In June 21 issue, Russell County News

Habitat for Humanity of Russell County is now taking applications for their next house that will be started some time in 2009. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian housing ministry that builds houses with families in need of a simple, decent house. It is not a give away program.

Russell County Habitat for Humanity does not build houses for single adults or couples with no children. We do not build houses with people who are eligible for conventional housing or low-income government  loans. We do not build houses with people who are renting a good house or apartment.  We do not build houses with people who have a lot of debt or bad credit.

Applicants should be families with children. Applicants must have a housing need, enough monthly income to make the house payment and  be a  resident of  Russell County.

Habitat for Humanity is not a give away program. The selected family is required to put in a certain number of  sweat-equity hours. They must work with Habitat for Humanity in building their house, which takes 6-8 months.

Before a family is selected, an in-depth investigation will be conducted by the Family Selection Committee to determine actual need, ability to pay for housing, and willingness to partner with Habitat. The investigation will include credit checks, visits to the applicants home, and interviews by committee members.

Total household income (total income of all household members 18 & older) is also considered. It must not exceed 60% of the median HUD income in Russell County
An applicant must have a stable history of employment and/or income.  Their total qualifying income must be at least four times the monthly mortgage payment. And  they must have satisfactory credit history and references.

The applicant must  be willing to partner with Habitat. They must be willing to perform all required “sweat equity” hours. They must show commitment to home ownership and related responsibilities.

They must show the ability to maintain their property (e.g. mowing/having lawn mowed, repairs, and compliance with zoning regulations). Finally, they must also be willing to participate in various aspects of the Habitat organization.

To contact Habitat for Humanity/Russell County, call 270/866-6690 and leave a message. Leave your name and address if you want an application mailed to you. Or  send a letter requesting an application to:  Habitat for Humanity   Russell County Affiliate   PO Box 1820 Russell Springs, KY 42642

In June 21 issue, Russell County News
By Derek Aaron
Russell County News Editor

If persevering through tough and trying times and fighting for a cause makes one a hero, this week’s choice as “Russell County Hero,” was made nearly a decade ago.

Matthew Cape, 15, lost his mother to an overdose nine years ago and has been doing his best to combat drugs and alcohol abuse ever since.

“I started on the Drug Free Student Council in 7th grade,” Cape said. “But I have always been against drugs, especially since my mother’s death in 1999.”

As a member of the Drug Free Student Council, Cape works alongside the Russell County Partners in Prevention, an anti-drug coalition against the abuse of substances in Russell County, especially among the youth, and the Russell County Health Department by going to the four elementary schools in the county to speak on how drugs and alcohol can harm them and their future.

“We have different things going on at the high school and middle school, too,” he said.

Cape, who will be a sophomore in the fall, says he sees a county wide drug problem with people his own age as well as those older than him.

“It seems like drugs are getting easier to come across,” he said. “That is what I and the rest of the group have seen.”

Cape, who said he enjoys playing the piano in his spare time, said that back in August, the Drug Free Student Council formed a coalition with Partners in Prevention in order to receive a grant that would allow the group to go to the schools for at least two years and have speakers that had overcome drug and alcohol abuse talk to the students about their experiences.

Cape acknowledged that the Partners in Prevention have greatly helped his cause against illegal substances.

“They help people overcome their alcoholism, and tell people about the dangers of drugs,” he said

Cape said the Partners in Prevention currently have an Alcoholics Anonymous program going on now.
“They have tried to step it up a notch in going after adults as well as kids because kids (using drugs and alcohol) is becoming a big factor,” Cape said.

“Me as a child, I didn’t like drugs because of how I was affected by my mother’s death,” he said. “And I never have wanted to touch the stuff ... I’ve seen the outcome from my mother’s death and from the people I have seen speak about their experiences with it.”

He said that illegal substances could turn one’s life upside down in an instant and said that he “most definitely” would continue advocating against the use of these substances throughout his life.

