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Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: It’s about time

glass jars on kitchen counter top
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

We intend on clearing out a closet or organizing our kitchen and then we put it off. Why? Simply because we have too many other things that need to be taken care of and an absence of time.

It isn’t laziness or lack of desire, it’s that it isn’t a part of our priorities. So, how do we accomplish those tasks while juggling our other responsibilities? Here are some tips that will help give you permission to adjust your routine.

  1. Make a list of what you have to do on a daily basis and a separate list of the things you would like to do to bring order to your living space and to your routine.
  2. Really delve deep to determine the time you spend on each of your daily activities, and then determine the time you can spend on new tasks. Make sure you include time for yourself. This is extremely important to avoid burn-out.
  3. Then place the list of things you would like to organize in order by project. Estimate the time it might take to work on those projects.
  4. Compare the time you spend on your daily activities with the time it would take you to accomplish one other goal.
  5. Incorporate one new task into your normal routine. Keep in mind that things may change, which is to be expected. So, don’t put too much into your schedule, just in case. Then when things do change, you can pick up where you left off on another day.

Being organized starts with planning which, in turn, becomes part of your routine and once accomplished will eventually fall off your schedule. Getting started is the hardest part and making a list will bring to light how you are really investing your time. Allow a few minutes to make a list.

It’s as simple as that!

Weekly Arrests: 3/4/26

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.

  • Douglas Claxon, 35, of Olive Hill, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, trafficking in narcotics (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), and possession of drug paraphernalia, arrested and booked February 23.
  • Derek May, 35, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of one headlight, no or expired registration plates, operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, failure to maintain required insurance, trafficking in narcotics (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), possession of drug paraphernalia, and first degree possession of a controlled substance (drug unspecified), arrested and booked February 23.
  • Richard Carver, 35, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on three counts of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 24.
  • Jonathan Young, 36, of Webbville, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, and first degree bail jumping, arrested and booked February 25.
  • Kaitlynn Riddle, 24, of Burkesville, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on two counts of probation violation (for a felony offense), arrested and booked February 25.
  • Tyler Leadingham, 28, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked February 25.
  • Theresa Decker, 58, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of reckless driving, inadequate silencer (muffler), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, failure to wear seat belts, no or expired registration receipt, and failure to produce an insurance card, arrested and booked February 25.
  • Christin Walker, 32, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of fourth degree assault – domestic violence (with minor injury), and endangering the welfare of a minor, arrested and booked February 25.
  • Danny Withrow, 39, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, failure to wear seat belts, no or expired registration receipt, possessing a license when privileges are revoked, failure to surrender revoked operator’s license, and driving on a DUI suspended license, arrested and booked February 26.
  • David Walker, 58, of Flatwoods, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of fourth degree assault – domestic violence (with minor injury), endangering the welfare of a minor, and non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked February 26.
  • Zackary Wooten, 31, of West Portsmouth, OH, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of third degree criminal trespass, resisting arrest, and public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), arrested and booked February 26.
  • Kim Kearns, 34, of Clearfield, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a charge of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 26.
  • Dezaray Webb, 28, of Mays Lick, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on two counts of probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked February 26.
  • Austin Hensley, 24, of Garrett, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, rear license not illuminated, inadequate silencer (muffler), operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, first degree trafficking in narcotics (less than 4 grams of cocaine), possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, arrested and booked February 27.
  • Randy Lewis, 51, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a probation violation for a technical violation, and charges of no or expired registration receipt, no or expired registration plates, improper registration plates, failure to produce an insurance card, operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, failure to wear seat belts, inadequate silencer (muffler), excessive window tinting, and failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 27.
  • Joshua Sparks, 38, of Clay City, arrested by Kentucky Department of Corrections, on a probation violation for a felony offense, arrested and booked February 27.
  • Nathan Carver, 34, of Vanceburg, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a hold for drug court, arrested and booked February 27.
  • Davon Yancy, 26, of Toledo, OH, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of speeding 13 MPH over limit, failure to produce an insurance card, no or expired registration receipt, third degree trafficking in narcotics (20 dosage units, drug unspecified), trafficking in narcotics (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), arrested and booked February 27.
  • Deangelo Mitchell, 27, of Eastpointe, MI, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges of third degree trafficking in narcotics (more than 20 but less than 120 dosage units, drug unspecified), promoting contraband (fentanyl, carfentanil, or derivatives), and trafficking in narcotics (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), arrested and booked February 27.
  • Charles Bryant, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on two counts of contempt of court, arrested and booked February 28.
  • Crystal Vanover, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of second degree disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and alcohol intoxication in a public place, arrested and booked February 28.
  • Charles Lester, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked March 1.
  • Mihai Nasui, 57, address unavailable, arrested by Kentucky State Policed, on charges of careless driving, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked March 2.
  • Clayton Puckett, 56, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of second degree arson, arrested and booked March 2.
  • Daniel Till, 66, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of first degree sexual abuse of a victim under 12 years of age, arrested and booked March 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.

Surprising catch of the day

(submitted photos)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

What started as a relaxing day on the lake turned into something more on Saturday (February 28) when a local fisherman picked up more than a potential school of fish with his depth finder equipment. The equipment identified a submerged object that, the Grayson Fire Department reported, “was consistent with a submerged vehicle beneath the water’s surface.” After the report came in, the Grayson Fire Department and Grayson Fire Dive Rescue were dispatched to the Bruin Boat Ramp at Grayson Lake at approximately 9:11 am.

The response was initially treated as a rescue operation, with an incident command being set up and the situation being quickly assessed. Environmental conditions were evaluated, water depth was determined, operational hazards were assessed, and access points were established. Rescue teams followed every safety protocol in their response.

Rescue and recovery divers were deployed on the scene in approximately 10-12 feet of water that offered near zero visibility. Though hampered by these conditions, divers conducted a controlled search and made contact with what was, in fact, a submerged vehicle. According to Grayson Fire Department, they conducted “…a methodical underwater assessment—including exterior sweep and compartment checks.” After these efforts, the vehicle was determined to be unoccupied.

Carter County Sheriff Jeff May responded to the call, saying the location was right off of the Bruin Ramp. May said that part of the area was in Carter County and part was in Elliot County, and he responded to determine exactly where the reported submerged vehicle was located and if it was in his jurisdiction. Upon arrival, May determined it was in fact in Elliot County, but he offered his assistance.

