Grace Phillips

The Ashland Beacon 

     The season of shopping is upon us and there is no better place to start than the 4^th Annual Boyd County Christmas Craft & Boutique Show hosted by Trindy B Boutique. This year’s show is two days, Friday, November 11 from 1:00 p.m. to  8:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 12 from 10:00 a.m. to  5:00 p.m.  The show is located at the Boyd County Convention Center, just past the Flying J at Cannonsburg, KY.   

     With over 80 vendors participating, you can be sure there is something for everyone!  Tara Heffner, event promoter tells us, “We have everything from handmade crafts that will feature seasonal wreaths, home décor, jewelry, soaps, and hand-painted Christmas décor, to your favorite direct market products such as Tupperware, Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Lipsense and many more…just too many to mention.”  A complete listing of crafters and vendors can be found on Facebook at Trindy B Boutique.

     Larry Keaton with Uneek Kraftz has been doing the show since its first year.  “We always enjoy being a part of this event. It is well organized and a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas shopping season.”  Larry and his wife Ellen will be doing double duty on Friday of this year. They are also known in the area as The Gospel Tide and will be singing at 6:30 p.m. as a part of the Gospel Concert during the event.

     Host Tara Heffner is committed with her vendors to shine the light of Jesus and spread the gospel through her events, "It is our hope that by sharing the love of Jesus we will win souls and offer hope to those who may be hurting.”  To accomplish this goal, last year she added a Gospel Concert to the event on Friday and we will continue that tradition this year. “Everyone loved the gospel music so we decided to do it again this year.”   

     Saturday’s event will feature Dance Performances from area studios.  Dance with Hope at 11:30 a.m., True Impact Dance Studio at noon, and Bridget’s Dance Studio at 12:30 p.m. A seating area will be provided at the stage for these showcases.

     Bobby and Mary Legge with Ghostly Gourmet will be hosting the kitchen featuring Bobby’s famous pulled pork, loaded pulled pork, baked potato, loaded nachos and so much more.  You can shop and then take home dinner to the family.  The first 50 shoppers each day will receive a free tote bag. You can also purchase a raffle ticket for a large Bluetooth Speaker and a set of JBL wireless headphones with the proceeds for the raffle going to Walk-FM radio for their ministry.   Admission to the event is free. In closing, Tara adds, “Let’s bring this Christmas Season in the right way, by celebrating the reason for the Season, which is Jesus!  See you at the show!” 

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

     As a junior in high school, Hall decided that he wanted to enlist in the military, following the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. He met with Army recruiters Sergeant First Class Lee Blevins and Sergeant First Class Charles Smith, who helped him transition into enlisting in the United States Army Reserves. Hall enlisted while he was still a junior at Paul Blazer High School and he completed his drill work on the weekends. Hall was already enrolled in the Ashland JROTC at that time and was ranked Cadet Major. "The reason I joined-it was right after 9/11, I believe it was in October. I approached my Army recruiter Sergeant Lee Blevins and I took the ASVAB. In November, I turned 17 and I joined the Army," explained Hall.

     Hall recalls his parents' reactions, " My Dad was fine with it, my Mom took a little more convincing-but she eventually came around. Sergeant Blevins discussed with my Mom about the opportunities for college and training and she eventually got on board." Like many parents, it's a sobering thought to have your child join the military but especially during a time of war. Nonetheless, Hall was ready to serve his country. His family's support of his enlisting meant the world to him. 

      Hall's MOS was 89-Bravo, Ammunition Specialists. "After you take the ASVAB they take you down to Beckley, West Virginia which is the Military Entrance Processing Station also known as MEPS, you sit in with a career counselor and they go over the available jobs. At that time, there were only three jobs that I could pick from:  Combat Engineer, Cook, and Ammunition Specialist," added Hall. 

        Like most jobs, there are good days and bad days. Hall emphasizes his favorite part of joining the military, "Being fresh out of high school, I never would have left the tri-state area. The Army took me to many places I never would have gotten to see. I especially appreciate the friendships that were made along the way. I still keep in contact with folks that I served with in the Army."

