Richard Wells, 60, of Amos Ridge Road, Frenchburg, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at his residence.  He was born in Montgomery County, Kentucky on August 5, 1952 the son of Louise Yocum Wells and the late Clayo Wells.  He was US Army veteran having served in Military, a member of the Botts Christian Church and a retired Hobart employee. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Cheryl Lynn Ferrell Wells of Frenchburg; a son Davey Wayne Wells of Mt. Sterling; one daughter, Kelly Lynn Botts of Denniston; three brothers, Jerry Wells of Frenchburg, Terry Wells and Larry Wells both Denniston; one sister, Karen Wells Sorrell of Denniston; one grandchild, Tucker Botts; two stepgrandchildren, Christa Denniston and John Wells; and three step great grandchildren. Funeral services will be 2 PM, Saturday, February 9, 2013 at the Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Jimmy Daulton officiating and burial following in the Ratliff Cemetery.  Friends may visit Friday evening at Bethel Baptist Church from 6-9 PM.  Taul Funeral Homes of Frenchburg in charge of arrangements. 

Ronald V.Rothwell, age 76, 101 Cornwell Branch Road,Frenchburg,Ky passed away Saturday in the St.Claire Medical Center,Morehead,Ky after an extended illness. He was born April 26,1936 in Cornwell Branch,Ky son of the late Tony & Effie Alexander Rothwell also four sisters and three brothers preceded him in death. He was a retired farmer. Surviving is two sisters, Connie Sexton of Frenchburg,Ky. Geraldine Stamper of Florence,Ky. Host of nieces & nephews. Graveside service will be 11:30 AM Wednesday, January 30,2013 at Reffitt Cemetery,Dog Trot Road,Frenchburg,Ky with Rev. Joey Rogers officiating. Menifee Home For Funerals,Frenchburg,Ky

David Harvey Igo, age 59, of Wellington, Kentucky, in Menifee County, passed away Sunday, January 20, 2013, at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead, Kentucky.  He was born May 1, 1953, in Rowan County, Kentucky, a son of the late Harvey Igo and Corene Stevens Igo Miller.  Survivors include three daughters, Melanie Wray of Salem, Virginia, Tawana Igo of Wellington, Kentucky, and Bug Igo of Morehead, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Savanna Bowling, Shiah Shipley, Camryn Fraley, and Kaylea Sowards; and one brother, Rocky Igo of Pikeville, Kentucky.  David was formerly a phlebotomist at St. Claire Regional Medical Center in Morehead.  Graveside services and interment will take place 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at the Igo Cemetery with the Rev. David Hale officiating. There is no visitation. Arrangements are under the direction of Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals in Morehead.

Patty Simpkins Gunnell,age 69,of Sandy Hook,ky passed away Monday,January 14,2013 in the Elliott Co.Nursing Home,Sandy Hoook,Ky after an extended illness.She was born March 11,1943 in Mariba,Ky daughter of the late Arnold & Sarah Marie Fultz Simpkins.She was of the Pentecostal Faith and lived many years in Frenchburg,Ky and West Liberty,Ky . She was preceded in death by her husband,Delbert Gunnell,daughter Rebecca Jones Simpson,brother,Michael R.Berry Simpkins,sister,Judy Simpkins Jones and special friend,Harley Jones. Funeral service will be 1:PM,Wednesday,January 16,2013 at Menifee Home For Funerals with Rev.Eugene Haney officiating. Burial in the Poplin Cemetery,Kendrick Ridge Rd,Mariba,Ky. Visitation,6:PM,Tuesday at Menifee Home For Funerals,Frenchburg,Ky. Pallbearers will be Friends & Family

