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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use large trash bags for donations, and call around to see if a charity is able to pick up larger items.
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.
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.
(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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
The Grayson Tourism Commission discussed finances at their February meeting. President Daniel White said that one thing that had been discussed was the cash balances on some tourism accounts, and how best to manage those balances. The balances of those accounts totaled approximately $1 million, White told the commission. Half of those funds were the sports park reserves, he said, with $170,000 in the tourism account.
The point, White said, was that these funds were currently sitting in non-interest-bearing accounts. Options exist for money market accounts, White told the commission.
“If we simply move the funds into a money market checking account, there can be a 0.5 to 2.5 interest based on fund balance,” White said.
White also made the commission aware that there were some restrictions on moving money into and out of those accounts. Another option White presented to the commission was a 3.6 interest rate CD for 13 months.
“That would tie that money up for the 13 months,” he said.
White said that as part of the discussion it might be a good option to pay down part of the current debt owed by the tourism commission, because the interest that could potentially be earned by the movement of funds into a money market account or CD would be less than the interest currently being paid on some debts. One existing loan the commission is paying on currently carries a 3.7 percent interest rate. Another carries a 5.5 percent interest rate.
Discussion centered around the amount of funds to be moved and into what type of accounts, with the general consensus that there could be a combination of CD and money market accounts. A motion was made to transfer funds from a maintenance account into a money market account, and was approved unanimously.
In other business, Todd Maynard, the Dean of the School of Business and Leadership at Kentucky Christian University, addressed the commission. Maynard approached the commission about sponsorship opportunities for the school’s upcoming Mission Minded Leadership Conference scheduled for April 15.
“Our program is in charge of the annual leadership conference,” Maynard told the commission. “And this is my first year over the conference.”
Maynard said that he was very excited about the program and that this year they were blessed with nationally recognized speakers for the event, which will be held at KCU’s Nash Chapel with a networking session afterwards at the school gym.
Maynard said that what his department was seeking for this year’s conference was a $5,000 sponsorship. For that sponsorship, he said, the tourism commission would have their logo prominently displayed on digital and marketing materials, and recognition for tourism and the City of Grayson as the event’s main sponsor. Maynard said the event is expected to bring 600 people into Grayson, and there will be a great draw for tourism based on the notoriety of the speakers.
Admission for the event is $35 per attendee, Maynard told the commission, and the pricing of tickets should aid in the drawing power of the event. The $5,000 donation would help defray the cost for the speakers, he said, as well as branding for the city and tourism. Maynard said there were other sponsorship levels available, but the $5,000 level would be the main sponsor for the event. The commission decided on further consideration before any decision was made.
Grayson City Council took the opportunity, during their February meeting, to announce the official retirement of Police Chief Tony Cantrell and celebrate his service to the city.
“Congratulations to you, Tony,” mayor Troy Combs told the now former police chief.
The mayor mentioned that the police department held an event for Cantrell earlier that day, but the city also wished to recognize his service and offer a heartfelt thank you.
Cantrell received several mementos of the city’s appreciation, including a gift of his service revolver. Mayor Combs also presented Cantrell with meritorious citations at the meeting. One was a citation from the Kentucky State Senate for his nearly thirty years of exemplary service and citing him as an ‘Officer of the highest caliber…’
“I would like to thank the Mayor and the Council for giving me the opportunity to be the chief of police,” Cantrell said as he received the citation.
He said he was humbled by their trust in him and wished that he had been able to remain in that position longer. Cantrell also said that he had every confidence that the incoming chief would do an amazing job and serve the City of Grayson with distinction.
Following Cantrell’s official retirement, the council voted unanimously to swear in acting chief Dean Ison, a veteran Grayson Police Officer and former assistant police chief, as the cities new chief of police.
The City of Grayson also recognized the heroic actions of two of its first responders at the February meeting. Carter County EMS Assistant Director Mike Wears and K9 Officer Justin Stone were recognized for their critical life saving measures for rescuing a Grayson resident from a burning home. Both were awarded citations from the State of Kentucky and an award for going above and beyond the call of duty by the City of Grayson.
