THE
50¢
BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY USPS 243-160
‘In God We Trust’
www.ballardcountyweekly.com
Parker chosen as Ballard Middle principal
The Ballard County Middle School sitebased decision-making council has named Amber Parker as its successful candidate for principal. Parker was named interim principal in last July. She has worked in Ballard County Schools for 16 years, beginning as a librarian in 1999. The 1993 BMHS graduate taught eighth-grade science before moving to middle school health and PE teacher in 2001, and served as BCMS assistant principal and district athletic direc-
tor from 2012 to 2014. Many also may remember Parker as head girls’ basketball coach at BMHS from 2002-07. Parker was offered and accepted the job on April 14; her first full year on the job officially will begin on July 1, 2015. “In my year as interim, I’ve been overwhelmed with the amount of parent support we have,” Parker said. She said that over 70 volunteers had helped with student activities like Reality Store, Truth and Consequences and test-
ing rewards. “We just want that to continue, especially with some new programs we’ll be starting in the fall.” Parker said the biggest and best new thing in the fall would be implementation of “The Leader in Me,” a Franklin Coveydirected program that nurtures the leadership ability in all students. The program comes as a result of a grant through West Kentucky Educational Cooperative. Other plans include working more closely with the high school to ease the sharing of some teachers (art, choir, etc.). “We want to continue the practices that have made us successful,” Parker continued. “We believe we always can be better.” She praised the district administrative team for all the assis-
tance they’d given her in her interim year. “I am so thankful to have helpful, experienced administrators around me to help. They’re all goal-oriented, and we’re all working toward the same goals.” Parker holds a bachelor of science, master’s degree in emotional behavior disorders, and her Rank 1 status, all from Murray State University. She and her husband, Jeremy, live in LaCenter with their five children, who range in age from a highschool senior to four first-graders (affectionately known locally as “The Parker Quads”). B a l l a r d Superintendent Casey Allen said, “The BCMS council acted without hesitation in selecting Mrs. Parker for the role of principal. Amber has been a leader in this building for many years,
though she only recently has filled administrative roles. She is dedicated to our community and our schools, and committed to help all students be successful. We are happy to have her on board!” SBDM members at BCMS are parents Korrie Purcell and Jenna Baker, and teachers Cindy White, Sherry Queen and Tricia Baumer. This brings to an end the process of principal selection that the BCMS SBDM has been working on for the last month. The process included SBDM training, review of four applications and many hours of meetings. “I would like to publicly thank the council members for all of their efforts in the process,” Allen also said.
ing up any that lands on streets, sidewalks or driveways where they can be washed away into lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Myth #6: A garden hose is more cost-efficient than installing an irrigation system. Reality: Many landscape professionals recommend installing an irrigation system with smart controllers which have sensors that water when needed. Smart irrigation can offer a cost savings of 15 to 20 percent on water bills. Converting irrigation
spray nozzles from sprinklers to rotating nozzles will spread heavy droplets of water at a slower pace, which makes them more targeted and effective. Myth #7: You have to irrigate to have a healthy and beautiful lawn. Reality: Grasses are built to endure long periods of drought by entering a state of dormancy. When temperatures and moisture levels are at their extreme, the growing point of the grass plant, the crown, will shut off the grass blades, turning them brown.
In almost all instances, once the heat and drought stresses have gone, the crowns will begin to send up new shoots. There’s nothing wrong with irrigating to avoid dormancy, but “embracing the brown” for a couple of weeks in the summer is just fine too. “Our members are passionate about creating beautiful and healthy lawns and landscapes for homeowners and communities to enjoy year round,” said Jim McCutcheon, president of NALP. “Whether
homeowners hire a landscape professional to care for their yard, or learn a few tips from the pros, one of our goals is to provide the best advice possible.” For more helpful tips on taking care of your lawn and landscape, or to get advice on how to hire a landscape professional, visit www. loveyourlandscape. com. NALP is partnering with the Turfgrass Producers International and The Lawn Institute to Promote National Lawn Care Month.
Todd Cooper Many turned out today to help celebrate Todd Cooper’s many years of service to this community. Todd has decided to
follow his path in doing the Lord’s work. Todd is getting prepared to being his master’s degree at Southern Seminary
School out of Louisville, Ky. Everyone wants to wish Todd the best in his future endeavors and wants to say Thank You.
Kids To Parks Day Celebrated at Three Kentucky State Parks on May 16 WICKLIFFE, Ky. – Three Kentucky State Parks will be participating in Kids to Parks Day on May 16. The National Park Trust organizes a nationwide day of outdoor play to encourage children across the country to explore their community parks and discover history, nature and adventure right around the corner. Columbus-Belmont
State Park, Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site and Pine Mountain State Resort Park will be participating in Kids to Parks Day by hosting games and outdoor experiences. Here are the details for each park. All times are local: Columbus-Belmont State Park, Columbus Kids and families will enjoy a day of old-fashioned fun at the park.
