James Collier

The Ashland Beacon

   Boyd County raced out to a sizable lead in the opening set Thursday against Paul Lawrence Dunbar in the 2022 State Volleyball Quarterfinals at George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester.

   Leading 11-6, the Lady Lions looked poised to continue its dominance over their foes only to watch the Bulldogs even the frame at 15-15 followed by a 10-1 run to take the set, 25-16. Boyd County could find no answer the rest of the way to slow down the Region 11 Champions as the Lady Lions fell 3-0 (25-16, 25-9, 25-12) to the Bulldogs.

   Dunbar stayed with its hot finish from the first set with a 7-2 surge to open Set 2. The Bulldogs pushed the lead to 10 and closed on a 7-0 run for a 2-0 lead in the match. Both team's volleyed for position in the third set before Dunbar snapped a 7-7 tie with a mini 4-0 run followed by a 7-0 run to clinch the win.

   Taylor Bartrum led the Lions with seven kills. Carly Mullins added six kills and a block and was named to the All-Tournament Team.

   Boyd County hosted the opening round of the state tournament against 10th Region champions Bishop Brossart winning in three sets (25-18, 25-20, 25-13). Bartrum had 16 kills, followed by Mullins with 12 and Emma Sparks 11. Sparks was also presented with a plaque recognizing her for 1,000 career kills as a Lady Lion.

   Boyd County closed its season at 37-5 while surpassing last season’s 34 wins for the most in a single season. Boyd County graduates seven seniors from the program; Ally Caldwell, Carly Mullins, Emma Sparks, Laney Blevins, Lyndsey Ekers, Sophia Gifford and Layken Roach.

Carly Stout

The Ashland Beacon

     Appalachian Folkology and Sage & Root have partnered together to bring something magical to downtown Russell. The Mystic Market, a newly launched union between the two local businesses, is a community market with small businesses, artists, healers, herbalists, and readers, all joined together for an afternoon of great food, locally crafted teas and brews, and unique shopping. 

     Mystic markets have grown in popularity throughout the years, and the two businesses are enthusiastic about offering something unique to the Russell community. 

     The Mystic Market will be held on November 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Eridanus Brewing, at 501 Ferry Street in Russell. Kristen Matthews, the owner of Appalachian Folkology, will be hosting an enchanted tea party, teaching individuals who sign up for the class how to craft their tea and learn the ancient art of tea leaf reading. 

     A secondary class, Herbal Broom Making, is also available, where individuals will learn how to create a beautiful herbal broom and adorn it with trinkets and charms. Both classes are limited, and tickets are required. 

     In addition to the classes, the brewery will be open, serving up your favorite herbal teas, coffee, and craft beers. Dragonfly Cafe will also be open and on-site. 

     Eridanus Brewing’s parking lot will host the market, and vendors will be set up with a unique range of goods, from houseplants and ethically sourced crystals to hand-poured candles, custom guitars, fashion, artwork, herbs, and more. Mystical attire is welcomed.

     Last month the brewery hosted Ghouls & Goblins Night Out and sold out the venue completely. This event is also anticipated to be well attended, so purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Interested vendors can still join the Mystic Market, inquiries can be submitted to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

The Mystic Market is a ticketed event, with tickets priced at $5 per adult and $3 per child. Your ticket will also include a gift from Sage & Root and Appalachian Folkology. Tickets can be purchased online at: commerce.arryved.com/location/BAJvC_aIFor questions on ticket purchasing, please contact Eridanus Brewing at 606.388.2326

Sasha Bush

The Greater Ashland Beacon

    The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the collection, documentation, preservation, and study of Ashland Kentucky, and its rich black history as well as black history across America. The museum plans to continuously cultivate black history experiences and honor the accomplishments of all that have played a vital role in black history.

     The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum have plans to provide education for all current and future generations for many years to come. History should not be forgotten… it should be celebrated and honored. “Black history isn’t a separate history! Black history is all our history, and we need to understand that. The importance of learning about black history and how it has helped to shape our nation is so vital to our children in so many ways. Embracing all aspects of our history plays such a huge role in developing young minds and creating a true character. To not repeat history, we must study it, learn from it, and share what we have learned with others. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum intend to do just that. 

