Computer problems have held up some stories I'm working on. I will be bringing some interesting stories which have required some serious work and interviews. I am working on the following:
A first hand look at some letters between Kentucky publisher Albert G. Hodges and President Lincoln. Hodges and Lincoln were friends whereas Hodges supported the President's effort to abolish slavery. These original letters may very well be drafts for which I have access to the copies. The originals have just been sent to the University of Kentucky School of Journalism.
Christian County Assistant County Attorney John Thomas Soyars is providing me with the copies. Soyars is the great, great, great grandson of Albert Hodges. Soyars whose father was the late Judge J. Thomas Soyars was the law partner of Edward T. "Ned" Breathitt. Soyars grandfather was Judge Oglesby Soyars. His great grandfather was noted civil war Confederate hero Dr. James Thomas Soyars of Slaughters, KY (Webster County).
Hodges and President Lincoln communicated quite a bit and this should provide an interesting story line.
I am also working on the history of Ken Lake State Park which was the first great Lodge operated by a State. Notable people like Bob Hope and Dinah Shore were part of the dedication. Ken Lake also offered one of only three separate but equal parks for African Americans. Cherokee Park has been lost in Kentucky history and now deserves the return to the national prominence it once had.
I will also be bringing a stories on Greg Alexander who just got elected to the Murray City Council and may be the youngest elected official in Kentucky. I'm finishing interviews on the up coming legislative session and will bring a West Kentucky prospective on House Leadership races and what chances West Ky. Legislators think they have regarding tax increases. Stay tuned I'm working hard.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Georgetown's Bobby McDowell Recovering
Former Scott County Democratic Party Chairman Bobby McDowell is recovering from a broken hip. Bobby had to have major surgery to repair his hip. McDowell is one of the most interesting Democrats you will ever meet and has accomplished some amazing things while at times under difficult circumstances.
As one of the last people in the United States to fall prey to Polio, Bobby McDowell has never let his disability keep him down. It was over 25 years ago that I first met Bobby and he was Party Chairman in Scott County. If my memory serves true I believe McDowell was elected the youngest Party Chairman in Kentucky History at age 18. He also was elected to the Georgetown City Council at about the same time. McDowell served 3 terms as Party Chairman and also served on the State Democrat Central Committee. In 1984 Bobby was re-elected Party Chairman with the largest precinct turnout in Kentucky second only to Jefferson County that year.
Having served in politics and State Government for many years, Bobby has quite a resume. He worked for Congressman John C. Breckenridge and Sen. Wendell Ford. Served as an assistant to former Supreme Court Chief Justice Bob Stevens as well as having served in a number of Governor's Administrations.
McDowell is a "Yellow Dog Democrat" and the first time that I met him, he told me that "the only difference between God and Wendell Ford was that God had to rest on the 7th day." A proud alumni of Georgetown College and the University of Kentucky, Bobby serves as the alumni advisor to the Lamba Chi Chapter at UK. Bobby served for many years as an usher for UK football games.
My thoughts go out to Bobby for a speedy recovery and if you would like to drop Bobby a note I have included his information.
Bobby McDowell
102 Fordland Drive
Georgetown, KY 40324
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
A Christmas Gift Idea for KY History Enthusiast
From Cane Ridge in Bourbon County to all communities across Kentucky stand some of the oldest churches in Kentucky. If you have an appreciation for Kentucky History then you should appreciate this new pictorial book which provides pictures and history of the 233 Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Churches in Kentucky.
Don Nunnelly of Frankfort has authored this pictorial collection with the photographs taken by John Cornett of London, Ky. This is a large coffee table book and would make a nice Holiday gift. The cost of the book is $40.00 + 6% sales tax and $5.00 s/h for each book ordered. Order information below.
Don Nunnelly
9 Breckinridge Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502)695-5899
donnum@aol.com
Don Nunnelly of Frankfort has authored this pictorial collection with the photographs taken by John Cornett of London, Ky. This is a large coffee table book and would make a nice Holiday gift. The cost of the book is $40.00 + 6% sales tax and $5.00 s/h for each book ordered. Order information below.
Don Nunnelly
9 Breckinridge Blvd
Frankfort, KY 40601
(502)695-5899
donnum@aol.com
Bourbon Balls: West Kentucky Style
Bourbon Balls have become a Kentucky tradition during the holidays and I have at many times during the Christmas Season enjoyed eating them. I have had my fair share of bourbon balls that were good and some not so good.
I must report to you that I experienced what I believe to be the best bourbon balls I have ever eaten. Bourbon balls have been around since about 1938 and were invented by Ruth Booe but I think even Ruth Booe would have to admit that the bourbon ball(s) I got to enjoy this week were truly one of the best ever made in Kentucky.
