Todd County Standard

09/25/2025

Hemorrhagic Disease Update (9/22/25)

Kentucky is experiencing occurrences of HD in white-tailed deer, which happens annually. As of 9/22/25:
– 553 reports statewide, affecting 94 counties
– 1,074 deer reported sick or dead
– 32 samples submitted; 19 positive, 11 pending

If you encounter a sick or dead deer, please report it using our online reporting tool (link below). Our website is regularly updated with maps and occurrence info.

In some cases, if a deer is found in good enough condition to provide a viable sample, a biologist may contact you and come out to collect it. While many deer are not suitable for testing, every report helps biologists better track and understand this year’s data.

🦌 Important to know:
– Hemorrhagic Disease (HD) is not the same as Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). CWD has only been confirmed in one wild deer in Kentucky to date and continues to be closely monitored.
– HD is not contagious to humans and does not spread to most pets.

Learn more about HD, symptoms, and what to watch for here:
👉 fw.ky.gov/Wildlife/Pages/Epizootic-Hemorrhagic-Disease-EHD-and-Blue-Tongue.aspx

09/22/2025

🚨 HISTORY MADE 🚨
Our TCCHS Boys Soccer team advanced to the All A State Tournament in Louisville for the third straight year—and for the first time ever brought home a state tournament win, battling all the way to the semifinals!

Despite their youth, the Rebels defeated three older teams—three times in penalty kicks—proving grit and fight can’t be measured on paper. Proud is an understatement!


📸 Photo Credit: Kassity Boor
More on their journey:
👉 https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2025/09/21/rebels-fall-to-bethlehem-in-all-a-classic-semifinals-w-photos/featured/scottbrown/
👉 https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2025/09/20/photos-todd-county-central-2-somerset-1/gallery/kassityboor/

09/21/2025

MULLINGS – HAROLD ‘DOC’ ARNETT RELEASES ‘RED CLAY & GREEN FIELDS: THE TODD COUNTY YEARS’

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Over 70 people attended the “Poetry Slam” that was hosted on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Todd County Public Library. That event, one co-sponsored by the Green River Academy Preservation Society and the Todd County Public Library, saw 21 presenters provide for the audience their choice of poetry, resulting in an evening filled with memories, laughter, music, and fellowship with many folks connected to Todd County both presenting and in attendance.

One of those presenters, Harold “Doc” Arnett, has in very recent months published his first book in a series he has titled “West Kentucky Heritage.” His newly released book, Red Clay & Green Fields: The Todd County Years, is “an auto-biographical account of growing up on a 250-acre family dairy farm in West Kentucky in the Fifties and Sixties.”

Arnett, who delighted the audience at “Poetry Slam” with both his poetry, his wit, and his music, described his book as a “blend of humor, insight, and raw honesty.” His late father, a Church of Christ preacher in our area for many years, and his mother, described by Arnett as a “pioneer woman mother,” provided the strong foundation Arnett and his siblings gained working on a large dairy farm in the Trenton area. A classmate, Kenneth Adams, penned in describing the book, “With a wisdom born from years of honest reflection, Doc Arnett brings to life the hopes and optimism of youth tempered with lessons learned from the toil and tragedies of growing up in rural western Kentucky during a time and way of life that molded a generation and set the stage for who we are today. It is not only Doc's story; it is our story.”

Arnett also describes his autobiography as one that presents “Dramatic events including seeing a sister nearly burned alive and a brother rushed to the hospital with a heat stroke.” Humor also can be found in his 277-page collection as Arnett recalls skinny dipping in a spring-fed creek, experiencing adventures interrupted by a skunk, and engaging in a walnut war in an old cemetery. He also documents life on the farm resulted in the family’s growing and harvesting their own food, including meat, while dealing with the ordinary challenges of a way of life that has all but disappeared in modern society.

The son of Charlie and Ruby Arnett and one of five siblings, Doc Arnett has a background in public education with many of those years spent at the high school and college level in an industrial arts classroom. He also has devoted years as a teacher education instructor at Ohio State, a professor at Missouri Western, a principal of an alternative high school in Kentucky, a director of research at Highland Community College in Kansas, a vice-president of academic affairs at Cowley College in Kansas, and a Marketing Director for South Central Regional Medical Center in Arkansas City, Kansas.

Copies of Red Clay & Green Fields: The Todd County Years are now available on Amazon with hardbacks selling for $24.00 and paperbacks selling for $12.00. Arnett also plans to be on hand for Author Fest, a collaborative event planned for Saturday, November 8, at the Todd County Public Library at 507 South Main Street. Author Fest is an effort of the Todd County Public Library, Historic Todd County, Inc., and the Green River Academy Preservation Society to spotlight local and area writers. More details about this event will be available closer to the event.

09/19/2025

MULLINGS – A REMINDER WE ALL NEED!