In other business Gerald Haney, director of the Grayson Utilities Commission, presented his end of year report to the council. Haney reported on the previous year’s activities which included the number of new taps installed, new gas services, boil water advisories, and any outages. The utilities report also included other important figures such as water produced by the water treatment plant.
Haney’s report showed a reduction of water produced from the previous year by nearly eighty million.
“So, the water loss project we did really improved our ability to find leaks,” Haney said.
The project, which began in 2023, has also yielded other benefits such as a reduction of man hours and chemicals used in the treatment process. A reduction in water lost to leaks results in less water being ‘consumed’ and treated, which yields both an economic and ecological impact.
“Last January, for instance, before the downtown project,” Haney told the council, “We fixed six leaks just in that area. This year, we fixed zero because we took away about a mile of 100-year-old pipe in that area.”
In other business, Mark Denny from Pathways addressed the council. Denny told the council that Pathways Quick Response had been working closely with Boyd County, have moved into Greenup County, and would like to increase their presence in Carter County.
“What we do in the Quick Response Team is respond to overdoses through reports given to us by law enforcement and emergency management,” Denny said.
“We look at it as though every overdose we respond to is more than just a medical emergency. It is a potential turning point moment in someone’s life,” Denny said. “We meet people on their hardest day, and we also meet their families and children. We try to connect these people to treat through recovery support and mental health services.”
Denny said that he was addressing council to make them aware of a potential new program on the horizon from Pathways Quick Response.
“We plan to move forward with deflection,” Denny said. “We are trying to partner closer with law enforcement and emergency management in order to prevent overdoses.”
Denny explained that first contact is often when the substance abuser is caught for possession of narcotics and other illegal substances.
“They are put in jail and go through the courts,” Denny said. “And it becomes a cycle that is really hard for people to break.”
Denny said Quick Response is hoping to come together with cities like Grayson and Ashland and have a deflection agreement to mitigate that cycle. The proposed plan is that if a potential substance user is caught with an amount that would be considered ‘personal use,’ then Quick Response could be notified before the person is arrested. At that point they would be offered long term treatment in lieu of arrest, Denny said, facilitated by Quick Response.
“We know this would be something that would need to be worked out with individual police departments and the courts to make sure this was acceptable,” Denny said. “But in other counties and states that’s what QRT does. We keep one of our members available at all times to respond when anything like this happens. That way we can try to help people when we know it’s a substance abuse problem and not a criminal problem. That way we can get them connected with treatment, because that’s what they need.”
Denny said he wanted to make the council aware of the program so that an agreement might be made in the future. Quick Response Team, he said, is a national initiative and the goal is to bring that program into the Commonwealth while following all applicable rules and statutes.
“At the end of the day we want to be a tool for law enforcement,” Denny told the council. “We want to give them another option.”
Left to Right, Michelle Spriggs from the Kentucky Small Business Development Center and Amanda Kelly from SKEDC. (Photo by Charles Romans, Carter County Times)
By: Charles Romans Carter County Times
Grayson Chamber of Commerce Director Mike Nelson began the February meeting discussing upcoming projects the chamber has in store for 2026.
“It is time for us to get busy on Memory Days,” Nelson told chamber members. “This is year 55 for Memory Days in Grayson.”
Thresholds of that nature are extremely important and should be treated as such, he said.
“We have a lot of cool things planned for this year’s Memory Days,” Nelson said. “Obviously, we can’t do it without your support and help. There are different levels you can sponsor, and different benefits you get by those levels.”
Nelson said that getting sponsors early helps the chamber plan better for entertainment at the event. Currently Nelson said the band Sunday Best is confirmed for the Saturday of the event, with Dustin Burchett opening.
The featured speakers at the February meeting were Michelle Spriggs from the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Amanda Kelly from Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation (SKEDC).
“We are administered through the University of Kentucky,” Spriggs told chamber members. “We are funded in part through the Small Business Administration, and many other stakeholders.”
“We provide free business coaching services to all the clients we assist,” Spriggs said. “We do loan packaging, projections, feasibility analysis, marketing, and we do a huge amount of free training. We service all 120 counties throughout Kentucky, we have 10 centers throughout the state, and about 35 business coaches.”
