Coal-to-diesel plant to locate in Muhlenberg
Leader-News Editor
editor@ky-leadernews.com
An announcement about what might be America’s next coal-to-diesel plant to be built in Muhlenberg County is expected to be made by Kentucky Fuel Associates at 1:30 p.m. May 12 at the Muhlenberg Career Advancement Center in Powderly.
According to state Rep. Brent Yonts of Greenville, Kentucky Fuel Associates will be partnering with Fuel Frontiers, a subsidiary of Washington, D.C.-based Nuclear Solutions, to construct a coal-to-diesel plant in the county. The company is benefitting from legislation providing Kentucky tax credits, grants and incentives which also requires that employees who construct and are employed by the plant live in the state.
‘La Promenade’
Muhlenberg North’s 2008 Prom was held at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Bowling Green May 3. The theme was Nautical Nights. Shown outside before walking into the dance began are Derek Ferguson, Sarah Vincent, Christina Dukes, Walter Petit, Aaron Casebier and Jessica Graham. (Leader-News Photo/Rita Dukes)
Jimmy Gray and Courtney O’Neal grabbed a few rays of the evening sun as it peeked through the glass of the Convention Center in Bowling Green before their walk into MNHS Prom 2008. (Leader-News Photo/Rita Dukes)
Schools will get new ventilation systems
Leader-News Staff Writer
reporter@ky-leadernews.com
The Muhlenberg County Board of Education has approved the purchase of ventilation systems to install in the gymnasiums at Muhlenberg North and South high schools.
During a special meeting April 28, the board approved the purchases at $5,000 each. They will be installed underneath the floors to control humidity and moisture levels, according to Jeff Travis, board finance officer.
TVA plant manager home town boy
Paradise Plant Manager Greg Nunley talks with Marty Martin, unit operator in the Unit No. 3 control room. (Leader-News Photo/Rita Dukes)
Leader-News Editor
editor@ky-leadernews.com
PARADISE — Greg Nunley has returned to Paradise. The 1980 Central City High School graduate left TVA Paradise Fossil Plant as a public safety officer in 1987 only to return 20 years later to its top position.
Born and raised in Muhlenberg County, Nunley’s career with Tennessee Valley Authority has taken him from the Muhlenberg plant to the Shawnee, Kingston and Bull Run fossil plants in Tennessee, where he became manager of the Knoxville, Tenn., region in 1999. Later, he became operations manager at Bull Run from 1999 until 2003 moving up to assistant plant manager before coming back to Paradise as plant manager.
05-06-08
South’s Schmidt, Winn take doubles crown
OWENSBORO – Muhlenberg South’s Catherine Schmidt and Olivia Winn stunned the field by taking the girls’ doubles title at last week’s Don Moore Automotive Tennis Classic.
The Schmidt-Winn tandem came into the event unseeded, but quickly served notice of their talent by knocking off No. 1 seeds Miranda Pendley-Kaitlin Hinzy of Daviess County 6-4, 6-3 in Wednesday’s quarterfinals.
South’s Catherine Schmidt and Olivia Winn won the girls’ double title May 2 at the Don Moore Classic in Owensboro. Schmidt and Winn became are the first tennis players from South to win this annual tournament.
North’s Campbell, Springer take third at Paducah meet
PADUCAH – Muhlenberg North seniors Megan Campbell and Whitney Springer each brought home third place event finishes in the 17-team Paducah Tilghman Invitational Track & Field Meet on April 26.
Campbell earned bronze with a jump of 5-0 in the high jump competition, while Springer took third in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:33.00.
North’s Whitney Springer finished third in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:33.00 at the Paducah Tilghman Invitational Track and Field Meet April 26. (Photo by Barry Groves)
Lady Stars defeat McLean County 8-4
The Muhlenberg North Lady Stars defeated McLean County 8-4 April 29 at North. Hannah Reynolds is shown batting for the Lady Stars. (Leader-News Photo/Paul Moore)
North, South girls tie for 11th at Hoptown
HOPKINSVILLE – Muhlenberg South’s Brianne Porter and Muhlenberg North’s Megan Campbell led their respective teams to an 11th place tie at the Hopkinsville Invitational Track & Field Meet on April 20 at the Stadium of Champions.
Central City Country Club hosting two-man scramble May 17, 18
The Central City Country Club will have a 2-man scramble May 17, 18. Tee times for Saturday will start at 8 a.m. and there will be a shot gun start at 1 p.m. on Sunday. The entry fee is $150 per team and includes a practice round and mulligans.
There will be an extra $100 paid to the low senior team (both players must be 55 or older).
For more information contact Jared Topmiller at 543-6515 or David Richey at 543-1101.
05-06-08
T.H. Steele
POWDERLY – T.H. Steele, 69, died Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at his residence.
Born in Muhlenberg County Aug. 23, 1938, he was the son of the late Harvey and Irene Steele. He was a retired coal miner and a member of New Life Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl T. Steele, William Earl Steele and Billy G. Steele, Sr., and a sister, Cara Lee Smith.
Survivors include four daughters, Lisa Hampton of Louisville, Melody Smith of Gloucester, Va., Dusti Hamburger and Echo Browning, both of Greenville; six grandchildren; a brother, J.W. Steele of Central City; and a sister, Brenda Piper of Powderly.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. April 26 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Bob Lowery. Burial followed in Cessna Cemetery in Powderly.
