The big story around here, of course, continues to be the weather, as the polar vortex circles ever deeper south. These days, ‘How are you doing?’ is inevitably followed by, ‘Oh, just trying to stay warm.’ When it’s this cold out though, few places stay really warm. Only in America and a few other privileged […]

By Beverly Thompson, CV&T Guest Columnist To any of you who do not know me, I want to introduce myself.  I am Beverly Thompson, and have lived in Estill County all my life, 18 years in Irvine and in Ravenna, Kentucky for the past 64.  I am the widow of William Cody Thompson and the mother of three sons, William Cody Thompson Jr., Francis […]

By Lisa Bicknell, CV&T Editor There’s been a big push to shop “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” sales for a long time, but a more recent movement is urging customers to consider shopping “Small Business Saturday.” There are plenty of sound reasons why we should seek to shop with our local small businesses. Spending your […]

The Kentucky River Water Trail Alliance Fall Conference met in town last week and was well attended. It was exciting to me to hear folks from several state organizations speak of the possibilities for towns like ours who have lots of natural resources but aren’t sure what to do with them. In telling my daughters […]

My hubby and I both recently passed important milestones in our lives.  We’re a half a century old—each. Halfway to one-hundred. Eligible to join the AARP. The first time I got a letter inviting me to become a member, I’ll have to admit I was a little offended. Seriously, I am grateful for every second […]

A few days ago, I saw a television interview with Ron Howard, the actor/director who once played Opie Taylor on the Andy Griffith show. He mentioned movies he’s directed that are based on nearly unbelievable events. He said when the movie “Apollo 13” debuted, about a space flight that nearly failed, a private screening was […]

For the week of Oct. 3, 2013 Over and over again I hear people say that the upcoming wet/dry vote is not about alcohol, it is about economics and attracting tenants to those empty buildings on Main Street in Irvine. Personally I have a lot of trouble seeing the economic potential in alcohol sales. In […]

I appreciate all the congratulatory words about my new position I’ve been receiving from folks I see when I’m out and about. Let me tell you, my first full week as editor was quite a ride. Not only was it a little hectic learning the ropes, but I caught a cold or had an allergy […]

When I received the message last week that a group of volunteers were working at the Kentucky River Park and Recreational Center at Wiseman’s Crossing to build a launch site for canoes and kayaks, I was eager to cover the story. The sight of a hole being dug in the side of a river bank […]