“I believe it had been there for several years,” May said.

He credited the find to the new sonar equipment available to fishermen, because as the Grayson Fire Department previously stated, visibility was near zero. He also acknowledged the various agencies that worked together to investigate the abandoned vehicle.

“Grayson’s Dive Team, Fish and Wildlife, and the Kentucky State Police were all on the scene,” May noted.

Fortunately, no human remains or any signs of human remains were discovered on the scene, May said. And the condition of the vehicle would seem to suggest that it had been intentionally abandoned, perhaps as part of an illegal activity.

“All the windows were down,” he said, “and the Vehicle Identification Number plate had been removed as well as the license plate.”

May said there was no way to get to the vehicle to remove it from the lake, and authorities opted to leave it in place.

“One of the team pulled a part off the vehicle,” May said. “And they thought that the vehicle could be a 1996 Chevy Cavalier.”

Given the age of the vehicle and the estimated time of submersion, any ecological impact it might have had has since been felt. Currently it isn’t thought to pose any risk, hence one consideration in leaving it where it had submerged.

In a statement on their social media the Grayson Fire Department said, “Complex water operations demand precision, discipline, and seamless coordination. We extend our sincere appreciation to the agencies that assisted on and off scene.”

The Fire Department also gave special thanks to Carter County Emergency Management for the use of their drone.

“This incident underscores the critical importance of maintaining highly trained public safety dive personnel and strong regional partnerships. Whether operating on land or beneath the water’s surface, our mission remains constant: to protect life, preserve property, and serve our community with professionalism,” the Grayson Fire Department stated.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

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3.4.26 e9Download

Extension Notes: Bale Grazing: A Winter Feeding Strategy

photo of hay bale on grass field
Photo by Vlad Chețan on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

The winter feeding method known as bale grazing can reduce tractor use by more than 50%, keep cattle clean and out of mud and improve pasture fertility without buying fertilizer. This method will also allow livestock producers to take a worry-free winter vacation.

Many believe these benefits sound too good to be true, but they have been consistently observed on nearly 100 farms across five states over the past decade. With a small investment in portable fencing and a shift in winter management, bale grazing can transform how you feed cattle.

What is bale grazing?

Instead of delivering hay to livestock as needed, one to three months of winter hay is placed on pasture in large batches. This is typically done in late fall or early winter, when drier ground conditions allow for tractor traffic. Bales are sectioned off by temporary electric fencing, and cattle gain access to new bales as you move the fence every few days, much like rotational grazing. When hay rings are used, they’re simply rolled to the next set of bales.

Pugging damage to the soil is minimized because the cattle spend most of their time near the current set of bales. The sod they were just moved to hasn’t had any animal impact for months, and that pasture will only be bale-grazed once that winter. 

The biggest mindset shift? Instead of moving hay to the cattle all winter, you will be moving your cattle to the hay. Instead of you doing the bulk of the winter feeding work, your cattle will do the bulk of the work for you. 

What are the benefits of bale grazing?

Better fertility, less work. Bale grazing spreads nutrients across the pasture naturally. Many farms have seen dramatic improvements in pasture production within two to four winters.

Reduced tractor use. Hay is distributed in large batches during dry weather, eliminating the need to drive a tractor through wet winter fields. Most farms see immediate reductions in labor and fuel use, with 50% or more time savings by year two or three as confidence grows in setting out more hay at once.

Cleaner, healthier cattle. Cattle stay cleaner because they’re moved onto fresh sod every few days rather than standing in accumulated mud near a single hay-feeding area. Cleaner coats mean better insulation and less energy spent navigating muddy ground.

Easier winter travel. Because you only need to move a portable fence every few days — and can even preset moves — it’s far easier to leave the farm for short periods. Helpers don’t need to operate equipment; they only need to move portable fencing.

What are the challenges of bale grazing?

The biggest hurdles are planning and cattle training. You’ll need to estimate winter hay needs, choose suitable pastures and plan bale layout before winter begins. Cattle must also be comfortable with temporary electric fencing. Training is simple but essential — especially when numerous bales sit behind a single crossfence. Using two fences (current and next move) adds security. And as always, avoid letting cattle get hungry enough to test a fence.

A bale grazing field day will be held on March 11th at 6:00 PM in Mt. Sterling.   Please register for the field day by calling 859-498-8741.  For additional information on bale grazing, contact your Carter County Extension Agriculture & Natural Resources agent or Greg Halich at greg.halich@uky.edu. 

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:

  • Beef Quality Care & Assurance Training – February 27th @ 10:00 AM; Call 474-6686 to register.
  • Small Ruminant Quality Assurance Training – March 3rd @ 6:00 PM; Call 474-6686 to register.
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers Association – March 3rd @ 6:30 PM; Topic: Brainy Bees – Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior

Working the weather

Snow and ice-covered roads plagued Carter County and surrounding communities for weeks. (Photo by Jeremy D. Wells, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times

Winter isn’t quite over; but even though spring has yet to breathe fresh life into the region, after the recent extreme weather conditions, most people have begun to make jokes about the 35-degree (and higher) ‘heat wave.’ Roads, for the most part, are clear and safe to travel. Any snow left over – and there isn’t much – has shrunk to dirty little mounds at the fringes of yards or at the roadside in the shadows of the many hills in our area. And soon even that will have melted away with no danger of being replaced by the brief flurries some of us have seen.

Still, the memory of the snow that was is fresh in our minds. And while those memories of our recent experiences with multiple inches of ice in temperatures far too cold to be melted by salt, and roads that were all but impassable, are still fresh, it might be a good idea to remember that there were folks who weren’t able to avoid the icy mess. Road crews fought the deep snow and frigid temperatures, and emergency crews still answered calls on roads that, in many areas, should have been avoided.

“This last couple of weeks has been tough,” Carter County Judge Executive Brandon Burton said during the Fiscal Court meeting in February.

Burton said that he and emergency director Jason Gillam were in constant contact during the weather event, and had probably spoken more during that time than they had for the last year.

“Our team has been really, really good the last few weeks,” Burton said. “And I say team because it has been all hands on deck.”

