Issuu

FREE

WIDE OPEN NO FEAR RODEO RETURNs july 22-23

Owen County Services Food from the Heart Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. No drive-up service. Please bring a box and assistance with carrying box and items, as necessary. 7170 Georgetown Rd Owenton, KY 40359 Book your appointment with Thelma McCormick at 502-682-0417

PIER Recovery Welcomes any resident with a Substance Use Disorder, Mental Health Disorder, or Dual Diagnosis to a Peer Support Group Epoch Fellowship.

Shanna Osborne Owen County Care Coordinator (502) 514-1929 osbornes8@nku.edu

Every other Tuesday from 11:00pm -12:30pm 159 W Seminary St, Owenton, KY Call Victoria, CPSS at (859)547-6539 for more information.

Harm Reduction Offers FREE Naloxone training and distribution of kits, anonymous needle exchange, counseling, testing for HIV and Hepatitis. Monday-Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm 1005 Hwy 22 E , Owenton (lower level) Contact Jill at (502) 484-5736 for more information (Walk Ins on Friday by Appointment)

Meeting the Needs FREE food and commodities

Tuesday and Thursday from 11:00am - 1:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm Commodity pickups - second Tuesday of each month from 9:00am - 12:00pm. Hwy 22 EAST, Owenton, KY Contact David Lilly at 502-750-1735 for more information (Please bring ID w/ address for each household member)

Support Group Whether you have 12 seconds or 12 years of sobriety the group welcomes anyone seeking recovery. Every Thursday & Sunday night at 6:00pm 44 High Street Monterey, KY 40359

Carroll County Services Life in Carrollton Ministries Offers free faith based recovery groups, classes, and services to residents with a Mental Health Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, or Dual Diagnosis.

Yvonne Poe, RN Carroll Care Coordinator (502) 525-0047 poen2@nku.edu Donnie Dawes Carroll County Re-entry Specialist (502) 558-2576 dawesd1@nku.edu

220 Port William Lane Carrollton, KY Call 502-732-0709 for more information

Empowered Living Provides Medicaid assistance and transportation to meet Medicare needs. 1209 Highland Ave Suite E Carrollton, KY Call 502-732-6420 for more information

Inpatient Medical Stabilization Offers a path toward recovery with medically supported detox and 24/7 care to support residents with a Substance Use Disorder.

Carroll County Memorial Hospital 309 11th Street Carrollton, KY Call 502-732-7134 for more information

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Contents 14 | Wide Open No Fear Rodeo Wyatt Cole’s promising rodeo career came to a tragic end on Feb. 10, 2019, when injuries he sustained in a car crash claimed his life. Following his death, his family and members of the Owen County community joined together to bring the sport Wyatt loved to his hometown. The inaugural event, held last summer, drew an estimated 6,000 spectators. A similar turnout is expected for this year. — Photo courtesy of the University of Tennessee at Martin/Cover photo by Jordan Prather

Meeting the Needs

Confessions of a June bride

Summer calendar

Retired state employee David Lilly

June marriage endures the test of

Summer is here and we've got a

stays busy as one of Owen County’s

time despite chic-on-a-shoestring

complete list of upcoming events for

most reliable volunteers

cheese sandwich loaf

the entire family

Downtown Owenton Revival

Where to stay? What to eat?

Fair days are here again

The group recently held a fundraising

Looking for hospitality in Owen

The Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse

dinner in support of its efforts toward

County? Try Elk Creek Hunt Club &

Show returns with family fun for

Resort and Sue’s Lakeview

everyone

the “old Rexall Building”

Remembering SP4 Robert Osborne We honor Robert “Bobby” Osborne

Asking for help a sign of strength

House of McNally

who paid the ultimate sacrifice while

Asking for parenting tips, help is

Looking for a quick and simple

never a sign of weakness, but a sign

weekend meal? Try Saturday Sliders

serving in the Vietnam War

of strength

for a “happy belly”

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

Sweet Owen

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE IN OWEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY

© 2022, Owen County Tourism Commission Volume I, Issue 3 June 2022 Molly A. Haines Editor Whitney Prather Duvall Copy Editor Owen County Tourism Commission Holly Bowling,Director Jenni Duncan, Chairperson Mike Haines, Treasurer Lindsey Tirey, Secretary Shanna Osborne, Member Shadoe Perry, Member Darla House-Webb, Member

Contributors Becky Doolin, Whitney Prather Duvall, Susan Hampton, Lyndsi McNally, Jordan Prather, Georgia Green-Stamper, and Marlene Browning-Wainscott For advertising information, email editor@sweetowenmag.com or call 502-514-6612 To submit an event, letter to the editor, or suggest story ideas, email editor@sweetowenmag.com. Submission deadlines: 4 p.m., July 22, 2022 for Sept. 1, 2022 4 p.m., Oct. 15, 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 www.visitowencountyky.org

ummer is officially here, and while many of us would like to enjoy some R&R, this season often becomes the busiest time of the year. Over the past couple of months, we’ve put together a 64-page fair catalog and the magazine you now hold in your hands. While the work has been both time-consuming and tedious, we can’t complain. It just means we have a few growing pains to sort out. Growing pains aren’t necessarily bad, especially for a start-up print publication in 2022. Still, they present a new set of challenges that I doubt anyone involved with this magazine could have anticipated. First and foremost, you’ll notice quite a few more ads in this issue. This magazine would not exist if it weren’t for advertising, which pays for print costs and allows us to ensure this magazine stays free for as long as possible. More advertising means adding more pages, so we’ll be on the hunt in the coming weeks for at least two more writers to keep a good balance between advertising and editorial. Secondly, I’ve received numerous emails and Facebook messages inquiring about subscriptions. Because only a few people are working on this magazine, we believe our focus should remain on building our audience, keeping the current advertisers, and gauging future interest. So, for the foreseeable future, the magazine will continue to be offered at a number of Owen County businesses and select locations in Franklin, Carroll, Grant, Henry, Scott, Gallatin, and Woodford counties (we also anticipate placing this issue in Fayette and Jefferson counties). For those unable to pick up a print copy, Sweet Owen is available on our website at https://www.sweetowenmag.com/e-edition. Last but not least, over the last year or so, you’ve undoubtedly heard of product shortages of all kinds—everything from Oreos and cat food to potatoes and baby formula. Since the beginning of the year, the folks at Bluegrass Integrated Communications that oversee the printing of Sweet Owen have been gracious enough to keep us in the loop about paper shortages and, subsequently, rising paper costs. So far, with your support, we’ve escaped this crisis unscathed, but many have asked for an increased publication schedule, i.e., every month or every other month. While a monthly or bi-monthly publication would be a dream come true, at this time, it’s just not feasible. As with everything else, we’ll wait and see what the future brings. Now that our bit of housekeeping is out of the way, on to the good stuff! The Owen County Farm & Craft Market is now in full swing from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., every Friday under the pavilion behind Owen County Farm Bureau (430 Roland Avenue). The Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show is only days away (June 25-26 and July 5-9), followed by the Wide Open No Fear Rodeo scheduled for July 22-23, and the last Food Truck Friday event of the season is scheduled for Aug. 5. The folks that bring you these events work tirelessly, volunteering their time and resources to benefit Owen County, its residents, and those traveling through. Make plans to join in on the fun and support these events throughout the summer to ensure their continued success. We’ll see you there!