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

In very recent years, I read the book Esther by Charles Swindoll. In his retelling of the story of the Biblical Esther, Swindoll penned, “ … you are you – the only you in all the world. You're the only person with your exact heritage, your precise series of events in the pilgrimage and sufferings of life that have brought you to this hour. You're the only one with your personal convictions, your makeup, your skills, your appearance, your touch, your voice, your style, your surroundings, your sphere of influence – you're the only one.” Swindoll’s words resonate – we are the only ones who will walk our paths in life; we are the only ones who will influence those a part of our lives, hopefully in ways bringing honor and respect to God and to those we know. We are also the only ones whose lives can be the inspiration for others, again hopefully making impacts on the lives of others in ways bringing them much joy and success.

When Mom arrived in Todd County in 1946, she immediately became the person who stood out in a community that saw very few outsiders, especially someone transplanted here from Queensland, Australia. As a result, one of the first lessons I learned as a child was to respect all people regardless of their economic status, their educational experiences, their heritage, and/or their cultural background. Many of us of the 21st Century who witnessed the atrocities of 9/11 will reiterate we would be very prudent to follow Jesus’s admonition to treat others as we want to be treated. His command, often termed the Golden Rule, is one that should become a daily incentive to us to remember we need to treat all folks, even those who are different from us, as we want others to treat and respect us.

After being in an English classroom for 34 years, I would reiterate another very prudent reminder we need to grasp is the fundamental lesson to respect differences in folks. My preferences are my preferences, and those preferences should not be pushed upon the preferences of others around me. Again, the word respect stands tall as we should respect the ideas of others. Obviously, we will not always agree with the thoughts of others continually; however, we can listen to the ideas of others respectfully, sift through those ideas prudently, and perhaps adapt those ideas as we may desire to do so. My decisions are my own, and acceptance of them should not be imposed upon others. Just recently I penned something and shared it with another person; that person read my words differently from what I intended. Thus, with my perusing my words again, I soon realized the misinterpreted word I had used. With a little rewording based upon the other person’s thoughts regarding what I had penned, a clearer understanding for both was gained.

Our words matter, and in our efforts to build stronger communications with those around us, we definitely need to ‘mull over’ what we have penned or what we will say, keeping in mind that what we pen or say may perhaps be interpreted differently from what we intended. Students in English classes were always cautioned to proof what they penned carefully, noting their thoughts and making sure their penned thoughts reflected accurately what they desired to communicate. That habit is one we all, CLW included, could definitely incorporate more into our daily activities and communications.

09/07/2025

MULLINGS – HEARTFELT GRATITUDE EXTENDED TO SUPPORTERS OF ‘NOTABLES OF TODD COUNTY II’

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

People will often comment that when someone requests assistance from Todd Countians, that support is readily available. That remark stands true as many have responded to the recent request for sponsors for Notables of Todd County II, a compilation of notable people, places, events, and memories a part of Todd County’s rich history.

The 2025 book effort, a fundraiser to assist the Green River Academy Preservation Society in its goal to restore the historic Green River Academy located on Goebel Avenue, will see a collection of almost 40 people, places, memories, and events related to Todd County’s history as entries in this 10-by-10 coffee table book. The book, which will be printed by Jostens of Clarksville, is anticipated to be available in late November and will sell for $30.00.

As true of T Is for Todd County and Notables of Todd County, Laura Brock and CLW both express thanks to the many who assisted with the collection of pictures to make the coffee table book more appealing. When artwork was needed to make several entries stand out more, Samantha Morin Hightower, a recent WKU graduate with a degree in art, used her talents to add a professional touch to the art required in Notables II. Kyle DeBerry, owner of Horizon Drone Solutions, also used his talents to provide pictures requested of him. Linda Penick also readily accepted the challenge of locating a desired picture to accompany another entry. Family members, organizations, Facebook, and businesses have also provided pictures, content, and resources to accompany the selections used in Notables II. Laura and CLW have also used their photographic talents to find suitable pics for the new book.

Thanks is also extended to Kathi James, a graphic designer who provided the skills necessary to combine words and art to create a book that can only be described as just as amazing as Notables of Todd County, which Ms. Kathi also designed. Chad Fuller, owner of Fuller Perspective Photography, also graciously provided photographs from his collection of Todd County photos to add another colorful layer to the book. As true of the art, gratitude is extended to those Todd Countians and former Todd Countians who provided information to make certain our content was also accurate.

