A Trip of a Lifetime

Boyd County Sheriff’s Department Helps School Safety Patrols Experience History

Grace Phillips

Ashland Beacon

Everyone who drops a child off at an elementary school has seen them…safety patrol students. These students are there to assist with getting the other students safely into the school. They don’t direct traffic; their job is to direct students.

For many years, the Ashland Independent School District has had safety patrols in every school. At the end of the year, the students are rewarded for their hard work and dedication with the trip of a lifetime. Sadly, the students in many area schools were not awarded this opportunity… until now.

Thanks to Boyd County Sheriff Jamie Reihs and Deputy William Rudie, safety patrols in Boyd County and Russell will be able to participate in a trip to Williamsburg, Virginia this year.

Sheriff Reihs said he remembered taking the safety patrol trip to Washington, D.C. when he was in school. “I don’t remember it all, but I remember bits and pieces of it because of the history and the meaning behind it.” He continued, “When I first came into office, I talked with Bill Rudie, one of my school resource officers, and Lisha Branham that had taken over at Catlettsburg. I told them we needed to try to put together our safety patrol here in Boyd County, so they get to have that same experience.”

Sheriff Reihs said they no longer go to Washington, D.C. but are going to Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia. It is still an amazing learning experience for them. The students learn so much while serving on the safety patrol.

To be chosen for the safety patrol, a student must have good grades, be responsible, be a good leader and make good choices. Reihs continued, “Being a part of the safety patrol helps them to learn responsibility and be good role models for the other students to look up to. The trip at the end of the school year will give them something to look forward to and serve as a reward for the jobs they have done during the year.”

Each member of the patrol has a job to do and it varies by school due to the diversity of the locations in Boyd County. “In some schools, they assist with opening the car doors while in others they may direct them from the sidewalk and open doors to the school building.” 

Deputy Rudie and Sheriff Reihs have also invited Russell schools to participate in the program.

There are approximately 64 students at this time who are registered to go to Williamsburg in April. The cost of a venture such as this is phenomenal and include: transportation by charter buses, hotel, food, admission to the venues and other miscellaneous costs. “It is our goal to raise enough money to cover the bus and hotel costs for every student going. Of course, the ultimate goal would be if we could cover the entire cost for them.” He continued with a chuckle, “We got started late with our fundraising, so we are asking for an absolute miracle but it would be nice.” According to Reihs, Lisha Branham at Catlettsburg has been able to raise enough funds to totally cover the cost for the students there. He said the main reason is there is a smaller number of students at Catlettsburg as compared to Summit and Cannonsburg. Even though her students are covered, she is not resting. Branham is now helping raise funds for the other schools.

Each school will be holding different types of fundraisers in the coming months to help offset the cost for their patrol members. Sheriff, Reihs said they have set a big goal of $50,000 to raise. “Individuals and businesses have been so responsive to our requests for donations, but we still have a long way to go.” He went on to say that no donation is too small; they will be thankful for any amount even if it is one dollar.

When I heard the figure $50,000, I too felt like it would be a miracle to raise this amount in the next few months. The economy is tight, and there aren’t many people who could donate $100 or more. I decided to run some math and was amazed at how simple this would be in reality. If just 2,500 people—individuals, doctors, lawyers, insurance agents, small-business owners, etc. would donate $20…JUST $20…their goal of $50,000 would be met in no time and give these young people the experience of a lifetime. Let’s flood the sheriff’s office with $20 bills and make this a reality.

If you would like to donate to the safety patrol trip, you can bring it by the sheriff’s office in Catlettsburg, call them and they will make arrangements to pick up the donations or you can mail it to the sheriff’s office. The Boyd County Sheriff’s Office is located at 2900 Louisa Street, Catlettsburg.  Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 558, Catlettsburg, Kentucky 41129 or phone number 606.739.5135. The Boyd County Safety Patrol program is a 501c3 organization, and all donations are tax-deductible. 

Women, Wine and Jewels Comes Back January 22

Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

                Helping women further their education at Ashland Community and Technical College is the purpose behind Women, Wine, Jewels and More on January 22.

                Money raised from the event helps fund an endowment that currently has about $60,000 for scholarships, according to Norma Meek, one of the founders of the program, which is coming up on its fifth year. The goal is to reach $100,000 in five years.
                “I’ve been in education nearly all of my life,” she said, “and I had an idea that we need to support women going back to school.” She noted that the scholarship is open to women of all ages pursuing higher education at ACTC. “I work closely with Brooke Seasor at ACTC in planning this.” Seasor is Director of Resource Development at ACTC.

