The Bullitt County History Museum

It Happened in 1984

Over the years, Charles Hartley has shared glimpses of what was being printed in The Pioneer News in different months and years. This page includes what was taken from the January through July issues of 1984.


January 1984


Vincents


Chapmans

Wanda Richardson retired as Senior Citizens Coordinator after eight years on the job. She declared, "I started this program from scratch. The reward you get is self-satisfaction with the personal contact with the people. I enjoyed being able to do something for someone else."

Mr. and Mrs. James G. Vincent of Shepherdsville celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They had made their home in the Cedar Grove area for 48 years.

Susie M. Noe was promoted to staff sergeant in the Air Force. She was serving in England with the 513 Transportation Squadron. Her husband, Rovie Noe, was the son of Marvin and Georgia Noe of Shepherdsville.

Daly and Dorothy Chapman of Mt. Washington celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. She was the former Dorothy Brownie Hayes.

Clara Simmons, out at Pleasant Grove, reported that Rick Fetty and his wife brought Christmas dinner to Virgie and Adrian Jones. And Clifford and Helen Foster treated Alvine and Beulah Foster to breakfast at Bob Evans.

Meanwhile down at Lebanon Junction, Ruth Owens reported that Gene and Marcia Sinsko's van was extensively damaged in a fire; and that Pat Jackson had a wreck and suffered a concussion. She also reported that Pee Wee Shelton and Linda Sullivan were married at the Calvary Baptist Church on Deatsville Road. Monty Shelton caught the garter.

Francis Riggs of Belmont reported that Randell Johnson had a Saturday night party attended by Ray Kliver, Gerald Johnson, Rhonda Travis, Marty Grey, Mackie French III, Andrea Jenkins, Allen Terrill, Mike Hart, and Brian Curry. Mitchy and Violet Etherton chaperoned the event.


Emmaus Road

Don't you miss the days when such news was worth reporting in the paper?

The paper reported that Scripps-Howard had bought The Pioneer News and Mt. Washington Star.

Both coaches, Bill Bass of Bullitt East and Garry Jervis of North Bullitt, agreed that North Bullitt should have won their game, but poor shooting doomed the Eagles to a 59-54 loss. Statistically, North Bullitt had more shots, more free-throws, and more rebounds, but made only 17 shots to East's 25. Greg Wilson came off the bench to score 10 important points for East. The County's leading scorer, Mark Barnsfather totaled 14 points in the game.

The Christian group Emmaus Road appeared at the Davidson Memorial United Methodist Church. The group included Chris Hardy, Dale Taylor, Gina Armstrong, and Glenda Doan.


Williams & Pickett

A number of local residents asked Representative Frank Smith to see about widening the underpass on Pioneer Boulevard off Highway 61 South. They were concerned because the tunnel was scheduled to be lengthened, but not widened. Among those concerned were Joyce Pruett, Michael Lanham, Violet Bickett, and Nellie Lashley.

Nichols Elementary treated their volunteers to a New Year's party. Their volunteer coordinator, Delores Ashby led the effort to honor volunteers Sandra Holland, Jackie Allgeier, Tammy Dockery, Paula Layman, Linda Shepherd, Patsy Hedges, Carolyn Sadler, Donna Cornell, Oretha Ridgway, Evelyn Hale, Louise Johnson, Peggy Pace, and Dottie Abel.

When Robbie Williams and Jeff Pickett played basketball for Coach Bob Carpenter at Shepherdsville, they probably didn't expect to be on opposite sides of the court coaching freshmen at Bullitt East and North Bullitt not many years later. Mike Farner wrote an interesting article about them in The Pioneer News.


Maiko Chambers

Mike also wrote about Harry Feeback, the school system's director of transportation, and the role he played in determining when to cancel school due to bad weather. Winter months found Feeback up at 3:30, and if weather threatened, he was out driving the county's roads to determine if they were safe for buses.

Maiko Chambers won the regional and state competitions for the VFW's Voice of Democracy contest. She had to research, write and tape a speech on "My role in upholding our constitution." Maiko was no stranger to speech competitions. She joined the Bullitt Central speech and debate team as a freshman.

February 1984


Dion Masden

Mayme Ratliff celebrated her 90th birthday. She was born in Bullitt County in 1894 to Will Ed and America Frances Shepherd, and married Coleman Ratliff in 1912. According to the paper she had 32 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren to help her celebrate the occasion.

Verna Montgomery, who was formerly with Jean Hatzell, announced that she had joined the tax staff of William Batsel.

The men of Belmont Baptist Church were treated to a fine breakfast on Baptist Men's Day. Bettie Johnson, Barbara Etherton, Joyce Kliever, Jenny Myers, Frances Riggs and Sue Goble did the cooking. Clifford Etherton baked the biscuits!

