By James Cook, Times Editor  It was just a matter of time.  With classrooms emptying and doctor’s offices filling up, time was running out on a decision for the local schools administrators. The early flu season that has been sweeping across the nation and the state, has apparently caught up with Powell County. So much so, the Powell County Schools System cancelled classes for this week. But that was not all that was cancelled.

“We’ve talked to doctors and medical professionals and they said if we are going to do this, then do it right,” Superintendent Evelyn Neely told the Times. “There will be no classes, no activities, no games or practices until at least Friday. Maybe that will let everyone get to feeling better.”

However, Powell County Head Start reportedly is still holding classes this week.

The cancellation of all school activites includes practice for the fall sports teams. The football teams will not be able to practice until what was supposed to be game day. “Friday’s game will be played on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.,” Powell County Athletic Director Monroe Jones announced on Tuesday.

The Lady Pirates volleyball team has rescheduled their Senior Night activities. The original plan was to hold the ceremonies on Thursday, but now Powell will host Montgomery County on Friday night at 6 p.m. The middle school programs are also enduring the moritorium.

The Powell County High School Boys’ Golf Team, which took home the regional runner-up title late last week, will be allowed to compete at the state tournament this week. As will Meghan Mays and Corri Collins, members of the girls’ golf team, who quailified to take part in the state tournament in Bowling Green later this week.

Other county organizations and groups where young people congregate have also decided to shut down for the week. The Upward Basketball Program that is held at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Stanton has shut down games for the week, but will begin play again on Saturday. Church groups have even cancelled Wednesday night gatherings. “We’ve decided to help out by not holding our youth meeting this week,” Mike Estep, assistant pastor of Grace Fellowship, said. “We have about 200 kids every week, so we want to help slow this down if we can.”

“We really didn’t have much of a choice,” Neely said. “Our attendance was steadily declining, not on,y with students but staff members too. A lot of people was calling in sick. So we had to give everyone a chance to get better.”

Neely had advised earlier this year that anytime attendance falls below 89 perecent the school system begins to lose money. More importantly the learing process is interuppted if students are out for a lenghty amount of time and miss classes, while their fellow students continue. Last Friday  Neely reported that the school system attendance had dropped to 79 percent. “There were 503 absewnt today district-wide,” she told the Times.

The loss of three of the days this week could possibly be made up later in the year. “We are looking at using a couple of Spring Break days and another day we had scheduled for teachers to make it up,” Neely added. “But it is too early to say. A lot will depend on the weather this winter and whether or not we need to use those days as make-up days.” The school system was already schewduled to have Thursday and Friday off for Fall Break, the first time the system had scheduled such a break.

“We will use the time for custodians and other staff members to get some extra cleaning done this week I  hopes of sanitizing the areas and slow down anymore spreading of the flu,” Neely stated. “Our custodial staff has done a great job of the cleaning duties we put in place a few weeks ago to help with this health situation and I applaud their efforts and their work. It has been appreciated.” Since there will be no students, it is believed that the staff’s will have more time to perform some extra cleaning to aid in the process of sanitizing the schools.

As long as there are no widespread outbreaks and the situation seems to improve, Powell County schools will go back in session on Monday, Oct. 12.

 

 

Never turn down anything that will help you and cost you nothing. The Powell County Emergency Management Agency took advantage of that philosophy last week. Madison County received new severe weather and emergency sirens, so they needed to find homes for their old ones. In stepped Powell and Fayette Counties. Lexington took 11, while Powell took 18 of the warning devices. The devices would have cost $250,000 and that includes the control boxes to operate them, which also was given to the county.

 

 

“This will help cover the county better during severe weather and emergency situations,” Powell EMA Director Arthur Ashley said last week as he watched the sirens being delivered to the county. Ashley, the Powell County Road Department and transportation provided by a Red River Ranch vehicle, worked together to bring the sirens to Stanton. Roger’s Hardware helped with the unloading process.

“These devices can sound the tornado sirens, and they have the capability of allowing us to make announcements. We can let people know about certain events or emergencies that are occurring and they will be aware of what they need to do,” Ashley said. “This will be a project for us to install during the winter, so we can be ready by next spring’s severe weather season.”

With the addition of the 18 Powell County received last week, the county will now have 30 devices to cover the county. “These, like the ones we already have, are made to help alert people who are outside,” Ashley stated. “We can take the ones that are siren only and move them into the more rural areas of the county as a warning device for them. Then we can place the ones with announcement capabilities closer to the cities or areas where there is a bigger concentration of people to keep them informed.” Around large portions of Clay City and Stanton, along with the parks and schools would be areas like Ashley was suggesting.

