December News Briefs
By Jim Turner

12/29/2012

Lady Cougars in title game of FSNB Classic;

Cat Clash at 7 at LCHS for boys 3rd place

The Logan County Lady Cougars beat Caverna 63-47 Friday to advance to the championship game of the First Southern National Bank Christmas Classic. Megan Lindsey scored 16, Abby Hinton 15 and Meagann Hardison 14 for Logan. Ciara Waggoner led the Lady Colonels with 15 and Madison Faulkner 11. Homestanding Logan will play Carlisle County at 6:30 p.m. Saturday for the championship. Carlisle reached the finals by beating Russellville 50-36 despite 22 points by Amber Sydnor. RHS plays Caverna at 4 p.m. at home for third place.
Meanwhile an unscheduled Clash of the Cats will be held at LCHS at 7 when the Panthers and Cougars meet for third place. Logan was almost in the championship game but lost 94-93 to University Heights in three overtimes. Torin Graham scored 36 points for Logan, including 20 in overtime. Ben Wright scored 24, Tahmir Graham 13 and Landon Stratton 10. Lamontas Johnson had 30 for UHA, Luke Brown 17, Ryan P'Pool 12 and Austin Byrum 11, including the clinching free throws. UHA will play Louisville Doss at RHS for the boys championship at 6 p.m. Doss beat Russellville 84-75. Jordan Kennedy led the Panthers with 21. Josh Hampton added 17, Christian Naylor 14 and Barrett Croslin 11. South Warren bounced back from its loss to RHS the night before to reach the 5th place game against Caldwell County.

12/27/2012

All 4 host teams record Classic wins

Hosts Logan County and Russellville won both their boys and girls games to start the First Southern National Bank Christmas Classic Thursday. The Cougars won the closest and last game while the Panthers recorded a most impressive win. Despite their most experienced players being out or subpar, the RHS boys jumped out to a 27-10 first quarter lead and beat South Warren 59-34. Barrett Croslin had 17 points, Josh Hampton 13, and Christian Naylor and Darrion Quarles 9 each. Zach Hines is sidelined with a broken wrist and leading scorer Jordan Kennedy has been sick with the flu. Austin Bybee had 10 and Drew Wilken 8 for South.
The Lady Panthers led the whole way in a 48-44 win over Hopkins County Central. Amber Sydnor's 3-pointer made the margin 40-26. She finished with 21 points while Khalia Hampton had 12. Both teams play in Friday night's semifinals at home.
The Lady Cougars got 14 points from transfer post player Abby Hinton, who has just been declared eligible, in a 70-51 win over Louisville Iroquois. Fellow front line players Katelyn Jones, Kapreshia Powell & Megan Lindsey also played strong.
The boys game went down to the wire with the Cougars winning 57-54. Ben Wright, who had 17 points, hit all three of his fourth quarter shots for 7 points. Fellow sophomore Tahmir Graham, who scored 14, hit a twisting shot to put his team up by three, and a third tenth grader, Taylor Blakemore, got the final rebound, Torin Graham scored 18. Logan's teams also play Friday's semifinals at home.

12/27/2012

Diddle's floor to become John Oldham Court

When the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers entertain Florida International University in a Sun Belt Conference game tonight at 7, former coach and athletic director Johnny Oldham will be honored. Oldham coached the 1971 team to the Final Four. In addition to the naming of "John Oldham Court," Thursday's game against FIU is also "Thrifty Thursday." Fans may purchase two reserved bleacher seats for only $15 or four reserved bleacher seats for just $30.

12/26/2012

Cougar Baseball Camp at The Plex Friday

The Cougar Baseball Camp will b e held at The Plex near Sol Azteca in Russellville on Friday, Dec. 28. Hitting instruction will be provided between 10 a.m.-noon. A pitching/catching session will be held from 1-3 p.m. The cost is $20 for one session or $35 for both. For more information, contact Coach Ethan Meguiar at 221-5480 or visit The Plex.

12/25/2012

Tisdale, Gregory earn state honors

Russellville's A.K. Tisdale was named second team all-state linebacker by The Courier-Journal Christmas Day, following a vote by coaches around the state. Panther teammate Demarcus Hampton was honorable mention. Meanwhile Logan County High graduate Lance Gregory finished second in the voting for state Coach of the Year. Only three-time Coach of the Year Phillip Haywood of Belfry drew more votes. Two of Gregory's Graves County players, Zach Katzman & Eli Wilson, were first-team all-state. Logan County met Graves County in the state 5A playoffs.
Jonathan Jackson, who played for 1A state champion Mayfield against RHS at Rhea Stadium, was the top vote getter overall in The C-J poll. Two other members of that Mayfield team, Jordan Brown & Dendre Jackson, were second team all-state. Besides the Graves County players and Tisdale, the top players Logan faced were third team all-staters, Nacarius Fant of Bowling Green and Chris Porter-Bunton, Darius Lancaster & Emmitt Smith, all of Warren Central.

