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Sweet Owen VOL. llll ISSUE 20
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Sweet Owen
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY
© 2022-2026, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume llll, Issue 20 Fall 2026
Morgan Thomas Editor Owen County Tourism Commission Holly Bowling, Director Shadoe Aldridge, Chairperson Mike Haines, Treasurer Lindsey Tirey, Secretary Emma Engelman, Member Darla House-Webb, Member Sean O’Daniel, Member Contributors Josh Rodamer, Kelly Rodamer, Matt Stafford, Vanessa New Willhoite For advertising information, email editor@sweetowenmag.com To submit an event, letter to the editor, photograhs, or suggest story ideas, email editor@sweetowenmag.com
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Submission deadlines: 4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 30, for Winter 2026 Published quarterly by the Owen County Tourism Commission “...find yourself here” www.visitowencountyky.org
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CONTENTS
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NEW BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Meet Jimi Sue Lynn, the owner behind The Flour Shop, Owenton’s new bakery and breakfast café. From homemade cinnamon rolls and hearty breakfasts to custom cakes, catering, and more, this veteran- and female-owned business is serving up something sweet for the community.
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GETTING INVOLVED IN THE WORKINGS OF THE COUNTY From understanding the role of county government to knowing how and where to vote, this piece explores the many ways Owen Countians can take part in their local community. Learn more about elected offices, the voting process, and opportunities to stay informed and engaged.
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THE SPIRIT OF ‘76 As America marks 250 years of independence, one writer reflects on his own Patriot ancestry, the sacrifices that shaped our nation, and the freedoms we often take for granted. A personal look at patriotism, division, and what it means to carry the Spirit of ’76 forward.
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MONTEREY FAIR: 50 YEARS OF MEMORIES Take a trip down memory lane as the Monterey Fair celebrates 50 years of handmade treasures, hometown traditions, and community fellowship. From burgoo and parades to music, old-fashioned games, and the beloved street dance, discover how the spirit that began in 1976 continues to bring generations together.
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FALL OC ALMANAC: OCSAR Go behind the scenes with Owen County Search and Rescue, where dedicated volunteers train and prepare to answer the call when emergencies strike. From flood and storm rescues to vehicle accidents, missing persons, and new drone technology, discover the people, equipment, and community support behind OCSAR’s lifesaving work.
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NEW BUSINESS
SPOTLIGHT The Owen County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated a ribbon cutting on June 11th for The Flour Shop, a locally owned bakery and breakfast café now serving the Owenton community. Located at 110 North Madison Street, The Flour Shop is owned and operated by Jimi Sue Lynn and offers hot, hearty breakfast favorites, fresh baked goods, handcrafted desserts, custom cakes, and decorated cookies for birthdays, weddings, celebrations, and special occasions. The business also provides professional catering services for weddings, corporate events, parties, and community gatherings, as well as private event space rentals for showers, birthdays, and small celebrations. Lynn shared that her passion for baking and cooking began in her own kitchen while creating custom cakes and cookies for family and friends. As a single mother and veteran, she was inspired to build a business that would not only support her family, but also serve her hometown community.
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sweet owen its homemade cinnamon rolls, which are made fresh daily and have quickly become a customer favorite. Lynn also enjoys creating custom cakes and cookies, allowing her to bring each customer’s vision to life for special occasions and celebrations. Looking ahead, Lynn plans to continue expanding the business by adding lunch options including homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, along with specialty coffee drinks such as frappes and espresso beverages. She also hopes to host community events and decorating parties where guests can create their own cakes and cupcakes.
Pictured above is Jimi Sue Lynn (middle) with her her employees Abby Lynn (left) and Kaileigh Gibson (right)
As a veteran-owned and female-owned small business, The Flour Shop prides itself on the personal touch behind every item served. From homemade breakfasts and fresh baked goods to custom cakes and cookies, Lynn focuses on
“Owen County is my hometown, and opening my business here felt like the perfect choice, this community has supported me from the beginning, and I wanted to create a welcoming place where local families, friends, and visitors can gather and enjoy homemade meals and desserts.”
The Owen County Chamber of Commerce was proud to celebrate The Flour Shop and welcomes this new hometown business to the community. For more information, visit The Flour Shop Facebook page or call 502-667-6136.
