Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

   Sydney Kinnel is a senior at Boyd County High and a Junior Ambassador for the Arthritis Foundation. She's involved with Varsity Tennis, Academic Team, Key Club, and Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) Club. She volunteers her time at KDMC as a Teen Volunteer, plays guitar and is an avid crocheter. Arthritis can't keep her down, she has her hands in a little bit of everything. 

   "I have Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis with an Enthesitis-related subtype, which basically is arthritis that affects the tissue at the insertion points where ligaments and tendons connect to bones," shared Kinnel. Kinnel goes on to explain when she was diagnosed and her journey since her diagnosis, "I was diagnosed in the fall of 2021, after years of struggling with unidentified pain. Throughout my childhood and up until last year, I would have strange fractures and swelling that made it painful to run, walk, and even just lay down. It was not until the inflammation damaged my Sacroiliac joint, that we were able to get on the right path to get a diagnosis. We got to the bottom of it with help from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and the Ohio Spine Institute," added Kinnel. 

   Kinnel then explained the proposed treatment for her Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, “Upon my diagnosis, I was prescribed Humira, an injection that I administer twice a month. After my first few injections, I felt an incredible difference. It had been years since I had been totally pain free and now I can say that I am. I can play tennis, run, climb stairs, and lay flat with no problem,” explained Kinnel. It's very encouraging that she was able to finally find some relief from pain. 

   Obviously, an Arthritis diagnosis is a game changer for most people. Everyone has to adjust accordingly once they receive a diagnosis. Kinnel described how her diagnosis has changed her life, "I have found that more has changed in my life since my diagnosis, than my physical health. Years and years of confusion and worry about my health weighed on me mentally. When the burden of constant pain and regular doctors visits was lifted, it was like a weight lifted off of my shoulders. I am in a much better place mentally now and feel like a normal 17-year-old." Kinnel's description of relief and change to normalcy; should be an encouragement for others facing this diagnosis, at such a young age. 

   Like most people, Kinnel researched after being diagnosed. "Shortly after getting diagnosed, I did some research on the disease and learned more about it. I found that there are 300,000 kids with JIA and fewer than 500 pediatric rheumatologists to treat them. Luckily, I am fortunate enough to have the means to drive to Cincinnati or Columbus for doctors appointments, to pay for the scans and medication. A lot of kids do not have this opportunity. A lot of kids can’t get diagnosed and get on the road to recovery. I also found the Arthritis Foundation’s Teen Ambassador program. They uplift kids with JIA and help them to use their stories to make a difference. I became a Junior Ambassador and immediately wanted to do something to benefit my community and the Arthritis Foundation alike."

   Kinnel told us her inspiration for offering a local 5K fundraiser benefiting JIA, "At the end of August, I came to Bill Burch, the leader of BCBKYCVS, or Boyd County Branch of Kentucky Youth Council on Volunteerism and Service, to help me sponsor a 5K. He directed me toward Alan Osuch, a local race planner. I met up with Mr. and Mrs. Osuch to discuss my idea at the beginning of September and we immediately got started. He helped me to decide on the logistics, date, location, and details of the race. He is the expert on all things 5K and I couldn’t do any of this without him." The Ashland Beacon is no stranger to Alan Osuch and Osuch Race Planners, he's helping people in our community fundraise one race at a time and the causes vary, but still manage to show so much heart for the Tri-state area. 

   "The “Kids Get Arthritis, Too” race is on November 20 at 2 p.m. in downtown Catlettsburg. All of the proceeds will go to the Arthritis Foundation to assist in their efforts to increase education and outreach on JIA. I am hoping to have a good turnout! I am involving my school’s Key Club and HOSA club to help on race day and am asking everyone I see to register. Fortunately, I have a lot of great friends in the community that can help me spread the word," concluded Kinnel. 

   Please come out and support this worthy cause. Kinnel is the epitome of strength; she has faced her diagnosis with bravery and she is raising funds for others with JIA. Kinnel is bringing awareness to our community that kids can get Arthritis too! 

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

   On Thursday, September 29, the Boyd County Parks and Recreation Director Christian Lee, invited me to Armco Park; as they had a big reveal for the public. Earlier within the week, the Parks and Recreation page posted hints via social media such as a bullseye target. They did confirm bigfoot doesn't reside there, sorry folks.  A few people guessed what might be coming to Armco in the Spring of 2023. 

   I arrived at the park and was taken by ATV to a non-disclosed location deep into the park, I was overjoyed they didn't expect me to walk. Once we arrived on location Boyd Parks and Recreation Director Christian Lee revealed a large brown sign with white writing that said, "Armco Park Archery Trail."  Justin Mulvaney, Parks Employee, and Trail Designer elaborated, "We're going to open a brand new fifteen target archery range, for everybody and anybody that wants to come out and try their hand at 3D target archery." This big reveal has over 5K views at the moment, we appreciate everyone checking out the reveal video. 

   We know everyone wants to know all the details regarding this free archery range. The possibilities are endless for local youth in both cub girl scouts, boy scouts, and local public schools' archery teams. I was assured the archery path and the hiking trails will not intersect, so do not worry about overlap or stray fire from bows.

   "Fifteen lanes will span approximately 1/2 mile. It is separated from the walking trail. The course will be open to the public in the spring, after a grand opening ceremony. It will be free to the community including schools and organizations to use. Additionally, the Ray Allen memorial bench and bird feeder will be revealed on Tuesday, Oct 4 at 11 a.m. honoring his time as patron of the park for many years.  Location of the bench will be at the top of the left side turn, as you enter the park's first small shelter on the left before shelter one," shared Lee. 