There will be games, hiking, and educational programs. Kids will play mini golf and visit the museum free. For more information, contact Columbus-Belmont at 270-677-2327 or email cindy.lynch@ky.gov Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Wickliffe Play outdoor games among the Mounds and make a Mississippian Indian style gorget
necklace to take home. Games include hoop and darts, stickball, corn toss and a relay race at 11 a.m. for kids age 12 and under. Free for kids age 15 and under with paid adult admission. Limit two kids free with one paid adult for $5. Event is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For more information contact Wickliffe Mounds at 270-335-3681 or email carla.hildeb-
rand@ky.gov Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Pineville The park will offer a day of free activities starting at 10:30 a.m. Activities include a guided hike, mini golf, a birds of prey program, and s’mores. For more information, contact Beth Byrnes at 606-337-3066 or beth.byrnes@ky.gov
WANTED: CHARLES HOUSE Charles House is wanted for Violation of Probation out of Carlisle and Hickman Counties for two counts of Theft by Failure to Make Required Disposition of Property. Message here or call 270753-7980 with tips. Your identity will remain confidential.
The April school board meeting was an eventful one. The Ballard County Career and Technical Center agriculture department has opened the greenhouse on the school grounds as a sort of farmers market to buy vegetable and flower plants. The greenhouse is open during school hours, and Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. A make-up day schedule has been approved for the 2015-2016
school year. The weather make-up days as follows: The first missed day will not be made up, the second missed day makes the last day of school a full instructional day, missed days 3-14 will be made up through the end of May and into the beginning of June, and days 15-18 will impact spring break. The school board would like to remind anyone making vacation plans for the beginning of summer and for spring break to check cancellation policies in
case the days are needed for make-up. As school comes to an end, graduation and commencement ceremonies approach ever closer. Dates for graduations have been confirmed. May 20th will hold graduation ceremonies for preschool, at LaCenter First Baptist Church, 9am for the morning classes and 1pm for the afternoon classes; and BMHS Baccalaureate will be at 7pm in the high school gym. Courtney Stevens will be the speaker. 5th
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY The Only Newspaper In The World Published just for YOU. WELCOME TO OUR NEW SUBSCRIBERS!
To get even moreinformation and photos about Ballard County, be sure to “like” us on Facebook
WEEKLY DEADLINE IS 3 PM ON FRIDAYS Except for advertising, all articles, photos or information submitted Friday will be published on a space available basis only.
4th ANNUAL DERBY DAY The 4th annual Derby Day will be held on May 2nd, from 8 am to 4 pm at LaCenter’s Farmers Market. There will be several vendors, and lots of food and fun
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KELLI AT THE
BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
E-mail a Classified or
Greenhouses, Graduations, and Goodbyes By Cera Peck
April, 29, 2015 Vo.11, No. 60
BRIEFS
MYTH VS. REALITY (Continued from last week) Myth #5: Early spring is the best time to fertilize the lawn. Reality: Since different species of grass prefer nutrients at different times of the year, be sure to use the correct fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. A slow release fertilizer allows for more even and consistent feeding over a longer period of time than a quick release fertilizer. And remember to use fertilizers responsibly by clean-
WEDNESDAY
grade promotion will be May 21st at 6:30pm in the gym, and finally high school graduation at 7pm on May 22nd in the Green Palace. School end also means that several teachers will be leaving. Gayle Perkins, Vicki Fowler, Cathey Seaton, Gayle Perkins, Maryann Wells-Farmer, and Steve Quetermous are all retiring at the end of this school year, and will all be dearly missed.
Display Ad to The Ballard County Weekly
by sending it to: ballardcoweekly @brtc.net
Support your Hometown - Shop Ballard County First for Quality and Price
Page 2
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
Sports
Ballard football players excel at strength and conditioning Members of the Bomber football teams have been doing strength and conditioning work since last December. Head Coach John Elliott said a group of 30-35 middle- and high-school students had been meeting three times a week after school. The program has been going on for four years, and Elliott said he has seen “light years” of improvement in speed and strength on the field. This year, they’ve even included visits by elementary students one day a week this year, with future Bombers as young as first grade shadowing older players
Ballard County ASAP observes Alcohol Awareness Month, says parents are key to reducing underage drinking By Kelly Wray Director, Ballard County Agency for Substance Abuse Prevention In a society that continually promotes alcohol and drug use at every level – even here in Ballard County – the need to provide education on the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse and its effect on children never has been greater. At ASAP, we believe education on this critical threat to the health of our community needs to begin as early as possible in people’s lives. Properly educated, children and youth are much more resistant to these dangers and better able to make healthy choices about substance use. Alcohol and drug use tends to begin in mid-tolate adolescence, and the earlier the age at which
to see what they do in the off-season. Several members of the high school group attended their first weightlifting competition in Hopkinsville in March, and came away with three top-three finishes, including a first place for Conrad Hansen. Three other players also set personal best records at the meet. In the first photo are members of two of the three weight clubs. The numbers reflect the total amount of weight each young man lifts in three categories: squat, bench and power clean. Shown from left are Conrad Hansen, 800 lbs.; Bryce Haynes, 600 lbs.; and Austin Cook, 800 lbs. Other members not shown are Butch Williams, 600 lbs.; someone starts drinking the greater the risk that he or she will develop alcohol-related problems later in life. Yet a delay in drinking until the age of 21 greatly reduces the risk of developing alcohol-related problems. Various factors can contribute to underage drinking, from insecurity to a desire for social acceptance, and while the percentage of teenagers who drink alcohol is slowly declining, numbers are still quite high. Nationally, nearly 30 percent of adolescents report drinking by eighth grade, and 54 percent report being drunk, at least once, by 12th grade. According to the Kentucky Incentives for Prevention survey administered to Ballard County students in 2014, 44.9 percent of our 12th graders and 27 percent of our 10th graders reported that they had used alcohol in the past 30 days. Drinking alcohol undoubtedly is a part of American culture, as are conversations between