Spriggs told the chamber she has been involved with SBDC since 2009.
“So, I have been doing this for a bit,” she said. “Things have changed a lot, and we have seen a lot of great things.”
The main topic of Spriggs talk to the chamber involved the Childcare Initiative, which she said came into play after a meeting she was part of with Truist Bank.
“I started thinking about the need we had,” Spriggs said. “We need more childcare centers and more childcare centers that provide better care for the ones that are already operating.”
Spriggs said she thought about what could be done, and how it could work with the CRA grants they have available. Spriggs said she realized she needed a stakeholder that could help her make this idea a reality, and someone she had trained with – Amanda Kelly – came to mind.
“She was the first person I called,” Spriggs said. “Because I knew she had the same passion and the same work ethic.”
Spriggs said Kelly’s response was an immediate yes.
“So, we wrote the first grant,” Spriggs said. “It didn’t get awarded, so we wrote the second grant.”
The second grant was funded, she said, and now they are currently in their third year of operation.
“It’s one of the most passionate things I have ever done at the Kentucky SBDC,” she said.
Spriggs said she has met many amazing, passionate people that are invested in the future of the children of Kentucky.
Kelly, who serves as Small Business Training Director for the SKEDC, also talked to the chamber about her and Spriggs’ project.
“We are a small business lender,” Kelly said of her organization. “We are located in Somerset, but we cover all of the Fifth Congressional District. So, we do loans throughout eastern and southern Kentucky.”
Kelly said she heads the technical department, so she deals directly with small businesses to help them get whatever they need to make them successful.
“With childcare business we realized pretty early on that childcare is a passion business you do because you love the children. And a lot of them are not seen as real businesses.”
“They absolutely are real businesses,” Kelly said definitively. “But they are not viewed that way. They are viewed more as a babysitting service, but that is so far from the truth. That’s not what quality childcare service is.”
Kelly said that she and Spriggs are involved in helping childcare business owners to start thinking like business owners. They hope to accomplish that by helping business owners to examine their profit margins and other financial concerns, and to understand other business needs such as payroll costs. Kelly said these things are crucial to any business, but especially childcare because it is regulated by the state.
“There is a cap to what you can make,” Kelly said. “The state tells you how many children you can have in that childcare center.”
Another challenge, she said, is that the vast majority of the children are funded by the state, and there is a limit to what the state will pay for each child. But, she said, the challenges can be managed. And her and Spriggs are there to help with that management, so she encourages everyone connected to childcare to reach out for training and potential business management.
Coach Cole Brammer converses with his team following the first quarter. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)
Colton McGuire (12) goes in for the shot. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)
Coach Cole Brammer converses with his team following the first quarter. (Photo by Brayleigh Boggs, Carter County Times)
By Brayleigh Boggs
Carter County Times
East Carter battled possession-for-possession Friday night, but a late surge by Lewis County proved too much to overcome, as the Raiders fell 66-54.
Despite early momentum and multiple second-half runs, turnovers and foul trouble hindered East Carter’s ability to close the gap. Lewis County capitalized on key opportunities throughout the night to secure the victory.
East Carter opened the night with early energy as the Raiders jumped out to a quick 3-2 lead over Lewis County. But from the opening tip, it was clear the Lions weren’t going to make it easy.
Lewis County’s Daylen Bivens (32) answered with a basket to give the Lions their first spark, while Caden Tussey (15) countered on the other end to keep East within reach. A steal by Lewis County’s Julian Puente (11) shifted the tempo, and although Grant Menix (10) fought for an offensive rebound, Lewis continued to capitalize. The Lions moved ahead 6-5 before William Burton (5) knocked down a three-pointer to briefly swing momentum back toward the Raiders.
Puente (11) responded with an and-one finish for Lewis County, and East’s Max Karle (11) stepped to the line for two free throws after drawing contact. Lewis County maintained control, stretching its lead to 13-10. The Lions continued to find success inside, while Menix (10) battled through contact for an opportunity of his own. Bivens (32) added another basket late in the quarter, and by the end of the first, Lewis County held a 19-14 advantage.
