Lancaster

LANCASTER - As the stretch of business on Campbell Street in Lancaster prepares for the holiday rush, local officials cut the ribbon on what they consider the biggest gift of all - the businesses themselves. Garrard County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ceremonial “package” opening Thursday for all of the businesses on the revitalized street. Bee Smart Consignment is the latest business to open on the street. It joins Bushnell Bookstore and Dry Cleaning Services, Logo Shack, Nichols Gunsmithing, U Got The Look Salon and Wajaba's Too Cafe, all of which have opened over the past three years, said Nathan Mick, Garrard County Economic Development Director.

A Lancaster man was injured in a single-vehicle wreck near Danville Christian Academy Friday afternoon, Danville police said. About 2:35 p.m., Michael Henry, 64, of Lancaster, was traveling southbound on Shakertown Road in a 1996 Ford Taurus when he lost control of the vehicle, police said. The Taurus went through a fence and came to rest in a field adjacent to Danville Christian Academy's property. Henry was treated at the scene and transported to Ephraim McDowell¿Regional Medical Center for additional treatment of unknown injuries.

LANCASTER - David L. Williams, Republican candidate for governor, and Richie Farmer, his running mate for lieutenant governor, will make a campaign stop Friday in Lancaster. They will meet the public from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Garrard County Extension Office, 1302 Stanford Road.

Darrell B. Nelson of Lancaster presents his latest book, “I Killed the Man That Wasn’t There” as a free eBook on Smashwords.com. Log on to http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/46093.  The Lancaster writer offers four tales of futuristic horror that blend science fiction and horror in an entertaining way. It is free to download.

Civil War re-enactor William Hensley, left, demonstrates how Civil War soldiers fired their guns as members of Paint Lick Cub Scout Troop 179 watch during the Battle of Lancaster re-enactment Saturday at the Garrard County Fairgrounds. (Ben Kleppinger Photo)

The Lancaster City Council unanimously approved an approximately $3.6 million budget for the 2011-2012 fiscal year at a special called meeting Monday night. The budget comes with a $126,309 general fund surplus, which the city will use to give employee raises for the first time in three years, increase the allocation for community grants and potentially propose tax cuts, Councilwoman Maggie Morris Mick said when she described the budget earlier this month. At the meeting, the council also had an hour-long executive session regarding personnel but took no action.

LANCASTER — A free community viewing of the agricultural documentary “Fresh” will be 7 p.m. July 16 at the Garrard County Senior Citizens Center, 153 Farra Drive off U.S. 27 across from Mariachi’s restaurant. The movie is recommended for FFA and 4-H children but is not recommended for children under 14 due to its length and educational level. Following the movie, several local people involved with sustainable agriculture will speak for 2-3 minutes each, and there will be a question and answer session.

LANCASTER — The Lancaster City Council gave final approval last week to an increase in the city’s property tax rates. The increase ups tax on land from 15 cents per $100 of assessed value to 15.6 cents. Tax on personal tangible property increases from 25 cents to 26 cents per $100, and tax on automobiles and boats goes from 23.3 cents to 24.2 cents per $100. A homeowner with a $100,000 house will pay about $6 extra every year under the increase. A vehicle valued at $10,000 will cost its owner an additional $1 per year.

LANCASTER — Interim Lancaster Police Chief Allen Weston may be the community favorite to fill the position full-time, but a hiring committee may recommend Mayor Brenda Powers appoint former Kentucky State Police Sgt. Gregg Muravchick at the City Council’s meeting Monday. The hiring committee is made up of the mayor, council members Jesse Wagoner and Mike Sutton, and residents Ronny Baker and Michelle Ballew. Councilman Brandon McGlone, who is not on the committee, released a committee resolution Wednesday to the Garrard Central Record and The Advocate-Messenger endorsing Muravchick for the job. “His leadership skills are head and shoulders above the other candidates that applied to serve the city of Lancaster,” the resolution says.

Pauline Bolton , 80, of Thompson Road, died Tuesday. Arrangements are pending at Spurlin Funeral Home, Lancaster. Walter “Tom” Gehlhausen , 56, of Stanford, died today. Arrangements are pending at Fox Funeral Home, Stanford. Joann Smith , 72, of Butchertown, died today. Arrangements are pending at W.L. Pruitt Funeral Home, Moreland.

