1/3/1/12

Death claims Lewisburg, Logan leader Gower

Ed Gower , one of the best-known men in Lewisburg, died unexpectedly Monday. A graduate of Lewisburg High School and an outstanding tennis player, he followed in the footsteps of his dad, the late Williams Gower, as a druggist. He owned Gower Drug Store, one of Lewisburg's leading businesses, before retiring, He also served on the board of education for Logan schools during the first several years after consolidation. He and his wife, Susan Danks Gower, are the parents of four sons, John Ed, Robbie, David and Patrick. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at Price Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday evening.

RHS teams sweep F-S for 2nd time this season

Russellville's basketball teams completed a rare double sweep, winning both the girls and the boys games against Franklin-Simpson for the second time this seasons. Tuesday's wins came at the new F-S gym. Kahlia Hampton hit a clinching free throw with 6 seconds to seal a 41-38 win for the girls. Imani Hampton scored 12 and Amber Sydnor 10. Jazzy Elliott, Amber Rosser, Davonna Sydnor & Nathanshia Haskins all scored in the close win. The Lady Cats were led by Tasia Covington with 16.

Dominoique Harris scored 8 points in the second quarter and 4 quick points came from Jordan Kennedy to give the Panthers a 25-11 lead in the nightcap. Jerrell Wickware scored all 11 of the Cats' first-half points and had 20 of 29 by early in the 4th quarter of Russellville's 56-38 win. The Cats cut the lead to one and had the ball, but Dominique Quarles put together a 3-point play. A rebound basket by Kennedy at the buzzer made it 33-27 after three quarters. The Panthers dominated the 4th quarter and let the subs play with Coco Darden and Tavon Wells scoring. Josh Hampton led RHS (13-8) with 10 points.

Candidates file for Russellville City Council seats

Ten people, including all six incumbents, have filed for seats on Russellville City Council. Registration closed Tuesday. Because fewer than 13 filed, no runoff is necessary in a primary. The candidates are incumbentsJack Whipple, Pat Walpole Bell, S. Darlene Gooch, Jimmy Davenport, Sandra Kinser & Bill Decker along with challengersArchie Beck, Marvinia Benton, Lora Thrasher Murphy and former councilman Doug Nash. Running unopposed is Circuit ClerkSherry Wilkins. Incumbent Common-wealth Attorney Gail Guiling has filed in Frankfort. Also this year the terms of Auburn Mayor Dewey Roche and Adairville Mayor Jim Wilkinson expire, but candidates for those berths and their city councils plus Lewisburg's don't have to file until this summer. Also subject to reelection are the Logan County School Board seats in Olmstead (Johnny Dawson), Lewisburg (Ralph Cropper) and Chandlers (Phil Baker).

1/30/12

Wilson files for state House in Republican race

Jimmy Kent Wilson of Olmstead filed his candidacy papers in Frankfort Monday to run for the state House of Representatives seat now held by Martha Jane King, who is running for Senate. A 1985 graduate of Logan County High School, he has a degree in agribusiness from Austin Peay. He has been in management with H&H Sheetmetal for 19 years. Wilson and his wife Meloney have three children; Amelia is a senior at LCHS whileClaire and Harrison are students at Olmstead. The district includes Logan and Todd counties along with a small part of Warren. Logan magistrate Jo Orange had previously filed her candidacy on the GOP side. Tom Noe is a candidate for the Democratic nomination.

LCHS senior winter sports athletes to be honored

Logan County High School will honor its winter sports athletes on Feb. 7 between games. The seniors are as follows: swimming-- Emily Chambers, London Kutzman, Phin Parsons & Jacob Speck; boys basketball-- Avrey Collier, Jermaine Collier, Speck; boys basketball-- Avrey Collier, Jermaine Collier, Ryan Harper, Twin Lancaster, Aratan Martin, Ryan Steenbergen & Sajuan Watkins; girls basketball-Kate Brooks, Meg Brown, Polly Cowan, Jaylin Jones, Kara Lyons, Shannon MacAllister & Jackee Martin; and cheerleading-- Christine Caffee, Meredith Riley, & Andrea Robinson.

1/29/12

Former businesswoman Viola Felts dies

Viola Felts, who owned and operated Felts Finer Foods for many years, died Sunday, Mrs. Felts' restaurant was a popular dining spot for many years. Many Russellville businessmen gathered at the intersection of the Hopkinsville Road and Bethel Street for breakfast and/or lunch, The vacant restaurant and attached motel were razed by First Southern National Bank a couple of years ago. Mrs. Felts had been living in East Tennessee with her daughter Claire (Bailey) and her husband, Morris Herndon. Another of her daughters, Bonnie McCredie, lives in Florida.

