Sweet Owen | Inaugural Issue

Sweet Owen

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A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY l VOL. 1 | ISSUE 1 | WINTER 2021-2022

Experience DOWNTOWN 6 NEW BUSINESSES OPEN AROUND OWENTON’S COURTHOUSE SQUARE

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Use dishwasher's air-dry cycle

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OWEN COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSIT All trips up to 10 miles one way, $3 All trips over 10 miles one way, $3 +.40/mile Dialysis and cancer treatments, $10 round trip (up to 85 miles round trip) Any trips over 85 miles, $10 + .40/miles after the 85 miles max. $40/week Multiple out of town trips for work, $10/round trip Must not have a car or may not have a valid driver's license unless prior approval by administration Any trips over 85 miles, $10 + .40/mile after the 85 miles max. $40/week All trips up to 10 miles one way, $3 All trips over 10 miles one way, $3 +.40/mile

Contact 502-750-2828

owencountyky.us/public-transit

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Contents

14 | 6 new businesses open around Owenton's courthouse square Despite COVID-19, six new businesses have opened around Owenton's courthouse square, beginning just weeks after Kentucky's first confirmed case of the disease.

Today, the businesses continue to thrive, and hope the momentum continues long after the pandemic is a thing of the past. — Photo by Tammy Barrett

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Met-A-Cat Rescue

Cousin Grace's popcorn balls

Meet Cmdr. Jean Clark

Anya Johnson's Met-A-Cat Rescue helps tackle the overpopulation of unwanted felines.

Missing holiday recipe a reminder to push forward despite challenging circumstances.

Jean Clark's career in the U.S. Coast Guard spanned more than 34 years, including active and reserves.

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Downtown revival

What's in a (nick)name?

House of McNally

The Downtown Owenton Revival group acquires former Rexall Building in revitalization efforts.

Sweet Owen Magazine takes its name from former U.S. Vice President John C. Breckinridge.

Does the perfect chili recipe exist?

Lyndsi McNally shares her favorite deer chili recipe.

sweetowenmag.com + winter 2021

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Sweet Owen

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

© 2021, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume I, Issue I December 2021 Molly A. Haines Editor Owen County Tourism Commission Holly Bowling,Director Tammy Wolcott-Barrett, Chairperson Mike Haines, Treasurer Lindsey Tirey, Secretary Jenni Duncan, Member Shanna Osborne, Member Shadoe Perry, Member Darla House-Webb, Member

Contributors Rebecca Doolin, Whitney Prather Duvall, Susan Hampton, Lyndsi McNally, Emily Riddle, Georgia Green Stamper, and Marlene Browning-Wainscott For advertising information, email sweetowenmagazine@gmail.com or call 502-514-6612 To submit an event, letter to the editor, or suggest story ideas, email sweetowenmagazine@gmail.com Submission deadlines: 4 p.m., January 26, 2022 for March 1, 2022 4 p.m., April 27, 2022 for June 1, 2022 4 p.m., July 27, 2022 for Sept. 1, 2022 4 p.m., Oct. 26, 2022 for Dec. 1, 2022 Published quarterly by the Owen County Tourism Commission “... find yourself here” 300 S. Main St., Owenton, KY 40359 502-563-5050

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or as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to tell stories. What started as a toddler’s land of make-believe where every imaginary friend had a name, a home, a background, and a career eventually grew into an insatiable desire to write. As I came of age, I realized perhaps my skills would be more suitable in non-fiction, and landed on journalism as a hobby, then as a 12-year-long career at the local newspaper.

When Owen County Community Programs Administrator Dan Brenyo presented the idea of a magazine celebrating life in Owen County, I jumped on board with a frenzied passion, collecting story ideas and spending hours in front of my computer screen attempting to design a magazine fit for the people who have given me endless opportunities and shared their stories with me over the years: the good, the bad, and the ugly. At some point, I’ve covered it all.

But this time, things will be a little different. In the newspaper business, I was taught that “if it bleeds, it leads.” Meaning others’ misfortunes are what sells. Unfortunately, those are also the stories that I’m confident caused me to begin prematurely graying.

In this magazine, you won’t find the latest mugshots from Jailtracker, photos from a two-vehicle accident on Main Street, political advertisements, or a list of indictments from the Owen County grand jury. Instead, our mission is to entertain, inspire and inform the local and regional community with a unique variety of articles that provide something of interest for everyone while supporting local businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, tourism, and the arts.

We’ll shine a spotlight on the community’s volunteers, include essays from published authors and poems from nationally-renowned writers, offer up tips on hunting and fishing, take a glimpse into the past, and share some of our favorite dishes, all in an attempt to remind residents of Owen County why this place matters and to introduce visitors and newcomers alike to our little corner of paradise.