Molly A. Haines sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

E R ' E W HIRING OWEN COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSIT IS HIRING DRIVERS! STARTING AT $15/HOUR, COUNTY BENEFITS, STATE RETIREMENT, FLEXIBLE HOURS, PAID HOLIDAYS TO APPLY, VISIT HTTPS://WWW.OWENCOUNTYKY.US/ CAREER-OPPORTUNITIES FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS REQUIRE CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS AND PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING.

sweet owen + volunteers

MEETING the

NEEDS

BY WHITNEY PRATHER DUVALL

Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. Gideons. Jaycees. Rotary Club. Volunteer Fire Department. Search and Rescue. Grand Paws Search and Rescue. Meeting the Needs Ministry. Retired EMT. Now, take a breath. David Lilly might just be the busiest retiree there is. If you ask Lilly about his volunteerism, he’ll likely credit someone else, like his parents and upbringing or all those who pitch in on the efforts he donates his time to. “My mom and dad instilled in their kids the importance of giving back,” Lilly said. “I get along with people, and I suppose it’s a thing that encourages other people to do stuff, too. It’s not just me volunteering—I’m just a piece of the pie.” Retired from state government, Lilly wasn’t content to sit back and relax; he felt a calling to help where he could, and that’s exactly what he does. From assisting with music and audio-visual services at his church to holding various officer positions with local civic groups and rescue teams, Lilly said he truly enjoys the time he spends with each group and his interactions with others. “Being a volunteer is not that hard,” Lilly said. “It’s just a matter of scheduling. With me, I’m retired, I’m free, and my kids are all out and working, so I’m able to volunteer. Seeing the joy people have when

p RETIRED STATE EMPLOYEE DAVID LILLY stays busy as one of Owen County’s most reliable volunteers. A member of the Owenton/Owen County Volunteer Fire Department, Owen County Search and Rescue Squad, and Grand Paws Search and Rescue, Lilly also chairs the Meeting the Needs Ministry Board. He can be found nearly seven days a week at Meeting the Needs preparing for the more than 300 individuals who receive commodities through the program. — Photos by Whitney Prather Duvall

they come and pick up food they need. Being a firefighter, you see homes destroyed, but when you’re able to save things like family photos … It’s just the feeling of helping others and fulfilling their needs.” One of his most recent endeavors is acting as chairman of the board for the Meeting the Needs Ministry. Meeting the Needs works with local churches and other organizations to donate food, hygiene products and commodities to people and families in need. It also acts as a hub to distribute food to seniors 60 years and older who participate in the Commodity Supplemental

Food Program through the Northern Kentucky Area Development District. Meeting the Needs also partners with Owen County Schools for their Power Pack program, which seeks to help alleviate childhood hunger by providing a backpack of easy-to-prepare food for students to take home each Friday afternoon to have over the weekend. Although Meeting the Needs opens for pickup two days a week, Lilly is there Monday through Friday, boxing up food and preparing for the more than 300 individuals who cycle through on a regular basis, for senior commodity pickup or a supplemental food box. v

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + life

Confessions of a June bride June marriage endures the test of time despite chic-on-a-shoestring cheese sandwich loaf BY GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER

p GEORGIA GREEN STAMPER grew up on a tobacco farm in Owen County. Her third book of essays titled “Small Acreages” is now available.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

was a June bride. That was a thing back when getting married was a thing, though I read that fewer Americans are tying the knot these days. Only 30 percent of Americans in the 18-34 age group are married. Personally, I blame social media for the current marriage decline, and the cheese sandwich loaf I served in the last century may be partly to blame. It was visual proof that chic is hard to pull off on a budget. Now that our lives are as public as a movie star’s, people feel obliged to spend more than we paid for our first house to avoid looking tacky in the wedding photos and give up on getting married at all. No compromise with cheese sandwich loaf for them! But back to the tradition of a June wedding. Some claim it got started because the month of June is named for Juno, the Roman goddess of love, marriage, and feminine fertility. Others say June weddings took off in the Middle Ages because medieval peasants only bathed once a year, usually in June, and things just went better if the bride smelled good. Still, others insist it had to do with the availability of fresh flowers in June – which also helped with, ahem, odor issues. The June weddings, in my experience, though, were timed to coincide with the end of the school year. Certainly, that determined when Ernie and I got married. I taught school until two weeks before our wedding — we had a lot of snow days to make up — and married on June 24. The weather in Kentucky during June is also a lot like Goldilocks’s porridge, neither too hot nor too cold. In the un-airconditioned summers and under-heated winters of

my youth, comfort was a persuasive scheduling issue. I started thinking about my wedding dance with cheese sandwich loaf when I recently ran across a re-print of a vintage Betty Crocker Cookbook in Costco. Though I rarely cook these days and have hermetically sealed our kitchen to keep it spotless, I bought the cookbook because it featured a full-page color photo of that odd dish. I hadn’t bumped into this recipe since 1967. To appreciate the hilarity of cheese sandwich loaf, you need to understand that my parents thought weddings should take place in someone’s living room with a minister present, but even parents optional. As Daddy put it, “There’s no need to worry everybody to death because you want to get married.” I, of course, proceeded to do exactly that. “A simple church wedding, and we’ll keep the budget low,” I promised, as I planned an “open church” ceremony with a reception afterward in the Sunday School rooms. In the country, that meant that most everyone any of us had said hello to in the last 50 years might potentially drop by for a slice of cake and a cup of 7-UP sherbet punch, and they did. But Mother had borrowed a huge bowl and ladle and recruited the Missionary Society to keep stirring up bottomless batches of foamy green. And without toppling it, Daddy delivered a mammoth, towering wedding cake in his pick-up truck from a Frankfort bakery to our Owen