Pictured above is Jimi Sue Lynn (middle) with her two of her sons Noah (left) and Landon (right).
-Jimi Sue Lynn quality, creativity, and creating a warm atmosphere where customers feel like family. One of the bakery’s most popular menu items is sweetowenmag.com + fall 2026
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Fall into energy savings Explore weatherization tips at owenelectric.com before winter weather arrives.
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Involved GETTING
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IN THE
WORKINGS OF THE COUNTY
BY KELLY RODAMER
N
estled in the heart of Owen County, between the lakes, rolling hills, and winding country roads, is an old-fashioned town square that serves as the hub for our local government, where meetings are held, decisions are made, and the people of the county gather. In the five years I’ve resided in Owen County, I’ve come to understand the pace of the county, the nuances that bring about charm, and that the love for people runs deep. Generally speaking, a sense of faith, family, and community is what drives most of the folks I’ve encountered. When the United States of America was founded as a democratic republic, the core values our forefathers set before the residing legislative bodies and the people mirrored the values people desire today. Government was set to be for the people and by the people – at the federal, state, and local levels. At the time of publication and distribution, we’re closing in on the November elections, and while it may seem like a smallerscale election because we’re not in a presidential election year, every vote matters. My aim for this article is to provide a high-level overview of our county government, voting process, and voting locations so that every citizen of Owen County can fully exercise their right to vote in November.
According to the Owen County, Kentucky website, these are the elected positions in our county government: Judge Executive, Magistrate, Circuit Clerk, Constable, Coroner, County Clerk, County Attorney, Jailer, PVA, and Sheriff. There are profiles and information on each detailed on the website, and I encourage you to visit the site as election season approaches to better understand the role of each position. In addition, the school board offices, mayor, council, and judges are elected positions in the county. I spoke with Judge Executive Todd Woodyard on the electoral process, the position of Judge Executive, and the role of county government. “The purpose of the county government is to organize and maintain the county with available funds, managing it through the fiscal court,” Woodyard explains. “But beyond that, my goal is to have a relationship with the people of Owen County and to do what’s right for them.” To know what Owen Countians want relies on communication between elected officials and the people. Woodyard emphasized getting to know your local magistrate and building relationships with them. “The magistrate is the voting voice for each district. Openly communicating with sweetowenmag.com + fall 2026
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sweet owen organizations offer meetings, fundraisers, and opportunities to get involved at the local and state level election campaigning process.
The purpose of the county government is to organize and maintain the county with available funds, managing it through the fiscal court, but beyond that, my goal is to have a relationship with the people of Owen County and to do what’s right for them.
Mikayla Roark, Chair of the Owen County Democrats, spoke to me on the efforts of their growing group. “Our group is very involved in the community and giving back. We wanted to change the narrative on Democrats. We are your neighbors. We are sitting next to you at church, pillars of the community,” she explains. The Owen County Democrats offer three ways to plug in: The OC
We desire voters to become educated regarding all candidates’ platforms and where they stand on issues important to the voter; then we need them to actually come out and vote.
Owen County Judge Executive, Todd Woodyard (pictured above)
them is the fastest and most effective way to bring an issue to the table.” Owen County operates with four magistrates representing approximately 11,000 people and 2026 is an election year for all positions. While not everyone is interested or suited to run for public office, there are ways to get involved in the local government through local political party affiliations. Owen County hosts both Democrat and Republican party organizations. Both 12
Democrats who meet the 3rd Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the library, the Democratic
Carol Shelton, Chair of the Owen County Republicans (pictured above)
Our group is very involved in the community and giving back. We wanted to change the narrative on Democrats. We are your neighbors. We are sitting next to you at church, pillars of the community. Mikayla Roark, Chair of the Owen County Democrats (pictured above)
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Women’s Club of OC who meet the 4th Monday of the month at 6:30pm at the library, and the Young Dems of OC who meet via Zoom. The goal of the group is to see people get politically involved and connected to their local communities. Likewise, Carol Shelton, chair of the Owen County Republican Party, desires to see the community get involved and vote. “We desire voters to become educated regarding
sweet owen all candidates’ platforms and where they stand on issues important to the voter; then we need them to actually come out and vote,” Shelton stresses. “Getting involved speaks to your values. Ours are to promote faith, freedom, and family.” The Owen County Republicans meet the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm at the Old Courthouse on the 2nd floor. Information for both parties is most readily available on their Facebook Pages, listed below. Both the chairs of the parties emphasized the desire for community involvement, voter turnout, and support for the county. Regardless of your party affiliation or opinion of politics, local government is the backbone of the day-to-day
dealings in the county. It’s the place you turn to advocate for your child, the people who work to keep the county safe, and the platform for which our county gets a voice throughout the commonwealth. Chloe Harmon, a member of the Young Dems of Owen County describes the onus of responsibility for both government and the people. “Public access to funds is the responsibility of the local government. But it’s equally as important for the voters to participate in local elections if they want to see their community taken care of.” With few exceptions, voting takes place twice a year. In May, the primaries allow you to vote based on your registered party affiliation to secure the ballot for November’s elections. Primary elections are designed to narrow
candidates for each party and voters receive a ballot with only their party’s candidates. In November, ballots include all individuals running for the electable office. For a full list of voting dates, requirements, registration information, ballots, and voting locations, see the County Clerk’s website listed below. It is my hope that this article shed a little light on a few ways to get involved and gives you the resources you need to research, advocate, and stay informed. Below is a list of resources to help you do just that – both in and out of election season. I trust you to do your part in keeping Owen County the beautiful, community-based county that we’ve all come to know and love.
