Rosie the Riveter How Women Changed the American Workforce Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon Rosie the Riveter is one of the most recognizable symbols of American history. With her rolled-up sleeves, polka-dot bandanna, and determined expression, Rosie represents the millions of American women who entered factories, shipyards, and other industrial workplaces during World War II. Although Rosie is often thought of as one specific woman, she was actually a cultural symbol cr

Getting Back in the Swing of Things Returning to School from an Awesome Summer Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon It’s that time of year again! The sun begins to turn that hazy-red hue, and the air becomes thick as the end of summer nears. Parents and children scramble for classroom supplies as lists are handed out informing us of what may be needed throughout the term. Last-minute shopping for clothing and backpacks fills stores throughout the Tri-State area while parents

The Way of the Goose A Gaggle of Design Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon While most depictions of geese are silly and carry an air of mischief and disruption, the fact is that a goose can also be caring and loyal, protecting its young by keeping them close and in line. From a very young age, geese learn to follow order and stick together in support of one another. They follow their mother around, watching and learning how to swim, fly, and forage for their meals. Geese

Spin It Back Celebrating National Vinyl Record Day Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon There’s something magical about putting a vinyl record on a turntable. You hear the familiar pop and crackle, watch the record spin, drop the needle, and suddenly you’re not just listening to music—you’re experiencing it. That’s exactly what National Vinyl Record Day is all about. Celebrated each year on August 12, National Vinyl Record Day is a chance for music lovers, collectors, and an

Turning a Passion for Paper into a Palace Lavenna Stambaugh The Ashland Beacon What began with a pre-owned Cricut machine, and a pile of ambition has quickly grown into a thriving creative venture for Nikki Boyer, owner of Ollie's Paper Palace. Launched in May, Ollie's Paper Palace is a handmade stationery business specializing in notepads, planners, to-do lists, bookmarks, stickers, and other paper goods. Every item is thoughtfully designed and assembled by Boyer, whose pas

Flatwoods, Kentucky Harvest & Scare Fest Hauntingly Good Times Await Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Spooky season is just around the corner, filled with delightful treats and the familiar cool autumn air that arrives each year. Pumpkin spice lattes will soon begin covering desks and countertops nationwide as we pull our sweaters and jackets out of the closet, dusting them off for another season. As we pass through stores, we'll begin to see the quintessential smiling p

Chip, Chip, Hooray! The Sweet History of America's Favorite Cookie Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon Every year on August 4, kitchens across the country are filled with the sweet aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies as bakers and dessert lovers celebrate National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. More than just another food holiday, this special day honors a timeless recipe that has become a symbol of comfort, family traditions, and homemade goodness. From after-school snack

Black Veil Botanica Wellness with Women in Mind Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Newspaper Caring for ourselves can be overlooked when the busy schedules that clutter our calendars become the focus of life. Most of us never think about taking time to heal or treating our bodies like the temples they are. As a result, we end up taking vacations from work only to return home feeling just as tired. The missing aspect of recharging and healing is typically right in front of

The Mad Sparkler Bringing the Magic of Sparkle and Bloom to the Tri-State Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon In a world that often moves too fast and takes itself far too seriously, finding moments of pure, unadulterated joy can feel like discovering a rare treasure. But in the heart of Ironton, Ohio, one local entrepreneur is on a mission to sprinkle a little magic, color, and heartfelt nostalgia into everyday life. Meet Kelli Prince, the vibrant creative force behind

The Vault Grooming Co. Brings BackOperation Sharp Start with Free Haircuts for Students Lavenna Stambaugh The Ashland Beacon The barber shop will host the back-to-school event Aug. 8 to help students look and feel their best for a successful school year. Preparing for a new school year can be exciting, but it can also place added financial pressure on families. The Vault Grooming Co. hopes to ease some of that burden while helping students start the school year with c