Luckily for all of you, this isn’t the Molly Haines show. Having been deep in the trenches of this community for so long, I know where the talent lies and immediately took to Facebook Messenger to beg for their contributions.

Because they are each true Owen countians, they heeded my calls without question. The members of the Owen County Tourism Commission and I are eternally grateful to each of you for helping pull this first edition together in a few short months.

As for the members of the tourism commission, each has played a unique role in getting this magazine off the ground, offering advice, support, and ideas. The current commission — Holly Bowling, Tammy Wolcott-Barrett, Lindsey Tirey, Mike Haines, Jenni Duncan, Shadoe Perry, Shanna Osborne, and Darla House-Webb — has made it clear that they want to see Owen County thrive and become a retreat for those who need a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We hope this magazine will help contribute to those folks’ decision to visit “Sweet Owen.”

I won’t be using this space every quarter. Instead, I’d encourage each of you to drop us a line and let us know what you love about Owen County. Maybe you know a good fishing hole we’re not familiar with or want to recommend a menu item at a local restaurant. Or maybe you’d like to brag on a civic organization or volunteer. Whatever it is, we want to hear from you. Send those letters to sweetowenmagazine@gmail.com by Jan. 26, 2022, to make the March 1 issue.

Merry Christmas, happy New Year, and thanks for reading.

Molly A. Haines sweetowenmag.com + winter 2021

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sweet owen + volunteers

Met-A-Cat RESCUE

BY WHITNEY PRATHER DUVALL

Met a cat? Want to? Anya Johnson, an Owen County native and student at Georgetown College, was looking to do just that when she started MetA-Cat Rescue.

Realizing Owen County had no resources for cats, Anya set about coming up with a solution. She is passionate, knowledgeable, and driven—all traits necessary to successfully tackle the overpopulation of unwanted felines.

“Before Met-A-Cat Rescue was born, it was me—a high school student at the time—and my family taking in cats and getting them fixed and adopted,” Anya said. Since her rescue’s inception, more than 500 cats have passed through her home alone.

Having garnered some assistance from other kind-hearted cat folks, Anya made Met-A-Cat Rescue official in 2020, becoming a 501c3 non-profit organization. According to its website, the rescue seeks to place cats in homes, rehome cats as needed, and create a spay and neuter program to address the local unwanted cat population.

By working with foster homes, the rescue is able to reduce the costs associated with housing cats in a brick and mortar shelter. Having the cats placed in foster homes provides them with plenty of handling and affection, preparing them for life in their forever home. Since becoming official in 2020, Anya and her volunteers have placed more than 200 cats in forever homes.

“We really try to get a feel for each

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p OWEN COUNTY NATIVE ANYA JOHNSON, a student at Georgetown College, began Met-A-Cat Rescue last year after caring for feral cats and kittens out of her family’s home during her high school career. Today, Met-A-Cat Rescue is a 501c3 non-profit organization that seeks to place cats in homes, rehome cats as needed, and create a spay and neuter program to address the local unwanted cat population. — All photos by Whitney Prather Duvall

cat we take in,” Anya said. “Every cat has a different personality, and the last thing we want is to rehome one without understanding that personality and making sure the new owner is aware of that.”

Sometimes, Anya said, a personality issue is due to an underlying cause. Met-A-Cat volunteers try and get to the root of that cause, and no cat is adopted without being fully vetted. This includes shots and being

spayed or neutered.

To aid in rehoming efforts, Met-ACat Rescue has partnered with northern Kentucky pet stores, including Feeders Supply and Pet Supplies Plus in Independence and Cold Spring, to host adoption events.

Another challenge of being the sole, local cat resource is providing a home for each as they wait to be adopted. Anya and Met-A-Cat volunteers shoulder the burden of what

generally ends up being multiple cats staying at each home. While the rescue is completely reliant on donations—receiving no financial assistance from the county—they still ensure that no foster has to be responsible for food or vetting expenses.

“We are always in need of foster homes for these amazing cats to stay in,” Anya said, indicating a waiting list of approximately 150 cats.

“Without having a facility, we can only take in cats if we have a foster home open.”

Anya and her rescue team’s current focus is getting a low-cost spay and neuter clinic to come to Owen County. According to the America Veterinary Medical Association, millions of unwanted cats are born each year. Spay and neutering is critical to preventing overpopulation and

reduce some serious health issues that can be passed through colonies of feral cats.

“Cost is definitely an issue,” Anya said, as she vividly recounts one of the worst hoarding situations she and her team have ever pulled cats from. Broken bottles, filth, and even drug paraphernalia don’t begin to describe the surroundings volunteers sometimes have to enter to rescue cats from.

“It’s hard… and sometimes people don’t understand how hard it really is to rescue,” Anya said, preparing to leave two adoptable cats with the Walton Feeders Supply location to host. As she stood there, watching pet store staff get their area ready, another maturing kitten and a crate of four-week-old bottle-fed kittens impatiently wait to take the return trip home with Anya. v

HELP FIGHT CRIME & DRUGS Send anonymous tips to law enforcement. Text keyword OCTIPS to 847411, add a space, type your tip information, and hit send.

