Happy New Year! As we all look toward what 2024 could bring for the community, it’s time for our annual tradition of looking at the biggest stories from the past year. In 2023, Magoffin County had some incredible highs and devastating lows, so please join us as we look back at the most impactful stories we covered last year (in no particular order).
- An MCHS senior made some big waves in the cancer research field.
Ashton Long, who has since graduated from Magoffin County High School, won a regional science competition, leading her to compete in the state and international competitions, again. More impressive than the titles she’s won (so far) is the title of her project and what it can mean for the future of cancer research: A Computational Method of Utilizing Genetic and Epigenetic Information for Predicting Mutations in Colorectal and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cancers. Basically, she developed an algorithm to help tailor cancer treatments to individual patients.
- Magoffin County High School Alum Kennedi Stacy led Transylvania University to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship, with the Pioneers winning the national championship as they finished with a perfect basketball season.
- Magoffin County Archers Nationally Ranked
In November we reported on FIVE Magoffin County students being ranked nationally in archery. At the time, Magoffin County High School Senior Landon Collinsworth had shot a 290 in 3D at a competition in November, which was the highest 3D score this season, earning him first place ranking in boys’ archery in the nation.
MCHS Sophomore Chloe Skaggs scored 275 in 3D in the same tournament, ranking her third in the nation in girls’ archery.
At the middle school level, Herald Whitaker Middle School students Brayden Lewis, Luke Montgomery and John Martin Connelley (below) also made it into the national rankings, with Luke Montgomery ranking seventh with a season-high of 282. Brayden Lewis and John Martin Connelley both scored a season-high of 280 in the November 4 tournament, tying them both at 13th in the nation.
North Magoffin Elementary’s archery team has also secured several wins, as well, and we’re excited to see how this program will continue to grow in 2024.
- Notable Deaths
Judge John Robert “Bobby” Morgan, of Knott County, passed away on Saturday, April 1, at the age of 85. Morgan was the first district judge to serve Magoffin County, with the 36th District Court forming in 1978, representing Magoffin and Knott counties. Judge Morgan served as district judge from 1978 to 1984, at which time he then became circuit judge, serving in that capacity until he retired in 2004 after a bad car wreck.
James E. “Jimmie” Allen, age 93, passed away on October 20 after a brief illness. Jimmie held the position of Magoffin County Circuit Clerk for many years and was a well-known historian in the community, keeping photos and detailed records of Magoffin County’s history.
- Robotics team awarded in national competition
Herald Whitaker Middle School’s Heroic Hornetz secured an award from the First Lego League National Championship in New Jersey. The rookie FLL team brought home the Breakthrough Award out of close to 50 teams from across the country. And, as we covered recently, the robotics program is growing in the district and making big waves this year, as well!
- Construction on Ivy Point
No one likes driving through roadwork, but with the amount of wrecks that have occurred over the years on the Ivy Point Hill, this work was long overdue. Crews have blasted, cut through the hill and made a less curvy route that will hopefully prove to be safer in the coming years. Traffic has been rerouted to the new route (currently with an asphalt base) and the final paving is scheduled for the spring. Approximately 3,700 vehicles use the affected section of U.S. 460 each day, located between downtown Salyersville and the KY Rt. 30 junction.
- Miss Magoffin finishes in Top 12, named Kentucky’s Choice
Miss Magoffin County Rylie Castle (crowned in 2022) may not have come home with a new crown from the Miss Kentucky Scholarship Pageant, but she finished in the Top 12, while also securing the most votes from the public, earning her the title of “Miss Kentucky’s Choice.” Miss Magoffin 2023-2024 Lauryn Whitaker was crowned during Founders Day events and will take on the state competition this June.
- Magoffin singer and band record at Sun Records
Magoffin Native Zoe Howard and her band, Yellow Line, traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to record their newest album in the legendary Sun Studio, which has produced hits for some of the biggest names in music, such as Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and so many more. Be sure to check out “Peace-N-Whereabouts,” by Zoe Howard and Yellow Line, on streaming services and available for purchase now!
- SWW now under the mayor’s oversight
After struggling for months to keep anyone on the Salyersville Water Works board, with three board members resigning in 2023, in October Salyersville Mayor Stanley Howard broke a tie vote with the city council to dissolve the board and take on Salyersville Water Works as a city department under the mayor’s oversight. In the December city council meeting, the council was unable to pay the entirety of the Water Works bills due, agreeing to pay what they could to keep it operational. This is an ongoing story that we’re continuing to watch unfold.
- Connelley Racing gains national attention
Connelley Racing brought home two national wins, with Martin Connelley named the NMRA Driver of the Year for 2023. Good luck in the NMRA and NMCA series for the 2024 season!
Honorable Mentions
Magoffin County High School Band receives nearly $50,000 in new instruments.
Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, named after the 1995 film with the same name, with the help of a very generous donation from Chris and Morgane Stapleton, as well as from the Bluegrass Community Foundation, provided nearly $50,000 in new instruments to the Magoffin County High School band program. The donations allowed more students to join the program, plus rounded out the percussion instruments so those students can now be ready if they want to pursue music in college.
Magoffin County Special Olympics competes at state
After years of work to get a local team started, then a pandemic, the Magoffin County Special Olympics Team finally was able to play in the 2023 Summer Games, with many gold, silver and bronze medals brought home. We can’t wait to see how this program will grow this year!
Gary Simpkins Jr
January 5, 2024 at 12:43 pm
I’m so proud of Magoffin county schools But be nice if Magoffin countians was taught how important their soul is over money But the fact vote buying still ignored and everyone actslind to soul buying to serve satans plan of theft