFPA and the community.”
She said you can access the information from the project’s Instagram page or search for them on Facebook. You can also scan the QR codes on their flyers to be directed to their website, and can find links to their social media and YouTube accounts there.
The website and project earned Gilbert a first place win in the individual project category at the Kentucky Association of Academic Competition (KAAC) Community Problem Solving Group state level competition last month. But Gilbert said preventing tragedy was more important than the trophy. As she noted earlier, it’s something she’s been aware of for a while. Her father was already a firefighter before she became interested in joining as a junior firefighter, and she remembers a couple of fires that made a real impression on her.
“There was one particular fire that happened near me… and it was a house that actually had nine dogs in it – the mom, dad, and all the puppies – and none of them made it. And that touched me,” she noted.
Tragic as that was, though, there was another that showed Gilbert how important it was to understand how fire moves, and how important it was to show others how to avoid losing control of outdoor fires, like burning brush or campfires.
“There was another one where it was a brush fire, the year before I joined almost to the date, and it was this lady that was unhoused. She was burning brush, and it got away from her. She was trying to control it, and the fire got ahead of her, and she unfortunately passed.”
If sharing this information can prevent just one more incident like either of those, she said, building out the site and maintaining the Instagram page has been time well spent.
The Carter County fiscal court held a special session last month to discuss either the repair or the replacement of a Kubota excavator. The excavator in question is approximately ten years old, and judge executive Brandon Burton informed the court that it had broken down again. The current issue, a pump system according to a mechanic’s estimate, is the most recent maintenance issue for the excavator. The current repair is estimated to cost approximately $20,000 to complete.
Any significant repair to large equipment like the excavator is typically a ‘high ticket’ repair, so numerous major issues can quickly add up to the point that it becomes more cost effective to replace the equipment in question. Judge Burton broached the subject of trading the excavator in on a new model, and asked the court their opinion on getting a trade-in quote. Burton also mentioned that the court might get a better trade-in by trading the Kubota brand excavator in on a new Kubota, but that was not guaranteed.
The court voted to begin the process of accepting bids on replacing the excavator. Bids will be accepted until May 19, at 3 pm. Bids will be accepted from multiple equipment dealerships, including Kubota, with the intent of using the 10-year-old excavator as a trade-in against the price of the new purchase.
In other business, the fiscal court had the first reading of their budget for 2026. The second reading is expected to be held on the court’s next scheduled meeting date of May 19. The court also voted to accept claims and transfers, as well as an amendment to the 2025 budget. The amendment involved overages that were added back into the budget in April, as opposed to being added in at the end of the budget year. The court also voted to approve standing orders.
Two weeks ago, we ran a release naming local students chosen by the Center for Rural Development for their 2025 Rogers Scholars program. In that release, which included the names of all Kentucky students recognized as Rogers Scholars, we edited it to read that East Carter High School’s Kara Mabry was the only student from Carter County selected to participate in the program.
This, however, was not true. The Center for Rural Development also chose a student from West Carter High School. WCHS student Nico DeBord was also included in that list, and we simply overlooked their name when scouring the list of 104 total students (organized alphabetically by first name) from across Kentucky.
Although we were looking closely for any names that were followed by “Carter County,” Nico somehow escaped our notice at the time. We’d like to extend a heartfelt apology to Nico for our oversight on this, as well as to any friends or family who were disappointed at Nico’s exclusion.
In addition to being recognized as a Rogers Scholar, Nico is active with the West Carter High School Academic Team, and the school’s award-winning Community Problem Solving Group. That group was recently recognized with two first place trophies at the state level, and an invitation to participate in the Problem Solving Group International Competition in Indiana this year (see photo on page 5).
Once again, congratulations to Nico on all your success, and our apologies for the oversight.
Somewhere in rural Kentucky where the cell service ain’t so great, there’s a family who can’t afford Netflix and Disney+ along with all of the other endless streaming options. Not everyone has an extra $20 to spend. That $20 goes a long way when you’re counting pennies. You know what that family does have? PBS. Big Bird. You know what dad can listen to in the morning in his truck if he wants to? NPR. He doesn’t have to listen to the news if he prefers a biased conversation, but he can hear the stories from people globally if he wants to – from singers with a new album, to what’s happening in data science, it’s all there and both are free. Won’t cost you a dime.
