PULASKI'S PAST: Two Tales of Two Sets of Three

We are continuing our journey through March of 2004! This week’s newspaper headlines seemed like a long list of “wants.”

Some county officials wanted the right to hang a copy of the Ten Commandments in the courthouse, library officials wanted a new building, the jailer wanted more room as well, and at least one reader just wanted Taco Casa to return.

Speaking of things getting a little crowded, a local family grew from three to six in one day back in March of 2004! Read on to see which young people from Pulaski County celebrated their 20th birthday — times three — this month!

Here’s what was newsworthy in Pulaski County this week 20 years ago, from the pages of the Commonwealth Journal.

Commandments Case Dies

A federal district court ruled this week against Pulaski and McCreary fiscal courts and the Harlan County School District denying a petition for a rehearing on a case involving posting of the Ten Commandments in courthouses and school buildings.

The United States Court of Appeals for the 6th Circuit ruled 2-1 in December that the three entities could not display the Ten Commandments. At the time of that decision, Mat Staver with Liberty Counsel said he wanted the entire panel of the 6th Circuit court to review the case. Pulaski County Judge-Executive Darrell BeShears agreed with that decision.

Tuesday’s ruling came five years after litigation began.

Seven individuals in the three counties along with the American Civil Liberties Union filed three lawsuits in United States District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky alleging that the two county governments and school district were in violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. …

“It is a devastating ruling that doesn’t make sense,” said David Carr of King of Kings Radio. “It’s really disappointing. I hope the judge and the fiscal court will take it to the Supreme Court.” … Sixth District Magistrate Mike New, the only magistrate available for comment, said he is in favor of taking it to the Supreme Court and fighting the ruling all the way. “I think we should take it to the Supreme Court,” said New. “It’s the right thing to do. Somebody, somewhere has to wake up and take this country back to God.”

Library Board Petitioning for Tax Increase

The Pulaski County Public Library Board of Trustees asked local citizens for their assistance in building a new facility during a press conference on Monday.

The catch? You’ll be paying a slightly higher library tax.

Michael Simpson, president of the Pulaski County Library Board of Trustees said, “For the past 40 years, your library has resided within the walls of this building. We have now outgrown this facility and we are unable to meet the demands of our growing community. We have decided to take this opportunity to the people of our community.”

Simpson was referring to “the opportunity” to petition registered voters of the county to provide additional funding for the library through an increase of the library tax. …

“We are seeking a 3-cent increase, which will give us a total of 6.1 cents per $100 of assessed value,” said Simpson. He said the increased funding would allow bonds to be issued to build a new library.

“This year, your library will celebrate its 100th birthday,” said Simpson. … “We have served the citizens of Pulaski County diligently for 100 years, and we want to serve them better for the next 100 years.” …

Judy Burdine, director of the library, said the current tax monies allow for inflation, but leaves no room for growth. Burdine explained the new building would be 36,000 square feet, while the current building is 13,000 square feet; the new building would be handicap accessible and would meet American Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, while the old building does not meet the standards; and there would be a minimum of 100 parking spaces at the new library, while the current library has 13 parking spots. …

If the petition passes, the new tax rate would take effect this fall. Burdine said the board hopes that if the tax passes and all goes well, the new building could be up and running by 2007.

Jailer Says PCDC Needs 120-Bed Addition

Less than two years after the Pulaski County Detention Center was in financial shambles, Jailer Mike Harris shared a proposal with Pulaski County Fiscal Court on a 120-bed addition to the facility.

“The current facility, as it is, cannot continue to meet the county’s needs and support itself,” said Harris. “Due to the population growth within the county and the rise in the crime rate due to drugs and other factors, the jail will not be able to serve the county’s needs for much longer. … What I’m proposing should serve the county’s needs for many years and make the jail self-sufficient.”

According to Harris, the 120-bed addition would cost approximately $2,667,000, along with the additional existing debt of $8,000,000 on the present jail.

