EVERYONE’SHEAARTBEAATTISUNIQUE
THE ADVANCED TAVR PROCEDURE FROM THE STRUCTURAL HEART SPECIALISTS AT BAPTIST HEALTH PADUCAH allowed Gail to get back to her normal activities even though she wasn’t a candidate for open-heart surgery. We were the first hospital to bring this minimally invasive valve replacement procedure to the region. And it’s just one reason more people trust Baptist Health with their hearts than any other hospital system in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Find out why you can, too, at BaptistHealth.com/HeartCare.
Corbin | Floyd | Hardin | La Grange | Lexington | Louisville | Madisonville | Paducah | Richmon d
executive editor/ PUBLISHER
Darlene M. Mazzone
�
associate EDITORS
Amanda Hutchison
Amy Clevidence
J.T. Crawford
Stephanie Watson
Amy Sullivan �
art DIRECTOR
Scott McWilliams �
associate art DIRECTOR
Amanda Newman �
editorial PHOTOGRAPHY
Amy Wright �
cover PHOTOGRAPHY
Amy Wright �
on the COVER
Nathan Arant’s Labrador Retriever Axe �
Paducah Life is published six times a year for the Paducah area. All contents copyright 2025 by Mazzone Communications. Reproduction or use of the contents without written permission is prohibited. Comments written in this magazine are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of Paducah Life. Subscription rate is $29.95 for six issues. Subscription inquiries, all remittances and all advertising inquiries should be sent to Paducah Life, 2780 D New Holt Rd. #346, Paducah, KY 42001. Phone: (270) 556-1914. This magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photography or artwork. All submissions may be edited for length, clarity and style.
Integrity, Quality and Professional Service
NEW COLLECTIONS IN PADUCAH EXCLUSIVELY AT FLOORING AMERICA
It’s not just about offering one of the area’s largest selections of quality floor coverings from all the leading brands. It’s making sure you, the customer, are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of your choices. Come and see us today!— Greg Dillworth
It’s rather cruel how short dogs’ lives are. They come into our life with this unwavering loyalty. Lucy and Beau are the dogs who are currently lying on the couch behind me watching me type. When I get up for bed, I know they’ll follow. I call them my shadows.
Some of my dogs I got as puppies. I watched them live a long healthy life. Some I rescued from shelters. For these dogs I always think about what their lives were like before me? My one rescue, Lucy, is an anxious one. I call her my problem child. I frequently wonder who caused her pain. Why is she always on high alert and fiercely protective?
My other rescue, Aggie, is kind and quiet. Who would give up this sweet pet? Surely someone else enjoyed the gift of her presence before she came to me. Recently, I was humbled by Aggie. I learned that the gift of her love was meant to be shared.
Awhile back Aggie and Lucy began to bicker. Actually, they fought—to the point of Aggie needing stitches. Our vet said sometimes this happens and it probably wasn’t going to change. Enter our friend Jacob.
When Jacob met Aggie, he fell in love. And I think the feeling was mutual. Aggie would never let anyone taker her on a walk but me. Now with Jacob, she gladly departs our house without a whimper. Although it broke my heart to give her away, undoubtedly, she’s loving her new LIFE with her new owner.
I say I was humbled because in my mind she was supposed to stay with me. I thought there was no one who could care for her like I did. Giving her to Jacob shortened our time together. But I also feel that her gift—that loving personality—is now being shared with another. I often thank Jacob for taking her, and he, in turn, thanks me for Aggie.
Although our dogs’ lives are short, the love they give is so powerful. We should share it as much as we can. Perhaps we should take our dogs out into the world more. Let’s bring them to dine outdoors, to play at parks, to peruse stores that allow them in, to attend festivals, to visit a shut-in. Let’s give them the freedom to give all that tail-wagging happiness to as many people as we can. ‘Cause to so many of us, they truly make LIFE more abundant.
THE GIVE A TAKE
★
by A MANDA HUTCHISON
OF A LOYAL RETRIEVER
NATHAN ARANT IS BUILDING A FAMILY AND A NEXT GENERATION BREED OF EXCEPTIONAL HUNTING DOGS 7
FAMILY. IT’S THE WORD THAT NATHAN ARANT, A CHEMICAL OPERATIOR AT WEST LAKE, USED THE MOST WHEN TALKING ABOUT HIS DOGS.
Nathan sees his dogs as a part of his family and he values their role in bringing his family closer together. “I love my boys to death. They will always be the reason I wake up in the morning. But I always joke that my first born was my lab, Axe, and my second was Spice because my wife and I had them before we had kids,” Nathan shares. “We treat them like family.”
Nathan, an avid duck hunter, got his first Labrador Retriever while he was a senior in college. “After I trained him, I took my dad on my first hunt and we harvested 25 ducks,” Nathan reminisces. “At the end of the hunt I looked at my dad who was sitting with Axe and feeding him bacon and he said, ‘I could get used to this.’ It really opened his eyes on how pivotal they are.” Nathan quickly learned that having a dog made the hunt more ethical. “You are not just shooting and hoping you find the birds. The dogs have a nose like you would not believe,” Nathan explains. “They can retrieve game from even the thickest cover. And the important part is that they love it, too.”
Nathan stresses that he does not waste anything he kills, as he prepares all of the duck meat they harvest.
His father brought Nathan into deer hunting. Nathan in turn brought his father into the world of duck hunting. Now his boys are following suit. “It’s a proud dad moment,” Nathan smiles. His wife, Heather, a special education teacher, has also become involved in the sport. “My kids come with me and they will run around from one end of the blind to the next, blowing duck calls,” Nathan shares. “Normally the guys that I hunt with love that because it means that the sport is thriving.”
Alongside hunting, Nathan and Heather started Tailwater Retrievers, LLC, a small Labrador Retriever breeding business. “It’s nothing very big at the moment, we are just trying to better the breed and start our own bloodline,” Nathan explains. “The boys love the dogs and puppies. If they could they’d keep all of them.” Nathan stressed that with his night shift job his wife is the anchor that holds them together. “Honestly, she keeps me sane. Not only is she taking care of all us when
HUNTING IS A FAMILY AFFAIR FOR
NATHAN, HIS WIFE HEATHER, THEIR SONS (LEFT) HAYDEN AND EMMITT AND ROSIE THE RETRIEVER.
is by Amanda Hutchison
AT JUST 24 YEARS OLD, BAILEY BARRETT OF PEBBLE CREEK KENNELS IS A FORCE IN ALL THING DOGS
RELATED
Bailey Barrett
S I WAITED IN THE PARKING LOT OF PEBBLE CREEK KENNELS FOR MY interview with its owner, Bailey Barrett, I noticed a woman waiting in a car. Her companion ran out with an energetic dog pulling its way to the car. “Look!” she shouted, laughing. She held up a piece of paper. “On Thursdays doggy daycare does art!” I could not resist. I asked to look at the dog’s artwork. It was the kind of project every parent of a daycare child knows well—the fingerprint paint project. Yet instead of fingerprints, there were paw prints.
“We just started doing art projects with our daycare dogs,” Brecksyn Allen, the manager of the kennel shares. “We have a lot of regulars who come in weekly and we wanted to do something fun.”
At such a young age, Bailey Barrett is elevating the expectations of the dog kennel, training, and dog daycare experience. In 2022, fresh out of a professional dog trainer school in St Louis, Bailey purchased the kennels from a woman she had worked for in high school. “I first realized I wanted to work with dogs when I was fourteen,” Bailey shares. “I had an Australian Shepherd. We did everything together. He was so smart. I was able to train him to do all sorts of tricks like put my socks and shoes away for me.” After realizing she had a knack for training, Bailey started training other people’s dogs while still in high school.
Bailey has good role models for the business side of things. Her parents owned Barrett Maintenance, a gas station maintenance and installation company for 30 years. “They were able to give me a lot of advice as to how to handle employees and the business side of things,” Bailey shares.
Over the summer Bailey opened a diving dock at her Paducah location. On certain summer days, owners and their furrier halves can take their dogs to the diving dock to practice jumping and swimming. She also offers events throughout the year such as a Howloweeen festival and a class in decorating Christmas cookies. “We are constantly thinking up events that get people out of their houses with their dogs,” Bailey explains. “I have found, that the more well behaved a dog is the more likely someone is to take them out. So, by doing these events, owners are more likely to take their dogs to more places.’’
