As we’re culturally reeling from the finale of Stranger Things, it’s hard not to point out how weak the writing was. Many of the show’s flaws sat right on

By Brayleigh Boggs Carter County Times The West Carter Middle School Comets have cemented their place in local football history with back-to-back undefeated seasons under the guidance of head coach Chris Barker. Across 2024 and 2025 the Comets strung together 23 consecutive victories, claimed two Beckham Bowl championships, and finished the most recent campaign with a flawless 13-0 record. Barker, named EKC Coach of the Year, has built a program defined by discipline, resilience, and a winning culture that has made West Carter a force to be reckoned with.

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Grayson Tourism wrapped up a year full of events with their Hometown Holidays celebration around the Christmas season, showcasing everything from a Festival of Trees to an ice-skating rink for Grayson residents and visitors to enjoy. Local businesses also joined in all along Main Street to add to the fun, with most offering special sales for the season. Now, as the decorations are all being packed away to await the next season, Grayson Tourism Director Lana Axtell said she would like the public to offer their views on both what went extremely well, and what could be improved in the future.

                As a student of history, I was greatly surprised Saturday morning when President Donald Trump announced to the world that U.S. military forces had invaded Venezuela to capture that country’s president and his wife to bring them to this country to answer federal indictments as accused narco-terrorists. But I was shocked when he also said that the U.S. would be “running” that South American nation until a new national government could be established and the nation’s oil-based economy could be rebuilt.

As the New Year kicks off, eight youth soccer teams will take to the court on Saturday, January 10 at KCU’s Lusby Center in Grayson. Each team will be competing for the title of New Year’s Champs in a fast-paced 3v3 futsal-style format that showcases skill, teamwork, and determination. The tournament will feature not only local teams, but also competitors traveling in from across the tristate area, with organizers noting the event is “drawing visitors and energy into the region.”

By Daryl Ashley Confusion Solution Here it is! 2026! It’s a brand new year with all its opportunities for renewal. It is calmer now, giving us breathing room to make decisions about how we want to move forward. Be grateful for this chance to explore and allow for new adventures to unfold. This is the time to ask ourselves what we want in this new year.

Brody is a male boxer mix, around two-years-old. He’s very friendly, loves attention, and is good with other dogs. Brody also knows a few basic commands. His $100 adoption fee includes rabies vaccination and being neutered. Stop by the Carter County Animal Shelter and meet this good boy, or call 475-9771 for more information. Shelter hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday by appointment.

Taking care of your lawn during the fall is as important as it is during spring and summer, even more so for lawns with cool-season grasses such as Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue. Nearly all fertilizers and broadleaf herbicides should be applied in the fall, and it is by far the best time for lawn renovations, such as seeding. When it comes to the timing of renovations, spring is better than summer, but fall is best of all.

Join Olive Hill Trail Town this Saturday for an introduction to the Firebrick Lake Park project. Bring your bike, ride your horse, or hike the trails to discover what Olive Hill Trail Town has been developing for the community and trail seekers. The trails at the Firebrick Family Lake Recreation Park can help connect our community to nature, local history, and each other.

By Pastor Naomi Mitchell For Carter County Times “I'm going to light you today,” said the match to the candle. “Light me?” the candle whispered afraid. “If you do that I'll start to die. I'll slowly burn away, and it will hurt.” The match paused for a moment then gently replied, “You're right, burning hurts and yes it will cost you.

“We are so thankful to have a health department that is concerned enough about the community that they have done something special,” Grayson Emergency Management Director Roger Dunfee said at a gathering on September 18. Dunfee was referring to new communication equipment that would aid the fire department in staying connected and relaying information during their first response efforts where they often face communication challenges.

By Brayleigh Boggs Carter County Times Friday night’s Barrel matchup started with fireworks, and East Carter never let off the gas. Behind explosive runs from senior standout Landon Yoak (20) and steady defensive play, the Raiders built a commanding first-half lead and closed out their fourth straight rivalry win over West Carter, 41–14. East Carter wasted no time in putting points on the board.

