By SHARON K. HALL

Supporters of coal mining gathered in Hazard to hear U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s plan to introduce legislation that would target the Environmental Protection Agency’s coal mining permit approval process. The Republican senator from Kentucky was joined with U.S. Representative Shelly Capito (R) from West Virginia who will introduce similar legislation to the U.S House of Representatives. By relieving burdensome regulations to the coal industry McConnell expects it to bring mining jobs back to Kentucky and other states.

McConnell said the EPA’s “war on coal” has created a depression in Kentucky, particularly eastern Kentucky. His approach is to push back against the administration he accused of regulating America’s coal industry out of existence.

“The president carried only 4 of 120 counties in Kentucky,” said McConnell. “If the rest of the country were like Kentucky we would have a new president. But we have to deal with what we have.”

He blamed Obama for putting people in positions that would hurt the economy. “If we are going to put (these) people in these (EPA) jobs we want to give them a time limit to decide (if a coal mining permit is approved or denied). Make a decision: yes or no. Leaving the coal businesses in limbo makes it impossible to for them to plan.”

Since 2008 nearly forty coal mining permits have been held up in eastern Kentucky. Over $123 million in coal severance from these 40 permits alone has been lost. McConnell said Monday that 4,000 coal mining jobs have been lost in the region. Lost jobs also impact other employment. For every miner employed three more Kentuckians hold jobs indirectly dependent on coal, including farmers, realtors, and transportation workers.

Whayne Supply is one example of a business that is indirectly impacted by the coal mining industry. It employs nearly 1,500 people whose job depends on coal. The company builds mining equipment. Tim Embry, Vice President of Branch Operations, spoke on behalf of company president Monty Boyd who was out of the country. Embry said it was the 100th anniversary of Whayne Supply and they want to serve another 100 years. Whayne Supply in Hazard was the site of the April 29 event hosting McConnell. Earlier that day McConnell stopped in Pikeville to announce his plan there.

“This EPA has turned the coal permitting process into an illegitimate, back-door means to shutdown coal mines permanently, by sitting on permits indefinitely and removing any certainty from the regulatory process. By playing this game of ‘run out the clock’, they have put many Kentucky mining operations into limbo and cost Kentucky thousands of jobs and over $123 million in coal severance money,” McConnell said. “The EPA is changing the rules in the middle of the game. And they’ve done it all without a single vote in Congress. What the EPA is doing is outside the scope of its authority, outside the scope of the law, and represents a fundamental departure from the permitting process as originally envisioned by Congress. So if this administration won’t rein the EPA in, Congress will. Congress must.”

McConnell announced plans to introduce The Coal Jobs Protection Act that would require the EPA to approve or veto 402-permit applications within 270 days of application. If the EPA doesn’t act by that time, the permit would be automatically approved. It would give the EPA 90 days after they receive a 404-permit application to begin the authorization process. Also, it would give the president a year to conduct an environmental assessment. Failure to act within that time frame would mean the application is approved, the permit is issued, and the permit would never be subject to judicial review.

Congresswoman Capito talked about a recent appeals court ruling upholding EPA’s decision to retroactively veto a permit of a coal mining job of Arch Coal in West Virginia. It had originally been approved but since had been vetoed by EPA. It has gone back and forth in court. Capito described this week’s ruling from the appeals court as “chilling”.

State Representatives Fitz Steele (D) and Brandon Smith (R) both spoke in support of the bipartisan bill. Perry County Judge-Executive Denny Ray Noble (D) talked about loss of coal severance funds. He said people in all counties of eastern Kentucky are out of work because of the negative impact from federal government regulations.

In Eastern Kentucky alone, coal production at underground mines was down 27.3% and 27.8% in surface mining.

Knott was among 15 Eastern Kentucky counties having a decrease in coal production of more than 15%. There were 2,641,000 tons of coal mined in Knott County from 2011 to 2012 – a decline of 45.1% from the previous year.

This difference had a devastating effect on employment. The report listed only 330 people working at coal mines in Knott County – down 63.2%.

Statewide, employment at Kentucky coal mines fell over 22 percent from December 2011 to December 2012. Eastern Kentucky was hardest hit, with on-site employment falling 29.9 percent, a loss of 4,068 employees.

