Issuu

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

Personalized broadband BASIC LIVING - 500 MBPS

Internet that Fits Your Lifestyle

EVERYDAY FAMILY - 1 GIG

HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING LEAF-PEEPING TRIPS POWER HOME - 2.5 GIGS

Rural Connections By Mike Romano, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

America at 250: Building Connections That Last

very community has a story to tell, and at NTCA, we’re honored to help our members tell theirs. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, it’s worth remembering that much of our nation’s story started in rural America, and the heartbeat of our great country can often be heard most loudly in the spaces between the biggest cities. You can see this spirit clearly in small towns and rural communities where generations of Americans have come together to build the infrastructure, roads, bridges, and yes, communications networks, that provide a reliable foundation for civic engagement, commerce and connection. For generations, local providers stepped forward to make sure rural America stayed connected with the rest of the country and the world when others wouldn’t. They invested in the infrastructure their communities needed to grow and thrive. As technology evolved, so did those networks. Today, our nation’s small, community-based broadband providers are delivering robust and reliable high-speed broadband that powers education, healthcare, agriculture, public safety, small businesses and countless opportunities. Throughout that journey, NTCA has been proud to advocate for the policies that make those investments possible—and help them provide connections that last for generations. As we think about what will help America thrive from coast to coast, far beyond the celebration of its 250th birthday, those will matter even more. Together, we’ll continue building connections that will take us into the next 250 years. 

Protect the Keys, Not the House

hen it comes to cybersecurity, do you become overwhelmed by the idea of protecting dozens of accounts? Online banking, shopping sites, streaming services, social media and more. It can seem daunting. Try thinking about protecting the keys, not the whole house. Just a handful of accounts unlocks nearly everything else in your digital life. If criminals gain access to one of these “master keys,” they may be able to reset passwords, impersonate you or access sensitive information. The most important key is your email account. It’s where password reset links are sent, making it the gateway to many of your other accounts. Your mobile phone number is another key, since it’s often used to verify your identity. If you use a password manager, it deserves extra protection because it holds the credentials to many of your accounts. Finally, your financial accounts should always have the strongest safeguards available. Start by creating a strong, unique password for each of these accounts and turning on multifactor authentication whenever it’s offered. Then make sure your phone and computer stay updated with the latest security patches. You don’t have to secure every digital door at once. Protect the few keys that unlock everything else, and you’ve taken one of the biggest steps toward keeping your online life secure. 

Adobe Stock image by sutthinon602

Sell More, Stress Less

Online alternatives to the Saturday yard sale Story by LAURA McGILL

ho looks forward to spending days planning a yard sale only to get up early on a Saturday morning to deal with the guy who arrives early to nose around the garage while you get everything set up or the lady determined to haggle over every price? All that hassle, and you’ll still likely wind up with less money in your pocket than you hoped. Step away from those headaches with convenient online options. You’ll be in control, and you can spend your Saturday mornings sleeping in.

WHAT TO SELL If you are trying to sell collectibles such as vintage records, trading cards and memorabilia, eBay and Etsy are good choices. To sell your grandmother’s china, crystal and silverware, start with Replacements Ltd., where you can search by pattern. There are even sites specializing in items like coins and currency or specific brands. To sell designer clothes and accessories, explore options like The RealReal, Poshmark and ThredUp. Seller beware, though, as these sites often charge high commission rates and have restrictions on which brands they will buy. For the option of shipping or local pickup, look to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist or local buy/sell groups.

DETAILS MATTER Think about all the possible questions someone could ask about

your item. Take photos from multiple angles using good lighting. Consider taking a video as well, especially if it helps show the item is in working order. Write a detailed description including all relevant information such as dimensions, weight, brand, color, size and condition. State the terms in the listing, such as price, payment methods accepted and whether it will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. When considering what price to ask, research comparable items. Know what the item costs to buy new, and leave room for negotiation.

