Welcome to the 2023 year!
We have been through numerous ups and down together in 2022, but it’s now time to see the new year as a year of opportunity.
Let’s take a look at what is happening in our EKY region so far.
Hazard Community & Technical College will be hosting a Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Breakfast
Jonathan Beatty, Hazard native and founder of I Love Books, will be a guest speaker along with a student panel helping highlight the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast at Hazard Community and Technical College on Monday, January 16, in the First Federal Center, beginning at 9 a.m.
Those wishing to attend are asked to RSVP by Monday, January 9 at 4:30 p.m. via email. The address is HCTC-DEI@kctcs.edu
The theme for the event is the same as the Dr. King Center’s: It Starts with Me: Cultivating a Beloved Community Mindset to Transform Unjust Systems.
Beatty is no stranger to Hazard. In March of 2021, he hosted his first launching event at the Read Spotted Newt to kick-off his organization.
Speaking of the Read Spotted Newt …
Read Spotted Newt Awarded Patterson 2022 Recipient
Famous American author, James Patterson, revived his Holiday Bookstore Bonus Program which help contribute a total of $250,000 to local ABA member bookstores nationwide.
Read Spotted Newt was one of those winners!
Owner Mandi Sheffel posted the announcement on Facebook.
Make sure to show them some support.
SPEDA sells 22 acres to build affordable housing near Valley Oak Commerce Complex
Pulaski County’s largest industrial area, known as the Valley Oak Commerce Complex, will be developed into affordable one, two, and three bedroom housing units within walking distance of several of the community’s largest manufacturers.
This was a creative approach the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) took to fulfilling the need for affordable housing. The land had been vacant and on the market for more than two decades.
You can read more about the development project HERE.
3 Big-Name businesses are coming to Paintsville!
It’s been confirmed. A Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, and 5 Five Below will be the three new businesses making their way to the Mayo plaza in Paintsville.
The Paintsville/Johnson County Chamber of Commerce confirmed the an image being circulated on social media.
No confirmation is yet placed for when these businesses are to begin constructing and/or to open.
Leaders say that this will bring economic development, more business drive, and jobs for the community.
LIHEAP Program opens applications on January 9th
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP, will begin taking applications beginning Monday, January 9.
The low-income home energy assistance program was created to help low-income households pay home heating cost.
In order to apply, applicants must provide the following documents:
- Proof of social security number or permanent residence card for each member of the household.
- Proof of all household members income from the previous month.
- Most current heating bill or statement from your landlord if heating expenses are included in your rent.
- The account number or name on the account for main heating fuel sources and electric bill.
For those living in the Letcher, Knott, Leslie, and Perry County, you can click HERE to receive help in applying for the program.
For all other counties, you can click HERE to find assistance.
We surpassed 270 Gala Nominations!
You read that right!
We surpassed 270 gala nominations for our first-ever EKY Gala.
But there is still time to submit and nominate someone in our region that you believe is a rising star.
Click HERE to see a list of our nominations.
Wanting to join the party?
Click HERE to register for our glamorous event!
We hope to see you there!