Looking Back at 2024
A Year of Community, Achievement, and Inspiration
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
2024 has truly been an extraordinary year for our local businesses, youth, and the entire Ashland community. From inspiring achievements to heartwarming stories, this year has been filled with unforgettable milestones, and The Greater Ashland Beacon has been honored to be there every step of the way. Join us as we reflect on some of our most exciting, featured articles of the year in our Ashland Beacon Year in Review.
January: A Fresh Start and New Beginnings
As always, January was a time of new resolutions and fresh starts. This year, we welcomed a variety of new businesses to our community. One standout was Las Palmas Abarrotes, a charming Mexican grocery store offering unique culinary items to spice up any dish. For craft enthusiasts, we were thrilled to celebrate the grand opening of Best Friends Fabric and More. We also spotlighted local teenager Kemi Risner, who at just 16 years old, was preparing to enter her final semester of nursing school—an impressive feat of determination and excellence. The month’s highlight for The Greater Ashland Beacon came when we were honored with First Place at the Kentucky Press Association Awards as the Best Weekly Newspaper in the state.
February: Triumphs and Traditions
February was a month brimming with excitement. The Greenup County Cheer team clinched their 17th national title and 3rd world title in the same weekend—what a victory! We also cheered on Pride Athletics as they secured two world titles and the prestigious Nation’s Cup. Community unity was on full display at the C.B. Nuckolls Community Center and Black History Museum’s fundraising dinner, where we celebrated Black History Month together.
March: New Ventures and Timeless Traditions
March was a month of community celebrations and growth. M & J Café opened in the Skytower, and we were there when the Christ Methodist Church unearthed a century-old time capsule. The Ashland Area YMCA teamed up with Cincinnati Bengals Cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt for a successful fundraising event to tackle hunger in our region.
April: Record-Breaking Achievements
April brought a wave of remarkable accomplishments. Bill Bradley was inducted into the Kentucky Association of Basketball Coaches’ Court of Honor, and Savannah Wheeler, a Boyd County graduate, shattered records during her senior year at Middle Tennessee State. We also celebrated Giovanni’s 60th anniversary and the launch of the area’s first kidney dialysis support group—two significant milestones for our community.
May: Honoring Achievements and Community Spirit
In May, we had the privilege of celebrating the achievements of our local high school graduates, highlighting their incredible stories of resilience, determination, and success. We also spotlighted Ashland’s Repair Affair, a cherished local tradition, and cheered on the Raceland Rams XC Team as they claimed back-to-back Class 1A Region 7 titles.
June: Celebrating Heritage and Tradition
June was a month of rich cultural traditions. We saw our local communities come together for Juneteenth celebrations and the Raceland Tri-State BBQ Brawl. The Elks 47th Annual Elk Sports Day honored local basketball legend Jeff Hall, and The Ashland Beacon marked its own milestone—celebrating 13 years of bringing positive news to Boyd and Greenup Counties. Our month ended on a high note when Sandy’s Racing and Gaming was awarded Burger of the Year for their innovative brisket burger.
July: Showcasing Local Gems
July was a month to showcase the amazing, unique businesses that make our community shine. We took an inside look at Mythical Prints and Gibbs Hardware, among others, while celebrating Brandy’s CD Launch Party. Gwen Akers, one of our talented writers, shared her memorable journey to Scotland in a four-part column. We wrapped up the month with Hopes Place’s 25th Riverboat Cruise.
August: Sweet Sounds and Surprises
In August, we celebrated sweet sounds and sweeter surprises. Country music superstar Julie Reeves was honored on the Country Music Highway, and Better Than Flours Gluten-Free Bakery opened its doors to rave reviews, quickly becoming a local favorite. We also saw a generous donation from renowned musician Steven Cade, who gifted a signed guitar to benefit CAReS, a local organization supporting families in need. The Paramount Arts Center brought us the soulful sounds of Laila Bial, making it an unforgettable month.
September: Buzzing with Excitement and Achievements
September had us buzzing with excitement as Imel’s Greenhouse shared its adventures in beekeeping and delicious honey. We also met Willie Nation, a talented teen from Fairview High School, whose big dreams are sure to put his hometown on the map. Meade Station Church of God celebrated its 100th year of service, while Ashland Tennis Center marked its 50th anniversary.
October: Festivities and Giving Back
October brought an exciting array of events, from Greenup County’s Old-Fashioned Days to Ashland’s Firken Fest. We attended the Bibles from Him Vendor Fair, which supported the spread of the Word of God, and celebrated Ashland’s Final First Friday Event of the Year—Latin Night Live! October also marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we honored the lives and stories of survivors throughout the region.
November: Games, Giving, and Milestones
November was a month of inclusion and celebration. The Ashland Area YMCA brought back its annual No Boundaries Games, offering individuals with special needs the chance to compete in a fun, supportive environment. We also celebrated the Paramount Arts Center’s 40th Festival of Trees and Trains and the Ashland Breakfast Kiwanis Club’s 50th anniversary, marking the completion of over 50 major projects that have positively impacted our community.
December: Holiday Magic and Heartfelt Farewells
As we closed out the year, December brought the warmth of the holiday season. Our annual Holiday Memories magazine showcased touching Christmas stories, beloved traditions, and a variety of festive recipes. We also bid farewell to local leader Sue Dowdy as she announced her retirement from the Ashland Senior Center. And of course, we covered the many Christmas Parades that brought joy and holiday cheer to our community.
WOW! What an incredible year it has been. And these stories are just a glimpse into the vibrant life of our community. The Greater Ashland Beacon is proud to serve as your source for the best local news, and we are grateful for the positive energy and inspiring stories you share with us. Thanks to you, The Greater Ashland Beacon took home First Place in the 2024 Kentucky Press Association Awards as the Best Weekly Newspaper in the state.
On behalf of The Greater Ashland Beacon, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to another amazing year in 2025. Here’s to even more inspiring stories, community triumphs, and unforgettable moments. Happy New Year!