A service of

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sweet owen + life

Cousin Grace's popcorn balls Missing holiday recipe serves as a savory reminder to push forward despite challenging circumstances

BY GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER

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p GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER grew up on a tobacco farm in Owen County.

She will publish her third book of essays titled “Small Acreages” in spring 2022 with award-winning independent publisher Shadelandhouse Modern Press, of Lexington, Kentucky.

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sweetowenmag.com + winter 2021

n my wispy, earliest memories, I am staring at bubble lights, red, yellow, green, blue, bounce magically around Cousin Grace’s Christmas tree.

The scent of the fresh-cut cedar merges with a sweet, spicy aroma drifting from her kitchen, and I grasp in my childish way that this fragrance somehow is Christmas.

Cousin Grace and my mother call for me, then, to come to them through the wide opening that connects her small living room to her equally small, yet oh-so-pretty, dining room. There, treats parade across the top of her high, mahogany sideboard: a white-frosted cake perched on a pink glass pedestal; chunks of fudge nestled inside a clear, sparkling dish with a lid; and fancy-looking homemade cookies and treats piled on a big, black, metal tray edged in painted flowers. Bedazzled, I stand silent, waiting.

“What would you like, Georgia-Dexter?” Cousin Grace asks. She uses both my names in our Kentucky-way and holds the large tray low in front of me so that I can choose. I reach first – always – for one of the red and green popcorn balls piled in a pyramid in the center.

And so, in December 2020, after “the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad” year of COVID-19 that we had lived through, I became obsessed with re-creating Cousin Grace’s magnificent popcorn balls. I knew that her legendary baking skills were beyond my reach, but perhaps I could stir up the equal of her popcorn balls. If I could – well, I irrationally fantasized that I could “save Christmas” – for my family. For myself. That somehow innocence would be restored, and the earth would once again circle the sun without wobbling.

But I didn’t have her recipe. I hadn’t even eaten a homemade popcorn ball in 50 years. Oh, I found a thousand versions online, but what does a com-

puter know about the enchantment that Cousin Grace conjured up in her kitchen? As trim and stylish as a TV-sitcom mom, she was our own red-haired version of Martha Stewart long before Martha got her start.

She outdid herself in December, beginning with elaborate pressed spritz cookies and then moving on to thin, Scandinavian rectangles with intricate baked-in designs. She artfully frosted cut images of Santa, trees, stars, and gingerbread men that tasted as good as they looked and whipped up batches of melt-in-yourmouth chocolate fudge, light-as-air white divinity, plus a cake or two.

But in my youthful estimation, the colorful popcorn balls were her pièce de résistance.

A lifetime later, I appreciate the difficulties she overcame to create this magic. Like most in our rural community, her tiny kitchen, circa 1949, did not yet have running water, much less hot water. Her counter workspace measured about two feet and had to be augmented by the surface of the breakfast table. As if her culinary sorcery were not enough, she also over-achieved at decorating her small country house, and with this and that and nothing much, had it strutting in magazine-worthy décor in all seasons, but especially at the holidays. Her creativity merged with her fierce determination to provide her family the best she could muster.

I doubted if even Cousin Grace could have overcome the unique challenges of Christmas 2020, however, and I didn’t even have her popcorn ball recipe. Then – at the lowest moment of my self-pitying

despair – a Facebook friend mailed me her grandmother’s carefully guarded version. The secret ingredient in this heirloom receipt was sorghum molasses from Barren County, Kentucky. Ideally, the molasses should be obtained from a particular farm at a particular month and hour in the calendar. But I figured any old sorghum would do.

Now mind you, I had not stepped inside a supermarket since March when the Covid pandemic began. I had, however, developed a friendly online relationship with my proxy “personal shopper,” Robert.

“Sorghum? Are you kidding?” Robert texted.

“Karo syrup, then?”

“Nope. Not a single bottle.”

“Pancake syrup?”

“No – wait, I’ve found one bottle of ‘Grandma’s Molasses.’ Will that do?”

“Yes!” Maybe the brand name was a providential sign.

It wasn’t. The old recipe spoke of mysterious “ball stages,” and before I knew it, I had zipped right past soft-medium-hard into the stick-tothe sides-and-bottom-of-the-pan ball stage.

Still, I was undaunted. I saved what I could and poured it over my popped corn and began to stir like crazy.

Finally, I plopped the hot glob onto wax paper, and with buttery hands, began to pry the mess into individual servings. It resisted rounding into balls, but what the hey, sweet lumps would have to do.

