Community updates discussed at May Chamber meeting

A huge crowd was on hand for the May Manchester/Clay County Chamber of Commerce meeting.

“Despite the stormy weather, we have a great crowd today,” said Chamber Co-Chair Terry Gray.

Gray commended Ponderosa Pines’ effort in hosting their SKSS shooting event, which brought in tourists from several states.

“I also want to recognize the fiscal court for their National Day of Prayer breakfast, the SOAR gala, UNITE for organizing the 20th Anniversary March on Drugs and others helping improve our community,” Gray said.

Gray talked about spotlighting Chamber members on the organization’s Facebook page in the coming days.

“We encourage everyone to like and share our Facebook page to help spread all the great things our Chamber and other organizations are doing,” he said.

State Representative Derek Lewis spoke about the recent legislative session and projects coming to his district.

“We have monies coming to Eastern Kentucky University, the city of Manchester, Clay Fiscal Court, and many other worthy things,” he added. “We reviewed over 1,200 bills; this was the longest session in Kentucky’s history.”

County Judge-Executive Tommy Harmon thanked Lewis for his work and announced the county was working on cemetery roads to prepare for the upcoming Memorial Day Holiday.

“If you have a road needing work, contact us at the county judge-executive’s office,” he said.

The number is (606) 598-2071.

Mayor Steve Collins made announcements about the city and the progress it is making.

Red Bird Mission announced they would utilize a new internet service, StarLink, to combat the failing internet connection in the area due to wire thefts. To help fund the change, the mission received a grant from SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region).

Kevin Cleary, of Save the Chesnut House, is starting an old-fashioned Trading Days at their Sexton’s Creek location.

“Everyone is welcome to come and bring whatever they want during this event; you can find more information on our Facebook page,” he said.

Keith Gabbard of PRTC says internet service will soon be available in the Beech Creek area.

“We are also working in the Oneida area and will have it online shortly,” he said.

Sandy Eversole, with Daniel Boone Development, spoke about childcare openings with their daycare and summer jobs are becoming available.

Second Mile Recovery spoke about various ways they want to help Clay County in efforts for substance abuse recovery.

They will also be working on helping children in substance abuse homes with things they need.