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Superintendent Graves to retire the end of June

As of July 1, 2000, Monroe County school system will have a new
superintendent at the helm. Superintendent James Graves announced at the Monroe County Board of  Education’s regular monthly meeting, Thursday night, Jan. 20, that he will retire as the Monroe County school superintendent as of June 30. He has served as superintendent since 1983. Graves presented to the board the recommended timeline for the hiring of his replacement and asked that the board chair, Dr. James E. Carter, Jr., appoint a board representative to the selection committee. Carter appointed  Dr. Kenneth R. Crabtree, noting that he has more years of experience than the other members. The selection committee, which is mandated by by state law, shall be elected and selected by Feb. 18 and will consist of two teachers (elected by the  teachers in the district), one board member (appointed by the board chair), one principal (elected by the principals of the district), one parent  (elected by the presidents of the parent-teacher organizations of the schools in the district), and one classified employee (elected by the classified employees of the district). This committee will then interview applicants for the job of
superintendent and, by March 23, present five finalists to the Board of Education. The board will then begin interviewing the finalists on March 27, with the new superintendent to be named at the board meeting on March 30. The board also approved the advertisement of this position statewide, with applications to be due by Feb. 20. Graves said later that, after retirement, he is hoping to spend more time with his grandchildren and travel more with his wife.

Local woman killed in Metcalfe County accident

A local woman was killed in an two-vehicle accident in Metcalfe County
on Saturday morning, Jan. 22, around 8 a.m. Naomi R. Thomas, 35, Tompkinsville, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident that occurred seven miles south of Edmonton on Hwy. 163. According to Kentucky State Police reports, Thomas’s northbound 1989 Chevrolet pickup crossed the center line, apparently due to bad road conditions, and collided head-on with a southbound 1988 Ford pickup driven
by Donald Sandidge, 62, of Summer Shade. Sandidge was taken by ambulance to T.J. Samson Community Hospital where he was treated and released. Investigating officer, Tpr. Lonnie Hodges, noted that seatbelts were in use by both drivers. There were no passengers in either car. Reportedly, Thomas, who was manager of the Dollar General store in Edmonton, was on her way to work when the accident took place. She was the wife of Roger Thomas and the mother of a nine-year-old daughter, Laura Ashley Thomas. Funeral services for Naomi (Strode) Thomas were held Tuesday morning at the Strode Funeral Home in Tompkinsville.

May primary ballot complete

With the Jan. 25th candidate filing deadline now past, the line-up
for the May primary is now complete.  In the only local race, former County Clerk Patsy Jernigan filed Monday as a candidate for Circuit clerk. New candidates for this office, by law, must pass a state test, which was given on Jan. 15. Jernigan said she learned last Tuesday that she had passed the test. Jernigan is the only candidate in this race other than incumbent Joyce Emberton, who is seeking her third six-year term in this office. Emberton filed as a candidate for re-election on Jan. 12.
Both are Republicans. Two Tompkinsville residents are the only candidates for State Representative for the 53rd District. Donnie (Mayfield) Polston filed her candidacy papers in Frankfort on  Monday, seeking the State Representative seat present held by her husband,  Billy D. Polston. James R. Comer, also a Republican, filed Dec. 8 as a candidate for State Representative. In this Presidential election year, several other races will be on the ballot. Rep. Ed Whitfield’s seat as First District Congressman will be decided this year, and he has both Republican and Democratic opposition. Seeking the Democratic nomination for this office are Brian S. Ray of  Benton and Lee Steers of Franklin. David Williams of Columbia will be Whitfield’s opponent in the
Republican primary in May. Also on the ballot this fall will be three Board of Education races — for the seats currently held by Judy Baxter, Dr. Kenneth Crabtree and Eddie Proffitt — and the City Council or Commission members in all three of Monroe’s cities (but not the mayors). Candidates for these positions have until August to file candidacy papers.

Tompkinsville receives ARC grant

The City of Tompkinsville will receive funding in the amount of $75,000
from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to construct a water storage tank inside its new industrial park, Gov. Paul Patton announced Monday. Tompkinsville will use the funds to construct a 150,000-gallon elevated water storage tank inside the industrial park, and extend about 2000 linear feet of water main to connect to the existing water main, he said. In addition, an existing sewage collection system will be rehabilitated to correct inflow and infiltration problems, and 5500 linear feet of force main will be extended to a proposed lift station and then into a 500 linear foot gravity sewer main extension outside the park. A natural gas line will be installed, plus a high-pressured steel line loop will be constructed to improve pressure to the park.

Tompkinsville Housing Authority Meets
Donnie Polston has been granted a leave of absence as executive
director of  the Tompkinsville Housing Authority, effective Jan. 18 and extending until June 1, 2000. This action was taken during a special session of the Housing Authority, held Thursday, Jan. 20. The special session was called after a quorum was not present for the regularly scheduled monthly meeting last Monday afternoon, Jan. 17. The group then went into closed session to discuss personnel, mainly Polston’s replacement for the leave-of-absense period. After the closed session, Susan M. Coffey was accepted in this position. Polston stated that she could have Coffey come in as soon as possible so they could go over items that needed to be discussed.