“I can’t say enough about the efforts of 911,” Burton continued. “They came when you couldn’t get out. They stayed late and didn’t even go home if we needed them to stay. They did everything they had to do to make sure the people of this county, if they called 911, there was someone there to answer their call. If they were out of heat, or they needed food, the team went. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate and thank you.”

Burton said that at the end of the day, for the people of Carter County, the team of first responders and other county personnel made sure that no matter what was going on, they answered the call. “When we call, you go,” Burton said. “No matter what was needed.”

Emergency director Jason Gillam echoed the judge executive’s sentiments, and added his own thoughts.

“I can’t say how impressed I am about how everyone in this county has come together during this emergency,” Gillam said. “We had two commercial structure fires, and everyone has reached out to help. Local businesses have donated food, and it was just amazing. It starts small. And luckily, we have a great team at emergency management. We have run to every corner of this county.”

The coverage of the county, Gilliam said, was due to everyone coming together at the beginning of the emergency and setting their minds to get through it. He said this emergency was the strongest he had ever seen the county respond, fighting response times hampered by frigid temperatures and inches of ice welded to the roadways. Police, fire, 911, and emergency management, he noted, all went above and beyond to respond to the needs of Carter County residents.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Board approves schedule and bus purchase

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

The Carter County Board of Education voted to approve a new schedule for the 2025-26 school year at their regular meeting on February 16. The adjustment to the schedule was deemed necessary due to the amount of time Carter County students have missed because of widespread sickness and the extended weather event in the area. The changes were set to take effect beginning on Monday, February 23. So far this year Carter County has lost 23 instructional days due to bad weather.

The new schedule will add 20 instructional minutes to each school day to make up for the lost time. The additional minutes will not affect start times and will be added onto the end of the day. The new schedule also takes the first two days of what would have been Spring Break (March 30 and 31), and adds that back into the instructional calendar. Based upon the new calendar, the projected last day of school is set for May 29.

Carter County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Fraley explained how the adverse weather has impacted the school year, and how NTI (Non Traditional Instruction) and snow days are applied.

“NTI Days count as instructional days, and we don’t have to make those up,” Fraley said. “Snow Days (the county has used 13) have to be made up.”

Given the fact that Carter County and many other counties have fallen under a disaster declaration due to the extreme winter weather, there is a possibility that other snow days might become available. But that is not a guarantee, and the board has taken that into consideration.

“We have looked at both of the proposed bills (House Bill 631 and House Bill 635) that are in the legislature right now,” Fraley said. “One was filed by Representative Truitt, and that was House Bill 635. And when you look at what his bill says – that all school districts are required to have the equivalent of 170 student days or 1,062 hours – we operate on the variable calendar which is the 1,062 hours.”

“Truitt’s Bill states that if a district is unable to provide the required 1,062 hours of instruction by June 10 they would be eligible for the (extra) days. Our last day without doing anything with instructional time would have been June 10,” Fraley said. “So, we don’t qualify in that respect. But we also know that this is just an ‘introduced bill’ and it is not well-developed, and that might change.”

Fraley said that at this time both of the proposed bills state that the only way a district would be eligible for emergency days is if they put instructional days back into their calendar. That restructuring of instructional days was what the board worked on and accomplished at the February meeting.

“So, if this bill does go all the way through, then we might be eligible for it. But then there would be the decision of whether or not we even want to apply for those days.”

Fraley said that ultimately every decision the board makes is based upon what is best for the students and the district.

“Every day that we miss school in that type of instance, where we weren’t running transportation and we weren’t feeding students, we lose money for days like that,” Fraley said. “So, we would really have to consider whether it’s a good idea and if it’s feasible.”

Fraley said that right now, the way both bills are written, Carter County does not qualify for the extra days, so the consideration might not even be necessary. But as those bills go through the legislative process there could be changes made based upon the input of school districts.

Missed days do affect a school’s finances, and even though the board has added two days back into the calendar, there will still be losses. But more important than the financial issue is the instructional issue, Fraley said.

“Our real focus on putting this time back into the calendar is for improved instruction,” Fraley said. “Because our kids have missed so much, even with the NTI Days. NTI Days are instructional days; but no matter what, they are never as good as having our kids with us.”

For this reason, even considering that the NTI Days don’t have to be ‘made up,’ there are still some instructional things that need to be done to supplement those days, Fraley said.

“And then for the 13 snow days, we definitely need to put some things in place because there was no NTI on those days. We really need to build in some time into our calendar before testing to allow us to work with our kids and help make up for that lost instructional time.”

Fraley said that Carter County Schools want to take advantage of every opportunity to both maintain and improve the learning experience for Carter County students. If there are changes made to the proposed bills that would make the district eligible, then the board would consider it, she said. But every decision has to be based upon what is ultimately the most beneficial to the students and their educational careers.

In other business, the board voted to go to the bid process for the new Career and Technical Center. The purchase of two diesel school buses to add to their bus fleet next year was also approved by the board. The new buses will be one 72 passenger and one 52-passenger bus, and it was decided to go with diesel as opposed to electric due to the fact that the current diesel fleet are older vehicles with increasing maintenance costs. Diesel is also currently superior to electric vehicles on longer trips due to potential charging station availability.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Dealing with leaks

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

Bluegrass Engineering discussed a small surplus with the City of Olive Hill at their regularly scheduled meeting last week. The surplus came from a project concerning water leak maintenance, and it was suggested that those funds be applied to zone metering in the city water system. The proposed meters would be applied to relieve high pressure in certain lines in the water system.

Olive Hill Mayor Jerry Callihan told the council that the city did have some zone meters, but the additional meters could be used to cut the applicable zones in half, and relieve pressure from the system. The installation of those meters would also lower the frequency of leaks occurring, and ultimately save the city money. Typically, when a leak occurs, the water lost has already been treated, so the city loses both water and the chemicals used to treat that water to make it fit for human consumption.

The $32,000 in surplus will not purchase many of the needed zone meters, but every bit of savings counts, Bluegrass Engineering told the council. Callihan pointed out that the city will be installing those meters, so the funds spent will be applied directly to needed materials.

In other business, the council was given a report from the Olive Hill Tourism Commission. Tourism President Jeremy Rayburn updated the council on projects the commission had funded or were currently considering funding.

