Carter County clean up dumpster will be on the WEST END this week and open Wednesday through Friday (9/9 - 9/11) 8:00 AM - 2:30 PM

Motorists across our region should plan for several Kentucky Transportation Cabinet road projects getting underway this week, with work affecting travel in Lewis County, Greenup County, and the William H. Harsha Bridge.

In Lewis County, road improvements begin today along KY 8 between mile points 22 and 27-point-6, stretching from Rock Creek Road for about five and a half miles. Crews are starting with tree trimming and shoulder work before moving into paving, new pavement markings, and sign installation later in the project. Drivers should expect workers, trucks, and equipment entering and leaving the work zone, along with possible flagging operations. Delays are likely, and if you have the option, transportation officials recommend using an alternate route.

Also beginning today, the intersection of KY 168, or Blackburn Avenue, and Sixth Street will be closed for approximately two weeks for concrete work. Motorists should follow the posted detour using U.S. 60 and U.S. 23 while crews complete the project. As always, schedules could change if weather or other unexpected conditions cause delays.

And looking ahead to Wednesday, drivers using the William H. Harsha Bridge should prepare for another traffic pattern shift as work continues on the bridge improvement project. Northbound traffic heading into Ohio will be moved onto the normal northbound shoulder, while southbound traffic heading into Kentucky will be routed through the normal northbound travel lane. Crews will also reposition the temporary concrete barrier as part of the traffic switch, so motorists should expect delays and use extra caution while traveling through the work zone.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reminds everyone to slow down, stay alert, and watch for workers in all active construction zones as these projects move forward throughout the week.

Road work schedules are subject to change depending on weather conditions. Motorists are asked to heed all warning signs, slow down in work zones and remain aware of workers and construction equipment when traveling.

Visit GoKY.ky.gov online for Kentucky travel and traffic information or use the WAZE mobile application. Follow Transportation Cabinet operations in northeast Kentucky on social media @KYTCDistrict 9.

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Fresh produce and locally grown goods have return thanks to a beloved summertime tradition as the Carter County Farmers Market has kicked off its 2026 season.

Residents in western Carter County have welcomed local growers back to the Olive Hill Farmers Market which reopened for the season in mid June. The market will once again be located at Save-A-Lot in Olive Hill and will continue operating throughout the season every Wednesday and Saturday beginning at 8:00 a.m. until vendors sell out.

For residents in the eastern portion of the county, the Grayson Farmers Market will officially open on Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 a.m. at the Carter County Extension Office. Following opening day, the Grayson market will be held each Tuesday beginning at 2:00 p.m. and each Saturday beginning at 9:00 a.m., with vendors remaining open until products are sold out.

Farmers markets have long served as an important connection between local producers and the community, providing access to fresh fruits, vegetables, homemade products, baked goods, and other locally sourced items while supporting family farms and small businesses right here in Carter County.

Organizers say opening day is always an exciting time, offering residents an opportunity to meet local growers, discover seasonal products, and invest directly in the people who help feed our communities.

As summer harvest season begins, shoppers are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection and to support the hard-working farmers and vendors who make these markets possible year after year.

The Olive Hill Farmers Market opens Wednesday, June 17th at 8:00 a.m. at Save-A-Lot, while the Grayson Farmers Market opens Saturday, July 11th at 9:00 a.m. at the Carter County Extension Office. Organizers invite everyone to come out, shop local, and help make another farmers market season a success.

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Summer break is here, and for many families across Eastern Kentucky, help is available to make sure children stay fed and healthy while school is out.

The Kentucky Summer EBT program, also known as SUN Bucks, is now providing eligible families with a one-time payment of 120 dollars per school-aged child to help cover grocery costs during the summer months. The benefit is available for children ages 6 through 17 as of August 1st.

Families already enrolled in programs like SNAP, KTAP, or Kinship Care may be automatically approved, with benefits being added directly to their EBT cards. But even families not currently enrolled in those programs may still qualify based on household income.

Officials say Summer EBT is designed to help bridge the gap when school cafeterias are closed for the summer, giving families extra support while children are home from class.

To see if your household qualifies, families can check eligibility and income guidelines online at feedingky.org/sebteligibility. Applications can then be completed at kysebt.ky.gov.

The deadline to apply is August 15th.

Community leaders encourage families not to wait, reminding parents that even a little extra grocery assistance during the summer can make a big difference for local children and households.