Bailey also offers grooming services. “I got a standard poodle in 2018 so I taught myself how to groom him,” Bailey says. “While in college I started offering grooming sessions for friends. Nothing fancy. But it helped me learn the process.” Bailey encourages owners of puppies who will require frequent grooming to bring their dog in for grooming training. “This is really a way to prevent injury,” Bailey explains. “If a dog is relaxed at the grooming table, they are less likely to jerk their leg away from the groomer or try to get off the table.”
In terms of training, Bailey offers basic obedience, agility, retrievers, detection, behavior modification, and protection. “Detection dogs are my true passion” Bailey adds. “I’ve made a lot of really amazing friends and connections through the scent detection world.”
With 28 acres at her Paducah location, Bailey’s mind is constantly churning with ideas of where to take Pebble Creek Kennels next, how to bring out the full potential of every dog that walks on to her property, and how to strengthen the relationship between dogs and their owners.
Dr. Ethan Shelton, DMD
Dr. Kinny E. Slaughter, DMD
Dr. James K. Hunt, DMD
Dr. Allison Reed, DMD
by Amanda Hutchison
Bailey Barrett (left) and Amy Barrett
AILEY BARRETT’S MOTHER, AMY BARRETT, is the Marshall County Rescue Squad Deputy Chief. She raises and trains dogs used by the organization for search and rescue and cadaver detection. Her business, 4B Kennels, raises working-line German Shepherds. Together with Bailey, she trains dogs for various detection and protection careers.
CYNTHIA’S
California Tuscan Ristorante
C
Start the NEW YEAR off with an exquisite meal at Paducah’s nest Italian ristorante
“When I first started the business, I had a really hard time finding German Shepherds that didn’t have mental or physical issues. This is because breeding in the United States is not held to the same standards that they are in Europe. Here, often times German Shepherds are bred for color while physical and mental issues are ignored,” Amy explains. “So, I traveled to Europe to purchase our breeding dogs because of the high standards that they require. All of our breeding dogs are title dogs. There, dogs have to go through rigorous training. Only when they pass all of the required tests can the dogs be bred.”
After ten years of breeding, Amy realized she wanted to do something for her community. “All of our breeding dogs were trained in bite-work, tracking, and obedience. A few were trained in narcotics detection as well. I felt like it was a waste not utilizing them in our community. I explored the different avenues. In my research I realized there are just so many missing people in the world. This led me to the rescue squad,” Amy shares. “I realized I could bring closure to people and hopefully bring someone’s family member back to them.”
Bailey worked with Amy to train the young dogs they had raised. Soon after certifying their first rescue dog, Uno, the mother and daughter team were called to Trigg County where two 101st Airborne Division helicopters had crashed. “It was described to us as being like a war zone,” Amy recounts. “We were able to assist in recovering those nine service members who lost their lives in the crash that night.”
The duo then got the dogs certified for live finds of missing individuals. “We get a lot of calls for people with dementia and children with autism,”
Amy shares. “When temperatures are really high or really low, the search becomes time sensitive. These children can hide well, which makes it imperative to work fast.”
Bailey and Amy own and train all the dogs used by the rescue squad. They are now building a nonprofit called The Western Kentucky Canine Training Center. At the training center they are setting up different scenarios a dog is likely to encounter on a rescue mission such as a room in a house, a wrecked car, bus, or helicopter. They want to have the center open and accessible to law enforcement, fire departments, or rescue squads.
“It’s important for these dogs to be exposed to as many scenarios as possible. We want to help our first responders and dog teams to be as prepared as they can be when they are deployed,” Bailey explains. “We are currently looking for monetary donations, as well as items like planes, cars, or campers,” Amy adds.
“Bonus points if they are wrecked. It’s going to be a great asset for our community.”
azzone
arlene Ma D
I LI A COL LIFE TION OF EC L E
t St S
tories
H
THERE COMES A TIMEINOURLIFE M
ANGE OF WIDE R CK BRINGS A BA OOK WHE ME
TIME IN OUR LIFE WHENAL .EMOTIONS
FOR
e told me that I had tough fig ones onc J alone at the age of n America ed in arriv And My Woor M prof colle w laaw W “M e long f f f of satisfying orkin
es, unequaled els, monumental experienc av wide tr world- cases,
Mark ” , e integrity fierc en demeanor but a soft-spok father had a y e who had the earliest influenc son an and the per veter ar II Wa rld tribute to his fathe with a eptions of the past c begins his per Mark Life And y My in his book, y sonal P essional and per fe not all) of these moments a ertainly onicled some (but c e has chr H enc y casional c , and the oc y e and famil fe loving eagues, a
which can , essful attorney succ as a w and as hilariou w “He friend!” ’girls g w eer under the tut began his car Mark proceedings. feessionally pr s st ark’ e, M or the futur fo Fortunately e ould tak w ont of the class and that I fr or talk fo y ouble one da who got in tr class ve or those decisi fo g t tak ’ t didn I
ense tactics to tak fe otch-Irish,” partan and Sc e S wer with blood lines that ghter genes eece ommunists in Gr c y as shot and killed b w nine after his father eins. H v sark’ en deeper in M of determination runs ev A NA d the D
efeerr who some r ace ohnson Gr oseph J able J onor telage of the H demandin ysically on less ph esentation took epr ategic skills of r tr ” me up on it. , she took foortunately . U or her fo ecalls. “I told the teacher that girls shouldn he r ” y, too loudl as this littl w e ade school ther n gr e hold. “I
the ed to as “ e and mor g whipped in t be ’ y le girl in m says. Mark ” Albert ayyor e. “M andfather His gr remembers. k e. e on his futur as a w who er, Tiimes. d his along counter friends and Y RYLEGENDAR T a ng
om the U s fr with honor aduated e gr . H awwyer us and a
school law L Uof
actors olleagues. His detr c g y
INVOLVVE RECOLLECTIONS THOSE BRYYAANT, MARK RY L wif elebrity f aducah journey M W N def king her licks f nf ef darn good la n sometimes instigate jealousy among
s sometimes said
ark ryant
The Bryant family includes back from left Boone, Brad, Jennifer, and Caroline Wilcox, Kelly Bryant, and David Bryant.
In1974Mar attorney. young su senator and a AssistantCommo becamethe rk ” . as an auspi w , and it ator b or uper he
Assistant Commo became the ark 4 M n 197 I as 25 and I’ ew
Albert to y A nwealth or me as a fo g state as a w adds with Mark ”foorms, racing om the aight fr str or Sear om the ee fr degr w aw he got his la s catalog f icious beginning f
ttorney
Albert y ys. “Then one da a w
with s den ’ me into the lion w n and thr w left to sa Mark ” d tried one case, ’d w ones. “I J
littl y v avve We file.” at a looking
while this admonition
’sM k rkMar
e in this case and le evidenc
osecut as the pr w st case of import fir y “So, m irst Case Of Import F ” it. Good luck. y hav e gonna r ’ you
Thomas amuel tion of S
Albert said, “We ha ery e to try ones f which foor g ed H Te
QA& Memoir
generally series ed a T aducah businessman der of P or the mur fo J
“AAfte e sentenc fe a w it as no w e ound. Because ther ense attorneys ar fe ed on onsider as then c w said ark who M Freeland
oom ation r in the deliber g y lot of a
wa The case recalls. Mark verdict,” guilty with a
eme Court and is still the la Supr
writt wealth, . Common v ones viction. J con or a fo y in K w
AM the jury on sufficiency
e I ha
The def relates. Mark ” e, as little evidenc w there def as either a lif e or an acquittal. “ hearing elling entucky f f victionbutifthejury whoare wasguilty dhe
er seen e ev v av videnc ustice Chief J y tten b e of evidenc y entucky as appealed to the K returned y m, at 4 r someone mentioned ffeense, ne of the best criminal oe as J w ense attorney fe f o lesser included off
ajector changed the tr y The case that possibl
who ar , as guilty w d he ry
ourt The c . d C. Emery y udge Llo e J foor ys in P bo young veral says. Mark reputation,” y e and m fe y changed m Paduc a onston J r . Charles B r the trial of D
e fe ark’ ed M That Chang The Case ee?” e to disagr w ed der c mur or a viction, but if the jury s Lif ones, a lif of sexual molestation of sev in 1977 bef with ed as pack w oomtr
cused as ac w ones . J Dr cah pathologist. “This case was e fe Bryant’ ofMark y
The trial began Paducah.
