As a seamstress, Mary’s gift for fine detail extended well beyond her professional world and into the fabric of her daily life. She found joy in the simplest acts of care, whether it was cataloging memories, feeding birds in her garden, tending to her beloved flowers, or watching the wonders of nature unfold around her.

With her beloved spouse, Clyde Dale Gilley, they cultivated a life centered on their family and their shared fondness for their farm. Their partnership was a testament to loyalty and mutual support, echoing through every season spent working the land side by side. Though Clyde has preceded Mary in death, along with their infant son, Robert Dale Gilley, the legacy of their union endures most tangibly in those Mary leaves behind.

Passionate about service and connection, she traveled on missionary trips, including visits to Indian Reservations. Her commitment to these journeys spoke volumes about her boundless empathy and hope for the world.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Martha Gilley (David Fiske); her grandchildren, Marin Fiske (Jimmy Turek) and Hunter Fiske (Courtney); and her great-grandchild, Patrick Fiske. Her nephews, Mike Johns (Joanne) and Chris Johns, as well as Mason, Bradley & Cadence Johns and Madison & Zooey Johns, will hold her memory dearly. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Jerri Johns Huffman (Butch), and Magalene Gilley Shockley (David). She is also survived by her dear friends Marcie Hubbard, Charlotte Perkins, Lily Dillon, Diane Simpson, Kim Knott, and Raymond & Rocky Pierce. Mary’s close friendships were among her greatest treasures, and the loss of these dear souls never dimmed her immense capacity for kindness and connection.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Ewell and Zula Pedigo; her loving husband, Clyde Dale Gilley; her infant son, Robert Dale Gilley; her brother, Billy Ray Johns; her sister, Cecil Dubree; her brother-in-law, Billy Jo Gilley; her nephew, Daryl Gilley; her mother-in-law, Kathleen Gilley; her father-in-law, Clyde Gilley.

A visitation to honor Mary Catherine Gilley’s life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at A.F Crow & Son Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place the same day at 2:30 p.m. at Big Meadow Cemetery.

Mary’s extraordinary life touched many and will continue to inspire all who were privileged to know her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and joyful service—echoes that will be cherished and remembered always.

He began his career at Caverna High School as a teacher and head football coach, becoming the youngest head coach in Kentucky history at age 21. From 1988 until his retirement at age 52, he served as guidance counselor and golf coach at Glasgow High School.

Johnny was a longtime member of the Glasgow Country Club, where he served as club president and sat on the board. He enjoyed playing golf at courses throughout the state and country. He also taught golf to the Boys & Girls Club after school and founded the Tee-to-green program mentoring young members of the community and growing the game that he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, Jonathan Walker Belcher. He is survived by two sons, Benjamin Scott Belcher (Annie) and Alex Nelson Belcher (Kate); two brothers, Todd “Ralph” Belcher (Maria) and Larry Belcher; and six grandchildren — Bailey Kate Belcher of Georgia, Madison Rebecca Belcher of Georgia, Lindsay Elizabeth Belcher Francis (Kyle), Harrison Walker Belcher, Clark Sutton Belcher, and Waylon Rhodes Belcher. He is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, including special friend and caregiver Debbie Traylor.

Funeral services will be held 9:00 a.m. Monday, August 10, 2026 at the Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy are requested to the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County.

A proposal to separate Barren County from the joint Glasgow-Barren County Tourist and Convention Commission is drawing differing opinions from county leadership and the tourism organization itself as officials discuss how best to prepare for future tourism growth.

Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd said the proposal is part of a long-term strategy centered around the future Barren County Ag Expo Center, expanded lodging options and other tourism investments she believes will reshape the county over the next several years.

Rather than relying on property tax revenue to help sustain those projects, Byrd said she wants tourism itself to fund tourism.

“I’ve been tourism focused since I came in here,” Byrd said. “I’ve just been thinking long term about that… how is that going to be handled and function?” Byrd was first elected judge-executive in 2022. She recently won the 2026 Republican primary, and is running unopposed in the November general election.

According to Byrd, county officials are already working to recruit another hotel to Cave City while preparing for construction of the Ag Expo Center, which she expects to begin next year with events beginning in 2028. She said those developments, coupled with a planned sports complex, will bring additional visitors to the area and require a sustainable funding source to support them.

