If you’ve ever snapped a photo that captures a moment, a memory, or the spirit of helping others, there’s a new opportunity to share that work with a statewide audience.
The Kentucky Volunteer Forum, in partnership with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, is inviting entries for its upcoming Photography Contest, and organizers say anyone can enter. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or someone who just loves taking pictures on your phone, submissions are welcome.
Photos can be entered across ten different categories, highlighting the wide range of volunteer and youth development work happening across the state. Those categories include 4-H Camp, Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Cloverbuds, Communications and Expressive Arts, Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Well-Being, Leadership, Science and Engineering Technology, and Volunteerism.
Participants may submit one photograph per category, and entries will be judged with first, second, and third place awards, along with a People’s Choice award in each division. Selected photos will be displayed at the 2026 Kentucky Volunteer Forum, offering photographers a chance to have their work seen by volunteers and leaders from across Kentucky.
Submissions are being accepted now, with a deadline of February 4th, 2026. Entry details and submission information are available through the contest’s QR code or by checking with your local Cooperative Extension office.
It’s a chance to celebrate service, creativity, and community — one photo at a time.
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If you’re looking for something a little different — and maybe a little spine-tingling — Carter Caves State Resort Park has a night planned that’s not for the faint of heart.
The Haunted Winter Expedition is returning to the historic Lewis Caveland Lodge on Saturday night, February 7th, and organizers say spots are almost completely gone, with only four openings still available.
From 10:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., guests will join SERIOUS Paranormal for a guided overnight investigation inside the lodge — a location long known for its chilling ghost stories and unexplained encounters. Participants will explore areas of reported activity, hear firsthand accounts from past investigations, and learn how real paranormal teams use specialized tools to document what can’t always be explained.
This isn’t a haunted house or a staged attraction — it’s a hands-on experience designed to give guests a closer look at the lodge’s haunted past and the science behind modern paranormal research.
The event is open to those ages 13 and up, with anyone under 18 required to attend alongside an adult. Cost is $40 per person, but space is extremely limited, and reservations are required in advance.
If you’ve ever wondered what happens after the lights go out at Lewis Caveland Lodge, this may be your chance to find out — but you’ll need to act fast. To reserve one of the remaining spots, call (606) 286-4411, extension 1.
Again, that’s the Haunted Winter Expedition, February 7th at Carter Caves State Resort Park — a night that promises chills, history, and maybe a few unanswered questions.
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After a long and difficult stretch of winter weather, many parts of Carter County are beginning to find their footing again. Snow and ice shut down businesses, offices, and government services across our listening area over the weekend, but thanks to the tireless work of road crews, emergency management, and first responders, conditions have steadily improved.
That said, travel is still not without challenges. Back roads, hills, and side lanes across the county remain rough in spots, and drivers are urged to continue using caution.
Adding to the challenge, much colder than normal temperatures will linger. Highs are expected to stay at or below the freezing mark through Monday, with another surge of bitter cold arriving this weekend. Saturday’s highs are forecast to stay in the teens, and overnight lows near zero are possible. Residents are encouraged to check on neighbors, bring pets indoors, and take extra care with heating sources.
If you have immediate needs that are not life-threatening, you can contact the Commonwealth’s Disaster Call Center at 502-607-6665. And as always, for any life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.