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One could rightly say that Bill Penn “lives in the past” if you take a quick look at his writings, most all regarding Kentucky history, and particularly about the heritage of Harrison County and the Woodford County area around Midway.

His interest in such should not be too surprising, as Bill and his wife, Leslie, are the proprietors of the popular Historic Midway Gift Store, a popular mainstay in downtown Midway since 1996. The store offers a wide assortment of items to customers, including books, jewelry, and souvenir items.

His passion for local history started as a young person growing up in Cynthiana, where he would graduate from Cynthiana High in 1962. “I hung out at the library a lot,” said Bill. Much of his reading material dealt with the Civil War, and especially its connections locally. “They had Basil Duke’s History of Morgan’s Cavalry, and they had some books written in the 1880s. One was called Campfires of the Confederacy.”

Campfires, Bill noted, introduced him to a picture of the Confederate flag, which he considered to be artistically attractive, though he was not especially attuned, at that time, to the societal connotations of the flag. “The issue of slavery was something we all didn’t realize happened, probably,” he said. “Morgan (John Hunt Morgan) was dashing. We knew he came across the covered bridge, and we had pictures of that. The flag was pretty . . . we even had made a clubhouse, a few of us kids, with sheets of plywood and had a Confederate flag over it. I still have it (the flag).”

By high school age, Bill acknowledged that there was more to the Civil War than the Morgan connection to Cynthiana. Later encouraged by teachers at the University of Kentucky where he majored in accounting and took several history elective courses, Bill kept up his expanded research passion for the Civil War while entering a thirty-three-year career as an accountant. Meeting his future wife in Decatur, Illinois, where his duties took him from Kentucky for eighteen of those years, the married couple moved back to his native state, settling in Midway in 1985.

By 1995, he released Rattling Spurs and Broad-brimmed Hats: The Civil War in Cynthiana and Harrison, Kentucky (self-published). The book started as a term paper he did in famed Kentucky historian, Dr. Thomas Clark’s, class at the University of Kentucky. In 2016, University Press of Kentucky published his follow-up book, Kentucky Rebel Town: The Civil War Battles of Cynthiana and Harrison County, based greatly on research from his first book.

Of Kentucky Rebel Town, Kentucky historian Berry Craig called Bill’s work “likely the most detailed account of Harrison County in the Civil War ever written.” Similarly, Civil War expert Kent Masterson Brown noted that Bill’s “treatment of two great battles of Cynthiana are, without question, the best ever done. Not only does Penn clearly describe the troop movements in great detail—he also provides a glimpse of the appearance of the combatants on both sides, as well as the equipment and weapons they used.”

He shies away from formulating summary reflections about the Civil War, saying that he mainly just “enjoys researching the subject.” He did offer a comment when I asked about Cynthiana’s overall importance to the war in general. “Morgan was the most well-known Confederate in Kentucky,” he said. “On two of Morgan’s Kentucky raids, the most significant battles were at Cynthiana.” That said, Bill certainly also knows “where the bodies are buried” in the local Battle Grove Cemetery and recently discovered that the Penn genealogy shows several members who fought in the war. To the old-timers around town, information like that brings a sense of, at least, some wonder. It seems that Bill Penn, in sharing what he finds, is a big part in creating the wonderment.

At age 80, his love of discovering by poring over many pages of material for many hours is what he, with a grin, calls his “research rapture.” Much of it he does at the Kentucky Heritage Council, in Frankfort, along with libraries and at home, online. Since 2000, he has edited the Harrison Heritage News, a newsletter from the Harrison County Historical Society. In recent years, he’s created short, but carefully cited books that demonstrate his love of local history and genealogy:

There are other subjects that Bill likes to research, too. They include the early Kentucky frontier surveyors (even pre-Daniel Boone era), studying outlaws such as Jesse James and Billy the Kid, along with having an interest in antique guns. He also plans to do further research on the nearby Offutt-Cole Tavern (should be appropriately titled ‘Lee-Cole’ Tavern, he maintains), which he mentions in the Midway History Timeline. I wouldn’t be surprised if his list continues to grow as his research rapture mentality continues to invigorate him.

Bill and Leslie have demonstrated their musical talents at various venues around the central Kentucky area. Leslie is a flutist, and Bill has played stringed instruments such as the fiddle, guitar, mandolin, and a five-string banjo. He’s played since he was in his 20s, and recently took piano lessons.

The couple’s presentations have been severely curtailed lately, however, because recently he had several fingers on the left hand amputated because of an autoimmune condition. Despite his injury, Bill continues to play the guitar left-handed on a limited basis, a difficult adjustment. Leslie occasionally plays flute at the Midway Presbyterian Church. Unquestionably, both are talented and have shown themselves as positive community forces.