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order to defund NPR and PBS targets approximately $535 million in annual federal funding to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB). That’s 0.01% of the federal budget—roughly $1.60 per American per year. Less than a gas station coffee. (And not nearly as bitter.)
Meanwhile, the Department of Defense is scarfing $850 billion annually—about 13% of all federal spending. Not to pay troops. To buy new toys for Raytheon and Boeing. Since 2022, we’ve allocated $182.8 billion to Ukraine. And Israel? $310 billion since its founding, with an $8 billion arms deal teed up in 2025.
But yeah. The problem is PBS.
For a lot of rural families, public broadcasting is the only reliable access to educational content. Daniel Tiger, Mr. Rogers, The Wild Kratts: these shows don’t push propaganda. They teach kids not to be jerks. And they’re free.
Trump’s executive order—called “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Biased Media”—directs CPB to shut off all federal funding to NPR and PBS by June 30. He accuses them of pushing “radical, woke propaganda.” Apparently, balanced programming, fact-based reporting, and nuanced discussion are now national security threats. What’s next? Fresh Air gets canceled unless they interview Kid Rock?
Stations like Marfa Public Radio in Texas and WMKY in Morehead, Kentucky rely on CPB funding to stay alive. They provide emergency updates during wildfires, floods, and blackouts. They keep rural communities connected. Now they’re political collateral damage.
PBS and NPR are fighting back in court, arguing that the order oversteps executive authority and violates the First Amendment. They’re right. Congress holds the purse strings—not a president playing monarch.
The 2026 budget proposal slashes funding to the National Endowment for the Arts and the Humanities. Public institutions that challenge power or ask questions are being gutted so they can be replaced by patriotic coloring books and flag-waving cosplay.
America’s story is messy. It includes genocide, slavery, war, and corruption. If we can’t teach that truth because it makes the powerful uncomfortable, we’re not a country—we’re a PR campaign. This isn’t about saving money. This is about control. It’s about silencing anything that challenges the approved narrative—anything that says, “Hey, maybe there’s a better way to be human.”
You don’t have to like This American Life, Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, or Ken Burns documentaries. But they have a right to exist. And you have a right to hear them.
And let’s not forget: you probably grew up watching Big Bird. You learned the Golden Rule from a puppet on a stoop. Maybe ask yourself what he’d think of all this.
As Grover might say:
“This episode was brought to you by the letter R — for Ridiculous.”
My friend, your life is not an accident. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”
Don’t waste your trials. Don’t waste the privilege God gives you to glorify Him when you go through heartbreak, hardship, afflictions, sorrows, persecution, suffering, calamity, difficulty. God is sovereign, in control of your life, and orchestrating your life for your good. And your good is not just defined by what you’d like as your earthly life. Good is defined as what is going to make you most like Christ and make you most useful in God’s hands. Believe me, you are not alone in all of this!
Here is an excerpt from a message by Kathyrn Kuhlman.
“Do you know what it means to wait with tears on your pillow at night? Waiting when the doctors have said there’s nothing more they can do? Not knowing if the promise will ever come. But while you wait, He is working. You don’t see it now, you don’t see it with your eyes, you don’t feel it with your hands. But just because you can’t see the answer doesn’t mean the answer isn’t on its way. There are things happening behind the veil of your understanding, things being moved or rearranged, made ready for the Spirit of the living God is not still. He never sleeps. He never forgets. He doesn’t grow weary. The answer you need may be growing roots before it ever breaks the soil. But you would think nothing is happening. Tears are not wasted; they nourish the coming miracle. Every tear that falls in quiet, to every tear cried in the loneliness of midnight, every tear shed in desperation, is not forgotten or overlooked. They are seen, they are gathered, they are sacred in the unseen realm. Tears are more than emotion. They are intercessions. They are languages. They are a testimony of the soul’s deep yearning for something beyond its own strength. What the world dismisses as weakness, Heaven regards as precious offering. Each tear carries weight and in the hands of the divine they become seeds that water the very ground of your future. In times of waiting and uncertainty tears become a companion to faith, not because faith is absent but because faith endures the weight of silence and still believes. Real faith does not deny the pain, it carries it, and the pain expressed in tears is never a sign of failure but of deep connection with the one who sees all. The psalmist said, ‘you have kept count of my tossing’s put my tears in your bottle.’ This is not poetic metaphor alone. It is a divine reality. There is a heavenly record of every tear. None is wasted. None are lost. Many times, we want strength to look like bold declarations and unwavering composure. But some of the strongest moments in our lives are the ones where we cry out with nothing but groans too deep for words. In those moments Heaven moves the Spirit intercedes. Something wholly begins to take root in the soil of brokenness. The miracle that is coming often grows in the ground watered by our tears. They soften the soil of resistance. They open the heart to humility. They break down pride and awaken longing. Tears prepare the heart. It is in the places of weeping that trust is forged. Not the kind of trust that forms when everything makes sense but with trust that survives when nothing does. The kind of trust that says even if I don’t see it, even if I don’t feel it, I still believe. Tears in this sacred place become a form of worship, not with lifted hands and loud songs, but with quiet surrender with reverence that cannot be faked. Heaven recognizes this kind of worship and is deeply moved by it. Sometimes we are waiting for joy to come before we pray, before we lift our eyes, before we continue. But it is the sorrow itself that draws us closer. It is the broken heart that God is near to. And in every tear, there is an invitation not just for healing but for intimacy to know the heart of God. Not just as sovereign, but as comforter to lean into the one who understands suffering, who bore sorrow, who wept Himself at the pain of death, and the loss of friends. Your tears do not repel Him, they draw Him close. There are miracles that only take root in the soil of suffering. There are breakthroughs that only blossom after a night of weeping and though we longed to skip over the dark valleys they often hold the richest encounters. The miracle may be delayed, but the tears are never in vain. They are preparing the atmosphere. They are softening your spirit. They are breathing compassion, resilience, and deeper understanding. When the miracle does arrive, it will not come to barren ground. It will come to a heart that has been tilled and watered by the deepest places of trust. In the kingdom of God nothing is wasted! God is working while you wait!” 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.
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.
Jeffrey Kiser, 39, of Grayson, arresting agency unavailable, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, endangering the welfare of a minor, fourth degree assault (domestic violence) with no visible injury, and second degree fleeing or evading police (on foot), arrested and booked April 27.
Eric Davis, 35, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked April 27.
Deborah Knell, 52, of Vanceburg, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked April 29.
Corielynne Ervin, 46, of Webbville, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of careless driving, failure to produce an insurance card, no registration receipt, third degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), possession of synthetic drugs, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, failure to wear seat belts, and inadequate silencer (muffler), arrested and booked April 29.
David Bawcum, 43, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, for failure to appear, arrested and booked April 30.
Brianna Littleton, 32, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for contempt of court – libel/slander – resistance to order, arrested and booked April 30.
Jeremy Kilgore, 46, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, serving a warrant for a parole violation, arrested and booked April 30.
Skyler Conley, 31, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) second offense, first degree possession of a controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked April 30.
Michael Carter, 71, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of failure to wear seat belts, possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle, no registration receipt, failure to produce an insurance card, license not in possession, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked April 30.
Starr Adams, 33, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a probation violation for a felony offense, and a probation violation for a misdemeanor offense, arrested and booked May 1.
John Parsons, 30, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked May 1.
Billy Ingles, 24, of Grayson, arresting agency unavailable, for failure to appear, arrested and booked May 2.
Christopher Schumacher, 38, of Grayson, arresting agency unavailable, on charges of inadequate silencer (muffler), and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, arrested and booked May 2.
Brandon Greene, 34, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a substance, and second degree wanton endangerment, arrested and booked May 2.
Stephanie Reffitt, 46, of South Shore, arresting agency unavailable, charges unavailable, arrested and booked May 2.
Nathan Navarre, 36, of Ashland, self-surrender, weekender, arrested and booked May 2.
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.
Alex Torres, Nate Hanshaw and Chandler Davis signed apprenticeship agreements last Wednesday with the Olive Hill fire department and water services. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By Jeremy D. Wells Carter County Times
A new collaboration between the city of Olive Hill and Northeast Career Center is helping some young people get a jumpstart on their new careers with an apprenticeship program that helps cover the costs for their training, materials, and more. Alex Torres, Nate Hanshaw and Chandler Davis signed apprenticeship agreements last Wednesday with the Olive Hill fire department, and the city’s water distribution and water treatment services, respectively, in a ceremony with the career center and city officials.
