Joe Belford of Versailles won the 2026 Vintage Dad’s Day pie eating contest at Shaker Village this past Father’s Day weekend. He finished his pie in 5 minutes flat, beating out 7 worthy competitors. (Photo submitted)	DARA SHIPP, the deed room supervisor, is retiring from the Woodford County Clerk’s office after 16 years of serving the public and was honored by the Fiscal Court at its Tuesday night meeting. In the photo, Shipp is flanked by County Clerk Sandy Jones and Judge-Executive James Kay. (Photo by Scott White)	A WET JUNE has South Elkhorn Creek running full, including deadfall, at Weisenberger Mill in Midway. (Photo by Al Cross)
THE WOODFORD COUNTY Educational Endowment Foundation (WEEF) held its annual golf scramble and shoot-out fundraiser at the Woodford Club on June 1, which saw 20 teams compete and enjoy the outing. WEEF raised over $15,000 to fund Woodford County Public Schools’ educational initiatives. This year’s winners were Dale Holley (first), Mike LaFavors (second) and former WCPS Superintendent Scott Hawkins (third). (Photo submitted)	Woodford County High School graduating senior Harper Brady was honored at the recent Senior Awards Night when she was named the recipient of the 2026 Northside Elementary Scholarship. Liz Perry, a teacher at Northside Elementary School, awarded the scholarship to Harper. (Photo submitted)	MIND & BODY MED SPA, located on S. Main Street next to City Hall, celebrated its fifth anniversary with specials on services and a picnic in the back parking lot, along with children’s activities. Co-owned by Haven Andrews and Brittany Bowles, the local business offers cosmetic injectables, anti-aging aesthetic treatment and medical-grade skincare, with their primary concern being client safety. Pictured clockwise from bottom left: Emily Miller, Kayla Walker, Andrews, Bowles, and Jenna Beasley.
GREYSON HODGE was named Kentucky’s Mr. Lacrosse, an award presented to the state’s top high school boys lacrosse player. Considered the sport’s equivalent of Kentucky’s prestigious Mr. Basketball honor, the award caps the rising senior’s career that has already made Hodge Woodford County’s all-time leader in goals and assists. Look for a full story in next week’s Sun. (Photo by Bill Caine)	‘THE McGREGOR HALL GIRLS’ from Eastern Kentucky University celebrated 63 years of friendship during lunch at Versailles Brewing Company on June 8. The “girls” traveled from Georgia, Indiana and Ohio to renew their friendship, which began in 1963 – the year that McGregor Hall opened. Pictured, from left, are Wanda Lambden, Shirley Obel, Nelda Dobbs, Peggy Carter Seal, Marlene Adams and Emma Lou Jenkins. (Photo submitted)	THE WOODFORD COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT is in the midst of its annual fundraiser for the WHAS Crusade for Children. Firefighters like Eric Hysell, pictured, have been at Versailles’ intersections the last two weekends accepting donations. The money will end up in the Woodford County Public Schools for use by special education teachers. This coming weekend, June 5 and 6, will be the final weekend of the fundraiser. Firefighters will be at the Bypass and Lexington Road next to Woodford Feed, the inter
WOODFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors Sophie Tucker and John Lopez received $1,000 Woodford County Human Rights and Roots & Heritage Scholarships. Sophie will attend the University of Kentucky, and John will attend Eastern Kentucky University. Also pictured is Peggy Carter Seal, scholarship chair. She made the presentation at WCHS Honors Night on May 21. (Photo submitted)	WOODFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL graduating seniors Samuel Taylor and Eugenio Langdoc received $3,500 Woodford County Conservation District Scholarships during WCHS Honors Night on May 21. Pictured, from left, are WCCD Operations Manager Nat Colten, Samuel, Eugenio and Peggy Carter Seal, WCCD Chair. (Photo submitted)	OLIVIA RAYBOURNE, of Woodford County, who is a student at the J. David Rosenberg College of Law at the University of Kentucky, has been selected as one of the 13 Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s summer interns. Raybourne is pictured fourth from the right. (Photo provided by Kentucky Department of Agriculture)
A LIZARD trying to find its way into the Woodford County Courthouse Annex caused deputies to wonder if it was a lawyer before allowing it to proceed through security. However, the lizard, a broad-headed skink, produced its Kentucky Bar Association card and informed the deputies that it had a meeting with a client who was scheduled to be arraigned later that day. Sadly, the lizard was still barred for failing to meet the dress code . . . no coat and tie. (Photo by Scott White)	A LATE SPRING SUPER MOON hovered over Newtown Anner Stud Farm two weeks ago, lighting up pastures and grazing thoroughbreds. (Photo by Scott White)	Carolina Rhea was awarded the C.O. Neel Agriculture Achievement Award at the Woodford County FFA Banquet. The award is sponsored by Ken and Brenda Reed. Pictured from left, Carolina Rhea and Ken Reed. (Photo submitted)