RESOURCES ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT • • •
Owen County Government Website: www.owencountyky.us Fiscal Court Address: 100 N. Thomas Street, Owenton, KY 40359 Owen County Election Information: http://owencountyclerk.ky.gov/election/ RESOURCES ON PARTY INVOLVEMENT (FACEBOOK)
• •
Owen County Democrats; @Owen County KY Democrats Owen County Republican Party: @Owen County, KY Republican Party WHERE TO VOTE
• • • • • •
Dallasburg Baptist Church - 4740 HWY 227 N, Owenton, KY 40359 Hesler Assembly of God - 25 Breck Road, Owenton, KY 40359 Monterey Fire Department - 60 Sawdridge Creek Rd, Owenton, KY 40359 New Columbus Baptist Church - 16185 New Columbus Rd, Corinth, KY 41010 Owen County Cooperative Extension Office - 265 Ellis Rd, Owenton, KY 40359 Owen Electric - 8205 HWY 127 N, New Liberty, KY 40355 sweetowenmag.com + fall 2026
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EVENTS THURSDAY, SEPT 3 11 a.m., Walk On at the Owen County Public Library Take a two-mile walk in thirty minutes with online fitness coach Jessica Smith. Follow along on the big screen in the spacious meeting room.
FRIDAY, SEPT 4 10 a.m., Owen County Farm and Craft Market 430 Roland Avenue, behind Kentucky Farm Bureau under the pavilion. 12 p.m., Books@Noon at the Owen County Public Library If you love reading a variety of books, this is the club for you. They meet on the first Friday of each month and welcome all!
HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE PUBLISHED?
Sweet Owen Magazine accepts event listings free of charge from civic groups, volunteer organizations, churches, clubs, etc. Send your event and a brief description to editor@sweetowenmag.com by 4 p.m., October 30, 2026, for the Winter (Dec - Feb) issue. @sweetowenmag | www.sweetowenmag.com
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MONDAY, SEPT 7 LABOR DAY 10 a.m., Stretch and Strengthen at the Owen County Public Library Join the weekly class to gain better balance and strength. Flowing, gentle exercises for all abilities. Exercise is great for stress relief and calming the mind. Try it, you will like it! Repeats every Monday. THURSDAY, SEPT 10 11 a.m., Walk On at the Owen County Public Library Take a two-mile walk in thirty minutes with online fitness coach Jessica Smith. Follow along on the big screen in the spacious meeting room. FRIDAY, SEPT 11 PATRIOT DAY 10 a.m., Owen County Farm and Craft Market 430 Roland Avenue, behind Kentucky Farm Bureau under the pavilion. SATURDAY, SEPT 12 10 a.m., Owen County Farm and Craft Market Farm to Table Dinner at the Ebony Barn at Slippery Rock Farm Tickets $35 single, $60 per couple. Doors open 5pm. Stop by market for tickets or email OCFACM@gmail. com. MONDAY, SEPT 14 5:30 p.m., Knitting and Crocheting with Leah at the Owen County Public Library In a ball of yarn is the potential to make a dream come true. Join us on the second Tuesday of each month and make new friends with others who love yarn work. All yarn lovers are welcome.