She went on to say that separating from the joint tourism commission would allow the county to establish its own tourism commission and levy a four-percent transient room tax countywide, including hotels in Cave City. She estimated the change would generate roughly $750,000 annually for county tourism efforts, with approximately $180,000 dedicated to supporting the Ag Expo Center and convention center operations.

Byrd said the separation would also allow Barren County to benefit from lodging revenue generated in Cave City, which currently does not flow through the joint city-county tourism commission. Cave City has its own tourist and convention commission.

“Right now, Barren County and Glasgow currently get no money from Cave City,” Byrd said. “If we separate from Glasgow, we are able to charge a county tourism tax of four-percent countywide, so we’ll get money from Cave City hotels and lodging.”

Byrd said the change would not alter Cave City’s tourism structure, but would instead provide additional funding that could benefit countywide tourism efforts.

“The only thing it would affect is their hotels would have the four-percent tax on top,” she said. “Otherwise, they’re going to stay the same structure.”

She added that without the additional county revenue, Cave City tourism could potentially face more pressure to help support countywide tourism projects such as the Ag Expo Center.

“If we don’t do this, then Cave City tourism is going to have to support the Ag Expo,” Byrd said. “We’re just trying to make sure these things last.”

“We’re not going to do that through property tax,” Byrd said. “We want to do that through people that are actually using our facility.”

Byrd stressed the proposal would not create a new tax on Barren County residents.

“This is not taxing our local citizens,” she said. “This is a tourism tax.”

She said the additional revenue could also be used to support local events that attract visitors, pointing to organizations such as Entertain Glasgow, the Downtown Business Group’s Sip, Shop and Stroll events and the Barren County Fair.

“A lot of times we get focused on heads and beds,” Byrd said. “But anything that brings people to our area is tourism.”

She said the proposal is not a criticism of Barren County-Glasgow Tourism Executive Director MacLean Lessenberry or the work of the existing commission.

“I don’t have a problem with MacLean. I think she does a great job,” Byrd said. “People are misunderstanding that she won’t have a job at the end of this. She will have a job.”

She said she envisions the county and Glasgow continuing to work together on regional tourism efforts, with the county potentially assuming costs for regional memberships and other county-related expenses currently paid through the joint commission.

Lessenberry, however, said she remains unconvinced the proposal would benefit tourism.

“I was initially, and still am, surprised that the county is considering exiting the joint commission after almost 30 years,” she said. “I cannot think of any problem that this separation would solve for us.”

Lessenberry said it is her understanding from conversations with the judge-executive that the proposal is primarily driven by the county’s desire for additional funding.

“It is my understanding from Judge Byrd that the county simply needs the money,” she said.

She also said she has received numerous calls and messages from county residents who oppose the proposal.

While she said it is too early to speculate on how a separate county tourism commission would operate, Lessenberry believes the change would affect ongoing projects already underway.

Among those, she said, are three film projects currently taking place in Barren County through the Southern Kentucky Film Commission.

“Those projects did not land here by accident,” Lessenberry said. “Barren County was chosen because of the reputation for success we have built through Southern Kentucky Film Commission.”

Lessenberry said the commission has never relied on a large budget to achieve results.

“We built our success by strategically leveraging limited resources through collaboration, shared expertise, and strong regional partnerships,” she said.

According to Lessenberry, those partnerships include organizations such as the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, the Caveland Marketing Association and Cave Country Trails.

“If this change is made, the county is not just removing itself from our organization, but also from the Southern Kentucky Film Commission, Caveland Marketing Association, Cave Country Trails, and others,” she said.

Lessenberry said changes to the commission’s structure would extend beyond the local organization, potentially affecting longstanding regional partnerships, collaborative marketing efforts and destination development projects that have taken years to establish.

The county government is expected to continue discussing the proposal in the coming weeks. Byrd said the Fiscal Court plans to hear from officials involved in similar tourism commission restructurings elsewhere in Kentucky before determining the next steps.

The director of the Barren River Drug Task Force shared a final year-end review during a recent fiscal court meeting, where he spoke about drug trends, details on a large-scale drug bust, the partnerships that work with the local agency, and details of his personal career path.

Director Ron Lafferty has announced his retirement after 23 years of law enforcement service, and will serve through October 31, 2026, before officially stepping away.

“Twenty-three years ago, the sheriff at that time, Barney Jones, even Chris Eaton, took a chance with me and hired me as a drug task force detective,” Lafferty said. “The opening for director opened up, I applied for it, went through all the interviews, and was fortunate enough to be selected as the drug task force director.”

