James Collier

The Ashland Beacon

GIRLS 64thDISTRICT

ASHLAND 4-1

   Ashland racked up three wins this week with defeats of George Washington, Hurricane and Greenup County.

   Ella Sellars led the Kittens with 27 points in their 86-52 rout of George Washington. Kenleigh Woods chipped in 20 with three triples. Jaidyn Gulley added 16 while going 8 of 10 from the field and grabbing nine rebounds.

   Sellars and Woods paced the Kittens with 19 each in their 75-30 hammering of Hurricane. Jai-dyn Gulley had 10 and Aryanna Gulley added 10.

   Woods 21 points lifted Ashland to a 58-57 win over upset minded Greenup County. Sellars add-ed 18 points. Greenup County and Rose Hill transfer Gabby Karle kicked in 12.

   Ashland welcomes Ironton Wednesday night, visits Lewis County Friday and welcomes Rowan County Saturday.

BOYD COUNTY 2-1

   Boyd County went 1-1 in its classic this weekend.

   The Lions fell 60-57 to Dixie Heights on Friday night but bounced back with a 67-50 win over St. Albans to close out the two-day event. Jasmine Jordan led the way with 26 points and 15 re-bounds. Emilee Neese had 16 points. Taylor Bartrum added 11 in the Lady Lions win.

   Boyd County visits Elliott County Monday, welcomes Fleming County Friday and Fairview on Saturday.

FAIRVIEW 3-0

   Fairview defeated Adams County Christian 48-34 in its only game this week.

   Kiera Loving paced the Eagles with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Ashton Stidham added 15 points.

   Fairview visits Johnson Central Wednesday, welcomes East Carter Friday and visits Boyd County Saturday.

GIRLS 63rdDISTRICT

RUSSELL 2-2

   Russell went 1-1 this week with a 64-11 win over East Carter and a 55-53 loss to Pikeville in the Boyd County Roundball Classic.

   Shaelyn Steele led the Devils with 11 points and 11 rebounds in the win over East Carter. Gabby Oborne kicked in 10.

   Steele netted 13 points in the first half before being ejected after an altercation with a Pike-ville player before the half. Steele hit both triples she attempted and had Russell in front by 11 twice in the opening 16 minutes. Kennedy Darnell’s long 3 for the win at the horn would not go. Bella Quinn added 11 points. Josie Atkins had 10.

   Russel travels to Lawrence County Tuesday, welcomes West Carter Thursday and Greenup County on Friday in a 63rd District tilt.

RACELAND 2-3

   Raceland went 1-1 this week with a 45-40 win in the Rams home opener over Lucasville Valley and a 60-56 loss at East Carter Friday.

   Emma Broughton led the Rams with 15 points in the win over Valley. Nim Maynard kicked in 14.

   No stats were reported in the loss to East Carter.

   Raceland welcomes Martin County Tuesday and has a pair of games in the St. Joe Holiday Clas-sic on Thursday and Saturday.

GREENUP COUNTY 2-2

   Greenup County went 1-1 this week with a 60-54 win over Fleming County and a 58-57 short-coming to Ashland.

   Rachel Bush dropped 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the win over Fleming County. Emily Maynard added 20 while hitting five triples.

   Maynard led the Musketeers with 24 points and 12 rebounds in the loss to Ashland. Bush added 21.

   Greenup County travels to Minford Monday, Elliott County on Wednesday and Russell on Friday in a 63rd District tilt.

Jarrod E. Stephens

The Ashland Beacon

   Human curiosity into the lives of those who came before us has led to some amazing archaeological discoveries. However, few discoveries have had such a profound impact on our knowledge of the grandeur of the burial of ancient Egyptian pharos than Howard Carter’s discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun.

   Imagine, digging and searching in desert land where artifacts and archaeological excavations of ancient Egyptian rulers have revealed perhaps that you were about to discover a long-lost tomb of an important ruler. The Indiana Jones movie series captured the spirit of such adventure in such a vivid and fun way that every time I read about the archaeological expeditions, I can almost hear the theme music. Countless leads and disappointments that fueled the desire to find the tomb was well recorded by Carter and his entourage.

   Howard Carter and a wealthy Brit by the name of Lord Carnarvon began their initial search for the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1917. The greatest obstacle for excavating in Egypt is the shifting sands and how that much of the region where the tombs were likely located was buried deeply in sand. Years of searching only brought disappointment. Even if the duo did find the king’s tomb, they were unsure if there would even be anything remaining since nearly every royal tomb had been looted for their valuable jewels and gold.

   The ancient Egyptians rulers were not buried in a simple manner. Instead, they were buried in massive tombs that consisted of several larger rooms and chambers that were filled with the artifacts and wares that they believed would be needed in the afterlife. It’s amazing to consider that they were buried with everyday items such as tables, chairs, and beds as well as a throne. The walls were painted with vivid images that told stories of the king’s greatness. Great masses of gold and jewels were commonly placed in the tombs, and it was such treasure that had led to grave robbing.