BETSY’S CLEANING SERVICE held its Woodford County Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting last Friday, May 15, at its location at 441-B Lexington Road. The business offers one-time and regular weekly cleaning services to residential, commercial and new-construction customers. Betsy Chavez, the owner, has been in business in Woodford County for over 23 years, and this is her new location. She is pictured holding the ribbon next to Woodford County Judge-Executive James Kay. They are surrounded by Betsy	BUFORD-LANDMARK MASONIC LODGE NO 41 members participated in a community service project at the Huntertown Cemetery on Tuesday, May 19, where they mowed and used weed eaters on the grounds. (Photo submitted)	THE WOODFORD COUNTY WOMAN’S CLUB elected new officers recently. From left, front, Debbie Sexton, president and Jane Pictor, first vice president; back, Barb Johnson, second vice president, Brenda Scott, auditor, Dedre VanHoose, treasurer and Lisa Watkins, secretary. (Photo submitted)
THE ROTARY CLUB OF WOODFORD COUNTY has chosen to work with the Food Pantry for Woodford County for a service project. Rotary’s focus is on service and community engagement, which is reflected in this project, according to member Susan Adams. Members Kristin Ingwell-Goode, center, wearing a ball cap, and Samantha Stockman, far right with long hair, are pictured working at the food pantry. (Photo by Susan Adams)	THE WOODFORD COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY held its first annual Spring Forward Festival on April 25 at the Huffman Pavilion at Falling Springs Park. Roughly 250 people and two dogs attended the event. Kids were treated to free ice cream and a variety of games, including a bouncy house, Klinko, face painting, and a cakewalk. Thirteen Democratic candidates gave stump speeches. (Photo submitted)	THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WOODFORD COUNTY presented to both Addy Wartham, left, and Ava Brumley a $1,000 scholarship for the next step in their education. Kelly Przbrega, center, the chair of the club’s scholarship committ ee, made the presentation at a recent meeting. Brumley will att end the University of Kentucky in pre-dental studies, and Wartham will att end Morehead State University in aerospace engineering. (Photo by Lynn Pruett )
GARRETT GRADDY-LOVELACE participated in a meeting for work remotely while visiting the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) for Career Day on April 16. The Versailles resident talked to fourth and fifth graders from Northside and Simmons elementary schools about being a college professor during Career Day. (Photo by Bob Vlach)	WINDOWS WERE REPLACED at Versailles Baptist Church last week. On Wednesday afternoon, April 8, workers used a lift to reach the windows being replaced on the part of the church building that faces East Green Street in downtown Versailles. In September 2023, Versailles Baptist’s steeple was lowered to East Green Street for repairs. (Photo by Bob Vlach)	THE SOUTHBOUND LANE of South Winter Street is being closed periodically while crews from Columbia Gas replace natural gas lines on the west side of town in Midway. (Photo by Bob Vlach)
SIOUX FINNEY brought Lady Liberty to life at the Woodford County Woman’s Club April meeting, taking the stage with torch held high in full costume. The former Woodford County Middle School and High School teacher shared the history, meaning and statistics behind the iconic Statue of Liberty. Her presentation honored the United States’ upcoming semi-quincentennial, or 250th anniversary, in 2026. Brenda Jackson is also pictured. (Photo submitted)	THE COMBINED CHOIRS of Troy, Pisgah and Versailles Presbyterian churches sang at the Maundy Thursday Service of Tenebrae at Troy Presbyterian Church on April 2. Clergy serving at the service (not pictured in the photograph) included Revs. Julie Johnson, Beth Garrod Logston, Hannah McIntyre and Susan Warren. Appreciation was expressed to Troy Presbyterian Music Director/organist Hayden McNeal and to the choirs of Troy Presbyterian, Pisgah Presbyterian (Anna Pan, music director) and Versailles Pre	MIDWAY AND VERSAILLES BECOME SISTER CITIES: Or, so said Midway Mayor Grayson in an April Fool’s Day social media post, spoofing the practice of American cities becoming “sister cities” with cities located in other countries. Though the “friendly” rivalry between the two Woodford County towns has been in existence since Midway came into being, Vandegrift’s post certainly tugs at the whiskers of its older neighbor. It will be curious to see if the Versailles mayor will come up with a worthy prank