Lafferty has served as the director for 13 years. He also recently finished his term with the Kentucky Narcotic Officers’ Association and the National Narcotic Officers’ Association, which he said has helped give the local drug task force representation in Washington, D.C.

“I’ve had a great career, but with all things, it comes to an end,” Lafferty said. “I’ve enjoyed it immensely, I’ve loved the work that we do.”

Partnerships
The current structure of the local drug task force comprises the Barren County Sheriff’s Office, Cave City Police Department, Glasgow Police Department, and Metcalfe County Sheriff’s Office.

They work alongside the Kentucky State Police and federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, among other agencies.

“What does ICE have to do with drugs?” Lafferty said. “Trust me, it does.”

Lafferty also said Barren County now has a DEA office.

“This is our 23rd anniversary, and thanks to the [judge-executive] and the fiscal court, for the first time, we now have a DEA office in this county,” Lafferty said, adding that having an established office helps with funding and extra federal resources for some expenses like overtime pay for agents.

Large-scale drug bust
In 2025, the local drug task force, along with other agencies, ended a two-year investigation on a major drug trafficking organization that originated in Barren County, the director said.

Lafferty said an organization was traveling to the West Coast and bringing drugs back to the county, where they then distributed them to Warren, Metcalfe, and Monroe counties.

Detectives with the Barren River Drug Task Force were a part of a team that followed the traffickers to California and back, detailing where they were going and who they were getting drugs from, entailing “hours and hours of surveillance,” Lafferty said.

When traffickers returned from the next trip to the West Coast, they were caught and agents seized over 100 pounds of methamphetamine, 25 kilos of cocaine (about 55 pounds), fentanyl pills, 60 pounds of marijuana, and other drugs, according to Lafferty.

He said that the bust has not made the news because the FBI is working the case and press releases must filter through that agency.

“I know everybody wants to hear the headline, but don’t think we’re not doing anything because we are,” Lafferty said. “We are just on a grander scale and can’t release everything until everything is said and done.”

A local detective whom Lafferty requested the county to hire a couple of years ago was presented with an award, Kentucky Narcotics of the Year for the western part of the state, because of the bust, Lafferty said.

“To get something like that in Barren County speaks volumes for this county, the support that we have and the work they do. So, I’m very, very proud of him and all the agencies involved with him that make that happen,” he added.

Local trends
In 2025, Lafferty said 78 cases were initiated by the local drug task force that led to the seizure of drugs valued at $3,200,704.30. Cash seizures totaling $45,641 and other seized property valued at $51,000 were included in Lafferty’s statistics.

Crystal meth peaked significantly in 2023, but tapered in 2024 and 2025; however, Lafferty said 2026 has already surpassed the record year with a large seizure of meth.

“Heroin has declined, marijuana spiked a little last year, and cocaine is making a comeback,” Lafferty said.

Lafferty said the organization’s mission statement has always been to investigate and prosecute mid- to upper-level drug traffickers.

“We’re going after the bigger players and taking them out the best we can,” Lafferty said.

Director
Barren County Judge-Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd said the position for the next director has already received a few applicants, but the deadline is Aug. 17. She said the Barren River Drug Task Force has a board that will be tasked with hiring the next director, with final approval by the Barren County Fiscal Court.

To apply, resumes may be submitted to finance@barrencountyky.gov or mailed/dropped off at 117 N. Public Square, Suite 1A, Glasgow.

To celebrate 20 years, the Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County has a special celebration planned.

The Great Futures Jubilee: A 20th Anniversary Soiree & Culinary Experience will be Saturday, Sept. 5 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Barren Breeze B&B & Venue in Lucas, according to a press release from the organization.

The fundraising gala is a “culmination of 20 years of showing up, serving and building futures for the youth of Barren County,” the release stated.

Ticket holders can expect live oyster shucking and a raw oyster bar by Aphrodite Oysters Catering, non-seafood options, craft bourbon from Cave City Distilling Company, wine from Purple Toad Winery poured throughout the night, an original mural being created in real time and more.

Guests can also participate in a silent auction and see a youth art gallery of original work by the Boys & Girls AP Art Club, hosted by Sara Whiteside. Also, Overdrive Performance Truck Rental & Leasing will provide complimentary safe rides for any guest who needs one.

Ticket costs include $75 for single admission, which includes a high-top seat, $300 for an outdoor high-top table for four and $800 for a reserved indoor table for eight.