SELL SAFELY Selling online isn’t completely free of hassles. Be prepared for lowball offers and messages from people who never respond to your reply. Don’t be surprised if someone says they want the item but never shows up or cancels at the last minute. Be aware of fake payment emails or overpayment scams. Ignore suspicious messages. Choose a safe, public location to meet. Your town may even have designated areas such as police station parking lots. If the buyer is coming to your house, be cautious. Choose a safe time of day. Do not allow someone into your home. Instead, have the item sitting on your front porch or in the driveway. If you are alone, tell a neighbor what you are doing, and ask them to keep an eye on you when the buyer is there. 

November/December 2025 | 3

FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Opening New Chapters Reading, learning and opportunity

ew skills have greater meaning in our lives than the ability to read. Long before we choose a career, start a business or learn a trade, reading helps us make sense of the world. It opens doors to knowledge, sparks imagination and gives us the tools for lifelong learning.

Recently, there have been concerns about reading levels among students and young adults. While those discussions are important, I prefer to focus on the opportunities ahead. Reading is one of the most valuable skills we can encourage, whether it begins with a parent reading a child a bedtime story, a young reader discovering a favorite author or an adult learning something new. Reading does more than help us understand words on a page. It fuels creativity. It encourages curiosity. It teaches us to think critiJEFF EATON cally and consider different perspectives. Those skills are valuable General Manager in school, at work, in church and throughout our daily lives. As they have for generations, libraries play a vital role in rural communities, but now opportunities extend far beyond library walls. Online resources provide access to digital books, research tools, educational courses and information on almost any subject imaginable. This is one of the many ways broadband quietly supports our communities. A student can access learning materials after school. A small-business owner can research new opportunities. A farmer can explore the latest agricultural practices. Someone considering a career change can take online classes or earn certifications without leaving home. The technology is not the destination. It is simply a tool that helps open doors. Of course, reading is not limited to formal education. It can even bring families together. Some of the most meaningful lessons begin when parents or grandparents share stories with children and encourage them to ask questions. We believe South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative’s role is to support opportunities that strengthen the communities we serve. Because we are locally owned, we focus on long-term investments that help our neighbors succeed today and in the future. Reliable broadband is one part of that commitment, helping connect people to the resources they need to learn, grow and pursue their goals. I am grateful for the educators, parents and community leaders who encourage a love of reading. Their efforts help shape stronger communities and brighter futures. At SCRTC, we are proud to support that work and remain committed to keeping our communities connected to the opportunities ahead. 

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

The SCRTC Community Network is a bimonthly newsletter published by South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, © 2026. It is distributed without charge to all customers of the cooperative. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative is a member-owned corporation dedicated to delivering advanced telecommunications technology to the people of South Central Kentucky, including Adair, Allen, Barren, Edmonson, Green, Hart, LaRue, Metcalfe, Monroe, Nelson and Warren counties. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. 1399 Happy Valley Road • P.O. Box 159 Glasgow, KY 42142-0159 270-678-2111 • scrtc.com

SCRTC BOARD OF TRUSTEES Ralph J. Thompson, District I Bonnieville and Munfordville exchanges Robert Thompson, District II Canmer and Horse Cave exchanges Tim Coomer, District III Cave City and Hiseville exchanges Ronnie Tucker, District IV Center, Edmonton and Summer Shade exchanges Kevin Bradshaw, District V Glasgow and Temple Hill exchanges Zack Kender, District VI Fountain Run, Gamaliel and Lucas exchanges Anthony Wells, District VII Buffalo and Magnolia exchanges Jeff Eaton, General Manager Bobby H. Richardson, Attorney Produced for SCRTC by:

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VOL. 11, NO. 5

SCRTC’s new personabased broadband bundles help optimize your network performance and are tailored to the needs and the size of your squad. See story Page 8.

