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JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

CONNECTION Oneida Baptist Institute Lessons on life and faith

LIVESTREAM LOCAL GAMES TRAVEL TIPS

INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections By Shirley Bloomfield, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Protecting the Vulnerable

Adobe Stock image by stokkete

he internet powers many indispensable resources, including educational opportunities, telehealth, deployment of smart ag tools and the ability to stay in touch with loved ones. However, it is also the most common place for the recruiting and selling of sex-trafficking victims. More than 150,000 new escort ads are posted online in America daily. Seventyfive percent of underaged victims report being sold online, and human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in our country. January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and as we raise awareness to combat these crimes, NTCA members, and the association as a whole, are proud to collaborate with Guardian Group and Operation IFAST–ISPs Fight Against Sex Trafficking. It has been beyond gratifying to see the number of NTCA members step up to be the front line of defense with their “boots on the ground” staff. Originating with CLtel in Clear Lake, Iowa, and in coordination with Guardian Group, a team of former intelligence professionals, Operation IFAST works to prevent and disrupt sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. Over 100 companies in 22 states and over 1,400 of their employees participate in the program, which helps educate and train their teams to report potential trafficking situations to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. NTCA members are committed to helping keep their communities safe and being part of the solution. To learn more about Operation IFAST, visit guardiangroup.org/operation-ifast. 

Hard Reset

What to do with old, broken devices

any people have outdated or unused electronic devices they aren’t sure what to do with after the holidays. While recycling is good for the environment, many phones and tablets also contain rare materials that are much more useful in another device than sitting in a landfill. Here’s how to dispose of your old devices properly: Phones: Most phone manufacturers will let you trade in your old phone when you buy a new one. But if you still have old devices, retailers like Best Buy, Staples and Home Depot offer in-store drop-off for unused devices. EcoATM also has more than 6,000 kiosks across the country where you get cash for your old phone. Computers: If you can’t upgrade your computer to extend its lifespan, many manufacturers have take-back programs. Barring that, Best Buy has a trade-in calculator for PCs, while Apple offers its own recycling program for Macs. You can also donate your computer to an organization like Computers with Causes that will find students, foster homes or shelters where your computer can make a difference. TVs: Often, finding a new home for your TV is the best option if it still works. Consider Goodwill, schools and libraries. If it’s completely dead, Best Buy has a haul-away service that can send your old TV to one of its recycling partners. Looking for a recycling center near you? Visit earth911.com to find the closest e-waste center. 

Adobe Stock image by Miljan Živković

Game On

PRESS START

Growing numbers of seniors are playing video games to stay sharp Story by DREW WOOLLEY

oday’s gamers might not fit the picture many people have in their heads. As the generation that grew up with Sega and Nintendo has come of age, the Entertainment Software Association’s 2025 annual study found that the average gamer is 36 years old. The same study found that 28% of gamers in the United States are over the age of 50. “It’s easier to play video games now than at any other time in history. You don’t have to go to an arcade. You don’t have to buy a console or PC, although many players still do,” says Aubrey Quinn, senior vice president of communications and public affairs at the ESA. “Video games can be played anytime, anywhere, with devices almost everyone has on them all the time—smartphones and tablets.” Other than having fun, older gamers say they’re drawn to the pastime because it helps them keep their minds sharp. And, as our world becomes increasingly digital, more people are turning to video games as a way to support their mental, social and emotional health.

IMPROVED COGNITIVE ABILITY While everyone can benefit from enhanced attention, short-term memory

and hand-eye coordination, these can be especially important for seniors looking to keep their minds active. Puzzle games can help improve recall and mental agility, while action and adventure games can encourage problem-solving and support spatial reasoning, particularly those games that require navigating 3D spaces.

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS Over the last decade, social interaction has become an essential part of gaming for many players. Connection with players online or on the couch can help older individuals improve their social relationships and build healthier emotional lives. A comprehensive literature review in the journal Brain Sciences in 2024 found that older people who played games showed a significant improvement in sleep quality and psychiatric symptoms.

BETTER BALANCE AND MOVEMENT As motion controls have become standard for modern gaming consoles, games built around movement have also become more popular. These games provide a fun way for older players to stay active and can improve balance, all in a safe and lowstakes environment. 