     Hall described deployment away from home, "My first deployment was to Fort Stewart Georgia. Then from Georgia, I went on to Fort Irwin California. During the annual training year in 2008, we went to Miesau, Germany for about a month. It was a different and unique experience that I got to go, during my off hours I was able to go sightseeing and visit the countryside." Hall's love for travel didn't stop when he left the military, road trips and family vacations are a priority to him and his family. 

     Every veteran has their way of celebrating veterans day and Hall is no different. " A couple of veteran friends that I found after the Army, we go out to eat together on Veterans Day and usually spend the day joking and cutting up with each other and sharing stories." It's a time-honored tradition for Hall to spend time with his brothers in arms. 

        Many veterans are asked, 'If you could do it all over again, would you?' Hall doesn't hesitate to respond, "Yes! I would have still chosen the Army, even though I have great respect for the different branches and how they operate. Each branch is unique and has a different mission."

      Like many folks that join the service, Hall has mentors that he met while serving and once getting out of the service. "When I first enlisted SFC. Smith and SFC. Blevins were my biggest influences, I grew very close to them," shared Hall. Hall has fond memories of working in the recruiting office with both Smith and Blevins. Blevins was his best man at his wedding.

      All good things come to an end. After 8 years of serving his country, Hall decided not to renew his contract with the US Army in December 2009, as he discovered that both he and his wife were expecting a baby boy. 

     Hall has five siblings and two step-siblings. Hall's Step-Father Retired from the Army National Guard as a Sergeant First Class, and his youngest brother recently joined the Army National Guard. Hall shared his sentiments regarding his baby brother joining the Army National Guard right out of high school, "He will excel well, he's a good kid. He has a good head on his shoulders, he might make a career out of it." Hall is the oldest child and Cody Goody is his youngest sibling. Hall was in high school when his brother was born, so they share a special bond. 

     Hall met one of his best friends Richard 'Bird Dog' Vanhoose in the Fall of 2007 when he attended an infectious diseases training class. Hall is one of Vanhoose's lead instructors at EMTAS, Inc. They can often be found having breakfast together at the Cannonsburg Waffle House. Hall enjoys listening to all the stories that Vanhoose has to share about his time in the military and his tours in Vietnam. Hall elaborates, "Even though I am a veteran, I don't consider myself as one. There are all kinds of veterans that have served like WWII Veterans, Korean War Veterans, and Vietnam Veterans. I believe the recognition is due to them." 

      Hall has spent 18 years in Law Enforcement in many different jobs and capacities. He currently is a federal police officer working dispatch at the Huntington Veterans Hospital. He's also the Chief Deputy Constable for Boyd County District 2. Hall has dedicated his life to serving others and continues to remain humble in his efforts. 

Photo: Morgan Hall

Photo: Dwayne Hall as Private

Photo: Morgan Hall

Photo:  SGT. Gordon and SPC. Hall Fort Irwin California 

Photo: Morgan Hall

Photo: Dwayne Hall 

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

    Halloween is over, there is a crispness in the air. The leaves that were changing vibrant colors of orange, red and yellow are finding their way to the ground. The leaves cover the ground like a blanket, as the autumn settles in to stay awhile. 

     For many folks, November is the month to be thankful. Often on social media, you will see folks do a daily post acknowledging what they are thankful for in their lives. I enjoy doing photo challenges where I post a new picture daily with my thankful sentiments. 

     In school, the kids are drawing their hand turkeys and pasting leaves onto construction paper. Families are discussing who is making what for Thanksgiving. It's a month full of quiet bustle.

        Although, some begin their Christmas season early. I am guilty as charged. For me, Thanksgiving is a day and Christmas is a season. 

     After all, the Winter Wonderland of Lights begins on November 14 at the Central Park bandstand at 6:00 p.m. It's rather hard not to get into the Christmas spirit when the heart of our city is lit up like a beacon for all the Christmas light lovers to indulge in. Additionally, the Paramount Arts Centers' Annual Festival of Trees begins on November 17 and ends on November 27. Most children that have grown up in the tri-state area, go on field trips to the Paramount with their local school, or with their scouting troops on scout night. It's a family-friendly event that you don't want to miss. 