“We voted on several things at the past meeting,” Rayburn said. “The first thing was to give the City of Olive Hill $10,000 to finish up the light project on the light poles. The second thing was the $76,850 to start the paving project and get the concrete torn out.”

Rayburn reported the third item Olive Hill Tourism voted on was to give the City of Olive Hill $10,000 to purchase banners and other decorations for the city’s Fourth of July Celebration.

“That isn’t including fireworks,” Rayburn told the council. “That will be discussed at our next meeting.”

Tourism also ear-marked $6,000 to host a free movie night, Rayburn said.

“It will be called Flicks at the Depot, and it will be held every Friday night except the last Friday of the month. It will be free to the public, and it will be set up so that local sporting groups can set up concessions to make money.”

The council then entered executive session, and upon returning to regular session voted to begin condemnation proceedings on the Steagall property which is located in downtown Olive Hill across from the property currently housing First National Bank. The decision is part of the city’s move to rectify the dangers posed by abandoned and/or dangerous buildings. Currently there are five such properties city attorney Derek Willis said the city could file on.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

(Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)

Olive Hill council discusses water and tourism

By Charles Romans

Carter County Times

Bluegrass Engineering discussed a small surplus with the City of Olive Hill at their regularly scheduled meeting last week. The surplus came from a project concerning water leak maintenance, and it was suggested that those funds be applied to zone metering in the city water system. The proposed meters would be applied to relieve high pressure in certain lines in the water system.

Olive Hill Mayor Jerry Callihan told the council that the city did have some zone meters, but the additional meters could be used to cut the applicable zones in half, and relieve pressure from the system. The installation of those meters would also lower the frequency of leaks occurring, and ultimately save the city money. Typically, when a leak occurs, the water lost has already been treated, so the city loses both water and the chemicals used to treat that water to make it fit for human consumption.

The $32,000 in surplus will not purchase many of the needed zone meters, but every bit of savings counts, Bluegrass Engineering told the council. Callihan pointed out that the city will be installing those meters, so the funds spent will be applied directly to needed materials.

In other business, the council was given a report from the Olive Hill Tourism Commission. Tourism President Jeremy Rayburn updated the council on projects the commission had funded or were currently considering funding.

“We voted on several things at the past meeting,” Rayburn said. “The first thing was to give the City of Olive Hill $10,000 to finish up the light project on the light poles. The second thing was the $76,850 to start the paving project and get the concrete torn out.”

Rayburn reported the third item Olive Hill Tourism voted on was to give the City of Olive Hill $10,000 to purchase banners and other decorations for the city’s Fourth of July Celebration.

“That isn’t including fireworks,” Rayburn told the council. “That will be discussed at our next meeting.”

Tourism also ear-marked $6,000 to host a free movie night, Rayburn said.

“It will be called Flicks at the Depot, and it will be held every Friday night except the last Friday of the month. It will be free to the public, and it will be set up so that local sporting groups can set up concessions to make money.”

The council then entered executive session, and upon returning to regular session voted to begin condemnation proceedings on the Steagall property which is located in downtown Olive Hill across from the property currently housing First National Bank. The decision is part of the city’s move to rectify the dangers posed by abandoned and/or dangerous buildings. Currently there are five such properties city attorney Derek Willis said the city could file on.

Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com

Joyful Noise: Favor

a person in blue and black long sleeve shirt praying
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

The dictionary definition of favor is approval, support, or liking for someone or something. It is an act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.

Do you know the word “favor” is mentioned over 70 times in the Bible? The Biblical definition of favor means divine approval, goodwill, and special regard from God, often described as unmerited grace, leading to blessing, protection, and preferential treatment in life, seen as a relationship-based gift rather than something earned by merit. It signifies God’s pleasure in someone, granting them advantage and enabling them for His purposes, seen in people like Noah, Joseph, and Mary.

Favor is found in a close relationship with God, often by honoring Him, seeking His wisdom and living humbly. Noah found favor (Genesis 6:8), Joseph found favor with the warden (Genesis 39:21), and Mary found favor to bear Jesus (Luke 1:30).

According to the scriptures, God gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Finding wisdom brings favor from the Lord (Proverbs 8:35). We can find favor by approaching God’s throne for grace in time of needing help (Hebrews 4:16). When we obey God and honor Him with our life, our time, and resources, the favor of the Lord will rest upon us. We can attract the favor of the Lord when we faithfully manage the assignments God gives to us.

To put it simply “favor” is the grace of God in our lives. Again, the definition of “grace” is the unmerited favor of God, and that favor means acceptance, goodwill, and preferential treatment. We can’t earn favor. Favor will only come through a close relationship with God. Favor is an act of kindness from God. His mercies endure forever and His loving kindnesses are “new” every morning! Favor is God stepping into our situation to make a worthwhile difference.

So, how does God give us favor? God’s favor is His grace, given to His children free through His Son Jesus Christ. The ultimate act of God’s favor is when we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, receiving the gift of salvation that was provided to us at Calvary.

God’s favor has taken care of everything you will ever need through Jesus Christ when he gave His life on the cross, for your spirit, soul and body. Every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God. This doesn’t just mean you are going to Heaven. It means you are delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole. Let that sink in!

Amen! So be it!

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

Grayson Gallery plans Peace & Love art show

(submitted photos)
Staff Report
Carter County Times

The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. will present their annual Peace & Love art show and sale during the monthly Final Friday Art Walk, with an opening reception for participating artists and the public on February 27. Free to all visitors (with donations and tips for the musicians appreciated) doors will open at 6 pm and the event will wrap up at 9 pm.

Awards and announcements will take place at approximately 7:30 pm, at which time four, $50.00 blue ribbon awards will be given out for People’s Choice (by popular vote); the Pen Lady Award; Brandon Click Art Memorial; and the GGAC Board Choice. Artists are expected to submit dozens of pieces on the scheduled dates to represent Eastern Kentucky, the Tri-State area and well beyond.

Live music by the 3X band will delight the crowd with their throw-back tunes and classic rock. According to Michael Allen, who formed the band, 3X is a rock and roll band dedicated to playing music mainly from the classic and widely influential 1964-1974 era, with a few 80’s gems thrown in for good measure.

“We were formed in 2018, to return to the era and music that first inspired me to take up guitar and start a musical journey that is still ongoing. All of the members bring years of experience and talent to the mix, honed by literally thousands of gigs, concerts, studio work, etc.,” Allen said.

