By: Lisa Johnson

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Powell County Board of education was held Tuesday, August 16, in the library of the Powell County Middle School. This meeting marked Sarah Wasson’s first meeting as superintendent and it was a lively one.  Parents and students came with one questions on their minds, why did principal Wallace Bates resign?

Parent Jennifer Drake Thacker read a speech prepared by her daughter Senior Sophia Drake,  Other community members Anthony Molihan, Lisa Billings, Monty Witkline, Jimmy Smith, and Ben Lifton all expressed concern. It is unclear as to why Principal Bates  resigned, Board Member Mendal Tipton stated ”I am at a loss for words and have no answer at this time.”

PCHS Seniore Classman, Connor Todd had this to say, “In my three years at PCHS, the two things I’ve always wanted was student involvement and change. Change for our sports programs and change to better our school. Wallace Bates was the only person who not only met my wishes but exceeded them. At our first meeting together, he talked about all the things he wanted to do for our school. One of my favorites (congress) gave students a voice and the opportunity to change the things we wanted to within our school. With his help, we also created the pirates media team. This is how we have communicated with students before school even started and the results have been amazing. In the few short weeks I’ve worked with Mr. Bates, he has made such an impact on me.

The results of today have left me in shock and I have a question for our district administration, why do you not want change? Mr. Bates only wanted good things for our school and I fully believed in him to successfully change our school for the better. So why couldn’t you put your trust in him like we did?

Thank you Mr. Bates for everything. And to our district administration, losing Mr. Bates is not only a loss for the high school but a loss for the community and future.”

Superintendent Sarah Wasson released the following statement the next day on Facebook, “At last night’s Board meeting many topics came up during public comments that were related to the day to day operations of the district and were not business the Board can get involved in. This is not to say that our Board members cannot or should not hear your concerns, but the Board can never get involved with personnel issues and I cannot discuss specific personnel action either. In my opinion, the discussions that happened last night are not the most productive means to solving problems in our district. The school level administration should be the first line of assistance for most issues in the district. The principals and SBDM council make much of the school policies and procedures and can best answer your questions. As superintendent it is my responsibility to ensure resources are in place where needed, policy and procedure is followed, and the day to day operations of the district are carried out. I am attaching photo clips from the KSBA Leadership Guide explaining the main duties of the Board and the main duties of the Superintendent to help explain what I meant by saying much of the conversation was my responsibility to address and a Board meeting was not the best place to do so.

At the meeting, one gentleman asked how to get questions answered and I responded that my door is always open. To ensure I’m not already scheduled with someone, you might reach out ahead to schedule a time to meet with me but if I’m not with someone and you stop by I will be glad to have a conversation. I also mentioned that a Town Hall might be a good way to express group concerns and let more people give input and possible solutions at the same time. I was hoping to get a little more time of observation throughout the district before holding my first Town Hall so I could provide better answers, but after the meeting last night I think it is better to hold a Town Hall sooner than later.

If you are interested in attending our first Town Hall meeting and have a concern you would like addressed, please complete the form below so that we can choose the topics, prioritize the discussion, and be able to provide the most accurate responses at the meeting. We cannot change the past, so please focus on current concerns and areas that we need to improve as a district to make Powell County rise to the top. Monday of next week we will set up the date, time, and location of the meeting and will get information out to the public.

Thank you,

By: Brandon Tipton

 

Kandie J. Halsey, Clay City’s newly appointed Park’s Director has been hard at work. Not only has Halsey been busy planning the city’s annual Ice Cream Social to be held September 23 from six to ten p. m., she has also set about orchestrating a new festival to be held in Clay City. The River Bottom Festival is scheduled  for October 8 and 9 and will be held at the Clay City Park. The River Bottom festival will feature a Miss Sunflower Pageant a Tiny Miss Sunflower Division (0-35 months), a Little Miss Sunflower Division (ages 3-6), a Junior Preteen Miss Sunflower Division (ages 7-9), a Preteen Miss Sunflower Division (Ages 10-12), a Junior Miss Sunflower division (ages 13-15) and finally Miss Sunflower (ages 16-19).

The festival will also feature live music beginning at 4:00 p. m. 8 Daze Sober will kick off the music, followed by Darren Wasson & Maddie Murray, John Curtis and band will take the stage at 8:00 p. m., Chester Crabtree and Jackie Turner are set to close out the evening’s entertainment by 11:00 p.m. The City is planning on serving beer at the even on Saturday. The beer garden will be manned by some familiar faces from city hall. Don’t worry about a rowdy crowd, the ladies have received special training  and certification to gauge intoxication and cut off those who try to imbibe too much for their own good.

A whole slate of family friendly events have been set up for Sunday. There will be a talent show beginning at 11:00 a. m., $10 entry fee. A chili cook-off will be held at 2:00 p. m. There will be a Turkey Call Contest at 2:30 p. m., $10:00 entry fee. Finally a corn hole tournament will round out the day beginning at 3:00 p. m., $20 per team or $10 per person.

