Ashland Beacon 2025 Year in Review Celebrating Stories That Inspire, Connect, and Transform

Ashland Beacon 2025 Year in Review

Celebrating Stories That Inspire,

Connect, and Transform

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

2025 was a year of stories that highlighted the heart, resilience, and creativity of the Ashland community — and the Ashland Beacon was proud to share them. From local heroes to inspiring initiatives, the Beacon brought readers the moments that mattered most.

January: The year kicked off with a major win for the Ashland Beacon itself, celebrating at the Kentucky Press Association’s annual awards. The paper earned First Place for Best Weekly Newspaper for the second consecutive year, along with 17 other awards recognizing excellence in journalism, photography, advertising, and digital media. Publisher Philip Stewart, Editor Sasha Bush, and photographers Lora Stewart and Tim Lacey led the charge, showcasing the incredible talent behind every story.

February: “A New Generation of Fighters: The Westwood Boys and Girls Club Legacy Continues” spotlighted the next generation of champions. Coach Travis Hanshaw returned from retirement to mentor young boxers like Kambry Risner and the Depriest siblings, offering more than training — a community, guidance, and life lessons for local youth.

March: Music and charity took center stage as Noah Thompson, winner of American Idol Season 20, performed a benefit concert with Nightmare Promotions and the El Hasa Shriners. The Beacon’s article, “Noah Thompson and Nightmare Promotions Deliver a Show with Purpose,” celebrated how the event raised funds for Shriners Children’s Hospital and flood victims in Eastern Kentucky, blending entertainment with community support.

April: Dedication and perseverance were recognized in “Mark of a Champion: Raceland Archery Coach Doug Burchett Named National Archery Coach of the Year.” Burchett, a volunteer turned nationally recognized coach, inspired students for nearly two decades, proving that mentorship and passion can change lives on and off the range.

May: Inclusivity and celebration took the spotlight with “Shining Bright for a Full Decade,” covering the 10th annual Night to Shine Special Needs Prom. Local students with disabilities danced, socialized, and made memories under a “Bright Lights, Big City” theme, reminding the community that every celebration matters.

June: Local heroism and dedication were honored in “Greg Jackson Honored at 48th Annual Elks Sports Day.” From his athletic achievements at Paul G. Blazer High School to a long career in the U.S. Army and Marathon Petroleum, Jackson’s lifelong service to Ashland through youth sports and community projects made him a hometown legend.

July: Resilience, faith, and community support defined “Miracle Upon Miracle Upon Miracle: Community Rallies Around Coach Adam Kouns After Life-Saving Liver Transplant.” Football coach Adam Kouns’ journey from addiction to a life-saving liver transplant inspired readers with its message of hope, perseverance, and the power of a caring community.

August: Creativity and entrepreneurship shined in “Making Creative Dreams a Reality: Five & Dime Creative Opens in Old G.C. Murphy Building.” Founders Brandy Clark, Madeline Tipton, and Courtney Hensley launched a marketing and design studio aimed at helping businesses bring their visions to life, revitalizing a historic downtown Ashland landmark while fostering connection and innovation.

September: Community tradition took center stage in “Poage Landing Days: Ashland’s Founding Festival Reaches a New Horizon.” Celebrating its 35th year, the festival drew thousands, featured the Conefest Skateboard Competition, live music, arts, and the Poage Family Reunion, highlighting Ashland’s history while energizing its future.

October: Health and awareness were in focus with “A Reminder in Pink.” Leah McCormick Adkins shared her story of discovering breast cancer through a routine mammogram during the pandemic, reminding women everywhere that early detection saves lives and encouraging community access to life-saving screenings.

November: Service, dedication, and music came together in “Making Music in the Military.” Raceland-Worthington Band Director Melyssa Brookshire enlisted in the Army Reserves 100th Army Band, balancing teaching with her commitment to serve, inspire, and grow as a musician — showing that perseverance and passion know no bounds.

December: The year closed with the joy of giving in “A Season of Giving and Encouragement: Christmas with the Brothers Forgiven Ministry.” The ministry’s 11th annual Christmas party provided meals, gifts, and faith-based support to 84 children and their families, demonstrating the spirit of generosity and community connection that makes Ashland shine during the holidays.

From awards and achievements to acts of courage, creativity, and generosity, 2025 was a year of stories that inspired, uplifted, and celebrated Ashland’s people. The Ashland Beacon is proud to share these moments and looks forward to bringing even more local stories to life in 2026.