Carter County Post: August 2020

8/31/2020

Franchise Business Review Recognizes 2020 Franchise Rock Stars

Shadow and Rebekah Skaggs, FirstLight Home Care of The Foothills,

honored for franchise and community leadership by independent research firm

CINCINNATI, OHIO – AUGUST XX, 2020 – Franchise Business Review, an independent market research firm that benchmarks franchisee satisfaction, has announced the annual list of 2020 Franchise Rock Stars.

FirstLight Home Care is thrilled to share that Shadow and Rebekah Skaggs, franchise owners in Grayson, Kentucky, were named a Franchisee Rock Star. FirstLight Home Care of The Foothills has been serving seniors and other adults in need of home care services in Eastern Kentucky since 2017.

Each year, Franchise Business Review honors franchise owners who set exceptional examples of achieving success within the franchise model. This year’s Franchise Rock Stars were selected from over 28,000 franchisees, representing more than 300 brands that participated in Franchise Business Review’s research in the past 18 months.

The Franchise Rock Stars recognized were nominated by their franchise brand leadership in one of eight categories as franchisees who set admirable examples when it comes to leadership, business acumen, financial and professional success, and contributing to their community. Categories included: Giving Back, Women, Millennials, Veterans, Family-Owned, “Freshmen”, Top-Performers, and Multi-Unit Owners.

Shadow and Rebekah stated that they are “most proud of the opportunities we have been given to help our community. We have been able to help those within our community by providing jobs, as well as those who we have been blessed to have as clients.”

They also understand the importance of giving back, saying, “Giving back to our community has been a priority. We want to see our community grow and prosper, helping future generations to become successful adults, as well as the elderly in our community who have helped shape our town.”

“There are so many success stories out there and thousands of inspiring franchise owners who are living their dreams of business ownership that it was incredibly difficult to narrow down the list,” said Eric Stites, CEO of Franchise Business Review. “In the end, we chose individuals who are exceptional examples of achieving success through the franchise model and exemplify a strong work ethic and a real commitment to their business and community. We are thrilled to recognize these individuals as Franchise Rock Stars.”

Visit FranchiseBusinessReview.com to see the full list of 2020 Rock Star Franchise Owners.

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About FirstLight Home Care

FirstLight Home Care is a leading provider of non-medical home care, helping individuals in more than 30 states achieve the quality of life they deserve. The company has set a new standard in home care by creating an unmatched Culture of Care that drives industry-leading client and employee satisfaction. FirstLight is a lifeline not only for seniors, but for people recovering from illness, injury or surgery, adults with disabilities, veterans, busy families, and anyone 18 and older who needs personal or companion care services. FirstLight Home Care’s mission is to deliver exceptional, compassionate care provided by extraordinary people so that all those who are served may age with comfort, dignity and independence in the place they call home. FirstLight is also proud to champion the family caregivers who give countless hours of care to their loved ones every day by providing the resources and support needed to help them maintain balance in their own lives. Visit FirstLightHomeCare.com. Connect with FirstLight on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review (FBR) is a leading market research firm serving the franchise sector. FBR measures satisfaction and engagement of franchisees and publishes various guides and reports for entrepreneurs considering an investment in a franchise business. Since 2005, FBR has surveyed hundreds of thousands of franchise owners and over 1,100 leading franchise companies. FBR publishes free and unbiased franchisee satisfaction research reports throughout the year online at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com. To read our publications, visit https://franchisebusinessreview.com/page/publications/.

8/30/2020

Tribute for John Tracy Morrison April 3, 1940 ~ August 28, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

John Tracy Morrison, 80, of Rush, KY went to be with his Lord on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Elliott Nursing and Rehab Center.

John was born April 3, 1940 a son of the late John Henry and Lizzie Mae Stewart Morrison.

Funeral services will be 1pm Monday, August 31, 2020 at the Coalton First Baptist Church with Bro. Paul Holbrook officiating. Burial will follow in the Coalton Community Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 am Monday until the service hour at the church.