“It’s a pretty well known fact in the state of Kentucky, we’re facing a shortage of care providers; both EMTs and paramedics,” noted Levi Hanshaw, with the Kentucky Board of EMS. “So, this program Alex is going through… that’s going to help across the entire state. It’s a good thing, bringing young people into this field.”
“It’s one of those things,” Hanshaw continued, “fire and EMS, together, are one of those jobs that you just kind of have to want to do. It’s not something that they kind of guide you in that direction in high school, like they do with nursing, doctors… things like that.”
He said it took him until after he graduated high school to realize that EMS was “a great fit for me.” But, he explained, programs like this can help these young people realize where they fit earlier, so they “can go on and do things at a higher level, and be able to make a great career out of it.”
Kara Williamson, business service consultant with Northeast Career Center, said the organization was glad to partner with the city of Olive Hill on the apprenticeships.
“These apprenticeships aren’t just about training,” she said. “They’re about creating good jobs right here at home. They allow our residents to stay close to their families, contribute to their community, and build long-term careers without having to leave the place they love.”
Olive Hill fire chief Jeremy Rodgers said the support from Northeast was important and appreciated.
“I’ve been a member (of the fire department) here for 30 years, and today, and in the last six months or so, we’ve taken steps that I never imagined that we would see within this small community.”
He said when you consider that, even with an all-volunteer system, it is a huge financial burden on a city to fund a department – with a cost of roughly $5,000 to kit out a firefighter, and 35 to 40 volunteers required to run a department – every dollar invested by a group like Northeast was beneficial.
Rodgers explained that Northeast was funding 50 percent of all salary and tuition costs for training associated with the apprenticeships, as well as the costs for personal protective equipment, certifications, etc. The other 50 percent was set to come from the city budget.
“That’s where we have to have the support of city council and the mayor,” Rodgers said.
Olive Hill city council member Tony Williams said the city was happy to provide their support, because it allowed them to extend and maintain city services at a discounted rate.
Just as important as the cost savings, though, was supporting the fire department’s needs, Williams said.
“I’ve sang their praises many times,” he said. “I’ve lived all over Kentucky. I’ve lived in Tennessee. And I’ve not seen a department (like this one). You can’t get a paid department to do what they do, what they’ve done, as volunteers here. Anything that’s going to help them, we’re going to help them.”
Rodgers said he couldn’t take credit for the project, though, just for helping raise awareness of it.
“Josh Thompson, the supervisor at the water plant, had the first (apprentice), and found out about the program basically by luck,” Rodgers said. Thompson pointed Rodgers and Olive Hill police chief Bruce Palmer in the direction of Northeast, and they reached out to them as well.
“We contacted the ladies at the Northeast office, and they were all about it,” Rodgers said. “So, they came down and we met about it. We gave them kind of the ground rules that we have to follow to certify people, and then they laid out the program.”
“We appreciate the work that has been put in by all of the staff, through Northeast and the career center,” Rodgers added. “Because they took the bits and pieces that I threw at them and developed what needed to be officially done for this program to be successful in the future. So, we’re excited. We look for it to grow, and for all of these young people to be able to start a career here that, hopefully, will be like myself, and like Levi, and Chief Palmer… and turn it into a career.”
Palmer said he will also be taking advantage of the assistance Northeast offers, but because of the certification requirements for police officers, that program will look slightly different.
Olive Hill fire chief Jeremy Rodgers. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
Levi Hanshaw (far right) addresses the crowd while new apprentices, (from left to right) Chandler Davis, Nate Hanshaw, and Alex Torres watch. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
County Attorney Brian Bayes pets a dog during the Carter County Animal Shelter’s adoption event at the county courthouse on Monday morning. All adult dog adoptions on Monday were free, with all fees covered by Carter County Judge Executive Brandon Burton. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
County Attorney Brian Bayes pets a dog during the Carter County Animal Shelter’s adoption event at the county courthouse on Monday morning. All adult dog adoptions on Monday were free, with all fees covered by Carter County Judge Executive Brandon Burton. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
“Do you have a favorite product or tools that help to make everyday home or work less crazy? Thanks.”
This could turn into a book but to keep it short here are a few of my favorites.