The bourbon balls I am referring to were made by Marcie Cox of Madisonville, Kentucky. After doing some research and looking at some different recipes, I am convinced that Mrs. Cox's bourbon balls are different from all the recipes I have seen.
Rebecca Ruth Candies are probably the most well known for making bourbon balls in Kentucky but I think they have a rival now. If you want the recipe I guess you will have to contact Marcie. If you want to know more on the history of this Kentucky treat then you can go to the following link: www.rebeccaruth.com
I must report to you that I experienced what I believe to be the best bourbon balls I have ever eaten. Bourbon balls have been around since about 1938 and were invented by Ruth Booe but I think even Ruth Booe would have to admit that the bourbon ball(s) I got to enjoy this week were truly one of the best ever made in Kentucky.
The bourbon balls I am referring to were made by Marcie Cox of Madisonville, Kentucky. After doing some research and looking at some different recipes, I am convinced that Mrs. Cox's bourbon balls are different from all the recipes I have seen.
Rebecca Ruth Candies are probably the most well known for making bourbon balls in Kentucky but I think they have a rival now. If you want the recipe I guess you will have to contact Marcie. If you want to know more on the history of this Kentucky treat then you can go to the following link: www.rebeccaruth.com
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Thanksgiving, Football & Friends
Returned this morning from Franklin, Tn after an enjoyable day. Had dinner with former Hopkinsville High Football Coach Craig Clayton and his family. Former HHS and Christian Co. defensive coordinator Dan Hampton and his family joined us for dinner. We had a full house with Craig's sister, Carol's family. Carol and David Birdsong have 3 children. David is a native of Trigg County. Craig and Anita's daughter Lauren and her husband Mica Lester were there along with their children Ella Ross and Clayton. Mica and I road to Franklin together. Mica and his family are farmers in Gracey and he had to work most of the day so it worked out that he could ride down with me. Craig's son Louis did not make it home whereas he is working on his Master's at Ohio State.
I tagged along with Craig for his "Clayton traditional breakfast" which he has on Thanksgiving morning when his team is playing in a semi-state game. I joined him and his team for breakfast and a football walk through in preparation for Friday night's game. It brought back old memories from the many Thanksgiving breakfasts we had at Hoptown.
Besides two grandchildren, Craig has achieved the water mark of winning over 200 games as a head coach. He is in his 4th season at Franklin and stands a very good shot at winning a State Championship.
At present I am blogging from Christian County Democrat Party Chairman, Lindsey Adams house. Former State Rep. John Adams and Mary Helen are here. Lindsey's brother Bill J. made a surprise visit home for the holiday. Kay and Mary Thom Munday joined us for dinner and of course the "Blade" and Brandon are here. Great dinner and now enjoying the nice fire Lindsey has going outside. Melissa provided a nice evening for us all for which I am thankful.
I tagged along with Craig for his "Clayton traditional breakfast" which he has on Thanksgiving morning when his team is playing in a semi-state game. I joined him and his team for breakfast and a football walk through in preparation for Friday night's game. It brought back old memories from the many Thanksgiving breakfasts we had at Hoptown.
Besides two grandchildren, Craig has achieved the water mark of winning over 200 games as a head coach. He is in his 4th season at Franklin and stands a very good shot at winning a State Championship.
At present I am blogging from Christian County Democrat Party Chairman, Lindsey Adams house. Former State Rep. John Adams and Mary Helen are here. Lindsey's brother Bill J. made a surprise visit home for the holiday. Kay and Mary Thom Munday joined us for dinner and of course the "Blade" and Brandon are here. Great dinner and now enjoying the nice fire Lindsey has going outside. Melissa provided a nice evening for us all for which I am thankful.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Employment Statistics-Kentucky & Nation
West Kentucky Journal of Politics and Issues has a very interesting article along with a Kentucky State Government press release related to the employment market. Government jobs are on the rise and manufacturing jobs are decreasing. Check it out by going to the link below.
www.westkypolitics.org
www.westkypolitics.org
Monday, November 24, 2008
An Apology, Facebook and Some Old Friends
Carroll Hubbard
My first order of business is to apologize to Carroll Hubbard. He sent me an email making note of a big mistake I had in one of my post. Congressman Hubbard did carry his home county of Graves which I had reported that he had lost. I used my notes from election and I was wrong. I hope that Carroll will forgive my mistake.
Rep. Tilley
I posted this earlier but I am excited about Rep. Tilley and his wife Shelly expecting their first child. To quote Luka from the God Father, "... And may it be a masculine child."
