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Articles by Will Spencer
Week 7 Waiver Wire – 5 Priority Waiver Targets
Another week of injuries. Another week of finding replacements. It feels like the “injuries” are the theme of this fantasy football season, as managers are simply trying to survive with viable rosters from week to week. The wide receiver position took a hit this week with 49ers WR Mike Evans leaving the game against the Washington Commanders with an Achilles injury. While he didn’t suffer a major Achilles injury, he is expected to miss some time.
Graves Board of Education unpacks annual state report card
At its meeting Monday, the Graves County Board of Education assessed accountability data for the 2025-26 school year’s academic performance. The Kentucky Department of Education releases report cards for Kentucky public schools annually based on student scores in the Kentucky Summative Assessment. The KDE then rates schools on a color-coded scale: blue, green, yellow, orange and red, in order from highest to lowest ranking. Out of the district’s eight schools, five received blue ratings.
Mayfield Electric and Water returns home with new headquarters
On Tuesday, Mayfield Electric and Water Systems celebrated the grand opening of its rebuilt headquarters on 301 E. Broadway. The occasion marked another milestone in the city’s recovery from the December 2021 tornado. According to a report from MEWS, the EF4 disaster damaged or destroyed over $45 million of its infrastructure, resulting in total insurance claims of $20 million and FEMA claims of $25 million.
Hispanic Church to continue Camp Graves’ housing services on Mayfield campus
As early as next month, the First Hispanic Baptist Church will continue Camp Graves’ temporary housing services on W. Broadway after acquiring the nonprofit’s Mayfield facility. In June this year, Camp Graves announced a funding shortfall amid rising costs, limited grant resources and a decrease in charitable giving. To sustain operations, the Board of Directors voted to sell its Mayfield property, which contains four apartments.
Council highlights first responder fundraiser, Residents' Rights Month
At the Mayfield City Council meeting Monday, the Purchase Ford dealership presented checks to three local first responder agencies, who were this year’s recipients of the business’ annual fundraiser. The “Drive for Your Community” event was held on Saturday, Aug. 22, in the CFSB parking lot, located near the intersection of the 121 bypass and Highway 45 North next to the new Mayfield Fire Station 1.
Library hosts 'Haunted Harvest' on Saturday
The Graves County Public Library invites the community to the sixth annual Haunted Harvest today, Oct. 10 for a “spooktacular” event that combines the best of Halloween and autumn. The free event is from 4-7 p.m. Librarian Tessa Sanders said Haunted Harvest originated as a way for the library to participate in Haunted Graves, which is the Mayfield-Graves County Tourism Commission’s extensive catalog of community-sponsored festivities.
Construction begins on The Lighthouse shelter, nonprofit works to close funding gaps
Construction officially began this week on The Lighthouse’s new facility, which the Graves County nonprofit plans to operate as a safe haven for those impacted by domestic violence, homelessness and other crises. The former Lighthouse Women’s and Children’s Shelter was destroyed in the December 2021 tornado. In late 2025, the organization acquired the abandoned Budget Inn Motel in Mayfield to renovate into its new structure.
Chamber recognized by statewide organization
The Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce won three Excellence Awards at the Annual Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference in Hopkinsville last week, including - • Excellence in Events for the 2025 Farm to Table Dinner • Innovation Initiative Excellence for the Community Connections program • Excellence in Advocacy for West Kentucky Thank You Night Mayfield-Graves Chamber Executive Director Katie McCord said the accolades reflect the group’s dedication to the local business...
Mayfield Graves Art Guild finds new home nearly five years after tornado
MAYFIELD — The Mayfield Graves County Art Guild has officially purchased a new building, ending years of displacement from the December 2021 tornado. The Ice House, the organization’s former facility, was unsalvageable after the EF-4 disaster. The art guild took temporary residence at Regions Bank before renting a house in the ensuing years for operations. kAm%9:D H66<[ E96 2CE 8F:=5 7:?2=:K65 :ED 24BF:D:E:@? @7 E96 pH2C5>2DE6CD 724:=:EJ 2E hah !2C:D #@25 — =6DD E92?
Mayfield Independent Schools puts vibrant learning into action
Mayfield Independent Schools reports a successful rollout of vibrant learning, an educational initiative codified earlier this year that emphasizes hands-on, student-driven experiences. MIS Supervisor of Instruction Heather Dublin explained that the effort is categorized under the Kentucky Department of Education’s “United We Learned” vision. This relatively new framework from the department promotes innovative and engaging educational systems across the commonwealth, such as vibrant learning.