LOUISVILLE – Dr. Sally Sue Mitchell Edwards, 54, died Monday, April 28, 2008 at Baptist East Hospital in Louisville.
Born in Muhlenberg County Oct. 31, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Alex and Tharon Mitchell. She was a 1971 graduate of Central City High School and grew up in the Central City First United Methodist Church. She graduated from the University of Louisville, Florida State University and received her Ph.D. from Indiana University. She was employed by Baptist East Hospital working the Transitional Care Unit.
Survivors include her husband, Terry Edwards; two sons, Wesley Logan Edwards of Louisville and Gregory Tyler Edwards of Los Angeles, Calif.; a sister, Alexis Mitchell (Carl) Albach of Central City; a sister-in-law, Karen Edwards (Reedy) Thompson of Greenville; three nieces, Melissa Thompson Embry of Owensboro, Laura Thompson Latham of Central City and Susan Albach Tolson of New York, N.Y.; and a nephew, Mitch Albach of Philadelphia, Pa.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. May 2 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Dr. Kevin Brown officiating. The family requests that contributions be made to the Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, P.O. Box 37250, Louisville, KY 40233-7250.
Wilda M. Likins
GREENVILLE – Wilda M. Likins, 88, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville.
Born in Ohio County Jan. 21, 1920, she was the daughter of the late Alva and Commie Edge Magan. She was a homemaker and was employed at General Electric for 24 years. She was a member of the Service Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church in Owensboro for more than 60 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Martin Luther Likins, May 14, 1958.
Survivors include a son, Martin Lynn Likins of Greenville; a grandson, Kirker Butler of Los Angeles, Calif.; a great-granddaughter, Indie Butler of Los Angeles; a sister, Willye LeMaster of Owensboro; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. May 3 at James H. Davis Funeral Home Chapel in Owensboro. Burial followed in Rosehill Cemetery in Owensboro.
Ivan Junior Tucker
GREENVILLE – Ivan Junior Tucker, 81, died Tuesday, April 29, 2008 at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville.
Born in Muhlenberg County Nov. 10, 1926, he was a retired mechanic and repairman and was a World War II Army veteran. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, and a son, Dewey Dewayne Tucker.
Survivors include two sons, William L. Tucker of Greenville and Timothy L. Tucker of Scherville, Ind.; three daughters, Margaret Jones of Madisonville, Shirley Fleming of Hammond, Ind. and Betty Craddock of Crofton; 15 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. May 3 at Tucker Beechmont Funeral Home with the Rev. Melvin Felts officiating. Burial followed in Forest Grove Cemetery in Browder.
Barbara Jean Langley Jones
POWDERLY – Barbara Jean Langley Jones, 68, died Tuesday, April 28, 2008 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.
Born in Muhlenberg County July 12, 1939, she was a homemaker.
Survivors include two daughters, Elisha Pendley of Hopkinsville and Glen McEuen; and five grandchildren.
Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. May 2 at New Life Cemetery in Powderly with the Rev. Wayne Rice officiating. Tucker Funeral Home in Central City was in charge of arrangements.
Gordon C. Wade
BREMEN – Gordon C. Wade, 94, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Maple Manor Healthcare in Greenville following a brief illness.
Born in Graham July 7, 1913, he was the son of the late Leonard Clifford Wade and Maggie Davis Wade. He retired from Island Creek Coal Company in 1976 after 44 years as a UMWA coal miner and was a member of Corley Chapel General Baptist Church in Graham. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 48 years, Mary Beatrice Vincent Wade on April 25, 1983, and his second wife, Catherine Edwards Butch Wade in July 1989.
Survivors include three daughters, Anna Myrle Crouch of Bremen, Glenda Carol Earle of Greenville and Margaret Jane Oates of Saint Charles, Mo.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Robert Wade of Graham and J.D. Wade of Grand Junction, Colo.; and a sister, Mildred Giboo of Highland, Calif.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. May 3 at Corley Chapel General Baptist Church with the Revs. Barry Noe and John Culbertson officiating. Burial followed in Cedar Grove Cemetery in Bremen. Gary's Funeral Home in Greenville was in charge of arrangements.
Mildred Stone
DIXON – Mildred Stone, 67, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.
Born in Webster County June 25, 1940, she retired from Carhartt in Providence and was a member of Free Union General Baptist Church in Dixon. She was preceded in death by her husband, F.D. Stone in 1990; two daughters, Connie Cobb in 1993 and Debbie Watkins in 2007.
Survivors include a daughter, Cindy Sauls of Dixon; two brothers, Donald Yates of Nebo and Wesley Yates of Fredonia; two sisters, Ida Mae Stone of Clay and Margie aMcKinley of Dixon; four grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. May 3 at Townsend Funeral Home in Dixon with the Revs. Bob Fulcher and Homer Main officiating. Burial followed in Oak Grove Cemetery in Dixon.
Christine E. Vaughn
GREENVILLE – Christine E. Vaughn, 73, died Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at her residence.
Born in Muhlenberg County Feb. 8, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Charles Given Evitts and Manona Pauline Evitts. She was a homemaker and a member of New Prospect Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lasley Vaughn.
Survivors include two daughters, April Gardner of Dunmor and Melissa Rogers of Greenville; five sons, Freddie Vaughn and Danny Vaughn, both of Lewisburg, Sammy Vaughn of Dunmor, Tony Vaughn of Trenton and Timmy Vaughn of Belton; a sister, Peggy Ward of Greenville; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. May 3 at Price Funeral Home, Inc. in Lewisburg. Burial followed in Lewisburg Cemetery in Lewisburg.
