Article By: County 4-H Agent Valerie Stewart

Congratulations are in order to a few 4-H members this week .  The Powell County 4-H Council hosted their 4-H Livestock Sale last week with 4-H members selling their project animals for great prices to local businesses.  

Morgan Anderson, Michaela Moreland, Bryce Stephens, Hannah Canode and Kanzas Stephens earned nearly $5,000 (collectively) for their hard work and dedication to the 4-H Livestock Program.  

We would like to thank all the businesses who supported and purchased animals:  Tanner Dodge (Darrell Billings), Dustin Billings, Danny Billings, Rosa’s Garden Center (Delbert Brown), Whitaker Bank, Jim Dennis, D & M Fuel Stop, R & T Food Mart, Richard Henderson and Dennis & Daughters.  A very special thanks to the Powell County Livestock Association for sponsoring and preparing our meal for the evening.

We would also like to congratulate the youth who won our 2008-2009 4-Her of the Year Awards.  Leslie Stewart was the Pledge Leader & Photographer of the 4-H Cooking Club, Co-Secretary of the 4-H Shooting Sports Club, Pledge Leader of the 4-H Cloverbud Club and Vice President of Mrs. Johnson’s fourth grade 4-H Club.  

She participated in the 4-H Sewing Workshop, 4-H Photography Workshop and entered exhibits into the Powell County Fair.  

She says that the benefits of the 4-H Program are that youth experience how to make the best better.  

Morgan Anderson is the President of the Powell County Livestock Club and he participated in various county, district and state livestock shows throughout the summer including the Kentucky State Fair.  He feels that the benefits of participation in 4-H programs help youth to meet new friends and learn new things involving dedication.  

Taylor Chapman is the Treasurer of the Powell County 4-H Livestock Club.  She participated in various county, district and area livestock shows as well as entering exhibits in the Powell County and Kentucky State Fair.  She cites the benefits of involvement in the 4-H Program is meeting new people from different places and making new friends.

These exemplary youth are why we do what we do in programs such as 4-H.  They are why volunteers give their time and knowledge to helping youth grow and develop into responsible, contributing young adults in our community.

Article by: County Ag Agent Mike Reed

Beekeepers have additional funds

The Powell County Beekeepers Association met last Tuesday and have a few funds left in this year to assist beekeepers or beginning beekeepers this fall. Applications for up to $150  per producer cost share will be available on Monday, Oct. 19 at the Powell County Extension Office. 

Funds for this program will be for the purchase of beekeeping supplies, and or medicines to treat bees with this fall. The cost share will be for $150 (you spend $300/ get half back).

Again  applications will be available on Oct. 19 and applications must be post marked and mailed by Oct. 26.  For more details contact me at 663-6405.

 

Out in the Yard and Garden

This upcoming  weekend, Old Jack Frost may take any or all of our flowers and vegetables, but there is still yard work that can be done here in the middle of October.  When the frost has burnt down the tops of your cannas, dahlias and elephant ears, go ahead and dig up these bulbs, store in dry peat moss, straw  or sand and put them to bed for the winter in a dry cool area where the bulbs won’t freeze during the winter such as a basement or under the house.  

If you want to divide and share some of your spring flowering perennial plants such as irises, peonies and daylilies, now is the time to dig, divide and re-plant. If you don’t need all the plants you dig up, share them with your family, friends or friendly County Agent.

If tulips are what you want around the house and garden next spring, now is the time to purchase these bulbs at local nurseries and garden centers, while supplies last.  Try to  get them planted 6-8” in the ground sometime between now and Thanksgiving.  Spring bulbs planted now should bloom next March and April.   If you want spring flowers blooming around Christmas, bulbs such as tulips and paper-white narcissus can be forced inside next month to be enjoyed during the holidays. 

The last tomatoes and peppers of the season may still be on the vine out in the garden.  Bring all the last green  tomatoes in  and either store them in the crisper of your refrigerator, or wrap them in newspaper and store them in the basement, cellar or under the house.  Doing this now should guarantee a few fresh tomatoes up until the holidays.

