Todd County Standard

11/06/2025

A few strong to severe storms will be possible Friday afternoon and evening.

11/03/2025

MULLINGS – 'AUTHORFEST' PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 8, FROM 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

By Carolyn Wells
Todd County Standard

Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM will see a gathering of almost 20 area writers converge on the Todd County Public Library (TCPL) for “AuthorFest,” an inaugural event planned to showcase the writings and illustrations of many local and area writers. The event, a collaborative effort with the Todd County Public Library, Friends of the Todd County Public Library, Historic Todd County, Inc. (HTC), and the Green River Academy Preservation Society (GRA), will be held in the Community Room at the TCPL located at 507 South Main Street in Elkton. Amanda Hayes, TCPL’s director, emailed, “At TCPL's first ‘AuthorFest,’ aspiring authors can converse with local published writers and poets. Children can envision their own success in storytelling, poetry, and illustration. Our patrons can celebrate the talent and diversity in literature unique to western Kentucky.”

Plans are for the invited writers and illustrators to have on hand copies of their works to sell to the public. As typical of most author showcases, the writers will be available to sign their works, and several of the writers will be offering their books at lower prices. As many Todd Countians are aware, the Green River Academy (GRA) has as one of its goals to promote arts in Todd County, and Historic Todd County, Inc. (HTC) also has as one of its objectives to educate and inform the public about our county’s history as well as to commemorate and promote the people of our community. Once someone delves more into the writers of our area, that person will soon discover Todd County and surrounding areas have been and continue to be blessed with a plethora of writers whose talents have led them to pen and illustrate a vast array of literature and art.

Those who have registered to attend on November 8 include:

• Charles Leavell, a 1972 TCCHS graduate, a former Navy communications electrician, and a preacher in Suffolk, Virginia. Charles has penned two books focusing on Todd County Training and the integration occurring in the Todd County School District in 1963. (Because of a funeral at his home church in Virginia, Mr. Charles’ sister will be on hand to represent Mr. Charles.)
• Deborah Beachy, a local writer who lives in the Penchem area. Her book entitled Bootprints traces the story of Jason Kauffman, one who feared his father and eventually found a new “Father.”
• Emilie Gill, an Elkton resident who teaches illustration classes at APSU. Emilie describes herself as someone who “couldn’t decide whether she wanted to be a musician, a zookeeper, a secret agent, or a Professional Adventurer.”
• Frances Strickler, who resides in Franklin, Kentucky. Frances has penned two books – A Long Way Home: A Soldier’s Story and Hardly A Lady. Her second book is “set in 1930s Kentucky, when women couldn't even open a bank account without a husband or father.”
• Jeff Rogers, a retired English teacher and poet. Jeff, who loves the poetry of Robert Penn Warren, is a transplant to our area so that he and his wife can be close to grandchildren in Bowling Green. He serves on the Robert Penn Warren Birthplace Museum Committee.
• Linda Stokes Fritz, a 1966 TCCHS graduate and a retired educator/guidance counselor. Linda has penned a book dubbed My Day in Infamy, one describing a traumatic time in her family’s life.
• Lindsey Sisco, a second-grade teacher at South Todd who writes books celebrating kindness and diversity. Lindsey describes herself as “a small-town teacher who believes every day holds a story worth telling!”
• Lisa Lewis Balboa, another TCCHS graduate and an area church elder and pastor. Lisa is a contributing author to Leading Ladies: Sharing Our Stories of Inspiration and Faith.
• Michael and Storm Shultz, a husband-and-wife team who are members of Antioch Baptist Church. Michael, the preacher at Antioch, is currently working on a commentary on Revelation; his wife Storm is known for her Christian fiction including a recent story based on the Sermon on the Mount.
• Mike Sears, a TCCHS graduate, a retired probation and parole officer, and a former MP. Mike is known for adventurous writings appealing to the younger generation.
• Monica Jobe, a local writer who gained a love of books early in her life. Her mother-in-law, Judy Anderson Donnelly, completed the illustrations in Monica’s first children’s book entitled Christian and the Great Journey.
• Phillip L. Suber, a local pastor at Frist Missionary Baptist Church in Elkton. He describes himself as one “who speaks with the authority of experience and the heart of a shepherd.” His book, released in 2025, is entitled Overcoming Faith Fatigue.
• Rosemarie Cowherd Wurth-Grice, a 1975 TCCHS graduate and a retired English teacher. Rosemarie has penned a poetry chapbook entitled Darkness Called Us Home. Rosemarie makes her home on her cut flower farm in Bowling Green.
• Stephen Smith, a 2015 TCCHS graduate who teaches at Christian County High School and makes his home in Guthrie. Stephen’s writings include seven novels at this time; he also has a passion for gardening.
• Tammrow Carneal, a resident of Trenton. Tammrow’s book entitled Silence Me Not: Poems of Love, Hope, Faith, & Inspiration is “a collection of poems that encourage strength, faith, and love.”
• William Robey Harris, Jr., a retired Circuit Court Judge. In his two books, Mr. Harris shares stories from his childhood years in Franklin and Simpson County, Kentucky.
• CLW, a 1968 TCCHS graduate and a retired TCCHS English teacher. Carolyn has penned three coffee table books supporting local rehabilitation efforts for the 1835 Todd County Courthouse and the Green River Academy. She will have available copies of Notables of Todd County.