Oretha Ridgeway, the Nichols correspondent, wrote, "Sorry to hear the death of Ada Monroe Hoover. Miss Monroe was my teacher here at Nichols in the 1920-21 term."

Dion Masden made quite an impression on opposing teams after becoming a starter on the Bullitt Central team.


Steve Ellis

Bullitt Lick Middle School sixth grader Tiffany Rice took top honors in the county spelling bee competition. Tasha Wethington, a Mt. Washington 8th grader, took first place in the 7-8 grades event, and second overall. Destiny Wolford, a Cedar Grove 4th grader, placed third overall.

The paper printed a picture of "The Ramblin' Boys," a music group of local boys including Buba Franklin, Eddie Faust, Jack McCubbins, and Don Langly.

At the Shepherdsville Middle School Science Fair, Diane Cruze Mills took Steve Ellis' picture as he showed his model of a steam generator to the judges.

Winners at the competition included Bobbie Hardison, Carrie Olser, Clinton Clayborne, Joe Rauchenbach, Aaron Brown, Pam Terhune, Kent Armstrong, Monty Moore, Brian Branham, Mike Brown, and Angel Tharp who won first place overall.

Meanwhile over at Bullitt Lick's science fair the winners included Debbie Callahan, Blu Flenor, Mike Price, Lor Hilbert, Monica Meredith, Joey Cherivak, Lisa Sallengs, Kim Davis, and Chad Tabor who was the overall winner.

Terry Patton of Bullitt East, Jeff Muncey of North Bullitt, and Kim Valentine of Bullitt Central were pictured with County Judge Executive Clifford Haley as he signed a proclamation declaring Future Business Leaders of America Week in Bullitt County.

Tina Priddy and Kevin Newton of North Bullitt, Connie Fox and John Fackler of Bullitt Central, and Tonya Proctor and Robbie Henry of Bullitt East were the queens and kings at the schools' respective basketball homecomings.

And I wonder if Matt Johnson, Karl Lepper, Calvin Rowland, Chris Beck, and Junior Huff remember standing R.O.T.C. inspection for Brigadier General Thomas W. Lightner at Bullitt Central?

March 1984

Andy Anthony and Carla Coffey of Bullitt East, Teresa George and Sherrie Graham of North Bullitt, and Danna Trimble and Nichole Samples of Bullitt Central were all named to the Girls' All-District team after the Chargers defeated the Eagles 52-35 for the 29th District title.

Meanwhile, Bullitt East Boys' coach, Bill Bass announced his retirement which became effective with his team's loss to Spencer County in the district tournament.

In the Eighth Region tournament, Bullitt Central defeated Grant County 54-47 with Robbie Dennis, Dion Masden, Curtis Sweat, Brad Murray, and Shawn Pickett all contributing to the effort. However, Oldham County proved to be too big a challenge, with the Cougars losing 54-39.

Meanwhile the Lady Chargers easily defeated Grant County 43-25 with Andy Anthony, Karyn Kelley and Carla Coffey leading the way. Then they defeated Shelby County in a triple overtime before their season ended with a 47-43 loss to Oldham County.

Later Mike Farner wrote that Michigan State won the Andy Anthony recruiting sweepstakes.

The paper reported that County Judge Executive Clifford Haley was proposing a plan which would give every home in the county a house number and street address.

Gene Osselmeier, owner of the local cable TV service, joined Frank Hatfield, JoAnn Barr, Lee Mills, and Susan Porter on a public forum on county schools and education that was broadcast locally.

Bullitt Central senior, Maiko Chambers was awarded a Presidential Scholarship, the most valuable four year award given by Murray State University.

The race for the 49th Kentucky House Representative seat attracted a number of candidates including Sam Hardy, Roger Hayes, Henry Powell, John Harper, and Lynn Martin.

Jody Brown, son of Sid and Nancy Brown, was the top money collector during the Easter Seal Shoot Out at Bullitt Lick, collecting $342 for the cause.

Oretha Ridgeway of Nichols wrote about Viola Logsdon, former Nichols lunchroom manager, who wasn't feeling well; and encouraged her readers to send get well cards.

Ruth Owens of Lebanon Junction wished a special "Happy Birthday" to Eugene "Boo" Abel who worked at the Belmont Minit Mart.

Mary Holsclaw, long-time Hebron correspondent, thanked Nan Wilkins and Mary Harper for "ministering to me while I was snowbound."

And the paper pictured the Bullitt Squares at Hebron demonstrating their dancing skills. They included Jan and Marvin Stewart, Peggy and Harvey Johnson, Norma and Dennis Tate, JoAnn and Bob Barr, Montra and Jimmy Atkin, Donna and Paul Bickett, Susan Richardson, Paula Caulk, and Ed Flaherty who called the steps. Do si do!

