Todd County Standard

03/03/2025

BON APPÉTIT! GUTHRIE STYLE

By Steve Haley
The Guthrie I Remember …

In the 1960s US Highway 41 was a crucial route to Chicago, passing right through the heart of Guthrie. Throughout the day and night, 18-wheelers continuously traveled along this busy thoroughfare in our small town. Guthrie had two motels that catered to these travelers. They displayed signs welcoming truck drivers, and there were nearby restaurants to feed them.

As truckers journeyed from Adams to Guthrie, they frequently stopped at The Colonial Inn. Across the street, Covington's Motel offered a comfortable place to rest after enjoying a hot meal. Further down Highway 41, in Tiny Town, there were more lodging and dining options.

At the intersection of Highways 41 and 79, marked by a flashing red light, was The Coffee Cup Restaurant, owned by Paul Batson. The Coffee Cup was open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. It featured a spacious gravel parking lot, making it easy for truckers to maneuver their vehicles. This bustling establishment attracted both locals and long-haulers alike.

Former County Commissioner and retired Robertson County school teacher, John Wiggins, shared that he often stopped at The Coffee Cup on Friday evenings while returning home after a long week of studying at Austin Peay. He needed a couple of strong cups of hot coffee to help him stay awake.

Some of my Wix family occasionally worked at The Coffee Cup. Uncle C.D. operated the gas pumps in between job assignments with the pipeline. Aunt Joan worked as a waitress there, and we children were fascinated by the amount of change she brought home from the tips she collected. My cousins Bob Chezem, Vickie Chezem, and Dennis Wix bussed tables after school and on weekends periodically.

My family sometimes dined at The Colonial Inn, but we never ate at The Coffee Cup. My mother wasn't a very confident driver, and the traffic around The Coffee Cup intimidated her. Our preferred eatery was The Graves Family Restaurant located across the road.

The atmosphere at Graves was much more relaxed, which suited our family perfectly. This laid-back atmosphere likely stemmed from the fact that the Graves family lived in the back of the restaurant, making it feel like we were dining in their home. Additionally, the tables and chairs resembled those you would find in a typical American kitchen or dining room. When my parents announced that we were going out to eat, it was our cue to take baths and put on our Sunday best. Upon arrival, we walked quietly in single file behind our father as he led us to the table he had chosen.

My grandmother, Ruth Wix, affectionately known as Mama Wix, worked as a waitress at both The Coffee Cup and Graves Restaurant off and on. Our grandfather, Dennis Wix, whom we called Daddy Wix, would accompany her to work on Saturday nights. He was very social and preferred not to stay home alone watching television. This arrangement felt special to us because, while she worked, he would sit at the table with us, holding my baby sister, Rhonda.

Once we were settled in, Mama Wix approached our table, balancing several menus and a tray filled with water glasses. She embodied the quintessential Southern waitress of the time, with her hair styled in either a beehive or a French curl, depending on the current trend. Mrs. Gussie Mitchell, her hairdresser, ensured her hair was always beautifully coiffed. The uniform and apron she wore were freshly starched and pressed.

After handing out the water and menus, Mama Wix told us she would return to take our orders. My sister, Denise, and I didn't even need to look at the menus; we already knew what we wanted. We always ordered the same thing whenever we ate there.

As Mama Wix returned to our table with a pen and pad in hand, we began placing our orders, starting with our father. My sister and I always ordered a hamburger, fries, and a Coke. Mama Wix didn't need to ask us what we wanted on our burgers; she already knew. After all, she was our grandmother and had prepared burgers for us countless times.

Our food arrived at the table in short order. The burger was so warm and thick that you had to press it down to take a bite. It was made from fresh ground beef instead of a frozen, processed patty. The fries were crinkle-cut, measuring three to four inches long, and fried to a golden brown. Once ketchup was applied to the ends of the fries, the weight of the condiment caused it to bend like a fishing pole with a trophy catch on the line. Our father ended our leisurely meal by ordering coffee for himself and Daddy Wix and enjoying a cigarette.