Construction Begins Today on Cumberland Parkway

The Louie B. Nunn Cumberland Parkway beginning today will be reduced to one lane both east and west at the Fishing Creek Bridge about four miles west of Somerset. One driving lane each way across the bridge is necessary because construction crews will be overlaying the bridge deck. Oversize loads will be required to detour while construction is in progress during the next two and a half months. …

Stephanie Yahnig, information officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s District 8, said the project should be completed by early June. …

Cumberland Parkway, constructed during the early 1970s, is 88 miles long, extending from Somerset through Russell Springs, Columbia and Glasgow to I-65 north of Bowling Green. Initially a toll road, the toll booths were removed last year.

The late Louie B. Nunn was governor when the parkway was built. His name recently was added to the roadway in his honor.

International Dinner Gives Somerset a Taste of Worldly Cuisine

Saturday night residents of Somerset didn’t have to travel to another town or country to get a taste of other cultures. They were able to do it in right here in Somerset, as the Rotary club hosted the fourth annual Taste of Somerset International Dinner. … The 500 guests in attendance were able to taste foods, talk with the host and see cultural items from all the countries represented. ... The dinner sponsored by the Rotary Club raised money for Polio.

2004 Master Musicians Festival Headliners Announced:

-The Ahn Trio — Classical piano, violin and cello.

-Mark and Nathan Eubank, Somerset – Bluegrass.

-Lee Sexton & Ray Sloane, Hindman, Ky. – Bluegrass.

-Pure Grain, Indiana — Original blues, stomping rock.

-Brother Stone, Somerset — Acoustic rock, blues.

-Bone Pony, Nashville- Stomping Celtic-flavored rock.

-John Cowan & Pat Flynn — Newgrass and Soul.

-Darrell Scott — one of a kind singer/songwriter.

-Kentucky Wind – Bluegrass.

-River City Drum Corps, Louisville, Ky.

-The Kettleheads, Kentucky — Newgrass/Jazzgrass.

-Matera Bumpus, Birmingham, AL — African American.

-Homer Ledford & the Cabin Creek Band, Winchester.

-Chris Smither, New Orleans — Cajun-spiced folk.

-J.P. Cormier, Nova Scotia — Canadian Celtic.

-Seven Nations, Orlando, FL — Rock-n-Reel.

-Mary Ann Redmond Band, D.C. — Original rock and soul.

-Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — Folk/country/Americana.

Two Tales of Two Sets of Three:

-Beth Bruner, mother of 3-year-old Jase, always thought she wanted to have four children. On Friday, March 19, she got her wish — all at once. A set of triplets — the first born within the last several decades in Somerset — were delivered by a very special obstetrician — their father and Beth’s husband, Dr. John Bruner.

The Bruner family’s newest additions include Grace Elizabeth, Johnna Katherine and Jack Barton Young Bruner. …

Beth said that, as her tummy size increased during the last few months of her pregnancy, the questions began pouring in. But the Bruners didn’t spill the beans about every detail. “We kept one of the identities secret,” said Beth, who is a Somerset High School cheerleading coach. “We told people we were having one boy, one girl, and one surprise.”

-There is proof that successfully raising triplets is possible right here in Pulaski County. Edna Crawford gave birth to Alice, Arthur and Allen at the Somerset City Hospital on Oct. 3, 1962.

Edna and her husband, the late Joe Crawford, already had two sons — Charles Wayne, 8, and Joe Dale, 4 — when their family grew from 4 to 7 in one day.

Unlike today’s families, who know they are expecting a multiple birth near the beginning of a pregnancy, the Crawfords only had a couple months to prepare for the arrival of three new family members. During a visit to Dr. B.L. Ramsey Jr. about two months before she was to give birth, Edna complained of severe back pain. Dr. Ramsey gave her an X-ray, a procedure which would not be performed on pregnant women these days. “When we looked, there were three little heads,” Edna recalled. …

“It was an experience,” Edna said. “There was always a lot going on at my house.” The Crawford triplets made the good times three times more fun. But when the bad times came. ... “When one got sick, all three got sick,” Edna recalled. …

The triplets, now 41, have all made names for themselves in Pulaski County. Allen is the president of Reed Brothers Insurance, Arthur is the assistant principal of Southwestern High School, and Alice — whose last name is now Muse — is a counselor at Eubank Elementary School.