I considered throwing the pot away. But “waste not, want not,” Mother and Cousin Grace whispered, so I tackled the two-day

task of releasing the gook from its innards. I began to worry, however, if this concoction would stick to our insides as it had stuck to the pan.

It did. Beginning with my teeth.

My popcorn lumps were not going to “save” anything, I realized. But then – oh, it was a Christmas miracle – I found Cousin Grace’s lost recipe!

To my surprise, it called for only one ingredient, and I had a lot of that on hand: determination to flourish despite challenging circumstances.

And so, Christmas 2020 will be remembered in my family as the year we creatively found new ways to celebrate together despite the Covid pandemic. We Zoomed. We FaceTimed. We sang Christmas carols from our car windows and dropped presents outside front doors as we rang the doorbell and ran away giggling. We worshiped on Christmas Eve with our church family via Facebook. We gathered outdoors around a bonfire. We stood in our driveways in our winter coats and talked, grateful for the time together.

We made each other laugh in any way we could.

We said, “I love you” over and over.

And so that I never lose Cousin Grace’s recipe again, I am sharing it here with all of you. Hold it tight but pass it on. v

According to legend, the popcorn ball invented itself during what is known as Nebraska’s “Year of the Striped Weather,” which came between the years of the “Big Rain” and the “Great Heat” where the weather was both hot and rainy. The weather combined, causing corn to pop off the stalks while the rain washed sugar cane down field, where the two met and combined into balls.

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sweet owen + service

Introducing. . .

Cmdr. Jean Clark Editor’s Note: This featured story is the first of a two-part series honoring the service of two Owen County veterans—Jean and Joel “Joe” Clark. Their stories represent the many veterans in our community that have dedicated their lives to serving our country.

BY MARLENE BROWNING-WAINSCOTT

Before Joe and Jean Clark made Owen County their home in 2004, the couple dedicated their lives to serving their country. Jean was a member of the U.S. Coast Guard, and after 34 years of service, retired with the rank of commander. Joe was a member of the U.S. Marine Corps. After 22 years of service (which included Marine detachment aboard the USS Yorktown and combat operations with the 1st Recon Battalion in Vietnam), Joe retired with the rank of first sergeant.

Joining the Coast Guard Jean Clark had little exposure to the military growing up; however, this all changed when she joined the Coast Guard Reserve in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1972. “I first went into the Coast Guard Reserve. I was a single mom and could use the extra money,” she reflected. “I found that I enjoyed it, and it offered many opportunities.”

Jean’s early military career took her to many places across the United States, including Governors Island, New York, Portsmouth, Virginia, St. Louis, and Alameda, California, where she performed personnel support duties. “During these assignments, I fell in love with the Coast Guard and decided to become involved in active duty and was assigned to the

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sweetowenmag.com + winter 2021

Training Center in Alameda where I was involved with training reservists and assigned to the Health Services Division.”

The journey from E1 to commander: Jean Clark’s career in the Coast Guard spanned more than 34 years and included active and reserve service. She began as enlisted (E1) and retired as commander. During her long career in the Coast Guard, she performed many duties. When she became a commissioned officer, her assignments were focused on logistics which included force optimization, training and support, budget procurement, health services, housing, and family support.

“At that time, Desert Shield/Desert Storm was brewing, and I was recalled to active duty at the 11th Coast Guard District in Long Beach, California,” she said. “Because of my logistics background, I was put in charge of the division responsible for activating and deploying our port security units for service in the looming Gulf War. We were sending many personnel who had never been on active duty to a war zone and leaving families who had no understanding of how to function in a military environment behind. It was a high-stress, challenging position, but one of the most rewarding I have experienced.

“As this assignment wound down, I was approached to remain on active duty through the Reserve Program Administrator program and happily applied. My assignments included Coast Guard Headquarters, Washington, D.C. from 1992 to 1997, where I managed the overall Coast Guard Reserve’s multi-million-dollar budget. In 1997 I was transferred to Integrated Support Center St. Louis, where I was the Chief Optimization and Training Officer, managing logistics for units throughout the northern area of the 8th Coast Guard District. In 2001, I was selected for the position of Executive Officer in the Integrated Support Center, Cleveland, Ohio.”

Jean Clark retired from the Coast Guard in 2006.

“Joe and I had decided we wanted to retire and build a log home in Kentucky, and I was fortunate to get assigned to the Chief of Auxiliary services in Louisville in 2004, once again managing logistics for a terrific force multiplier for the Coast Guard.

Joe and I settled in the beautiful hills of Owen County where I substitute taught for a number of years, and he worked as a rural carrier substitute at the post office.”

On being a military family When Jean joined the Coast Guard, she did not know that the military

would be where she would spend the next 34 years of her life and where she would meet and later marry a Marine. In 1982, she met Joe while the Marines were in Alameda at their reserve training unit.