Coal production in Western Kentucky actually increased 2.5% during this time period. Union County became the largest coal producing county in Kentucky, surpassing Pike County for the first time in recent history.

By Karen Jones Cody

One step at a time, change is coming to Knott County government.

On Monday, the Knott County Fiscal Court voted to give magistrate Jamie Mosley the county’s top position. He follows Deputy Judge Greg Mullins, who has served as acting judge for three months.

Judge-Executive Randy Thompson was ordered to report to prison on December 6 following the denial of an appeal to overturn his conviction for using public funds to influence the 2006 election. Judge Thompson retained his position pending the decision to file one final appeal.

Deputy Judge-Executive Greg Mullins was tasked with running the office in Judge Thompson’s absence. He was immediately faced with a difficult situation.

In January, the county was notified by officials with the state Department for Local Government that an unexpected reduction in coal severance tax funding had left their budget with a shortfall of around $900,000, and the budget for the remainder of the fiscal year must be adjusted in order to balance by June 30 as required by law. Officials from DLG brought a presentation to the fiscal court advising them to implement budget cuts and to develop a new revenue source to offset the loss of coal severance funding.

The DLG officers suggested forming a budget committee to develop a plan. This committee, composed of Deputy Judge Mullins, County Treasurer Kevin Jacobs, District Two Magistrate Barry Watts and citizen representative Paul Hoskins, held several meetings (open to the public) before finally recommending a plan that included moderate cuts to limit rather than eliminate services, along with an occupational tax to provide needed revenue.

Three of the county’s magistrates then rejected that plan, choosing to rely on cutbacks only in spite of the state officials’ advice. For the past two years, the same three had adamantly refused to pass a one percent occupational tax Judge Thompson had suggested to avoid this crisis. Struggling to meet a Feb. 6 deadline, the deputy judge and financial advisors examined every detail of the budget to make cuts that would preserve as many jobs and services as possible, then negotiated with magistrates to gain approval of a plan. Magistrates Jamie Mosley, Calvin Waddles and Barry Watts demanded the cuts be made from the LGEA fund (they later added the Sportsplex fund, because they had erroneously believed it was included in LGEA), up to 25% until the budget was balanced. A revised budget was finally approved and accepted by the Department of Local Government.

Meanwhile, the magistrates had also directed County Attorney Tim Bates to challenge the status of Judge Thompson, which resulted in a request being filed with the court system. Knott County officials recused themselves, which led to a hearing in Floyd County Circuit Court. On Friday, March 8, that court ordered Judge Thompson removed from office.

Magistrates immediately asked for a special meeting on Monday, March 11. Items on the agenda were the assumption of duties of the county judge-executive by a fiscal court member, and a resolution on the status of judge-executive assistants, secretaries, clerical workers and the deputy judge-executive.

In Monday’s meeting, Tim Bates advised the court that he had received a call from the judge in Floyd County about Judge Thompson’s removal. Bates said the judge’s duties should now be assumed by one of the court members. Barry Watts nominated Jamie Mosley and Calvin Waddles provided the second. District Three Magistrate Mark Chaffins said he thought the order of succession required the Coroner to step in, but Bates cited a statute naming a member of the court instead. The court voted to have Mosley act as judge-executive, with only Mark Chaffins opposing.

This discussion was over in less than five minutes, and then the court voted to go into closed session to discuss the remaining agenda item.

Twenty minutes later, the open meeting resumed. “The governor will eventually appoint someone else as judge, so for now, we will reappoint everyone,” Jamie Mosley said. He added that Deputy Judge Greg Mullins had chosen to resign that position and return to his job as director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Tim Bates said no additional resolution would be required for Mosley to be the person authorized to sign checks for the county.

Greg Mullins told the Times that the court had asked him to remain as deputy judge, but he felt it was time to step aside. “I was appointed to that position by Judge Thompson, and since he was ordered to vacate the office and the court appointed Mr. Mosley, I thought I should let the fiscal court have a fresh start. Hopefully they will make decisions that are in the best interest of the county, the citizens of the county – that’s what is important to me.

