UPDATE (April 7, 2026): Calloway County Attorney Bryan Ernstberger told The Sentinel on Tuesday that, out of an abundance of caution, anyone who obtained insurance through Ramey’s agency should contact the insurance company that issued their policy to verify that coverage is in effect. He said anyone who learns from their insurance company that their policy is not in effect should contact his office at 270-753-3312.
MURRAY – Court records obtained by The Murray Sentinel offer new details about the felony case against a Murray insurance agent accused of accepting thousands of dollars in payments from a Graves County church without keeping its insurance in force, while a review of court filings traces debt-related disputes in Calloway County spanning nearly three decades.
Glen “David” Ramey, 59, owner of David Ramey Insurance Company, was arrested Wednesday by the Graves County Sheriff’s Office at his business on North 12th Street.
Ramey is charged with one count of fraudulent insurance acts involving more than $10,000 but less than $1 million, a Class D felony, and one count of theft by failure to make required disposition of property of $10,000 or more, a Class C felony.
According to the complaint warrant filed in Graves District Court by Detective Ben Doran, GCSO began its investigation on March 16 after leaders of Yahweh Baptist Church contacted the agency over concerns that arose after the church received a cancellation notice from its insurance carrier.
Ramey Insurance, which operated on court square for many years, is now located on North 12th Street. (Sentinel file photo)
Church leaders told investigators that Ramey had served as the church’s insurance agent since 2022, Doran wrote. After receiving the cancellation notice, they met with him.
When confronted, Ramey allegedly told church leaders that he “messed up” and gave them a document stating he owed the church $10,366.86. According to Doran, that document covered the period from Aug. 24, 2022, to Dec. 5, 2024. During that time, the church paid around $12,000 to Ramey for insurance coverage.
The church discovered repeated lapses in insurance coverage over about four years despite never missing a payment, the complaint warrant stated. While Ramey did make the initial payments on policies, they would be canceled for nonpayment within a few months.
A review of online court records shows a history of financial disputes involving Ramey. Since 1997, he has been named in six debt-related cases in Calloway courts, including a small claims case, a district court collection action and several circuit court matters. In Kentucky, small claims cases involve $2,500 or less, district court civil cases go up to $5,000, and circuit court hears larger civil disputes and real-property matters such as foreclosures.
The small claims case came first. It was filed by The Money Place in Murray. Based on court records, it appears that the debt was settled on the same day Ramey was served with the summons.
In 2010, Ramey was the subject of two separate collection matters brought against him in Calloway Circuit Court. The first was filed at the beginning of the year by U.S. Bank, but by year’s end, the parties filed an agreed order dismissing the case with prejudice.
The second case, a foreclosure proceeding, was filed in July by Chase Home Financial, which later became JPMorgan Chase Bank. After four years of litigation, that case was also dismissed, but without prejudice.
When a case is dismissed with prejudice, the matter is permanently closed, unlike a case dismissed without prejudice, which can be reopened in the future.
Ramey became the subject of a new collection matter in 2019. Capital One Bank filed its claim for $2,617 in Calloway District Court. In July 2020, Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens ruled in favor of the creditor, ordering Ramey to pay the amount owed plus court costs.
Four years later, another dispute arose. In 2024, JPMorgan Chase Bank filed a civil action against Ramey, seeking to collect a credit card debt of $8,576. That case is still active; however, there have been no filings since March 2025.
In January, JPMorgan Chase filed another lawsuit – this time a foreclosure – against Ramey, claiming $86,336 in arrears as of Aug. 1, 2025. According to the foreclosure complaint, two other companies hold mortgages on the subject property, which, based on other court filings, appears to be Ramey’s residence – one for $40,000 from 2016 and another for $73,272 from 2019. The complaint also lists a judgment lien filed by Capital One Bank in the fall of 2020.
Last month, JPMorgan Chase filed a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice, stating that the defendant reinstated the loan. Calloway Circuit Judge Andrea Moore is scheduled to hear that motion Monday, April 20, at 2 p.m.
In the Graves County criminal case, Ramey posted bond Thursday. He is scheduled to be arraigned in Graves District Court at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
MURRAY – With questions still coming in after Murray’s sanitation service switched to GFL Environmental on Wednesday, city officials are telling residents to use only the new black trash carts and place the old blue carts by the road for collection.
Murray Sanitation Manager Ron Allbritten told The Sentinel on Thursday that all residential customers should now have a black GFL trash cart and should stop using the old blue Republic carts immediately.
GFL will only service the black carts.
Residents who have not received a black cart – or whose trash was not collected on their scheduled pickup day – should call GFL customer service at 270-762-0380. Although it is a local number, Allbritten said it connects directly to GFL.
All blue Republic carts should now be by the road for pickup. If a cart is empty, residents should lay it on its side to show it is ready to be collected and to keep it from blowing in the wind.
Republic began collecting its blue carts last week. Allbritten said he has received little to no information from Republic about its plans for retrieving them, noting that the carts belong to the company, not the city. Still, he said, it took GFL about three weeks to distribute the new carts, and he expects Republic’s collection process could take a similar amount of time.
Residents whose empty blue carts have not been picked up should contact Republic’s Mayfield office at 270-251-6001 or 270-251-6002. Households that still have trash in a blue cart should also call one of those numbers.
Allbritten said residents may see Republic crews using a U-Haul box truck to collect the old carts. Some people also may have seen workers in yellow vests striking carts with sledgehammers, but he said they are not destroying them – they are removing the wheels so the carts can be stacked.
In an update to the city council last month, Allbritten said most customers should see little change beyond the color of their trash cart. The city’s residential trash collection rate will remain $15 per month under the new contract.
Optional add-on recycling service will also remain on the same schedule, with GFL continuing to use carts with yellow lids.
The most significant operational change is that GFL has expanded residential collection to include Fridays, meaning some customers who were previously on Monday routes may now have Friday pickup. Those customers should already have been notified by GFL.
Residents who receive walk-up service because of a disability should continue receiving that accommodation under GFL, Allbritten said, but any customers who are missed should report the problem to GFL as soon as possible.
MURRAY – Calloway County Schools has announced that Lynsey Smith will be hired as the next principal of Southwest Calloway Elementary School. Smith will take over at Southwest this summer for Melinda Hendley, who has served as interim principal since January.
Smith currently serves the district as an assistant principal at Calloway County High School. She was previously the district’s director of special education for four years. Before becoming an administrator, Smith was an elementary teacher at North Calloway Elementary School. She has a total of 22 years of experience in education.
Smith has two Master’s degrees and a Bachelor’s degree, all from Murray State University.
“Lynsey has been an outstanding educator in our district for many years,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “She’s been successful in every role at our district, and I’m excited to see what she will bring to Southwest. The students, their parents, and the staff at Southwest are getting a superb leader.”
