Paducah Life Magazine - January/February 2025

Tales of Canine Adventures

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THE LIFE & TIMES OF HEATHER’S HOUNDS A Q&A WITH CARL THE DOG PEOPLE & PUPS

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contents Jack James Has A Moment In Time

january/february 2025 ★ from the associate editor page 5 ★ last word page 68

12 Mother And Daughter Training Team 26 Faithful Friends of Wayne Randall 30 Precious Paws Pet Grooming 33 The Quilt Art Of Becky Glasby 36 For The Love Of Whippets 41 Tortitude Cat Cafe 44 A Q&A With Carl The Dog 53 Jordan Lynch Is Crafting Creativity 57 The Art And Ink Of Rachel Alford 61 Life In Dance With Ashley Henley 64 One Book Read 66 The Love Of A Dog

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NATHAN ARANT’S LOYAL RETRIEVERS

6

Life and Times of Mark Bryant

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2 • PADUCAH LIFE

VOLUME 35, EDITION 1 executive editor/ P U B L I S H E R Darlene M. Mazzone

� associate E D I TO R S Amanda Hutchison Amy Clevidence J.T. Crawford Stephanie Watson Amy Sullivan

� art D I R E C TO R Scott McWilliams

� associate art D I R E C TO R Amanda Newman

� editorial P H OTO G R A P H Y Amy Wright

� cover P H OTO G R A P H Y Amy Wright

� on the C OV E R 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.

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t’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.

amanda@paducahlife.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 5

THE GIVE A TAKE

★

by A M A N DA H U T CH ISO N

OF A LOYAL RETRIEVER 7

NATHAN ARANT IS BUILDING A FAMILY AND A NEXT GENERATION BREED OF EXCEPTIONAL HUNTING DOGS

F

FAMILY. IT’S THE WORD THAT NATHAN ARANT, A CHEMICAL OPERATIOR AT WEST LAKE, USED THE MOST WHEN TALKING ABOUT HIS DOGS.

8

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.

I have to work swing shifts and midnights, she is the one who is taking care of the dogs—cleaning the kennels and making sure everyone is fed.” Nathan and Heather keep tabs on the puppies they sold. One dog became a TSA security dog, some became bomb sniffing dogs and other duck hunting dogs. “Every dog has a job and it’s up to the owner to figure out what it’s going to be.”

Nathan is the treasurer and hunt test chairman of the Western Kentucky Hunting Retriever Club. “We host two hunt tests a year out at the Western Kentucky Wildlife Management Area,” Nathan notes. “It’s really just a group of local individuals who are passionate about duck hunting dogs. It gives us a means to obtain titles and ribbons and strengthen our dog’s pedigree.” The group is planning to have weekend seminars in the future led by professional trainers. “In the hunting test world, we’re all competitors. We all want to win. But secretly, I’m rooting for the guys I’m competing with because I know he’s building a better dog and strengthening the breed,” Nathan explains. “We are pushing the envelope and making a better and more reliable companion for duck hunters.”

The group runs its tests at the Wildlife Management Area in Kevil. The organization always partners with a local sports team or non-profit. “In some cases, the kids really had never been exposed to anything outdoor or hunting related. We get teachers, coaches, parents and students involved,” Nathan shares. “Everyone laughs and jokes and comes together. It’s just such a great environment for everyone.”

The WMA has become a large part of the retriever world. “Every year for two weeks dogs and their families travel to western Kentucky for the HRC International Grand,” Nathan stresses. “If there is one thing that I would love for people to know is how much the retriever world supports local businesses in the Paducah area.”

Axe, the dog that started it all for Nathan and his family, is ten now. “He’s starting to scale back some. We have so many memories together. I have several ducks mounted on the wall. I can remember what hunts we were on and how he has always been there to pick them up,” Nathan shares, “These dogs give you everything. And you need to give them everything in return.”

10

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 11

by Amanda Hutchison

is

AT JUST 24 YEARS OLD, BAILEY BARRETT OF PEBBLE CREEK KENNELS IS A FORCE IN ALL THING DOGS RELATED

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 13

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.