Commemorative bricks to be sold locally

A brick engraved with your name or that of a loved one can become a
permanent part of the Monroe County courthouse lawn. The Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee has started a commemorative brick project, both as a fund-raiser and as part of the effort to revitalize Monroe’s County seat, Tompkinsville, with the bricks to be used to pave the sidewalks around the courthouse. The area from the front door of the courthouse to the Vietnam Memorial to be the first to be paved with the bricks, with other areas to be paved  according to the number of bricks sold, according to Susan Guffey, who is chairing this Beautification Committee project. Individuals, clubs, churches and other organzations may purchase bricks either in memory or in honor of someone or for themselves. The $50 cost includes includes engraving and installation charges. Each brick can  have up to two lines of print, with each line containing up to 14 letters/spaces. Funds received for the bricks will be held in an escrow account until enough bricks have been sold to pave an entire section of the sidewalk at a  time, according to Guffey. She added that the special bricks will come from a company which specializes in commemorative masonry and that the engraving will be legible  and long-lasting. An example of the kind of bricks to be used for the project can be seen at the Monroe County Extension office, where orders for bricks will also be accepted. For more information, call the Extension office at 270-487-5504.

Valentine mystery planned

”Bring along your favorite Valentine and enjoy good food and the
chance to play detective during an evening of mystery here on Feb. 12,” is the invitation extended by Monroe Arts Council members. An interactive murder mystery, “Death by Chocolate,” will be presented on
Saturday night before Valentine’s Day at Tompkinsville Elementary
School in the old lunchroom area. Finger foods and beverages will be served while the audience takes on the role of detective in this audience participatory production.   There is no separation of actors from the audience, so audience members  can take an active role in “solving the crime,” if they wish to do so. Tickets are $10 per person and are now available at the Deposit Bank, Peoples Bank, Tompkinsville News office and the Monroe County Extension office. Tickets will be sold in advance only, with Monday, Feb. 7, the deadline for ticket purchase. Seating will be limited, and no tickets will be sold at the door. To keep the ticket price low, the Monroe Arts Council is underwriting the  cost of the production, Council members noted. Out on a Limb Productions, Baxter, Tenn., which regularly presents mystery theater at the Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs, Tenn., is ringing this production to Tompkinsville.


Local seniors honored

Five Monroe County seniors were among the 33 students from Monroe,
Barren and Metcalfe Counties who were recognized recently for their academic accomplishments by Western Kentucky University and South Central Bank. The students were honored Jan. 21 at the annual High School Scholars Luncheon, held at the Glasgow Country Club. Monroe County High School students honored were Sarah Eubank, Donny
R. Geralds, Aaron Clark Holcomb, Joshua Lane and Joni Marie Lindquist. The other students honored were from Metcalfe County, Barren County, Caverna and Glasgow High Schools.All of these students qualify for at least a Regents Scholarship at Western, which covers tuition and is renewable for up to four years. WKU President Gary Ransdell said the group honored has an average grade-point average of 3.94, an average ACT score of 7.5 and includes 12 Governor’s Scholars and six National Merit and Achievement semifinalists.
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Announcements
NEW ARRIVALS

Gavin Ross Geralds, the son of Tommy and Glenna (Higgs) Geralds,
Tompkinsville, was born Dec. 31, 1999, at 5:22 p.m. at the T.J. Samson
Community Hospital in Glasgow, weighing 8 pounds and 9ľ ounces.
Grandparents are Terry and Lucille Geralds, Tompkinsville, and Russell and Lois Mattingly, Leitchfield. The new arrival has an older brother, Dillon.

Ethan Frank Edward Ford, the son of Jeff and Greta Ford, Tompkinsville, was born Jan. 15, 2000, at the Birthing Center of Greenview Regional Hospital in Bowling Green, weighing 8 pounds and 13 ounces. Grandparents are Larry and Shelia Capshaw and Darrell and Debbi Ford, all of Tompkinsville.

Bernier-Rich wed

Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Bernier, Malabar, Fla., would like to announced
the marriage of their daughter, Andrea, to James R. Rich, son of Jesse and Linda   Rich, Tompkinsville. The wedding was held on Jan. 4, 2000, at Our Lady of Grace in Palm Bay, Fla., with a reception held at the home of the bride’s parents. After a short honeymoon cruise to the Bahamas, the couple will make their home at 1300 Wood Lake Dr. NE, Apt. 203, Palm Bay, Fla. 32905. Both the bride and groom are 1996 graduates of Monroe County High \School.


Colsons celebrate 50th anniversary

Mr. and Mrs. Chester Colson, of 4988 Glen Lily Rd., Bowling Green,
will celebrate their 50th anniversary with a reception from 2-4 p.m. on Feb.6 at  the Eloise B. Houchens Center, 1115 Adams St., Bowling Green. All friends and relatives are invited to attend. The couple requests
“no gifts.” Chester Colson and Martha Comer were married on Feb. 1, 1950 in Gamaliel  by Bro. Loyd Spivey. They are the parents of three children — Chesa Montgomery and Marcia Fuller, both of Bowling Green, and Marc Colson, Lexington. There are six  grandchildren.