ea motion to incr filed a ark 000 bond. M $100, a
adit or the extr fo w to S w eventually Mark our ones did not appear in c . J r of the motion, D
The ju verdict. guilty eturned a r y w loc by y ed dail over as c w s and the trial spectator y g eeks, the jury flew eden f
o eme c The supr tates). nited S time out of the U
eden denied the w urt of S st eedings (his fir oc tion pr weden. e had fled to S rt. H y ase the bond and on the da
e. B ed justic er fac ones nev . J r adition and D extr
ought attention to the legal ofile case br high-pr
ut the notoriety
Bryant ark expertise of M of this y
esid er met a pr v ou e e y Hav . small sampling a Her e en and futur grandchildr y
er ompts, which w pr designed to tell his story e is ill Clinton bef
efoor I met B
e . I r y e briefl e spok w and Atto Commonwealth at a
as 6 w e he seemed. H g
s M n erring g promptswhichwere of use ark , M n his memoir and f I believed y murdercon foora oncluded, “This case has the least ev e, c Palmor
240 pounds! I also met on as arry s lif T and his associates.
se i our golf c a Obama
e dinner wi v ou could ha If y ” eal friend. r a eplie ention and he r Conv delegate at th a w him I
Winsto ennedy, . K ohn F J people living or dead, who
big chill, on Chur y be? ould the w ee famous ith thr re ’ you ed, “Then ational he 2012 N ginia. I told rg V in arack esident B Pr obably and pr ’3” w emember ho s meeting orney’ esident as pr w e he ?dent ations. e gener en, or his childr fo f ir
Trruman y H
a ou w ould y What places w
e e lik s no plac ’ e ell, ther We er again? v and o
aducah,) but the one pla P
ones on . J r eleased D dge r ee After thr cal journalists. amaica. , J ay s B Bluefield’ m happies e I’ wher home
an Michele, t is S from way e a ac e home (in ver nt to visit o
The Case On Television
In 1980, Mark got a call from then Attorney General Steve Beshear to try a double- murder case in Ohio County, Kentucky. William Hobart Ralph had been indicted for killing his aunt and uncle by blowing their brains out with a hunting rifle. The case was tried in Owensboro with Judge Billy Ray Paxton presiding. No Kentucky case had ever been tried on television. But the Supreme Court changed the rule effective January 1, 1982. “Because our trial was set for November 1981, I asked Judge Paxton to allow it to be tried with television cameras in the courtroom,” Mark adds. “He got permission and cameras from Louisville, Evansville, and Owensboro reported on the trial. It was the first case tried on camera in Kentucky.” The jury found Ralph guilty and sentenced him to life in prison. It might have been telling to the jurors when Mark asked Ralph on the stand why he only took $14,000 from his relatives and left $56,000 behind. He replied, “Because that was all I needed.”
In The Case of A Derailment
In 2003, Mark got a call from a man he had previously represented and who now lived in Tamaroa, Illinois, the site of a train derailment which resulted in the evacuation of 1200 residents. “More than 800 people showed up for our first meeting in this small southern Illinois town,” Mark recalls. The Bryant law team, along with two Louisiana attorneys, took the case to court and won a multi-million-dollar award. “That was a beginning for us and a tremendous
learning experience about these types of cases,” says Mark. The firm just settled the East Palestine, OH train derailment case for 869 clients.
The Case of the Fake Prada
A high-profile case that led to international relations, was based on a fake Prada purse from Sam’s Club. “A friend found out the $600 purse he bought at Sam’s was a fake,” Mark explains. “He wanted me to sue to get his money back. But when I spoke with the Prada lawyer in charge of counterfeiting in Italy, she told me that every Sam’s around the country was selling fake purses.” Enter a class action suit that eventually led Mark to New York City for mediation. “The mediator had just handled the baseball strike and the lawyer for Sam’s had been White House counsel for Bill Clinton,” Mark comments. “So, I wore my Armani suit, my Tony Stewart championship ring, and an attitude.” Mark’s friend and hundreds of other fake Prada purchasers were happy with the result.
A Case For Success
No attorney finds success on his or her own. “In my case, there have been several people who have been instrumental in my career,” Mark relates. In 1996, Albert Jones told Mark to snag “one of the smartest young lawyers he’d ever seen.” That young lawyer was Kevin Shannon who has been with the firm for 28 years. Mark’s daughter Jennifer also made a monumental recommendation. “She told me that I should hire her friend Emily Ward,
In 2016, Mark hosted his colleague and mentor Albert Jones at the University of Kentucky while Mark was Vice Chair of the UK Board of Trustees
“When I’m at national conferences, I’m often asked why I still live in Paducah. My answer: because I can. This community has been good to me and my family. I’ve had this tail wind here repaying it and doing who she said was the smartest person in her class,” Mark adds. Emily Ward Roark has been on board since 1999. Another person who was a vital member of the Bryant law team was Jim Malone, a former investigative reporter with the Courier Journal. “Our team of Roark, Malone, and Bryant were formidable,” Mark says. “Jim was the best lawyer I ever knew who didn’t have a law degree.” Jim passed away in 2022.
The cases have been many. The experiences have been monumental. The look back beckons memories that will last a lifetime. The life and times of Mark Bryant could fill a book.
Members of Bryant Law Center include from left Austin Kennady, David Bryant, Emily Roark, Mark Bryant, Kevin Shannon and Tyler Brown.
★ by A MANDA HUTCHISON
Faithful Friends
SIDE BY SIDE, WAYNE RANDALL AND CYRUS WILL FLOCK TO THE FIELDS WHERE THEIR SPECIAL SKILL SET POINTS TO EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING AND A LOVING RELATIONSHIP
C
YRUS, A GERMAN SHORTHAIRED POINTER, BOLTED OUT OF Wayne Randall’s truck and ran immediately to Wayne’s side awaiting instruction.
With Wayne’s cueing, Cyrus leaped into the pond demonstrating the dog’s agility and love for the water. When Wayne goes bird hunting, he almost always takes Cyrus. “Cyrus, my oldest, is a superior dog,” Randall proudly shares. “Birds are always on his mind. He can hold his own against any other dog in the field.”
Despite his many years of experience training dogs, Cyrus the puppy proved to be a challenge for Wayne. “He was a hard charger,” Wayne jokes. “If I let him out of the truck in McCracken County, he could have ended up in Marshall County.” Wayne reached out to a trainer in New Hampshire that specifically works with German Shorthaired Pointers. Dave Trahan turned out to be the International President of the Northern American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). Dave helped train Cyrus and referred
Faithful Friends
Wayne to the official NAVHDA training book, Training and Care of the Versatile Hunting Dog. “We refer to it as the NAVDHA Green Book. It really changed my way of training,” Wayne offers. “If I had to recommend one training book it would be that one.”
Wayne is currently the president of the local chapter of the Four Rivers NAVHDA. The chapter supports owners of versatile hunting dogs and helps train them. The dogs are tested in natural ability and utility. If the dog scores high enough on their testing, then they are invited to the annual invitational. “Just by saying your dog is going to the invitational says your dog is very well trained. If they pass the invitational, they are considered one of the top dogs,” Wayne explains. “It is a neat event and really not considered a competition though some like to compare
scores. It gives the owner an idea of what their dog excels at and what they need to work on.”
“These dogs are bred to hunt,” Wayne says. “When you first take a puppy out, it will find birds and try to catch them. Of course, the birds will fly away. The dog will learn it cannot catch them and start pointing. The retrieving is more hit or miss. Some dogs retrieve naturally, others may not.” Wayne also suggests joining the NAVHDA. “It not only helps you train your dog but you also end up with a large network of hunting partners. I have hunting friends all over the country and even in Canada, thanks to NAVDHA.”
Wayne also works with an organization called Gun Dog Rescue to find homes for versatile breeds. The group has a large network of foster care all over the country for versatile dogs they rescue from shelters. Wayne evaluates dogs in
the field so that the organization knows whether it would be best for the dog to be placed with a family or a hunting owner. “There was one that I asked Bailey Barrett, the owner of Pebble Creek Kennels, to help me foster. When I dropped it off at her kennel that dang dog looked at me and it just broke my
heart,” Wayne shares. “I went every day to work with the dog and train her. I was so glad when one of my chapter members adopted her.”
Wayne and Cyrus and his other dogs (Watson and Meadow) travel all over the country to hunt birds. “North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas and Wisconsin are big places to go. But you go where the birds are,” Wayne explains. “This area used to be the Mecca of quail hunting, but that has changed.” There are all kinds of debates on what happened. Some say it was because farming practices changed. Farms no longer have hedgerows, a habitat for quail, as a border between properties. The state is working to bring quails back with the help of the state’s Fish and Wildlife staff. While there may be less quail to hunt here locally, Cyrus continues his training and is ready for his next big bird adventure with Wayne—wherever that may take them.
om o ro Pe P ious Pet Gr
io i Preecci Prre ws ous awws s Pa
ming
Amy ulliv
vaan S y by ..................................................