Grayson City Council heard from the Shoes 4 Kids organization at their regularly scheduled meeting on September 9. The organization is a community outreach that provides new shoes for school children in several counties, including Carter County. The outreach began through Oak Street Chapel in Flatwoods, and has spread to answer the needs of school children across the region. Each child the organization helps receives a new pair of ‘name brand’ shoes and a pair of socks.

Frankfort, Kentucky - House Local Government Committee Chair Patrick Flannery of Olive Hill and State Representative Richard White of Morehead plan to reintroduce a bill like HB 115 from the 2025 Regular Session. The measure would allow wreckers, commonly known as tow trucks, to be equipped with one or more flashing, rotating, or oscillating blue lights. "Every year, many tow truck drivers are killed or injured while helping stranded motorists," White stated.

By Robert Dean Carter County Times Ever see someone on a bench ripping a cigarette and just know they're going through it? That's all of us now. One sulk and a Marlboro Red away from telling the boss, the landlord, and the bank manager what life's like in the trenches. Most of us are one, maybe two paychecks from asking for change on the corner.

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Madonna Kaye Baker Kovi, age 84, of Grayson, Kentucky, peacefully departed this life on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Carter Nursing and Rehab Center, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 14, 1941, in Grayson, she was the cherished daughter of the late John T. and Bessie Juanita Bradford Baker. Madonna's life was a testament to her unwavering dedication to family, education, and community.

By Brayleigh Boggs Carter County Times The West Carter Comets faced a tall task Friday night when the Russell Red Devils rolled into town. Despite the Comets’ best efforts, Russell’s blend of opportunistic defense and well-executed offense proved too much, as West Carter fell 35–0 in front of a packed home crowd. The game’s opening minutes set the tone. On West Carter’s first possession, quarterback Hayden Hall (15) dropped back looking to establish rhythm.

  By Suzanne Barker Griffith As sure as high school basketball rivalries thrive in Eastern Kentucky, the Kentucky Power Company regularly seeks to increase rates and fees from its customers through filings with the Kentucky Public Service Commission (PSC). Kentucky Power recently stated in a message to ratepayers on their website, “On August 29, 2025, we will file a base rate review with the PSC, requesting to adjust rates to recover increased costs.

Lexington, Ky.—Horse owners across Kentucky should start planning now for their winter hay needs as this year’s supply is shaping up to be highly variable. Bob Coleman, equine extension associate professor with the University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment said that weather has been the driving force behind uneven conditions. “Some areas have gotten plenty of rain, while others have been extremely dry,” Coleman said.

From the growing volume of donation-seeking letters in my daily mail, it appears this old saying has been hijacked to mean that private citizens and existing charities are expected to step up and replace the grant funds no longer coming to state and local governments from the federal government. If that truly is the case, some folks inside the DC Beltway clearly don’t understand that this nation has a long, proud history of helping our own citizens and communities by returning some of the taxes we send to Washington yearly.

(Photo by Steele Photography, Carter County Times) By Brayleigh Boggs Carter County Times Under the Friday night lights, the East Carter Raiders turned in one of their most complete performances of the young season, toppling the Boyd County Lions 34–20 in front of a packed crowd. The victory pushed both programs to 2–1 on the year, but more importantly, it showed East Carter’s ability to balance offensive firepower with gritty defensive stops.

The City of Grayson, over the course of several budget meetings, approved the creation of a new parttime position for economic development, labeled Coordinator of Business Development. The new position has been filled by McClain Dyer, and he said that he wants to approach the new position using what might be called an immersive strategy. The goal of course, as the title of the new position suggests, is to develop new ways to both support existing businesses and attract new businesses to the city.

River is a one-year-old male mixed-breed who is ready for his forever home. He’s very friendly, walks on a leash, and is neutered and up to date on all shots. 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.