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)
WOODFORD HABITAT FOR HUMANITY is pleased to welcome another homeowner family to the Habitat community. Joshua Downs, Nilda Figueroa and their children, Tasha, Liam and Mia, moved into their house on June 29. Presenting the keys to their house is Woodford Habitat Board Secretary Lisa Barnes, pictured on far left. (Photo submitted)	FIVE GENERATIONS of Woodford Countians recently gathered to celebrate the newest family member. Clockwise from bottom left: Great-Great Grandmother Ann Showalter (seated), Great-Grandfather Ray Donnell, Aliya George, mother, holding daughter Willa Ray George, and Grandmother Ann Ernst. (Photo submitted)	BILL PHELPS was recognized for his 60 years as a volunteer firefighter by the Versailles Fire Department with a ceremonial, framed fire axe. Chief T.A. Rankin is shown giving the axe to Phelps at a ceremony held at the newly remodeled fire station. (Photo submitted)
WOODFORD COUNTY MASONS of Buford-Landmark No. 4 provided free breakfast to Woodford County first responders at the EMS Building on Big Sink Road on Friday, July 4. The Kentucky Poultry Federation provided a generous donation for the event. Nearly 40 omelets were served to our Woodford County heroes. (Photo submitted)	VERSAILLES MARKET & ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT kicked off its “Fourth Sunday” live music gatherings on the afternoon of June 29 with a rollicking show from Twist of Fate. The Entertainment District’s “Fourth Sunday” concert series continues through September. (Photo by Scott White)
Callie Hudson, with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, is interning this summer at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) in Frankfort. Hudson, the daughter of David and Kimberly Hudson of Versailles, is working in the department’s Office of Agricultural Marketing. Callie will be a sophomore this fall at the University of Tennessee’s Herbert College of Agriculture in Knoxville, where she is pursuing a double major in agricultural business and agricultural leadership.	KENTUCKY GYM held a ribbon cutting sponsored by the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce on June 19 at its new location. Its new Versailles location offers free weights, circuit training, cardio, group boxing classes and a commercial dry sauna and cold plunge. It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week. Pictured from left, Dawn Breda, Nate Wells, Josh Meeder, Versailles Mayor Laura Dake, Connor McNee, founder/manager of Kentucky Gym, Brian McNee, Kathryn Million, Dakota Jenkins, Jessic	FOOD PANTRY OF WOODFORD COUNTY received a $6,000 grant from the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels to purchase beef. Grants are made possible through donations from Kentucky Colonels from throughout the Commonwealth and around the world who choose to exercise the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel in a meaningful way. From left, Ashley Jackson, Executive Director of the Food Pantry, and Commanding General Gary Boschert, with the Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Five members of the NexJen BJJ and Martial Arts kids’ competition team attended the FUJI BJJ Lexington Summer Championships on June 14. The team brought home 2 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze medals. Pictured, standing from left are Dakota Erwin, Marek Irwin, Graham Irvin, Bentley Young and Silas Humphries. Seated in front is Coach Vince Tabscott, head instructor. (Photo submitted)	PIRATES T-BALL team finished runner-up in both the league and tournament. Front, from left, Jack Perkins, Beckett Cottrill, Will Downey, Cade Baldwin, Henry Miller, Duke Adams; back, Anson Rider, Barrick Mittle, Kyle Lalumandier, Henry Matthews, Nathaniel Johnson. Back row, Head Coach Nick Rider, and coaches Michael Matthews, Tyler Baldwin, and Taylor Perkins. (Photo submitted)	THE STINGERS were league and tournament runner-up in the under 8 softball league this year. Front, from left, Alayna Brown, Alianna Eller, Makynzie Vickery, Caroline Daley, Eretria Butcher, Isabella Ferment, Zulay Rodriguez; back, Haven Struble, Macy Gesner, Lacie Hutchinson, Taylor Singleton, Reese Couch; Coaches L-R: Tim Vickery, AJ Hutchinson, Tyler Singleton, Chris Daley. Not pictured: Millie Downey and Coach Marybeth Ferment. (Photo submitted).