Kentucky Artisans wins state Main Street award

Kentucky Artisans at the Saddle Factory received the Kentucky Main Street Economic Development Award at the organization's annual meeting in Frankfort this week. Russellville Main Street Director Darlene Gooch, who played a major role in developing the tourist attraction, accepted the award. Noel Smith has overseen the venue for local arts people to display and sell their works.

Republicans honor Lincoln, start election push

Over 200 people turned out for the Logan County Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday. Former representative Sheldon Baugh said that GOP registration in the county has more than tripled since he first won office in 1994. U.S. Senator Rand Paul, who notes he made his first political speech in Logan County, criticized President Barack Obama's budget deficits. Congressman Ed Whitfield criticized the administration's energy policies, which he asserted are hurting Kentucky's coal industry. Representative Jim DeCesare, who is running for state senator, claimed that Gov. Steve Beshear "mirrors the president as a tax and spender." House candidate Jo Orange outlined her qualifications. Also on the program were Larry Noe, Joe Lawrence, J.R. Cundiff, Keith Burnett, the LCHS JROTC, poet Howard Plank, and singers Rosemary Cundiff-Brown and Chris Kramer.

1/28/12

Ed Coffman to preach, greet friends as he turns 90

After turning 90 on Jan. 25, Dr. Ed Coffman will celebrate the occasion in two ways Sunday. He will speak at the 10:45 a.m. Service of First Christian Church down the street from his home and then will receive guests at that 201 West 7th St. Home from 1-4 p.m. Coffman is well known for having updated the history of Logan County, which his late dad, Edward 'Pike' Coffman, had written several decades earlier. Those visiting the house will be reminded of his mother, Emma Coffman, and his wife, Carol Coffman, who lived there before their deaths.

Cougars run past Fort Campbell 96-63 for 16th win

The Logan County Cougars turned on the offense in whipping visit-ing Fort Campbell 96-63 Friday. It was the 8th straight win for Coach Harold Tackett's team, which has the 3rd most wins in the region at 16-8. The Cougars are averaging 72.4 points per outing. The Cougars are off until going to Russellville next Friday.

Russellville teams spoil South Warren homecoming

Russellville swept a pair of close, low-scoring games at South Warren's homecoming Friday. The Lady Panthers tailed by 16 in the 3rd quarter but won 49-47. The Panthers led 15-5 but had to withstand a Spartan comeback before winning 44-40.

Amber Sydnor made a steal and hit a layup to give RHS the late lead. She scored all 9 of her points in the 4th quarter. Teammate Imani Hampton scored 18. Colby Downing led SWHS with 14.

Davis Pardue scored 20 points and hit 4 free throws in the final 7 seconds. Jordan Kennedy added 14. Four other Panthers added 2 each. Luke Easley and Travis Hardcastle combined for 22 of the Spartans' 40 points.

1/27/12

DeCesare issues announcement of candidacy

Republican Jim DeCesare of Warren County has filed his candidacy papers for the state senate seat which includes Logan, Todd, Simpson, Allen, Muhlenberg and part of Warren counties. A press release from the state representative's office can be read at http://www,loganandbeyond.com.

Robeys, Jimmy Wright take top dairy awards

Robey Farms and Jimmy Wright were the top award winners at the Logan/Simpson County Dairy Herd Improvement Association Annual Meeting & Banquet recently. Lee Robey and his late fa-ther D.L. Robey took top honors in 9 of the 11 categories. The other two firsts were earned by Wright. Also finishing in the top two in categories were David & Terri Crocker, B&H Dairy and Delaney Farms. The Robeys have 49 of the top 50 lifetime milk producing cows with number 46 belonging to Willis Schrock. Ben Jepson has number 58. The Robeys also own 127 of the top 147. Ten of the other 20 are in the Woodall Farms herd, owned by Jimmy and Andy Woodall.

1/26/12

Olmstead girls, Lewisburg boys top tourney seeds

The Olmstead Lady Rams coached by Daniel Alvis and Chris Wilcutt and Coach Jerald Tabb’s Lewisburg Rangers are the top seeds in the Logan Middle School Basketball Tournament, set next week. The event matching the five schools in the county sys-tem begins Thursday, Feb. 2 with the LMS Rangerettes & Chandlers Lady Bears playing at 6:30 p.m. and the OMS Rams & CMS Bears following. The winners of those games with take on the top seeds Saturday night, beginning at 6. The other semifinals will match Adairville and Auburn in both divisions, starting with the girls at 1 p.m. Saturday. The championship games will be played Monday, Feb. 6, starting at 6:30 p.m. All games will be at LCHS. Chris McGinnis says both finals will be aired over WRUS.

