Latest / Eastern Kentucky Newspapers / Manchester Enterprise - 4.3.26

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Manchester Enterprise - 4.3.26 · Eastern Kentucky Newspapers

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Speaker 1: Now we turn to the Manchester Enterprise to read news
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from and around Manchester. Your reader today is Jim Rice.
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Will begin with addition dated four to one, twenty six.
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As a reminder, RADIOI is a reading service intended for
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people who are blind or have other disabilities that make
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it difficult to read printed material. Man found dead near
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Crane Branch, Oneida. A man was found dead along the
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side of the road near the Crane Branch community Thursday
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afternoon in what authorities are investigating as a possible homicide.
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Deputy Clay County Corner Shy Hubbard pronounced the man deceased
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at the scene. The victim has been identified as Gregory Sizemore,
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sixty three, of Elk Creek. The circumstances surrounding the death
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remain under investigation by the Kentucky State Police in the
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Clay County Sheriff's Department. Next article Hard Times what it
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costs to live in Clay County in twenty twenty six,
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man Manchester. For many families in Clay County, making and
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living has quietly become harder than ever, And it's not
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because people aren't working. It's because everything else costs more.
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From the grocery store, to the gas pump, to monthly
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you toil bills. Residents across Manchester and the surrounding communities
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are feeling the squeeze in ways that are becoming impossible
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to ignore. What used to be manageable just a few
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years ago is now forcing families to make tough choices.
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Quote it's not one thing, it's everything, unquote, said one
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Manchester resident. Quote you go to the store for a
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few items and walk out one hundred dollars lighter unquote.
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Groceries hit the hardest for most households. The biggest change
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has come at the grocery store. Items that were one staples, milk, eggs,
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head meat have all seen noticeable increases. A trip that
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might have cost seventy five dollars to one hundred dollars
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and twenty twenty can now easily reach one hundred and
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fifty dollars or more, depending on family size. Families say
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they're buying less, switching brands, or cutting back altogether. Local
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parents say feeding a household has become one of their
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biggest monthly challenges, especially those with multiple children. Gas and
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commuting costs add up. While gas prices fluctuate, many Clay
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County residents say the cost of commuting continues to strain
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budgets With limited job opportunities locally, many workers travel outside
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the county for employment. That means more time on the
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road and more money spent just getting to work. Utilities
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quietly climbing. Another area hitting households hard is utilities. Electric, water,
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and heating costs have steadily increased, leaving residents with higher
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monthly bills regardless of the season. Winter months in particular,
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can be difficult for families trying to keep up. For
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seniors and those on fixed incomes, those increases can be
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especially difficult to absorb wages laid behind. While cost have risen,
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many residents say wages haven't kept pace. That gap is
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forcing some families to work longer hours, take on additional jobs,
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or rely more heavily on credit just to cover basic expenses.
