Looking Back

According to a press report from Bardstown, a tug of war over a twenty-year-old girl involved in the recent kidnap-robbery of a Cox’s Creek minister, developed Saturday when Bardstown police refused to hand her over to the F. B. I. which had issued a warrant for her arrest.

The girl is Mary Ethel Wade, Atlanta, Ga., who was arrested with David E. Bryson, 22, Louisville, a truck driver, after their stolen car went into a ditch Thursday. Miss Wade and Bryson fled to a nearby farmhouse where they were arrested a few hours later.

Still sought are Marine Pvt. Emery Walter Fowler, 20, wanted for deserting the Marine Corps about February 1 from New River, N. C., for a murder February 22 in Cummings, Ga., and for the kidnap-robbery of the Rev. Walter Bryant, pastor of Cox’s Creek Baptist Church Wednesday night, and Virse Dail Roby, 20, Louisville, wanted for helping Fowler to desert and harboring him.

Byrant was forced into the quartet’s stolen car, driven some distance away beaten and robbed of $89, W. T. Bailey, Elizabethtown police chief said. After the arrest of Miss Wade and Bryson, the F.B.I. issued a warrant charging Miss Wade with violating the National Motor Vehicle Theft Act by driving a stolen car across state boundaries.

When Deputy U S. Marshal M. O. Cassady attempted to take her into custody Saturday Bardstown authorities refused to hand her over. Bryson does not face a federal charge.

Deaths: Rev. Joseph Cyril Coudeyre, Mar. 5; Speed Royalty, Feb. 25; Nannie Lee Lambert Sallee, Mar. 8; Leo Moore, Mar. 2

March 12, 1953

Homemakers have wide interests in Kentucky

That homemakers in Kentucky devote considerable time to becoming better informed citizens and to the betterment of their communities, was learned from a report given at the annual business meeting of the Kentucky Federation of Homemakers held at the University of Kentucky.

More than 700 clubs had discussions, lectures, round tables, films or readings on subject relating to county and local public affairs, United Nations, current events, voting and the like.

Three hundred and forty-seven clubs or county associations observed International Day; 557 homemakers had pen friends in 19 foreign countries last year; they sent 232 packages of food through CARE, and 184 packages of clothing overseas, the larger part of it going to Korea.

Seven hundred and sixty-seven clubs cooperated with the American Red Cross in various ways;

862 homemakers gave a pint of blood, and influenced 537 others to do so; 55 clubs had courses in home nursing, and 41, in first aid; 540 clubs contributed a total of $7,670 for welfare work.

Some other activities engaged in by the homemakers included stenciling mailboxes with the name of the family living on the farm; marking roads, streets and rural churches; cleaning and landscaping cemeteries, church and school grounds; eliminating roadside dumps, and beautifying highways. More than 1,200 homemakers served as leaders of 4-H Chubs.

Deaths: John M. Mayes, Mar. 8; June Carey Lanham, Mar. 6; William L. Greenwell, Mar. 10; Stella Cedars Redmon, Mar. 4

March 14, 1963

Talent night finals will be held here Monday

Semi-finals in the 4-H Club acts were held at Springfield Monday evening, March 11, and at Mackville Tuesday night, March 12.

The three winners at Springfield on Monday were Fredericktown, Saint Dominic 7th and 8th and Springfield 7th and 8th.

Winners at Mackville Tuesday night were three Willis. burg acts, The Eager Beavers; Willisburg Teen and Willisburg 7th and 8th. The Mackville Preps received a blue ribbon. Red ribbon winners were Texas, Mackville Busy Bees and Mackville Junior League.

Over 500 people attended the show with competition high in all departments.

The finals, with one act in the two categories, club and specialty, to be picked from the three at Springfield, Mackville and the specialty act winners at Willisburg last November, will be held at Springfield High School auditorium Monday evening, March 18, at 7:30.

The winners picked next Monday will represent the county at the district show to be held at Shelbyville April 6.

Judges for the final night will be Sam Gifford, WHAS-TV, Louisville, and John Caudill, producer of the Harrodsburg drama now being perfected for presentation this summer.

Ribbon winners at Springfield Monday were Holy Rosary 5th and 6th; Springfield 5th and 6th; St. Dominic 5th and 6th; Holy Rosary 7th and 8th and Maud. Red ribbons went to St. Rose and High Street Elementary.

Competing in the specialty act division on Monday will be Jane Curtis, Texas; Drescilla Thomas, Mackville; la quartet, Tony Royalty, Larry Griffey, Terry Lester and Sammy Bodine, Willisburg; Stevie McRay, Reed Spaulding and Betty Shewmaker, Springfield; quartet, Levida Begley, Julie Boone, Janice Hale and Mary Shelton Ward, Springfield.

Deaths: Martha Matherly Thomas, Mar. 7; Raphael Lewis, Mar. 3; Leon R. Dunn, Mar. 4

March 15, 1973

College fund drive opens

A Kick-off dinner launched the 1973 St. Catharine College Annual Century Club Drive.

Chairmen J. R. Montgomery and Jesse Shearer, Danville, along with Finance Chairman, Ed Doherty and Trainer Charles Foley gave directions and information to those involved in the campaign at this time.