     Bernice Henry and Darrell Smith, founders, and owners of the C.B, Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum have had this dream of making black history readily available to everyone, and it's finally becoming a reality. Henry shared with the Beacon, “We have currently raised $72,000. We are so honored and humbled at the amount of community support and support throughout the Tristate that we have received. We know how excited we are, but to realize how much this journey will mean to our community is almost overwhelming. This museum was the dream of my nephew Darrell Smith, who started a black history and information page on Facebook over a year ago. This page became a successful endeavor and received so many positive responses. Darrell and I just want everyone to know how much we appreciate all the positive support and encouragement that has been afforded toward us as we work toward opening this museum in Feb. 2023," stated Bernice Henry, one of the Museum owners.

     Since the first announcement about this wonderful endeavor, the popularity and support from the community have been nothing short of amazing and continue to leave both Henry and Smith in absolute awe and gratitude. The C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum are always looking for new and exciting ways to keep the community involved and spread the knowledge of important parts of history that many may not know about. On Nov. 5, 2022, the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum will hold a fundraiser dinner that is to be hosted by Sal’s Italian Eatery with a cash bar provided by Bombshells & Ales. This event will take place at the Union, located at 2020 Carter Avenue, Ashland Ky 41101 from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Music will be provided by DJ David “Party Maker” Austin. Tickets can be purchased at Ashlandblackhistory.com. The cost of the tickets is $50 per person and all proceeds will go toward the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum. It is sure to be a night full of fun, laughter and most importantly coming together to support a dream that is quickly becoming a reality. 

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is like a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” Langston Hughes

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

     Boy Scout Troop 1100 will be attending the annual Veterans Day dinner at the Ashland Elks Lodge at 1:00 p.m on November 6. The young men will be on-site to help hold the front doors at entry and assist in serving soft drinks and coffee to the veterans.

    Attending this event has been a time-honored tradition for these boys, as some of them have been serving at this veterans dinner since they were in first grade and now they are in middle school and high school. So you may see some familiar faces. The little boy that had two missing front teeth, that held the door for you a few years ago…may be all grown up and serving you hot coffee now. 

     These boys will have an early start that morning, because they will be handing out bags in a local neighborhood for their scouting for food program. The following week they will pick up the food and deliver it to a local food pantry. 

     Next, these boys will be at the Elks lodge preparing to serve their local veterans. It might make for a long day, but these boys do it every year without complaint."Many hands make light work, as you see scout parents filling cups and lining them up on the tables for the kids to deliver to the seated veterans. In the past, these boys have even been offered tips, which they politely decline. It's a joy to watch these children serve their local veterans with a big smile and a service-oriented heart," said Troop 1100 Committee Member, Dwayne Hall.

      Brian Binion with Steen Funeral home elaborated regarding the boy's service to the veterans, "The Boy Scout group approached us a few years ago wanting to volunteer to help serve the veterans. They have been a big help and we are thankful to have them."

      "It's a special event for our boy scout troop to serve our local veterans. The boys get to meet all of these men and women that served our country. We want the local veterans to see these boys appreciate their service to our country and are reverent in serving them on this special day," shared Hall.     

     "This is our 20th year. We missed the past two years due to the pandemic. The menu is baked steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, chicken tenders, rolls, and cake. In previous years, we have had over 300 in attendance. Following the pandemic, we don’t know how many to expect in attendance; but are pleased to honor all of them," shared Binion

      If you were wondering if this dinner is open to the public Binion clarified, "We honor all veterans. We also have a display with the names and branches of service for each veteran that Steen Funeral Homes have been honored to serve, since our last program. Their families are also invited to attend. We send each family an invitation."

     Every November Troop 1100 starts off the month by placing empty bags on their neighbor's front doors; in adjacent neighborhoods near their charter organization, Second Freewill Baptist Church. The boys separate in groups and cover as much ground as possible, to pass out the bags. Scouting for food is an annual program that collects food for a local food pantry. Last year, all food collected was given to the Hillcrest Bruce Mission. The following Saturday, the scouts will go back to the neighborhoods and pick up the non-perishables for donation. This year bag drop off will be on Sunday, November 6, and pick up will be Sunday, November 13. If you find a bag on your door, load them up. It's for a good cause. Nobody should go hungry. 

     Troop Committee member Dwayne Hall explains, "We want people that are in our community and are struggling, to know that their community cares about them. We strive to collect as much food as possible to donate to the local Hillcrest Bruce Mission. Our boys are humble in knowing they have food on their tables and that some people do not, this is their special way to give back to their community."

     The Ashland Elks Lodge generously donates the facility for this annual event to serve local veterans. If you're a local veteran you're welcome to attend this upcoming event. Come, eat and enjoy the brief presentation by Steen Funeral Home in your honor. Your community wants to thank you for your service and show our appreciation to you.