PULASKI'S PAST: Mural honoring George Joplin III, Bill Mardis is Unveiled

Sep. 23—Some weeks, reporters wish something exciting would happen so they can have enough news to fill the newspaper. Ten years ago this week, local reporters were wishing for a little less excitement — and they were certainly wishing there was less bad news and more good news to report.

Since ten years wasn't all that long ago, we'll skip over a lot of the bad news and sum it up by saying that the headlines were filled with words like "manslaughter," "endangerment to a child," "heroin bust," "attempted murder," "neglect incident," "sexual harassment lawsuit," and "sexual abuse." Needless to say, it wasn't a stellar week for Pulaski County. It was also ten years ago this week that a couple with local ties was buried here in Somerset following their murders at a pawn shop in Danville. Store owners Michael and Angela Hockensmith were two of three individuals killed in the incident.

There were a few bright spots in the week, however, and one of the happiest pieces of news happened to be news about the newspaper itself — more specifically, about two former editors who were pioneers of the modern-day Commonwealth Journal. Throughout the week, several articles and editorial pieces focused on the careers of George Joplin III and Bill Mardis, who were honored with a mural on the side of the newspaper office building downtown.

Here's what was newsworthy in Pulaski County this week in 2013, from the pages of the Commonwealth Journal.

Mural Honoring George Joplin III, Bill Mardis is Unveiled

George Joplin III and Bill Mardis spent the better part of their adult lives chronicling the people and happenings of Pulaski County. And by the looks of Tuesday's crowd, gathered to see the unveiling of a mural depicting the two men, it wasn't hard to ascertain just how many people they've impacted through their careers. Current Commonwealth Journal Publisher Rob McCullough addressed a crowd of around 70 people Tuesday about Mardis and Joplin's dedication to community journalism. "Both men were workaholics, true newspapermen who had ink in their blood," said McCullough. "They worked long hours, day and night to build the CJ into one of the Commonwealth of Kentucky's premiere, award-winning newspapers." ... The mural, painted by Tyrone Vetter, depicts the likeness of two men considered tantamount to making the Commonwealth Journal what it is today. ... Joplin served as publisher of The Commonwealth, a weekly newspaper, and later president and managing editor of the daily Commonwealth Journal. Joplin, known to all as "Jop," was a community icon while he lived, and his name has remained alive since his death in 1992. Jop managed and led a newspaper that flourished during what were known as the "Golden Days" of journalism. ... Joplin was elected in 1964 as the youngest president of the Kentucky Press Association. He also served as president of the board of directors of the School of Journalism Foundation of Kentucky, was the president of the Kentucky Press Service, and was the president of the Kentucky Associated Press. ... Current Commonwealth Journal Editor Emeritus Bill Mardis followed in Joplin's footsteps and learned the ways of the newspaper business from Joplin himself. At 82 years old, Mardis is still an active member of the editorial staff at the Commonwealth Journal. Mardis began his journalism career in radio, and the Taylor County native worked as a broadcaster with WTLO in Somerset until he accepted a job offer to work under Joplin in 1964. ... Mardis worked long hours alongside Jop in an effort to bring every piece of news possible to the community. Mardis, who still keeps a finger on the political pulse of Pulaski County while tackling long-term news stories such as the Wolf Creek Dam repair situation and the development of a downtown energy center is known among many as the "Humble Reporter." ... Mardis, who was at Tuesday's event with his wife, Linda, said he's honored to be included on the mural with Joplin. "I hate to use the word awesome because I'm too old," said Mardis, smiling. "It was just wonderful. I'm so honored."

