Our June 4th Community Book Club Selection is "Bluegrass: A True Story of Murder in Kentucky!" All are welcome to participate!
Request your FREE copy here and we will email when it is available for pickup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=dialog
A shocking investigation into a true crime that tore a town apart—the violent murder of a young coed in Kentucky, the innocent boy who was jailed for the crime, and a small Southern community filled with haunting, unforgettable characters.
Katie Autry was a foster child from a tiny village in Kentucky; a little awkward, but always with the biggest smile on her high school cheerleading squad. In September 2002, she matriculated as a freshman at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, majoring in the dental program. She worked days at the smoothie shop, nights at the local strip club, and fell in love with a football player who wouldn’t date her. On the morning of May 4, 2003, Katie Autry was raped, stabbed, sprayed with hairspray, and set on fire in her own dormitory room.
In telling the true story of this shocking crime, William Van Meter describes the devastation of not one but three families. Two young men are jailed for the crime: DNA evidence places Stephen Soules, an unemployed, mixed-race high school dropout, at the scene; and Lucas Goodrum, a twenty-one-year-old pot dealer with an ex-wife, a girlfriend still in high school, and a history of domestic abuse, is held by an ever-changing confession. The friends of the suspects and the foster and birth families of the victim form complex and warring social nets that are cast across town. And a small southern community, populated by eccentrics of every socioeconomic class, from dirt-poor to millionaire, responds to the horror.
With the keen eye of a talented young journalist returning to his southern roots, Van Meter paints a vivid portrait of the town, the characters who fill it, and the simmering class conflicts that made an injustice like this not only possible, but inevitable. Like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bluegrass is redolent with atmosphere, dark tension, and lush landscapes.
Request your FREE copy here and we will email when it is available for pickup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=dialog
A shocking investigation into a true crime that tore a town apart—the violent murder of a young coed in Kentucky, the innocent boy who was jailed for the crime, and a small Southern community filled with haunting, unforgettable characters.
Katie Autry was a foster child from a tiny village in Kentucky; a little awkward, but always with the biggest smile on her high school cheerleading squad. In September 2002, she matriculated as a freshman at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, majoring in the dental program. She worked days at the smoothie shop, nights at the local strip club, and fell in love with a football player who wouldn’t date her. On the morning of May 4, 2003, Katie Autry was raped, stabbed, sprayed with hairspray, and set on fire in her own dormitory room.
In telling the true story of this shocking crime, William Van Meter describes the devastation of not one but three families. Two young men are jailed for the crime: DNA evidence places Stephen Soules, an unemployed, mixed-race high school dropout, at the scene; and Lucas Goodrum, a twenty-one-year-old pot dealer with an ex-wife, a girlfriend still in high school, and a history of domestic abuse, is held by an ever-changing confession. The friends of the suspects and the foster and birth families of the victim form complex and warring social nets that are cast across town. And a small southern community, populated by eccentrics of every socioeconomic class, from dirt-poor to millionaire, responds to the horror.
With the keen eye of a talented young journalist returning to his southern roots, Van Meter paints a vivid portrait of the town, the characters who fill it, and the simmering class conflicts that made an injustice like this not only possible, but inevitable. Like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bluegrass is redolent with atmosphere, dark tension, and lush landscapes.
Author Wes Browne joined our Community Book Club to discuss his novel They All Fall the Same, and it was an incredible evening! We loved hearing behind-the-scenes insights about the Easter eggs hidden throughout the book, as well as his thoughts on the characters and setting.
We especially loved that he stayed afterward to sign each book and leave a personal note—such a meaningful touch that made the night even more special!
📚 Join Us for Community Book Club! 📚 We’re excited to invite everyone to our Community Book Club meeting tomorrow at 6:00 PM in the PHS Library! This month’s selection, They All Fall the Same, will spark great conversation—and we’re taking it to the next level… ✨ We will have the incredible opportunity to meet the author, Wes Browne, in person! ✨ Come ready to discuss, ask questions, and enjoy an evening celebrating reading and community. We hope to see you there! #CommunityBookClub #PHSReads #MeetTheAuthor
Paintsville Independent Schools have the most amazing assistant principals!
