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Troy’s Law Stalls in Senate

A bill that could protect tow truck drivers across Kentucky has stalled—with no sign of movement in the Senate.

House Bill 282—known as “Troy’s Law”—is named for Morehead resident Troy Caldwell, who was killed while working along Interstate 64 in Bath County after being struck by a semi-truck.

The bill would allow tow trucks to use rear-facing green warning lights while stopped on highways to improve visibility.

Despite strong support, the measure has remained in a Senate committee with no further action.

Supporters say close calls happen far more often than reported—and they plan to keep pushing for change.

Morehead Rowan County E9-1-1 has introduced the "Adopt a Dispatcher" program to recognize the essential work of emergency dispatchers.

This initiative allows the community to show appreciation by sending thank-you notes, care packages, or any gestures to these first responders.

Assistant 9-1-1 Director Kerri Moran emphasizes the vital role dispatchers play as the first line of communication during emergencies.

Despite being unseen during emergencies, dispatchers provide vital information to responders, ensuring quick resolution.

The program aims to acknowledge dispatchers' efforts and support them in their challenging and crucial role.

Want to participate? Stop by or contact the Morehead Police Department  to learn how.

Morehead–Maysville Pipeline Draws Support—and Opposition

A proposed natural gas pipeline connecting Morehead to Maysville is drawing attention across northeastern Kentucky, bringing both support and growing opposition.

The project would span about 42 miles, running from Rowan County through Fleming County into Mason County, supplying gas to the Hugh L. Spurlock Generating Station operated by East Kentucky Power Cooperative.

Supporters say the pipeline would improve energy reliability, strengthen the power grid during extreme weather, and support long-term infrastructure needs.

Opponents, including environmental groups and some local landowners, cite concerns over property rights, environmental impact, and continued reliance on fossil fuels. Public comments have been encouraged as part of the federal review process.

The project is still in the approval stage, with no final decision yet.

FRIENDLY Reminder: Check Your Property Tax Status
Deadline: April 15, 2026

Please take a moment to verify whether you have any unpaid property tax bills. If you’re unsure, the Rowan County Sheriff's Office is happy to help—just give them a call at 606‑784‑5446.

Any tax bills not paid by April 15 will be transferred to the Rowan County Clerk’s Office, where additional fees and penalties will be applied. According to the Kentucky Department of Revenue, a $1,000 tax bill can increase to $1,387.79 once it reaches the clerk’s office. If that bill is later purchased by a third‑party purchaser, the total can rise to $1,704.21.

Staying ahead of the deadline can save you a significant amount of money. Thank you for taking the time to check.

Editorial: Back to the Moon… With Old Habits?

For the first time since Apollo 17 mission in 1972, astronauts aboard Artemis II have left Earth’s orbit and are heading toward the Moon.

It’s incredible to watch.

But I’ll be honest—I have mixed feelings.

Back in 2021, I actually reached out to NASA and asked a simple question:
What are we doing about all the debris we’ve already left in space—and how are we preventing more?

The answer?

They track it. They monitor it. They assess the risk.

But as of that time, there was no dedicated mission to clean it up.

That stuck with me.

Because today, there are tens of thousands of pieces of debris orbiting Earth—most of it junk left behind by missions over the years.

It’s a pattern we know all too well.

We’ve polluted the land.
We’ve polluted the water.
Now we’re cluttering space.

I’m not against exploration. Not at all.

But if we’re going to go back to the Moon, maybe it’s time we do it differently:

Leave nothing behind.
Clean up what’s already there.

Otherwise, one day, it’s going to catch up with us—just like everything else has.

Morehead’s Early Hotels: The Raine Hotel

Before U.S. 60 cut through Morehead, one of the town’s busiest spots stood along Raine Street—the Raine Hotel.

Founded in 1882 by Dr. Robert Lee Raine, the hotel quickly became a central hub of activity, located near the railroad on what was then Railroad Street. At the time, Morehead had just three hotels: the Galt House, the Powers Hotel, and the Raine.

The hotel’s history is closely tied to the Martin–Tolliver Feud. In 1885, violence forced the Raine family to temporarily leave town. When they returned, the hotel was guarded by feud members and even served at one point as a headquarters for Craig Tolliver.

After Dr. Raine’s death in 1887, his widow Mary Elizabeth Raine continued operating the hotel for decades, running a busy boarding house that served railroad workers and local residents.

The Raine Hotel remained a fixture into the 20th century before being demolished in the late 1980s or early 1990s to make way for the U.S. 60 bypass.

Though the building is gone, its story remains an important part of Morehead’s early history.

Photo taken in 1991 by Juanita Blair

Remembering a Tragic Loss: 27 Years Later

This week marks the 27th anniversary of a tragedy that should never be forgotten.

On that day, volunteer firefighters Kevin Rex Smith and Kenneth Allen Nickell of the Route 377 Volunteer Fire Department gave their lives while battling the Island Fork Fire. What began as a call to serve quickly turned deadly, as strong winds and difficult terrain combined to create a fast-moving, high-intensity blaze.

Despite their training and courage, the fire overtook available escape routes, leaving no path to safety.

These men were not just firefighters—they were neighbors, friends, and members of our community who answered the call when others could not. Their sacrifice is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by those who protect us, often with little recognition and no expectation of reward.

As we reflect on this anniversary, may we remember their names, honor their service, and never take for granted the men and women who stand on the front lines in times of danger.

Gone, but not forgotten.

Tick Season Is Back in Eastern Kentucky

If you’ve been outside lately, you’ve probably already run into them—ticks are back.

If you’ve been outside lately, you’ve probably noticed—ticks are back. Even a quick walk in tall grass can be enough. (I pulled 14 off myself this week.)

Why It Matters
Ticks can carry:

• Lyme disease
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever
• Alpha-gal syndrome (red meat allergy)

If You Get Bit

• Use tweezers
• Grab close to the skin
• Pull straight out
• Clean the area
  Don’t: burn, twist, or smother it

Stay Protected

• Wear long sleeves/pants in tall grass
• Use bug spray
• Check yourself and pets after being outside
• Keep grass and brush trimmed

Watch For: Fever, fatigue, aches, or rash—get checked if symptoms appear.

Bottom Line: Ticks are common this time of year—stay alert and act quickly.

Photo Of The Week

A heavy sky settles over Morehead—one of those moments where you can feel the storm coming long before it arrives. Photo courtesy of Publisher Joe Clark. It was taken April 1, 2026 at the Kroger Center in Morehead.

Have a photo of Rowan County? Send it in—we may feature it!

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