O A ANINE CLIENTELE T T THEIR C ATTRE T PRIMPERS ALENTED PE TA A TE
T THIS AT AUT TH AND BE LT Y OF HE DAY
AM OF T A A AL Y A
WRMER looking as right f ed out f as for sale. “I sa an opportunity f ong need f ning y Goldendoodle (Lexie osie
OWNER R FO THE ITH
OR PUPS T F SPECIAL SPO shapes and sizes. ’ needs of all dogs who meets the oomer ailable gr v alue of an a v the stands Amber under e), J d poodle ( standar and a e), ), a Conway) Bernedoodle ( self, a dogs her few a g ys. Ow she sa ” groomers, or additional fo g str as a w e thought ther , I aducah rising in P aze’ oodle cr with the ‘D and owth, or gr fo y w aw fo w Paws recious ailable at that time, and P v e a wer weeks, eral or sev fo handful of salons, most book a nly ship. O epreneur e entr embrac Boe to e Amber D foor w elocate, the timing to r g
recious s. P oomer staff of eight gr a treet egon S r location at 3014 O
e them and paint, and their artistic mindsets and abilities mak aw whom dr , some of eather ys H girls, sa g or her gr fo Paw
haircut, e than just a is mor g The slogan, “Gr oomers. en better gr ev
"Grooming
er one-on-one ffe
vidual r e indi v av oomer All the gr has flexibility awws ecious P r good fit, P a ’ oomer isn gr a . I dog or a fo not be a y ay ” one size fits all, t “ ’ oomer isn gr ognizes a ec Amber r page. acebook ept on their F onc es that c captur ” of art, work s a it’
er servic ffe y 17 emplo ’ aws ecious P Pr weeks. 16 age of 12- g y this at a g e of intr to the importanc outine, adhering r g gr a g oprietor clients and pup pr with new work to y e happ ar y . ess and anxiety str g es, r servic
baths, trimming g
to popular ary e. Contr cuts, nails, de-sheds, and mor , hair grooming
with the skin that to tackle health issues y is a g “Gr oats that get impacted. c outs and under w lot of blo do a y Amber sa ooming. who need gr ones y e not the onl ed dogs ar opinion, long-hair
At she adds. foortable,” e c es dogs mor ed, and it mak t often notic ’ aren
ggger e to a mov a g warr doubled in size, w The business has no anting big with s is an artistic outlet f oomin ooming and sometimes ma good match f f a t a s ha ooms to off educing They s on establishing ooming oducing oun ees off es includin ys they ooming good opportunity omf
e. the utmost canine car with eated , the clientele is tr ompany local c paw-patrolling” e “ v this inclusi
ork a w aircu it’s cut, a hair than just e is mor
d M of A Meed Me y ry dley a ster
AVVES Y WE ASB Y GL BECK A
HER MUSICIANSHIP INT
ABRIC OF HER LIFE THE F O
y
Fe by nwick Susie
Forking for quilting vides the f
LTTIN
NG. E LIKES SO WHEN ’S ASBY Y GL K
Th eer at the museum. car sums u w useum and no M atio s N Paducah’ s e year ourteen
irector ecuted as D e ex lov or fuelin feerv pro ignites her cr g fo
T IT IS SHE AT Y LY ENTHUSIAS AS BECK WA “I JUST DO!” W TIC REPL ASKED WHA MUCH ABOUT QUIL andEngagement
e s aligned in mor the star or her cur fo adv weredans y and Engagement When Becky ertisement f
-stu of her spectacular star
e than fit to boot, she mor e and an experi experienc evious m with pr education backgr ation and a preserv ee in histo degr ith a W
t the bill. ed quilter ienc museum ound in r oric udded quilts. than just one ent position, rr d an r of Learning the labor of g and reativity he passion s up Becky’ spent day a onal Quilt y ed b mploy ot ng
e the opport v av stitcher
Th on their imagination. witho ves ess themsel expr
while l ed skills equir the r
wild as imaginations run
The little quilt during museum is hlights of tunity hey letting they
T camp. g to w outh ho y instructing with the quilt m work her high y ne of the man O summer quilting s ha maintain y their g learn y onstraints out c to y
Becky GLASBY
quilters, g y the y ed b Inspir
veenings impatient to r is she gets y fo w the do
ojects. ship of their pr owner oun nside for Becky eturn home in the ev
ojects n pr w to quilt her o
Quiltin began as a
oject summer pr a g
b y and it quickl g Becky’ visited her quilt-pr s old, Becky year when, at 14
foormed bridged a g of them shar
o est the tw became an inter aunt. Soon, roducing when Becky
with h ved e she li wher land,ary e, M altimor in B
s mother started quiltin ed. Quiltin gap f ed to v , and mo y her famil left her home y d
e outlet just lik creative is a g sa y e.distanc g be virtual quilting patterns and participated in a ojects ed on pr work ed and compar y or mothe fo vided a pro Kentucky y , . Quilting bond f miles as they long Becky ys quilting v lif
er the v er and daughter o y, They
ed together work ee as they apped fabrics and sw y s.
oughout her as thr w e music k
omplished clarinetist and expe c he is an ac e. S fe
een the artistic outlets betw similarities y es man erienc
Highlighting of the art f
QM, her solo exhibit at the N orms, she named fo the similarities of music and quilting
“M Quilting Examples of quilting
quilt named a evidenc e ound ar her musical backgr by edinspir g ”Medley. g y My
artist Platinum-selling e of fiber art. piec whimsical light, y fe a suited to title feectly fo another musical term Becky was cio” pattern. “Capric epeating or its r fo Vibrato”
nod en a v wift is gi lor S Taay
The wift - lor S y Tay s n Becky’
ed our 2023 quilt, inspir To Eras
s and delights in endless atterns and quilted the album album g musician’ olific s of the pr olor the c by
stitches into each y bee she intricatel trademark
he te he gifts quilts. S changes quilts. S he ex S
es of f s and textur olor ough c thr while speaking es the challenge of making v he lo possibilities. S sonalize each of her quilts es to per lov y part of the intricate designs. names as a Becky vity
s or Becky’ fo fabrics. Look es fit together quilt piec g
he s to quilt. S eaches other of her quilts.
cour y eati he quilts quilts. Cr exhibits quilts. S
ed in “V f found perf feathery T a T s best-selling f quiltin anged the hues into pa arr yartfull y cover
s. Becky est, and depth to her LIFE. , inter beauty
ef ee f
orm q fo ed fr feerr with her pr n e stitches sew lik
method adding g veins s ough Becky’ ses thr r
by S HANNON WEBB
A Love Affair with Whippets
If you’ve ever heard the sweet sound of accordion music in the Fountain Avenue neighborhood, it may have been Heather Coltharp entertaining her family, including two whippet pups, Clover and Whirlie. The pet sitter once said to Heather, “When you’re not home, Whirlie goes over and looks at the accordion, and then looks at me, and then looks back at the accordion.”
Owning and loving whippets is a pastime as distinctive and satisfying as playing the accordion. Originally bred in 19th century England for racing and chasing rabbits, these sporty hound dogs make fun-loving family pets today. They are sweet, curious, trainable, easy to care for, and very loving. Whippets make great companions for hiking
and exploring outside–when kept on a leash, because they will sprint, Heather reveals. They are often mistaken for their near relative, the greyhound, but these dogs are actually about half the size. Heather’s heart was captured by the breed nearly 30 years ago.
“It was 1997,” she recalls. “We were visiting a lake in Indiana and a friend brought along her blue whippet puppy, Merlin,
Whippets
and I fell in love. And I thought—I must have one of these.” After about a year of research into the breed, Heather and her husband adopted a sixmonth-old whippet named Edgar through WRAP (Whippet Rescue and Placement). “Now, I am the person you see walking whippets up and down Broadway and Jefferson a couple of times per day,” says Heather. “They live for their morning walks!”
When Patience Renzulli moved to town, Heather’s family spotted her walking whippets around the neighborhood and excitedly chased her down. They instantly bonded over their love for the breed. “She had nine at the time, and we only had one. She gave us our second whippet puppy, Emmett, the year my oldest son was born,” Heather reminisces. “She would come over to puppy-sit and baby-sit so I could get some sleep! Patience is truly an expert on whippets.” Whippets tend to attract devoted owners who love to connect over their mutual affection for this distinctive breed. Though there aren’t many others known to Heather in the local area, she’s grateful for her friendship with Patience, and the incredibly supportive whippet community online for sharing ideas and overcoming any challenges.
