By CECIL PERGRAM

Times Editor

The Powell County Senior Citizen Center held it’s annual Christmas Bazaar on December 1 in Stanton.

Powell County Senior Center Director Shelia Thomas says this year’s event marked the 21st year where the community comes together to help support the seniors of Powell County.

“I’ve been the Director for three years and every single year the amount of money raised keeps going up. I wish people could just see how eager people and businesses from this county as well as surrounding counties are to donate an item or to make a monetary donations to make these services all possible,” Thomas said.

Thomas says that she would also like to thank all the seniors at the center who worked hard by volunteering their time to make the Holiday Bazaar such as success.

“The seniors worked so hard to volunteer to help put on the event and to make it all possible. I’m so thankful to have this job and to be able to provide the services that we do,” Thomas said.

Thomas says she was pleased with the overall turnout for the event and the center was able to raise over $2,200 towards helping provide the many services offered such as meal delivery, congregate meals and many more.

“Our meals are prepared and put together by a registered dietician so they’re getting a nutritious meal. Here we know that they’ll get meat, vegetables, a piece of bread and milk. They also get to socialize and to get out into the community,” Thomas said.

“We have activities for seniors to participate in everyday, we take them on outings, we will be going to the Kentucky Horse Park and later on this month we will be holding our annual Christmas Party,” Thomas said. “We just provide socialization for the seniors so they can get out of the house and not be stuck in the house all the time.”

Thomas says that for some seniors the center also offer them the ability to maintain their independence to live in their own homes.

“It does allow us to keep people in their own homes and to provide a meal to them everyday. In some cases that might be the only time some of this people will get to see someone else or have interaction for the entire day because they might not have children or they have children who live out-of-state and aren’t able to get to them everyday,” Thomas said. “It’s very rewarding and I would encourage other people to come up to participate with activities or crafts with the seniors and volunteers do meal deliveries.”

The Powell County Senior Citizen Center is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-to-4 p.m. and is located at 551 S. Main Street in Stanton.

If anybody is interested in volunteering, making a donation or would like additional information you can contact the Powell County Senior Citizen Center at 606-663-5981.

Powell County Sheriff’s Deputy Garland Lacy collecting items at Cash Express in Stanton.

By CECIL PERGRAM

Times Editor

During the months of November and December the Powell County Sheriff’s Office will be partnering with local businesses in both Clay City and Stanton to participate in a charity drive to collect new and used toys, non-pershiable food items and clothing to be donated to the Am Vets Post #67 in Clay City.

Once collected, the donations will be given to the Am Vets to distribute items to children as part of its annual Christmas with a Smile program scheduled to be held on December 22.

Powell County Sheriffs Deputy Garland Lacy has been setup at various locations throughout the community to collect the items throughout the month of November.

Shannon Watkins and Ashley Hood, with Cash Express in Stanton, is one of the many local businesses helping to also collect items, they say this years collection is one of the biggest drives they’ve been a part of in the nearly 14 years.

“I’d say we have over 200 brand news toys, six or seven boxes of used toys, boxes of food and several clothing items. All of our stuff will be going to Am Vets” Watkins said.

If you missed your opportunity to give you can still drop off items at Cash Express located at 231 W. College Avenue in Stanton.

On November 29 the Cash Express in Stanton will be in a friendly competition with the Cash Express store in Beattyville to see which community can collect the most toys, food, or clothing items.

“Were both small communities and we kind of challenged each other. They said said the store up there could get more people to come in a give more but we told them that we could get even more people than did to come in and give. So we’re going to see how we do and just have fun with it,” Watkins said.

Watkins said that she unsure how long the store will continue to be collecting items at the store but she believed December 7 would be the absolute latest date that people would opportunity have to drop off their donations. Watkins says that mostly local family owned businesses in Clay City and Stanton are collecting items and people can also make donations at any of those kind of businesses in the community.

For more information you can contact Shannon Watkins or Amanda Hood at 606-663-0209.

On November 30 children will have an opportunity to take free pictures with Santa Clause from 5 p.m.-to-7 p.m. at the Powell County Courthouse.

“We have been doing that for the past 12 years and we provide Santa because a lot of people don’t have an opportunity to drive to Lexington or other places to see Santa,” Powell County Sheriff’s Office Clerk Sherry Skidmore said. “We always do pictures, people can bring their own camera or I’ll take their pictures and it’s just been a kind of event that everybody in the community looks forward to.”