14 • PADUCAH LIFE

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by Amanda Hutchison

Bailey Barrett (left) and Amy Barrett

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 17

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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.

“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.”

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 19

by Darlene e Ma azzo a zzone

A COLLECTION OF

LI L I IFE E Sttories S t THERE H COMES A TIME M IN OUR LIFE ME WHEN A LOOK WHE BACK BRINGS A WIDE RANGE OF EMOTIONS.

FOR MARK BRY YA ANT, THOSE RECOLLECTIONS INVOL LV VE LEGENDAR RY Y law aw w cases, world-wide travels, monumental experiences, unequaled friends and colleeagues, a loving wiffee and family, and the occasional celebrityy enccounter.

He has chronicled some (but certainly not all) of these moments along a his profffeessional and personal Paducah journeyy in his book, M Myy Life Andd T Tiimes.

Mark begins his perceptions of the past with a tribute to his fatheer, who was a Wo W orrld W Waar II veteran and the person who had the earliest influence on his future.

“M Myy father had a soft-spoken demeanor but a fierce integrity,” Mark k remembers.

And d the DNA A of determination runs even deeper in Mark’s veins. H His grandfather arrived in America alone at the age of nine n after his father was shot and killed by communists in Greecee. “Maayyor Albert Jones once told me that I had tough fig ghter genes with blood lines that were Spartan and Scotch-Irish,” Mark says.

It didn’t take long g ffo or those decisive deffeense tactics to take hold. “In grade school there was this littlle girl in my class who got in trouble one day fo for talk king too loudly,” he recalls. “I told the teacher that girls shouldn’t be whipped in front of the class and that I would take her licks ffo or her. Unffo ortunately, she took me up on it.”

Fortunately fo for the future, Mark’s sttrategic skills of representation took on less physically demandin ng g and more proffeessionally satisfying proceedings.

Mark began his career under the tuttelage of the Honorable Joseph Johnson Grace who some reffeerreed to as “the workingg girls’ friend!” “He was hilariou us and a darn good laaw wyer. He graduated with honors from the Uof L law school and was a successful attorney, which can n sometimes instigate jealousyy among g colleagues. His detractors sometimes said JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 21

ark ryant

' # & # % $&%# ' # %# #' ' # % # &' # # $#&"# # $&' # $# #! !# %# &% &% #

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The Bryant family includes back from left Boone, Brad, Jennifer, and Caroline Wilcox, Kelly Bryant, and David Bryant. ('&%$#"'&!# "$# ' # # ' # # ! # # & # % # # ' %$ 22 • PADUCAH LIFE

he got his laaw w degree from the Sears catalog or straight from the racing ffo orms,” Mark adds with he was a state uperb orator, and it was an auspiicious beginning g ffo or me as a senator and a su young attorney.”

In 1974 Mark arrk became the Assistant Commonwealth Attorneyy to Albert Jones. “I was 25 and I’’d d tried one case,” Mark saays. “Then one day Albert left town and threw w me into the lion’s den with this admonition while looking at a file.” Albert said, “We We haavve veryy littlle evidence in this case and you’re gonna have to tryy it. Good luck.”

First Case Of Import “So, my first case of import was the prosecuttion of Samuel Thomas Jones ffo or the murder of Paducah businessman T Teed Herring g and fo for which there was little evidence,” Mark relates. The deffe fense attorney was Joe Freeland who Mark said was then considered on ne of the best criminal deffeense attorneys around. Because there was no o lesser included off ffeense, it was either a liffee sentence or an acquittal. “A “Afteer someone mentioned hearing a lot of yelling g in the deliberation room m, at 4 AM the juryy returned with a guilty verdict,” Mark recalls. The case waas appealed to the Kentucky Supreme Court and is still the law in Kentuckyy on sufficiencyy of evidence ffo or a conviction. Jones v. Commonwealth, writt tten by Chief Justice Palmore, concluded, “This case has the least evvidence I haavve ever seen for a murder conviction, fo viction but if the juryy believed d he was guilty, who are we to disagree?”