“We want to use the siren part only for tornado warnings. If we use the sirens too much people will tend not to be alarmed when they are set off,” Ashley added. “We can use the announcements to let areas know of other issues or alerts. That way when a siren goes off, they will know what it is and not have to call around to see why they are sounding.”

Ashley hopes to be able to cover the county more efficiently with the additional devices, including out as examples in areas like Nada, Southfork, Northfork and the Rosslyn and Cat Creek areas. “I hope we can do this, but they have a capability to sound a chime at noon every day. That would be a way to sort of test them and make sure they are working. We could test them once a week to make sure they are functioning and then we know we are ready if they are needed,” Ashley said.

“In the long run we want to make sure everyone in the county gets ample warning and the necessary information they need to stay safe,” Ashley added. “That is why we plan for and try to make sure we are ready for just about anything. These sirens will help a lot.”

The Clay City Times is pleased to announce that Gwen Reffitt has joined the staff as an advertising sales representative. Reffitt, the 29 year old mother of four children, including a set of triplets is looking forward to being a part of the Clay City Times family.

“I love how family oriented the Times is,” Reffitt said as she prepares to take on her duties as a sales representative. “From what I have seen so far, it is like a family here.”

Reffitt was originally born in Lexington and moved to Knoxville when she was a child with her family. However, after graduating high school she moved to Winchester. It was there that she met her husband, James Reffitt of Powell County. They have lived in Clay City for the past seven years. “We love it here,” Reffitt said.

She has held positions in doctors’ offices but had to take a break when she was pregnant with her triplets. Now she is eager to get back into the workforce. As for advertising, “It just came to me. I mean I was interested and I believed I could do a good job,” she said. “The last time this position came open I wanted to go for it, but someone was hired before I could get my name in. I was a little too late. When I heard the position came open, I jumped at it.”

Reffitt will take over for Mary Faulkner who has taken a sales position in Winchester in another field.

“I believe she will be a good worker for us. She is likable, personable and seems eager to get right to it,” Times owner Teresa Hatfield-Barger said. “I think it will be good for us and for her and we look forward to working together.”

“I am pleased to be here on this team and I feel very welcomed,” Reffitt said about her new position. “I am looking forward to helping our advertisers with their needs and their requests. I want to help them and in turn help the Times.”

If you would like to discuss advertising with Gwen just call (606) 663-5540.

For most of my life I have been a collector and an avid user of wooden walking sticks. My grandfather (Pop) taught me how to make several varieties, and he also instructed me in the proper use of such a useful tool. He never considered entering the woods without either his shotgun or a wooden walking stick. 

During a bit of research regarding Kentucky walking sticks, I found the following debate. “Man’s second invention, which occurred about 5,000 years ago, was the wooden walking stick, which was used to uproot the first invention, which was the rock.” This situation is much like the old question – which came first the chicken or the egg?

Pop really did not care about the history of this very useful tool, he just thought you should have one if you were venturing into the woods, and I am in perfect agreement with him. He used the stick to stabilize his walking, to clear spider webs in his path, to part thick bushes, and to use as a defensive weapon when necessary, especially against stray dogs. Because of his advice, I never venture into the woods without one of my own walking sticks. 

I have made use of this functional and practical tool since I was a small boy. After becoming an adult, I began to collect walking sticks from the interesting places that I have visited. Some of my favorites are from the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Smoky Mountains, and many from state parks in Kentucky. Many others came from my own woods and various places in Powell County. 

My friend Larry understands how much I love walking sticks, so about ten years ago he decided to make me one from a hickory stick from our woods as a Christmas present. He hand carved this beauty, and I think it is still one of my favorites.

A few years ago, Kathy and I drove to Colorado to spend some time at Steamboat Springs and to visit the Colorado Rockies. While crossing the Continental Divide, we spotted a bull moose drinking from a small lake. After taking many photographs of the animal, I told my wife that I wanted to purchase a nice walking stick at the gift shop as a remembrance of the day. When we went into the gift shop, I found just exactly what I wanted. I decided to wait until we were ready to leave to make my purchase. Guess what? I forgot the stick. I still complain to my wife for letting that one slip by me. If ever I return to this picturesque area of the US, I will definitely bring home that cool staff to add to my collection.

Another of my much-loved walking sticks is made from sassafras, which came from West Virginia. While camping at Holly River State Park, I discovered a wonderful trout site on the Holly River. I was successful with my trusty rod and reel, catching several plump members of this species. I got that walking stick as a keepsake of the day and the experience. I have it in my collection today. 

Occasionally, Kathy and I give each other hints about Christmas presents that we would like to receive. Last week I was looking through a catalog and noticed one of the finest walking sticks I have ever seen. It is called a Shillelagh or Irish Walking Stick, and it is made from the blackthorn tree. Because this tree is extremely hard and durable, it takes a very skilled craftsman to sculpt and carve them. Traditionally, this stick is carried by Irish men, and it is thought to be very distinctive and unique. I told my wife just how much I would love to add that one to my collection. It costs a mere $49!