Hotel Close to The Center Could be Economic Game-Changer

The Pulaski Hyatt? The Lake Cumberland DoubleTree? Any names would be mere speculation, but one thing is clear: There is room in Somerset for a hotel with game-changing economic potential. Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler told the Commonwealth Journal that a hotel which would be part of The Center for Rural Development complex is indeed a key part of the city's planned TIF (Tax Increment Financing) plan for a large-scale infrastructural makeover. ... Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center for Rural Development, confirmed the entity's interest in such a plan. "We are exploring the possibilities of putting a hotel adjacent to The Center," said Lawson. ... Lawson said that the hotel would likely be between 80 and 100 rooms. ... It would likely be located on the north side of The Center, potentially behind the Alton Blakley dealership that faces U.S. 27. ... Speculation about the possibility of a Center-attached hotel bubbled to the surface in the summer of 2012, after Somerset went "wet." ... Having alcohol made it more feasible, so that a top-flight restaurant could be attached to the project, as is common in higher-end hotels. ... One thing that both Girdler and Lawson stressed was that the goal is for a hotel to lift the region up economically. It's expected to greatly aide The Center's efforts to draw conventions and business conferences to the Lake Cumberland region.

Insurance Premiums for County will Increase by over $65K Next Year

It's no secret that Pulaski County Government has had to settle several big-money claims and lawsuits over the past couple years. High-profile lawsuits against the county clerk's office and county attorney's office were settled in 2011, and several settlements were paid on (a) Pulaski County Sheriff's Deputy ..., who is currently under indictment for three counts of alleged brutality. After last week's lawsuit was filed against (another county official) and Pulaski Fiscal Court, there's an indication more dark clouds are on the horizon. Perhaps with that in mind, magistrates voted yesterday to increase its insurance liability limits from $2 million to $5 million, at a cost of just over $8,000. Pulaski County will pay a total of $442,264 for liability insurance through One Beacon Insurance for the coming year. That's up from the $376,915 it paid the same carrier last year. "Now we can pay five $1 million claims, rather than two $1 million claims," said county treasurer Joan Isaacs. "After you hit those liability limits, it's all out of pocket for the county." ... Isaacs pointed out that the county did add more vehicles this year, which also caused a jump in the premium. The county will also pay One Beacon $157,968 in worker's compensation insurance. "That's also up slightly over last year," Isaacs said. "We did add some staff, which would cause the jump."

National News:

-Congressman Harold "Hal" Rogers has always been an outspoken opponent of the Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. "Obamacare." On Friday, he played a role in what may be the most drastic step taken to fight the legislation yet. The House of Representatives voted by a margin of 230-189 to pass a bill that would prevent a potential federal government shutdown looming on the horizon — if lawmakers in the Senate are willing to sacrifice the controversial health care overhaul championed by President Barack Obama. ... "The ball is now in the Senate's court to act on this legislation," said Rogers in a statement on Friday. "It is my hope they will pass this bill swiftly, to avoid a government shutdown, and to provide for critical government services and programs. A government shutdown is a political game in which everyone loses," he added. ... A government shutdown would mean a delay in pay for federal workers, would send non-essential federal workers home, close national parks and shutter passport offices. Essential programs like air traffic control, food inspection and the Border Patrol would keep running, and Social Security benefits, Medicare and most elements of the new health care law would continue. ... The Democrat-led Senate promises to strip the health care provision from the bill next week and challenge the House to pass it as a simple, straightforward funding bill that Obama will sign. "Republicans are simply postponing for a few days the inevitable choice they must face: Pass a clean bill to fund the government, or force a shutdown," said Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. Republicans welcomed the vote, saying the new health care law is a disaster that is forcing cutbacks in workers' hours, raising health insurance premiums and being implemented unfairly.

-A 79-year-old woman whose house was swept away by the Big Thompson River was found dead on the river bank, authorities said Monday, bringing to eight the death toll from the massive flooding in Colorado. As the number of people unaccounted-for dwindled to six, Vice President Joe Biden viewed the devastation from a helicopter before meeting with disaster workers. "I promise you; I promise you, there will be help," Biden said, trying to mute concerns that a possible federal government shutdown could derail relief efforts. The latest victim was identified as Evelyn M. Starner.