I witnessed two unforgettable celebrations of pure joy at Graves Restaurant. The first was my Aunt Betty's wedding reception to Jimmy Buck in November 1966. The wedding ceremony took place at Tiny Town Baptist Church, which had not yet built a fellowship hall at that time. Since there was no suitable area for cutting the wedding cake, serving punch, or distributing nuts and chalky mints, the newlyweds reserved Graves Restaurant for the event.

My cousins and I were seated at the lunch bar in the restaurant, and we were instructed to be still and quiet. As the wedding party entered the restaurant, I thought then—and still do today—that they were some of the most glamorous people I had ever seen. The groomsmen looked dapper in their matching tuxedos, and the bridesmaids, led by my mother as the matron of honor, were absolutely stunning in the gowns that Mama Wix had made for them. There was joy on every face, and laughter filled the room.

The last event focused on Baptist Men’s Day, which Tiny Town Baptist Church celebrated on the last Sunday in January. The goal was to engage laymen in service activities that encouraged them to step out of their comfort zones. It was always a highlight on the calendar of our small church.

The day began with the men gathering for breakfast at Graves. One notable church member, Walton Sayle, was absent, causing concern among attendees who inquired about his health. Soon, his brother Terry arrived at the restaurant and informed everyone that Mr. Walton and Ms. Lou were at the hospital because she had gone into labor. Silence fell among the men, as Ms. Lou was of advanced age to be delivering a child. Like Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth from the Bible, God had chosen a later in life time for them to conceive. Our Pastor, Doug Downing, offered a prayer. The men continued their meal in relative quietness until the door opened and in strolled Mr. Sayle, also known as Uncle Wally to many of us.

His face was beaming with a smile that stretched from ear to ear as he announced the birth of their daughter, Lisa Ann. Both she and Ms. Lou were doing remarkably well. A roar of celebration and gratitude erupted among the small group of men as they rejoiced in this wonderful news. That day, I learned that people don't have to share bloodlines to love each other like family.

The Graves family closed the restaurant in the early 1970s. The building and property were eventually purchased and converted into a convenience store. It is now known for a giant pink elephant in the parking lot and lottery tickets. When I stop at the flashing red light waiting for traffic to clear I will look over at the spot where the restaurant stood. I always smile as my mind returns to a simpler time of fellowship and dining — when food wasn't fast and we weren't in a hurry to eat it.

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Steve Haley spent his childhood in Guthrie, KY during the 1960s and 1970s. He loves to recount the stories of his extraordinary ordinary upbringing in a small Southern town with his many friends. If you have any comments or suggestions,
you can email him at [email protected] or call/text him at 615.483.2573

Photo: Stockcake.com
Photo by Stockcake

02/22/2025

02/19/2025

Sponsored Content from Todd County Water District.

02/19/2025

02/17/2025

Here is a timing graphic for starting and ending times for Tuesday's snow storm.

02/12/2025

Congratulations to Ava Allen, 5th grade student at North Todd Elementary School for being selected as the February 2025 Student of the Month!

02/12/2025

Congratulations to Emily Buis, Family Resource Center Coordinator for receiving the February 2025 Making a Difference Award!

02/12/2025

The owner of an Elkton restaurant was sentenced to prison last month for a 2021 crime involving a minor. Enrique Moreno, owner of El Torito Mexican Restaurant, was sentenced to five years in prison on January 31st

02/12/2025

MULLINGS … THE TCCHS CLASS OF 1973 SPONSORS SCHOLARSHIP TO HONOR THE LATE MRS. JOE NELL GLENN WATERS (JANUARY 14, 1955 - MAY 7, 2024)

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

All of us realize how special classmates are, and we also realize how devastating it is to lose a classmate. The TCCHS Class of 1973 is one such class who has lost a dear classmate in recent years. That classmate, Mrs. Joe Nell Glenn Waters, impacted the lives of so many people during her years of education, many of those years in the classroom and many others in the role of administrator including several as principal of TCCHS. A colleague of Ms. Joe Nell penned at the time of her death, “I truly enjoyed working with Mrs. Waters at Montgomery Central Middle School. She was definitely a class act and special lady. She will always hold a special place in my heart.” Mrs. Susan Carroll, a 1973 classmate and friend of Ms. Joe Nell, shared, “Joe Nell was an extraordinary lady with an unwavering faith. She loved her family, her friends, and especially the many students she served throughout her career as a teacher and school administrator. Joe Nell was truly an inspiration to everyone who knew her.”

