PULASKI'S PAST: Sadler, State Officials to Discuss Problems with Burnside Water (2024)

Welcome to May of 1994! I was almost 21 years old at that time. How old were you?

Thirty years ago in Pulaski County, local residents were doing much of the same that we are doing now – following spring sports, watching the Kentucky Derby, looking forward to Mother’s Day, and arguing over water quality.

Do you remember when our driver’s license numbers stopped being the same as our social security numbers? That plan was put into motion 30 years ago… and I still struggle to know my “new” number. Do you also remember when you could no longer order a “rare” burger in restaurants? That change came 30 years ago as well.

Here’s what was newsworthy in Pulaski County this week in 1994, from the pages of the Commonwealth Journal.

Sadler, State Officials to Discuss Problems with Burnside Water

Burnside Mayor Richard Sadler plans to meet with state officials in May to further discuss deficiencies at the city’s municipal water plant. Sadler said the state Division of Water continues to cite the plant for non-removal of solids from waste water and inadequate equipment. … Meanwhile, a Lakeshore Drive resident complained the quality of her water has deteriorated in the last three months. At one point, Joyce Gregory said her faucet was dry. Other times, she said water was discolored, ranging from a “blood red” to a rust-color. The Burnside resident further stated an analyzed sample of the water showed no chlorine, a disinfectant in water purification. … Water manager Ruth Slaughter admitted there have been some problems in the Lakeshore area. She said lines have to be flushed periodically to keep the level of chlorine needed in the water supply. Slaughter said a water sample taken at another location near Mrs. Gregory’s home indicated the required level of chlorine.

Ferguson Budget Gets Initial Approval

A budget of $408,220 was given first reading last night during a public hearing in Ferguson. … A second reading will be given at the June meeting, with the budget taking effect July 1. The final tally marks an increase of about $11,000 over last year’s budget. For this coming fiscal year, $17,000 is expected to be carried over, and estimated revenue from the county’s 1 percent occupational tax is $52,000. The budget draft lists the general fund amount at $142,900. Budget appropriations for the last amount show the police department receiving $31,330; $15,000 for salaries paid from the general fund; and $1,000 for the Ferguson Park. The fire department, which has had problems in the past receiving money it had been budgeted, is scheduled to receive $1,000. According to the draft, the gas company is expecting $157,900 in revenue; the sewer department, $73,680; and the park department, $22,000.

Hamm Hurt in Job Mishap

It’s Guy Hamm’s job to maintain equipment at Alumitech, a plant that manufactures aluminum wheels for cars. Tuesday, a machine turned on him and put a drill through his face. Hamm, 33, was working on a machining center, a piece of equipment that drills bolt holes, said Jill Meece, human resources manager at the plant. With his head inside the machine, somehow it was activated. The drill entered his face just below the cheekbone. Today, Hamm’s condition is stable and improving, according to his wife, Janie. … The drill passed through his cheek, under his eye socket and came within a fraction of an inch of his brain, Janie and his brother, Dan Hamm, said. Guy Hamm’s cheekbone and the bridge of his nose were shattered, Janie said, but his mouth and teeth were undamaged.

Dutton’s ‘Secret’ Operatic Journey Continues

The miles he’s traveled for research and the pages of material he’s read can easily be numbered into the thousands. The days themselves, consumed with writing, composing and rehearsing, reach well into the hundreds. And still Dan Dutton is not finished. He’s not even close. For the past four-and-a-half years Dutton has fastidiously pursued a dream that can be summed up in three words: “The Secret Commonwealth,” the title of his opera. … Although Dutton says he’ll never give up on it, he has allotted himself 10 years to work on the four-part epic that can best be described, paradoxically, as an autobiographical fairy tale. It draws not only from his own experiences but different cultures as well. Otherworldly characters lend the magical touch. … Dutton, a 35-year-old Pulaski County native who lives on Campground Road, first unveiled a section of “The Secret Commonwealth” in January, when he and others performed in area schools. This coming Sunday at 3 p.m. in W.B. Jones Auditorium, the first performance for the general public will be held. … Songs from all four parts will be played. From there, Dutton, who has traveled from Ireland to a desert in Southern Utah to gather research, will again focus on completing what has become a driving force in his life. “Everything I do” feeds into the opera, he says. “... It’s been unrelenting the amount of energy it’s taken.”

