Clay City Times

Serving Stanton, Clay City & Powell County, Kentucky for More Than 100 Years

I’m just saying . . . Short (that’s rare), not so sweet and to the point

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By James Cook, Times Editor

Jcook

James Cook - Times Editor

This will probably be the shortest column I have ever written. So pay close attention.
I wonder where this world is heading when the President, who should be able to speak to the school children, does so but then other political forces want letters from the children to describe how they can help their leader reach his goals. Sounds like an assignment other countries have tried in the past, doesn’t it.
I don’t care if he speaks to the children, but leave politics and letters to praise or endorse a leader out of it. They are kids and we need to make sure they learn their values and morals from us, the parents. Not Hollywood or politicians, though that was just an oxymoron as there is not much differnce between the two.
How messed up is this grand old country of ours? We struggle to feed the poor, yet want to spend millions to give health care to everyone including illegal aliens. How can you do one and not the other? Sure we need health care, but whose back are we going to break to pay for it?
One more sign of the impending apocolypse for you. We live in a land where they now hold National Cougar Conventions. That is cougar as in older women who prowl for younger men. They even crowned Miss Cougar USA.
Now how can we get serious about doing the right things when coventions like this and the Porn Convention get more media attention than appointed czars circumventing the Constitution.
I’m just saying . .

View fom the Mountain: Safe traveling provided by a friend indeed

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By David J. Griffin, Times Reporter

Summer vacations were never a part of my childhood in Mt. Vernon – basically, they were a luxury that we could not afford. As a matter of fact, the only time I can remember traveling out of state with my family was when my parents took us to the Smokey Mountains when I was probably four years old. Travel was considered an extravagance.
My wife, on the other hand, was accustomed to annual vacations, and so we have taken some sort of trip each year since we married. At first, our trips were modest in proportion, but over the years that changed. For example, my son Andy moved his family to Ann Arbor, requiring us to travel to Michigan just to spend time with our grandchildren. Now they are in Philadelphia, and we wish they were back in Michigan.
The grandest vacation that we ever had was in 1994 when we took a driving tour of Alaska. Our son Todd had just been killed in an automobile wreck two years before, and we were still dealing with the grief. The trip was another step in healing and trying to move forward with our lives.
Kathy spent almost a year planning the routes we would take and the stops we would make along the way. Until that time, neither of us had been out west so we naturally wanted to see as many sights as we could. Once our plans were complete (and with the blessing of the Lord – another whole story in itself), we notified our families and our employers that we would be gone for six weeks.
Our plan was to take two weeks to drive to Alaska, two weeks to tour that magnificent state, and two weeks to make the trip home. I must give her credit for the wonderful agenda she prepared.
We purchased a new GMC Conversion Van for our trip and, with the help of my friend Jerry Willis, I converted the van to accommodate some camping so we would not have to spend each night in a hotel. The trip that Kathy planned allowed us to camp for a few nights and then spend a couple of nights in a hotel washing clothes and catching up on the national news on television. It turned out to be a great plan.
All of the above is merely a preface to the rest of the story.
Before we were to depart, I was visiting with my friend Wayne Berryman, who owned B&B Auto Parts in Stanton. I told him about our plans, and he told me to come back to his store a couple of days before I left. I politely said I would be back and went on my way. He knew what we were going to drive, and Wayne had a plan.
A couple of days later, I received a call from him. He said, “Don’t forget to come in before you leave on your vacation.” I told him I would be there the next day.
The following morning, I stopped in and Wayne pointed to a large box sitting on the counter. He said, “Dave, I have been thinking about your trip, and I fixed you an emergency package to take with you.” Inside the box was every fuse, belt, hose, spark plug, and emergency item that anyone could ever possibly need. I was overwhelmed by his thoughtfulness.
He asked, “Will you take a tool kit with you?” I answered yes, and he added, “If you have the tools and the parts and you break down on your trip, I imagine someone will come by who can make the necessary repairs.”
I asked Wayne what I owed him, and he said, “When you get back you can pay for the parts that you had to use.” I had never experienced such a generous and wonderful gesture. Wayne could have made good-sized profit by selling me those parts, but instead he was demonstrating the kind of friendship that I personally believe one only finds in the “mountains.”
Kathy and I put 10,600 miles on that van within the next six weeks and never had to worry for one minute about what might go wrong mechanically with our vehicle. At that time, the Alaska Highway still had more than 200 miles of unpaved road. That road, as well as others along the way, was not easy on vehicles of any kind.
But guess what – we did not have to use a single part that was included in Wayne’s emergency kit. When we returned home, I took the package back to Wayne’s store and thanked him for his kindness. We remained friends ever since.
Wayne passed away from a heart attack on Friday, August 28, 2009. You know that old saying: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.” I am sorry that my friend Wayne is gone, but I have no doubt that the good Lord has already commended him for his kindness to people like me – because Wayne was a “FRIEND INDEED.”