Tyrell Byas, 800 lbs.; and Antonio Bacon, 1,000 lbs. In the second photo are members of the 100% Club, meaning they haven’t missed a day in the weight room. Shown from left are Grant Dunning, Tyrell Byas, Garrett Kennedy, Devyn Bledsoe and Hunter Bray. Other members not shown are Drew Collier and Jesse Hedrick. In the third photo are members of the Champions’ Club, meanparents and children about its risks and potential benefits. Alcohol’s different effects and parents’ changing roles in their children’s lives as they mature and seek greater independence can make talking about alcohol a challenge, and parents may have trouble setting concrete family policies for alcohol use. Yet, parents are the most effective force in preventing and reducing adolescent risky behaviors and helping our youth lead healthier lives. Research shows that kids who learn about the dangers of alcohol and drugs at home are up to 50 percent less likely to use these substances than kids who don’t learn about such dangers from their parents. Parents influence whether and when adolescents begin drinking, as well as how their children drink. Family policies about adolescent drinking in the home and the way parents themselves drink are important. KIP data also
ing they have at least 85 percent attendance. Shown from left are (back row) Drake Walsh, Dustin Bowles, Peter Green, (middle row) Erick Marinelli, Colton Baker, Matt Mallory, Landon Brown, Reece Joles, Conrad Hansen, (front row) Randy Harper, Hunter Bishop, Drew Cox and Cameron Scott. Other members not shown are Antonio Bacon, Josh Baker and Austin Higgins. recorded that 85 percent of 10th and 12th grade students feel that their parents disapprove of underage drinking. So, what can parents do to help minimize the likelihood that their adolescent will choose to drink and that such drinking, if it does occur, will become problematic? U.S. Department of Health and Human Services studies have shown that it is important to talk early and often, in developmentally appropriate ways, with children and teens about your concerns – and theirs – regarding alcohol. Adolescents who know their parents’ opinions about youth drinking are more likely to fall in line with their expectations. Establish policies early on, and be consistent in setting expectations and enforcing rules. Adolescents do feel that parents should have say in decisions about drinking, and they maintain this deference to parental authority as long as they continue to page 5 col. 1
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Page 3
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Ads and Classifieds The following businesses proudly support the Bombers and Lady Bombers
We Proudly Support the Ballard Bombers Kelly Todd For all your printing needs context us at
335-3700 We support the Bomers Cathy’s Cottage Flowers & Gifts
We support the Bombers The Ballard County Weekly
338 Court St. Wickliffe, Ky
Your locally-owned & operated newspaper
335-5500
335-3700 We support the Bomers
To Show Your Support for the Ballard Memorial High School Spoprts Teams Call ... 335-3700
Bomber Grill & Chill
We support the Bombers Reflection Family Hair Care & Tanning
146 Kentucky Dr. • LaCenter, Ky
132 N. 4th St. Barlow, Ky
665-8200
334-3006 “Driftwood” Ramblings on Real Estate By Larry and Kim Kelley
Come check out our great Winter selections! BALLARD COUNTY CO-OP 475 West Kentucky Drive • LaCenter
270-665-5101 BUSINESS SERVICE DIRECTORY CLASS UNDER GLA$$ AUTOBODY
CERTIFIED BY A.S.E • GM • CHRYSLER Michael Bryant Body Shop Manager P.O. Box 191 610 U.S. Highway 51 Nortyh Bardwell, Kentucky 42023 Phone: (270) 562-3013 Cell: (270) 841-0072
NEW AND USED Dwain Taylor Chevrolet www.ToyotaOfMurray.com 800-597-2684 We Buy Cars!
Hillbilly Corner (Former Corner Café)
Open Monday – Sunday 5 a.m.- 9 p.m.
270-335-5111
500 Hwy 51 N (270) 562-3103
Better Roofing
Kinsey Construction Tom Kinsey Phone: 665-5462 Cell Phone:559-0403
Roofing • Pole Barns• Remolding
This spot could be working for you right now! Contact the Ballard County Weekly for more details
RIVER COUNTRY REAL ESTATE lkelley1944@gmail. com /270-983-1021/ kimkelley60@yahoo. com 270-853-4574 This week we will talk some more about financing. You hear a lot that the key to real estate – buying and selling – is “location, location, location!” We would say, however, that after you have located the “dream home” in the ideal “location”, then the key, in many ways even more important than location, is “financing, financing, financing!” We have discussed financing options before, such as “owner financing, contract for deed, etc.” and also conventional bank financing. This time we will suggest some options that you may want to look into if you are looking to purchase a home or other property. Of course, your first stop ought to be your own bank. Since you already have a relationship with them, checking account, perhaps a savings account, and maybe already have a loan relationship – vehicles, etc. – then you may find that you need look no further than your own
bank. You will need to work with the loan officer to provide full information, which may be more involved than on a simple car loan, or other smaller loan. They will need tax returns for the past couple years, current payroll information, and probably much other information depending on the institution. You may also want to check into VA loans, if you are a veteran and have VA certification. Most lenders will work with you on a VA loan, and there are some very attractive deals for veterans, if you qualify. There are also “FHA” (Federal housing agency) loans, and in Kentucky, the “Kentucky Housing Corporation” (KHC) works with the “feds” to provide loans for home purchases, particularly for first time home buyers. These programs can be very appealing, with lower interest rates, and lower down payments. We are currently working with a couple who qualifies for a FHA/KHC loan, and their down payment will only be 3% of the total purchase price. This is in comparison with the ten (10%)
percent down payment requirement that many lenders require. So it is definitely worth your time to check into ALL options for financing your home purchase, or other real estate. Watch the local papers, TV, and keep your ears open at work or with your friends, as there will usually be a “buzz” around the community if a certain lender is offering a particularly good loan program at the time. Your realtor can assist you in exploring all the financing options, and along with your banker, can make sure you “leave no stone unturned” in making sure you have the best possible financing deal that’s out there and that you might qualify for. If you are currently looking to purchase, and need assistance with locating all possible loan programs, feel free to contact us and we’ll do our best to not only help you find that “dream home” you want, but also the “dream loan” to make the purchase! “Financing, financing, financing!” It’s the name of the game!
