Beshear delivers disaster relief funds
LEADER-NEWS EDITOR
editor@ky-leadernews.com
POWDERLY — Gov. Steve Beshear made good on a promise to western Kentucky as he delivered relief funds to tornado ravished areas of Muhlenberg County.
Beshear, state Rep. Brent Yonts, city and county officials and tornado relief volunteers from across the county gathered at the Merle Travis Music Center in Powderly July 31 to commemorate the grants.
Powderly city officials accept a $100,000 ceremonial check from Gov. Steve Beshear for tornado relief cleanup efforts in the city of Powderly. Beshear also presented checks to the cities of Greenville and Central City and Muhlenberg County. Powderly also received a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to assist 12 families not associated with the tornado disaster.
Indictments returned in Milligan murder case
Leader-News Staff Writer
reporter@ky-leadernews.com
Murder indictments were returned by the Grand Jury against three Muhlenberg County residents accused of killing a Central City woman.
According to Commonwealth Attorney Ralph Vick, Britton L. McPherson, a.k.a. Britton L. Scarborough, 37, of Belton, was arraigned Aug. 4 and bail set at $500,000.
Arraignments for Tamala Parker, 34, and Richard A. Smith, 43, both of Central City, were postponed until Aug. 11 due to unavailability of counsel.
The three are charged with the July 1 murder of Lora Milligan, 39.
Sierra Club considers suing EPA for decision on Thoroughbred air permit extension
The Sierra Club is considering legal action against the Environmental Protection Agency to force a decision on a petition regarding the planned Thoroughbred Energy campus in Muhlenberg County.
The petition, filed by the Sierra Club last October, asks the federal agency to deny any further attempts by Peabody Energy to extend the life of its air emissions permit for the 1,500-megawatt coal-fired power plant.
The agency had 60 days to respond according to federal law, but a ruling has not been made yet.
Walters Bluegrass champ
Local bluegrass musician, Zeke Walters of Greenville, made it two years in a row July 18 when he took first place in the Bluegrass Banjo Division, at the 2008 Official Kentucky State Championship at Rough River Dam State Park. Walters performed “Lonesome Road Blues” and “Bugle Call Rag” to take top honors.
08-06-08
Central City takes back Coal Bucket
Muhlenberg County’s version of the Ryder Cup took center stage this weekend at the Greenville and Central City Country Clubs with the coveted Coal Bucket (and the pride that comes with it) on the line.
For the first time since 2001, it was the GCC that came in as defending champions. However, the CCCC team jumped out of the gates on Saturday to take a 5-1 lead after Best Ball en route to a convincing 16-8 victory to reclaim the Coal Bucket.
Central City’s Mark Adams watches the ball after teeing off during the first round of the annual Coal Bucket Matches Aug. 2-3 at the Greenville County Club. (Leader-News Photo/Paul Moore)
Greenville’s Brad Tudor and Rice Eaves beat Central City’s Parker Scarbro and Adam Locke during Saturday’s best ball match at the Greenville County Club. (Leader-News Photo/Paul Moore)
Larimore wins Lady Stars’ Invitational
CENTRAL CITY – Green County sophomore Kate Larimore drained an 8-foot eagle putt on the first playoff hole to edge Franklin-Simpson’s Kelsey Burrell and claim the individual championship of the Muhlenberg North Lady Stars’ Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday at the Central City Country Club.
The Muhlenberg North Lady Stars golf team finished sixth with a team score of 366 during the annual Lady Stars Invitational Golf Tournament Aug. 4 at the Central City Country Club. Members of the team include, Paige Brewer, Paige DeArmond, Schyler Pentecost, Breanna Shoemaker, Terri Beth Amos and Meagan Poole. (Leader-News Photo/Jill Latham)
The Muhlenberg South Lady Suns golf team finished fourth with a team score of 355. South’s Macy Brown shot a 75 to finish fourth individually. Members of the team include, Kristen Newman, Lauren Eaves, Macy Brown and Taylor Cook. Absent from photo-McCarly Cook. (Leader-News Photo/Jill Latham)
20th annual Kentucky Deer Classic set for August 23
Over 3,500 hunting enthusiasts from a quad-state area are expected to converge on the Muhlenberg County Ag & Convention Center in Powderly on Saturday, August 23, for the 20th Annual Kentucky Deer Classic, sponsored by the Greater Muhlenberg Chamber of Commerce.