(You can reach me at mtnman@mis.net or you can drop me a line at P.O. Box 927 – Stanton, KY 40380. I appreciate your suggestions and comments.)

Obituaries for September 10, 2009

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John Morgan Centers, 87
John Morgan Centers, 87, of 4597 McCormick Road, Mt. Sterling, died Saturday, Sept. 5, 2009 at the V A Medical Center in Lexington. Born in Breathitt County, he was a son of the late Taylor and Annie Hatton Centers. He was a World War II veteran of the US Air Force and a retired building contractor.
He is survived by his wife, Ellis D. Elkins Centers, three sons: John Michael (Samantha) Centers, Jeffersonville, Mark David (Deanaray) Centers and William Joseph Centers both of Mt. Sterling; three daughters: Janet (Rodney) Young, Frenchburg, Virginia (Allen) Lemaster and Ruth Ann (Floyd, Jr.) Ballard both of Mt. Sterling; one brother, Eugene Centers of Lake City, FL; 13 grandchildren: Rose Tallarigo, Clarence Franklin Claypoole, Morgan Lemaster, Shawn Lemaster, Joseph Ballard, Brian Ballard, April Manning, Amie Eddenfield, John Michael Centers, II, Zachary Centers, Joshua Centers, Crystal Johnson and Michael Centers and 22 great grandchildren. Funeral services officiated by Rev. Marion Brewer were held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009 at the Hearne Funeral Home Chapel, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton.
Burial with military honors was in the Resthaven Cemetery, Stanton. Active pallbearers were Michael Centers, Clarence Claypoole, Brian Ballard, Danny Centers, Morgan Lemaster, Shawn Lemaster, Branden Tallarigo, Tony Tallarigo, Steve Centers and Barry Centers. Honorary pallbearers were Rose Tallarigo, Joseph Ballard, April Manning, Amie Eddenfield, John Michael Centers, II, Zachary Centers, Joshua Centers, Crystal Johnson, Cass Lane, Daniel Morrison, Bobby Amburgey and Opal Smallwood. Arrangements by Hearne Funeral Home, Inc. www.hearnefuneralhome.com

Regena Faye Lucas, 82
Regena Faye Lucas, 82, 9228 Winchester Rd., widow of William Talmage Lucas, died Tuesday at Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington. She was born Aug. 17, 1927 in Estill County to the late Alva and Nettie Patton Puckett. She was a homemaker and a member of the West Bend First Church of God for 46 years.
Survivors include her son, Larry Lucas and Sherry Childers, Stanton; daughter, Linda and husband, Hager Hollon, Lawrenceburg; brother, Orville Puckett, Covington; sisters, Delores Gross, Winchester; grandchildren, Allison and husband, Lt. Col. David Gossett and William Talmage Lucas; step-grandchild, Mitchell McIntire; great-grandchild, Allison Grace “Gigi” Gossett.
The funeral services were held on Friday, Sept. 4, at 2 p.m. at the Wells Clay City Chapel. Burial was in Powells Valley Cemetery, Clay City.
Pallbearers who served were: Darnell Fletcher, Hager Hollon, Lt. Col. David Gossett, Bruce Davis, Will Lucas, and Mitchell McIntire. Honorary pallbearers who served were: Russell Ware, Larry Brandenburg, Ray Warford, Ralph Gaylord, Wayne Gaylord, and Barry Moore.

