Clay City Times

Relay for Life fighting for a cure

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:26:46 +0000

The Powell County Relay for Life Event was held last Friday evening. The opening ceremonies kicked off the 12 hours of fun, hugs, tears and cheers as the local teams raised money to help with cancer research and to fight the disease. As always the Survivors Walk was a special part of the opening ceremonies. each year the group of survivors seems to grow and the love poured out through applause and hugs during the walk shows how much the local Relay for Life efforts are appreciated.

Senior citizens center trumps Nada project

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:25:04 +0000

The Powell County Fiscal Court held their regular meeting last Tuesday. The newly proposed 2012-2013 budget became the center of attention.
The court was presented with the first reading of the 2012-2013 budget. The court accepted the first reading. When looking over the budget in comparison to the previous year there are several changes apparent. The Times is still going through the budget. The general fund budget rose nearly $3 million in the proposal.
“That’s due to the CSEPP money we are receiving for the EOC (Emergency Operations Center),” Powell County Judge Executive James Anderson told the Times on Monday. When asked about apparent raises for some fiscal court office personnel, Anderson stated that it was not raises, but that some personnel held several positions. ‘To make it easier, the positions were combined to show the salaries as one line item,” Anderson stated.
The Times will report more next week about the entire budget and changes that have been found.
Brian Kirby with CEDA presented to the court information pertaining to the Nada Housing Project. Kirby proposed that the county allow him to apply for grant and funding for Phase II which will build more homes and help other families the same as Phase I did.
Anderson advised the court that if they decided to apply for grants to fund Phase II of the Nada Housing project they could not apply for the grants needed for a new senior citizens building. The court discussed the issue. The two projects and a motion was made by Ricky Creed to decline the request for grant approval for the Nada Housing Project. Magistrate Creed, along with Magistrates Donna Gabbard and Anderson all voted to decline the Nada project. Magistrates John Barker, Eck Snowden, and Myers Arnett were opposed to declining the project. With a tied vote the motion did not carry and Powell County Attorney Robert King advised that there was no tie breaker in this situation.
The court also approved the purchase of three tasers for the jail and for Anderson to look into refinancing options for the jail.

The court then went into a closed session to discuss personnel issues. The closed session lasted nearly an hour and no action was taken.

Scholarship set up in memory of Flight 5191 victim to help others fly

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:24:24 +0000

“He loved it and was proud to do it,” Wayne Fortney said as he reminisced about his son Clarence Wayne “C.W.” Fortney, II. “He just loved it.” Now his family wants to help a Powell County resident who has the same interest and passion to get their chance.
The “it” that Fortney speaks about is flying. C.W. Fortney loved to fly aircrafts. When he was a young man, even as a child, he loved to watch planes and had a keen interest in flying. It was that interest that became his passion.
That and his wife, Sarah. Then there was his son, Calvin James Fortney.
Fortney worked hard to fulfill his dream of being a commercial pilot. He worked his way up to being a first-officer for Air Tran Airline. He overcame all the hard work and having to learn about each aircraft he was certified to operate.
He even overcame the loss of his job right after 9/11 when airlines had to cut back. But he regrouped and enjoyed flying.
“He got to do what he liked,’ Wayne Fortney recalled. “He didn’t make captain, but a first officer is like a captain. They fly the aircraft too and being a captain was the next step.”
Unfortunately, C.W. never got to be captain. He boarded a plane in Lexington early on Aug. 27, 2006 bound for Atlanta.
He was to catch up to his flight that he would be a crew member on for ATA later that day. But the flight he was taking was Comair Flight 5191.
The jet taxied and took off from the wrong runway in the pre-dawn hours and crashed. Forty-nine of the 50 people on board perished. Only the first officer, Jim Polheinke survived.
C.W. was just a few days short of turning 35.
The state and Powell County mourned for one of their own.
That was almost six years ago. Now the family of C.W. Fortney has set up a memorial scholarship fund. The scholarship will help a Powell County child who is interested in flying to attend the Kentucky Aviation Museum’s Summer Camp.
“We just wanted to give a child from our home county a chance to follow their dream if they were interested in flying,” Sarah Fortney Centimole, C.W.’s widow, told the Times last week. “C.W. loved it and he would have enjoyed helping others get their start.”

C.W. Fortney II playing with his son, Calvin James, on Christmas 2005.