Get-well card shower

A get-well card shower is planned for Judy Walker. Cards may be addressed to her at: 324 Scott Rd., Tompkinsville, Ky. 42167.
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Girls Basketball
Lady Falcons win on the road

The recent bad weather played some havoc with the Lady Falcons’
schedule. The home game against Logan County on Tuesday, Jan. 25, had to be called due to the road conditions. Coach Tony Harlan said the game would be rescheduled, but at press time, no date had been set. However, Monroe did get in their game against a good Fifth Region team at Green County last Thursday night, Jan. 20. The game was tight throughout the first half. In the first period, both teams scored 12 points and that trend continued into the second quarter as each team tallied 14 more points to send the teams to the locker rooms at halftime knotted at 26-26. After the intermission, the Lady Falcons came alive and put the game away. Monroe’s Lindsey Berry had one of the better scoring quarters in Lady Falcon history as she contributed 15 points toward Monroe’s 28-point period. This outburst of offense allowed Monroe to finish the third period with a 54-37 lead. Both teams played pretty even in the last quarter with Green outscoring Monroe 11-10, but the outcome was already decided as the Lady Falcons took their 12th win of the season by a margin of 64-48. “We played very well in the second half,” said coach Harlan. “We picked up our defensive intensity and ran our offense better. As a result, our assists and steals numbers were up,” said Harlan. Brittany Geralds had seven assists and three steals, Kari Brown had three steals and Renea Proffitt had six assists and two steals. Besides a big third period of scoring, Berry also had four steals in her game, helping to give Monroe 16 total for the game. The Lady Falcons had 20 assists in the game in the all-around good effort.
Stats: Berry,19 points; Brown, 13; Leslie McAlpin, 13; Proffitt, 8;
Geralds, 7; Tracey Hays, 2; and Kelli Emberton, 2.
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Boys Basketball
Falcons lose to North Hardin

The Monroe County Falcons were on the road at North Hardin last
Friday night and faced a much taller team, with the results not too good for the local team. Monroe also was scheduled to host Logan County Tuesday night, Jan. 25, but the most recent round of bad weather forced the game to be cancelled — the game will be rescheduled but the date has not yet been set. “We weren’t able to handle their size,” Carter said , “until we figured out we could go around instead of over them.” By the time the Falcons did this, they were already down 28-8 in the first period to a big North Hardin team. Monroe played pretty even the rest of the
game, but the first quarter counts in the score column, also. The margin was much closer in the second period, even though North still outscored the Falcons, 27-23 and the teams went to the locker room with Monroe trailing 55-31. Monroe slipped a little in the third, falling another 6 points farther behind, as they scored 17 to North Hardin’s 23, leaving the Falcons trailing 78-48 going into the fourth period. With the game out of reach, both teams sent in a lot of players in the final period, and that quarter’s score was the tightest of the contest. North Hardin outscored the Falcons 21-20 and took the game 99-68. “The first quarter did us in,” said Carter. “Their size gave us a lot of trouble and we didn’t have an answer for it.” Carter credits his team for not giving up, saying: “I thought we played hard ’till the end, but against good teams, you can’t get down 20 points in the first quarter.”
Stats: Graves, 15 points; Chris Pitcock and Zack Grace, 10 each;
Chase Moore, 10; Josh Turner, 8; Jordan Hale, 4; Cory Netherton, Stan Hubbard and Jordan Headrick, 3 each; and Jessie England, 2.
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Deaths

Other than Naomi Thomas’ death, listed elsewhere in this issue, ten
other deaths were reported to the Tompkinsville News this past week.
Local deaths were:
— Minnie (Perkins) Pickerell, 87, 103 Crawford St., Tompkinsville,
who died Jan. 22 (she was the wife of Morris Pickerell); and
— Grace Ella Simmons, 91, Fountain Run, who died Jan. 22.
Deaths reported from other areas were:
— Edward C. Ballard, 66, Bloom-field, Ind., a Tompkinsville native,
who died Jan. 23 (he was the husband of Betty [Wilkerson] Ballard);
— Elsie Evelyn (Blevins) Beaty, 61, who died Jan. 21 (she was the
wife of Lazar Beaty);
— Mary (Roark) Dodson, 83, Whitleyville, Tenn., who died Jan. 20 (she was first married to Joe Cherry and after his death married Afton Dodson, who survives);
—George Elisha Geralds, 83, Indianapolis, Ind., a Monroe County
native, who died Jan. 20 ;
— James B. Holland, 68, Red Boiling Springs, Tenn.,who died Jan. 20
(he was the husband of Faye Dell [Hix] Holland);
— Randal Lee Watson, 59, Burkesville, who also died on Jan. 20 (he
was the husband of Rebecca [Key] Watson);
— James H. Jacobs, Jr., Hen-dersonville, Tenn., who died Jan. 18 (he
was the husband of Inez [Dickens] Jacobs); and
— Jerald D. Hance, 68, Old Hickory, Tenn., who died Jan. 14 (he was
the husband of Ola “Polly” [Flatt] Hance). Details about their backgrounds, survivors and funeral arrangements can be found by clicking here.
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