3X is Mike Allen on guitar and vocals; Randy Hogsett, bass and vocals; and Dewey Frye, drums and vocals. Look for them on Facebook.

Catering by Laura will provide refreshments.

Coming up in March will be the Women in the Arts show. A call for work will be emailed and shared on social media during the first week of next month. Karen Combs, President of the Huntington Blues Society and her Appalachian Ladies Review musicians will be back as the entertainment for this annual celebration of female artists during Women’s History Month.

April’s theme is always Celebrate the Earth at the GGAC, with works themed to recognize the importance of Earth Day awareness and the fragile, ever changing environment. Music for April’s show, by “Kentucky Memories”, will also be in celebration of their 20 year anniversary.

Contact Dan Click, director, via email at graysongallery@gmail.com, look for the Gallery on Facebook and, for pre-recorded announcements call the GGAC Info Line: 606-474-7651.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Picking your battles

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Picking your battles

By Robert Dean

Carter County Times

When is the last time you asked a veteran if their time spent in Afghanistan was worth it? Most of the time, they’ll say no.

No one in America wants to go to war with Iran. Even the venom-fanged ghouls at Fox News have recently featured experts saying it’s probably a horrible idea. In a recent piece by the Washington Post, Gen. Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said “Any major operation against Iran … faces significant risks” — including depleted munitions supplies, weakened regional air defenses, and the potential for fierce retaliation that could lead to broader conflict.

Going into Iran feels like another quagmire, akin to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which did nothing but send American soldiers home in coffins while lining the pockets of the war machine. We spent billions of dollars that could have gone to feeding and sheltering our own people, but instead we left tanks, helicopters, and a broken country in our wake — only to replace the Taliban with the Taliban.

Iran, on the other hand, is a far more militarized nation, with real weapons and real allies, which creates an exponentially bigger problem.

If we wanted to take real, ethical military action, why aren’t we supporting the Mexican government in its fight against the cartels? The Trump administration claimed Venezuela was bringing in the drugs — which anyone with two working thoughts knows is a whopper. Meanwhile, down in our sister country, Mexican military and security forces launched an attack on Feb. 22, 2026, that killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, marking one of the government’s most significant blows yet against the cartels.

The strike triggered retaliation across multiple states — torched vehicles, road blockades, and dozens of casualties among security forces and cartel fighters. Mexican authorities, with intelligence support from a U.S.-led task force, aimed to disrupt the cartel’s network, though analysts warn the death of one leader may not significantly reduce overall violence or drug trafficking. All of these seem like perfectly legitimate reasons to confront a violent network, equating to real outcomes just across the border.

So why wouldn’t we put all our chips on this fight when it literally affects American lives? Iran means oil, and it pleases a regional ally (Israel), and everyone needs new bombs and uniforms — which feeds the beast. Instead, we keep our jails full — most run by private corporations who are reliable political donors — which only perpetuates the system. Going after the cartels means going after the drugs that poison Americans every single day.

If we really cared about sending more kids off to die in a rich man’s war, we should ask what that costs us. Have we learned nothing? Real violence is ripping through communities right now, spilling across our own border, destroying families caught up in fentanyl, meth, and cocaine — precisely the products these cartels funnel into American towns every day. We owe it to the veterans we’ve already sent into harm’s way, and to the communities still bleeding from cartel violence, to face a simple truth: if avoiding another Iraq or Afghanistan means taking the harder, more honest fight, that’s the fight we should be having.

Ask yourself: if endless wars in far-off lands have cost us lives and trillions while gaining us nothing in real security, why would we cheer another one against Iran — a country with real military capabilities, regional alliances, and no clear exit strategy? Fentanyl is killing Americans in towns you’ve actually heard of. The cartels aren’t theoretical. They’re not geopolitical chess pieces. They’re poisoning our neighborhoods. If we’re going to spend blood and money, spend it where it matters. Be a superpower at home.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com 

Ask Daryl – Your Professional Organizer: Basement blues

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By Daryl Ashley

Confusion Solution

Okay! So, you have a basement. If it isn’t a finished family room, it’s most likely used for storage. Ask yourself if you know what is down in that forgotten space and think about making a change.

Organizing a basement can be time consuming, and unless it’s heated, during the winter isn’t a good time to tackle that project. However, you can do some planning, There are several things that may help you decide what you will need, so here are some tips for making your basement an efficient use of space.

  1. Do an overall assessment of what is stored and how it’s stored. For instance, if you have a variety of boxes, totes, or bins and they are strewn about the floor, start to consider installing shelves. There are heavy duty ones with wheels making it easy to move if needed. There are shelves that can be mounted to the wall, and cabinets that have shelves built in. Take measurements of the space to be sure you are buying the right size for that space and for the things you will be storing.
  2. Before you buy you will need to go through what you have. Use boxes to help sort and downsize as you go. Cardboard boxes are fine to use for storage; just make sure they are on shelves and not on the floor and mark them well. Wooden planks raised on blocks are also an easy and less expensive way to keep things off the floor, but ultimately, clear plastic bins are the best because they are less likely to become damaged. Just be careful not to make any boxes so heavy that you can’t move them if necessary. 
  3. Use large trash bags for donations, and call around to see if a charity is able to pick up larger items. 
  4. Keep chemicals, like cleaning solutions or paint, in a separate area to avoid spillage and fumes from ruining your things. Store these items in an open space so you can see if damage occurs. If some chemicals are not used for long periods of time, they will seep from their containers.

Then after everything is sorted and stored, sweep up any trash, and step back to see what you have accomplished. 

It’s as simple as that!

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

Weekly Arrests: 2/25/26

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.