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THURSDAY, SEPT 17 CONSTITUTION DAY 11 a.m., Walk On at the Owen County Public Library Take a two-mile walk in thirty minutes with online fitness coach Jessica Smith. Follow along on the big screen in the spacious meeting room. FRIDAY, SEPT 18 10 a.m., Owen County Farm and Craft Market 430 Roland Avenue, behind Kentucky Farm Bureau under the pavilion. 2 p.m., Mystery Book Club at the Owen County Public Library If you like mystery and suspense, this is the book club for you!
TUESDAY, SEPT 22 6 p.m., Painting 101 at the Owen County Public Library Learn basic painting and composition techniques every third Tuesday of the month. Can start anytime. Beginners welcome! Register at 502-484-3450. THURSDAY, SEPT 24 11 a.m., Walk On at the Owen County Public Library Take a two-mile walk in thirty minutes with online fitness coach Jessica Smith. Follow along on the big screen in the spacious meeting room. FRIDAY, SEPT 25 10 a.m., Owen County Farm and Craft Market 430 Roland Avenue, behind Kentucky Farm Bureau under the pavilion. This will be the last day for the season.
sweet owen SATURDAY, OCT 10 10 a.m., Cemetery Walk at the Owenton IOOF Cemetery Hosted by the Owen County Historical Society. Meet costumed interpreters as they take you on a journey honoring Owen county Revolutionary War patriots.
The Owenton City Council and Owenton Police
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Cooler days, cozy blankets and a little extra time spent curled up indoors can only mean one thing, it’s time to refresh your fall reading list! Whether you’re craving a little magic, a touch of spooky, a cozy romance or a mystery that will keep you turning pages, these four reads pair perfectly with the season.
The God of the Woods By Liz Moore Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet. First Published: July 2, 2024 Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Crime Average Goodreads Rating: 4.09 18
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The Pumpkin Spice Café By Laurie Gilmore The perfect autumnal romance read, Gilmore’s heartwarming tale finds upbeat city girl Jeannie relocate to a small town to run her aunt’s beloved cafe and cause one irascible local’s heart to flutter. When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes... First Published: August 30, 2023 Genres: Romance, Contemporary Average Goodreads Rating: 3.36
The September House By Carissa Orlando A woman is determined to stay in her dream home even after it becomes a haunted nightmare in this compulsively readable, twisty, and layered debut novel. When Margaret and her husband Hal bought the large Victorian house on Hawthorn Street—for sale at a surprisingly reasonable price— they couldn’t believe they finally had a home of their own. Then they discovered the hauntings. Every September, the walls drip blood. The ghosts of former inhabitants appear, and all of them are terrified of something that lurks in the basement. Most people would flee. Margaret is not most people. Margaret is staying. It’s her house. But after four years Hal can’t take it anymore, and he leaves abruptly. Now, he’s not returning calls, and their daughter Katherine—who knows nothing about the hauntings— arrives, intent on looking for her missing father. To make things worse, September has just begun, and with every attempt Margaret and Katherine make at finding Hal, the hauntings grow more harrowing, because there are some secrets the house needs to keep. First Published: September 5, 2023 Genres: Horror, Thriller, Paranormal Average Goodreads Rating: 3.85 sweetowenmag.com + fall 2026
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THE
SPIRIT OF
‘76
250 YEARS OF FREEDOM. BUILT ON SACRIFICE. WORTH DEFENDING. By Matt Stafford Sweet Owen Contributor The past several years of uncovering interesting tidbits of ancestry has inspired family members and myself to apply for memberships to organizations like the Sons and Daughters of the American Revolution (SAR or DAR respectively). I happened to be experiencing a rather uneventful turkey hunt one morning this last spring when I decided to check my emails and discovered my application for the SAR had finally been approved. A member has to provide the evidence of an ancestral link to a Patriot, and as I’ve previously written about, my 4th great grandfather fought under George Rogers Clark and served with Daniel Boone in the defense of Fort Boonesborough. I’m not quite certain if it was fortuitous or by design, but my 20
application was approved on the 251st anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord, the first major engagement between redcoats and Patriots in the war for independence. As I read the email, my mind began to wander two and a half centuries back to meditate on the sacrifices made by the ones who paved the path to freedom. Farmers, lawyers, merchants, clerks, rich and poor alike put everything on the line. In much the same way that brother fought brother in our state during the Civil War, families of both loyalists and rebels pitted against one another in a debate on sovereignty versus independence. A particular instance comes to mind. One of the least known of the signers of