Smith is originally from Dawson Springs. Her husband, Jesse Smith, is a teacher at North Calloway Elementary School. They live in Murray and have two daughters, River and Stella.
“I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and excited to step into the role as principal of Southwest Calloway Elementary,” Smith said. “I am committed to serving this school community and look forward to working collaboratively to support our students, staff, and families as we continue to grow and excel.”
MURRAY – The 6th Annual Philanthropy Week will return to Murray April 6-10 with a lineup of public events highlighting the people and organizations working every day to strengthen local communities and support children and families.
Philanthropy Week is a collaboration between Murray State University Nonprofit Leadership Studies program, the Nonprofit Resource Center, the Department of Organizational Communication & Leadership and the Aurthur J. Bauernfeind College of Business.
The week’s programs include: • April 6: Open house at the Murray Art Guild, • April 7: Darkness to Light training facilitated by Lotus, • April 9: Philanthropy Week Keynote Conversation and Donna Herndon Award Ceremony, • April 10: Green Dot Community violence prevention program, also facilitated by Lotus.
The open house will be held Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Murray Art Guild, 500 N. Fourth St. Murray Calloway County Transit Authority will provide shuttle service from Murray State’s Curris Center to the guild and back.
The Darkness to Light training will take place Tuesday from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Ohio Room of the Curris Center. The training is free and open to the public.
The Philanthropy Week Keynote Conversation and Donna Herndon Award Ceremony will be held Thursday at 6 p.m. in Wrather Auditorium on the Murray State campus.
This year’s conversation will feature Lori Brown Wells, CEO of Lotus; Debi Henry Danielson, executive director of the Murray Art Guild; and Shawn Johnson, family services office supervisor for recruitment and certification with the Department for Community Based Services. The conversation will be hosted by Nonprofit Leadership Studies faculty member Melanie McCallon Seib.
The Green Dot overview, hosted by the Murray Women’s Club, will take place Friday from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Women’s Club Clubhouse, 704 Vine St. The program is open to the community.
UPDATE (April 7, 2026): Calloway County Attorney Bryan Ernstberger told The Sentinel on Tuesday that, out of an abundance of caution, anyone who obtained insurance through Ramey’s agency should contact the insurance company that issued their policy to verify that coverage is in effect. He said anyone who learns from their insurance company that their policy is not in effect should contact his office at 270-753-3312.
Staff Report
MURRAY – A Murray insurance agent was arrested Wednesday after Graves County authorities accused him of taking more than $10,000 from a church for insurance policies that detectives say were never purchased.
Glen “David” Ramey, 59, of Murray, was charged with fraudulent insurance acts involving $10,000 or more and theft by failure to make required disposition of property over $10,000, according to a Wednesday afternoon Facebook post from the Graves County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO).
Ramey is the owner of David Ramey Insurance Company in Murray. According to the post, detectives apprehended Ramey at his business, located* on N 12th Street, at approximately 10:40 a.m. Wednesday.
The charges stem from an investigation in which detectives alleged that an unnamed church in Graves County was defrauded of more than $10,000. According to the post, the church paid for insurance coverage, but the agent – later identified by detectives as Ramey – did not purchase the property and liability policies.
Detectives assert that Ramey misused funds paid for the purpose of purchasing insurance policies beginning in 2022 and continuing to the present.
“In some cases, policies were never obtained for the victim, leaving the victim in this case with no coverage whatsoever,” the post stated.
The Kentucky Department of Insurance (KDI) assisted with the investigation.
Ramey was initially taken to the Graves County Restricted Custody Center and later transported to an out-of-county detention center, GCSO said. The agency added that the investigation remains ongoing by both its office and KDI.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
*Correction: A previous version of this story erroneously stated the previous location of Ramey’s business, which is now located at 1406 N 12th St., Suite E.
Mrs. Zenette (Gray) Smith Newsome, 86, of Farmington, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Tri Star Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
Mrs. Newsome was born on Aug. 15, 1939, in Calloway County, Ky., to the late James Lee Gray and Cornelia (Patton) Gray. She retired from Smith’s Upholstery and was a member of the Farmington Church of Christ.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Tim Smith; second husband, Rodney Newsome; one stepson, Teddy Newsome; as well as one son-in-law, John Story.
Survivors include five sons, Gregg Smith and wife Gina, of Mayfield, Ky., Chett Smith, of Mayfield, Stacey Smith and wife Pamela, of Kirksey, Todd Smith and wife Ronnica, of Mayfield, and Reece Smith and wife Laresa, of Mayfield; one stepson, Barry Newsome and wife Connie, of Farmington; two sisters, Threna Adams, of Cocoa, Florida, and Dana Scarbrough, of Murray; one brother, Chad Gray and wife Karen, of Fairdealing, Ky.; 20 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; as well as two great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 4-9 p.m. on Friday, May 1, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Stan Colley and Carson Barrow officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olive Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959; Partner for Africa Farmington, c/o Farmington Church of Christ, P.O. Box 172, Farmington, KY 42040; or Mt. Olive Cemetery Fund, 893 Kendall Rd., Mayfield, KY 42066.
Mrs. Charlene Holsapple Rivera, 87, of Almo, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.
Mrs. Rivera was born on March 10, 1939, in Hazel, Ky., to the late Charles Boyd Wilson and Rachel (Hutson) Wilson. She retired from Walmart and was a member of the Hazel Baptist Church and the Eastwood Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Burlon Wayne Holsapple; as well as one great-grandchild, Chance Cook.
Survivors include her husband, Pablo Rivera, of Almo; two daughters, Cheryl Milner Farmer and husband Jesse, of Hazel, Ky., and Lisa Whitlow and husband Tim, of Almo; two sons, Charles Wayne Holsapple and wife Terri, of Lancaster, Ky., and David Timothy Holsapple and wife Sheila, of Hazel; three step children, Carolina, Ismael, and Phillipe Rivera, all of Tuxpan, Mexico; two brothers, Jimmy Boyd Wilson and wife Leslie, of Cody, Wyoming, and Larry Dan Wilson and wife Joyce, of Jackson, Tennessee; as well as 11 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, May 4, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Andy Harrell officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Sunday, May 3, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY42071.
Mr. Mark Albert Wilson, 67, of Murray, Kentucky passed away on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.
Mr. Wilson was born on May 14, 1958, in Murray, to the late Albert “Took” Wilson and Mia (Peters) Wilson. He was a farmer and a member of the Sugar Creek Baptist Church.
Survivors include one son, Gregory Wilson and wife Melissa, of Harrisburg, Illinois; one sister, Patricia Seiber and husband Scott, of Murray; one grandchild, Coy Wilson, of Harrisburg; as well as one adopted grandchild, Addie Wilson, of Murray.