Clara Elena Alvarez
CORAL GABLES, FLA. – Clara Elena Alvarez, 93, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at Belle Meade Nursing Home in Greenville following a lengthy illness.
Born in Ciego Deavila, Camaguey Province, Cuba Aug. 18, 1914, she was the daughter of the late Mariano Carbonell and Micaela Alsina De Carbonell. She was a housewife and of the Catholic faith. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Nicasio Alvarez, and a daughter, Maria Elena Alvarez.
Survivors include a daughter, Dania Gish of Central City; five grandchildren, Isa Maria Huffman of Covington, Samuel Christian Gish of Central City, Amor Montes De Oca and Ishtar Montes De Oca, both of Los Angeles, Calif. and Umo Montes De Oca of Miami, Fla.; three great-grandchildren; and a brother, Dr. Everardo Carbonell of Los Angeles.
Funeral services were private. Gary's Funeral Home in Greenville was in charge of arrangements.
Richard Franklin Adams
POWDERLY – Richard Franklin Adams, 83, died Friday, May 2, 2008 at his residence.
Born in Cairo, Ill. July 5, 1925, he was employed with ICRR for more than 21 years and was a truck driver for 26 years. He was a United States Navy veteran and a member of Woodson Missionary Baptist Church in Powderly.
Survivors include his wife, Zelmodene Adams; six sons, Eddy (Carolyn) Adams of Lone Oak, Daniel Adams, David Adams and Steven Spears, all of Powderly, Randall (Lydia) Adams and Michael (Sandy) Spears, both of Greenville; four daughters, Melody (Barry) Gary of Crestwood, Marilyn (Todd) Peveler of Powderly, Ginny Wells of Calumet City and Julie (Vernon) Willis of Fayetteville, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; four great-grandchilren; a sister, Sue Findley of Paducah; a niece; a nephew; three grand-nieces; and two grand-nephews.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. May 6 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Curtis McGehee officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Powderly.
Larry Wayne "Cotton" Evans
GREENVILLE – Larry Wayne "Cotton" Evans, 49, died Saturday, May 3, 2008 at his residence.
Born in Muhlenberg County June 23, 1958, he was the son of the late Elvis and Zeltha Evans. He was a saw mill worker.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Joyce Sumner Evans; two sons, Josh (Charity) Evans and Joseph Evans, both of New Cypress; two daughters, Crystal Evans of New Cypress and Onedia Allen of Drakesboro; two grandchildren, Jody Lynn Geary and Keeley Michael Geary; a brother, J. E. (Nellodean) Evans of Midland; four sisters, Shelby Jean (Jewel) Crick of Hopkinsville, Caroline (Clayton) Ellis of Millport, Mary Nell (Pat) Stump of Kincaid, W. Va. and JoNell (Jimmy) Ewing of Graham; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. May 6 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Alton Rolley officiating. Burial followed in Fairmount Cemetery in Central City.
Larry Dale Level
MADISONVILLE – Larry Dale Level, 63, died Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville.
Born in Muhlenberg County Aug. 24, 1944, he was a truck driver for Shelby Trucking in Mitchell, Ind.
Survivors include a son, Alan Level; two step-daughters, Jennifer and Kallie; and two brothers, Sherman Level and Tommy Level.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. May 7 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. J.W. Haire officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pisgah Cemetery in Bremen.
Betty Jean Garris
GREENVILLE – Betty Jean Garris, 62, died Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Regional Medical Center in Madisonville surrounded by her family.
Born in Webster County March 2, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Eva Ford. She was a homemaker and the strength of her family, whom she loved more that anything in this world. After marrying at the age of 16, she went back to school and graduated in the 1972 class at Graham High School. She was a grandmother and her favorite thing was spending time with her grandchildren and caring for them in a way that only a grandmother would. She loved wild flowers, watching television and drinking coffee. She was a member of Bard Hill General Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of 46 years, Phillip Wayne Garris, Sr.; three children, Phillip, Jr. and Pennie LuAnn Sandoval, both of Greenville, and Tammy Jean Carnithan of Russellville; two grandchildren, Lauren Michelle Carnithan of Moorman and Clarence Burton Garris of Greenville; a brother, Charles William Ford of Russellville, Ark.; and a sister, Sheila Ann Dalton of Greenville.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. May 6 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City.
Nell Gibbons Page
HAZELWOOD, MO. – Nell Gibbons Page, 85, died Friday, April 25, 2008 at her daughter's residence.
Born in Hopkins County March 18, 1923, she was the fourth daughter of the late Cliff and Jewell Gibbons. She was an LPN at Hopkins County Hospital in Madisonville and a unit service coordinator at University Hospital in Seattle, Wash. She was preceded in death by two brothers, John Everett Gibbons and Elgin Wayne Gibbons, and three nephews.
Survivors include two sons, Robert Gregory Lathram of Collinsville, Ill. and Patrick Osburn of University Place, Wash.; a daughter, Melissa Sweetwood of Hazelwood, Mo.; three grandchildren; three sisters, Effie Hibbs of Salem, Imogene Mercer of Central City and Ruby Gascoigne of Adams, Wis.; two brothers, Tom Gibbons of Bluff City, Tenn. and Ron Gibbons of Graham; and many nieces and nephews.
Burial will be in Grapevine Cemetery in Madisonville at a later date.