                “It’s a social event, people can mingle and catch up. I’ve heard people say they see people that they haven’t seen in years,” Meek declared. The event is open to women in the Tri-State area, and tickets are $50.

                She explained that the event includes hors d’oeuvres and wine, and after the mingling portion, those attending can bid on auction items include jewelry, purses, and more. The committee is also planning entertainment this year.

                “It’s open to women of all ages and endeavors,” Meek said, “but we wanted a way to include men, so in the second year, we started A Jewel of a Guy. They can support women’s education, they just can’t come to the party, or eat the food; they can donate $100 for the cause.”

                In the third year, Meek explained that another option was added for businesses to the support the endowment, A Gem of a Business. “For a $250 donation, any small business can become A Gem of a Business, and we’ll recognize all of these donors this year.”

                This year’s event will be held at The Mill on Winchester Avenue. “In the past, we held it at Corby’s (Corby Stull) the Jockey, but after it closed, we needed a new location. We’ve been told that the work in front of The Mill will be finished by then,” Meek continued. “If not, we are working on maybe setting up shuttle service from the parking garage or the lot next to the Paramount.”

                “The committee really does a great job, and people really loved the auction,” she said. “Besides the jewelry and purses, we have cakes, and this year Travis Williams has created a piece for us.” Williams is a well-known local wood working artist.

                Meek said the committee is working to increase ticket sales this year, adding that the event has drawn 150-200 in the past. “We have awarded six scholarships so far, and will give more. We really want this to be a long-lasting endeavor.”

                She praised the committee for its dedication to the endowment. “I can’t say enough about Brooke Seasor. We really have formed a close kinship.”

                Other committee members include Mayola Boykin, Holly Canfield, Amanda Clark, Brandy Clark, Terri Branham-Clark, Lori Cooksey, Cheri Daniel, Missy Fannin, Sheila Fraley, Donna Jones, Julie Klein, Ashley Layman, Jane Layman, Alice Martin, Kim McCann, Willie McCullough, Leslee McLeod, Ann Perkins, April Perry, Samantha Prince, Brooke Elswick-Robinson, Louise Shytle, Kerry Tague, Mae Deane Torgrimson, Heather Vanderen, and Robin Webb.

                This year’s Women, Wine, Jewels and More will be held Monday, January 22, from 5:30-7:30, at The Mill. To get tickets, call or stop by ACTC off 13^th Street, or check the Women, Wine, Jewels and More Facebook page.

                “Come on out to eat, meet up and support women,” Meek encouraged.

Best Friends and the Best Fabric: New Quilt Shop Opens In Ashland

Gwen Akers

The Ashland Beacon

With some new sashing and a bit of stitchwork, formerly known as Penny’s Quilts, an Ashland Quilting staple has been purchased by a new fabric shop: Best Friends Fabric and more.

“I've always wanted to own a shop of some sort, and then I've been quilting for about 25 years, maybe a little longer,” explained Tara Koppenhaver, owner of Best Friends Fabric. “It's mainly focused on quilting, but [with] the fabric and things that we have you could make anything with it.”

Koppenhaver has always wanted to own a shop of her own, and was ready to take a step into the creative world, so when she heard from her friend Mary Hickey that the owner of Penny’s Quilts was wanting to retire, she knew that this was the move for her.

“I used to sew there also, and buy material from her [Penny], and they just mentioned, I think it was her daughter in law, Jennifer, [who] said that they were thinking of retiring. I said, ‘Well, I just happen to know somebody who said they were looking for a quilt shop!’” explained Mary Hickey, who has been a local of the shop for many years and has been quilting for around 30 years.

Hickey met Koppenhaver through a quilting guild, and has since been very involved at the store. From here, Koppenhaver bought the store and now is ready to put her own spin on things.

“It's very freeing from [the] corporate world. It's creative. I get to meet and talk to so many neat people, and of course see their artistry as well as show off things [projects] that our customers and we have done in the shop,” detailed Koppenhaver.

Currently, the shop hosts sewing groups throughout the week, while also providing a haven for quilters of any level. Featuring name brand fabric from Moda, Lori Holt and Riley Blake, quilters can enjoy beautiful fabrics year-round. The shop also plans to host several different kinds of classes, including their staple quilters 101 class (for beginning quilters), quilt block classes and even project classes that go beyond just quilting or are completely different entirely–including card making and zippered bags. Classes will be held on Saturdays, and for now, information can be found about them on the Best Friends Fabric and More Facebook page.

