By LISA JOHNSON

Times Staff Writer

 The Powell County Lions Club held its annual Miss Powell County pageant on September 7 at the high school. Eleven contestants displayed an array of talent from singing, dancing, musical instruments to a hula hoop.  The final five contestants were Lexie Grace Meade, Gabriella Huntsberger, Nalli Katherine Marcum, Madeline Elizabeth Murray and Demara Alexis La-Sha Sparks with Lexie Grace Meade announced as Miss Powell County 2019. The evening was most memorable and we  thank all the participants and the Lions club and Jonathan Hall for their hard work to make this special night happen for these talented young ladies.  The Miss Powell County Pagent is  more than a beauty pageant, it requires a lot of work and personal effort on behalf of all the contestants. Each individual participant brings a rare look into the best of up and coming womanhood  and  is an example for all to see. Pageants like this foster individual goals, community activism and feminism. Each individual showcases the best and  brightest , all representing  Powell County. Beauty pageants are a part of the American land scape and are part of our culture and the participants in my book are all winners!  All contestants were ask , fifty years from now what do you want people to remember about you?  Lexie stated” I want to stand out”   we agree you did.  Congratulation to all from Clay City Times Staff.

By ASHLEE HADDIX

Times Staff Writer

The photo Stacy Jones recieved from her daughter early last week which gave rise to her concerns about the portions and options avalable to PCHS students.

Getting kids to eat more fruits and vegetables is something we can all get behind!  However, early last week many parents found themselves unhappy with the school lunch options their kids were receiving.  Social media sites such as Facebook were flooded with images of school plates with less than desirable entries and many angry parents wondering what was happening.  Some of those parents such as Stacy Jones, even attended the school board’s monthly meeting with their concerns.  Jones, who has children in both the middle and the high school, states that her daughter sent her a picture of her lunch and she was immediately dissatisfied.  Jones feels as if the board “brushed her off” as she didn’t really receive any answers but that she has done research at other local schools and believes the options could improve.  Jones says, “four little nuggets, a roll and some oranges will not fill up a high school kid and I know there were other options but apparently the kids didn’t like those options or they would have had them on their plates”.  Jones says all she is asking is that the schools provide a decent  filling meal that kids will actually eat.

Laura Young, School Nutrition Director, says that Powell County is part of the CEP program for the state.  The Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) is a free meal service option for schools and school districts in low-income areas.  The USDA website states that the CEP qualification “allows the nation’s highest poverty schools and districts to serve breakfast and lunch at no cost to all enrolled students without collecting household applications. Instead, schools that adopt CEP are reimbursed using a formula based on the percentage of students categorically eligible for free meals based on their participation in other specific means-tested programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)”.  No student enrolled in any of the school within the county are charged for their meals, both breakfast and lunch.  However, their are some strict guidelines the school must follow in accordance with the program.  Young describes it as a “puzzle that has to be put together and include so much sodium, fats and calories per student”.  As for the portions, Young states that sometimes a downside to several options for the full meal is that students chose what they want, but you can’t make them chose it all.  Students must get a minimum of 3 items for the plate to qualify for reimbursement through  CEP and one of those items must be a fruit or vegetable.  Young would like to express that each student is given the option of a meat, fruit, vegetables and bread at every lunch.  Students are not charged for any additional helpings of vegetables however starch vegetables such as french fries are only available for one serving (students can not even purchase additional of those) per the guidelines.  The only additional charges students should pay is for extra meat servings and those are always $1.25.  Students are always allowed to bring their own lunch if they chose and students/parents can put money on their lunch account to buy extra’s if they feel they need more food.  Young also encourages all parents to download the “My School Bucks” app on their phones so they can monitor their child’s lunch account funds at any time.  The app is free and all you need is your child’s lunch number.

Not all parents are outraged over the lunches however.  Parents like Tiffany Hawkins, who has children in Clay City Elementary, states “I think it’s great.  It provides nutritionally balanced meals, for free”.  Hawkins also states that having the breakfast and lunch calendar’s ahead of time (as provided by all the schools to all students) makes it easier for her to see if she needs to send them lunch if the day’s food isn’t what her children will eat.  Hawkins also states “I think the school does a fantastic job of providing healthy lunch and breakfast with a limited budget”.

Young would like to encourage all parents to come to their child’s school and sit down for a meal to see what their children are eating.  The schools will allow parents to enjoy lunch with their children and get a first hand glance at what is being served during meal times.