East Carter struggled with consistency to open the second quarter, turning the ball over and fighting to settle into rhythm. After a travel call on Lewis, the Raiders found life with a smooth backdoor pass to William Burton (5) for two. Jackson Steele (22) followed with a basket to narrow the gap to 22-18.
However, Bivens (32) struck again from beyond the arc, and Lewis County’s offensive chemistry continued to shine. A layup connection from Bivens (32) to Brody Detillion (15) widened the margin. Colton McGuire (12) grabbed a key rebound for East, and Puente (11) was called for a charge as the Raiders searched for momentum. Still, East Carter struggled to finish possessions. Lewis added another three-pointer, and although Thomas Burton (1) and Tussey (15) chipped in baskets, the Lions answered each push. Turnovers plagued both sides late in the half, but Lewis County maintained control heading into the break.
The Lions controlled possession at the start of the second half, wasting no time, heading straight for the rim and securing their first of many baskets in the third quarter. East Carter countered with their own pair of points, but it was no match for the seven straight Lewis had coming their way. Thomas Burton (1) kept the Raiders alive, along with Karle (11), who both brought in key shots for East.
The Raiders found a spark midway through the third with a 5-0 run, highlighted by a put-back from McGuire (12). Still, the defensive foul count began to climb, putting Lewis County back at the line. Tussey (15) fired up the home crowd with a long three-pointer, but Lewis answered dramatically with a clutch shot at the buzzer to close the third.
A turnover plagued East Carter’s offense to start the final eight minutes. On their next possession, McGuire (12) made a diving effort to keep the play alive, refusing to let momentum slip without a fight. With both teams struggling to find the net, Karle (11) and McGuire (12) continued attacking. A huge three-pointer from McGuire (12) brought the bench to its feet and cut the Lions’ lead to six.
With 3:47 left in the contest, Lewis County responded with a key basket and a momentum-shifting block to regain control. Back-to-back shots from Karle (11) kept the Raiders within striking distance, and missed opportunities by the Lions gave East hope late. But as the final seconds ticked away, the Raiders couldn’t overcome the deficit.
When the buzzer sounded, the scoreboard read 66-54 in favor of Lewis County, as East Carter’s late push fell just short.
One of the things we are often in the dark about is knowing how many different kinds of organizers exist in the world today. I’m here to tell you that the selection is vast, and with a little research your eyes will be open to possibilities you never knew existed.
Finding where to look is the first start. To get a good grasp on the many styles, colors, and uses, you will need to research many stores and websites, but never fear all this research can change the way you organize your home. Once you know what’s available, new ideas for managing your things will give you a fresh approach to putting your home in order. To avoid becoming overwhelmed at the volume, research by category. For instance; search for in-home and outdoor storage items, baskets, drawers, shelves, etc. Shop by style.
You will also be pleasantly surprised at the cost. There are a variety of manufacturers, which allows you to compare and making spending easier on your wallet. Keep in mind your needs and budget your time to save on shipping if you are buying online. You will also want to be sure anything you are interested in needs to fit into your living space, that is unless you are willing to make other changes.
Here are some of the locations to begin that are either right in your own backyard or online.
Dollar stores
Walmart
The Container Store
Amazon
Hardware stores
Target
YouTube Channels
Home Organizer Tips
Uline
Organize-it
When looking for furniture, keep in mind that pretty isn’t always a space saver. The ideas are endless and investigating is fun.
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.
