Latest / Eastern Kentucky Newspapers / Manchester Enterprise - 5.15.26

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Manchester Enterprise - 5.15.26 · 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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We will begin with the addition dated five thirteen, twenty
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twenty six. As a reminder, RADIOI is a reading service
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intended for people who are blind or have other disabilities
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that make it difficult to read printed material. May Primary
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heating up. Magistrate coroner races expected to be close races Tuesday,
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May the nineteenth, a staff report by Enterprise News Manchester.
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With election day just around the corner, Clay County is
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gearing up for what is shaping up to be a
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high interest and highly competitive May Primary. Voters will head
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to the polls on Tuesday, May nineteenth, following early voting
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May fourteenth to the sixteenth, to decide a number of
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key races that will help shape the county's leadership moving
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forward from courthouse offices to city government. This year's ballot
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is packed with contested races, particularly at the magistrate, straight constable,
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and city council levels, where voters will have a direct
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say in local representation. Magistrate races draw strong interest. All
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six magistrate districts feature contested races, with incumbents facing challengers
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across the county. District one incumbent Russell Rabbit Smith challenged
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by Earl Country Earl Owens. District two incumbent Sonya Hoskins
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Gray faces Chris Reid and William Bill Scout in a
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three way race. District three Incumbent Sonny Gay is opposed
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by Ben Burkhart and Glenn Smith. District four, one of
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the largest fields on the ballot. Incumbent Chris Smith faces
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Jamie Jackson, Michael Smith, Marty Davis, and Cecil Wagers. District
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five incumbent Jerry Combs is challenged by Glenn Ray Henson
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and Mike Davis. District six incumbent Bill Warren faces Jason Smith.
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These races are expected to be closely watched as magistrates
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play a key role in county budgeting, infrastructure decisions, and
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local policy. Constable races vary across districts. Constable races across
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Clay County range from uncontested to multi candidate matchups. District
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one Incumbent Tyrone Salliers is challenged by Roy little Bit
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Hubbard and Michael Wagers. District two incumbent Anthony Wagers is unopposed.
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District three incumbent Harvey. Dean Collins faces Jimmy Bucky Smith.
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District four incumbent Elvis Smith is challenged by Eugene Jackson.
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District five incumbent Vent Couch is unopposed. District Cysts six
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incumbent Richard Bryant Hubbard faces Paul Collins and Rodney Bowling.
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Other key races on the ballot. In addition to local
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district races, voters will also weigh in on several county
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wide positions. County Judge Executive Tommy Harmon incumbent Scotty Smith,
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Republican meet in the primary election. Sheriff Patrick Robinson, incumbent
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is unopposed. County Clerk Beverly Craft Republican incumbent Jesse Gates Democrat.
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November general election Jaylor Linda Smallwood incumbent Mark Jackson, Republican,
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Darryl Mills Republican. County Attorney Joseph White in umban is unopposed.
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County Corner Jason Abner incumbent Michael Caudle Kathy Couch Hicks
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Property Valuation Administrator PBA Paul Durham, incumbent is unopposed. Where
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to vote Polling locations across Clay County include Manchester Clay
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County Middle School, Garrett and White's Branch, Paces Creek Elementary,
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East Manchester, Clay County Administration Building, Big Creek, Big Creek Elementary,
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Hearts Branch, Beach Creek Campground, Store, Greenbrier, Manchester Elementary, Allen
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and Oneida Oneita Elementary, South Fork Oneita Fire Department, Penhook,
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Clay County Vocational School, Flat Creek, Flat Creek Voting Booth,
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Goose Rock and Rights Shade, Goose Rock Elementary, Horse Creek
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and Pigeon roost EKU Manchester Campus, Portersburg, Hacker Fire Department,
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Fogertown Fogertown Fire Department, Burning Springs and Sexton's Creek Burning
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Springs Elementary. Key dates to remember early votings from May
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fourteenth through the sixteenth. Primary election day is Tuesday, May
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the nineteenth, and the general election will be November the three.
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Next article Stivers local leaders to tour historic swinging bridges.
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Statewide media will tour Claysed swinging bridges discuss impact on tourism.