Joe Crawford passed away a few years ago, but Edna feels blessed to be surrounded by her five children and 14 grandchildren.

… She sums up her advice to the Bruner family — which just welcomed its own set of triplets into the world last week — in just a few words. “It takes a lot of patience. You just do what you have to do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it,” she said. “The good Lord knows who to give triplets to.”

State News:

-The cost of recreational activities in the state of Kentucky may have just gone up, according to Gov. Ernie Fletcher’s plan to transform the state’s parks and resorts into self-sufficient economic engines. Plans to commercialize and raise current park rates are part of the governor’s money-generating plan.

The 50 state parks and historical sites, with 17 resorts, have been operating with a $29 million deficit per year. New commerce secretary Jim Host wants to eliminate that deficit within four years.

A Starbucks will soon be built at the Kentucky Dam Village in Land Between the Lakes. State officials are also considering brand-name restaurants at other locations. …

No major changes are in the works for the local Burnside Island State Park at this time. Burnside Island Park, along with the other state parks, would see increased golf course and camping rates by next year. However, the increased fees would be in proportion to average “cost of living” increases. …

Host said the department surveyed prices from around the state and determined that, on average, parks system prices were too low. That ran counter to the goal of making the parks help, rather than compete with, local attractions. So prices were raised, he said.

-Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate rose from 5.6 percent in 2002 to 6.2 percent in 2003. … The U.S. unemployment rate increased to 6 percent in 2003 from 5.8 percent in 2002. Unemployment rates rose in 34 states from 2002 to 2003. … Thirty-two states had lower annual unemployment rates than the U.S. annual rate in 2003, while 17 states, including Kentucky, were higher than the nation. …

“The increase in the unemployment rate in 2003 marked the third consecutive year in which the unemployment rate has increased in Kentucky and that hasn’t happened in 20 years,” said Carlos Cracraft, chief labor market analyst in the Department for Employment Services, an agency of the Education Cabinet. “Kentucky’s unemployment rate of 6.2 percent in 2003 ranked it as the 15th highest of the 50 states and the District of Columbia.”

National News:

Medicare will have to begin dipping into its trust fund this year to keep up with expenditures and will go broke by 2019 without changes in a program that is swelling because of rising health costs, trustees reported Tuesday. Social Security’s finances showed little change, and its projected insolvency date remained 2042.

News from Local Businesses:

-December of last year, Waitsboro Hills club pro Dave Wilson and developer Rok Miremami had a vision of a fun and challenging golf course for local golfers. They both felt they had the perfect tract of land to accomplish that vision and with an aggressive course renovation plan, they wanted to unveil their vision by May of this year.

Nearly four months into the million dollar course makeover, Waitsboro Hills is showing signs of becoming one of the areas premier public golfing facilities. … As you walk into the golf shop part of the clubhouse, you find a wide array of golfing apparel and golf equipment. Everything you will need to play golf is in this clubhouse — all priced below your normal exclusive “country club pricing.” … A sit-down TV room is equipped with a full kitchen, table and chairs, bar stool sections and a large TV. In the adjoining room a refreshment center is set up to allow the golfers a quick snack in between rounds. Stepping in to the clubhouse you are treated to an elegant look of dark cherry furniture accented by golf prints of famous golf courses.

The initial impression of the new clubhouse is just a brief glimpse of the outdoor changes made to the golf course. First off, a small pond, complete with a water fountain, will turn the heads of all travelers passing by on Slate Branch Road. A state-of-the-art driving range will be beginning construction on the west end of the clubhouse. …

“We feel we have provided the facilities to entertain golfers of all playing levels,” Wilson said. “We wanted to make a fun, nice and safe golf course. And I think we have accomplished that.” …

According to Wilson, nine holes of play will be open for play on April 1 and the full 18 holes should be ready for play by the first of May. Green fees have been set at a competitive $15 and a variety of yearly memberships are offered as well.

-Clay Parker Davis, president and CEO of Citizens National Bank, announces the promotions of Debbie Sunderhaus to vice president, Celeste Logsdon to vice president, George Corder to assistant vice president, Stacy Burton to assistant cashier, and Wanda Dykes to assistant cashier. …

-Teresa Hurt, president of Anderson Office Supply Co., announces that Keith Lawless has been promoted to assistant sales manager and Gregory Meece has joined the staff as field engineer.