Don’t forget about the plants out on the front porch. Whenever the weather man predicts forty degree weather or less, it’s time to bring those plants in. Hopefully you have already done this last weekend, if temperatures dropped to 38 or below.  Check plants individually-are they really worth saving first of all?  Ferns, for example, are beautiful now, but once brought indoors will start to shed leaves everywhere and eventually be thrown out along with the poinsettias in January, if you keep them that long!

Bring in the Christmas Cactus and get them prepared for the holidays .These plants can actually be focal points for your holiday decorating .  If plants are worth saving, are they filled with creepy crawlers such as spiders, aphids  and scale? You certainly don’t want these bugs inside so spraying them with a light application of an insecticide such as malathion will take away any unwanted pests.  Always read and follow the label directions. Spray these lightly outdoors and let dry before bringing indoors. Now  may also be a good time to re-pot any plants that have grown all summer and are root bound. Once inside, hold off the fertilizer and water only when plants become dry-probably no more than every 10 days or so.  These plants will need as much sunshine as you have inside your home to maintain their color, but are basically being placed in dormancy for four months.

October is the best month of the year to plant trees and shrubs around your home or in the landscape.  Trees and shrubs planted now are beginning to go dormant and will have plenty of soil moisture to enjoy during the winter months.  By the time spring is here, the plants will be over transplant shock and will be ready to send out new leaves in your yard. On top of that, these plants are usually on sale now at your favorite nursery or department store because storing these plants over the winter is not usually cost effective. Not only is October the best time of the year for planting from the tree’s standpoint, it also is easier on the home owners pocket-book as well.

While yard work, or at least the mowing of the yard, may be over for this year, we still need to prepare for next year’s yard.  Apply split applications of ammonium nitrate in October, November and again in late December for a greener, lush lawn next spring.  Approximately 3 pounds of ammonium nitrate per 1,000 square feet each time you fertilize is an ample amount of nitrogen to get grass growing next spring.  While complete fertilizers such as 10-10-10 can be used, older, more established lawns only the added benefit from Ammonium Nitrate.  Now is also the time to go out in the garden or yard and bring in a soil sample for the crop of 2009.  Free soil sample bags are available at the Extension Office.  We’ll even let you borrow a soil probe to get the job done. Contact the Powell County Extension Office at 663-6405 for more details concerning your fall farm & garden needs.

Marriages

Charlene M. Hornbeck, 39, unemployed to Denvil Keith Tipton, 41, computers.

Kelly Jo Phillips, 32, mechanic, to Jeffrey Scott Daugherty, 43, engineer.

Kendra Brielle Riffe, 21, lifeskills trainer, to Marty Allen Estes, 25, welder.

Brenda Gay Ratliff, 48, disabled, to Clay Slone, 48, disabled.

Janice Odom, 41, writer, to Thomas Odom, 47, mechanic.

Stephanie Marie Steward, 34, unemployed, to James Edward Puckett, 44, unemployed.

 

Property Transfers

Thomas S. Thorpe and Linda Thorpe to Brian K. Derickson and Angela Derickson, Southwest of Stanton, $70,000.

Brian James Axon and Shirlene Axon, Tax Ease Lien Investments 1 LLC, Lillian D. Williams, master commissioner to Commonwealth Credit Union Inc., 61 Oak Hill Drive, $38,000.

Estate of Gary Lynn Lee, Glenda Taylor, executor, Gloyd Lee, executor, to Louise Merion and Derek Merion, Tract 12, Snow Creek.

Madonna  Riffe to William Todd Winburn, Fife Ridge Road, 1/2 acre, $57,000.

Thomas Fraley Jr. and Victory Fraley to Anita F. Rogers, Lot 25, Lazy Acre Campsite, $2,000.

Melissa Kell, unknown spouse of Melissa Kell, Lillian D. Williams, master commissioner to New South Federal Savings Bank, Sewell Branch Road, $50,000.

Jacqueline Powell, Robert Powell, Lacey Powell, Jacqueline Powell guardian, and Billy Joe Powell to Brandon Kennon and Tiffany Kennon, 1.57 acres, Happy Top Road, $12,000.

Lisa Bruner and Tim Bruner to Estate of Bobby McFarland, Bill McFarlad Administrator, quit claim deed, 2 parcels, Henry Derickson Subdivision, $21,000.

