Lincoln County Living
LincolnCountyLivingMagazine
From the Rex Ramsey Files “The Post Office Duel” Jonathan L. Smith, Author & Historian Continued on page 14
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This season, invest in growth that matters right here at home
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Ann Stevens
Editor’sNote
As the first signs of Spring begin to blossom around us buds on the trees, daffodils peeking through the soil, and that unmistakable sense of renewal in the air I’m filled with gratitude and hope.
Spring brings with it more than just showers and warmer days; it brings a fresh perspective, a renewed faith, and a quiet promise that the future is bright.
It’s in this spirit of renewal that I’m so thankful to welcome another year of Lincoln County Living Magazine Each issue is a celebration of the people, places, and moments that make our community so special From local businesses and events to hometown heroes and hidden gems, this magazine is truly a reflection of Lincoln County’s heart and it’s an honor to share those stories with you
Being able to continue this journey into another year is something I don’t take lightly I’m deeply grateful for our readers, our advertisers, and everyone who contributes to making this publication possible Your support keeps us going and inspires us to keep growing
I hope this season encourages you to step outside, breathe in the fresh spring air, and take in all the beauty that surrounds us both in nature and in one another Here’s to new beginnings, strong community ties, and a year full of meaningful stories waiting to be told
With a thankful heart,
KarenMoses
PUBLISHER&EDITOR
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to our loyal sponsors who have supported Lincoln County Living Magazine in every issue Your unwavering commitment not only makes this publication possible it strengthens our community and helps us continue sharing the stories that matter most Thank you for believing in our mission, for standing by us, and for being a constant part of this journey We are truly grateful
Bob Allen Motormall - John Welsh
Durham's Grocery - Joe, Robin & Craig Crane
Floyd's Cycles - David Floyd
Fox and Friend Funeral Home - John David & Mary Friend
Kentucky Farm Bureau - Agent Sonja Bratcher
Lincoln County Animal Shelter - Judge Executive, Woods Adams
Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce - Andrea Miller
PBK Bank - Eric Rolston
Shelter Insurance - Sean Slusher
The City of Crab Orchard - MayorJesse Harris
The City of Hustonville - MayorTimothy Smith
The City of Stanford - Mayor Dalton Miller
Special Thanks to Contributing Writer, Author & Local Historian Jonathan L. Smith
We are grateful to Jonathan for his compelling storytelling, rich Lincoln County sports content, and insightful historical updates that bring the legacy of Lincoln County to life. Jonathan generously devotes his free time to helping enhance the magazine, and his passion for preserving local history and celebrating our community shines through in every piece he writes His contributions not only entertain and captivate our loyal readers but also ensure that Lincoln County Living Magazine remains meaningful, engaging and truly relevant
WHAT'SHAPPENIN' INSTANFORD
BY ABIGAIL ROBERTS
This yearthe City of Stanford will celebrate 250 years of existence and one thing hasn’t changed in all ofthose years – the city continues to grow and thrive Overthe lastfewyears Stanford has welcomed many new people, businesses, and initiatives aimed to help those in need Stanford Mayor Dalton Miller said the city recentlytook steps to ensure the city has a backup water supply should the city reservoirs run low like they did lastyear
“We passed a new ordinance forthe U S 150 Water corridor Commission,” Miller said “It’s a water line that is going to run from Danville to Mt Vernon It is a multi-county, multi-city jurisdiction ”
The corridorwill include Danville, Stanford, McKinney, Crab Orchard, Broadhead, western Rockcastle and Mt Vernon “It’s going to allow us the opportunity, ifwe need water, to tap into it,” Miller said The city is also welcoming a new business called Fiber Net “Overthe nextfewyears theywill be running fiber optic internet all over Stanford,” the mayor said The networkwill eventually be available to everyone in the city, he said Stanford will also be the home for a new facilityfor pregnant and parenting women who are overcoming substance abuse disorder
Miller, who spent 27years working in social services, said there is an overwhelming need for more resources to help families overcome addiction and reunite with their loved ones
The demolition ofthe old Fort Logan Hospital on Portman Avenue began in February and will be the new site forthe Volunteers of America Mid-States Freedom House Freedom House is a program for pregnant and parenting women struggling with addiction and will include other services including Family Recovery Court, the Family Connections Program, the Recovery Community Center and the Recovery Reintegration Program
The programs already being implemented in Lincoln County have created 11 jobs in the community so far.