Condolences can be made to the Morrison family at www.malonefuneralhome.com

8/28/2020

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: By Senator Robin L. Webb

FRANKFORT — Great news in the region as Governor Andy Beshear announced Thursday a $12.25 million investment by Danieli Corp., in Ashland. The company will service and refurbish steel mill equipment and bring 61 total jobs to the region. Our highly-skilled and highly-experienced workforce stands ready to fill these positions immediately and not miss a beat. I appreciate Gov. Beshear, Danieli Corp., and all those who helped make this investment possible

Gov. Beshear stated Monday that $15 million in Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds will be set aside to finance a new eviction relief program to assist landlords and tenants throughout the Commonwealth dealing with the COVID-19 public health crisis. The fund will start accepting applications on September 8, with more information to become available before that date.

Gov. Beshear also addressed evictions through the signing of a new Executive Order. The order states that landlords must provide a tenant with a 30-day notice before they can be evicted. The notice sent to the tenant would request a meeting, and during these 30 days, the landlord and tenant must meet and consult to settle the issue. Through this program, penalties and late fees cannot be charged against the tenant from March 6 to December 30. If you or someone you know is facing eviction, contact the Kentucky COVID-19 Civil Legal Helpline toll-free at 833-540-0342 or visit kycovidlegalhelp.org.

As school districts are relying on non-traditional instruction more than ever, approximately 32,000 Kentucky students face a “digital divide” regarding internet access. To address the divide, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman announced $8 million of CARES Act funds to provide low to no-cost internet access to qualifying households across Kentucky. Officials of the Department of Education stated they will have guidelines on applying for this program by next week. Stay tuned for more information.

Last week, the Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) Board voted to proceed with fall sports in 2020. Following the announcement of the board, Gov. Beshear confirmed the decision. As of now, high school athletes may begin practice this week and begin competition the week of September 7. With many schools beginning an attempt to return students to the classroom, the state has begun to track school-related COVID cases. There are currently at least 50 active K-12 cases and more than 200 active post-secondary cases across the state. A list of schools and positive cases will be available at kycovid19.ky.gov.

Whether it be in-person instruction or virtual learning, I wish our Kentucky students, teachers, parents, and school support staff the best as they commence the 2020 school year. As we navigate through these unprecedented times, remember that education is the key to success. Please stay safe and wear a mask during this transition period to protect yourself and others. We are all in this together.

Lastly, the deadline to apply in the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program is approaching. The only requirement to qualify for this grocery assistance program is the student’s participation in the free and reduced lunch program. The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy estimates roughly 117,000 Kentucky students qualify who have not applied. You can apply online at benefind.ky.gov.

As we progress through the Interim Session and a global pandemic, I will do my best to keep you informed about legislative and government happenings in Frankfort. I ask that you stay safe and wear a mask when going about in public. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I remain accessible by email at Robin.Webb@LRC.KY.GOV.

8/27/2020

Tribute for Thomas Matthew Murphy

August 25, 2020 ~ August 25, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Thomas Matthew Murphy, Infant son of Timothy Shane Murphy and Lenora Grace Wilson went to be with his Lord August 25, 2020 at the Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland.

Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal great-grandfather, Richard Hardin; and his paternal uncle, Thomas Bias and maternal uncle, Matthew Gregory Hardin whom he was named after. In addition to his parents, Matthew is survived by his maternal grandparents, Rhonda Hardin Wilson and Delbert Timothy Wilson, Jr.; paternal grandparents, Rebecca Simpson and Timothy Murphy; maternal great-grandmother, Claudia Emerson Stander; paternal great-grandparents, Harold and Judy Murphy; maternal uncles, Timothy and Braxton Wilson, maternal aunt, Lillian Wilson; paternal uncles, Robert, Thomas, and Ashton Murphy; paternal aunts, Holley, Gabriel and Katelyn Murphy.

Funeral services will be 1 pm Friday August 28, 2020 at the Malone Funeral Home in Grayson with Pastor Gerardo Mejia officiating. Burial will follow in the East Carter County Memory Gardens. Visitation will be 12 noon Friday until the service hour.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com

8/26/2020

Celebrating The Life of Vinnie Alexander Osborne-Brown (Photo Gallery)

More than 100 people people accepted the Brown family’s invitation to gather at the Grayson Walking Trail to celebrate the life of Vinnie Alexander Osborne-Brown. Children were encouraged to bring their bicycles and a balloon release was included in the celebration.