12/23/2012

Services for Mary Ewing Hart Thursday

Mary Ewing Hart, who may have been the best-known graduate of Russellville High School, died Saturday from leukemia. She has been in assisted living in Russellville for several years but was able to attend the annual Alumni Meet and Greet during the Tobacco & Heritage Festival at RHS where she served as office manager under a number of principals for many years. Visitation will be held from 1-2:45 p.m. at Young Funeral Home Russellville Chapel Thursday, Dec. 27, followed by graveside services at 3 p.m. at Maple Grove Cemetery.

12/21/2012

Teams lose trio of close games in tourneys

Junior Christian Naylor took advantage of getting a start Thursday and scored 28 points against Breckinridge County in the Danny Ainnis Memorial Eagle Classic at Ohio County, but the Russellville Panthers fell 80-76. The Panthers are without Zach Hines, who has his broken wrist in a cast. The Lady Panthers also lost a close contest to Lone Oak by a 47-45 score in the Trigg County Holiday Tournament.
Led by Torin Graham and Taylor Blakemore, the Logan County Cougars came back from a 21-point deficit at the half to tie Barren County in the T.J. Samson Community Hospital Classic in Glasgow, but the Trojans took a 3-point lead with seven seconds remaining. Cougar Ben Wright got off a shot in an attempt to send the game into overtime, but it was off.
All three teams continue action in these tournaments Friday and Saturday.

12/20/2012

Improvements approved for Highway 100

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has awarded bids for two projects in Logan County. One is for $324,000 to Scott and Murphy for “geometrics improvements” to the intersection of West 2^nd and Bethel streets in Russellville. The other went to BRC Group, LLC for $913,000 for shoulder improvements, ditching and culvert replacement/extensions from the juncture of KY 100 bypass (mm 1.02) to the Simpson County line (9.94), a distance 8.93 miles.

12/18/2012

Sydnor scores 33 in Lady Panther win

Senior point guard Amber Sydnor scored 33 points to lead the Russellville Lady Panthers to a 60-52 win at Springfield, Tenn. Saturday. Coach Dedra Adler's team begins play Thursday in the Trigg County Christmas Tournament. The Lady Panthers will play Lone Oak at 8:30 pm Friday they will go against the host Lady Cats at 6:15. Saturday's game will be against Heath at 12:45 p.m.

12/17/2012

Dragons' strong 2nd half sinks Cougars

The Logan County Cougars played a good Warren Central team close the first two quarters, but the Dragons dominated the second half on the way to a 93-63 win in Bowling Green Monday. Reserve Tucker Baldwin had a good shooting night, hitting a trio of treys and all 4 of his free throws for 15 points, but he made 13 of Logan's staggering 37 turnovers. Torin Graham & Ben Wright scored 13 each. Warren Central's 11 scorers were led by Nay Walker with 23 points while Byron Carver scored 19, Kaelon Dickerson 11 and Rondell Green 10. Cemtra; out-rebounded the guests 49-34, led by Carver's 11. Taylor Blakemore, Wright and Graham each had 6 rebounds, the same number as Logan's total offensive rebounds. The Cougars hit 22 of 36 free throws with Wright going 8 of 10.

12/17/2012

R'ville school officials talk school security

Russellville Jr./Sr. High Principal Kim McDaniel made the following statement Monday about school security: "We met with individuals today who will be working with our district to increase security even more at Russellville. As a school/district, we are taking every measure possible to make our schools as safe as they can be and will continue to proactively respond to security issues."

12/17/2012

Out-of-state bidder buys country club

An Illinois man purchased the Russellville Country Club property at auction Saturday, The LoJo has learned. Broker Mike Riley of Riley-Burchett Real Estate told Don Neagle of WRUS that the buyer doesn't want his name released until the transaction is closed. The land, clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts and equipment reportedly sold for $472,000. Those familiar with the transaction say the buyer has close relatives in Russellville and plans to keep it functioning as a golf course. RCC moved to the Nashville Road property in the early 1930s. The current building was constructed in the mid-70s.