He said he hoped, after high school, to continue working with the local health department and Partners in Prevention to let people know where he stands when it comes to drugs and alcohol.

“I’m definitely going to use my mother’s death as a testimony,” he said. “I enjoy helping other people with their problems by talking to them.

Donita Lawless, the grants project director with the local Partners in Prevention, said she has known Matthew since he was a child and that he “never caused any trouble.”

“He is a very bright young man who is very passionate about this cause,” she said.

“He’s never refused anything we’ve ever asked him to do and he will work toward his goals until they are completed.”

Cape said many of his friends come to him for advice when faced with difficult situations because they know the trials he has faced and overcame. Cape recommended for people his age to find a hobby, such as a sport, they enjoy and take it up, much like he has with the piano.

“But, the most important thing they can do is to try and go to church to help them and get God into their life,” he said. “Once they find that, they won’t have any more troubles.”

Matthew attends Creelsboro Christian Church and lives with his grandmother, Linda Ashbrook, whom he says has been his inspiration and encourages him in whatever he chooses to do.

“Whatever you do, remember that God still loves you,” he said.

Nearing 16 years of age, Matthew is hoping, when he gets his driver’s license, to be able to travel to more places and speak to more groups about his experiences.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,” he said. “And I think I have the will.”

In June 21 issue, Russell County News

Taking effect March 1 2009, the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission has modified the upstream boundaries of Lake Cumberland for fishing regulation purposes. To be included under Lake Cumberland fishing regulations are parts of what are now the Cumberland, Big South Fork, Rockcastle and Laurel Rivers.

The new extension of regulations area will be above the headwaters of the lake to Cumberland Falls on the Cumberland River, Devil’s Jump on the Big South Fork of Cumberland River, the Narrows of Rockcastle River and Laurel River Dam on the Laurel River. The boundaries of Lake Cumberland previously were to the first riffle of these tributaries.

Also, the Commission proposed to the General Assembly to standardize fishing possession limits at twice the daily creel limit for all fish species with a daily creel limit.

A person shall not possess more than one daily creel limit while on the water or fishing from the shore of a waterbody. A person shall not possess more than 2 times the daily creel limit of unprocessed fish at any time. However, a person may return home from a fishing trip of more than two days with more than the possession limit if the fish are cleaned.

Other action included that lake sturgeon may not be harvested statewide. The Lower Sportsman’s Lake at the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources Headquarters will be open to all ages. All of these fishing regulations go into effect on March 1, 2009.

The next Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting will be held at 8 a.m., Friday, August 15, 2008 at #1 Sportsman’s Lane off U.S. 60 in Frankfort. Persons interested in addressing the Commission must notify the KDFWR Commissioner’s office in writing at least 30 days in advance to be considered for placement on the meeting agenda.

People who are hearing impaired and plan to attend the meeting should contact the KDFWR at least 10 days in advance and the agency will provide a translator. To request to address the commission, write to KDFWR, Commissioner Dr. Jon Gassett, #1 Sportsman’s Lane, Frankfort, Kentucky, 40601

In June 21 issue, Russell County News

Whether you are a 60 foot house boat or a canoe, the United States Coast Guard requires that every boat carry certain safety equipment.

The equipment is not expensive or hard to find and may save your life in an emergency. Boaters who carry the standard safety equipment are statistically far more likely to survive a boating emergency than those who don’t.

This year the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Cumberland Project and the Friends of Lake Cumberland have teamed up to establish an awards program available to the public.

Throughout the summer recreation season, boat safety check points will be set up at boat ramps and recreation areas around the lake.

Upon successfully completing a voluntary inspection, registered boaters will be entered in a drawing for various prizes. The drawing is scheduled to be held September 26, 2008 at 2:00 pm CST at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Resource Manager’s Office in Somerset, Kentucky.