LIFE ADVENTURE CAMP is holding its annual “Extreme Adventure Challenge” fundraiser on May 16, at its expansive grounds on Milner Road. At the challenge, 20 teams of four will have two hours to complete as many of the 18 checkpoints as possible before time runs out. All participants must be 16 or older. “The fundraiser allows us to raise funds so that we can provide camps and retreats free to those who need it the most,” said Executive Director Julie Breitigan at the Challenge’s preview event at	PAULA EVERHART was recognized by the Woodford County Board of Education on Monday, March 30 for showing up for Woodford County Public Schools. She received the “Superintendent’s Hive Award for Harvesting Innovation, Vision and Excellence” for being a quiet force who has partnered with staff and supported students over the last decade. Pictured with Everhart are Woodford County Board of Education Chair Adam Brickler, Sherri Springate, KT Gould, Sarah McCoun, Vice Chair Ambrose Wilson and schools	BUFORD-LANDMARK LODGE NO 41 Worshipful Master Johnny Mills presented David Paul, DDGM D-20 (District Deputy Grand Master, District 20), with his ritualist pin on Tuesday, March 24, during a regular state meeting. Brother Paul spent the past two years working on this achievement. Additionally, Paul presented the lodge with a framed wallpaper swatch from the lodge hall that met in the building that now houses the Woodford Business Center. The framed artwork was donated back to Buford-Landmark by H
	WOODFORD COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT supervisors Michael Duckworth, Robert Richardson, Brad Carmickle and Curtis Congleton talked with Division of Conservation Field Rep. Kimberly Bartley at the Area 6 training meeting in Danville March 30. Not pictured are WCCD supervisors Peggy Carter Seal and Donald Mitchell who were also in attendance. (Photo submitted)	EQUUS RUN VINEYARDS presented a $550 check to the Woodford County Humane Society. The funds were collected during the first quarter of 2026. Equus Run also delivered 175 pounds of food and other toys and trinkets for the humane society’s furry friends. Pictured from left, Rae Mullins, with the humane society, and Cynthia Bohn, owner of Equus Run Vineyards. (Photo by Pam Trautner)
LONG LINES AT TINY BIRD BOOKS on South Main Street in Versailles stretched out of the store and up the street last Sunday for the store’s monthly book swap. On the last Sunday of every month, owner Becca Lowe opens the store for readers to bring in hardback books in good condition to “swap” for books they haven’t read. The popular event always brings business to other downtown merchants open on Sunday. (Photo by Scott White)	Woodford County Circuit Clerk Sarah Wilhoit Littrell is required to publish certain notice items every month in The Woodford Sun relating to estates. Chief Deputy Brad Jones shows off his handy-dandy reminder system to make sure they get sent by the deadline! (Photo by Scott White)	GARET WELLS reminisced with former colleagues and two former superintendents, Danny Adkins and Scott Hawkins, during an open house on Monday, March 30 celebrating his retirement from Woodford County Public Schools. Teresa Wasson, a retired director of special education in WCPS, is pictured at right talking to Wells. (Photo by Bob Vlach)
THE YOUTH AT TROY PRESBYTERIAN Church spear-headed the “Souper Bowl of Caring” again this year. Youth and families from Troy Presbyterian, pictured, delivered 192.6 pounds of food to the Food Pantry for Woodford County on Sunday, March 8. In addition to the food pantry donation, $552.83 was collected in the Souper Bowl 5-Cents-A-Meal Offering at Troy Presbyterian Church to benefit the Community Service Center Wilmore-Highbridge and the PC USA Hunger Program. (Photo submitted)	SURPRISE! Roxie Gold, a senior and top student at Woodford County High School, was formally awarded Transylvania University’s prestigious William T. Young Scholarship when she was pulled out of class by her parents, Ryan and Sharon Gold. Julie Sams, assistant director of Admissions at Transy, presented the award—like a personal “signing-day” event. The Young Scholarship covers full tuition and fees for all four years. Pictured, from left, Ryan Gold, Sharon Gold, Roxie Gold and Julie Sams.	MENTORS AND MEALS awarded its Mentor of the Month to Woodford County High School senior Kaden Glass, left, and STAR (Smart, Trusting, Achieving, Respectful) Student of the Month to Woodford County Middle School sixth grader Arianna Matthews. (Photo by Lisa Johnson)
WOODFORD WHEELS VOLUNTEERS gathered at The Woodford Club for an appreciation lunch on Feb. 19. To date, Woodford Wheels has provided 4,000 rides to Woodford County residents for a variety of needs. Front row, from left, Marcia Burns, Helen Rentch, Sara Hicks and Sheila Mobley. Back row, from left, Ride Coordinator Ashley McHugh, Herb Petitjean, Lori Garkovich, David Lowry, Versailles Mayor Laura Dake and Randy Swartz. (Photo submitted)	JUST OUTSIDE OF MIDWAY, Roger Jordan shot this photo of a full moon in the early morning on Feb. 2. The Midway photographer said he named the photo “Jessie’s Moon” because his friend Jessie has a fascination for full moons. (Photo by Roger Jordan)	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)
“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