Matt Wilhite succeeds Cauley as F-S softball coach

One of the greatest baseball players in Franklin-Simpson's storied history, Matthew Wilhite, has been named F-S softball coach, succeeding Lewisburg native Steve Cauley. Several players will be back from the Lady Cats' district champs. Wilhite was a key player for Coach Greg Shelton's 1999 state Final 4 team, joining two-time World Series pitcher Joe Blanton on the mound. He has just completed 8 years of professional baseball, including 5 as a AAA pitcher, the Franklin Favorite reports..Wilhite was Sun Belt Player of the Year in 2003 as a WKU reliever. In high school, he battled outstanding players from Logan County and Russellville, including Zak Danks, Nick Goley, Aaron Johnson & Ty Porter of LCHS and Matthew Croslin, Matthew Humble, Jesse Wright and Jeryn Lee of Russellville. He is the son of Logan Aluminum's Max Wilhite and his wife Allison.

Logan Lincoln Day Dinner Saturday

The annual Lincoln Day Dinner will be Saturday at the Sportsman Club at City/County Park with doors opening at 5 p.m. with dinner and program beginning at 5:30. Speakers will be U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and Congressman Ed Whitfield. Another special guest will be Warren County State Representative Jim DeCesare, who is running for the state senate. Logan Countian Jo Orange, a candidate for the state House, will also be present. Entertainment will be by Chris Kramer and Rosemary Cundiff-Brown. A Silent Auction and a Live Auction will be held. Tickets are $10 each and can be secured by calling 726-3801 or 726-3787.

1/25/12

Adairville Academic wins District Governor’s Cup

The Adairville Academic team took first place overall Jan. 21 in the District 17 Governor’s Cup. The Quick Recall team, coached by Jennifer Orange, came in first place without losing a single match in the double elimination tournament. They will continue on to Regional at Drakes Creek Feb. 4. The Future Problem Solving team, coached by Jennifer Robertson, took first place and will also go regional.

Individually, Jacob Burton won third places in both Mathematics and Social Studies. In Language Arts, Rachel Pitts was 4th and Amber Anderson 5fth. Lauren Macy came in 3rd place in Written Composition. Arts and Humanities was taken by Rachel Pitts in 1st, Amanda Crutchfield 3rd and Zack Law 5th. Each of the students who placed individually will also proceed to Regional.

In addition to District, Adairville went undefeated in regular season play. Other team members are Katrina Holloman, Sam Knight, Kelsey Chambers, Matthew Edgar, Ryan Orndorff, Amber Anderson, Korbin Holloman, Lauren Batton, Ann-Meguiar Bouldin, Sawyer Hopkins, Meagan Ferguson, Grace McLellan, Brianna Wooden, Daniel Noe, Cole Johnson, Gunnar Gloyd, Landon Thomas and Dylan Bryrum.

Former Panther great Plute Klein dies in Louisville

Funeral services were held today for one of the best linemen in Russellville football history. Dr. Harold Klein was involved in lead-ing a number of civic and professional organizations. As a Panther, he was known as Plute Klein. He helped Coach Harold Hunter's 1946 and '47 teams compile a record of 17-2-1. As a senior in '48, he was third-team all-state and played in the East-West All-Star Game. When new coachJimmy Haynes needed help that year, he would get Klein to coach the line or sophomore Jimmy Sanford the backs. The son of Nathan and Bertha Klein, the Louisville dentist was the brother of another former Panther standout, the late Butch Klein.

1/24/12

Logan teams split with visiting Barren County

The Logan County Cougars recorded one of their most impressive wins Monday, beating a visiting Barren County team which had 15 wins 74-47. A 16-0 run in the first half provided the cushion. Twin Lancaster scored 34 points,22 of them in the first half. Sajuan Watkins and Torin Graham added 13 each. Charley McCoy had 14 points and Jacoby Poore 11 for the Trojans of Coach Warren Cunningham. Logan (15-8) has won seven straight games.