There is another walking stick that I especially cherish that is made from a tobacco stick. Although we lived on a small farm in Rockcastle County, we did not raise tobacco. But our neighbors did, and I played in that old barn for many years. We would choose one of those sticks to use as a “stick horse” and ride through the woods behind my house like Lash Larue or Johnny Mac Brown. 

While traveling in Tennessee a few years ago, I found a walking stick made from a tobacco stick that even had a deer’s head carved into the handle. Of course, you know I had to have it for my collection. Owning this walker is like owning a piece of local history. 

I found an unknown quote from a Backpacker magazine that says, “Use me along the paths that you search and seek, rely on my strength as you climb to the peak!” I think that is precisely why I have a love affair with walking sticks – they give me physical (and moral) support when I venture into the woods to observe nature in all of its glory. 

 

(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.)

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.

 

Sylvania/UAW Retirees Meeting

Winchester GTE/Sylvania/Osram/UAW retirees will meet 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 13 at the Union Hall on Bloomfield Road. Following the meeting, the retirees and guests will travel to Natural Bridge State Park for lunch. 

 

Autism Support Group Meeting

The Powell County Parents and Professionals Autism Support Group will meet Tuesday, Oct. 13 from 4-5:30 pm at the Powell County Middle School. This month’s topic is Autism at Home: Understanding Family Stress. Debra Lorence (LCSW) with the University of Louisville’s Kentucky Autism Training Center will discuss how to appropriately deal with the impact autism has on family stress levels. Our meetings are always open to the public. Childcare is available. Contacts: Mary Davis, PCMS Resource Director, 663-3308. Marilyn Barnett, 663-2854. Professional development available equals one and a half hours.

 

PCHS Class of 1979 Reunion

The reunion will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5-9 p.m. at the Powell County Lions Club Park. Invitations were mailed Sept. 23. 

If you have questions, would like to help in the planning or do not receive an invitation by Oct. 1, contact Jon Skidmore (w) 606-663-2598, (h) 606-663-5452. Cost will be $20.00 per person. We need old school pictures for the slide show.

 

New Little League Baseball Board Meeting

The newly elected board invites all of you to attend its first public meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.  The meeting will be held at the Senior Citizen’s Building located behind the High School and beside the park’s baseball field.  The new board will be more visible and more accessible to approach.

 

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

Spangler-King

The families of Jasper Spangler and Rushie Lee King will be having their annual reunion this Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Lion’s Club Park.  All family and friends are invited to attend.  Please bring a dish and drinks and join us for a day of enjoyment.  This will be from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.

 

Class of 1979 Reunion

The reunion will be held Saturday, Oct. 24 from 5-9 p.m. at the Powell County Lions Club Park. Invitations will be mailed Sept. 23. 

If you have questions, would like to help in the planning or do not receive an invitation by Oct. 1, contact Jon Skidmore (w) 606-663-2598, (h) 606-663-5452. Cost will be $20.00 per person. We need old school pictures for the slide show.

ALUMINUM FOIL PACKETS

Aluminum foil sheets

Cooking spray

Thin slice of butter

1 very thin slice of sweet onion

Thinly sliced smoked ham (16 oz)

1 lb asparagus, thin stalks

Bacon, regular or pre-cooked, 2 slices per packet

Swiss or Havarti or Asiago cheese slices, any full flavor white cheese

Basil, leaves or dried or your favorite herb

 

Spray one side of the aluminum foil sheet.  Wash the asparagus then cut approx. 4” – 5” in length.  Fry the bacon and add asparagus pieces, do not brown it.  Layer as follows:  butter, onion, 3 slices of smoked ham overlapping each slice.  Then come lots of asparagus, 1-2 slices bacon, 1 or 2 slices of cheese and sprinkle on dried basil or lay on 3 leaves of basil.  Can add some pepper but do not add salt.  Cover with 3 overlapped slices of ham.  Fold the aluminum foil into a packet, place in you toaster oven to heat thoroughly, not more than 10 minutes.  This is easy and goes together fast.  Use ingredients you have on hand to make it your way.