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
Page 4
Obituaries Kevil, Ky. Mary Frances Young Ashby, age, 81 died Wednesday Evening at 8:45 p.m. at Life Care Center in LaCenter. Mary is survived by one daughter Susie Ashby of Paducah, one brother Joe E. Young of LaCenter, and one sister Betty Griffin of Kevil. She was preceded in death by her husband James Richard Ashby, and her parents Arthur and Fammie May Young. She was a member of Bandana United Methodist Church. She was employed at Kevil Bank for several years. Mary was Director of His House in LaCenter for many years. Funeral Services will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m.at Morrow Funeral Chapel in LaCenter with the Rev. Ken Locke officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. M e m o r i a l Contributions may be sent to His House Ministry P.O. Box 68 LaCenter, Ky. 42056. Visitation will begin at 12:00 noon Sunday until funeral time at 2:00 p.m. at Morrow Funeral Chapel in LaCenter. Messages for the family may be left at morrowfuneralchapel.com
BCES art students paint for governor’s Derby celebration Several fourth- and fifth-grade students in Jennifer Shrum’s art
Higgins chosen as BCES guidance counselor Fifth-grade math teacher Ginger Higgins was named guidance counselor last week by the SiteBased Decision-Making council at Ballard County Elementary School. As of July 1, she will replace Vicki Fowler, who is retiring after 31 years of service. The 1989 graduate of Ballard Memorial High School began with BCES 10 years ago, and has served as both a thirdand fifth-grade teacher. She holds a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in math and a master’s degree in guidance and counseling, both from Murray State University. Higgins said she initially took guidance classes thinking that it would make her better able to help students in her classroom. “This job opens up the opportunity to help all the students at BCES be successful,” she said. “I’m excited
classes at Ballard County Elementary School have been working on a contribution to the governor’s Kentucky Derby celebration by painting this canvas, and hoping
about taking what I know about that from the intermediate wing to students in the primary wing. “I want to do more work in the classroom, so kids are not in my office missing content,” she said. Higgins said she thought it would be helpful if students could show her where they were having difficulty, rather than just telling her about it. “I want kids to know who I am, and that they can come to me,” she continued. “I want to be their advocate, to help them be successful in relationships and in academics. She looked around her classroom. “I feel like these are my kids,” Higgins said. “And now, I think I’ll have kids all over the building, instead of just in one room.” She and her husband, Richard, live outside of Barlow with son Austin, a student at BMHS. Their daughter, Asiah Avery, graduated from Ballard in 2007.
WILL YOU BE THERE THE MOMENT YOU’RE NEEDED?
There’s no place like USA.gov. It’s the official source of federal and state government information. It can make you as all-knowing as the Wizard of Oz.
Will you be there when a life needs to be saved? When homes are threatened by a natural disaster? The answer is “yes” if you’re a member of the National Guard. Learn more about being there for your community at NATIONALGUARD.com or call 1-800-GO-GUARD.
it will be used as a table covering at the Old State Capitol in Frankfort. Tables will be decorated as horses, each with a head and a tail; the painted canvases will be used
as a horse blanket draped across each table. This canvas will be sent to the Kentucky Arts Council. If it’s selected for use at the celebration, both BCES and her students
will be acknowledged. The second photo shows fourth-graders Madlyn Farmer and Lexie Moss working on the canvas.