Facebook
I was encouraged by an old college buddy to do this Facebook thing and I did it not knowing whether or not I really wanted to get into that. I have to admit I have enjoyed it that last few days catching up on lots of folks I went to high school and college with. I guess I was surprised to see the number of people who participate on it. I had not heard from Greg English who is a Marshall County native in 25 years. We were at Georgetown together. Stacy Elgin Weibaecher contacted me. Stacey, last I knew was doing TV for CNN in Atlanta. Ricky Hunt, he has more talent in his little finger than most of us combined is still doing the song writing and music thing. His mother, Shirley, owns the Holiday Burgers in Holiday Park. Holiday Burgers is about the last of the good old eateries in Hoptown besides Roundies and the Horse Shoe. John Soyars commented just today how good the food was whereas he ate lunch there today.
Thanksgiving
Trying to figure out what to do for Thanksgiving. With the family all gone now it's up to me to find the food.(like I have trouble doing that) I have received as usual some nice invites. My Pastor in Earlington, Steve Hamrick, and Lindsey Adams have all extended a Thanksgiving invitation. I ate last year at Lindsey Adams and the year before in Panama City. I think the two year prior I enjoyed the hospitality of Shoney's. I mean that, Shoney's fixed me what I wanted and how I wanted special from their kitchen. I will probably go to Lindsey's house again because it is less than 2 minutes from my house. They have a big crowd but I can slip into the kitchen and grab some food and be on my way back to a football game on TV.
Football
Hopkinsville lost to Christian County in the second round of the playoffs Friday night 28-21. My congrats to Coach Lovelace at CCHS as he is 11-1 heading into the Regional Championship Friday night. CCHS will host Owensboro. Christian Co. came from behind in the regular season to defeat Owensboro earlier this season. Owensboro's coach, Joe Prince is an old friend. Joe played at Mayfield and UK. Coach Lovelace also played at Mayfield. God, I think Mayfield people are taking over the world. Coach Clayton's Franklin, (TN) Rebels won again and will play a semi-state game with a team out of Memphis. I believe one more win and he is in a State Championship game. Mayfield and Fort Campbell will also play for Regional Championships this Friday.
As a footnote to the game. I received the honor of being the honorary coach for Hopkinsville during the coin toss. George Schlegel was suppose to have the honor but was out of town. The honor wore off quickly whereas I nearly froze to death. I have to say that I was horribly disappointed in our fans and our community. Just a few short years ago there would have been 4 or 5 thousand fans in attendance. There was not 250 people total for the game.
Miley
I may or may not reconsider being a Miley Cyrus fan. Some of her pictures on display have proven to be disappointing to me. Lindsey Adam's daughters Mary Thom and Chandler threw a surprise birthday party for me in September with a Miley Cyrus theme. Cups, plates and all. I'm referred to as "Aunt Tim" by the girls along with Rep. Tilley's daughter Emma. It's a long story so I won't even go into that. I have been considering starting another blog called "Aunt Tim" and letting all the girls post their political comments, ideas and thoughts. Keep in mind these girls range from 1st grade to 4 or 5th. Believe it or not they all have strong opinions. I think that must be a girl thing, opinions and all. No one talks back in my house, well sometimes the washing machine does.
KDP
I guess everyone expects me to have some inside scoop on the KDP leadership. Well I don't. I don't really know most of those folks and other than a few really active people down here and I mean really few who do, I'm not sure there is much to say. I know many down here are not happy but I believe many of these issues are ones that have carried on for years. I think a big decision has to be made whether we change to make Rural Kentucky happy or the Party moves on and takes votes when they can get them. Rebuilding the Party down here will mean a lot of work. I think most people those being State office holders see themselves as the Party and have for a long time. I'm not sure anyone wants or can stomach the pains involved with having to do what needs to be done in Rural Kentucky. Sometimes I can't say that I blame them.I have been clear about what I think are the concerns with the Party but I believe they are greater than anyone one or two people. I'm not going to criticize anyone unless I have walked a mile in their shoes. We do need to plan for the future but computers and technology will not help too much in Rural Kentucky. Any organizational progress made will come from having local people who understand who is kin to who and truly understands that politics down here at the grassroots will come from rebuilding the base by and with local and regional people not outsiders. Folks down here are not going to buy into just new leadership or just have a seat at the table. They expect to be making the decisions and implementing any plan that will concern them. I'm afraid if that does not happen then, things will stay just the same. Everyone will give their $100 bucks and show up at a reception then go support the Republicans. That's the way it works down here and people ain't coming home for nothing. The KDP will have to establish a real and meaningful trust between the Party and local officials.
My first order of business is to apologize to Carroll Hubbard. He sent me an email making note of a big mistake I had in one of my post. Congressman Hubbard did carry his home county of Graves which I had reported that he had lost. I used my notes from election and I was wrong. I hope that Carroll will forgive my mistake.
Rep. Tilley
I posted this earlier but I am excited about Rep. Tilley and his wife Shelly expecting their first child. To quote Luka from the God Father, "... And may it be a masculine child."