Noting she was a lifelong friend, Joe Ted Gray, another classmate of Ms. Joe Nell, messaged, “Joe Nell’s work on behalf of students went far beyond the academic realm. She was known to help provide prom dresses for students who could not afford them. She was also known to accompany students to court when they found themselves in unfortunate circumstances.” Teresa Sanders Turner, another member of the Class of 1973, emailed, “As a friend, teacher, and administrator, she was the best of the best.” John Quirk, another colleague of Ms. Joe Nell, posted, “Joe Nell possessed a genuine southern charm which affected everyone she touched, and she touched thousands – students, fellow teachers, and friends. So much generosity in one person is always rare.”

In an effort to honor Ms. Joe Nell and her love of education, the TCCHS Class of 1973 has teamed up with the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. to provide the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship.” The scholarship, which will be offered to the TCCHS Class of 2025, is geared to students with a 2.5 or better GPA. A committee of the Class of 1973 will decide upon the amount of the scholarship once they have monies collected. They do anticipate at least one $1000 scholarship with additional scholarships possibly available based on the amount of money the Class of 1973 generates. Because the Alumni Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization, the Class of 1973 asked to collaborate with the alumni group. The organizers shared with members of the alumni group they anticipate many donations being made for Ms. Joe Nell’s scholarship. The class members also have designed the scholarship to be available either for students intending to major in either academic or technical areas.

If you are interested in donating to the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship,” you can send your donation to the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc. at P.O. Box 611, Elkton, KY 42220. Class members have already mailed out a post card encouraging classmates and others who knew Ms. Joe Nell to donate to this scholarship effort. They do request in the memo section of your check to designate the money is for the “Joe Nell Glenn Waters Memorial Scholarship.” Since the scholarship application is due on April 15, 2025, seniors are encouraged to link to https://tcchs-alumni.org/2025-tcchs-alumni-foundation-scholarships/ to download the TCCHS Alumni Foundation, Inc.’s scholarship application. Ms. Joe Nell’s scholarship can be found on pages 9 and 10 of that application.

02/07/2025

MULLINGS … THE TODD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS THE ROTARY CLUB OF ELKTON AND CHRIS BISCHOFF, KDLA CONSULTANT

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

The Rotary Club of Elkton has on its page these words – “Every Wednesday, 12 Noon – Food, Fellowship and Community Focus.” Wednesday, February 5, saw 22 members of the Rota-ry Club including several guests meet at the Todd County Public Library located at 507 South Main Street for their weekly meeting. Also joining the Rotarians was former Rotarian and former Circuit Court Clerk, Mr. Jimmy Groves. Mr. Jimmy, who was an active member of the Rotary Club for many decades, commented following the club’s meeting that Todd County was so fortunate to have such a state-of-the-art public library. Dr. Amanda Hayes, Library Director, messaged, “TCPL was honored Elkton's Rotary Club chose to meet in our grand community room! The uplifting conversations and presentations filled the room with cheer as members focused on service to others.”

Kelvin DeBerry mentioned in his comments to the group just how much effort went into the physical move from the 302 East Main Street location to 507 South Main Street. For those not aware, Kelvin and Lorie DeBerry as well as Brad and Mandy Shemwell sold the 507 South Main Street property to the Todd County Public Library at a reduced price prior to the library’s con-struction phase. The James Randolph Mallory family along with the late Guy Mallory also assisted with the project since they donated an extra piece of land that led to the site being the size it cur-rently is. Chris Bischoff, a Kentucky Department of Libraries and Archives (KDLA) Consultant, also was on hand Wednesday to tour the building. Mr. Bischoff, who provided input into the orig-inal blueprints for the library, had last seen the library in late summer 2024. Wednesday, how-ever, provided Mr. Bischoff an updated look at the library since its opening in October. As true of those who have visited the facility, Mr. Bischoff was very impressed with how far along the li-brary has progressed in its first months opened.