CEMETERY RESTORATION IN WESTERN KENTUCKY
Heady was a living human being that probably was a landowner, who cleared and cultivated land, raised children and grandchildren, and contributed to the progress of Ballard County in many creative and productive ways. His monument and others need monuments standing, commemorating a life, and connecting us to our heritage. The old cemeteries “sacred burial grounds” are usually surrounded by two or three landowners and are not to be desecrated or destroyed. We try to identify the current landowner and obtain permission to cross their private property to the old cemeteries. When necessary, we take the time to research the deeds, as we are told most of the old cemeteries have an easement or right away into them. Kentucky Cemetery Statutes protect the old cemeteries and give the heirs the right of ingress and egress to visit and care for the old cemeteries. The 2015 cleanup season has started for our cemetery preservation group. Our mission since we were founded in 2009, has been to identify, preserve, protect, and restore our Ballard County “hidden away” old family community cemeteries. We are operating under MOUNT,
Inc. (Many Old Unique Needy Tombstones), certified under the state of Kentucky, and are nonprofit for the purpose of cemetery preservation. Our facebook page can be LIKED and followed under Cemetery Restoration in Western Kentucky. Regularly, we work on Saturday mornings from April through November. Out of approximately 200 county cemeteries, we have cleaned up and restored close to 60. We are volunteer and community service workers and welcome everyone to join in and help us. Currently, we are excited and honored to be cleaning up and restoring the MILES Cemetery. Mr. William Miles was the original landowner, who donated the land for the cemetery where also friends and neighbors are buried. Mr. Miles descendants have planned a June family reunion in Indianapolis, Indiana. The MILES family descendants are scattered over eight states but, most live in Indianapolis. Their plans are to travel to Bandana and visit the cemetery with a special ceremony and monument placement in memory of all Miles family departed loved ones. Contributed by, Betty L. Johnson bettyjohnsonky@ yahoo.com
Recently, I came across an interesting article on “Orphaned Cemeteries” that validated exactly what our county preservation group believes about preservation and restoration of our old 1800-1900 family community cemeteries: ‘Old cemeteries are markers of human history; of all the love, sweat, toil, tears, joys and triumphs of the past. They are links to family we never knew, they are sources of history and they tell us a great deal about ourselves culturally and socially. Therefore, there is nothing sadder than to come across crumbling, decaying and near gone relics of cemeteries and to feel helpless to do anything about this loss of heritage. Yet, there are indeed things that can be done to restore orphaned cemeteries and return this heritage to current communities. In doing so, we all regain a sense of our own place in time and history.’ They say a picture is worth a thousand words. The picture above of the sunken tombstone of Mr. Anderson Heady 1889-1921, located in the MILES Cemetery, tells a story of not only a forgotten past but, of a forgotten person. Mr.
NATIONALGUARD.com
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BUSINESS CARD DIRECTORY. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT KELLI AT THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
WEEKLY Business Card Directory
THE BALLARD COUNTY
There’s no place like USA.gov.
It’s the official source of federal and state government information. It can make you as all-knowing as the Wizard of Oz.
A public service message from the U.S. General Services Administration.
GBI
for Spanish-speaking callers)
GRAVES BROTHERS, INC
NEW AND USED
PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING
www.ToyotaOfMurray.com
La Center, Ky. (270) 665-5525
800-597-2684 We Buy Cars! Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation Therapies Center “Because Community Matters” 270-665-5681 | 252 W. 5th St. LifeCareCenterofLaCenter.com
56283
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (1-888-628-9454
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
Page 5
School
BMHS choir invites little princesses to ‘Be Our Guest’ at luncheon Members of the Ballard Memorial High School choir will represent all 13 official Disney princesses – including Elsa and Anna from Frozen – at a luncheon on Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. until noon at the Ballard County Middle School gym. There even will be a special appearance by Tinkerbell. Princesses of all ages are invited to attend, and are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite princesses. Cost is
BMHS baseball player earns scholarship Ballard Memorial High School senior baseball standout Lee Chandler was one of only 32 student-athletes statewide recently selected as regional winners in the Forcht Bank/ Kentucky High School Athletics Association
BMHS announces Summer Academy elective courses The following courses are offered for firsttime credit through the Ballard Memorial High School Summer Academy. Students who have taken the class previously are not eligible to enroll. Students must be enrolled at BMHS for the 2015-16 school year, and earn a grade of D or better and follow other course requirements in order to receive credit for the class. Classes offered at BMHS are free, and will be held Monday through Thursday from June 1-25, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Kentucky Virtual Campus foreign language classes are tui-
$15 for each princess attending, and $5 for each adult. (Everyone in attendance will be served at the luncheon, which is why there is a cost for the adult participant.) Only 200 tickets will be sold due to limited space, and the event most likely will sell out early. Tickets must be purchased in advance and will not be available at the door. To purchase tickets, please contact Ballard Choir Director Samantha Veal by April 30 at 270-665-8400, ext. 2340, or email her at samantha.veal@ballard. kyschools.us.
CLASS (Citizenship, Leadership, Athletics, Sportsmanship, Scholarship) awards program. Chandler will receive a $350 scholarship, and be a finalist for an overall one-time $3,000 scholarship to be awarded on April 26. Two winners, a male and female, were selected from each of the state’s 16 athletics regions. tion-based and are offered online. They may be completed from home or in a BMHS computer lab during regular summer academy hours. Arts and Humanities Dates: Offered June 1-25 Cost: Free Location: BMHS computer lab Teacher: Virtual Registration information: Students must sign up in English classes by May 15. This course provides students with a broad overview of the arts. The course will meet the arts and humanities requirement for graduation. The course is offered online at BMHS and is free of charge. Once a student begins the class, his/her attendance is required at summer school until the entire course is com-
Fourth-graders visit KDA’s Mobile Science Activity Center
absorb, then performed the experiment and recorded their observations. One of the absorbent materials was discovered in 1976 when scientists married corn starch to a synthetic chemical and created a product so thirsty that it could absorb many times its own weight in water. In Wednesday’s activity, students played the role of corn researchers by making biodegradable plastic from corn. Using such corn by-products as cornstarch and corn oil, they added water and food coloring to make a biodegradable plastic ball they could keep for observation. Herron said the purpose of the activity was to teach the advantages and benefits of using renewable,
locally-grown resources like corn as an alternative to petroleum-based products. Students also tested the ability of a biodegradable packing peanut made of cornstarch to dissolve in water, compared to a petroleum-based packing peanut. Thursday’s activity was on soil erosion, and provided a visual demonstration of how erosion takes place during various uses of the land. Students also learned what farmers can do to prevent erosion. Herron said the demonstration also included information on topics like the food chain, soil profiles and textures, the formation of soils, the water cycle, loss of farmland to urban sprawl, and many
others.