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Small business owners are also feeling the pressure balancing higher
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supply costs while trying not to pass everything on to customers,
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a growing concern locally. Local leaders and residents alike say
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the issue isn't unique to Clay County, but its impact
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can be greater in rural communities where incomes are often
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lower and options are limited. For many Here, it's not
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about luxury, it's about getting by, and more people are
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finding that getting by isn't as easy as it used
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to be. Next article Playball New softball baseball fields open
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after linkedly delays due to lawsuit construction issues Manchester. After
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nearly six years of planning, setbacks and perseverance, the Clay
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County School District officially opened its new turf softball and
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baseball fields at Tiger Stadium Monday night, a moment many
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and attendance once wondered if they would ever see. What
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began in twenty twenty as an ambitious vision by the
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Clay County Board of Education turned into one of the
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most complex construction projects in the district's history. The original
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plan required literally moving a mountain to create space for
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the new athletic complex. Dirt from that excavation was later
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repurposed to expand nearby property, helping make room for the
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district's recently completed Area Technology Center. Quote. This has been
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a long journey, but one we never gave up on,
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said William Sexton. There were times that would have been
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easy to walk away or scale things back, but our
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goal has always been to give our students and community
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facilities that they can be proud of. In our community
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facilities they can be proud of. The project faced multiple delays,
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including the lawsuit that stalled progress in the court system
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soon after the COVID nineteen pandemic brought construction across the
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nation to a halt for more than a year, pushing
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timelines even further. When work finally resumed and the fields
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were nearing completion, additional challenges emerged. Groundwater and soil stability
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issues forced district leaders to reconsider their original design, Initially
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planned as natural grass fields, a common choice when the
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project began, the landscape of high school athletics had shifted
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in the wake of the pandemic. School districts across Kentucky
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began upgrading to synthetic surfaces using federal elementary and secondary
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school emergency relief funds. Faced with ongoing site concerns and
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evolving standards, the board made a pivotal decision to convert
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both fields to turf. Once we identified the groundwater and
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soil issues, we knew we had to make a change
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that would ensure long term success. Sexton said. Turf not
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only addressed those concerns, but also put our facilities on
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par with some of the best in the region. That
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vision became reality Monday night, as the Tigers took the
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field for the first time on the new surface, drawing
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a large crowd eager to see the finished product. Fans
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were quick to voice their impressions, describing the complex as
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quote beautiful and quote amazing unquote, with several saying they
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couldn't believe a facility like this was in Clay County.
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Clay County High School Athletic Director Tommy Nicholson said the
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new complex represents a major step forward for the district's
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athletic programs. There's no question we now have some of
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the nicest athletic facilities in the state. Nicholson said. This
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is something our student athletes, coaches, and community can take
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pride in for years to come. The Tigers stadium upgrades
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are part of a broader investment of more than fifty
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million dollars in improvements and new construction across the district
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in recent years. Those projects include renovations at Manchester Elementary
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and Oneida Elementary, construction of the new Area Technology Center,
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upgrades to the athletic complex, including football baseball and softball stadiums,
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a new track and tennis courts, renovation of Bobby Keith
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Gymnasium in the creation of Legends Hall, renovation of the
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Clay County High School Auditorium, construction of a new storage
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facility for Christian Appalachian Project distribution, and new roofing at
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the bus Garage Board of Education building Clay County Middle
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School and Clay County High School. Sexton said the work
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is far from finished. We're continuing to look ahead. He said.
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There are more projects already in the works, and we're
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excited to share those plans with the community in the
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near future. For now, though, Monday night marked a milestone
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not just for a set of fields, but for a
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vision years in the making that finally came to life
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under the lights at Tiger Stadium. Next article domestic depute
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dispute turns violent Manchester. A Clay County man is facing
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multiple charges following an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred
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last summer. According to an arrest citation filed in Clay County,
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Shannon Sturgell, forty, of the Swindling Gap community, was charged
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with fourth degree assault domestic violence, second degree, wanton endangerment,
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menacing in third degree terroristic threatening. The complaint, filed by
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Ronda Smith, alleges the incident occurred on July twenty ninth,
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twenty twenty five, at a residence the two shared. Smith
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reported that she had gone to the home to retrieve
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personal belongings when Stergill confronted her and refused to allow
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her to take any items. According to the citation, the
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situation escalated when Sturgill allegedly struck Smith in the face
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with a closed fist, causing visible bruising. Smith further reported
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she was knocked to the ground, suffering additional injuries to
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her knee. The complaint also alleges that stgil choked Smith
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while she was on the ground and made threats against
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her life during the altercation. Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Dewey
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Grubb is listed as the arresting officer in the case.
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Sturgel was charged with assault, fourth degree, domestic violence, wanton endangerment,
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second degree, menacing, terroristic threatening third degree. In sports, two
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Way Region Champs, Tiger Softball advances to two way State
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tournament with win over Harlan Corbin behind a dominant performance
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in the circle. In a balanced offensive attack, Clay County
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captured the two way Softbass Section seven championship with a
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five to two win over Harlan County. The Lady Tigers
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leaned on Olivia Hoskins, who delivered one of her best
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outings of the season. Tossing a complete game. Jim Hoskins
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allowed just one hit across seven innings while striking out seven,
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keeping the Lady Black Bears off balance from start to finish.