“By 1984, we had decided to marry, but he received orders to Recruit Training Center, San Diego, and there was no available CG billet for me in the area, but love won out, and I reverted to reserve status and accepted a position at the CG Air Station San Diego from 1984 through September 1990,” she recalled.

“We laughed about the Marines and the Coast Guard and how we ever got together. Marines celebrate their birthday with the Marine’s ball complete with full dress uniform and ball gowns; the Coast Guard has a picnic—completely casual and where you may even find a dunking booth.

The Marines and Coast Guard have such a different culture,” Joe laughed.

“While it may be different, you understand the culture,” Jean added.

“When you are married to someone in service, there is no room for insecurity. While separations due to assignments were still hard, you had that first-hand experience of being the one who was leaving. It gave you an appreciation. You know the dangers, the missing of family, yet the dedication required.

“Joe and I were unique in the way that we both experienced being the military member and being the military spouse. One transfers to a new city, gets up, puts on a uniform and reports to a place where he or she immediately fits. The other gets up that same morning and deals with getting kids into school, getting a new driver’s license, locating new doctors and vets and finding a new job in a place where they are a stranger. Joe retired in 1986 in San Diego. I followed him

down there as a military spouse. He followed me after that in my career. In 1990, I was called up for active duty during Desert Shield and remained on active duty for the rest of the time.”

Thoughts on military service “Being in the Coast Guard was the most rewarding time of my life. I know of no other place where we take young people and give them so much opportunity and so much responsibility, and we hold them absolutely responsible.”

p JEAN CLARK’S career in the U.S. Coast Guard spanned more than 34 years and included active and reserve service.

During Jean’s career in the Coast Guard, she was an integral part of ensuring that the needs of the military personnel were met and ensuring the expediency of their missions. Due to the Coast Guard’s smaller budget, emergency funding was often necessary for major incidences that occurred in the waters under the Coast Guard’s watch, such as major oil spills that may occur in the ocean.

The immediate funding for these occurrences depends on the expediency

of the approval from Congress. This means quick contact with members of Congress for approval, regardless of what time—day or night—the incidence may occur. Much of the time, the process would take two days due to the challenges of reaching the members that may not be easily contacted.

During Desert Storm, Jean recognized that due to the urgency of the need to receive funding as quickly as possible to contain these possible catastrophic events, the process needed to be streamlined. Through Jean’s diligence, the process was streamlined down to mere hours during Desert Storm.

Like most military service members during their time in service, their focus was not on commendations and acknowledgment but rather a complete focus on the mission, ensuring the safety of their military family and protecting their country. The result of this dedication to service is tangibly represented in the commendations and recognition they receive from their branch of service.

During Operation Desert Storm, Jean played an integral role in both the lives of active duty service members and their families. Because of her efforts in developing and operating the Ombudsman program to assist service members during this critical time, Jean was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. In addition to this honor, she received a number of personal awards, including commendation medals, achievement medals and numerous Letters of Commendation.

“I couldn’t be more proud of my service, and of having a husband who proudly served as an active duty Marine in both war and in peacetime, and who also supported me in my career as a military spouse.” v

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sweet owen + business

p HOLIDAY SHOPPERS make their way up Owenton’s West Seminary Street toward Luvie’s Gifts, Clothes & Home Decor, one of six new businesses to open around the courthouse square since COVID-19 began. — Photo by Whitney Prather Duvall

EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN Despite pandemic, 6 new businesses open around Owenton's courthouse square

BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor In the months since the first U.S. cases of COVID-19 were reported, millions of Americans have had more time on their hands than ever before. The increased time at home coupled with remote work has led

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many aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dream of opening a small business.

Around Owenton's courthouse square alone, new businesses began popping up one by one, many in buildings that had long been abandoned, leading to a revival of the once-bustling shopping area and, for

many, a greater desire to shop small.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Owenton's group of new business owners have found ways to work around obstacles such as supply shortages and shipping delays and hope the momentum continues long after COVID is a thing of the past.

*** Opening its brick-and-mortar space just weeks after Kentucky's first confirmed case of COVID, Slippery Rock Signs soon began seeing an increase in sales that owner Chelsea Gibson initially attributed to stimulus funds provided by the federal government.

Gibson, a former teacher, began the business in 2019 from her home, establishing an Etsy page that today has amassed nearly 11,000 sales.

After establishing a downtown storefront, Gibson seized the opportunity to host paint parties and provide a space for local vendors to sell their wares. "(The business) started as a small side job while I was still teaching," Gibson said. "During COVID, online sales took off, and I knew that I would struggle to keep up if I went back to school. I decided to quit teaching last summer and pursue the business full-time. I was working in my basement and quickly outgrew that space. I found the perfect space in town for the business to continue to grow."

Like Gibson, Owen Originals owners Ryan and Beth Cram started their personalized gifts, decor and apparel shop from the confines of their basement. On a routine walk around the square, the couple took note of a for-sale sign adorning a West Seminary Street property and officially took ownership of the space in September 2020.