Gates will open at 8 a.m. and remain open until 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for children ages 3-11. (Note: There is also a $2 per vehicle parking fee charged by the Ag Center).
For more information about the Kentucky Deer Classic, contact the Greater Muhlenberg Chamber of Commerce at (270)-338-5422.
08-06-08
Hannah J. Knight
HIGHLAND, IND. – Hannah J. Davis Knight, 73, died Thursday, May 29, 2008 at her home with her family by her side.
A member of the Cline Avenue Baptist Church, she attended Suburban Bible Church of Highland. She enjoyed being outdoors and having flowers decorate the outside and inside of her home. She also loved to read the scriptures and walked close to her Lord. She will be greatly missed. Our family's loss is Heaven's gain. She was preceded in death by her parents, Collas Davis, Sr. and Myrtis Davis; a granddaughter, Melissa; and a sister, Edwina Davis.
Survivors include her husband of 55 years, Loran; a daughter, Bev (David) Rolland of Highland, Ind.; two sons, Jeff (Laura) Knight of Schererville, Ind. and Tim (Chrislin) Knight of Hammond, Ind.; nine grandchildren, Stacey and Stefanie Knight, Jennifer (Jeff) Higley, Matthew and Erin Rolland, Brandon, Bradley, Brian and Brett Knight; a great-grandbaby due in August; three brothers, Collas Davis, Jr., Truman (Alma) Davis and Randel Davis, all of Kentucky; and two sisters, Virginia Carter of Kentucky and Carlotta (Doug) Fulkerson of Cedar Lake, Ind.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. June 2 at Kuiper Funeral Home in Highland, Ind. with the Rev. Collas Davis, Jr. officiating. Burial followed in Elmwood Cemetery in Hammond, Ind.
LENOIR CITY, TENN. – Heather Nell Ward, 34, died Tuesday, July 29, 2008. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Paul and Frances Wood and Ivan Neil Ward.
Survivors include two daughters, Courtney Lee Flynn of New Hampshire and Lauren Elba Ynguanzo of Lenoir City, Tenn.; her mother, Georgia Redmond of Lenoir City, Tenn.; her father, Ivan Ward of Drakesboro; two brothers, Randall Ward of Greenville and Timothy Ward of Central City; her grandmother, Nora Lee Ward of Greenville; a step-grandmother, Katherine Jenkins of Lenoir City, Tenn.; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held at 7 p.m. Aug. 1 at Click Funeral Home in Lenoir City, Tenn. with Jesse Wood officiating. Burial was private.
Christabel Norris Bethel
GREENVILLE – Christabel Norris Bethel, 98, died Thursday, July 31, 2008 at Belle Meade Nursing Home in Greenville following several months illness.
Born in Butler County June 22, 1910, she was the daughter of the late James Robert Norris and Lottie Belle Douglas Norris. She was a housewife and homemaker and a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Carl Bethel on May 29, 1970; a daughter, Hazel Mae McDonald on March 8, 1983; six brothers, Carlos Norris, Finas Norris, Urey Norris, Grady Norris, Clifton Norris and Ernest Norris; and a sister, Beulah Norris.
Survivors include a son, James Bethel of Waynesburg; five grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at Gary's Funeral Home in Greenville with the Rev. Billy Vincent officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville.
William Marshall "Bill" Hibbs
POWDERLY – William Marshall "Bill" Hibbs, 83, departed this life to be with his Lord on Wednesday, July 30, 2008.