The Fun Behind the Formation Today’s JROTC focuses on citizenship, healthy lifestyles Story by SARA DIAMOND PATTERSON

ome people might be surprised to learn that turning high schoolers into soldiers is not the focus of the Junior ROTC program. Sure, some cadets go on to enlist after graduation, but organizers emphasize it is mainly a fun elective that promotes self-discipline, teamwork and healthy choices. JROTC has to be fun if it’s going to stand out among Barren County High School’s nearly 40 other elective options, says Sgt. Maj. Joey Simpson, who heads up the program there with Maj. Thomas A. Malazarte. “We try to make it hands-on and more of an interactive class. If it’s not fun, they’re not going to take the class,” Simpson says. “They just have so many elective choices, I guess you could say we’re all competing for the same kids, but we have our little niche.”

my best and encourage other cadets to do what they are able to do,” she says. The cadets’ physical growth is obvious, but what their instructors find even more gratifying is seeing the other skills they develop along the way through public speaking and drill performances. “I once had this young, freshman girl who would not talk at all in class,” Simpson says. “She simply just couldn’t talk in front of other students. But four years later, as a senior, not only did she overcome that anxiety, she gave a speech on Veterans Day to the entire student body.” The goal of JROTC truly is to help students become the best versions of themselves. Caring for their community is another mission of JROTC. A group of cadets

helps out at the Barren River Animal Welfare shelter every Thursday. “We do any work that BRAWA has for us,” says Lane, who coordinates the partnership. “Cleaning cages, bathing dogs, unfolding newspapers for the puppy cages, folding cat carriers. Anything they need us to do, we do it.” Seeing the paths they take after graduation is always fascinating, Simpson says. “We have had so many wonderful cadets in our program over the years,” he says. “Although it is not our mission to recruit for the military, we do have many who are serving today. But most are just in school, pursuing a career or doing the most important job in life of becoming good parents themselves.” 

MEETING THE CHALLENGE JROTC’s niche blends physical fitness challenges with leadership and citizenship lessons, all with an emphasis on teamwork and personal growth. There’s no typical JROTC cadet, and some start as early as eighth grade, the instructors say. Any student is qualified to participate, not just those who are athletic or from military families. Some join as a pathway to military service. Others like the discipline the program provides. Some just want to learn healthy choices, leadership skills and the basic challenges of physical fitness. Senior Brooklyn Lane, who joined JROTC in eighth grade, was challenged at first by the physical aspects of the program, but she soon excelled. “I am not athletic in the slightest, and I have health issues that make it hard to work out, but I still give it South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Cadet Kaytlen Patrick takes aim.

Barren County High School Junior ROTC cadets execute a rope bridge training exercise.

Maj. Thomas Malazarte, from left, helps cadets Bailey Boyd and Josh Thompson with map reading. 5

Autumn Advent TRAVEL TRAVEL

Hit the road for fabulous fall foliage

aple, aspen, birch, oak, hickory, dogwood and gum trees are known for vivid fall colors, ranging from bright reds and oranges to golden yellows and browns. Those vibrant colors are always present. They just need a little seasonal help getting to the surface. As temperatures drop and sunny days begin to shorten, trees stop producing chlorophyll, the substance that makes leaves

Know Your Colors YELLOW—Aspen, beech, birch, cottonwood, elm, ginkgo, hickory, sugar maple, tulip poplar, sassafras, sycamore ORANGE—Bigtooth maple, Rocky Mountain maple, sugar maple, sweetgum RED—Black gum, cypress, dogwood, oak, red maple, sourwood, sumac

green. As it fades, the brilliant red, orange and yellow pigments obscured by the green begin to shine through. Cool, crisp days and frost-free nights produce the sharpest fall colors. Drought conditions in early fall can trigger a premature chlorophyll shutdown, causing leaves to wither and fall without reaching their full color potential. And too much rain or an early frost can dull the leaves’ colors. 