Although long-overdue repairs to the property delayed the opening of the Owen Originals storefront, the Crams have now become staples of the courthouse square, offering a fully-equipped meeting area inside the space, as well as a photography room complete with professional studio lighting.

The decision to open amid the

p RYAN AND BETH CRAM, above, owners of Owen Originals and Chelsea Gibson, right, owner of Slippery Rock Signs, outgrew space in their homes to operate their respective small businesses. Today, both Owen Originals and Slippery Rock Signs run brick-and-mortar spaces around Owenton:s courthouse square. — Photos by Emily Riddle

pandemic was not one the couple took lightly.

"The biggest hurdle for us was deciding whether to open with restrictions or waiting until restrictions were lifted," Beth said. "Owen County seems very divided on the topic, so we had to determine if the way we treated the pandemic would impact our customer base."

Little did they know, the two would be faced with additional obstacles, including shipping delays and supply shortages – an issue Jeff and Candi Smith have become all too familiar with.

Initially a side job for Candi, a former ER nurse, Simply Sweet opened its doors April 1.

"We joked about it for years," Candi

said. "When I worked at the hospital, anytime things would get really bad, I'd say, 'See, we could be working in a bakery!' I always did a lot of baking and cooking, bringing things (to the hospital) even then. After mom died — she died unexpectedly — I told Jeff we're not working every day in jobs that weren't as fun and rewarding, we were going to open our bakery or whatever we wanted to turn that in to. The more things kept happening, and everything was shutting down in Owenton, we decided we'd open something so we could at least have food, sweets, or deli stuff despite everything shutting down."

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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sweet owen + business

The Smiths have worked tirelessly to curate a menu unlike those at other Owenton eateries to ensure variety for their customers. In keeping prices low, they accommodate those who may be on a fixed income and can't afford the luxury of dining out often. It's an effort that anyone who has suffered financial losses throughout COVID can appreciate.

Like the Crams, the Smiths have also dealt with supply shortages and delays, but attribute the difficulty to the suppliers' lack of employees.

As for businesses like Melanie on Main and Sugar Babes Creamery, offering one particular good or service has lessened the burden for the respective owners, but all agree, pandemic or not, owning a small business is a constant challenge.

Sugar Babes Creamery, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Melissa Kemper and Eko Chappell, opened in June and offers a variety of ice cream, toppings, and milkshakes. Chappell is also the owner of Backwards Saddle Boutique, located next door to Sugar Babes Creamery.

"Small businesses that last are hard to find,” Eko said. “They’re struggling more and more than big-box stores, and yet, usually, small-business owners are the first to support the community through donations, outreach, and support. I encourage people to help support our businesses. Whether it’s one (Christmas gift) or all, I know we appreciate each sale and transaction. As far as non-residents, if they’re stopping at our businesses, I hope they’ll see the hard work and feel the small-town vibe. I hope they know by helping our businesses, they’re helping the community as a whole.”

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p TOP PHOTO, PICTURED LEFT TO RIGHT, JEFF AND CANDI SMITH, and assistant Tracy Allnutt opened Simply Sweet in April. Above left, Melissa Kemper assists daughter Eko Chappell in running Sugar Babes Creamery, which held its grand opening June 29. Above right, Melanie Ransdell fulfilled her dream of opening her own salon in November 2020. — Photos by Whitney Prather Duvall and Emily Riddle

Twenty-six-year-old Melanie Ransdell, owner of Melanie on Main, knows a thing or two about helping the community. Ransdell’s full-service beauty salon opened in November 2020, offering color, cuts, waxing, and extensions, among other services. Today, the young mother of two stays completely booked.

“Transforming clients, changing how they see themselves, and making them feel beautiful outside

and inside is what it’s all about,” Ransdell said. “I truly cannot say how utterly, extremely blessed that I am for the outpour of love that my hometown has given me."

Despite the varied challenges, the group of new business owners has made an effort to breathe life back into the square, starting with a Christmas in July event — an idea the Crams brought to reality — during which the majority of the six

businesses were open and offering special discounts.

In August, the Smiths hosted A Dog Day Afternoon for fans of the fourlegged population, complete with a dog show and rabies clinic. While both events took in non-perishable items for the First Christian Church Food Pantry, the latter also accepted items for Owen County Friends of Animals.

“My philosophy is community over competition,” Beth said. “We all can work together to make sure that downtown stays active. It’s gonna take all of us to put in our best effort.”

The owners hope the close bond they share and the support of one another will attract other entrepreneurs to join them.