Whirlie and Clover proudly boast their trick dog titles and have enjoyed a bit of sport at the Paducah Kennel Club. The club hosts a local dog show and offers Canine Good Citizen testing, among other activities. “It’s just fun to do something out of the ordinary, like the agility training with the tunnels, ramps, and jumps,” Heather says. In the fall and spring, Heather and her son Evan, a freshman at Paducah Tilghman High School, also bring the dogs to
Whirlie shows off his sprinting abilities at the Fast Cat, a 100-yard-dash event put on by the Crab Orchard Kennel Club of Southern Illinois and held at the Paducah Kennel Club. Whirlie is going about 29 mph!
compete in the Fast CAT, a 100yard dash put on by the Crab Orchard Kennel Club of southern Illinois and held at the Paducah Kennel Club. “Evan has a gift for it,” Heather shares proudly. “He has a special way to hold and release the dogs. I wait at the far end of the field where I jump and cheer, and in only a few seconds there they are!” There’s a bag on a pulley system that they run after and, as they are sight hounds, they are extremely driven to chase the bag, sprinting up to speeds of 30 miles per hour.
“Evan and I love it, and the dogs have a great time. They patiently wait their turn in the car,” she adds. “When it’s time to compete, they voice their enthusiasm because they know what’s about to happen.”
These clever, tender-hearted dogs continue to brighten the lives of Heather and her family. “It’s nuts how much Whirlie loves everybody,” Heather explains. “He likes to put his feet up on our shoulders and take his face and squash it against our faces. He even does it to Clover!” Heather Coltharp’s love affair with whippets has inevitably become a family affair with loads of love to go around.
BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Gar B. Hoston / Darren R. Smth
S. Edd
zabeth A. W
/ Thomas
FRONT ROW FROM LEFT: J. Pa Bradford / James (Jason) R. Co
tharp Jr.
Tthe“
tu
Ca
OK pa has become (
H THEI ELPING
es as a and serv
ait their w aw y fo spac
cGa the official hideout of the M
al cats feer
TO IS MISSION CAFE’S HE e for cats as they a helping homeless and f organization f
ough the Lone O thr
de
b
y
A
Sull
liv
FUREVER fé
T AT AH C PAADUC P A
vaan Amy TS
FIND
HOM R R
titude Café Toor T aduc ” in P w ’s meo cat
The location is ect match. fe
The en County cCrack in M volunteers oup of gr s, a angster
olo eeds multiple c fe rg
Their goa Animal Clinic. ak
ortitude Cat Caf To support. y colony y in ev
Although adoption is al dedicated adoption site.
MES
HOMES
car y v ovides onies and pr
owth o population gr or zer fo
s notes it is ori Rodger To wner cGangster with the M s é partner fé
glass as they cah.
don the pun) r rs re s avvepeoplecometotheca w eciated, o ys appr wa
The caf f local artisans and specialty items f long vitin e vie
ait attention at the aw y es against the ess their fac pr ch or who per the cats w ons to patr allows a the lounge ar overlooking windows bar facing g in g A et fund. v cGangsters benefits the M ectly which dir entage of perc sale, a foor y by ork es artw feeatur y e lobb fe
ery they T justasimportanttoha next appointment.
e s v er homes. “I lo ev or their fur fo eady e r ar y
e th minutes tak few or a fo out hang
é o fé A ” cage. a cat fr a g the cat act w s them to see ho allow “Our setting
LOVING A PROVIDE r purrf eterinary al is f f T af hem home f T ts in ff ons the opportunity ost of entry
eep th what help us k e lounge and our snacks ar with the cats. “The act ess, and inter elax, destr r
cG to the M ectly ofits go dir chandise pr and mer
e and help socialize the cats so fe
ys. ori sa To ” or good, fo who planned to people eeing
ather than , r home setting a
to y s patr ffeer
into the y minimal c
All other donations s open. e door
The f son and f she explains. " is $12, 30-minute session is $7 per per or a fo
ee to enter fe escue. s r Gangster
60-minute session or a fo r
ould find e she c fe y eled to ev v av ori tr To T a ery cat caf
t. Louis, L ansville, Chattanooga, S v end – E week
entucky cities in K few a y aducah is one of onl P abou y e onl e ar Ther ayys. To ” , it going keeping wi supports one another really y e c fe w s, and get helpful tips on ho wner to the o talk
e the opportunity v s ha é, customer fé A
cons y g w aw or bottled drinks
"The aducah. base in P to build a y, ville – to stud ash Louisville, N er a v e o able distanc driv d in a d to startin ut 250 caf with cat caf sultation. Booking
nextappointment
caf ommunity Tori sa t the caf while a aiting their kitty odgers ori R , T titude Owner Tor cepted. e ac ins ar walk- h appointments g e-packaged snacks chase pr to pur y féé. a .S., and es in the U fe one up and g egar th r
ome to the ca e people c just as important to ha they f with the cats f choosing om visit to the caf the lounge f aged, though our er the phone is enc v online or o
Torttiitude Tor t
CAFE
ut no matter B ying
e s e ar , ther wander you where
efully on car g pla
designed bridges or cat-size
ls to curl up w , and suspended bo which to hang
es, and beds, as box toy
ger sofas and s rg w
visitors y n addition to dail . I kitty cuddly ait a aw
om e also things fr e ar Ther wheels. ed hamster
s or customer fo seating
Alzheime en and senior citizens, including childr
s an attitud ell, it’ We Toortitude? the name Why action. and inter therapy
e not which ar sonalities of tortoiseshell cats, per
posts, g e scr v s ha orner s c The floor’ in.
y whose laps longingl
oups of autistic omed gr welc ori has To ,
ell as lar T W aff withcoatsresembling
whol those by torties” nas “ know ffeectionately
term c e – a e the benefits of pet s patients, to experienc r
oined to describe the unique
ear y , of cats. color a eed, but r br a
lovethesebeautifulcats
tortoi s daughter adopted a Toori’ tortoise shell. a
who l torties n as T
ent ba w he d. S ecor in her r tortoiseshell” ote “ wr
l ou a y ve ortoise shell cats gi To don’ as the attitude of th w et noted it v The tortitude."
t touch me. “T caf T
er 600 people came to the caf s opening , I knew as big unique and something ommunit ori said. To ” oud of, be pr
kitties and cats g sightings of slumbering atching f T ather a They can b y that the c g ger than me and it h gg w this w pouring g ’ e fe Ov laughs. Toori ”fee,
"That cat Toori, et told v ound of shots and the ond r or her sec fo ck her to a ori took To st time s ago and the fir year o seshell kitten tw oats r with c e these beautiful cats lov T f T e try last fall. “When I sa ad to be somethin good. I knew T something out- y e at the be her e had enough, v s got t’ et, they v munity
omm as and the c w e est ther much inter how w aw to b y w what s little bit of class, and that’ ittle bit of sass and a ys, I’v ou one minute and the next sa y ves olor of cat – she lo at c
vide s o ould pr w then that this w g
Cllub Fi MccFlix M FilmC
Lik
Boo It y en Count McCrack For k Club, e A
abou g may ) M CLIB s (M Library’ cCracken and the M e, themes, sets— scor , c ew lot, cast, cr P be talking
Mov
ilm Club F McFlix Public County ou name it y aphy,cinematogr vies
s all cause it’ t it, ‘
ilm Club F cFlix The next M s also snacks! ’There or those aged 17 and older fo am is ogr ated, so the pr e adult r ar our opinions. Some films y is g ou need y All oducers. s, and pr director s, s, actor writer of work the g whole hour of a y s to enjo reviewer s and viewer e film and join other feeatur -timef--all v av w y binges or series V avvorite y So, tap into ustin. ys J sa ”watching, e been v av whatev about ant to talk w e We w. vie or sho mo particular y t discuss an ’ e don We discussions about all things cinematic.
om 5:30 to 4fr y is F meeting
ogramming CLIB has pr M. M 6:30 P
ents of ev g or a een. F age in betw ery en, teens, adults, and ev or childr fo
visit mclib.net. ary,libr g ommunity’s ams at our c ogr and pr
vely or li fo son and I Ander ustin oin J . J ary month at the libr of the y ay Tu first y fans meet ev vie and television oup of mo This gr ou think. y and what atching e w r ’ you about what ery Tuesda sabel Roof f “W W er people ha our fa TV our ne fa orite-of f honoring to bring intended f ebruary f listing outstanding
Meet
Carl
THE RESCUE PUP
Q. How did you meet Chelsea?
A. I was out roaming the streets one day and I saw this human with the most beautiful dog. They seemed nice so I decided to follow them home. When we got to their house, I figured I’d just go inside with them. The human—now MY human—tried really hard to find out where I came from. Everyone in the neighborhood told her I was dumped, so she let me stay.