Joyce Walker

Clay City

 

CARROT CASSEROLE

2 pounds carrots

½ cup milk

½ cup sugar

1/3 cup margarine

2 eggs, beaten

1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping:

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 Tbsp margarine

1/3 cup all purpose flour

2/3 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped 

2/3 cup coconut, shredded

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cook and mash carrots.  Fold in milk, granulated sugar, margarine, eggs, and vanilla.  Mix well.  Pour into 8×11 inch pan or casserole dish.  Combine and mix all topping ingredients.  Sprinkle over carrot mixture.  Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Bill Irvine

 

MICROWAVE STROGANOFF

2 Tbsp butter

1 ½ lb boneless beef sirloin steak cut into thin strips

¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 envelope onion soup mix

2 ¼ cups hot water

1 can (4 oz) mushroom stems and pieces, drained

½ cup sour cream

Hot cooked noodles

 

Melt the butter in a 2 qt. microwave safe dish, arrange the meat evenly in dish.  Microwave, uncovered, on high for 4 ½ minutes, stirring once.  Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and keep warm.  Stir flour and soup mix into drippings until smooth.  Add mushrooms and beef.  Cover and microwave on high for 13-14 minutes or until the meat is tender and the sauce is thickened, stirring several times.  Stir in the sour cream.  Serve with noodles.

Kim Smith

Stanton

 

PIZZA SNACK

Ritz crackers

Pizza sauce

Pepperoni slices

Mozzarella cheese

 

Cover each cracker with pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is bubbly.

Mechelle Crouch

Clay City

 

CUCUMBER SANDWICHES

Loaf French bread, sliced

8 oz cream cheese

½ cup mayo

1 pkg. dry Ranch dressing mix

Sliced cucumbers

Dill, optional

 

Mix cream cheese, mayo, and Ranch dressing mix until smooth.  Use as a spread on French bread slices.  Top with cucumber slice and sprinkle with a pinch of dill or parsley.

Mechelle Crouch

Clay City

Times Photo by James Cook
The 2009 Powell County High School Homecoming Queen Candidates have been chosen and will be vying for the crown this Friday night when the Pirates host the McCreary Central Raiders on the gridiron. The winner will be announced at halftime. The candidates are (l to r) front row-Heather Noble, Sarah Benningfield, Amanda Dollar, Sarah Crabtree, Kayla Sparks and Sabrena Stamper; second row- Meghan Mays, Marie Covey, Aubrey Todd, Jessica Fraley, Kasey Reed and Audrey Anderson; back row- Allison Otis, Micaiah Crabtree, Lora Dotson, Nicole Johnson and Letisha Noe.

By James Cook, Times Editor

The fallout from the surprise shakedown of the Powell County Detention Center and the subsequent failure of 54 percent of state inmates during a drug test continues two weeks after the search. Within days of the failed drug testing, 15 state inmates were removed from the jail. That move may cost the county nearly $185,000 in revenue a year for the jail.
Following the search and prior to the removal of state inmates from the facility, the Kentucky Department of Corrections made several suggestions and recommendations for the county and the new jailer, Melvin Rogers. It appears that the recommendations have not fallen on deaf ears.
“The DOC suggests a better structuring of a command staff and he (Rogers) is doing that,” Powell County Judge Executive Darren Farmer said in an interview last Friday. “I have spoken with Melvin and he knows what has to be done. He is in the process now of doing it.”
Effective last week the jail has a new chief deputy and a new lieutenant. John Tharpe, who was a dispatcher for the county’s 911 Center, has been transferred to the jail as the new chief deputy. He fills the position of Dallas Clark, the former chief deputy who was dismissed weeks prior to the search and failed drug testing. Jail or county officials due to possible litigation in the future have not addressed Clark’s dismissal publicly.
Clay City Fire Chief and deputy jailer Richard Rogers has been promoted to lieutenant. Larry Hall, a deputy sheriff and dispatcher had held that post temporarily for the past month. Hall has since gone back to his other duties. “It was set up for me to do that on a trial basis and now I’m back doing my other jobs,” Hall said. “I just wanted to help where I could and now they have people in place so I can go back to my duties.”
“We are following the recommendations of the DOC and I believe that John will be an asset to the jail,” Farmer said. “His supervisor experience with the businesses he has run will be helpful.
“We are trying to do the right things and work hard on tis situation,” Powell County Jailer Melvin Rogers said. “The state has not taken any more inmates, but they haven’t brought us any either. We’ll know more later this week about how it is going.”
The jail remains under a 60-day lock down status. No inmate is allowed to leave the facility for wrok release, trustee or community service duties. There are two exceptions, according to jail officials. Both have court orders allowing them to leave the jail to attend classes.
“We know the loss of the state inmates hurts our budget for the jail. I will be talking to the state financial officers about our budget and this situation soon,” Farmer said. “We just want to get a handle on the situation and make things work. We can do that and I know Melvin is working hard to reach that goal too.”

By James Cook, Times Editor

The Powell County Schools is once again dealing with an illness. Monday afternoon the Powell Schools Central Office informed the Times that a case of viral meningitis had been confirmed at Clay City Elementary. According to school officials the student was being treated at a local hospital. No names or the student’s condition has been released.
Maintenance staff , who are already using a daily routine that includes extra cleaning and disinfecting measures, will give the school extra attention this week.