East Carter High School counselors are sharing important information for students and families planning to take dual credit college courses during the Spring 2026 semester.
Officials remind families that college course calendars do not always match the Carter County Schools calendar, especially when it comes to weather-related closures. Even if Carter County Schools are closed due to inclement weather, college classes may still be in session, particularly for students enrolled in on-campus dual credit courses.
Because of that, students and parents are encouraged to plan ahead and be aware of each college’s individual start dates.
For the Spring 2026 semester, dual credit courses begin on different days depending on the college. Ashland Community and Technical College will begin its spring term on January 12th, while Kentucky Christian University classes will start on January 14th.
School counselors stress that students enrolled in these programs are responsible for attending their college classes according to the college schedule, regardless of the high school calendar.
Families are encouraged to review these dates carefully, make transportation plans if needed, and reach out to school counselors with any questions about dual credit expectations, attendance, or scheduling.
This information is especially important for students taking courses on campus at the college, as those classes may require attendance even when local schools are closed.
East Carter High School counselors appreciate everyone’s cooperation and encourage students to stay informed and prepared as they head into the Spring 2026 semester.
==================
UK King’s Daughters has released an official announcement that it has been awarded the Gold Well Workplace Award by the Wellness Alliance, recognizing them as one of the nation’s healthiest workplaces.
As a Well Workplace Award–winning organization, King’s Daughters has demonstrated a commitment to protecting and enhancing the health and well-being of every team member. The Wellness Alliance unites the strengths of two influential professional associations in the wellness industry, the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) and the National Wellness Institute (NWI).
All Well Workplace Award winners have used the patented 7 Benchmarks™ model to help build and shape their wellness programs.
The 7 Benchmarks are: Committed and Aligned Leadership, Collaboration in Support of Wellness, Collecting Meaningful Data to Evolve a Wellness Strategy, Crafting an Operating Plan, Choosing Initiatives that Support All Employees, Cultivate Supportive Health Promoting Environments, Policies, and Practices, and Conduct Evaluation, Communicate, Celebrate, and Iterate.
Serving nearly 400,000 residents in eastern Kentucky, southern Ohio and western West Virginia, UK King’s Daughters is comprised of two hospitals; an integrated network of more than 500 physicians and advanced practitioners; more than 80 outpatient locations throughout eastern Kentucky and southern Ohio; a skilled nursing facility; medical transport company; eight urgent care centers; and a child day care center.
King’s Daughters is the region’s largest employer, with more than 5,800 team members providing a broad range of primary and specialty care services, including cardiovascular, orthopedics, oncology, stroke/neurology, maternity, and Level 3 neonatal intensive care.
==================
Local veterans and their families are being reminded that today is the final day this week to receive in-person assistance with veterans benefits.
Rickie Hammond, a Veterans Benefits Field Representative with the Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs, is available at the Boyd County Senior Citizens Building in Catlettsburg to help veterans and their dependents file for federal and state veterans benefits. Appointments are offered all day today.
These services are provided free of charge and include help with applications, claims, and questions related to veterans benefits. Those seeking assistance should bring copies of any relevant documentation needed to verify eligibility.
Appointments are required. Veterans or family members needing to schedule a visit should call 606-585-3833 to speak with the Veterans Benefits Field Representative.