• Austin Benson, 27, of Olive Hill, arresting agency unavailable, on charges of providing a false report of an incident to law enforcement, and leaving the scene of an accident/failure to render aid or assistance, arrested and booked February 9. • Joseph Sackman, 42, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on two counts of failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 10. • Dustin Martin, 39, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence, failure to wear seat belts, failure to yield right of way, no or expired registration receipt, and failure to produce an insurance card, arrested and booked February 11. • Amanda Henderson, 33, of Olive Hill, arrested by Olive Hill PD, on a charge of receiving stolen property valued between $1,000 and $10,000, arrested and booked February 11. • Kelli Keever, 26, of Ashland, of Carter County Sheriff, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and resisting arrest, arrested and booked February 11. • Kayla Lewis, 37, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance – second offense (aggravating circumstances), careless driving, license not in possession, and failure to produce an insurance card, arrested and booked February 11. • Danny Cline, 54, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of failure to wear seat belts, no or expired registration receipt, failure to maintain required insurance, operating a motor vehicle with an expired operator’s license, menacing, resisting arrest, and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, arrested and booked February 11. • Robert Prichard, 56, of Ashland, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 12. • Thomas Boggs, 53, of Grayson, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of violating a Kentucky emergency protection order/domestic violence order, arrested and booked February 12. • Ashley Himes, 36, of Olive Hill, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of no or expired registration receipt, no tail lamps, improper equipment, failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana, arrested and booked February 12. • Rick Hargis, 58, of Grayson, arrested by Grayson PD, on a charge of fourth degree assault with minor injury, arrested and booked February 12. • Rebecca Elkins, 44, of Wurtland, arrested by Grayson PD, on charges of trafficking in narcotics (carfentanil or fentanyl derivatives), first degree possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), possession of drug paraphernalia, public intoxication on a controlled substance (excludes alcohol), first degree possession of a controlled substance (opiates), arrested and booked February 13. • Tylor Hampton, 31, of Grayson, arrested by Kentucky State Police, on charges of tampering with physical evidence, possession of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor over 12 and under 18, and kidnapping of a minor, • William Church, 54, of Webbville, arrested by Kentucky State Police, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 13. • Parish Hamm, 31, of Morehead, arrested by Carter County Circuit Court, on a hold for drug court, arrested and booked February 13. • Kevin Skaggs, 39, of Mazie, arrested by Elliott County Sheriff, for failure to appear on a citation for a misdemeanor, arrested and booked February 14. • Donna Chinn, 40, of Vanceburg, arrested by Carter County Sheriff, on a charge of violating a Kentucky emergency protection order/domestic violence order, arrested and booked February 15.
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.
Kentuckians, especially in rural areas, know what it feels like to take a day off work, spend money on gas and drive long distances just to renew a driver’s license. That frustration is real. It affects people across the state. We hear it every day when we talk with folks in our communities.
That’s why Senate Bill 7 was filed this session. As we said on the Senate floor, this bill is not a permanent fix. It’s a practical first step the Senate has taken to give Kentuckians relief now while we work toward long-term improvements in how the state delivers driver licensing services.
SB 7 gives local communities the option to help their residents with basic renewal services. It allows one of four local offices—circuit court clerks, county clerks, sheriffs or judges/executives—to take on renewals and duplicate licenses if they choose. If none of those local officials opt in, the county can enter into an agreement with a neighboring county to better serve its constituents. SB 7 gives people more access without taking anything away.
Under SB 7, if your county doesn’t offer local services, you can still renew online or by mail if eligible. Pop-up services may continue in many communities. The Senate proposal gives counties another tool to bring basic services closer to home.
The Senate quickly passed the bill, reflecting the concerns we hear daily from Kentuckians. It had 29 co-sponsors in a chamber of just 38 members. That kind of early support does not happen often. It shows how serious this issue is and how ready Senators are to act. The Senate quickly passed the bill, to the overwhelming approval of Kentuckians.
Some have argued that the bill doesn’t do enough, and we understand those frustrations. But we deal with the art of the possible, and Senate Bill 7 is more than possible. This year, the Senate put one forward in Senate Bill 7, a bill that carries significant momentum.
Some have called for all driver licensing services to return fully to Circuit Court Clerks. We understand that desire. However, that approach would require a heavy-handed mandate from Frankfort with no flexibility on implementation.
Facts matter, as do the realities of truly governing.
The issue came into focus in 2017, when Kentucky reluctantly moved to comply with the federal REAL ID Act. As implementation progressed, Circuit Court Clerks made clear they could not meet the new federal security and technology requirements, and that equipping all 120 clerk offices would place an overwhelming cost on local governments and ultimately our taxpayers. In response, clerks requested that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet become the sole provider of driver licensing services. That request led to House Bill 453, which Governor Andy Beshear signed into law in 2020 after it passed the House 81–19 and narrowly cleared the Senate 21–17.