Born in Muhlenberg County Sept. 25, 1924, he was the son of the late Isaac L. and Anna Fogel Hibbs of Central City. He worked at Ray Lam Sales, IC Railroad and was retired as an auxiliary operator with TVA. He served in the United States Army during World War II where he became a POW and received a Purple Heart. He was a member of Green River Chapel Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a sister, Jane Hibbs Williams.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Margaret Jernigan Hibbs of Powderly; a son, Edward Marshall (Kay) Hibbs; a daughter, Rebecca L. (Clyde) Smith; four grandchildren, Shawna Smith Chenel, Monica Hibbs (Kavin) Gunterman, Corey Marshall (Heather) Hibbs and Quentia Smith (Curtis) Alfred; nine great-grandchildren, Jordan Gunterman, Sierra Higgs, Haley Gunterman, Austin Fields, Braydon Hibbs, Landon Gunterman, C.J. Chenel, Justice Alfred and Matthew Alfred; a sister, Mary Francis McRoy; and several nieces, nephews and close, dear friends.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Aug. 2 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Revs. T.H. Davis and Bob Thurman officiating. Burial followed in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Powderly.
Mary Ann Stanley
GREENVILLE – Mary Ann Stanley, 91, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at Muhlenberg Community Hospital in Greenville.
Born in Logan County March 19, 1917, she was a homemaker and a member First Baptist Church in Greenville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Finas Stanley; a son, Wayne Stanley; two daughters, Geraldine Stanley and Charlotte Lear; a sister, Novella Stanley; and two brothers, Melvin McIntosh and James Vernon McIntosh.
Survivors include two daughters, Gloria Stamps of Greenville and Joan Johnson of Wilmington, Ill.; three sons, Owen Ray Stanley of Graham, Glen Stanley and Marty Stanley, both of Greenville; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Nadine Costellow of Russellville, Dona Belle Wood and Irene Christy of Penrod.
Funeral services were held at 1 p.m. Aug. 2 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Gary McAbee officiating. Burial followed in Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville.
Brenda Joan Carr White
CICERO, ILL. – Brenda Joan Carr White, 65, formerly of Drakesboro, died Wednesday, July 30, 2008 at McNeal Hospital in Berwyn, Ill.
Born in Drakesboro June 1, 1943, she was a homemaker.
Survivors include her husband, Billy White; two sons, Steven White of Aledo, Ill. and Michael White of Chicago, Ill.; and a sister, Linda McManus of Drakesboro.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 6 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Leroy Rearden officiating. Burial will follow in Ebenezer Cemetery in Drakesboro.
Ruby Fraze Moore
Ruby Fraze Moore, 91, of Central City, died Saturday, Aug. 2, 2008 at Owensboro Mercy Health System in Owensboro.
Born in Muhlenberg County Nov. 21, 1916, she was a homemaker and a member of First Baptist Church in Central City.
Survivors include a son, Glen Moore of Collierville, Tenn.; four grandchildren; a brother, Tom Fraze of Hammond, Ind.; and two sisters, Lydia McElvain of Central City and Katharine Warman of Cedar Lake, Ind.
Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Aug. 4 at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with the Rev. Larry Sosh officiating. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Aug. 5 at Avon Center Cemetery in Grayslake, Ill.
Lena I. Verbeke
CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MICH. – Lena I. Verbeke, 81, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008 at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital in Clinton Township, Mich.
Born in Muhlenberg County Dec. 3, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Raymond and Birdie May Grace Ebling. She had worked in the sanitation department at Parke-Davis Company for 40 years before retiring in December 1986. She was a member of Lakeside Bible Chapel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur E. Verbeke on May 13, 1991; three children, Charlotte Cox, Alfred Verbeke and William Verbeke; and two siblings, Agnes Henderson and Charles Ebling.
Survivors include four children, Sandy Ufken of Germany, Michael Verbeke of New Baltimore, Pamela Lambart of Davisburg and Gary Verbeke of Clinton Township; 15 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and two siblings, Girtie Oates and Louis Caskey, both of Kentucky.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 8 at Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot Ave., Mount Clemens with Pastor Ray Gonzalez officiating. Burial will follow in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East Cemetery in Clinton Township. Visitation will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Aug. 7 at the funeral home.
Patricia Ann Wray
OWENSBORO – Patricia Ann Wray, 73, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2008 at Hillcrest Health Care Center in Owensboro.
Born in Muhlenberg County July 6, 1935, she was the daughter of the late Henderson and Inez Wray. She was a homemaker and a member of Hazel Creek Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a brother, Lyndle Wray, and a nephew, Larry Wray.