Where to Look Our expansive and ecologically diverse region offers ample leaf-peeping options beginning around mid-September and peaking in mid-October. Whether you’re hiking forested ridgelines, driving scenic byways, floating a river or camping beneath golden canopies, unforgettable fall colors await you. Chances are you can find plenty of color right in your own backyard. For fall excursions farther afield, consider these options: • Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky: The Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge State Resort Park feature brilliant foliage from maple, beech and sycamore trees with sandstone arches and cliffs adding to the drama.

Adobe Stock AI Image by Nico Vincentini

• Pisgah and Nantahala National Forests, North Carolina: The Blue Ridge Parkway, Craggy Gardens and Linville Gorge showcase fiery displays of sugar maples, red maples and hickories, framed by sweeping mountain views.

• Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, Georgia: Leaf peepers flock to Brasstown Bald, Tallulah Gorge and Anna Ruby Falls to see the golden hickories, scarlet oaks and tulip poplars.

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Don’t Leaf Home Without a Plan No matter the season’s conditions, finding fall colors by car, boat or on foot is an autumn joy. Planning a leaf-peeping excursion has never been easier. Founded in 1875, American Forests is the nation’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization. Its fall foliage map offers a clear look at where leaves are peaking throughout the United States with tips and suggestions. Visit americanforests.org/fall-foliage-map. With the tried-and-true The Old Farmer’s Almanac, both the yellow-bound classic booklet and online version, arboreal enthusiasts can easily find the best spots near and far. The website features an animated map showing the progression and historical presence of fall colors. The print version includes tables of expected peak dates, regional weather trends and travel features. Visit almanac.com. Get tips from the folks at Find Fall, “the best place for fall foliage information, destinations, adventures and activities for an autumn you’ll never forget.” Visit findfall.com.

Home Internet Made Easy SCRTC offers essential connection at an affordable price Story by DREW WOOLLEY

oday, many South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative households are bursting with connected devices. Beyond the phone, computer and smart TV, many members also have game consoles, Bluetooth speakers, thermostats and even some appliances powered by the internet. As connected devices become more essential to our daily lives, the need for reliable internet that can support them all has never been greater. Meanwhile, the budget is as tight as ever. That is why SCRTC is simplifying internet service into three affordable options that will give our members better service for less than what they were paying before.

INTERNET TO FIT YOUR LIFESTYLE If you aren’t sure what speed you need, don’t worry! SCRTC has a package that

fits your daily routine without sweating the technical stuff. Basic Living—Perfect for small families or anyone who wants to binge-watch their favorite show without headaches. Stream, game or hop on a video call with no slowdowns and no stress. Everyday Family—Modern families rely on the internet for work, school and so much more. This plan is built for busy households that need to keep everyone connected without compromise. Prioritize and protect connections, so your most important devices are never interrupted, all with the security and control needed. Power Home—For the ultraconnected home. Whether you need to keep your smart home running or host a virtual classroom while other family members stream a movie marathon, you’ll be able to do more without worrying about security or slowdowns.

router as part of their package, while Basic Living members can lease one as an additional add-on. Every router comes with ProtectIQ and ExperienceIQ. ProtectIQ gives you peace of mind without ever lifting a finger, knowing your devices are defended against the latest cybersecurity risks. ExperienceIQ offers smart controls to restrict content for certain users and set limits on specific devices. All can be monitored easily from the SCRTC Connect app, which walks you through easy setup and provides simple control of your network. Members working from home can even add HomeOfficeIQ, allowing them to keep essential devices connected via their phone in the event of an outage. 