I love keeping things from leaning against a wall like brooms or mops. So I invested in a wall mounted strip that have clips and hooks to keep those long handled tools off the floor. They are actually called ‘broom and mop holders’, go figure. They hold dust pans, cleaning cloths, brushes, fly swatters, and of course brooms and mops. Once things are above ground, cleaning the kitchen floor is a breeze.
Another favorite of mine is a magnetic wall strip. They are wonderful for hanging knives, tongs, pizza cutters, plus a variety of metal utensils. I love mine because it keeps them out of drawers, off the counter, and at my reach when I need them.
I also recommend checking into getting metal pegboard. These come in a variety of colors from black to chrome making it easy to fit right in with your decor. They are available in different sizes and come with pegs for hanging so many things. They are perfect for hanging kitchen pot holders, hand towels or utensils and in the garage they are the best tool organizers. Use them in your closet for belts, scarves, and handbags. I use mine on the wall under my stairs for hanging my small tools.
Last of all, baskets. They are decorative and hold everything from paper clips to blankets. Get them with handles making it easy to gather up toys, mail, or shoes and cart them from room to room. I use them for my cat’s toys, shoes by the front door, and extra bedding that doesn’t have closet or shelf space to store them. So, if it has to sit on the floor, at least it looks great.
Start searching online for other ideas that will make your workload easier and neater.
Donald Ray “Donnie” Savage, 70, of Webbville, KY left this world on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the UK King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, KY. Donnie was born Saturday, October 2, 1954, in Lawrence County, KY, the fifth son of the late Warren and Martha Sparks Savage. In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by one sister, Betty Lou Jackson; five brothers, Richard Savage, Ronnie Savage, Eddie Savage, Phil Savage, and Billy Savage.
Donnie worked as a Union Carpenter out of Local 472. He retired as General Foreman working at the Marathon Oil Refinery. He also worked as a Boilermaker and as a High Rise Walker. Donnie was a member of the American Legion and VFW. Donnie loved the outdoors, but he loved his family most of all. He found great joy in taking his great-grandsons Colton and Gage to the races. He also loved taking Colton and Gage four wheeling, hunting, and fishing. Donnie enjoyed gardening and listening to bluegrass and country music.
Donnie is survived by two brothers, George Savage of Grayson, KY and Douglas Savage of Louisa, KY; three sisters, Delores Baldwin of Paintsville, Kentucky, Janie (Jeff Jablonski) Savage of Chandler, NC, and Donna Savage of Morehead, KY; His life partner, Lorraine Savage; one daughter, Lori Sexton; one granddaughter, Katelyn Sexton; two precious great- grandchildren, Colton Holbrook and Gage Lane; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends that will mourn his passing.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Malone Funeral Home in Grayson, KY with Bro. Gary Sparks and Bro. Tim Porter officiating. Burial will follow in the Savage Cemetery. Visitation will be from Friday, May 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and after 9:00 AM until the service hour on Saturday. Condolences and memories can be shared at http://www.malonefuneralhome.com.
Pictured, from left to right, are team members Skyler Gearhart, Kendyll Thompson, Brody McCleese, advisor Chris Blankenship, and team members Sawyer Maggard, Jadyn Tolliver, and Nico DeBord. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
The West Carter Community Problem Solving Group placed first in state level competition for their MYTHS project, offering Narcan, drug testing supplies, and safe drug disposal options to the community of Olive Hill. The group also took a first-place trophy for the best overall display. In addition to their backlighted electronic phoenix, team advisor Chris Blankenship explained, the group worked with a local business to procure dry ice for a smoke effect with their display. The team also earned an invitation to the international competition, which takes place this year in Indiana. Pictured, from left to right, are team members Skyler Gearhart, Kendyll Thompson, Brody McCleese, advisor Chris Blankenship, and team members Sawyer Maggard, Jadyn Tolliver, and Nico DeBord. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
James Ellis McGlone, age 62, of Vanceburg, Kentucky, passed away Thursday,
May 1, 2025, at UK-King’s Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Kentucky.
He was born Sunday, December 30, 1962, in Boyd County, Kentucky, a son of Robert Ellis McGlone of Globe, Kentucky and the late Esther Belle Frazier McGlone.
He enjoyed fishing, camping, mowing grass, deer hunting, listening to Bluegrass music, watching wrestling, helping folks in need, and spending time with his son, whom he thought the world of.