Margie Hall Williams, age 80 of Pikeville, KY, wife of the late Amos D. Williams, passed away Friday, January 11, 2013 at the Pikeville Medical Center, Pikeville, KY. She was born February 14, 1932 in Topmost, KY, a daughter of the late Ellis and Maudie Proffitt Hall. She was retired from the shoe factory in Prestonsburg, KY and a member of the Fords Branch Church of Christ, Pikeville, KY. Margie is survived by two sons, Gregory L. Hall of Frenchburg, KY and Tony Bee Hall of Bevinsville, KY; two daughters, Debra Green of New Washington, OH and Loretta Hicks of Bevinsville, KY; two brothers, Gay Hall of Topmost, KY and Verman Hall of Melvin, KY; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild. In addition to her husband and parents, Margie was preceded in death by one son, Michael “Tikey” Hall; one daughter, Charlotte Newman; six brothers, Elmer, Ishmael, Carmel, Wallis, Lonnis, and Moses Hall; and three sisters, Cora Collins, Gallie Slone, and Carnie Smock. Funeral services for Margie Hall Williams will be held Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wheelwright Freewill Baptist Church, Wheelwright, KY with Louie Ferrari officiating. Burial will follow in the Buckingham Cemetery, Bevinsville, KY. Visitation will be held after 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

“Doc” Roland Jones Ratliff, 82, of Mt. Sterling, died Thursday evening, January 3, 2013 at his residence. He was born on September 26, 1930 to the late Byram Ratliff I and Virginia Wilson Ratliff. “Doc” was a native of Montgomery County. He graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1948, he then enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he studied pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Kentucky, and graduated from Auburn University-College of Veterinary Medicine in 1962. Upon graduation he opened the Interstate Veterinary Clinic and retired after 45 years in 2003. “Doc” served on the Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County School Boards and continued to serve after the schools merged. He served on the Board of Directors for Exchange Bank and Citizens Bank of Sharpsburg. “Doc” was a member of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, National Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Rifle Association. “Doc” coached Little League Baseball for many years, he attended the Church of the Ascension, he loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and shooting guns. Above all his accolades and passions, his family came first. Survivors include; his wife of 56 years, Judy Hickey Ratliff of Mt. Sterling; three sons, Dr. Byram Ratliff II (Jennifer) of Mt. Sterling, Jim Ratliff (Mary) of Mt. Sterling and Bill Ratliff (Beth) of Jacksonville Beach, FL.; seven grandchildren, R.J. Ratliff III (Anne) of Dallas, TX., Dr. Will Ratliff (Maureen) of Shreveport, LA., Mary Virginia Ratliff of Mt. Sterling, Elizabeth Hall (Matthew) of Natchez, MS., Amy Ratliff of Naples, FL., Sarah Ratliff and Andy Ratliff, both of Jacksonville Beach, FL.; four great grandchildren, Owen Roland Ratliff and Cole Thomas Ratliff, both of Shreveport, LA. and Abby Schueler and Isabelle Schueler, both of Mt. Sterling; special caregivers, Patty Butler, Betty Stull, Gail Manley and Debbie Johnson. There will be a Christian Burial with Holy Eucharist at the Church of the Ascension on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00AM. Visitation will be Saturday, January 12, 2013, from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at the Church of the Ascension. The Reverend Cindy Duffus will be officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Church of the Ascension, P.O. Box 653, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.

William Percy Marcus Ray Burchett, 11 day old son of Christy Helton and William Ray Burchett of Means, died Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling. Survivors include; his parents, Christy Helton and William Ray Burchett; grandparents, Mark and Martha Helton of Means; great grandmother, Maxine Helton of Means; great uncle, Benny Helton (Connie) of Jeffersonville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins.  William was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Percy Helton. Graveside services will be Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 1:00PM at Helton Cemetery in Means.  Guestbook at coffmanadamsfuneralhome.com  Arrangements under the direct care of Coffman-Adams Funeral Home & Crematory.

Charlene Craig Spencer, 78, of Mt. Sterling, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling. She was born September 21, 1934 to the late Herbert and Myrtle Willoughby Craig. Charlene was a Montgomery County native, a member of Kendall Springs Church of Christ, and an American Legion member. She loved to fish, had a passion for flea markets and always looked forward to October Court Days. Survivors include; two sons, Vaughn Ray Spencer (Sandra) of Mt. Sterling, and Roger Spencer (Lisa) of Mt. Sterling; two brothers, Robert Lee Robertson of Somerset and Gary Craig of New Liberty; one sister, Ruby Hayden (Nick) of Menifee County; six grandchildren; and three great grand children. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Spencer; a daughter, Sandra Lynn Spencer; and several brothers and sisters.

