PIKEVILLE, KY. — Two primary care physicians at Pikeville Medical Center have been recognized with the UnitedHealthcare Hero Award.

The honors presented to Samuel J. King, MD and Kristi Tackett, DO, celebrate health care professionals who go above and beyond in delivering exceptional care and making a meaningful difference in the lives of their patients and communities.

The UnitedHealthcare Hero Award highlights physicians who demonstrate compassion, innovation and an unwavering commitment to improving health outcomes, exemplifying these qualities through their tireless dedication to patient-centered care and their impact on the Eastern Kentucky region.

“Dr. King and Dr. Tackett represent the very best of our mission at PMC,” said Kansas Justice, Chief Operating Officer at PMC. “Their commitment to excellence, their compassion for patients and their leadership in advancing health care in our region make them truly deserving of this recognition.”

Both physicians have played a vital role in enhancing access to high-quality care and improving the overall health and well-being of the communities PMC serves. Their work reflects clinical excellence and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the Appalachian population.

“Every patient has a story, and it is our responsibility to listen, understand and provide care that meets them where they are. This recognition is not just a reflection of my service, but of the incredible team around us,” said King. “Under the continued leadership and guidance of the Board of Directors and Administration at PMC, our dedicated staff plays a vital role in providing every patient with compassionate, high-quality care, and I am honored to serve alongside them each day.”

“It is an honor to be recognized, and a reminder that the care we provide truly makes a difference. This award reflects the collective effort of our physicians, nurses and support staff who go above and beyond for every patient,” added Tackett. “Recognition like this from UnitedHealthcare highlights the importance of serving with purpose and remaining committed to improving the lives of those in our care.”

Pikeville Medical Center congratulates Dr. King and Dr. Tackett on this well-deserved honor and thanks them for their continued dedication to serving patients with excellence and compassion.

For more information about Pikeville Medical Center, visit pmcky.org.

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Summit offers education to students and business owners.

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A new report from Nielsen shows radio is the number-one way Americans listen to audio, far outpacing digital platforms.

The report, titled “Audio Today 2026,” finds radio reaches 93 percent of all U.S. adults each month, making it the most widely used media platform in the country.

Nielsen says radio also accounts for the majority of ad-supported audio listening, with about 61 percent of daily listening time, far ahead of podcasts and streaming services, which account for 21 percent and 15 percent, respectively.

The report highlights radio’s strength in vehicles, where more than 80 percent of ad-supported listening time still goes to AM/FM stations.

Even among younger listeners, radio remains strong, reaching nearly 9 out of 10 adults between 18 and 34.

Despite those numbers, Nielsen says many advertisers continue to underestimate radio’s effectiveness, even though it delivers some of the highest return on investment among media platforms. The report concludes that combining radio with podcasts can help advertisers reach nearly 100 percent of audiences.

A full copy of the report can be found at https://www.nielsen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/Nielsen-2026-Audio-Today-How-America-Listens-Mar26.pdf.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. — Mark A. Gooch, Chairman, President and CEO of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., has announced that Tracy A. Wesley has been promoted to the position of EVP, Chief Internal Audit and Risk Officer of Community Trust Bancorp, Inc.

Wesley’s responsibilities include oversight and management of the enterprise-wide risk management program, internal audit, loan review and compliance functions. She also serves as the key liaison for various internal and board committees involving assurance functions and risk management, external audit services, and regulatory authorities. Her office is located at the Main Office of Community Trust Bank at 346 North Mayo Trail in Pikeville.

Wesley has worked for Community Trust since 2012. She previously spent 16 years at a large Minnesota-based regional bank. She began her banking career as a branch sales associate, advancing to roles in bank operations (fraud investigation/loss prevention), and finally landing in the Internal Audit function where she worked her way up to Vice President of Risk and Control Services. Wesley had extensive experience in auditing commercial lending and cash management, technology, compliance, bank operations, and management of the corporate internal investigations functions.

Wesley graduated from Cochrane-Fountain City high school in Fountain City, Wis. She earned Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minn. She earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg. Wesley will complete the Graduate School of Banking program in Boulder, Colo., in July.

Wesley is certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) and holds designations as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (ACAMS). She is a member of the Central Kentucky chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors and serves locally as an advisory board member for the Appalachian Center for the Arts. She and her husband Byron reside in Pikeville.

Community Trust Bancorp, Inc., with assets of $6.7 billion, is headquartered in Pikeville, Kentucky and has 71 banking locations across eastern, northeastern, central, and south central Kentucky, six banking locations in southern West Virginia, three banking locations in Tennessee, four trust offices across Kentucky, and one trust office in Tennessee.

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