“People don’t realize, not only is this going to help our community but itwill also help the state budget by getting these parents the treatmentthey need and keeping these kids togetherwith their families,” Miller said
The newfacility aims to provide effective and comprehensive recoverytreatment and supportto families across Kentucky With the newly renovated Lincoln County Courthouse, the city is looking to create a new live music event series called “Music on the Wilderness Road ”The new porch and green space behind the courthouse will be the site forthat “That’s going to be something that will happen every month,” he said
Another monthly eventthat Miller cherishes is the Monday Muster event held each month forveterans near and far The Monday Musters, which provide a free breakfastto veterans, are held at10 a m atthe Wellness Center in Veterans Park on the fourth Monday of every month It is open to any and all veterans
WHAT'SHAPPENIN' INCRABORCHARD
BY ABIGAIL ROBERTS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
While the City of Crab Orchard is readyto welcome Spring, commissioners and city officials are also celebrating howwell the Storm Water projectwent overthe winter
Snow can be beautiful, butwhen it melts it can cause flooding Flooding has been an issue in the pastfor certain areas in Crab Orchard, butthanks to the storm water project, the flooding this winterwas well-mitigated
“It really did a good job,” MayorJesse Harris said “I went around and looked three orfourtimes and the places where we did that project, it really looked good ”
The City of Crab Orchard also welcomed a new City Commissioner Tony Shelton was sworn in and began as commissioner in Januarythis year “He’s going to be over our streets, like our blacktopping and tiles, and that’s what he’s going to focus on, ” Harris said The city has also purchased a new police cruiserforthe Crab Orchard Police Department “It’s a 2023 Dodge Durango,” Harris said “It’s a pretty car, I think (Police Chief) Jimmy (Gipson) will be tickled with it.” The cruiserwas purchased from Don Franklin Chevrolet in Somerset using the city’s ABC (Alcohol Beverage Control) fees.The citywas able to put approximately $14,000 down and financed the restthrough Casey County Bank using onlyfees from alcohol sales The city began collecting fees for alcohol in 2024 “We will also make the payments with the alcohol funds,” Harris said
The city has been dealing with a fewwater line breaks due to the freezing and thawing of lines overthe winter “We gotthat all fixed and taken care of,” Harris said The good news is the citywill be one of several thatwill have the opportunityto tap into the new U S 150 Water Corridor as a back-up plan “To me that’s going to be awesome, ” the mayor said “They’re going to put a hook-up in our area so when we have an emergencywe can hook up to it ”
City Clerk Nancy Baker said the city is also working to replace all ofthe city’s manual-read water meters with “radio-read” meters Approximately 575 meters will be purchased for approximately $300,000 and is part of a Clean Water Program grant
With Easter just around the corner, the City of Crab Orchard will be hosting an Easter egg Hunt on April 19 at1 p m at City Hall The easter egg huntwill be for ages 0-3, 4-6 and 7-10 The citywill provide hotdogs, chips and drinks for everyone that attends!
MATTHEW17:20
There was a time when the land had been parched forthree long years No rain fell, the crops dried up, and the people were desperate God led the prophet Elijah on a path the seemed to be drying up as well
First, God sent Elijah to a brook to sustain Him, knowing that very soon it would dry up This might seem puzzling, especially when the prophet's survival seemed linked to the water it provided But, in this moment, Elijah was to learn that God's provision doesn't always come in the form we expect The disappearing creek served a purpose As it dried, Elijah’s trust in God deepened, understanding that God’s plans often go beyond what we perceive.The brook did not provide for Elijah, God did.
Then, God sent Elijah to a woman who had no food, to provide for Him. God instructed Elijah to go to Zarephath, a foreign town, where a widowwas supposed to provide for him. On arrival, Elijah found the widow gathering sticks for a final meal She had just enough flour and oil to make a small loaf for herself and her son before they died of hunger Yet, Elijah, guided by God’s unwavering faithfulness, asked her to first bake a loaf for him He knew that His provision came not from the rain, the woman, nor the brook
God did a miracle The widow's flour and oil, which seemed to be empty, never ran out Every time she went to the jar, there was just enough for another meal In a time of scarcity, God not only provided sustenance but demonstrated His power to create abundance from the most unlikely places Elijah obeyed even when the direction did not make sense, and He did not panic even when there seemed to be a dead end.
This story teaches us powerful lessons. First, God's plans often defy human understanding Elijah’s journey shows that trust in God doesn’t depend on the circumstances but on faith in His promises Even in drought, He provides His miracles often arrive in unexpected ways, and through them, we are shaped and taughtto relywholly on Him
Where is He leading you that doesn’t make sense? What dead end is He waiting for you to ask Him to break through? Don’t worry or be anxious Instead, drink deeply from His provision and keep making bread even though the flour is running dry, because He is the living water and the bread of life
Pastor, JeremyJohnson Stanford Christian Church
We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to contributing writer Abigail Roberts and Pastor Jeremy Johnson for their inspiring contributions to each issue
Abigail keeps us connected with heartfelt updates from Stanford, Crab Orchard, and Hustonville capturing the spirit of our small towns
Pastor Jeremy offers comforting words of praise and worship, reminding us of the strength and hope found in faith. We’re grateful for their voices and the light they bring to our pages.