10 AND UNDER STINGERS finished second in the league, but won the tournament. Back, from left, Courtney Maines, Bryce Bland, Gabby Roark, Catelyn Ferment, Brooke Jones, Kaiya Drake, Davis Hall; Front, Paityn Garrett, Kinley Donovan; Not pictured: Carsen Cottrill, Harbour Shouse, Danielle Myers; Coaches: Marybeth Ferment, Devan Donovan, and not pictured Coach Gretchen Cottrill. (Photo submitted)	THE ANNUAL MIDWAY BOURBON & BLUES FESTIVAL on Saturday, June 7, was a big success. Folks enjoyed the opportunity to sample products from distilleries, wineries, and craft beer while shopping various vendors, listening to a remarkable lineup of Blues artists, and dining at world-famous Midway restaurants. (Photo by Scott White)	WOODFORD COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT firefighters were out last weekend, May 30-31, and again this weekend, June 6-7, at the intersection of Lexington Road and the U.S. 60 Bypass, hoping to fill empty boots with donations for the 73rd annual WHAS Crusade for Children. According to its website, the charity funds programs to make life better for children with identified health care, educational, and emotional wellness needs by inspiring generosity. (Photo by Scott White)
BUFORD-LANDMARK MASONIC LODGE NO 41’s Jeremy Kifer presented Ayana “YaYa” Wilson with a $1000 scholarship during the Senior Class Awards Ceremony on Monday, May 19. Wilson’s resume included her membership in the National Honors Society, Beta Club, FCA, Track Team, NIA Club, Homecoming Queen and member of the National Cheerleading Championship Team. Wilson plans to pursue a degree in kinesiology/pre-physical therapy while cheering for the Georgetown College Tigers. Her late grandfather, William	At the Woodford County FFA Banquet Carson Probst and Faith Harris were awarded the C.O. Neel Agriculture Achievement Award sponsored by Ken and Brenda Reed. Pictured from left Carson Probst, Ken Reed, and Faith Harris. (Picture Submitted)	The Woodford County Woman’s Club enjoyed an afternoon touring the Kentucky Aviation Museum for their May meeting. Some of the members are, from left, Carol Gill ,Vicki Scott, Brenda Scott, Brenda Jackson, Judy Tinsley, (guides Hunter Moore and Ed Robie), Jane Pictor, Sue Dozier and Kay Curl. (Photo submitted)
MENTORS AND MEALS April STAR (Smart, Trusting, Achieving, Respectful) Student of the Month is Jalaya Parmer, pictured on left; the Mentor of the Month is Preston Graham. (Photo by Lisa Johnson)	MENTORS & MEALS honors Midway University interns who dedicated their work-study hours toward tutoring students at Mentors & Meals this past semester. “They are all amazing role models and they will be missed. Wishing them all the best as they make it through finals week,” says Lisa Johnson, executive director of the program. From left, Daniel Coffey, Madeline Parm, Blair Riney, Trevor Alexander. Missing from photo is Elliot Pope. (Photo provided)	VIEW OF SHORE ACRES taken on Tuesday, April 22. As can be seen, nearly all of the debris has been removed thanks to both volunteers and contractors hired by Woodford County Fiscal Court who have been working long hours, every day there and in Clifton, Lower Clifton, Buck Run, Fintville, Mundy’s Landing, and Oregon Road, A photo of this same view, below, was in last week’s Sun, and it seems like a different place. Despite the cleared debris, a significant amount of work still lies ahead for area
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL is organizing a new chapter for Woodford County. It held its first meeting at the headquarters of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System last week. The next meeting will be April 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the same location. (Photo supplied)	The Woodford County Womans Club Garden Department April meeting was held at the Woodford County library. The guest speaker was Woodford County resident Sarah Landers, who enlightened us on the art of beekeeping. From left, Mary Ann Summers, Sarah Landers and Becky Greco. (Photo submitted)	A bird flies over South Elkhorn Creek at Weisenberger Mill on Monday as trees keep budding out. (Photo by Al Cross)