Paintsville High - Dawn Kinner
Paintsville Elementary - Sherri Woods
Because Paintsville High School uses Dave Ramsey’s Personal Finance curriculum, our school community has access to FREE live online financial courses!
Take advantage of this great opportunity to build your financial knowledge and skills.
👉 Click here to view this month’s course offerings and register:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AiwVtJdhvPpcpGYJzGCnSYfFU6EVm9r1GkWhdYVlgbyWENAoKGg3~AsTVxipKKbNiyjBNhPkyR1PYt2oE9T9H4PcIZjtXSkp1jFrIevz11kJCOA
Feel free to share with family and friends!
Take advantage of this great opportunity to build your financial knowledge and skills.
👉 Click here to view this month’s course offerings and register:
https://events.zoom.us/ev/AiwVtJdhvPpcpGYJzGCnSYfFU6EVm9r1GkWhdYVlgbyWENAoKGg3~AsTVxipKKbNiyjBNhPkyR1PYt2oE9T9H4PcIZjtXSkp1jFrIevz11kJCOA
Feel free to share with family and friends!
Please consider being a host family for a foreign exchange student!
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Paintsville Independent is proud to support continuous learning and growth for our educators!
Allison King, Shasta Howard, Andy Hazlette, and Nicki Caudill recently
attended the RISE (Results-Driven Initiatives for Science Education) Student Work Analysis Meeting in Louisville. During this collaborative session, teachers dug deeply into student work to better understand how students think, where misconceptions exist, and how to strengthen science instruction moving forward.
RISE is known across Kentucky for its strong emphasis on improving science teaching through evidence-based practices, three-dimensional learning, and a focus on using student thinking to drive instruction. By analyzing real student work, educators are able to refine lessons that build critical thinking, problem-solving, and deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
We are excited to see how this learning will continue to impact classrooms and support high-quality science instruction for all students! 🔬👏
$1,000 Prize!
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit has officially opened the 2026 Sixth Circuit Civics Contest, inviting high school students (grades 9-12) from Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee to participate.
This year’s theme – “250 Years of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness: The Judiciary’s Role in Upholding America’s Promise” – encourages students to explore the connection between the Declaration of Independence and the judiciary’s ongoing role in protecting constitutional rights.
Students are asked to create an original graphic public service campaign poster accompanied by a written description of up to 500 words. Submissions will be judged on clarity, creativity, relevance, and technical quality. The first-place winner will receive a $1,000 award.
The deadline to apply is March 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Email submissions to: CA06-Civics_Contest@ca6.uscourts.gov.
Our Community Book Club selection to be discussed at our May 7th meeting will be "A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City." You are welcome to download an e-version but if you'd like a FREE paper copy, please fill out this short request form by March 27th. It will be available to pick up on April 9 (or earlier) in the PHS office.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform
About the Book:
The inspiration for HBO's Murder in Glitter Ball City
This true crime saga—with an eccentric Southern backdrop—introduces the reader to the story of a murder in a crumbling Louisville mansion and the decades of secrets and corruption that live within the old house’s walls.
On June 18, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for 7 months in a plastic storage bin—his temporary coffin. Homeowner Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder.
On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Dominé sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges: the struggle between hope for a better future on the one hand and the privilege and power of the status quo on the other.
As the court testimony devolves into he-said/he-said contradictions, David draws on the confidences of neighbors and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant community to piece together the details of the case. While uncovering the many past lives of the mansion itself, he enters a murky underworld of gossip, neighborhood scandal, and intrigue.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform
About the Book:
The inspiration for HBO's Murder in Glitter Ball City
This true crime saga—with an eccentric Southern backdrop—introduces the reader to the story of a murder in a crumbling Louisville mansion and the decades of secrets and corruption that live within the old house’s walls.
On June 18, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for 7 months in a plastic storage bin—his temporary coffin. Homeowner Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder.
On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Dominé sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges: the struggle between hope for a better future on the one hand and the privilege and power of the status quo on the other.
As the court testimony devolves into he-said/he-said contradictions, David draws on the confidences of neighbors and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant community to piece together the details of the case. While uncovering the many past lives of the mansion itself, he enters a murky underworld of gossip, neighborhood scandal, and intrigue.