Haven’t touched a video game since the heyday of arcade cabinets? Don’t worry. It has never been easier to get in the game. One-stop shop—Much like a smartphone, every major console has its own digital storefront with access to thousands of games. Once you’re set up, you can start playing without leaving the house to buy physical games. Play your way—Accessibility for games is at an all-time high. “Aging often includes the need for extra support in games,” says Aubrey Quinn, senior vice president of communications and public affairs for the Entertainment Software Association. “Accessibility features like large text, clear subtitles and chat speech-to-text are making it easier for older players to experience the benefits of play.” Even if players have limited dexterity or mobility, there is a wide array of customized game pads and adaptive joysticks that can help anyone play without frustration. What to play—Aubrey finds that baby boomers and Silent Generation gamers are often drawn to puzzle games like Candy Crush, Wordle and Tetris that are easily available on mobile platforms. A significant portion of those players also enjoy simulation games, action games and shooters. If you’re jumping in for the first time, games like the Portal series and Journey offer engaging problem-solving and exploration at your own pace.

November/December 2025 | 3

FROM THE CEO

250 Years of Connections

BROADBAND ∙ VIDEO ∙ VOICE

CONNECTION JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

VOL. 14, NO. 1

We are stronger together

his year, Americans will mark a significant milestone— one worthy of attention and reflection as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday. After all, since the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, we’ve come a long way as a country and as a society.

News that once was delivered by horseback and word of mouth comes today through the modern, reliable communications services PRTC provides. The progress achieved by our internet networks over the past five years alone is notable. Early Americans depended on one another in ways that still feel familiar to those of us who live in rural communities. We know when people work together with a shared purpose, we can build something better for the next generation. We see it every day when a neighbor steps up to help after an illKEITH GABBARD ness or injury, when volunteers combine their talents to put together Chief Executive Officer a fundraiser and when students get online to learn and create from homes once considered too remote for reliable internet. That’s what a community in action looks like. This commitment to serving others is exactly why PRTC exists, and it’s why we’re so proud of what we do. Our broadband network is the modern version of the roads and bridges that tied those early American communities together. Every home we connect, every small business that reaches new customers online and every student who can join a virtual classroom help write the next chapter in our shared story of progress and possibility. I’m especially proud that everyone at PRTC lives right here in the communities we serve. We shop at the same grocery stores, cheer at the same ballgames and enjoy the same local events. When we install a new service or upgrade a connection, it’s not just another job—it’s a continuation of the legacy of neighbors helping neighbors. That sense of shared purpose powered this company from the very beginning, and it still guides everything we do today. It’s why we continue to invest in new technology as we strive to meet today’s needs and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. Just as our founders once dreamed of a nation united by shared ideals, our community unites through opportunity and connection. As celebrations begin across the country, I hope we all take a moment to appreciate not just the history behind this milestone, but the everyday work that keeps our communities strong. Because strong connections built this nation. And it’s what will carry us forward for the next 250 years. 

BROADBAND ∙ VIDEO ∙ VOICE your member-owned member-ownedcooperative cooperativeserving is your serving Jackson andcounties Owsley counties Jackson and Owsley in East Kenin EastThe Kentucky. The cooperative tucky. cooperative is dedicatedisto using dedicated to technology keep technology tousing keep its membersto connected its members connected through highthrough high-speed broadband internet, speed and broadband internet, digital HD digital HD television, wireless 4Gand phone television, wireless 4G phone service, service, local and long-distance callinglocal and and long-distance calling and beyond. beyond.

Send address corrections to: Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative P.O. Box 159 McKee, KY 40447 606-287-7101 • 606-593-5000 prtcnet.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kendall Norris President Wendell Gabbard Vice President James Gary Cornett Secretary Nelson Bobrowski Treasurer Donald Barrett Armel Davidson Pat Henderson

Produced for PRTC by:

On the Cover:

Founded in 1899, Oneida Baptist Institute has a no-cut policy for sports teams, allowing all students to join. See story Page 8. Photo courtesy of Oneida Baptist Institute/Tamara Cochran

PRTC NEWS

PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Thank you to everyone who submitted photos and congratulations to our winners!