Participants don’t have to be present to win. Make this summer safe for all by expecting the unexpected and always wear your lifejacket.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Cumberland Project and the Friends of Lake Cumberland would like to thank the following marina sponsors who have donated to our awards program.

Their support has helped in the spread of water safety awareness and possibly saving lives.

The marinas are as follows:

Burnside Marina  $50.00 gas certificate to Burnside Marina Burnside, KY

Conley Bottom Resort Obrien Lifejacket Monticello,

Lake Cumberland State Dock $50.00 gift certificate to the Ship Store

Lee’s Ford Marina $150.00 gift certificate to the Harbor Restaurant 

In June 21 issue, Russell County News
By Kim Graham
Reporter



Anyone who happened to arrive at the auditorium at Lindsey Wilson College (LWC) the afternoon of June 17th, may have gotten the impression they were at a reenactment of the Kentucky Derby. However, the folks on stage had some strange binoculars and were prone to act on whatever suggestion came from the emcee, Jim Wand.

Wand, a hypnotist, was just getting started with the derby stunt when he told his hypnotized crew their shoes were binoculars.

Laughter filled the auditorium like waves from a tsunami and washed over the crowd visiting for Parents’ Day with LWC’s Upward Bound program.

 “That was hilarious!” said Bonnie He, Russell County High School (RCHS) sophomore and Upward Bound participant.

Everyone in attendance, with the possible exception of those hypnotized, got more than their daily dose of delight from the hypnotist’s performance.

“I was thrilled to death with the parent involvement at parents’ day,” said Cundiff. “Everything is going great this year.”

Parents Day, a first for LWC’s Upward Bound, was filled with many activities including a rock climbing wall, a relay race and a talent show.

Upward Bound participants had fun sharing the experience with their parents but they got right back to work when the party was over.

“The whole focus of the program is to get students to realize they can go to college,” said RCHS Guidance Counselor and Upward Bound’s in school contact Stacey Coe.

In its fifth year at Lindsey Wilson College, Upward Bound, hosts 50 students.

Teenagers from Russell, Adair, Clinton, Cumberland, Green, Marion, and Taylor County High Schools attend the six week summer program each year.

 “It’s really fun! I love it!” said RCHS Junior Amelia Withers. “They give us enough work to challenge us and still be comfortable with what we’re doing.”

Students enter the program as freshmen or sophomores and continue throughout their high school career.

Younger students are recruited so they will be well equipped to make good choices about secondary school and their future careers.

“It’s good for them and they have fun,” said Miao Ming He of Russell Springs. Two of her daughters, Nellie and Bonnie are Upward Bound participants.

Soon Nellie, the first in her family to attend college, will head to the University of Kentucky as a pre-med student.

Often, students learn about Upward Bound by word of mouth from friends or family who already participate.

“We don’t have to advertise,” said Coe. “There’s usually a waiting list to get into the program.”

A new Upward Bound program offered through Somerset Community College with give students in Russell and Adair counties another choice when considering participation.
Mandatory classes in the program include English, math, science, and a foreign language. Many classes give students college credit prior to entering college.

“We try to offer basic education classes that will transfer to other schools,” Cundiff said.
They also offer art and music classes as well as physical fitness courses like aerobics and Karate to contribute to a well rounded background for students.

“The classes are cool. We take different classes every day,” said RCHS Sophomore Chris Thomas. “They give us real work and homework to try to help prepare us for college.”

RCHS graduate and Upward Bound alumnus Brittany Burton, earned 12 college credits attending Upward Bound.

Now she is a sophomore at LWC not only does she have big dreams but she also has goals set and a plan to get there.

Burton’s undergraduate major is in education with a concentration in middle school social studies. She plans to get her masters in Special Education.

“It’s the best program you’ll ever go through,” said Burton. “It’s been very beneficial for me.”

Burton is the first in her family to go to college and credits Upward Bound for encouraging her to continue school.