SB 7 respects constitutional boundaries and confronts political reality with a reasonable proposal. It offers a voluntary step toward something better than we have now.
We also want to be clear. We share the public’s frustration with how long it has taken to fix Kentucky’s driver licensing system.
Since 2020, the General Assembly has approved funding, opened more regional offices and passed numerous reforms. We passed laws that allow mail-in and online renewals. We approved third-party renewals through organizations like AAA. To date, that change still has not been implemented.
SB 7 is only halfway through the process. The Senate moved quickly and passed the bill to respond to years of concern from our constituents. That action created momentum.
We strongly encourage our colleagues in the House to pick up the conversation the Senate started and move it forward. Kentuckians have long asked for change. Let’s aim for better, as perfection is not possible.
We respect the legislative process and the House’s role in it. We also believe now is the time to act.
Let’s give SB 7 a fair hearing. Let’s give Kentuckians the relief they need. Let’s keep working together to find solutions that reflect what good public service looks like: listening, taking action and delivering results for the people we represent.
As we close out week six of the 2026 Legislative Session, the work in Frankfort is moving quickly but my focus remains on what it means for families here in Eastern Kentucky.
Committees are meeting every day with full agendas, and legislation is steadily advancing to the Senate floor. More than 100 bills have now passed at least one chamber, a strong sign that the General Assembly is actively working on the issues that impact our mountain communities and rural counties.
While there’s still important work ahead, we’re making real progress on policies aimed at strengthening our local economy, supporting small businesses and family farms, addressing affordability, improving our schools, protecting taxpayers, and ensuring government operates with transparency and accountability.
Eastern Kentucky has unique challenges but we also have strong communities, resilient families, and tremendous opportunities. My commitment remains the same: making sure the voices of our region are heard and that the policies we pass in Frankfort deliver real results back home.
This week, the Senate approved the following measures.
Senate Bill 2 is intended to ensure fairness and balance in educator compensation by preventing school administrator pay raises from outpacing those of classroom teachers. The bill prohibits administrators from receiving a percentage pay increase greater than the average percentage increase provided to teachers within the same district, while still allowing for waivers under existing law. SB 2 also updates conforming language and removes outdated statutory provisions.
Senate Bill 4 Seeks to create a new statewide leadership training program for new school principals. Beginning in the 2027–2028 school year, principals in their first five years on the job would participate in a structured, cohort-based practicum that provides mentoring, professional training, and peer support. The program is designed to better prepare principals for instructional leadership, school safety, accountability, and managing staff and student needs—without adding new financial burdens for school districts. Most participation costs would be covered by the state, and training hours could count toward existing professional requirements.
Senate Bill 71 SB 71 strengthens fiscal oversight and governance by expanding required training for local school board members. The bill establishes a structured in-service training framework that includes finance, ethics and open meetings and open records education, with requirements tailored to a board member’s length of service. It also adds training related to superintendent evaluation and requires boards to formally review budget roles and responsibilities with district leadership. SB 71 makes reforms to ensure school board members have a consistent understanding of financial responsibilities and public resource management. It aims to improve financial decision-making and accountability in public education.
Senate Bill 136 Updates Kentucky’s unemployment insurance fraud procedures by requiring the Education and Labor Cabinet to refer suspected fraud cases directly to the U.S. Department of Labor and local prosecutors. It removes the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the U.S. Department of Justice from the referral process, streamlining investigations and clarifying lines of accountability. The bill also requires referrals to be made within 30 days of detecting suspected fraud and ensures no employment termination occurs without a legal finding of guilt under state evidentiary standards.