12/16/2012

McDaniel explains RHS security measures

In light of the school shootings in Connecticut, Kim McDaniel, principal of Russellville Jr./Sr. High, has issued the following announcement to parents on her online mailing list: "I am sure that the events from Friday have left each one of you wondering about our procedures for safety issues at school. We have reviewed our lock-down procedures with our teachers and faculty members and have asked them to do the same with students. We take the safety and security of our students and school very seriously and it is our top priority at all times. We will continue to make our school as safe as we possibly can. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns and we will work to address those quickly and diligently"

12/16/2012

Memorial planned at RHS for Sandy Hook

In memory of the 26 lives lost in a mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut Friday and for all involved, anyone in Logan County/Russellville is invited on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 8:15 a.m. at Russellville High School's front lawn to pray for students, according to teacher Veronica Johnson. Prayer will be led by Mayor Mark Stratton and Minister Marius Beard.

12/15/2012

Panthers beat East, lose Hines

Russellville's impressive 78-64 win over a highly regarded Warren East Friday was dampened by a serious injury to senior Zach Hines, who was scheduled to undergo surgery Saturday for a broke and dislocated wrist, according to Assistant Coach Ryan Davenport. He was hurt when he tried to brace his fall following being undercut. Jordan Kennedy scored 24, Josh Hampton 15 and Darrion Quarles 14 for Coach Phil Todd’s Panthers, who were 9 for 9 at the foul line in the second half. Chase Bryant had 21 points and Brandon Walker 14 for Coach Casey Simpson’s Raiders. The Panthers had led at halftime on Thursday night before falling at Barren County 68-58. Hines joined Kennedy as the Panthers’ most experienced players coming into this season.

12/14/2012

Lewisburgians in film's premier Saturday

The World Premiere of "Flowers for Fannie," a fun-filled, faith-based family film about a lonely old woman and a young woman who befriends her will be presented Saturday at 7 p.m. at Springfield Baptist Church. The movie was filmed in Springfield, Tenn. The cast includes actors from Lewisburg, Greg Baker and his children Faith and David. Greg played the yard sale owner, and the whole family was in the church, museum, and wedding scenes. The cast also includes actors from Bowling Green and Hopkinsville. For more information: Visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/flowersforfannie or the website at www.flowersforfanniemovie.com

12/13/2012

Country Angel sales boosting Red River Meeting House project

The Red River Shopping Benefit is to be held at the Country Angel gift shop in Adairville on Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Door prizes, light refreshments, and Christmas music will be offered. With each $10 purchase, shoppers receive a chance to win a Hinkle rocker. Red River Meeting House ornaments will be available. Tim and Nancy Watson, owners of Country Angel Gifts, will contribute a percentage of their sales these two days to the Red River Meeting House and Cemetery Association. “It's so sad to know that the schools would be willing to bring children to the site if modern bathroom facilities were available. Dedicated folks like Richard and Darlynn Moore & Tom & Dreama Ruley make themselves available to teach others about this historic site,” says Nancy Watson. The Red River Meeting House is located six miles from Adairville.

12/12/2012

A Wonderful Life to be staged this weekend

A live radio-style performance of “It’s a Wonderful Life” will be Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 in the upstairs courtroom of the Historic Logan County Courthouse. Tickets are $5. Directed by Darlene Gooch, the cast includes Scott Cunningham, Tom Noe, Pete Lehman, Terry Pedigo, Vickie Costello, Aaron Cunningham, Sydnee Jones, Jessica Dukes, and Ariana Pedigo. It’s directed by Gooch. Kenny O'Dell is doing live sound effects, like in the old days on the radio, such as walking across cracking ice and shoes going across cornflakes.

12/11/2012

15th District teams sweep 13th

Two 15th District schools swept twinbills from 13th District basketball teams Tuesday. At Russellville, the Allen County-Scottsville girls outscored the Lady Panthers 79-60 despite 29 points by Russellville point guard Amber Sydnor and 17 by Khalia Hampton. The Lady Patriots were led by Morgan Rich with 26, Savannah Gregory 20 and Holly Beth Robertson 13.
In the boys game, AC-S jumped out to a 22-10 lead, but RHS cut the margin to one at the half. The Panthers took the lead in the third quarter but lost 61-56. The Scotties hit nine treys with Jared Walden hitting 6 and Matthew Holder 3. Jordan Kennedy scored 19 for RHS while Barrett Croslin added 17, including 11 in the second half. Zach Hines added 8 and Christian Naylor scored 5 points in the 4th quarter.
At Glasgow, the Cougars cut the margin to 12 in the third quarter, but the Scotties won 68-45. Torin Graham was the only Cougar in double figures with 20 points. Trey Tinsley led the Scotties with 11 points and his twin brother Ryne had 8, playing for their dad, Coach John Tinsley. Quantell Bradley added 10 Coach Justin Stinson's defending regional champion Lady Scotties won 73-48.

