Todd County Standard

09/14/2026

09/10/2026

FORMER TODD COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT, MAGISTRATE GORRELL DIES
Earl Howard Gorrell, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Claymour, Kentucky, on September 1, 2026. Howard, as he was known by family and friends, was born on April 4, 1936, in Clifty, Kentucky, to the late Silas Gorrell and Kathleen Dew Gorrell.

Howard, a standout basketball player at Elkton High School, earned an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Austin Peay State University (APSU) where he continued to excel. He earned numerous honors, including being selected to the All-Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) team twice, and being named VSAC Conference MVP. He helped lead APSU to 4 consecutive VSAC championships, and appearances in the NAIA and NCAA tournaments, and he was selected to the ALL-NAIA tournament team in 1960. In recognition of his exemplary basketball career, Howard was inducted into the Austin Peay State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Todd County Hall of Fame in 2019.

A first-generation college graduate, Howard earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from APSU and a Rank I from Western Kentucky University. He began a 33-year career in public education in 1960 as a high school geography and physical education teacher. He would later become principal at Auburn High School in 1971 and the first principal of the newly consolidated Logan County High School in 1982. Howard concluded his career serving as superintendent of Todd County Schools from 1987 to 1993.

Howard’s love of basketball and his success on the court didn’t end with college. He had a successful career coaching high school basketball, including, most notably, an eight year stint (1963-71) coaching the Auburn High School Tigers to seven consecutive 13th District Championships and two 4th Regional finals. Howard also worked nine years as a college basketball official for the Ohio Valley Conference. In 2016, he was inducted into the Logan County Athletic Hall of Fame.

Howard was a member of numerous organizations and involved in several community service activities. Two memberships that were of most importance to him were his memberships with Gideons International Elkton Camp and Pleasant Hill Church of Claymour. Howard also served as a Todd County Fiscal Court Magistrate and on the Todd County School Board of Education.

In his spare time, Howard enjoyed working on his beloved family farm or playing golf. An avid golfer, he played almost daily until recent health issues prevented it. When he wasn’t working on the farm or on the golf course, Howard could usually be found cheering for his two favorite teams, the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team or the New York Yankees.

Howard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Charlene Coles Gorrell; three sons, Mickey (Peggy) Gorrell, Mark Gorrell, and Marty (Shannon) Gorrell of Auburn, Kentucky; one step-daughter Edwina (Stanley) Strickler of Rockfield, Kentucky; seven grandchildren, Lee Gorrell, Briley Gorrell, Landon Gorrell, Addi Gorrell, Ashlee Rust, Kara Rust, and Garrett (Libby) Strickler; and his beloved Boxer dog, Claymour. Howard was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Gorrell Rust; one sister, Elaine Gorrell Traverse; and five brothers, Billy Joe Gorrell, Duane Gorrell, Terry Gorrell, Timmy Gorrell and Stanley Gorrell.

A special thank you to Howard’s wonderful caregivers, Amy Henderson and Jessica Kennedy. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care and support they provided.

Visitation will be held at Young Funeral Home in Russellville, Kentucky, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held for Howard Gorrell at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Young Funeral Home in Russellville, Kentucky. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Claymour, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Howard’s memory be made to Gideons International Elkton Camp or Pleasant Hill Church of Claymour Building Fund.

09/04/2026

MULLINGS – DONNIE CARROLL, FORMER OWNER OF CARROLL’S BODY SHOP & EXHAUST, RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Those familiar with Roman mythology will recall the name of Vulcan, also called by his Greek name of Hephaestus. A multitalented god, Vulcan was known for his mastery of fire and the forge as well as being the favored supporter of both artisans and smiths. Those familiar with Clarksville will also recall a now-closed plant bore the name Vulcan, a plant that was in existence for over 80 years. Though Todd County does not have a large manufacturing plant similar to Clarksville’s Vulcan, it was blessed for over 30 years with an individual whose talents were equal to those of the mythological Vulcan. That individual, a TCCHS graduate of 1973, is Donnie Carroll, former owner of Carroll’s Body Shop & Exhaust located at 311 North Main Street in Elkton.