County church. I bought a dress off the rack, and Mrs. Rogers at the Corinth Funeral Home – she handled the flowers for all the funerals around – decorated the sanctuary. A woman for all seasons of life, she transformed our country church into a spring garden of daisies. Our biggest hurdle, oddly, was how to entertain the wedding party after the Friday night rehearsal. Other than the truck stop out by the interstate, there were no restaurants near our farm, and though the truck stop served tasty burgers, Mother and I didn’t think it struck quite the right tone. Because Ernie was working in a city three hours away, the rehearsal would start quite late, and so we decided that “snacks” back at our farmhouse, rather than a meal, would be sufficient at that hour — and easier and cheaper. That’s when the first-year home economics teacher Mother had befriended suggested we serve easypeasy but “chic” cheese sandwich loaf at our Friday night soiree. To no one’s surprise, that woman would later in life open an exclusive wedding shop in Louisville. But I digress. Reading the recipe, even now, I have trouble picturing how Mother and I managed to put it together. You start by slicing a loaf of unsliced bread into six horizontal layers. Then you spread each long plank with a separate filling – one with pimento cheese, one with ham salad, one with egg

salad, one with benedictine. Finally, you re-stack the layers, cover the entire exterior with Philadelphia cream cheese, and chill it. When ready to serve, the loaf is sliced vertically like a cake, end to end, into sandwiches with multiple colorful layers. “Like ribbons,” Mother’s friend said. In retrospect, it might not have been much harder for us to whip up Julia Child’s Pâté de Canard en Croûte in our hot, tiny kitchen. Our horizonal layers wouldn’t slice evenly. Some were fat, and some were skinny. Our homemade spreads gushed out of their designated layers and dribbled like a Jackson Pollock painting over neighboring slabs of bread. By the time we got around to frosting the loaf with stiff cream cheese, we were laughing in despair. Out of time and with nothing else to offer but nuts and a small cake, we served our sloppy sandwiches on Mother’s fanciest platter and hoped for the best. I’m happy to report that our June marriage has been the best. It has endured the test of time despite our chic-on-a-shoestring cheese sandwich loaf – as have a million memories of laughing with my mother time and again over projects that wandered awry.

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, June was traditionally the most popular month to marry. Why? The goddess Juno (for whom June is named) was the protector of women in all aspects of life, but especially in marriage and childbearing, so a wedding in Juno’s month was considered most auspicious.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + events

CALENDAR

"Summertime is always the best of what might be." — Charles Bowden

Have an event you'd like to share? Sweet Owen Magazine accepts event listings free of charge from civic groups, volunteer organizations, churches, clubs, etc. within Owen County. Send your event and a brief description to editor@sweetowenmag.com by 4 p.m., Wednesday, July 27, for the SeptemberNovember issue.

Tuesday, June 21 EXPLORE with the Owen County Mom Group at the Owen County Park & Fairgrounds

During school breaks and in the summertime, the Owen County Mom Group hosts EXPLORE events geared toward a variety of ages. Locations and times will change depending on the activity. Some will stay local; some will travel a little.

Thursday, June 23 10 a.m., Yoga at the Owen County Public Library Enjoy moving slowly and breathing deeply. Leave class feeling refreshed and balanced. Suitable for all fitness levels. Follow along on the big screen. Event repeats at 10 a.m. each Thursday.

11 a.m., Walk Away the Pounds at the Owen County Public Library Follow Leslie Sansone’s 30-minute walking DVD in the library’s spacious meeting room. Increase your energy level, firm your muscles and improve your overall health. Event repeats at 11 a.m. each Thursday.

2 p.m., Teen Program: No-Bake Bake-Off at the Owen County Public Library

Choose one of three recipes: No-bake cheesecake, chocolate pudding pie, or banana cream pie. Make a dessert by

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

p ASHLEY RENAE SMITH performs at the Food Truck Friday kick-off event May 13. The third and final event for 2022 will be held Friday, Aug. 5 on the Owen County Courthouse lawn.

yourself or with a partner. Ingredients provided. Winners will receive Bird Dogs gift cards.

Friday, June 24 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Owen County Farm & Craft Market Located at 430 Roland Avenue (behind Owen County Farm Bureau), the Owen County Farm & Craft Market is held at 10 a.m. every Friday through October. Shop from a selection of Kentucky Proud fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, honey, body care products, flowers, handmade baskets, and handmade home goods. While you’re there, sit down and enjoy lunch prepared by a local catering business.

Monday, June 27 10 a.m., Stretch & Strengthen Exercise at the Owen County

Public Library Now is the time to work on your flexibility. A strong and flexible core is vital to overall good health. Improve your posture and be energized. This event repeats at 10 a.m. every Monday.

5:30 p.m., Monday Movie Night: Bernie the Dolphin at the Owen County Public Library Bring your friends and family to see Bernie the Dolphin on the big screen. While Kevin and Holly search for their dolphin friend Bernie, they discover a real estate development plan threatening the baby sea turtles.

Tuesday, June 28 7:15 a.m., Owen County Chamber of Commerce Membership Meeting The Owen County Chamber of

Commerce meets at 7:15 a.m. on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except in November when the annual dinner occurs) at the Owen County Extension Office.

6 p.m., Shell Picture Frame at the Owen County Public Library We’ll be decorating a picture frame with shells. A wonderful addition to any decor. All supplies provided. For adults only.

