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

Families looking for a fun and educational outdoor activity this spring will have an opportunity to explore nature up close during a special event coming to the area next month.

Carter Caves State Resort Park will host its Jr. Naturalist Day: Wildflowers program on Saturday, April 11th, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the park’s Welcome Center.

Designed for children ages six through thirteen, the program gives young nature lovers a chance to learn about local wildflowers and the natural beauty found right here in Eastern Kentucky. Participants will enjoy a guided hike through the park, take part in a hands-on craft activity, and learn about responsible outdoor practices through a Leave No Trace presentation.

A lunch break is included during the day’s activities, and families are asked to bring a packed lunch. Organizers also recommend closed-toe shoes for anyone taking part in the outdoor hike.

The cost to participate is fifteen dollars per child, which includes a Junior Naturalist activity book, while parents and guardians may attend at no additional charge.

Park officials say the event is a great way for kids to connect with nature, learn new skills, and spend time outdoors as spring begins to bloom across the region.

For more information or to register, you can contact Carter Caves State Resort Park directly.

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The FIVCO Area Development District is inviting qualified vendors to take part in an upcoming improvement project aimed at enhancing how regional meetings are conducted.

The organization has officially issued a Request for Proposals for a boardroom audio and visual renovation project. The planned upgrades are designed to better support both in-person and hybrid meetings, helping improve communication and collaboration across the region.

Officials say the project will focus on modernizing technology used during meetings, allowing participants to connect more effectively whether attending on site or remotely.

Businesses or contractors interested in submitting proposals should note that submissions are due by 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time on Monday, March 6th.

Complete proposal details and requirements are available now through the FIVCO Area Development District website.

Regional leaders say the renovation reflects continued efforts to modernize facilities and improve accessibility as more organizations rely on flexible meeting options.

Again, proposals for the FIVCO boardroom audio and visual renovation project must be submitted by March 6th.

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A special afternoon of music and community support is coming to our region later this month, as friends, musicians, and bluegrass fans come together for an event honoring one of the area’s own.

“Bluegrass for the Bo-Man” will take place Saturday, March 28th at the Boyd County High School Auditorium in Ashland, beginning at 2:00 p.m.

The benefit concert is being held in support of longtime bluegrass champion, radio host, and festival emcee Bo McCarty, affectionately known throughout the music community as “Bo-Man.” Artists from across the region are donating their time and talent to help raise funds supporting his continued care and recovery.

The afternoon will feature performances from several well-known regional acts including Southern Legacy, Neo-Grass featuring Kevin Denney and Caleb Daugherty, Hammertowne, Chris Davis, Blue Debut, Step Into the Blue, Colonel Dreydon Gordon, Rob McNurlin, and String Therapy.

Tickets are twenty dollars at the door, with seating provided, and children under twelve will be admitted free with a paid adult. A silent auction is also planned, with items available beginning at one o’clock that afternoon.

Organizers say the event is a chance for the bluegrass community—and the wider Tri-State area—to give back to someone who has spent years supporting musicians and bringing people together through music.

Everyone is invited to come out, enjoy a great day of bluegrass, and show their support for Bo-Man on March 28th in Ashland.