Lawless is a 15-year veteran of the company. He is a Science Hill resident and attends Valley Oak Baptist Church. He enjoys softball and golf. Lawless is married to Danna Merrick Lawless and they have one son, Ethan.

Meece has joined the service department as a field engineer. Meece is a five-year veteran field technician for copiers, printers and fax machines. He is a resident of Somerset and attends Calvary Baptist Church. Meece is an avid motorcyclist, a member of the committee for Bike Night and plays drums, guitar and sings.

Harold Hurt, store manager, is excited about these additions and the faster and better service that can be provided to their customers.

-BB&T Investment Services, Inc. is pleased to announce that Mark Henderson has joined the firm in the Somerset area as an Investment Counselor.

Library Notes by Ann Haney:

Mrs. Wilma “Babe” Hughes was honored recently by State Rep. Tommy Turner for her dedication to library service in Pulaski County. Mrs. Hughes has been the bookmobile librarian for the Pulaski County Public Library for over 28 years. Last year she was honored by her fellow librarians who selected her as “Kentucky’s Outstanding Bookmobile Librarian.” Babe is the wife of Linville Hughes and the mother of two children: Jim Hughes and Gerry Latham. She has five grandchildren and is a member of the Flat Lick Baptist Church. She also claims to be the “Wildcats” biggest fan. (Ann isn’t too sure about that.)

Births and Birthdays:

-Kolton Riley Durham was born on Nov. 18, 2003, at 8:44 p.m. at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital by Dr. Dale Rutledge. He weighed 7 pounds 6.5 ounces and was 21-1/2 inches long. Kolton’s parents are Wayne and Geri Turner Durham of Ferguson. Maternal grandparents are Doyle and Ann Turner, Slate Branch Road. Maternal great-grandparents are Junior and Norma Girdler, Slate Branch Spur. Paternal grandparents are Carroll and Marlyn Durham, Cedar Grove. Kolton also has two special aunts, Lynne Moreno and Becky Turner. Kolton joins a brother, Konner Wayne, 6, and a sister, Kennedie Reece, 2.

-Leo Gilliland celebrated his 90th birthday with many friends and family at the Shopville-Stab Senior Citizens’ supper. Those attending were his wife, Ella Gilliland, Ron and Pam Elbing and daughter, Shelby Nicole, Elwood and Norma Taylor, Trina Riley, Burnidean Whitaker, Bernice Miller, Karin and Jay Riley, Alice Whitaker, Cleo and Gloria Speaks, Linville and Babe Hughes, Bill and Chris Brinkley, Thelma Herrin, Jerry and Linda Russell, Nelva Herrin, Howard Hansford and Stephanie Riley.

-Charlie Gaddis of Science Hill recently celebrated his 97th birthday with a gathering of his children, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Mr. Gaddis was born March 14, 1907. There were 24 family members present, which included two sets of five generations. Mr. Gaddis attributes his long life to his strong faith in God.

Happy Anniversary:

Vernon and Doris (Buchanan) Epperson celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, Feb. 27, 2004. A reception was held in the fellowship hall of Delmar Nazarene Church in Nancy with many close friends and family attending. Vernon and Doris have four children: Clifton (and Lori), Gordon (and Rhonda), Doyle (and Robyn) Epperson and Shelly (and Alan) Daulton. They also have eight grandchildren. Vernon and Doris would like to thank all of their friends and family who shared this special day with them.

Obituaries:

-Floyd M. Farmer, 82, Fairfield, Ohio, died Thursday, March 18, 2004, at the Neighborhood. He was born May 12, 1921, in the Poplarville community. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was awarded three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart. He was a retired employee of General Motors, Fisher Body Division, and member of Poplarville Baptist Church. He enjoyed fishing and flea markets. Survivors include his wife, two sisters, and numerous nieces and nephews.

-David Isaacs, 69, Patterson Branch Road, Somerset, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Veterans Administration Medical Center, Lexington. He was born in Somerset May 18, 1934. He was a U.S. Marines veteran of the Korean War; retired service technician for Sears Company; and a faithful member of Oak Hill Baptist Church for many years. Survivors include his wife, three sons, a brother, two sisters, seven grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.