Survivors include two nieces, Sandra (Wayne) Watts of Owensboro and Linda (Ron) Shroyer of Fort Wayne, Ind.; a sister-in-law, Ella Wray of Fort Wayne, Ind.; and several great-nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were held at 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at Hazel Creek Cemetery in Browder with the Rev. Terry Chaney officiating. Tucker Funeral Home in Central City was in charge of arrangements.
George H. Rodman, Jr., M.D.
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. – George H. Rodman, Jr., M.D., 63, died Sunday, July 13, 2008.
A former resident of Greenville, he was the son of the late Dr. George H. Rodman and Frances Mulligan Rodman. He graduated from the University of Kentucky Medical School and served his internship and residency at the University of Miami and affiliated hospitals in Miami, Fla. He also served as Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve Medical Corps at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, Md. He went to Methodist Hospital in 1983, taking on the role of Director of Trauma Services.
Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Rodman; two sons, Brad and Christopher J. Rodman; three brothers, James, Charles and Jack Rodman; and a sister, Ellen McVay.
Funeral services were private. Flanner and Buchanan Funeral Center-Speedway was in charge of arrangements.
William Earl "Bud" Sparks
GRAHAM – William Earl "Bud" Sparks, 50, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008 in Dawson Springs.
Born in Alabama Sept. 19, 1957, he was a musician and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Sparks.
Survivors include a daughter, Keshia Phillipenas of Las Vegas, Nev.; a son, Kaleb Sparks of Depoy; his mother, Anita Sparks of Greenville; two brothers, James Albert Sparks of Greenville and Terry Sparks Sparks of Dawson Springs; two sisters, Toni McIntyre of Bowling Green and Kris Ford of Harrisburg, Ill.; and his fiancé, Susan Menser of Dawson Springs.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints with Jeffrey Newman officiating. Tucker Funeral Home in Central City is in charge of arrangements.
08-06-08
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Happenings/Meetings
08/06/08
_______________________________________________
• Muhlenberg County Long Term Disaster Recovery, Inc. is available to help victims of the Feb. 5 tornado. For more information, call 270-977-9519.
• AA meetings are at 8 p.m. Thursdays at the city building in Greenville; at 7:30 p.m. Mondays at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Central City; and at noon Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the New Immanuel Baptist Church next to the Central City Fire Department. Meetings are confidential and free of charge.
• 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.
• Friends of LBL announces the 2008 Land Between The Lakes Photo Competition. All photographs must have been taken in or of the Land Between The Lakes. Entries must be uploaded no later than 5 p.m. Sept. 15. Prizes will be awarded Oct. 25. For more information, send messages to competition@lblphotocontest.org.
• Stretch food dollars and purchase the following items for $30: 1.5 lb. Ribeye Steaks (4 x 6 oz.), 5 lb. Chicken Leg Quarters, 28 oz. Chicken Breast Nuggets, 28 oz. Salisbury Steak Dinner Entrée, 32 oz. Breaded Chicken Breast Filets, 16 oz. Smoked Sausage, 16 oz. California Blend Frozen Vegetables, 16 oz. Frozen Carrots, 16 oz. Frozen Chopped Spinach, 10 ct. Frozen Waffles, 16 oz. Bean Soup Mix, 1 lb. Rice, 9 oz. Instant Potatoes (14 servings), 15 oz. Sliced Peaches, 32 oz. Borden Shelf Stable Milk, a dozen eggs and a dessert item. This offer is available to anyone in Muhlenberg County and quantity is not limited. Not for profit Angel Food Ministry available through Second Baptist Church in Greenville across from Southern States. Regular cash/check orders may be placed from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Aug. 8 in the church office. Food stamp orders can only be accepted Aug. 6. Pick-up is at 10 a.m. Aug. 23. For more information, call 543-5345 or 338-6160.
• Canaan Bluegrass Gospel will be in concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 8 at Life and Praise Fellowship, Bass Lane in Greenville. Everyone is welcome.