The Lady Trojans had an 18-0 run of their own to beat the Logan girls 51-38. Maegann Hardison's 3-pointer cut the lead to seven late in the game, but Barren scored the final six points. Hardison led the Lady Cougars with 11 points, and Jaylin Jones added 9. Jamie Cummings topped Barren with 18 points and 19 rebounds while Shelby Briggs added 10 points

Panthers lose up-and-down game to Central by 3

Russellville led visiting Warren Central 41-37 at the half but RHS soon found itself behind 62-39 Monday. The Panthers (11-8) came back to cut the lead to 63-61 but never could regain control. Jordan Kennedy led Coach Dennis Pardue's team with 16 and Josh Hampton added 12. Central (13-8) was led by Donovan Halsel with 19 and Nay Walker added 12 in the 66-63 win.

1/23/12

Jo Orange, Tom Noe running for House seat

Candidates have announced their intentions to run for a vacant state House of Representatives seat following the decision of incumbent Martha Jane King to run for the Kentucky Senate instead.

Josephine 'Jo' Orange will run as a Republican in District 16, Logan, Todd, and a small part of western Warren counties. The retired educator currently serves as magistrate in Logan County for the Auburn and Bucksville areas. Her husband, the late Charles Orange, was serving as commonwealth attorney at the time of his death.

Tom Noe , who retired as Logan County Attorney in 2010 after many years service, plans to file for Representative Monday as a Democrat. He reopened his private law practice last year. His grandfather, the late Thomas S. Rhea, served as state Highway Commissioner and was the top vote-getter in a primary election for governor.

Martha Jane King switches to senatorial race

Logan County's Martha Jane King has decided to seek the office of state senator instead of running for a third term as representative. She announced her decision Monday in Frankfort. The new senatorial district has no incumbent after Sen. Joey Pendleton's district was changed to omit Logan and Todd counties. King told The LoJo that she made the decision after Democratic leaders of the county with the largest population in the district, Muhlenberg, pledged to support her. She lives at Lake Malone within a mile of the Muhlenberg line. Muhlenberg (31,499) and Logan (26,835) have more total residents than the other three counties--Allen (19,956), Simpson (17,327) and Todd (12,046) combined. A piece of Warren County (believed to be 4,500-5,000 voters) is also included. The senator who has been representing Muhlenberg, Jerry Rose, and the one representing Allen and Simpson, David Givens, have other counties in their districts now. A press release was issued from the office of House Majority Floor Leader Rocky Adkins.

Republican Jim DeCesare of Warren County has announced he also filed Monday to be a candidate for this same senate seat. King had already filed to run again for the House seat, but has now rescinded that.

1/22/12

Russellvillian writes stories available on ebook

Russellville's Douglas Daech has written a collection of short stories which are available in a variety of ebook formats. It's described as: ."... stories of travel into the unknown. Based on current thinking and science theory on the edge of science fact, step into the realm science future. Adventure into the science, danger and mystery of dimensional travel with realistic characters and believable situations that lead to mysterious and perhaps startling conclusions. Appropriate for all ages and genius levels." For more in-formation go to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/125047?fb_ref=books_right&fb_source=profile_multiline

Whitfield announces funding for South Logan Water

U.S. Rep. Ed Whitfield has announced the award by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of loan and grant assistance for the Logan Todd Regional Water Commission. The funding comes from USDA Rural Development, in the amounts of a $1.2 million loan and a $460,000 grant, and will be used to construct an emergen-cy supply meter and new master meter stations, acquire needed equipment, and extend or upgrade waterlines to provide drinking water to over 1600 customers in Logan County. Whitfield congratulated the South Logan Water Association on the award, noting that “this combined loan and grant assistance is critical to so many of our rural communities in order to assure they have adequate and safe drinking water, and I am so pleased that Logan County residents will have the benefit of this support.”

1/21/12

Glasgow, Monroe County headed to Class A state

The Glasgow Scotties beat Russellville 78-47 in the boys Class A regional finals Friday, and the Monroe County girls edged Glasgow 51-46. Both teams will move on to the state Class A Classic.

1/20/12

Cougars sweep Franklin, run district record to 5-0

The Logan County Cougars led the entire way while beating visit-ing Franklin-Simpson 87-73 Friday. It was the sixth straight win for Logan, which is now 14-8. More importantly, the Cougars are 5-0 in the district. Saquan Watkins scored 12 points in the first quarter on the way to 34 in the game. Torin Graham added 24 and Twin Lancaster 22. Avrey Collins' defense was crucial. Tanner Clark scored 26 for F-S (0-3 in the district) and Jerrell Wickware added 24.