Thursday, June 30 2 p.m., Teen Program: Pizza and Board Games at the Owen County Public Library

Hang out with your friends. Eat pizza. Choose from our large variety of board games or bring your favorite from home. Spend the afternoon at the air-conditioned library having fun!

7:30-9:30 p.m., Owen County Night at the Frankfort Aquatic Center

The Owen County Drug Prevention Coalition will host Owen County Night at the Frankfort Aquatic Center free of charge. The Coalition rented the center to give Owen County families a fun summer opportunity to spend time with family and friends in a substancefree environment. Transportation will not be provided.

Friday, July 1 12 p.m., Books@Noon at the Owen County Public Library

This event repeats the first Friday of each month.

Monday, July 4 Independence Day Tuesday, July 5 Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse

Show midway opens; see page 22 for details. Friday, July 8 2 p.m., Mystery Book Club at the Owen County Public Library This event repeats on the second Friday of each month.

Tuesday, July 12 10 a.m., Explore Blackberries with the Owen County Mom Group Join the Owen County Mom Group at Ayres Family Orchard. Bring a picnic for lunch and play after blackberry picking! Cost is dependent on blackberries.

1 p.m., Bridge at the Owen County Public Library Enjoy an afternoon of cards and camaraderie. The game is Bridge and all are welcome. Beginners can learn from more experienced players with no fear of ridicule. Come learn or play one of the oldest and most intriguing card games on the planet. This event repeats on the second Tuesday of each month.

Thursday, July 14 6-8 p.m., Mom Meet-Up at Elk Creek Winery

Join the Owen County Mom Group for a “low-key mama event” to meet other moms and participate in an optional craft.

Friday, July 22 Wide Open No Fear Rodeo

See page 14 for more information.

6 p.m., Hazlett Brothers to perform at Bird Dogs Coffee The Hazlett Brothers Band is a country/ southern rock group that comes from central Kentucky. The brothers have roots in Owen County. Bird Dogs Coffee is located at 101 W. Seminary St.

Saturday, July 23 Wide Open No Fear Rodeo See page 14 for more information. Thursday, July 28 6:30 p.m., Owen County Cattlemen’s Association Meeting Location to be announced; call 502-4845703 for more information.

Saturday, July 30 Course for Change Color Celebration at the Owen County Park & Fairgrounds

Registration for the Course for Change Color Celebration run begins at 5 p.m. The run begins at 6 p.m. Registration is $10 and includes sunglasses and tattoos. Food will be available for purchase. The event is hosted by the Owen County Drug Prevention Coalition and PRISM.

Thursday, Aug. 4 127 Yard Sale begins Friday, Aug. 5 6 p.m., Food Truck Friday

Hicktown Romeo will perform on the Owen County Courthouse lawn, 100 N. Thomas St. Multiple food trucks, downtown businesses open late. Bring a lawn chair and a friend. Event sponsored by German American Bank.

Wednesday, Aug. 17 8:30 a.m., Brunch & Learn Series

Are you a local cattle farmer in need of an educational credit for cost share? Join Owen County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources Kendal Bowman at United Producers Inc., 86 Bramblett Lane, for the Brunch & Learn series.

Friday, Aug. 19 5:30 p.m., Friday Farmer

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + events

p WYATT COLE’S promising rodeo career came to a tragic end on Feb. 10, 2019, when injuries he sustained in a car crash claimed his life. Following his death, his family and members of the Owen County community joined together to bring the sport Wyatt loved to his hometown. The inaugural event, held last summer, drew an estimated 6,000 spectators. A similar turnout is expected for this year. — Photo courtesy of the Cole Family

WIDE OPEN NO FEAR RODEO Thousands expected to attend rodeo in memory of OCHS grad Wyatt Cole

BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor Wyatt Cole lived life “wide open with no fear.” For the second year in a row, a rodeo demonstrating that same motto will take place in his memory at the Owen County Fairgrounds July 22-23.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

A 2017 graduate of Owen County High School, Wyatt began his rodeo career while in kindergarten, joining a roping team Kentucky Junior Rodeo Association alongside his older brother Quinn. His rodeo accomplishments were extensive: he qualified multiple times for the National High School Finals Rodeo

in both middle and high school. He continued his success at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he advanced to the finals of multiple collegiate rodeos during the 2018-19 season. But on Feb. 10, 2019, the 20-year-old’s promising future came to a devastating end when

injuries he sustained in a car crash near campus claimed his life. In the wake of Wyatt’s death, his parents — Eden Shale Farm residents Greg and Isabella Cole — created the Wyatt Cole Memorial Scholarship Fund and asked for donations in lieu of flowers. In the days and weeks that followed, community members who recognized the significant impact Wyatt’s lifestyle had on those around him began talks of a rodeo in Wyatt’s hometown in support of the scholarship fund. Thus the Wide Open No Fear (WONF) Rodeo was born. Despite their best efforts to move forward with the inaugural event in July 2020, COVID-19 forced its cancellation, giving WONF committee members even more time to plan for Owen County’s first rodeo, which would draw an estimated 6,000 spectators over two days. This year’s event will offer much of the same excitement and thrills, with newly added events and entertainment. Produced by Crofton, Kentucky’s Lone Star Rodeo Company, contestants from multiple states and all ability levels compete in eight different rough stock and timed events for cash prizes. Each performance lasts from two to two and a half hours and includes eight to 12 contestants, with additional contestants running after the performance in what is called “slack.” In addition to the rodeo itself, events geared toward a younger audience will begin at 7:30 p.m. both nights—best-dressed cowboy and cowgirl contest for kids under 10, gold rush for kids 10 and under, and an appearance by rodeo clown and barrelman, Greek Ellick. On Friday, the Kentucky Bourbon

p SCENES FROM THE 2021 WIDE OPEN NO FEAR RODEO. The rodeo is held at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 355 Ellis Road, Owenton, and produced by Crofton, Kentucky’s Lone Star Rodeo Company. Contestants from multiple states and all ability levels will compete at the event, scheduled for July 22-23 — All photos by Jordan Prather

