News in Brief

If you were wondering what all the quiet was- it is the end of Brood XIV.  

During the third week of June, the 2025 version of the Brood XIV swarm slowed, and the constant roar from cicadas disappeared from the trees in the community.  Don’t worry, though, they will return- in about seventeen years.

Brood XIV last emerged in April, May, and June of 2008.  The brood will make their next appearance at about the same time in 2042.  The cycle is one of fifteen separate groups that emerge in a seventeen-year pattern across North America.

The 2025 swarm was considered light in the mountains of eastern Kentucky.  Brood XIV is regarded as the second largest of the fifteen swarms and covers areas in Georgia, Tennessee, Ohio, and sections of Pennsylvania, including all of eastern and central Kentucky.

Entomologists say it is impossible to number the cicadas that hatched, mated, and laid their eggs before dying in June, but noted it was in the millions.

 

A former law enforcement officer who served the city, county, and state is battling several serious health issues, and friends and neighbors are trying to help ease his burden.

A fundraiser has been organized to benefit Brant Noble.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, July 12, will feature music, food, and fun at the Breathitt County Lions Club at 1528 Quicksand Road from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The organizers will offer some baked goods for sale, and meals can be packaged to go.  

 

Problems with the air conditioner at the Jefferson Hotel on Main Street closed the Jackson Regional Office beginning at noon each day during the week of June 23-27.  Officials reported that the office would remain closed in the afternoon while crews worked to repair the cooling issue.

The Kentucky Department of Transportation apologized to all those impacted by the unexpected partial closing and announced that all afternoon appointments will be rescheduled until the system is repaired.