In addition to his father, James is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Shirley Ash McGlone and their dog, Thunder; one son, James Ellis “Stub” (Michele) McGlone II of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one brother, Pete McGlone of Globe, Kentucky; one sister, Joy Bowling of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three grand dogs, Leo, Coolio and Squidward, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss him.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with family and friends officiating. Burial will follow in Oakland Ridge Cemetery at a later date.
Friends may visit after 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 9, 2025, until the service hour, 7 p.m. at Globe Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Cannonsburg Companion Animal Care, to assist in the care of fur babies that are in need.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of James Ellis McGlone.
Kevin Rayburn, age 56, of Upper Tygart, Kentucky, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday evening, May 1, 2025, at UK-St.Claire Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Tuesday, April 22, 1969, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a son of Eugene and Bernice Parker Rayburn of Lewis County, Kentucky.
Kevin was a member of Upper Tygart Freewill Baptist Church and loved going to church. He enjoyed farming, fishing, hunting, going out to eat, traveling to Tennessee on vacation and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Denise Rayburn; one son, Kaleb Rayburn of Upper Tygart, Kentucky; two daughters, Shasta Rayburn, Jasmine Rayburn both of Upper Tygart, Kentucky; four brothers, Rick (Sherri) Rayburn of Olive Hill, Kentucky, Freddie (Gloria) Rayburn, Brian (Laura Gail) Rayburn, all of Lewis County, Kentucky, Bobby Gene(Melissa) Rayburn of Upper Tygart, Kentucky; three sisters, Shelia (Jerry) Bloomfield of Lewis County, Kentucky, Glenda (Wendell) Logan of Upper Tygart, Kentucky, Jill (Steven) Mabry of Olive Hill, Kentucky; sister-in-laws, Michele Kinder , Tina McClain, many uncles, aunts, cousins, and his church family will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Upper Tygart Freewill Baptist Church, 20187 West Hwy US 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother Steven Mabry, Brother Ron Johnson and Brother Monroe Craig officiating. Burial will follow in Parker Cemetery on State Hwy 59 in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill, Kentucky and after 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Upper Tygart Freewill Baptist Church until the service hour.
Jacob McGuire, Paul Phillips, William Jordan, Jesse Adams, Connor Greenhill, Tim Orcutt and Jeff Robinson will serve as pallbearers.
Rick Rayburn, Freddie Rayburn, Brian Rayburn, Bobby Rayburn, Wendell Logan, Steven Mabry and Jerry Bloomfield will serve as honorary pallbearers.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky, is honored to serve the family of Kevin Rayburn.
Valora Reign “Fe-Fe” Edington, age 3 months, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Thursday, May 1, 2025, at UK-St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky.
She was born Wednesday, January 30, 2025, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a daughter of James and Leanna Messer Edington.
Fe-Fe loved pulling Daddy’s beard, playing with her sisters, and she was a Mommy’s girl.
In addition to her parents she is survived by two sisters, Ariel Edington, Cirilla Edington both of Morehead, Kentucky; paternal grandparents, David Riley and Patty Riley; maternal grandparents, Joyci Crawford, Jeremy and Lindy Messer, along with many other family and friends who will sadly miss her.
Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, at Limestone Apostolic Church in Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Pastor Rick Crank officiating. Burial will follow in the Horsley Cemetery in Olive Hill, Kentucky.
Friends may visit after 12 p.m., Thursday, May 8, 2025, until the service hour at Limestone Apostolic Church.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Valora Reign “Fe-Fe” Edington.
FLEMINGSBURG, Ky. – Work begins Monday, April 21, on the addition of turn lanes at KY 989 on the Lewis County AA Highway (KY 9).
This project will provide right and left turning lanes onto KY 989 from KY 9 (AA Hwy). The turn lanes will provide space for turning vehicles to safely decelerate and then stop (if necessary) before completing their turning movement. This allows through traffic on the AA to continue moving without interruption and greatly reduces the chances of rear-end collisions for through traffic.
Contractors expect to begin work on Monday, April 21, weather permitting. Motorists should watch for equipment and workers, trucks entering/leaving the roadway, and periods of time with one lane utilizing flagger-controlled traffic.
Road work schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to heed all warning signs, slow down in work zones, and remain aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling. For up-to-date traffic information, go to goky.ky.gov or use the WAZE app.
