Still Shining Bright - The Ashland Beacon Turns 14

Still Shining Bright

The Ashland Beacon Turns 14

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

In an age when the world seems to spin faster and headlines often highlight division and despair, one newspaper has chosen a different path—one paved with positivity, passion, and purpose. The Greater Ashland Beacon is celebrating its 14th year in service to the communities of Boyd and Greenup Counties, and what a journey it’s been! From its humble beginnings to becoming one of the most celebrated weekly newspapers in Kentucky, the Beacon has proven that good news still matters—and that one spark of hope can ignite a whole community.

The Beacon’s origin story reads like something straight out of a feel-good movie: four ambitious individuals—Philip and Lora Stewart, Jason Smith, and Kimberly Smith—stepped into the world of publishing with little more than a dream, a printer, and a whole lot of determination. “When we started the Beacon 14 years ago, none of us really knew what we were doing,” Philip Stewart recalled with a smile. But what they lacked in traditional experience, they more than made up for in heart, hustle, and a deep desire to change the narrative.

Their journey truly began after a fateful meeting with the previous owner of the Ashland Beacon, who offered Philip the opportunity to take over the paper. The group dove in headfirst, quickly learning the ropes and pouring every ounce of energy into building a newspaper that reflected the best parts of their beloved community. “I believe that’s one of the reasons we’ve come so far,” said Lora Stewart. “We figured it out and we made it happen.”

The first issue—just 12 pages—hit stands on June 29, 2011, and while modest in size, it packed a powerful punch. It wasn’t long before the Beacon started gaining traction, thanks to its refreshing focus on the good stories of community triumphs, unsung heroes, high school victories, small business spotlights, and everyday acts of kindness. Unlike the typical doom-and-gloom narrative so common in media today, every issue of the Greater Ashland Beacon became a celebration of what’s right in the world.

Over the years, the Beacon team grew stronger and closer. Editor and Photographer Sasha Bush reflected on her journey with the paper, which began serendipitously on the baseball fields of Boyd-Catlettsburg Little League right after the Covid lockdowns were lifted. “I introduced myself to Lora and Philip, and we quickly became the best of friends… we became a family,” she said. From photographer to Editor, Sasha’s story mirrors the Beacon itself—steadfast, evolving, and filled with heart.

This deeply personal approach to storytelling has won the Beacon not just the love of its readers but also accolades from industry peers. At the Kentucky Press Association’s Annual Convention, the Greater Ashland Beacon took home an astounding 17 awards, including First Place for Best Weekly Newspaper in the State of Kentucky—for the second consecutive year! That’s no small feat, and the entire team celebrated the recognition as a validation of their hard work, talent, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

From Best Video and Best Sports Picture Essay to Most Creative Use of Newspaper/Promotion, the awards were as diverse as they were impressive. Philip Stewart led the charge with multiple top honors in advertising, while Lora and Sasha dominated photography and editorial categories. Several writers and photographers rounded out the collective of awards to bring home that coveted first place trophy. This dynamic group of writers, photographers, layout artist, graphic designers, and content creators are some of the best in business…proof that this team knows how to shine in every aspect of publishing.

The heart of the Beacon has always been its readers. Whether it’s covering a Friday night football game, featuring a local high school athlete, or spotlighting a small business success story, every issue is a love letter to the Ashland area. “When we started this newspaper, we wanted to create something that would celebrate our community and bring people together,” said Lora. “And I think we’ve done just that.”

Indeed, few newspapers can claim to have built something that feels less like a business and more like a family. From loyal advertisers to passionate contributors to readers who eagerly flip through each new edition, the Beacon has become a cherished thread in the fabric of the Tri-State area. And what lies ahead? More good news, of course.

The Greater Ashland Beacon is not just a newspaper. It’s a movement—a celebration of the everyday people doing extraordinary things. It's a place where stories shine, where community comes first, and where positivity is more than a headline—it's a mission. As Lora beautifully puts it, “The Ashland Beacon isn’t just our paper… it’s the people’s paper.”

So, here’s to 14 years of light, laughter, and legacy. Here’s to late nights, long deadlines, and loyal readers. Here’s to telling the stories that matter. The Greater Ashland Beacon has proven that when you lead with heart, believe in your mission, and stay true to your roots, anything is possible. Here’s to the next chapter—and may it shine even brighter.