To belong to the Century Club a donor is asked to contribute $100 or more a year. Associate members are equally welcomed to participate by giving a contribution less than $100.

Last year’s drive realized $22,247.00.

Ten thousand dollars of this was applied to the debt retirement of Lourdes Hall and the rest to the priorities listed on the brochures, especially to the daily operation of the college.

The goal for this year’s drive is $25,000.00. The drive has five divisions: Washington County, Marion County, Nelson County, Alumni Association, and Special Gifts ($500.00 and over is considered a special gift.)

Each division has chairmen, captains, and workers organized into teams that will contact prospective donors during the four week period March 5 to April 2.

Each county, according to its ratio of students, is setting a separate goal. Each week progress report meetings will be held to report to the Finance Chairman the exact amount collected by each division for that week.

The Washington County people who will be making the calls are Chairmen, Ed O’Daniel and Jimmy Osborne; Captains, Joe Bishop, Perry Carrico, Mary Paul Edelen, Mrs. Jack Gordon, Forest Grider, and Mrs. Tom Duncan Reed.

Workers on these teams are Phil Barber, John Hardin, Hamilton Simms, Jimmie Carrico, Sally Isaacs, Josephine Cecconi, Fred Edelen, Ben Simms Haydon, Darnell Waters, Mary Jo Hamilton, Bess Haydon, Martha Ann Haydon, Mrs. Evelyn Hamilton, Lee Robertson, Frances Haydon, Bill Robertson, Troll Young and Bob Goodlett. Larry Hayes, Chairman, and Co-chairman Frank

Peters will work with Billy Jones Robertson, Josephine Cecconi, Fannie Boldrick in soliciting funds from the Alumni Association.

Others involved in the drive are Alan Baker, Co-chairman of the Publicity Committee, and Robert Adams, Louisville Co-chairman of the Special Gifts Division.

An Appreciation Dinner for all Century Club members is scheduled for May 1.

Deaths: Onis Ward, Mar. 9; Beatrice Mason Harmon, Mar. 9; Chester A. Riley, Mar. 12, Mary Vincent Trant, Mar. 8

March 16, 1983

Seven indicted in grand jury’s second session

In its second session this year, the Washington County Grand Jury returned indictments against seven people.

An indictment is a legal accusation. It does not determine guilt or innocence.

In its session Thursday, the grand jury re-indicted three men and indicted a fourth man in connection with a case that dates back to 1980.

Originally indicted on Aug. 7, 1980, and re-indicted Thursday, were Carnell Foye, John W. Huston and Wince Wilkerson Jr. Also indicted last week was James “Burhead” Owsley. All of the men are from Boyle County.

Each was indicted and charged with theft by unlawful taking over $100, a class “D” felony. Each was also charged with complicity — liability for the conduct of another person. That charge is also a felony.

Owsley was also indicted and charged with being a persistent felony offender.

Each was charged with the alleged theft in 1980 of cattle belonging to Donnie Cocanougher of Washington County.

Each is free on 10% payments of $5,000 bonds.

Two other people, both from Washington County, were also indicted for alleged cattle theft.

Indicted was Eddie Teater, 22, of Rt. 3B, Springfield, and Sue Ann Bishop, 47, also of Rt. 3B, Springfield.

Each was charged with theft by unlawful taking over $100 and complicity. Both charges are felonies.

According to the indictment, the defendants, “whether acting individually or aiding or conspiring with others exercised control over the cattle of Robert Sullivan” on Dec. 1, 1982.

Both defendants were freed after paying 10% of $2,000 bail bonds. Also indicted last week was Larry Wayne Weathers, no age available, of Rosary Heights, Springfield.

He was charged with knowingly receiving stolen property over $100 and complicity. Both charges are felonies.

According to the indictment the defendant, “whether acting individually or aiding or conspiring with others, knowingly received or disposed of 10 pair of blue jeans from Robertson’s Inc., knowing they were stolen, and valued in excess of $100.”

The clothing store on Main Street in Springfield was burglarized earlier this month.

Weathers was charged after filing of a criminal complaint by Springfield Patrolman Paul O’Bryan, the investigating officer in the case.

The defendant was released on an unsecured $3,000 bail bond.

All of the people charged last week are expected to be arraigned in Washington County Circuit Court April 7.

Births: William Robert, Mar. 8; Kathryn Rae Mattingly, Mar. 5

Deaths: Halstead W. Cross, Mar. 11; Ricky Snider Curtsinger, Mar. 11; Mary Taylor, Mar. 11

March 17, 1993

Walkathon will fund Meals for Miles

While some folks are walking to take off the effect of their meals, Margaret Spalding at the Council on Aging is hoping lots of Washington Countians will walk to put meals on.

Along with officials of aging programs in seven other counties, Spalding is coordinating

“Miles for Meals,” a walkathon to raise funds for the senior citizens meals program operated by Central Kentucky Community Action.

“We hope it will be an annual thing, said Spalding.

“Miles for Meals” is a campaign of the National Meals on Wheels Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising public awareness and support for senior citizens nutrition programs.