Q.What is your ideal weekend in Paducah?
A. I’ve really gotten used to the lavish life of a house dog. We get to sleep late, play outside, eat lots of good food that Chelsea always shares with me because, well, she’s a sucker. All I have to do is stare up at her and she’ll give me anything she’s eating. I’m still working on my manners, but I really love when she takes me downtown. Lots of people like to stop us and ask to pet me. LIFE is good!
Q. What’s your favorite toy?
A. I’ve never met a toy I didn’t like. I’ve shredded a huge stuffed elephant that I still love to throw around even without any stuffing. I have light-up bouncy balls that I can entertain myself with by throwing them down to watch them light up. I truly love something that squeaks. As soon as I wake up, I find a squeaky toy to carry around.
Share a funny story.
Last time I stayed overnight at Pebble Creek, my human sent a friend to pick me up. She warned him that I try to slide out the door so he tried really hard to make sure I didn’t. But I’m lightning fast, so he didn’t stand a chance. I got to run all through the neighborhood with him chasing me. I’d stop to make him think he won, then I’d take off again. He kept saying
“Chelsea is gonna kill me,” but he scooped me up and brought me home in one piece, so she let him live.
Q. What is the best “present” you’ve brought Chelsea?
A. I’m not real sure Chelsea always appreciates my gifts, but the way she screamed the time I brought an opossum into the bedroom while she was sleeping sure was funny to me. I think the only thing better than that was when I was in the living room playing with a bird. Chelsea came downstairs and started screaming. My sister came in behind her and wanted to play with the bird, too. We played tug of war with it while Chelsea tried to get us to drop it. It was awesome.
Q. What makes your tail wag?
A. Look, if I’m awake, this thing is waggin'! Waiting for a bite? Waggin’! Car ride? Waggin’! Chelsea talking to me? Waggin'! Pulling in at daycare? Oh, that’s something else. I’m wagging my tail, jumping up and down in my seat, and crying for Chelsea to hurry up and let me out to see my friends.
Paducah Life
by D USTIN WILCOX
JACK JAMES ★
A MOMENT IN TIME
JACK JAMES RECALLS HIS LIFE AS A YOUNG QUARTERBACK AND THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS FOR HIS BIG BLUE TEAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
Photos by M ATT H ERNANDEZ
Nothing prepares a young man for the life ahead quite like
the game of football.
At least that’s been the case for Jack James, the Paducah Tilghman High School quarterback whose team brought home the Kentucky 4A State Championship at Kroger Field in Lexington last December. Paducah Tilghman’s victory over Franklin County locked in a 15-0 winning streak for the 2024 season, the first for the school since 1973. The school’s last state championship was accomplished 15 years ago by the 2009 PTHS football squad.
“It means everything for me, and the teammates, and the coaches, and the community,” Jack said.
Some might call it an underdog story. For one thing, Tilghman’s Blue Tornado had been chasing Boyle County’s tail all year, as far as team rankings were concerned. What’s more, the Paducah boys had—in Jack’s words—a chip on their shoulder following a 3A State Championship loss three years ago.
“We were able to prove them wrong,” he said. “It was great to go back to Kroger Field and get the win at the end of the day.” It was also a most fitting conclusion to the quarterback’s Big Blue football career.
Football is pretty much Jack James’ whole world and pretty much always has been. He started playing flag football at Lone Oak First Baptist Church when he was five years old or so. Third grade marked the genesis of his quarterbacking career over at Heath Elementary School.
All that dedication led to a series of wins and losses but ultimately to one serious win last month—the biggest win in high school football.
Jack recalled his team driving down the field in the first quarter of the championship game and celebrating together after the game, but what he was especially proud of
Tilghman defeated Franklin County 27-20 to claim the 2024 State Class 4A Football Championship. It was the first undefeated season since 1974 for the Tornado!
Paducah
JACK JAMES
didn’t have as much to do with their performance on the field as the players’ mental and emotional outcome.
“You could tell there was no word on the sideline,” he said. “That shows growth, because we used to get down on ourselves. It shows that we’ve come a long way.”
Looking back on his now storied PTHS football career, Jack can earnestly say he’s learned many of life’s lessons from his sport of choice. Enduring hard yards in the heat of summer practices and overcoming week-to-week fierce opposition during the season certainly played a big part in all of that.
“There are lots of people who say it’s the best game to play,” Jack says with an obvious affection for the game. “You get to build great bonds. I’ll remember these guys forever.”
It’s also a game that is taking Jack to Troy University in Alabama this fall. As part of the all-important college recruitment process, Jack searched for the university staff who wanted him the most, which ultimately was determined to be Troy when all was said and done.
“Plus, it’s a great program,” he said. “They’ve got excellent facilities, and they’re notorious for winning.” Enough said.
With years of positive experiences behind him, Jack was quick to express his gratitude to former Paducah Tilghman coach Corey Robinson who laid the foundation for Jack as Tilghman’s quarterback. Corey worked with Jack from the time he was in fourth grade. He also heralded Coach Sean Thompson and all the team’s assistant coaches and staff as well as the cohesiveness of his teammates without whom their success would not have been possible. “We all stuck together and played hard and made this happen as a team of players and coaches,” Jack adds. His advice to up and coming PTHS gridiron greats? Stay humble and work hard. Jack himself is looking to do exactly that for the next four years at Troy. Jack is going in as “QB5” and shooting for starting quarterback as the games play out next season and he embarks on a collegiate career played out on the famed football fields of the south. And about going pro? Jack laughed. “That’s a goal AFTER playing at Troy University.”
Editor’s Note: Jack is the son of Jeff and Christin James
“What a season
t has been! it
ng when
set a goa and are abe to go to wor, one da at a tme, and accompsh that goa it taes a spec
a grop of paers to wn the ast one and that s what we have here at Padcah Tghman. Not on dd the wn the ast, bt the dd t n a domnatng fashon ever wee i can't sa enogh abot the eadershp ths senor cass provded and the fondaton the have set n ther tme at Tghman for ftre Be Tornados to contne to bd on. i am prod for not on ths team, bt the schoo, commnt, and a the man other staehoders who heped to mae ths dream come tre. it s a beatf tme to be a Tornado.” sean thompson, PADUCAH TILGHMAN HEAD FOOTBALL COACH
PTHS defensive back, will be playing for another Big Blue Nation this fall at the University of Kentucky.
PTHS defensive back, is headed to Vanderbilt University to become a Commodore.
PHOTO BY ASHLEY GOODE PHOTOGRAPHY
Jorddan Jor n
Lyyn L
ISCR
IS CR A
h
ch c
AF TING CRE
OUGH FILM THR
TIVIT A Y LY AND F Y AND COMMUNIT AMIL
Y T
eflects the r y onnected to his c while y Chicago ad a rem w a eer in P car ed out carv
feession end of pr tr
workallow remote
ORDAN orking agency journey of when he began y aducah and its deep a g ev eting in mark been shaped onnection. nd c that y them g acing nals embr owing e gr oots. His r staying dvertising foor motely aducah, fulfilling a HAS LYYNCH L f wing munity ealing w after high school
s journe Jordan’
sue the plant to pur with the opportuni w . “I ert City ve in Cal w ansitioned to he tr t the right fit ’ wasn . Realizin University u attended M briefly v one lea leap a fo o ed. “N har creative y e m ve to lea y esented as pr plant at a ork at the time, ollege that c g State urray ng ity ob for
e. ant cultur vibr a ommitment to P c e , r and filmmaking es his experienc by s path has b Jordan' an y eati alues cr v comm e in a v to thri ork, allo w vity plant j es a v av dan sh Jor passions,”
JORDAN Lynch
of faith in the arts, but I did. I have zero regrets.” After taking a year off to freelance, he returned to Murray State to complete his degree: a Bachelor’s in Public Relations.
His first professional step took him to Colorado, where he landed a marketing internship with a company that specialized in model rockets. “That was a fun job,” Jordan recalls, “but it was just the beginning.” He later made the leap to an advertising agency in Chicago, where he applied his digital advertising skills for clients across various industries.