“Tara  is so awesome. She's just a really super nice lady. She's very relaxed and enjoys what she's doing. I've really loved Penny's shop, but I'd tell you I have to say I really love this even more because there's so much more to come and look at. Every time I come there, there's something new and that makes it a lot of fun,” detailed Hickey.

In the future, the shop hopes to expand into offering scissor sharpening services, sewing machine repair, and even in-house long arm quilting services (which are currently offered, just not in house).

“We want to be able to give back to the community, so we’ve [also] applied for Quilts of Valor to be a Quilts of Valor shop,” commented Koppenhaver.

Truly, the shop hopes to serve the community and give back to the community in everything that they do.

The shop is working on a website, but for now you can keep up with Best Friends Fabric and More on their Facebook page, or email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Happy quilting!

Embarking On Your Fitness Journey

A Guide to Finding Your Ideal Gym

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

Starting your fitness journey toward a healthier lifestyle can be both exhilarating and overwhelming in a world bustling with fitness trends, which seem to be coming at you from all angles especially this time of year. Finding that perfect place that aligns with your unique needs is often the first crucial step to beginning one’s fitness journey. When choosing a gym it is recommended that you know your end goal. For example: if your goal is to gain muscle and bulk up, you may want to consider a gym that offers training in the proper and safe way to do so. Different gyms cater to specific objectives, so realizing what your end goals are will only help to guide you in the right direction. Check out this list of some of the area’s most popular gyms.

Anytime Fitness

372 Diedrich Blvd,

Ashland, Ky 41101

606.326.0033

Anytime Fitness is a 24-hour gym that has a lot to offer. From its always evolving fitness equipment to its highly trained coaches, you are sure to feel right at home.

Ashland Area YMCA

3232 Megan Neyer Way

Ashland, Ky 41102

606.324.6191

The Ashland Area YMCA is your one-stop-shop for all things health and fitness related. At the Ashland Area YMCA, you can enjoy the cardio room, weight room and over 50 fitness classes that are offered every week which is all included in the cost of membership. You can also upgrade your membership to include access to the men’s and women’s fitness centers where you will find top of the line equipment, sauna, steam room, and whirlpools. Be sure to check out the Ashland Area YMCA’s newest circuit training room.

The Basement

1510 Winchester Avenue

Ashland, Ky 41101

740.479.0030

The Basement is Ashland’s latest hot spot. You are sure to feel right at home in this women’s only adult gym featuring all new equipment, fitness classes and highly trained trainers.

Elite Fitness

5850 US-60 Suite 1A

Ashland, Ky 41102

606.531.1351

Elite Fitness is a 24-hour gym conveniently located in the heart of Boyd County. This gym has a lot to offer from top-of-the-line equipment to services specifically catered to your needs such as personal training, various Cryo treatments, IV hydration, vitamin injections, weight loss, compression therapy and so much more.

Fitness World

900 Cherokee Road

Raceland, Ky 41169

606.836.0808

Fitness World has vast array of fitness equipment that will have you looking and feeling your best in no time. From fitness classes to personal trainers and nutrition coaches, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Fitness World.

The Gym

7707 US Route 60

Ashland, Ky 41102

606.928.3364

The Gym is a gym like no other. It is owned by women and created for women. You will find state of the art exercise equipment and some of the area’s most sought after personal trainers and fitness classes.

IronHeads Gym (Ashland Location)

1301 Winchester Avenue

Ashland Ky, 41101

606.326.0427

IronHeads Gym (Flatwoods Location)

1513 Argillite Road

Flatwoods, Ky 41139

606.388.4070

At IronHeads Gym, you will find all the tools you need to accomplish those New Year’s resolutions and a top-notch staff ready help you reach those goals.

Planet Fitness

711 12^th St

Suite 160

Ashland, Ky 41101

606.393.6656

Planet Fitness prides itself on creating a workout environment where everyone feels accepted and respected. You will find the latest and greatest in workout equipment, personal trainers, and fitness classes to suit all of your fitness needs. Unique to Planet Fitness is their ability to offer massage chairs, hydro massage, and tanning beds for one incredibly low price.

Remember that no two people’s fitness journeys are exactly the same. Your fitness journey is unique to you. Finding a gym that resonates with your goals, preferences, and lifestyle is the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant you.