Trailers—a string band offering a mix of country, bluegrass, and folk—will perform under the fairgrounds pavilion following the rodeo. Country music group Blacktop Rodeo will provide Saturday’s post-rodeo entertainment. Rodeo for a cause “The production and organization of a rodeo can be daunting,” Isabella said. Both Greg and Isabella agreed that the rodeo would not have come to fruition without the tireless efforts of Jenni Duncan and Holly Bowling. WONF committee secured

enough sponsors to cover the entire cost of the 2021 event and sold enough tickets to award $10,000 in scholarship funds to students in Owen County. Scholarships are also awarded to students involved in the Kentucky High School Rodeo Association and the Indiana High School Rodeo Association. The majority of the sponsorships come from within Owen County. “This community has been amazing,” Greg added. “(Community support) has been above and beyond anything we’ve anticipated or ever dreamed of.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + events

A family affair In 1992, the Kentucky Horse Park played host to the Kentucky National High School Rodeo Association (NHSRA) qualifying event, where Greg and Isabella first became aware of the sport. “We did the fundraising for that event, and in doing so, we learned that these kids were starting to rodeo in kindergarten,” Isabella said. “When we got married and had children that showed interest in horses and western riding, we starting looking at rodeo.” With Wyatt in kindergarten and his brother Quinn in first grade, Isabella took them to their first rodeo in Hopkinsville, Kentucky —”It’s like taking your child to any sporting event, you just see if they like it,” she added. “Quinn loved it; Wyatt had an overwhelming passion for it,” Greg said. In the years that followed, Wyatt and Quinn exceeded all expectations, competing in the NHSRA at both the junior and high school levels. While their successes were each proud moments for Greg and Isabella, winning could never overshadow the time spent as a family. “It’s a family event,” Isabella said. “Moms and dads are gonna have to be just as invested as the child; there will be a lot of traveling. It’s an opportunity for families to be in a vehicle, spending many hours driving, and getting to spend time with their children. That’s what we liked about it.” “It develops quite the work ethic within your child, too,” Greg added, cautioning that the sport is not for the faint of heart.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

‘A long-term project for Owen County’ Drawing 6,000 spectators for its inaugural event in 2021, members of the Kentucky Lone Star Rodeo Company closed out the weekend on a positive note. “They are in the family entertainment/rodeo business,” Greg said. “They’ve been in it for 70-plus years, and they feel like we had started a rodeo that could go on for a long, long time. This wasn’t just a little, ‘OK, we’ve done it. Let’s do it a year or two kind of thing.’

This is going to be a long-term project, I think, for Owen County. They’ve got something to be proud of; this was a pretty nice rodeo.” Pre-sale tickets are available now through Friday, July 22, at www.lonestarrodeocompany.com/ buy-tickets.html. The cost is $15 per adult and $10 per child. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free. For more information on the Wide Open No Fear Memorial Scholarship Fund, visit www.wideopennofear.com. v

www.ashcraftrealty.com 125 N. Madison St. Owenton, KY 40359 (502) 484-5802

What are you craving? BREAKFAST - LUNCH - DINNER Since 1974, Family Billiards & Restaurant's core values have remained intact: great food, friendly service, and hometown pride. Whether you're new in town or just passing through, we invite you to join us for your next meal — a generous portion of mouthwatering, handcrafted comfort food.

133 N. Madison St., Owenton, KY 40359 (502) 484-5996 6 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Fri. 6 a.m.-2 p.m., Sat. Closed Sunday

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + downtown owenton revival

t DOWNTOWN OWENTON REVIVAL recently hosted a fundraising dinner in support of its ongoing efforts to restore the “Old Rexall Building” on West Seminary Street. Those in attendance heard from Lorie Vincent, at left, of ACCELERATION by design, LLC., a boutique economic development firm designed to meet the unique needs of cities, counties and regions throughout the nation. Dinner was presented by Chef Sherman Shelton, who served as head chef at the Chophouse for 20 years.

Bob and Millie Mills

Sarah and Mike Cobb

Pam and Dwight Stockdale

Whitney Duvall and Anna Roberts

Dawn Davis and Kelsey Davis

Mark McChesney and Jenni Duncan

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + hospitality

Where to stay? The Lodge at Elk Creek Bed & Breakfast 1860 Georgetown Rd., Owenton, KY 40359 http://www.elkcreekhuntclub.com/lodging/ Call (502) 484-4569 for reservations

The Lodge at Elk Creek Bed & Breakfast offers 15 rooms spread across three unique facilities that are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. The Lodge Cabin offers sitting areas perfect for guests who love to socialize and meet new people. The safari room features a big-screen TV and pool table and a meeting space. The Estate Rooms offer private rooms overlooking the sporting clay course and vineyards featuring a queen-size bed and private bath. The Inn is a blue cape cod on the hill and offers three queen rooms and all the accommodations of a furnished house, including communal areas for socializing.

What to eat?

Sue's Lakeview Restaurant 945 Gratz Rd., Owenton, KY 40359 www.facebook.com/sueslakeview | (502) 462-3692 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Wednesday; 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday; 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday; 7 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday; 7 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday One of Owen County's newer establishments, Sue's Lakeview Restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a laid-back, down-home environment. A variety of menu options are available for all three meals of the day, including ham, eggs, and toast, Philly cheese steak, pork tenderloin sandwiches, and hamburger steak and chicken dinners.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

There’s no time like the present to plan for the future. Instead of spending any more time worrying about how your family will manage without you, stop in and let us help you plan and prepay for your final arrangements. We understand that this can be an uncomfortable conversation, but we’re here to do all we can to provide a pleasant experience.

G E T YOU R FRE E P L ANNI NG G UI D E . Call McDonald & New Funeral Home at 502-484-2828

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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.

Owen county visitor center & gift shop! 300 south main street | owenton, ky 40359 (502) 563-5050

www.visitowencountyky.com

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + friends of animals

Find your 'Furever Friend'

This handsome 5-year-old cattle dog mix is the longest resident of the Owen County Animal Shelter. He was found living in a filthy outdoor kennel with another dog. Initially, both dogs were scared of everything and everyone, but after some TLC, they quickly learned to trust humans and gain confidence. The other dog left for a rescue in late May 2021, but Jensen has yet to find his

Meet

n" "Jenso

forever home or a rescue able to take him in.