Estate of Bobby McFarland, Bill McFarland, adm,inistrator to Mary M. Brown, Dan Duffy, 2 parcels, Henry Derickson Subdivision, $21,000.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage to Brenda Bowen, 319 7th Avenue, $46,500.

Pearl Harvey to Norris Jay Harvey, Lot 26, Linville and Carol Knox Property.

Marita Lanette Haddix to John Ellery Haddix, quit claim deed, 0.42 acres, Adams Ridge.

Heather M. Hollon to University of Kentucky Federal Credit Union, Clay City, N.E. Line of 6th Avenue.

Billy Tackett to Anthony Hawkins and Linda Hawkins, 3 tracts, Lake Neomia Road, $3,750.

John Baba, Vickie Baba to Anthony Hawkins and Linda Hawkins, 0.712 acres, Lake Neomia Road, $1,250.

Rhonda Barnett to Kentucky River Foothills Development Council Inc., 0.99 acres, Hatton Creek, $15,500.

Edward Nelson Living Trust, Maryann Nelson, trustee to Leslie M. Yates, Danny Dale Drive.

Brian  Bentley, unknown spouse of Brian Bentley, Christina Bentley, unknown spouse of Christina Bentley, County of Powell, Lillian D. Williams, master commissioner to 21st Mortgage Corporation, Upper Cane Creek, $60,973.62.

Connie Patrick, Connie Thorpe to Robert Thorpe, quit claim, South Fork.

Ellizabeth Begley to Janice Hall, Serena Bowen and Teresa Murphy, Lots 73 thru 82, Hall Heights Subdivision.

Miller Farms LLC to Marcus Banks Lot 45 & 46, Buffalo Valley Subdivision, $17,000.

Jerry L. Miller to Marcus Banks, Lot 11, Buffalo Valley, $10,000.

Birch Hollow Cabin Accommodations LLC to Shari Crisp, KY 1057, High Rock Road, $130,000.

Virgil Ashley thru attorney-in-fact, Pamela Crowe, Ima Jean Ashley to Tina J. Thorpe, Robert E. Thorpe, Jimmy T. Crowe, Pamela K. Crowe, 75 acres, South Fork.

Brent Shull to Ralph Dunn and Vonda Dunn, Lot 43, Beech Fork Estates, $140,000.

Estate of Gary Lynn Lee, Gloyd Lee, executor, Glenda Taylor, executor to Mattie L. Wasson, Tract 13, Snow Creek, 7.94 acres, $4,000.

Estate of Gary Lynn Lee, Glenda Taylor, executor, Gloyd Lee, executor to Roger T. Taylor and Glenda Raylor, Tract 14, Snow Creek, 8.72 acres.

Rogers Tool and Manufacturing Inc. to Superior Tool and Die LLC, 1.04 acres, S. Side of KY 15, $225,000.

Mike Napier, Rose Napier, Rose Mae Venters, County of Powell, Commonwealth of Kentucky, Lillian D. Williams, master commissioner, Citifinancial Inc., Olympus Asset Management Attorney-in-fact to Citifinancial Inc., Michael Lawson, Norma Sparks, 161 Nada Tunnel Road, $12,500.

Garland Lacy, Tracy Garland Lacy and Carol Sue Lacy to Ruth Lacy, 105h Street, Clay City, $45,000.

Rosie Rife, Rosie Castanon to Patricia L. Swisshelm, Lot 60, Oak Ridge Estates, $150,000.

Circuit Court

September 28

Taffy Alexander, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense, drug unspecified, 2 counts, continued 10-21.

Timothy Arvin, flagrant non support, probation revocation hearing 10-21.

Shane Ray Baker, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified, 1st offense, 2 counts, continued 10-21.

Shannon Burgher, arson, 2nd degree, pretrial conference 10-21.

Connie Campbell, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, guilty plea, sentencing 10-21.

Herbert Blaine Charles, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, persistent felony offender 2nd degree, continued 10-21.

Teresa Chism, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified, 1st offense, 2 counts, guilty plea, sentencing 10-21.