BUILT-IN PROTECTION Members with Everyday Family and Power Home service receive a SCRTC

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Bluegrass music grows far beyond its Appalachian roots Story by DREW WOOLLEY

or many bluegrass musicians, the genre is steeped in tradition. Born with an instrument in their hand, they come of age listening to Bill Monroe, the Osborne Brothers and Jim and Jesse, learning the patterns of old-time folk music before eventually adding their own voices to the mix. The members of The Last Revel took a different path. Hailing from Minnesota and Wisconsin, far north of bluegrass music’s Appalachian roots, banjo player Ryan Acker, fiddler Vinnie Donatelle, guitarist Lee Henke and bass player Ryan Krauss came to the genre a bit later in life. “My first introduction to bluegrass was probably in college,” Ryan Acker says. “I was really drawn to it as the energetic side of the folk singer-songwriter music that I was already pretty fond of. It just seemed like a really great outlet for reckless-abandon youth.” Formed in Minneapolis in 2011, the band started out playing

music based more in blues-rock style, but quickly found the people they met in that space were not as welcoming as they hoped. Around that time, Lee remembers seeing bluegrass-influenced bands like Trampled by Turtles and Pert Near Sandstone and thinking they looked like they were having a pretty good time. “That was the moment when we were like, ‘Instead of trying to turn an acoustic song into something else, what if we just kept it acoustic?’” he says. “If it weren’t for all those bands in Minnesota kind of showing us the ropes, I don’t know if I would have ever gotten this steeped in it. But the genre itself has just been so heartwarming and embracing.”

Alabama-based band Mountain Grass Unit performs at the World of Bluegrass.

Sierra Hull joins The Wood Brothers, from left, Chris Wood, Oliver Wood and Jano Rix, on the Bluegrass Live! stage.

TIME TO SHOW OUT

Photo courtesy of Anh Bao Tran

Photo courtesy of Madison Thorn

As someone who grew up in Kentucky’s bluegrass tradition, Ken White finds the community to be as defining a feature as the music itself. A multi-instrumentalist who has played in

and the bluegrass aspect around it is almost secondary,” Ryan Acker says. “The music aspect is more like the vehicle for the song. And I think that is different from other subgenres around the country.”

BRIDGING THE GAP That distinction has, at times, left bands like The Last Revel on the fringes of the traditional bluegrass scene. Early in the band’s run, as the members incorporated their blues and indie rock influences alongside traditional bluegrass instrumentation, figuring out where they fit into the genre could be a source of frustration. “It used to be something we were worried about, and now we kind of pride ourselves on being a little different,” Lee says. “I have so much respect for traditional bluegrass. But I also like that we can lean into our own thing. There are so many variations on bluegrass and roots music. Maybe we can show a different side of it.” As the band tours in support of its 2025 album “Gone for Good,” those moments have become some of Ryan’s favorites. Whether it’s working the merch booth or meeting people at shows, fans regularly tell him they had never listened to bluegrass music until they discovered The Last Revel. “We’re like the gateway to this whole other genre of music that people maybe didn’t think they would like,” he says. “And I think that’s great. With Spotify and other streaming services, it’s easy for genres to blend together. If we can be a tiny little bridge for somebody’s musical tastes, I really get a kick out of that.” 

The members of The Last Revel came to bluegrass in a nontraditional way and enjoy sharing the genre with new audiences.

Photo courtesy of The Last Revel

several bands, Ken now serves as the executive director for the International Bluegrass Music Association. This October, he’ll be welcoming musicians from across the globe to the World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, Tennessee. “The thing I love about bluegrass is that you don’t have to know anybody in the jam circle to walk up and start making music,” he says. “From beginners all the way up to the best professionals, people are welcoming. And that’s something that transcends language.” The same is true for the music itself. Ken compares being part of a traditional bluegrass band to a jazz ensemble, where each musician has mastery of his or her instrument. They all make an essential contribution to the group’s sound but also have moments to shine individually. “In a lot of old-time folk traditions, the instrumentalist will just play the melody or an accompaniment. They don’t really show out,” he says. “Part of what makes bluegrass unique is the emphasis on virtuosity. I think that resonates with a lot of people around the globe and is a big part of why bluegrass takes root in other cultures.” Here in the United States, musicians in different parts of the country have found ways to take that sound and make it their own. Texas bluegrass often incorporates elements of Western swing and contest fiddling that are popular in folk music throughout the Lone Star State. For the members of The Last Revel, the earnestness that comes through in their songwriting follows the tradition of other Midwestern bluegrass musicians. “It’s all very songwriter based. That’s kind of the main focus

More Than a Wrestling builds strength that lasts a lifetime Story by SARA DIAMOND PATTERSON

“Wrestling is unique in that you can be on the bottom or top quicker than you can imagine, and one simple thing can change the outcome without a second thought,” coach Luke Shaffer says. “In life, things can change so suddenly, and wrestling teaches you to learn from those moments, move forward and use that momentum in whatever it is you’re doing.”