-U.S. home sales rose last month to the highest level since February 2007 as buyers rushed to close deals before mortgage rates increased further. Yet the gain could represent a temporary peak if higher rates slow sales in the coming months. Sales of previously occupied homes rose 1.7 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.48 million in August, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday. That level is consistent with a healthy market. August sales reflect contracts signed in June and July when mortgage rates were rising steadily. The Realtors' group cautioned that buyer traffic dropped off significantly in August. That points to fewer sales in the fall. Higher rates could also depress home buying next year, the Realtors said. ... Steady job gains and low mortgage rates have fueled a recovery in housing since early last year. But rates have risen since May and have begun to restrain housing's rebound. The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was 4.57 percent last week, near a two-year high and more than a full percentage point higher than in May.

Gas Price Comparisons:

Somerset — $3.29. Frankfort — $3.19. London — $3.19. Lexington — $3.19. Florence — $3.45. State Avg. — $3.39.

Upcoming Events:

-Somerset Community College Theatre's upcoming film project, "A Superhero's Best Friend," ... will receive a public presentation in SCC's Stoner Little Theatre on Saturday, September 21, at 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for the event. ... "A Superhero's Best Friend" tells the story of a young man by the name of Patrick, played by former SCC librarian assistant Aaron Whitehead, who has always wanted to be a superhero. In spite of the fact that he knows all there is to know about comic book mythology, he can't seem to make the grade. It isn't until he makes a startling discovery and enlists the assistance of his best friend and roommate, played by former SCC Theatre major Jeremy Boggs, that a path to his dream seems possible. ... The project was shot over the summer and was edited in the late part of the summer. Aside from Whitehead and Boggs, "A Superhero's Best Friend" also features appearances by Mark Isham, David Cole, Chris Harris, Chip Hartley, Jane Correll, Brandi Fitzgerald, David Cross, Cheyenne Willis, Whitney House, Jeff Harris, Shane Morgan, Dana Floro, Caitlyn Wheeler, Felice Parish, Elyjiah Streeter, Anna Ashburn, Camden Harris, John Golden, Eli Hutchinson, Josh Carey and John Alexander.

-"Tunes at Noon" at the Carnegie Community Arts Center will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. September's entertainment will feature The Sorghum Sisters, Maryann Callarman and Marlene Peterson, singing and playing easy listening and "old-time" country tunes. Lunch will consist of delicious chicken strips with dipping sauce, biscuits, coleslaw, baked beans, Dutch apple pie, hot coffee and lemonade. The event is sponsored by Somerset Burger King and the Carnegie. The meal and show are only $5.50, and reservations are suggested, but not required.

-The Somerset Model Airplane Club's Fall Classic Charity Fall-in will benefit the American Cancer Society-Relay for Life of Pulaski County. This is the third year SMAC has chosen the American Cancer Society for the event. The Fall Classic Charity Fly-in will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28, at Fowler Field on Hugh Spurlock Road near Cooper Power Plant. The event will start with a pilot's meeting at 9 a.m. Open flying of giant scale model airplanes, helicopters and turbine powered jets will be held all day at the event. The event is FREE and open to the public.

-Farm Bureau Annual Meeting — Tuesday, October 1, 2013, Southwestern High School, 6:30 p.m. Variety contest, business meeting, steak dinner, door prizes. $5.00 per person.

News from Local Businesses:

-Josh Anderson had a Major League Baseball career batting average of 272, with four home runs and 47 RBIs. Josh Anderson was inducted into the Lexington Legends Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. Josh Anderson was the Texas League All-Star MVP in 2006 and led all of professional baseball in stolen bases in 2004. Josh Anderson was Eastern Kentucky University's first-ever first-team Louisville Slugger Baseball All-American. Josh Anderson started out his 25-year baseball career as a 5-year-old in the Pulaski County Little League — based in Science Hill — and played his prep baseball at Pulaski County High School. Now, the former major leaguer wants to give back to his hometown and share his wealth of baseball knowledge with the youth of the Lake Cumberland area. ... The Josh Anderson Baseball/Softball Academy — located on Monticello Street at the intersection of Oak Hill Road and Monticello Street — is now open for expert baseball and softball training. ... The Josh Anderson Baseball/Softball Academy has an experienced staff of some of the best baseball and softball instructors in the area. Former Pulaski County High School baseball coach, and standout collegiate player, Kent Mayfield brings a wealth of baseball knowledge and instruction to the Josh Anderson Academy. Former Eastern Kentucky University and Pulaski County High School baseball standout player Drew Reynolds will be part of the Josh Anderson Baseball Academy. On the softball side, former Pulaski County High School softball standout Cassandra Foster Noe will instruct for the Josh Anderson Softball Academy. Also, Southwestern High School and Lindsey Wilson College standout Whitney Mink will be on staff for softball instruction. ... The facility is also an excellent place to hold youth parties or team gatherings. Also, the Josh Anderson Academy will offer travel team participation for both softball and baseball leagues. Later in the spring, the facility will expand with an on-site outdoor grass infield for live fielding and base running instruction.

-The employment total at Continental Refining Company (CRC) continues to rise and a new operations manager is on board. "We have 43 employees now," said Missy Shorey, spokesperson for CRC, formerly Somerset Refinery. "And we're really excited," she continued. "Paul Harless, our new operations manager, started working today (Thursday)." ... About 66 employees reportedly were on board when the refinery closed more than three years ago. Somerset Refinery was a landmark business and one of this community's most stable employers since the 1930s. It shut down in February 2010 due to financial difficulties and inability to purchase sufficient amounts of crude oil from regional producers who claimed they were not paid by previous owners of the refinery. Continental Refining Company purchased the refinery in December 2011. It has secured a contract with Sonoco Partners Marketing and Terminals LP that will assure a consistent supply of crude oil, according to Demetrios Haseotes, president and CEO of CRC. An official local announcement was made February 3 that crude oil was again being refined at the Monticello Street location. ... Continental Refining, a Somerset-based company, is one of only two crude oil refineries in Kentucky and is among 150 crude oil refineries in the United States. The refinery is located on 93 acres off Monticello Street.

-If East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) has its way, both generating units at John Sherman Cooper Power Station will continue to burn coal despite very strict greenhouse gas emission regulations proposed Friday by the Obama administration. The proposed emission regulations do not apply to existing power plants, but the Environmental Protection Agency will propose greenhouse gas standards next June for existing plants. Coal industry sources contend the proposed emission standards, if implemented, would make it financially unfeasible to build and operate a new coal-fired generating plant. Despite what many eastern Kentucky coal fields call President Obama's "War on Coal," East Kentucky Power Cooperative (EKPC) currently has before the Kentucky Public Service Commission a request to review and approve a $15 million project that EKPC says would meet tightening federal air regulations and keep an older generating unit a viable part of John Sherman Cooper Power Plant's generating capacity. ... East Kentucky Power Cooperative is a not-for-profit, member-owned cooperative providing wholesale electricity to 16 owner-member distribution cooperatives, including South Kentucky RECC. EKPC is the electrical source for 520,000 Kentucky homes, farms, businesses and industries across 87 counties. The cooperative provides power through coal-fueled plants located in Mason, Clark and Pulaski counties; natural gas-fueled peaking units in Clark County; renewable energy plants in Boone, Laurel, Greenup, Hardin, Mason and Pendleton counties; and nearly 2,800 miles of transmission lines.

School News:

-The Homecoming Queen candidates for Southwestern High School are Nicole Upchurch, Kasey Williams, Sarah Smith, Dakota Tyree, Rachel Hunley, Jasmin Garcia, Brittany Pitman, Kayla Spencer, Katherine Citak, Makayla Loveless, Abby Eads and Hope Bruner.

-Senior candidates for homecoming queen for Somerset High School are Allyson Lovins, Roufia Saleh, Maci New, Virginia Scott, Halie Chamberlain, Kara Tolley, Kayla Matott, Madison Brooks and Hannah Burkett.

-The Homecoming Queen Candidates for Pulaski County High School are Lindsey Byrd, Jaysie Sexton, Ashley Johnson, Michaela Rowe, Raegan Ruby, Allison Higgins, Carlee Perry and Haley Partin.