The Case That Changed Mark’s Liffee The case that possibly changed the trajectorryy of Mark Bryant’s liffee was the trial of Dr. Charles Bronston Jones, a Paduccah pathologist. “This case changed my liffee and my reputation,” Mark says.. Dr. Jones was accused of sexual molestation of sevveral young boys in Paducah. The trial began in 1977 beffo ore Judge g Lloyd C. Emeryy. The courttroom was p packed with spectators and the trial was covered daily by loccal journalists. After three weeks, the juryy returned a guilty verdict. The judge released Dr. Jones on a $100,000 bond. Mark filed a motion to increaase the bond and on the day of the motion, Dr. Jones did not appear in courrt. He had fled to Sweden.

Mark eventually flew w to Sweden ffo or the extradittion proceedings (his first time out of the United States). The supreme court of Sweden denied the extradition and Dr. Jones never faced justice. But the notorietyy of this high-profile case brought attention to the legal expertise of Mark Bryant and his associates.

Mar M arrkk ’s Memoir

Q& &A A In his memoir, Mark useed a series of prompts ompts, which were ggenerally designed to tell his storyy ffo or his children, grandchildren and future generations.

Here is a small sampling.

Have you ever met a presiddent?

I met Bill Clinton beffo ore he was president at a Commonwealth Atto orney’s meeting and we spoke briefly. I reemember how big g he seemed. He was 6’3” and probably 240 pounds! I also met President Barack Obama on a golf course iin Virrg ginia. I told him I was a delegate at th he 2012 National Convention and he replieed, “Then you’re a real friend.”

If you could have dinner wiith three famous people living or dead, who would they be?

John F. Kennedy, Winsto on Churchill, Harryy T Harry Trruman What places would you want to visit over and over again?

Weell, there’s no place like home (in W Paducah,) but the one plaace away from home where I’m happiest is San Michele, Bluefield’s Bay, Jamaica.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 23

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

.........................................................................................................................

ark ryant 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

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 24 • PADUCAH LIFE

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,

“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.

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★

by A MANDA H U TCH I S O N

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

26 • PADUCAH LIFE

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

28 • PADUCAH LIFE

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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 29

Precio Prec Precious Pr reciio re iouss Paw Paw ws ws Pe Grro Pet oom ming

by Amy y Sulliv va an ..................................................

A TEAM OF TTA ALENTED PET PRIMPERS TREA ATT THEIR CANINE CLIENTELE TO A DA AYY OF HEALLTTH AND BEAUTY A ATT THIS SPECIAL SPOT FOR PUPS

W

ITH THE FORMER R OWNER looking g to relocate, the timing was right fo for Amber DeBoe to embrace entrepreneurship. Only a handful of salons, most booked out fo for several weeks, were available at that time, and Precious Paws was for fo sale. “I saw aw w an opportunityy fo for growth, and with the ‘Doodle craze’ in Paducah rising, I thought there was a strong g need fo for additional groomers,” she says. Owning g a few few dogs herself, a Bernedoodle (Conwayy)), a Goldendoodle (Lexiee), and a standard poodle ( Josiee), Amber understands the value of an available groomer who meets the needs of all dogs’ shapes and sizes.

30 • PADUCAH LIFE

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The business has now w doubled in size, warranting g a move to a big ggger location at 3014 Oregon Street with a staff of eight groomers. Precious Paws is an artistic outlet ffo or her groomingg girls, says Heather, some of whom draw and paint, and their artistic mindsets and abilities make them even better groomers. The slogan, “Grooming g is more than just a haircut, it’s a work of art,” captures that concept on their Facebook page.

Amber recognizes a groomer isn’t “one size fits all,” and sometimes maayy not be a good match fo for a dog. If a groomer isn’t a good fit, Precious Paaw ws has flexibility. All the groomers haavve individual rooms to off ffeer one-on-one services, reducing g stress and anxiety. Theyy are happy to work with new clients and pup proprietors on establishing g a grooming g routine, adhering to the importance of introducing g this at a youngg age of 12-16 weeks.

