Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Aaron M. Shirley.

Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Hunter Jones.

Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Aaron M. Shirley.

Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Larry Poteet.

Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Hunter Jones.

Check out James Brown’s conversation with Barren County jailer candidate Larry Poteet.

Two bridges in Barren County are now named in honor of the late businessman and philanthropist Ruel Houchens and fallen sheriff’s deputy Rusty Anderson, following a dedication ceremony at the Barren County Courthouse in Glasgow on Wednesday, May 13.

The bridge named for Houchens will be over Skaggs Creek tributary on U.S. 31-E and the bridge named in honor of Anderson will be over Fallen Timber Creek on Ky. 63. Both bridges are south of Glasgow.

Houchens was known for his connection and leadership of Houchens Industry. He returned to Glasgow after serving as a veteran of the Korean War and began working with Houchens Markets under his uncle, company founder Ervin Houchens.

A sign that will hang on a bridge on U.S. 31-E over Skaggs Creek tributary is pictured. The bridge is being named in honor of late businessman Ruel Houchens. Chris Houchens/Glasgow News 1

Ruel Houchens spent more than 40 years with Houchens Industries, helping expand the business to more than 50 Houchens Markets and 150 Save-A-Lot food stores, and eventually served as president, CEO and chairman of the board.

He was credited as a key figure in establishing the employee stock ownership plan at Houchens Industries, described as one of the largest employee stock ownership plans in the world.

Outside of business, Houchens was known for his philanthropy and community involvement, especially with children.

He helped organize the Glasgow-Barren County Boys & Girls Club, formed in 2006, and continued to play a major role in its support.

Houchens also backed Community Medical Care, receiving the Centurion Award for his support, and contributed through the Ruel and Nell Houchens Charitable Foundation, as well as to the Plaza Theatre.

A sign that will hang on a bridge on Ky. 63 over Falling Timber Creek is pictured. The bridge is being named in honor of the late Rusty Anderson, who was a detective with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office. Chris Houchens/Glasgow News 1

The second bridge is being named for Rusty Anderson, who served as a detective with the Barren County Sheriff’s Office and died after a heart attack while on duty on March 18, 2018, at age 47.

Anderson began his law enforcement career on Dec. 11, 2000, with the Glasgow Police Department, where he served until April 1, 2005.

He then joined the sheriff’s office, where he continued his career until his “end of watch” in 2018.

Key Facts
– Two Barren County bridges have been named for Ruel Houchens and Rusty Anderson.
– A dedication ceremony took place Wednesday, May 13, at the Barren County Courthouse in Glasgow.
– Houchens led Houchens Industries for decades and was known for local philanthropy.
– Anderson was a Barren County sheriff’s detective who died on duty in 2018.
– Both men were widely regarded as influential community members in Barren County.

The Caverna Independent Schools Board of Education is set to tackle a lengthy agenda Thursday evening, with district planning for the upcoming school year taking center stage.

Among the more notable items up for approval are the district’s tentative 2026-2027 budget, certified and classified salary schedules and supplemental salary schedules.

The board is also expected to consider several annual renewals and contracts, including the district’s School Resource Officer agreement, a bus maintenance contract renewal and an addendum with Cumberland Family Medical Center. Board members will also review and potentially approve the district’s professional development plan, attendance plan and virtual learning plan.

One item that may draw additional attention is consideration of the Lifewise Academy Program. The Ohio-based organization provides off-campus religious instruction for students during the school day under released-time policies.

Lifewise previously surfaced in the region last August when the Warren County Board of Education voted down the program in a 3-2 decision. The program stems from a decision made by the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly where Senate Bill 19 was passed, which opened the door for school districts to allow “off-campus moral instruction.”

Details regarding how the program would operate locally are expected to be discussed during the meeting.

In addition to action items, the meeting will include student and staff recognitions, school and department presentations and the superintendent’s personnel report. Consent items include approval of prior meeting minutes, financial reports, activity funds, grants, travel requests and school-wide fundraisers and field trips.

The board will also consider approval of Campbell, Myers and Rutledge to conduct the district’s yearly audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at Caverna’s Central Office.