Stating the library is “literally a world-class asset for our county,” Glenn Slack, a former president of the Rotary, also added, “This facility is an architectural mega-hit! It features a captivating exte-rior containing a magnificent floor plan, fully equipped with 21st century technology.” He also expressed how important it was for Rotarians to visit the site since they now have a much stronger feel for how valuable an asset the library is and will continue to be for Todd Countians and citizens surrounding Todd County. Ms. Hayes also added the library enthusiastically sup-ports the efforts of the Rotarians to reach an auction goal of $50,000, a goal that reveals the Ro-tarians’ commitment to public service and the promotion of education in our community.

Tiffany Groves, Todd County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director and a Rotarian as well, was on hand to present to the library the Chamber’s “Above & Beyond Member of the Month” Recognition. The honor, one the library staff appreciated tremendously, reflects the team effort at the library with staff members still tackling completion of the move to the new location and the addition of equipment, furniture, and finishing touches to the building. Carolyn Wells, a trustee for the library, presented a short program focused on the library itself, supporters of the library, those who assisted with the project, the unique features of the building, and ‘finishing touches’ that will occur in the next few months. Following that presentation, Rotarians toured the 12,900 square foot building.

01/29/2025

NIGHT GAMES

By Steve Haley
The Guthrie I Remember …

My beloved bride and her sister have spent the past six months renovating our home, making improvements to every surface. After their hard work, I was reorganizing my home office and stumbled upon an old, worn-out Monopoly box with "Steve's" written on the top in a child's handwriting. This discovery brought back memories from a chilly January in 1977.

Guthrie was covered in ice, causing tree limbs to crack and fall under the weight. The storm resulted in broken power lines and widespread outages. Traffic came to a standstill as roadways became blocked with fallen limbs. Todd County Schools were closed for an entire month. Without the current luxuries of cable TV, video games, or cell phones, my friends and I quickly became bored. After making some calls, we arranged to meet in the parking lot of the Methodist Church and see what we could find to do.

Most of my friends had driver's licenses, but their parents refused to give them the car keys during harsh weather because they were inexperienced drivers. The icy conditions made riding our bicycles both thrilling and risky. It was quite an adventure. After picking up speed, we locked the brakes to see how far we could slide. It was dangerous when the bike slid out from under us and we fell face-first onto the frozen pavement, but it was exciting to try new tricks.

After tending our injuries from failed acrobatics, we decided to play basketball at the church’s hoop. However, dribbling was challenging, and the basketball kept getting stuck in the icy net.

Someone remembered a frozen patch of shallow water off Ewing Street in Mr. Clarence Covington’s field, near Planter’s Grain. We entertained ourselves by fashioning scrap wood into crude hockey sticks and using a crushed soda can for a puck. We soon exhausted our limited winter activities and made our way to the elementary school gym.

Mr. Tyson, the school’s custodian, allowed us to play basketball there every day he was working. To show our appreciation for his kindness, John Kimbrough suggested we buy a box of Swisher Sweets ci**rs to give him. We all chipped in our pennies, nickels, and dimes. Although it took most of our limited resources, the experience far outweighed any financial sacrifice. When he opened the box, a huge smile spread across his face. We could hear the chuckle in his voice as he thanked us.

The sun set too early on those gray, cloudy days, cutting our outdoor fun short. We brainstormed ways to keep the entertainment going. Little Joe Sanders invited us all to his house after dinner. We gathered around his parents' kitchen table to play board games and cards. Sounds of shuffling cards filled the air as we played Hearts, Spades, and Rook late into the night. Eventually, we decided to try our hand at Poker, even though none of us knew how to play. We referred to an encyclopedia to learn the winning hands, but we could never seem to agree on the rules.

It was Parker Brothers’ Monopoly that stood out to me. With so many players, there simply wasn't enough money in one game’s bank, so we combined three games into one. It felt like a marathon in terms of length, with dealing, bartering, debating, and even some heated arguments. Some matches lasted for several hours. I'm not sure if any game ever truly reached a proper conclusion.