“I think it’s time we put politics aside and do what’s right for the citizens,” Mullins said. “I don’t have any ill feelings toward anyone. I just thought it was in the best interest of all involved to step aside and have things go forward. We will have a new judge soon, and I hope it will be his goal to keep progress going for our county instead of moving backward.

“I still hope to have involvement and be an active part of county government – but if those in power don’t want me to be, that’s fine, too. For the last three months, I’ve been full-time in the judge’s office, and Deputy Director Jo Short took care of Emergency Management. It’s time for me to get back and be sure that department is getting the full attention it deserves.

“In the last three months, I’ve tried to do what was right and best for the county. There were tough decisions that had to be made. I have no regrets – I tried to make the best of a bad situation and act in the best interest of the county.”

Mullins said he believes it is important for the county to keep expanding programs that have been positive and successful. “I hope I continue to see progress with things like the horse trail ride, ATV center and the Sportsplex – I hope to see projects finished on the hill,” he said.

Jamie Mosley said he was willing to step up and take on the responsibility of the office, but added that he expected the governor to appoint a new judge in a couple of weeks to serve until the next election. He added that he had no hard feelings toward Mark Chaffins, who cast the only vote against his election.

Find the Troublesome Creek Times at local stores in Knott and surrounding counties or subscribe to the Times at (606)-785-5134

The final day of the Senior Games, a competitive event which brings residents from surrounding counties to the Sportsplex each spring, will be held this year in May. Pictured are members of Knott County’s 2008 Senior Games team.

By Karen Jones Cody

When Eva Huff talks about the senior citizens who are suffering the effects of the county’s reduction in funding, her eyes fill with tears.

Huff has been the director of Knott County’s Human Services Center and Senior Citizens Program for 14 years. Knott’s program for seniors was recognized as one of the best in the state. However, since the county first began to deal with financial difficulties in 2009, a series of cutbacks have chipped away at the services available for senior citizens.

The recent adjustments to balance the budget had a crushing impact on the program. Magistrates’ directive to confine cuts to the LGEA fund narrowed the choices of where cuts could be made – and the county’s contribution to the senior program comes from LGEA.

“We lost three employees and $25,000 from our food budget,” Huff told the Times. “We were delivering meals to 105 seniors. Right now, we are down to 19.”

The county has a contract to provide services to seniors with state and federal funding, Huff explained, but home delivery of meals has always required funding beyond the amount budgeted by those sources.

“Our local court wanted to expand the senior citizens program in 1999, and they provided enough extra funding that we were delivering around 200 meals every day,” Huff recalled. When less and less funding became available to the program, she said their first solution was to reduce the number of deliveries by not adding new clients to replace those who moved away, transitioned into nursing homes or passed away.

When this reduction was not enough, they devised a plan where half the clients received meals three days a week while the other half got meals on two days – and the two groups were alternated each week. At one point when several employees were laid off, volunteers from other departments in county government pushed their work aside and made time to help deliver meals.

Huff described the process put in motion by the most recent cut to the program. “In order to fulfill our contract with state and federal sources, we had to go back to square one. They gave me a list of clients at highest risk, and those 19 people are approved for home-delivered meals. I’m trying to get another 19 approved so we can go back to an alternating schedule and at least serve that many people. That would be better than nothing.”

The program continues to serve meals at the Human Services Center Monday through Thursday. “People who have been coming there are confused. Many have asked if we could provide more home-delivered meals if they stop coming to the center. The answer is no; it is separate funding, and if we don’t use the money set aside for meals in the center for that purpose, it will just go back to the funding source.”

Huff pointed out that lunch at the center is about much more than food – it’s about keeping seniors active. “We have activities and everyone enjoys visiting with friends and neighbors.”

The same is true of the meal delivery program. The driver becomes a part of his or her client’s world – a friendly face and a comforting presence. In some cases, these drivers have provided valuable support by helping a sick client call family members or an ambulance.