Centimole is heading up the scholarship effort. It is made possible thanks to generous donations from Powell County following C.W.’s death. The family hopes the scholarship will provide opportunities to deserving young people to pursue learning.
It has not been easy. Since that fateful day Centimole has watched as the son she had with C.W. grows.
“It’s been a journey the last few years,’ Centimole said. But I’ve watched him (Calvin James). He doesn’t really have a memory of his dad; he was only 16 months old at the time. But he is piecing it together from the stories he has heard and the pictures he has seen.”
But she admits that her son is showing some of the same interests. “He is a well adjusted child with diverse interests that run from Roy Rogers to Shrek,” Centimole said. “But he also shows the same skill sets, like in math and an interest in planes.”
Wayne Fortney remembers the interest C.W. had as well.
“Since he was old enough to stand in the yard and look up in the sky C.W. was captivated by airplanes and flying,” Wayne stated right after the tragedy. Now he remembers with pride the work his son had in his accomplishments.
“He wanted to go to school for it so we checked out Emory Riddell in Florida, a really prestigious school, and we checked out Phoenix Air, but we decided that EKU was a good place too,” Wayne said. “He told me how hard it was to make it and how he had to work hard to reach his goal. But he loved it.”
Centimole, who has since remarried, had another son and works for Operation UNITE saying she is happy and has “been delivered from the tragedy,” agrees.
“C.W. loved flying. Now we can try to create something I feel is positive from this, a tribute to C.W. so others can accomplish reaching their goals and passion,” she said. “Children may not have such an interest in flying, but this may strike a nerve and help someone reach their goals.”
The camp has three different levels. Those are for ages 10 and 11 with a camp set up for June 7-8 and June 14-15. Camp for level two is for ages 12 or 13 and will be held June 11-12. The level three camp is for those ages 14-16 and will be held June 21-22. All three levels will have a camp on June 18-19.
The scholarship pays for the camp and gives a stipend to help pay for transportation. If needed, transportation will be arranged. Meals are also provided.
The scholarship is for those Powell County residents from age 10-16 who have a passion for flying. Interested youth should submit a personal essay describing their interest in aviation and their first choice of camp. The deadline is Friday, May 18. All submissions should be mailed to Aviation Camp Committee, P.O. Box 247, Stanton, Ky. 40380.
“We are hoping to be able to send someone and spark that interest in flying,” Centimole added.
C.W.’s love started at a young age and his passion is now helping others. He probably would not have wanted it any other way.

Brown’s art is a gift she likes to share

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:22:24 +0000

An artist with local ties and a definite Christian belief now has her own art exhibit. She give the Lord a lot of credit for it all.
Mary Margaret Brown of Standing in the Gap Ministries invites everyone to an art exhibit at Central Bank in Lexington, in the John Irwin Art Gallery on the second and third floors of the corporate offices. The theme of Ms. Brown’s art is “Revealing God’s Glory,” landscape and floral oil paintings. The exhibit will run from May 11 until June 1 and can be seen during the week at banking hours.
Brown is a graduate of Mt. Sterling High School and the University of Kentucky where she received her Masters in Counseling. Brown has also written two books, “On the Glory Road with God and His Angels”, published in 2001 and republished in 2008, where she reveals her insights into the angelic realm and her close walk with the Lord. The second book, “Arise Daughter of Abraham”, was published in 2011, and it deals with the research into the position of women in the Body of Christ.
Both books can be purchased on Amazon.com or through Ms. Brown’s ministry, called, Standing in the Gap.
Brown is the Founder and CEO of Standing in the Gap Ministries, PO Box 4575 Lexington, Ky. 40544. For years Brown has been on two radio stations weekly with her teachings on the Word of God and on public television for the last 10 years. She has also travelled extensively teaching on various subjects of the Bible from Alaska to Paris, France.
A lifelong dream was realized when she began taking art as a hobby at the Olli Program at UK. She will admit that the Lord has to be in her painting for it to look beautiful, and she gives Him all the credit for her inspiration. She has had several art exhibits in and around the Lexington area and has a website, www.standinginthegapministries.info where her art and books are displayed by Who’s Who of America, which she was inducted into last year for ministers.
The art exhibit is free and open to the public. She invites everyone to come and share in this fabulous moment with her. If you have any questions, you can reach her at email: standgap-org1@insightbb.com or call (859) 275 1103 or call Ms. Patricia Wheatley at Central Bank, (859) 253-6346.
Brown is a sister of the late Jean Brown Kelly, and the daughter of late Ollie and Rosa Ellen Brown, of Stanton.