A public graveside service will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 30, at the New Concord Cemetery with Bro. Phillip Bazzell officiating. There will be no public visitation held before the graveside service.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.
Ms. Tina Lynn Goldston, 66, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Saturday, April 25, 2026, at her home.
Arrangements are forthcoming at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Wilda Fay Jetton*
March 22, 1941 – April 24, 2026
Mrs. Wilda Fay Jetton, 85, of Hardin, Kentucky, passed away on April 24, 2026 at her home.
Wilda Fay was born on March 22, 1941, to the late Burie and Martha Woods Houser. She enjoyed making ceramics and taught in the Graves County and Calloway County school systems. Mrs. Jetton also spent time studying genealogy and was a 4-H volunteer and a Master Gardener. She was a member of Hardin Church of Christ.
She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Raymond Jetton.
Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include her daughter, Lori Wilson and husband Joe, of Kirksey, Ky.; a sister, Norma Oliver, of Bowling Green, Ky., and three grandchildren, Kristopher Cole and wife Ivory, Tristin Cole, and Kolton Wilson.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mrs. Wilda Fay Jetton by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.
Yolanda Ann Glisson*
Feb. 2, 1937 – April 27, 2026
Mrs. Yolonda Ann Glisson, 89, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray.
Mrs. Glisson was born on Feb. 2, 1937, in Calloway County, Ky., to the late Bowden Ford and Ruth (Clark) Ford. She was a homemaker and a member of the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church. She loved to play bingo at Spring Creek Healthcare.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Lee Glisson; as well as two grandsons, Derek Glisson and Jason Smith.
Survivors include one daughter, Phyllis Smith, of Hazel, Ky.; two sons, Charles Glisson and wife Angie, and Bill Glisson and wife Jeanna, all of Murray; five grandchildren, Adam Glisson and wife Lisa, of Paducah, Ky., Bryan Glisson, of Murray, Laura Riley and husband Steven, of Murray, Jenny Jackson and husband Darren, of Hazel, and Leeann Ruetz and husband Keith, of Fort Lee, Virginia; 10 great-grandchildren, Brock Glisson, Brittney Glisson, Austin Collins, Rossi Eckels, Ella Randolph, Cora Riley, Reece Riley, Quinn Riley, Halyn Jackson, and Berklee Jackson; one great-great grandchild, Atlas Glisson; as well as her beloved four-legged companion, Bear.
A public graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 30, at the South Pleasant Grove Cemetery with Rev. Shani Campbell officiating. There will be no public visitation held before the graveside service.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Make-A-Wish America, Gift Processing Center, 1702 East Highland Ave., Suite 400, Phoenix, AZ 85016; or to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St., Suite A1, Murray, KY 42071.
Mrs. Ann Rose, just weeks before her 100th birthday, went to be with her Lord on April 23, 2026.
Proceeding her in departing this life was her beloved husband of 68 years, Jesse C. Rose (born and raised Between the Rivers). Ann is survived by her beloved daughter, Cheryl (Gary) Dettloff, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. She was also proceeded in departure by her beloved daughter, Tammy (Rex) Roy.
Ann lived a healthy and robust life for many years, sharing the decades with her love, Jesse, a long life of business, community and faith, with homes and business interests in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Murray, Kentucky. After Jesse passed 10 years ago, she lived independently for many years, with the help of her two daughters and their families as needed, and always relying with them in the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus.
Born in a small village located in the Carpathian Alps of Europe, she and her sisters were sent overseas to America in the face of advancing Nazi and Communist armies. After the ravages of World War II, when Jesse returned from serving in the Army Air Corps, he found work in a manufacturing company in Detroit. He also found Ann (who was working there) and made her his bride. They married in 1948 and began to raise a family. They joined a local Baptist church and served as active members and officers for over six decades. Their daughters followed Ann in faith and family.
Ann also joined Jesse in his love of the land of his heritage. They purchased a home in Murray and spent more and more time in the South, enjoying the loving relations of neighbors and friends around them. They especially enjoyed worshipping at First Baptist of Murray, and the fellowship of their Sunday School class. In “golden years” of semi-retirement, Ann enjoyed her life with Jesse in their southern home, one of west Kentucky’s most beautiful. It was, indeed, a Wonderful Life.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 27, at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home after 12:30 p.m. prior to Ann’s procession to Elm Grove.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Rose. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing her virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
Esther Marie (Olson) Hester Donoho*
March 5, 1953 – April 21, 2026
Mrs. Esther Marie (Olson) Hester Donoho, 73, of Benton, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
Mrs. Donoho was born on March 5, 1953, in Murray, Ky., to the late Robert Olson and Hazel (Parrish) Olson. She was a homemaker and was of the Church of Christ faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Bobby Hester, and her second husband, James Donoho.
Survivors include two daughters, Becky Pence and husband Rodney, of Streator, Illinois, and Anjie Jones, of Bell City, Ky.; companion, Warren Dyke, of Benton; one brother, John Olson, of Florida; four grandchildren, Sophia Pence, of Streator, Ill., Sarah Jones and Hannah Jones, both of Mayfield, Ky., and Molly Jones, of Bell City; three great grandchildren; as well as her two fur babies, Tootsie and Booger.
A memorial visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 2, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. There will be no formal service following the visitation.
Mr. Robert F. Bourque, 88, of Murray, Kentucky, died on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his home.
Bob was born on Jan. 11, 1938 in Holyoke, Massachusetts, to the late Valmore and Cecilia Bourque. He grew up in South Hadley, Mass., and graduated from South Hadley High School, having played varsity sports all four years. After high school, he joined the United States Army, Green Berets, and later built a successful career as a land developer which brought his family to western Kentucky.
He is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Valmore W. Bourque.
Those he lovingly leaves behind include his wife of 63 years, Mrs. Elizabeth (Betsy) Bourque; a daughter, Leslie, and a son, Robert Bourque (Phara). In addition, he leaves behind grandchildren, Bret Manning, Bron, Hollis, Canyon and Grierre Bourque, as well as two great grandchildren.
Private family services will be held.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Bob Bourque by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.
Randa Broach Cunningham*
Oct. 5, 1936 – April 20, 2026
Mrs. Randa Broach Cunningham, 89, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield, Ky.
Mrs. Cunningham was born on Oct. 5, 1936, in Murray, to the late Harrell Broach and Mavis Jones Broach. Randa graduated from Murray State University with a master’s degree and taught elementary school for 30 years in the Calloway County School District. She was a charter member of the Westside Baptist Church, Praise Sunday School Class and was in the choir and various other committees.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ted M. Cunningham; as well as her in-laws; Paul Cunningham and Estelle Cain Cunningham.
