MKM Soap

Located in the Haldeman Community of Rowan County, MKM Soap makes some of the best soap in the country. They also carry souvenirs, books & more! 

Daylight Savings Time Returns!

Daylight Saving Time in the United States begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026 at 2:00 AM, when clocks are set forward one hour.

Fifth Graders at Clearfield Elementary Recently Had a Unique Opportunity in Art Class 

Elliottville Fire Department Receives Updated ISO Classification

ISO’s classification system evaluates how well fire departments across the United States are equipped to prevent and respond to structure fires. Scores range from 1 to 10, with Class 1 representing the highest level of fire protection. The assessment reviews several areas, including firefighter staffing and training, response capabilities, the quality and availability of apparatus and equipment, the reliability of the community’s water supply, and the performance of local emergency communications.

A Class 6 rating indicates that the department is providing a strong level of fire protection, approaching the performance typically associated with a Class 5 department. The 6X component applies to properties located beyond a specified distance from an approved water source, such as a hydrant or other recognized supply point.

This updated classification underscores the department’s ongoing commitment to strengthening public safety and enhancing service delivery throughout the community. While ISO ratings do not directly determine insurance premiums, many insurers use them as part of their risk evaluation process. Homeowners and business owners may wish to contact their insurance providers to learn whether the new rating will affect their individual policies.

Overall, the improved classification highlights the department’s continued investment in training, equipment, staffing, and emergency response capabilities—reassuring residents that the Elliottville Fire Department is well-prepared to respond effectively when emergencies occur.

MSU Alum Honored in Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Photo courtesy of WMKY Radio

Marc Herklotz, a 1981 Morehead State University graduate, has been inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame—one of the highest recognitions in the industry.

Herklotz spent more than 30 years working behind the scenes in major sports television production. During his time with ESPN, he contributed to some of the network’s biggest broadcasts, including Sunday Night Baseball, Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and the Home Run Derby.

When he received the call about his 2025 induction, Herklotz said the news felt surreal. His last broadcast had been a Yankees–Red Sox matchup at Fenway Park in 2019, and he described the honor as an unexpected but meaningful capstone to his career.

🎓 From Music Major to Media Professional

Herklotz originally came to MSU to study music. A visit to Cincinnati’s PBS station, WCET, changed everything. After seeing the station’s control room, he realized broadcasting was where he belonged. He returned to campus, switched his major to TV/radio journalism, and immediately got involved with WMKY.

As a student, he worked on programs such as All Things Considered and Morning Edition. He also teamed up with jazz professor Jay Flippin to create Jazz Line, a WMKY show blending Herklotz’s technical skills with his musical background.

🌱 Reflecting on MSU’s Impact

Herklotz credits Morehead State with shaping him both professionally and personally. He said the liberal arts environment, the friendships he formed, and the hands‑on experience he gained helped him grow into a well‑rounded adult ready for a career in broadcasting.

EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER

Editor’s Note: The following article is shared for informational purposes only and does not represent endorsement or opposition by The Morehead Minute. Readers are encouraged to review multiple sources and draw their own conclusions.

The Morehead Minute Is Sponsored By

SCHWARTZ CONSTRUCTION

Upcoming Community Events

Announcing the  Appalachian Literary Arts Festival — Coming to Downtown Morehead This August

This inaugural year brings together an extraordinary lineup of Appalachian voices. CoffeeTree Books will host a wide range of regional authors ready to meet readers, discuss their work, and sign books. Across the street, the Rowan County Arts Center will offer hands‑on writing workshops led by acclaimed Appalachian writers including Willie Carver, Gwenda Bond, and Mandi Fugate Sheffel.

Keynote events will feature two of the region’s most beloved literary figures — Crystal Wilkinson and George Ella Lyon — and we’re closing out the weekend with a performance by celebrated musician Will Oldham.

Nearly every business in downtown Morehead is joining the celebration with arts and crafts, specialty drinks and foods, book‑themed merchandise, apparel, and more. You can explore the full schedule and community partners on the new website: Appalachian Literary Arts Festival

Stay connected with festival updates, spotlights, and announcements by following us on social media.

Standing With Dispatcher Donna During Her Fight

For 18 years, Donna Vanlandingham has been a steady, reassuring voice for Bath County—guiding first responders, supporting citizens in crisis, and answering the call no matter the hour. Now, as she faces a battle with cancer, the community she has served so faithfully is rallying around her.

Support shirts are now available, with all proceeds going directly to help Donna during her treatment. It’s a simple way to show appreciation for her service and remind her that no hero fights alone.

Shirt Pricing

• Kids: $20

• Adult S–3XL: $25

• Adult 4XL–5XL: $30

Sizes Available

• 2T–5T

• Youth Small (6–8)

• Youth Medium (10–12)

• Youth Large (14–16)

• Youth XL (18–20)

• Adult Small–5XL

How to Order

• Through Donna’s family

• Through Bath County Dispatch

• Online ordering is available through White Oak Boutique

Donna has spent nearly two decades caring for others. This is our chance to show her how deeply she is valued.