LANCASTER - In a May 6 ruling, the Kentucky Attorney General's office said the behavior of the Lancaster City Council members “fell within the zone of conduct prohibited” by the Open Meetings Act. During an April 1 meeting, Councilman Jeff Adams remarked that members had held “ ... split meetings, where we didn't break any rules, you know. I mean where we met with less than a quorum...” Four or more of the council's six members gathering together in one place can be constituted a quorum, or a voting majority.

LANCASTER - Police are still investigating the events that led to the hospitalization of a Lancaster woman Saturday after she was assaulted by a man whom police believe to be an ex-boyfriend. Lizabeth Guy apparently remains in the University of Kentucky Chandler Medical Center in Lexington, although no information is being released.  According to Lancaster Police Chief Rodney Kidd, she was on a ventilator; however, she may be taken off of that soon. Until she is able to speak with him, the case will remain an open investigation.  The assault occurred Saturday morning, when Timothy Snowden entered Guy's home at 16 Pleasant View Drive.

LANCASTER - A Paint Lick man being sought by police after he allegedly assaulted a Garrard County woman on Saturday died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Timothy Snowden, 57, apparently shot himself at his mother's home in Irvine after Kentucky State Police and Estill County deputy sheriffs arrived at the home Saturday night on JR Furniture Road. Authorities had gone to the home to arrest Snowden for assault, unlawful imprisonment and violating a protective order. After they arrived at the home, which is owned by Snowden's mother, police began evacuating the property and, while doing so, heard a single gunshot.

HARRODSBURG - A former Lancaster council member was arrested early this morning after he allegedly fled the scene of an accident while intoxicated. Brandon McGlone, 26, of Lancaster was arrested just after midnight and lodged in the Boyle County Detention Center on charges of leaving the scene of an accident and failure to render aid or assistance. According to police reports, Harrodsburg police officer Andrew Lang responded to the report of a two-vehicle collision at Huddle House.

Walker Earl Rowe Sr., 76, of Lancaster, passed away Wednesday, April 24, at his home.  Born April 21, 1937, in Mount Vernon,  Walker was a son of the late Gilbert and Mattie Renner Rowe. He was the owner of County Line Auto Sales for 30 years, a member of the Pentecostal Faith and loved racing, cars, and going to auctions. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Henry Rowe; and one sister; Hazel Lucas. Survivors include his companion and dear friend for over 30 years, Linda Durham; three sons, Walker (Deborah)

Alice Meadows Stathers, 83, of Lancaster, died Tuesday, April 16, at Baptist Health in Lexington.  Born Feb. 13, 1930, in Garrard County, Alice was a daughter of the late Kelly and Emma Lee Ray Meadows. She was a manager of Meadows Clothing Store and of the Methodist faith.  She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Bill and Glen Meadows. Survivors include sons, Mark and Randy (Bobbie) Stathers; a brother, Julian (Ruby) Meadows; four grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.

Sibyl Anna Ruth "Mom" Conley, 88, of Stanford, passed away Tuesday, April 9, at Christian Care Center in Lancaster.  Born Oct. 29, 1924, in Salyersville, Anna was a daughter of the late Hobert and Hattie Adams Caudill. She was a farmer, a realtor for over 40 years, a member of Willow Grove Baptist Church and  the widow of Melvin Conley. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Paul Caudill; a sister, Helen Litteral; and a son-in-law, Claude Rhodus. Survivors include one son, Johnnie Conley (Kris Janssen)

John D. Vires, 48, of Winchester, husband for 18 years to Lorenia Deaton Vires, passed away Wednesday at the Clark Regional Medical Center. A native of Dearborn, Mich., he was born May 10, 1964, to Curtis Vires of Michigan and Myrtle Dyke Millborne of Lancaster. Other survivors include his two daughters, Rebecca and Emily Vires, both of Winchester; brother, Danny Deaton of Georgetown; sister, Janet Howard of Tennessee; and several stepbrothers and stepsisters. Graveside services will be noon Monday at the Clarmont Memorial Gardens with Pastor David Douglas officiating.