Survivors include one daughter, Teresa Richerson and husband Danny, of Murray; one son, Greg Cunninhgam and wife Trisha, of Fairview, Texas; one sister, Sharilyn Erwin, of Murray; four grandchildren, Amy Ramage and husband Josh, of Princeton, Ky., Erin Passmore and husband Brandon, of Murray, Chris Cunningham, of Irving, Texas, and Carrie Hood and husband Zach of McKinney, Texas; as well as five great-grandchildren, Ethan and Evan Ramage both, of Princeton, Blake and Reid Passmore, both of Murray, and Estelle Hood, of McKinney; also several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, May 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Darren Jackson and Matt Sullivan will officiate and burial will follow in the South Pleasant Grove Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., Friday, May 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can go to the Westside Baptist Church Youth Department, 207 Robertson Road South, Murray, KY 42071, to provide assistance to those needing help with finances for mission trips and summer camps.
Mr. Andrew “Jackie” Burkeen, 91, of Murray, passed away on Monday, April 20, 2026 at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray.
Jackie was born on April 27, 1934, in Calloway County to the late Barnes and Ola Hopkins Burkeen.
A standout athlete in his youth, he made his mark as a basketball star at Almo High School. It was during those years that his beloved wife, the late Shirley Ann, cheered him on from the sidelines. Jackie served his country in the United States Army. After his military service, he returned home to Murray and built a respected career as a building contractor. Through decades of hard work, he literally helped shape the community he loved.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Shirley Ann Burkeen; three brothers, J.B. Burkeen, Johnny Burkeen, and Barnes Ray; three sisters, Euple Lee, Mary Outland, and Pauline Crotzer.
He lovingly leaves behind two children, Mitchel Burkeen (Tonya) and Jill Burkeen, both of Murray; one sister, Ola Mae James, of Nashville, Tennessee; five grandchildren, Whitney Hancock (John), Jack Burkeen, Allen Moore, Allison Wells, and Austin Wells; and six great grandchildren, Finn Hancock, Emma Moore, Brooklyn Powell, Maeleigh Wells, Kynleigh Wells, and Oakley Wells.
Per Jackie’s request, no services are planned at this time.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with caring for his family.
Nellie Temple Rogers*
March 11, 1940 – April 20, 2026
Mrs. Nellie Temple Rogers, 86, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray.
Temple was born on March 11, 1940, in Edmonson County, Ky., to the late Charlie and Nola Blair Gipson. She was also preceded in death by a great-grandchild Cameron Thomas.
She worked for many years as an experienced waitress and restaurant manager and later retired from Hawaiian Tropic.
Survivors include three sons, Marc Rogers and wife Gena, Eric Rogers and wife Christina, and Barry Rogers, all of Murray; one daughter, Shelly Hirsch and husband Steven, of Shelbyville, Ky.; four grandchildren, Craig Rogers, Autumn Rogers, Erica Rogers and Samantha Hirsch; and four great grandchildren.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Sally Ann Wilson*
Feb. 12, 1962 – April 19, 2026
Mrs. Sally Ann Wilson, 64, passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at her home.
Mrs. Wilson was born on Feb. 12, 1962, in Hammond, Indiana, to the late Leo Smith and Gloria Lashua.
She found great joy in listening to music and spending time outdoors, appreciating the simple moments life had to offer.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dennis Wilson; her brothers, Bobby Wagner and Darvin Wagner; her sisters, Bonnie Wells, Susan Furr, and Pamela Tanner; and her brother-in-law, Mike Wells.
Mrs. Wilson is survived by her sons, Daniel Smith (Susan), of Murray, and Robert Mitchell, of New Concord; her daughters, Becky Parish (John), of New Concord, Samantha Mitchell, of New Concord, Connie Garland (Steve), of Florida, Natalie Mitchell, of Murray, and Alicia Pritchett (John), of Murray; her brother, Ronald Wagner, of New Concord; her sister, Gail Davis, of Louisiana; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with caring for her family.
Judith Ann Comstock*
June 19, 1944 – April 19, 2026
Mrs. Judith Ann Comstock, 81, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at her home.
Mrs. Comstock was born on June 19, 1944, in Rockford, Illinois, to the late Roland DeMus and Florence May (Baldwin) DeMus. She retired as an accountant/bookkeeper for the Rockford Housing Authority and was a member of the Independence Community Church in Dexter, Ky.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronald and Walter DeMus; two sisters, Beverly Gibson and Sue Sanders; one son-in-law, Kurt Trotter; as well as one sister-in-law, Peggy DeMus.
Survivors include her husband, Herbert William Comstock, of Murray; three daughters, Debbie Trotter, of Murray, Wendy Rebelak and husband Gary, Jr., of Lebanon, Tennessee, and Tammy Hobson and husband Mike, of Freeport, Ill.; three sisters, Donna Erickson, of Rockford, Virginia Bossom and husband Willard, of Michigan, and Karen Pond and husband Gerald, of Rockford; two brothers, Randy DeMus of Michigan and Gordy DeMus, of Rockford; nine grandchildren, Austin Trotter, Adam Trotter, Cassie VonHolten, Dylan Rebelak, Justin Rebelak, Joshua Rebelak, Courtney Oehlke, Brandon Oehlke and Ashley Rousseau; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
There will be no public services or visitation scheduled at this time.
Ophelia Thornton, 94, of Murray, Kentucky, went to be with the Lord on Friday, April 17, 2026, at Spring Creek Health Care, with her daughter, Edna, at her side.
She was born on Jan. 9, 1932, in Huntsville, Alabama, to Earl Hereford and Georgia Hereford Hillis, the oldest of 11 siblings. Ophelia was a faithful Christian and a member of Mount Hebron Holiness Church. She lived a life rooted in faith, love and simple joys and was known as a sweet woman of prayer who lifted up every need, big or small, even praying for her animals.
Ophelia was a hardworking and loving woman who enjoyed a simple life. She enjoyed walking daily for many years and always took on the hard work, whether cooking, cleaning, or tending the yard. She went blackberry picking and was known for her jam, cobblers, dill pickles, fried pies and tea cakes. She enjoyed eating good Southern food and time with family. She also had a special love for animals and cared for any that came her way. She dearly loved her daughter, Edna, and her grandchildren and was blessed to always live near them.
She was known by many names, Mama, Mawmaw, Teet and Opie, and will be remembered for her love, her prayers, her sweet smile, her wave and the blown kisses she shared with everyone.
She was preceded in death by her husbands, Winford Leon McNeese and Albert Thornton; three sisters, Ozene Hereford, Cena Wheir and Peggy Hereford; and two brothers, Walter Hereford and Frank Hereford.