Community members who wish to support Donna can order a shirt or help spread the word so she knows how many people are standing with her during this fight.

This Issue Supported By

Mark Kurywczak & NanoForce Technologies

Editorial

By Joe Clark, Publisher, The Morehead Minute

Recently, I learned that a young man in our area lost his job after being caught grazing food while at work.

I don’t know all the circumstances. I don’t know his full story. And I certainly don’t condone dishonesty. If someone violates workplace policy, there are consequences. That’s part of personal responsibility.

But the situation has stayed with me.

He was young—barely out of his teens. Polite. Engaging. The kind of kid you see behind a register and assume is doing just fine because he has a job.

And that assumption is what’s been bothering me.

Working does not always mean stable.

In today’s economy, a young person can be employed and still struggle to make rent, cover a car payment, keep insurance active, and afford groceries. Especially in rural communities where transportation isn’t optional—it’s survival.

I don’t know if hunger played any role in what happened. Maybe it didn’t. Maybe it was simply poor judgment.

But what if it did?

What if pride kept him from asking for help? What if employment masked a deeper struggle? What if he was trying to stand on his own and quietly falling short?

That possibility is what has lingered.

We live in a culture that swings between two extremes. On one side is rigid policy: rules are rules. On the other is open-ended charity with no accountability. Neither extreme builds a healthy community.

Compassion without structure breeds dependency.

Structure without compassion breeds hardness.

Somewhere in the middle is what I would call responsible compassion.

Feed someone who is hungry today—no questions asked. Hunger is urgent. But if the need continues, sit down and ask why. Offer partnership. Offer guidance. Offer accountability. Preserve dignity while encouraging growth.

We also have to be honest. There are people who take advantage of goodwill. Anyone involved in local food efforts has seen it. Repeated abuse erodes trust, and when trust erodes, generosity shrinks. And when generosity shrinks, the truly needy suffer most.

So how do we balance it?

Perhaps it begins with paying attention.

How many young workers in our community are smiling, clocking in, and quietly stretching one meal into two days? How many are too proud to admit they’re struggling? How many are working, but still one unexpected expense away from crisis?

These aren’t political questions. They’re community questions.

Government programs are not the foundation of a healthy town. Families, churches, and neighbors are. But that requires awareness. It requires involvement. It requires us to notice.

If someone in front of you says they’re hungry, feed them. If the situation becomes ongoing, help them stand. And if you see patterns of abuse, address them honestly.

But above all—don’t let cynicism harden you.

In a working town like ours, we should never assume that a job automatically means someone is okay.

Sometimes the need is quieter than we realize.

If you’re aware of a quiet need in our community — particularly among young workers trying to stand on their own — I encourage you to step in thoughtfully. And if you believe there is a situation that deserves attention, feel free to reach out privately.

Healthy communities aren’t built by policies alone. They’re built by people who notice.

—
Joe Clark
Publisher, The Morehead Minute

Community Sponsor 

Sweetwater Sips

From The Archives 

Taken in 1906, the James Edward Plank family - one of Rowan County's pioneering families.
Photo courtesy of Dustyn Doyle. 

Herbal Corner: Natural Support for Stress & Sleep

Let’s be honest — life in 2026 feels louder than it used to.

Between work stress, family responsibilities, and the constant buzz of phones and news, a lot of folks around Rowan County are quietly struggling with sleep and tension. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Before reaching for something harsh, many people are turning back to gentle herbal support.

Here are three time-tested herbs worth knowing about. Note: 

Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this newsletter may be affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you:

Chamomile
Often thought of as “just tea,” chamomile has been used for centuries to calm the nervous system. A warm cup before bed can help relax the body and prepare the mind for sleep.

Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, lemon balm helps ease nervous tension and mild anxiety. It’s especially helpful for people who feel “wired but tired.”

Passionflower
This one is excellent for racing thoughts at night. It helps quiet mental chatter and promotes more restful sleep without feeling groggy the next day.

Simple Tip:

Try creating a nighttime wind-down routine:

• Dim lights an hour before bed

• Turn off screens

• Drink a warm herbal tea

• Take 5 slow, deep breaths

Your nervous system responds to rhythm. Give it one.

As always, talk to your healthcare provider if you’re on medication or have medical conditions before starting any herbal supplement.

FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Tip of The Day

Check out the Morehead State University campus for a scenic walk or to attend events and performances! 

Follow  The Morehead Minute on Facebook for daily updates and community news.

Spread The Word! Tell Your Friends!

Know someone in Rowan County who should read this? Forward them the link to the Morehead Minute and tell them to subscribe. The link is themoreheadminute.com