Author Archives: sdbowling

About sdbowling

Director of the Breathitt County Public Library and Heritage Center in Jackson, Kentucky.

What To See On Hike One – 2026

Posted on January 14, 2026 by sdbowling

A look at some of the sites along the first hike of the 2026 Sheltowee Trace Hiker Challenge. Continue reading →

Posted in Daniel Boone National Forest, Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged adventure, backpacking, Eagle Lake, Hiking, Morehead, Morehead State University, nature, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge | Leave a comment

Jackson’s First Female Councilperson

Posted on January 13, 2026 by sdbowling

In 1973, Rome Sewell was elected to a two-year term on the Jackson City Council. She was the first woman to serve on the city’s governing body. Continue reading →

Posted in Elections, Firsts, Jackson, Pioneers, Women | Tagged Breathitt County, City of Jackson, Elections, Firsts, Jackson, Jackson City Council, March of Dimes, Politics, Sewell Family | Leave a comment

2026 Sheltowee Challenge Essentials

Posted on January 11, 2026 by sdbowling

By Stephen “Bookie” Bowling The first hike is almost here. As we prepare for the 2026 Hiker Challenge, I am offering a few last-second hints, as we will soon be in the van, headed to the Northern Terminus. Here are … Continue reading →

Posted in Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged backpacking, Clark Farm, Hiking, Morehead, Morehead State University, Rowan County, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge | Leave a comment

What is the STA Challenge? – 2026

Posted on January 1, 2026 by sdbowling

A quick look at the history of the STA Hiker Challenge as we prepare to start a new hike in 2026. Continue reading →

Posted in Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiker Challenge, Hiking, Sheltowee National Recreation Trail | Tagged adventure, backpacking, Big South Fork, Daniel Boone National Forest, Hiking, nature, outdoors, Red River Gorge, Sheltowee Trace, Sheltowee Trace Challenge, Steve Barbour, travel, Vern Orndorff | Leave a comment

Jackson’s Most Dialed Number

Posted on January 1, 2026 by sdbowling

It was the most dialed number in Jackson and had been for almost six decades when the service ended. Learn about the hottest call in Jackson from 1962 to 2019. Continue reading →

Posted in Banking, Breathitt County, Businesses, Firsts, Jackson, Traditions | Tagged Bank, Breathitt County, First National Bank, J. Phil Smith, Jackson, Lester H. Smith, Main Street, Smith Family, Time and Temperature | Leave a comment

Fire Destroys Riverside Dorm

Posted on December 26, 2025 by sdbowling

A fast-moving fire destroyed the boys’ dorm and the home of Doran Hosteler on the campus of Riverside. The community and organizations played a crucial role in the recovery.
Discover one of the many challenges that Riverside Christian School faced and overcame. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Disasters, Education, Fire, Flood, Religion, Riverside Christian School, Schools, Tragedy, Women | Tagged 2022 Flood, Barnett Family, Breathitt County, Dormitory, Drushal Family, E. O. Robinson Fund, Fire, Flood, Hostetler Family, Lost Creek, Riverside Chirstian School, Watts Family, WEKG, WMTC | Leave a comment

A Christmas Lynching

Posted on December 25, 2025 by sdbowling

A long-running feud between two families led to a bloody jail raid and murder on Christmas Day. Learn about the events from this spectacular trial from 1929. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Breathitt High School, Feuds, Jackson, Murder, Politics, Tragedy | Tagged Allen Family, Bach Family, Bach Hospital, Breathitt County, Breathitt County Jail, Combs Family, Feuds, Fugate Family, Howard Family, Jackson, Jail Raid, Kilburn Family, Lynching, Murder, Rice Family, Watkins Family | 1 Comment

Wife Shoots Husband – Murder or Suicide?

Posted on December 21, 2025 by sdbowling

Peter Combs was shot on the steps leading to his apartment in 1948 by his wife. She was acquitted of the “suicide” by a Breathitt County jury. Learn about this unusual case, often cited as an example of “mountain justice.” Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson, Murder, Tragedy, United States Army | Tagged Broadway, Cardwell Building, Combs Family, Combs Furniture Company, Jackson, Murder | 1 Comment

The Red Masque Murder Hoax

Posted on November 13, 2025 by sdbowling

The people of Jackson were excited about a high-profile case that was transferred to the Breathitt Circuit Court. They were very satisfied when they learned the truth behind the headlines. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Education, Entertainment, Jackson, Lees College, Lees College, Murder | Tagged Breathitt County, Breathitt County Public Library, Entertainment, Hansel Family, Jackson, Lees College, Plays, Red Masque Players, Theatre, West Family | Leave a comment

The Alpine Restaraunt

Posted on November 9, 2025 by sdbowling

The Alpine Restaurant opened in 1968 and operated only a short time, but its legacy lives on in the name it left behind. Continue reading →

Posted in Breathitt County, Businesses, Jackson | Tagged Bert T. Combs, Breathitt County, Fugate Family, Hickey Family, Jackson, Jaycees, Koutoulas Family, McClees Family, Mountain Parkway, Restaurants | Leave a comment