1/30/11
State GOP candidates speak at Logan Lincoln Day
Most of the candidates for state office this year in the Republican Primary spoke at the Logan County Lincoln Day Saturday. Among them were candidates for governor David Williams and Phil Moffett, lieutenant governor Mike Harmon, secretary of state Bill Johnson and Hilda Legg, auditor Addia Wuchner and John Kemper, commissioner of agriculture Jamie Coker, and attorney general Todd P'Pool. Watch The LoJo for more details.

1/29/11
Items being accepted for Williams' benefit today
Lynne Thomas says: "We are still accepting items for the silent and live auction that anyone wants to donate to benefit the J.D. and Ashlee Williams fund. Drop them off at Minit Mart any-time.The beans and cornbread supper on Jan 29 will also host an auction with auctioneer Brent Summers. Doors open at 3:30 & serving begins at 4. Stop in and browse the auctions! If you are into baking, we need cakes, pies, cookies, and brownies to be served with our meal and to be auctioned. Desserts may be brought to Auburn School from 1-3 p.m. Someone will be there to accept your donations!"

Cougars have guaranteed themselves winning season
With an overtime win at Barren County on Jan. 24, the Logan County Cougars have guaranteed the first winning season in the program's history in 13 years. Coach Harold Tackett's team takes a 14-6 record to Clinton County today where the Cougars will be favored to win. Logan has only five regular season games remaining, and a team can lose no more than twice in postseason play, so 13 is the maximum number of losses the Cougars could accumulate. The Lady Cougars also play at Clinton today.

1/28/11
Lady Panthers come back to beat South Warren
After falling behind visiting South Warren 12-0 to start the game, the Russellville Lady Panthers came back to win 57-51 Friday. Amber Sydnor hit four straight free throws in the final few sec-onds as part of her 14 points, and Tameeka Rippy hit a pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter on the way to 19 points... The South Warren boys beat the Panthers 65-62 in the nightcap.

1/27/11
Genealogical Society seeking 2011 memberships
The Logan County Genealogical Society is accepting member-ships for 2011. The fee is $12 for a year but all materials are for email only to save printing and mailing costs. The fee covers this calendar year only, regardless of what month someone joins. The member gets all the mailings for the year.
Send to: Logan County, KY, Genealogical Society, Inc., Attn: Membership, P. O. Box 853, Russellville, KY 42276-0853.
Mailings are made in last week of each month. January 2011 includes 1) notes and index on Logan County Fiscal Court Order Book 1, 2) queries about Logan County surnames, 3) database of circuit court records in Equity Box 1, and 4) article and photos on historic site.

1/26/11
Ron Smith advances in sports marketing profession
Russellville High School graduate JeRon Smith has joined the Learfield Sports corporate headquarters, as an Affiliate Relations Rep. He’s the key contact executive for partnering network affiliations for 10 Division I college sports programs. (Oregon State, Nevada, Fresno State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Tulsa, Bow-ling Green (OH), Toledo, Kansas State, New Mexico) Smith grad-uated from the University of Louisville in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management. He spent two seasons withNelligan Sports Marketing and the University of Louisville Athletics as Promotional Coordinator for the marketing department. He was part of the “Kroger Crew.” A former U of L baseball player, JerRon loves the game and everything Louisville Cardinal Athletics. Smith joined Learfield Sports in 2009 as a Sponsor Coordinator intern for BCA Properties in Indianapolis. He is the son of Jimmy and Paul-ette Smith of Russellville.

1/25/11
Death claims newspaper executive Mary J. Smith
Mary Jane Smith , who was one of the founding staff members of the Logan Leader in the late 1960s, died Monday at Creekwood Place in Russellville. Starting as the bookkeeper, she became comptroller of multi-paper Al Smith Communications and then general manager of the Russellville newspapers, succeeding Al Smith and Virginia Page. She was the person most responsible for merging two separate names into the News-Democrat & Leader in the early 90s. Graveside services will be held at the Veterans Cemetery in Hopkinsville Friday.

Mr. Basketball candidate leads BGH past Cougars
Chane Behanan , a University of Louisville signee who is a lead-ing contender for Mr. Kentucky Basketball, scored 25 points as the Bowling Green Purples won 84-64 at Logan County Tuesday. Peter May added 19 and Scooter Hollis 14. Twin Lancaster topped the Cougars, who trailed by only 3 at hafltime... Logan ran its record to 14-5 Monday with a 76-72 overtime victory at Barren County. Drake Downey led five double figure scorers with 20.

1/22/11
Metcalfe ends Russellville's Class A season
Metcalfe County used its superior height to record a 21-rebound margin and defeated Russellville 63-53 in the 4th Region finals of the Class A Classic Saturday. Senior post players Russell and Grant Kindred combined for 48 points and 31 rebounds for the Hornets. Kevin Temple and D.J. Quarles each scored 12 and Da'Vonte Bryant 10 for RHS, which led by 11 after a quarter.