Precious Paws’ 17 employees off ffeer services includingg baths, trimming, grooming, haircuts, nails, de-sheds, and more. Contrary to popular opinion, long-haired dogs are not the only ones who need grooming.

Amber says theyy do a lot of blowouts and undercoats that get impacted.

“Grooming g is a good opportunityy to tackle health issues with the skin that aren’t often noticed, and it makes dogs more comffo ortable,” she adds. At this inclusive “paw-patrolling” local company, the clientele is treated with the utmost canine care.

"Grooming is more than just a hair aircut, cu it’s a work of a art."

)('&%$#("! %$' %! " ( % # &% ( % (! % % ' % '! ( % ' (#! % #! !' '% (' % #!( %$ # ! % & (# % ( ( % ( % '# (## %' % '! ((% &' % ! % (!#% #!( % ' % ! ( %' % ( ' JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 31

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32 • PADUCAH LIFE

A

Meeddley d of

BECKY GLASBY WEA AVVES HER MUSICIANSHIP INTO THE FABRIC OF HER LIFE

Masterryy

........................................................................................................................

byy Susie Fenwi e ck

“I JUST DO!” W WA AS BECK KY GL ASBY ’S ENTHUSIASTIC REPLLYY WHEN ASKED WHA ATT IT IS SHEE LIKES SO MUCH ABOUT QUILLTTIN NG.

F

ourteen years employed by Paducah’s Natio onal Quilt Museum and no ot a day spent working sums u up Becky’s career at the museum. Th he passion fo quilting for g ignites her crreativity and provides the fe fervor fuelin ng g the labor of love executed as Directorr of Learning and Engagement.

Engagement When Beckyy answered d an advertisement ffo or her currrent position, the stars aligned in more than just one of her spectacular star-stu udded quilts.

With a degree in histo oric preservation and a backgrround in education with previous museum m experience and an experiienced quilter to boot, she more than fitt the bill.

One of the many high hlights of her work with the quilt museum m is instructing youth how to quilt during summer quilting g camp. The T little stitchers haavve the opporttunityy to express themselves witho out constraints on their imagination. Th heyy learn the required skills while letting l g their imaginations run wild as theyy maintain JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 33

Becky GLASBY

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ownership of their projects.

Inspired by the youngg quilters, the downside for fo Beckyy is she gets impatient to return home in the evveenings to quilt her own projects Quiltingg began as a summer project when, at 14 years old, Becky visited her quilt-prroducing aunt. Soon, Becky’s mother started quiltingg and it quickly b became an interest the two of them shared. Quiltingg bridged a gap fo formed d when Beckyy left her home in Baltimore,, Maryyland,, where she lived with h her family, and moved to Kentucky. Quilting provided a bond ffo or motheer and daughter over the miles as theyy compared and worked on projectss. Theyy swapped fabrics and patterns and participated in a virtual quilting beee as they worked together long g distance.

Beckyy says quilting g is a creativvee outlet just lik ke music was throughout her liffee. She is an accomplished clarinetist and expeeriences many similarities b een the artistic outlets betw o music and quilting. of H Highlighting the similarities o of the art ffo orms, she named h her solo exhibit at the NQM, ““My Myy Quilting g Medley.”

E Examples of quilting g inspired by her musical background are eevidenced in a quilt named ““V Vibrato” ffo or its repeating p pattern. “Capriccio” was aanother musical term Becky ffound fo perffeectly suited to title a feathery fe y light, whimsical p piece of fiber art.

Platinum-selling artist T Taaylor Swift is given a nod in n Becky’s Taayylor Swift - The Er To our 2023 quilt, inspired E as T by the colors of the prolific m musician’s best-selling g album covers. Beckyy artfully arranged the hues into paatterns and quilted the album names as a part of the intricate designs.

Beckyy loves to personalize each of her quiltss and delights in endless possibilities. She loves the challenge of making g quilt pieces fit together while speaking through colors and textures of fabrics. f Look ffo or Becky’s trademark bee she intricately stitches into each of her quilts.