State News:

-Go for Gin, a proven mud horse, handled the sloppy track at Churchill Downs on Saturday and won the Kentucky Derby. Holy Bull, the 2-1 favorite, tripped over the Derby jinx and finished next to last in the 14-horse field. Holy Bull became the 15th consecutive beaten favorite.

-If you hold a Kentucky driver’s license or will ever obtain one, you will be affected by new laws passed in the last session of the General Assembly. Beginning Jan. 1, 1996, new driver’s license numbers will be assigned when licenses are renewed but they will no longer be a person’s social security number. A person’s social security number will be required on the license application form, but will not appear on the actual driver’s license. Laws have also raised fees for driver’s licenses which will begin July 15 of this year. Another provision was passed that can result in driver’s license suspension. Anyone who falls more than a year behind on child support will have their driving privileges suspended. This will begin with arrearages that occur after Jan. 1, 1994.

National News:

School News:

-Four Somerset residents were among 46 Eastern Kentucky University students recognized by Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society for academic achievement. The honorees include Carol Ann Dunnington, Mark Anthony Hamm and Emma L. Atwell, all of Somerset, and Becky Taylor, Burnside. At a recent ceremony, the society awarded certificates to undergraduate students who have completed 24-36 credit hours while maintaining at least a 3.7 grade point average.

-Eight students from Southwestern High School will be among 46 high school teams competing in the 10th annual Scholars’ Bowl. United States Cellular, The Knoxville News-Sentinel and WSJK/WKOP-TV Channels 2 and 15 have announced the team representing Southwestern High School: John Pearson, Sara Kalz, Thomas Barbar, Dylan Payne, Emily Parkey, Scott Foster, Carla Slavey and Jason Thayer. Scholars’ Bowl teams are composed of 8-10 high school students selected by the school’s faculty. The Scholars’ Bowl competition rounds are question/answer format with categories ranging from math and science to current events and geography.

-The United States Academy announces that Jessica Elmore has been named a United States National Award winner in band. Elmore, who attends Somerset High School, was nominated for this national award by Kevin Holmes, band director at the school. Elmore is the daughter of Don and Susan Elmore and the granddaughter of Noel and Maxine Keltner of Edmonton, Ky., and Laura Anderson of Leitchfield.

-The United States Achievement Academy announces that Rachel Nichols has been recognized for academic achievement as a United States National Honor Roll Award winner. Nichols attends Meece Middle School. She is the daughter of Larry and Wanda Nichols and the granddaughter of Lena Sears and the late W.R. Nichols and the late John Wesley and Cassie Webb.

Business News:

Susan W. Alderdice, CRS, of Coldwell Banker Harold T. Massey Realty, was recently named among the top ten sales associates in the state of Kentucky for listings sold through 1993 for Coldwell Banker Residential Affiliates Inc. “Coldwell Banker’s strength lies in top producing sales associates like Susan Alderdice who go the extra mile by providing outstanding customer service and getting excellent results,” said David Miller, regional director, Coldwell Banker Midwest Region. Coldwell Banker Harold T. Massey Realty is located at 709 West KY 80, Somerset.

Birth Announcements:

The following babies were born at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital during the period April 17 through April 25, 1994:

-A daughter, Katasha Fawn, born April 17 to Christy D. Smith, Somerset. -A son, Jared Bobby K., born April 18 to Bobby and Sandy Vaughn. -A daughter, Jamie Lee, born April 19 to Anna and Melvyn Peters, Somerset. -A daughter, Cassandra Lynn, born April 20 to Kim Morrow. -A daughter, Taylor Jade, born April 20 to Kevin and Kelly Mounce, Somerset. -A son, Christopher Trey-Jordan, born April 21 to Christy Sanchez, Somerset. -A son, Michael Edward II, born April 22 to Carolyn and Mike Crowhurst, Somerset. -A son, Brandon Tyler, born April 24 to Robin and Kristie Wesley, Science Hill. -A daughter, Kaitlyn Nicole, born April 24 to Paula and Tim Hughes, Somerset.

Engagements and Anniversaries:

-Debra Joanne Molden and Frank Allen Carrington will be united in marriage during an open ceremony at half past 3 o’clock in the afternoon May 14 at First Baptist Church. She is the daughter of Virginia Molden, Somerset. He is the son of Dan Carrington, 236 Magnolia Ave., and the late JoNell Carrington. She also is the daughter of the late Donald R. Molden.