First place—Tapanga Stevens

Second place—Sharlet Weaver

Third place—Amye Tillery

PRTC SUPPORTS LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS PRTC proudly announces donations of $1,000 to each of the following volunteer fire departments in our service area:

Brushy Mountain Station, Gray Hawk Fire & Rescue

McKee Volunteer Fire Department

Booneville Volunteer Fire Department, Owsley County Brushy Mountain Station, Gray Hawk Fire & Rescue, Jackson County Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, Laurel County Gray Hawk Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County McKee Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County Pond Creek Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County Primrose Volunteer Fire Department, Lee County Sand Gap Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County Vincent Volunteer Fire Department, Owsley County These contributions reflect PRTC’s ongoing commitment to supporting the brave men and women who volunteer their time and risk their lives to protect our rural communities. Volunteer fire departments are critical to public safety—especially in remote areas where emergency resources can be limited.

Primrose Volunteer Fire Department

Booneville Volunteer Fire Department

NEED MONEY FOR SCHOOL? PRTC is offering an annual $2,000 scholarship, based on merit and financial need. Download an application at prtcnet.org. The deadline is April 1. For more information, call PRTC at 606-287-7101 or check with your school’s guidance counselor.

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

Discovering Hidden Gems TRAVEL TRAVEL

Travel vlogger highlights off-the-beaten-path destinations Story by KATIE TEEMS NORRIS

ems exist in small towns all around you, but you might not know it. Take some time to explore interesting locales within a short drive or take a longer trip to make memories. YouTubers are traversing the country and taking audiences along for the ride—join them in uncovering the magic in places others may overlook.

BUILD THE DREAM “There are so many things around me within driving distance that I had no idea about. And I believe that’s also the same for everybody else,” says Tony Hossri of the YouTube channel Build the Dream. Based in Georgia, Tony films his outdoor explorations and city tours for his vlog, or video blog. With a little research, you can also find beautiful hikes and fun small towns. Tony searches the name of a building or other historic

The South Carolina Lowcountry is a great destination for travelers looking for adventures on the water and culinary experiences. to na pho

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sites on Google when he’s looking for places to experience. He also uses the AllTrails app to find great hiking destinations. See what you can find and start making memories. While visiting Cincinnati, Tony saw around 50 people riding scooters. He joined up with the group on his bicycle. “They got to this random tunnel area where they had this giant scooter trick fest,” he says. While researching online is a good place to start, Tony says, “Let your phone be a tool to give you a better life, not a way to waste your life by endlessly scrolling.” If using distracting apps gets in the way of having new adventures, consider deleting them like Tony did. “Look up a neighboring town, neighboring city, neighboring hike,” Tony recommends. “Do everything you can to get out of the matrix to live a more fulfilling, memorable life.” Visit buildthedreamnow.com and follow Build the Dream on YouTube to start getting ideas for your next adventure. 

Nearby Adventures

y of Tony Hoss Photo courtes

Alabama: Monte Sano means “mountain of health” in Spanish. Since the late 1800s, visitors have been coming to Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville for hiking, biking, climbing and bouldering. Go to alapark.com.

Tony Hossri oft

en travels

Heidi, while with his wife,

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s exploring th

he films video

Kentucky: In Corbin, Cumberland Falls, measuring about 68 feet tall and 125 feet wide, earns the title of the Niagara of the South. Go to explorekywildlands.com.

Tennessee: Located three hours east of Nashville, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area includes 125,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. Go to nps.gov.

Travel Safely Did you know posting your vacation on social media can pose a risk to you and your home? Consider waiting to post about your travels until after you’ve returned.

South Carolina: Visit the Lowcountry, the four, southernmost counties in the state, for water-based outdoor adventures. For ideas and destinations, go to southcarolinalowcountry.com. 7

Photos courtesy of Oneida Baptist Institute/Tamara Cochran

Students learn important skills during their time at Oneida Baptist Institute.

Nvidia co-founder and OBI alumnus Jen-Hsun Huang gives a high-five to a student at the dedication of the hall he helped fund.

Oneida Baptist Institute Continues to Serve School teaches important lessons on life, love and faith Story by LAURA MCGILL

ife in the Kentucky mountains in the late 1800s revolved around family. People held tightly to their identities, and feuds erupted from disputes that might seem trivial by today’s standards. The results were, at times, deadly. Seeing this fighting, paired with widespread illiteracy, James Anderson Burns was called to bring positive change to the region. Oneida Baptist Institute, the school Burns founded, welcomed its first four teachers and 100 students on Jan. 1, 1900. He is quoted as saying, “The idea was to give the children religious education ... till they learned to love one another and forgot how to hate ...”