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Staff Report, Enterprise News, Manchester at President Robert Steivers and
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local leaders will spotlight a series of historic pedestrian bridges
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in Clay County later this month, showcasing their importance to
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both the region's history and its future. The tour, scheduled
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for Wednesday, May twenty seventh, from ten thirty am to
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two thirty pm, will begin at the Clay County Welcome
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Center two seven to five White Street in Manchester and
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will include visits to several well known swinging bridges throughout
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the area. Bridges on the tour include the Goose Creek Bridge,
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Old Home Place Bridge, Rocky Branch Bridge, and Anti Passed Bridge,
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structures that have long served as vital connections for residents
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while also standing as iconic landmarks across eastern Kentucky. Steivers,
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a Manchester native, helped lead the effort during the twenty
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twenty sixth legislative session to pass Senateville to sixty one,
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legislation aimed at preserving these historic crossings. Quote. These bridges
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are more than just a way to get from one
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side to the other, Steyer said, quote, they are part
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of our heritage in a symbol of the communities they serve. Unquote.
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Senateville to sixty one allows county fiscal courts to maintain
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pedestrian swinging bridges and authorizing cities to use public funds
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for their preservation. The legislation also provides liability protections for
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landowners who allow their property to be used for bridge maintenance.
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Local leaders say the measure is a major step forward
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in protecting infrastructure that has served generations of eastern Eastern Kentuckians.
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Swinging bridges have historically played an essential role in rural communities,
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providing access across waterways where other options were limited. Today,
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they continue to serve as both functional crossings and unique
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attractions that draw visitors to the region. Officials believe maintaining
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and promoting these bridges can help boost tourism while preserving
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an important piece of Clay County's identity. Members of the
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media interested in attending the tour are asked to RSVP
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in advance. Participants are advised to wear closed toe shoes,
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and officials noted that cell phone service may be limited
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during portions of the tour. The event is expected to
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highlight not only the historical significance of the bridges, but
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also their potential to support economic development through tourism and
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outdoor recreation. Next article, Tourism Office to move mill stays
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as chairman says no current claim to fire Parks staff
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report Enterprise News Manchester. Manchester Tourism Chairman Jamie Mills said
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Tuesday night that they are currently currently no plans to
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terminate Executive Director Tim Parks, addressing what he called widespread
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misinformation surrounding the commission. Mills made the statement during the
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Tourism Commission's regular meeting at Manchester City Hall in front
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of a standing room only crowd, emphasizing that despite recent
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controversy quote, there is no current claim for the Commission
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to fire our director. The meeting comes amid an ongoing
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situation involving Manchester Tourism that has drawn public attention. The
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Kentucky State Police previously conducted a preliminary review after receiving
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a complaint, and the matter has since been referred to
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the Kentucky State Auditor's Office. No charges or findings of
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wrongdoing have been announced. Mills reiterated Tuesday that to his knowledge,
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the matter began as a quote inquiry unquote, not a
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formal investigation, and said the Commission has fully co operated.
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Quote I'm completely satisfied with the outcome unquote, Mills said,
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quote in my eyes, this Commission has done nothing wrong
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unquote He also announced that, after initially submitting his resignation,
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he has decided to remain as chairman following support from
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community members and fellow commissioners. Parks responds sites difficult week.
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Parks also addressed the Commission, describing the past week as
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difficult in expressing frustration with ongoing tensions. Quote, It's not
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just been a hard week for Jamie, It's been a
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hard week for me, unquote, Park said, Noting his tenure
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since being hired in June twenty twenty one, Parks defended
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his work in contributions to tourism growth in Manchester, while
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also raising concerns about board dynamics and direction. He said
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the Commission must decide whether to support his efforts moving
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forward or consider buying out his contract. Quote. The board
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can either let me do my job and serve the
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taxpayers or write a check and pay me out unquote,
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Park said. His attorney, Scott Madden, cautioned the Commission to
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follow proper procedures in any personnel decisions. Quote, there is
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a procedure that you have to follow if you choose
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to make personnel changes unquote, Madden said. Quote shortcut cuts
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can get you in trouble unquote internal tension surface. The
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meeting revealed ongoing divisions within the Commission, including concerns over
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transparency and communication. Commissioner Barbara Coulter said she felt not
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all members were fully informed on decisions. Quote, I want
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to know everything that's going on unquote, culture said. Mills
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said nothing in being hid from any members, and everything
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occurring was in the budget voted on by the members.
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At one point, Parks and Mills engaged in a brief
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verbal exchange during discussion about finances and operations, highlighting strained relations.