All about Jenson Colors: Irish spotting Age: 5 years Life with Jenson: Jenson would more than likely adjust to living with the right female dog if introduced slowly and properly (as all dogs should be). He is a high-energy boy that would love to have access to plenty of exercise, but he is also a snuggler when it’s time to relax. Jenson would be the perfect companion for an active family. Ready to meet Jenson? Call Elizabeth at (502) 7501673 or text Hilari at (502) 514-1897.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + events

FAIR DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN

Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show slated for June 25-26 and July 5-9 BY MOLLY HAINES Sweet Owen Editor The Owen County 4-H Fair & Horse Show officially kicks off Saturday, June 25, with an afternoon of glitz and glamour. As has been customary in recent years, the Miss Teen, Pre-Teen, Miss Owen County, and Miss Owen County Fair pageants will take place two weeks before the midway and other festivities, but this year with a change of venue. The pageantry begins at 3 p.m. in

the Owen County High School Auditorium (2340 KY 22, Owenton), with the Miss Teen and Miss Pre-Teen Owen County Fair, followed by Miss Owen County Fair and Miss Owen County at 6 p.m. “We wanted to utilize an indoor, air-conditioned space that allows the contestants to get dressed and go on stage without having to walk from one building to another,” explained Pageant Director Melissa Bourne. Admission to all Saturday events is $5.

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The remaining pageants—Baby, Little Prince and Princess, and Little Miss (local)—will take place at the Owen County Fairgrounds Park Pavilion on Tuesday, July 5. Sunday, June 26, continues the tradition of the Community-Wide Worship Service. Brad Wilhoite will give this year’s testimony, beginning at 7 p.m., followed by keynote speaker Roger Alford. The Owen Countian of the Year and Mother of the Year will be announced prior to the service at 6:30 p.m. All exhibit entries except food and produce are to be entered Sunday between 2-5 p.m. Food and produce are to be entered from 9 a.m.-noon, Tuesday, July 5, the same day festivities are set to continue.

Admission July 5-6 is $10. You must present your admission ticket for ride armbands. Admission July 7-9 is $15. Additional events throughout the week include multiple demolition derbies (Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday), two truck/tractor pulls (Thursday and Friday), and a number of 4-H and FFA shows scheduled throughout the week. A pedal tractor pull and the Children’s Pet Show will take place on Wednesday. The Owen County Fair is a longstanding tradition; the first believed to have been held in 1860 and hosted by the Owen Union of Agricultural and Mechanical Association in New Liberty. An 1867 article in the Louisville Daily Courier provides

details of the grounds. “The fair grounds (sic) are but a short distance from the beautiful town of New Liberty, the ‘garden spot’ of Owen. The amphitheater is large and commodious, and located in a most beautiful spot.” Since that time, the Owen County Fair has been held at various locations, including the lot where Southern States Owenton now stands. In 1975, the fairgrounds moved to its current location at 355 Ellis Road. Although the fair has seen a number of changes throughout the years, its dedication to the tradition of summer fun continues today. For a full schedule of events or to view this year’s fair catalog, visit www.owencountyfairboard.com. v

120 Progress Way, Owenton For Primary Care Appointments Owenton, 502.484.2117 | Carrollton, 502.732.1082 For Primary Care & Behavioral Health in Warsaw 859.567.1591 For Behavioral Health Appointments Owenton, 502.484.2595 | Carrollton, 502.732.1092 For Dental Appointments Owenton, 502.484.5888

For Optometry call a Primary Care Office for available appointments Triad accepts most commercial insurances, Medicare/Medicaid and offers a Sliding Fee Scale: Eligibility based on household income and ability to pay. Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider. The health center informs patients using plain language that it is a deemed federal Public Health Service employee via its website, promotional materials, and/or within an area(s) of the health center that are visible to patients.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + service

Remembering. . .

SP4 Robert Osborne BY MARLENE BROWNING-WAINSCOTT

In honor of those who served their country and paid the ultimate price for freedom, we honor the life and memory of a member of the Owen County community: Robert “Bobby” Osborne. Bobby served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam for two years and six months in the 1st Cavalry Division with the rank of SP4. Sweet Owen Boy One of six children to Porter and Christine Osborne, Bobby grew up your typical mischievous boy. “If he couldn’t pick on you, he wasn’t satisfied, much like our dad,” said Bobby’s sister, Bonnie Fitzgerald. “I can remember one time Bobby and our brother, Larry, painted one of the goats green. He was always playing pranks.” Bobby graduated from Owen County High School in 1966, having played basketball, as an outfielder in baseball, served as class president during his freshman year, and was a member of the “O” Club. He married shortly after graduating and became a driver for the Shell Oil Company in Owenton. He received his draft letter to report for duty in the U.S. Army on June 4, 1967. ‘Love, Bobby’ Like thousands of others in Vietnam, the letters Bobby received from home brought small moments of happiness. The letters provided

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

comfort during the sleepless nights and in the absence of the comfort, love, and support he left behind. During Bobby’s service, he received many letters from both family and friends, and when able, he would reply. His letters shared many of his experiences during combat, recalled warm memories of home, and reflected on the faith that kept him steady. Dec. 15, 1968: Take care of yourself and don’t worry yourself sick over me. Just keep busy and don’t try and think about the situation so much. The way everybody’s talking, it can’t last much longer. Don’t get worried over what you hear on TV or radio. Enjoy yourself through the holiday and don’t worry about me. Tell everybody hello. Love, Bobby Feb. 26, 1969: Well mom I got a letter from you and your box you sent me. I had to leave my box back with my pack. We had to come out on a night ambush. But I did open and see what I had; it looks like I’ll have a good feast tomorrow. I am fine but just tired of this place. Tomorrow makes 16 weeks and next Thursday I’ll be over 1/3 of the way. You take good care and don’t worry so much and I hope you all go to church and turn to God for your problems. He really helps and I know you all already know that so when you fall down just pray for strength and he will see us all through. We all have to have faith. Just take care and don’t worry so much. Don’t work so hard dad. Love, Bobby

