Highlands DO!Zeum Hosts Smithsonian Exhibit The Americans Gwen Akers The Ashland Beacon As America nears its 250th birthday, many of us are taking the time to think about what it means to be an “American.” The Highlands DO!zeum is asking us to think deeper and challenge what we know about the founding of America and the Native American people with their new travelling exhibit: “Americans.” After a rigorous application process, the Highlands was selected as one of only

Building Dreams from the Ground Up Milk & Honey Services Brings Quality, Craftsmanship, and Vision to the Tri-State Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon When homeowners need a contractor they can trust, they often look for three things: quality workmanship, reliability, and integrity. For Shawn Parsons, owner of Milk & Honey Services, those qualities aren't just part of the business model—they are the foundation upon which the company was built. The name "Milk & Honey Services

One Degree, Endless Possibilities James Muzic’s Bright Future Ahead Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon For James Landyn Muzic, this graduation season is about far more than earning a diploma — it’s about growth, resilience, family, and proving that hard work can transform dreams into reality. Even more special, while James celebrates earning his college degree this year, his younger twin brothers are also graduating high school, making this a once-in-a-lifetime season of cel

The Journey of an Eagle Fairview’s Zoe Grant and Hayden Webster Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Eagles symbolize vision, leadership, independence, and strength through their keen perception, fearless demeanor, and enduring power. Two soaring Eagles who demonstrate these qualities are Zoe Grant and Hayden Webster, both graduating seniors of Fairview High School. At just 18 years old, Zoe Ellene Grant is already making an incredible impact while living life to the

Coleman’s Journey at Boyd County High School Highlights, Mentorship, Teamwork, and Faith Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon Brayden Coleman, a senior at Boyd County High School and a member of the graduating class of 2026, isn’t just counting down the days to graduation. He’s tracing a four-year arc of growth, gratitude, and grit that he says has been shaped by the people around him—from teachers who offered a steady hand to teammates who stood by him on every pitch.

Led Toward the Future by Faith- Raceland's Maddison Hampton Taking the Best Version of Herself to Morehead This Fall Jarrod E. Stephens The Ashland Beacon Sometimes life hands us a situation that steers our future in a way that we never could have dreamed. Such is the case of Raceland-Worthington High School Senior Maddison Hampton who proved when you keep your eyes open, you just might see what your future holds. Any time that you see Maddison you can count on a frien

Deep in the Lore Lacey Williams Presents Bluegrass Beasts: Cryptids of Kentucky Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Sometimes there is more to an experience than may be possible to explain. We could be out for a walk when a strange creature passes us by, covered in shrubbery and fur. While taking a swim or fishing in local waterways, we could find ourselves face to face with someone—or something—that breaks any bounds of defining features we may be familiar with. Question

America 250 Celebration Ignites with Inaugural “Red, White & Burger Week “United We Grill” Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon As America prepares to celebrate its historic 250th birthday in 2026, a brand-new event is bringing patriotism, community pride, and classic American flavor together in one unforgettable weeklong celebration. Visit AKY is launching “Red, White & Burger Week: United We Grill,” an exciting inaugural event designed to honor the spirit of America through

Double the Diplomas: Seven Sets of Greenup County Twins Celebrate Graduation Together Deidra Bowling-Meade The Ashland Beacon In a year filled with celebrations and milestones, Greenup County schools marked a rare distinction with an unusually large number of twins graduating in the Class of 2026. Seven sets of twins crossed the stage from Raceland-Worthington High School, Russell High School and Greenup County High School, each carrying a unique story of friendship, i

Where Students Become Creators Inside Raceland's Growing Media Program James Collier The Ashland Beacon Life is certainly a journey that keeps us guessing about what’s next. Whether it is furthering education or pursuing a different career path, you’d better be ready for change and opportunities to come knocking. Such is true for local radio announcer James Collier. If you’ve listened to local sports for any period of time, you’ve heard him painting a picture of what’s h