“The reason I’m going to college is because of Upward Bound,” said Burton. “I wasn’t going to go to college before attending the program.”

She is one of several participants who have set out to make their dreams a reality.

“This program makes a big impact on students,” said Coe. “They find out that college is a goal they can reach. Many Upward Bound participants have gone on to college and been very successful,” Coe said.

Students also get a chance to check out other colleges and universities.

During the regular school year, Upward Bound participants visit a college campus so they can get a feel for other schools in the state.

This summer, participants will visit the University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville.

However, many have chosen to stay close to home and go to the school they have grown to love through summers in Upward Bound.

“I’d say at least 50%, maybe higher, of our Upward Bound students go on to attend LWC,” said Cundiff. “They’re so familiar with campus, it’s not really like being a freshman.”

Cundiff says about 90% of the Upward Bound participants who attend LWC offer to volunteer with the program.

“Once they’ve worked once, they want to come back every year,” said Cundiff. “That tells you they believe in the program.”

Brittany Burton is in her second year of volunteering with Upward Bound in a role similar to that of camp counselor.

“I’m actually losing money to be here this summer but it’s worth it because I love it,” Burton said.

As a volunteer, Burton is able to encourage and mentor participants from personal experience.

“I believe totally in what the program does for students,” Cundiff said. “It’s amazing to see the changes in students and the way they interact and communicate with people.”

In the fall, Jesse Hollis, RCHS 2008 graduate and Upward Bound participant, will go to Western Kentucky University on a full ride with an $80,000 Army Scholarship. He plans to study finance or mathematics.

“The Army is the only military service that has a Veterinarian program,” said Hollis. “I’d like to do that but I’m better in math than science so I’ll probably go in to Computer Intelligence.”

Hollis’ mom says WKU took notice of his excellent mathematics score on the SAT but she has noticed how Upward Bound has been important to his interaction with people.
“It’s really improved his communication,” said Hollis’ mother Rose Hollis. “Upward Bound has really brought him out in social situations.”

She enthusiastically recommends Upward Bound as a very beneficial program for teens.
“I’d encourage all parents to encourage their kids to participate in the program,” said Rose Hollis. “It teaches kids respect, responsibilities and they make friends.”

Students seem to agree the program is well worth committing their time and energy.

“I love Upward Bound,” said Megan Voils, RCHS Senior. “It’s awesome!”

For more information about Upward Bound at Lindsey Wilson College or the new program at Somerset Community College, contact Stacey Coe at 866-3341.

In June 21 issue, Russell County News
By Ron Cowell, Columnist

This week we take a look at a local business man who is a true car lover. Ted Beckman and his wife Julie who own Lake & Shake Grill have been in business in Russell Springs for the past 14 years.

Ted’s love for cars started back when he was a boy. His dream was to find another 1951 Ford like he had when he was a boy and fix it up the way he would have liked to have fixed the one he drove back then but could not afford to. He told me that the day came when he started his second childhood and went looking for that car.

One day while looking at the paper he saw a picture of a 1951 Ford setting in a field. The last time a license had been put on the vehicle was in 1969. At least that is the year of the plate that was on the car when he bought it.

After checking into the car, he found it was a one owner car. It only had 30,366 miles on it. Although it had been setting for many years in this field and needed a lot of attention.
Ted decided to start with the motor. It had a flat head in it and he decided to keep it that way. However he wanted to make some adjustment and improvements on it when he rebuilt it.

He got in touch with Dwayne Thomasom of Shepardsville, Kentucky. Dwayne had made a name for himself building flathead motors for drag racing back in the 60’s. He had been retired from the business of building motors for several years but decided to take on Ted’s motor because Ted gave him no limits and to do what he wanted to do to the motor. Dwayne was free to build it the way he wanted.

After six months and $12,800.00 later Ted got his original flat head back but with a few changes. The block had been ported and polished, had a 48 Mercury crank in it. It included racing pistons and had been all set up for racing but is 100% street legal. The heads and the manifold were sent to CA. to be show polished.