Guest Column: Transparency and better access is a goal for county judge executive

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 15:17:42 +0000

By James D. Anderson, Jr., Powell County Judge Executive

Before I took this office, I like many others was often left wondering what was going on in our county government. The only real way to get some true idea was to attend the fiscal court meetings, but for many of our citizens who have to work outside our community it can be challenging to make it to these. This leaves a large portion of our people with only limited accounts of what happened or without a chance to ask questions they may have.
One of the things I committed to when I took this office was to make our local government more transparent, accessible to the public and more accountable. In this effort, I will try to have an article each month after our regular court meetings to allow those who were unable to attend a chance to know what business was conducted, what items will be coming up in the future and a chance to ask questions they may have.
Also, in an effort, to be more accessible, we have moved our meeting time for regular meetings back to 7 p.m. In an effort to allow more people a chance to attend. One of the more exciting things to convey what’s going on in our county will be our new web-site that should be coming in the next month or soon after. This space will allow us the opportunity to relay much more information than was feasible before. Some of the items on this site will be elected officials, boards, budgets, meeting minutes, and links to other related sites.
This past meeting had a fairly small agenda. There were only five items which the court took any action. The first item that required action was a resolution for a new senior center, this item was tabled until next meeting to allow for a more information to be gathered.
The second was a resolution with Brian Kirby for phase II of the Nada Housing project. This item died because of a tied vote. The next item was a Homeland Security Grant for mobile computer units for our police forces. The court voted to allow us to move forward with the purchase of this equipment from Independence Communications.
The next item the court approved was to allow Jailer Travis Crabtree to purchase three tasers. The only other item was to make the first reading of the proposed 2012-2013 budget.
Other items that didn’t require court action was a proclamation for National Curves Day in observance of national women’s health week. The last item was a county employee coming and asking why he had not received his grievance hearing yet, an explanation was given and the meeting adjourned.
I would like to thank Mr. Cook and the Clay City Times for allowing me the opportunity and space to open a new line of communication between government and public. I would also like to thank our citizens for allowing me to serve them and our county as we move forward.
If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact me at the
Powell County Judges Office, P.O. Box 506 Stanton, KY 40380, (606)663-2834.

5-17 Obituaries

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:47:17 +0000

Elwin D. Barker, 61
Elwin David Barker, 61, of Stanton, died Saturday afternoon at his residence. He was born November 30, 1950 in Middletown, Ohio to Eldow Barker and Ola Faye Amburgy.
David moved to Stanton thirty years ago from Miami, Florida. He graduated from Horry-Georgetown Technical College with a Hotel/Restaurant Management Degree and was also a Who’s Who’s American Junior College recipient in 1983-1984. David was also a jeweler and helped operate with his mother the House of Gold in Stanton.
Survivors include his daughter, Gina Kaye Barker Meegan; his mother Ola Faye Amburgey and two grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father, Eldow Barker.
Private family services. Guestbook at coffmanmortuaryparlor.com Arrangements under the direct care of Coffman Mortuary Parlor.
Malcolm Campbell, 91
Malcolm “Papaw” Campbell, 91, husband of Martha Spencer Campbell, passed away Saturday, May 5, at Hazard Appalachian Regional Hospital, Hazard. He was born Jan. 2, 1921 in Glomar to the late Dewey and Sally Combs Campbell. He was a Veteran serving in the Air Force and Army. He was a retired military worker and retired Real Estate salesman. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #929 F&AM of Sassafras, Scottish Rite Mason of Covington, and Shriners Ashland Temple.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Campbell, Happy; daughter, Jeannie Kemper, Kettering, OH, grandchildren, Danna Wilcox, Ohio, Pam Norvell, Ohio, Michelle Riffle, Ohio, Brandon and Brenton Anderton, Vicco; great-grandchildren, Ashland Adams, Weston Wilcox, Nicholas and Lauren Riffle, Dakota and Elena Norvell; special friends, Vernon and Kitty Anderton; several nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his son, Malcolm Henderson Campbell, Jr., brothers, Mentford Spencer and Osie Spencer, sisters, Maxine Rose, Olene Bray, and four step-sisters.
Services were held on Tuesday, May 8 at Wells Funeral Home, Stanton with military honors. Burial in Drake Cemetery, Pine Ridge with Kenny Case, John David Case, Albert Dude Faulkner, Tyler Angel, Charles Angel, Lane Faulkner, and Jim Spencer serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were all Military Veterans, all members of Masonic Lodge #929 F&AM, and Coffee Buddies at Handy Dans #2. www.wellsfh.com