Donnie, who celebrated his recent retirement on August 22, was an artisan who worked magic transforming the mishaps of drivers into vehicles showcasing their former glory. Those who did business with Donnie during those 30 years of his ownership of the auto shop will share Donnie’s talents were unfathomable as he worked to bring the vehicles taken to him and his employees back to their previous status. Obviously, most drivers have mishaps that need correcting, and I can recall several years ago having to take my former 2013 Prius to Donnie after having a Walmart buggy roll across the parking lot and land at the side of my vehicle. With a dent on the side that I could not tolerate, I chugged to Donnie, and following a short “stay-cation” at his shop, the dent had totally disappeared. Last year prior to my trading that Prius for my new 2026 model, I also had the misfortune of having a mower for the roads of Todd County back into the front of the vehicle. Again, Donnie ‘worked his magic’ and soon had the Prius in a pristine condition once more.

Those two instances are, of course, personal ones. The stories posted online share similar positivity as one person penned, “I had to take my car to these guys for an insurance claim. They were professional, timely, and honest. They even buffed my headlights out. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an honest, affordable body shop.” Another shared, “Carroll’s Body Shop is, in my opinion, the best in the county and surrounding counties. They offer quick and flawless service. I wouldn't take my vehicle anywhere else. The only con is there can be a long waiting list, but that speaks for itself. If you want excellent quality, it’s worth the wait.” As true of these testaments, many more recommendations could be offered to highlight the talents of one of the most dependable and trustworthy folks and businesses anyone can know.

Attendees at the retirement party held at Carroll’s Body Shop will add the garage, formerly the home of Wayne Gibbs’ business, was packed with folks from around the area who shared best wishes to Donnie on his retirement. Myriad vehicles ranging from a 1957 Chevrolet to more modern ones restored by the hands of Donnie also proudly showcased the extraordinary talents of Donnie and his crew, and the owners of those vehicles will contribute how talented Donnie is, not only in his abilities with car restoration but also in his people skills and caring about his customers and their needs. Also on hand for the retirement festivities was Donnie’s mother, Mrs. Virginia Carroll Bush of Clarksville., and his sister Donna.

Obviously, we all age and reach a point when time and logic dictate we change our paths in life. Though Donnie’s path as an expert in body shop work has ended on a professional level, he leaves his business behind to the next generation of craftsmen. The new owner, Marshall Powell, son of Randall and Nancy Powell of Elkton, will have working beside him Josh Carroll, one who has also mastered the art of vehicle restoration from his father, and Patrick Mayes, another skilled restorer who has many decades of experience working alongside Donnie. Donnie, whose love for serving others still remains so strong, has in recent days shifted his talents to the operation of Donnie’s Towing & Exhaust, located at 3587 Sharon Grove Road.

Donnie, Todd County wishes you, and Susan too, the best as you enter a new stage of your life! We are so very fortunate you have touched the lives, and vehicles too, of so many in Todd County and surrounding areas!

Photos via Emily Carroll.

09/04/2026

🔥 TODD COUNTY COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN — EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Due to severe to extreme drought, extreme heat, and very low humidity, Todd County has issued an immediate countywide open burn ban. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

🚫 Prohibited:
• Open burning of any kind
• Burning leaves, brush, grass, trash, or construction debris
• Agricultural/field burning
• Campfires and recreational fires
• Burn barrels
• Outdoor fireworks and pyrotechnics
• Welding or grinding in grassy or wooded areas unless proper fire-watch and water precautions are in place

✅ Cooking grills and contained outdoor cooking devices may be used if attended at all times and kept at least 15 feet from structures, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials.

With many of our firefighters serving as volunteers and also working in agriculture, preventing avoidable fires is especially important during this period.