THE PROGRAM Wrestling is one of the world’s oldest and most physically demanding sports. Grapplers compete one-on-one, but their scores combine for the team total,

meaning the spotlight is firmly focused on the individual athletes. “One of the fears a lot of the kids have coming into it is it’s just them and the other guy out there on the mat,” Hart County coach Eric Scott says. “You don’t have 10 other guys out on the field with you. And, if you mess up, everybody sees it, but that’s something they overcome with experience.” Individuals compete in one of 14 weight classes, from 106 to 285 pounds for boys and 102 to 237 pounds for girls. The National Federation of State High School Associations recognized girls wrestling

Photo courtesy of Ashley Walters

igh school wrestling develops physically strong athletes. What may not be as obvious is the mental toughness it instills—a strength that remains long after the final bout ends. “We talk regularly about how the skills you learn in the practice room and on the mat can translate to real life very easily,” says Elijah Zwiep, the wrestling coach at LaRue County High School. “Our wrestlers quickly learn discipline and accountability are the cornerstones of success.” Elijah’s counterpart in Green County agrees wrestlers learn lessons that benefit them throughout their lives.

Hart County’s WiIliam Skaggs locks his opponent in a hold. 12

South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

a Match THE PREPARATION

That mental toughness doesn’t happen overnight. It begins with hours in the weight room and training on the mat. It also requires a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, focusing on nutrition and plenty of rest. The program is still getting its footing at Hart County High School after Principal Greg Cecil made the push to establish it as a sport. He reached out to his friend Eric, who he knew had wrestled in his home state of Pennsylvania, a hotbed for the sport. The Raiders began grappling during the 2021-22 season. “Some people just don’t realize how physically demanding it is and what it takes to be a wrestler,” Eric says. “The most important part of it to me is the conditioning. It may be only six-minute matches, but if you’re not in shape out there it shows.” Strength has a lot to do with it, but coaches say anyone can learn the techniques and put in the work. “The hard work they have to put into it

THE BENEFITS This past school year, the Green County wrestlers saw unparalleled success, both on and off the mat. They compiled their best record since Luke took over coaching for the 2024-25 season, but that wasn’t what made their coaches happiest. “The proudest moment we have had as a staff was being named the receiving team of the Sportsmanship Award for our region for the season,” Luke says. “Of all the things we teach, being respectful to those around us is something we take very seriously.” That respect is what it’s all about, according to the coaches. “Ultimately, the most important thing we want is our wrestlers to become good people, and we want our student athletes to become leaders in our community,” Luke says. And, their athletes know their hard work will pay off. “I feel I’ve gained more mental toughness,” Jamarion says. “It’s made me see everything in life is a lot easier and not as ‘bad’ as wrestling.” 

ABOVE: Green County High School wrestling coach Luke Shaffer, center, gives Ayden Hall a congratulatory hug after his state tournament match. With them are assistant coach Eli Ireland, left, and Ayden’s father, Brian Hall. RIGHT: LaRue County wrestlers support their teammate during his bout. South Central Rural Telecommunications Cooperative