She exchanges quilts. She gifts quilts. She teeaches others to quilt. She exhibits quilts. She quilts quilts. Creativityy courrses through Becky’s veins like stitches sewn with her preffeerred free ffo orm quilting q g method adding beauty, interest, and depth to her LIFE.

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★

by S HANNON

WEB B

A Love Affair with Whippets

I

f 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

36 • PADUCAH LIFE

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!

38 • PADUCAH LIFE

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.

Rooted in tradition.

Prepared for the future.

BACK ROW FROM LEFT: Gar B. Hoston / Darren R. Smth

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tude Café a

by Amy b A Sullliv va an

HELPING H G PPA ADUCAH CA ATTS T FIND THEIR FUREVER R HOMES HOM MES

HE CAFE’S MISSION IS TO PROVIDE A LOVING space for fo cats as theyy aaw wait theirr purrffeect match. The location iss the official hideout of the McGaangsters, a group of volunteers helping homeless and fe feral cats in McCracken County. The organization rg fe feeds multiple colo onies and provides veterinaryy carre through the Lone Oak Animal Clinic. Their goaal is fo for zero population growth in everyy colony theyy support. T To ortitude Cat Caffféé partners with the McGangsterrs and serves as a dedicated adoption site.

Although adoption is always appreciated, owner T To ori Rodgers notes it is just as important to haavve people come to the caaffee and help socialize the cats so theyy are ready ffo or their furever homes. “I love seeing people who planned to hang out with the cats fo for a fe few w minutes take th hem home ffo or good,” T To ori says.

“Our setting allows them to see how the cat actts in a home setting, rather than choosing g a cat from a cage.” A visit to the cafféé off ffeers patrons the opportunityy to relax, destress, and interact with the cats. “The minimal cost of entryy into the lounge and our snacks are what help us keep the doors open. All other donations and merchandise profits go directly to the McG Gangsters rescue. The fe fee to enter the lounge fo for a 30-minute session is $7 per perrson and fo for a 60-minute session is $12," she explains.

Tori traavveled to everyy cat caffee she could find To d in a drivable distance over a weekend – Evansville, Chattanooga, St. Louis, Louisville, L Nashville – to study, talk to the owners, and get helpful tips on how to build a base in Paducah. "The caffee communityy really supports one another with regard to startingg one up and keeping it going,” Tori To saayys. There are only abou ut 250 caffees in the U.S., and Paducah is one of only a few few cities in Kentucky with a cat cafféé.

At the cafféé, customers have the opportunityy to purchase pre-packaged snacks or bottled drinks while aw awaiting g their kittyy conssultation. Booking g appointments online or over the phone is encouraged, though h walk-ins are accepted.

.............................................. .............................................

T

Tortitude Caféé has become (OK pardon the pun) To “the cat’s meow” in Paduccah.

The caffee lobby ffeeatures artwork by local artisans and specialtyy items fo for sale, a percentage of which directly benefits the McGangsters vet fund.

A long g invitingg bar facing windows overlooking the lounge areaa allows patrons to view w the cats who perch or press their faces against the glass as theyy await attention at the next appointment. appointment

Tortitude Owner, Tori Rodgers JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 41

Tort To rttiitude CAFE But no matter where you wander, there are sightings s of slumbering g kitties and cats playing g on carefully designed bridges or cat-sizeed hamster wheels. There are also things from which to hang, and suspended bowls to curl up in. The floor’s corners have scratching g posts, toy boxes, and beds, as well as larrgger sofas and seating s ffo or customers whose laps longingly await a cuddly kitty. In addition to daily visitors, T To ori has welcomed groups of autistic children and senior citizens, including Alzheimeers patients, to experience the benefits of pet therapy and interaction.