Bill loves Midway, but for the subject of his research, he maintains that his “heart is in Cynthiana,” where he was reared. Visiting the town these days, he muses about the sights he sees. “I know the history of a whole lot of buildings and families in town. Knowing that, I can appreciate it more. I think people today should study architecture more. A study of history can lead more to preservation.”

Bill Penn shows us that “living in the past” is, in fact, a good thing—preserving our heritage. Maybe we should all do more of it.

Are you ready for bizarre foods, live music, farm animals, midway rides, handmade quilts, and more? Well, you're in luck because the Kentucky State Fair is back, Aug. 17-27, at the Kentucky Exposition Center, 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville.

The theme this year is "Summer Summed Up," and you can experience all the Kentucky State Fair has to offer with events including the free Texas Roadhouse Concert Series, a new beer festival, and a wide array of entertainment options.

For a full list of events and more information, visit kystatefair.org. But if you're looking for a little guidance, here are more than a dozen things you can do at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair:

Beerfest at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: The Kentucky State Fair presents the inaugural Beerfest. More than 20 breweries from around the Bluegrass come together to showcase their craft beers for fairgoers to enjoy. Participants receive 10 four-ounce samples from participating breweries. For ages 21 and older.

WHERE: Near the Texas Roadhouse Concert Stage in Lot L

WHEN: Aug. 19, 1-6 p.m.

COST: $15 through Aug. 15; $20 Aug. 16-18; $25 Aug. 19. This does not include fair admission or parking.

World's Championship Horse Show

WHAT: The world’s most prestigious saddle-bred show is held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair and crowns world champion Saddlebreds, Hackney Ponies and Road Horses in different divisions. The show attracts spectators and competitors from across the world and includes over 2,000 horses competing for more than $1.5 million in awards. Horses compete in divisions including Three-Gaited, Five-Gaited, Fine Harness, Saddle-bred Pleasure, Saddle Seat Equitation, Hackney/Harness Ponies, Roadster, In-Hand, and American Saddle-bred. Each division includes several classes for amateurs, ladies, amateur ladies, and junior exhibitors, as well as younger horses and ponies.

WHERE: Freedom Hall, 937 Phillips Lane

WHEN: Aug. 19-26. For a complete schedule visit wchorseshow.com

TICKETS: $8 Aug. 19-24; $11 Aug. 25-26; free Aug. 20 (noon) and Aug. 21-23, 25-26 (9 a.m.). This does not include admission to the fair. Tickets may be purchased at the Kentucky Exposition Center ticket office and online at ticketmaster.com or wchorseshow.com/tickets.

Thrill Ville at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Get your heart pumping with a variety of carnival rides including Alakazam, Hell Taxi, King Tower, Python Roller Coaster, High Roller, Flying Circus, Sizzler, Astro Wheel 1 and 2, Oxygen, Star Scream, Rock O’ Plane, Tilt a Whirl, Tea Cups, Ghoster Coaster, Giant Fun Slide and more. Height and age restrictions/requirements vary by ride.

WHEN: Aug. 17-27. Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday, 3-11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday (Aug. 20), 1-11 p.m.; Sunday (Aug. 27), 1-10 p.m.

MORE INFORMATION: One-day unlimited ride wristbands are available for $30 online through Aug. 16; $35, Aug. 17-27.

Texas Roadhouse Free Concert Series at the Kentucky State Fair

The 2023 Kentucky State Fair is bringing its free concert series that offers a variety of genres, including country, hip hop, retro-pop, Christian, heavy metal, oldies, and R&B. Something for everyone. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. and concerts start at 8 p.m., lot L adjacent to Kentucky Kingdom and Broadbent Arena.

Free entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Free shows and entertainment at the Kentucky State Fair:

WHEN: Daily

Food & music tents at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Feed your need for entertainment, food, music and beer and bourbon at The Backyard, the popular Budweiser Tent and the Bourbon & Brews Tent.

WHERE: The Backyard (in Lot A adjacent to the South Wing); Budweiser Tent (West Lawn) and Bluegrass, Bourbon & Brews Tent (Lot L near the Texas Roadhouse Concert Stage)

WHEN: Aug. 17-27

Farm to Fair Cooking Stage at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Demonstrations by chefs, caterers, and bakers from across the Commonwealth and live cooking demonstrations and competitions.

WHERE: State-of-the-art Farm to Fair cooking stage (South Wing A Lobby)

MORE INFORMATION: For a complete schedule, visit kystatefair.org.

Explore Health Horizons at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Learn more about your health with free health screenings and interactive exhibits by local medical professionals. Sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Kentucky Cabinet for Health & Family Services, American Red Cross, and UofL Health.