A Senior Defined by Strength, Skill, and Determination Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon Few students embody perseverance, compassion, and excellence quite like Halle Bailey, a senior whose extraordinary accomplishments have left a lasting impact on everyone around her. While balancing rigorous programs in Healthcare, Welding, and Business, Greenup County senior, Halle faced challenges this past year that many adults would struggle to endure. When her father became terminal

Once Upon a Time at Our Night to Shine Lisa Patrick The Ashland Beacon For some, prom is a rite of passage, a huge part of high school life where teenagers get to dress up, be glamorous, dance, and have fun. For others, it’s a frustrating reminder of how different they are from their peers—a night where they watch others do what they would love to be able to do themselves. This is the life that teenagers with special needs tend to live. But the I Believe Foundation helpe

Black Arrow Tattoo An Ink-Inspired Addition to the Downtown Ashland Area Gideon Thompson The Ashland Beacon Walking through the front door of Black Arrow Tattoo Company, the first thing I notice is the bright, well-lit studio. A clean and welcoming entrance immediately opens into an artistic setting, where I find one of the owners and other artists gathered at a high table discussing a custom art piece currently being worked on by Ronnie Castro. I am greeted immediately

Highlands DO!zeum to Host Elegant “Steeped in Style” Royal Tea and Fashion Show Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon Springtime elegance will be in full bloom this week as the Highlands DO!zeum invites the community to experience an afternoon of sophistication, fashion and timeless charm during its upcoming “Steeped in Style” Royal Tea and Fashion Show on Saturday, May 17, at 3 p.m. The highly anticipated event promises guests a royal-inspired experience filled with tea, fashi

Goad Makes History As First Boyd County Softball Player to Have Jersey Retired Kay Smith The Ashland Beacon A celebration years in the making unfolded recently for Jaycie Goad as the Boyd County softball superstar became the first player in program history to have her jersey officially retired — a once-in-a-generation honor that cements her place among the greatest athletes ever to wear a Lady Lions uniform. What made the unforgettable moment even more emotional was the

Stars, Stripes, & Summer Nights The 2026 Boyd County Fair Grace Phillips The Ashland Beacon Longer days and warm sunshine signal that summer events are about to begin. The 2026 Boyd County Fair will kick off the summer festival season in our area this year. The fair is taking a significant leap forward by moving from its typical August dates to June 23–27. Fair president Ellen Keaton explained that the reason for the move was to secure a larger carnival for the fair. “S

They Built Their Future— Now They’re Celebrating It BCTC Students Celebrate Paths Built on Grit Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon The energy inside the Boyd Career and Technical Center this past Friday wasn’t just celebratory—it was long overdue. For the first time in its history, BCTC hosted an awards ceremony and signing day, since being in their new building, shining a spotlight on students whose hard work often happens outside the traditional high school spotlight. The e

A Mother’s Day To Remember Student Essay Leads to Surprise Honor from Ashland Mayor Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon In a community where stories of perseverance tend to travel quickly, a middle school essay contest in Ashland turned into something far more meaningful this spring. The Kiwanis Club of Ashland hosted its annual “Mother of the Year Essay Contest,” inviting seventh graders to put into words what their mothers mean to them. What followed was not just a stud

Timeless by Design Pollock’s Jewelers Marks 152 Years Sasha Bush The Ashland Beacon These days, it’s rare to find a place that truly stands the test of time, but a few still do it with grace and purpose. Tucked into the heart of downtown Ashland, Pollock's Jewelers isn’t just a store. Located at 913 Winchester Ave. Pollock’s Jewelers is a living piece of history, a family legacy, and for many in the Tri-State, a trusted partner in life’s most meaningful moments. Let tha

National Library Week Countless Possibilities Begin at Your Local Library Rebecca Hemlock The Ashland Beacon National Library Week is a moments-to-celebrate reminder of a vital community resource that sits at the heart of our county. With one library card, residents can access a treasure trove of information, learning tools, and cultural experiences spread across three locations: Ashland, Midland, and Catlettsburg. Whether you’re a student, a parent, a retiree, or someone