• The William Henry Harrison Mallory family reunion will begin with a potluck lunch at 12:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Penrod Baptist Church fellowship hall. From Highway 431, turn on State Road 949 and go a half-mile to the church on the right. Immediate and extended Mallory family members are welcome to attend. For more information, call 317-298-7673, 812-207-6300 or 812-989-7444 or email stovewood@aol.com.
• McDonald’s in Central City will host a free Child ID program from noon to 2 p.m. Aug.10. Kids will get fingerprinted and parents get a passport-like booklet to take home containing all of their child’s vital information. The police department will be on-hand to answer questions as well.
• East Union Baptist Church, 3524 State Route 175 S. in Graham, will observe its 36 annual homecoming celebrating 156 years of Christian service Aug. 10. Still Water will be in concert at 10 a.m., worship service will be at 11 a.m. and fellowship will be at noon. Everyone is welcome and a nursery will be provided.
• The first rehearsal of the Owensboro Symphony Youth Orchestras will be Aug. 11 at the Owensboro Symphony Academy, 211 E. Second St. in Owensboro. The Cadet Orchestra will rehearse from 4 to 5:30 p.m. and the OSYO will rehearse from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Students wishing to audition for the OSYO should contact Maestro Joseph Choi via e-mail at maestrojec@aol.com. or may come to the first rehearsal.
• There will be a reunion for Sharon, Rice, Prowse and Green Chapel one-room schools Aug. 16 at Sharon Church. Social hour will begin at 10 a.m.; potluck lunch will be at noon with chicken provided; a program will follow. For more information, call 338-6521.
• Mark Fuller, a contemporary Christian music artist, will be singing and meeting with the public at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at Second Baptist Church in Greenville. Refreshments will be served.
• Madisonville Community College Singers rehearsals will resume from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. Everyone who loves to sing is welcome. For more information, call Sara Adams at 270-824-8617 or Lynn Curtis at 270-824-8685.
• The Muhlenberg County Public Library is offering computer education classes for adults from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 19 and Aug. 26 at the Central City location. "Computer Basics" will be taught first and "The Internet for Beginners" will be taught the next week. There are six seats available per session. If interested in attending either class, call 338-4760 to reserve a seat.
• A Punjabi weaving class will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Aug. 22 at the Muhlenberg County Extension Office. The cost is $10 and participants will need to bring a stool or chair. Call 338-3124 for more information or to register.
• There will be a meeting for anyone interested in organizing a Muhlenberg Central High School reunion at 6 p.m. Aug. 28 at the County Water Office. This reunion will be for everyone who attended the school or was employed there from 1953 to 1990 and will be held in 2010. For more information, email jabhenson@yahoo.com or tcstrad@yahoo.com.
• The 1978 class of Muhlenberg Central High School will hold its 30-year class reunion at 6 p.m. Sept. 6 at the Convention Center Inn in Powderly. For more information, contact Beth Jarvis Pogue at 476-3112 or 543-1355 or by email, bpogue1728@hotmail.com.
• The SBDM Council of Muhlenberg North Middle School will meet at 3:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the conference room.
• Drakesboro City Council will meet at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 11 in the old meeting room at its former location.
• The Muhlenberg County Board of Education will meet at 5 p.m. Aug. 11 at the central office in Powderly.
• Central City City Council will meet at 5 p.m. Aug. 13 at the City Building.
• Muhlenberg Fiscal Court will meet at 3 p.m. Aug. 14 in the Fiscal Courtroom.
• The Greenville Tourism Commission will meet from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Duncan Cultural Center in Greenville. Everyone is welcome to attend.
• The Airport Board will meet at noon Aug. 18.
• Muhlenberg County Water District #3 will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at the water office.
• Powderly City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at Powderly City Hall, 211 Hillside Rd. in Powderly.
• South Carrollton City Council will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Community Center.
• Paradise Park Regional Industrial Development Authority will meet at 10 a.m. Aug. 21 at the Career Advancement Center.
• The Joint City-County Planning Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 21 in the Fiscal Courtroom providing there is something on the agenda.
• The Muhlenberg County Conservation District board of supervisors will meet at 7 p.m. Aug. 21 at the NRCS office, 340 Dean Rd., Suite 3, in Greenville. Everyone is welcome.
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.