-Cody Lance and Justin Blake Epperson, the sons of Greg and Cathy Epperson of Somerset, have been named to the University of Kentucky College of Engineering Dean's List for the spring 2013 semester. Cody and Justin are sophomores at UK pursuing degrees in electrical engineering. Cody and Justin graduated in May 2012 from Southwestern High School. They are the brothers of Whitney Epperson and the grandsons of Gene Epperson and Bobbie Jo Epperson of Somerset.

Engagements:

-Lisa Marie McClendon and Nathan Allen McGowan will be united in marriage Saturday, October 12, 2013. The ceremony will take place at 1:00 p.m. at White Oak Baptist Church in Nancy. The bride-to-be is the daughter of Jerry and Peggy McClendon of Nancy, Ky. She is a 2009 graduate of Midway College with a degree in elementary education and a 2013 graduate of the University of the Cumberlands with a master's degree in special education. She is currently employed with the Pulaski County School System as a special education teacher and is a volunteer firefighter with the Faubush Tri-County Volunteer Fire Department. The groom-to-be is the son of Timothy and Audrey McGowan of Jabez, Ky. He is a 2006 graduate of Somerset Community College with an associate degree in diesel mechanics. He is currently self-employed as a dairy farmer on his family farm and is owner of McGowan Welding in Jabez, Ky. He is an active garden tractor puller and member of Sycamore Flatte Flywheelers. After a honeymoon in Tennessee, they will reside in Jabez, Ky.

Obituaries:

-Bobby Eugene Stringer, 79, of Somerset, passed away on Friday, September 20, 2013, at his residence. He was born April 24, 1934, in Somerset, and was the son of the late Henry and Zord Dick Stringer. He was united in marriage on May 7, 1955, to Mary Dye Stringer. Bobby was retired from the City of Somerset Water Dept. He enjoyed going to the beach and was an avid NASCAR fan, having attended many races. He attended Pitman Creek Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife, Mary, his daughter, Debbie Whitter of Somerset; four grandchildren...; two great-grandchildren...; four sisters...; a brother-in-law...; and several special nephews and nieces.... Interment will be at Lakeside Memorial Gardens.

-Elva Belle Sears, 95, of Somerset, Ky., departed this life on Saturday, September 21, 2013, at Somerwoods Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. Elva was born on May 4, 1918, in Dahl, Ky., to the late Andrew Bales and Elizabeth Randall Sears. She was a member of Fellowship Methodist Church in Shopville, Ky., where she played the piano for 80 years. She also accompanied several gospel quartets throughout her and her husband, Leonard's life in gospel music. She was a graduate of Eubank High School in 1936. She worked at Palm Beach for 15 years and was the Restaurant Manager of Peoples Tobacco Warehouse. Elva is survived by her husband, Leonard Sears, whom she married on January 29, 1936; two sons, Wilson (and Brenda) Sears of Somerset, Ky., and John David (and Betty) Sears of Somerset, Ky.; one brother...; one sister...; six grandchildren...; 11 great-grandchildren...; one great-great-grandchild...; and many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by one son, James Andrew Sears; one granddaughter...; three brothers...; and two sisters.... Burial will be at Fellowship Cemetery in Shopville, Ky.

This Week in Local Sports:

-The Pulaski County Maroons ran their record to a perfect 5-0 on the season last night after another dominating performance, thanks to a 54-14 win over Rockcastle County. Quarterback Riley Hall continued his torrid assault through the air, throwing three touchdown passes to George Gregory..., while Aaron Smith continued his domination on the ground game with a pair of long TD runs in the third quarter, one from 49 yards and one from 55 yards.

-After a Somerset interception by Addison Thompson on Glasgow's first offensive play of the game, the Briar Jumpers raced out to an early lead and never looked back in a 35-13 win over the Scotties at William Clark Field. Somerset, now 2-3 on the season, capitalized on that early interception and scored off a Bryson Jones 9-yard touchdown run.