TIMES CHANGE, FAITH REMAINS Today, the institute offers day school for students in kindergarten through 8

grade 12 and on-campus boarding for high school students. Current enrollment stands at about 350, with 100 of those students living on campus. OBI’s lessons are still focused on that same founding principle. Students in grades six through 12 attend chapel service each school day, and younger children attend a weekly chapel. Students living on campus also attend Sundaymorning worship services. “It has only been through God’s provision and providence that we remain here to serve,” says Larry Gritton Jr. Gritton, who has been the school’s president since 2013, has deep OBI connections. His parents served as teachers, and he is an alumnus. He met his wife, Angie, while they were students at OBI. The couple then taught there from 1997-2004, and, after nearly a decade teaching at

Christian schools in Florida, the Grittons returned to their alma mater.

LIFE LESSONS From the school’s early days, OBI’s leadership looked to do more than instruct students in a supportive religious environment. They wanted the children to understand the value of hard work. In 1910, the school expanded with the addition of farmland where the students worked. Students continue to put in sweat equity on the land while gaining valuable experience. Beyond the farm, they can be found cleaning the classrooms and dormitories and performing other tasks. Life lessons also happen on the field and the court. OBI has a no-cut sports policy that allows any student, at any skill level, to play. “They have to work hard and have a good attitude to stay on the Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

team,” Gritton says. “And they have to earn playing time.”

A SMALL WORLD

ONEIDA BAPTIST INSTITUTE 11 Mulberry St., Oneida 606-847-4111 oneidaschool.org Follow the Oneida Baptist Institute on Facebook.

PRTC EXTENDS SERVICE TO ONEIDA The PRTC team recently extended fiber service to the Onedia community. Also, PRTC partner Appalachian Wireless installed a cellular tower in Oneida and brought cell service to a previously unserved area. “I have spoken with several people at OBI about how much they have benefitted from the new fiber service in Oneida,” says Brian Murray, PRTC public relations manager. “OBI helped us reach the community by leasing us some land used to build our remote. This was critical to our service.” 

Photo courtesy of Oneida Baptist Institute

In the 1950s, OBI’s enrollment began to include more students from other states. When the school was approved to accept international students, the world came to the Kentucky mountains. Having students from other parts of the world living, working and attending classes with students from rural Kentucky opened minds and hearts in both directions. It continues to have that positive impact as students form lifelong bonds and friendships. “The different cultures come together and learn about each other. They learn respect,” Gritton says. The Class of 2025 included students from five states and six foreign countries. In the early 1970s, one of those international students was a 9-year-old boy named Jen-Hsun Huang. Prior to his arrival, his parents were working in Thailand and were worried about the growing unrest there. Wanting a safe place for their young son and his 10-yearold brother, they sent the boys to OBI.

The brothers’ story was not very different from those of other international students. At the time, OBI did not have elementary classes, so the boys lived on campus and walked to the public Oneida Elementary School. They studied hard and did chores alongside everyone else. Years later, Jen-Hsun Huang co-founded Nvidia, one of the world’s top tech companies. In 2019, he and his wife, Lori, returned to OBI for the dedication of Jen-Hsun Huang Hall, a 34,000-square-foot facility for girls that houses 32 dorm rooms and 12 classrooms. The hall was made possible with a generous matching grant from Huang. Over the years, OBI has received many grants from alumni and support from the surrounding community. Today, local students can attend for less than the $1 per month tuition charged in 1900. “We have this long, rich history of people blessing us and supporting us, and the kids can be here tuition-free,” Gritton says. “People bless us and the Lord provides $25, $50, $100 at a time to enable us to do what we are doing.”

Oneida Baptist Institute has provided education for children in the Kentucky Mountain region since 1900.