10/30/2025

MULLINGS … NOTABLES OF TODD COUNTY II BOOK RELEASE EVENT PLANNED FOR SATURDAY, NOV. 29, 2025

By Carolyn Wells
Todd County Standarde

Monday, October 5, 2025, saw the long-awaited arrival in Elkton of almost 1500 copies of Notables of Todd County II, the second 10 by 10 compilation supporting the rehabilitation efforts of the Green River Female Academy located at 204 Goebel Avenue in Elkton. The trustees of the Green River Female Academy Preservation Society will host a book release event on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the 1835 Todd County Courthouse / Todd County Welcome Center located on the Square in Elkton. The event is open to the public and will be held from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM. Attendees will have their first opportunity to purchase copies of Notables II, a coffee table sized book detailing many places, people, memories, and events that make Todd County such a unique and memorable place. Printed by Jostens in Clarksville, the majority of the copies of Notables II will sell for $30. However, 200 copies of Notables II will sell for $35. Those copies, which are signed by CLW, also include a penned message from the author.

The GRA’s Trustees express their heartfelt “thanks” to Laura Brock for her efforts in overseeing the publication of Notables II. “Thanks” is also extended to Terry Cleveland and Shelly Bender of Jostens in Clarksville who worked closely with Laura to complete its publication. A heartfelt “thanks” is also extended to Kathi James, the book’s graphic designer who took the vision of Notables II and provided a finished product that captures the rich beauty of almost 40 entries. The book, which is 124 pages in length, contains slightly over 120 pictures scattered throughout those pages. Laura Brock, one of the founders of the GRA Preservation Society, messaged, “Notables of Todd County II is a heartfelt tribute to the people, places, and moments that make Todd County so special. It is also a reminder of how important it is to keep sharing these stories with each new generation. It was an honor to assist author Carolyn Wells and Green River Academy Preservation Society in bringing Notables II to Todd County.”

Gratitude is also extended to the 68 individuals, businesses, and entities who sponsored the book, and the trustees are also appreciative of the contributors of art and photographs who used their talents and resources to bring the 124 pages to life. One of those repeat contributors who provided art to accompany the entries is Chad Fuller, a well-known photographer whose work is often seen on Facebook. Another artist who assisted with Notables II is Samantha Morin Hightower, a young lady who recently graduated from Western Kentucky University with a degree in art. Thanks is also extended to Kyle DeBerry of Horizon Drone Solutions who provided several aerial pics of requested places in Todd County. Retired U.S. Air Force photographer Dennis Nieuwsma also provided the photograph for the cover of the book; his pic, one of the 1835 Courthouse, ranks as one of the most memorable and breathtaking pics for the second Notables.

Those attending the November 29th event are reminded the Green River Female Academy Preservation Society is a non-profit organization devoted to the rehabilitation of the GRA located on Goebel Avenue. Since the publication of Notables in 2022, the GRA has seen several more custom-made windows added to the building along with the recent addition of two interior doors. The additions of security cameras as well as a picket fence on the north and east sides have been completed in recent years. Obviously, more work needs to be done for the building, and the trustees remind everyone the proceeds from the sale of Notables of Todd County and Notables of Todd County II will allow more restoration of the historic building to occur.

Commenting the compilation was “such a joy to create,” Kathi James messaged, “Just as with the first book, Notables of Todd County II combines wonderful anecdotes with beautiful images of the people of Todd County and the places that are significant to them. A spirit of loyalty and deep affection permeates the pages. These are books to enjoy now and to treasure for future historians.” Following the November 29th book release event, plans are to place Notables II at several locations in Todd County so folks throughout the county will have easy access to purchase the book. For those out of town, Notables II, as well as Notables of Todd County, can be purchased online using a credit card at https://www.greenriveracademy.com/shop. Locations for its sale include “Something Special,” “Hip Harvest,” and Guthrie’s “Main Street Market.” Obviously, someone who wants to purchase Notables II will need to check times of operation for those businesses.