I was encouraged by an old college buddy to do this Facebook thing and I did it not knowing whether or not I really wanted to get into that. I have to admit I have enjoyed it that last few days catching up on lots of folks I went to high school and college with. I guess I was surprised to see the number of people who participate on it. I had not heard from Greg English who is a Marshall County native in 25 years. We were at Georgetown together. Stacy Elgin Weibaecher contacted me. Stacey, last I knew was doing TV for CNN in Atlanta. Ricky Hunt, he has more talent in his little finger than most of us combined is still doing the song writing and music thing. His mother, Shirley, owns the Holiday Burgers in Holiday Park. Holiday Burgers is about the last of the good old eateries in Hoptown besides Roundies and the Horse Shoe. John Soyars commented just today how good the food was whereas he ate lunch there today.
Thanksgiving
Trying to figure out what to do for Thanksgiving. With the family all gone now it's up to me to find the food.(like I have trouble doing that) I have received as usual some nice invites. My Pastor in Earlington, Steve Hamrick, and Lindsey Adams have all extended a Thanksgiving invitation. I ate last year at Lindsey Adams and the year before in Panama City. I think the two year prior I enjoyed the hospitality of Shoney's. I mean that, Shoney's fixed me what I wanted and how I wanted special from their kitchen. I will probably go to Lindsey's house again because it is less than 2 minutes from my house. They have a big crowd but I can slip into the kitchen and grab some food and be on my way back to a football game on TV.
Football
Hopkinsville lost to Christian County in the second round of the playoffs Friday night 28-21. My congrats to Coach Lovelace at CCHS as he is 11-1 heading into the Regional Championship Friday night. CCHS will host Owensboro. Christian Co. came from behind in the regular season to defeat Owensboro earlier this season. Owensboro's coach, Joe Prince is an old friend. Joe played at Mayfield and UK. Coach Lovelace also played at Mayfield. God, I think Mayfield people are taking over the world. Coach Clayton's Franklin, (TN) Rebels won again and will play a semi-state game with a team out of Memphis. I believe one more win and he is in a State Championship game. Mayfield and Fort Campbell will also play for Regional Championships this Friday.
As a footnote to the game. I received the honor of being the honorary coach for Hopkinsville during the coin toss. George Schlegel was suppose to have the honor but was out of town. The honor wore off quickly whereas I nearly froze to death. I have to say that I was horribly disappointed in our fans and our community. Just a few short years ago there would have been 4 or 5 thousand fans in attendance. There was not 250 people total for the game.
Miley
I may or may not reconsider being a Miley Cyrus fan. Some of her pictures on display have proven to be disappointing to me. Lindsey Adam's daughters Mary Thom and Chandler threw a surprise birthday party for me in September with a Miley Cyrus theme. Cups, plates and all. I'm referred to as "Aunt Tim" by the girls along with Rep. Tilley's daughter Emma. It's a long story so I won't even go into that. I have been considering starting another blog called "Aunt Tim" and letting all the girls post their political comments, ideas and thoughts. Keep in mind these girls range from 1st grade to 4 or 5th. Believe it or not they all have strong opinions. I think that must be a girl thing, opinions and all. No one talks back in my house, well sometimes the washing machine does.
KDP
I guess everyone expects me to have some inside scoop on the KDP leadership. Well I don't. I don't really know most of those folks and other than a few really active people down here and I mean really few who do, I'm not sure there is much to say. I know many down here are not happy but I believe many of these issues are ones that have carried on for years. I think a big decision has to be made whether we change to make Rural Kentucky happy or the Party moves on and takes votes when they can get them. Rebuilding the Party down here will mean a lot of work. I think most people those being State office holders see themselves as the Party and have for a long time. I'm not sure anyone wants or can stomach the pains involved with having to do what needs to be done in Rural Kentucky. Sometimes I can't say that I blame them.I have been clear about what I think are the concerns with the Party but I believe they are greater than anyone one or two people. I'm not going to criticize anyone unless I have walked a mile in their shoes. We do need to plan for the future but computers and technology will not help too much in Rural Kentucky. Any organizational progress made will come from having local people who understand who is kin to who and truly understands that politics down here at the grassroots will come from rebuilding the base by and with local and regional people not outsiders. Folks down here are not going to buy into just new leadership or just have a seat at the table. They expect to be making the decisions and implementing any plan that will concern them. I'm afraid if that does not happen then, things will stay just the same. Everyone will give their $100 bucks and show up at a reception then go support the Republicans. That's the way it works down here and people ain't coming home for nothing. The KDP will have to establish a real and meaningful trust between the Party and local officials.
Congrats to Rep. John & Shelly Tilley
Representative Tilley phoned me on his way to Frankfort this morning to let me know that He and Shelly are expecting their first child. The new addition to the Tilley family is expected in July. I'm sure Rep. Tilley is wishing for a little UK football or basketball player.
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