April 1984

I found a number of interesting advertisements in this month's papers. Did you know you could buy pre-cut utility studs for 99¢ at the 44 Lumber & Hardware, and baby chicks for 58¢ at the Southern States Bullitt Co-op? At Hardy & Mooney you could get a free trimmer kit with the purchase of a trimmer; and Winn Dixie was offering Dog Chow for $1.99. While over in Mt. Washington, Tom Jasper Chevrolet was offering an '84 Chevette for $4888, and Houchens was selling platter bacon for 98¢. Now what do all of these have in common?

Diane Cruze-Mills wrote a nice piece on Oretha Ridgeway of the Nichols Community. Mrs. Ridgeway had been the community newspaper correspondent for 37 years, and had been involved with the Nichols School all her life beginning in 1918 when she entered the first grade there.

Bullitt Lick student Tiffany Rice demonstrated her spelling talent by winning the Bullitt County spelling bee, and then winning the Fifth District competition. I know her parents Jay and Pat Rice were proud of her.

Conservation essay contest winners were announced with Jimmy Werkmeister of Bullitt Central taking first place, and Jennifer Fraley of Hebron placing second. Amy Scott of Hebron won the poster contest and Troy Windhorst of Maryville placed second.

Nell Sanders Pike was the Master of Ceremonies for the annual style show put on by the Bullitt County Woman's Club. Barbara Sue Longacre was the first model presented. Also modeling were Kara Longacre and Shawn Pickett, and Lucille Warren and her escort, Courtney Longacre.

Ruth Owens, the Lebanon Junction correspondent, reported that Tim Mariman out on Belmont Road had a narrow miss when a wayward shell from Fort Knox landed and exploded behind his barn. The Mariman's were thinking about moving.

Ruth also reported that the rumor was that Jessie Bohanon was to be Cutty Cartwright's new agent for getting his mail order bride. I wonder how that worked out.

Meanwhile at Pleasant Grove, Clara Simmons reported that a bunch of folks including Mrs. Helen Foster and her daughter Lanna visited in the home of Mrs. Fern Lloyd; and Larry Foster and his family had dinner with his parents, Alvine and Beulah Foster.

And the paper announced the passing of Mrs. Ivy T. McBride who was 96. She was a former school teacher, past director of TC&I laboratory in Birmingham, a charter member of the Bullitt County Woman's Club, and a member of St. Aloysius Catholic Church. As a side note, Mrs. McBride wrote The Growth of Catholic Missions in Bullitt County. We have a summary of that publication, but have not been able to locate the original source. If you know where we can obtain a copy, please give us a call at the History Museum (502-921-0161).

May 1984

The Bullitt County Close Up Program enabled several Bullitt Central students to spend Judicial Day at the Courthouse. They included Paula Ritter, Stephanie Shea, Lois Darst, Tammy Cecil, Sabrena Mingus, Dwain Koch, and Kevin Cartwright. Reminds me of the times when I took members of the Bullitt County Social Studies class to the courthouse to see justice in action. Anybody else remember that?

The North Bullitt Drama Club performed Paul Osborn's play, "Mornings at Seven" with Donna Thurow as Myrtle Brown, Melissa Heines as Esther Crampton, Kathy Thomas as Cora Swanson, Beth Bullock as Ida Bolton, Donna Wooldridge as Aaronetta Gibbs, Dwight Snawder as David Crampton, Greg Aaron as Theodore Swanson, Rick Bows as Homer Bolton, and Lon Anderson as Carl Bolton. Kim Nida was the stage manager with Kim Douglas as assistant and Deana Allen on the stage crew. Chris Hansel was audio-visual technician. Chuck Brian was assistant director behind Ms. Anna Marie Panzera who directed the play and coached the club.

Ridgway Library hosted a quilt show with 21 entries. Anna Joyce Hall of Mt. Washington won first prize in the older quilts division with an intricate applique quilt that was her mother's was at least fifty years old. In the new quilt division, Mary Evelyn Farmer of Brooks took first place. The show was organized by Carol Breeden.

The Bullitt Lick Drama Club presented "The Wizard of Oz" at the school, as well as at the local elementary schools. The performers included Robin Bouse, Doug Scalf, Pat Keating, Scott Snawder, Eric Elwell, Donna Sharp, Debbie Callahan, Dottie Durham, Amy Keown, Lisa Woods, Jenny Taylor, Toby Coy, James Thorton, Lena Woods, Laura Jones, Sam Overby, and Jennifer Terrell.