RSVPs are required and must be received by Aug. 25. Guests may register online via the QR code on the event invitation, pay by check payable to Boys & Girls Club of Glasgow-Barren County (PO Box 1935, Glasgow, KY, 42142) or contact the club directly at 270-629-3871 to complete registration.

Sharon enjoyed the simple things in life. She loved spending time reading a good book, crocheting, making beautiful quilts, working puzzles, and tending to her garden. These quiet hobbies brought her peace and happiness.

She is survived by her two children Latasha Wilson (Terry) of Cave City and Robert Finn (Amy) of Horse Cave, lifetime partner Odell Robertson, six grandchildren Jamison Pippin (Kayla), Keenan Gossett, Aaliyah Gossett, Brennan Finn, Brayden Finn and Kaylyn Finn, adopted granddaughter Sara Morgan and her sister-in-law Melissa Wilson.

Funeral services for Sharon Wilson will be held 3:00 PM Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Butler Funeral Home in Edmonton, KY. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until time of the service here at the funeral home with cremation to follow.

He was the son of the late Chester Stanley Bertram and the late Viola May Scott Bertram.

He was preceded in death by his wife Doris Marie Davidson Bertram; three sisters; Cleo Ayers, Patsy Knight, Mary Elizabeth Bertram; a daughter-in-law, Judy Lynn Wilkerson Bertram.

He is survived by four sons, Gary Bertram, Independance, MO, Steve Bertram and wife Michelle, Bloomfield, IN, Marty Bertram and wife Terri, Lawrenceburg, KY, Mike Bertram and wife Kathi, Munfordville, KY; nine grandchildren and ten great- grandchildren; three brothers, Raymon Bertram, Paul Bertram, Randel Bertram; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family also survive.

The family will welcome friends from 1:00- 6:00 PM CT on Sunday, August 9, 2026 and again from 8:00- 11:00 AM CT on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Brooks Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM CT on Monday, August 10, 2026 at Brooks Funeral Home with Pastor Anthony Marts officiating. Burial will follow, with millitary honors, at Munfordville Municipal Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Central Ky or The American Cancer Society.

Born March 26, 1934, in Marrowbone, Kentucky, to the late Johnnie W. Smith and Vernell Garmon Smith, John was raised with strong family values that shaped him into a man of integrity, humility, and perseverance.

A proud Navy veteran, John built a respected career in food service, with National Park Concessions (Mammoth Cave National Park, Isle Royale National Park, and the Blue Ridge Parkway), as well as Jerry’s Restaurant and Holiday Inn in Cave City, where his strong work ethic left lasting impressions on coworkers and guests alike.

Outside of work, John’s heart belonged to the land — he loved farming and riding horses and was happiest outdoors amid the peace of the countryside. He was also a gifted storyteller with a long, sharp memory, delighting family and friends with vivid stories and treasured recollections from throughout his life. He was an active member of Cave City Baptist Church, where his faith guided the way he lived: treating others with kindness, living honestly, and putting family first. More than any accomplishment, John will be remembered for the love he shared with those closest to him.

He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Ann Kerley Parker Smith; sons John Montgomery “Monty”; Smith (Kate) and Kevin Smith (Cheryl); daughter Amy Tylicki (Scott); grandchildren Rebecca Maxie (Taylor), Parker Smith, Matthew Smith (Kaitlyn), Shelby Tylicki (Micah Treves), and Blaise Tylicki; great-grandchildren Lakely, Lainey, and Gentry Smith.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Janet Stayton and her husband Edgar.

Funeral Services will be held at 1:00PM on Saturday, August 08, 2026, at Winn Funeral Home. Burial will follow the service at the Horse Cave Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 07, 2026, from 5:00PM to 8:00PM, and will continue after 10:00AM on Saturday until the time of the service at 1:00PM.

Though we grieve his passing, we rejoice in a life remarkably well-lived and an eternity with his Savior. John Marshall Smith will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in our hearts.

Thomas proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. His love for his fellow veterans never faded after his military service. He was a dedicated supporter and volunteer with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and was especially passionate about ensuring that America’s Prisoners of War (POWs) and those Missing in Action (MIAs) were never forgotten. His patriotism and respect for those who served remained a guiding force throughout his life.

Following his military service, Thomas built a successful career as a licensed contractor before later becoming a truck driver. He was a hardworking man who believed in doing every job with honesty, dedication, and integrity.

