First Gobo Con Features Games and Creators

Charles Romans

The Ashland Beacon

Goblin Con will be the first foray into a convention event by the owners of the popular game store, Goblin Traders in Ironton, Ohio. Owners Aaron and Amy Dillon said that April 2024 will mark eight years they have welcomed customers for tabletop and card gaming, and public response has been overwhelming. “We carry a wide array of products,” Owner Aaron Dillon said. “But we focus a lot on the tabletop and trading card games.”

“Our most popular games are Magic the Gathering and Pokémon,” Dillon said. “And on the tabletop side, we do a lot with RPG’s like Dungeons & Dragons and wargames like Warhammer 40K and BattleTech which are futuristic-style wargames.” Fans of other games in both genres also enjoy games like Vampire: The Masquerade and others and can enjoy weekly games played at the store. Dillon said Friday nights are Magic the Gathering, and on Saturdays, there is a steady Warhammer group as well as a group that plays the Disney card game Lorcana. Sundays are usually Digimon and Pokémon. “Then, throughout the week we have a group show up for different tabletop RPG’s like Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder, and Vampire: The Masquerade.”

The consistent and widespread interest in tabletop RPG’s is what inspired the idea for the Gobo Con convention. “It’s been great,” Dillon said. “We try to offer anything that people are interested in playing. That’s what gave us the idea for Gobo Con because myself and a lot of the employees were looking around on a Saturday and realized we had five different groups playing five different games. We thought maybe we should rent out a place bigger than our storefront and offer all these things at one time.”

The convention idea spiraled from there, Dillon said, and they began discussing bringing in other vendors and creators. This led to securing a spot at the Boyd County Convention and Art Center on US 60 in Boyd County. Dillon said that in the future the event might grow into multiple days, but for their inaugural convention, they chose to set it up for a single day, Saturday, March 16. The convention will include a tournament for Warhammer 40K, the same for all the card games Goblin Traders hosted weekly (Magic the Gathering, Pokémon, Digimon, Lorcana, etc.), as well as tables set up for open gaming.

“We also have met a lot of local board game designers,” Dillon said. “They will be coming to demo and showcase their games.  I know of one creator who has recently had their game come out in production, and they will have it there for sale at Gobo Con.” Dillon said that Gobo Con would be an excellent opportunity for people who might be interested in gaming to get out and watch the games in action to help them decide which games they might want to try.  

The event will feature around 30 vendors, Dillon said. Vendors will also be on hand from other comic book stores, artists (as well as ‘reimagining’ digital artists rendering new takes on established characters), creators, etc., with some coming from as far away as Tennessee. Two of the artists appearing at Gobo Con – Joe Slucher and Rope Arrow – have art used by Wizards of the Coast in the Magic the Gathering game. There will also be a Star Wars LARP group (Live Action Role Play) that will be doing Lightsaber duels and Lightsaber training.

Dillon said that Goblin Traders is very active on Facebook, and they have set up a Facebook page specifically for Gobo Con as well. There are links to their website, advance registrations and updates available.

Just One Word:  Deserve

Lora Parsons

The Ashland Beacon

Most word processing programs provide writers with a way to click a word to find its meaning and synonyms.  When I do that with “deserve,” I find: “to do something or have or show qualities worthy of reward or punishment.” Qualities worthy of reward or punishment…I’ve been letting that phrase sink in alongside the sinking in that’s been happening for months now about the word the phrase defines.

If we deserve something, we’ve done something to earn it. We’ve achieved a certain level of success so that we get what’s rightfully coming to us. When we work hard, we deserve a break. When we put time into exercising, we deserve to see results in the form of clothes fitting better or muscles toning up. When we study for a big test, we deserve to get a good grade. And, when things don’t work out that way, we don’t understand why we’re being short-changed. We deserve good things to happen when we do good things! On the flip side, though, when we don’t do good, we don’t deserve good things. If we don’t help bake the cake, we don’t deserve to eat. If we procrastinate on a due date, we deserve to be cramming at the last minute to try to get a good grade. We’re also conditioned to think that when we do bad things, we get bad things. How many times have we heard or said, “You get what you deserve?” Either way. Good or bad.

And, that’s largely true in life.  We wouldn’t keep saying it if there wasn’t some element of truth to it.  But, I’m finding myself lately trying to squeeze out another thought from this word. The prefix de- means “removal” or “reversal,” while the root word “serve” means “to perform for” or “to give help to.”  Another way of looking at these internal meanings in the word is that the first part in a sense means “to take” while the second part means “to give.”  The word parts contradict one another. This word, then, turns on its end the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. In this case, the whole tears itself apart in regard to meaning. The word implodes around itself when you break it down and try to put it back together. Deserve. To take-give.

