WARSH HOUSE, a coin-operated laundromat at 435 Lexington St., is back under the new local ownership of Phillip Powers. They offer a 24-hour drop-off and fold service, $1.80/pound, as well as cleaning for large rugs, comforters, and horse blankets. There are always laundry professionals available. Their new ozone system gets rid of smells, including heavy smoke odors. Hours are 8 a.m. with last load at 7:30 p.m. and closing at 9:00 p.m. Pictured from left, Michelle Martin, Keith Rust, Candy Murp	JUNIPER BELLE BOUTIQUE held its ribbon-cutting on Jan. 23. The boutique is a new women’s plus-size resale shop at 148 Court Street. Pictured from left, Raina Walton, Nallely Pinales, Kristen Tinker, Bruce Holt, Elizabeth Reynolds, Versailles Mayor Laura Dake, Mercedes Weller, Clive Weller, Margaret Holt and Chamber President Cory Cooley. (Photo by Marie McLamb)	THE DOTSON CHARITY RAFFLE, an annual charity drive, raised and contributed over $25,000 to Woodford County nonprofits. The amounts donated were: Huntertown Community Interpretive Park (HCIP), $10,260; Midway’s Walter T. Bradley Park, $5,000; Habitat for Humanity, $5,000; and The Woodford Foundation, $5,000. Michael Duckworth of City Bank in Versailles designated the charity recipients after drawing the winning raffle. Pictured from left, Michael Duckworth, Mollie Bradley, HCIP, Cecelia Gass, Wal
NEWCOMERS AND FRIENDS OF LEXINGTON AND THE BLUEGRASS REGION, a nonprofit social club, held a meet and greet at Rose Hill Inn to introduce itself to Woodford County. For information on how to join or learn about future get-togethers, go to www.lexnewcomers.org. Pictured, from left, are Laura Andrews, who recently moved to Versailles, and Susan Feher, one of the organizers. (Photo submitted).	BUFORD-LANMARK MASONIC LODGE No 41 held its 2026 officer installation on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Congratulations to incoming Worshipful Master Johnny Mills and his officers. The Installing Master was Chris Stout, and the Installing Marshal was David Paul. (Photo submitted)	FALLING SPRINGS CENTER is starting up a wide variety of winter classes to help folks keep to their New Year’s resolutions. The group pictured above was in the 2025 Monday-Wednesday-Friday 8:15 a.m. TRX class and have signed up again for 2026. Instructor Kelly Carl says it is not too late to join! From left, Susie Southworth, Anne Sophie Carr, Cecil McFarland, Mindy Holt, Pam McFarland, instructor Kelly Carl, Kellie Griffith, Gladie Green, Drew Thompson, Cory Hill, Sheila Charles, Janice Miller,
WOODFORD COUNTY FESTIVAL OF TREES recently celebrated its eighth season, with over 25 trees and tree alternatives donated by local businesses and community members placed throughout Midway and Versailles. The event raised $6,000, which was donated to Shop with a Cop and Woodford County Young Life. From left, Rachel Vasilakes, with Festival of Trees, Anthony Conner, police officer, Larry Mantle, Woodford County Young Life committee chair, and Cindy Lynn, with Festival of Trees. (Photo submitted)	JOURNEY CHURCH’S four preschool classes celebrated Christmas last week. The teachers, pictured from left, are Brynn Deaton, Adriane Downey-Routt, Velicia Hysell and Tabitha Wood. (Photo by Adriane Downey-Routt)	WOODFORD COUNTY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY celebrated its 44th house dedication on Saturday, Dec. 20. Over 50 volunteers, community leaders and guests welcomed the homeowners to the Woodford Habitat family. Pictured from left, Judge-Executive James Kay, family members Aiden White, Graci Becker and Belinda Beasley, Kentucky Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Mary Shearer and Shianna White. (Photo by Sioux Finney)
