Amanda Gilmore

Sandy's Racing and Gaming

With the opening of the first half of Sandy’s Racing & Gaming in Boyd County last fall, a former shopping mall has transformed into an entertainment venue for young and old. What was first the Cedar Knoll Galleria (1989 to 2005) and then the Kyova Mall (2005 to 2021) is now collectively called the Camp Landing Entertainment District. Sandy’s, which opened in late October 2023, joins Malibu Jack’s indoor amusement center and The Cinema at Camp Landing as the district’s anchors.

Angela Henderson-Bentley

Tropical Smoothie Cafe - Paradise in AKY

Two years ago, Huntington homicide detective Andre Jackson traveled to Columbus, Ohio. He was looking for clues to solve a case, but he also found a big clue to his future and a way to help improve the eating habits of his community.

Lori Jude

KY Aesthetics & Wellness, Inc., and Kentucky Fast Care

For Samantha Cleaver, owner of KY Aesthetics & Wellness, Inc., hard work and ambition are no stranger. At age 16, Cleaver found herself pregnant and in an abusive relationship. “Some family members tried to get me to have an abortion, but God gave me peace about it, and I knew He would take care of us,” Cleaver said. Her son Brayden was born in December of her senior year of high school. However, despite the circumstances, she decided to continue following her dreams of becoming a medical professional––even while living life as a single mom.

Elizabeth Slagel

Business With The Bares

Retirement typically means slowing down, kicking up your heels and maybe taking up a few hobbies. Retired Ashland police lieutenant of 23-years Billy Bare did none of this. Instead, he and his life partner turned business partner Christy became local entrepreneurs opening seven local businesses in nine years along with five merchandise stores. That’s right. Billy and Christy have averaged a new launch about every year as they get ready to open an eighth business in 2024.