   Archaeologists had discovered several tombs in what became known as The Valley of the Kings and some small artifacts indicating that Tut’s tomb was nearby. Howard Carter had become a respected Egyptologist after working for several years in Egypt. Carter became close friends with Lord Carnarvon and the two set their sights on discovering the tomb of Tut. Lord Carnarvon was sponsoring Carter’s expeditions but was growing weary with the continual failure. Carter convinced Carnarvon to allow him to search for a few weeks more and that tenacity led to the discovery that would change archaeology and Egyptology forever.

   Only three days into what they had said was their “final” attempt to discover the tomb, Carter found the entrance. November 4, 2022 is the centennial of the discovery of a step that led to the tomb. The following day they discovered the entrance to the tomb. Carter immediately sent a telegram and told Carnarvon about the discovery. Lord Carnarvon promptly set out for Egypt.

   It wasn’t until November 26, 2022 when Carter first appears into the tomb and declared, “As my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold-everywhere the glint of gold.” The discovery proved to be the most valuable and intact tomb ever discovered. Aside from the discovery of the precious jewels and gold, the undisturbed mummy of Tutankhamun inside the sarcophagus opened new mysteries of how and why Tut died. Sadly, the full truth of his legacy may never be known. Egyptologists worked for years to catalog and preserve all the contents of the tomb.

   Since the discovery of the tomb the artifacts have traveled the globe and given millions of people the opportunity to take a glimpse into the life of the young king. Carter published several volumes telling about the discovery and what was inside. His dedication led to the preservation of Tut’s legacy and opened new doors for discovery.

   The spirit of adventure and discovery keeps life interesting and gives us all the chance to be lifelong learners. While it’s not likely that we will make such a groundbreaking discovery as Carter’s, every day that we are alive we can work to preserve the past for the coming generations by telling our stories and the stories that have made our families what they are today. Such knowledge is more valuable than the gold from a thousand tombs.

Tammie Hetzer-Womack

The Ashland Beacon

   Some Christmases aren’t filled with tinsel, ribbon candy, and a turkey feast. We tell children Santa knows them personally – at Christmas time, you’re expected to be a nice child who graces Kris Kringle’s list. 

   Then, one day, the sound of jingle bells is erased in a toddler’s mind by a heavy knock on the front door of the rural trailer. Not only is the weather outside frightful, but a feeling of Jack Frost enters your family home, learning your parents - for sure - will make the Naughty List. Sleigh bells in the snow are drowned by sirens, and the multicolored, festive bulbs strung across the rooftop seem to dim with only the glow of blue in the nighttime sky.

   Kentucky State Police Trooper Shane Goodall saw this story so many times. He tries to honor Christmas in his heart and keep it all year, as Charles Dickens might say. See, these troopers at KSP Post 14 must serve as Princes of Peace and Wonderful Counselors all year but, during this yuletide, as families gather, sometimes Krampus shows up to kill the kindliness in the air. Kids see all that.

   “For troopers, at one time or another, so many get to know these kids personally in firsthand settings,” relayed Goodall, speaking of the annual Shop with a Trooper Christmas event, which provides Seasons Greetings to underprivileged young people. “You get to know these kids in a bad, very bad, situation, and they come to see we are not there at the house for good…

   “Usually, Mom or Dad is going to jail.”

   The benevolent holiday event assigns a KSP Trooper to shop at Ashland Riverhill Walmart one-on-one, pushing a shopping cart and allowing the child or teen a day where kindheartedness is key. Children get a chance to witness the immortal mercy of Mary. Miracles abound from the manger to the messages of magnificent joy. Goodall has faith that purchasing a pair of woolen mittens for a child delivers memories and brings melody in their relationships with police. Goodall says this acceptance of Christmas gladness and gifts helps break down harsh barriers and relieves some of the fear children might experience.

   Goodall understands the impact of Shop with a Trooper. “They run inside Walmart, ready to shop, and they’re looking for one specific trooper – usually someone they met at their own home. The kids hug them, and then we move to go shop together.”

   He believes that Shop with a Trooper not only touches the hearts of kids, but also creates anticipation in fellow troopers. “As a trooper, you see a lot of bad, and bad, and bad,” offered the 21-year KSP veteran and Public Affairs Officer. “Something like this takes the monotony out of only seeing negative situations and builds morale among troopers. We truly look forward to it.”

   Children eagerly await Shop with a Trooper, aromas of holiday sugar cookies and confections lined along a buffet table in abundance for kids’ enjoyment in Walmart. The children will enjoy a Chick-fil-A feast, pose with Old Saint Nick and the Grinch for Christmas photos, and be aglow, assigned a towering trooper, their polished brass buttons shining bright as New Year’s Eve fireworks.