Ballard Memorial High School sophomore Emily Morehead has been selected to attend the 2015 Governor’s School for the Arts in vocal music at Centre College in Danville. She was one of only 30 chosen from over 500 sophomore and junior applicants from around the state in her art form. The exclusive three-
week summer arts program also includes students in architecture, creative writing, dance, drama, instrumental music, musical theatre, news media and visual arts. It is geared to prepare high school students for a career in the arts, and also guarantees college scholarships. In addition to a formal application, students must perform live auditions or present portfolios for review. Ballard Choir Director Samantha Veal, herself a GSA
alumnus, said, “I believe it has been over 10 years since a student has been selected for vocal music at BMHS.” Morehead’s parents are Wesley and Stephanie Morehead of Kevil. She grew up with her parents traveling as founding members of wellknown local group, The Moreheads, and would sing a song at each of their concerts – allowing her to become comfortable performing onstage. She is a member of the Ballard drama club, and the singing group the Bomber Belles. She is an active member of Spring Bayou Baptist Church, where she is involved in the youth group Elevate as part of the prayer and church drama teams. Morehead will take her first mission trip to Eastern Kentucky this July, and regularly sings special music at church,
learning and preparing the songs by herself. Her honors and awards include acceptance twice to the Kentucky ACDA All State Chorus. She takes private voice lessons from Dr. Tana Field at Murray State University, and also has taken classes from Tina Forrester at the Anita Howle School of Dance. For her GSA audition, Morehead performed “Caro Mio Ben”, an 18th century Italian art song by Giuseppe Giordani (1751-1798). The aria (a long, accompanied song for solo voice, typically from an opera or oratorio) is about lost love and missing that person intensely. It is an emotional and powerful piece about being deeply in love with someone who does not return the feeling.
plete. Students can drop the course prior to taking the first exam. If students take the first exam, they will receive a grade in the course. Digital Literacy Dates: Offered June 1-25 Cost: Free Location: Ballard County Career and Technical Center (Korrie Purcell’s room) Teacher: Purcell Registration information: Students must sign up in their English classes by May 15. This offering is for first-time credit and is a prerequisite course for
many other classes in the business programs of study. The course will be taught during summer school and students must meet attendance requirements. Foreign Language Dates: Summer – must turn in proof of grade and certificate of completion to BMHS counselor by Aug. 15, 2015, to obtain credit. Cost: Determined by Kentucky Virtual Campus Location: Virtual – may be completed online at any location. Students who need internet access may work in the BMHS
computer lab during REGULAR summer school hours (please see above). Teacher: Virtual Registration Information: BMHS counselor’s signature is required for KYVC registration. Please have registration forms to Renee’ McDermott in the BMHS office by May 15. Parents must register their student on the Kentucky Virtual Campus homepage at http://www.kyvc4k12. org/home.aspx. KYVC courses are tuition based, and parents are responsible for paying the tui-
tion cost. Parents also are responsible for the student completing the course and turning in required proofs to the BMHS counselor by Aug. 15, 2015, to obtain credit. For more information on the BMHS Summer Academy or any of the offered classes, please contact McDermott at 270-665-8400, ext. 2503, or email her at renee.mcdermott@ballard.kyschools.us.
Ballard County Elementary School fourth-graders got to spend three days of science classes inside the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Mobile Science Activity Center last week. Instructor Jason Hodge led the students through a variety of hands-on experiments and activities with BCES science teacher Crystal Herron. Tuesday’s activity was “the Super Slurper,” comparing the absorption capacity of various substances. Herron said students predicted and record how much water each substance could
BMHS student selected for exclusive Governor’s School for the Arts
many influences on whether an adolescent begins to drink alcohol at a young age, including a child’s home life and whether parents have talked with their children about rules for alcohol use. Other factors that also influence his or her choice about alcohol use include whether an adolescent’s peers drink alcohol, listening to music that includes lyrics about alcohol use, and advertisements for different brands of alcohol. Reducing underage drinking is critical to securing a healthy future for our youth, and requires a cooperative effort from parents, schools, community organizations, business leaders, government agencies, the entertainment industry, alcohol manufacturers/retailers
and young people themselves. For more information on how you can talk to your children about alcohol, please contact Ballard County ASAP Director Kelly Wray at 270-665-8412, ext. 226, or email Kelly.wray@ballard. kyschools.us. If you’d like to get involved, the group’s next meeting is June 19 at 11 a.m. at the Ballard County Health Department, 198 Bluegrass Drive, LaCenter, and it is open to anyone in the community.
The Ballard
County Weekly CALL 270-335-3700
Hunter Collins and Lexi Atherton use a touchscreen pad to answer questions in the technology-rich MSAC. Students Isabell Sizemore, BCES science teacher Crystal Herron, Amira White, Alyssa Anderson, Andrew Dunnagan, Lexi Atherton and Hunter Collins react to the amount of dirt in a cup of water held by instructor Jason Hodge during an experiment about soil erosion.
Nosey?