WHERE: South Wing B

Explore Main Street Kentucky at the 2023 State Fair

WHAT: See interactive exhibits that celebrate Kentucky focusing on state government, arts, education, agriculture and more. Sponsored by Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, and Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives.

WHERE: South Wing B

Special discount days at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: The fair will have four special discount days:

Media Days at the Kentucky State Fair

WHERE: South Wing A unless noted

Check out the animals at the Kentucky State Fair

WHAT: Want to see dairy cattle, dairy goats or swine? What about the lambs, sheep, Boer goats and mules and jacks? These and more are making their appearance at the Kentucky State Fair.

WHEN:

Explore Kentucky's farm heritage at the State Fair's Agland

WHAT: Features more than an acre of agriculture exhibits in South Wing A highlighting Kentucky's farm and field heritage, including the future of farming and agribusiness. Sponsored by Kentucky Department of Ag, KY Beef Council, KY Soybean Board, KY Farm Bureau Federation, University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Kentucky State University and Southland Dairy Farmers.

WHERE: South Wing A

You may like:Kentucky State Fair food guide 2023: where to find funnel cakes, fried mac and cheese, more

You may like:Who is up for a BBQ Sundae? 10+ new foods to try at the 2023 Kentucky State Fair

Reach features clerk Gege Reed at [email protected]

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new distribution facility in Midway for Lakeshore Learning Materials LLC, a developer of educational materials and classroom furniture and supplies, creating 40 full-time jobs with a $27.3 million investment.

Lakeshore Learning will construct a 360,000-square-foot distribution facility to add to its existing one-million-square-foot network in Midway. The site is located on 14 acres near Georgetown Road in Woodford County. Work on the project is expected to begin in December of this year and be completed by December 2023.

“Lakeshore Learning values its partnership with the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the Midway community,” said Artin Ghazarian, chief distribution and logistics officer at Lakeshore Learning Materials. “We’re proud to continue to grow here and look forward to serving even more customers with this expansion.”

Founded in 1954, Lakeshore is a leading U.S. developer of educational materials and classroom furniture and supplies. In 68 years of business, the company has grown from a single retail store in Oakland, California, to a multimillion-dollar company with over 60 retail stores, a thriving e-commerce business, catalogs and a sales force with customers in every state and across the globe. Over the last decade, the business has continued to show consistent growth. Lakeshore Learning partnered with Kentucky state and local government in 2016 and 2019 to build distribution facilities totaling 1 million square feet in Midway to address the strains on the growing supply chain needs.

In December, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) approved a 10-year incentive agreement with the company under the Kentucky Business Investment program to encourage investment and job growth in the community. The performance-based agreement can provide up to $500,000 in tax incentives based on the company’s investment of over $27.3 million and annual targets of:

By meeting its annual targets over the agreement term, the company can be eligible to keep a portion of the new tax revenue it generates. The company may claim eligible incentives against its income tax liability and/or wage assessments.

In addition, Lakeshore Learning can receive resources from Kentucky’s workforce service providers. Those include no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job-training incentives.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Bellarmine University is hosting its first Esports Open March 17, 18 and 19, and the public is invited to see how area high schoolers get their game on. The tournament will feature 170 video gamers representing 15 high schools with teams competing in “League of Legends,” “Rocket League” and “Super Smash.”

The tournament, the first of its kind in Kentucky, will bring the kind of energy and enthusiasm participants and fans enjoy at professional Esports competitions to the local high school level.

“Bellarmine is really positioning itself to be a leader in the Esports space,” said Ben Sobcyzk, an instructor of sports administration and coach of Bellarmine’s Esports team.

This fall, Bellarmine unveiled a minor in Esports, the only such academic credential in the commonwealth. The minor offers classes such as Introduction to Esports, Introduction to Sports Administration, Business of Esports and Facility and Event Management.

“The term ‘Esports’ is new to many people, but it has quietly become one of the fastest-growing industries in the world,” Sobcyzk said. “The prize pools for several events now rivals mainstream events like The Masters in golf, and the global viewership for a couple of Esports events is bigger than the Super Bowl. Esports has the attention of many companies, gaining major sponsorships in advertising. The money videogames make is more than the music and movie industry combined. Esports is just getting started.”

Esports is an official sport of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association.

Bellarmine’s Esports team has about 20 students who’ve worked hard to ensure this weekend’s tournament is a success. There will be gaming stations set up in Frazier Hall, along with concessions and swag bags.

“We’re rolling out the red carpet for players and fans alike,” Sobcyzk said. “I’ve been to some professional tournaments and those events are spectacles. They’re really cool. They have a lot of energy, fans, signs and cheering, and I really wanted to bring that to the high school scene as much as I possibly could.”