-Mr. and Mrs. LeRoy Jacobs, Massillon, Ohio, announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Kathy Lynn, Canton, Ohio, to Maynard Scott Wood, 11235 West Ky. 80, Nancy. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Maynard Wood, 3089 West Ky. 80, Nancy. The bride is a graduate of Jackson High School. Her fiancé is a graduate of Nancy High School. The couple will be united in marriage during an open ceremony at half past 1 o’clock in the afternoon May 28 at White Oak Baptist Church, Nancy.

-Clayton C. and Doreen Tolley, 147 Tolley Lane, Science Hill, announce the engagement of their daughter, Vicki Lynn, to Jerry Wayne Miller. He is the son of the Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Miller, Stanford. Miss Tolley is a graduate of Pulaski County High School and Eastern Kentucky University. She is employed by Kokoku Rubber, Inc. Mr. Miller is a graduate of Pulaski County High School and is attending EKU. He is employed at Wal-Mart. The couple will be united in marriage during an open ceremony at 2 o’clock in the afternoon May 28 at Northside Baptist Church, Science Hill.

-Ben and Gloria Wesley, Slate Branch Road, Somerset, will celebrate their 50th anniversary from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 22, in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church, Somerset. The event will be hosted by their sons, Dale (and Vickie) Wesley, Shelbyville, Ky., and Ken (and Judy) Wesley, Somerset. The couple were wed May 23, 1944.

Obituaries:

-Bruce O. Estes, 2391 West KY 635, Science Hill, formerly of Eubank, died Monday, May 2, 1994, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He was 99. A Pulaski County native, he was born Sept. 1, 1894. He was a veteran of World War I and a member of Disabled American Veterans. Survivors include several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Mill Springs National Cemetery. Military services will be conducted by American Legion Post No. 38.

-Southern Belle Dairy founder Ralph M. Shearer, 204 East Oak St., Somerset, died Thursday at St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington following a short illness. He was 76. Shearer entered the dairy business in the early 1930s. He started Cumberland Dairies in Monticello in 1945. He moved to Somerset in 1951 and purchased the former Somerset Milk and Ice Cream Company. The small Somerset company became Shearer’s vision for the future. Under Shearer’s leadership, Southern Belle Dairy has evolved from a full-product dairy line to one specializing in fluid milk processing. Today, the Bourne Avenue plant employs a workforce of 250 and serves more than 4,000 customers in six states. Shearer’s sons, Martin and Max, continue the family tradition at the Somerset dairy. … The elder Shearer served as chairman and president of Southern Belle Dairy from 1952 until 1984. He spearheaded much of the company’s earlier growth, including its conversion to paper and plastic packaging and accent on quality. The dairy was one of the first in Kentucky to adopt farm bulk refrigerated milk storage tanks, processing under vacuum, and converting from glass to paper and later plastic containers. … Shearer was born July 5, 1917, in Monticello. He was a member of First Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Mildred Pogue Shearer, two sons, a daughter, a brother, a sister, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be Sunday, May 8, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Somerset Cemetery. -Dewey Preston Pennington, 155 Floyd-Switch Road, Eubank, died Friday, May 6, 1994, at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital. He was 71. He was born in Casey County Feb. 25, 1923. He was a retired plant superintendent for Crane Company, a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and a member of the Eubank Church of Christ. Survivors include his wife, three sons, two brothers, two sisters, and two grandchildren. Funeral services are 2 p.m. Monday at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

-The Rev. Morris M. Gaskins, Russell Springs, died Friday, May 6, 1994, at his residence. He was 71. He was pastor of the Union Independent Baptist Church in Russell Springs. Prior to that, he had more than 40 years of pastoral services. He had served nearly 15 years at the First Baptist Church in Science Hill and 9 1/2 years at Clear Fork Baptist Church in Albany before accepting his duties at Union in September 1977. Most of his pastoral services had expanded to include a daily radio broadcast on local stations and a weekly broadcast on a station in the Caribbean Islands. On short leaves of absence from Science Hill in 1958 and 1959, he served as a missionary to Korea and established a church there. … Before being called to the ministry, he sang bass with several well-known gospel groups, including the Starlighters and the 76 Quartet. His wife, June Popplewell, whom he married in June 1941, played piano for each and the two entered the field professionally in 1950. In their gospel music work together, they did regular work on five Kentucky radio stations including WAVE and WHAS in Louisville. … In 1967, he and his wife, in partnership with Clayborn and Rena Scales of Somerset, founded radio station WJKY Russell Springs/Jamestown, where he served as general manager. He was a 12-month combat veteran of World War II, ETO, and joined the Enlisted Reserve Unit when discharged in 1946. His recall to service in 1950 resulted in a six-month combat tour in Korea before his release. As a writer, he published several books, including a history of each of the churches he served. … In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, a brother, a sister, and three grandsons. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Union Independent Baptist Church.