Elery “Cissy” Snowden , 43
Elery “Cissy” Snowden, 43, wife of Franklin P. Snowden, Jr. of 284 Forge Mill Road, Clay City, died Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 at Clark Regional Medical Center in Winchester. She was a homemaker and a member of the Mountain Parkway Church of God.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children: Brittany Michelle Snowden and Joshua Paul Snowden both of Clay City; her mother, Betty Jordan Lawson; her stepfather, William Shuler; two brothers: Elwood Walters and Ricky Shuler both of Clay City; and three sisters: Lisa (Phillip) Riddell of Estill County, Vickie (Matt) Bush and Suzie (Donald) Hatton both of Clay City.
Funeral services officiated by Brother Dale Payne and Brother Franklin Sparks were held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 at the Mountain Parkway Church of God, 30 Adams Ridge Road, Clay City, with burial following in the Jordan Cemetery.
Active pallbearers were Jonas Childers, Justin Jordan, Brandon Riddell, Bradley Riddell, Sammy Faulkner, Thomas Rogers, Mark Jordan and Jeff Jordan. Honorary pallbearers were the members of Mountain Parkway Church of God. Arrangements by Hearne Funeral Home, 125 West College Avenue, Stanton, KY. www.hearnefuneralhome.com

Readers Recipes and Lifestyles with Sarah Bloom

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GLAZED PORK CHOPS
6 bone-in pork chops
1 Tbsp canola oil
¼ cup chopped onion
¼ cup water
¼ cup maple syrup
1 Tbsp cider vinegar
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp chili powder
1/8 tsp pepper
1 Tbsp cornstarch
3 Tbsp cold water

In a large skillet brown pork chops in oil on both sides. Transfer to a shallow 3 quart baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the onion, water, syrup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, chili powder, and pepper; pour over chops. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Uncover, bake 15 minutes longer or until tender. Transfer to a serving platter. Pour pan juices into a small saucepan. Combine cornstarch and cold water until smooth; stir into juices. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Serve with pork chops.

Kim Smith
Stanton

CORN PUDDING
3 eggs, beaten
¼ cup flour
¼ cup margarine
3 cups fresh or frozen corn, coarsely chopped
1 1/3 cups milk
½ tsp sugar
1 tsp salt

Melt margarine in saucepan, stir in flour then add milk, salt, and sugar. Cook, stirring constantly until thick. Stir in corn and eggs and cook 1 minute, pour into buttered casserole dish. Bake in hot water about 45 minutes or until set. Bake at 350 degrees.

Ila Allen
Stanton

HUNGARIAN GOULASH
1 Tbsp vegetable oil or bacon fat
1 ½ pounds beef chuck roast, boneless tip or round
or pork boneless shoulder, cut into ¾ cubes
½ cup beef broth
3 Tbsp paprika
1 ½ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
3 large onions, chopped (3 cups)
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (14 ½ oz) can whole tomatoes, undrained
¼ cold water
2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
6 cups hot cooked noodles (see recipe)

Heat oil in 4-quart Dutch oven or 12 inch skillet over medium heat. Cook beef in oil about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is brown; drain. Stir in remaining ingredients except water, flour and noodles, breaking up tomatoes with a fork or snipping with kitchen scissors. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer about 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender. Shake water and flour in tightly covered container; gradually stir into beef mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Serve over noodles.

Stephanie Kinnett
Stanton

COTTAGE CHEESECAKE
1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup butter or margarine, softened
3 cups cottage cheese, low fat
4 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 cup (1/2 pint) light cream
¼ cup all purpose flour
3 Tbsp lemon juice, reconstituted
1 tsp lemon extract
¼ tsp salt
½ cup whipping cream, whipped
Chocolate syrup

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl combine graham crumbs, sugar, and butter; mix well. Press mixture on bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Chill. In blender container blend cottage cheese until smooth. Set aside. In larger mixer bowl, beat eggs at high speed until fluffy; gradually beat in sugar. Add remaining ingredients except whipped cream and chocolate syrup; mix well and pour over crust. Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes. Cool to room temperature. Remove sides from pan. Chill. Spread whipped cream over top; drizzle with chocolate syrup.

