Montgomery

Last year's inaugural John Michael Montgomery Country-Fest at Lykins Park proved to be a big success, bringing thousands of music fans to Clark County for the two-day event. Organizers say this year's festival, headlined by country music singer Trace Adkins, on Sept. 28-29, is going to be even better. “Last year's festival, for a first-time event, went pretty smoothly,” organizer Brian Thomas said. “We got some feedback about the festival and we've made a few changes this year and added some new things and some new artists to the lineup, so we're excited.

Donna Susan Badgett Montgomery, 55, of Cardwell Lane, Frankfort, died Sunday, Feb. 5 at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington. A native of Danville, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Faulkner and Carrie Potts Badgett. She was a homemaker and member of the Baptist faith. She was also preceded in death by a step father, Gilbert Sloan; and a sister, Barbara Louise Franklin. Survivors include her husband, Charles William Montgomery of Frankfort; four daughters, Toma Kara Arms of Lexington, Veronica Jamilou Montgomery and Lisa Ann Gaines both of Frankfort, and Rebecca Ellen Hoover of Landisville, PA.; one son, Chief Petty officer, Charles Anthony Montgomery, USN, Virginia Beach, VA.; one brother, James Keith Badgett of Frankfort; and 11 grandchildren.

Local contractor and land developer Mike Montgomery of Danville plans a run for the state Senate in 2010. Montgomery said in a news release that he intends to seek the 22nd district seat that Sen. Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville, has held since 1991. Montgomery said he originally planned to run for Boyle County judge-executive in 2010. He is announcing his intention to run for the Senate now to allow ample time prior to the election for residents to get to know him. Montgomery promises "to provide constituents a fresh reliable approach by being accessible and in touch with the citizens of Boyle, Garrard, Jessamine and Fayette counties.

The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently host its annual induction ceremony. This year, Montgomery Gentry was presented the Kentucky Entertainers of the Year award. The duo was not able to be on hand to accept in person. Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry are on the road touring but were able to tape their reaction to be played back at the ceremony. "This is unbelievable!" said Montgomery. "I just wish my Dad could be here to witness this - what a special honor. We are just country boys doing what we love to do - and we're proud to say we're from Kentucky any chance we get. " Added Gentry, "It is such an honor to be recognized as entertainers, especially from our home state.

Mary Montgomery, 64, wife of 45 years to John F. Montgomery, of High Bridge Road died unexpectedly Feb. 20. She was a member of Redemption Road Church in Danville and was the former office manager for Dr. Andrew T. Polites. Additional survivors include a son, John Rennick Montgomery; three brothers; and two sisters.  Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at Betts & West Funeral Home with the Rev. Gary Yocum officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-9 p.m. Thursday. Online guestbook at www.BettsandWestfuneralhome.com.

TOP: Travis Drumm won Grand Champion Market Lamb honors July 29. CENTER: Rachel Drumm won Reserve Champion Market Lamb honors July 29 at the fair. CENTER: Rachel Drumm exhibited the Grand Champion Market Hog at the Montgomery County Fair 4-H and FFA Market Hog Show, Wednesday, July 30. BOTTOM: Caitlyn Bush exhibited the Reserve Champion Market Hog at the 4-H and FFA Hog Show, Wednesday, July 30.

Marion Virginia Montgomery, 86, of Stanford, died Tuesday, May 12 at Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center in Danville. A native of Pineville, La., she was born Thursday, June 29th, 1922, to the late Marion D. and Winifred Aguillard Arrington. She was the widow of Manuel C. Montgomery. She was a graduate of Dry Prong High School and attended Louisiana College and Eastern Kentucky University where she received a Bachelor of Science and Masters Degree. She was a retired Lincoln County school teacher, member of McKinney Baptist Church where she served as Sunday school teacher, church librarian and treasurer and also served two years in the Navy during World War II, working one year at the Bureau of Ships in Washington, D.C. Survivors include two sons, Michael (Asara)

Singer and Jessamine County resident John Michael Montgomery entered a plea agreement Tuesday to charges of driving while intoxicated. In the deal, Montgomery has agreed to enroll in an alcohol education program. He was also fined $200, plus court fees, for a total of $663.50. His license will also be suspended until he completes the program. Montgomery's trial was scheduled for Sept. 12, but the singer reached a plea with prosecutors, entering an Alford plea. First Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jack Miller told The Jessamine Journal that when someone makes an Alford plea, it means that he or she did not admit guilt but acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him. "He agreed to go ahead and have it disposed of prior to trial," Miller said.

Until this year, Eddie Montgomery had never been to a Big Blue Madness. Even though he's a self-proclaimed die-hard University of Kentucky sports fan, his travel schedule had always prevented him from attending the festivities that start UK's basketball season. Last weekend, though, Montgomery Gentry didn't have a tour date and that enabled the country music singer to go to Rupp Arena with his family for Madness. "This was my first one, but from now on I want to go to every one of them," said Montgomery.