Brothers in spirit, a bond forever unbroken During Osborne’s tour, he developed a close friendship with a fellow soldier, Danny. Many of his letters shared Bobby and Danny’s plans for when they came home. Tragically, Danny was killed a short few months after Bobby on July 3, 1969. The following excerpt from one of Danny’s letters, written to his own family, displays the kindred spirit the two found in one another during their time in Vietnam. “Osborne is still with me and we will be together all the time that we will be over here. He comes over to my fox hole about every night, and we talk about all the hunting we are going to do when we get back home.” March 23, 1969 Many combat veterans who returned from war have said there are very few moments free from the fear of attack. The life of a soldier in combat creates a continued need to be alert and ready for enemy fire or invasion. On March 23, 1969, Bobby was fatally wounded by friendly fire on Landing Zone Lil, Republic of Vietnam. The following letter from his captain extended sympathy to Bobby’s family and provided information

on the events surrounding his death. “Robert was sleeping, awaiting his turn for guard duty. Due to a threat of enemy intrusion, everyone on the Landing Zone was alert to any unannounced movement. As Robert stirred in his sleep, causing branches to snap, another guard, unaware of Robert’s location, heard the movement and fired his rifle in Robert’s direction, mortally wounding him. . . . I sincerely hope the knowledge that Robert was an exemplary soldier and died while serving his country will comfort you in this hour of great sorrow.” Service and Honor While commendations and medals are never enough to honor the ultimate sacrifice, Bobby Osborne received the Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, RVN Gallantry Cross Medal with Palm, Good Conduct Medal, and the Purple Heart. While many of us did not know Bobby and the thousands of other Vietnam War casualties, his sister offers us the opportunity to see all that he was and all that he could have been. “Bobby was a very faithful person,” she said. “He always carried a small Old Testament Bible in his pocket, even when he was over there. He was a great person and was a friend to so many. Mind you, he would rather pick on you than eat, but he was a great brother and we all loved him. He died too soon, and we missed him.” When we reflect on the life of Bobby and the lives that he touched, we should appreciate that while he never had the opportunity to meet many of us, both his life and sacrifice made a difference in all our lives. Each

p VIETNAM WAR CASUALTY ROBERT “BOBBY” OSBORNE, pictured here with his father, Porter Osborne. Bobby received his draft notice June 4, 1967 and served in Vietnam for two years and six months before being tragically killed by friendly fire on March 23, 1969.

person who never came home’s ultimate sacrifice allows us to complete their journey through our continued words and deeds. The friends and family they left behind and the friends they knew for just a moment are why they pushed forward, despite the risks. Their self-sacrifice was demonstrat-

ed in both their devotion to their country and their fellow man. While we cannot personally thank those that did not come home, we can thank those who did for their sacrifices and realize that while they made it home, they came back with a heavier load because they carried the memories of the fallen. v

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sweet owen + reads

SUMMER

reads

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

Summer on the Island by Brenda Novak “A leisurely beachfront summer promises three women the opportunity to take deep healing breaths and explore new paths. But when Marlow Madsen’s father’s will reveals an earth-shattering secret that tarnishes his impeccable reputation and everything she thought she knew about her family, Marlow finds herself questioning everything — including her future.”

In Ocean Prey by John Sandford, two detectives investigate the murder of three members of the Coast Guard. When the FBI does not make the case a priority, the men go undercover to infiltrate a criminal operation. The book reached No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller list May 2, 2021.

The Summer Place by Jennifer Weiner is a hilarious, delicious, and wickedly observed story about parents and children, husbands and wives, the places we call home, and all the ways that love can surprise us. “If you have time for only one book this summer, pick this one,” says The New York Times.

In The Book Woman’s Daughter, Kim Michele Richardson takes us back to Troublesome Creek, Kentucky, where Honey Lovett, the Book Woman’s Daughter, must fight to stay free, or risk being sent away for good. She picks up her mother’s old packhorse library route and begins delivering books to prove that she doesn’t need anyone telling her how to survive. sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

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sweet owen + parenting

Asking for help ‘not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength’ BY SHELBY CARTER

p SHELBY CARTER, pictured above with her husband, Nicholas, and their three sons, Carson, Cooper and Campbell, is a lifelong resident of Owen County. She enjoys writing in her spare time. — Photo courtesy of J Kathryn Photography

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

ome of the best parenting advice that I never received was to ask for help. Asking for help always looked like a sign of weakness to me. I don’t know if that was taught, learned, conjured up in my head, or a combination of the three. None of the parenting books I have read tell you to do this. No one has ever told me to ask for help when I need it. Therefore, I am not good at it. Almost 15 years into this parenting journey, I am still learning. Daily. Every single day is different and full of ups and downs. But I have discovered, just recently, that, truly, you cannot pour from an empty cup, and I am a work in progress in this area. There have been so many instances throughout my parenting life that I have blown it. I mean, I failed miserably. I have not been a good mom in a couple of moments, which is painful to take. However, when I dive deep into those moments and get to the root of the problem, I realize some hard truths. Truth No. 1: I was tired. Truth No. 2: I was overwhelmed. Truth No. 3: That combination has disastrous results. Several years ago, I was on the warpath regularly, as everything was seemingly imperfect in my home. My children weren’t listening well, I was

constantly on edge, and I was yelling daily. My boys even gave a name to my crazed moments of psycho mothering. They called them “ginger-snaps.” Side note: red-headed women are hard to handle. Truly, we are. Looking back, these were nothing more than adult temper tantrums, and I was just like a toddler throwing a fit. I was tired. I was grumpy and needed someone to let me crawl into the bed, cover-up, and watch a show until I calmed down. But I didn’t know it at the time. I didn’t know I needed help. Parenting tired is a whole other level of tired. When you look at your calendar, and you don’t know whether to wind your butt or scratch your watch because it is so full, becoming overwhelmed is inevitable. How in the world do you take three kids to three different places on the same day, at the same time, and still keep up with everything else? School events, orthodontist, baseball, well-check, birthday party, youth group, field trip, muffins with mom, laundry, sign the planner, read for 15 minutes, dress-up day, flower bed weeding, grocery, etc., etc. My husband and I look at each other regularly and wonder how it will work. Divide and conquer is always the answer. A full schedule of events and no time to decompress and take care of ourselves is a breeding ground for a good “mommy fit.” You know the one I’m talking about, just like the snap I mentioned above. No one is listening (because they are kids), everything seems like it isn’t going according to plan (because that is life), and the overwhelming