She is survived by her daughter, Edna McNeese Heggemeier (Cecil), of Murray; her granddaughters, Tammy Wright (Jason) and Amanda Jones, both, of Kirksey, Ky.; her great-grandchildren, Brooke Wright and Jake Jones Riley, both of Kirksey; two sisters, Alta Drake, of Big Cove, Ala., and Shirley Patterson of Gurley, Ala.; and three brothers, Donald Hereford, of New Market, Ala., Bobby Hillis, of Gurley, Ala., and Ricky Hillis, of Huntsville, Ala.
The family will receive visitors on Sunday, April 19, from 1-3 p.m. at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. at the funeral home, with Bro. Ronnie Sisk officiating. Burial will immediately follow the service at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Kirksey, Ky.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nursing staff at Spring Creek Health Care for going above and beyond in their care, and to Opie’s friends there for the kindness, love, and companionship.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Thornton. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing her virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
Cedric Darrian Shawnkise Cherry*
July 15, 1993 – April 17, 2026
Mr. Cedric Darrian Shawnkise Cherry, 32, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026.
Mr. Cherry was born on July 15, 1993, in Murray. He worked at Champion Home Builders, Inc. in Benton, Ky., and was a member of the St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church in Murray as he was a Child of God.
He was a proud graduate of Murray High School, class of 2011. He loved poker and sports, especially football as it held a special place in his heart. The New Orleans Saints were his favorite team. He was a very genuine, loveable, kindhearted soul that never knew a stranger. He would give his shirt off his back for anyone in need. His big smile brightened every room he walked into. He was always laughing and dancing everywhere he went. There was never a dual moment whenever he was near. He was loved by everyone, and he loved them as well.
He was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Johnny Blanton, Sr., (“Poppo”) and Francine Blanton, (“Granny”), as well as his son, Isiah Cherry.
Survivors include his loving wife, Megan (Ainscough) Cherry; they married on July 25, 2024, in Murray; two beautiful daughters, Amyiah Grace Ainscough and Kapri Symone Cherry, both of Murray; father, Cedric Cherry, of Cincinnati, Ohio; mother, Franshawn (Blanton) Strickland, of Murray; two sisters, Aaliscia Strickland, of Murray, and Jessica Cavtt, of Texas; as well as one brother, Ra’Vichael Strickland, of Murray. He also left behind a second family, mother-in-law Tamara Ainscough; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Misher and Kayla Clymer; one brother-in-law, Austin Ainscough; as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 25, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donation to The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 201 S Third St., Murray, KY 42071 to help with final expenses in memory of Mr. Cedric Cherry.
Mrs. Shirley Jean Severns, 87, of Murray, Kentucky passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.
Mrs. Severns was born on Nov. 22, 1938, in Henry County, Tennessee, to the late George Shaver and Opal Jewell (Page) Shaver. She was a retired as a commercial loan officer at Citizens Bank in Paducah, Ky., and a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Murray.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Martin Severns who recently passed away on Nov. 4, 2025.
Survivors include two sons, Martin Severns and wife Ginger, of Murray, and Jeff Severns and wife Melinda, of Paducah; two sisters, Carol Tomlinson, of Houston, Texas, and Pat Yeomans and husband Skip, of Jackson, Mississippi; five grandchildren, Caitlin Curry, Taylor Hornback, Matthew Severns, Billy Severns, and Lydia Snyder; as well as five great-grandchildren, Naomi Hornback, Hayden Curry, Calvin Curry, Cora Hornback, and Anastasia Curry.
A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 23, at the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Paducah with Bro. Martin Severns officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 23, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.
Mrs. Fredda Kay (Workman) Rogers, 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away at home on Thursday, April 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Born March 18, 1942, in Murray, Fredda was the daughter of the late Fred Lynn and Rubena Corinne “Susie” (Cox) Workman. After graduating as a proud member of the Murray High School Class of 1960, she worked for her parents at the Settle-Workman clothing store. She later worked for many years at Fisher-Price Toys and Mattel, Inc., until her retirement. Fredda was a devoted and active member of First Baptist Church of Murray, where she faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years, touching countless lives with her kindness, wisdom, and unwavering faith until her health no longer allowed her to continue.
Those left to cherish wonderful memories of Fredda include her son, Phillip Bruce Rogers (Tammy), of Murray; son-in-law, Bobby McKinney, of Dexter; brother, Richard Workman (Brenda), of Cincinnati, Ohio; her cherished grandchildren, Lauren Kay Alexander (Chris), of Murray, Seth McKinney, of Addison, Texas, Bryan Rogers, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Logan Seay and Hunter Seay, of Murray; and a precious great-grandson, Grady Alexander, of Murray.
In addition to her parents, Fredda was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Gene Rogers, who passed away May 15, 1982; her daughter, Gena Kay McKinney; and her sister, Leah Workman Steeves.
A funeral service celebrating Fredda’s life will be held Wednesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Rev. Keith Inman officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery.
Friends may visit with the family after 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 714 South 4th St., Murray.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Rogers. Please share your messages of condolence with the family by signing her virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
Dorothea Louise Hatten*
Jan. 18, 1941 – April 16, 2026
Dorothea L. Stewart Mayo Hatten, known and Nana, Miss Dottie and Nana Dot, went to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on April 16, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Born in West Virginia, Jan. 18, 1941, she was 85 years old. She was preceded in death by her parents Edna and Elmer Stewart, four siblings, Fred Stewart, Ruth Eaves, Butch Stewart and Nancy Fanning; spouses George O. Mayo (1969) and Don E. Hatten (1993); and stepsons Charles E. Hatten and J.D. Hatten.
She is survived by one sister, Beatrice (Cookie) Stevens, of Buffalo Valley, W. Va.; her three children, Michael “Tony” Mayo (Cheryl), Marsha Mayo Adams (Michael), and Amy Mayo; six grandchildren, Taft M. Adams (Mildred), Grant T Adams (Hayley), Anthony R. Mayo, Grace Bailey (Jeremiah), Sarah Adams, and Christian Steward; and great grandchildren, Boaz Adams, Abel Adams, Zipporah Adams, Tessa Mayo and George Mayo; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Miss Dottie was a member of Hardin Baptist Church. She loved our Lord her Savior, was an avid gardener, homemaker, quilt maker and was always happiest at home.
Special thanks to Anna Mae Hospice House and Passion & Purpose Assisted Living in Almo, Ky., for the incredible love and care they poured out for our mom over the past few years.
No local services are planned. A graveside service will be held at a later date at Docks Creek Cemetery in West Virginia where she will be laid to rest beside her high school sweetheart and husband George O. Mayo.
Mr. Timothy George Gal, 65, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on April 15, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.
Mr. Gal was born on Feb. 18, 1961, in Gary, Indiana, to the late George Gal, Jr. and Mary Ann Cottrell Gal.