Tiger community, make sure to set your clocks one hour FORWARD today for Daylight Saving Time! #SpringForwardFallBack
🎉 Big things are printing at PHS! 🎉
Students in Dustin Adams’s 3-D Printing class successfully completed their very first test print on our brand new 3-D printer this week! This exciting milestone marks the beginning of many innovative, hands-on projects to come.
Next up: students will be designing and printing literary-themed geocache containers for our English classes to use in their upcoming literary geocaching project. 📚🗺️ What a fantastic example of cross-curricular collaboration—combining technology, creativity, and literature!
We can’t wait to see these custom creations come to life. Great work, Panthers!:
Students in Dustin Adams’s 3-D Printing class successfully completed their very first test print on our brand new 3-D printer this week! This exciting milestone marks the beginning of many innovative, hands-on projects to come.
Next up: students will be designing and printing literary-themed geocache containers for our English classes to use in their upcoming literary geocaching project. 📚🗺️ What a fantastic example of cross-curricular collaboration—combining technology, creativity, and literature!
We can’t wait to see these custom creations come to life. Great work, Panthers!:
Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day is March 7th, but we will celebrate today!! 🛠️💙
We are incredibly grateful for the dedicated men and women who work behind the scenes every day at Paintsville Independent to keep our schools safe and clean. From early mornings to late evenings, our maintenance team work to ensure that our students and staff have a comfortable and secure environment for teaching and learning.
Please join us in thanking our maintenance staff for all they do for our schools! 👏
Tonight’s Community Book Club had a wonderful discussion of Clay’s Quilt! Participants shared their thoughts about the novel while enjoying snacks and great conversation.
Everyone also created unique bookmarks using pages from discarded novels, choosing phrases that reminded them of Clay’s Quilt and its themes. During the meeting, a playlist featuring all of the songs referenced in the book played in the background.
A special thank you to our Education Club members who provided child care for the moms in attendance!
We’d also like to give a special thank you to Caitlin Salyer for creating a beautiful lap quilt from the quilt squares we decorated at our last meeting to represent what “home” means to us. It was so meaningful to see everyone’s pieces come together.
The books for our Community Book Club were purchased to support community engagement through the 2025 Kentucky Comprehensive Literacy Grant. It was a fun evening celebrating reading and community! 📚🧵✨
Our Clay’s Quilt discussion is tonight at 6:00 PM! 📚
We’re so looking forward to gathering again for great conversation, snacks, and a little time to connect.
Join us in the PHS Library at 6:00 PM. Childcare is provided — we hope to see you there! Park in the 3rd street lot and enter through the double doors by the main office.
Today in Mr. Andy Hazlette’s 3rd grade science class, students were fully engaged in authentic, hands-on learning! 🌱🌪️
Working collaboratively in groups, students gathered information about their assigned weather hazard and recorded detailed research notes as they investigated the question: “How do weather hazards affect plants?”
Next, the class will come back together in their Scientist Circle to create a class chart, analyze similarities among the different weather hazards, and determine how each impacts plant life.
Collaboration, critical thinking, and scientific reasoning in action — great things are happening in 3rd grade science!
We were fortunate to spend the day working alongside the KEDC SERTAC team reviewing special education folders and strengthening our processes. The feedback from KEDC was incredibly positive — they noted how professional, thoughtful, and open our staff were to feedback and discussion. That commitment to continuous improvement is what helps us best serve our students. I’m proud of our team and grateful to be part of a group that cares so deeply about doing things the right way for kids. Thank you to KEDC for partnering with us in this work! #TeamPaintsville #SpecialEducation #ContinuousImprovement
🔬✨ VIBRANT Learning in 6th Grade Science! ✨🔬
There is some incredible learning happening in Mrs. Allison King’s 6th grade science class!
Yesterday, students planned their very first investigation to help answer the question:
Why is the air near the ground warmer than the air higher up? 🌎🌡️
Working collaboratively in groups, students determined:
✔️ What data they need to collect
✔️ How they will collect it
✔️ Where they need to collect it
✔️ What tools they will use
Today, they are putting their plans into action and performing the investigation! This is hands-on, student-driven science at its best — building critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.
We love seeing our students think like scientists! 🧪👏
There is some incredible learning happening in Mrs. Allison King’s 6th grade science class!