Huff said the home-delivered meal service is the most expensive part of the program because it involves not only preparing the food, but also packaging it, plus the cost of fuel and personnel to deliver. Some people have asked about the possibility of donating funds to the program or sponsoring a particular senior citizen. Huff said that any money donated would go to the county’s general fund. “People can donate things to the program – if someone wanted to buy something like a flat screen TV for the center, that would be allowed. But money would go into the general fund.”

Some people have also asked how it was possible that repairs and upgrades were recently done at the center with the county in such poor financial condition. Huff explained this work was done with grant money, which could not be used for anything else.

“Most counties will do whatever they must to support their senior citizens. All counties are struggling – but I heard recently that Letcher County just put $50,000 into their senior program.” Huff said. “I think it’s a shame that this part of our population, these people who have worked and contributed to society all their lives, are now losing their services. I think the mistake here is that magistrates stated in meetings they didn’t want to cut the program – but they aren’t really even familiar with it. Mark Chaffins from District Three is the only one who has visited us. Then when it was all said and done, it was said that the budget was balanced on the backs of the seniors.”

Huff said they are considering one possibility for a fundraiser – operating a “General Store” at the horse trail ride. “We think it would be useful for guests there as well as generate money for our program,” she said.  Citizens are welcome to donate items that the center could sell in the general store – and the staff has composed a long list of possibilities. “We hope to offer things like paper products, snacks, camping items – anyone who would like more information can contact us at the center.”

The senior citizens program continues to provide daily activities as much as possible. They have plans for one of their favorite outings in a couple of weeks – an Easter egg hunt and picnic at the ATV center. Huff said another much-anticipated activity would begin in April; the Senior Games, in which senior citizens in all counties of the KRADD district compete in everything from pool and horseshoes to Rook.  This series of competitions ends with a huge celebration at the Sportsplex on May 16.

The staff of the senior citizens program welcomes anyone eligible to visit the center for lunch on Monday through Thursday. Eva Huff advises that participation is not based on income, it is open to anyone age 60 or older and their spouses. She also suggests that anyone who would like to express their support of the program should attend a fiscal court meeting or contact the magistrate in their home district.

Find the Troublesome Creek Times at local stores in Knott and surrounding counties or subscribe to the Times at (606)-785-5134

Sophomore Cameron Justice was named to the state All-Tournament Team.

Knott County Central finished the 2013 season strong as they advanced into the quarter-finals of the state tournament. The Patriots finished the season with a sparkling 30-6 record.

“It was another great year. I am so proud of the kids and want to thank everyone for their support,” added Coach BB King.

Patriot Cameron Justice was named to the all-tournament team after two out-standing performances in the big show. Knott County’s cheerleaders also made a great showing as they placed second in the state.

Knott County began the tournament against a familiar foe; they drew 13th region champion Clay County. The Tigers came out hot and scored the first five points of the game. Simon Christon hit a jumper to stop their early run. Clay County kept the Patriots at bay as they opened a 15-8 lead and led 17-9 at the end of the first quarter.

Trailing 20-12 with 7:01 left in the first half, the Patriots came charging back. Cameron Justice tipped in a bucket and Simon Christon scored on a lay up to cut the lead to four. Corey Short drilled a three pointer and a jumper by Cameron Justice tied the game at 21. Corey Short sank another three point shot and Cameron Justice followed him with a three pointer as Knott County took a 27-21 lead. Two free throws by Chance Cornett pushed the Patriots lead to 8 and Knott County led 31-23 at the half.

The Patriots continued to pull away in the third quarter. A jumper by Simon Christon gave Knott County a 37-27 lead and Cameron Justice canned a three pointer as the Patriots pushed their lead to 13. Knott County continued to take control and led by 17 after Evan Hall took a nice pass from Blake Shrum and completed an old-fashioned three point play with 34 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

Knott County maintained a double digit lead throughout the 4th quarter as they hit their stride in Rupp Arena. The Patriots’ biggest lead was 16 on four different occasions and they rolled to the 68-54 win.

Cameron Justice paced Knott County with 29. Simon Christon added 12, Chance Cornett-10, Evan Hall-6, and Corey Short added 11. Cornett added 10 rebounds.

The Patriots’ season came to an end in a 68-53 loss to #1 rated Louisville

Ballard. The Patriots committed 17 turnovers as the Bruins harassed Knott County from end line to end line with defensive pressure.