“I hope to see Owenton with more

businesses open and more events in town for people to go to,” Gibson added. “I believe (the success of the current businesses) opens a door for more to come in. There are still lots of spaces around town. I think it’s awesome that there is starting to be a wider variety of places to shop at.” v If you go: u Slippery Rock Signs, 110 N. Madison St. www.facebook.com/ slipperyrocksigns www.etsy.com/shop/ slipperyrocksigns u Owen Originals, 153 W. Seminary St. www.facebook.com/owenoriginals https://sites.google.com/owenoriginals.com/home

u Simply Sweet, 152 W. Bryan St. www.facebook.com/SimplySweet-104491814882337 www.simplysweetowenton.com u Sugar Babes Creamery, 102 N. Main St. Closed for the season, for updates visit www.facebook.com/ sugarbabescreamery u Melanie On Main, 104 S. Main St. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100057087324707 u Luvie’s Gifts, Clothes, & Home Decor, 119 W. Seminary St. www.facebook.com/luvies119 Editor's note: All six businesses — Slippery Rock Signs, Owen Originals, Simply Sweet, Sugar Babes Creamery, Luvie's Gifts, Clothes & Home Decor, and Melanie On Main — were contacted for this story.

THE OWENTON CITY COUNCIL and OWENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

Welcome you to the City of Owenton

220 Main Street, Owenton, KY 40359 | P: 502.484.2313 | F: 502.484.5156

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sweet owen + downtown

Downtown REVIVAL SUBMITTED The Downtown Owenton Revival is pleased to announce the acquisition of the former Rexall Building as part of its comprehensive downtown revitalization efforts.

In 2019, Touchstone Electric Cooperatives launched a nationwide competition called the “Co-op Community Contest.” More than 165 nominations were received for the competition.

The nomination by Owen Electric Cooperative, on behalf of the Downtown Owenton Revival Project, was selected as the winner of “The Game Plan.” The Prize Package for “The Game Plan” consisted of access to an economic development planning process led by consultant Lorie Vincent, CEcD, President of ACCELERATION by design LLC. The process included onsite consultation meetings and conference calls to develop an informed and dynamic plan for the revitalization of downtown Owenton.

The comprehensive plan developed by the Downtown Owenton Revival team consisted of a variety of initiatives, including downtown aesthetics, business development, streetscapes, events, living space, retail, building rehabilitation, historic preservation, and more. In addition, Golden Shovel Marketing Agency, a partner of Touchstone Electric Cooperatives, provided insight into additional marketing outreach for the Downtown Owenton Revival Project.

For generations, small towns have served as the cultural and economic centers for surrounding rural areas.

Their physical and social fabric re-

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p TRAVIS DUVALL, a lineman with Owen Electric Cooperative, assists the Downtown Owenton Revival committee during a recent workday at the former Rexall building on West Seminary Street. The capstone project of the Downtown Owenton Revival effort is the rehabilitation of the building. — Photo by Trace Duvall

flects the community’s unique history and identity. Changing economic conditions and demographics create challenges for rural downtowns.

Despite these challenges, some communities remain vibrant places, attractive to residents and visitors alike by leveraging their physical, cultural and economic assets and investing in a community-based vision, attractive streetscapes, community engagement and effective marketing.

Recent major reinvestment taking place in several downtown buildings, new businesses relocating to the downtown area and dynamic city-led aesthetic projects make this the perfect time to launch a coordinated and aggressive downtown revitalization program for the benefit of the residents of Owenton and visitors alike.

The capstone project of the Downtown Owenton Revival effort is the rehabilitation of the former Rexall Building. The building ownership has

been transferred to the Downtown Owenton Revival Committee which serves as a non-profit catalyst for downtown revitalization. The first workday on the building was held Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Future workdays will be scheduled, and a variety of supplies are needed to help in the revitalization of the structure.

You may send your cash donations to Downtown Owenton Revival, P.O. Box 474, Owenton, KY 40359, or you can drop a check by City Hall.

All donations of supplies, cash and in-kind services are tax-deductible, and a receipt can be provided upon request. Please contact any of the Downtown Owenton Revival Committee members for more information: Jenni Duncan, Whitney Duvall, Jill Dunavent, Clark Roberts, Judge Casey Ellis or Lorie Vincent. Please follow the Downtown Owenton Revival Facebook page for updates about this exciting project. v

sweet owen + history

What’s in a (nick)name?

BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor

Today, Sweet Owen is primarily known as an unincorporated community in Owen County that plays host to the Sweet Owen Country Store, an old-timey business with a full restaurant of down-home meals and a potbelly stove that has served as a gathering spot for many local farmers. But in the 19th century, Owen County as a whole was given the nickname "Sweet Owen" in a fiery political battle that ended with John C. Breckinridge winning a second term as congressman in Kentucky's Eighth Congressional District.

The contention began in 1851, when Breckinridge, a Democrat, challenged the Whig incumbent Leslie Combs to the seat. His chances of defeating Combs were considered slim to none, and toward the end of the election, he was advised to concede in defeat.