Our goal is simple: protect Todd Countians, their property and farmland, and the firefighters who have to battle these fires when they occur.

Please help us prevent fires until conditions improve.

📢 Updates will be posted through Todd County Emergency Management and Todd County Fiscal Court social media and local media outlets.

Todd County Emergency Management
Todd County Fiscal Court

08/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/197V1VbLAz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/21/2026

Funeral services for former Todd County PVA Virgil Monroe

Virgil Lee Monroe, 80, husband of thirty years to Neila Logue Monroe, died Thursday, July 16, 2026 at his residence in Harrodsburg. Born November 2, 1945 in Allegre, KY, he was the son of the late Calvin Izear and Agnes Isabel Winders Monroe.

He was a Senior Certified Kentucky Property Assessor and retired as Todd County Property Valuation Administrator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky after serving for twenty nine years. He attended Hopewell Baptist Church in Harrodsburg and Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre. He was a graduate of Clifty High School and had also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Todd County Fish and Game Club, was a life long Democrat having served as Todd County Democratic Party Chair, the President of the Kentucky PVA Association, and was an avid sportsman.

Survivors other than his wife include his son, Tony (Stacy) Monroe and his daughter, Donna Currey, all of Allegre; two step-daughters; Abi (Andrew) Patton and Hannah (Jason) Tyler all of Harrodsburg; two granddaughters; Nicki Monroe of Clarksville, TN and Daynna (Akshay) Grover of Mt. Juliet, TN; two step-grandsons; William Keezel of Owensboro and Caleb Tyler of Harrodsburg; one step-granddaughter; Cora Tyler of Harrodsburg; three great grandsons; Jacob O'Bryan, Levi O'Bryan, and Haydon O'Bryan of Clarksville, TN; one brother Alvis (Sara) Monroe of Allegre, and his sister-in-law Dr. Eula Monroe of Jackson Hole, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; J.C. (Jane) Monroe, Matthew Monroe, and Wendell (Carlene ) Monroe, and his sister, Ann (Marvin) Thornsberry.

A local funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home with Bro. Doug Wesley officiating. Brent Logue, Larry Devine, Gerald Claunch, Jerad Carrier, Anthony Carrier, and Curry Logue will serve as active pallbearers. The Tuesday Morning Singers will serve as honorary pallbearers. The funeral service will be streamed live on Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home's page.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home in Harrodsburg.

An additional funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. CST Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre with Adam Monroe officiating. Burial will be at McColpin Cemetery with Darrell Monroe, Marty Monroe, Josh Monroe, Dee Johnson, Terry Minueth, Alan Mansfield, George King, Scott Thornsberry, Akshay Grover, Perry Stokes and Roger Dotson serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. CST Thursday at Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre.

To share your memories or to send a message to the family, please visit alexanderandroyalty.com.

06/17/2026

From the National Weather Service:

06/07/2026

TRAFFIC IMPACTS FOR ROAD WORK IN TODD COUNTY

The expected traffic impacts in the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 3 area in Todd County for June 7 through June 12 are listed below. All work is subject to change.

• U.S. 79 (from the Tennessee State line to the 3-mile marker) - A project to widen U.S. 79 in Todd County from the Tennessee State line to mile marker 3 continues. Motorists should expect some lane closures and construction vehicles entering the roadway.

• KY 181 (mile points 19.3 to 25) - A project to resurface the roadway in this section is expected to start. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays.

• KY 107 (mile points 7.2 to 9 .2) - A project to resurface the roadway in this section is expected to start. Motorists should expect lane closures and delays

06/07/2026

06/01/2026

MULLINGS – THE HISTORIC 1835 TODD COUNTY COURTHOUSE MOVES FORWARD WITH ANOTHER FACELIFT

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Anyone who has been in Todd County for any length of time has observed the Historic 1835 Todd County Courthouse, oftentimes described by many as Todd County’s “Statue of Liberty.” Now serving in the role of the Todd County Welcome Center, the Courthouse had its inception in 1835, just 15 years after Todd County was founded in 1820.