Among them, Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Shelton of Clermont, Mr. and Mrs. Duke Tinnell of Clermont, and Mr. and Mrs. Jack Stallings of Mt. Washington can claim a total of 150 years of marriage. These three couples each celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary this month.

And John Davis, a fifth grader at Roby Elementary, won the first prize in the Kentucky Correct Posture Contest. Sherre McGaha and Clinton Tinnell came in second and third. Everyone sit up straight now!

June 1984

The candidates for Miss Bullitt County Fair were Bobbi French, Denise Ray, Tammy Shaw, Debbie Edmonds, Lisa Goley, Gretta Graham, Kara Longacre, Tammy Simpson, Sabrena Mingus, Michelle Davenport, Cecilia Conlan and Kim Fulkerson. Sabrena was crowned queen. Tammy was first runner-up, Cecilia was second runner-up, and the girls voted Denise as Miss Congeniality.

Mrs. Gale Stern won first place in knitted sweater at the fair.

Danny Leasor was named the new football coach for Bullitt Central.

Cliffa Foster graduated from Blue Mountain College in northern Mississippi. Clifford and Helen were mighty proud.

Ruth Owens, the LJ correspondent, reported that Darren Jackson was chosen to go to the Kentucky State Special Olympics in Lexington. She also reported that Ray Allender, Eddie Harned, Scott Smith, and David Downs won the N.A.P.A. golf tournament at Knob View.

At Belmont, Frances Riggs reported that Chris Smith had to have 14 stitches in his arm after a motorcycle accident with Jerry Holman.

Mary C. Holsclaw of Hebron reported that little Sarah Everett was honored at the Girl Scout Awards Dinner; and that someone's car tore down Robert Ball's mailbox.

Lois Simmons of Pleasant Grove wrote that Tony Ethridge and John Hilton caught twenty blue gills, and Louise Armstrong cooked them for the boys.

Carolyn French of Cedar Grove reported that Bro. Paul House was coming to Cedar Grove Baptist Church as pastor.

Oretha Ridgeway of Nichols reported that Clarence Dawson attended his son's wedding in Florida.

Thomason & Sohm advertised the upcoming auction of the Parrish home on Buckman Street with an aerial photo of the town showing the home between the Post Office and the Telephone Company.

The paper reported that a massive clean-up was underway at Smith's Farm Dump off Pryor Valley Road. I hear that turned into quite a mess.

And John Roberts wrote a nice article about the Mt. Washington Historical Society's plans to relocate the one-room Woodsdale school to a site next to Roby Elementary.

July 1984

Frank Simon of Publisher's Printing announced that they would be building a new plant in Lebanon Junction. I hear that turned out pretty well.

C. F. Haley Jr., Bullitt County Judge Executive, reported that $40,000 had been set aside to fund a county-wide numbering system.

Camp Crescendo celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Bruce Thomason and Ruth Sohm attended an auctioneer's convention in Minneapolis.

Elizabeth Ann Werkmeister showed off a tortoise she found while on a hike at the Camp Shantituck Pioneer Day Camp.

Ruth Owen, the LJ correspondent, and the employees of the Belmont Minit-Mart welcomed Mike Burks and family back from their vacation. Back to work Mike!

She also mentioned that Billy Cox still had six puppies to give away to a good home; and that Cutty Cartwright was in charge of the body shop while Ardell and Danny Holbert were vacationing in Las Vegas.

Oretha Ridgeway, the Nichols correspondent, commented on several of the elderly folk in her community. Charles Lee was home after a stay in the hospital; Hal Gray was having eye surgery; and Dewey Foster split his time between tending his garden and visiting his wife in the convalescent home.

Out at Pleasant Grove, Lois Simmons reported that Dewey Simmons had returned from Georgia with a special dog.

She also reported that Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Proctor took Mrs. Fern Lloyd to the funeral home Sunday and they stopped by to see Mr. Rosslee Bridwell.

Frances Riggs at Belmont wrote that the Belmont Church was having a picnic at the home of Clifford and Barbara Etherton. Were you there?

The paper reported that Mandi Houston of Bullitt County won the title of Kentucky 1984 America's Little Miss at Cave City.

Also, Greg Barr was part of a summer youth team sent out by Georgetown College. Greg was doing the preaching. I hear he got pretty good at that.

Dennis Philpot, Jeff Philpot, Tammy Price, John Hilton, Charlie Ploetner, Larry Keating, Russ Ricketts, Russ Brooks, Mike Shea, David Bates and Steve Gary attended FFA camp at Hardinsburg.

Don't you miss these times when the newspaper was where you kept up with the folks in your community?


Copyright 2024 by Charles Hartley, Shepherdsville KY. All rights are reserved. No part of the content of this page may be included in any format in any place without the written permission of the copyright holder.


The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 05 Mar 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/happened/1984.html