Kentucky families facing heating emergencies this winter may qualify for help through the LIHEAP Winter Crisis Program, which runs from January 6th through March 27th, 2026.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program—known as LIHEAP—provides emergency help to households struggling to keep their homes warm during the colder months. Eligible Kentucky households with income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may receive assistance if they are experiencing a heating crisis.
The program can help cover heating costs for electric, natural gas, propane, coal, wood, or fuel oil, with payments made directly to the energy provider. To apply, households must show proof of a crisis, such as a disconnect notice, past-due bill, or eviction notice related to heating costs.
Officials say receiving help through other LIHEAP programs earlier in the season does not affect eligibility for the Winter Crisis component. However, assistance is provided on a first-come, first-served basis, so residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
Applications are handled through local Community Action Agencies. To find the outreach office serving your area, you can visit capky.org/network.
With cold temperatures continuing across the region, officials say this program is an important resource to help keep Kentucky families safe and warm this winter.
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The scholarship season is now underway for students in the Grayson Rural Electric Cooperative service area.
Applications are open for the 2026 Grayson RECC Scholarship Program, offering local students the opportunity to earn financial assistance toward their college or training costs. Grayson RECC will award ten scholarships of one thousand dollars each, and students are encouraged to apply by March 6th, 2026.
To be eligible, applicants must be a high school senior or a non-traditional student, planning to enroll in or already enrolled in an accredited college, university, technical school, or job-training program of their choice. Entrants must also live on Grayson RECC lines, or be the dependent of a member whose account is located within the cooperative’s service area.
In addition to filling out the application, students are required to submit an essay of 250–500 words, describing an example of leadership and community contribution and how they hope to make a difference in the future. Applications also include lists of honors, activities, and achievements, as well as official transcripts.
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the educational institution once proof of enrollment has been provided, and awards will be applied toward the upcoming fall semester.
For more information and to apply, visit graysonrecc.com/scholarship-program or contact the cooperative office in Grayson.
Again, the deadline to apply for a 2026 Grayson RECC Scholarship is Friday, March 6th — so students and families are encouraged to begin the process soon.
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The Carter County Public Library has released its January calendar of events, and staff say they’re excited to welcome everyone back after the holiday break.
Both library branches reopen to the public on Tuesday, January 6th, and librarians encourage folks to stop in, pick up a good book, and take advantage of the many programs planned throughout the month.
The January schedule includes regular favorites like story time, game nights, book clubs, jewelry club, activity nights, and events for seniors and families at both the Grayson and Olive Hill branches.
Library officials are also announcing two new programs starting this month. A Building Club is coming to the Grayson branch, meeting on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 4 p.m., beginning January 28th.
In addition, an After-School Story Hour is launching at the Olive Hill branch, set for the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 4 p.m., starting January 12th.
The Carter County Public Library says they’ve missed seeing everyone and look forward to welcoming both familiar faces and new visitors in the new year. A full list of January events is available through the library.