ELIJAH DANFORD of Versailles earned the rank of Eagle Scout, awarded at a Court of Honor ceremony on Dec. 20. Elijah is a member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 14 and is a junior at Lexington Catholic High School. For his Eagle project, Elijah repaired and repainted five arbors and 25 benches to restore and improve the outdoor space for the residents and staff at Taylor Manor Nursing Home. The project took multiple weekends to complete, with over 300 hours of work. (Photo submitted)	Several members of the Woodford County Retired Teachers Association attended the Central Kentucky District Christmas celebration on Dec. 3 at the Woodford Inn. Pictured from left, seated, Jim Cole, Kathy Coleand Laura Gray; standing, Sandra Combs, WCRTA President Gloria Batts and Kentucky Retired Teachers Association Executive Director Greg Roush. (Photo submitted)	FREDDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS held an open house to celebrate the opening of its newest location on Nov. 18 at 1031 Tyrone Pike. The restaurant is named after co-founder Freddy Simon, a World War II veteran. The new Freddy’s offers dine-in seating, drive-thru convenience, mobile ordering via the Freddy’s app and patio seating, giving guests multiple ways to enjoy cooked-to-order steakburgers, crispy shoestring fries, grilled hot dogs and freshly churned frozen custard. “We’re thrilled t
Mason Kratt, a 2014 WCHS graduate, and his dad David Kratt, a Versailles resident, recently traveled to Tanzania, Africa to hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro. Along with three friends from Colorado Springs, CO, (Johanna, Lacey, and Carla), Mason and David successfully summited the 19,341 foot tall mountain on September 24. The trip included eight days of hiking, a three-dayday safari tour and 2 days on the island of Zanzibar. A great time was had by all. (Photos submitted)	THE VERSAILLES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS of 1962 held its third annual Christmas luncheon on December 4 at Ricardo’s. Pictured, from left are Ed Howard, Dr.Bill Foley, Natalie Disponette Hopkins, Charlette Dunn Phillips, Rosemary Cox Johnson, Linda Neal Downey, Peggy Carter Seal, Gloria Hippe Donnell and Gary Wilson. (Photo submitted)	JAMES “BO” WILSON, the longtime supervisor of the Woodford County Road Department, retired last week after 13 years of service. “Bo really worked hard, dedicating his career to serving Woodford County. He will be greatly missed,” said Judge-Executive James Kay. Pictured is Kay presenting a bourbon barrel topper to Wilson at the County Garage. From left, Kay, Bo’s wife Denise, Bo and Scott Dean, interim supervisor of the department. (Photo by Kate Melanson)
The Troy Presbyterian Women (TPW) donated $500 to the Food Pantry For Woodford County during the John Coyle Memorial Food Drive. The money is to be used to purchase turkeys for Christmas. Accepting the donation from TPW Moderator Peggy Carter Seal is John Paul Coyle, Food Pantry Treasurer. Others pictured from left, front, Barbara Antrobus, Cheryl Buffin, Seal, Coyle, Olena Redmon, Stephanie Varvell, and Dawn Allen; back, Vicki Snapp, Lynn Pruett, Gerri Phelps, Reecie Ratliff, and Judy McIntyre	ON A FUN TRIP to New York City to see The Lion King on Broadway, visit the Statue of Liberty and more, Grandmother Jamie Kay, Mom Emily Downey, and Millie Downey showed up with a sign at the famous Rockefeller Center courtyard where The Today Show broadcasts in hopes of getting on television . . . and, did they ever! Millie and Emily met co-anchor and NBC Chief White House Correspondent Peter Alexander, who began his broadcast news career in Central Kentucky in 1997 at WKYT-TV. Clearly, Millie's	COOKIES WITH COPS was hosted by the Woodford County Senior Citizens Center on Oct. 20. Versailles Police officers and Woodford County Sheriff deputies joined seniors, who thanked them for their service. Also, homemade cookies were served. (Photo submitted)