Why the name T To ortitude? W Weell, it’s an attitud de – a term coined to describe the unique personalities of tortoiseshell cats, which are nott a breed, but rather a color, of cats. Theyy are aff ffeectionately known as “torties” by those who llove these beautiful cats with coats resembling a tortoise shell. T To ori’s daughter adopted a tortoiiseshell kitten two years ago and the first time T To ori took her to a vet, they wrote “tortoiseshell” in her record. She went baack ffo or her second round of shots and the vet told T To ori, "That catt’s got tortitude." The vet noted it was the attitude of th hat color of cat – she loves you one minute and the next says, I’vve had enough, don’t touch me. “T To ortoise shell cats give you a little l bit of sass and a little bit of class, and that’s what we tryy to be b here at the caffee,” T To ori laughs.

Over 600 people came to the caffee’s opening g last fall. “When I saw aw w how much interest there was and the comm munityy outpouring, I knew w this was bigggger than me and it had h to be somethingg good. I knew w then that this would provide something s unique and something g that the communityy can be b proud of,” T To ori said.

42 • PADUCAH LIFE

McCracken County

MccFlix M Fi C Film Cllub

It Like A Book Club, For Movies v

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..........................

Plot, cast, crew, cinematogr c aphy, score, themes, sets— —you name it and the McCracken County Public Library’s (MCLIB) McFlix Film Club may be talking g about it, ‘cause it’s all about what you’re watching and what you think.

This group of movie and television fans meet everyy first Tuesday Tu ayy of the month at the library. Join Justin Anderson and Isabel Roof fo for lively discussions about all things cinematic.

“W Wee don’t discuss any particular movie or show. W Wee want to talk about whatever people haavve been watching,” says Justin.

So, tap into your faavvorite TV V series binges or your new w faavvorite-off--all-time ffeeature film and join other viewers and reviewers to enjoy a whole hour of honoring g the work of writers, actors, directors, and producers. All you need to bring g is your opinions. Some films are adult rated, so the program is intended ffo or those aged 17 and older.

There’s also snacks!

The next McFlix Film Club meeting is Februaryy 4 from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. MCLIB has programming ffo or children, teens, adults, and every age in between. For a listing g of events and programs at our community’s outstanding g library, visit mclib.net.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 43

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?

........................................................................................................................................

Paducah Life

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 44 • PADUCAH LIFE

“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.

★

by D USTIN WILC OX

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

48 • PADUCAH LIFE

Paducah 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!

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 49

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 s so ffng when o set a goa and are abe to go to wor, one da at a tme, and accompsh that goa. it taes a speca grop of paers to wn the ast one and that s what we have here at Padcah Tghman. Not on dd the wn the ast, bt the dd t n a domnatng fashon ever wee. i can't sa enogh abot the eadershp ths senor cass provded and the fondaton the have set n ther tme at Tghman for ftre Be Tornados to contne to bd on. i am prod for not on ths team, bt the schoo, commnt, and a the man other staehoders who heped to mae ths dream come tre. it s a beatf tme to be a Tornado.”

sean thompson, PADUCAH TILGHMAN HEAD FOOTBALL COACH PHOTO BY ASHLEY GOODE PHOTOGRAPHY

50 • PADUCAH LIFE

martelscarter PTHS defensive back, will be playing for another Big Blue Nation this fall at the University of Kentucky.

vanzalehinton

PTHS defensive back, is headed to Vanderbilt University to become a Commodore.

SIgn up at paducahlife.com for our weekly eblast and get MORE out of LIFE!

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52 • PADUCAH LIFE

Jorddann Jor Lynch Ly ch

IS CR CRA A TING CREATIVITT Y AND COMMUNITT Y AFTING AF THROUGH FILM AND FAMILLYY

by Amy Clev vidence ORDAN LY LYNCH HAS carved out a fulfilling career in Paaducah, working rem motely ffo or a Chicago ad dvertising agencyy while staying connected to his roots. His journeyy reflects thee growing trend of proffeession nals embracing remote work, ork allow wing g them to thrive in a comm munityy that values creativityy an nd connection.

Jordan's path has b been shaped by his experiences in marketing and filmmaking, reevealing g a deep commitment to Paaducah and its vibrant culture.