Returning downtown business makes dentistry a family affair
One family business is returning to its roots as downtown Mayfield continues revitalization from the December 2021 tornado. Mills Orthodontics, which also has offices in Paducah and Murray, opened its rebuilt facility on North 7th Street this week. The location lies within the larger commercial strip that's being redeveloped after it was leveled in the disaster. The space is also now home to Western Kentucky Pediatric Dentistry, a new practice expected to officially open within the next month.
Week 4 Waiver Wire – 5 Priority Waiver Targets
It feels like injuries are creeping up alot faster this season than in previous ones. There are a ton of players dealing with injuries and being forced to miss time. With these situations mounting, fantasy managers are turning to the waiver wire for additional support for their rosters. Heading into Week 4, there are several players managers should consider grabbing off the wire. For this article, we’ll focus on five must-add players to target and an honorable mention that needs to be considered.
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Coats for Kids provides warm seasonal clothing for another year
River Valley AgCredit’s annual Coats for Kids drive kicked off this week and will run through Friday, Oct. 23. The member-owned, federally chartered agricultural credit cooperative has locations throughout western Kentucky. The Graves branch is found at 545 Dick Castleman Bypass in Mayfield. Community members can donate new or gently used coats at the cooperative location.
Mayfield unveils state’s 70th Safe Haven Baby Box
The 70th Safe Haven Baby Box in Kentucky officially was unveiled Monday at the Mayfield Fire Department, providing parents in crisis a spot to anonymously surrender a newborn. From the nonprofit organization of the same name, these secure, temperature-controlled devices are installed in an exterior wall of designated hospitals or fire stations. There are now 472 throughout the country, with Mayfield’s newly added one. kAmu:C6 r9:67 y6C6>J rC62D@? D2:5 E96 323J 3@I :D 2 G:E2= 255:E:@? E@ $E2E:@?
Flooding on Fuma Street raises concerns
Residents of Fuma Street in Mayfield have expressed concerns over chronic flooding on their road. The issue stems from a water main — the primary underground pipe that delivers large volumes of high-pressure, clean water — that breaks typically once a month, according to community member April Emmons. “I moved here in 2016, and if it hasn’t happened once a month, I know it has once every other month,” Emmons said.
Flores charged with grooming again, additional count of tampering with evidence
After the Graves County District Court dismissed her charge without prejudice earlier this month, former Graves County Middle School teacher Sadie Flores was indicted again under Kentucky’s new grooming law in circuit court this week. At a preliminary hearing Sept. 9, Graves District Court Judge Scott Robbins said evidence at the time did not explicitly prove Flores had intent of a future sexual relationship with her 14-year-old student.
Mayfield Fire Department unveils Safe Haven Baby Box
MAYFIELD — The Mayfield Fire Department officially unveiled its new Safe Haven Baby Box on Monday, marking the 70th in the state for parents in crisis to anonymously surrender a newborn. From the nonprofit organization of the same name, these secure, temperature-controlled devices are installed in an exterior wall of designated hospitals or fire stations. There are now 472 throughout the country, with Mayfield’s newly added one. kAmu:C6 r9:67 y6C6>J rC62D@? D2:5 E96 323J 3@I :D 2 G:E2= 255:E:@?
Five weeks of frights, fun planned for Haunted Graves
The Mayfield-Graves County Tourism Commission is looking forward to the sixth annual Haunted Graves festival and its extensive slate of local attractions offering Halloween spooks and family-friendly fun. Since its inception, Haunted Graves has grown to attract thousands of attendees through various events, making the county a regional destination for the fall season. The festival now exceeds just one month, beginning in the last weekend of September.
Major Injury Update! Caleb Williams And Jayden Daniels | Ep. 40 of The BLITZ Podcast
Several injuries happened in Week 2 for fantasy football, but two huge injuries to the quarterbacks may have fantasy managers scrambling. In the newest episode of The Blitz, Will discusses the injuries, the updates made for both quarterbacks, and what fantasy managers should do to keep their teams going until they return. Follow The Blitz for more fantasy football content like this throughout the fantasy season on our Youtube channel below, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Mayfield Fire Department unveils Safe Haven Baby Box
The Mayfield Fire Department officially unveiled its new Safe Haven Baby Box on Monday, marking the seventieth in the state. Safe Haven Baby boxes allow parents in crisis to anonymously surrender a newborn. From the nonprofit organization of the same name, these secure, temperature-controlled devices are installed in an exterior wall of designated hospitals or fire stations. There are now 472 throughout the country with Mayfield.