10/24/2025

10/22/2025

MULLINGS – ‘SHADOWS OF GREEN RIVER ACADEMY’ RECEIVES POSITIVE REVIEWS

By Carolyn Wells
Todd County Standard

This past Friday and Saturday evenings, October 17 and 18, saw approximately 400 people travel by hayride from the Milliken Memorial Community House at 208 West Main Street to the Green River Academy located at 204 Goebel Avenue in Elkton. Dubbed “Shadows of Green River Academy,” the event hosted by the Green River Academy Preservation Society, a group formed as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in 2009, saw local and area performers portraying noted individuals connected to Elkton and the Academy. The event also provided for the attendees a journey through the first and second floors of the historic site. Laura Brock, treasurer of the GRA Preservation Society and one of the founders of the non-profit, shared the event was designed to bring people into the historic 1835 building to see the structure itself and to observe what additional rehabilitation efforts need to be accomplished.

Matt Bailey, another founder of the non-profit and an architect by profession, presented the idea of the “Shadows” event to the GRA Board of Trustees in recent months, and when tickets for the event first appeared on Facebook in September, the event sold out in a matter of a few days. Attendees both nights gathered first at the Milliken Memorial Community House before the hayride to the GRA. At the Milliken, both prior to the GRA event and following their return to the Milliken, attendees were able to enjoy s’mores, apple cider, candy, food trucks, and a gift shop chocked full of items related to the event and to the GRA. Also assisting at the Milliken were Gary Violette, Todd County Historian, and Autumn Rager, a TCCHS and APSU graduate and a substitute in the Todd County School District. Both Gary and Autumn contributed stories a part of Todd County’s history.

At the GRA, ticket-goers were provided snippets of several former Todd Countians. Those past figures included Major John Gray, founder of Elkton; Benjamin Helm Bristow, a noted lawyer and politician; Mary Virginia Hudson, a lady depicting the heartache of the cholera epidemic; Lucinda Dickey, one of the female teachers of the Academy; James Clark McReynolds, a student of the GRA and later a Justice of the Supreme Court; and an undertaker, obviously, one whose services are a necessary part of life. Vicki Hall Kennedy, a native of Elkton who actually lived in the GRA with her parents shortly after her birth, shared, “The attention to details, the professional presentations, and the ambiance were a true delight.” Wilda Harrison, another Todd Countian with a love of history, added, “Everything was very interesting, and the actors brought their characters to life with the details. I loved touring the building.”

The GRA Board of Trustees expresses its thanks to the Milliken Memorial Community House; the City of Elkton; neighbors of the Green River Academy; Jim Colbridge, a volunteer who assisted with construction needs at the GRA; Eddie Mallory, a local artisan who crafted two interior doors for the Academy; Michael McKnight of McKnight Woodworking who built additional interior doors and transoms; Shelter Insurance of Russellville and Sharon Shanklin; Horizon Drone Solutions and Kyle DeBerry; Home Front Real Estate and Tonja West; Elkton Baptist Church; Petrie Memorial Methodist Church; Kayce Bright; Tina Frogue; Tamara Cox, Karen Hurt, Anita Gault Moriarty, Linda Fritz, Emeline Stokes, Brittany Prather, Alyssa Prather, Mary Beth Prather, Adrieana Noe, Judy Howle, Jailer Jeff Penick, the Todd County Detention Center, Elkton’s Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eric Haley, local volunteers; Shawna Leanne Photography; and the TCCHS Beta Club. The Beta Club, sponsored by Dr. Lisa Petrie, Gifted/Talented Coordinator, has taken on as a project for the year assisting the GRA as the GRA Trustees work to secure the wiring of the Academy. Beta’s project entitled “Wired for Success” saw Beta Club members from both TCCHS and TCMS assist with the event both nights. The Trustees are hopeful the electrical portion of the project can be completed soon thanks to the generous offer of a master electrician who attended the event.

Doris Kelly, a retired TCCHS art instructor, shared on Facebook, “I was so impressed with our small town! In my opinion, this event was better than any big city performance!” Performers for the night included Allen Polk, a TCCHS graduate who lives in Huntsville, Alabama; Ava Reed, a TCCHS sophomore; Carrie Miller, a former museum director and archivist; Ben Wingfield, an actor and health care consultant; Dr. Lisa Petrie, gifted/talented coordinator for the Todd County School District; and Clay Smith, music director for “The Stephen Foster Story” in Bardstown. Winn Walton, younger sister of the late John Walton, another founder of the GRA, posted on Facebook, “I hope John was up in a corner with his arms folded looking over ALL of you who have made this possible!” Most who attended the event either night will concur Mr. John was smiling. Trustees for the GRA include Matt Bailey, Andrew Traughber, Alisa Walsh, Laura Brock, Rita Dillingham, Dr. Lisa Petrie, Tonja West, Tommy Hines, and Carolyn Wells. Anyone who wishes to make a tax-deductible donation to the efforts of the GRA can make an online donation at https://www.greenriveracademy.com/donate. Obviously, donations can also be mailed to the GRA, P.O. Box 869, Elkton, KY 42220.