Mr. Gal spent his life working as a self-employed carpenter. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a passion for fishing, hunting, and boating.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Ann Gal; and his brothers, Kenneth Gal and Dennis Brookover.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart, Renee Gal, of Hobart, Ind.; his son, Timothy Scott Gal, of Murray; his stepdaughter, Jessica Poludniak, of Hobart, Ind.; and his brother, Gary Gal (Jill) of Princeton, Ky.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray, is entrusted with caring for his family.
Clyde Allen “Tooter” Rowland*
March 16, 1927 – April 15, 2026
Mr. Clyde Allen “Tooter” Rowland, age 99, of Almo, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Lakeway Nursing Home in Benton, Ky.
Mr. Rowland was born in Almo on March 16, 1927, to the late Reuben E. Rowland and Lottie P. (Allen) Rowland. Mr. Rowland worked at Tappan prior to becoming the owner and operator of Rowland Trucking. He was a member of the Bethel Community Church, a member of the Woodmen of the World, Murray Chapter, a Gideon and was a 1946 graduate of Almo High School.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Rowland was preceded in death by one sister, Mavis Schroader; one brother, Robert Rowland; one stepson, Ronald Gossum; and by one step granddaughter, Rhonda Laws.
He is survived by his wife, Lavonia (Nanny) Rowland, of Almo, whom he married on March 19, 1976; one daughter, Barbara Lee and husband Terry, of Murray, Ky.; two sons, Steve Rowland and wife Charlotte, of Murray, and Bobby Rowland and wife Melissa, of Almo; one sister, Judith Lamb, of Murray; one stepdaughter-in-law, Shirley Gossum, of Wingo; six grandchildren, Amanda Darnall and husband Brian, Teresa Gore and husband Shawn, Renae Overbey and husband Jimmy, Brad Rowland, Stacey Lee, and Michelle O’Bryan and husband Tyson; two step grandchildren, Karen Jackson and husband Mark, and Todd Gossum and wife Kelli; 17 great grandchildren; as well as 10 great great grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, April l7, at 3 p.m. at the Bethel Cemetery. Bro. Danny Pruitt will officiate, and burial will follow. There will be no public visitation.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Bethel Cemetery Fund, Att. Judith Lamb, 718 Fairlane Dr., Murray, KY 42071 or to a charity of choice.
Mr. Gary Eugene Page, 69, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Page was born on May 5, 1956, in Buffalo, New York, to the late Donald Eugene Page and Lavinia Jo (Skaggs) Page. They lived in Tonawanda while in New York before moving to Richmond, Virginia. From there, they came to live in Murray where Donald was maintenance engineer with Vanderbilt Chemical. Gary was a 1974 graduate of Murray High School. He retired from Kenlake Foods in 2011 and was most recently a private contractor for Multi Skill Training since 2014. Together Gary and Carolyn were the first Scentsy consultants in the state of Kentucky and top-level earners with Scentsy since 2007. Mr. Page was a member at the New Concord Church of Christ and was president of the Murray RC Modelers.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Rebecca Crawford; as well as one brother, Timothy David Page.
Survivors include his wife Carolyn Jeanette (Wilford) Page, of Murray; one daughter, Amy Ann Hale and husband Brandon, of Murray; one son, Jeffrey Eugene Page and wife Jill, of Greenville, Ky.; one sister, JoAnn Potter, of New Concord, Ky.; one brother, Donald Terry Page and wife Lisa, of McKenzie, Tennessee; as well as four grandchildren, Sawyer Mac Page, Savannah Brooke Page, Sophie Grace Page and Sadie Carroll Hale.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, April 20, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Russ Crosswhite and John Dale officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5–8 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Bread of Life Humanitarian Effort, PO Box 162, Melber, KY 42069.
Patricia Rosella Smith, 82, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Born on Feb. 11, 1944, in Del Norte, Colorado, Patricia was the daughter of the late Harry Leroy Newmyer, Sr. and Edith (King) Twite. She dedicated her life to caring for others, working faithfully as a home health care aide with Alamosa Healthcare in Colorado, from which she retired. Following her retirement, she made her home in Murray, Ky. Patricia was a devoted member of Riverwoods Church in Benton, Ky., where her faith and kindness were evident to all who knew her.
Those left to cherish wonderful memories of Patricia include her children; Linda (Smith) Chestnut, of Murray, and Richard Smith of, Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and her granddaughter, Cheryl Chestnut, of Murray. She is also survived by a brother, Ray Newmyer, of Hooper, Colo.; sisters, Edith Irene (Jerry) Tucker, of Grantville, Georgia, Ethel Vick, of Thornton, Colo., Judy Gunter Clements, of Monte Vista, Colo., Mary (Mark) Nicander, of El Verano, California, Betty Jones, of Clifton, Colo., and Becky Mott, of San Luis, Colo.. Patricia will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Jessie Lynn Chestnut; a brother Harry Newmyer, Jr.; and sisters, Connie Smith and Myrna Newmyer.
Honoring Patricia’s wishes, her family will celebrate her life privately, with no public visitation or services to be held. She will be inurned at a later date near her parents, in the Alamosa Municipal Cemetery in Alamosa, Colo.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Smith. Please share your messages of condolence by signing her virtual guestbook at www.blalockcolemanfuneralhome.com.
Charles D. Outland*
July 25, 1933 – April 13, 2026
Mr. Charles D. Outland, 92, of Murray, Kentucky passed away on Monday, April 13, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Outland was born in New Concord, Ky., on July 25, 1933, to the late Rev. Lon Outland and Nellie (Parker) Outland. He retired from Murray State University in 1997 and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Murray. He retired from the Army ROTC as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1993.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary E. Outland; one daughter, Lynne (Outland) Fenner; as well as his son, Charles “Mike” Outland.
Survivors include one daughter, Dr. Beth (Outland) Jones (Bill), of Chesterfield, Missouri; son-in-law, Roger Fenner, of Kingston Springs, Tennessee; brother-in-law, Bill Webb (Denise LaBelle), of Bonita Springs, Florida; five grandchildren, Dr. Maryann Fenner, of Kingston Springs, Tenn., Dr. Amanda Jones, of Tampa, Fla., Nathaniel Jones (Lauren), of St. Louis, Mo., Paul Fenner (Catey), of Brentwood, Tenn., and Caroline Wibbenmeyer (Paul), of Cotopaxi, Colorado; as well as one great-grandchild, Hayden Fenner, of Brentwood, Tenn.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Keith Inman and Bro. Boyd Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Outland Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m., Sunday, April 19, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Lynne Outland Fenner Memorial Nursing Scholarship, Murray State University, 200 Heritage Hall, Murray, KY 42071.
Mr. Calvin Gibson, 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home.