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By LISA JOHNSON

Times Staff Writer

On Saturday, August 11,  members of Powell County Search and Rescue working with Red Star Back Country Paramedics, the Kentucky National Guard (123rd Airlift Wing /Wild Cat Dust Off) and Wolfe County SAR conducted a joint training exercise on the Red River. The training exercise presented two scenarios: one victim with mild trauma and another with severe trauma. A search was conducted with K-9 support and the Air National Guard lowered K9 Handler Rudy Parsons in with his search dog Callie from the dust off helicopter.

One patient was airlifted via a Stokes Basket during the exercise and transported to UK hospital in Lexington. The second was transported by EMS. The purpose of a joint training exercises is to familiarize all personal with the operations of all responding units and develop plans to adapt to varying scenarios. This is the first time this scale of training has been conducted and demonstrates the capabilities of emergency services and their state of preparedness.

Red Star is a new addition to Powell County EMS and brings with it some great people that they hope you never need, but in the event that you do they are ready.

By LISA JOHNSON

Times Staff Writer

On Monday, July 29 Clay City Mayor, Kenny Rice tendered a heartfelt resignation  to the people of Clay City, after only eight months in office. In his resignation letter, Mayor Rice stated “I have learned that I am not nor will ever be a politician, but in that short period of time I have gained some insight into my self and it is difficult if not impossible to be something that is not in your nature”.

He  explained that he enjoys working to make the city a safer place and more attractive to locals and tourist by creating positive changes, but it was difficult to juggle his two jobs and make the commitment to the Mayor’s office in a manner it deserved. Rice felt his resignation would allow someone else with more desire and drive to guide the city.

Rice has been involved with The Red River Clean up and served on many boards and with many groups over the years, doing all he can to improve the City Of Clay and the lives of its citizens.

Assistant Fire Chief Eric Strange stated Rice has been a bright light to the city and helped to improve operations at Clay City Fire. Rice, in his short time as mayor, has added extra law enforcment officers to the police force and brought hope to the city he served. He has been a constant presence that has demonstrated only positive community influence and has been an example of a model citizen. Mayor Rice’s resignation will be effective Thursday, August 8, 2019.

By ASHLEE HADDIX

Times Staff Writer

 EKBC, Easy Kentucky Baseball Club,  was created by Joshua Begley, a former Powell County baseball player, in 2019. EKBC  currently includes four traveling teams, the Bombers 13u, Warhawks 12u, Aces 9U and the Pirates 8u. The club plans to add Sluggers 15u, Pirates 6u and Pirates 8u in 2020. EKBC is a non-profit  developed to give parents a top program without the huge cost associated with other leagues. Begly states that the goal is to teach kids about the game, practice good sportsmanship, learn determination and show respect for not only their own players but also for their opponents. The program is meant to be a platform for the kids to not only grow as ball players and young men but to also be seen by college coaches and further their education by playing college ball. The teams consist of players from over ten counties but are all based in Powell County.

The Warhawks are a 12 year old travel team coached by Begley with assistant coaches Jared Hall (Knott County), Tim Gayhart (Hazard) and Dewayne “Papaw” Napier (Knott County). The 2019 year has brought many wins and tournaments across Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia, and Florida. Over the past 3 years, the Warhawks have won 11 championships and played in 2 USSSA World Series. Even though their 2019 season is wrapping up, the players will continue to work off-season and improve on the game they love. This talented team consists of players from Knott, Hazard and Powell Counties and includes Mason Amburgey #19 (Knott County), Beau Begley #21 (Powell County), Trevor Brown #2 (Powell County), Tyson Edwards #40 (Powell County), Devon Gayhart #15 (Hazard), Brayden Hall #2 (Knott County), Ryder Lindon #14 (Powell County), Connor Napier #12 (Knott County), Brady Turner #35 (Breathitt County), Grant Wells #18 (Powell County) and Tristan West #12 (Powell County).

The Bombers are a 13 year old travel team that has gained a lot of attention and success in their 2019 season. Members from this team are from several counties including Powell, Montgomery, Wolfe, Madison, Perry, Jackson and Rowan. The Bombers are coached by Josh Begley with Troy Wilson (Wolfe County) as assistant coach. Their accomplishments include winning the USSSA World Series title in Destin, Florida, the Papa Johns Red River Classic 13/14u, and the I64 tournament in Mt.Sterling.  They were also second place in the USSSA Bourbon Barrel in Clarksville, Indiana and the I64 in Mt. Sterling. Begley states that the Bombers pride themselves on treating the game and opponents with the upmost respect. They look to compete and win many more tournaments not only this year but in the upcoming years.  Members of this winning team are Eli Leach #56 (Montgomery County), Luke Hood #1 (Powell County), Hayden Cain #99 (Madison County), Austin Begley #24 (Powell County), Cam Delrosario #42 (Powell County), Braden Wilson #23 (Wolfe County), Hunter Hampton #30 (Rowan County), Cayden Farmer #7 (Jackson County), Conner Combs #19 (Perry County), Dalton Voils #22 (Wolfe County) and Tate Hall #5 (Knott County).