“VER-SALES” or “VEH-SIGH”? The common question posed to us Versaillesians regularly, more so now given we are a worldwide tourist destination thanks to being the Birthplace of Bourbon and the epicenter of the equine breeding industry, is why do we “mispronounce” our hometown? Well, of course, we do not! Everyone who has lived here for any length of time knows those Frenchies have it wrong. However, based on the signage at the VER-SALES Police Department on Monday, Nov. 10, it appears the departm	Buford-Landmark Masonic Lodge No. 41 hosted its annual First Responders Omelet Breakfast on Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Woodford County EMS Building as an appreciation to the men and women who protect and serve Woodford County. Members of the Versailles Police Department, Woodford County EMS, Woodford County Fire Department, Versailles Fire Department, Woodford County Emergency Management and Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay attended. (Photo submitted)	The Woodford County Woman’s Club hosted Author Justin Lloyd on Wednesday Nov.5 at their monthly meeting. Mr. Lloyd is the nephew of Jim Varney and has written a biography about his uncle’s life. Pictured, from left, Justin Lloyd, Ellen Hellard and club president Barb Johnson. (Photo submitted)
THE WOODFORD COUNTY TOURISM COMMISSION presented checks for $1,200 each to Cops for Kids and Woodford Community Christmas on Monday, Nov. 10. The funds are compensation for site selection work the Commission does for advertising companies. From left, Versailles Police Chief Rob Young, Chamber President Cory Cooley, VPD Officer Tracy Combs, Sara Jones of Woodford Community Christmas and Tourism Board Chair Kelly Rabinowitz. (Photo submitted)	Buford-Landmark Masonic Lodge No 41 received the Grand Lodge’s 2024-2025 Lodge of Excellence Award during the 226 Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky held in Louisville on Oct. 21. Pictured from left are MWGM Mitchell May, WM Jeremy Kifer, and MWPGM Christopher Stout.	“HOT OFF THE PRESS!” Charlie, Ron and Elise Wallace’s Labrador retriever makes sure he gets to check out what’s shakin’ in Woodford County first . . . you never know when there may be a new dog run open or who may be in the weekly police and district court reports for biting a postman. Thanks to Ron for sending this in . . . we love all of our subscribers! The Wallaces own Equine Farm Management, Inc., located in Midway, which has provided farm management consulting for horse farm owners since 1
DEVAN RUSSOM, of Versailles, led a group of folks on Saturday, Oct. 25, to demonstrate against the recent KKK flyers that were distributed in Versailles and Midway. “Today, we are gathered in rejecting the recent attempt at the intimidation of our citizens with the depositing of KKK flyer, and this is unacceptable in our town,” Russom said. “It goes against what our community stands for - respect and safety for all. We are showing our strength as a community, and we will support one another to	A FAMILY OF YELLOWJACKETS were buzzin’ around hunting for the kind of nectar found in small pieces of candy and met with great success. (Photo by Scott White)	JACK KAIN FORD TECHNICIANS raised $150 for Breast Cancer Awareness. The money was raised by employees “paying” $5 to be able to wear jeans and pink clothing on Friday, Oct. 17. From left, Donavan Spillane, Eli Sager, Brish Perkins and Cory Campbell. (Photo by Emily Downey)
NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH in Woodford County was officially proclaimed as October by Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay, who was joined at the signing ceremony by Michael Spalding, owner of Woodford Physical Therapy. (Photo courtesy of Woodford Physical Therapy)	THE FOOD PANTRY for Woodford County was the beneficiary of a food drive held at Jack Kain Ford in September. Customers were invited to “fill up” an F-150 truck. The drive collected 5,009 pounds of goods. Pictured from left, volunteers Steve Sims and Jerry Hyatt; Lynda Cunningham of Jack Kain Ford; volunteer Debbie Birch; Kain Ford marketing manager Donna Sturgeon; and volunteers Larry Mantle and Mike McClean. (Photo submitted)	KATIE’S PROVISIONS, an artisanal bakery owned by Katie Arthur, is already up and running though the brick-and-mortar shop is scheduled to open in December at 187 S. Main Street. Until then, Katie will be selling her breads in a pop-up tent outside the front of that location’s front door on Fridays only. The breads use only Wiesenberger Mill flours and sourdough starters. Katie offers loaves of country, whole wheat, white and rye. And don’t be surprised to find “special” breads, like last week’s