  • Peyton Wilburn, 27, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges that include two counts of first degree unlawful imprisonment, two counts of first degree wanton endangerment, two counts of third degree terroristic threatening, and two counts of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 16.
  • Steven Williams, 52, of Bardstown, arrested by Grayson PD, on a probation violation for a felony offense, and as a fugitive – warrant not required, arrested and booked February 16.
  • Dawn Puckett, 44, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for contempt of court, arrested and booked February 16.
  • John Foster, 41, of Saint Albans, WV, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, arrested and booked February 17.
  • Timothy Tackett, 27, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on two counts of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 17.
  • Troy Carroll, 51, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of first degree bail jumping, second degree persistent felony offender, failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, no/expired Kentucky registration receipt, no or expired registration plates, failure to produce an insurance card, failure to wear seat belts, being a convicted felon in possession of a handgun, first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), first degree persistent felony offender, and persistent felony possession of a firearm, arrested and booked February 17.
  • Jonathan Taylor, 30, of Barboursville, WV, arrested by Carter County Detention Center, charges unavailable, arrested and booked February 17.
  • Charles Dunn, 47, of Carlisle, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of possession of marijuana, first degree possession of controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), and operating on a suspended or revoked operators license, arrested and booked February 18.
  • Crystal McKay, 46, of Rush, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 18.
  • John Parsons, 31, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on two counts of non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked February 18.
  • Tabitha Shenett, 38, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, charges unavailable, arrested and booked February 18.
  • Cari Hayes, 42, of Clearfield, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of inadequate silencer (muffler), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, failure to wear seat belts, possession of drug paraphernalia, failure to produce an insurance card, no/expired Kentucky registration receipt, and careless driving, arrested and booked February 18.
  • Scott McClurg, 19, of Olive Hill, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on charges including two counts of no operator’s license, two counts of no/expired Kentucky registration receipt, two counts of no or expired registration plates, two counts of failure to produce an insurance card, failure to register transfer of a motor vehicle, two counts of reckless driving, first degree fleeing or evading police (motor vehicle), operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, first degree wanton endangerment – police officer, failure to maintain required insurance, and third degree criminal trespassing, arrested and booked February 19.
  • Jimmy Conn, 46, of Denton, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 19.
  • Connie Bailey, 48, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for non-payment of court costs, fees, or fines, arrested and booked February 19.
  • Christopher Wilson, 22, of Catlettsburg, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, license not in possession, and possession of marijuana, arrested and booked February 19.
  • Woodrow Mays, 51, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle on a suspended or revoked operator’s license, and three counts of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 19.
  • Kelsey McDowell, 33, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on a warrant as a fugitive from another state, arrested and booked February 20.
  • Linda Gee, 56, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 20.

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.

Kentucky Association of School Administrators Statement on Combating the Grooming of Students

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(Frankfort, KY) The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) is taking a clear and unequivocal stand: grooming and sexual abuse of students will not be tolerated in Kentucky’s public schools. Protecting children is not simply a policy priority; it is a moral obligation and a matter of public trust.


KASA’s members operate under a longstanding Code of Ethics that requires administrators to uphold the highest standards of integrity in all interactions with students and to honor the public trust of their position above any personal or social reward. The public entrusts the well-being of its children to school leaders each
day. That trust must never be violated.


Sexual abuse of children remains a sobering national reality. According to data compiled by RAINN, nearly every minute, someone in the United States is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that victim is a child.


From 2009–2013, an average of 63,000 children per year were victims of substantiated sexual abuse, and 93% of victims under the age of 18 knew their perpetrator.


Abuse most often occurs at the hands of someone a child trusts, an adult with access, authority, or influence. Grooming behaviors exploit that trust, gradually breaking down boundaries and creating secrecy and manipulation that can make misconduct difficult to detect without proper vigilance and training. While child abuse is a complex issue that spans many environments, educational settings must remain vigilant because
trust relationships exist there as well.


Public schools must be safe havens, places where students are protected, believed, and supported from preschool through graduation. While that is the mission of Kentucky’s public schools, we acknowledge the painful reality that trust has, at times, been broken.

Any instance of grooming or abuse is one too many, and consequences for any such violation must be swift and unequivocal.

Representatives Massie and Pingree Introduce Bipartisan “No Immunity for Glyphosate Act” 


Washington, D.C.- Representative Thomas Massie (R-KY) announces the introduction of the bipartisan No Immunity for Glyphosate Act (HR 7601). The legislation will undo the February 18 Executive Order that promotes the use of glyphosate and insulates manufacturers of the chemical from liability. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME) is the co-lead on the legislation. 

“If the goal is to ‘Make America Healthy Again,’ the federal government should not be using its authority to promote or protect the production of glyphosate,” said Rep. Thomas Massie. “The February 18 Executive Order expands production of this chemical while granting liability protections to manufacturers. Congress should ensure that Americans retain their right to seek a remedy in court if they believe they have been injured by this product.”

“If there was ever any doubt about whose side this Administration is on, this Executive Order makes it crystal clear: Big Chemical comes first, and the health of Americans comes last,”Rep. Chellie Pingree said. “Calling glyphosate production a matter of ‘national security’ is absurd. Invoking wartime authorities to ramp up production while opening the door to liability shields for chemical companies is dangerous and indefensible. This Executive Order has nothing to do with protecting farmers or feeding the country—it’s about protecting corporate profits and insulating polluters from accountability. The No Immunity for Glyphosate Act draws a firm line: chemical companies do not get immunity or government-backed profit boosts because Washington cut them a deal, and Americans do not lose their right to seek justice when they’ve been harmed. I’m proud to work with Rep. Massie and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to uphold that basic principle, because protecting people from toxic exposure should never be a partisan issue.”

The February 18 Executive Order invokes wartime authorities to expand and prioritize domestic glyphosate production and confers liability protections for companies participating in federally mandated manufacturing. Because the order explicitly directs and compels the production of glyphosate, manufacturers may argue that their production, formulation, and distribution were undertaken pursuant to federal directive – a defense that could be raised in litigation involving alleged injuries linked to glyphosate exposure, potentially shielding manufacturers from liability.

HR 7601, the No Immunity for Glyphosate Act:

  • Prohibits the use of federal funds to implement the Executive Order, preventing federal agencies from using appropriated funds to administer or enforce the directive; and
  • Affirms that glyphosate manufacturers are not immune from civil liability, ensuring that manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers cannot claim immunity under the Defense Production Act, federal contractor defenses, or other federal authorities, while preserving the right of injured individuals to pursue claims under federal and state law.

Original co-sponsors of the No Immunity for Glyphosate Act include Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).

The No Immunity for Glyphosate Act has been endorsed by Farm Action Fund.

The text of the No Immunity for Glyphosate Act is available at this link.