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

FORGED IN FIRE

Metalworking opens opportunities for rural farriers

Story by DREW WOOLLEY

here have always been parts of metalworking that feel a little bit supernatural to Jim Poor. While most of the craft is the product of diligent training and hard work, some elements of working with heat and metal are stubbornly unpredictable and come down to a touch of each smith’s own personal sorcery. “In my world of making tools, lastability is the most important thing,” he says. “There’s a lot of heat treating that goes into tooling, and that’s magical stuff because you can’t see it. You do it, but you can’t really know the results until you send it out to the customer. So, it becomes kind of like black magic.” Jim has been trying to unravel the mysteries of metalworking since he was 12 years old. When he was growing up in Abilene, Texas, his father shod horses on the racetrack circuit, and Jim helped him after school. Once he graduated from high school, Jim found himself shoeing horses after work to make extra cash. It was at one of those jobs that he heard about the Texas Professional Farriers Association. “One of my customers used to read the local news to me while I was shoeing his horses. And one day he read that this group was going to be at the Abilene County Fair shoeing horses for $40,” Jim says. “I was only getting $25, so I thought I should see what these guys were doing.” Meeting other local farriers and blacksmiths opened up new opportunities to turn his side gig into a full-time job, hone his craft and even compete across the globe. “I love competing the most. It’s a small community, but it allowed me to travel all over the world and have so many

experiences,” Jim says. “I don’t think anything else I could’ve done with my limited education would allow that.”

HEAT TESTING Despite his years of experience, Jim remembers having plenty of nerves the first time he smithed competitively. It was 1985, three years since he started shoeing professionally, when he decided to take part in an event in his hometown. “I thought it was pretty interesting, but it was scary at the same time,” he says. “There were people there who knew a whole lot more about this craft than I did. I was still pretty young, but I just loved it.” A few months later, Jim joined some of his TPFA colleagues at a competition in Oklahoma, followed shortly by a trip to the nationals in Jackson, Mississippi. Farrier competition is divided into novice, intermediate and open divisions, with competitors earning points based on how well they finish and how many others are in their division. Farriers face off in classes where they have a set time to complete a task. Judges rate their performance. For all his lack of experience, Jim climbed the ranks in short order. After just three competitions, he was already shoeing in the open class. Those competitions quickly became highlights of his year, regularly testing himself against hundreds of other farriers as part of major competitions in Texas, California, Florida and Calgary. At one of those events in California, Jim met Kathleen, the woman who would become his wife. “She can do just about anything, but she does more of the artistic work than I do,” Jim says. “We met each other out there

HAMMER DOWN For anyone looking to build a career as a farrier or blacksmith, Jim Poor’s advice is simple: “Find people who are close by to you, and don’t be a jerk. You’ll get a lot of help.” The easiest way to do that is connecting with a local group. Jim joined the Texas Professional Farriers Association as a young man, while his wife, Kathleen, connected with the Western States Farriers Association early on. If you’re looking for organizations in your state, start here:

Photos courtesy of Danielle Longotano

ALABAMA Alabama Professional Farriers Association President Sam Howard Email: sam.howard18@icloud.com KENTUCKY Derby City Horseshoeing Association President Zeke Evans Email: horseshoes92@gmail.com

Competitors race the clock to get their work ready for judging.

and just became inseparable from that day forward. We dated but could only meet at competitions for several years. Of course, that was another reason to go.”

TOOLS OF THE TRADE Over the course of his competitive career, Jim earned a position on the American Farriers Team nine times, while Kathleen helped establish the first women’s international team, Women Horseshoers of America. After years of traveling the world to compete and teach, they established Flatland Forge in Tuscola, Texas, where they now focus on making farrier tools like tongs, punches and 27 different styles of hammers. “Most people are pretty surprised we produce that many different hammers. But I’ve found out that some people are just collectors,” Jim says. “They may not even use them. They just like the look of them and the craft of them.” In many ways, Jim envies aspiring farriers and blacksmiths today. With the rise of the internet, it is much easier to discover new techniques and learn from the best artisans in the world. Even before the internet, that accessibility was what drew him back to the craft as a young man. But the best advice he can give to anyone forging their path now is the same as it was then.

INDIANA Indiana Farriers Association President Dustin Shuck Email: dustinshuck@yahoo.com Website: indianafarriers.org SOUTH CAROLINA South Carolina Farriers Association President Dusty Newby Email: dustynewby@gmail.com TENNESSEE Rutherford County Blacksmith Association President Matt Clarady Email: rcbablacksmiths@gmail.com Website: rcbablacksmiths.org

“What I’ve always loved most is that blacksmithing is something that you don’t need money to learn. All it takes is effort,” Jim says. “You have to be a self-starter. You’ll work 10 times more hours than somebody with a day job. But all you need to succeed in this craft is a willingness to learn and work.”  11 11

Livestreaming Local Sports PRTC covers the action at high school games Story by LAURA MCGILL

“W

e are streaming live, worldwide on our PRTC TV Facebook page and our PRTC TV YouTube channel.” Those words from play-by-play announcer Brian Murray welcome viewers to the latest live local high school sports coverage from the PRTC TV team. Since 2019, PRTC has been livestreaming local games and, with growing audience excitement and the addition of sponsors, the program continues to expand.