“I have some families that have come all 12 years and its neat I’ve been able to watch their families On December 7 local law enforcement will be participating with the “Shop with A Cop” program at the Winchester Wal-Mart beginning at 9 a.m.

For more information about you any activities involving the Powell County Sheriff’s Office you may visit the departments Facebook page for additional information.

Stanton native Bryan Parks returned home for a Retirement Ceremony from the United States Navy after 24 years of service. The ceremony was held on November 16 at the AM Vets Post #67 in Clay City.

By CECIL PERGRAM

Times Editor

Senior Chief Damage Controlman Bryan C. Parks, originally of Stanton retired from the United States Navy after 24 years of service. The retirement ceremony was held on November 16 at the American Veterans Post 67 in Clay City.

Parks was a graduate from Powell County High School before joining the U.S. Navy in August 25, 1994.

After boot camp and Fireman Apprenticeship Training at the Recruit Training Center in the Great Lakes area he reported to his first duty aboard the USS Frank Cable where he worked in the Ship Fitters Shop. Parks would next receive orders to go to his next ship the USS Santa Barbara where he spent a year and half attending to Damage Control “A” School.

Parks went on to graduate top in his class at Damage Control “A” School. He was advanced to Third Petty Officer and was selected for duty onboard the USS Mitscher. While aboard the USS Mitscher he earned his Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist Qualification and was advanced to the rank of Second Class Petty Officer. After completion of this sea tour, Parks reported to his first shore duty at the Fleet Training Center Virginia Fire School in Norfolk, Virginia. While at the school he was advanced to the rank of First Class Petty Officer and was Leading Petty Officer for the advanced shipboard firefighting course and earned his Master Training Specialist Qualification.

Parks next reported for duty on the USS Vella Gulf. He was the Leading Petty Officer for Repair Division Command’s Enlisted Surface  Warfare Specialist and in 2004 was selected for Chief Petty Officer. He was transferred to the USS Carr where he served as Repair Division

 Leading Chief Petty Officer.

Parks then reported to his first of two tours at Navy Recruiting District Ohio where he was the Recruiter in Charge of Navy Recruiting Station in Somerset, Ky. After completion of his tour of duty at NRD Ohio, he received orders to go back aboard the USS Vella Gulf. While on duty he advanced to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and served as the Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer and earned his Engineering Officer of the Watch Qualification.

Parks would go on to complete a short tour of duty onboard the USS Barry before he reported to his final sea duty tour as Engineering Department Leading Chief Petty Officer onboard the USS Carter Hall. Parks then reported to his final duty station at NRD Ohio where he served as Division 8 Division Officer and Antiterrorism Officer.

Senior Chief Parks personal awards include Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a variety of Unit Commendations and campaign awards.

Parks is married to Kimberly Y. Parks, also from Stanton, Ky, the couple was married on June 24, 1995 and have three children; Brandon, Kaetlyn and Matthew and one granddaughter, Emilia.

By CECIL PERGRAM

Times Editor

The Powell County Board of Education held a regular scheduled meeting on November 12 at the Powell County Middle School Library.

The board held a reception for employees who had recently retired from the Powell County School System. The board also recognized each retiree individually during the meeting. Those recognized were: Ann Bishop, Suzy Brown, Rondal Davis, Anne Faulkner, Myra Goodwin, Renee Marcum-Losey, Jama Preston, Connie Reed, Glynda Skidmore, Dwight Smith, Vicky Spencer, Lynne Stidham and Michael Tate.

Powell County High School Bass team member Ronnie Tipton was recognized for an award he won for fishing during a National Crappie Tournament.

2017 PCHS Graduate Cameron Owlsley was recognized for being awarded the American FFA Degree.The American FFA degree is the bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. Owsley was awarded the American FFA degree at the 91st national FFA convention and expo held October 24-27 in Indianapolis.

Owsley is just the fourth recipient from Powell County to be awarded the FFA National American Degree since 1938. He is the first to receive the award in 35 years.

Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention.

Supervisor of Instruction Stacy Linn presented the board with a opportunity to participate in

the G.E.A.R. U.P. program — short for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs will help the district get two additional employees to work as Academic Interventionist and College and Career Navigators to assist Powell County students with narrowing down a career path they’re interested in following after graduation.

The board approved a motion to enter into a memorandum of agreement to participate in the Gear-up program with Powell County sixth and seventh graders over the next seven years until 2025.

The board also approved a motion approving a job description and salary schedule for two academic interventionist and two college and career navigator positions.