Brenda Church, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree 1st offense-drug unspecified, 2 counts, 3rd degree trafficking in controlled substance-drug unspecified 1st offense, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-21.

Rose Clemons, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, 2 counts, sentenced to three years on each count, concurrent, credit for 92 days.

Isaac Combs, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, pretrial conference 11-4.

Monica Renee Combs, theft of identity of another without consent, pretrial conference 11-8, trial 12-3.

Brandon Scott Crabtree, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, persistent felony offender-2nd degree, continued 10-21.

Damon Houston Crawford, burglary 2nd degree, theft of mail matter, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 1021.

Joshua W. Crowe, theft by unlawful taking/disposition-all others, theft of controlled substance 1st offense and under $300, continued 10-21.

Rhonda Ellis, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense-drug unspecified, 3 counts, trial 10-26.

Scotty Hall, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified, 1st offense, 2 counts, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 3rd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, tampering with physical evidence, pretrial conference 10-21.

Lisa Irwin, complicity 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, 2 counts, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, sentenced to five years, consecutive.

John H. Jarrell, operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs 2/.08, aggravator, 1st offense, receiving stolen property (firearm), guilty plea, sentencing 10-21; failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, reckless driving, $10,000 surety bond.

James E. Johnson, theft by unlawful taking/disposition-all others, burglary, 3rd degree, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, continued 10-21.

Rita M. Johnson, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, persistent felony offender, first degree, 2 counts, deliver/possessing to deliver/manufacture to deliver drug paraphernalia 1st, continued 10-21.

Natacha Lowry, fraudulent use of credit cards over $100 within 6 months period, sentenced to 5 years, credit for 69 days, probated for 5 years.

James T. May, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified, 1st offense, continued 10-21.

Jim Mays, defrauding a secured creditor-over $100, trial date 10-2.

Paul Anthony McIntosh, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, persistent felony offender, 2nd degree, continued 10-21.

Clifford Meadows, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, advertise drug paraphernalia 1st offense, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-21.

Matthew S. Moore, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 3 counts, persistent felony offender, 2nd degree, 3 counts, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-21.

Shane Parido, sexual abuse, 1st degree, victim under 12 years of age, 2 counts, sodomy 1st degree, victim under 12 years of age, unlawful transaction with minor 1st degree illegal sex act under 16, trial date 10-1; sodomy, 1st degree, victim under 12 years of age, dismissed.

Kevin Francis Parks, burglary 3rd degree, 2 counts, theft by unlawful taking/disposition-building, 2 counts, sentenced to four years each, concurrent, credit for 169 days.

Irvin R. Phillips, shock probation in felony convictions, denied.

Jason Pike, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-21.

Bobby Puckett, Rape 1st degree, 1st degree possession of controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, possession of controlled substance 3rd degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, fleeing or evading police, 2nd degree (on foot), pretrial conference 11-18.

Charles Randall, non-support, guilty plea, 5 years, probated 3 years, conditional, sentencing 10-21.

Daniel Ratliff, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, continued 10-21.

John P. Reynolds, criminal mischief 1st degree, pretrial conference 10-28.

William Clellan Richardson, trafficking in controlled substance, 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, continued 10-21.

Tommy Archel Rose Jr., convicted felon in possession of a firearm, continued pretrial conference 10-21.

John Scarbro, motion to revoke probation, bench warrant.

Ronald Blane Scrivner, sexual abuse, 1st degree, continued 10-21.

Darrell Sparks, theft by failure to make required disposition of property, continued 10-21.

Amanda J. Spencer, child support, probation revoked, hearing 10-21.

Richard Paul Spencer, burglary 1st degree, theft by unlawful taking/disposition-firearm, continued 10-21.

Mary Strange, shock probation in felony convictions, order to be tendered.

Lori Strother, criminal possession of a forged prescription 1st offense, 5 years-diverted for 5 years, complete drug court.

Heather Shalynn Walters, trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense, drug unspecified, complicity trafficking in controlled substance 1st degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, 2 counts, pretrial conference 10-21; trial date 10-27.

Christopher West, shock probation in felony convictions, denied.