       As a child, I remember my family always putting up their tree on the day of Thanksgiving. We were already gathered together for a family dinner, so it just made sense to decorate then. Many folks in this area put their tree up in November because they celebrate Advent and this year Advent Sunday is November 27. The advent season ends on Epiphany which is January 6. 

       Some folks insist on waiting until December 1 or later, to put up their Christmas trees and that's their prerogative. Nobody is forcing anyone into the Christmas spirit. Keep your traditions with your family sacred and held close to your hearts. 

       Christmas music has already made its way to our ears, via radio stations. A couple of our writers, Sonya Newman and Gary Newman like to kick off the holiday season at midnight on October 31 and commemorate it with a dance. Sonya likes to share a Christmas song via social media daily in November."It's official, Christmas Season has now begun! I will be accepting any peppermint-flavored treats," shared Sonya. 

      The recent time change this past Sunday may have a few folks still reeling. It's going to get dark sooner and with darkness comes seasonal depression. Which is also a good reason to get your decorations for Christmas up around your house. The magic of Christmas lights can stir joy into anyone's heart. 

      Whether you have already started listening to carols and decorating for Christmas, or you're holding off for a while, do whatever makes you happy! The Ashland Beacons Holiday magazine will be in the stands soon with stories about local families and it will include those delicious holiday recipes. Stay tuned. 

Picture: Morgan Hall

Picture: Festival of Trees

Picture: Morgan Hall

Picture: Thanksgiving plate  

James Collier

The Ashland Beacon

ASHLAND 49

MAGOFFIN COUNTY 6

   Playing the entire season without a bye until the week before the playoffs might have been just what the doctor ordered for Ashland.

   Since starting the season 2-5, the Tomcats have yet to lose as they have rolled off five straight including a 49-6 beat down of Magoffin County Friday night at Putnam Stadium in the opening round of the Class 3A Playoffs. Ashland raced out to a 28-0 lead after one quarter of play and had the running clock in motion before halftime.

   Asher Adkins opened the scoring frenzy by the Tomcats with a 16-yard pass from LaBryant Strader and a 7-0 lead only one minute into the contest. Adkins second score of the game, a 21 yarder from Strader was bookended by an Austin Nichols 16-yard scamper and a Braxton Jennings 2-yard plunge with 21 seconds to play in the first.

   Brandon Houston joined the scoring ranks 23 seconds into the second stanza after hooking up with Strader for a 64-yard pitch and catch. Tay Thomas streaked 45 yards to the house for the final Tomcats’ score of the half to start the clock in motion the rest of the game.

   Strader only threw five passes while connecting on four, three that went for scores. Thomas led the Tomcats with 75 yards on three carries. Jennings added 46 yards on five totes.

   Ashland welcomes Belfry Friday night for the second round of the playoffs at Putnam Stadium.

BOYD COUNTY 41

ANDERSON COUNTY 14

   Hosting a playoff game was big for Boyd County.

   Fitting they used several big plays to hammer Anderson County 41-14 Friday night in the opening round of the Class 4A Playoffs at Boyd County High School.

   Boyd County scored six touchdowns in the game with the first five traveling 48 yards or more. Rhett Holbrook dashed 66 yards late in the first quarter for a 6-0 Lions lead after one but the best for the Lions was still to come. Malachi Wheeler darted 61 yards to paydirt with 4:59 to play in the half. Cameron Collins followed suit with a 79 yarder as the clock struck zeros to end the half.

   Rhett Holbrook added the air attack to the mix to start the second half with touchdown passes of 48 yards and 56 yards to Trey Holbrook and Josh Thornton, respectively early in the third. Blake Waulk broke the plane for a 1-yard score for the final Lions TD of the night and a 41-0 lead.

   Rhett Holbrook threw for 159 yards and a pair of TDs. Wheeler rushed for 95 yards on five carries. Collins added 93 on a pair of attempts.

   Boyd County welcomes Boyle County Friday night for the second round of the playoffs.

