How One Woman Is Bringing Adventure and Empowerment to Eastern Kentucky Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon   Somewhere between a forest trail at sunrise and a yoga mat rolled out under open sky, a movement is growing—and it’s led by women who aren’t waiting for permission to explore. Women Who Explore is part adventure club, part sisterhood, and all about stepping outside your comfort zone. And in Eastern Kentucky, that movement has found an energetic new leader in Karen Pierza

Making the Right Move How Chess Changed Lunch at Greenup County High Courtesy of Greenup County Schools The Ashland Beacon   A surprising trend has taken over Greenup County High School during lunchtime this week, drawing crowds of students for an unexpected reason: a chess tournament. While many might assume students would spend their free time on their phones, the school library has instead become the center of excitement, competition, and connection. This lunchtime che

Restoring the Community with Caring Hands Community Cleanup Day with Advocates for Appalachia Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon   When taking a winter drive through the Appalachia region, one may see open rolling hills clustered with barren tree lines and frost-covered pines, inviting us to gaze upon its glory. Snuggled in the hills are the cities and communities that make the mountains and foothills their home. Ashland, Kentucky, boasts one of the most colorful and diver

A Season of Giving and Encouragement Christmas with the Brothers Forgiven Ministry Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon              Every year millions of people fill stores throughout the world in search of gifts and souvenirs to presents to loved ones in exchange for the holidays. Where we find ourselves tethered to a sofa listening to relatives pass stories of their childhood, others may not be so fortunate as to have the same Christmas celebration available to them. Pres

In Recognition of Great Accomplishment Heather Moore-Frame Invited to the Kentucky Academic Standard Revision Team Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon             As we move into the new year, many begin taking account of where they are and what they may have accomplished for the last 12 months. Each year a many set a goal for themselves and work towards that goal with the intent of surpassing their expectations. With each new year come the occurrences and highlights that w

Ashland Town Center Serving the Community With Joann Building Space Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon   In a move that underscores the growing importance of local entrepreneurship, the Ashland Town Center opened its doors to a thriving array of small businesses this season, offering dedicated space for crafters and artisans across the tristate area. The goal is simple but powerful: give local creators a bigger stage to reach more customers, while giving shoppers a chance

When Love Runs the Distance Tim Holmes The Ashland Beacon The quote,  “Life is like a marathon, not a sprint,”  popularized by Dr. Phil (Phillip C. McGraw), is a simple yet true statement with an array of rich implications—emphasizing endurance, pacing, long-term vision, and perseverance. Fifty-four-year-old Scott Balengee and his wife, Angie, of Catlettsburg had reached a point in life where they were running short of options with Scott’s health concerns. In spite of year

Decking the Halls, Grinch-Style The Hall’s  “Grinchmas” Tradition Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon It all started innocently enough, as many Christmas traditions do—with a simple desire for a little extra holiday cheer. Sarah Hall, a self-professed Christmas enthusiast, has always been a Christmas enthusiast and looked forward to breaking out the decorations with each passing year. One might say that Sarah was eager to deck the halls of her home in every way imaginable. The t

Ashland’s Annual Festival of Nativities Opens This December with Expansive 700-Piece Exhibit Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon   In a sunlit room at Ashland Grace Nazarene Church, something magical has taken root. What began as a seed of an idea after a trip to a Festival of Nativities in Charleston, West Virginia, has blossomed into a beloved December tradition that now showcases more than 700 nativity sets from around the world. The festival, born from the vision of tw

Greenup County Christmas Fun A Holiday Set List That’s Sure to Bring the Merry Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon   Christmas is just around the corner, and the excitement awaits as we enter the season of joy. Something special fills the air each year as millions of people partake in the holiday cheer. From ice rinks to farmers markets, each year we find ourselves drifting from festivals to inspired Christmas events as we look to continue with the honored traditions handed

