Clark County

Hidden beyond the honeysuckle and up the dirt road on Hootentown Lane is a long-forgotten piece of Clark County history, or as Tamara Ryles calls it, a secret place which was once an area of sanctuary for settlers. Ryles and her husband, Fisher, lives atop of the hill on Hootentown Lane, a hidden drive just off Athens-Boonesboro Road. Ryles' land, which is called Fisher's Village, appears as its own small community at the end of the wooded lane. Ryles' most recent project is something that she wants all of Clark County to know about, especially for Memorial Day. On her property, there are several gravesites that have been covered with trees and weeds for a long time, and Ryles has been hard at work clearing them out for Monday.

The superintendent screening committee has completed its task. The committee presented its work to the Clark County Board of Education Thursday night, and four applicants have been chosen to be interviewed. Paul Christy, Mike Stacy, Lisa Stone and Sam Watkins were the candidates chosen, and all four should be interviewed by June 5. The four are vying to replace Elaine Farris, who will leave the post July 1 after announcing her retirement earlier this year. Christy is the director of district operations for Clark County, a position he has held since 2006.

Edna Mae Patterson, 84, widow of Homer Patterson, went to be with the lord on Wednesday, May 22, 2013. Mrs. Patterson was born in Fayette County on Sept. 1, 1928, to the late George Robert Biddle and Jennie Clemons Biddle. Mrs. Patterson was a loving mother, homemaker, farmer and was known for her quilts. She was also a member of the Homemakers Club in Clark and Bourbon counties and a member of Clintonville Christian Church. Survivors include two sons, Harold Patterson and Homer Patterson, both of Clark County; one daughter, Wanda Davis of Fayette County; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Geneva Ginter, Dorothy Burns and Cora Witt; two brothers, Lee Biddle and David Biddle; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

In a letter sent to the board from Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday, seven steps are laid out for the board to return to the current facilities plan. Failure to comply will result in a loss of Support Education Excellence in Kentucky money for the district. SEEK money is awarded to school districts based on attendance. Last year, the district received $17,582,098 in SEEK funding, or about 40 percent of the district's general fund of $38,237,557. Next year, the school district expects to receive around $17,471,215.

The Clark County 4-H Sewing Club has finished another great year at the 2013 Fashion Revue last weekend.  This year's theme was “Run for the Roses!” and decorations were created by Senior Sewers and 4-H Leadership Clubs. It was a great evening had by all as youth showcased their sewing projects, exhibited photos and raised money for Relay for Life with a photo booth, bake sale and silent auction. Sewing youth were judged on two separate occasions. Youth were judged on project construction and modeling presentation.

Danny Devary, 64, of Clark County, passed away on Tuesday. Arrangements are incomplete with Scobee Funeral Home. The online guestbook is available at www.scobeefuneralhome.com and the 24-hour funeral information line can be reached by calling 744-2122.

The Wades Mill Homemakers met April 4 at the Clark County Extension Office. The meeting was opened with a devoational from Dianna Barnes. Roll call was taken by answering, “What are your trip plans for the summer?” The lesson, “Decorating on a Dime,” was given by Ann Barker. Hostess for the Mexican-themed lunch was Patty Frye. Those attending were Dolores Hess, Dianna Barnes, Cathy Gatson, Patty Frye, Mary Ann Combs, Ann Barker, Maryett Gyula, Joyce Gillman, Nancy Burchett, Clara Kendig, Bette McKenzie, Jane Shaw and Betsy Wells.

Jennifer Berryman King, 62, wife of Paul King, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 18, 2013. Mrs. King was born in Clark County on Jan. 22, 1951, to the late JR Berryman and Janice Thacker Justice. Mrs. King was a loving mother, homemaker, bookkeeper and co-owner of Paul and Sons Salvage. Survivors include two sons, Vince (Monica) King of Lexington,  Chris (Sherri) King of Clark County; three grandsons, Clay, Colby and Kasey King; one granddaughter, Courtney King; one half sister, Suzie McDonald; mother-in-law, Minnie Hatton King; and a special niece, Leslie Kay King.

What's new at the library this week? Well, just about everything. Over the past few months significant changes and improvements have been made to every section of the library. First of all, the entire collection was “weeded.” That means library staff went through every section of the library - book by book, item by item - with printouts that showed the date each piece was added to the collection, the last date it circulated and the number of times it circulated. Doing that allowed us to withdraw items that were obsolete, no longer circulating or too ragged to be appealing anymore.

The Boonesboro Civil War Living History event scheduled for Saturday was canceled due to rain in the forecast. “(The cancellation was due to) simply weather,” Winchester Tourism Director Nancy Turner said. “There's a danger with lightning and slick trails.” Prior to planning the event, a cancelation was likely in the event of rain because of the delicacy of authentic Civil War items, such as the 12th Artillery cannon. Turner said past events have attracted 600 to800 people.