The conversation with Todd Moody, Superintendent of Grant County Schools, covers his journey in education, career progression, academic performance, student enrollment, post-graduation paths, and the role of athletics in the school system. It also highlights upcoming athletic facilities renovations and lesser-known athletic accomplishments in the district. The conversation covers a range of topics including the mind-body connection, after-school programs, career and technology center programs, school renovations and expansion, student achievements and opportunities, community programs and support, public school misconceptions, and community partnership and transparency. The discussion emphasizes the value of physical and mental health, community engagement, career readiness, student achievements, and the importance of transparency and community partnership in education.

Takeaways

• Education leadership involves challenges and opportunities
• Athletics provide a meaningful community for students and contribute to their discipline and sense of loyalty. Importance of physical and mental health in education
• Community engagement and support are vital for student success

Chapters

• 00:00 Athletic Accomplishments
• 41:32 After-School Programs and Community Engagement
• 47:19 Career and Technology Center Programs
• 54:00 School Renovations and Expansion
• 01:03:15 Student Achievements and Opportunities
• 01:15:25 Community Partnership and Transparency

This episode is brought to you by DREAM Grant County, an organization creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with special needs—helping build confidence, connection, and purpose right here in our community.

The podcast episode delves into the journey of Martin, the owner of Casa Martini, from his childhood in Mexico to his role as a restaurant owner in Grant County. It explores the impact of his name, the purpose of Casa Martini, and the challenges he faced in his early jobs and struggles. The episode also highlights the role of servers at Casa Martini and the impact of Martin's humble and generous nature. The conversation delves into the strong community and family bonds, the business legacy, and the path to citizenship. It also explores community engagement, giving back, and the reflection and gratitude towards the journey and support received.

Takeaways

• Martin's journey from Mexico to Grant County is a story of resilience and determination.
• The purpose of Casa Martini is to create a welcoming and familial environment for its patrons. Strong community and family bonds
• Community engagement and giving back

Chapters

• 00:00 Introducing We Are Grant County
• 05:09 The Impact of Martin's Name
• 10:35 The Role of Servers at Casa Martini
• 16:26 Martin's Journey to America
• 22:22 Community and Family Bonds
• 28:40 Community Engagement and Giving Back
• 36:53 Reflection and Gratitude

In this episode of the We Are Grant County Podcast, hosts Michelle Neidigh and Katie Jimenez sit down with Chris Jump, board member of Grant County Little League and Youth League, to talk about the impact youth sports have on our community.

Chris shares his journey from coaching his own kids to helping lead one of the county’s largest youth organizations—now serving nearly 380 players across multiple divisions. The conversation dives into what it really takes to run the league, from organizing opening day events and managing equipment to coordinating volunteers and supporting families behind the scenes.

They also discuss the exciting growth of the program, including the addition of a youth league that allows teams to compete beyond county lines, giving kids more opportunities to play and develop.

More than anything, this episode highlights what Little League is truly about—building confidence, teaching teamwork, creating friendships, and giving every child a place to belong. Chris also shares details about this year’s opening day celebration and a heartfelt fundraiser supporting a young player battling cancer.

Whether you’re a parent, volunteer, or just someone who loves this community, this conversation is a reminder that it’s about more than the game—it’s about the kids, the memories, and the people who show up to make it all happen.

In this episode of We Are Grant County, hosts Michelle Neidigh and Katie Jimenez speak with Samantha Harrison of Momentum Family Strategies about the challenges families face when caring for adults with developmental disabilities, especially as caregiving responsibilities shift. The conversation explores the realities of navigating resources in rural communities and the importance of building strong local support systems.

summary

In this episode of We Are Grant County, hosts Michelle and Katie speak with Hannah from One Quest Health (formerly CHNK Behavioral Health). They discuss the organization's services, including individual and family therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and collaboration with local schools. Hannah shares insights on the continuum of care, insurance acceptance, and the referral process, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and community support. The conversation highlights the organization's expansion plans and commitment to serving the mental health needs of Grant County residents.