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our Declaration of Independence, Lewis Morris, was warned by his own brother in the British army against signing the document, to which he is reported to have responded, “Damn the consequences. Give me the pen.” He would indeed eventually suffer the consequences, losing his home and fortune. The wealthiest, most educated men, the ones whose signatures adorn that sacred document, had absolutely everything to lose, yet they pushed their chips to the center of the table… all in. And some of them lost it all. I think of the farm boys who swapped a pitchfork for a flintlock and traded the target of a deer or turkey for a British regular in a red uniform. They served for a multitude of reasons…escaping boredom, seeking honor or adventure, defending home and hearth. Many of them lost it all as well… spilling their own blood on a piece of soil they wanted to claim and defend as their own country, the United States of America. The 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence this year has caused me to both thoroughly celebrate and reflect. One of my sons was born this past March and will be able to claim the 250th as his birth year…corny, I know, but I love it. I’m able to finally claim membership in the SAR on such a celebratory date. On the other hand, I ponder on where America is now and what the Founders’ thoughts would be. Division has always been present in our nation.
sweet owen It was in the very beginning when Loyalists fought Patriots, Americans fought native tribes, and we eventually fought a civil war that claimed over 600,000 men. If that were compared to today’s population, that number would be close to 6 million lives…unthinkable. Yes…it seems we’ve always been divided in one way or another. Originally it was opposing parties that favored a centralized government as opposed to states rights. Now, it’s Republicans versus Democrats, and as time ticks by, the divide is widening. It seems we have too many individuals on the extreme right or left without any retreat back to the center. It appears that bipartisanship and reaching the hand across the aisle might as well be waving a flag of surrender. I wish it weren’t so. My simplistic analogy is comparing politics to mountain climbing. In all reality, the vast majority of us all aspire to the same goal. We all wish to summit the peak…we just can’t seem to agree on the route up. Though soccer has never really been my sport, I’ve enjoyed watching my nephew play through the years and have taken as much interest in the World Cup as the average American, rooting for our national team without fully understanding or watching a game. What captivated me more than the games was the coverage of fan bases from across the globe that descended upon our cities to cheer on their respective teams. The interviews were overwhelmingly positive… of particular interest was the
feedback from the Tartan Army, the name given to the Scottish fan club. They fell in love with Boston, and Boston reciprocated the emotion. The Scots even managed to consume more libations in their weekend arrival than Boston normally experiences with their large Irish American population on St. Patrick’s Day. They enjoyed responsibly of course, but they weren’t the only ones raving about life in the USA. I saw Brits and Japanese enamored with Bass Pro Shops, Costco, raving about Texas BBQ, commending American hospitality and sneaking Ranch dressing into their bags to fly home with. It only confirms most of our suspicions that what we watch on the airways every day, from left and right sources is divisive fodder. These foreigners who had been fed false ideas of what to expect from America had flipped. They came to love it, embracing what we overlook every day. My Independence Day this year was pure, politic-free revelry. I decorated my home a little extra this year with a Bennington Flag and an additional black and white flag of Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” political cartoon flying high on the pole, yard flags lining the drive and walkway, red white and blue garden flags and “Welcome” signs, a lamppost wrapped in patriotic lights…it was glorious. We enjoyed the day in the pool, fishing with friends, watching the kids play, eating American comfort food and relishing fireworks with an accompanying soundtrack
played by yours truly, including the obligatory Toby Keith classic, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.” I loved every second. Every person I saw that day was adorned in patriotic gear, happy to be enjoying the freedoms we so often take for granted. There was no division or dispute, except maybe the proper doneness of a steak. How I wish it could feel that way every day… where we lived out the Spirit of ‘76 every morning our feet hit the floor…to be happy we’re breathing air and pushing down grass, instead of pushing up daisies, in the greatest country on the planet…even now. My prayer is that we live out every day as if it were September 12, 2001. I just pray it doesn’t take another 9/11 to do it.