Hubert LaDell Wilkins
GREENVILLE – Hubert LaDell Wilkins, 89, died Sunday, May 4, 2008 at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville following a brief illness.
Born in Kirkmansville March 24, 1919, he was the son of the late Archie Odell Wilkins and Antha Lack Wilkins. He served in the United States Marine Corp during World War II where he was a Corporal. He received purple hearts and volunteered for rescue missions and saved many military brothers. He owned many businesses in Greenville, including service stations, and worked as a UMWA coal miner for Peabody Coal Company for 33 years. He was loved by all his family. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Etta Rice Wilkins, and a daughter, Anna Louis Renfrow.
Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Anna Pearl Randolph Wilkins; a son, Hubert Lynn Wilkins of Owensboro; two daughters, Ruthanne Jarvis of Indiana and Paulette Bednaric of Virginia; a brother, Arch Wilkins of Greenville; 10 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; a step-son; six step-daughters; 16 step-grandchildren; and eight step-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services with military honors will be held at 2 p.m. May 7 at Gary's Funeral Home in Greenville with the Rev. Danny Mooneyhan officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7 at the funeral home.
Reva Nell Hearld
HENDERSONVILLE, TENN. – Reva Nell Hearld, 84, formerly of Central City, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at her residence.
Born in Muhlenberg County Nov. 21, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Tennie Shemwell. She was a homemaker and a member of Blue Grass Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tenn. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Roger Hearld, Jr.; a granddaughter, Lori Michele Teague; two sisters, Captola Smith and Milladean Hendricks; and a brother, Ennis Shemwell.
Survivors include her husband, the Rev. Norman Hearld; a son, Roger (Joann) Hearld of Hendersonville, Tenn.; a daughter, Norma (Danny) Teague of Louisville; three granddaughters, Kim Teague, Bethany (Kevin) Davis and Sarah Hearld; a grandson, Seth Hearld; a great-granddaughter, Kayla Grace Davis; and a sister, Wanda Hopper of Central City.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. May 8 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Ernest Bean officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Central City. Visitation will begin at 3 p.m. May 7 at the funeral home.
05-06-08
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Happenings/Meetings
05/06/08
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• The following precinct voting locations have changed: A 102 Central City Precinct previously voting at the Courtyard and A 106 W. Central City Precinct previously voting at Chaney’s Restaurant, will both now vote at the Central City City Building, 214 North First Street in Central City; D 103 Weir Precinct previously voting at Curtis Hardison’s will now vote at Cherry Grove Church of Christ, 5949 State Route 171 in Greenville.
• The Muhlenberg County Preschool/Head Start program is now taking applications. For more information, contact Billie Payne, Bremen Head Start, 525-3918; Judy Randolph, Central City Head Start, 754-3974; Kim Watkins, Greenville Head Start, 338-4314; Billie Payne, Longest Head Start, 338-6337; Debra Ursrey, Muhlenberg South Head Start, 476-9841.
• Applications are now being accepted through July 1 for the Leadership Muhlenberg 2008-2009 class. For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 338-5422, 754-2360 or www.muhlenbergchamber.org.
• The Muhlenberg South Middle and High School Bands annual spring concert will be held at 6 p.m. May 8 at the Muhlenberg South Middle School gym featuring the sixth-grade band, the seventh and eighth-grade middle school band and the high school symphonic band. Students are to report by 5:40 p.m. The concert is free. • There will be Teen Challenge of Western Kentucky banquet at 6:30 p.m. May 8 at Second Baptist Church in Greenville with a meal, music and powerful testimonies of God’s transforming love. Teen Challenge is a long-term, faith-based residential drug recovery program with more than 50 years of history and has a confirmed success rate of 86 percent for students who complete the program. For more information, call 270-249-0007 or visit the website at www.teenchallengeusa.com.
• Orientation activities will be held May 8 at Muhlenberg High School for the 2008-09 school year for eighth-grade North Middle School students. The program will begin at 6:30 p.m., but families may come earlier to tour the school with the assistance of guides. Students will be registered for courses with the assistance of a Star Group advisor or counselor. Refreshments will be provided. Parents and students are encouraged to attend this important introduction to high school.
• Madisonville Community College will hold commencement exercises at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. May 9 in the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. More than 225 graduates are expected to participate in one of the two ceremonies. During the actual ceremonies, an outstanding student and an outstanding faculty member will be recognized.
• Don’t miss Sinners Dream at 7 p.m. May 10 at Christ of Calvary General Baptist Church off Hwy. 2107 between Central City and Drakesboro at the end of Commache Lane in Cleaton. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call the Rev. Mike DeArmond at 270-476-2880 or David Shadowen at 270-977-7552.
• The Drakesboro Alumni Banquet honoring the classes of 1938, 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978 and 1988 will begin with social hour at 4:30 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. May 10 at the Drakesboro School building. The cost is $12 and reservations are required. Call 270-476-1249 to make reservations or send check payable to Drakesboro Alumni Association, P.O. Box 62, Drakesboro, KY 42337. All former graduates, teachers and students are welcome.
• Election School will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. May 13 at the Convention Center Inn.