   According to Goodall, this yearly project is entirely self-funded and conducted through community and business donations of the pure-of-heart. On this December 15th Noel, tummies are nourished, neighborhoods are blessed with love of Nativity, and a network of State Trooper elves provide nostalgia of a Polar Express trip to the North Pole. As the economy suffers, unwrapping an event of such unconditional compassion is difficult to uphold. The program serves over 100 kids and needs snowballing donations. Taking care of Boyd, Carter, Greenup, and Lawrence counties, bestowing benevolence and brotherly and sisterly love upon babies is costly.

   Goodall explained why annual numbers are growing:

   “We share assistance to struggling families. Due to the drug epidemic, we find more grandparents raising their grandchildren. Just meeting day-to-day needs is difficult. To provide the extras for Christmas is nearly impossible. When it’s hard to afford to buy eggs, milk, gas, or just put food on the table, one cannot save enough money for Christmas.”

   Troopers often meet the children served by Shop with a Trooper on emergency calls. Post 14 keeps a log of children who would be blessed by this bounty of Christmas. Goodall also fields phone calls recommending specific children who are in need. As prices increase, they found the over forty-year-old program is becoming increasingly difficult to conduct. They will spend over $20,000 this year on this Night Divine.

   The program continues to operate, giving to less-fortunate – even through 2020, the year Covid-19 struck our communities. Needy families sent lists of Christmas wishes to KSP. Teaming with Hope’s Place Child Advocacy Center, the troopers, their families and their families gift-wrapped presents for 125 kids and held the presents in a storage building (AKA Santa’s Workshop). Families were allotted times to pick up the gifts at Boyd County Community Center.

   “It was just sad,” Goodall said. “You know these kids are alone and suffering through the pandemic, but we hope seeing Santa made things a little brighter.”

   Obligingly, Goodall is quick to thank the overflowing work of Walmart’s People Lead, Ann Perry, who ornaments the party with sheer love; and the Santa’s Helpers at Chick-fil-A who eagerly exalt the love of Jesus by providing meals to the children and families in attendance.

   “They’re just incredible, I can’t say enough. They are enthusiastic and go out of their way just to help us.”

   Goodall is uplifted by the union of our community to continue the Shop with a Trooper program. Giving and receiving, making spirits bright, Christ entering to bless these little Christmas cherubs. He still needs our help as the sheer volume of children makes Shop with a Trooper increasingly hard to sustain. If you would like to give, send checks to: Kentucky State Police Shop with a Trooper: 5975 U.S. 60, Ashland, KY 41102

   For more information, call KSP Trooper Shane Goodall at 606.694.5648. Leave a voicemail with your name and phone number if no answer.

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon 

   On December 13, 2022, Charles Russell Elementary School will be hosting a Christmas carnival that will be FREE for all students and their families. The Christmas carnival will begin at 4:30 p.m. and last until 6 p.m. Kerry Bocook, principal of Charles Russell Elementary School shared with the Beacon, “Our staff is hard at work transforming our school into a festive Christmas atmosphere. We have district employees and staff family members volunteering to make our carnival a success. We will also have several students from Ashland Paul Blazer High school to run the games and activities.”

   Bocook went on to share that during the Christmas carnival they will offer various activities for everyone to participate in. Among the scheduled activities will be STEM activities, games, photo booth, Christmas cake walk, ornament crafts, Christmas trivia, decorating with Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate with the Polar Express Train Conductor, and you can even have punch with everyone’s favorite Christmas character… THE GRINCH! In addition to all these amazing activities, Charles Russell will also feature a parent education room with useful tips on how to budget for the holidays, as well as sharing family-friendly Christmas recipes.  

   “This will be held in conjunction with our 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant that funds our after-school program. We have had several donations from community partners such as, Members Choice Credit Union, Tomcat Brewhouse, Ashland Credit Union, Kroger, Tim Hortons on Winchester Ave, Great American Cookies, Middough, The Mill, and Reynald Christy to sponsor our event,” noted Bocook.  Prior to becoming the principal, Bocook served as a teacher at Charles Russell Elementary School. “This is my second year as principal of Charles Russell. It has been wonderful to be able to open our doors back up to our families and community after the last few years of Covid restrictions. This has been a big year for our school with the installation of a new playground and kicking off our 21 CCLC after-school program. Over 40% of our students take advantage of this daily program that provides homework help, additional academic support and intervention, as well as offering a variety of enrichment activities, such as character building, Kindness Club, Lego Club, yoga, art, and STEM,” stated Bocook.

   Big things are certainly happening at Charles Russell Elementary School. With the school having such a dedicated group of teachers and staff, as well as a community’s support behind them, how could they not continue to do great things? One thing is for sure… everything they do at Charles Russell Elementary School is always with the students’ best interest at the forefront. Heading into the near year, Bocook stated, “We are looking forward to celebrating our students as they grow. We are planning to host more programs and events to share with our families, build our after-school program, add to our playground, and continue to make Charles Russell a great place to learn, grow, and be loved.”