THE VARSITY TEAM Livestreaming local scholastic sports takes a dedicated team. In addition to Brian, the PRTC TV game day crew features two camera operators, T.J. Isaacs and Justin Lakes. Color commentators and statisticians include Hunter Carroll, Candrea Bingham and 13th Region hall-of-fame announcer Earl Owens. Mark Sulfridge handles the production work.

“Our broadcasts began with Jackson County High School basketball games,” Mark says. “At that time, we provided live audio to Jackson County’s local radio station, WWAG 107.9 FM and later aired video replays on PRTC TV Channel 9.” Since then, PRTC TV’s coverage expanded to include more high school basketball games, as well as football, volleyball and baseball. In 2021, it livestreamed the 13th Region baseball tournament. In 2025, PRTC covered the 13th Region volleyball semifinals and championship. “We started livestreaming in 2019, and that was a game changer,” Brian says. “We have already secured being the exclusive video streaming home for the 49th District tournament in the spring of 2026 and are hopeful to do the same for other big events as well.”

BELOW: The PRTC livestream crew includes, from left, T.J. Isaacs, Mark Sulfridge, Brian Murray, “Country” Earl Owens and Justin Lakes. Not pictured are Hunter Carroll and Candrea Bingham.

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

THE CHEERING SECTION PRTC provides this community service at no cost to viewers. “It’s all free, and you can watch it live or go view it on YouTube weeks, months or even years later,” Brian says. “All we ask is that, if you live in our service area, you consider us for the best highspeed fiber broadband internet service you’ll find anywhere.” The feedback has been very positive. “We’re constantly hearing from people near and far,” Brian says. “From the grandparent who isn’t able to attend the game to the alumni who have moved hundreds of miles away, the power of the internet gives everybody a front-row seat to cheer on their favorite teams.” As the number of games covered grew to include at least five different public school districts in Jackson, Owsley, Clay, Laurel and Lee counties, PRTC looked to sponsors to help offset production costs. “Producing these broadcasts is quite an undertaking, typically requiring a crew of five to six people,” Mark says. “In the past, we offered coverage purely as a community service, but as production costs have increased and as we’ve expanded coverage to more areas, we decided to offer advertising opportunities for last year’s 49th District basketball tournament, which attracted several local and regional advertisers.” 

TUNE IN The PRTC TV crew began work on the 2025-26 basketball season back in December. Its goal is ambitious—covering as many as two dozen schools and 60 games this season. Catch the games lives on Facebook, @PRTCVideo and on YouTube, @PeoplesTelecomCH9/streams. PRTC 2026 basketball livestreams—tentative schedule Jan. 3—Jackson County vs. Sayre Jan. 5—Clay County at OBI (DH)* Jan. 8—Jackson County vs. Williamsburg Jan. 10—All-A Regional at OBI (Seven games over multiple dates) Jan. 13—Clay County vs. Perry County Central Jan. 17—Bobby Keith Classic (Six games) Jan. 20—Clay County vs. Berea or Owsley County vs. Estill County Jan. 22—Jackson County vs. Owsley County Jan. 23—Clay County vs. North Laurel (DH)* Jan. 24—Lee County vs. Prestonsburg Jan. 26—Clay County vs. Leslie County Jan. 30—Jackson County vs. North Laurel (DH)* Jan. 31—Buckhorn vs. Lee County Feb. 3—Jackson County vs. North Laurel (DH)* Feb. 5—Jackson County vs. Casey County or Clay County vs. Barbourville Feb. 9—Lee County vs. Hazard Feb. 10—Clay County vs. OBI (DH)* Feb. 12—Jackson County at Clay County (DH)* Feb. 14—Donnie Gray Classic (Four games) (DH)* Feb. 16—Jackson County vs. Pineville or Owsley County vs. Jackson City Feb. 17—Lee County vs. Leslie County