feeling inside comes out in the form of yelling at your kids (or spouse) because they are doing whatever it is you don’t like that sends you over the edge. Sound familiar? It feels like a volcano of emotion rolling out of you like hot lava just because someone peed on the toilet seat. Truth is, the pee on the seat didn’t send you over the edge. You were already there, and just because your pride got in the way, you didn’t ask for help. Help comes in many forms. Sometimes it just means asking someone to watch your children so that you may enjoy a date night with your husband. Sometimes, it is leaving the children with your husband to go to Bible study, or a dinner date with a girlfriend that needs a break too. Sometimes, it comes in the form of a mental health day, and you get a mani/pedi. My personal favorite “helper go-to’s” are Kroger pick-up and when the children go to children’s church. I clearly need to get better at requesting help; I told you this. Maybe you are good at asking for help. Maybe you don’t have mommy fits. I want to say I am proud of you, and I almost envy you. For the rest of us, we can do better. Let’s start today. Let’s make changes that are going to impact our families in such a positive way they won’t know what hit them—the very first step, filling your own cup. Mommas, you must take care of yourself and treat yourself with kindness and respect before you can effectively love on anyone else. Find what works for you and make that a priority for yourself. Take a walk, take a nap, eat an entire cheesecake;

find your happiness. Step one, learn to take care of yourself and not feel guilty when you ask someone to help with your daily duties while taking a minute for yourself. Step two: decide what is a must and what can wait. Those dishes can wait, that laundry will still be there later, and the weeds will keep growing. Step three: ASK FOR HELP any time you feel the overwhelming feeling of life getting the best of you. I want you to know the truth: there is nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it. It is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. I am vowing to you, dear reader, to do better. I will take time to fill my cup back to the top. I will ask for help. Will you join me? v

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sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

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sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

sweet owen + eats

House of McNally I HAVE AN AFFINITY FOR SANDWICHES OF ANY VARIETY. Just some meat, veggies, and a little bit of fat, and BOOM! You’ve got yourself a happy belly. My photos aren’t anything special, but this one pays homage to the innocent lives taken in one of the world’s present conflicts. Hug your people, love your people, and feed your people.

Saturday Sliders Thinly sliced chicken breasts, cut into 3” pieces Egg Flour with your choice of seasonings Panko Italian breadcrumbs Vegetable oil Hawaiian Rolls

1 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. white wine vinegar 2 tbsp. fresh herbs (I used cilantro and flat-leaf parsley) Salt and pepper Lettuce Pickle

Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottom pan. Dredge chicken in flour, egg, and Panko in that order and fry until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Place chicken on a cooling rack to maintain crunch; sprinkle with salt. While chicken is frying, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, herbs, salt, and pepper. To assemble, add mayo to both Hawaiian Roll buns, then add one piece of chicken, topping it with lettuce and pickle. You won’t be disappointed, and neither will your people.

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.

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

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sweet owen + tobacco heritage

Tobacco Heritage Trail In an effort to preserve the history of what was once the livelihood of many Kentuckians, four volunteers — Joy Bourne Morgan, Harold Malcomb, Frieda Smith, and Elizabeth Prewitt — came together to form the Tobacco Heritage Trail in 2009. The trail consists of eight murals placed on barns alongside prominent roadways to depict the process of raising tobacco. To accompany the murals, the group worked tirelessly interviewing local farmers on each of the processes. The audio interviews can be found at visitowencountyky.org/barnmurals. Sweet Owen Magazine continues its spotlight on the barn murals this month with “Tobacco Cultivation” and “Cutting and Housing.”

p TOBACCO CULTIVATION is No. 3 in the production process and is presented in three panels. Plowing/cultivating was done with a horse-drawn plow in the early days and a tractor in more recent times. It is done when the plants are small, and fertilizer is added to stimulate growth. Chopping out tobacco shows a family chopping and removing the weeds. This job was dreaded by most children and adults. Topping tobacco was done by walking through the field and using your hands to remove the flowers from the top of each plant. The Hi-boy sprayer was driven through the field, and its long arms sprayed the tobacco with chemicals to prevent suckers from growing. Irrigation systems allowed farmers to pipe water to the fields during the hot, dry summer months. This mural is located about one mile on the left after turning onto KY 368 from U.S. Highway 127 near Monterey.

This mural is located 2.9 miles from the junction of KY 227 and KY 36 in New Liberty.

t CUTTING AND HOUSING are No. 4 in the production process and is shown in five panels. Cutting and housing were done in August and early September. It was hard, hot, dry, dirty, and back-breaking work. Sticks were dropped in the field so the cutters could easily access them. The cutters would push a tobacco stick into the ground so it was standing vertically and place a sharp, metal spear on top of the stick. A tomahawk (a tool with a wooden handle and sharp blade) was used to cut the individual stalks of tobacco and spear them on the stick. Workers would pick up the sticks of tobacco, load them on a wagon and take them to the barn for housing. Workers would hang the tobacco sticks on the tiers in the barn, and the curing process would begin.

DID YOU KNOW? The Owen County Visitor Center & Gift Shop, located at 300 S. Main St., Owenton, carries Tobacco Heritage Trail T-shirts, with all proceeds going to assist in maintaining the murals!

sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

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Owen county visitor center & gift shop! 300 south main street | owenton, ky 40359 (502) 563-5050

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sweetowenmag.com + summer 2022

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Swimming Safely WATER & ELECTRICITY DON'T MIX

Locate and label the power switches to your pool, hot tub, and spa equipment and lighting. Make sure your pool/hot tub/spa equipment is located at least 25 feet from power lines. Pools, hot tubs, and spas should be inspected annually. Inspections and any wiring or repairs should be performed by a licensed electrician. Install GFCI outlets on all receptacles within 20 feet of the water's edge. These can help prevent electrocution.

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Sweet Owen | Summer 2022