• American Red Cross Blood Drives will be held from 1 to 7 p.m. May 14 at First Baptist Church, Highway 176 W. in Drakesboro and from noon to 6 p.m. June 3 at Central City Church of Christ, 401 W. Everly Brothers. Blvd. in Central City. For more information on blood donation, call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
• Stretch your food dollars. Purchase the following items for $30. 1.5 lb. bacon wrapped beef filet (4 x 6 oz.), 2.5 lb. breaded chicken breast filets, 1.5 lb. bone-in pork steaks (4 x 6 oz.), 28 oz. salisbury steak dinner entree, 2.5 lb. beef and bean burrito (10 x 4 oz.), 2 lb. popcorn chicken, 9.5 oz. Stouffer’s flat bread pizza, 16 oz. cauliflower and carrot blend, 15 oz. corn niblets, 16 oz. green beans, 2 lb. fresh onions, 29 oz. pears, 32 oz. Borden 2% reduced fat shelf-stable milk, 9 oz. breakfast cereal, 8 oz. corn muffin mix, 16 oz. bean soup mix, a dozen eggs and a dessert item. Available for anyone in Muhlenberg County. Quantity is not limited. Not for profit Angel Food Ministry available through Second Baptist Church in Greenville across from Southern States. Orders may be placed in the church office during regular business hours, after all services May 11 and will also be taken and paid for from 10 a.m. to noon and from 4 to 6 p.m. May 14. Food stamp orders can only be accepted May 14. Pick-up is at 10 a.m. May 31. Accepting cash, check or food stamps. For more information, call 543-5345 or 338-6160.
• Muhlenberg South High School is now accepting nominations for parent members of the Site Based Decision Making Council for the next school year. Send nominations to SBDMC of Muhlenberg South High School, 2900 State Route 176, Greenville, KY 42345. Deadline for nominations is May 15. MSHS will be holding elections for Site Based Decision Making Council parent members from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. May 18 at the high school.
• The First Presbyterian Church at 301 Center Street in Central City is hosting a free concert at 7 p.m. May 16 with the Voices of Appalachia from Alice Lloyd College performing. For more information, call Pastor Archie Fugate at 608-1450 or the church at 754-3150.
• All survivors of the Feb. 5 tornado are welcome to share their stories of recovery, as well as visitors, at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at the “Thirsty” Coffee House at the Greenville United Methodist Church. Use the Coffee House entrance underneath the front steps.
• The Annes family reunion will be held May 17 at the Ennis Community Center with the doors opening at 10 a.m. and a potluck lunch around 12:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome and relatives are expected.
• The Graham Alumni Association will hold their annual meeting and dinner at 6 p.m. May 24 at Short’s Restaurant in Graham. Special recognition will be given to the classes of 1938, 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1983 and 1988. Reservations need to be made by May 19 and the cost of the meal is $15 per person. Call Zula Ann at 338-1757 or Debbie at 338-4129.
• The Hughes-Kirk High School class of 1968 will hold its 40-year reunion June 7 at Star Records, 130 E. Broad St. in Central City. The cost is $15 for singles and $25 for couples. KP’s Smokehouse will cater the event and entertainment is planned. Please RSVP by sending reservation check to Joe C. (Criss) English, 8543 U.S. Hwy. 431 South, Penrod, KY 42339 or call 270-657-2725 or 270-792-3058.
• Highlights of local photographers featuring work from local residents, amateur and professional, will be on exhibit until June 20 at the Dawson Springs Museum and Art Center, Inc., 127 S. Main St. in Dawson Springs. For more information, call 270-797-3503.
• Drakesboro Spring Fest 2008 will be May 31 at the old Drakesboro School building with a cruise-in; car, truck and motorcycle show; bike poker run; food and game booths; flea market booths; and entertainment. For car show information, call Philip Hardison at 476-8235; poker run and bike show information, call Matt McDonald at 543-9936; yard sale space or flea market booth information, call Billy Flener at 977-6907; food or game booth information, call Jenni Ford at 977-2686.
• ACE 2 is offering classes for those wishing to obtain their GED, to prepare for the Compass exam and to certify their scores for employment. Classes are offered mornings and afternoons, Monday through Thursday and from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. After students take the TABE test, instructors will provide instruction in needed areas. Call 338-2257 to sign up for classes. Services are free of charge.
• Pennyrile Allied Community Services, Inc. offers emergency relief for those who qualify. Those in need of help with household expenses can contact the PACS office at 338-5080.
• Muhlenberg South Middle School is accepting nominations for parents to participate on the Site-Based Decision Making Council. SBDM parent election will be from 5 to 6 p.m. May 22 at MSMS.
• Muhlenberg South Middle School graduation will be at 6 p.m. May 22.
• Muhlenberg Fiscal Court will meet at 3 p.m. May 8 in the Fiscal Courtroom.
• Greenville Elementary School will have a regular scheduled SBDM council meeting at 5 p.m. May 8 in the school library/media center. Everyone is welcome to attend.
• The SBDM council of Muhlenberg North Middle School will meet at 3:30 p.m. May 12 in the school's conference room.
• Drakesboro City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. May 12 in the old meeting room at its former location.
• The Muhlenberg County Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. May 12 at the central office in Powderly.
• The Greenville Tourism Commission will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. May 13 and May 27 at the Duncan Cultural Center in Greenville. Everyone is welcome.
• Central City City Council will meet at 5 p.m. May 14 at the City Building.
• The Muhlenberg County Extension Council meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. May 19 at the Muhlenberg County Extension Office. Topics include reviewing the final four year plan of work, selecting board members for the Phase I Board and other items. Contact the Extension Office at 338-3124 by May 15 to pre-register.