Although he called many places home throughout his life, Thomas was well known in the Henderson and Cokesbury communities of North Carolina as a devoted volunteer firefighter and as someone who never hesitated to help a neighbor in need. Whether responding to an emergency or simply lending a hand, he was always there for others without expecting anything in return. His kindness and servant’s heart left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Nothing brought Thomas greater joy than spending time with his family. Some of his happiest days were spent fishing with his daughters, camping, boating, and making memories at Kerr Lake. Friends and neighbors fondly remember Thomas patiently driving the boat for hours while the children skied across the water, making sure everyone had a wonderful time. Those carefree summer days created memories that will be cherished for generations.

Thomas also had a lifelong passion for motorcycles, classic automobiles, and anything with an engine. He found great satisfaction in restoring vintage cars, taking pride in bringing them back to life with remarkable craftsmanship and attention to detail. He loved spending time in his garage, always tinkering, repairing, or improving something. His talent, patience, and mechanical skill were admired by everyone who knew him.

Above all, Thomas was a man of faith and strong values. He often reminded those around him that everything belongs to God, and we are called to be good stewards of His blessings. He lived that belief every day through his generosity, humility, respect for others, and willingness to help anyone in need.

Thomas leaves behind his loving companion of more than 30 years, Glenda R. Butts; his daughters, Pamela Horner Davis (Hal), Michelle Horner Wood (Barry), and Jeannie Horner Edwards; his cherished grandchildren, Cassidy Davis, Connor Davis, and William Horner; his precious great-granddaughter, Christina Horner; and his siblings, Bobby Horner, Rosa Dickerson, and Alice Parker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Horner and Ann Smith Horner; his brothers, Mac Arthur Horner and Robert Horner; his sister, Lou Mae Credle; and his former wife of 22 years, Marie W. Horner.

Thomas will be remembered as a devoted father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, loving companion, veteran, volunteer firefighter, craftsman, and community servant. His legacy is one of generosity, hard work, unwavering patriotism, and unconditional love. He leaves behind not only a family who adored him but also countless friends and neighbors whose lives were enriched by his kindness.

The family finds comfort in knowing he has been welcomed into his eternal home and reunited with those who have gone before him.

Funeral Service will be 11:00am Monday August 10, 2026, with burial in the Glasgow Municipal Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hatcher & Saddler Funeral Home, 801 N. Race Street, Glasgow, Kentucky. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Local DAV Chapter 20.

Farmers RECC is directing seven thousand dollars to local programs that work to end hunger among students in Barren, Hart and Metcalfe counties.

The cooperative said the donations are going to Backpack programs and to the Barren County Reads and Feeds initiative to help children who may not have enough to eat when school is out.

According to Farmers RECC, two thousand dollars each is being donated to the Backpack programs serving Barren, Hart and Metcalfe counties.

Those programs, organized by Feeding America, provide children with nutritious, easy-to-prepare food they can eat on weekends when they are not receiving school meals.

Bags of food are assembled at area food banks, then distributed to students through each school’s Youth Resource Office.

Farmers RECC officials say the funding has already been distributed to those Youth Resource Offices so staff can identify students and families with the greatest need.

The cooperative estimates that approximately one hundred twenty dollars will feed a student on weekends for an entire school year through the Backpack program.

In addition to the Backpack efforts, Farmers RECC has donated one thousand dollars to the Barren County Reads and Feeds program.

That program provides food to local students who are dealing with food insecurity, adding another layer of support beyond school meal programs.

Caralyne Pennington, director of member and public communications at Farmers RECC, said hunger is a very real problem for some area students.

Pennington said that if the cooperative can help those students and the public with that problem, it is important to do what they can.

She added that these donations are a tangible way for Farmers RECC to live out the cooperative principle of concern for community.

Pennington noted that Farmers RECC employees live and work in the same communities they serve, and that giving back through hunger relief is one way to support those neighbors.

Key Facts
– Farmers RECC donated a total of $7,000 to hunger relief efforts
– $2,000 each is going to Backpack programs in Barren, Hart and Metcalfe counties
– Backpack bags provide easy-to-prepare weekend food for students
– Funds are distributed through school Youth Resource Offices
– About $120 can feed one student on weekends for an entire school year
– $1,000 is going to the Barren County Reads and Feeds program
– Farmers RECC says the donations reflect its concern for the community