To help combat the cold weather, we enjoyed hot beverages. Since we were too young for coffee and none of us knew how to make hot chocolate, we boiled a pot of water on the stovetop. We poured the hot water into coffee cups, each holding a single IGA tea bag, and added a teaspoon of sugar to sweeten the drink. With gloved hands, we blew on the steaming cups and imagined that we were British aristocrats.

Going stir-crazy is a sign of boredom. It's that feeling when your body says, "I need to do something! I need some adrenaline flowing!” During the winter of 1977, my companions and I invented games and created reasons to be together. Initially, our goal was to alleviate boredom, but in the end, we made lifelong memories. To the youth of 2025, I say, “Let it snow! These are the good times!”

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Steve Haley spent his childhood in Guthrie, KY during the 1960s and 1970s. He loves to recount the stories of his extraordinary ordinary upbringing in a small Southern town with his many friends. If you have any comments or suggestions, you can email him at [email protected] or call/text him at 615.483.2573

Photo credit: Hasbro Games via Amazon.com

01/27/2025

MULLINGS … A ‘THANK YOU’ IS EXTENDED TO ELKTON BANK & TRUST COMPANY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE 1835 TODD COUNTY COURTHOUSE

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Ask anyone with any knowledge of Todd County, and at some point the person being asked will reference the beauty of the 1835 Historic Todd County Courthouse, a structure synonymous with the beloved Square in Elkton. Again, ask anyone about the Courthouse, and that person will more than likely remark what a majestic addition the Courthouse is to the beloved “roundabout” recognized so frequently as the iconic beacon of Todd County. As visitors to the Courthouse will attest, the 1835 Courthouse, now the Todd County Welcome Center, houses many pieces of memorabilia that have been collected since the Courthouse’s transition into the Welcome Center in the 1990s.

A few familiar with the Courthouse will note the existing clock sitting atop the Courthouse was added about 1891. That addition, one purchased by the City of Elkton and Todd County in 1888, has led to the clock functioning as an all-seeing and omnipresent onlooker into the activities occurring around the Square. Move forward throughout the 200 plus history of Todd County, and it is only logical a clock dating back to the late 19th Century requires upkeep. That necessary maintenance and upkeep of the clock and its tower have fallen many times on the shoulders of Elkton Bank & Trust Company, a community-based bank that sits to the south side of the Courthouse. The bank itself is a result of a merger between The Farmers and Merchants’ Bank, which opened July 2, 1890, and the Bank of Elkton, which dates from 1866. The 1866 bank previously occupied part of the space now owned by Knuckles Insurance. The merger between the two banks occurred on December 22, 1932, and became effective on December 31, 1932, thus creating Elkton Bank & Trust.

With the assistance of the City of Elkton and EB&T, repair to the clock tower has included the painting of the clock tower in recent decades. EB&T has also provided monies to repair the clock and its clock mechanism twice with the latest repair work accomplished at the end of 2024. Laura Brock, former City-Clerk of Elkton, messaged, “On behalf of all Todd Countians, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Elkton Bank & Trust Company for their generous efforts over the years in restoring and preserving the Historic 1835 Todd County Courthouse clock and tower. Their commitment to our community and its history ensures this timeless treasure will continue to stand as a symbol of our shared heritage for generations to come."

At its monthly meeting in January, members of Historic Todd County, Inc. expressed their gratitude to EB&T for their commitment to the Historic 1835 Courthouse and its clock. Billy Bryant, vice-chair of HTC, messaged, “It is such a blessing to Todd County that EB&T is continually willing to offset the expenses required to maintain the beloved Courthouse.” Glenn Slack, a director for HTC, emailed, “HTC is so grateful for Elkton Bank & Trust’s commitment to the preservation of the Public Square. The bank’s recent infusion of financial resources will ensure the Clock Tower will be operable for many years to come, something the entire community can enjoy and appreciate.”

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Photos: Drone pics are via Horizon Drone Solutions. One pic of the Courthouse is via a window at EB&T.