The Troublesome Creek Times, which began publication in 1980, has always been a locally owned and operated newspaper. As Knott County’s official newspaper, it has earned its slogan, “The Voice of Knott County.”
The Troublesome Creek Times’ first edition was published in June 1980, with co-owners Ron and Amy Daley, and Mike and Frieda Mullins. The Daleys purchased the Mullins’ interest in the paper in 1984. In August 2000, the Times was purchased by editor Karen J. Jones and office manager Sharon Hall. The two business partners share responsibilities, with Karen as co-publisher and executive editor, and Sharon as co-publisher and general manager. In its 38 years of operation the paper has amassed over 312 state and national awards.
The paper has a very talented and dedicated staff. Tommy C. Hall of Hindman is the advertising sales representative for the Times (Knott, Perry, Letcher, Pike, and Floyd counties). Tim Cody of Sassafras takes care of classifieds, handles affidavits, and works with production. Jordan Hall and Danny Smith are the Times’ distributors. Jordan Thomas Hall of Hindman is the assistant general manager, photographer, and travel columnist for the Times.
Some of the Times’ traditions have remained constant for 38 years, such as a strong lineup of community news writers and columnists, and a religious focus. The staff looks forward to creating the April Fool’s edition. Other special issues published annually are the Gingerbread Tab, featuring the festival’s highlights, schedules, and honored family; the official Knott County Trail Ride Guide featuring maps and information on vendors, visitors, and entertainment; Knott County Answer Book, listing many governmental services, phone numbers, and other county, state, and federal information; Graduation Tab, picturing all of our county’s high school seniors; Back to School Tab with lots of information for students and parents for the coming school year; and Shop at Home Christmas Tab, containing Santa letters from primary schools in Knott County. Some of the special sections throughout the year include Spring Home Improvement and Fall Home Improvement.
The Troublesome Creek Times is printed each Thursday by Appalachian News-Express in Pikeville, Kentucky. The paper is the official newspaper of Knott County has a circulation of 4000 and a readership of 16,000. It is delivered to most states and even internationally, as well as in stores through Knott and surrounding counties. The Times is a member of Kentucky Press Association, National Newspaper Association, and an associate member of Associated Press.