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Parks labored later described the meeting as quote embarrassing unquote,
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citing disorganization, proposed changes and cost saving measures. In addition
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to addressing the inquiry, the Commission discussed several operational changes.
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Mills proposed relocating the Tourism Office from its current downtown
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location to Manchester City Hall, citing potential savings is out
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of up to one thousand dollars per month. The Commission
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approved the move by a four to two vote, with
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no timeline set for relocation. The board also discussed restructuring
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internal rows, including eliminating the treasurer position and outsourcing financial
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duties to an accounting firm beginning July the first. Mills
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said the change would reduce the workload on volunteered board members. Quote,
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this has been a load that no volunteer should have
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to carry. Mills said. Additional topics included implementing a purchase
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order system, conducting a yearly audit, and adjusting office hours
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to better align the city Hall. Executive session held. The
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commission entered executive session for approximately thirty minutes during the meeting.
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Upon returning, officials said no action was taken. Looking ahead,
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a special call meeting is expected to be held in
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the coming days to discuss the internal structure of the commission.
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According to Mills, officials continue to stress that the situation
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remains under review and that an inquiry or investigation does
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not imply wrongdoing. The Manchester Enterprise will continue to follow
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this developing story. In Sports Region Champs, Lady Tiger Tennis
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wins thirteenth Region championship over North Laurel by Tanner Hoskins
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Enterprise Sports Manchester. The Clay County High School Lady Tigers
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are thirteenth Region champions after an impressive post season run
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that culminated in a dramatic victory over North Laurel High
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School in the regional finals, Clay County captured the thirteenth
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region team tennis match that came down to the final court.
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Coach Lauren Desarned said she was proud of the determination
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and composure her team showed throughout the tournament. Quote, this
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group has worked incredibly hard all season long, and they
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never stopped believing in each other unquote, desarn said. Quote
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To win a regional championship in the fashion they did
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in pressure moments in close matches says a lot about
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their character and toughness unquote. The Lady Tigers open tournament
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play with a four to one victory over Whitney County
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High School in the first round. For Clay County included
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the doubles team of Madison Stewart and Zaia Sony, along
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with single victories from Rachel Davidson, Abby Rodgers, and Isabelle Sizemore.
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Clay then advanced to the semi finals, where the Lady
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Tigers swept Harlan Counties High School three to nothing to
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punch their ticket to the championship match. Isabelle Sizemore secured
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one victory, while the doubles team of Layla Fields and
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na Shade Lunzbert added another. Madison Stewart and Zaia Sony
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also earned a key win to send Clay County to
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the finals. In the championship round against North Larel, the
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Lady Tigers battled through multiple tense matches to claim the
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regional title. Layla Fields and Nache Lunzbert earned Clay's first
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point in a drum matic eyebreaker victory. Abby Rogers followed
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with a dominant performance to give the Lady Tigers their
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second win of the match. The championship ultimately came down
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to senior Rachel Davidson. With the regional title hanging in
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the balance, Davidson delivered under pressure and secured the deciding
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victory in another hard fought match. Quote Rachel showed incredible
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leadership and composure unquote, Dessern said. Dessarn said, quote For
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a senior to step up in that moment and finish
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it the way she did was special to watch. I'm
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just so proud of all the girls unquote. Next article.
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Clay opens with Jackson in the forty ninth District. Tournaments
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start Monday at North the Manchester Road to District championship
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begins Monday night for both the Clay County Tigers and
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Lady Tigers as the forty ninth district tournaments get underway
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at North Laurel High School. The Lady Tigers will open
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postseason play Monday at six pm against Jackson County High School,
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and the winner advancing to face top seeded North Laurel
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High School on Tuesday at six pm. Clay County defeated
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Jackson County ten to four earlier this season, but the
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Lady Generals elected not to pitch seventh grade standout Sofia
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Martinez in that meeting, knowing that two schools would likely
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meet again in district tournament play. Martinez has logged more
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than seventy innings this season with a two point nine
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to one earn run average in one hundred and five
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strike Lady Tigers coach Jason Rice said Martinez presents a
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major challenge for any opponent. Quote. She's extremely talented for
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her age, and she competes hard every inning. Quote Rice said.
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Quote when you face a pitcher that can control the
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game the way she does, you have to stay disciplined
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at the plate and take advantage of every opportunity you
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get unquote. Clay County enters the postseason with momentum after
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putting together several strong offensive performances late in the regular season.