Right now the car is still at the Body shop where it has been for the past two and a half years and still under construction.

The interior will have some changes also. The seats are going to have the same pattern as the 51 did but the seats will be buttoned and tucked. The interior is being done in Columbia, Kentucky.

When all finished the car will be painted the original color of Black. We look forward to seeing this 51 Ford on the road. Ted says this car will be hauled on a trailer to most events.

Besides Ted’s 51 Ford, he bought his wife Julie a 1964 Corvair Convertible. This is in the process of being restored also, but not as a show quality car. This car will be a driver to put the top down on and cruise around town in and have fun driving. Right now the mechanical work is being done to this car.

Ted also has a 1985 Corvette. This vehicle has low mileage and is completely original. Ted is the second owner of this car and enjoys cruising in it also. Last October Ted took the Corvette to a Car Show in Eastern Kentucky and won an award for one of the best in the show.

Ted and his wife Julie are very active members of THE OUTSIDERS car club.

Mark on your calendar that The OUTSIDERS Cruise Ins are held every first Thursday of the month at Lake and Shake and Town and Country Real Estate in Russell Springs. The event gets underway at 6:00PM.

If your Car Club is having an event and you would like us to tell everyone about it send all information to djron47@yahoo.com . All information on upcoming events needs to be in at least two weeks before the event.

If your Club or church or group is having an event and you would like to display some classic cars at that event let me know at least two weeks before the event. I will put you in contact with one of the clubs that will gladly bring their cars out for display.

Until next time,, Keep Crusin!

In June 21 issue, Russell County News
By Barbara Sharp Zimmerman, Columnist

In a recent editorial in a sister publication, the writer wondered if we really and truly want change from a newly elected president, asserting that,  “All the politicians, Presidents Reagan, Clinton and Bush, have stated they will bring us this change. But we are still waiting.”

Oh, I beg to differ.

The most recent occupant of the White House, as Garrison Keillor of Prairie Home Companion fame calls him, has brought us oodles and gobs of changes. Problem is, all of them are bad.

First of all, we went from peace to war. Now there’s a change.

For those who say, “But we were attacked!” I say had the Bush administration heeded the warnings of terrorist activity from the Clinton administration, we might  have been able to avoid being attacked by followers of Osama bin Laden.

Then what did we do? We started a war with Iraq, which diverted our attention from Afghanistan, which was, and probably still is, harboring bin Laden. Not one single 9/11 terrorist has been proven to have come from Iraq, yet many ignorant people maintain that we were attacked by Iraqis so that’s why we started a war with them. In fact, most of the attackers were from – get this – Saudi Arabia!

When George W. Bush took office, he inherited a $14 billion surplus, compliments of the Clinton administration. So then W. proceeded to spend $860 billion, mostly on the war in Iraq, while raining tax breaks on the wealthy. Who ever heard of reducing taxes during time of war? No problem for George W. He’ll just borrow the money to cover the deficit and leave the matter for the next administration – and the next generations (our children and grandchildren)  – to solve.

There also have been drastic changes in the lives of the families of the thousands of brave soldiers who have lost their lives needlessly in Iraq. And big changes for many thousands more who have suffered catastrophic, life-altering wounds over there.

Here’s another big change for you: in the last seven and a half years, we have gone from being one of the most respected and admired nations in the world to among the most hated – for our arrogance, bullying attitude and willingness to do anything we want without regard to what other, even friendly nations, think.

And have you noticed that you’re paying about  $4.00 a gallon for gasoline now? That big increase also has happened on the watch of oilman George W. Bush. Guess we know just whom he’s looking out for.

So when somebody claims that everybody promises change, but nobody delivers, I say you’re not paying attention.  We’ve gotten all kinds of change from George W. Bush.

And right now, we not only want change, we desperately need it to fix all the problems this most incompetent president in our history has created.