Linn also provided the board with a presentation in regards to an interim assessment  concerning teachers and their professional development.

Staff Report

Savannah Denniston, Dallas Denniston, and Jaxon Denniston

Tuesday was the 2018 mid-term election and it seems that across the state vote turnout was up. It was great to see people out performing their civic duty and there was great weather for it too. Sunny skies following a night of hard rain, gusting wind and booming thunder to go with unseasonably balmy temperatures.

In the hard fought race for United States Representative in Congress incumbent Republican Andy Barr held on to his seat and will be representing Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District in Washington for next two years. Barr totaled 3,170 votes in Powell County, Democratic challenger Amy McGrath 1,671 votes. In the race for State Representative Republican David Hale carried the day earning himself another bid in Frankfort. Hale received 2,433 votes in Powell County his opponent James Davis received 2,421 votes. Brian King was elected to the office of Powell County Circuit Clerk. King tallied 2,712 votes to Jessica Farmer Yarbor’s 2,111 votes. James Anderson was elected to another term as Powell County Judge Executive. Anderson received 2,576 votes his challenger Charles Faulkner received 2,298. Jackie Boone Everman was elected as the new Powell County Clerk. Everman received 3,209 votes her opponent Megan Daniels Wells received 1,685 votes. Danny Rogers won the race for re-election for Powell County Sheriff. Rogers received 3,226 votes and H.K. Goodwin received 1,643 votes. Billy L. Oliver carried Powell County in the race for District Judge. David Allen Barber carried Powell County in the race Judge of the Court of Appeals.

Miranda Stevens King was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, Dustin Billings was elected P.V.A, Travis Crabtree was elected Jailer, Megan Wells Davis was elected Coroner, Kevin N. Davis was elected County Surveyor.

Kenny Rice was elected as the next mayor of Clay City. Rice received 179 votes, Shawna Combs Smith 76 votes, Charissa Knox 76 votes. The Clay City council will include Robert Carmichael, Christina Ballard, Roslynn Hurt, Billy Todd, Ryan Smith, and Al Campbell. Magistrate for District 2 in Clay City will be Dennis Lee Combs. Jayme Hoskins will be Constable of District 2.

Mike Lockard was elected Magistrate District 3 and Ricky Allen was elected Constable District 3.

Stanton Mayor Dale Allen ran opposed and will remain in that office. Dale Allen was elected to another term as Mayor of Stanton. Stanton’s city council will be made up of Tommy Mays, Dixie Lockard, Jenell Brewer, Paul Mallory, and Pamela McIntosh Tipton and Rhonda Roe. Donna Gabbard won the race for Magistrate District 5. Richard Rogers was elected Constable district 5. Mike Lockard was elected Magistrate District 3 and Ricky Allen was elected Constable District 3.

Magistrate for district 4 will be Timmy Tipton. J.L. Bowen was elected Constable district 4. Chad Patton was elected Magistrate of District 1 and Anthony Faulkner was elected Constable District 1.

In other unopposed contests Miranda Stevens King was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, Dustin Billings was elected P.V.A, Travis Crabtree was elected Jailer, Megan Wells Davis was elected Coroner, Kevin N. Davis was elected County Surveyor and Robert Graham King was elected County Attorney.

Cameron Owsley

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence.  This year 4,262 American Degrees will be awarded.

Cameron Owsley, a member of the Powell County FFA chapter in Stanton, Kentucky, and a 2017 graduate,                                                                             

will be awarded the American FFA Degree at the 91st National FFA Convention & Expo Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis.

Sponsored by Case IH, Elanco Animal Health and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing or service programs.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they start, own or hold a professional position in an existing agricultural enterprise. Recipients must also complete 50 hours community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized on stage at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 653,359 student members who belong to one of 8,568 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by 344,239 alumni members in 2,051 alumni chapters throughout the U.S.

The Powell County Lady Pirates defeated the Estill County Engineers 5-2 in the 54th District Championship game. The team is dedicating the win to Assistant Coach Terry Mynk who had heart surgery at end of the last game.

TIMES STAFF

REPORT

On October 11 the Powell County Lady Pirate Soccer team took home back-to-back 54th District Championship s with a 5-2 victory over the Estill County Engineers at home.

With the victory the Lady Pirates improved to 8-5 for the season.

Senior Forward Emily Branham led the Lady Pirates in scoring with three goals, Seniors Ashley King and Hope Rankin also added one goal each for Powell.

King and Rankin also made appearances in the assist column each earning two assist during the match.