-After a 42-20 loss to Wayne County last night at the Reservation, the Southwestern Warriors fell to 0-5 on the season.

-The Pulaski County Elementary Mustangs continued their winning ways, with wins in the pee wee and junior divisions over a very tough Oak Hill Wolverine team. ... The Mustang offensive line set the tone for the entire game. Kolten Cain, Dylan Elliot, Foster Fraley, Tyler Johnson, Coltan Randolph, James Stamper and Tommy York are some of the key components of the Mustang offensive line. ... Leyton Bramble, Brodrick Finley, Conner Flynn, Dylan Elliot, Foster Fraley, Trenton Gipson, Kristopher Hughes, Tyler Johnson and Jack McCollum led the Mustang defense. ... The Mustang juniors also came away with another solid victory. This was a 27-0 win over a feisty Oak Hill Wolverine squad. ... Zack Travis took over the game offensively. The young Mustang accounted for all 4 TDs and close to 200 yards rushing on a spectacular day for football. ... Brysen Dugger led the offense effectively from the QB position. Center Declan Hays kept the middle clean and made the correct calls all day from the center spot. ... Braiden Myers, Brayden Cook, Jaxon Whitaker, Tanner Godsey, Carter Kring, Jacob Wilburn, Jared Ard, Nathan Hart, Coleson Thompson, Mason Strunk, Conner Haste, and Christopher James all saw significant time on the O-line against Oak Hill.

-The Southern Elementary senior football team has raced out to a perfect 3-0 record this season. The Southern Braves downed the Shopville Tigers 32-0.

-After a pair of convincing victories over Wayne County and Somerset to kickoff this week, Southwestern returned to action on Thursday night, hosting Mercer County at the Plains. ... The 2-2 tie with the Lady Titans is Southwestern's first tie of the 2013 season. Also, Thursday night was the first time that the Lady Warriors did not come away with a victory on their home turf at the Plains.

-Just two days after losing to archrival Southwestern on their home field, the Somerset Lady Jumper soccer team returned home to the friendly confines of Clara Morrow Field on Thursday to take on the perfect opponent. ... The 1-7 McCreary Central Lady Raiders rolled into Somerset on Thursday afternoon, and promptly took one squarely on the chin, as Somerset rolled to a much-needed 10-0 victory, in a game that was stopped with almost 34 minutes still remaining in the contest due to the mercy rule.

-The Lexington Christian Academy Lady Eagles rolled into Somerset's Clara Morrow Field on Monday afternoon and made very short work of homestanding Somerset in the Girl's 11th/12th Region All A Sectional Finals. LCA got two goals just over three minutes into the contest... and the Lady Eagles rolled from there to knock off Somerset by a final count of 10-0 in a game that was stopped with over 30 minutes left to play due to the mercy rule.

-For one half on Monday night, much like their girl's squad in the game before, the Lexington Christian Academy Eagles were making it look easy against homestanding Somerset in the Boy's 11th/12th Region All A Sectional Finals at halftime. ... Somebody forgot to tell Steve Wallace's crew this one was over. Somerset put forth a tremendous rally in the second period of play, getting a pair of scores from Carlos Canella and a goal from Cole Smith to knot things up late at 3-3, forcing the game into a shootout. The Jumpers won that shootout by a final tally of 3-0, coming all the way back from the dead for a hard-fought and thrilling 4-3 (3-0) win over LCA, advancing to the Boy's All A State Soccer Tournament. ... With the win, Somerset advances to the Boy's All State Soccer Tournament, which gets underway on Saturday afternoon in Elizabethtown.

-After a 2-2 tie with Mercer County and a 4-2 loss to Bardstown, the Southwestern Lady Warriors got back to their winning ways on Monday evening at the Plains, as they shutout Corbin by a score of 5-0.

-Pulaski High School boys' soccer tied with Garrard County 2 all in their match up on Monday night. ... The score remained tied at 2 all for the last nine minutes of the game. ... With this tie Pulaski is now 6-4-1 on the season.