Michael Delillah
Latona, 70
Michael Delillah Latona, 70, of East College Avenue, Stanton, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2012 at Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester. Born in Cass County, Indiana she was the daughter of the late Coin and Bertha Sons Willis and she was a member of Our Lady Of The Mountains Catholic Church. In addition to her parents she was also preceded in death by her husband, Salvatore Latona. Surviving relatives are her three sons: Mark (Kelly) Morton of Hastings, Michigan, Jeffrey Lynn (Stacey) Morton of Free Port, Michigan and Roy Scott (Marisol) Morton of LaPorte, Texas; six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
There were no funeral services scheduled. Interment will follow at a later date. Arrangements by Hearne Funeral Home, Inc. www.hearnefuneralhome.com

Ruth E. Williams, 97
Ruth E. Williams, 97, died April 28, 2012, in Laguna Hills, California. She was born in Vanceburg on Jan. 27, 1915, the oldest of eight children of George and Pansy Rice. She was married to Arthur A. Williams for 47 years, and the two of them reared five children. She was a homemaker who later earned a Bachelor of Science and a Masters degree from the University of Kentucky. Mrs. Williams taught Home Economics at Montgomery County High School in Mt. Sterling for many years before retiring in 1985. She was later married to George Taylor of Lexington until his death in 1991.
She was also preceded in death by a son, Lowell Williams, of Xenia, Ohio. Surviving are her daughter-in-law, Judith Williams of Xenia, Ohio; son, Philip Williams and wife, Patsy, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi; daughter, Jane Young, and husband, John, of Clyde, North Carolina; son, James Williams and wife, Landy, of Stanton; son, Ben Williams, and wife, Diane, of San Diego, California; eight grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild.
Also surviving are a brother, Harold Rice, of San Diego, California, and sister, Jeanette Rice, of Laguna Hills, California.
Until the last year of her life, Mrs. Williams was an active member and a deacon in the First Christian Church in Laguna Woods. She enjoyed volunteer service, classes for seniors through local community colleges; her computer club; travel in Europe, India, and China; growing roses; reading; and bringing together her scattered family.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held Friday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. at Stanton Christian Church, 100 West Church Street, Stanton. If desired, memorials may be made to a local Hospice.

5-17 Church News

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:45:09 +0000

Revival
Salem Baptist Church, located on Highway 82, at Spout Springs in Estill County, will be hosting weekend revival services Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20. The evangelist will be Bro. John Ryder, Director of Missions, Boones Creek Baptist Association. Saturday’s service will be at 7 p.m. Sunday services will be 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.. A fellowship meal will follow the Sunday morning service. Everyone is invited to attend.

Gospel Singing
The Church on the Rock located on Main Street in Stanton will be holding a Gospel singing on May 26 starting at 5 p.m. There will be various groups performing. The singing is in memory of Clayton Rose. For more information you may email jennifer.williams@clark.ky.schools.us or call 859-404-3338.

Revival
The Christian Fellowship Church of God located at 4627 Main Street in Clay City will be holding a revival May 14-18 with the Evangelist Robbie Spencer, 7 p.m. night;y. On Sunday May 20 at 10:30 a.m. the McKinney Family will be singing and a lunch will be served. Pastor H.G. Kelly and the congregation invite everyone to attend.

Brush Creek
Pentecostal
Brush Creek Pentecostal Church Pastor James Lee Carroll Sr. and family welcome the community and surrounding areas to come and worship with us at 11 a.m. Sunday mornings. We are located at 578 Brush Creek Road, Clay City. 859-355-5775

Prayer Task Force Schedule
The Powell County Christians United Against Drugs (PCCUAD) Prayer Task Force will meet at the Stanton Presbyterian Church located next door to the Powell County Health Department on Main Street. This meeting is for all Christians to come and pray together. We name our prayer concerns, pray and leave. Do you have one hour for God? You will be blessed, everyone welcome! The prayer service starts at 9 a.m.

Prayer Line
If you are in need of prayer or need to leave a prayer request, call (606) 663-6172 or (606) 663-6385.