Graveside service will be Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:00AM at Machpelah Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, January 11, 2013, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Queen Street Christian Fellowship. Minister David Alford will be officiating. Pallbearers: Daniel Spencer, Jared Spencer, Jordan Spencer, James Knox, Chris Thomas, and Dustin Parks. Honorary Pallbearers: Johnny Fortune, Donna Fortune, Jamie Carmichael, Jason Carmichael, Harold Shelly, and Randy Carmichael.

Lawrence Jones, age 72,of Denniston,Ky passed away Wednesday in the St.Joseph Hospital,Mt.Sterling,Ky. He was born June 4,1941 in Denniston,Ky son of the late John Alex & Opal Kendrick Jones. He accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savor. Besides his parents,he was preceded in death by one sister, Inez Toth and one brother, Clarence Jones.

Surviving is his caregiver,Jean Miller of Denniston,Ky. Four sisters, Fanny Morgerson, Jamestown,TN.,Marlene Hutchins,Memphis,TN.,Nannie Guerra, Michigan,. Ines Webb,Detroit,MI., One brother,Janrose Jones, Dayton,Ohio. Graveside services will be held on Saturday,1:P:M,December 29,2012 in the Jones Cemetery,Denniston,Ky with J.D.Trimble officiating.

Ruby Myrtle Mynhier, 105, of Edgewood Estates, Frenchburg, Kentucky passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at her residence. She was born in Menifee County, Kentucky on October 22, 1907 the daughter of the late Mark E. and Nancy Jane Carpenter Mynhier. She was a retired employee of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation and a member of the Frenchburg United Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by one nephew, Donald Slusher of Somerset, KY and one niece, Carole Sue Wright of Frenchburg, KY.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Maggie Slusher and Elizabeth Mynhier; and two brothers, Burdett Mynhier and Victor Mynhier.

Graveside services will be at 1 PM, Saturday, December 22, 2012 at the Greenwade Cemetery with Rev. Kerry Conlee officiating. Pallbearers will be Steve Wright, David Bowers, Jimmy Carpenter, Eddie Bryant, and Daryl Rogers. In lieu of flowers memorial donations suggested to the Frenchburg United Presbyterian Church. Taul Funeral Homes of Frenchburg in charge of the arrangements.

Menifee County Residents spent Saturday, together, as a community, and remembered lives lost one year ago in the March 2nd tornadoes.

The families of those who died have been shown by the community that they won’t be forgotten. A memorial in their memory was unveiled Saturday next to the Menifee County Courthouse.

Beverly Bowman, Anita Smith and Vershal Brown died in the tornadoes last year and the memorial is a reminder of how quickly lives can change in an instant.

Tornado Memorial Dedication Ceremony Saturday March 2nd 2013 with Family Members (Photo by Ron Hamblin)

Margie is survived by two sons, Gregory L. Hall of Frenchburg, KY and Tony Bee Hall of Bevinsville, KY; two daughters, Debra Green of New Washington, OH and Loretta Hicks of Bevinsville, KY; two brothers, Gay Hall of Topmost, KY and Verman Hall of Melvin, KY; eleven grandchildren; twelve great grandchildren; and one great great grandchild.

In addition to her husband and parents, Margie was preceded in death by one son, Michael “Tikey” Hall; one daughter, Charlotte Newman; six brothers, Elmer, Ishmael, Carmel, Wallis, Lonnis, and Moses Hall; and three sisters, Cora Collins, Gallie Slone, and Carnie Smock.

Funeral services for Margie Hall Williams were held Sunday, January 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wheelwright Freewill Baptist Church, Wheelwright, KY with Louie Ferrari officiating. Burial followed in the Buckingham Cemetery, Bevinsville, KY. Visitation was held after 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the church.