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Clay County coach Jason Rice said the performance reflected how
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his team has come together at the right time. I
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couldn't be more proud of the way this team played.
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Rice said, from top to bottom, everybody contributed. Olivia was
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outstanding in the circle, and offensively, we had great at
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bats all night. That's the kind of complete game you
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want to see in a championship. After a scoreless start,
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Clay County broke through in the third inning. Anna Samples
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continued her strong season by ripping an RBI double to
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give the Lady Tigers a one nothing lead, a lead
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they would never surrender. The momentum carried into the fourth inning,
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when Clay County added two more runs. Emmy Reynolds delivered
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one of the biggest hits of the night with an
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RBI triple, then came around to score on a wild
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pitch to extend the advantage to three and zero. With
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Hoskins in control in the circle, the Lady Tigers continued
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to build the cushion. Holly Hacker and Hoskins each drove
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in runs later in the game to push the lead
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to five to two, putting the championship ship firmly within reach.
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At the plate, Clay County showed its depth. Anna Samples
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and Madison Sizemore each recorded three hits, setting the tone
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offensively and consistently putting pressure on Harland County's defense. Reynolds
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triple highlighted the night were timely hitting made the difference.
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Rice said the team's approach and composure were key in
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securing the title. We stayed patient and didn't try to
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do too much, he said. We've talked all year about
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trusting the process, and tonight they executed it perfectly. This
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group plays for each other and you could see it
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in games like this. Defensively, Clay County backed up its
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pitcher with clean play in the field, limiting oppertunities for
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Harlan County to mount any kind of a rally. With
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the win, the Lady Tigers bring home the two way
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Section seven championship, capping off a performance defined by strong pitching,
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timely hitting. Next article Clay comes from behind an opening
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game Corbyn Clay County shook off an early deficit and
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delivered a late game surge to knock off Whitley County
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six to four in advance in the two A Softball
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Section seven tournament. After falling behind foured to nothing in
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the opening inning, the Lady Tigers never flinched, chipping away
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before breaking through late to secure the win. This group
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showed a lot of fight. Clay County coach Jason Rice said,
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we didn't panic after that first inning. We stayed imposed,
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kept putting the ball in play and trusted each other.
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That's the kind of toughness you have to have this
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time of year. Clay County's offense came alive behind a
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strong showing from the middle of the lineup, as Ellis Samples,
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Sidney Stewart, and Casey lust combined for a five of
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the team's nine hits. The comeback began in the fourth inning,
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when the Lady Tigers pushed across three runs. Ellis Samples
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delivered the big blow with a two RBI double that
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scored Olivia Hoskins and Lust. Moments later, Stuart fouled with
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a double over own to play Riley Chestnut and cut
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the deficit to four to three. Clay continued to apply pressure.
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In the sixth Madison Sizemore reached on a sharply hit
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ball that forced a defensive error, allowing Chestnut to score
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the tying run. With momentum folly on their side, Tigers
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took the lead later in the inning, came through with
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a Clutch double and Moore and Holly Hacker to give
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Clay the advantage. Hoskins also earned the win in the
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four innings and striking out three relief and shut the door,
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tossing the record courting four strikeouts at the plate. Clay
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County was led by Ella Samples, who went perfect three
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for three. Stewart added a two for three performance, why
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Madison Sizemore one for three, Holly Hacker one for four,
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and a Samples one for four. Hoskins won for three.
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Each contributed hits. Open next article opening field win Manchester,
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Kentucky Clay County opened their new stadium with a bang,
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defeating Middlesbrough thirteen to six to give the Lady Tigers
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their fifth win of the season in front of a
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packed house at the new CCCHS Athletic Complex. The Lady
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Tigers looked as strong as ever as they cruised to
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their fourth straight win. Casey Lusts grand slam and samples
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twins home runs stole the show to cap off a
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wonderful night for Clay County softball. The Lady Tigers scored
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in droves, posting to run in every inning except the fourth.