takeaways

• One Quest Health was formerly known as CHNK Behavioral Health.
• The organization offers a variety of mental health services for all ages.
• They provide telehealth options for convenience and accessibility.
• Insurance options include Medicaid and private insurance.
• Payment plans are available to assist families in need.
• Referrals can come from parents, schools, or self-referrals.
• The organization is trauma-informed and addresses various mental health issues.
• They have a waitlist for individual therapy but not for other services.
• Expansion plans include reaching more schools and communities.
• Community support is crucial for the success of mental health services.

titles

• Understanding One Quest Health's Mission
• Navigating Mental Health Services in Grant County

Sound Bites

• "Our services are trauma-informed."
• "We have payment plans to help families."
• "We're here to help serve you."

Chapters

00:00Introduction to One Quest Health

00:47Overview of CHNK Behavioral Health

03:44Services Offered by CHNK

07:37Continuum of Care and Accessibility

11:47Insurance and Financial Support

14:32Referral Process and Collaboration with Schools

17:29Expansion Plans and Community Impact

19:32Final Thoughts and Community Support

We Are Grant County

Hosted by Michelle Neidigh and Katie Jimenez

Guest: Mason Malin

Produced by: Toad Talk Media

In the heart of Grant County, a transformative movement is taking place through the 4-H programs, which have been nurturing young leaders for over a century. This podcast episode dives deep into how 4-H is shaping the lives of youth, offering them invaluable opportunities for growth, leadership, and community involvement.

Grant County Extenstion Office
Williamstown, KY (859) 824-3355 grant.ext@uky.edu

https://grant.mgcafe.uky.edu/4h-youth-development

Main Content:

4-H gives youth hands-on learning in everything from agriculture to tech, helping them explore interests and build real-world skills. Mason Malin, Grant County’s 4-H agent, shared how programs like shooting sports opened unexpected college doors for him.

Volunteers and community leaders fuel the program’s success—“Without them, we wouldn’t have a program,” Mason said.

4-H faces challenges competing with other activities, often remaining a “best-kept secret,” but the team continues adjusting schedules and activities to fit busy families.

From photography classes to leadership opportunities, the impact is clear: 4-H builds confidence, creativity, and lifelong memories for Grant County youth.

Conclusion:

The 4-H programs in Grant County are more than just extracurricular activities; they are crucial platforms for developing the next generation of leaders. As Mason articulated, "We want to provide opportunities for youth to find their spark." With the continued support of volunteers and the community, 4-H will undoubtedly foster growth, resilience, and passion in young individuals for many years to come.

Key Takeaways:

- 4-H empowers youth through hands-on learning and leadership opportunities.

- The success of 4-H relies heavily on the commitment of volunteers and community leaders.

- Adapting to the needs and schedules of youth is essential for engagement.

- The program offers unique pathways to personal growth and success.

Tags:

4-H, youth development, Grant County, hands-on learning, youth programs, personal growth, agriculture education, Toad Talk Media

No Blink Pictures Ultimate Senior Portrait Package

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Now’s the perfect time—because No Blink Pictures is offering 15% off our Ultimate Senior Portrait Package for a limited time! Just follow the link in the show notes to claim your discount. This package is more than just photos—it’s a full experience. You’ll get two full sessions, multiple locations, and a personalized online gallery to view and share every moment. Plus, we include special sessions with your family, friends, and even a cap and gown shoot—all designed to capture the heart of your senior year. Digital images are included, and you’ll have the option to order prints and keepsakes straight from your gallery. So don’t wait—click the link, save 15%, and let’s make magic together. No Blink Pictures—because every moment deserves to be remembered.