12/11/2012

Love to Light a Tree set Thursday

The annual Love Lights a Tree observance will be held Thursday at 5 p.m. at Those attending will be part of lighting the tree and voicing the names on those ornaments will be held in the lobby of the main branch of First Southern National Bank on Carrico Park Square in Russellville. Order forms and information are available from Debbie York at FSNB. You may purchase an ornament in honor of or in memory of a loved one that will be placed on a Christmas tree. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

12/10/2012

Shop with a Cop makes 84 kids joyous

The 19^th Annual Shop with a Cop was held on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Russellville Walmart. This year the Logan County FOP was able to help 84 kids in Logan County thanks to the donations of local residents and businesses, says spokeswoman Jennifer Wood.

12/10/2012

Petrino to be named WKU football coach

Numerous sources, including ESPN, USA Today, the Daily News and Louisville sportscaster Rick Bozich, are reporting that former Louisville, Arkansas and Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino will be named head coach at Western Kentucky University this afternoon. The position came open this weekend when Willie Taggart decided to take the head coaching job at South Florida in the Big East near his hometown. Defensive Coordinator Lance Guidry is slated to coach the Toppers in a bowl game in Detroit the day after Christmas.

12/8/2012

Steelman to play final game for Army today

Former Bowling Green High quarterback Trent Steelman will complete his college career when he leads Army against Navy. The son of Carpenter Co.’s Russellville Division lead salesman Bob Steelman, he is the first Army player to rush and pass for more than 2,000 yards. His 1,152 rushing yards this season, 755 career carries for 3,224 rushing yards and 268 total points are all program records, according to the Daily News. The four-year starter at West Point played for BGH Coach Kevin Wallace on the Logan County High School field. The game will be played in Philadelphia and televised on CBS.

12/6/2012

Farmers' Market craft, bake sale to be held at Extension Office

The Logan County Farmers' Market Holiday Craft and Bake Sale will be a great time to stock up on holiday foods, gifts and decorations. It will be this weekend at the Extension Office. Hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Complimentary customer lunch will be served from 11-1 both days, Door prizes will be awarded.

12/6/2012

Lewisburg plans fun-filled holiday weekend

A festive weekend is planned in Lewisburg, beginning Friday evening and running for another 27 hours or so. Included will be Friday Night Flicks, caroling in the park, the Parade of Lights and a community potluck meal. Details on all the activities can be found in November News Articles on The LoJo. Mayor Tina Callahan-Dye has written about what the community she leads has to offer for the holidays.

12/4/2012

Panthers beat visiting University Heights

The Russellville Panthers hit 12 of 16 free throws in the fourth quarter to hold off visiting University Heights Academy 69-66 Tuesday. Senior center Jordan Kennedy hit 5 of 6 foul shots in that quarter on the way to 19 points, and junior guard Barrett Croslin dropped in 5 of 8 while scoring 17. Senior Zach Hines had a big fourth quarter, and sophomore Coco Darden fired an assist to Croslin and immediately drew a charge and an ensuing technical foul on the UHA bench to push the lead to 10 in the final minute of the game. Lemontus Johnson came off the bench to score 19 for the Blazers, and Austin Byrum hit a trio of treys and all 6 of his free throws.

12/2/2012

BGH, Mayfield win state championships

Bowling Green and Mayfield are not only champions of the districts in which Logan County and Russellville compete but are also 2012 state champions. Mayfield won its ninth state championship Friday in Bowling Green, crushing Fairview 55-8. Then on Saturday Bowling Green beat Cooper 34-20 for their second straight Class 5A state championship. Coach Kevin Wallace's Purples are 30-0 over the last two years.

12/1/2012

Magoffin County to support Lady Cougars

A delegation from Magoffin County High School is expected to be in the Logan County cheering section tonight when the Lady Cougars entertain Greenwood, according to LCHS Principal Casey Jaynes. Coach Steve Miller's Lady Hornets went 29-5 last year and not only won their regional championship in the Paintsville area but also won a game at state. The Saylersville community was attacked by a devastating tornado just before the state tournament in Bowling Green, and many fans were unable to travel across state to be at Diddle Arena. LCHS students and fans decided to become substitute Magoffin fans and went to state to be a part of the Lady Hornets' cheering section. Tonight's visit is a reverse follow-up to that act of kindness. Magoffin has a new coach, James S. Castle. The principal is Tony Skaggs.