Queen Meg's Lady Cougars absorb district loss

As her twin sister Brenna Brown narrated homecoming activities on the public address system at Logan County High School Friday, Lady Cougars senior basketball player Meg Brown donned the queen's crown while her escort, Brice Moore, was named king. That was almost all the good news for the Logan girls, who lost 59-45 to Franklin-Simpson, the first district win for the Lady Cats. Logan fell to 2-2. Jaylin Jones scored 15 & Kapreshia Powell 9. F-S, which hit 14 more free throws than the home team, gpt 14 points from Tasia Covington, daughter of former Russellville standout Thad 'Fish' Covington. Kendra Brooks had 15 and Sydney Gooch 10. The Lady Cougars will play a single varsity game Saturday at 6 p.m. against Todd Central at LCHS.

Panthers to play for trip to Class A state tonight

After beating host Monroe County 61-54 Thursday, the Russellville Panthers will play in the finals tonight at 7:30 against Glasgow, which whipped Metcalfe County 80-37 Thursday. The winner goes to the Class A Classic. Glasgow's girls will play the powerful host Monroe County Lady Falcons in the first game.

Logan County's teams will entertain Franklin-Simpson in district contests tonight also.

New water/snow theme park planned near Opryland

Officials of Gaylord Entertainment and Dollywood announced plans Thursday for a $50 million water and snow theme park near the Opryland Hotel and what once was the successful Opryland theme park. Entertainer Dolly Parton joined Gaylord president Colin Reed, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and Nashville Mayor Karl Dean in speaking at the news conference. It will be across Briley Parkway from the Opryland complex near Two Rivers Baptist Church. It's expected to open in 2014.

Helen Raby chosen for Teachers' Hall of Fame

The late Helen Raby is one of three educators who have been selected for the fifth class of the Gov. Louie B. Nunn Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame. A member of the Price family from Adairville, she taught in one-room schools for five years and then at Adairville, Olmstead and Russellville schools. She is considered the founder of Russellville Christian School and helped in the formation of the Russellville Adult Day Care Center and Logan County Retired Teachers Association. The author of Story of My Life, she died in 2010. She was the widow of George Raby and the mother of retired Olmstead educator Janet Hall and former Kentucky State Fire Marshal Rodney Raby, who has recently undergone successful quadruple bypass surgery.

Also to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Frankfort on Feb. 14 are Sharon Graves of Richmond and Estelle Park Bayer, who taught Latin for 35 years, primarily at Madison Central High School.

1/19/12

Logan-Todd to lose Pendleton as state senator

If Gov. Steve Beshear signs legislation passed by both chambers of the Kentucky General Assembly this week, Joey Pendleton will not be the state senator for Logan and Todd counties after this calendar year. A redistricting plan calls for Pendleton's home county of Christian to pick up three new counties--Caldwell, Union and Crittenden. Logan and Todd would be in a district with Allen, Simpson, Muhlenberg and part of Warren counties. One of those expected to run for the office is Rep. Jim DeCesare, a Republican whose House district has been changed. He is married to former WBKO anchor Amy Bingham, sister of Lewisburg Banking Co. CEO Billy Bingham. The filing deadline is Jan. 31.

Halcomb suggests Simpson-Warren schools merger

Schochoh farmer Don Halcomb, a former member of the Simpson County school board, has written a lengthy letter to the Franklin Favorite suggesting that Simpson County schools merge into the Warren County system. He compared the situation in Simpson with Logan County many years ago when parents in the Logan district were taking their children to Russellville for what was perceived as a better education. Halcomb, who graduated from RHS in 1970 even though he lived many miles away, said Logan schools have greatly improved because of consolidation. His remarks came during the week that a state assessment team forced the removal of F-S Principal Pat Vejr because of low test scores in the school. Superintendent Jim Flynn reassigned him in the system and employed retired Greenwood principal Mark Davis in the interim. Halcomb predicts many parents will decide to send their children to South Warren because of concerns about the quality of education at the school.

MLK Walk, program rescheduled for Jan. 27

Because of last week's weather, planners have rescheduled the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Unity Walk Celebration Friday, to Jan. 27 at 8:15 a.m. This event will begin at the historic Bank Street AME Church on 564 East Fifth Street in Russellville. The walk will end at the historic old Logan County Courthouse where the program will be held upstairs. Freedom Rider Kwame Leo Lillard and others will be our guest. The theme is "Why We March and Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King's Birthday". A question and answer session on how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.s' philosophies impacted their lives in our community will be held. Commonwealth Attorney Gail Guiling, Rev. Lee Fishback, Logan County High and Russellville High school sys-tems and community who have been consistent supporters will participate again this year. The public is invited. For more inform-ation, contact Community Projects, Inc, President Charles or Marvinia Benton Neblett at 270-803-4181.