Photos by TIM PRESTON

Carter County Post

Grayson Gallery Sets Drop Off Dates

The Grayson Gallery & Art Center, Inc. (GGAC) has been presenting virtual art shows on Facebook since March, 2020 due to the restrictions imposed during the COVID 19 crisis.

The August show, “How Does Your Garden Grow?” was inspired by prior plans to host a real-time garden tour in the area. However, since it was obvious to nearly anyone who was out and about, the local landscaping, flower & vegetable gardens and more, perhaps a result of “extra” time at home, needed to be shared.

Over a dozen gardeners sent nearly 50 photographs of their creations and many were new contributors to the GGAC. Almost as many locations, cities and counties were represented as well.

As the Grayson Gallery continues to work towards new and different ways of presenting the arts, a special event is set for F!nal Fr!day, September 25, 2020. Artists are invited to submit work – physically – by dropping off art on two dates: Saturday, September 12 and/or Monday, September 14 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the gallery, located at 301 East Third Street in Grayson.

There is no entry fee (donations are always appreciated) and work may include any subject, any medium and up to three pieces per artist. Several stations will be set up in the gallery’s main space to receive art and complete paperwork, all while maintaining social distancing and all current guidelines. Once the pieces are set up for display, a video recording will be created and shared via Facebook as well as other means and released after 6:00 pm on the 25th of September.

Awards for People’s Choice, the GGAc Board Choice and the Brandon Click Memorial Award, each at $50.00 will be given. This will be a new direction for the GGAC and recent involvement in Zoom calls (via the “What’s Next EKY” networking efforts) as well as online training has resulted in alternative methods for which the arts may be supported in these uncertain times.

Art Classes have resumed at the GGAC by artist/educator Valerie Everman. Private lessons are available for youth for a small fee on varying dates and times. Contact Valerie via her Facebook page or by the main gallery email shown below.

In addition, musician Don Rigsby, well-known regionally for his Bluegrass expertise and talent, plans to start offering his music lessons again soon and may be contacted directly to register for classes at: 606-776-5894 or look for him on Facebook.

An unrestricted grant award of $1,000.00 by the Humana COVID-19 Relief Fund of Foundation for the Tri-State Community, Inc., for which the GGAC was chosen among other Carter county non-profits was presented to the GGAC by Mary Witten Wiseman at the end of July. This timely funding will be put to good use as the gallery adapts to new and different ways of sharing arts and programs. Plans are underway to purchase audio-visual equipment to enable more live streaming as well as pre-recorded art shows and music events to share with the public.

Pam and Francis Nash of Grayson recently delivered an Eastern Kentucky Railway display to the gallery and it has been set up and currently on exhibit. The model, constructed by the late Tom Gemeinhart of Carter County, includes the former “Grayson Depot”, photographs of the location as it was in the past (it occupied the area where the Grayson Gallery is located) as well as found tools and a board from the original construction.

The Creative Exchange box is available on the Third Street side of the building and donations of art supplies for those in need are requested. The Public Art Chalkboard at the rear of the building will remain through the end of the year. Volunteers are also encouraged to contact the gallery to donate their time manning the space when possible. Contact Dan Click, director, for information: graysongallery@gmail.com.

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Dan Click, Grayson Gallery DirectorARTIST/COMMUNITYJoin us FREE (donations appreciated) at the gallery on the last Friday each month from 6pm to 9pm for our monthly F!nal Fr!days Art Walk ~ great original art, live music and refreshments!

Messer's 5th Street Electric & Supply - "Everything you need"

Jeff and Paula Messer use teamwork to tackle their daily tasks and meet their customer’s needs at Messer’s 5th Street Electric & Supply in Grayson.

“Some people don’t realize we are open to the public,” Paula said, explaining she takes care of the face-to-face business with contractors, electricians and builders while her master-electrician husband handles the hands-on jobs. “Jeff does not do the store at all. I know more about the store.”

Jeff Messer tends to work in back of the shop, or in the field. Hde has wired many small commercial structures in the area including the new Racers Food Mart in Olive Hill.