-The Lady Warriors volleyball team defeated the Lady Defenders from Bryan Station on Tuesday night 3-0 (25-19, 25-16, 25-14).

-The local cross-country teams sought out the toughest competition they could find this past weekend in preparation for the upcoming regional and state meets later this fall. The Pulaski girls' team and the Southwestern varsity squads traveled to the prestigious Franklin County Invitational, ran on the state meet course at the Kentucky Horse Park, while the Pulaski County boys team traveled to the elite Trinity Invitational. At the Franklin County Invitational, Pulaski freshman Alyssa Hyden placed 10th with a 20:40 clocking, while her seventh-grade teammate Devin Mayfield placed 15th with a 21:06 clocking. The Lady Maroons finished 11th, with 316 points, amongst 29 of the top programs in the state. Pulaski's Sydney New placed 46th, Southwestern's Phelps placed Ashley 60th, Pulaski's Sarah Burton placed 121st, Southwestern's Sky Combs placed 165th and Pulaski's Raegan Ruby placed 166th. ... Southwestern junior Jordan Carrington finished 41st in the boys' varsity race with a 17:58 clocking. The Trinity Invitational was loaded with the premier cross-country teams in the states of Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. ... Amazingly, the top 37 runners broke the 16-minute mark for the 5,000-meter course. Pulaski senior Mason Blevins placed 94th with a 16:37 clocking. Austin Hyden placed 109th and was timed at 16:48. Morgan Stevens placed 135th and ran a time of 17:02. Pulaski placed 21st overall with 707 points. ... Pulaski's Sam Smith placed 175th and Duncan Finch placed 372nd and Riley Crawford placed 386th.

-The rain cleared just in time for the shotgun start of the Somerset High School Invitational on Saturday at Eagle's Nest Country Club. Twelve teams finished in sunshine, yet local teams were still under a cloud as the trophies all left the county. Pulaski tied for fourth, Somerset tied for fifth, and Southwestern placed seventh. ... Local golfers finishing in the top of the pack were Pulaski's Chris Blount with a 75, Somerset's Ross Perry with a 75, Pulaski's Kellan Wilson with a 76, Somerset's Konnor Cowan with a 78, Somerset's Jared Murray with an 80 and Southwestern's Vincent Boils with an 81.

-Athletes of the week — Alyssa Hyden Pulaski County High School; Mason Blevins Pulaski County High School.

Advertisements from Local Businesses:

-Buyers Paradise Clearance Center — Now open, the newest addition to the Buyers Paradise family of stores. Save 50-75% off on overstocks, one-of-a-kinds, mismatch, special buys, scratch and dent, even a "make an offer" section. Save like never before! Light #28 on South Hwy. 27, Somerset, located in the old Sharpe Houseboat building.

-Don Franklin — 345 S. Hwy. 27. Construction reduction blowout sale. No reasonable offer will be refused. 2013 Chevrolet Cruze LT, $19,993. 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, $28,557. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox LT, $15,580.

-Food Fair — Zesta crackers, 2 for $3. Campbells Chunky Soups, 2 for $3. Chuck roast, $3.49/lb.

-The Mole Hole — Tradewinds Shopping Center. Fall Open House, Friday, Sept. 27. New Vera Bradley Winter Collection, new fall and winter Candleberry Candles, Willow Tree, Wind & Willow, She Beads, music boxes, wind chimes, greeting cards.

-Kroger — Red Baron pizza, 3 for $10. Gala apples, $4.99/5 lb. bag. Wrigley's Extra gum, 10 for $10.

-Reed Brothers Insurance Services, Inc. — 445 S. Hwy. 27. Meet one of our newest insurance professionals, Adam Sheridan. Consider Reed Brothers Insurance Services and State Auto for all your insurance needs.

In the Classifieds:

-For sale — 1075 Hideaway Dr, Somerset. Here's your handyman special! 3bd/2ba, 1.5 story log home with waterfront frontage on Lake Cumberland. Deck on back overlooking lake. Fix this little gem in the rough up and have a great get-away! Priced to sell quick. $55,000.

