In recognition of National Grief Awareness Day, Community Hospice invites the community to gather for a special Balloon Release on Friday, August 29 at the Port of Ashland. This meaningful event honors the memory of loved ones and offers support to those navigating their grief journey, whether through hospice care or any other circumstance.
Balloon pick-up will begin at 1:30 PM, with brief remarks and the release at 2:00 PM. Biodegradable balloons will be provided at no cost by Community Hospice. Attendees will have the opportunity to personalize their balloon before being released in a collective moment of remembrance and reflection.
“This event is a meaningful opportunity for individuals and families to come together, acknowledge their grief, and honor those they’ve lost in a supportive and compassionate environment,” said Rachel Swindler, Director of Bereavement & Counseling Services at Community Hospice.
The event is free, open to the public, and no registration is required. We invite the community to come together, to support one another, and to reflect on the people we carry in our hearts.
For more information, please contact the Community Hospice Bereavement Department at 606-329-2636.
==================
Help is available to keep the cool air flowing this summer with the summer heat cranking up, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program—better known as LIHEAP—is once again stepping in to help Kentucky residents stay safe and cool.
The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Program runs through September 12, 2025, offering one-time electric bill assistance to income-eligible households. This benefit doesn’t require a past-due or disconnect notice and can be applied as a credit to your utility account.
To qualify, you must be responsible for your home’s electric costs and fall within the program’s income guidelines. For example, a family of four can earn up to $4,019 a month and still be eligible.
When applying, bring: Social Security cards or Permanent Resident Cards for each household member, proof of all income for the previous month, and your most recent electric bill or a statement from your landlord if utilities are included in rent.
You can apply at your local Community Action Agency—there’s one in every nearby county, including at 539 Hitchins Avenue in Olive Hill. Boyd, Elliott, Greenup, and Lawrence counties are also taking applications.
Call 1-800-456-3452 or visit www.capky.org/network to find your nearest office. Help is available—but it’s first-come, first-served—so don’t wait to get the relief your household may need this summer.
==================
The Carter County Clean-Up campaign continues this week, with crews operating on the East end of the county. Dumpsters will be available for public use at the county maintenance garage in Grayson, and clean-up personnel will be on hand to help unload items each day from 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, today through Friday.
As a reminder, the list of items not accepted has been updated. Crews will not collect refrigerators, deep freezers, televisions, household garbage, paint, tires, or batteries. And all materials brought to the site must be bagged or boxed — no loose items will be accepted. The County Clean-Up runs on a rotating schedule, alternating between the East and West ends of Carter County every two weeks. After this week’s collection, dumpsters are scheduled to return to the Olive Hill maintenance garage along US 60 from August 27th through the 29th.
This valuable community service is made possible by the Carter County Solid Waste Department, who continue to support these efforts to keep our neighborhoods clean, safe, and beautiful.
Again, dumpsters are open this Wednesday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 2:30 PM, at the East end site in Grayson.