5-17 Community Calendar

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:42:43 +0000

Art Academy
The Powell County High School Art Department will be hosting their 2nd Annual Arts Academy this symmer. The academy is open to elementary aged students for one week, beginning Monday, May 14 through Friday, May 18. The academy will provide activities which include lessons consisting of the elements and principles of art. Breakfast and lunch will be provided or you can bring your own lunch. The cost is $75 which ibcludes all art supplies and food. For more information write to PCHS c/o Jennifer Billings

AmVets Meeting
AmVets Post 67, Clay City, monthly meeting, the first Sunday every month at 2 p.m., Hard Knocks Band, $5 cover, every Friday night! Bingo every Monday at 6:30 p.m.

Yoga for Beginners
Free beginner yoga classes will be held on Wednesdays- May 23 and 30 at 4:30 p.m. at the Powell County Extension Office. Poses will be taught in a very basic format and all ages are invited to attend. For more information, please call Stacy Crase at Foothills Health and Wellness Center at 663-9011.

The Powell County Library
Story Time at the Powell County Public Library is every Thursday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. for ages 3 to 5 years. We will read stories, do crafts and sometimes a movie. Powell County Public Library Board Meeting will be held on the third Monday of the month at 4 p.m. in the library.

Class of 1962
Reunion
The PCHS Class of 1962 will hold their 50th Reunion at the Natural Bridge State park Lodge on May 26 from 2-8 p.m. For more information call 606-663-9921.

Disabled American Veteran
Meeting
The Monthly Meeting of the Powell County Disabled American Veterans Powell County Chapter # 103 is held on the second Thursday each month at 30 Bright Street Stanton at 6 p.m. For information call Joe Neal 663-5895.

Disabled American Veteran
Service Officer
The next Disabled American Veteran Service Officer will be available on Friday, May 18 from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the DAV meeting Hall 30 Bright Street Stanton. For information call Joe Neal 663-5895.

Boy’s Basketball Camp
The 2012 Future Pirate Boy’s Basketball Camp is scheduled for May 22-25 at PCHS.The cost is $50 per camper or $80 for two from the same household. Free breakfast and lunch included this year. Registration in the PCHS Gym Lobby between 7:45 and 8 a.m. on May 22.

Free GED
GED exam cost is now FREE!
Visit MSU-Powell County Adult Education to prepare for your GED exam. Call 606-663-1948.

Reunion
The 12th annual Curtis/Hall, Woosley/McIntosh, Powell/Puckett and Friends, for the descendents of Andrew J. and Gippie Hall Curtis, George W. and Cinthia C. Woosley McIntosh and James and Ida Powell Puckett reunion will be held, Sunday, May 27 at Amvets Bldg. 99 Veterans Lane, Clay City.
For info contact Raymond A. Puckett 1-702-474-0428, email apuck22@cox.net or Henry Andrews 1-606-663-2062 or Alma Lee 1-606-663-2708. Ya’ll come, open 9 a.m. eat at 1 p.m.!

Genealogy Help Desk
The Red River Historical Society and Museum located at 4541 Main Street in Clay City has opened a Genealogy Help Desk. It will be staffed by members of the historical society and members of the Red River Valley Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). If you are researching your Eastern Kentucky roots we hope we can be of some help to you. The hours are 2 to 5 p.m. each Sunday at the museum.

Powell County
Tourism Commission
The regular board meetings are held every fourth Wednesday at 1 pm. The meetings are held at the office in Slade (behind the red caboose). For more information call 606-663-1161.

Rook Tournament
The Sons of AmVets Post #67 in Clay City will be holding a Rook Tournament on Saturday, May 19 and Saturday May 26. The start time is 7 p.m. Pre-entry, early preferred, draw for partners. 50/50 payout, entry fee is $10. For more information call Greg Crabtree at 606-569-5030.

Vets Benefits
A Veteran’s Benefits Field Representative will be at the Powell County Courthouse in Stanton, Kentucky on the first Thursday of each month. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For further information call toll free 1-866-376-0308.

Friends of PC Pets Meetings
Friends of Powell County’s Pets hold their monthly meetings at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at the Powell County Public Library. If you have any questions or you would like to volunteer or foster, please stop by.