Yesterday, students planned their very first investigation to help answer the question:
Why is the air near the ground warmer than the air higher up? 🌎🌡️
Working collaboratively in groups, students determined:
✔️ What data they need to collect
✔️ How they will collect it
✔️ Where they need to collect it
✔️ What tools they will use
Today, they are putting their plans into action and performing the investigation! This is hands-on, student-driven science at its best — building critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills.
We love seeing our students think like scientists! 🧪👏
🎉 Eighth Graders--FREE PSAT 8/9 Math Review Session – March 11! 🎉
8th graders are invited to attend a FREE review session for the PSAT 8/9. There will be food, drinks, and prizes! Any 8th grader who increases their PSAT 8/9 math score by 70 points from last year or meets the 430 benchmark will receive a $50 check so make sure to attend the review session!
📌 See the flyer for full details.
📣 PSAT 8/9 – March 12 📣
Our 8th grade students will be taking the PSAT 8/9 on March 12. This is a great opportunity for students to show their growth and academic progress!
💰 Incentive Opportunity:
Any 8th grader who increases their Math score by 70 points from last year OR earns a 430 Math benchmark score will receive a $50 check!
This incentive is made possible through funding from our 6th–8th grade math teachers’ participation in the Access to Algebra program. We are proud of the hard work our teachers and students have put in, and we’re excited to reward student growth and achievement!
Let’s get prepared, stay focused, and show what you’ve learned! 💪📚
8th graders are invited to attend a FREE review session for the PSAT 8/9. There will be food, drinks, and prizes! Any 8th grader who increases their PSAT 8/9 math score by 70 points from last year or meets the 430 benchmark will receive a $50 check so make sure to attend the review session!
📌 See the flyer for full details.
📣 PSAT 8/9 – March 12 📣
Our 8th grade students will be taking the PSAT 8/9 on March 12. This is a great opportunity for students to show their growth and academic progress!
💰 Incentive Opportunity:
Any 8th grader who increases their Math score by 70 points from last year OR earns a 430 Math benchmark score will receive a $50 check!
This incentive is made possible through funding from our 6th–8th grade math teachers’ participation in the Access to Algebra program. We are proud of the hard work our teachers and students have put in, and we’re excited to reward student growth and achievement!
Let’s get prepared, stay focused, and show what you’ve learned! 💪📚
Ms. Riley Thompson with SOAR (Shaping Our Appalachian Region) spoke to Mrs. Melissa Castle’s PHS business students today about the many opportunities SOAR provides to entrepreneurs across Eastern Kentucky.
Students learned how SOAR supports small businesses, start-ups, and workforce development throughout the region, helping strengthen local communities and create pathways for success.
Paintsville is proud to partner with SOAR to help create meaningful, real-world opportunities for students and to connect them with valuable resources that can support their future careers right here in Eastern Kentucky.
#PaintsvillePride #SOAR #EasternKentucky #FutureLeaders
Students learned how SOAR supports small businesses, start-ups, and workforce development throughout the region, helping strengthen local communities and create pathways for success.
Paintsville is proud to partner with SOAR to help create meaningful, real-world opportunities for students and to connect them with valuable resources that can support their future careers right here in Eastern Kentucky.
#PaintsvillePride #SOAR #EasternKentucky #FutureLeaders
🌱🔬 Paintsville Elementary’s 3rd grade scientists in Mr. Andy Hazlett’s class have been investigating the important question: “How can we protect our plants in hazardous weather?”
Students recently shared their initial plant protection designs using the Hand Up, Pair Up strategy, collaborating with classmates and explaining their thinking like true scientists. The problem-solving skills and thoughtful planning on display have been impressive. Many of the designs closely align with the “look fors” outlined in the teacher manual — a testament to the students’ understanding and effort.
Great things are growing in 3rd grade science at Paintsville Elementary! 🌿💡 #PaintsvillePride #FutureScientists
Students recently shared their initial plant protection designs using the Hand Up, Pair Up strategy, collaborating with classmates and explaining their thinking like true scientists. The problem-solving skills and thoughtful planning on display have been impressive. Many of the designs closely align with the “look fors” outlined in the teacher manual — a testament to the students’ understanding and effort.
Great things are growing in 3rd grade science at Paintsville Elementary! 🌿💡 #PaintsvillePride #FutureScientists