10/15/2025

Sponsored Content

10/10/2025

At the October 9, 2025 City Council meeting, Councilmember David Allen Powell announced his resignation from the Elkton City Council, effective October 10, 2025.

The letter pictured below is his formal letter of resignation, in which he expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Elkton and his pride in the progress made during his time on the council.

The City of Elkton sincerely thanks Councilmember Powell for his years of dedicated service and leadership. His commitment to the community has made a lasting impact, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

10/10/2025

KENTUCKY COURT OF APPEALS RULES AGAINST FORMER TODD COUNTY SHERIFF, DEPUTY JAILER CONVICTION APPEAL

A three-judge Kentucky Court of Appeals panel has ruled against an appeal by former Todd County sheriff and deputy jailer W.D. “Billy” Stokes.

Stokes was convicted by a Todd County Jury of Third-Degree So**my in July of 2024 and was sentenced to two years in prison.

In a ruling on Friday, written by Judge Kelly Mark Easton, Stokes and his legal team had argued that “the circuit court erred in not allowing testimony about Stokes by a nurse who had examined him.”

According to the ruling, Stokes claimed that Circuit Court Judge Joe Hendricks had excluded the testimony because it had not been disclosed prior to trial. The ruling also said that Stokes also claimed other trial errors relating to a hearsay statement offered by the prosecution and that there were improper “prosecutorial comments.”

The judges, Easton wrote, found no actionable error.

“The Todd Circuit Court did not abuse its discretion in its evidentiary rulings, nor did it permit improper arguments by the Commonwealth,” the ruling said.

To read the ruling, click the link with the story.

*A content warning: Some may find the information from the trial in the ruling offensive.

10/08/2025

MULLINGS – TODD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY CELEBRATES ITS FIRST YEAR OF OPERATION!
By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Three hundred and sixty-five days ago, on Monday, October 7, 2024, the Todd County Public Library had its official “soft opening” with over 200 patrons celebrating the long-awaited opening of the 12,900 square foot facility located at 507 South Main Street. Built by C&C Contracting of Russellville, Kentucky at a cost of $4.1 million dollars from a grant from the Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives (KDLA), the new facility has seen much change from its initial opening last fall. A visitor to the library in April, Allen Polk of Huntsville, Alabama, shared upon his first seeing the library that it could easily fit in around the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Allen, a TCCHS graduate with military experience, shared in his comments that he was in awe of the spaciousness and design of the building.

A visitor to the library today will immediately be greeted with two display cases; currently, the cases are chocked full of memorabilia and artifacts from patrons’ visits around the world. Countries represented include among others Hungary, England, Australia, Holland, Spain, Portugal, Turkey, Ecuador, Sweden, and Hawaii. A frequent visitor to the library, a gentleman from Madisonville, shared the building was very welcoming and a major upgrade to the previous library located on East Main Street. Susan Carroll, a former trustee who served as president of the Library Board during the library’s planning and early months of construction, added the library is a beautiful facility and a wonderful gift to Todd County. She also shared her grandchildren love to come to the library because of its inviting appeal. Omar Figueroa-Navarrete, a senior at TCCHS who has worked at the library for over a year, stated, “I can see the transformation of the library from its initial look last October to its many improvements of today.”

Since its opening last October, the library has seen the addition of electricity to an electronic sign from Trio Signs of Hopkinsville that welcomes visitors to the library while also promoting activities occurring at the library. The building has also seen the addition of lighting on the back parking lot area. The lighting, which provides illumination that covers the back parking lot as well as the two sides, adds to the safety of both visitors to the library as well as library staff. On the west side of the building under the covered portico, a handicapped entrance was added in recent months to accommodate not only those handicapped but parents with young children who need an easier route into the building. The lighting of the flag pole was also completed late last year as the flag pole serves as a beacon welcoming the public to the long-awaited facility.

Scattered throughout the building in most rooms are new furniture pieces, artwork showcasing the county and its artists, book displays, and informational materials assisting the public with events occurring at the library as well as around Todd County. One of the most frequently commented attractions to the library is the collection of flowers in the children’s reading area as well as the menagerie of ‘animals’ as someone enters into the main area of the library. Those colorful items, which are on loan from Elkton Baptist Church, are frequently a photo shoot for parents and grandparents with their little ones.

As true of any facility or home, creating a welcoming environment takes time, and next week will see the beginning of a mural in the children’s reading area. The mural, one that will be painted by Kim Daniel Rager, will serve as a focal point for one of the most widely used areas of the library. Kim, a retired educator and a local artist, is known for her and Darlene Groves’ drawing of the Elkton mural on the side of “The Lucky Cowgirl.” Yes, much has occurred at the library during the past year. Hours of operation for the library are Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM until 7:00 PM and Friday and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Its phone number is 270.265.9071.