Matt Stafford and son Colter Stafford celebrating with fireworks.
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By: Vanessa New Willhoite Sweet Owen Contributor It’s hard to believe that the first Monterey Fair was fifty years ago! What began in 1976 as a gathering of local artists and craftspeople has grown into a celebration of community, history and hometown pride. The original vision was simple: invite people to Monterey to experience handcrafted art, good food, live music and fellowship while showcasing the unique character of the town. Nearly fifty years later, that spirit remains at the heart of the fair. As the sun rises over the river hills, vendors begin filling the town with handcrafted treasures, homemade treats and familiar smiles. Before long, the aroma of burgoo drifts through town, music fills the air and old friends who haven’t seen one another in years stop 24
in the middle of the street to catch up. Children laugh as they play old-fashioned games while grandparents watch with memories of doing the very same thing decades ago. This year’s fair will be held Saturday, October 3, beginning at 10:00 a.m. Visitors can spend the day browsing handcrafted vendors, enjoying delicious foods, listening to talented local musicians and visiting with friends and neighbors. The parade starts at noon. The everpopular cornhole tournament begins at 1:00 p.m. The traditional burgoo will be ready around 2:00 p.m. Children can enjoy the playground, field games, the corn pit and other activities. Don’t forget to stop by the silent auction before bidding closes at 4:00 p.m. As evening settles over Monterey, the celebration continues with the beloved street dance from
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7:00–11:00 p.m. featuring The Killin Time Band. If you were fortunate to experience some of the early fairs, you may remember decorating your bicycle for the parade, cheering on turtle races, watching the frontiermen come through town firing their longrifles or dancing in the street long after sunset. Perhaps you remember Red True’s amphibious duckboat. If you visited Monterey at other times, you may remember playing croquet in the park during the 1970s, or spending summer afternoons at the old Monterey beach before the river eventually reclaimed it. Others remember basketball and volleyball games in the park, browsing candle shops and pottery studios, or simply sitting on a porch visiting with neighbors. While the town itself has changed over the past fifty
sweet owen years, the purpose of the fair has never really changed. It’s still about celebrating handmade craftsmanship, preserving local traditions and creating new memories for the next generation. The faces may be different, but the welcoming spirit that inspired those first organizers in 1976 still greets every visitor who comes into Monterey. Whether you’ve attended every fair since the beginning, grew up in Monterey, or are planning your very first visit, we invite you to spend the day with us. Slow down, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, enjoy the music, taste the burgoo, browse the handmade crafts and experience a piece of Kentucky that still feels wonderfully unchanged. Join us this October as we celebrate 50 years of memories—and begin making the next fifty. For additional information, visit the Monterey Fair Facebook page and look for the 2026 Monterey Homecoming Fair event. We’ll see you in NOEL RED TRUE Monterey!
FIRST PLACE RIBBON 1984
SACK RACING
FRONTIERMAN
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D N I REW ND FAIR A S T H IG DEO N TS FROM RO GOLDEN SUNSE K N RIDES, TO AY SMILES. THA RYD AND EVE EVERYONE WHO YOU TO FAVORITE S! R U O Y U SHARED S WITH T N E M O M LL SUMMER LOOK BACK AT A E HERE'S A RIES THAT MAD O THE MEM ON SO SPECIAL. S THIS SEA
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OWEN COUNTY
& R H E S C CUE R A E S Serving Owen County from the
WATER
air
ground
By Josh Rodamer Sweet Owen Contributor
O
utdoor adventures come with an inherent level of risk, which avid participants manage through planning and preparation; but what happens when risk becomes reality? Owen County has been witness, or perhaps victim, to the adventure of nature coming to our doorsteps. Wind, water, fire, and mishaps comprise some of these events that threaten life and property within the county ‘Where Community Matters.’