1/18/12

Kerr works out settlement in old hospital case

Russellville City Attorney Neil Kerr has worked out a settlement with the company which did environmental work on the old Logan County Hospital. Interstate Environmental Services filed suit a year ago this week claiming that it had done $223,120 worth of work and that the city had paid only $39,600, a difference of $183,860. Kerr had asked on behalf of the city that the suit be dismissed because legal procedures had not been followed for the council to authorize the expenditure of funds. Judge Tyler Gill refused to dismiss it but said the city might win in a trial. The city and the company decided to settle for the amount already paid.

Kerr tells The LoJo: "While I felt confident the city would prevail and perhaps obtain a judgment entitling the city to recover the $39,260 that was paid out, it would cost the city a great deal of money to get to that point. Also even if we obtained a judgment, the Plaintiff could file bankruptcy. The cost and chances of collecting that money from the Plaintiff couldn't justify proceeding further if the other side was ready to dismiss their suit so soon in the litigation process. This is a great result for the city and the taxpayers."

1/17/12

Cougars dominate 2nd half at AC-S, win 5th straight

Outscoring their hosts 35-18 in the second half, the Logan County Cougars won 65-50 at Allen County-Scottsville for their 5th straight win Tuesday. Josh Jones had hit 5 treys in the first half, but the Cougars were put into a diamond-and-one defense by Coach Harold Tackett and Jones took only one shot in the final two quarters with Avrey Collier guarding him much of the time. The Patriots cut the lead to four late in the 3rd quarter, but Ryan Harper hit a pair of treys and outscored AC-S 8-3. He had 14 points, as did Twin Lancaster, who also had 9 rebounds and 5 steals. Sajuan Watkins had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. Also in double figures was Torin Graham with 15.

Both Russellville teams advance in Class A region

Russellville's teams swept a doubleheader at Cumberland County Monday to advance in the Class A Regional. The Lady Panthers won 49-46 to raise their record to 8-10. Coach Dedra Adler's team now goes against Monroe County (16-2), which is ranked in the top five in the state overall, in the second game of a doubleheader at Monroe Wednesday. Todd Central (12-4), which beat Metcalfe County 49-38, plays Coach Justin Stinson's Glasgow team (13-2), in the 6 p.m. opener.

The Panthers (10-6) beat the Cumberland boys 64-59 and will be favored at 8 p.m. Thursday against host Monroe (4-12). The other matchup finds Metcalfe County taking on Glasgow (12-4), who had Hunter Bowles and Quintin Ellis playing Monday against one of the other regional powers, Clinton County (15-2). Both players had been feared lost for the season. The Scotties held off Coach Todd Messer's Bulldogs 74-63.

1/15/12

Duncan, Sosh inducted into RHS Hall of Fame

As a large crowd watched, Sonny Duncan and Lon Sosh were inducted into the Russellville Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame Friday between games of the RHS vs. Franklin-Simpson doubleheader. Making the presentations were Glenn 'Herbie' Gilliam for his teammate of 57 seasons ago, Duncan, and Jean Reynolds and Ann Leigh, Sosh's sisters. Greg Owens coordinates the Hall of Fame induction ceremony each year. The Russellville Alumni Association provides the plaques.

Lancaster scores 100 points for Cougars in a week

Senior Twin Lancaster, who is believed to be the leading scorer in Logan County Cougar history, scored 100 points in five days last week as the Cougars beat Butler County (Lancaster had 36), Todd Central (30) and Hopkins County Central (34). Joining him in the 103-63 rout in Hopkins County Saturday were Sujuan Watkins with 24, Torin Graham with 14 and Aratan Martin with 11. The Cougars are now 12-8.

1/13/12

Friday the 13th good night for local basketball

Three of the four local basketball teams were winners Friday night and the fourth almost pulled off an upset. Davis Pardue hit a pair of free throws with 3.4 seconds remaining as the Russellville Panthers edged visiting Franklin-Simpson in a game that was back-and-forth all night. Jordan Kennedy scored 18 and Pardue 17 for the Panthers while Jerrell Wickware had 19 and Tanner Clark 12 for the Cats.