The Washington County walk is scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, April 3, at Idle Hour Park--rain or shine. “Bring your umbrella,” laughed Spalding.

The check-in station at the Idle Hour Park Pavilion will open at 9:30 a.m.

All age groups are encouraged to participate, said Spalding.

“This is not just for the seniors.” Walkers may sponsor themselves or obtain pledges from other sponsors. Forms for recording the pledges may be picked up and returned at the senior citizens center or at the check-in station at Idle Hour Park on the day of the walkathon.

The walk covers a distance of 5 kilometers, or 3.1 miles.

All participants who complete the entire walk will receive special recognition.

Organizers are counting on several incentives to attract walkers and contributors. Participants who turn in $30 more in pledges will receive a “Miles for Meals T-shirt. Participants who turn in $50 or more will be entered in a district-wide drawing for a television. Participants who turn in all their pledge money by April 14 are eligible for a district-wide drawing for $100. The participant who turns in the most pledge money in each county by the April 14 deadline will receive a $100 prize.

There’s a special prize for Washington County youngsters 14 and under, a bicycle donated by First & Peoples Bank. The bicycle, now on display at the bank, will go the youngster who raises the most pledge money.

Spalding said there’s several ways supporters can help. They can either walk or sponsor other walkers.

Supporters can also help Spalding and her staff on the planning committee.

Volunteers are needed on the day of the walk, to check in walkers and help serve refreshments.

Organizers are hoping to net $20,000 across the eight-county district from the April 3 event.

The funds will be used to offset cuts in federal and state funds, which have resulted in trimming 15,400 meals from the district’s current year budget.

Further budget cuts next fiscal year will mean loss of another 9,100 meals.

We want to keep what we have, said Spalding.

It costs the program $2.49 to cook and deliver a meal to the Springfield senior center.

Home-delivered meals run a bit higher: $2.55 for a regular diet meal or $2.82 or diabetic menu.

The program serves between 16 and 25 meals Monday through Friday at the senior center. The meal and social activities, Spalding stressed, are not just for low-income persons.

Deaths: Herman Newton, Mar. 5; Johnson Walls, Mar. 10

March 19, 2003

‘Vision’ moving towards details

Work to develop a master land-use plan for Washington County continued Thursday afternoon at St. Catharine College.

An estimated 50 people showed for the second meeting with a group of University of Kentucky students, who have been assigned the task of creating the plan as a part of a landscape architecture class project.

Following a presentation of the students’ work so far, community participants were asked to focus on a variety of interests, including land-use planning in Washington County and the cities of Springfield, Fredericktown, Mackville and Willisburg; and the impact of development plans in and around St. Catharine College. Plans for a bypass, economic and industrial development, recreation and tourism and the impact these issues would have countywide were also included.

“It was a very successful meeting, said Laurie Smith, chairman of Springfield’s Main Street/Renaissance Committee.

“I expect they’ll do a lot of refining to their plans based on the input they received.

Smith said her only concern is that the students may be “overzealous” in what the community can accomplish, but that she’s confident the plan will be refined as the students continue their work.

Nell Haydon, director of Main Street/Renaissance, said the group now plans to get more detailed in its work, discuss the plan with the appropriate people and get down to the real specifics what we can realistically do.

The master plan is expected to be complete in May.

Births: Johnathon Allen Carrico, Mar. 4

Deaths: Kenneth Nat Hardin, Mar. 13; Samuel Mayes Jr., Mar. 7; Clarence B. Howard, Mar. 9; Katherine Boldrick, Mar. 1

March 20, 2013

Little dresses take Hodgen to TV

Robert Hodgen Jr.’s and Juanita Hodgen’s passion for providing dresses for young girls in need has led to a chance to share Juanita’s work across the region this week when she visits “The Rachel Platt Show” on Friday.

Hodgen, whose work was featured in The Springfield Sun in January 2012, had already been providing pillow-case dresses to girls in Haiti and Africa, but the mission has expanded and picked up momentum in recent months.

“In January, we sent 91 dresses to Haiti. We’ve got some dresses that are going to Guatemala in June, so it’s doing good,”

Juanita Hodgen said. “People are hearing about us and calling to ask if we can use his or that.”

The opportunity to be on television means an opportunity to spread the word for Hodgen, who wants to see others join in her mission.

“I’m excited.” she said. “I’m getting older, and I would like to see that other people are getting interested in doing this ministry, and they are. There are women in Lexington I went to speak to at a church and they’ve been making dresses and little shorts, and they send them along with ours and to other places. Of course Southeast Christian (in Louisville) has started their own ministry of little dresses.’

Hodgen only recently found out the news she was going to be featured on the WHAS segment after her niece, Sharon Hansford of Indiana, and her granddaughter, Kim O’ Daniel of Lebanon, contacted the station suggesting Hodgen’s work would be a great fit for a segment on Platt’s show.

Births: Presley Claire Tingle, Mar. 11; Lillian Adele Riley, Feb. 27

Deaths: Hubert Boblitt, Mar. 10; Janet Ratann Matherly, Mar. 10