-For sale — 237 Magnolia, Somerset. Terrific house. 3 bedrooms, one and half baths, kitchen breakfast bar, dining room and bonus room located in Green Meadows subdivision. House is all on one level, perfect for empty nesters and enough room for large family. Owners are leaving refrigerator, stove, microwave, washer and dryer. Large storage building in back with electricity. Fenced in back yard. $128,500.

-For sale — Wedgewood Subdivision, 2 minutes to golf cart path, 3 minutes to Bypass 914 & U.S. 27. 4 minutes to Waitsboro boat ramp. Beautiful move-in ready 3BR/2BA ranch home. Quiet, safe neighborhood, with streetlights. Screened-in back porch with lots of privacy for relaxing & entertaining. Large Crawl Space. Approx. one-half acre with abundance of landscaping. Unbelievable price of $149,000.

-For rent — 2 bedrooms, one bath. Newly Remodeled. $650 month +dep. In Science Hill Schools.

-For rent — Behind Toyota of Somerset, 2BR, 1.5BA, Garage, No pets, $600/mo.

-For rent — 2-bedroom, one bath on Slate Branch. $375 per month.

-For sale — Excellent investment! 8471 HWY 196, Nancy. This property offers a gas station, diner, deli, and retail store space. The gas tanks are both 2,000 gal and were installed in March 2009. This store is in an excellent location close to the Cave Springs Marina, which was recently purchased and is under total renovation to become one of Lake Cumberland's nicer marinas. Lake comers must pass the store on their way to this marina. $69,900.

-Now hiring — Aaron's is immediately seeking qualified manager trainee and product delivery applicants. Positions start at $9.50HR + commission, medical, dental, vision, life insurance benefits, 401(k) with match, monthly bonus ops, 40 hour — 5-day work week with every Sunday off. Must be 21 years or older with clean driving record and must pass criminal background check and drug test.

-Now hiring — The Science Hill Police Dept. will be accepting applications for Certified Police Officers until September 30th, 2013.

Showing This Week at 27 Twin Drive-In:

Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters — The Heat — Paranoia — You're Next

Recipe of the Week:

Apple Crescent Rolls

1/3 cup water

1/3 cup butter

1-1/2 cups sugar, divided

2 tubes (8 ounces each) refrigerated crescent rolls

3 cups finely chopped peeled tart apples

1-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

In a saucepan, combine water, butter and 1 cup sugar; cook over medium heat until butter is melted and sugar is dissolved. Set aside. Unroll each tube of crescent roll dough into a rectangle; seal seams and perforations. Combine the apples, cinnamon and 1/2 cup remaining sugar, spread over the dough to within 1 inch of edges. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Cut into 1-inch rolls; place each roll in a greased 13 x 9 × 1-inch baking dish. Pour syrup over rolls. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm. Yields about 2 dozen.

A Word from Your Humble Reporter, Bill Mardis:

Friends, hit's hard to bulieve, but hit's less than two weeks 'till the furst frost. That's r'at. The furst katydid hollered July 13 out on Pitman Creek an' that put the furst frost 90 days away, on Oct. 11. I ain't hardly never seed hit fail. Hit's gittin' harder an' harder to predick the furst frost. This air global warmin' stuff is gittin' the katydids konfused. Sides that, most uv my katydid listeners is gittin' lack your humble reporter. We'ins is so harda hearin' we kan't hardly hear hit thunder, much less a katydid. Katydids usual holler shortly after hit gits dark an' by that time your humble reporter has turned in. Most folks out on Pitman Creek don't sot on the front porch much no more 'cause the dad-gummed muskskeeters ets you'ins alive. Hit usta wudn't thataway. We'ins usta sot on the front porch 'till hit got big dark an' lightenin' bugs wuz bout the only kinda bugs we seed. I don't have no idear whur all the muskskeeters cume from. Hit must be global warmin' I rekon.