Franklin teams sweep visiting Logan
Franklin-Simpson took a pair of district games from Logan County Saturday afternoon. Miranda Rone hit a 3-pointer & Kayla Mac-Allister a two to cut the lead to six with 22 seconds, but Logan couldn't score again and lost 58-50, dropping the Lady Cougars' district record to 0-5.
The F-S boys went up by 14 early in the 2nd half, Logan cut it in half, but Tanner Clark hit a trey and 3 free throws to put the Cats up by double figures. Logan didn't get it to single digits until the last two minutes on free throws by Aratan Martin and a goal byTwin Lancaster. Franklin rebounded to win 61-50. Andrew Howard led the winners with 13, Clark had 11 and J.T. Curtis 10. Torin Grahamscored 16 and Lancaster 11 for Logan.

Panthers edge Glasgow, reach Class A region final
After trailing most of the game, the Russellville Panthers edged a good Glasgow team 70-67 team on the road Friday in the Class A regional semifinals, Davis Pardue hit his fourth 3-pointer for the lead, his 10th trey in two Class A games. Da'Vonte Bryant hit a pair of free throws for the final margin. D.J. Quarles scored 15, Pardue 14, Zack Hines and Kevin Temple 12 each and Victor Hampton 10.Carrington Bradley had 22 and Quintin Ellis 17 for the Scotties. RHS plays Metcalfe County at 7:45 Saturday.

Last visit to F-S gym by Logan Saturday afternoon
The last scheduled visit to the current Franklin-Simpson gym by a team from the Land of Logan is scheduled today.. A new 28,000-square-foot, $4 million gyn is expected to be open next season. The current gym was built in 1963 after the old one burned. Former Auburn coach Ronnie Clark was principal of the school in those days and has recently been elected mayor. Former Lewisburg teacherJohn Price coached the Cats in the 60s.

1/21/11
Jr. Pro Basketball evaulations still slated Saturday
Logan County Jr. Pro Evaluations will take place Saturday, as scheduled at the LCHS Auxiliary Gym, starting with the 3rd/4th grade Boys at 10 a.m., 3rd/4th Grade Girls - 11 a.m.; 5th/6th Grade Boys - noon; 5th/6th Grade Girls - 1:30 p.m.; 7th/8th Grade Boys - 2:30 p.m. 7th/8th Grade Girls - 3:30 p.m. Those who miss their time can come for a makeup evaluation at 2 p.m. Sunday.

Benefit for Mason family Saturday at Bank Street
The New Spiritualettes will host a benefit program at Bank Street Church in Russellville at 6 p.m. Saturday for the Mason family that was involved in a car accident on New Years Eve. Choirs, groups or soloists are invited to participate. Elizabeth Mason, who is in her mid-80s, daughters Annie Rose and Gladys Milan and granddaughters Tamia Matthews and Lariah Stockton were in a vehicle when they were struck by another car, sending all of them to the hospital. The three older women were lifeflighted to Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. All had broken bones and have also been in a rehabilitation facility in Bowling Green. Contact Dot Sydnor in Russellville to make a contribution.

1/20/11
Kathy Hathcock offers middle school pictures
Veteran photographer Kathy W. Hathcock is taking and posting lots of pictures of Logan County Middle School basketball. Almost 100 of them are shown on a Guest Article page on The LoJo. Also posted at http://www.logancountymoments.blogspot.com/ are more pictures you can order. 1/18/10

Softball clinic offered at Sportsplex in late January
The Southern Kentucky Sportsplex Softball Training Clinic will be held Jan. 29-30 at the new indoor facility at 109 Robins Way inRussellville. Training will be offered in batting and fielding on Satur-day and in pitching and catching on Sunday. Times on Saturday are 8 a.m.-noon for the 5-8 age group, noon to 4 p.m. for ages 9-12, and 4-8 p.m. for ages 13-18. Sunday afternoon times are 1-3 for ages 5-8, 3-5 for the 9-12s and 5-7 for the older group. Fees are $30 for one day or $50 for two. To register or for more information, call the Sportsplex at 726-7688, Kevin Gettings 847-5939, Lindsey Rogers Cook 776-3559, Alicia Ewen 772-3737, Gary Gettings 847-8167 or Kyle Wall 847-5432.