This Week in Local Sports:

-Last summer, Southwestern’s Brian Rice became somewhat of a globetrotter, when he … ventured to Australia for a series of All-Star games. … Earlier this week, the point guard made it official: he will continue his basketball and track and field careers at Oglethorpe University, a small NCAA Division III school in Atlanta. “I really think the trip to Australia helped me more than anything else,” said Rice. “It helped me get some exposure. Oglethorpe saw me listed on the All-Star pamphlet. … In the fall, they began recruiting me.” … Although Rice competed just one year at the new Southwestern High, he certainly seems to be one athlete who benefited from the split of Pulaski County High. “Brian is a classic example of what the split of the high school has provided for the kids here,” SWHS basketball coach Gene Heffington said. “It opened the door for more students to excel in athletics.”

-Somerset’s two squads played some of their best tennis of the season yesterday, in knocking off former SHS coach Jackie Jewell and his homestanding North Laurel Jaguars and Lady Jaguars. “From top to bottom, the boys and girls both played as well as they’ve played all season,” said SHS coach Clifford Randall this morning. … The Jumpers swept through the singles matches, as Dale Hille (6-3), Matthew Knight (6-1), Rob Dinkens (6-1), Jeremy Page (7-5), Shoei Ejiri (6-1) and Jens Moller (6-0) all came up with victories: In doubles competition, Knight and Dinkens prevailed 6-3, while Hille and Greg Grozdits won 7-6 and Chad Moody and Jerad Stykes came out on top 6-0. The boys rose to 7-1 with the triumph. … The girls improved to 4-4 with a 6-3 win over the Lady Jags. … In singles play, Alice Mandt (6-1), Julena Pitman (6-1), Holly Neikirk (6-2) and Allison Aker (6-4) all came out on top. In doubles action, Gretchen Turpen and Neikirk won 6-2, while Julia Chaney and Caro Ortiz won 7-6.

-Everyone knew that Southwestern High would have two strong starting pitchers in Bryan Morrow and Ryan Davis. But lately, the Warriors have been finding a little depth on their staff. Last week, Jeffrey Stevens pitched a no-hitter, and emerged as a solid third starter. And, last night, Wally Maybrier fired a three-hitter as Southwestern hammered homestanding Monticello 16-3. The tall sophom*ore pitched seven strong innings, and recorded nine strikeouts. … The Warriors’ bats also produced in a big way. Southwestern banged out 16 hits, as Morrow homered, doubled and singled and Jamie Coner blasted a home run and a two-bagger. Jason Stevens pounded out two doubles and a base hit.

-Pulaski County dropped a double-header to visiting Rockcastle County last night at PC Field. In the opener, the Lady Maroons banged out seven hits in a 9-0 loss to the Lady Rockets. Shawna Taylor, Tammy Hines, Morgan Draughn, Heather Alsup, Sharon King, Sheila Haste and Jody Dick all had singles in the loss. In the nightcap, Pulaski County was defeated 12-3. Haste had a double and a single for the Lady Maroons, while King had two base hits. Dick rapped out a run-scoring single, while Melina Rose, Taylor, Autumn Reece, Amy Pinson and Christy Estep all had singles.