Fantasy Football Week 2 Starts and Sits
Week 1 was insane, wasn’t it? We had a few huge scoring games that sent fantasy teams over the edge, but in a good way. Caleb Williams went off in his first game against the Carolina Panthers. Williams put up 37.3 fantasy points, making him the QB3 for Week 1. Another big Week 1 performance came from New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave. Olave went off against the Detroit Lions, finishing as the WR5 with 28.2 fantasy points.
'Tony' finds the recipe for growing up
By WILL SPENCER | For The Sun “Are you a writer or a liar?” young lout Tony (Dominic Sessa) is asked by Nancy (Emilia Jones), the headstrong girl he is chasing. The truth is there isn’t much difference for the recklessly ambitious and even more pompous Vassar student — he’s more enamored with the grandiose vision of who he wants to be rather than what becomes of him along the way. kAm%96 8@@5 ?6HD 7@C E96 `h\J62C\@=5 :D E92E 96 H:== 6G6?EF2==J 8C@H :?E@ C6?@H?65 4967 2?5 EC2G6= 5@4F>6?E2C:2?
School districts set tax rates for academic year
Graves County and Mayfield Independent schools recently passed their proposed tax rates for the upcoming fiscal year, with both superintendents citing no significant changes. Graves County Schools set its rate at 44.9 cents per $100 on real estate and 45.2 cents per $100 on personal property. Last year’s rate was 45.2 cents for both real and personal property. Mayfield Independent Schools set its rate at 72.9 cents per $100 on both real and personal property.
Graves Board of Education approves Australia as 2028 travel program destination
At its meeting Thursday, the Graves County Board of Education approved the "Eagles SOAR Abroad" travel program’s proposal for its 2028 destination: Australia. Graves County High School agriculture teacher Abby Lyell said the program centers around "experiential learning” for her subject. It has already “grown significantly” since its inception roughly two years ago, she said.
Annual ad valorem tax set for 2026
At a special-called meeting Wednesday afternoon, the Mayfield City Council members passed the second reading of this year's ad valorem tax ordinance— levying 20.2 cents per $100 of all property. An ad valorem tax is part of typical municipal procedure and imposed annually based on the assessed monetary value of taxable property. The Property Valuation Administrator of Graves County provides those figures to the City of Mayfield each year.
Rebuild Mayfield project set to improve downtown roadways
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet held a public information meeting Tuesday and provided updates on the Rebuild Mayfield project, which is set to rebuild roughly two-and-a-half miles of key roadways in the city’s downtown. The project is funded by a $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant for the city’s ongoing recovery from the December 2021 tornado.
Darnell Pumpkins highlights 15 years of fall tradition
Local seasonal attraction Darnell Pumpkins celebrates its fifteenth year of providing fall fun and produce to families in Graves County and beyond during September and October. Representative Sarah Darnell explained that the family business originated when her husband Nick Darnell and his father Mike Darnell sought to recreate their autumn pastimes for a new generation at 1148 Darnell Road near Mayfield.
Mayfield City Council tentatively sets ad valorem tax for 2026
At its meeting Monday, the Mayfield City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance levying an ad valorem tax of 0.202 cents of all property for this year. An ad valorem tax is part of typical municipal procedure and imposed annually based on the assessed monetary value of taxable property. The Property Valuation Administrator of Graves County provides those figures to the City of Mayfield each year.
Attorney unpacks grooming statute following dismissal of Flores’ charge
The outcome of Sadie Flores’ grooming charge dismissal left some people questioning the set of circumstances that would result in a conviction under Kentucky House Bill 4, which took effect on July 15 and made grooming a standalone offense. Teris Swanson, an attorney at the law firm Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub in Paducah, provided a legal analysis of the new law removed from the context of Flores’ case.