Mayor Carmichael asked Halsey to come up with a new festival, after only a month on the job she has delivered. As with any new venture there will be some bugs to be worked out, mistakes to be made, lessons to be learned, but with a little patience and a lot of hard work the River Bottom Festival could draw people from all over the state, maybe even the country. Who knows? Maybe next year big name turkey callers could swarm to our little city to take on Powell County’s finest.

By: Brandon Tipton

 

It’s a festive season here in Powell County. Last weekend was the Corn Festival in Stanton and despite some rain and soggy ground it appears to have gone well. But the Corn Festival just marks the beginning of a busy time. The Natural Bridge Artisan Festival is coming up here soon. You can read more about it on our community calendar page.

The Lion’s Club Parade will be September 16 and Clay City’s Ice Cream Social will be September 23.

Be sure to mark your calendars and keep an eye on our community calendar page because these events and are tons of fun and can’t be missed.

Clay City’s new Parks Director, Candy Brewer is hard at work brainstorming a new festival to ad to the event season. Whatever she comes up with, we’re sure it’ll be a blast.

Finally, Stanton’s Pumpkin Festival will return October 2nd. The fine folks at all three of Powell County’s tourism commissions work hard to put on entertaining events. Not only are these events a great chance for the people of the county to get out and stretch their legs, they are also  a big draw for tourists. The tourism money is a great boon to the local economy and that is why it is important to support the tourism commissions and the festival committees that work so hard!.

By: Brandon Tipton

 

There’s a new primary care and mental health clinic coming to Powell County. Raven Rock Health and Wellness will be located beside the Walgreens in Stanton in the old Brewer Building. Raven Rock will serve Powell and surrounding counties, including Montgomery, Menifee, Wolfe, Lee, Estill, Madison, and Clark. Raven Rock Health & Wellness conveniently offers telehealth services as well, making services accessible to Kentuckians across the state.

Services offered at Raven Rock Health & Wellness will include Primary Care, Family Care, Mental and Behavioral Health care, Substance Abuse Treatment, and Counseling. Services are offered by licensed health professionals including a team of Nurse Practitioners specializing in family medicine and psychiatric care, Registered Nurses, Certified Medical Assistants, Peer Support Specialist, Case Managers, and Licensed Clinical Social Workers.

Raven Rock Health & Wellness is committed to delivering the highest quality of healthcare and mental health services to our community. Incorporated into the mission of Raven Rock is the philosophy of treating the whole person, mind and body, to empower them to live a life of wellness. At Raven Rock Health & Wellness our team is dedicated to providing integrative, individualized, and comprehensive care to address both medical and mental health needs.

Raven Rock currently accepts a wide range of insurance policies including Medicaid and Medicare making it accessible to many of Powell County’s underserved citizens.

The staff at Raven Rock will include some familiar faces. Georgette Greene, APRN, FNP-C, CARN-AP, PMHNP-BC, is a nurse practitioner with dual  certification in family primary care and psychiatric mental health with over 20 years’ experience in nursing who worked at Stanton Family Clinic for several years and is glad to be back in Powell County. Heather Deel, APRN, FNP-C, will be joining the practice in November. Heather also has 20 years’ experience in nursing. She specializes in family primary care. You may also recognize her from Stanton Family Clinic. Dana Conn, LCSW, will be rounding out the team. Dana is a licensed clinical social worker and will offer counseling services. Dana has over 10 years’ experience in social work and specializes in cognitive behavior therapy for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and grief counseling.

Raven Rock will be having an open house during the Corn Festival on Saturday, August 6 from noon to 2:00 p.m. and a grand opening on August 8. Make sure to stop in and see them on your way to the festival Saturday and welcome Georgette and Heather back to Stanton.

By: Lisa Johnson

 

Given the 10-day forecast for rain, first responders are preparing once again for potential flooding.  Fire departments and Search And Rescue have obtained equipment to assist if needed. Search and Rescue has a swift water boat and Stanton fire dose as well- all prepared to support their community if called. Clay City Fire has added extra ropes and equipment to the trucks. Emergency Management Information officer Cory Graham says they keep an eye on the rivers and creeks to monitor the areas for potential flooding. We know last year’s March flood left an indelible mark on our memories and we pray that this never happens again, but we also are prepared and ready when called. If you see a flooded roadway please TURN AROUND-just a few inches of water can wash your car off the roadway. We hope you never need us but all of our first responders in Powell County are here to serve!

BY: Lisa Johnson

On Saturday, July 16 R&B Country Kitchen in Clay City held a Poker Run event to raise funds for  Kayla Lacy. Kayla was severely injured in a swimming accident earlier in the summer.  Lacy dove into the water and struck the bottom. The impact shattered several vertebrae instantly paralyzing her from the neck down. After the injury, Kayla found herself laying face down in the water, still conscious but unable to move. Fortunately, one of  her friend noticed and came to her rescue, pulling her from the water.