Ballard County ASAP observes continued from page 2 perceive the message to be legitimate. To stay involved, parents can work with other parents to monitor where kids are gathering and what they are doing. Being involved in the lives of adolescents is key to keeping them safe. While Ballard County is legally designated as “dry,” KIP data also indicated that 69 percent of 10th and 12th grade students here said it was easy to get alcohol. With open, respectful communication and explanations of boundaries and expectations, parents can influence their children’s health. This is especially important in young people’s decisions regarding whether and how to drink – decisions that can have lifelong consequences. Ultimately, there are
Cutlines: BCES students Lanea Sullivan, Emily Ford and Rebekah Duff work on an experiment in the KDA Mobile Science Activity Center.
OR Do you just like to stay
Froggie's Reflections by Kay Presson Saturday, April 18, Heath High School Alumni celebrated at Heath Middle School cafeteria. The celebration has been ongoing since 1972, and each year, the 50-year class is recognized. This year, my class, Heath High School Class of 1965 was recognized. Our class, with 102 graduates, was the largest class ever to graduate.
Several of my classmates live in Ballard County, and Linda Houston Harper taught at Ballard County High School. Sadly, 18 of our classmates have passed away over the years. My Mama, Celia Dean Menser Throgmorton, graduated from Heath High School in 1938. We keep in touch with our friends, and I am so blessed to be a member of the Class of 1965 Heath High School. The photo is of our class.
informed? Get the latest digital copy delivered to you electronically. Just go to our website www. theballardcounty weekly.com and register.
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
THE BALLARD COUNTY WEEKLY
Page 6
Senior Spotlights
Floral Design Workshop
Clay Newton
Cassidy Brown
Mikayla Hale
Euraisa Roddy
By: Carlie Pace No matter where you’re at, you can always see senior Clay Newton coming. At 6’5”, Clay towers over most of his classmates. Many also know Clay as the twin brother of Cody Newton. Laidback and funny, Clay doesn’t meet a stranger. He is a familiar face on the basketball court and baseball field. Clay has played each sport for five years, earning an abundance of athletic awards. He has received the Points Leader Award, the Rebound Leader Award, and the Most Improved Player of the Year Award in basketball and was a part of the All Region Team in baseball. He is also a one-year member of the Art Club. In his free time, Clay likes to fish. He is the son of Mike Newton and Mecca Morgan. Clay attends Faith Missionary Baptist Church, works at Greg’s Supermarket, and is undecided about his future. Favorites: Class: Advanced PE Teacher: Mr. Dillworth Movie: “The Hangover” Musician: Drake Song: “The Language” TV Show: “Wild n’ Out” Video Game: “NBA 2K14” Food: Pepper Steak School Food: Chicken Alfredo
By: Micah Medlin Known for being my go-to-girl, senior Cassidy Brown is always someone who will listen to anything you have to say and who can make you laugh. Cassidy enjoys driving around with her windows down and spending time with her friends. She also really enjoys being a member of the Ballard County Rescue Squad. Cassidy has also been a part of FBLA for four years. Cassidy was on the volleyball team her freshman year. She is the daughter of Jody and Heather Brown of La Center. Cassidy is also an active member of Oscar Baptist Church. Cassidy currently helps her mom with her catering business, Simply Homemade Catering, but plans on later becoming an RN after attending WKCTC. Favorites: Class: MNA Teacher: Mrs. Hayden Movie: “Fast & Furious 7” Musician: Sam Hunt Song: “This Kind of Town” by Justin Moore TV: Lifetime Movie Network Food: Pizza School Food: Crispito
By: Jesse Rollins If anyone is in need of someone to talk to or just wants to have a conversation, look no further than senior Mikayla Hale. This girl could talk to anyone. Kayla is the daughter of Wes and Whitney Hale of Paducah and Angie and Larry Hamilton of Kevil. She attends Potters House Baptist Worship Center in Livingston. She has been a member of FBLA for 4 years and HOSA for 1 year. Kayla’s favorite thing about BMHS is the pep rallies. When Kayla leaves BMHS, she wants to be remembered by her short stature. She is undecided on where she is going to college at this time, but knows that she wants to pursue a career as an ultrasound technician. Favorites: Class: English Teacher: Mrs. Glisson Movie: “Dirty Dancing” Musician: Brad Paisley Song: “Little Moments” TV Show: “Pretty Little Liars” Food: Chicken Alfredo School Food: Chicken Sandwich
By: Ruby Anderson Senior Euraisa Roddy is known for her pretty face, loud laugh, and friendly, positive attitude. She might be shy at first but once you get her started on something she won’t stop. Even though Euraisa may seem shy, if you ever need a friend or anyone to sit with, she is the first person to jump up and volunteer. Euraisa currently lives in LaCenter with her mother, Beverly Smith. She has made her mark at BMHS by being involved in various clubs: FBLA, 3 years; broadcasting, 2 years; HOSA, 2 years; Spanish Club, 2 years; Beta, 1 year. She is also been on the A/B honor roll. Euraisa loves to hang out with friends and she is the queen of selfies. Euraisa currently works at Mr. Carter Photography, but dreams of becoming a pediatrician. Favorites: Class: US History Teacher: Mr. Q Movie: “Free Willy” Food: Chinese School Food: Burrito Bar
Ag Update 4/24/15
vapor through pores in the leaves. Deciduous plants drop foliage in the fall to reduce water loss during the winter when soils are frozen. During sunny winter days with wind and low humidity—which were prevalent during the past two winters—the rate of water loss from evergreen foliage increases, leading to brown, scorched leaves. The pull of transpiration may even result in air pockets developing in the xylem, similar to air pockets in a siphon. Plants are unable to move water through these xylem tubes. Further injury may occur when frozen stems are bent by snow or physically shaken to remove ice and snow, and xylem cell walls are fractured. Certain landscape plants, both deciduous and evergreen, are considered to be marginally hardyin Kentucky. Plant hardiness is based on the lowest temperature that the plant can tolerate under optimal growing conditions. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map places most of Kentucky in Zone 6 with the far western counties in Zone 7a. Temperatures associated with the hardiness map are based on the 30-year average of the single lowest winter temperatures recorded each year. This is not the absolute lowest temperature experienced