Tri-State Boxing Icon Receives Amateur Boxing's Highest Honor Charlie Hanshaw Inducted into National Golden Gloves Hall of Fame Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon For more than five decades, Charles E. "Charlie" Hanshaw has devoted his life to the sport of amateur boxing—not for fame or fortune, but for the love of the sport and the countless young lives he has helped shape along the way. That lifelong commitment was recognized on May 10, 2026, when Hanshaw was inducted int

Flatwoods Public Library Invites Community to 'Get Medieval' at 2026 LibraryCon Arts Show Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon What if traveling back in time were as simple as stepping through the doors of your local library? While time machines remain the stuff of science fiction, history has a way of coming alive through art, storytelling, and reenactments. This September, the Flatwoods Public Library will transport visitors to the Middle Ages during its 2026 LibraryCon

A Night of Mystery, Merriment, and Meaning Sandy’s Cares Hosts an Unforgettable Event Benefiting Habitat for Humanity Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon The stakes have never been higher at Sandy Ridge. Picture a glamorous summer evening where the Mint Juleps are flowing, smooth jazz fills the air, and guests gather at the exclusive Finish Line Club for a prestigious final race. The excitement is at its peak—until a shocking discovery changes everything. A crime has been com

Knuckleheads Barbershop to Host Second Annual Back-to-School Bash Lavenna Stambaugh The Ashland Beacon Knuckleheads Barbershop will host its second annual Back-to-School Bash on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Flatwoods City Park. The free community event will feature activities for children, free backpacks filled with school supplies for every student in attendance, and a fun afternoon designed to help families prepare for the upcoming school year. Own

New Markers Celebrate Stories of Courage, Freedom, and History Across the Tri-State Region Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon By preserving the past, the Appalachian Freedom Heritage Tourism Initiative is inviting visitors to walk the paths of those who fought for freedom. History came alive across the Tri-State Region yesterday as community leaders, historians, and residents gathered in Boyd County, Kentucky, to dedicate two new historical markers honoring the courage, de

Determination Drives Deerfield to the Collegiate Level Pamela Hall The Ashland Beacon Most high school athletes dream of having the opportunity to continue playing their sport at the collegiate level. For this year's Rose Hill Christian School graduate, Lakin Deerfield, that dream has become a reality. Deerfield, an accomplished tennis player, has committed to play for Asbury University in Wilmore, Kentucky, where she will begin both her academic and athletic career this

Ashland, Boyd-Catlettsburg Split State Tournament Games Lora Stewart The Ashland Beacon The Ashland 9-11 Little League All-Stars and Boyd-Catlettsburg 10U All-Stars experienced mixed results during Kentucky State Tournament action over the weekend, with both teams earning one victory. Boyd-Catlettsburg bounced back from a 14-4 opening-round loss to Hazard Perry by defeating South Warren 13-4. The All-Stars broke the game open with an eight-run second inning to build a comma

The Love Never Ends Why Bereaved Parents Awareness Month Matters Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon There are some dates a parent never forgets. A birthday that arrives with an empty chair at the table. A graduation that never comes. The first holiday after saying goodbye. A favorite song on the radio. A familiar laugh heard in another child's voice. For parents who have experienced the death of a child, these moments are not simply memories—they are reminders that love does

Riding in Aaron's Memory 606 Riders Continue a Meaningful Tradition Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Cruising around our Tri-State area by motorcycle is a life-changing experience as the wind and scenery blend together as if they were almost one. Open air, unrestrained movement, and closeness to the passing landscape are just a few of the unforgettable components of riding a bike. While traveling by car or other vehicles still provides passengers and drivers with beaut

Corrections And Community Boyd County Detention Center Hosts Annual Event Lisa Patrick The Ashland Beacon Once a year, the Boyd County Detention Center plans an event dedicated to its deputy jailers. It allows deputies to have fellowship and gives the community an opportunity to meet the jailers who are “always behind that wall,” according to Jailer Bill Hensley. County Attorney Curtis Dotson was one of the community members who attended because “these men and women deal