Jordan’s journeyy began after high school w when he brieflyy attended Murr u ay State University. Realizin ng g that college wasn’t the right fit at the time, he transitioned to work at a plant in Calvveert City. “I was presented with the opportuniityy to leave the plant to pursuee my creative passions,” Jordan sh hared. “No one leaavves a plant job fo for a leap JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 53

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.

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CONGRATULATIONS PADUCAH TILGHMAN BLUE TORNADO

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.

www.armored-insulation.com / 270-331-4844 Text or Call

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 55

56 • PADUCAH LIFE

Afr Af A fraaidd ooff

The Th h

Tatt T attt tto to o Shop ps

Taatt T attt tto to Sho

by A Amanda Hut tchison

.................................................................................................

““JJust so you know, the skeletons herre are not Halloween e decorations,”10/.01-,('1&/%/$'#1 "/%%/!1 / 1 !1/1 /. 1$ % 1 %1!'#1'.'0 1 !'. #'1!'#'1.'/# #- % 1 0 '1 01 !/ #/(!1 - % %$1 -1- #1 /# %$ 1 '0!/(!1 - % 01 -1- #1 0 $%1 !/ 10/.01/ - % &'% 1-% . 1 % 1 ' %'$-1 - .- # -#&01 ( 1 0 #'1 !'1 '% 1 -1 / 1 0(!-- !'1 01 !'1-%'1 !/ 1'%(- #/$'01.- 1 -1 0(/%1 !'1 1(- ' 1 !'.1 -# 10-1!/# 1 -1$' 1.- 1 -1 %- ('1- #10 $%/$'

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LO OOKED DOWN A AT T MY Y FEET T. SHOULD I teell her I didn’t notice the skeletons? ns? “It’s okaay most people don’t pay ayy attentio on to the skeletons,” she says seemingly reading ing my mind.

How coulld I? There was so much to look at! There was the free liibraryy full of art supplies and books. A table with hand dmade leather wallets, stickers, and jewelry.

Then the waiting g room with a gallery walll of bright prints fe feaaturing g animals, skeletons, and plants. Had I stumbled d on this place on my own, I might ht not haavve realized I was in a tattoo shop.

“I like to think of it as a tattoo shop fo for people who are afraid d of tattoo shops,” Rachel Alffo ord, owner of Black Jack kalope T Taattoo, explains with a big smile. “In g ffeeel. the past, ttattoo shops have had a veryy intimidating I think a llot of tattoo culture has changed.”

Racheel, like her shop, radiates with happiness as she talks abou ut her craft. “I had been wanting g to do tattoos since I waas a teenager,” Rachel shares. “But I wasn’t JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 57

HEE Taatttoo SHOP nfident enough to do it. And it didn’t ffeeel accessible. There are n no tattoo scchools or tattoo degrees.”

So, found another way to scratch her creative itch. She stu S Rachel fo udied teechnical theater at Northern Kentuckyy University. Then she wen nt to work on co ostumes and props fo for companies including g Disneyy and Dream mW Wo W orks. The worrk took her all over the countryy ffo or months-long g contracts. She soon s ffo ound the sfying g. “There was a weird hierarchy. W Wee would be working on a set ffo or months, and when the actors would arriv , e told we could no longer use the nice bathroom because it was ffo or thee ‘talent,’” Rachel says with a grimace. “It was ridiculous.” B Being g on the road so much, Rachel was also not able to see her famil f y. “I was miserable. I remember my mom picked me up fr f om the airport and I was crying. I told her, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’” Rachel recounts. “She said, ‘So don’t. Y Yo ou’re un nhappy. Why don’t you come back to Paducah, try tattooing, tryy finding fi g a job here?’” Within the week, Rachel ffo ound an apprentic e eship at a tattoo parlor and a place to live.

Rachel believes her work in wardrobe helped d her to make the transition. “In tattooing you haavve a diff ffeerent boss—your client—everyy day. Like when I was designing g costumes, o you have to collaborate, and adjust things based on sizee and body build,” Rachel explains. “A “And then there’s the hu uman element. In tattooing, you are often working with people in i a vulnerable position—maybe it’s their first tattoo or a tattoo o in a more private area.”