“Doc” Roland Jones Ratliff, 82, of Mt. Sterling, died Thursday evening, January 3, 2013 at his residence. He was born on September 26, 1930 to the late Byram Ratliff I and Virginia Wilson Ratliff. “Doc” was a native of Montgomery County. He graduated from Mt. Sterling High School in 1948, he then enlisted in the United States Army where he served in the Korean War. After his honorable discharge he studied pre-veterinary medicine at the University of Kentucky, and graduated from Auburn University-College of Veterinary Medicine in 1962. Upon graduation he opened the Interstate Veterinary Clinic and retired after 45 years in 2003. “Doc” served on the Mt. Sterling and Montgomery County School Boards and continued to serve after the schools merged. He served on the Board of Directors for Exchange Bank and Citizens Bank of Sharpsburg. “Doc” was a member of the Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association, National Veterinary Medical Association, and the National Rifle Association. “Doc” coached Little League Baseball for many years, he attended the Church of the Ascension, he loved the outdoors and had a passion for hunting and shooting guns. Above all his accolades and passions, his family came first. Survivors include; his wife of 56 years, Judy Hickey Ratliff of Mt. Sterling; three sons, Dr. Byram Ratliff II (Jennifer) of Mt. Sterling, Jim Ratliff (Mary) of Mt. Sterling and Bill Ratliff (Beth) of Jacksonville Beach, FL.; seven grandchildren, R.J. Ratliff III (Anne) of Dallas, TX., Dr. Will Ratliff (Maureen) of Shreveport, LA., Mary Virginia Ratliff of Mt. Sterling, Elizabeth Hall (Matthew) of Natchez, MS., Amy Ratliff of Naples, FL., Sarah Ratliff and Andy Ratliff, both of Jacksonville Beach, FL.; four great grandchildren, Owen Roland Ratliff and Cole Thomas Ratliff, both of Shreveport, LA. and Abby Schueler and Isabelle Schueler, both of Mt. Sterling; special caregivers, Patty Butler, Betty Stull, Gail Manley and Debbie Johnson. There was a Christian Burial with Holy Eucharist at the Church of the Ascension on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at 11:00AM. Visitation was held Saturday, January 12, 2013, from 9:00AM to 11:00AM at the Church of the Ascension. The Reverend Cindy Duffus officiated. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to The Church of the Ascension, P.O. Box 653, Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.

Charlene Craig Spencer, 78, of Mt. Sterling, died Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling. She was born September 21, 1934 to the late Herbert and Myrtle Willoughby Craig. Charlene was a Montgomery County native, a member of Kendall Springs Church of Christ, and an American Legion member. She loved to fish, had a passion for flea markets and always looked forward to October Court Days. Survivors include; two sons, Vaughn Ray Spencer (Sandra) of Mt. Sterling, and Roger Spencer (Lisa) of Mt. Sterling; two brothers, Robert Lee Robertson of Somerset and Gary Craig of New Liberty; one sister, Ruby Hayden (Nick) of Menifee County; six grandchildren; and three great grand children. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Spencer; a daughter, Sandra Lynn Spencer; and several brothers and sisters. Graveside services were Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:00AM at Machpelah Cemetery. Visitation was Friday, January 11, 2013, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Queen Street Christian Fellowship. Minister David Alford officiated. Pallbearers: Daniel Spencer, Jared Spencer, Jordan Spencer, James Knox, Chris Thomas, and Dustin Parks. Honorary Pallbearers: Johnny Fortune, Donna Fortune, Jamie Carmichael, Jason Carmichael, Harold Shelly, and Randy Carmichael.

William Percy Marcus Ray Burchett, 11 day old son of Christy Helton and William Ray Burchett of Means, died Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at St. Joseph Mt. Sterling. Survivors include; his parents, Christy Helton and William Ray Burchett; grandparents, Mark and Martha Helton of Means; great grandmother, Maxine Helton of Means; great uncle, Benny Helton (Connie) of Jeffersonville; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. William was preceded in death by his great grandfather, Percy Helton. Graveside services were Thursday, January 10, 2013 at 1:00PM at Helton Cemetery in Means. Guestbook at coffmanadamsfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were under the direct care of Coffman-Adams Funeral Home & Crematory.

Willard Dale “Yogi” Rudd of Wellington, Kentucky, beloved husband of Sondra Little Rudd, departed this life on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at the age of 69 years, 3 months and 8 days. He was a son of the late Clay and Margaret Jones Rudd, born at Maytown, Kentucky on October 4, 1943. Willard was employed as a truck driver. He is survived by his wife, Sondra Little of Wellington, Kentucky; four sons, Tony Ray Rudd, Todd Rudd, Jason Rudd and wife Crystal and Jamie Rudd and wife Rhonda all of Wellington, Kentucky; one brother, Gerald Rudd of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; one sister, Josephine Centers of Hazel Green, Kentucky; four grandchildren, Mercedes Creech, Dylan Rudd, Colton Scott Rudd and Chris Rudd and two great grandchildren, Marissa Rudd and Christian Rudd. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clay and Margaret Jones Rudd; one son, Jerry Dale Rudd; one grandson, Tony “ToJo” Rudd; two brothers, Wilbur Rudd and Letcher Grey and two sisters, Audery Wolfe and Patricia Rudd. He also leaves behind a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing. Funeral services were held Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at Porter and Son Funeral Home at 2p.m. and burial followed at the Rudd Cemetery in Maytown, KY. Bro. Harry Flannery officiated. Visitation was held Tuesday evening from 6pm-9pm.