• Paradise Park Regional Industrial Development Authority will meet at 10 a.m. May 15 at the Career Advancement Center in Powderly.
• Joint City-County Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. May 15 in the Fiscal Courtroom providing there is something on the agenda.
• The Airport Board will meet at noon May 19.
• Muhlenberg County Water District #3 will meet at 7 p.m. May 19 at the water office.
• South Carrollton City Council will meet at 6 p.m. May 20 at the Community Center.
• Powderly City Council will meet at 6 p.m. May 20 at Powderly City Hall, 211 Hillside Rd. in Powderly.
Rita Dukes
When rains come in July, they’re usually welcome.
The recent rains were certainly appreciated by area farmers as well as nature.
On a recent moonlit night, my daughter and I drove down a country road and were amazed at the seemingly spontaneous growth of the surrounding fields of corn.
The corn tassels seemed to be stretching with all their might toward the sky and appeared to be celebrating the cooling moisture they had received.
The sky was clearer, the stars were brighter and we took the time to appreciate the beauty of the masterpiece overhead.
“You know all this rain and cooler temperatures have come up from the south where they’ve had that hurricane,” I said to my daughter. “They had to endure a bad storm while we’re getting the benefit of all this rain.”
The rest of the way home, I contemplated how passing storms sometimes clarify our own lives.
Storms come. Storms pass.
There’s a song our youth group sings which says, “The anchor holds, though the ship’s been battered. I have fallen on my knees and I faced the raging seas, but the anchor holds in spite of the storm.”
I shuddered when I thought of that statement.
I thought about the storms in my life, not only just the wind and the lightning that caused me to say a prayer of safety for my family; but also the storms that rage within my own psyche. Battles are fought daily in our spiritual lives.
Sometimes I take things too hard; sometimes my spirit takes a beating. Sometimes, I’m too weak to stand and I fall, but I know where my help comes from and I look up.
The ship is battered but the Anchor holds.
September Rain
By RITA DUKES
Leader-News Editor
Have you ever noticed the smell of a September rain? The rain smells different than in other months. Perhaps it comes from the aroma of the August-weary ground as it soaks it up.
I’m not sure why I like rain. And I’ll admit, I like thunderstorms, too.
I love to walk out on the porch during a storm and listen to the calming repetition of raindrops on the roof. Claps of thunder are like applause to the rain for a job well done.
I’ve never been afraid of storms, and have never understood the fear. Some people may think that I am brave, but really, I have no fear in something I know man cannot affect. And I personally know the Master of the wind.
It seems I can think more clearly when there’s a good downpour outside.
At those times, it is as if my thoughts have no limitations as I sit and listen to the raindrops falling in perfect synchronization.
When I as a teenager, I wrote a poem that has a line about the smell of rain. I don’t really remember, but I like to think it was raining the day I wrote it.
I have the poem tucked inside an old greeting card box inside another old box on my closet shelf.
Once or twice a year, I get the boxes down and go through them.
First, I pull out my children’s first baby shoes and lovingly admire them. Next, I take out my husband’s cherished basketball net from a Central City Tide tournament win long, long ago.
And then, almost reverently, I take out the greeting card box. Although it’s worn with age and use, it still feels smooth and nice. It has Bible scriptures printed in gold on its faded pink front.
Inside, there are two exquisitely embroidered hand towels that my mother gave me a long time ago. I have never used them because they’re just too good for my kitchen.
As I unfold the two mint-green linen towels, I see the face of my father smiling up at me in an old U.S. Army photo. He looked so much different than the man I remember.
In the photo, he had a full head of blond hair and a great smile.
The man I remember never had hair on top, and his smile had faded along with the years. The father I knew and loved died of cancer at the age of 53.
Long before I was born, my father served our country in the U.S. Cavalry during World War II and later as an instructor during the Korean Conflict.
As children, my brother and me would ask Dad to tell us about the war, but he wouldn’t talk much about it. I knew he didn’t receive a Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster and Bronze Star for nothing. And, I was always proud of the part my father played in ensuring our nation’s freedom. I was 16 years old when he died, and I spent the last few months of his life recoiled in my own little world. I cried a lot but I didn’t let anyone see me.
I went through the motions of going to school and playing softball, but inside a dark fire was burning. People thought I was a brave young girl then, but I realized no human could fix what was wrong in my world.
Underneath my dad’s photo in the greeting card box is an aged piece of notepaper with the poem I wrote. It reads:
When on your plate you find nothing but bitter herbs, may you still cherish the taste of freedom.
When your ears are filled with cries of anguish; may you hold in your heart the sound of music.
If your hands are tied, may you still touch and be touched.
In an artificial world, may you always appreciate the aroma of flowers and the smell of rain.
May you never be so blind that you do not see, only the body can be bound, for the soul flies free.
It was pretty deep for a 16-year-old I suppose, and I never really associated the words with my father until lately.
It is the only poem I’ve ever written, and this is a rare occasion that someone else has read it. I’m not sure why I shared it today, but as I walked out early one September morning, the smell of rain brought a flood of memories to my mind.
The aroma brought the recollection of the greatest turmoil in my life and the greatest loss I’ve yet to know. And yet, I felt at peace.
As the raindrops began falling harder, I stood there under the oak tree and let the soothing sound and smell of rain replenish my soul.
‘Snow daze’ still brings a smile
By RITA DUKES
Leader-News Editor
December 11, 2002
In fact, in the late seventies, there was a three-year stretch of Arctic-like temperatures and snows which kept schools closed for as long as two weeks at a stretch.