The Carter City couple met when Paula rented an apartment from Jeff’s sister and he showed up to do some repair work.

“I cooked hot wings for him. The rest is history,” she said with a chuckle, adding they’ve been together nearly 13 years now.

She shakes her head as she recalls her early days behind the counter at Messer’s 5th Street Electric and notes she left a job she loved at McCloud Eye Care in Grayson and jumped into a field she had little knowledge about at that time.

“I got overwhelmed, of course, There’s thousands of parts in here,” she said, immediately adding she was blessed to have Diane Porter there every day for the first six months to teach her all about the inventory and more. Porter and her husband, Larry, sold the shop to the Messers in 2013 after operating the business themselves for about 18 years.

“Diane still helps when I need a day off or a vacation,” she said.

She also has four sisters and a cousin who are “dependable … a big help to me – especially when it comes to inventory.”

At one point, Jeff pointed out the business would benefit from having an in-house contractor and suggested Paula study for that exam and license. “He just didn’t want to take another test,” she joked.

Messer’s 5th Street Electric caters to small commercial contractors, builders and electricians with both tools and resources. “Any electrical part – we’ve got everything you need to wire a house,” she said. Wire is probably their most in-demand product, but they also stock “everything else” including AEP and RECC approved “services” which Jeff prepares ahead so customers can basically “put it on a pole.”

They also maintain a huge selection of the tools preferred by professionals.

“We carry Klein Tools. We started out with a partial rack and now we have more gools than most larger stores.”

Paula said she still enjoys watching her husband on the job, particularly when he is “trouble shooting” or even diagnosing a customer’s challenges by telephone. The two of them, along with help from a few other family members, essentially divide the daily tasks, she said.

“You don’t own your business. Your business owns you,” she said, acknowledging they each dedicate many extra hours to the business.

“Jeff works less hours than I do. He says he’s older than me – he’s been almost 60 for 10 years now,” she said with a big laugh.

Their shop is located near Grayson’s heavily traveled Carol Malone Boulevard, although the place is almost hiding in plain sight. Paula said the recent demolition of a small house on the corner has helped with that, as has the decision to open 5th Street to two-way traffic.

“I still hear people say ‘I didn’t know this place was here.’ We had three say that this week,” she said.

When they aren’t on the job, Jeff and Paula Messer enjoy hunting and fishing, with musky being their favorite fish to cast for. Jeff currently has bragging rights for the biggest catch “but I’ve got him beat on the deer,” she said, grinning. They also enjoy hunting small game including rabbit and turkey.

Back at the shop, Paula said she would like to work with more local business owners, and meet some of the outside contractors who are called in for local jobs.

“I wish they would get more local guys to work,” she said.

For more information about Messer’s 5th Street Electric & Supply visit the shop at 306 5th Street, Grayson or call 606-474-7418 or 606-356-2420.

Story and Photos by TIM PRESTON

Carter County Post

8/25/2020

Testing 1, 2, 3 - Is this thing on?

You may have noticed we have made significant improvements to the Cartercountypost.com website, and the truth is I’m just trying to find my way around the backstage area.

So, yes. This is a test (only a test) of the new system and my ability to click on the right settings to make this little blurb publish and be found by our readers.

With the new website we have several exciting new options and features, including a daily text to give readers the local weather forecast. There is no cost to subscribe to that service and we promise not to flood your phone or computer with a bunch of other junk as part of the package.

We also have excellent new options for our advertisers and I’ll be visiting local merchants this week to discuss ways we can help bring additional customers their way.

Above all, we will continue to continue to find the “fresh, local stories at sunrise” and expand our news coverage for Carter County and beyond. We thank you for your patience while we work out a few bugs in the system, and I find my way around the new toolbox.

Tim Preston

Community Journalist

8/24/2020

Tribute for Edgar A. Carroll, Sr.

January 28, 1930 ~ August 22, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Edgar A. Carroll, Sr., 90, of Grayson went to be with his Lord on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at Carter Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Grayson.