Graves County judge dismisses grooming charge against former middle school teacher
GRAVES COUNTY — At a preliminary hearing in the Graves County District Court on Wednesday, Judge Scott Robbins dismissed the grooming charge against former Graves County Middle School teacher Sadie Flores without prejudice. Dismissing a case without prejudice means that it can be refiled with the same charges again at a later time. Flores’ charge stemmed from a relatively new Kentucky law that took effect on July 15, which makes grooming a minor a standalone offense.
Fantasy Football Week 1 Starts and Sits
Alright guys! It’s time to knuckle up! We are two games in, with the Seahawks, Patriots, 49ers, and Rams already completed. Hopefully, you didn’t shy away from starting the guys you drafted high. Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba went off against the Patriots with 122 receiving yards and a touchdown on eight catches. Right now, he’s sitting at the top of the wide receiver category with 26.2 fantasy points. Now we’ll see if anyone can surpass him to take the top spot.
Graves County judge dismisses grooming charge against former middle school teacher
GRAVES COUNTY — At a preliminary hearing in the Graves County District Court on Wednesday, Judge Scott Robbins dismissed the grooming charge against former Graves County Middle School teacher Sadie Flores. Flores’ charge stemmed from a relatively new Kentucky law that took effect on July 15, which makes grooming a minor a standalone offense.
Graves County judge dismisses grooming charge against former middle school teacher
At a preliminary hearing in the Graves County District Court on Wednesday, Judge Scott Robbins dismissed the grooming charge against former Graves County Middle School teacher Sadie Flores without prejudice. Dismissing a case without prejudice means that it can be refile with the same charges again at a later time. Flores’ charge stemmed from a relatively new Kentucky law that took effect on July 15, which makes grooming a minor a standalone offense.
Attorney unpacks grooming statute following dismissal of Flores’ charge
The outcome of Sadie Flores' grooming charge dismissal left some people questioning the set of circumstances that would result in a conviction under Kentucky House Bill 4, which took effect on July 15 and made grooming a standalone offense. Teris Swanson, an attorney at the law firm Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub in Paducah, provided a legal analysis of the new law removed from the context of Flores’ case.
Attorney unpacks grooming statute following dismissal of Flores’ charge
The outcome of Sadie Flores’ grooming charge dismissal left some people questioning the set of circumstances that would result in a conviction under Kentucky House Bill 4, which took effect on July 15 and made grooming a standalone offense. Teris Swanson, an attorney at the law firm Whitlow, Roberts, Houston & Straub in Paducah, provided a legal analysis of the new law removed from the context of Flores’ case.
Library's annual fall sale set for next week
The Friends of Graves County Library will hold its bi-annual book sale starting Friday of next week, with proceeds benefitting library programs, new inventory and other resources. Volunteer Vi Kibler said the sale allows the group to invest back into the community’s library experience while offering affordable literary items. “All year long, people donate thousands of books to the library." Kibler said. "Some of them we can put in the collection, but the majority of them will go to our book sale.
Graves County judge dismisses grooming charge against former middle school teacher
GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. — A Graves County district judge dismissed the grooming charge against former Graves County Middle School teacher Sadie Flores on Wednesday. The Graves County Sheriff's Office arrested Flores on Aug. 7 following a report of an improper relationship with a student, charging her with grooming.
'Mental health does not stop' — 988 Day highlights 24/7 crisis center in western Kentucky
MAYFIELD — This Tuesday, Sept. 8, was National 988 Day, highlighting the mental health crisis line, which can be accessed by the three-digit dialing code on any phone. The occasion coincided with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. In the nine westernmost counties of Kentucky, Four Rivers Behavioral Health answers 988 calls at its crisis center in Mayfield. kAms:G:D:@? s:C64E@C s2?6==6 $2>D 6IA=2:?65 E92E E96 hgg :?:E:2E:G6 EC2?D:E:@?65 :?
Five Rookie WRs Whose Fantasy Stock Is On The Rise
Bucs rookie WR Ted Hurst is one of a few young wideouts whose value has gone up this offseason. Every offseason, the love for rookies in fantasy football is made apparent. And honestly, it’s a good thing. Rookies hold untapped potential to provide fantasy rosters an edge over the competition. Landing a rookie who gains a prominent role on their team’s offense is a huge boon for fantasy lineups. Last season, Emeka Egbuka got off to a hot start after Jalen McMillan went down during the preseason.