The recent snow we’ve had has helped get people in the Christmas mood.
Trees have been hastily thrown up so that the lights look more beautiful against pearly white landscapes.
While most of us love the beauty of snow, those who have to drive to work don’t enjoy the extra time it takes to get there or the dirty, slushy stuff that gets all over our vehicles.
Driving into work at Leader-News on a recent slippery morning, I started thinking about the first time I had to really drive on the snow, and it brought a smile to my face once again.
I was very young and working my first job. I knew I couldn’t call in and say I wasn’t coming because that would look bad.
So, I cranked up my mother’s big Ford and cleaned off the windshield.
A lady in our community worked at one of the local motels as a housekeeper, and called to ask if she could get a ride into town with me. I told her I’d do my best.
I tried to remember all the things my father had told me about driving in the snow. One thing that stuck out in my mind was that he told me not to hit my brakes if I started to slide because I could lose control of the vehicle.
So, I slowly headed down the big hill where the lady lived on a one-lane road. I drove so slow that I didn’t have to put my brakes on once.
After picking her up, we topped her hill and then I saw the downside of the hill before us. It was much, much steeper on that side of town. But it was the route I had to travel.
I made it pretty good at first and was gaining confidence in my driving skills.
The road there, prophetically named Rex Hill, was narrow as well as steep; and all that kept going through my head was not to put on my brakes.
But I’d underestimated the amount of speed I was going to pick up.
We passed New Hope Baptist Church doing about 35 mph, which isn’t that bad in good weather.
After the church, there’s a small hill that I hoped would slow me down. However, the big Ford actually picked up speed.
At the bottom of the little hill, there were some railroad tracks. Immediately after the tracks, you had to turn right or left.
My route required the sharp right turn. By the time we neared the tracks, I was swerving a bit but still felt I could make the curve without touching my brakes.
Things were going well enough until I caught the glimpse of a pedestrian on the road.
I could tell we were going to pass each other at the railroad tracks.
I started blowing my horn to warn him of the looming light blue Ford tank that was about to invade his space.
When I got close enough to recognize the fellow, I knew we were in real trouble. He was a deaf, mute gentleman who had walked to the little neighborhood grocery store.
He was carefully watching his step as he carried his grocery bag, and was not looking up. He couldn’t hear my blaring horn either.
So, there was nothing left to do but hit the brakes.
And I did.
I remembered my dad telling me that if I had to use the brakes to pump them on and off rather than locking it up.
I started pumping and then I started swerving. I went this way and that and so did poor old Otis.
Although I believe the fellow was in his sixties at the time, he had catlike reflexes. In fact, it looked like he jumped straight up in the air two feet and then over.
I missed him or he missed me, and I never took my hands off the wheel.
He looked at me and I looked at him in the split second I passed him. We both smiled in relief and I think he was also slightly amused.
We made the right-hand turn also but it was something out of an old Dukes of Hazard show.
By this time, I turned to look at the little old I’d forgotten was in the car.
She was hitting her hand on her knee and laughing uncontrollably.
Then she let out a “Yee hah,” like a cowboy on a wild mustang.
I laughed, too. But was more because of relief.
Now, I can’t keep from laughing when I think of how that elderly gent jumped into the air and out of harm’s way.
The look on his face was priceless. In that split second, it said, “I’m glad you didn’t run over me,” and “There goes a young woman learning how to drive on the snow.”
Amazing gift for only a penny
By Rita Dukes, Editor
It’s amazing what a penny will get you these days. Note, I didn’t say what a penny will buy you, I said what it will get you.
Very early one Saturday morning I ran into a store to pick up just one item. With a world of problems on my mind and too little time to handle them all, I stood tapping my toe in the “speedy” checkout lane.
After waiting some time, my unrelenting fascination with people took over and I centered on the lady in the checkout line in front of me.
She had long hair with parts of it pinned back. She wore a common dress thatcame just below the knees and very basic, black tennis shoes. I figured her to be one of those people who look older than they really are due to a lifetime of hard work.
Though her face was worn and haggard, I guessed her to be only around 40.
I also noticed that she had shopped very carefully. She held some money rolled up in her hand as she watched the checker scan each item. One item she held back – an alarm clock.
When her tally was complete she owed $28.65. She very gingerly handed the checker all she was holding, two $20 bills. After the checker gave her the change, she placed the alarm clock on the counter. The checker said, “Let me scan this.” And I assumed she did this so the woman would not be embarrassed if the clock was more than the $11.35 she had left.
The total of the clock was $4.26. I noticed the woman looking at the quarter and dime as she gave them both to the checker along with a $10 bill.
I knew the woman would have liked to have a penny to go with her quarter. So I said, “Here, I have a penny.”
The _expression on her face struck me. She thanked me genuinely twice. Each time I said, “Oh, you’re welcome,” trying to brush off the insignificance of the gesture.
But, as if her “thank you’s” were not enough, she turned again before she walked off and added, “God will bless you for that some day.”
The checker was looking at me as I watched the lady leave. She gave me a pleasant, satisfied smile as I distractedly placed my merchandise on the counter.
And just as I handed her my money, I felt curiously weak. My legs felt like they would give out, and I leaned against the checkout counter.
I must admit, I’ve never felt that way before. The only way I can describe it is to say that I swooned. I’ve never done that before. I mean I’ve seen Elvis and I didn’t swoon. So, I knew that feeling was something special.