Rachel is sensitive to the needs of her clientss. She off ffeers pre-designed drawings aw (c (called flash in tattoo lingo o)) o or sometimes she uses her flash to customize something. I reaally enjoy things that are beautiful, colorful, and fun. I like artistss like Lauren Marx and Kingsley V Vaan Zandt,” Rachel describees. “I had someone once describe it as animal guts and sparkles. I’m not sure if that’s the best description, but I’ll take it.”

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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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 59

Three Generations of Insurance Excellence

F

or 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 SUSAN WALDON-DENTON always been the Waldon family philosophy.

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60 • PADUCAH LIFE

MASON TOT DENTON 202 Lone Oak Rd., Suite 100 270-908-4220

D Dancin ng thr h ough o h

by Calleb Buford r

LIFE ((IT’S NOT AS EASY AS IT MAY SEEM))

..................................................................................................

Paduca a ah Life introduced readders to Ashley Lane Heenley '$#'"!# !"# # '$" # '"' $#'$# # # !!' $# # $ # ' " # #" # # # # !# " # ! # $"'$ !# # !!' $# # # "# # $ #$ #! !#" # '$!"' #" #! # # #" # "!#'$# " # $ "' $!.

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SHLEY HENLEY WAS EXT TENSIVELY Y INVOLVED V IN AND A dedicated to dance at a very young o age. Her dayy began at 5:45 AM A in Gilbertsville as she trekked to Paducah to attend school and danc d e. From there she went to her dance stu udio to attend early morning classes or to work as a class c assistant to earn her class tu uition. After a long day of school and dance, she would finally arrive home at 9 PM to get g some rest and prepare fo or thee next day of the samee. Ashley was 10 years old. Alongg the way, she traveled the counttry attending renowned dance intensives, even traveling to Russia to perform. o

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 61

Dancciingg THROUGH LIFE Ashleyy continu ued with dance through high school. When not in school, her scchedule was dedicated to the art ffo orm she had grown to love and en njoy. Ashleyy studied at her dance studio and continued traveling g to t dance worishops throughout the country.

She attended renowned n dance intensives at Hofstra Universityy in New Y Yo ork and Gouch her College in Boston and was accepted to the Kentuckyy Governor’s School of the Arts in high school. She also tudied with career pro offeessionals such as Mia Michaels, Ray Leeper, nd Andy Blankenbueh hler.

After high sch hool, Ashley was ambivalent about a career. “I as one of those kids unsur u e of what I wanted to do,” Ashleyy shares.

Dance was never really a direction I planned to go.” She went to llege and took some cclassics to “get the basics” but didn’t complete egree. She began her career in financial operations at Michelson’s welers, which is where she met her husband, Sean. The two later d the knot and, due to o Sean’s job, moved around the Midwest. But one thing, regarrdless of time or location, stayed d consistent: the joy of dance. Asshley continued to teach dance to the devoted students whetheer theyy lived in St. t Louis or Sprin ngfield ngfield.

“I think th hat dance off ffeers so much more th han just a physical art fo form,” Ash hleyy says. “It teaches liffee lessons and discipline through liffee. It builds b you as a person. That's wh hat I think that I gain most throu ugh dance.” Now residing g in Pad ducah with her husband and d two children, her passion conttinues as a dance instructor fo for A AMPA PA A for fo primaryy aged children n. Her w she was younger. One glan nce at her daughter, Ceci, shares the same interest in dancce and studied with her mother when children’s sched dule and it’s like a reflection of a young Ashley. Ceci dances at AM MPA PA A and was recently named an n AP Scholar

62 • PADUCAH LIFE

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

Join a Winning Team

Student Registration

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Photo by Ashley Goode Photography

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 63

One Book Read

A PEARL IN THE STORM IS WKCTC’S 2024-2025 SELECTION

A

★

PEARL 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

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

Read & Write | 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.

64 • PADUCAH LIFE

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.

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025 • 65

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.

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PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PADUCAH, KY PERMIT 44

“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 / M E M B E R F D I C