Knott County actually played a pretty good game but had a hard time matching up with the Bruins. Ballard took an early lead of 13 , but Knott County fought back to within 12 points at the half. Ballard stretched their lead to 20 in the third quarter and held off Knott County in the 4th.

Cameron Justice tossed in 24 for the Patritos. Simon Christon added 7, Chance Cornett-13, Evan Hall-4, Corey Short-3 and Dillon Craft added 2.

Find the Troublesome Creek Times at local stores in Knott and surrounding counties or subscribe to the Times at (606)-785-5134

KCC’s cheerleaders placed second in state competition at Rupp.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Steve Beshear is being pressured from both sides of a controversial bill that would strengthen legal protections for religious freedom in Kentucky.

Civil rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky, are urging Beshear to veto the measure. They say it could allow someone claiming religious freedom to discriminate against gays and lesbians, undermining civil rights protections in cities such as Lexington.

Religious and conservative groups, including The Family Foundation, are asking the governor to sign the bill. They say it gives stronger legal standing to people in court who claim the law puts a burden on their religious practices. The courts would still have to decide on the matter.

Legal experts have said the laws have made little difference in the 16 states that have them.

The General Assembly passed the bill on Friday. Beshear told reporters on Tuesday that he still needs to review the proposal.

“I appreciate the folks who are interested in it, both for and against it, and I’m going to take a good hard look it,’’ he told reporters.

Rep. Robert Damron, D-Nicholasville, sponsored the bill. He said it is a response to a former state law, upheld by the Kentucky Supreme Court, that required the Amish to display bright orange safety triangles on their black buggies so motorists could better see them.

The law has since been changed to accommodate the Amish, but not before several Amish men went to jail rather than display the triangles, which they said went against their religious beliefs.

“All this bill would do is to return long-standing legal protections to people of faith that the Kentucky Supreme Court took away in a decision last October,’’ Martin Cothran of The Family Foundation said in a press release Tuesday.

The Fairness Coalition, a group of organizations working for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in Kentucky, opposes the bill. The group has scheduled a press conference in the Capitol rotunda for Wednesday at 10 a.m. to press for a veto.

In a Tuesday press release, the group said the bill “could make discrimination legal’’ if people claim their discrimination is based on a sincerely held religious belief.

Christopher Lund, a law professor at Michigan’s Wayne State University, examined all 16 states with religious freedom laws in 2010 for the South Dakota Law Review. He found that they’re often underused, if used at all. And the people who do claim religious infringement lose in court more than they win, he wrote.

Two courts in New Mexico have so far upheld a state law that bans discrimination of gays and lesbians, even though a Christian wedding photographer claimed the law burdened her from practicing her faith. She had refused to photograph the commitment ceremony of a lesbian couple and was fined under the law by the state’s human rights commission.

The legislation is House Bill 279.

The Senate voted 33-5 late Monday afternoon for final passage. That vote came on the heels of 88-10 House vote.

Raising the dropout age has been a priority for Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear, who has been pushing legislation since he took office in 2007.

It was a compromise arranged by Republican Sen. David Givens of Greensburg that lead to passage of the proposal after years of debate.

Givens resolved the issue by allowing school districts to choose whether to increase the dropout age. After 55 percent of school districts sign on, it would be required statewide.

Lagging districts would have four years to comply.

There are two antique shows that I annually attend: The Virginia Highlands Festival in summer and The Bluegrass Trust Antique and Garden Show in spring. As you could imagine there was a great deal of anticipation for this year’s event. So you think I would have had time to prepare myself and avoid several awkward but laughable moments on Saturday.

Mom, Dad, and I left shortly after 11:00 Saturday morning for the Bluegrass Trust Antique and Garden Show held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. I stopped first to eat at Waffle House in Winchester where we enjoyed a late breakfast. I had the all-star special: scrambled eggs, ham, hashbrowns, orange juice, chocolate milk, and my favorite: a waffle topped with chocolate chips.

From there we continued on the interstate to the horse park. At the entrance was a consignment auction with hundreds of tractors and other farm equipment. Once completing a roundabout we passed horses grazing in large fields lined with white fencing. The antique show was held, as it was when I first went last year, in the Alltech Arena.