Freshman Goalkeeper Emma Ginn made 9 saves for the Lady Pirates while only allowing two goals to be scored by the Lady Engineers.

The Lady Pirates now move on to 14th Region Girls Soccer Tournament where they will face Perry County Central in Hazard on October 15.  The winner of the Powell-Perry Central matchup will face the winner of the Letcher Central and Estill County game for the 14th Region Championship on October 18 also in Hazard.

On the boys side the Pirates were defeated by Estill County who defeated Powell 2-1. The Pirates trailed by two goals late and were able to make things interesting when with a goal scored by Sophomore Bryan Baker. In the end the Pirates bid comeback came up short as time expired. Sophomore Goalkeeper Tyler Smith made three saves for the Pirates and allowed two goals in the loss.

With the lost the Pirates overall record moved to 10-6-1 on the season.

The Pirates faced Perry County Central on October 16 in 14th Region Tournament action in Hazard. The winner of the Powell-Perry County Central matchup will face the winner of a match between Estill-Hazard for the 14th Region Championship on October 18 at 8 p.m. The Times will include scores from 14th Region Soccer Tournament in next weeks publication.

Powell County High School will be crowning the next Homecoming Queen and her court during halftime of Friday nights football against Estill County. There will be a Homecoming Parade held Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The parade will begin at Whitaker Bank and proceed to an end at PCHS. See more photos on page A-16.

By CECIL PERGRAM

Times Editor

Powell County High School will be naming its 2018 Homecoming Queen during halftime of Friday night’s football game against Estill County.

This year will feature six local ladies vying for the title of Queen including Allie Adkins, Emily Branham, Molly Cornett, Hope Rankin, Lauren Salisbury and Kelsey Turner.

Ladies who are underclassman will also be competing against their peers for a spot in the Homecoming Court.

Those representing the Junior Class are Kaitlyn Haws, Madison Ovington, Hope Rogers and Brooklyn Smith.

Allison Collins, Brooklyn Harrison, Kamryn Kennon and Summer Ward will be representing the Sophomore class.

Cheyenne Barnes, Mikah Halfacre, Logan Reffitt, and Keeley Willoughby will be representing the Freshman Class.

The ladies will competing against their peers for the most votes and the top Senior with the most votes will be introduced as the Homecoming Queen.

The runner-up with the second highest vote totals will be named to the Homecoming Court along with the top vote getters from the junior, sophomore and freshman classes.

There will be a Homecoming Parade held on Thursday evening at 7 p.m. The Parade will start from the Whitaker Bank parking lot and will proceed down College Avenue before ending at PCHS.

On September 29 hundreds of empty shoeboxes will be transformed into gifts of hope as part of a community packing party aimed to reach out to children in need around the world. Operation Christmas Child, a project of the international Christian relief organization Samaritan’s Purse, will deliver the shoeboxes—filled with fun toys, school supplies, and hygiene items—to children affected by war, disease, disaster, poverty and famine.  The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world and, together with the local churchs worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

“We are so excited to come together with local volunteers to offer a community event that will have a lasting impact in the lives of children around the world. Each shoebox gift sends a message to a child that they are loved by God and not forgotten. It is an honor for our community to play a part in that.  For many of these children, the gift-filled shoebox will be the first gift they have ever received.” says local volunteer, April Stone, who also volunteers year-round with the project.

The party will be held at Powell County Middle School Gym located 770 W College Ave. in Stanto on September 29, at 10:00 a.m. The event is open to the public and anyone is welcome to come experience the joy of giving. This will be a fun event for the family, church groups, school clubs, scout groups and others.  In addition to packing shoebox gifts, the event will feature snacks, activities, a fun photo opportunity with a walking shoebox, and a station to write letters that may be included in the boxes.  Participants will also have opportunity to enter a drawing for four complimentary tickets to visit Dollywood this fall in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Whitaker Bank in Stanton and Clay City are serving as collection locations for donated items that will be used to pack the gift boxes.  Donations (which must be new items) will be accepted through September.  Typical items include small toys, soap, washrag, toothbrush, paper, pencil, sharpener, crayons.  For more complete information on the type of items needed (and those items that are not allowed for the boxes) visit the Operation Christmas Child website www.samaritanspurse.org/occ and click on “Pack a Shoebox”:

Groups, churches, and organizations who would like to be involved with the event as a team or otherwise may contact Misty Marsh at Whitaker Bank, 606-663-2283, for more information.