As true of any building, repairs and renovations are necessities, and in recent years, with the assistance of the Todd County Fiscal Court, the City of Elkton, Elkton Bank & Trust Company, and Historic Todd County, Inc. (HTC), the Courthouse has seen several major improvements – repairs to the existing clock provided by EB&T; the painting and repair of the exterior windows on all four sides; the removal of paint on the limestone window lintels and sills around the exterior of the building; the purchase, installation, and painting of a custom mahogany door and trim on the south side; and the painting of the clock tower and eaves around the entire building.

From May 2 through May 29, the latest renovation has seen the removal of the damaged and leaking gutters on the entire building and the painting and repair of the gabled ends as well as the overhangs on all four sides of the Courthouse. When the clock tower was painted last year by Freddie Jones of Jones Painting, Jones alerted HTC to the poor condition he found on the eaves, soffits, and overhangs as he worked around the building. Because of the need to correct those major problems, David Haley of Haley’s Maintenance and Repair, was hired last month by HTC to repair the damage on all four sides of the Courthouse. Assisting David were Daniel Randolph and Dean Haley, David’s 78-year-old brother who has construction experience and knowledge from his years working at Haley’s Hardware. David pointed out that without the assistance of Daniel Randolph, the project would have taken much more time. He shared while he and his brother were in the lift working their way around the Courthouse, Daniel was on the ground cutting and bending the metal used for flashing, cutting the wood and plywood needed to repair the rotted wood, cutting angles on repair wood to meet the angles of the Courthouse, removing ‘tons’ of pigeon dung, collecting all debris from the damaged surfaces, sending all required materials to David and his brother using a bucket to speed up the process, keeping all batteries charged, and making trips to local hardware stores and the paint store to purchase needed items for the project.

David also shared the use of safety harnesses was essential as the operation and moving of the lift requires careful placement. He clarified a lift can have unexpected movement, and when we think about the windy conditions Todd County has had many days in May, the need for caution is obviously critical. Daniel also shared in years past he discovered the use of a harness was mandatory as a lift can easily lurch or topple when the gear is used to move the lift from one spot to another. David also stated the three-man crew worked in all types of weather, even working as much as they could on rainy days and on Memorial Day. David also added the worst sides of the Courthouse were the north and south sides with the south outranking all the others. He also explained the four corners of the building required extensive repairs. David stated he was in constant contact with Matt Bailey, an architect with much knowledge of historical buildings and a member of HTC, when he had questions about how something should be completed.

Anyone who looks at the before and after pictures of the completed work will immediately realize the project was one that definitely had to be tackled. Rotten wood, piles of pigeon dung, decaying shingles, and faded paint and trim have now been restored to a pristine look with an architectural color matching the original paint of the building. The next phase of this project will occur shortly with new gutters and downspouts to be added by First Choice Gutters, LLC of Todd County. Also expected within the next few months will be custom doors, sidelights, and transoms for the east and west doors which are currently under construction by Carlisle Milling Company of Fancy Farm, Kentucky. When chatting with Dean, he stated he is eager to retire once more as he stepped out of retirement to assist his younger brother with this extensive project. As with any project related to an historical building, unexpected problems arise, and with the skill and expertise of David, his brother Dean, and Daniel, this project brings a very fresh look to the Historic 1835 Courthouse.

HTC also expresses thanks to the groups mentioned earlier as well as to the HTC Board of Directors including Glenn Slack (President), Billy Bryant (Vice-President), Laura Brock (Treasurer), CLW (Secretary), and Charlotte Morrow, Randall Powell, Matt Bailey, Linda Fritz, and Jo Ann Holder (Directors-at-Large). Charlotte Myers, Welcome Center Director, and Gary Violette, Todd County historian and area architect, are also thanked for their continued support of HTC’s efforts.