-Pulaski County girls and Southwestern’s boys snagged first-place honors in Thursday’s track and field meet at Rockcastle County. … The second track record in the 3200 meter relay was broken by the Southwestern team of Chris Coffey, Jason Cundiff, Kelly Frye and Weddle in 8:45. Josh Smith broke the third record of the day, by beating his previous time of 42.7 in the 300 meter hurdles with a new time of 42 seconds. … PC’S David Evans was first (4:47) in the 1600 meter run, Southwestern’s Cundiff finished second in 4:57. …. The top winner of the 800 meter run was PC’s Evans (2:05) and second place was Southwestern’s Coffey (2:06). … The 400 meter dash was won by Coffey of Pulaski County 53.8, while Sears was second in 55:71. … Jonathon Bell, Pulaski County, was the winner of the 3200 meter run with his career-best of 10:52. … Jeremy Waters finished in second place for Southwestern with a distance of 5 feet and 8 inches in the high jump. … The long jump winner was Southwestern’s Weddle with 19 feet and 1 inch and Weddle also nailed first place in the triple jump with a distance of 39 feet and 6 inches. Southwestern’s Rice placed second in the 100 meter dash in 11.4 seconds. … Brad Hewitt was the second place finisher with a distance of 36 feet and 10 inches in the triple jump. … Junior Brandon Hargis earned first place honors in the discus (107 feet 5 inches). … PC’s girls dominated the meet, … and Southwestern placed fourth in the competition. … In the 3200 meter relay, Pulaski County prevailed with a time of 10 minutes and 21 seconds. The team of Mandy Jones, Natalie Scruggs, Julie Roberts and Gretchen Sandefur have yet to be beaten this year in the category. The Lady Maroons finished second in the 800 meter relay. Becky Kalz, Amy Bullock, Tosha Robinson and Brittany Brown finished with a time of two minutes. Southwestern’s Rachel Sanford was first in the 3200 meter run (12:37), PC’s Shannon Florea finished second in 13:23. … Sandefur was first (28.07) in the 200 meter dash. … Scruggs was the top finisher in the 1600 meter run with a time of 5:35 and Julie Roberts nailed second place in 5:38. Mandy Jones won the 800 meter run with a time of 2:30 and Natalie Scruggs was second in 2:38. In the 1600 meter relay, Pulaski County’s girls’ team nailed the No. 1 spot in 4:29. The team consisted of Jones, Roberts, Bullock and Sandefur. Kalz, Robinson, Brown and Laura Crawford earned second place in the 400 meter relay in 57:23 and Sandefur was first in the 400 meter dash in 62:83. … Southwestern senior Lara Armstrong placed second in the shot put with a toss of 26 feet and six inches.

Advertisem*nts from Local Businesses:

-Gene Hurt Agency, Farm Bureau Insurance Service — Gene Hurt and Don Hurt, Agents. 313 W. Mt. Vernon St. Auto, home, life, health, IRA.

-Sugar Shack Donuts – 601 S. Hwy. 27, adjacent to Briar Bowl. Opening Monday, May 2. You’ll have to come back once you try the Sugar Shack! Open 24 hours Monday-Saturday.

-Tacos Too – Grand Central Place. All food items 2 for 1, Tuesdays, 5 p.m.-close.

-Mac’s Village Pantry – Bananas, 25 cents/lb. Martha White flour, $1.19/5 lb. Brawny paper towels, 49 cents/roll.

-American Tae Kwon Do & Hapkido Academy – Cumberland Plaza Shopping Center, next to Kmart. We teach all ages.

-Eggroll Express – 115 S. Hwy. 27. Mother’s Day dining special. Mom’s receive 50% off when dining with family on Mother’s Day.

In the Classifieds:

-For sale — $59,900! You can be the proud owner of this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home in Cedar Hill Heights. Home has living room, kitchen/dining combination. Utility room and carport. Nice corner lot. Country atmosphere.

-For sale — $67,900! New listing in Winding Ridge! This brick ranch house has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Located on a dead-end street.

-For sale — $92,800! Be the first one to plant flowers around this brand new brick 3 bedroom house in Nature’s Pointe. Great room with cathedral ceiling. 2 baths. On cul-de-sac.

-For rent — Large 3 BR apt, kit. appl. & utilities furn. $450 mo. 410 S. Main.

-For rent — Spacious luxury 2 BR Duplex, Sheerwood across from Mall, $450 mo.

Showing This Week at Showplace Cinemas and 27 Twin Drive-In:Schindler’s List – P.C.U. – Bad Girls – White Fang II – Major League II – Blank Check – Tombstone – D2 The Mighty Ducks – Cool Runnings – Grumpy Old Men – 3 Ninjas Kick Back

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