The 68 sponsors who provided the monies to offset the cost of printing as well as the expense of the graphic designer include
Anna Jo Parmley / Annette Hadden Valentine / Anonymous / Arthur Green, Mayor, City of Elkton / Bell Clinic PLLC / Bill and Linda Fritz / Blount Rural Health Center in Memory of Bryan W. Blount / Boley Landscaping & Tree Service / Brad and Michele Tolbert / C & C Contracting, LLC / Carolyn L. Wells / Carver Trucking LLC / Cindy O’Bryan, Todd County Clerk / City of Elkton / Cornerstone Information Systems, Inc. / Donnie and Susan Carroll / Double P Farms — Jeff and Kelli Penick / Dr. Lisa Petrie / Elkton Auto Parts, Inc. / Elkton Bank & Trust Co. / Family of Randall & Nancy Powell / Friends of the Todd County Public Library / George & Vicki Kennedy / Guthrie Main Street / Guthrie Tourism Commission / Hip Harvest – Jen Harris / In Honor of Marilyn Haley Blount by Terry and Alisa Walsh and Anita Moriarty / In Memory of Norman E., Bertha E., and Samuel R. Wells / J. R. and Nola Dene Hadden Wells Family / Jeff & Amanda Penick / Jeff Traughber, Todd County Attorney / Jim W. Colbridge / Jo and Gary Violette / Kelvin and Lorie DeBerry / Kyle DeBerry of Horizon Drone Solutions / Latham Funeral Home / Linda Rager & Family / Mark and Deana Power / Marklin Insurance Agency of Adairville / Marklin Insurance Agency of Elkton / Martin Industries / Matthew Colin Bailey / Michael & Paisalie Case / Mike and Kim Kenner / Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial – Kathy J. Morgan / Nick King and Vivian Minks King / Novelis Corporation / Rev. Charles Leavell / Robert W. Martin, CPA / Rose Farm & Development / Rotary Club of Elkton, Inc. / Sharon Shanklin, Shelter Insurance Russellville, KY / Something Special / Sunnydale Farm, Inc. / The Lucky Cowgirl / Todd and Hannah Mansfield / Todd County & Cook-Webb Funeral Homes / Todd County Animal Clinic / Todd County Chamber of Commerce / Todd County Fiscal Court / Todd County Public Library / Tonja West – Home Front Real Estate / ToolTec of Elkton, Inc. / United Southern Bank / Velva Morgan Gray / Weathers Drugs / WEKT - WKDZ / William, Samantha, and Brandon Hightower.

CLW reiterates I gifted the book to the GRA as a fundraiser to continue its efforts with the rehabilitation of the historic building considered to be the beginnings of formal education in Todd County. I also firmly believe a writer often does not know the impact of his or her efforts unless someone shares the significance with the writer. Having a former student recently relate how much the two previous coffee table books have meant to elderly relatives of his brings a smile since I know the efforts required for the publication are so treasured.

09/04/2025

Good news for Todd County.

Today, Governor Andy Beshear announced exciting new momentum within the state’s speed-to-market initiative, as over $700,000 in state funding was approved to support site and building development projects in Breckinridge, Washington, Kenton and Todd counties.

🔗: https://cedky.com/s/1fsd2308

08/27/2025

Boil Water Advisory

08/26/2025

SPONSORED CONTENT:

MUD RIVER WATERSHED CONSERVANCY DISTRICT
LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 65A.080 (2), KRS 424.220, of the Kentucky Revised Statues, the finan-cial report and supporting data for Mud River Watershed Conservancy District may be inspected by the public on the Department For Local Government website or at the Logan County Conservation Districts Office located at 253 C Hopkinsville Rd., Russellville, KY 42276, between the hours of 7:15 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The Mud River Watershed Board holds special called meetings at the address listed above. Contact the Logan County Conservation Districts office for notification of meeting times. Meetings are open to the public. Special called videoconference meetings may be used in place of in-person meetings and will be announced at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. This advertisement was paid for by Mud River Watershed Conservancy District usIng taxpayer dollars in the amount of $50.00.

08/18/2025

Elkton man dies in Simpson County crash.

Kentucky State Police Investigates Fatal Collision in Simpson County

At just before 6:00 a.m., the Kentucky State Police Post 03 received a call from the Logan County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance with a fatal collision. Troopers arrived at the scene located at the 1200 block of Milliken Chapel Road.

A preliminary investigation indicates that a Logan County Sheriff’s Deputy was traveling westbound on US 68 when he observed a silver 2019 Mazda CX-5 traveling eastbound at a high rate of speed. While observing for the vehicle on Milliken Chapel Road, the Deputy discovered the vehicle had ran off the roadway and collided with a tree. The operator Christopher Barker, 48, of Elkton, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Simpson County Coroner.

The investigation is ongoing and will be led by Detective Bo Hubbard. He was assisted at the scene by the Simpson County Coroner’s Office, Simpson County EMS, the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office, Franklin Simpson Fire and Rescue, and other KSP Post 03 personnel

08/16/2025

Olé, olé! Buster Poindexter knows the forecast.

Monday and Tuesday will be the worst of this heat wave.

Check the forecast, people know what they got. People in Middle Tennessee will be hot, hot, hot.

MAJOR to EXTREME Heat Risk. Our message is a little funny, but please take the heat seriously! You have seen the graphics and heard the heat advice all summer long. But we must stay vigilant as we push through the dog days.

rum bum bum bum...

08/13/2025

Congratulations to Cindy Matthews, teacher at Todd County Central High School for receiving the July 2025 Making a Difference Award!