Patty Simpkins Gunnell,age 69,of Sandy Hook,KY passed away Monday,January 14,2013 in the Elliott Co.Nursing Home,Sandy Hoook,Ky after an extended illness.She was born March 11,1943 in Mariba,Ky daughter of the late Arnold & Sarah Marie Fultz Simpkins.She was of the Pentecostal Faith and lived many years in Frenchburg,Ky and West Liberty,Ky . She was preceded in death by her husband,Delbert Gunnell,daughter Rebecca Jones Simpson,brother,Michael R.Berry Simpkins,sister,Judy Simpkins Jones and special friend,Harley Jones. Funeral services were held at 1:00 PM,Wednesday,January 16,2013 at Menifee Home For Funerals with Rev.Eugene Haney officiating. Burial followed in the Poplin Cemetery,Kendrick Ridge Rd,Mariba,KY. Visitation was held at 6:00 PM,Tuesday at Menifee Home For Funerals,Frenchburg,KY. Pallbearers were friends & family.

     As we look ahead in to 2013 we all need to work together, city, county and all citizens to make our city and county a better place for all of us to live and work in, we have one of the most beautiful counties in the state. I think Judge Trimble, the fiscal court and the Chamber of Commerce for restoring Broke Leg Falls as much as possible, we lost the beauty of the trees there, but we can make the most of what is left. I want to think the school and students for the work that is going on at the Mimi Park in town, the murals are going to be beautiful when finished. The new bridge at RT 36 and two sections of 36 should start this year, work has already started on US 460 East, and this will be a great improvement to our road system. Lets all thank the Good Lord from whom our health and strength comes, that we can build upon what we have to make our future more prosperous.

     I think of this though by Ellen Goodman of the New Year “We spend January 1 walking through our lives room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched. Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives…not looking for flaws, but for potential.” I wish each of you a healthy and prosperous 2013, and may Gods richest blessings be with each of you

Due to the recent elementary school tragedy, we have reviewed our safety procedures and regrettably, we have to make some changes. The safety and security of your child is our number one priority.

· Beginning Monday, January 7 the following Drop-off and Pick-up procedures will be implemented:

· Morning drop off —we are no longer able to allow parents to walk their children to the classrooms. If your child is a morning drop-off and does not ride the bus, then we ask that you get in the morning traffic line and let your child out and let them walk into the building on their own. We will have staff available to supervise them. Please do not drop your child off before 7:15 in the morning.

· If you want to walk your child to the front door, park in a designated area. Do not park in the drop-off or pick-up lane and leave your car unattended.

· Afternoon Pick-ups—we will be using a car pick-up procedure. You will not be going into the building to get your child. We ask that you line up in our designated pick-up lane and we will bring your child to you. After the first cars load, we will move those cars out and load the next group. We will issue you a pick-up sheet to be displayed in the dash of your car with the names of the children you pick up. (You will be given mirror hangers or car stickers at a later date). Staff will have check-out sheets and make notes of who picked up students. We realize that at first it may cause a small traffic congestion problem but we are asking everyone to have patience as we strive to make it safer for your child and work out the issues. There will be extra staff and traffic control available to help us make this work.

· On Monday, when we bring your child to your car in line, we will use our normal purple pick-up sheets. (The ones you are given when you wait in the lobby). You will be sent a sheet for your dash in your child’s agenda to use Tuesday until the new ones come in. If you would like to stop by the office and receive your pick-up sheet earlier on Monday, you are welcome to do so. We will radio into the office for other pick-ups and some verification. This first day may be a little difficult and take longer. Again, we ask for your patience.

· If you pick up a Head Start student at the end of the day AND a Botts Elementary student, we ask that you line your car up at the east end of the building (outside Donna Bowman/April Williams rooms)after you pick up your Head Start student and your children will be released there.