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Clay County stuffed the stat sheet foe as every player
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touch base or scored a run in the win. In
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the pitch circle, Olivia Hoskins pitched four innings, allowing three
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hits while striking out eight. Casey Lust pitched the final three,
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striking out four Lady Yellowjackets in the process. Coach Jason
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Rice and the players alike were a static to finally
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be on the new field. For years, Clay County softball
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and baseball players have dealt with rough field conditions at
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Ramsey Ballpark due to spring flooding. Now the Tigers and
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the Lady Tigers are on turf and field conditions are
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no longer a concern. Quote. We are so thankful to
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be playing out here unquote, said coach Rice Quote. I'm
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very happy to open it up with a win over
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a good team as well. We've got a great bunch
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of girls here and they're playing well to start this season. Unquote.
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Madison Sizemore was one for four, Holly Hacker one for four,
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and A Samples one for four. Olivia Hoskins one for three,
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Maddy Craft two for four, Emmy Reynolds two for four,
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Casey LUs three for four, Eli Samples one for three.
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Next article Ministers take stand against lawlessness. A group of
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Clay ministers ask grand jury to investigate elected officials over
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allowing sales of alcohol Manchester, Kentucky. A thorough investigation of
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all county officials in Clay County. We'll begin here today
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by the Clay County Grand Jury. The investigation will be
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held to determine why law and order is at such
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a low ebb and why there is so little law enforcement,
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said Reverend Woodrow Woods, foreman and the grand of the
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grand jury. Said Thursday, Woods began issuing summons for the
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Clay County officials Wednesday, requesting that they appear before the
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Grand Jury in an effort to determine whether a breakdown
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of law enforcement is taking place. Among the officials being
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subpoened before the grand Jury today are Judge William Billy Dixon,
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Circuit Judge of Clay, Leslie, and Jackson Counties and Presiding
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Judge of the Clay County Circuit Court currently in session,
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Commonwealth Attorney Lester H. Burns Junior, who was a candidate
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for the position of Attorney General in nineteen sixty seven,
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Charles H. White, County Attorney Charles C. Smith, Clay County
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Sheriff Jay Matt Sizemore, and Magistrates Toll White, Donald Turner,
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Calvin Davidson, and Homer Mills. Testimony of the officials will
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be presented today to the Grand Jury behind closed doors,
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the Reverend Woods said. He added that a complete report
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of the investigation and all of its findings wouldn't be
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made public when the probe is complete. We hope the
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investigation will determine what can be done to improve the
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law enforcement of Clay County by all county officials. We
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of the Grand Jury feel something must be done. In fact,
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this is one of the best ways to determine what
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steps of improvement our best at this time. The foreman said,
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he declined to divulge information or its source upon which
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the investigation is based, saying such disclosure would be improper.
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The Jerry Foreman stated, however, the stricter enforcement of the
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liquor traffic was needed and that more conditions should be
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obtained in court. The current term of court slated at
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the in May thirty first, has been extended to June fifteenth.
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The extension was ordered Thursday by Judge Dixon, who said
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the additional time would be needed to complete the unfinished
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business of the term. Minister's ass action the Clay County
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Ministerial Association is in an open letter to Judge Dixon,
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White Smith, Burns and Sheriff Seismore said, we are aware
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of the great increase in lawlessness in Clay County. This
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seems to be especially true in the sale and consumption
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of all alcoholic beverages. Clay County is legally dry. The
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facts and results of this can be seen in almost
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every community in Clay County. Members of our churches are
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protesting against this in in ever increasing numbers. Not only
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our alcoholic beverage is available to the average adult, but
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we are appalled by the availability to our young people.
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Besides this problem, reliable sources indicate that dope of every
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description is also available. This concludes the reading of the
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Manchester Enterprise. Your reader has been Jim Rice. Now please
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stay tuned for continued programming and on behalf of everyone
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here at RADIOI thank you for listening. We hope you
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have a good day.