Sobcyzk said he hopes the tournament grows into a highly anticipated annual event. It will be in Bellarmine’s Frazier Hall 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 17, and 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, March 18. The championships will be Sunday, March 19: 1 p.m. League of Legends, 3 p.m. Rocket League and 4:30 p.m. Super Smash. Awards will follow at 5:30 p.m.

The public is invited. Tickets may be purchased at the door. They are $15 for a weekend pass, $7 per day and free for Bellarmine faculty, staff and students.

Bellarmine is an inclusive independent Catholic university with more than 60 majors and an enrollment of nearly 3,500.

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MIDWAY, Ky. (LEX 18 ) — Annie Denington's world has always revolved around reading.

Not just a passion, but also an escape from social insecurities.

"As a kid I did like reading but it really came from when I was born," Denington said.

"I was born with disabilities and I didn’t really fit in. I turned to reading as my escape. I have made more friends in fantasy worlds than I could ever make In real life.”

A lifetime of flipping pages eventually led Annie to starting a new chapter in her life.

Sharing her love of reading with her community by opening her own bookstore.

"Mom came up with the idea of a bookstore. At first I said no but then I thought ‘why no.’ Who was saying this won’t work out other than me so I said let’s go for it," Denington said.

Annie's mom Ashlee brought up the idea in 2017, after Annie was diagnosed with a neurological disorder.

It's been a long journey to make that idea a reality as COVID-19 put the project on pause and the mother daughter duo struggled to find a spot to open up shop.

A Likely Story got its start online before the Denington's were finally given an opportunity to go brick and mortar.

“The owners of this building actually reached out to us and said ‘we have a space you might be interested in.’ They had been holding on to this space. They’d bought it a few years ago. Gutted it, stopped all the damage that had occurred," Ashlee Denington said.

"The building had sat empty for at least 10 years, maybe longer. They had just kind of stepped away from it waiting to find the right business that they felt fit Midway and their space. They reached out to us and they loved the idea of us putting a bookstore here.”

The bookstore has only been open a week and it's already getting positive feedback.

A community happy to have a place to sift through new and used books to enter the world of reading that Annie has enjoyed all her life.

“It’s very overwhelming. Very exciting. A little nerve wracking. I kind of feel a little bit of everything all at once. It’s hard to describe," Annie Denington said.

"When we first started this Mom made me a promise that we would get here and we did. She kept her promise.”

Eventually, the Denington's hope to use A Likely Story for community events such as book signings and author meet and greets but that will likely be down the road.

A Likely Story is located at 113 East Main Street in downtown Midway.

To learn more about the bookstore, click here

Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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MIDWAY, Ky. — A central Kentucky university is looking to help combat a statewide teaching shortage by offering a new program.

What You Need To Know

Midway University recently added Kentucky’s Option 9 partnership with five school districts. Option 9 is an expedited way for someone to earn a teaching certificate.

Faye Deters has been the chair of Midway University’s education department since the fall of 2021, but has been preparing the educators her whole career.

Now, Midway University will offer Kentucky’s newest path to becoming a teacher through the Option 9 program.

“It allows students to work in a classified position in a school district so something like a para-educator. So they don’t have to take out more money, loans — they can keep working while they work on the degree,” Deters said.

Option 9 is a three-year route which results in a teaching certification and bachelor’s degree. Midway, as required, has partnered its program with para-professionals in five school districts; Harrison, Henry, Pulaski, Spencer and Trimble Counties.

Deters said prior to this, there was no other program geared toward someone interested in teaching that did not yet have a bachelor’s degree.

“They’re mostly rural districts where it maybe is a little bit harder to recruit teachers to come to those areas to teach so grow your own for them is a real advantage,” Deters said.

It’s another way Kentucky hopes to combat its teaching shortage crisis. Earlier this year, Gov. Andy Beshear (D) estimated there were around 11,000 teaching openings in the state’s schools.

Deters said Midway’s program is affordable and convenient for anyone interested in working at a partner district.

“Years ago, we took our program online to make it available for students or people interested in teaching across the state of Kentucky. We do have candidates in that online program from all over,” Deters said.

Ellen Bloomfield, the dean of Arts and Sciences, says it’s another way to put Midway on the map while sticking to its roots with its founder L.L. Pinkerton.

“It brings me immense joy that Dr. Deters and I are able to strengthen that connection between public education and Midway University that Dr. Pinkerton started for us in 1847,” Bloomfield said.

This program speeds up the path for future educators.

“Your traditional program is going to be at least four years and most students take longer to be honest, so this is just a quicker route,” Deters said.

In February, Eastern Kentucky University was the first public university in the state to get an accredited Option 9 program.

Midway offers elementary and secondary education options with a choice of in person or online classes.