· In the event of an emergency and you need for someone else to pick up your child, we ask that you call the office before 3:00 to inform our secretary of this change. If you are unable to call, the person picking up your child will park in a designated spot at the church parking area and go see the school secretary.

· If you are a normal pick-up and you do not arrive to get your child or call the office for other arrangements, we will put your child on the school bus at 3:25.

If you need to speak to the nurse, resource center, guidance office, the cafeteria manager, your child’s teacher or principal, our secretary will follow normal procedures and inform them of your need to speak to them. We ask that you wait in a designated area until we can make sure they can speak to you in a confidential manner.

We ask for your patience and your input. There may be things we will need to change based on ideas you may have. We are open to suggestions. Thank you for your help in this matter. As always, it is an honor to be given the privilege of educating your children. It is a responsibility we do not take for granted.

Local citizens pose with Treasurer Hollenbach with check symbolizing unclaimed property for Menifee County. (L-R County Judge Executive J.D. Trimble, Michelle Gibson, Jeff Hall, Treasurer Todd Hollenbach, Jailer Jason Stull, Jennifer Rogers & Brogan Maynard)

On Tuesday November 27th, Kentucky State Treasurer Todd Hollenbach visited Menifee County to introduce the “Treasure Finder Program”. This program was put in to place to help people throughout Kentucky claim unclaimed property they may have known nothing about.

    Menifee County Judge Executive J.D. Trimble said he and his staff, were extremely happy to be serving the community in assisting to obtain their unclaimed property.

    According to Treasurer Hollenbach, there are a total of 702 unclaimed property’s in Menifee County alone which are valued at $87,345.25. In the past 4 years under Treasurer Hollenbach, over 70 Million dollars in property has been returned to the citizens of Kentucky.

    To view online whether or not you may be on the list for unclaimed property, you may go to www.missingmoney.com. You may also view information about unclaimed property at www.kytreasury.com. Look for the Treasurer Finder Tab.

    If you appear on the list or would like to check the list, you may come to the Menifee County Courthouse, December 7th from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The State Treasurer’s office will bring their entire information to this location to help you with paperwork to get the process started to claim your property.

It’s hard to believe another year is almost gone, but the end of each year is a joyous time for all of us, celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, in today’s world everything is so commercialized, we are leaving the true meaning of Christmas out, it’s not the big gifts that make Christmas, it’s the simple things of life that means so much to so many, Christmas is doing a little something extra for someone, it is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future, until one feels the spirit of Christmas, there is no Christmas. Our county was hit hard March 2nd by the tornado, to all those families I hope your needs have been meet and your homes can be filled with the Christmas Spirit. I can’t think everyone enough for all that was done this year in helping our county recover from the disaster that we endured.  Even though we all have been through troubled times this year, we here in Menifee County can say we are still blessed. I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and may the New Year bring you faith, hope and good health, and never forget the one from who comes our strength. As we think of Christmas I will share this quote with you by Wilda English “God grant you the light in Christmas, which is faith; the warmth of Christmas, which is love; the radiance of Christmas, which is purity; the righteousness of Christmas, which is truth; the all of Christmas, which is Christ” You the citizens of French burg and Menifee county mean so much to me, may Gods riches blessings be with all of you this Christmas season.

     Now is the time of year to turn our attention to Christmas, the Chamber of Commerce, city and county are preparing for the Christmas parade, which will be on Friday night Dec. 7, I hope we have a lot of floats this year, I want to thank the City  and Clark Energy employees for putting our decorations up,  I appreciate our business, schools, churches and individuals who take time to put a float together, it’s a lot of work, but I think everyone enjoys working together on them, the Christmas Parade really brings our community together in knowing we are honoring our Risen Savior.

     I have been ask if city hall is moving, yes we are, we will be moving to the French burg Community Center next door to Clark Energy, we are getting materials together to do some renovation, hopefully we can move in the next month or so, we will keep you posted as to when, our drive up payment window will not be installed until next summer, we hope this move will better serve our citizens and water and wastewater customers. I will leave you with this old Swedish Proverb “Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breath more, talk less say more, hate less, love more, and good things will be yours”, may God richly bless each and everyone of you.

Mayor Edward Bryant

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