1/16/10
Newspaper Hall of Famer, pastor Larry Craig dies
Larry Craig , who melded religion and journalism into two successful careers, has ended a long, long battle with illness. C. Josh Givens, who like Mr. Craig started his newspaper career in Russellville and is now news editor of the Butler County news-paper which Mr. Craig once owned, reported the popular Baptist minister's death on Facebook Sunday.
Jeannie L. Bowles and Kathy W. Hathcock , who also have a Logan County newspaper background, also report that former N-D&L General Manager Mary Jane Smith is critically ill at Creekwood Place in Russellville.
Mr. Craig was given his start in journalism by former publisher Al Smith and by the late Virginia Page. He later joined Smith and the late Russellvillian Alice Allison Dunnigan in the Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame. Until the time of his death, Larry remained a popular guest on WRUS' Feedback program, hosted by Don Neagle, another Hall of Famer. He also compiled columns for the Todd County Standard, which is owned by his nephew Ryan Craig, another former Logan newsman.
The following is the description of Larry Craig's journalism careerat the time he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994:

Larry Craig
Former weekly newspaper editor and publisher.Adjunct professor of journalism, Western Kentucky University. Ordained Southern Baptist minister. Native of Todd County, started newspaper career as a reporter and columnist for Russellville News-Democrat and Logan Leader, covering politics, education and general news. Named editor of Green River Republican in Morgantown in 1980 and bought paper two years later. Gained reputation for strong editorial positions against the Ku Klux Klan and for other unpopular stands. Newspaper office once fired upon, and the church he pastored burned by Klan members, who were sent to prison. Sold newspaper in 1990 and joined journalism staff at WKU. Won numerous awards from Kentucky Press Association for investigative reporting, editorials and photography. Popular speaker on press ethics and First Amendment issues. President, Kentucky Press Association, 1989.

1/14/10
Panthers knock off F-S, go to 3-0 in district
The coaches' sons were in evidence at the end as the Russellville Panthers won 59-56 at Franklin-Simpson Friday. Junior Davis Parduehit a free throw with 12.4 second to put the Panthers up 59-56. Sophomore Tanner Clark, a great outside shooter, could not get a 3-pointer to fall at the buzzer. Their dads are Dennis Pardue and David Clark. A 3-pointer by D.J. Quarles had given RHS the lead for keeps. Victor Hampton scored 11 and DaVonte Bryant 10. Ryan Randolph led F-S with 20. The Panthers are 3-0 in district games that count on seeding.

Cougars hold off Todd, go to 12-3, 3-1 in district
Todd Central cut the lead to one twice in the final minute, but Logan County's Troy Graham hit a pair of free throws with 8.5 seconds to put Logan up 48-45. Then Twin Lancaster, who scored 18 points, blocked a Todd shot to seal the win. Michael Rager led the Rebels, who fell to 1-11, with 18 points. Logan (12-3) is now 3-1 in the district with only two games remaining.

Todd Central keeps winning, beats Logan girls
Todd Central won its 7th game among its last eight Friday, beating Logan County 66-54 on the road. Ariel Johnson scored 27 points. A highlight for Logan was an 8-point run at the end of the first half on goals by Jaylin Jones, Kayla MacAllister, Markita Pheal and Meg Brown. Logan tied the score to start the second half but then fell behind 53-36. Logan cut the margin to six, but could not get any closer. Miranda Rone had 12 points and Jones 11. The Lady Cougars fell to 0-4 in the district.1/13/10

Lady Panthers control Gooch but lose 70-37 to F-S
A box-and-one held employed by the Russellville Lady Panthers held Miss Basketball candidate Chastity Gooch to five points in the first three quarters, but Franklin-Simpson guard Shanice Williams scored 27 points to lead the Lady Cats to a 70-37 win over RHS Friday. Gooch finished with 12. Tameeka Rippy had 10 for Russellville and Khalia Hampton added 9. Point guard Amber Sydnor took an elbow to the face and had to leave the game.

1/13/10
King, Richards, Monroe help hero become Colonel
John Monroe first learned of ‘American Hero’ Grady Pratt from reading a story in the Bowling Green Daily News about a Vietnam Veteran now living at Rosewood Manor nursing home. He had suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder after Vietnam, graduated from Western Kentucky University and University of Kentucky and then spent 30 years as a social worker, focusing on the Vietnam Veterans who suffered from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
“I was really moved by Grady’s story,” said Monroe, "and being a Vietnam Veteran myself, I told my wife Bobbie that we had to go and see him.” John and his wife visited Grady several times in Bowling Green and even went to the VA hospital in Nashville to see him. “I asked myself what could I do for Grady.” said John. "Was there any thing that I could do for him to make him happy? So I decided to get him a Kentucky Colonel.”
Monroe serves as chairman of the Logan County Democratic Executive Committee and turned to his fellow Democrats to help him. “I called my State Representative, Martha Jane King, who said she would be honored to ask for the Colonel, but that maybe it would mean more coming from State Representative Jody Richards, the longest serving Speaker of the House, so then I called Jody.”
As he waited on the Colonel to arrive John decided to surprise Grady with the presentation and proceeded to invited more people. He called former State Senator Nick Kafoglis, Senator Mike Reynolds, State Representative Wilson Stone, Dr. Sylvia Pulliam, chairman of the Simpson County Democrats, and her husband, Dr. Michael Pulliam, and asked them to attend. He told Grady’s family and the staff at the nursing home about his plans to make sure he could have a large crowd to honor a “fellow veteran.”
Monroe presented the Colonel to Grady and while reminiscing about their friendship and their service to our country he said, “Never again will one generation of Veterans abandon another,”
“I was really surprised.” said Pratt after the presentation of the Kentucky Colonel. “Every time John and Bobbie visit me, it lifts my spirits, and I appreciate them so much.” Bobbie had made Grady a patriotic throw and after she placed it over his legs and the congratulations were over, John said, “If I can put a smile on a soldier's face I feel like I have done something good.”