When I look at this word in terms of my relationship with Jesus, I find that a word like take-give, as contradictory as it seems, is the only kind of word that makes any sense. After all, that’s what He did for me, right? For us? He took and gave, both at once. His death, burial, and resurrection took away my sin, my guilt, my shame, and gave me in place of those: life, an eternity in Heaven, forgiveness. He took away all that I deserved and replaced it with nothing that I earned. And, if that was where we stopped in looking at this word, that would be more than enough to give pause for celebration. But, I feel like there’s something else trying to crack its way out of this word…depending on how it's pronounced.

Of course, the correct pronunciation means saying the word with a Z sound in place of the S, but there’s an even more important message for us when we pronounce the S as an S. Not de-zerve, but rather de-serve.  The usual pronunciation means focusing on what I get or don’t get; that’s its definition. It turns the crux of the meaning toward me. If it’s pronounced de-serve, then someone else is at the center. It turns me away from myself, away from what I should or shouldn’t get. When I’m less focused on me, I can be more otherly focused, turning my attention either toward Jesus and how to follow Him more completely or on others and what I can do for them. I’m less focused on me and more fixed on others.

In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus instructs us about the importance of serving others: I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, in prison…and you met my need, whatever it was. The basics of our physical existence are covered in the needs mentioned here: food, shelter, and clothing. And, the basic elements that give us the ability to move about and live are covered: health and the freedom to make choices for ourselves. The elements of a desirable life are all fanned before us in looking at the needs that have been met according to this verse. The writer then goes on to say that when we reach toward others in any of these ways, it’s as though we acted directly toward our Heavenly Father. When we give someone a drink and help them quench their physical thirst, we simultaneously satisfy God’s desire for us to serve one another. When we give a winter coat to someone who doesn’t have one, we simultaneously warm the heart of God who wants His children to share freely with those who have needs. When we visit the imprisoned--those in physical cells or those trapped in figurative chains--we help break down barriers between ourselves and others while simultaneously opening up a pathway that may allow us to lead them to Him. When we serve others in any way, we also serve the Father. In not serving ourselves--in de-serving ourselves--we directly serve Jesus. When we give, we receive; we’re taught that very clearly in scripture. God’s law is the opposite of man’s, so a word like take-give, de-serve, teaches us how to live in such a way that points others toward Heaven. When I’m tempted to think about what I de-zerve in a situation, my prayer lately has been that I shift my focus to ask how I can, instead, de-serve myself. How can I give so that others can take away a piece of Jesus? Jesus de-served Himself through a death He hadn’t earned; it’s my turn to ask how I can de-serve myself to better share Him with the world around me. It’s time to forget about what I de-zerve myself and focus on how I can de-serve myself more effectively. One little letter sound makes all the difference in this month’s “Just One Word.”

Hop into Spring and Support Small Businesses

Ellen Keaton

Ashland Beacon

Longer days, robins in the yard and daffodils peeking through the ground are signs that spring is just around the corner. When I see daffodils, it takes me back to my childhood days when cousins would gather at my grandmother’s to color Easter eggs. She loved flowers, and the long walkway to her house was lined with bright yellow daffodils each year. The Easter eggs would always be hidden in those daffodils for us to find. Easter is early this year, March 31, and there are a number of upcoming events in the area to find that perfect decoration or enjoy a fun event with your family.

First up is the 2024 Spring Vendor/Craft Showcase at El Hasa Shrine organized by Kimberly Green. Kimberly is the small-business owner of Kimskreations Boutique, LLC. This is the first of four events she will host this year. “I try to make each one better than the last. Giving back to my community and special organizations are dear to my heart,” shared Green. In the past, she has donated to Hopes Place, Shriners Children's Hospital and Wildwood Church of God.

This year’s Spring Craft Show will be held at El Hasa Shrine building March 16 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. A special pancake breakfast with the Easter Bunny and egg hunt has been added to the event this year. “We have over 80 vendors inside and out that will be there. There is no admission to shop from our vendors. There will be a five-dollar charge for the pancake breakfast and egg hunt. We also have various items up for raffle, and all raffle proceeds will be donated to Wildwood Church of God for the 2024 Guatemala Mission Trip.” She went on to explain, “Various church members going will build a home for a family. There will also be time for teaching the word of God, worship and fellowship with everyone.”

March 23 offers two opportunities for fun and shopping. The 2024 Spring Vendor Craft Showcase is a unique shopping experience and a fundraiser to support the Ashland High School Softball Team and their upcoming season. This show is organized by Twyla Agee. Proceeds go directly toward equipment, uniforms, concession stand supplies and the expense of game play in Myrtle Beach, SC over spring break. 

The showcase is being held Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Ashland Blazer High School.  Admission is free, and there is plenty of parking for shoppers.  The first 50 shoppers will receive a free shopping bag filled with coupons and donations from some of our amazing local businesses!

According to Agee, “We have a wide variety with over 65 vendors, crafters, small businesses and local food trucks.  Some familiar names are M&J Rolling Cafe, Hillbilly Hibachi, Scentsy, LipSense, JustASmallTownGirlTees, Brown Landscaping and Bubbles N Sweets.  Also, England Enterprises is providing a large inflatable which is free for kids.”