This is not the first time R&B County Kitchen’s owners  Randall and Beth Richardson have put people and employees over profit. Through floods and through Covid they made sure to take care of their community. Now have taken it upon themselves to help Lacy and her family through this terrible ordeal.

Donated items were auctioned off at the restaurant as hundreds attended raising $9,000 for Kayla and her family. Last weekend a  little league tournament was held to raise funds for Kayla and her family and like R&B helping others, has become an integral part of our little community.

R&B opened its doors in March of 2019 putting its best foot forward through good times and bad we thank them and the Little league and all who help others making our little corner of the world just a little better, to Kayla and her family, we all send our prayers. If you wish to contribute of help this family you can contact R&B restaurant at 612-5227 or stop by R&B at #20 Black Creek Road in Clay City.

The Powell County Senior Center has fully re-opened.  The Center held a 4th of July Cookout sponsored by Whitaker Bank. Assistant-Vice President Paul Mallory, served as the Cookout Chef.

  The Center, located at 551 Furnace Road in Stanton is now open Monday through Friday from 9am-4pm.  The center is also excited to announce its new Director, Brandy Reed.

  The center is open to all adults 60+ years old and is one of the most important resources for our aging community.

We offer thoughtful programming and services to promote positive aging.  Seniors have the opportunity to participate in recreational activities, programs that offer information and assistance, educational presentations, health, fitness and wellness programs with the Extension Office, and arts and crafts. The Foothills’ Health and Wellness Center provides regular blood pressure clinics.  We have potlucks, holiday parties, and occasionally go on outings to restaurants and local places of interest.  Monthly we cook breakfast and have a Birthday Potluck with a cake donate by Dairy Queen.  Twice a month we have Bingo sessions with our hosts’ McDonalds and Marcum and Wallace Hospital.

  We also provide transportation services and advocacy.

 Meals are an important part of our programming. Seniors receive a free, hot nutritious meal when they are with us.  Lunch is served daily at 11:30 am.

 The friendships that are formed among our clients give them a second family, and our centers give them another place to call home.

  We are a non-medical social facility. There are no fees, and the program is not income-based. Donations are always appreciated.  Our main priority is that our seniors feel loved and cared for.

  If you, or your loved one, is not able to attend a senior center due to poor health, we offer a Home Delivered Meal Program. This program goes beyond just delivering food. Staff conduct wellness checks with each meal. Many people are eligible for this program at no cost to them.  Last month 800+ meals were distributed.

  Our programming is available to the entire community, and anyone is welcome to volunteer and get involved with our centers, which make our community one of a kind!

  If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact the center Director Brandy Reed at (606) 663-5981.

By: Lisa Johnson

On July 2nd our happy days are here again! People from all over Powell County and residents from our own little corner of the world, Clay City, all celebrated our Great American Holiday. There were lots of booths and great food everywhere. There were blow-up slides for the children, literally something for everyone. Jack Humphries coordinated fireworks with the Kentucky Speedway so onlookers could catch both fireworks displays that were held in Clay City Park at 9:45 and the second one at the drag strip that started at 10:30 giving enthusiasts two shows to attend. Independence Day is the greatest American celebration and a top summer event so we take time to thank those who made it possible, Amvets Post 67 -Powell County and Clay City Tourism, Stanton tourism and all the great vendors, and WSKV radio with Ethan More, ( I have a penny for you)  it is noted entertainment and the fireworks was around $7000. Money well spent! Thanks to all the wonderful people who work to make Powell County a great place to call home. To America, Happy Birthday- may you forever remain free!

By: Lisa Johnson

 

At their last meeting the Clay City Council approved a bid from R & R Vinyl Siding to do some much needed work to the Clay City Firehouse. Richard and Tyler Robbins stood on ladders in the heat to  replace gutters, fascia, soffits and wood. The Fire Department also plans to begin some renovations inside the firehouse. CCFD would like to thank he Mayor Bobby Carmichael and their supporters  in the Clay City Community.  The department is growing every day thanks to support and donations from the community

By: Lisa Johnson

 

Last Saturday,  June 18, a veritable swarm of motorcyclists descended on Stanton in an effort to raise awareness for NF (Neurofibromatosis) Cancer in children. The Children’s Tumor Foundation (CTF) is the largest private fund dedicated to research for NF cancers in children. Its mission is four-part: funding drug research and providing patient and family support while raising public awareness and establishing practices in clinical care for those affected. Chapters and organizations are found in all 50 US states. One of many groups dedicated to ending childhood cancer we gladly welcome them on their 6th annual ride through our town. Stanton Fire Department provided and escort as riders passed through the city.