   Boyd County Parks and Recreation are just full of surprises. In the Spring of 2023, I imagine that the new archery trail will have a beaten path in no time. As many folks shared the reveal video, with about one hundred Facebook shares, in a matter of a couple of days. 

   Next up the Boyd County Parks and Recreation Department will be presenting another Tri-State Exotic Pet Expo within a couple of weeks. "Welcome and thank you for coming out. People are excited and so are we…we are thrilled to have the Tri-State Exotic Animal Expo return for a two-day show on October 15 and 16. Once again, they will be located at the Boyd Convention and Arts Center. Doors open at 9 a.m. and admission is $5. Kids 12 and under are free. This is a Halloween expo so kids get ready, the vendors will have candy, and costumes are welcomed! We want to thank Tri-state Exotic Animal Expo for bringing this back again this fall," added Angella Lee with Boyd Convention and Arts Center. 

   In conclusion, we hope to see you at the Tri-State Exotic Pet Expo. They will have all kinds of creepy crawlies available for purchase. Don't worry you can get everything you need, to take care of your new pet while you are there. They often have supplies, caging for habitats, and food for your exotic pets. 

   King’s Daughters is pleased to welcome family nurse practitioner Cory Jackson, APRN, to King’s Daughters Primary Care Ashland, 2028 Winchester Ave., joining primary care physicians Melinda Elkins-Smith, M.D., and Whitney Hunter, M.D.

   Jackson earned his master of science in nursing and bachelor of science in nursing from Marshall University, Huntington, W.Va., and his associate of science in nursing from St. Mary's School of Nursing, Huntington, W.Va. He is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

   Primary care providers deliver a range of acute, chronic and preventive medical care services. They diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries; provide preventive care, including routine checkups, health risk assessments, immunization and screening tests; and work closely with patients to help them achieve and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

   New patients are welcome. Same-day appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call 606.326.9001.

Morgan Hall

The Ashland Beacon

   Kristen Matthews, owner with Eridanus Brewing elaborated on the idea for the Ghouls and Goblins Night Out hosted this past Saturday. "The idea was a joint effort between Eridanus Brewing and Patricia Coleman from Cardinal Wishes."

   Will there be a Ghouls and Goblins night out in the future? Matthews explains, "Being our first year in business, we are still learning and exploring which events the community is most interested in. Based on ticket sales and overall excitement, we expect this to be an annual event and hope to grow it each year." Fingers crossed we can anticipate a Ghouls and Goblins Night out in Fall of 2023. 

   Ticket sells usually give whoever is hosting a local event, a good perspective on how popular the event will be. 

"We originally planned on selling 125 tickets but sold out quickly so we added 25 more general admission tickets and sold those within days. The event was 100% sold out," exclaimed Matthew's.  

   Matthews went on to share her genuine love for their community, “When we originally began our planning process for Eridanus Brewing, it was our goal to create a space for everyone to gather. We love getting to know others in the community and having the opportunity to showcase our passions, whether it’s a handcrafted tea or a craft beer brewed on site."

    Special drinks were prepared for those in attendance. "We served caramel apple cider, Moscato wine slushie, a mixed drink called “The Drunk Witch” and a caramel apple cider in our taproom as well as a pumpkin ale available outside in our event tent.  For those who were not interested in adult beverages, we had an All Hallows Eve tea blend," said Matthew's. 

   All vendors were hand-selected. They were excited to be host Sage & Root, who they have partnered with on several other past events, as well as Cardinal Wishes, Lotus & Lilly, Granny’s, Foxfire & Ditchwater, High River Remakery, and The Restless Spirit. Herbal teas and organic products are handmade by Appalachian Folkology, the in-house brand is also available for sale.

   What folks made this event come together? Matthews has the answers for us, 

"Stephanie Crum Bentley was instrumental in making this event come together. She led the herbal broom workshop and helped participants craft a handmade broom, to take home and add to their Halloween decoration collection."

    Like many folks, Matthew's shared her love for the Halloween holiday, "Halloween is our absolute favorite holiday. As a child you have fond memories of trick or treating and haunted houses, but as we’ve gotten older we have grown to appreciate the true meaning of Halloween and the overall vibe of the season."

   In the near future, Eridanus Brewing will be hosting their first annual Oktoberfest on October 8th, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. "We will be releasing two beers, an Oktoberfest and a German Altbier. Two other Kentucky craft breweries, Dreaming Creek from Richmond and Broken Throne from Pikeville will be joining us. Fat Boy Q a local favorite will be serving their famous BBQ during the event and Dragonfly Outdoor Café, our on-site food vendor will be offering German cuisine as well as their crowd favorites like fish tacos and fried green tomatoes. Tickets are available online or in our taproom and we expect this to sell out as well," added Matthew's. Hurry down to Eridanus Brewing and get yourself a ticket for the upcoming Oktoberfest or go online and get your tickets now! It seems this local gem is the place where "everybody knows your name" and delicious cold brews are available on tap. 

   "All of our planned and future events are posted on Facebook, Instagram and our website, www.eridanusbrewing.com. We encourage everyone to keep an eye on our pages because we have some exciting events planned in the coming months," concluded Matthews.  

   If you missed out on the Ghouls and Goblins Nighy out, consider grabbing tickets for an upcoming event hosted by Eridanus Brewing. Apparently, these folks know how to make folks feel right at home in their place. Go with your family, go with your friends, and partake in the ambiance of this humble establishment.