Episode 000: Meet Michelle: The Voice Behind Toad Talk Media

An Introvert’s Journey to Connect Through Story

In this very first episode of We Are Grant County, meet your host, Michelle Neidigh—the photographer, storyteller, and founder of Toad Talk Media. Michelle shares the heart behind the mic as she opens up about her personal journey from working behind the camera to stepping in front of it, all in an effort to connect more deeply with the community she calls home.

You’ll hear how Toad Talk Media came to life, what inspired the creation of We Are Grant County, and why storytelling matters now more than ever. This episode sets the stage for what’s to come—real conversations with the people who make Grant County a unique and meaningful place to live.

Whether you're a neighbor, a friend, or someone just curious about small-town life in Kentucky, you're invited to come along for the ride.

Mentioned in this episode:

No Blink Pictures

No Blink Pictures is a professional photography business based in Northern Kentucky, specializing in portraits, sports photography, themed shoots, and event coverage. With over a decade of experience, we capture authentic moments with creativity and heart—whether it's a senior portrait, action shot on the field, or a fun family photo session. We also offer photography classes and a mobile photo booth for events. Learn more or book your session at noblinkpictures.com.

No Blink Pictures, LLC - 15% savings - Senior

Join us as we sit down with Mayor David Henson of Williamstown, KY, to explore the vibrant community that's thriving right in our own backyard. Mayor Henson shares his insights on his role in fostering a close-knit environment where neighbors genuinely care for one another, and discusses the exciting upcoming events that bring families and friends together. With a focus on maintaining the town’s small-town roots while embracing growth, he highlights the unique stories and connections that make Williamstown truly special. From the much-anticipated Farm to Table event to the nostalgic Marigold Day Festival, there's plenty to look forward to. Let’s dive into the heart of Williamstown and discover what makes it such a delightful place to call home!

Welcoming Mayor David Henson to the podcast, we embarked on a heartfelt exploration of what it means to lead a small town like Williamstown. Right off the bat, it was clear that Henson's connection to the community is genuine. He shared his pride in the city employees who show up daily with a commitment to serve, emphasizing how their hard work contributes to the well-being of the town. His sense of pride did not just stop there; he also celebrated the spirit of the residents, who come together for events that strengthen the community fabric, like the recent back-to-school bash. This tone of camaraderie set the stage for a rich discussion about the challenges and joys of small-town leadership.

As we dove deeper, the Mayor enthusiastically outlined forthcoming events that promise to bring residents together in celebration. The Farm to Table event is particularly anticipated, showcasing local produce and fostering community connections. He also reminisced about the Marigold Day Festival, a long-standing tradition that resonates with many in the area. The Mayor's excitement about these events was contagious, as he highlighted their role in not just entertaining, but also in preserving the history and culture of Williamstown. The potential revival of such events is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the community.

Towards the end of our chat, we discussed the future of Williamstown, especially in light of ongoing developments. Mayor Henson is optimistic about the town's direction, aiming to enhance the hospitality industry and ensure that growth does not come at the expense of the town's charm. He passionately articulated his belief that every resident has a stake in the community's future, advocating for active participation in city meetings and local initiatives. This episode encapsulates not just the essence of small-town life, but also the vision of a leader committed to nurturing a vibrant, united Williamstown.

Takeaways:

• Mayor David Henson emphasizes the importance of community spirit in Williamstown, showcasing how neighbors support each other daily.
• The upcoming Farm to Table event in Williamstown aims to bring families together and foster community connections through shared meals.
• Marigold Day Festival, a cherished tradition since 1971, will celebrate the town's history and memories with a parade and various activities.
• Mayor Henson believes that involvement in local events cultivates a sense of belonging and pride among residents of Williamstown.
• The Mayor's initiative to hold meet and greets encourages collaboration between local businesses and the city to address challenges and opportunities.
• Williamstown is poised for growth, with plans for more hospitality venues and attractions to enhance the town's appeal to visitors.

Links referenced in this episode:

• wtown KY.org
• toadtalkmedia.com