Edgar was born January 28, 1930 in Grayson, a son of the late Daniel (Scott) Carroll and Maggie Swint Carroll. Edgar was a member of the Wilson Creek Missionary Baptist Church and retired with 30 years’ service at KY Electric Steel.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine Steele Carroll; two sons, Edgar Carroll, Jr. and Daniel Carroll; granddaughter, Kristi Morrison; brothers, Mason Carroll, Ran Carroll, Lawrence Carroll, Phillip Carroll and Leonard Carroll; sisters, Lacy Easterling, Ruby Kazee and Ethel Bond. He is survived by two daughters, Paula Prince and Mabel Yates both of Grayson; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. at Malone Funeral Home with Joed Rice, minister. Burial will be in Cribbs Hill Cemetery with full military rites. Friends may call Tuesday 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com, along with live webcast of services. Due to COVID-19 mandates, mask will be required along with social distancing at all services.

8/20/2020

Tribute for Dedera Michele Weese Marcum August 8, 1973 ~ August 19, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Dedera Michele Weese Marcum, 47, of Grayson passed away Wednesday August 19, 2020.

ASHLAND, Ky. – Gabriella Burton, a graduate of East Carter High School, is the 2020 recipient of the Deborah's Porch Scholarship. She is the daughter of Josh Burton and Heather Sizemore and plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University in the fall.

FRANKFORT — Wednesday, August 18, 2020, marked the centennial celebration of the ratification of the nineteenth amendment.

Carter County Fiscal Court: SPECIAL SESSION THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2020

The Carter County Fiscal Court will meet in SPECIAL SESSION THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2020 at 10:30am in the Fiscal Courtroom.

Grayson Rotary Club Past President Aaron Kitchen gave the President's pin he's worn for the past two years to new President Shadow Skaggs during the local civic club's first in-person meeting since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, Monday, August 17, 2020.

Grayson: Long-Vacant Buildings Get Another Chance With Dustin Howard

It has been a while since the last load of laundry was washed at A-1 Laundromat, or a roll of film processed in 30 minutes at Kwik Photo, or a taco platter ordered from Toro Loco. While none of those businesses will be coming back, there will be new life in those long vacant buildings within months, following Grayson business owner Dustin Howard's recent purchase of the property.

Tribute for Justin Cory Sexton November 25, 1987 ~ August 15, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Justin Cory Sexton, 32, of Grayson went to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his residence.

Grayson: Chamber Launches "All In One" Website - "It's going to do wonders for us."

Connected by their computers, Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce members were introduced to the organization's new website and the array of improvements they will find there.

Tribute for Donald Lee Flanery August 1, 1950 ~ August 14, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Donald Lee Flanery, 70, of Greenup, KY went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday August 14, 2020 at his residence.

Small crowds of protesters, counter protesters and what appeared to be drive-by tourists with cell phone video cameras rolling gathered in Grayson once again Sunday, August 16, 2020.

Grayson: "March For Change" Set For Sunday, August 16, 2020

With a goal of creating an opportunity for people to discuss their different concerns and opinions about racial division in America, organizers have announced another demonstration in Grayson, set to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, August 16.

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: KY 1 Closed August 19 at Lost Creek in Greenup County

Contractors to set 35-ton bridge beams Wednesday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Carter County Fiscal Court will meet in SPECIAL SESSION Friday August 14, 2020 at 10:30am via Zoom.

Chris Horton, 59, of Grayson, went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at Hospice Care Center in Ashland.

ACTC offering training relief for local employers

ASHLAND, Ky. — As part of COVID-19 relief efforts, Ashland Community and Technical College is providing additional support for employers.

Mountain Association Granted Intervention in Kentucky Power’s Rate Case Hearing

BEREA, Kentucky (August 10, 2020) — The Mountain Association, along with Kentuckians For The Commonwealth (KFTC) and the Kentucky Solar Energy Society (KYSES), were approved to jointly intervene in formal proceedings for a new rate case proposed by Kentucky Power Company. They are represented by Tom FitzGerald with the Kentucky Resources Council.

Grayson: BLM Protest - With Garrett Gone, Protest Takes Different Tone

With organizer Dee Garrett jailed the day before the most recent Black Lives Matter protest/counter protest in Grayson, the movement's remaining demonstrators took a different approach Sunday, August 9, 2020 and invited counter protesters to sit down for a picnic and peaceful conversation.