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The Lady Tigers will be looking to return to the
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district championship game with a balanced lineup that has produced
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consistently throughout the year. On the baseball side, the Tigers
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will also face Jackson County on Monday at six pm,
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with the winner advancing to Tuesday's championship game against top
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seeded North Laurel. Clay County dropped both regular season meetings
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with Jackson County falling twelve to two and ten to five,
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and back to back contest earlier this spring. Despite the losses,
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Tigers coach Jason Smith said his team continues to battle
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through adversity heading into postseason play. Quote. We've dealt with
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injuries off season long, but our guys have continued to
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show up and compete, Smith said. Quote. At this point
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in the year, you have to stay positive, play clean baseball,
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and take advantage of the opportunities you're given. If we
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do that, I like our chances. Unquote. The Tigers have
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relied heavily on younger players and depth throughout the season
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as injuries for several lineup adjustments. Smith said the postseason
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provides a fresh start for his club. Quote records don't
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matter once the tournament starts unquote. Smith added, quote it
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comes down to who executes in the moment. Unquote. Both
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championship games are scheduled for Tuesday evening at North Laurel
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High School. Next article by me Melissa Garrison Down Home
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with Melissa Rumor has it Disclaimer This article doesn't contain
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any rumors, but if we're honest, there's plenty we could
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talk about. When I decided to do this column several
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years ago, I wanted to add something positive to the newspaper.
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We already had obituaries, the jail report, front page headlines,
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lawsuits and taxes old. I wanted to create a different
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kind of article to read. So far, I've done my
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best to stay positive. I try to add humor along
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with seriousness. I try to include facts and a little
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bit of everything in between. But these days I have
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to admit I hear so much negative talk and that's
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tough not to mention it. So let's start with Darryl Hinkle.
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He's a pure outlaw, always has been. I can remember
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seeing his name spray painted on a bilding or house
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on Crane branch pretty much my entire life. Darryl is
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also related to me and many others. He's a pure site.
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But let's face it, he's not the worst thing our
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town is known for. He's funny and he checks off
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that box. He's smarter than we give him credit for,
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because he's still going strong and it's been over a
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year since Hinkle destruction, I mean construction came into the scene,
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and you know what, I'm proud of his ability to
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hold everyone's attention for that long. He really isn't even trying.
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We just can't stop watching him. I mean, yeah, there
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are tons of videos, but we don't have to watch
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them yet we do. I didn't say he was the
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best thing our town has seen. I'm just saying he
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isn't the worst. And honestly, I won't even talk about
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the worst things I've heard because it seems like those
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things get overlooked anyway. We'd rather hear negative talk about
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someone like Darryl Hinkel than about someone with status. Old
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Darryl is easy to bring down because we think, quote, ah,
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he's making himself look crazy, so we may as well
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get on unquote, but if talk starts about someone with influence,
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we don't want to elaborate because philp what if it's true?
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So you know what I think, as a roy D
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Mercer would say, our town has gotten quote tore up
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over recent talk that I'm going to bring awareness to
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because it's already out there for anyone to see and hear.
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I think working together is always better than working against
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each other, and if you can't do that, then there's
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your problem. I'm not against anyone. I'm for everyone. I
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want to see people succeed. I want our town to thrive.
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But if we aren't careful, Darryl Hinkel will become the
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best thing about our town. I'm just waiting for him
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to say just how big a boy are you? And
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honestly that'll probably and honestly that'll probably make me like
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him even more. Again, I'm not saying he's a role model.
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I'm just saying he has the ability to become famous
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for being more himself than most people ever claim to be.
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I know this isn't my typical artist and I don't
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usually write this, but I thought we could all use
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a laugh with all the talk of buzzards and everything else,
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things I don't even fully understand. I just don't want
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people say our town stinks, because it doesn't. I'm able
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to laugh about all of it and go about my
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day because it's none of my business anyway, and I
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like to say that, and I like it to stay
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that way. Have a good week, youngins. Quote talk low,
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talk slow, and don't say too much unquote by John Wayne.
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This concludes the reading of a Manchester Enterprise. Your reader
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has been Jim Rice. Now please stay tuned for continued
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programming and on behalf of everyone here at radio. I
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thank you for listening and we hope you have a
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good day.