Small Fries, Big Smiles Downtown Boutique Brings Holiday Magic for Moms and Tots Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon There’s something special about downtown Ashland at Christmastime—the glow of the lights, the excitement in the air, and now, a brand-new shopping destination that promises to make holiday gifting easier and sweeter than ever. Just in time for the busiest shopping season of the year, Small Fries children’s boutique has officially opened its doors inside th

A Family Affair in Fashion Ashland’s Beloved Zella Rose Boutique Tim Holmes The Ashland Beacon If a boutique could tell a story, Zella Rose Boutique would sing like a Southern ballad—full of charm, heritage, and heart. Named after two remarkable women, Zella and Rose, the grandmothers who helped shape the life of their granddaughter Kelly Elkins, this beloved Ashland business carries more than fashion inside its walls—it carries legacy. For nearly twenty years, Zella Rose

Shop Local, Live Local How Our Small Businesses Build the Heart of Our City Tim Holmes The Ashland Beacon Have you ever wondered how ordering a plate of wings in your favorite pub could help preserve our city’s history? It may sound simple—even surprising—but the truth is that every time we choose to support a local business, we’re doing far more than making a purchase. We’re strengthening families, fueling dreams, reviving traditions, and helping shape the future of Ashl

Christmas Cheer Awaits at Morning Pointe’s Magical Mistletoe Market Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon   There’s something unmistakably heartwarming about the arrival of Christmastime—the twinkling lights, the scent of pine, and the joyful energy that settles over homes and towns alike. As wreaths are hung on doors and glittering ornaments take their place on trees, the holiday spirit begins to glow brighter with every passing day. And with that glow comes one of the seaso

Holiday Style, Wrapped with a Bow Step Into the Season at Ady & Aves Boutique Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon   With November comes crisp air, twinkling lights, and the official kickoff to the holiday season. Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s all fill the calendar with festive celebrations we’ve come to love. Families gather, communities host cheerful events, and the excitement of holiday parties and winter festivities fills the air. And with th

Stroll, Shop, and Celebrate Thanksgiving Night Comes Alive in Downtown Russell! Charles Romans The Ashland Beacon   The City of Russell, Kentucky, is ready to keep the Thanksgiving magic going long after the last bite of pumpkin pie. Once the parade wraps up and dinner plates are cleared, the fun doesn’t have to end—because Downtown Russell is swinging open its doors for an evening of festive cheer, extended shopping hours, and community celebration. It’s the perfect way t

Sweet Sips, Local Trips The Magic of the Hot Cocoa Crawl Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon If your idea of holiday cheer involves cozy mugs, twinkling lights, and a whole lot of chocolatey goodness, then mark your calendar—because the Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has whipped up a festive adventure that’s part shop-local celebration, part sugar-fueled spectacle, and entirely irresistible. The annual Hot Cocoa Crawl, timed perfectly with Small Business Saturday, invit

Blazer High School Launches JAG Program Opening New Doors for Students’ Futures Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon   The energy inside Blazer High School could be felt the moment the doors opened. A sense of possibility—real, powerful possibility—filled the room as students, educators, and community leaders gathered to celebrate something destined to change lives. For many in attendance, this wasn’t just the start of another school initiative. It was the beginning of a movement

A Winter Wonderland Comes to Life The 41st Festival of Trees & Trains Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon   The Paramount Arts Center once again opens its doors to a season of glow, whimsy, and communal generosity as it hosts the beloved Festival of Trees & Trains. This holiday showcase has transformed the city’s historic theater into a living postcard of twinkling lights, towering evergreens, and toy-train magic—an experience that enchants guests of all ages. This year

Winter Market in Greenup Charles Romans The Ashland Beacon   Beginning on November 21, 2025, and running through November 23, Imel’s Greenhouse in Greenup, Kentucky will be hosting a new event called Imel’s Winter Market. The greenhouse has been host to many events over the years including the annual Farm 2 Table event, the largest in the state of Kentucky, and owner Kenny Imel said that the Winter Market is the latest in a series of events designed to bring the community