1/11/11
Panthers win at Greenwood 68-58
The Russellville Panthers won at Greenwood 68-58 Tuesday, a much better showing than in their two trips to BG last week. D.J.Quarles had 24 points and Victor Hampton 13. RHS led by 11 at the half, the Gators cut to to six, but Jordan Kennedy's 3-pointer put the Panthers up by 15. The Lady Panthers lost 58-51 in a good game. Logan's games against Butler County were postponed for snow. All four teams have district games Friday. Logan enter-tains Todd Central and RHS goes to Franklin-Simpson.

NAACP King/Jubilee Breakfast this Saturday
The Russellville/Logan County Branch of the NAACP will sponsor a Martin Luther King, Jr./Jubilee Breakfast Saturday; Jan. 15 at the K of P Hall, East Fifth St., Russellville at 9 a.m. Guest speaker will be Rev. Fred D. Fort, pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The theme is "STILL, Dealing With The Change." A $5 donation is asked. For further information, contact William Elliott @ 726.3285 or Lillian Wells@ 726.9921.

1/6/11
Lincoln Day Dinner planned for Jan. 29
The 2011 Lincoln Day Dinner will be hosted by the Republican Party of Logan County on Saturday, Jan. 29. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance or at the door. There will be a meal, entertainment, an auction, and a reflection on President Abraham Lincoln. Those with questions or who want to buy a ticket can contact: Barry Kennedy (901-1108), Keith Burnett (726-3801) orSheldon Baugh (726-7616).

Logan Jr. Pro basketball registration underway
Logan County Jr Pro Basketball signups are here! Early registration prices are available until Jan 15. Late registration can be completed at Evaluations on Saturday, Jan. 22 or Sunday, Jan 23 for a $5 late fee. Contact any Logan County Middle School Coach for registration forms and evaluation times.

1/4/11
Fant, Central too much for Panther basketball
Mr. Basketball candidate George Fant led the Warren Central Dragons to a 100-61 win over visiting Russellville Tuesday in a matchup of teams ranked in the top five in the region. Fant, who has signed with Western Kentucky University, had 22 points and 11 rebounds at halftime and finished with 32 points and 14 re-bounds. He had run his total to 30 points at the end of three quarters and put Coach Tim Riley's team ahead by 31 on his last bucket of the quarter. Riley had used 11 players going into the final 8 minutes. Kevin Temple led RHS with 13.

1/3/11
Layton Bush named to Kentucky Stars vs. Tennessee
Russellville senior Layton Bush has been named to the Kentucky squad which will play their Tennessee counterparts in the National Guard Border Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 15 at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, which is just north of Knoxville. Bush is the only player on the team from a school west of I-65."This game allows players to have the opportunity to play, practice, and battle it out for the rights to the border. It also allows high school seniors an opportunity to gain additional exposure and, perhaps, earn a scholarship for college. Each player must be nominated by their coach. All player profiles are reviewed by a panel of coaches from their home state to field the best possible team," the bowl's website says.
Bush was a key player on offense, defense and special teams for the Panthers, who reached the third round of the Class 3A play-offs for the third time in the four years Bush was in high school.

1/1/11
Mason family suffers serious injuries in accident
Elizabeth Mason , the matriarch of a family which has produced some of the most successful athletes in local sports history, re-mains in intensive care at Vanderbilt Hospital following a traffic accident New Years Eve. Two of her daughters, Gladys Milan andand Annie Rose, are also patients at the Nashville hospital, suffering from broken bones. A person close to the family told The LoJo that the family was returning from a church service when a truck driver not familiar with the area was looking at a map and ran a red light at the intersection of U.S. 68-80 and the bypass. Another vehicle was struck by the impact, but no names have been made public as yet. Two of Mrs. Mason's granddaughters were injured but have been released.
Mrs. Mason is also the mother of basketball standouts Clarence and Forrest Mason, Gracie Mason Woodard and (All-American) Lillie Mason Stockton.