Jordan's passion for creativity extends beyond advertising; he is also involved in filmmaking. He and his high school friend, Jacob Sirls, have rekindled their shared love for creating films after years apart. “We made some movies together back in high school with whatever equipment we could get our hands on,” he reminisces.
After a call from Jacob, who was pursuing acting in Nashville, the two participated in the 48-Hour Film Festival. Although they didn’t complete it, the experience reignited their enthusiasm for filmmaking. “We went back to Paducah with just one camera and some basic equipment and went for it,” Jordan explains. Since then, they have produced 12-15 short films and competed in various film festivals, including ones in Knoxville and Orlando. They are also preparing for an upcoming festival in Nashville.
“We’re always looking for new opportunities to showcase our work,” Jordan adds.
As a western Kentucky native, Jordan feels a deep connection to his roots. “Leaving home can be tough, especially when you have family and friends here,” he says. “But there’s something special about this area. Paducah seems to have a historic bubble around it that protects it from some of the issues other cities face.” His travels have taken him to places like Mexico and England, but he always returns to Paducah's charm. “Where else can you find such a rich focus on the arts and community, like the Market House Theatre, Maiden Alley Cinema and maybe soon the Columbia Art House?”
Balancing his career in marketing with his passion for film, Jordan emphasizes the importance of community. “I love that I can work remotely and still be part of a vibrant local culture,” he says. “The connections I make here inspire my work every day.”
Jordan’s personal life is equally fulfilling. He and his wife, Cheyenne, first met while working together in high school at a local deli. “We manipulated our schedules to work the same shifts,” he laughs. “I fell in love with her. Thankfully, she fell in love with me too.” The couple married in 2019 just five days before their shared birthday on May 16.
Jordan Lynch’s story is a testament to the power of pursuing a passion while embracing community. Whether through advertising, film, or family, he embodies the spirit of Paducah—a place where creativity and connection flourish.
he h Th T t tt t T
Ta S o atto Sho a Shop Taatto
Hut
A by tchison aAmand Hallowe
o o
Just so “J “ ” , en decorations eletons her , the sk w ou kno y
e not e ar r
FEET Y T AT DOWN OOKED A MY
full of art supplies and bo y ibr as so much to look w There ld I?
Then the with hand ee li the fr coul How ske oka I te LO prints f wasn’t ut I es. “B Rachel shar ”teenager, as a
reading y ys seemingl she sa letons,” attentio y ay ’ most people don y eletons? “I e the sk t notic ’ ell her I didn DO t pa ar aiting aturing of it as tattoo shop f Alf T with big er intimidating f anting wa e I sinc talks abou Rache l a I think the past, t Jack Black aid e afr ar e “I lik ealizedr
avve ad I plants. H l of bright elry and jew table A oks. was There at! mind. my on to the t’s ns? “I SHOULD T ing ht not ha stumbled feea
to do tattoos g w aft. “I had been ut her cr with happiness as she adiates e her shop, r el, lik ” e has changed. lot of tattoo cultur feeel. g y v e had a v tattoo shops ha n smile. “I a attoo, explains Ta kalope ner of w d, o foor Rachel ” d of tattoo shops, who or people fo a to think tattoo shop. as in a w I n, I might not ha ow y e on m d on this plac eletons, and animals, sk g allw gallery with a room g w s,er allets, stick w dmade leather
aSHOP Taatttoo
nfident enough to do it. t f
e n e ar Ther cessible. eel ac fe ’ And it didn
ound another fo ” ees. hools or tattoo degr
chnical theater at N
So, Rachel f entucky ops f ompanies including isney eam ountry f long W orking on as f
B ” as ridiculous. w t e. “I grimac with a ys Rachel sa
e un r ’Yoou ’t. he said, ‘So don ounts. “S ec Rachel r
he stu e itch. S eativ atch her cr to scr way
University y orthern K
or c fo stumes and pr
wen Then she
W mW r and D y D g
he s acts. S contr g or months- fo y er the c v her all o took
set f a w ould be w e We archy d hier weir as a w e . “Ther
ould no longer use the nic
oad so much, Rachel on the r or the fo w oom because it e bathr
as also not able to see her f w
e ound an appr fo w ithin the W here?’”
co g w when I e . Lik day y client—ev obe helped wardr in work es her Rachel believ
she uses her flash to customize something
ollabor e to c v ou ha y stumes,
tattoo st tattoo or a s their fir ybe it’ position—ma s the hu ’ e And then ther “A build,”
e to the needs of her clients v Rachel is sensiti
ea . I r
Rachel describe ” an Zandt, Va and Kingsley Marx
e told , ould arri w s when the actor and sfying wo c t S sc v ” e it. s the best description, but I’ll tak that’
ed me up f mom pick y emember m able. I r miser Y eek, Rachel f ery as designing Rachel explains. “ V
ant to do w ’t , ‘I don . I told her as crying w om the airport and I r , tr tattoo parlor and ou ha diff he off awings (called flash in tattoo lingo
ound the fo The Woorks. on work nt to udied no tattoo soon f finding
ent b ffeer e a v av y n tattooing ansition. “I e the tr her to mak ve. e to li plac a eship at a ntic fi y tattooing aducah, try to P ome back ou c y don’t Why happy.
e beautiful, c things that ar enjoy lly ) o o) (c aw e-designed dr s pr ffeer . S ” ea. ate ar v e pri mor in a with people i working e often ou ar y , n tattooing man element. I ate, and adjust things based on size
s. “I had someone onc e artists olorful, and fun. I lik
e describe it as animal guts and sparkles.
en e Laur s lik or sometimes vulnerable in a y e and bod oss—your job a g ’” ymore, this an was . “I family talent,’” e ‘ or months, fo
e if m not sur I’
Rachel opened her studio in 2023. She recently added an additional artist, Audri Michele. With Hannah and Audri on staff, Rachel has completely dismantled the stereotypical image of a tattoo shop. Rachel feels her experience in theater really helped her grow a thicker skin. “When I started working in a tattoo shop, I would have these really old-school guys yelling at me. But it didn’t bother me,” Rachel shares. “The theater was chaotic. If I can get yelled at by someone in head-to-toe sequins, I can handle getting yelled at by a guy in a tank top.”
Seth Hughes, Rachel’s client and friend, met Rachel during her apprenticeship. “Since the start of her career Rachel has always made it a point to create a more gentle and welcoming atmosphere,” Seth shares while getting a tattoo at the shop. He was clearly at ease with Rachel, though admitting to just little bit of pain towards the front of his thigh. “That’s what you get for working out!” Rachel teases him. “I know right!” Seth exclaims. The playful banter is heard throughout the store, echoing in the art, the ink, the jewelry, and of course, don’t forget the skeletons.
Three Generations of Insurance Excellence
For three generations, one family has been serving the insurance needs of their friends and neighbors. And when a business has been around that long, you know they’re people you can trust. Susan Waldon-Denton and her son Mason Tot Denton are fulfilling a legacy of small business leadership begun by the late Tot Waldon. Treating people like family has always been the Waldon family philosophy. Call today and get more than an insurance policy. Become a part of the family.
SUSAN WALDON-DENTON 831 Jefferson Street
270-442-8281
MASON TOT DENTON 202 Lone Oak Rd., Suite 100 270-908-4220
F LI h Dancin
thhr ng
ough o
Cal by rd leb
Bufor
E
ASY T AS E
’S NO (IT Y
SEEM)
aduca a .. P ead oduced r rint ah Life .............................................. ane He y L ers to Ashle ) .............................................. .
Y AS IT MA yenle ....
