Special to the Sun HOW WE BEGAN Military Missions was founded in 2004 by Beth Pennington, the mother of a United States Marine. While her son was deployed overseas, Mrs. Pennington sent him a care package filled with a “taste of home.” He was grateful, but he shared that the other 16 Marines in his unit had not received anything from home. That moment changed everything. From her kitchen table, Mrs. Pennington began assembling and sending care packages to the rest of her son’

A WOODFORD COUNTY DETENTION CENTER inmate receives training from a Forklift U instructor for his certification to become an operator. (Photo courtesy of the Woodford County Detention Center) Twelve Woodford County Detention Center inmates have earned forklift operator certification prior to their release, which will assist them in finding stable, good-paying jobs to help them break the cycle of incarceration. The graduates were celebrated at an event on Friday, March 13, that

By Scott White Woodford Sun Staff The Democratic Women’s Club of Woodford County has announced two $1,000 scholarships for residents of Woodford County - one for female graduating high school seniors and the other for non-traditional female students. The application deadline is April 8. The first scholarship is for students planning to attend an accredited, post-secondary institution such as a community college, university, trade school or vocational program. Applications mus

Recently, there has been quite a commotion about Woodford County Public Schools (WCPS) staffing and scheduling throughout the community. I am writing today to deliver the facts and student perspective on these issues. Beginning on Wednesday, Feb. 18, schools Superintendent Dr. Lori Jones traveled throughout Woodford County High School (WCHS), delivering her “Roadshow” to teachers and staff to discuss the current budget situation. She explained what the budget looks like, how

KAYLA BUSH AND LYNN PRUETT were honored to host the University of Kentucky Monuments Workshop and Blue Grass Trust deTour. Together, they explored the Elm Bend burial site and walked the grounds of the Caise and Johnston family homeplace. From left, Nealy Williams, senior associate director of UK grant management, Christy Ferguson, with UK Monuments Workshop, Jackson Osborne, community outreach manager at Blue Grass Trust, Lynn Pruett-Mansfield, farmer, Kayla Bush, historian,

SOUTHSIDE FIFTH GRADERS Josie Dickinson, Savannah King and Sophia Buckman petted sheep during a stop at the animal science station on Ag Day at Woodford County High School on March 20. (Photo by Bob Vlach) WYATT SLUGANTZ sat atop a tractor while talking to fifth graders about farm safety during Ag Day on Monday, March 20 at Woodford County High School. In addition to being invited to get on a tractor and learn about its moving parts, the visiting fifth graders also learned ab

IVEE HARBERSON, left, and Makenzie Clark are pictured with the stickers with an image of their principal on them. They sold the stickers at their recent Entrepreneur Fair. (Photo by Bob Vlach) MIRIAM BUCHANAN, left, and Alexandra Rice were busy doing worksheets recently in their second grade class at Huntertown Elementary School. (Photo by Bob Vlach) KAMDEN STOUT is pictured in art class at Huntertown Elementary School. (Photo by Bob Vlach) OREN CLARK, left and Mac Bowles wor

The Woodford County Fiscal Court began its regular meeting on Tuesday night with a question from southern Woodford County farmer Jim Mansfield during public comment: “I have a question for when you get to the broadband discussion (it was on the agenda), will there be a way to find out if your specific residence will be served by that?”  Judge-Executive James Kay responded, saying, “That’s a good question, and we will get to that soon, and I think you will get an answer you li

‘NEWSIES’ is a musical that director Micha Gehring says she’s wanted to do and knows the show was right for “this group of kids.” Pictured, from left, during a recent rehearsal at WCMS, are Lexi True, Alaina Hudson, Jamaica Blunt, Chloe Kidwell (back), Lily Valentine, Collin Wright, Samuel Rhea, Shade Rayburn and Emmalynn Estes. (Photo by Bob Vlach) When audiences come to see “Newsies” at Woodford County Middle School next weekend, director Micha Gehring says they should expe

THE LIFE ADVENTURE CENTER on Milner Road in Woodford County has added new programming this spring. (Photo by Scott White) By Scott White Woodford Sun Staff Life Adventure Center (LAC) is launching a new initiative designed to bring families together through shared outdoor experiences and meaningful connections. The new Family Adventure Days program will provide free adventure-based programming for individuals in recovery and their families, helping participants strengthen rel

Mona Jennings portrayed Alexander Hamilton, one of several notable people in history who populated a wax museum at Northside Elementary School on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Bob Vlach) STEVE JOBS, as portrayed by Roman Rogers, shared his life story to parents, students and others who visited Northside Elementary School’s wax museum on Wednesday morning. (Photo by Bob Vlach) POCAHONTAS, as portrayed by Presley Kinney, told parents and students about her place in American hist

SPARK OF HOPE, though no longer operating its cafe, is still going strong. And as it celebrates its seventh anniversary, it is very much a key part of the Woodford County nonprofit community as it continues to serve the food insecure. The members of the board, from bottom left, then clockwise: Anora Pina, Lori Garkovich, Jackie Anthony, Chef Marissa Prince, Secretary Josh Meeder, Treasurer Mark Molla and Chair Whitney Stepp. Join the Sun in wishing Spark a Happy Anniversary!