Calvin was born on March 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Howard Gibson and Yvonne Gibson. He had worked at D & W Auto supplies, Carquest, and was currently employed with Bumper to Bumper. He was of the Church of Christ faith.
Survivors include his wife, Janie Gibson, of Murray, Ky.; two sisters, Teresa Page, of Puryear, Tennessee, and Jane Humes and husband Gary, of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin; also one niece and three nephews.
Services for Calvin are being planned for a later date.
Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com. J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Lal “Butch” Edward Elliott, Jr.*
May 28, 1947 – April 12, 2026
Mr. Lal “Butch” Edward Elliott, Jr., 78, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
Butch was born on May 28, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Lal Edward Elliott, Sr., and Mary Kathern (Croft) Elliott. He graduated from Murray State University in 1970 with a degree in chemistry and mathematics. While at Murray State University he was also in ROTC. He retired as a meat supervisor for Food Giant Grocery Store. Butch was a member of the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church, the Tri-M Sunday School Class and the Treasure of Men’s Group.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, S.C. Doom; brother-in-law, Kenny Doom; and great-nephew, Reed Tribble.
Survivors include his beloved wife of 54 years, Belinda Kay (Doom) Elliott, of Murray; they married on Sept. 18, 1971, in Tiline, Ky.; one sister, Debbie Key (Elliott) Enoch and husband Bobby, of Madisonville, Ky.; mother-in-law, Mary Elizabeth Doom, of Paducah, Ky.; sister-in-law, Marsha Metzger and husband Joe, of Ledbetter, Ky.; one brother-in-law, Gary Doom and wife Jennifer, of Smithland, Ky.; three nieces, Bridgette Thompson and husband Brent, Desiree Puckett and husband Larry, and Sheri Tribble and husband Danny; five nephews, Stephen Enoch and wife Debbie, Kenan Enoch and wife Stephanie, Brian Doom and wife Jennifer, Nathan Metzger and wife Lacey, and Joshua Metzger and wife Rebekah; eight great nieces and nephews; as well as five great-great nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, April 16, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. David Allbritten and Pastor Shani Campbell officiating. A graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., April 16, at the New Union General Baptist Church Cemetery in (Lola) Salem, Ky. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, April 16, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church Building Fund, 5671 Crossland Rd., Hazel, KY 42049, or the New Union General Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 726 New Union Church Rd., Salem, KY 42078.
Mr. Gerald West, 85, of Hazel, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Lakeway Nursing and Rehabilitation in Benton, Ky.
Mr. West was born on Sept. 20, 1940, in Graves County, Ky., to the late Harold West and Margaret Rhodes James. Gerald was a retired truck driver, a Navy Veteran of the Korean War and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in by a son, Ronald Boyd West, and brother, Randy West.
Survivors include his wife, Pat West, of Hazel; they married Dec. 28, 1988, in Murray; two daughters, Michele West, of Mayfield, KY., and Pam Deitz of Benton; four sons, David West, of Mayfield, Christopher West, of Sedalia, Ky., Jason West and wife Charlotte of Mayfield, and Bruce Moore, of Coloma, Michigan; 16 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Per Gerald’s request there will be no public services.
The family request that expressions of sympathy go to Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St., Suite A1, Murray, KY42071 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.
Mrs. Delois Pospishel, 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on April 10, 2026, at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Murray.
Mrs. Pospishel was born Feb. 7, 1942, in Charleston, Missouri, to the late Charles Francis Davis and Alda Belle Washburn. She retired from Western Electric, where she worked in telephone repair.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Pospishel; and two brothers, Charles Edward Davis and Chester Wayne Davis.
She is survived by one brother, Billy Gene Davis, of Jacksonville, Florida; and two sisters, Delila Whitehead and Mary Francis Murphy, of Wisella, Minnesota.
Mrs. Pospishel will be interred at Murray City Cemetery.
Imes Funeral Home & Crematory of Murray, Kentucky will oversee arrangements.
Sally Ann Carpenter*
Oct. 4, 1948 – April 7, 2026
Mrs. Sally Ann Carpenter, 77, of New Concord, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.
Mrs. Carpenter was born on Oct. 04, 1948, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Tony Grill, Sr., and Irene (Miller) Grill. She retired as a cafeteria worker at Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw and was of the Lutheran Faith. Mrs. Carpenter was an avid gamer.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Scott Emerson Carpenter; two sisters, Angela Shafer and Laura Grill; as well as one brother, Tony Grill, Jr.
Survivors include one daughter, Rachel Ellen Fisher and husband Larry, of Dover, Delaware; one sister, Patricia Guttowsky and husband Jerry, of Murray; as well as several nieces and nephews.
There will be no public services or visitation held at this time.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, KY 42071.
Mr. Glenn D. Hughes, 75, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Hughes was born on Dec. 8, 1950, in Murray to the late James E. Hughes and Dortha (Henry) Hughes. He was a 1973 Murray State University graduate having earned a bachelor of scence degree in radio and T.V. communications. Mr. Hughes was a retired communications specialist. He was a member of the South Pleasant Grove United Methodist Church and the Tri-M Sunday School Class.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia (Tabers) Hughes, of Murray; they married on June 8, 1974, in Murray; two sons, Jamie Hughes and wife Buffy, of Mayfield, Ky., and John O. Hughes and wife Rachel, of Murray; one sister, Sandra Stone, of Murray; six grandchildren, Micah Hughes, Abigail Hughes and fiancé Bryce Lawson, Hannah Hughes, Chloe Hughes, Leah Hughes, and Maya Hughes; as well as his travel buddies, Debbie and Roger Dick.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Monday, April 13, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Shani Campbell will provide scripture and prayer at the end of visitation.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.
Ms. L. Wanda Osbron, 83, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.
Ms. Osbron was born on Sept. 27, 1942, in Murray, to the late Jay Warren and Mary Elizabeth (Brandon) Warren. She retired as a sales clerk at Rite Aid and was a member of the Westside Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Johnny Warren.
Survivors include one daughter, Lori Barnett and husband Eugene, of Murray; one sister, Vicki Wilson, of Murray; three grandchildren, Matthew White and wife Alyshia and Zach White and wife Whitney, all of Hazel, Ky., and Justin Barnett, of Murray; as well as 11 great grandchildren, Colby White, Caden White, Bradley Kelso, Syndey Alvarez, Mackenzie Bray, Lilyonna Sholar, Caleb White, Crider White, and Kayslee White, Ryder Barnett and Kaven Barnett.
A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Sammy Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in the Sinking Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m., Thursday, April 9, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.
Bro. Ronnie Burkeen, 62, of Dexter “Hico,” Kentucky, was called home on Monday, April 6, 2026, peacefully in his sleep.