Bill Irvine

Progress must breed some patience


By Sarah Bloom

Have you ever looked at a four o’clock flower seed? Far from attractive they are small, shriveled up, black things that somewhat resemble the stuff an animal may leave behind. But take the time to lovingly place one into some soil, water it, tend to the surrounding area and before long a miraculous transformation takes place.
That ugly duckling seed multiples, grows, and blooms into the most beautiful plant laden with flowers in colors from yellow to deep pink.
My point is that sometimes the best things in life start out rough and foul, but in the end good things come to those who are patient enough to see it to fruition.
The endless construction that has taken over Stanton can be likened to this very scenario. Right now I know a lot of people and businesses are extremely tired of the dirt, dust and rubble. I don’t even live in Stanton, but I can definitely sympathize with those who do because just driving through there once or twice a day can be a hassle.
Though frustrations sometimes overshadow appearances of progress I challenge you to try and see past the mess and envision the future. Just the other day I was maneuvering through the maze of detours when I happened to notice the new lamp posts that have been put up. As I was admiring their beauty I also caught sight of the new sidewalks. For the first time I actually had a positive thought about all this new hassle. When it is completed our little hometown will have a brand new face. The extra roadway and the home style additions are going to be a plus for our quaint town.
Please don’t shoot the messenger because I know you are probably thinking it is easy for someone who doesn’t live in town to say such things, and I don’t even begin to pretend like I understand the impact this construction has had on local businesses. But when all the dirt and debris is cleared away and street life returns to normal I feel everyone will be impressed by the new roadway.
Liken it to the story of the Ugly Duckling. Nobody wanted this poor little guy in the beginning. He was relentlessly bullied, hated, and pushed away. His hideous appearance was an annoyance to everyone and thing he came in contact with.
No one wanted to deal with him, talk to him, or even offer a kind word. Gradually, though, he began to change and in small increments his beauty began to show. When he had finally come full circle his appearance was majestic. Suddenly everyone liked him and accepted the fact that he was around.
So for the sake of sanity I think we should all just try and take another deep breath and deal with our frustrations over the messy road construction in a positive manner. Granted I will admit that I huff and puff when I’m trying to quickly grab some lunch and get back to work. But I also have to realize that those men out there in the heat and dust are just trying to do their jobs as well.
Have a great week, may the good Lord bless you, and may your patience grow longer than the time you wait in traffic! “To everything there is a season…” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

Powell County Schools Menus

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Monday
Alternate meal or hamburger on bun, lettuce, tomato, pickle, baked beans, potato selection, fruit choices
Tuesday
Alternate meal or chicken on bun w/ sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickle, potato selection, fruit choices
Wednesday
Alternate meal or vegetable soup or chili w/ crackers, grilled cheese, veggie cup w/ lt. dressing, fruit cobbler, fruit choices
Thursday
Alternate meal or Italian dunkers w/ meat sauce, corn, broccoli/cauliflower, salad, fruit choices
Friday
Alternate meal or sub sandwich w/ trimmings, baked potato chips, baked beans, jell-o w/ fruit, fruit choices

High School Lunch (Both lines)

Monday
Ravioli w/ cheese, corn, tossed salad w/ ranch, fruit, bread stick. Alternate: Pizza Bar or Chef Salad
Tuesday
Cheeseburger on bun w/ lettuce, tomato, pickle, twister fries, fruit. Alternate: Soup Bar or Chef Salad
Wednesday
Chicken strips w/ sauce, parsley potatoes, corn, fruit, roll. Alternate: Pizza Bar or Chef Salad
Thursday
Fish & cheese on bun, fries, potato wedges, peas, coleslaw, mac. & cheese, fruit. Alternate Soup Bar or Chef Salad
Friday
Hot dog/chili on bun, fries, baked beans, coleslaw, fruit. Alternate: Pizza Bar or Chef Salad

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