If you have any questions, reach out to host Twyla Agee at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Just a short trip down Route 60 is the next stop for the day. Boyd County Community and Economic Development is teaming up with Camp Landing Entertainment District to bring you the first annual Bunny Hop Saturday, March 23 from 1-3 p.m.

Bring your children, and hop from table to table to get fun treats from local businesses. Easter baskets are being donated by participating businesses for door prizes. The drawings will be at 3 p.m., and you must be present to win. The Easter Bunny will be available from 3:30-5:30 p.m. to take your own photos.

The Bunny Hop will be held indoors and line up will begin between Cowboys & Angels and Candy Landing.

Local businesses are invited to join in the fun. There is no charge to set up a table; however, all businesses are required to provide at least one Easter basket door prize valued at $25 or more for the door prizes. Tables must be reserved by March 9.  Boyd County Community Development Director, Kacy Abrams stated, “I would love to have at least 30 business tables to join in the fun.” They are approaching that number at this time, so please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to reserve a table.

“We are looking forward to seeing everyone, and we’re excited to have an opportunity to organize fun events for our community. Thank you to Camp Landing for joining forces with us and making this a success!” replied Abrams. Get your calendars, mark the dates, grab your best spring bonnet and hop on out to these fun events.

Beyond the Megaphone: Hunter Scott’s Journey Through the World of Cheer

 Kathy Clayton

 The Ashland Beacon

Anyone involved in cheerleading in this area is familiar with the friendly face of Hunter Scott. From his days of cheering on the Russell Red Devils to his current stint on the sidelines with legendary Greenup County cheer coach Candy Berry, Hunter has been a part of the local cheer scene for many years. In the world of cheerleading, few names command as much respect and admiration as Hunter Scott.

Hunter recalled, “My cousin, Sharon Fannin cheered at Greenup County, and I would sometimes watch. I remember going to the Kings Island competition (a major event for local teams) and watching them, and that’s when I knew I wanted to do that.”

With a career spanning over two decades, Scott has become synonymous with excellence, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the sport of cheer.  From his humble beginnings taking tumbling classes at the June Conn Dance Studio to winning multiple white satin jackets, Scott’s journey through the ever-evolving world of cheer serves as an inspiration to aspiring cheerleaders both new and far.

Scott's remarkable journey to the top is marked by numerous achievements and milestones. As a competitive cheerleader, Scott has led his teams to victory in prestigious championships, showcasing his unparalleled skill, athleticism, and commitment to excellence. His list of achievements is quite impressive and includes being a 2009 National Champion, 2009- Worlds fifth place finished with KY Elite, 2009- KHSAA State Runner Up for RHS, 2010 UCA National Runner Up, 2010 World Champion for the KY Elite, 2010- UCA National runner up, 2011- fifth place finish for Gym Tyme, and a USASF three-time Worlds competitor. His performances on the mat were nothing short of legendary, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and competitors alike.

Many people don’t realize cheerleading is an intensely physical sport. Those involved in it have the dedication and ferocity often attributed to other sports. “It really requires a lot of work. I had a lot of tumbling classes and private lessons – lots and lots of hours spent practicing,” Scott shared.

“I spent five years as a cheerleading athlete at Russell; I started cheering at Kentucky Elite in Lexington my sophomore year of high school,” Scott shared. He went to the cheer and tumbling competition group, Kentucky Elite, in Lexington for three or so years. “I’d drive to Lexington after games on Friday and stay with an aunt and uncle who lived there then come back Sunday nights. I ended up quitting high school cheering during basketball of my senior year.” It was also during his senior year that his squad won a world championship with Kentucky Elite.

Beyond his accomplishments as an athlete, Scott's impact on the world of cheerleading extends far beyond the competition floor. As a coach, mentor, and advocate for the sport, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of cheerleaders, instilling in them the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. Hunter teaches tumbling at Pride Athletics near Greenup County High School and helps the legendary Candy Berry with the multiple award-winning GCHS cheerleaders. “I’ve coached cheer and tumbling. I’ve coached a lot at this point,” Scott said. In 2015, Scott helped coach the Boyd County High School cheer team to a regional championship.

He noted that Pride Athletics Studio has schools from all over the area – as far as Pikeville and Elliott County, as well as Ohio. “We (the Greenup Count cheer squad) just got back from winning nationals in Florida this year,” he said. “We had a heartbreaking loss last year, so winning this year was even better.” In 2023, Greenup County came in first at the World Championship and second at the Nationals.

Hunter said he is enjoying the teaching aspect of his career. “I love seeing them gain new skills. It’s almost more rewarding watching them acquire new skills and win awards than it was for me,” explained Scott. Whether he is coaching aspiring athletes, or simply spreading joy and positivity, Scott's legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.