Extension Notes: The Dos and Don’ts of Pruning Your Trees

gardener cutting branches of tree in garden
Photo by Anna Shvets on Pexels.com
By: Rebecca Konopka
Carter County Extension Agent

Pruning can generally be good for a tree, but make sure you have a reason, use the right cut, and don’t get careless, as a bad pruning job can impact a tree’s appearance and performance for years. 

First, the “why.” Pruning is usually about fixing problems or preventing future ones. That can mean removing dead, broken or diseased branches, removing limbs that are rubbing together or trimming overhanging branches. It can also be about shaping a young tree so it grows stronger and to increase visual appeal. 

Landscape or ornamental trees are managed differently than forest trees. For advice and tips on managing Kentucky timber stands, consult your local county Extension agent or Kentucky Master Logger. 

You can prune most landscape species any time, but late winter is usually a sweet spot for deciduous trees. Trees are dormant, branches are easier to see without leaves, and you’re less likely to tear bark when spring growth starts. Evergreen pruning is more seasonal, depending on the reason for trimming. It’s smarter to cut branches when they’re small. Smaller wounds close faster and give decay fewer chances to move in. Smaller branches are also more easily managed. City residents should check with local waste management companies about guidelines for limb disposal. 

One no-no is topping trees. That’s when someone chops off the tops or the ends of big branches to “make it shorter” or “make it round.” Topping leads to weak, messy regrowth, more breakage and often tree decline or death.  

Cutting correctly matters more than people may think. For small branches, hand pruners or loppers that are clean and sharp work fine. Make cuts at the branch collar—the little swollen area where the branch meets the trunk. Don’t cut flush against the trunk, and don’t leave a stub. Both mistakes slow healing and raise the risk of rot. Let the tree heal naturally. There is no need to paint the cut—tree “wound dressing” isn’t recommended. 

For larger branches (greater than an inch in diameter), use a sharp, clean blade and the three-cut method so you don’t rip bark down the trunk. First, make a small undercut past the branch collar about half-way through the limb, then cut the branch off about an inch farther out on the limb to drop the weight, then make the final cut at the branch collar. It’s a little extra effort that can save you from a big ugly tear. 

Last, but not least, is safety. Always wear proper safety gear when pruning trees. It’s recommended not to prune within 10 feet of power lines, and do not use a ladder. Chainsaws in trees are also a “no” unless you’re trained. If the branch is big, high or anywhere near utilities, the smartest move is calling a pro (like an ISA Certified Arborist). The Kentucky Arborists’ Association maintains a list of certified arborists to make it easy to find one in your local area. 

To learn more about tree pruning, contact the Carter County Extension office.  Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expressions, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability.       

Upcoming Events:

  • Northeast Area Livestock Association Meeting – February 24th @ 6:00 PM; Topic: USDA Programs
  • Beef Quality Care & Assurance Training – February 27th @ 10:00 AM; Call 474-6686 to register.
  • Small Ruminant Quality Assurance Training – March 3rd @ 6:00 PM; Call 474-6686 to register.
  • Little Sandy Beekeepers Association – March 3rd @ 6:30 PM; Topic: Brainy Bees – Using Honey Bee Brains to Understand Shifts in Behavior

Here come the robots

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Photo by Alex Knight on Pexels.com

By Robert Dean

Carter County Times

If you’re reading this, first off, thanks for being literate in a world of smart phones. But secondly, we need to talk. I’ve been saying this forever, but I need you to understand that no matter how comfortable you are in your job, tech companies are looking to replace you.

I interviewed to be head writer with a company that, with a smartphone, can scan a whole warehouse and tell a user how it should be laid out down to the box. They said their software would make warehouses so efficient they could cut staff by a quarter — at least. I have also seen that robots are being built in China that can do human tasks with ease. The Chinese also have full car manufacturing plants that are fully automated — no people.

McDonalds, Chipotle, Popeyes, Panera Bread, and Arby’s have all invested in robotics and AI. If you work in marketing, you can throw a flyer together in moments. You can write a paper, and our kids are using it more. And if you’re used to spreadsheets, those days are about to be way over.

Bricklaying? Meet Walter. Roofing? Renovate Robotics. Plumbing? Pipebots. All these are real. Google any of these and you’ll find a company for each sector.

As a journalist, I can use Gemini, which is built into Word, to do my job for me. I can check my work with Grammarly. I can also use Claude or ChatGPT to check for weaknesses in the text. If I was a cartoonist, I could stick a drawing into any of the models, and it could tell me exactly what my weakness is as an artist. Like the person painting your ceiling, these are all things we trained for and worked hard to get good at.

I’m not anti-AI. I think it’s a useful tool. I love making stupid artwork of our inside jokes. And it’s fantastic when you need to figure out why the air conditioner broke in the middle of the night. But you need to understand that companies exist that are trying to take your job.

Profit motivates people. And before you say, “Not my boss,” people cost insurance, take time off, get sick, and want raises. Robots and AI are one-time investments. For the working class, you don’t have the option of being the one who pulls the purse strings.

You know what Google’s AI overview just told me? “78% of organizations reported using AI in 2024, up from 55% the year before.” And ChatGPT alone had 5.6 billion visits in November 2025.

We’re going to need to have real conversations about the implications of all this forward propulsion. What are useful tools today will soon be doing our jobs for us, and the people above aren’t making laws. The companies buying the tech aren’t sad they’ll be cutting workforce and making profit.

It may sound like socialist propaganda, but we’re going to need to consider Universal Basic Income. What are people going to do when there are no jobs? How are you going to pay the rent when there are fifty people trying to work in your local gas station? What is a guy who spent his years as a miner going to do when a robot can outperform him thanks to a computer that’s beyond what we can imagine?

As a matter of fact, according to the site Mining Technology, “Companies like Komatsu and Sandvik are developing autonomous mining systems — including remote-operated vehicles, automated haulage, and robotic drilling and loading equipment designed to run with minimal human presence underground and on surface sites.”

This isn’t a kick-the-can-down-the-road situation. It’s one that is becoming more real daily. Don’t believe me? We haven’t even had iPhones for 20 years, and look how much has changed in their wake. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Contact us at news@cartercountytimes.com

Pet of the Wood: Meet Bub

Bub is a male boxer mix, around one-year-old. Bub is good with other dogs, neutered, and up to date on his vaccines. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet him or call 475-9771 for more information.