The dirt arena floor that normally showcases galloping horses showcased thundering horsepower as a car show accompanied the show. Dealers from across the country were set up on the concourse circling the arena. Their offerings mainly consisted of fine furniture, silver, and art that generally was in the $2,000 -$8,000 range. These are dealers that specialize in high-end items but there are still some that are reasonable and even have items undervalued.

That’s what I came for.

Also, you can learn a lot about the world of antiques from the dealers. I did that at the very first booth.

The Philadelphia dealer had a china coffee pot bearing the same armorial design as a cup and saucer that I acquired in Charleston, South Carolina back in the summer. The draped cobalt blue shield was created by China for export to America in its infancy as a country. Not so inviting however was the cost of the coffee pot and I passed on it. In fact, I passed on just about everything I inquired about.

I continued my trek from booth to booth investigating all paintings and considering the ones with reasonable prices. I talked with Jerry Shrout, owner of Thoroughbred Antique Gallery in Lexington, who noted the show was going very well and he had sold numerous items even while setting up. He had an interesting charcoal drawing from Charleston that I was somewhat interested in. I usually make two trips through a show, looking more intently at the items I was intrigued by the first time. On my second trip the drawing was gone.

This set up a fine series of mishaps.

I walked by a seascape painting on an easel and stopped to examine it further. At the same time a woman that had been standing from afar rushed forward in a motion natural of a dealer. Therefore, I naturally assumed that she was. I turned to her and asked confidently, “What can you tell me about the painting?”

She looked at me confused. Clutching a glass of wine she possessed every quality of an upper-class, nose in the air type. At this point it slowly began to dawn on me that she wasn’t the dealer as we both stood there shoulder-to-shoulder without saying a word. More perturbed than embarrassed, I looked around at her cockeyed with an expression that read, “Aren’t you even going to say anything?” The woman forced herself to nod her head in a roundabout fashion as if to pretend to be interested in it. I said, “nice painting” before walking off.

Moments later I was talking with another dealer about a portrait. A man approached us from the side with a very expensive and large camera in hand. He looked at me and said, “Believe it or not your mom asked me to get a picture of you.” Before he opened his mouth I had already thought he might have been covering the event for the Lexington Herald-Leader. It also sounded like something Mom would do, as she knows the editor of the Herald-Leader. So in a false interested/sarcastic tone of voice I offered, “she did?”

He then had the dealer to step out of the frame and asked where I wanted to have my picture taken. I really don’t like having my picture taken so I was just letting him dictate the whole affair. He had me stand beside a tall case clock and then I offered the dealer I was talking to back into the picture as if he were showing me the painting again.

We both smiled and posed for the picture as one of the dealer’s associates walked up to the photographer and explained that the other man was the dealer. He then said, “Oh, it must have been your mother.” I then slowly walked away with my last shred of dignity for the day. If there is a picture of me somewhere labeled “Charles Worthington” or something to that effect — that would be why.

There was only one painting I seriously considered that day and it was part of an antique outdoors- themed booth. The painting I was looking at was an impressionist landscape with three deer by a stream. I could see an illusive sig- nature in the bottom left but I could tell the male dealer knew nothing about it. He told me the signature was hidden by frame on the right but it was executed by an artist named “Renouse.” I later identified it as being by George B. Yarnold.

I walked around considering what was a very good price and feeling I could make a profit on it if I decided to sell it. That is after all my hobby. Returning to the booth the man’s wife was called over when I asked more about the paint- ing. I could see quickly she was the one that called the shots and I began to negotiate with her.

I asked for her best price and it was what the man quoted me. However, she told me that the “Renouse” attribution was incorrect and I told her I was only considering the price based on that information and then made her a lower offer. She said that was “pushing it” for them to sell it for that and studying her I could see that she was weakening. Before she had time to think I slightly upped my offer and she accepted.

Amid a string of mishaps at the show at least I had that victory to take away.