Spring into SmallTown Life and you’ll find the heart ofthe community in full bloom As the days grow longer and the sun starts to warm the hills, small towns shake offthe chill of winterwith a burst of energy and color Porch swings creak backto life, flowerbeds get a fresh splash of marigolds and petunias, and the familiar sound of laughter echoes from Main Streetfestivals and local parades.
Farmers markets reopen, brimming with early produce and homemade goods, and neighbors gather once again to share stories and smiles
It’s a season of renewal, not just in nature, but in spirit and there’s no better place to soak it all in than a small town where spring means connection, celebration, and community pride
-Karen Moses
WHAT'SHAPPENIN' INHUSTONVILLE
BY ABIGAIL ROBERTS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
As the snowfinally melts and Spring flowers startto bloom, it’s safe to saythat Spring is in the air in Hustonville!
Hustonville City Clerk Robin Sullivan says this Spring the city is celebrating adding a new swing to the ever-expanding city park
“There are more plans for updating the park coming soon, ” Sullivan said As many people will begin flinging theirwindows open and spring-cleaning their homes, Hustonville will be hosting a city-wide Spring Clean up from April 7through April 14
“The citywill provide dumpsters at City Hall for citizens that live within the city,” Sullivan said It’s a great opportunityfor city residents to discard trash forfree
With Spring, comes Easter, and the City of Hustonville is excited to announce theywill be hosting a fun-filled Easter Egg Hunt on April 12 at11 a m The Easter Egg Huntwill be held atthe Hustonville City Park
Anotherfun annual event called the Blessing ofthe Bikes will be held on May 3 at11 a m “All bikers, ATVs and side-by-sides are welcome,” Sullivan said
In other news, the city is excited about efforts to expand city limits and welcome new businesses to the area.
“In the pastyear, we have annexed new businesses into the City of Hustonville,” Sullivan said “D J ’ s and Eastway along U S 127 are now part ofthe City Of Hustonville
We are so excited to grow and we are so excited for the future of Hustonville ”
Farmers
Farmers are the heartbeat of rural communities, and Spring is their season of hope and hard work As the frostfades and the soil warms, farmers rise with the sun to prepare theirfields, planttheir crops, and care for new life on the land It’s a time of long days and muddy boots, fueled by grit, faith, and a deep connection to the earth
Whetherthey’re raising cattle, growing vegetables, ortending to orchards, farmers carrythe weight offeeding their communities and beyond.Their dedication is quiet but unwavering rooted in tradition, strengthened byfamily, and driven bythe promise of a harvestto come
-Karen Moses
ByJonathan L. Smith, Author & Local Historian
The sixty-one-year-old former Fort Logan Hospital building on Portman Avenue in Stanford was razed in February of this year It was the first modern medical facility in Lincoln County.
In 1920, a limited hospital was started on the second floor of the Phillips general store at the northeast corner of Logan Avenue and Main Street in Stanford By 1935, it had become a full-fledged hospital on both floors of the building It would remain as the hospital for Lincoln Countians until the new, modern hospital was built on five acres of dairy farm land on Portman Avenue
In 1959, Lincoln County voters approved a $350,000 bond issue to finance a new hospital, and federal funds were made available through the Hil-Burton Act The land was purchased from the Warren Heirs for $15,000 and, altogether, the 40-bed, twenty-two thousand square foot hospital cost $700,000 to construct by the time it opened in June 1963 Aptly named Fort Logan Hospital, in honor of the famous Logan’s Fort that was located about 2,500 feet away in the late 1700s, the hospital site was contained within one of Ben Logan’s original land patents dating back to the origins of the settling of Kentucky
The hospital was operated by board of directors appointed by the fiscal court and included Dr Howard Frisbie, James McCormick, Dr James Blackerby, Pat Rankin, Fred Scheffer, Judge Kendrick Alcorn, Gerald May, M R Wheeldon, Lloyd McGuffey, and Dr M M Phillips
The first hospital administrator was Zella Yowell, who had helped start a new hospital in Barbourville just before this one. She brought with her Jim Wilson, Chief Technologist and Assistant Administrator, and John Osborne, maintenance supervisor Wilson and Osborne have the distinction of being the first two employees at both hospitals in Barbourville and Stanford
The hospital added a 30-bed skilled nursing facility in 1967 and ten years later added an acute and critical care unit. The hospital was acquired by Danville’s Ephraim McDowell Hospital in 2002, and the new hospital at the corner of highways 150 and 27 was opened in 2008 When the hospital moved to hits new building, the original facility to sold to car dealer and real estate investor Tommy Owens
The Best Spring Flowers for Kentucky Landscapes
Kentucky’s landscape bursts into color in the spring, making it the perfect season to plant vibrant flowers that thrive in the region’s soil and climate
Here are some of the best native and hardy flowers to brighten up your garden:
Eastern Redbud – A stunning tree with pink blossoms that signals the start of spring in Kentucky.
