10 Years Ago
October 13, 2016
Sun reporter John McGary wrote two front-page stories on the question “Is Woodford County Growing too fast?” for the 2016 Countywide issue which focused on the county’s economy. Reporter Bob Vlach pitched in with a front-page article on the new stores and businesses opening over the last year all over the county, particularly in Midway as it becomes a tourist destination town. Oddly, given Woodford County’s strong agriculture economy, there were no stories on that subject.
Woodford Forward and SPARK Versailles sponsored a forum for city council candidates. Only three of the seven candidates participated, with none of the incumbents daring the risk of a goof. Those who attended and addressed voters were Laura Dake, Tim Middleton, and Larry Britton.
The WCHS soccer teams got off to strong starts in District tourney play, with the Lady Jackets besting mercy ruled Frankfort, 10-0, while the boys nearly matched them in a double-header before a large crowd at Community Stadium topping Frankfort 9-0. The football team lost a defensive struggle against Anderson County, 10-7.
Co-Athletic Director and former long-time boys basketball coach Gene Kirk was featured in a story mainly focused on his own playing career, which included participating in the 1972 Olympic Team trials and as a player on the Gold medal team in the International Cup which bested the Olympic teams from Russia, Brazil, and Poland. Before becoming Woodford County’s all-time winningest coach, which included a trip to the 1986 Sweet 16 as well as coaching the boys golf team to a second-place finish in the State, Kirk grew up in Montgomery County, playing only two seasons, before going on to star at Delta State University in Mississippi from 1965-1969. He also holds the university’s record for most rebounds in a game – 26.
Doris Leigh was given a lifetime achievement award at the annual Woodford County Democrat Dinner. Joe Graviss was named Democrat of the Year, and was presented the award from last year’s winner, Nancy Fouser.
25 Years Ago
October 18, 2001
William Harvey Jones, 84, prominent Woodford County farmer and former member of the Woodford County Farm Bureau and the P&Z Commission, died Oct. 13.
Jo Fisher of Midway is featured in this issue as the author of her third book, titled Morning’s at Seven — Ordinary Times in an Extraordinary Place.
A dedication service was held Sunday for the new Woodford Memorial Gardens on the grounds of Bluegrass Memorial Hospital.
Opponents of a proposed 502-lot development on the Backer property on Lexington Road voiced their opinions at last week’s P&Z hearing, concerned with the long-term effects that such a plan could have on the community.
Jenny Cocanougher has become the Woodford County Extension Agent for 4-H and Youth Development.
Bryan Station High School’s football team defeated the WCHS Yellow Jackets, 24-19, Friday night.
Winners of the low gross division in the 5th Ladies Gold Journey Classic at Woodford Hills Country Club were Sandy Martin, Anne Combs, Beth Curlin, and Julia Hovey.
40 Years Ago
October 16, 1986
Chantel Brown was crowned Woodford County High School homecoming queen at halftime of last Friday night’s WCHS-Nicholas County game. She became the first African-oAmerican student to be named WCHS queen. Her attendants were Karen Booten, senior; Carla Combs, junior; Tammy Beasley, sophomore, and Heather English, freshman.
The football game ended abruptly in the third quarter when the Nicholas team was pulled off the field following a brawl, with Woodford leading by 21-0.
Stephanie Godby, special education teacher at Huntertown Elementary School, has been selected as the county’s Teacher of the Year.
The heirs of General Marquis Calmes and his wife are preparing to restore the stone mausoleum in which the remains of the two are entombed. The mausoleum is located on Ashview Farm, Payne’s Mill Road. Calmes, a Revolutionary War soldier, was instrumental in developing the layout of Versailles and naming the town after Versailles, France.
Alfred Nuckols of Hurstland Farm at Midway has arrived at home following a harrowing experience in the Gulf of Mexico. Nuckols and three companions clung to foam coolers they had strung together after their fishing boat was capsized by a huge wave, and floated for 22 hours before being spotted and rescued.
The renovation and expansion of Simmons Elementary School, which will give the school 27 regular classrooms and an additional 18,000 square feet of space, has been approved.
Three Woodford County students are members of the University of Kentucky Marching Band. They are Tracie A. Carl and Rob Geilear, trombone, and Wes Miller, saxophone.