David Yeary, 2nd degree trafficking in controlled substance/drug unspecified 1st offense, persistent felony offender 2nd degree, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-21.

 

District Court

October 6

Kenneth E. Brock, public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol), not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-13.

Timothy Hall, public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol), not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-13.

Russell E. Banks, public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol), not guilty plea, pretrial conference 10-13.

Arlie J. Birchfield, theft by deception, including cold checks under $500, pass 10-9.

Michelle Brewer, possession of marijuana, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 11-17.

Terry Herald, violation of KY E.P.O./D.V.O., possession of marijuana, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 11-17.

Shawn Little, terroristic threatening, 3rd degree, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 11-17.

Harold D. McIntosh, public intoxication controlled substance (excludes alcohol), did not appear, bench warrant, $2,500 cash bond.

Precillia Padron, criminal littering, did not appear, bench warrant, $500 cash bond.

Kimberly G. Abel, no/expired KY registration receipt, leaving scene of accident/failure to render aid or assistance, operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs w/.08, aggravator, 1st offense, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 1-19-10.

Sharon K. Begley, no/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, dismissed.

Helen J. Birchfield, failure to wear seat belts, license to be in possession, did not appear, bench warrant, $250 cash bond.

Charles Brooks, failure to use child restraint device in vehicle, district court action slip.

Tristan T. Cackling, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, failed to appear.

Dewey W. Campbell, failure to use child restraint device in vehicle, 2 counts, dismissed 6 months if no other offenses.

Raymond L. Caskey, failure to wear seat belts, failed to appear.

Joshua J. Cass, failure to wear seat belts, failed to appear.

Tim J. Cole, failure to wear seat belts, failed to appear.

Francis M. Crabtree, no/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, dismissed.

Nancy Lee Davis, no/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, dismissed without prejudice.

Carl S. England, failure to wear seat belts, failed to appear.

Christian L. Holbrook, failure to use child restraint device in vehicle, guilty plea, $50 plus costs.

Vanessa W. Hollon, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, guilty plea, $500 plus costs; operating vehicle with expired operators license, dismissed without prejudice.

Glenda M. Hurst, failure to wear seat belts, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, dismissed without prejudice, fine paid.

Adam O. Janes, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, failed to appear.

Justin R. Keltner, no/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, dismissed.

Robert W. Russell, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security, guilty plea, $500 plus costs; possession of open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle, guilty plea, $35 fine.

Tammy R. Simpson, speeding 5 mph over (limited access), pretrial diversion order.

Coty L. Sparks, no operators license, not guilty plea, pretrial conference 11-17.

Faith Sparks, no/expired registration plates, no/expired KY registration receipt, dismissed.

Jonathan D. Spencer, failure of owner to maintain required insurance/security 1st, dismissed without prejudice.

Merle T. Trusty, operating on suspended/revoked operators license, did not appear, bench warrant, $250 cash bond.

Christopher Hoover, assault 4th degree domestic violence minor injury, assault, 1st degree-police officer, disorderly conduct 1st degree, resisting arrest, preliminary hearing 10-27.

Gayle Nicole Pierson, promoting contraband, 1st degree, preliminary hearing 10-27.

Timothy Lee Arvin, 2nd degree possession of controlled substance/drug unspecified, 2nd offense, possession of controlled substance, 3rd degree, 1st offense/drug unspecified, giving officer false name or address, possession of marijuana, pass 10-13.

Barry Feese Jr., assault 4th degree minor injury, pretrial diversion order.

Jason Fisher, criminal trespassing 2nd degree, any misdemeanor charge not covered by these codes, written guilty plea entered.

Timothy Arvin, no operators license, pass 10-13.

Tabitha B. Howard, operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, etc. .08 1st offense, guilty plea, failure to notify address change to DOT, dismissed.

Tabitha B. Howard, operating motor vehicle under influence of alcohol/drugs, etc. .08 1st offense, amended to DUI 2nd, guilty plea.

Times Photo by David J. Griffin

Senior Sarah Crabtree was named by her peers in a school-wide vote as the 2009 Homecoming Queen at halftime of last Friday’s football game. Sarah is the daughter of Sonya and the late Timothy Crabtree.

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