Reportedly, Volunteers of American, a non-profit organization, is going to build a women’s drug rehab facility at the site.
Author’s note: I was born at this hospital, and I had a few visits there as a youngster for broken bones and stitches. My father died there My next-door neighbors, John and Carolyn Osborne, were instrumental in the hospital’s operation from its beginning and they were instrumental in my ideal childhood as their neighbor. Like many others in our county, I have many memories of the hospital on Portman Avenue
Gone, but not forgotten
Black-Eyed Susans – A native wildflower with bright yellow petals that attract pollinators.
Columbine – A delicate perennial with red and yellow flowers that flourish in shaded areas
Coreopsis – A drought-tolerantflowerwith cheerful yellow blooms.
Wild Blue Phlox – Afragrant ground coverthatthrives in woodland gardens.
Planting native flowers not only enhances your garden’s beauty but also supports local pollinators like bees and butterflies With the right selection, your Kentucky landscape will be a vibrant showcase of spring’s natural splendor
Eastern Redbud
Black Eyed Susan
Columbine Coreopsis
Wild Blue Phlox
ByJonathan L Smith, local history researcher and writer
Whetheryou call it a semiquincentennial, a quartermillennial, or a sesetercentennial, it is a 250-year anniversary
Historytells us that on May1, 1775, Benjamin Logan, John Floyd, and others camped atthe Bufallo Springs, which was commonly known as St Asaph
Logan claimed land nearthere and eventually built his fortified station, Logan’s Station or Logan’s Fort, which became a safe haven for early settlers and travelers
From that point, the currenttown of Stanford grew up around St. Asaph and Logan’s Fort.
As such, May1, 2025 marks 250 years of settlement ofwhat eventually became Stanford.
In 1775, Ben Logan and the otherfrontiersmen were subjects of King George III, and were British citizens Itwould be aboutfourteen months laterthatthey would declare their independence and begin forming the United States ofAmerica
While others carved out a new government, our local forefathers, men with names like Logan, Shelby, and Whitley, worked shoulder-to-shoulder with other men like Daniel Boon to chop theirway into the wilderness and settle the wild, beautiful area known as “Kentucke.”
As we celebrate 250 years of settlement and civilization of our area, let’s rememberthe brave men and women who led the way and made a place for us in this beautiful country.
Upcoming Events
May 3- Derby Brunch Fundraiserto supportthe William Whitley House Endowment, Inc. from 11:00 am-1:00 pm.Tickets will be available on https://wildernessroad.events beginning March 15th.
May 6- Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce banquet.
May13-Stanford-Lincoln CountyTourism Meeting at 2:00 atthe L & N Depot.
May16-WildernessTrail Car Cruise-In on Mainstreetfrom 5:008:00 pm.
May16-18-Siege of Logan’s Fort Re-enactment.
May 24-Wilderness Road Music Festfrom 1:00- 9:00 pm with food trucks, music, shopping, etc.
May 26 – Memorial Day City Hall Closed
June 6 & 7-Hustonville Heritage Days
June 7- Community Shredding Event in front ofthe Lincoln County Courthouse from 9:00-12:00
June 7-LCPL Summer Reading Program Kick-offfrom 12:00-2:00 pm
June 10- Stanford-Lincoln CountyTourism Meeting at 2:00 atthe L & N Depot
June 14-Second Saturday 250 History ProgramTBD
June 14-Flag Day and Retirement of Flags Ceremony at 4:00 pm at Logan’s Fort led by members ofthe Logan-Whitley DAR Chapter and Veteran’s Post18
June 20-WildernessTrail Car Cruise-In on Mainstreetfrom 5:008:00 pm
June 21-Wilderness Road Music Festfrom 1:00- 9:00 pm with food trucks, music, shopping, etc
June 27 & 28- KentuckyAmerican Institute ofArchitects meeting in Stanford (Request oftours at local sites tentatively on Saturday afternoon, June 28th )
July1-5- Lincoln County FairWeek
July 3-5- Whitley Family Reunion & Celebration
July 4th-Reading ofthe Declaration of Independence at 9:00 am atthe Courthouse City Hall Closed
July 5th- Crab Orchard 4th ofJuly Parade begins at10:00 am
July 8- Stanford-Lincoln CountyTourism Meeting at 2:00 atthe L & N Depot
July12-Second Saturday 250 History Program
July18-WildernessTrail Car Cruise-In on Mainstreetfrom 5:008:00 pm
July19- Wilderness Road Music Festfrom 1:00- 9:00 pm with food trucks, music, shopping, etc
July 26-End of Summer Reading Program
For more information go to stanford kygov