The win came after Coach Dedra Adler's Lady Panthers beat F-S for their first district win. Amber Sydnor scored 13 and Khalia Hampton 10 for the Lady Cats. After the game, Sydnor was recognized for having passed the 1,000-point barrier as a sophomore last season.

Coach Harold Tackett's Logan County Cougars ran their district record to 4-0 with a 79-50 romp at Todd Central. The Lady Panthers almost made it a sweep, but lost 46-41 in overtime to a Todd team which is ranked in the top five in the region. Kapreshia Powell had 12 points, and Shannon MacAllister added 11 points and played super defense against Todd's standout center, Claire Hart. Coach Scot MacAllister's Lady Cougars are 2-1 in the district.

1/12/12

Martin Luther King Walk, program set Friday

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Walk will be held for the 26^th consecutive year Friday morning. Those walking will meet at Bank Street AME Church on East Fifth Street in Russellville at 8:15 and march to the historic Logan County Court-house. There a traditional program will be held with last year’s participants featured, including Commonwealth Attorney Gail Guiling, Rev. Lee Roy Fishback, Leo ‘Kwame’ Lillard, & Charles and Marvinia Neblett. The public is urged to attend.

1/11/12

Former RHS teacher named dean at BG Tech

President Nathan Hodges has announced that Kevin Kenady, a former math teacher at Russellville High School, has been named dean of mathematics and science at Bowling Green Technical College, where he has taught for several years. He is the son of former Russellvillians Donald and Martine Mayberry Kenady and the grandson of the late Harold & Lillian Kenady, The new dean is the nephew of former Logan County magistrate Kerry Kenady. He previously was director of the Franklin Center. In a related move, Alice Benham, who was previously in charge of all general education courses, is now dean of arts and humanities.

1/10/12

Cougars get 36 from Lancaster in 10th victory

Senior Twin Lancaster scored 36 points Tuesday as the Logan County Cougars beat visiting Butler County 85-70. Coach Harold Tackett's team (10-8) has scored the most points in the region to date with 1,234. LCHS and Bowling Green are scoring 68.6 points per game, the same as Bowling Green.

Lady Cougars beat visiting Butler County by 10

The Logan County Cougars led most of the way in beating visiting Butler County 46-36 Tuesday. Senior Polly Cowan had one of the best games in her career, hitting a pair of 3-pointers on the way to 12 points. Jaylin Jones led the way with 16 points and Shannon MacAllister added 8. She had 28 points and 10 rebounds.

Imani Hampton's 22 not enough for RHS girls

Senior Imani Hampton scored 12 points in the first quarter on the way to 22 points, but she didn't get enough help to keep one of the region's top players, Molly Lamb, from leading visiting Greenwood to a 76-52 win at Russellville Tuesday. She had 28 points and 12 rebounds. Sara Jordan added 15, Alexis Dean 12 and Raven Perks 11.

1/9/12

BG Tech offering speech course in Russellville

Bowling Green Technical College is offering Fundamentals of Public Speaking in Russellville on Tuesday nights, beginning this week. For those not enrolled at BGTC, call the Office of Admissions at 901-1094. The course transfers to WKU.

Tobacco Bowl returns to Festival lineup

For decades, the Tobacco Bowl was part of the Logan County Tobacco Festival schedule on the Saturday afternoon of Parade Day, but it has been missing for a while. It returns this year. Russellville High School principal/football coach John Myers says Fulton City will be here for a 1 p.m. game on Oct. 13. The calendar made the difference, Myers says. Both Russellville and Logan County have been taking fall break during Festival week, but that break is coming a week earlier this year. "Since we will be in school and since Fulton has to travel so far, this seemed like a good year to have a Saturday afternoon game," Myers explains. The complete Panther schedule, which includes home games with Franklin-Simpson and Class A state runner-up Mayfield, is on the Roy's Sports Calendar.

1/8/12

Fans show support for WKU coaching change

Western Kentucky University fans voiced their support for actions taken the day before by President Gary Ransdell and Athletic Di-rector Ross Bjork. Two days after fewer than 2,000 people showed up for a loss to Southeastern Illinois, over 5,000 attended Saturday even though UK and Louisville games were being broadcast at the same time. Highly ineffective coach Ken McDonald was let go the day before and replaced by Assistant Coach Ray Harper, a Muhlenberg County native who has won four national championships at lower levels. The Hilltoppers continued to lose by narrow margins, however. In the past week they have lost at home for the first time ever to two Sun Belt Conference lower tier schools.