Images courtesy of PRTC TV

*(DH)=Double header

Peoples Rural Telephone Cooperative

SOUTHERN KITCHENS

Beans or no beans, chili always hits the spot

s there any food in America that creates more of a stir than chili? It’s certainly a bowlful of contention. If your heart lies in Texas, beans take a hike. Southerners, though, love their beans. In the Midwest, it’s all about comfort with ground beef, tomatoes and beans, or a simple, creamy chicken chili full of flavor. But every bowl of chili, no matter where you live, has one thing in common—each is a serving of comfort that wraps around you like a well-worn blanket.

Food Editor Anne P. Braly is a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Photography by Mark Gilliland Food Styling by Rhonda Gilliland 14

WHITE CHICKEN CHILI Prep time: 20-25 minutes Cook time: 1 hour 4 boneless chicken breasts 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried parsley 1 tablespoon butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 large onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 2 cans whole green chilies, chopped 3-4 cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed 2 teaspoons cumin 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese Additional chicken broth, if needed

In large pot, add chicken breasts and completely cover with water, 4-6 cups. Simmer chicken breasts with basil, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme and parsley until completely cooked. Remove chicken from broth. Reserve the seasoned broth for the chili. Once chicken is cooled, chop and set aside. In a large pot, add butter and olive oil, and saute onion, celery and bell pepper until vegetables are tender. Add chopped chilies and two cans cannellini beans. When mixture is warm, mash beans with a potato masher. Add 2-3 cups of the reserved broth, chicken, cumin and 1-2 more cans cannellini beans. Let simmer 30 minutes to 1 hour. If mixture becomes too thick, add more broth. Add sour cream, heavy cream and fresh cilantro. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings. Just before serving, stir in grated cheese and ladle into serving bowls.

TEXAS-STYLE CHILI

Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 3-4 hours 1/4 cup ground ancho chile pepper 1 tablespoon ground chipotle chile pepper 2 tablespoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 cup cornmeal 1 4-pound beef chuck roast, trimmed of excess fat and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 8 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 2 teaspoons salt 2 small yellow onions, large dice 5 garlic cloves, chopped 3 jalapeno chiles, cored, seeded and finely diced 4 cups low-sodium beef broth 2 cups water, plus more for the chili paste and deglazing the pan 1 1/4 cups dark beer 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon molasses

2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese Additional chicken broth, if needed Mix the chile powders, cumin, oregano, coriander, cinnamon and cornmeal in a small bowl and stir in 1/2 cup water to form a thick paste. Set aside. Season the beef with the salt and set aside. In a Dutch oven, fry bacon over medium heat until the fat renders and the bacon crisps, about 10 minutes. Remove the bacon to a paper towellined plate. Pour all but a few teaspoons of fat from the pot into a small bowl. Set aside. Increase heat to medium high. Sear the meat in three batches in single layers until well browned on one side, adding more of the reserved bacon fat as necessary. Place the seared meat on a plate. Add about 1/4 cup of water to the pot and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon to release all the flavorful brown bits. Pour the dark liquid over the seared meat.

Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of the reserved bacon fat to the pot. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, until softened. Add garlic and jalapenos, and cook 2 minutes more. Add the reserved chile paste and saute until fragrant. Add the broth and stir with a whisk until spice mixture is completely dissolved. Again, scrape the bottom of the pot to release any spices. Stir in the water, beer, crushed tomatoes, molasses and cocoa powder. Add reserved bacon and seared beef back to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover, leaving the lid just barely ajar. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the meat is tender and the juices are thickened, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

TWO-MEAT CHILI

Prep time: 20 minutes Brown meats together in large Cooking time: 1-1 1/2 hours chili pot with onion and green 1 pound ground beef pepper. Drain grease and stir in 1 pound ground pork flour. Add remaining ingredients, 1 onion, diced starting with 1 can tomato sauce. 1 green pepper, diced If it seems too thick, thin it out 1-2 tablespoons flour with more tomato sauce. 2 28-ounce cans Simmer for at least 1 hour. Serve chopped tomatoes with sour cream, corn chips and 1/2 cup chili powder (more or shredded cheese.  less, to taste) Salt, to taste Cumin, to taste 1-2 8-ounce cans tomato sauce

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