LISA JOHNSON AND ANN MIILER, Versailles City Council members, were recognized at the Kentucky League of Cities, City Officials Training on Sept. 29. Johnson achieved a Level 3 Master of City Governance certification, which requires 90 hours of training during her tenure on council, and Miller received the Certified Municipal Officer certification, requiring 135 hours of training during her tenure. Johnson, left, and Miller, right, were congratulated by Versailles Mayor Laura Dake. (Photo courtes	SILVER VOICES OF ZION will celebrate their first anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Simpson United Methodist Church at 4 p.m. Everyone is welcome. Pictured from left front, LaDonna Polk, Diane Demus and Lucinda Young; back, Trish Winkfield, Kim Coffey, William Harris and Eleanor Middleton. (Photo by Rev. Rodney Johnson)	THE VERSAILLES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1962 came together with a fall reunion on Friday, Sept. 19 at Ricardo’s. In attendance were from left, front, Pearl Hatton, Rita Clark, Gloria Mudd and Peggy Carter Seal; middle, Linda Downey, Rosemary Johnson, Gloria Donnell, Ray Weber, and Gary Wilson; back, Ed Howard. (Photo submitted)
THE VERSAILLES HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1960 held its 65th reunion at the Woodford Inn on Sept. 20. Those attending were, from left, Lil Davis Hoferkamp, Charles Johnson, Ramona Campbell Woolums, Diana Baker, Prudence Ladd Yohe, Judy Lane Padgett, Martin Traugott, Carolyn Yeary Stapleton, and Roddy Williams. Also attending was Barbara Thomas Livingston. (Photo submitted)	The four Democratic candidates running for US House District 6 spoke at the Church Barn Farm in Nonesuch on Friday, Sept. 12. It was hosted by the Superpac, The Henry Project, of Woodford County. This was the first event to feature all four candidates. From left, Ian Vansteenbergh of the Henry Project, candidates Erin Petrey, David Kloiber, Cherlynn Stevenson, Zach Dembo, and Annabel Nagel of the Henry Project. (Photo submitted)	A SERVICE LEARNING GRANT from the Woodford County Conservation District (WCCD) allows Southside Elementary School’s second grade classes to visit the Woodford County Senior Citizens Center for holiday programs during the 2025-26 school year. Pictured, from left, are teacher Alecia Blevins, Southside Principal Paige Samples, teacher Erika Carter, Peggy Carter Seal, WCCD vice chair and project coordinator, and teacher Kelly McGee. Teacher Yvonne Edenstrom is not pictured. (Photo by Bob Vlach)
Several members of the Woodford County Retired Teachers Association recently attended a District-wide Fall workshop in Lexington. They were informed of changes and goals of the state organization. After the meeting, the group met alone and finalized plans for the upcoming WCRTA picnic. From left, Laura Gray, Past President Kathy Hogg, Past Treasurer Sheila Miller, Barbara Asher, President Gloria Batts and Treasurer Jane Pictor. (Photo submitted)	NARCAN dispensers, bags and gloves are now in vending machines provided by Woodford County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) and New Vista. Narcan, also known by its generic name naloxone, is a medication that is used to revive opioid overdose victims. The vending machine is located outside the Dollar General Store on Lexington Road. Nancy Blackford, pictured third from the right, is the ASAP coordinator. Pictured from left, Woodford County EMT Director Freeman Bailey, Tara Starwalt, New	THE McGREGOR HALL GIRLS from Eastern Kentucky University met at The Kentucky Castle Aug. 25 to celebrate their friendship, which began in 1963. Pictured, from left, are Shirley Obel, Peggy Carter Seal, Nelda Dobbs and Wanda Lambdin. (Photo submitted)