1/7/12

Gospel music festival underway at deGraffenried

Bank Street AME Zion Church is hosting a Gospel Music Fest that began at 6 p.m. and is expected to last until 10 at deGraffenried Auditorium. The featured group will be The Golden Crowns from Louisville. Local groups will also be performing, including the New Spirtualettes, Crossroads Church Praise Team, Rev. Devin West & The Logan County Community Choir, and the Macedonia Baptist Church Choir of Auburn. Masters of ceremony are Michael Gough and Archie Beck, who has recently entered the ministry. Tickets are $15. Pete Lehman has other area groups participating.

1/6/12

LCHS shuts down Lady Panthers in 4th quarter

Russellville scored the first five points of the fourth quarter on 3 free throws by Jazzy Elliott and a field goal by Imani Hampton to cut Logan County's lead to 33-30 Friday, but Coach Scot MacAllister's team shut out the visitors the final 7:15 of the game for a 52-30 win in the Clash of the Cats. Shannon MacAllister scored 14, Jaylin Jones 12, Kapreisha Powell 10, Laura Hunt 8 andMegan Lindsey 6 for the Lady Cougars, who are 2-0 in the district. Hampton scored 8, Amber Sydnor and Elliott 7 each and Davonna Sydnor 5 for Coach Dedra Adler's Lady Panthers.

Cougars halt RHS domination of boys series

The streaks are over. The Logan County Cougars' 76-70 win over visiting Russellville Friday ended many streaks. Logan's last win over the RHS boys had come 8 years, 361 days earlier. Gone are the Panthers' 19-game winning streak in the Clash of the Cats, Coach Dennis Pardue’s 32-0 record against Logan (at Todd Central and RHS combined), and Logan coach Harold Tackett's 8-game losing record against the Panthers. The contest was not a thing of beauty with 75 free throws attempted and only 40 made. A total of 55 fouls were called. Pardue said RHS made 25 turnovers.Torin Graham led the winners with 22 points while Twin Lancaster had 17, Sajuan Watkins 13 and Aratan Martin 10. TheHarper brothers--senior Ryan and freshman Matt--each banked in 3-pointers. Davis Pardue led RHS with 19 points, and Josh Hampton and Jordan Kennedy added 12 and 11, respectively..

Murray State to face APSU without injured Aska

The Murray State University Racers, who have become one of the biggest stories in college basketball this year, face one of their stiffest tests Saturday night in their attempt to keep their undefeated season alive. They play at Austin Peay, which has a win over Tennessee this year. MSU, now 15-0 and one of four undefeated teams in NCAA Division I basketball, is playing without 6-7 senior forward Ivan Aska, who has a broken hand. He is averaging 12.6 points and 6 rebounds per game. "Aska is out indefinitely after breaking his hand at Eastern Illinois," says Adairville's Elizabeth Johnson, editor in chief of the Murray State News.

1/4/12

Warren Central gets road win at Logan County

Tim Riley was in the stands, not on the bench, but a Riley stuck a couple of daggers into the Logan County Cougars Tuesday. His son Drake Riley hit a pair of 3-pointers after the Cougars had cut Warren Central's lead to four points late in the game. Warren Central,which is now coached byWilliam Unseld, won at LCHS by 61-54 count. Tim Riley, who had a sensational run coaching Central, is now on the WKU Lady Topper staff. Twin Lancaster led LCHS with 19 points while Torin Graham had 14 and Sujuan Watkins added 10, Clint Knight was the only Cougar sub to score. Central put 10 players in the scoring column, led by Nay Walker's 13.

1/3/12

SOKY Children's Chorus holding extra audition

The SOKY Children's Chorus is holding an audition Tuesday, Jan. 10, from 6-7:15 p.m. in the auditorium of the Knicely Center at WKU's South Campus. The choir is open to singers currently in grades 4-6 (if a 7^th grader is really interested, organizers will accept him/her if there is room). Rehearsals start in the spring semester and will be held on Tuesday nights at First Christian Church (1106 State Street) in Bowling Green from 6-7:30. The first performance will be on April 29 as part of the spring choral concert held in Van Meter Auditorium. There is a fee for participation. For details, call Sharon Woodward, formerly of Auburn, at.270-745-1912.

1/2/12

Al Smith writes tribute to publisher Bob Carter

Bob Carter

, who was publisher of the Hopkinsville Kentucky New Era for many years, died recently. Former Russellville publisher

Al Smith

has written a tribute to him while discussing their role in im-proving the Kentucky Open Records law.