The feeling quickly passed, and I gathered my change and headed out the door.
But I couldn’t get the woman’s words, or the way she said them out of my mind. She was so appreciative of my minuscule courtesy as if I had given her a great gift. I wondered, “Was this a favor this woman rarely receives?”
As I drove down the highway, I forgot where I was really headed and began, instead, to think about God’s blessings.
I thought about my home and family and even my job. I thanked God. I thought about my good health, and again I thanked God.
As I counted my blessings, I wondered about the blessings I’ve never thanked Him for. I wondered, “Had He ever healed some innermost part that I didn’t even know was sick?”
Maybe I received something very special while standing in the checkout that day. Maybe swooning is the way you feel when the Master touches you.
But the bottom line is this — all of my inner reflection; the pleasant feeling the checker had; and an act of kindness shown to someone who might not be considered one of the world’s “beautiful people” was quite an encounter for three people one early Saturday morning.
And to think – all of this for a penny.
Country Store
By RITA DUKES
Leader-News Editor
As I stood in line at a one of the last remaining small country stores in the county a while back, I took a few moments to bask in the ambiance of its atmosphere and the interaction of the people inside.
It is the old-fashioned kind of store that has the tongue-in-groove wood floors that sway here and there with old, floor furnace grids that make a ruffling sound when you walk across them.
This store sells cold “dranks,” out of a pop machine.
It is also the kind of store that doesn’t offer many items like canned peaches or packs of pudding; but it sells delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches, and a heck of a lot of pop.
Patrons place orders for sandwiches by hollering over the meat counter to the cooks in the kitchen area where, since the wee hours of the morning, they have been busy preparing bacon, eggs and big ol’ biscuits for the hungry people who will be stopping in.
Inside the meat counter, there are neatly arranged rows of meats and cheeses which are sliced in the kitchen and weighed on a scale.
On the top of the counter, slices of pie with mile-high meringue sit waiting to tempt those who usually decide that they’ll cut back on calories tomorrow.
On that day, the cook and a customer were involved in some good-natured banter, and I smiled as I listened in.
It reminded me of the country store I in the neighborhood where I grew up. While the topics of jokes and conversation differ, the genuineness of its people is the same.
“The store” back then had one gas pump out front, which had a round light on top and sold regular for around 50 cents a gallon. Ethyl was a little higher.
That store had the swaying wooden floors, too, and had a big gallon jar of pickled eggs on top of the meat counter that I would stand and stare into. There was a coal-burning, potbelly stove in the center of its one big room where old men would sit and tell jokes and tales.
I would listen in on their conversations when I went there.
“Jack, these Twankies taste kinda stale,” I heard one day from one of the regulars.
“Well, anything tastes stale after you eat five of them, Earl.”
The men sitting around the stove erupted in a round of knee-slapping laughter. I remember laughing, too. And I felt particularly honored to have been there at “the store” the day of the famous Jack-Earl cake story which was retold many times.
Some customers didn’t order a pound of bologna at the store. Instead, they’d order a-dollar’s-worth-of bologna. The storekeeper would wrap the meat in waxed paper and tape it closed.
Riding down the one-lane blacktop road toward home, I would hear the names of my friends being called in to supper and the sound of a bat cracking against a softball somewhere in an unofficial backyard game; I would see how many bugs I could run over with my bike and how many times I could swerve from the right side of the road to the left on may way home, making the circles tighter and tighter the closer I got.
Coming back into the present, I realized I had stopped thinking about the multitude of work piled on my desk at the office and the number of chores I had left at home.
Instead, I indulged myself for a few moments and reminisced about a golden time in my life. I needed that.
By RITA DUKES
Leader-News Editor
Jan. 15, 2003
When I was a child, there were always water puddles around our house after a rain. I used to like to drop pebbles into the water and watch the ripples.
What began as small circles eventually became larger and larger until the minute shock waves reached the edge of the puddle.
Whenever I went fishing with my uncle, I’d spend more time throwing rocks into the water than I would trying to catch a meal. I used to think that the ripples formed by the rocks wouldn’t reach the edge of the pond and would fizzle out somewhere in between.
As I got older, I studied about Einstein’s theory of relativity and began to understand that all actions no matter how small change things.
This became more evident when I visited with some friends at a funeral home where services for a young man were being held.
The size of the crowd wishing to pay their respects during visitation was overwhelming.
Many people stood in line as long as an hour just to grasp the hands of his family members for a moment. Looking around the funeral home at the memorabilia lining the hallways, I began to think about the people the young man’s short life had touched.
I knew that the boy was a strong Christian and that his faith had endured throughout his battle with cancer.
When I reached his parents and took their hands, I told them of the prayers I had said for them. I also told them that while their son’s battle with cancer had been lost, the war had been won.
His parents were obviously saddened by their loss of someone so precious, but I marveled and how they encouraged others to keep the faith.
Never before had I realized the true depth of meaning of I Corinthians 15:55 as I did that night.
“O death where is thy sting, O grave where is thy victory.”
When I talked with his grandparents, they told me that one of the young man’s physicians and some nurses from Louisville had paid their respects that night.
The doctor told the grandmother that his life had been changed by the young man.
I began to think of all the lives that doctor will touch in his lifetime — hundreds, perhaps thousands.
I thought about the ripples caused by one little rock.
The circles get bigger and bigger until the whole pond is changed.