Awould she c as a work
ed to ekk Gilbertsville as she tr yo very e at a dedicated to danc
e stu ent to her danc w e she ther
class assistant to earn her class tu
renowned of the same
aducah to attend school and d P
M to g e home at 9 P arriv finall
EXT AS HENLEY SHLEY W y
av en tr es, ev v e intensi danc
Along s old. year as 10 w Ashley .
ount eled the c v , she tr way the or the epar est and pr et some r of school da After a ition. cla udio to attend earl
eling orm. o to Russia
A began at 5:45 y age. H A IN VED V INVO YENSIVEL L ung er da y morning long y e f a to perf attending y e, and danc sses or to rom e F danc AMin AND e next da ry
one thing, regar whethe students rdless of time or location, stayed livedinStLouisorSprin y erthey
Dancciing
LIFE THROUGH g
Governor’s y and Gouch Yoork ew enown he attended r t g av ontinued tr c e and en v n to lo grow not in school, her sc continu y Ashley eling Y entucky
When ough high school. e thr with danc ued
as dedicated to the art f Ashley sity of S N K
Arts in high school. S s School of the epted to the c as ac w her College in Boston and in y Univer ofstra es at H v e intensi ned danc ountry. oughout the c orishops thr w e to danc e studio and studied at her danc y njoy. orm she had fo w chedule
tudied o eer pr with car
essionals such as Mia fe he also
Leeper, y Michaels, Ra
Blankenbueh y oted e to the dev ontinued to teach danc c shley ut est. B w ound the Mid ed ar v s job, mo ’ o Sean o later The tw e she met her husband, Sean. s ’ ations at Michelson eer in financial oper car omplete t c ’ but didn ” get the basics classics to “ ent to w She ” ection I planned to go. dir a y shares. y ” anted to do, w what I e of unsur . “I career alent about a v as ambi w Ashley hool, hler. Ashley s sched ’children , Ceci, daughter her husband and t b e I fe thr th “I think ough lif eflection of a r e a s lik ule and it’ est in danc es the same inter shar ont en, her passion c o childr tw wh That's person. ou as a y uilds e th s so much mor ffeer at danc t Louis or S ed in S v er they e off
After high sch
nd And as one of those kids u D
As e. of danc y where which is elers, he began her ee. S some c eally er r as nev w ance
llege and took egr w d the knot and, due to d consistent: the jo ngfield
A foor danc inues as a ou that I gain most thr at I think
AM es at . Ceci danc Ashley young w with her mother e and studied
Ash ”foorm, ph an just a ysical art f e instructor f named an ecently as r w and A PA ne glan . O younger was hen she en aged childr y fo A PA inPad g r Now ” e. gh danc e lessons fe ys. “I sa y hley t teaches lif esiding AMP for primary MP Scholar AP n e at her nc er n. H with ducah and discipline
and selected to the Paducah Bank Teen Ambassador Alumni Board. Her son, SJ, is a middle school student at St. Mary High School and is a part of the travel baseball team. “Their schedule matches my schedule as I grew up. We are going constantly,” Ashley admits.
But it’s not just about keeping her children busy. Sports and arts studies provide students great opportunities to develop soft skills such as communication, time management, leadership, and more. Ashley hopes that their focus on their passions help them to develop life skills just as dance did so for her. “They know that you have to work hard and your hard work pays off. They know that a strong work ethic is what molds you into the person that you're going to be.”
Paducah PROUD
Student Registration Job Application
Photo by Ashley Goode Photography
One Book Read
A PEARL IN THE STORM IS WKCTC’S 2024-2025 SELECTION
APEARL IN THE STORM, BY renowned athlete and adventurer Tori Murden McClure, is the 2024-2025 One Book Read at West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC). The college is also celebrating its “sweet sixteen” this year with the selection of its 16th title.
A Pearl in the Storm is a riveting recounting of McClure’s solo row across the Atlantic Ocean in 1998. In a twentythree-foot long, four-foot-high, six-footwide boat with no motor or sail that she and friends constructed, McClure had room for only the basics alongside her coffin-sized cabin where she slept. She took food for one hundred days, repair equipment, navigational tools, communications equipment, her favorite books to keep her company, along
Read & Write
with various other elemental supplies, and set out to confront her demons and “find a doorway to some higher intellectual awareness.” Instead, she found her heart in the middle of the ocean and discovered embracing her own humanity was more important than superhuman feats.
“I couldn’t put it down,” Amy Sullivan, WKCTC One Book Read Events Committee Chair stated. “The author’s writing was captivating. I felt her exhaustion, suffering, and helplessness, while recognizing her resolve and drive, even when she confronted Hurricane Danielle.”
Dr. Kim Russell, WKCTC English program coordinator and chair of
| The community is encouraged to enter a special One Book Read essay contest. Deadline to enter is February 14, 2025. Winners will receive cash prizes and be recognized at the One Book Read reception in March. For more information, visit onebookread.com and select One Book Read Events—Writing Contest, or contact Dr. Kim Russell at kim.russell@kctcs.edu All events related to the One Book Read, including the author’s visit to the WKCTC campus, are free and open to the public. A Pearl in the Storm is available for checkout at WKCTC’s Matheson Library and the McCracken County Public Library in print and eBook formats. To learn more about the author and WKCTC’s One Book Read activities for A Pearl in the Storm, visit onebookread.com, follow One Book Read—WKCTC on Facebook or watch the WKCTC One Book Read on You Tube.
the One Book Read selection committee, said the book and the author are sure to inspire. “I attended a conference recently where McClure was the keynote speaker, and she was so engaging as she shared not only her ocean-rowing experience but also her other adventures as the first woman to ski to the geographic South Pole and climb Lewis Nunatuck in the Antarctic. She is simply amazing.”
Chosen as one of 25 “Books You Can’t Put Down” in a summer reading issue of O Magazine, A Pearl in the Storm was also turned into a musical titled Row in 2021.
Tori Murden McClure was president of Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky, for 14 years. She holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Smith College, a Master of Divinity from Harvard, a master’s in writing from Spalding University, and a J.D. from the University of Louisville. An athlete, adventurer, chaplain, lawyer, and leader, she has served as the Chair of the Board of the National Outdoor Leadership School, earned the Kentucky Derby Festival’s Silver Horse Shoe Award, and was the first woman to receive the Peter Bird Trophy for Tenacity and Perseverance from the Ocean Rowing Society International.
The One Book Read project, which began at WKCTC in 2008, is an effort to encourage reading across various groups of people on campus and in the region. The project encourages the community, area school districts, and colleges to read the same book and come together to discuss it.
The culmination of the One Book project is the author’s visit to WKCTC. Tori Murden McClure will visit WKCTC’s Clemens Fine Arts Center on March 18 and 19, 2025.
The Love of a Dog is
No Small Gift ★
THE POET MARY OLIVER ONCE SAID, “BECAUSE of the dog’s joyfulness, our own is increased. It is no small gift.” The love and unbounded loyalty of a dog is, indeed, a gift—one which was shared by a bevy of owners who brought their prized pooches to us for a special portrait session with PADUCAH LIFE Editorial Photographer Amy Wright. So, in this edition, we share their sweet faces and their indubitable personalities with you. Think of it as a gift.
BELOW: BRYN (Nikki Collins). LEFT TO RIGHT/TOP TO BOTTOM: ELSA (Denise Bristol), LEON (Amie Tooley), MILLIE (Emery Davis), MOLLY (Allison Antonik), TOFU (Sabreen Bala), LILLY GRACE (Rachael Brunswick), BAXTER (Madison Blankenship), POPPY (Melissa Spalding), LUKA (Janet Mullin), AGGIE MAE (Jacob Hall), RUBY (Virginia Hawthorne), STEVIE (Rose Howton), OAKLEY (Jennifer Stulce), DOUG (Matt Cherry), TITO (Monica Rachan), AND COCO (Taylor Riddle).
Thanks to Hoopers Outdoor Center for hosting us!
Last Word the
“You must not ever stop being whimsical. And you must not, ever, give anyone else the responsibility for your life.”
— Poet Mary Oliver
MAGGIE WILMHOFF specializes in clay creations with her iconic "BobbleCats" standing out as a beloved tribute to her pets. These ceramic creatures are adorned with metallic colors and textures. Inspired by the Raku firing process, Maggie infuses herbBobbleheads with vibrant hues set against a black backdrop.
With over 30 years dedicated to teaching visual arts in Kentucky public schools, Maggie brings a wealth of experience and creativity to her craft. A member of the Paducah Art Guild since 2018, Maggie's work can be found in various locations across Kentucky, Ohio, and New Orleans showcasing her enduring love for art and nature.
68 • PADUCAH LIFE
“I CHOOSE PADUCAH BANK!”
Susan Ybarzabal
Paducah Bank Director of Wealth Services
AT PADUCAH BANK, we’re proud to celebrate exceptional leaders like Susan Ybarzabal. As the 2025 Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce Chairwoman and our new Director of Wealth Services, Susan brings unmatched expertise, dedication, and a deep commitment to our community. A lifelong Paducahan, Susan has spent her career building meaningful relationships and serving her customers with care and integrity. Her leadership embodies the values that make Paducah Bank the trusted choice for financial excellence. When Susan says, “I Choose Paducah Bank,” it’s about more than banking—it’s about choosing to support a local institution that puts community first.
paducahbank.com / MEMBER FDIC
