PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A group of local investors based in Pikeville have officially launched Blue Gem Capital, a new angel investment fund dedicated to supporting companies originating in the Central Appalachian region and businesses conducting substantial operations within the region.

Blue Gem Capital will make equity and equity-like investments in early-stage to mid-sized Main Street and high-growth small businesses. The Fund is designed to cultivate a diverse portfolio of investment opportunities across various industries and stages of growth, with a strong emphasis on regional economic development.

The Fund is currently capitalized at $1.1 million, raised from 14 private investors along with support from Kentucky-based Commonwealth Seed Capital Fund.

Blue Gem Capital is managed by its private investors, who collectively review and approve all investment transactions. The majority of investments will be made within the Central Appalachian region, reinforcing the Fund’s commitment to strengthening local businesses and communities.

Rick West, Chairman of Blue Gem Capital and a longtime regional business leader and investor, emphasized the long-term vision behind the initiative.

“Forming a fund like this has been a goal of our investor group for some time,” said West. “We believe there is tremendous untapped potential in Central Appalachia. Blue Gem Capital is perfectly positioned  to support promising, emerging companies in need of growth capital while also creating meaningful opportunities for community-minded investors to invest back into the region.”

Jessica Bledsoe, Director of Impact Investing at the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, highlighted the importance of expanding access to capital in the region.

“We are fortunate to have a fund like Blue Gem Capital rooted right here in our region,” said Bledsoe. “Access to early-stage capital has historically been one of the biggest barriers facing entrepreneurs in Central Appalachia. This fund represents more than investment dollars. It represents belief in our people, our ideas, and our future. With support from partners like the Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Appalachian Investors Alliance (AIA), and SOAR, we are building the infrastructure entrepreneurs need to grow businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our local economy.”

Blue Gem Capital is part of a multi-state network of angel funds managed by the Appalachian Investors Alliance. Through this network, the Fund can leverage shared expertise, co-investment opportunities, and regional collaboration to better support portfolio companies and investors alike.

Entrepreneurs seeking investment and individuals interested in learning more about becoming investors can visit https://bluegemcap.com. Applications and additional information are available online.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – The Postal Service is hiring rural carrier associates in Pikeville, Elkhorn City, and Salyersville. The positions pay $21.89 per hour, plus some benefits.

There are plenty of opportunities for job seekers to ask questions and receive assistance during the Postal Service Job Fair on Wednesday, May 20, at the Pike County Public Library, 126 Lee Ave., 41501. The Job Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

To assist potential applicants, USPS personnel will be onsite at the Job Fair to provide detailed information about the positions.

Applications are accepted online only at https://www.usps.com/careers. Applicants must be 18 years of age and be available to work weekends and holidays. See the job postings for full details of duties, responsibilities, requirements and benefits information. Job postings are updated frequently, so check back often for additional opportunities.

Interested applicants can find information about the application process at https://about.usps.com/careers/how-to-apply/.

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PIKEVILLE, Ky. – University of Pikeville recently recognized outstanding students from the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine during its annual awards banquet, celebrating academic excellence, leadership and service among the Class of 2026.

The Dean’s Award was presented to Syed Zain-Ahmed Ali, D.O. This award recognizes the student whose leadership, humanity and loyalty to the profession exemplify the ideals, mission and goals of KYCOM.

The President’s Award was presented to Andrew Charles AbiRagi, D.O., for demonstrating clinical excellence and earning the highest average score on clinical rotations.

The Board of Trustees’ Award was presented to Matthew Nicholas Biernat, D.O., for academic excellence, recognizing the student with the highest grade point average during the first two years of medical school. Biernat also received the Ms. Swadesh Kashyap Memorial Award for achieving the highest score in the didactic pediatrics course.

The John A. Strosnider, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award was awarded to Christina Joy Belcher, D.O., recognizing a graduate who exemplifies a commitment to family medicine and dedication to the osteopathic profession.

The Stephen M. Payson, M.S., Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Alex Charles Graham, D.O., a graduate from the Appalachian region who demonstrates commitment to KYCOM’s mission and the osteopathic profession.

The Boyd R. Buser, D.O., Excellence Award was presented to Alexander Luke Alley, D.O., for overall excellence in academics and service.

The Donna Jones Moritsugu Award was presented to Payton Black, recognizing the spouse of a graduating student who exemplifies support for their partner, family and profession.

The James E. Campbell, D.O., Award was presented to Alivia Grace Hansford, D.O., a deserving graduate from the Appalachian region of Kentucky.

The Mr. Dharam Pal Kashyap Memorial Award was presented to Summer Jordan Allahham, D.O., for excellence in pediatrics and pursuit of residency training at leading children’s health care programs.

Rimsha Jalees Afzal, D.O., was awarded the Christina Wika, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award for excellence in pursuing a residency in oncology. She also received the Mrs. Swaran Kanta Sachdeva Memorial Award for Excellence of Women in Specialty Medicine and the Excellence in Research Award for outstanding achievement in research.

The Gregory V. Hazelett, D.O., Memorial Scholarship Award was presented to Logan Blaise Tackett, D.O., in recognition of a graduate pursuing a career in otolaryngology/surgery.

The KYCOM Alumni Association Award was presented to Kimbrionna Roytasia Hunter, D.O., for strong involvement at KYCOM and within the community.

The Excellence in Emergency Medicine Award was presented to Gabriella Maria Constantini, D.O. This award is sponsored by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine.

The Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians Outstanding Senior Student Award is presented to an outstanding senior student entering family medicine and was awarded to Olivia Ruth Vick, D.O.

The Merck Manual Award for Academic Excellence was presented to Madisyn T. Bronger, D.O., Cassidy Ross, D.O., and Jakob Hunter Warren, D.O., in recognition of their scholastic achievement in medical education.

The Ram’s Head Award was presented to Christina Joy Belcher, D.O., Ian Mitchell Kania, D.O., Emily Childres Sydow, D.O., William Garrett Watson, D.O., Mackenzie Breann Yohey, D.O., and Rodolfo Gabriel Zevallos, D.O., in recognition of outstanding achievement in Osteopathic Principles and Practices.

UPike congratulates these students for their dedication, achievements and commitment to the osteopathic profession.

For more information about KYCOM, visit upike.edu/kycom.

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Dozens gather in Pikeville City Park to pray and worship.

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Items included letters from local students, historical memorabilia.

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