This state highway improvement project is projected to be done by the end of July and is being done by Rame Contracting, LLC under a $695,225.17 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet contract.
FRANKFORT— As February unfolds, the Capitol in Frankfort is alive with purpose as lawmakers return to tackle the second half of this year’s crucial 30-day legislative session. A full agenda awaits us, and already the Senate has acted swiftly on several high-priority items, most notably the passage of House Bill 1 (HB 1). This legislation reduces Kentucky’s individual income tax rate from 4% to 3.5%, with the new rate set to take effect on January 1, 2026. The measure represents a continued effort to phase out the income tax entirely—a long-term objective of recent fiscal policy.
I supported HB 1 because I believe that responsibly structured tax reductions can spur economic growth by enabling families to retain more of their earnings—money they can save, invest, and circulate through local businesses, thereby strengthening our community economies. Yet, I also recognize that tax revenue is indispensable for funding education, healthcare, public safety, and infrastructure. Any future proposals that risk undermining these essential services or disproportionately favor the wealthy at the expense of working families will face my firm opposition. Sound tax policy requires a balance between fostering economic growth and preserving fiscal responsibility.
Beyond tax reform, the Senate moved forward with several other key bills this week:
Senate Bill (SB) 17 establishes licensing and safety standards for freestanding birthing centers. The bill requires these centers to implement hospital transfer agreements and informed consent protocols while exempting them from certificate-of-need regulations. It passed 34-0, with three senators abstaining.
SB 23 enhances regulatory transparency by distinguishing between full and informational reviews. The bill calls for increased cooperation from state agencies to improve legislative oversight, passing the Senate unanimously.
SB 37 assigns responsibility for the burial or cremation of unclaimed bodies to the fiscal court or local government and permits coroners to use the deceased’s assets to cover burial expenses. This measure received overwhelming support with a 37-0 vote and one abstention.
SB 43 creates a medical review board to assess whether individuals with physical or mental disabilities are fit to operate motor vehicles. The board will recommend license restrictions if necessary and provide an appeals process. It passed with unanimous approval.
SB 126 proposes a constitutional amendment to limit the Governor’s ability to issue pardons or commute sentences in the window spanning from 60 days before to five weeks after a gubernatorial election. This amendment will be presented to voters at the next regular election. It passed 37-0, with one abstention.
In addition to legislative advancements, this week provided opportunities to engage with stakeholders and advocates on pressing matters. I was particularly honored to meet with members of the National Association of Sportsmen Caucuses and the Congressional Sportsmen Foundation to discuss policies aimed at preserving and promoting Kentucky’s outdoor heritage.
A highlight of the session was welcoming members of the United Steelworkers, whose visits are always a source of invaluable insight on labor and industry concerns. I also met with Lewis County Superintendent Mike Melton to discuss regional education initiatives and had the pleasure of meeting his nephew, Tanner, who served as a Senate page.
Another rewarding moment was reuniting with Lori Cooksey, regent at Eastern Kentucky University, who visited to advocate on behalf of higher education in our region. Hearing directly from educators, labor leaders, and community advocates underscores the importance of making thoughtful, informed decisions that reflect the needs of those we serve.
One of the most inspiring events of the week was the 8th Annual Serving Up Solutions Dinner—a gathering dedicated to supporting food banks and raising funds to combat hunger across Kentucky. Alongside leaders from the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS), legislators donned aprons to serve meals and share fellowship. It was heartening to connect with KCTCS leaders Larry Ferguson, Jennifer Lindon, and Laura McCullough, as well as the Cartmell family.
University of Kentucky Athletic Director Mitch Barnhart delivered an uplifting keynote address, emphasizing the critical importance of community service. I am especially grateful to Dr. Ryan Quarles for his leadership in organizing this initiative and for the opportunity to participate once again. Events like these remind us of the collective responsibility we bear to care for vulnerable families across the commonwealth.
As we navigate the remaining days of this session, the road ahead presents both opportunities for progress and complex challenges. Some issues will invite collaboration and consensus, while others will require robust debate and creative problem-solving. Every decision we make holds significant implications for the daily lives of Kentuckians, which is why your engagement is so vital. By sharing your experiences, concerns, and aspirations, you help ground our work in the realities faced by families and communities across the state. Together, we can build a future that uplifts all corners of Kentucky.
– Work begins 
