ASHLAND — Recently area churches sponsored the 2nd annual "Parade of Praise" on Judd Plaza.

 There are many to thank: First Presbyterian Church and Ann Wiseman for the use of their facilities; Modern Food for the ice cream and freezer; Phoenix Theaters for the popcorn; Ashland WalMart and South Point WalMart for the gift cards; the city of Ashland for of the stage, sound equipment and tent; The Independent for the nice article; the many that allowed us to place our; those who sang or played instruments; Fairview Baptist youth group for the skit; Meade Station Church of God for sharing our vision and for the balloons; Shawnee Church of God for cold drinks and ice; Kentucky Farmers Bank for the cases of water.

We especially thank Commissioner Larry Brown for his help. Parade of Praise was pleasing to God and to those attending!

Sherry Castle and The Fresh Vision Class, Grandview Church of God

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On behalf of the Russell Independent Board of Education and its employees, we express our deep appreciation to the following for making our beginning of the year professional development and opening days a tremendous success:

McDonald’s of both Russell and Flatwoods, The Lunch Box & Custom Catering, Service Office Supply, City National Bank, Life Long Learning Center, Missy Jackson, KEA, cafeteria staff at Russell High School and Russell Board of Education.

We appreciate their partnership with our district and the support of our students.

Dr.  Susan Compton,  Superintendent, Debbie Finley, Chief Academic Officer, Dennis Chambers, Finance Director, Russell Independent Schools

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I had the honor of attending my wife’s 50th reunion of the Ashland High School class of 1960 this past weekend. Also in attendance was the 1960 class of Holy Family. Not only did they revisit the past but they made an investment in the future with a $100,000-plus donation to the Paramount AHS Class of 1960 Youth Education Fund that will serve as a perpetual source of funding that has the potential to grow and will live on to serve Ashland/Boyd County schoolchildren for generations to come.

Their classmates traveled from near and far. There were lots of laughs, a few good tears and it was an overall great weekend. Thanks AHS Class of 1960 for your gift to the future generations of Ashland and Boyd County.

Mayor Tom Kelley, Ashland