OCSAR 9722 AWAITS RETURN OF BOAT PHOTO CREDIT: JEFF DAVIS
When community truly matters, community will respond. Owen County Search and Rescue, often called OCSAR, is the only organization in the county with the ability to respond by land, water, or air to those aforementioned emergencies and natural disasters. Made up completely of volunteers and supported largely by donations, fundraisers, grants, and fiscal court funding, the organization will respond to disasters, missing persons, vehicle accidents, and water rescues. The interaction between the general public and Search and Rescue is typically brief, only a snapshot in time, which calls upon hours of training and support activity. For instance, on February 17, 2025, members were called upon to evacuate a family that had become stranded by rising flood waters following a severe weather outbreak that resulted in over 300 road closures, 40,000 without power, and over 1,000 water rescues across the state. As the Kentucky River crested at 45.67 feet, the stress on the communities of Monterey and Gratz were overshadowed by the April 2nd-7th rain event that came within feet of breaking flood records in Lockport. Numbers often seem impersonal, sweetowenmag.com + fall 2026
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sweet owen + oc almanac FEB 2025 FAMILY EVACUATED PHOTO CREDIT: GREG ESTES, OCSAR CHIEF
THE OLDEST SON OF NOE HOLDS THEIR DOG DURING THE BOAT EVACUATION PHOTO CREDIT: JENNIFER NOE
but when your family is carried to safety, it becomes quite personal. “I found myself in a situation only nightmares could dream of - flood waters were closing in and temperatures continued to drop, “explained Jennifer Noe. “When I woke up at 7am, I realized the flood waters were touching the foundation of the back side of my house and I called Owen County Emergency Management for help.” An evacuation plan was created and Jennifer was asked to get her family and essential belongings to a meeting spot approximately a half mile from her home. She and her children bundled up as snow had fallen overnight and temperatures were frigid.
sharp wired posts,” recounted Noe. “We were freezing and terrified, but so relieved when we saw the boat coming towards us for rescue.” Noe is just one of many brave parents and individuals who recognized a hazard and called for help, giving OCSAR the one factor that challenges every response: time.
On higher ground, teams responded to Agee Road on July 21, 2026 to clear trees and reach residents to confirm there were no injuries following a regional tornado outbreak. Following the door-to-door checks of residents in this area, the newest tool of Owen County Search and Rescue was deployed to survey storm damage for Emergency Management and the National Weather Service. “As we started walking down our OCSAR deployed a DJI M30T road, we realized how serious drone, purchased by funds the situation had become. Water awarded by the Kentucky Office had completely cut off all access of Emergency Management to the main road in multiple Rescue Aid Grant and placed in areas and the only way to get service January of 2026. to the rescue boat was to cross barb wire fences and climb up OCSAR has two FAA licensed 30
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remote pilots with several others working on obtaining the commercial licenses required to perform a drone operation. The OCSAR drone is equipped to search for missing persons with advanced thermal technology, carry small items less than 10 pounds, such as a life jacket, and provide observational information used in search and rescues. “In the rugged terrain of Owen County, a drone is an invaluable tool to gain perspective of the incidents we respond to, while increasing the safety of our volunteers,” explained OCSAR Captain and drone pilot Clay James. “Flights, called missions, can cover a significant amount of ground quickly.” Several times a year OCSAR is dispatched along with Owen County EMS to extricate patients from vehicle, farm, and hunting accidents. In addition to using hydraulic rescue tools, saws, and stabilization equipment to physically extricate or remove someone from a vehicle or
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DRONE IN FLIGHT OVER OWEN COUNTY PHOTO CREDIT: CLAY JAMES
hazard, OCSAR transports patients from the scene of the emergency to county EMS partners. A Polaris UTV allows rescuers to safely and securely transport patients while minimizing injury potential to the county’s volunteer team of responders.
EMA DIRECTOR, TIM CAMMACK AND CLAY JAMES TRAIN WITH A DJIM3OT DRONE PHOTO CREDIT: NICKI THOMAS
Quietly behind the scenes, however, the volunteers are supported by a generous community that responds with and to them. Food and water were providing by individuals and businesses to OCSAR during the April 6, 2025 flooding, a blessing during a long day of demanding work. The Owenton and Owen County Fire Department building fills with visitors during fish fry fundraisers, and individuals quietly make donations that put
OCSAR TRAINS WITH OC FIRE DEPARTMENTS PHOTO CREDIT: NICKI THOMAS
fuel in the trucks and allows for the purchase and maintenance of the required equipment. ‘Where Community Matters’ isn’t just a county tag line, but an esprit de corps forged in the waiting and preparation, evident in crisis, and carried forth by hard work and consistently showing up day in and out.
CHIEF GREG ESTES PARTICIPATING IN LARGE ANIMAL RESCUE TRAINING. PHOTO CREDIT: JEFF DAVIS
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