 Begley would like to thank all of the great coaches and amazing players as well as their parents, siblings and family members who are their biggest fans.  Begley also appreciates all the businesses who support the teams and states that they are extremely grateful for everything that is done to help provide these kids with not only a great experience but also memories that last a lifetime.  The teams look forward to many more years of competing at high levels and bringing home more championships.  To keep up with the EKBC teams you can find them on Facebook!

By ASHLEE HADDIX

Times Staff Writer

Powell County’s first ever Comic Con event, affectionately named Pow!Con, was held July 20 from 12-4 pm at the Stanton Elementary Gymnasium.  The event was originally founded by youth service librarian Amy Ashley and then bookmobile/adult services/genealogy librarian Elizabeth Short last March when they were attempting to find ideas to get more men involved with events at the Public Library.  Short states that it was a group effort of library staff as well as the library’s youth program.  Both Short and Ashley have always enjoyed Comic Con events in the past and enjoyed being able to bring that to Powell County.  The event was mainly advertised by word of mouth and Facebook along with the youth program members but rendered a pretty good turnout for its first ever event. Pow!Con featured tons of local artists and Comic Con enthusiasts such as Spiderman, Wonder Woman, Harley Quinn and Harry Potter.

Local, C. Ann Cunningham, a paint pour artist from Stanton.  Cunningham has been doing paint pours for the past year and teaches others to do it a well.  Darrell Ashley, who was born and raised in Powell County but  moved to Florida in his 20s to attend and graduate Tampa Art School.  Ashley has worked at Disney Studios in the art department as well as South Florida University as their Web Master.  Ashley plans to offer art classes at the public library in Stanton soon and says those classes will be on Monday’s.  Elizabeth Short, who used to teach crochet classes for two and a half years was present with her crochet work featuring some adorable Star Wars themed items.

A former resident of Powell County, actor Lewis Wright, was also in attendance and Pow!Con.  Wright can be seen in films and TV Shows including Mice and Men, The Walking Dead, Smoketown, The Undead from Space, The Calling of Lizzie McBride and more.  Wright can also be found in Jumanji 2 and Zombie Land 2 coming out later this year.  Wright shared some advice for Powell County saying, “If you have something you really want, go after it and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.”  Wright notes that he received many no’s when apply for parts and states you just have to keep pushing for your dreams. 

Seth Elliot, a Powell resident since 2015  who originates from Alabama attended.  Elliott showcases his work at SRE Studios and is currently working on making a graphic novel.  His inspiration for his art comes from Stan Lee. Also included in the lineup was photo manipulation artist, Heath Fraley from Lexington who showcased some of his recent work.

Several other vendors as well as food trucks, lazer tag, a cosplay contest, Q&A’s, a cosplay makeup tutorial and presentations rounded out the first ever Comicon event for Powell County.  At this time, there are no plans for Pow!Con to return next year but Short says that could change with more involvement from the community.

Event leaders would like to thank all the attendees, volunteers, Friends of The Public Library Group and vendors for making this event successful with a very special thanks to Isadora Wise for her exceptional work to bring this event to life.

Shay Powell, the proud new owner of Kentucky River Foothills Development Council’s 100th home.

By LISA JOHNSON

Times Staff Writer

On July 11, the Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, through its affordable housing program, broke ground on its 100th home. The home will be located at 2699 Hardwicks Creek Road and is being built for Shay Powell who works at Everman’s 76. Partnered with the Kentucky Housing Corp and USDA Rural Development and Community Action, the organization is helping people like Shay live their dreams. The Kentucky River Foothills has multiple programs to help people in need, from food and heating assistance to healthcare, transportation and adult daycare. They also post jobs on their website. It is truly a blessing for Powell County and demonstrates their value of life and sets an example for us all to share. Jimmie Stone, Director Of Housing Development says they have been building and providing homes since 2002 and have many success stories to share with many happy endings. They help people with recovery and assist our National Treasures, our veterans.