Okay, so my fantasy of the Patriots winning the State Championship was a wash, but they did play well in Lexington. I as proud as a peacock to be an alumnus of KCC. As young as this team is, I think they have a bright future in front of them and who knows, maybe next year or the year after that, we just might win it all. That’s my hope at least.

Jim Rose took the Patriots three consecutive times to the tournament. I remember all the talk about three-peat when this happened. I would love for the Patriots to have a “quad-squad” and win the 14th Region four, five (penta-team) six (hex-a-champ) or even seven (sept- a-gone to the state) wins. I don’t expect that to happen, but a man can dream, can’t he? With the talent this bunch has, you never know.

My hat goes off to the Patriots who proved themselves well down here in Central Kentucky. I would like to give a special shout out to Simon Christon, who, in my opinion, really sparked the Patriots comeback over Clay County. I know the rest of the boys played well and you could credit (especially Evan, who is family) them all, but as I was listening on the radio, it seemed that the initial spark that started the comeback was created by Simon. To him, I would like to say, “Well done, young man!”

The great news about a sophomore-laden team is that they become juniors. With the exception of three seniors, Blake Shrum, Chance Little, and Corey Short and one junior, Cheyne Miller, this is a very young team primarily made up of sophomores, freshmen and an eighth grader. I think this team can get better and better over the next two years assuming noth- ing drastic happens to the core of the team B. B. will have next year and the year after that. The students in the lower grades can be expected to grow and mature a little more over the next couple of years. They will have much more experience playing together as a group and they can expect the team to grow and bond as they face other teams during the next couple of years.

I know I was looking ahead, but I would now like to focus on this year’s team. Those seniors have experienced, not once, but twice, a dream that the vast majority of people can only dream about. In this state, every kid who ever played basketball for any school has had one main dream and one side dream. The main dream for every kid who plays basketball in this state is to get to the Sweet Sixteen Tournament. The secondary dream, which is almost as powerful, is to win the thing.

There is something magical about it. If you doubt me, then just get a group of people of various ages together in a room and I’ll bet that more times than not, basketball will be one of the main subjects being discussed. I remember being at home talking to people and you had firsthand accounts of the rich tradition of basketball in Eastern Kentucky. At this event, you had people who went to school with Kelly Coleman or the 1956 Carr Creek team; those that had gone to school with Herbie Stamper when he led KCC to the State Tournament during its first year in existence, and those, like myself, who were there when Ricky Robinson sank two free throws to give the Patriots a win over the fa- vored Hazard Bulldogs. Also, present were students at KCC when Jim Rose had the three-peat years and those who went to school with the players on the past two years. We really cover the sport over the last six decades.

High school basketball is like a religion in our area. I know people who still have statistical documents, or copies of these documents, from games played nearly 60 years ago. I’ve seen kids talk about players as though those players were world famous. Therefore, Blake, Corey, and Chance, even though you are just beginning your lives, know that what you have accomplished will follow you for the rest of your lives. Your grandkids will be talking about you fellows when you are 75 years old. I tip my hat to you and pray that you have as much success in your futures as you have accomplished in your past. God Bless You All!

March weather continues to be unpredictable — warm enough for short sleeves one day and cold the next. We can’t wait for the warm weather to stay.

Everyone is so excited about March Madness. We will be cheering our favorite team, those UK Wildcats on as they play in the SEC Tournament. We are so happy that they are going in as a #2 seed. GO BIG BLUE!!!!!

We especially want to extend our praise and support for Knott County Central High School in their trip to Rupp Arena this past week. We are so proud of all they accomplished. We also support and wish the best to all academic and speech teams that are competing. Our community is awesome and we are proud to be living here.

We will be having out annual fundraiser for Relay For Life on Thursday, March 21. The dinners will include all the fixings for Taco Salad and dessert. We will deliver too. For more information or to place your order, call us here at 606-785-5011. This is a worthy cause and let’s join together and show our support.

This Friday, March 15, is our annual Quilt Show. We will have quilts on display in the Activity/Dining room starting at 10 a.m. Please come by and look at them. This is a tradition that we hope to see continue in our community. Look for pictures in next week’s edition of The Troublesome Creek Times.

Anyone wanting to volunteer or be added to our monthly calendar of events can call us here.