Key Facts
– Caverna school board meets Thursday at 5 p.m. at Central Office
– Board to consider tentative 2026-27 district budget and salary schedules
– Annual contracts and district plans, including SRO and virtual learning, on the agenda
– Lifewise Academy released-time religious instruction proposal up for consideration
– Meeting includes student and staff recognitions and routine consent items
– Board to consider Campbell, Myers and Rutledge for the district’s 2026 fiscal year audit

Born on January 31, 1934, he was the son of the late Louis Ward Sr. and Inez (Melloan) Ward. He is survived by his two sons, Marion Louis Ward III and Michael Lynn Ward, both of Glasgow. Mr. Ward was a man of extraordinary talent, creativity, and dedication whose life and work touched countless people throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. Above all else, he was an accomplished professional photographer and portrait painter whose career spanned more than 70 years.

At just 11 years old, he built his first darkroom and later took responsibility for his high school yearbook along with several neighboring Kentucky school yearbooks. His passion continued to grow, and in 1952, he opened his first photography studio.

His professional education began at the Winona School of Professional Photography, where he studied under distinguished photographers before continuing his studies with internationally renowned master photographer, artist, and author Adolf Fassbender. He also studied painting and artistic fundamentals under well-known Nashville artist and instructor Juanita Green Parks.

In addition to his acclaim for photographic excellence, Mr. Ward was widely respected as a portrait artist working in the fine tradition of oils. His freehand paintings required countless hours of dedication and can be found displayed in Nashville’s Federal Courthouse, Baptist Hospital, Women’s Club, and the historic Belle Meade Plantation. He served as the wedding photographer for the daughters of country music legend Johnny Cash and was commissioned to paint portraits of players for the Tennessee Titans. His works are also displayed in the Tennessee State Capitol, including a portrait of former Governor Ned Ray McWherter, along with numerous corporate and private collections.

Mr. Ward was also commissioned to paint for former Kentucky Governor Wallace Wilkinson. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, he served as the official photographer for former Kentucky Governor Louie Nunn.

Ward’s professional honors and credentials were numerous and prestigious. He earned the coveted Master of Photography degree, the Photographic Craftsman degree, and became the 21st photographer in the world to be named a Fellow in the American Society of Photographers in 1975. Kentucky Professional Photographers Association President 1967-68. Professional Photographers of America National Award 1963. He was also a member of the American Society of Portrait Artists and was one of only 60 artists certified by the American Portrait Society.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Mr. Ward enjoyed many lifelong passions. He was one of the charter members of the Mammoth Cave Amateur Ham Radio Club and, until his passing, was its only remaining charter member. He also loved flying his Cessna aircraft out of Moore Field in Glasgow. Marion was also avid in showing Tennessee Walking Horses during the 1960s, winning numerous awards throughout his years of competition.

Marion Louis Ward Jr. leaves behind a remarkable legacy of artistry, professionalism, and dedication. His talent, vision, and passion for his craft will continue to live on through the many portraits, photographs, and paintings he created throughout his lifetime.

No public services are scheduled.

Greer’s Florist, a fixture in Glasgow and Barren County for generations, will close its doors May 29, as the current owners prepare to retire. Sisters Julie Edwards and Kathy Doty, who have spent decades working in the shop, said during a recent interview that it is time to move on to the next chapter of their lives after a lifetime surrounded by flowers and customers.

The florist’s roots go back to their grandmother, Pearl, who first decided she wanted to own a flower shop when she was 47. At first Pearl and her husband bought Bethel Florist in downtown Glasgow, but after about seven months, the business was moved to the basement of their home on Pritchardsville Road. At the time, that was the main road south out of Glasgow. That was in 1956.

Kathy’s and Julie’s mother, Davie, came to work for the family business in the 1960s.

The florist eventually moved to U.S. 31-E to be on the newer, busier road going south out of Glasgow.

Julie explained how that move happened.

The sisters have been working at the florist for multiple decades. Julie has been there 44 years, and Kathy has been at the shop for 32 years. Their mother, Davie, worked at the florist shop until 2000. She was elected the first female Barren County Judge-Executive in 2002.

Key Facts
• Greer’s Florist in Glasgow will close May 29, 2026.
• The family says the decision comes as sisters and co-owners Julie Edwards and Kathy Doty retire.
• The business started with their grandmother Pearl, who opened the original shop in the 1950s.
• Greer’s Florist has been a staple for Barren County customers for weddings, proms and other occasions.
• Family members say the community has strongly supported the shop and is taking the news of the closing hard.

WINNERS LIST:  

MORNING TRIVIA-Jerry Ralston, $10 Gift Certificate to Watermill Restaurant

DAIRY QUEEN CAKE-Regina Cleary

ALL IN BLOOM ROSEBUD VASE-Janet Sturgeon

HOUCHEN’S IGA LUCKY NAME PROGRAM- No Winner