Breckinridge carried only three of the seven counties but held a twoto-one margin in Owen County — winning the election by 537 votes.

In 1853, Breckinridge faced former Kentucky Gov. Robert P. Letcher — who had not lost in 14 elections — to retain the seat. The total votes cast in Owen County in 1851 had been 1,677, but in 1853, the number swelled to 2,071, with 1,473 of the ballots for Breckinridge, once again securing a win for the underdog. “‘Sweet Owen’ — God bless and forever protect her,” declared a close Breckinridge adviser. “She deserves to be a state instead of a county.”

Breckinridge, so indebted to his loyal Owen County following — and supposedly at the request of its citizens — gave his infant son, John Witherspoon, the nickname “Owen,” which he would carry throughout life.

Although decades have passed since residents of Owen County clung to this nickname, the Owen County Tourism Commission opted to title the magazine you now hold in your hands Sweet Owen.

It's both a throwback to a simpler time in our community's history and because, we too, believe she deserves to be a state instead of a county.

God bless and forever protect her. v

DID YOU KNOW? “There are stories of whiskey entombed in the Owen County Courthouse pillars. Some accounts say it’s a bottle in each; one says it’s a keg in each, and yet another says there’s a barrel in each, the latter having been distilled by a man named Gaines. The amounts aren’t clear, but most sources agree something’s in there.” — nkyviews.com

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sweet owen + eats

House of McNally DOES THE PERFECT CHILI RECIPE EXIST? The following recipe came together with many variations, but it’s what works for the McNallys.

Maybe the Greenes and Roses have something else in mind? Anyway, a little of this and a little of that mixed with the people you love (or even sort of like) around the table can turn any dish into what you’re known for. You could use more or less of each ingredient, even add a little something extra to make it your own. I hope you enjoy this deer chili as much as my family and friends have.

Deer Chili 1 lb. ground venison

1 can of white, pinto, or chili beans

1 (white or yellow) medium onion

1 tbsp. onion powder

2 cloves garlic

1 tbsp. garlic powder

4 oz. can green chilies

1 tbsp. chili powder

2 cups chili base of your choice

1 tbsp. cumin

1 quart tomato juice

1/2 tbsp. smoked paprika

1 quart crushed tomatoes

1 tsp. red chili flakes

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Sea salt and black pepper

In a stockpot, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add chili peppers and venison.

Throw in seasonings and salt and pepper. Remember always to season your dishes in layers so that each component can absorb the intended flavors.

Once the meat is browned, add beans, chili base (or salsa), and tomatoes, cooking for about five minutes.

Lastly, add tomato juice. Bring to a simmer for one hour.

The great debate still exists on whether or not noodles belong in chili. I’m Switzerland! What you do with your mouth-watering chili is up to you. I do, however, suggest you shred your own cheddar for topping.

u LYNDSI McNALLY is a resident of Owen County, wife, and mother of two boys. She makes her living as a Family Support Worker for HANDS at the Three Rivers District Health Department and often entertains her hundreds of Facebook followers by sharing photos of home-cooked meals.

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sweet owen + reads

Cozy winter

reads

Owen County Public Library’s Becky Doolin and Susan Hampton share their top-four books to read this winter. Drop us a line at sweetowenmagazine@ gmail.com and let us know your favorite.

1

3

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Forbidden Fruit: Sin City’s Underworld and the Supper Club Inferno by Peter Bronson is an “amazing history of Northern Kentucky’s ‘Sin City’ underworld beginning as the first match was struck in 1936, and follows 40 years of crime and corruption up to the Supper Club fire of 1977.”

2

Fear No Evil: An Alex Cross Thriller by James Patterson “Alex Cross enters the final battle with the all-knowing genius who has stalked him and his family for years. With Detective John Sampson, Cross ventures into the rugged Montana wilderness—where they will be the prey. They’re not on the job, but on a personal mission.”

4

The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson is a novel “inspired by the true blueskinned people of Kentucky and the brave and dedicated Kentucky Pack Horse library service of the 1930s.” It’s a “story of raw courage, fierce strength, and one woman’s belief that books can carry us anywhere.”

The Wish by Nicholas Sparks follows Maggie from age 16 when she was far from home, waiting to give her baby up for adoption and falling for Bryce, who teaches her the art of photography, to the present day when she is asked if she had one wish, what would she wish for this Christmas?

Eat. Stay. Explore OWEN COUNTY, KY. Just an hour’s drive from Lexington, Louisville, and Cincinnati, Owen County lives up to its motto of “Pretty, Quiet, Close,” where visitors are always welcome to experience the attractions, nature, and beauty in the heart of Kentucky’s Golden Triangle.

www.visitowencountyky.com

I G M O A MEXICAN RESTAURANT LUNCH HOURS

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Monday — Friday Monday — Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

1640 Hwy. 22 e., Owenton, Ky 40359 502-462-0091