RACELAND 48

LAWRENCE COUNTY 6

   Raceland’s defense had to stand tall Friday night when the Rams welcomed Nicholas County to open the Class A Playoffs at Ram Stadium. The Blue Jackets took the opening kickoff deep into Rams territory only to fail to cash in on a fourth down attempt. Logan Lundy’s first pass of the night sailed into a Nicholas County defender’s hand to give the ball back to the visitors in nearly the same spot. Yet again, the defense surrendered nothing.

   But the Rams offense never slowed the rest of the way with five consecutive touchdowns to close the half en route to a 48-6 win. Conner Hughes provided Raceland with its first points of the night after a bubble screen from Lundy and a pair of shifty moves by Hughes sprung him 68 yards for the score. Isaac Browning pinballed his way to paydirt on the next Rams possession from 47 yards out for a 14-0 lead after one.

   Lundy hit Mason Lykins on a 46 yarder for his first of two touchdowns on the night in the opening minute of the second quarter. Jules Farrow gashed through the Blue Jackets defense for a 55-yard TD for his longest run of the season and Lundy tossed his third TD in the game to Noah Wallace before the break and a 35-0 halftime lead.

   Lundy and Lykins started the running clock after a 37-yard strike midway through the third. Parker Ison closed the scoring with a 4-yard plunge 20 seconds into the fourth.

   Lundy threw for 276 yards and four TDs. Lykins hauled in five balls for 114 yards. Hughes added 89 yards on four catches. Browning led the Rams with 105 yards on eight carries for his first 100-plus rushing game this season.

   Raceland welcomes Paris Friday night for the second round of the playoffs.

GREENUP COUNTY 47

PIKE COUNTY

CENTRAL 0

   It had been over a decade since Greenup County had played host to a playoff game. Fitting the Musketeers wanted to make the experience one they would never forget when they welcomed Pike County Central to the ‘Farm’ Friday night to open the Class 3A Playoffs.

   Greenup County racked up 417 yards of offense while allowing only 92 as the Musketeers cruised to a 47-0 win over the Hawks for their first home postseason win since 2007.

   Ike Henderson dented the scoreboard for the Musketeers with a 1-yard score with 6:43 to play in the opening frame and a 6-0 lead. Brady Howard returned from a mid-season injury to haul in one of his five catches on the night and an 11-yard TD from Tyson Sammons.

   Henderson’s second endzone visit came 13 seconds into the second quarter and a 20-0 lead. Sammons tossed a pair of TDs to end the half, a 76 yarder on a screen pass to Hunter Clevenger who found a crease and a lane to paydirt. Cade Hunt hauled in a 25-yard score with seven seconds to play in the half.

   Jayce Griffith’s 17-yard score midway through the third put the clock in motion the rest of the way for the Musketeers. Austin Walker added a 1-yard run late in the fourth.

   Sammons threw for 235 yards with Clevenger’s 76 yards leading the way. Howard had 66 yards. Hunt added 46. Sammons added 68 yards in the rushing attack. Henderson had 63.

   Greenup County travels to Lawrence County Friday night for the second round of the playoffs and a rematch of a Week 3 win by the Musketeers over the Bulldogs, 17-14 in Louisa.

BELFRY 56 RUSSELL 14

   A 14-14 tie in the second quarter quickly turned into a 56-14 blowout win for Belfry over Russell Friday night in the opening round of the Class 3A Playoffs.

   Ethan Pack threw for 123 yards and a touchdown in the losing effort. He was also picked off twice. Carson Patrick hauled in the lone receiving touchdown while catching five passes for 70 yards. Ethan Oborne led the Devils with 47 rushing yards. Ben Totten added 46. Colby Rock provided the other Russell score.

   Russell closes its season at 2-9.

BISHOP BROSSART 36

FAIRVIEW 14

   Fairview battled the top seed of District 5 but ultimately could not find enough to topple the Mustangs as the Eagles fell, 36-14 in the opening round of the Class A Playoffs.

   Austin Miller threw for 167 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score. Caden Thomas rushed for 69 yards on 14 carries. Jeremy Harper led the way with seven receptions for 82 yards. Cameron Harper added 48 yards and a touchdown on two catches.

   Fairview closed the season at 1-10.