Years ago, I decided to make a special keepsake for each of my nieces and nephews. After reading the original story about Raggedy Ann written by Johnny B. Gruelle my decision was made! My keepsake …
The past few days have been filled with fear and worry as we began to prepare for the first winter snow of 2026. My heart always goes out to people who have to work outside or drive in it when the …
My hunting season is over. I have scheduled a couple of fishing trips, but they are a few weeks away. Until then, I am surrounded by everything man-made. I don’t mind this too much after a season …
The bass fishing tournaments are getting ready to start with a vengeance. Once they begin, each weekend will offer another opportunity to fish for money. All bass tournaments have pretty much the …
I got such a laugh out of the lady who said her husband, after 40 years of marriage, still gets upset when she uses his toothbrush. “So,” she said, “if anyone knows a better way to get dog doo …
As many of you know, The Mountain Advocate has sister newspapers from Mt. Sterling to Pineville. Included among them is The Berea Citizen, led by my friend and fellow Kentucky Press Association board …
How many of those newly made resolutions have already been broken? Most think, “New year, new me” and with that mentality comes the desires to be healthier and fit. Gyms are running specials on …
With the Parker Mercantile building on its last legs, and as we lament the fact that Barbourville will soon be saying goodbye to one of the original structures of Barbourville’s early days, the …
I recently read in the Advocate there is a class for individuals to begin writing their family story, their memories, learning their genealogy. This is wonderful! My column is just that …… …
I have talked my mom into some doosies over the years. Mom had her tubes tied, and shockingly I came along despite my parents best efforts of being done with raising children as my two sisters were …
A photograph that appears to be an advertisement, possibly from a district tournament basketball program, shows six of Knox County’s elected officials. Writing on the photo says 1965, which was an …
I am encouraged by continued interest in my effort to share memories. It is my sincere hope that when you get the Barbourville Mountain Advocate, you will continue to turn to Memories and find …
In 2026, Kentuckians and more specifically Knox Countians, will celebrate the 95th anniversary of the Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, located off Highway 459, some five miles southwest of …
Once again I learn of the death of a Knox Countian who was a friend I met through the Advocate many years ago. Ellie Helton passed away just before Christmas. This makes me sad. Recently I have been …
I hate winter. It’s cold, lonesome, and depressing. January is so sad when you see the vast difference of the joyful decor of the holidays no longer brightening up the home. Everything feels so …
Christmas is over! It’s time to take down the decorations. Time to put the lights back into the worn box, with the promise to find a newer, better box next year. This box has shared many …
The Museum Corner was saddened this week to learn of the passing of Knox Central Panther great, Coach Don Bingham on Christmas Eve. Coach Bingham was a Panther basketball standout as a student and …
Here comes January, and all the gloomy weather. I remember some pretty good snow storms growing up. I mean deep, heavy snows, that meant no one stirred except the occasional red bird looking for a …
There is no memory sweeter, or as magical, than remembering our excitement seeing the snow fall as children. To my memory snow seemed much deeper and much heavier than compared to snow falls today. I …
Few individuals have an impact on their place of work like Frances Patridge did on Union College. All you had to say was Miss Pat, and immediately everyone, not just at Union, but in all of …