Senate Bill 183 Strengthens corporate accountability in Kentucky by requiring proxy advisory firms—companies that influence shareholder votes—to prioritize financial reasoning over political or ideological agendas. The bill builds on the 2025 bill of the same number by expanding the law’s standards to cover all publicly traded companies doing business in Kentucky, not just those incorporated here. If a proxy firm bases its recommendations on environmental, social or other non-financial factors, it must clearly disclose that information to shareholders, the company and the attorney general, explaining how those interests shaped its advice. SB 183 treats violations as deceptive business practices under Kentucky law and empowers companies, shareholders and state officials to take legal action. It also bars proxy firms from giving materially different advice to different clients without disclosure. By holding major players like ISS and Glass Lewis accountable, SB 183 ensures proxy recommendations align with sound financial judgment and protect long-term investor value.
Senate Bill 45 is my legislation to protect Kentucky’s agriculture community and ensure that a vital part of our economy is not undermined by overreach or radical activist efforts aimed at shutting down lawful operations.
SB 45 strengthens protections for agritourism and working-animal activities across the commonwealth by making clear that local governments cannot impose unreasonable or impractical restrictions on legitimate agricultural businesses. Kentucky’s farms and rural enterprises are already subject to health, safety, zoning, and animal welfare laws. This bill ensures they can continue operating within those existing standards without facing burdensome or politically motivated regulations.
The legislation clarifies and modernizes our agritourism statutes by formally recognizing activities such as farm tours, rodeos, livestock exhibitions, carriage rides, and other working-animal events when conducted in compliance with current law. It prevents cities, counties, and other political subdivisions from adopting rules that create undue obstacles for farmers and operators, while preserving full authority to enforce animal welfare, public safety, and criminal laws.
Kentucky agriculture is more than a tradition, it is a cornerstone of our economy and our way of life. Senate Bill 45 ensures that family farms, rural businesses, and responsible animal-related operations remain protected, competitive, and free to operate without unnecessary interference.
Senate Bill 118 Updates Kentucky law to establish clear consumer protections and regulatory standards for credit personal property insurance sold with closed-end loans, including coverage for financed collateral. The bill limits the amount and term of coverage, requires insurers to reflect a genuine risk of loss, and prohibits bundling or pricing practices that increase borrowers’ costs. It strengthens transparency by requiring timely disclosure of coverage and costs and ensures refunds of unearned premiums when policies are canceled early. SB 118 requires insurers to file policy forms and rates with the Department of Insurance while clarifying that vehicle financial protection products are regulated separately.
Senate Bill 145 Expands flexibility and modernizes licensing rules for alcoholic beverage caterers while improving efficiency at the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC). The measure allows licensed caterers to sell alcoholic beverages at restaurants, removes outdated storage and Sunday sale restrictions and prevents the ABC from imposing arbitrary limits on event size or frequency. It prevents bureaucratic delays and provides greater certainty for Kentucky businesses by requiring the ABC to approve or deny all license applications within 45 days. The bill carries an emergency designation, which allows the changes to take effect immediately upon the bill’s filing with the Secretary of State’s Office.
Senate Bill 153 Strengthens accountability for contractors and protects homeowners from fraudulent and abusive practices, particularly following natural disasters. The bill targets deceptive marketing, damage inducement, improper financial relationships and unenforceable contract terms tied to insurance-funded repairs. It requires clear notice before assignment of insurance benefits and prevents contractors from collecting illegal or misleading fees. During declared emergencies, SB 153 authorizes the Attorney General to require contractor registration, limit aggressive in-person solicitation and require proof of registration at job sites while coordinating with local governments. The bill also strengthens enforcement by requiring prosecutors to refer suspected fraudulent insurance activity to the Department of Insurance for review. Recent enforcement actions, including court-ordered bans against contractors engaged in fraudulent conduct, underscore the need for stronger accountability tools to protect Kentucky families after disasters.
Senate Bill 155 Establishes a clear framework for responding quickly and effectively to animal health emergencies that threaten livestock, poultry or other domesticated animals across Kentucky. The bill authorizes the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the state veterinarian, to declare an animal health emergency and take targeted action when disease outbreaks, severe conditions or supply disruptions put animal welfare at risk. SB 155 grants emergency authority to deploy veterinary services, order quarantines, restrict the movement of animals or equipment, waive transportation rules for feed and medicine and secure critical goods and services without delay. The measure supports coordination with local, state and federal partners to protect Kentucky agriculture, food supply chains and rural communities.