Petar Tsvetanov was raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason on Saturday, August 23, 2025 during the annual District 20 Outdoor Degree. Petar also claimed the District 20 Traveling Gavel for Buford-Landmark No 41. Pictured from left, Terry Bogges, Grand Senior Warden; Brad Durr, DDGM District 20; Seth Curtis, WM Georgetown Lodge No 3; Petar Tsvetanov and Jeremiah Kifer, WM Buford-Landmark No 41; Steve Case, Secretary Anderson Lodge No 90. (Photo submitted)	The newly-formed Woodford County Democratic Woman’s Club met Aug. 11.  Committees were organized, door prizes drawn and a good time had by all. Door prize winners, from left, Liz Fields, Susan Hammond, Katherine Harper, Lisa Watkins, Angie Donohue and Diana Weaver. (Photo by Karen Isberg)	TROY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH welcomed Rev. Tony Larson, the co-moderator of the national Presbyterian Church (USA), on Sunday, July 27. Rev. Larson preached at the morning service and also brought greetings and official recognition from the national church offices in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of Troy Presbyterian Church this year. (Photo by Sioux Finney)
A RANGE ROVER allegedly stolen in Lexington and driven by 18-year-old Jordan Blanton crashed on Marsailles Road after fleeing police who engaged at times in a high-speed chase. Versailles police safely secured the arrest. (Photo from Facebook post by Sherry Richardson)	BLUEGRASS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL has been awarded for its efforts to improve rural stroke care. Celebrating the recognition, from left, are Mindy True, Christina Routt, Jackie Harper, Jamie Stamper, Dr. John Bennett, Angel Robinson, Sheri Frost, Shannon Jackson and Megan Lakes. (Photo submitted)	The Troy Presbyterian Women gathered at the Dixie Cafe on July 8 for their final summer luncheon. Our new book study will begin August 12 at 10:00 a.m. in the Troy Center. Pictured, from left, Barbara Antrobus, Olena Redmon, Judy McIntyre, Cheryl Buffin, Gerri Phelps, Lynn Pruitt, Peggy Seal, Debbie Rose, Barbara Snyder, Vickie Snapp, Susan Clements, Reecie Ratliff, Dawn Allen, Becky Judd. (Photo submitted)
HOT AND HUMID IS HERE! A fast-moving, strong thunderstorm raced through Versailles on Sunday night, July 13, around 8 p.m. with lots of lightning and winds. Remember to stay “weather aware” this time of year with Woodford Alerts, a community emergency notification system provided by the Woodford County Fiscal Court that covers Woodford County, Midway and Versailles. It can be downloaded from the Apple App Store or Google Play. (Photo by Scott White)	Logan Vivian, at right, received the honesty & integrity award from Buford-Landmark Masonic Lodge No. 41 at the WCHS awards night in May. Pictured at left, Lodge member Jeremy Kifer. (Photo submitted)	WOODFORD COUNTY LIBRARY offers an annual reading program for children each summer, where they can earn prizes and become eligible for an end-of-summer drawing. Pictured are Cade, 3, and Henley, 5, turning in their completed reading lists and getting new ones from librarian Emma Duggan, while their mom, Jessalyn Bridges, looks on. Cade and Henley earned free pizza coupons from Rolling Oven Pizza on Court Street. (Photo by Scott White)
ROSIE, A TWO-YEAR-OLD JERSEY COW, helped instructor Israel Mullins teach kids about dairy products and dairy nutrition at the Woodford County Library on Tuesday, July 15. The Southland Dairy Farm, a non-profit, which is supported by the Kentucky Dairy Farmers, travels the state giving these educational programs. Mullins is pictured far left with Rosie. (Photo by Scott White)