Mt. Cana Cemetery
Donations are now being accepted for the up keep of the Mt. Cana Cemetery. Please mail all donations to Shannon Frazier or Lonnie Dale Stewart or call 663-2724

Powell County
Diabetes Support Group
Kentucky River Foothills Rural Health Network is sponsoring a Diabetes Support Class. Classes will meet every second Thursday of the month. Classes meet at the Powell Adult Day Care (behind Foothills Mobile Clinic) in Clay City from 4-5 p.m. For more info, please call Tena at 663-9011

Brianna’s Sanctuary Meetings
Brianna’s Sanctuary & Rescue monthly meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on the second Friday of each month, at the Powell County Public Library. If you would like to volunteer or find out the requirements for fostering, come by and join us. For questions call (606) 663-2353 or (859) 576-4846.

Berea Clinic
Berea Health Ministry has new hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9a.m. to 9 p.m.; Wednesday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 1p.m. to 9 p.m. Berea Health Ministry Clinic in Berea provides medical care for you. If you have no health insurance or have lost your job, call the clinic (859) 986-1274) for an appointment. We are here to serve you.

All the books at Harvard . . .

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:38:02 +0000

Sarah Bloom, Times Lifestyles Columnist

As I left for work this morning my two thirteen year old sons were preparing for their first real paying job. Their papaw has “hired” them to paint all of his gates and the barn for an hourly wage. They have been extremely excited about this new endeavor and have already made plans for the money they will receive for their efforts.
I have stressed to them that once you are under someone’s employ it is all business and no play. When someone entrusts a job to you then nothing less than your best work will do. I explained to them that their papaw works very hard for his money which is what he will be paying them with; therefore, their workmanship should reflect that.
Watching them and listening to their excitement and elaborate plans brought back so many memories of my own first days of working. My parents had always given my brother and I an allowance for household chores.
But I can vividly remember one summer where I decided I was going to find any odd job I could to save up my “fortune”. With the greatest intentions I began petitioning anyone who would listen to me for work. To my dismay most of my pleas fell on deaf ears.
Thankfully my brother and I had a couple of yards we mowed for extra money and I decided I would hoard that back under lock and key. I even fashioned myself a “secret” hiding place out of one of my mom’s old check boxes. I took the top of that box and tacked it up under a wooden table in my room then put my money in the bottom half and voila` instant safe.
I learned fairly quickly the value of a hard day’s work and how much more those greenbacks meant when you had to sweat for them. This is the lesson I am eager for my boys to learn. They have always helped around the house and with the yard work, but this will be different. Anyone who has ever painted a barn knows that it is no small task. I fully expect them to be worn out and covered in paint though I hope they get more on the boards than on each other, but I know they will do their best. I just wonder how long it will take for the “fun” of a first job to wear thin.
I vividly remember when that new element of working disappeared from my first mowing job. The backyard of one of the houses we took care of seemed to be infested with moles and frogs. The frogs were far worse which I sadly discovered as I pushed that old mower back and forth. Every few feet a sickening thud could be heard over the whirring of the engine.
These suicidal amphibians would lay in wait and instead of running away from the blades of the mower they would jump straight into them…instant frog guts. My brother and I would take turns mowing the front and back yards and I quickly began to hate my turn at the back.
While mowing that yard I also learned that moles can make some fairly vicious sounds when cornered. I decided that those cute, furry, little blind rodents were best left alone.
One priceless lesson I learned from all those days of cutting grass and various other chores is that you begin to be more frugal with your earnings when you stop to reflect on how hard it was to make it. I also learned that although at times I thought I would drop, an honest day of work never hurt anyone. That summer I saved every dime I could and when our vacation rolled around I was one proud girl to be able have my own spending money. I felt like I was rich having saved over one hundred dollars which was a pretty good amount for an elementary school kid.
So as this summer begins I am anxious to see how my boys handle their first step into the real world of earning your keep. I know that this money will be treated much differently than the reward cash they get for good grades on their report cards. This money will have meaning and hopefully be packed with a more valuable education than all the books at Harvard.
Have a blessed week everyone! I hope you are able to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather our Lord has given us.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you…” 1 Peter 3:15

Thanks for the memories . . .

admin — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:31:15 +0000

The Powell County Lady Pirates honored their seniors last Friday before a game with Paris. Kayla Goodwin (left), Shaylan Mays and Ashleigh Bolduc were given the traditional and memorable honor for playing for the Lady Pirates. They will lead their young teammates into the 56th District Tournament at Owsley County on Monday.