over a 30-year period, just the average. The map also does not take into account the duration of cold, soil moisture, humidity, solar radiation, topography, or wind. While there are shortcomings to this map, it is still a valuable aid in deciding what to plant and where it should be located. Problems arise for marginally hardy plants when winters are colder than average. Examples include boxwood, cherrylaurel, southern magnolia, Leyland cypress, crapemyrtle, and nandina. Some of these plants had survived previous milder winters but now show symptoms ranging from moderate leaf burn or twig dieback to death of the entire plant . Managing Winter Injury on Landscape Plants Rule number one in addressing winter injury is to be patient. If the foliage or the tips have been damaged but the stems and buds are still green, wait until the plant puts out new growth before deciding if the plant should be pruned or removed. Sheering dead foliage will immediately improve the appearance of the plant, but pruning should not be done until after the chance of the last frost has passed. Spring fertilization is not recommended, especially for plants suffering winter injury. The
addition of nitrogen can encourage more growth than the damaged stems can supply with water during hot, dry summer months ahead. The addition of water during dry periods is more beneficial than the addition of fertilizer. When necessary, fertilization of woody landscape plants should occur in late fall. Established broadleaf evergreens in exposed locations can be protected from the intensity of winter sun and wind. Cover these plants with light-colored cloth or burlap prior to the onset of winter. Spray moisture on the cloth prior to the onset of extremely windy sub-freezing temperatures. Water frozen on the cloth will further reduce the effect of the wind. The best long-term approach, however, is to match the plant to the site. This can involve using hardy needled evergreens where evergreens are desired and deciduous species that originated in our climatic zone. Programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, age, sex, color, religion, disability or national origin. For additional information, contact the Ballard County Extension Office, 110 Broadway, LaCenter, 665-9118.
Tom Miller, Ballard County Extension Agent for Ag and Natural Resources Winter Injury Visible on Landscape Plants Source William M. Fountain, Extension Horticulturist and Julie Beale, Plant Disease Diagnostician With the arrival of spring’s warmer weather, many landscape plants in Kentucky are showing the effects of a winter that broke records. The winter of 2014-15 approached all-time historical lows in many parts of the Commonwealth. Now landscapers and homeowners are wondering which plants might recover and which must be removed. Particularly hard-hit were evergreens and marginally hardy plant species. “Evergreens” Not So Green This Spring Broadleaf and needled evergreen plants retain foliage during winter, thus they continue to lose water through their leaves—although at a reduced rate—throughout the winter months. During the growing season, plant roots take up water from the soil, where it is pulled upward through the xylem (water conducting tubes inside stems). Some of this water is used by the plant, but much of it exits the plant as water
The design committee for the McCracken County Fair Flower Show, "SEE BLUE," is planning a series of three workshops on floral design. The first one will be April 27, 1:00 p.m., at the McCracken County Extension office. Other sessions will be on May 11 and June 8. On April 27, Sally Wilkins, National Garden Clubs Certified Flower Show Judge, will demonstrate making two different designs featured at this year's show, Illuminary and Pot-et-Fleur. Illuminary designs are creative, abstract designs incorporating lights for special effect. In the 2015 flower show, the class is titled "Blue Moon of Kentucky." Pot-etFleur designs are more traditional and combine rooted and cut flowers,
PROFILES IN NATURE Virginia Bluebell Photo Credit – www. kentuckyupclose.com Another spring wildflower common in our area this time of year is the Virginia Bluebell, or Mertensia virginica. The plant can grow over two feet tall and spreads by rhizomes underground. This means that when found it may form dense patches that may be a considerable size. Each flower is over an inch long so a patch of these wildflowers is a showy sight. Fertile soil in partial shade seems to be preferred. I have seen it mostly along creek banks. The long tube of the flowers makes it difficult for some insects to feed on the nectar but it is a favorite of but-
as in the prize-winning design pictured above. This year's class is called "Blue Oasis." Anyone interested in learning more about floral design is invited to attend these sessions. One need not be committed to entering design competition at the fair. Hypertufa Workshop Kathy Wimberley is presenting a workshop on making hypertufa planters at the May 5th McCracken County Master Gardener Association Toolbox. Participants will make a planter to take home. The workshop will be held at the McCracken County Extension Office, 2705 Olivet Church Road in Paducah. It is free and the public is invited. Advance registration by May 1 is required and can be made by calling 270-554-9520.
terflies which can commonly be seen flitting from plant to plant. I mentioned earlier that bluebell plants are spread by underground rhizomes but it can also be propagated by seed. If seeds are gathered they need to be sown immediately or frozen for around 6 weeks. If rhizomes are dug it is best to do this when the plant is dormant. Leaves and flowers of the Virginia bluebell are edible. Good either raw in a salad or stir fried it can add a distinctive flavor to other dishes. A s usual though, neither the paper nor my-self are responsible for the mis-identification and possible untoward side effects from eating unknown wild plants. By Jack Glisson