2026 Best of Madison County (Video)

Thanks to photographer Kelly McKinney for coverage of the event, and Claudia Nolan for her help in the production of this video.

Rattlesnake discovered at MCHS relocated to farm

Photo of rattlesnake at MCHS courtesy Zack Tyra

School resource officers with Montgomery County Schools discovered a timberland rattlesnake at the high school Wednesday, according to the individual who removed it. Zack Tyra, an experienced …

Celebration of life set for Lexington woman killed here after being struck by tractor trailer

Photo courtesy Charita Watkins' social media page

Dylan Watkins has organized a GoFundMe donation drive for his aunt. Felicia G. Joseph, 36, of Lexington, was pronounced deceased at the scene Tuesday at 9:21 p.m. by Montgomery County Coroner …

McNabb eighth grade claims regular season division championship

The McNabb eighth grade football team celebrates a memorable night highlighted by a conference win and securing the regular season division championship

It was a memorable 8th Grade Night for the McNabb Middle School football team as the Indians celebrated their eighth graders with a convincing 38-6 victory and secured the regular season division …

Barrier: Existing bushes, vegetation next to MCHS gym removed to ensure no other snakes in vicinity

The following is a statement from Chris Barrier, Chief Operations Officer, for Montgomery County Schools in regard to the rattlesnake discovered at MCHS Wednesday. Barrier said the rattlesnake was …

Justin Botts, left, and Harley Botts bought toy ducks from Bobby Barnes as part of a fundraiser for Relay for Life Saturday at First United Methodist Church.

Annual Relay event held

Relay for Life was held Saturday at First United Methodist Church. The theme was "Never Too Many Candles," focused on more birthdays for cancer survivors. Rebecca Stone, a cancer survivor, …

McNabb Middle School seventh grader Spencer Howell posed with Scooter, a donkey that was part of a petting zoo last week at the school as part of "All in For Ag" Week in the district. The event was hosted by the school's FFA program.

McNabb students treated to petting zoo

McNabb says its petting zoo was a big highlight last week. "Big thanks to Miss Gross for leading the way, and to our FFA members and parent volunteers for bringing their animals and giving …

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E-edition

Mt. Sterling Advocate, October 1, 2026

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Big problem, but a simple fix

Your right to know what your public officials are saying and doing was recently gutted by the Kentucky supreme court. Overturning a lower court decision, in a 4 to 2 ruling on …

SENATE PRESIDENT ROBERT STIVERS FILES SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE IN RURAL, UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, filed Senate Joint Resolution 116 directing Kentucky’s public teaching universities to develop a comprehensive, …

Obituaries

Henry Morrison Howes Jr., 81

Henry Morrison Howes Jr., 81, of Jeffersonville, died Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026 at St. Joseph Hospital Main in Lexington. Born Oct. 4, 1944, in Owensboro, he was the son of the late …

Mary Elizabeth Hogue Wise, 83

Mary Elizabeth Hogue Wise, 83, of Mt. Sterling, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026. Born April 23, 1943, in Danville, she was the daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth Powell Hogue …

Linda Gail Bowling, 78

Linda Gail Bowling, 78, of Mt. Sterling, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at her residence. Born March 23, 1948, in Montgomery County, she was the daughter of the late Ford and Frances Heaton …

Suzanne Reynolds Perry, 88

Suzanne Reynolds Perry, 88, died Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, at Pioneer Trace Nursing Home in Flemingsburg. Born Jan. 22, 1938, in Mt. Sterling, she was the daughter of the late …

Charles Keith Skillern 68

Charles Keith Skillern, 68, of Mt. Sterling, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, surrounded by family. Born Nov. 11, 1957, he was the son of Martha Jane Skillern and the late Charles Leo Skillern. …

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Breathitt Co. pulls away from Montgomery Co., 58-27

Montgomery Co. put together one of its strongest offensive performances of the season Friday night, but Breathitt Co.’s explosive rushing attack proved too much to overcome as the Bobcats handed …

Decisions, Decisions

(LEXINGTON, Ky.) — I had a really good question for Mark Pope at Kentucky Basketball Media Day on Monday. At least I thought it was good. You’ll have to take my word for it because I never …

Montgomery Co. youth football continues to grow through early season

The Montgomery Co. Parks & Rec fifth- and sixth-grade football team continued to show growth and determination this week despite falling 32-14 to a strong Paintsville squad. Head coach …

Boys golf competes in first round of state

Boys golf competed in first round of state in Presetonsburg today. Full coverage in this week's Advocate. (photo credit Julie Bonfield)

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Opinion

KENTUCKY CAN LEAD ON DATA CENTERS WITHOUT LEAVING COMMUNITIES BEHIND

Mention data centers and you're likely concerned about increasing electric bills, water consumption, noise, and whether these facilities truly benefit the communities where they're built. Those …

Enough is never enough by Douglas Moore

Well that old saying must be true, the rich really do keep getting richer because Elon Musk has now become the world’s very first trillionaire. You heard that right folks, a trillionaire, that’s …

Addressing questions about Rumpke expansion, landfills

I know there have been questions and concerns regarding Rumpke’s proposed expansion of the Montgomery County landfill. I would like to address some of those questions and appreciate this space to …

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Looking for a Better Work-Life Balance?

Thanks to local legislators for support on HB368

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Rediscover the lost secrets of history, one mystery at a time

(BPT) - Where is Alexander the Great really buried? What led to the disappearance of the dodo? And how much do we truly know about the Neolithic cultures that shaped the earliest chapters of human …

5 Meaningful Holiday Gifts That Give Back All Year

(BPT) - The holidays are approaching, which means it's time to start thinking about what you'll give your loved ones. This year, go beyond traditional presents and give your friends and family a …

How to stay healthier this year: Schedule your flu shot

(BPT) - It's that time of year again: Temperatures are dropping, kids are heading back to school — and cold and flu season isn't far behind. To help you and your family stay healthier this fall …

5 Insurance Company Tactics That Could Shrink Your Injury Claim

(NewsUSA) - After a car crash, dealing with injuries, medical appointments and vehicle repairs can be overwhelming enough. Then comes another challenge: dealing with insurance companies.While …

Running a small business means making sacrifices. Are they permanent?

Rocket Lawyer reports that small business owners often sacrifice time and income for flexibility and control, but these sacrifices can become permanent if not reassessed.