Waiver Wire Targets For Week 1
Yes, it’s that time once again! Week 1 is officially here, and the season kicks off Wednesday with the Seattle Seahawks taking on the New England Patriots. With that being said, fantasy managers are already setting lineups and preparing for the start of the regular fantasy football season. Here is where all the hard work, research, and planning take off. But as you prepare your lineups, you shouldn’t neglect what may be out there on the waiver wire.
Flores waives formal arraignment, pleads not guilty
GRAVES COUNTY — Sadie Flores, the former Graves County Middle School teacher charged under Kentucky’s new grooming law, waived formal arraignment Wednesday morning in the Graves County District Court. Attorney Angela Troutman entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. Judge Scott Robbins set her preliminary hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. in the district court. As previously reported, the Graves County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 25-year-old Flores on Friday, Aug.
988 Day highlights 24/7 mental health support in western Kentucky (copy)
This Tuesday, Sept. 8, was National 988 Day highlighting the mental health crisis line, which can be accessed by the three-digit dialing code on any phone. The occasion coincided with National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month of September. In the nine westernmost counties of Kentucky, Four Rivers Behavioral Health answers 988 calls at its crisis center in Mayfield.
‘Coyote vs. Acme’ turns cartoon chaos into corporate satire
For over 75 years, “Looney Tunes” mainstay Wile E. Coyote has pursued the ever-elusive Road Runner, only for his tenacious schemes to brutally backfire. One question can logically remain: What if this intrepid desert canine faced the greater perils of corporate greed that threaten our very existence? Because that’s when the cartoon life gets a little too real. This heady concept fuels the new comedy “Coyote vs. Acme,” an uproarious ode to the perseverance of the little guy.
First Methodist Church shows progress in rebuilding
Mayfield is seeing several historic downtown churches complete rebuilding from the December 2021 tornado, the most recent being First Christian Church on Sunday, Aug. 30. The next could potentially be First United Methodist Church, which is aiming to reopen their new facility sometime in 2027. They began rebuilding after the Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded $4.8 million in 2024 to them to replace their original 100-year-old building.
Flores waives formal arraignment, pleads not guilty
MAYFIELD — Sadie Flores, the former Graves County Middle School teacher charged under Kentucky’s new grooming law, waived formal arraignment Wednesday morning in the Graves County District Court. Attorney Angela Troutman entered a not guilty plea on her client’s behalf. Judge Scott Robbins set her preliminary hearing for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9, in the district court. kAmpD AC6G:@FD=J C6A@CE65[ E96 vC2G6D r@F?EJ $96C:77’D ~77:46 2CC6DE65 u=@C6D[ ad[ @? uC:52J[ pF8] f[ @?
Camp Graves seeks support to continue housing services
Following the organization’s announcement in June of funding shortfalls, local nonprofit Camp Graves held a community partner breakfast Thursday morning to showcase their outreach work. Initially formed for disaster relief purposes in December 2021, Camp Graves transitioned from active tornado recovery to temporary housing to address the county’s homeless crisis. It currently maintains 13 small units in Water Valley and nine beds at the Camp Rendezvous veteran facility in Mayfield.
Flores waives formal arraignment, pleads not guilty
GRAVES COUNTY — Sadie Flores, the former Graves County Middle School teacher charged under Kentucky’s new grooming law, waived formal arraignment Wednesday morning in the Graves County District Court. Attorney Angela Troutman entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. Judge Scott Robbins set her preliminary hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. in the district court. As previously reported, the Graves County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 25-year-old Flores on Friday, Aug.
Flores waives formal arraignment, pleads not guilty
Sadie Flores — the former Graves County Middle School teacher charged under Kentucky's new grooming law — waived formal arraignment Wednesday morning in the Graves County District Court. Attorney Angela Troutman entered a not guilty plea on her behalf. Judge Scott Robbins set her preliminary hearing for Wednesday, Sept. 9, at 1 p.m. in the district court. As previously reported, the Graves County Sheriff’s Office arrested the 25-year-old Flores on Friday, Aug.
First tennis tournament in over a decade showcases Mayfield’s resurgence
Mayfield co-hosted its first state tennis tournament in 15 years this past weekend, bringing roughly 270 participants to the area. Leaders said it was a prime opportunity to re-introduce visitors to a city undergoing revitalization. Earlier this year, local athletic association Purchase Area Tennis secured a two-year contract with the United States Tennis Association of Kentucky to hold the annual Mixed Doubles State Championship in Mayfield and Murray. The first edition took place Friday, Aug.
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