Senate Bill 158 Sets clear rules to protect consumers when buying optional financial products tied to vehicle purchases, such as debt cancellation or value protection plans. The bill makes sure these products are optional, clearly disclosed and priced separately from loan interest. It prevents lenders or dealers from requiring consumers to buy them as a condition of financing or a vehicle sale. SB 158 establishes consistent standards for contracts and applies to new agreements beginning Jan. 1, 2027, helping provide transparency and fairness for Kentucky vehicle buyers.
Senate Bill 160 Improves oversight of licensed child care centers while ensuring fair and consistent treatment for providers across Kentucky. The bill establishes clear standards the Cabinet for Health and Family Services must follow when reviewing violations and considering corrective action, suspension or revocation. It prevents a single violation of a corrective plan from automatically triggering license revocation unless the violation alone justifies that action, and it allows providers up to five business days to submit the requested documentation. SB 160 requires structured weekly support for new centers operating under preliminary licenses and limits violations during that probationary period, except in cases involving serious safety concerns. The reforms apply to pending licensing actions and take effect immediately, promoting accountability while preserving strong protections for child safety statewide.
Senate Bill 172 Known as the Fuel Surcharge Stability Act, SB 172 helps stabilize bills and improve affordability by allowing the Public Service Commission to extend the period during which utilities recover fuel costs, reducing sudden rate spikes for consumers. The bill requires coal severance taxes to be considered during fuel adjustment reviews and gives regulators flexibility to smooth fuel cost recovery when requested by a utility. The measure includes an emergency clause to take effect immediately, supporting greater rate stability for Kentucky households and businesses.
Senate Bill 72 The Health Care Heroes Recruitment and Retention Act seeks to address Kentucky’s health care workforce shortage by protecting the rights of medical professionals and health care institutions to decline participation in specific procedures or services that violate sincerely held religious, moral or ethical beliefs. The bill prohibits retaliation or discrimination against doctors, nurses and other providers for exercising conscience protections while preserving federal requirements related to emergency medical treatment and sexual assault evidence collection. SB 72 clarifies key definitions, strengthens due process protections by requiring timely notice and response to complaints, and establishes enforcement tools for violations. By reinforcing conscience protections alongside patient safety standards, the bill aims to retain experienced providers and attract new health care professionals to the commonwealth.
Senate Bill 110 Modernizes Kentucky’s vehicle titling and registration system by continuing the transition to secure electronic processes that reduce paperwork, improve efficiency and better serve vehicle owners, lenders and county clerks. The bill requires lienholders to use the electronic lien system beginning in 2027 and ensures the state’s electronic titling and centralized lien systems are fully operational before broader implementation. It allows vehicle titles to be stored electronically with an option to request a printed copy, expands the use of email or text notifications for registration and tax notices and authorizes the Transportation Cabinet to set certain titling and registration fees through administrative regulation beginning January 1, 2027. SB 110 also streamlines county clerk operations, eliminates outdated requirements and codifies current best practices to make vehicle transactions faster, clearer and more reliable for Kentuckians.
Each of these bills now move to the House for consideration.
Several important measures also cleared Senate committees this week and are now headed to the full Senate for a vote.
Natural Resources and Energy
Senate Bill 57 Advances a new Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program designed to accelerate nuclear energy development in Kentucky by supporting early federal permitting and structured partnerships between the state, utilities and private-sector partners. The legislation allows the state to invest up to $25 million per project while incorporating strict accountability measures, milestone requirements and financial safeguards to protect taxpayers. Projects will be evaluated based on site suitability, regional economic impact and geographic diversity, with final approval retained by the General Assembly. The proposal positions Kentucky to compete for advanced nuclear investment as a part of our energy portfolio and provide long-term economic growth.
Committee passage is a notable step in the legislative process. It allows subject-matter experts and stakeholders to weigh in before measures reach the Senate floor.
As we move into week seven, floor action will continue to increase and our attention will begin turning more toward budget discussions and key priority legislation.
I remain committed to working hard on behalf of the people of the 18th District, so your voice is represented in every vote taken.
If you have questions about legislation or would like to share your thoughts on an issue, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office.