Photo courtesy of Jessica Wood

Photo courtesy of Zoe Shaffer

beginning with the 2023-24 season and calls it the nation’s fastest-growing sport. Elijah started in 2011 as an assistant to legendary LaRue coach Gary Canter, who established the program in 1991 and developed it into one of Kentucky’s best with five state championships. Elijah took over the program in the 2022-23 season. For many students, wrestling is one of the toughest challenges they face both physically and mentally, he says. The sport improves strength, endurance, flexibility and coordination as well as healthy nutritional habits. It also helps to develop mental wellness. “As a program, we stress emotional control when under pressure. We believe in building confidence through preparation,” Elijah says. “And even though we may fail, we are always working on improving.” LaRue junior Jamarion Sanders started wrestling in first grade and says the mental toughness developed through the sport helps him realize he can best any challenge life throws his way. “They train us to endure through the tiredness and pain and to keep going, which is a struggle and makes you go purely off mental strength,” he says.

instills a work ethic that translates into real life,” Eric says. “I’ve had recent graduates come back and thank me, which always makes you feel good as a coach.”

SOUTHEAST KITCHENS

School-Night

Scrambles

Adobe Stock photo by hanahal, Ирина Гутыряк

Quick and satisfying recipes for family dinner time

or many families, September means fresh school supplies, the morning rush to get everyone to class on time and, of course, the dreaded question—what’s for dinner? Between carving out time to cook and navigating pantry options, finding the right answer isn’t always easy. These quick and easy recipes will keep everyone at the table happy, even on a busy school night.  Photography by Mark Gilliland Food Styling by Rhonda Gilliland

CREAMY TOMATO TORTELLINI WITH SPINACH 1 20-ounce package refrigerated cheese tortellini 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce ½ cup heavy cream 4 cups fresh spinach ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper to taste Cook the tortellini according to the package directions. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the marinara sauce and heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain the tortellini and add it to the skillet, tossing until coated in the sauce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. This recipe offers a nice contrast to the other dishes in the lineup—it’s meatless, family-friendly and has a rich, comforting flavor while still taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

TERIYAKI MEATBALL BOWLS 1 24- to 26-ounce package frozen fully cooked meatballs 1 cup teriyaki sauce 3 cups broccoli florets 2 cups cooked white or brown rice 2 green onions, sliced 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) Prepare the rice according to package directions if it is not already cooked. Meanwhile, place the frozen meatballs in a large skillet over medium heat with ¼ cup water. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add the teriyaki sauce and simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring until the meatballs are evenly coated and the sauce has thickened slightly. Steam the broccoli until tender. Divide the rice among serving bowls and top with the teriyaki meatballs and broccoli. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

HONEY MUSTARD CHICKEN WITH ROASTED POTATOES AND CARROTS 4 boneless chicken thighs 1 pound baby potatoes, halved 4 medium carrots, sliced 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon honey 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and pepper to taste Preheat the oven to 425 F. In a small bowl, whisk together

the Dijon mustard and honey. Toss the potatoes and carrots with olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper on a sheet pan. Arrange the chicken thighs among the vegetables and brush them with the honey mustard mixture. Roast for about 30 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165 F and the vegetables are tender. Serve immediately.

CHEESY BLACK BEAN AND RICE SKILLET Heat the olive oil in a large 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper, diced 2 cans black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups cooked rice 1 cup salsa 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1 teaspoon chili powder Salt and pepper to taste

skillet over medium heat and cook the onion and bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the black beans, rice, salsa, chili powder, salt and pepper. Cook for several minutes until heated through. Sprinkle the cheese over the top, cover the skillet and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve on its own or with tortilla chips. 15

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID HILLSBORO, OR PERMIT No. 66

1399 Happy Valley Road P.O. Box 159 Glasgow, KY 42142-0159

You’re Invited to

SCRTC’s

Annual Meeting Thursday, Oct. 15 Cave Area Conference Center 502 Mammoth Cave St., Cave City Doors open and registration begins at 6 p.m. Election results will be announced for: District I: Bonnieville and Munfordville District III: Cave City and Hiseville The Annual Meeting will include: • Gifts for all members • Cash prizes • Drawing for smart TVs • Live music 270-678-2111 l scrtc.com

The Friends Trio Randy Richardson, Allen Poynter and Marla Hicks