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

Joyful Noise: Feeling alone?

man sitting on wooden panel facing in the ocean
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell

For Carter County Times

Technology today connects us through the world wide web and yet people are more isolated and lonelier than ever before. What happened with the good old days of front porch fellowships and kitchen table talks? A lot of newer homes don’t even have big front porches, just entryways. It is sad that we are too busy to enjoy those simple pleasures from days passed.

The Bible has numerous scriptures that brings us comfort that you are not alone, emphasizing God’s constant presence, love, and protection. Key verses include John 16:32 that says, “I am not alone, because the Father is with me.” Hebrews 13:5 says, “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee” and Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee.”

Let’s look at a few of the scriptures for ‘assurance of His presence.’

John 16:32: “Behold, the hour cometh… that ye shall be scattered… and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.”

Hebrews 13:5: “…for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”

Isaiah 41:10: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee… .”

Joshua 1:5: “…as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Matthew 28:20: “…and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Psalm 23:4: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good courage… for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

Romans 8:38-39: Assures that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

Real-world interactions are irreplaceable for building deep, meaningful connections. While technology is useful, it cannot fully replicate the benefits of face-to-face contact. No matter what is going on in your life just stop and take inventory of why you feel alone. Pray and ask the Lord to help you set some boundaries especially in the tech world. God created us to interact with each other. God wants a relationship with you daily and as you meet with Him in scripture and prayer, He will guide your steps into a life of peace and joy. Start reconnecting with others around you. You will be happy you did.

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.

How many more tow operators must die before Kentucky acts?

ambulance on a street
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By Bubba Johnson

Bubba’s Towing & Recovery

How many more tow truck operators must die on Kentucky highways before this state decides their lives are worth protecting?

That question weighs heavily on the men and women who work the shoulders of our interstates every day. It weighs on their families. It weighs on every small towing business owner who sends a driver out into traffic knowing there is no real barrier between them and a distracted driver traveling 70 miles per hour.

“Troy’s Law,” currently filed as House Bill 282, was introduced to provide tow operators with an added layer of protection while assisting stranded motorists. The bill would allow tow trucks to use rear-facing blue flashing lights while stopped on highways to improve visibility and alert approaching drivers to slow down and move over.

The legislation is named in honor of Troy Caldwell, a Kentucky tow operator who was tragically killed while working along Interstate 64 in 2024. His death was not just another statistic. It was a devastating reminder of how dangerous roadside recovery work truly is.

Tow operators work in conditions most drivers rarely think about. They respond in the middle of the night. They respond in heavy rain and snow. They respond on narrow shoulders with traffic rushing past them. When a family breaks down on the side of the road or a crash blocks a highway, it is a tow operator who answers the call.

Their job requires them to stand inches from moving traffic while hooking chains, loading wrecked vehicles, clearing debris, and helping strangers in crisis. They do not have the protection of guardrails or patrol cars blocking traffic. They rely on visibility and the attention of drivers who may be distracted by phones, fatigue, or speed.

Kentucky already has a Move Over law requiring drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency vehicles. But many in the towing industry believe it is not enough. Tow trucks are not always as immediately recognizable as police cruisers or fire engines, especially at night or in poor weather conditions.

Troy’s Law addresses that gap. It allows the controlled use of rear-facing blue flashing lights strictly while a tow truck is stopped and assisting motorists. It does not allow blue lights while actively towing or driving down the road. It is specific, limited, and focused solely on increasing visibility during roadside assistance.

This is not about turning tow trucks into law enforcement vehicles. It is not about expanding authority. It is about being seen. It is about creating one more unmistakable signal to drivers that they need to slow down and move over.

Yet despite the clear safety purpose, Troy’s Law remains in committee and has not been brought forward for a vote. Many in the towing industry believe it is being held up and not allowed to advance.

That delay has sparked growing frustration among blue-collar workers across the Commonwealth. These are small business owners and employees who pay taxes, hire local workers, and help keep Kentucky’s highways safe and open. They clear wrecks after storms. They remove disabled vehicles that block traffic. They assist law enforcement at crash scenes.

They are not asking for special privileges. They are asking for protection.

Kentucky would not be breaking new ground by passing this legislation. Other states have already taken similar steps and seen positive results.

Pennsylvania strengthened its Move Over protections through Senate Bill 1281 in 2020 and Senate Bill 1123 in 2022. Those measures expanded visibility requirements and reinforced the responsibility of drivers to slow down and change lanes when approaching emergency response areas.

Supporters of Troy’s Law point to Pennsylvania’s experience as proof that enhanced roadside visibility laws can improve driver compliance and reduce incidents involving tow operators and other responders.

In fact, Kentucky advocates have received formal written support from Pennsylvania officials.

In a letter dated February 10, 2026, Donald Beishl, Chief of Staff to Pennsylvania Senator Doug Mastriano, expressed support for Troy’s Law and thanked Kentucky advocates for their efforts to advance the legislation.

The letter stated:

“Troy’s Law is an important proposal aimed at improving safety for tow truck operators by allowing the use of rear-facing blue flashing lights while stopped and assisting motorists on highways. Named in honor of Troy Caldwell, a tow operator who was tragically killed while working on I-64 in 2024, the legislation is intended to increase visibility and encourage drivers to slow down, while appropriately restricting the use of blue lights during active towing.”

The letter further noted that Pennsylvania had enclosed copies of its enacted Move Over bills and letters of support sent to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Senate President Robert Stivers, and House Speaker David Osborne. Pennsylvania officials offered to serve as a resource and share their experience as Kentucky considers the measure.

Kentucky does not need to lead the nation on this issue. But we should not lag behind when other states have already shown that stronger visibility laws can save lives.

Every time a tow operator steps out of a truck onto a highway shoulder, there is risk. Every time traffic speeds past without slowing down, that risk increases. And every time legislation designed to improve safety sits idle, families continue to wait and wonder whether their loved one will make it home.

This is not a partisan issue. It is not about politics. It is about protecting hardworking men and women who serve the public every single day.

The question remains: How many more funerals will it take before action is taken?

Troy’s Law deserves a vote. It deserves open debate. And Kentucky’s tow operators deserve to know that their safety matters.

It is time to move Troy’s Law out of committee and put it to a vote.

Lives depend on it.

Submit your letters or guest editorials to editor@cartercountytimes.com

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