-Vernice R. Sutton, 71, Hillrise Drive, Science Hill, died Sunday, March 21, 2004, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He was born Feb. 18, 1933, in Eubank. He was a U.S. Army veteran; retired auto body worker; and member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church No. 2. Survivors include his wife, four sons, four daughters, two sisters, 11 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a special nephew.

This Week in Local Sports:

-Sportswriters across the state voted Pulaski County senior center Brandon Cross to the Associated Press 2004 All State second team in its results released yesterday.

Cross, reached at work yesterday, said the award caught him off guard. “I was surprised when (Maroons) coach (Dave) Fraley called me and told me about it,” he said. “It’s a dream for me.”

Fraley said Cross — who graduates as Pulaski County’s all-time leading scorer — worked hard as a senior and over the course of his career. … “His heart, his desire, drive and dedication … made our team better,” said Fraley.

Cross, who averaged 24 points per game … in his senior season, said he plans to take his game next to Berea College. …

The 6-4 Cross, who supplanted former University of Kentucky star Reggie Hanson as the top point-getter in Pulaski history, garnered 15 votes. …

Fraley said he was pushing to get Cross up on the gym wall along with former Pulaski stars Hanson, Shannon Fraley, Bass Thomas, Jason Gullett and Todd Wood. That designation is normally reserved for players who are either voted first team All-State (Hanson) or to the Sweet 16 All-Tournament Team (all five). Fraley said he thought an exception could be made for the school’s all-time leading scorer.

On the girls side, Pulaski County senior Tarah Combs, a Morehead State signee, received nine votes and received honorable mention. Somerset junior Madison Flowers was just behind Combs in the voting with eight votes.

-The Northern Middle School archery team continued to make a name for itself last Thursday, as it added the title of Best Team in America to its accomplishments during a banner day where it also was crowned Kentucky State Champion. The Second Annual Kentucky National Archery in the Schools Championship at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville included 1,500 students from several different states. …

Northern scored 3,979 points as a team, winning their second consecutive state title. …

Helping Northern win the state and national championship were 75 students composed of several individual winners including Ashley Rose, national girls overall champion; Jeremy Rose, runner-up in the boys division and winner of the Boys Middle School Division; Dina Skahteeb, runner-up in the girls Elementary Division; Chris Muse, third in the Boys Elementary Division; and Chris Riddle, third place in Elementary Boys Division.

-Somerset High School freshman Cody Vaught held a bow and arrow in his hands for the first time in January. Within a few weeks, it was difficult to get him to put them down.

When the 2004 National Archery in Schools Tournament rolled around last week, Cody’s practice paid off. He nabbed third place in the boys’ high school division with a score of 275. …

Several other SHS students placed in the top 20 in the tournament. In the boys’ division, Jason Todd, Justin Byrd, Matt Perret and Josh Pence scored points ranging from 248 to 265. In the girls’ division, Jessica Jones, Becky Tucker and Laura Wesson ranked 13th, 14th and 17th respectively.

Advertisements from Local Businesses:

-First & Farmer Bank — For a limited time, we are offering a mortgage loan special for qualified borrowers. Any in-house mortgage loan up to a 5/1 ARM is only 4.95%. Annual percentage rate 5.420%. Only regular closing costs apply. No additional fees! Applications must be dated by April 30, 2004, to qualify for this special offer.

-Food Fair – Pepsi products, $1.99/6 pack. Lettuce, 68 cents/head. Bread, 38 cents/loaf. Ground beef, 98 cents/lb.

-Cumberland Denture Center, Inc. – Tim Lair, DMD. Dentures starting at $150 per plate. Fast and affordable service.

Showing This Week at Showplace Cinemas and 27 Twin Drive-In:

Confession of a Teenage Drama Queen – Hidalgo – Starsky & Hutch – Passion of the Christ – Dawn of the Dead – Taking Lives – Twisted – Agent Cody Banks 2 – 50 First Dates – Secret Window — Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed – Texas Chainsaw Massacre