Bro. Burkeen was born on Jan. 26, 1964, in Calloway County, Ky. He was a 1982 graduate of Calloway County High School. After nearly 40 years of service as an electrical lineman, Bro. Ronnie retired from the Murray Electric System and was recently working as the “hostess with the mostess” at the Dinner Bell Restaurant in Aurora, Ky.
Bro. Burkeen started his journey in the ministry of Christ in 2013 and served at Russell Chapel United Methodist Church until 2021. Bro. Ronnie has proudly served Coles Campground Church and Cherry Corner Baptist Church for the past five years.
He was a past member and chief of the D.E.S Rescue Squad and was a 34-year member of the Temple Hill Masonic Lodge and Alford Masonic Lodge, having been a past master of both lodges.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Aaron and Virginia Burkeen; paternal grandparents, Homer and Ela Burkeen; his father-in-law, David Bogard; as well as his sister-in-law Susan Bogard.
Survivors include his beloved wife, Lisa (Bogard) Burkeen, of Hico; they married on August 3, 1984, in Calloway County, sharing a lifetime of true love and memories over 41 years; two sons, Josh Burkeen (Ashley), of Killdeer, North Dakota, and Jordan Burkeen (Danyelle), of Murray, Ky.; parents, Jimmie and Patricia Burkeen, of Dexter; sister, Lavonda Russell, of Murray; mother-in-law, Joyce Bogard, of Murray; as well as five grandchildren, Addyson Grace Burkeen (19), Aubrey Janielle Burkeen (13), Maddox Carver Burkeen (9), Landry Ann Burkeen (5) and Colt David Burkeen (1).
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 11, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Martin Severns and Rev. Richard Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow in the Palestine Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A masonic service will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, April 10, at the the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Palestine Cemetery Fund, c/o Karen Brandon, PO Box 1553, Murray, KY 42071.
Mrs. Dorothy Rogers, 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, April 5,2026, at Hickory Woods Senior Living Community in Murray.
Mrs. Rogers was born on March 19, 1942. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Carl S. Rogers, and son, Lynn Carl Rogers.
Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Murray and was a volunteer with the Murray-Calloway County Senior Center. She was an educator and homemaker and a loving wife and mother to her husband and son. Dorothy is a longtime resident of Murray. In her later years, she resided at Brookdale assisted living and the Gardens at Hickory Woods Senior Living Community. During her stays at each community, Dorothy received wonderful personal care from their staff and her sitters.
Survivors include her guardian and friend, Amy Roos, of Murray.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12-1 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can go to the First United Methodist Church, 503 Maple St., Murray, KY 42071, or to the MSU Foundation c/o Music Department Scholarship for Voice, 106 Development Center, Murray, KY 42071.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Tim Graham*
Jan. 15, 1962 – April 5, 2026
Mr. Tim Graham, 64, of Dexter, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at his home.
Mr. Graham was born on Jan. 15, 1962, in Murray, Ky., to the late Jerry Graham and Janice (Staples) McCuiston. He worked in the construction industry.
Survivors include two sisters, LaDon Haley Berlin, of Evansville, Indiana, and Kristi Hopkins and husband Chris, of Murray; one niece, Emily Don Hopkins, of Murray; three nephews, Adam Haley, of Springfield, Illinois, Jason Haley, of Evansville, and Zachery Hopkins of Murray; one great niece, Audrey Haley, of Paducah, Ky.; as well as one great nephew, Weston Haley of Okawville, Ill.
A memorial visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m., Wednesday, April 8, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A private family service will be held.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St., Suite A1, Murray, KY 42071.
Mr. Michael Gene Brandon, 68, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, April 3, 2026, at the Marshall County Hospital in Benton, Ky.
Mr. Brandon was born on May 19, 1957, in Murray, to the late Junior Brandon and Willodean (Lee) Brandon. He was a 1975 graduate of Marshall County High School and was a member of the Palestine Church. Mr. Brandon worked for both Town and Country Motorsports and Dwain Taylor Cheverolet GMC in the parts departments.
Survivors include two sisters, Karen Brandon, of Murray, and Sharon Bybee and husband Buddy, of Murray; one niece, Jessica Grogan and husband Seth, of Hazel, Ky.; one nephew, Josh Bybee and wife Mallory, of Murray; as well as two great nieces Emma Grogan and Hadlee Bybee; and two great nephews, Clay Grogan and Hudson Bybee.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Ronnie Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Lauri Guin Thomas, 55, of Stewart, Tennessee, passed away on March 31, 2026, at St. Thomas Ascension Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.
Lauri was born in Columbus, Mississippi, on June 22, 1970, to Larry Guin and Nita Guin. She graduated from Calloway County High School and attended Murray State University. In the summer of 1991, she married Kevin Lane Thomas of Stewart, Tenn.
Tragically, in 1993, she was diagnosed as having myotonic muscular dystrophy. In spite of the progressive disease, she was able to continue a normal life for many years, raising her family and enjoying life. Eventually, the disease progressed to the point that she needed a walker and other assistance. Her health became increasingly precarious, with respiratory issues like Covid, the flu, and pneumonia being constant threats.
But, despite her declining health, she maintained her positive attitude toward life and always found the humor in events surrounding her. She laughed easily and often, and was a delight to be around and engage in conversation. Her capacity to enjoy life despite her medical problems amazed all around her.
Lauri was preceded in death by her mother, Nita Johnson Guin, of Murray.
She is survived by her husband, Kevin Lane Thomas; one son, Patrick Thomas; one daughter, Lexie (Jacob) Cox; and three grandchildren, Trey, Nash, and Zepplyn Cox, all of Stewart, Tenn. She also leaves behind her father, Larry Guin, and her step-mother, Betty Guin, of Murray; and two sisters, Kacey Guin of Tacoma, Washington, and Ashlee (Bryan) Hopkins of Murray. Special thanks also go out to her loving caregiver, Danyelle Barton.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home in Murray, Kentucky, is in charge of her cremation. At this time, no public services are planned, although a small, family-oriented memorial service may be held later.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org.
Mrs. Janette (Farmer) Giles, 97, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at Spring Creek Healthcare in Murray.
Mrs. Giles was born on May 9, 1928, to the late John Farmer and Carter Lee (Whitnel) Farmer. Mrs. Giles worked as an artist and craftswoman.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Giles was preceded in death by her husband, Burie H. Giles; and by one son, Lee Giles.
Mrs. Giles is survived by one daughter, Jenny Wood and husband Jackie of Almo, Kentucky; six grandchildren, Michael Wood, Amy Saalwaechter, LeeAnn Giles, John Giles, Elvin Giles, and Elissa Giles; as well as 21 great grandchildren.
A memorial graveside will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at noon in the chapel at Murray Memorial Gardens. Te’Heshia Richardson will officiate and burial will follow.
The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Steve Everett Givens*
Nov. 25, 1944 – April 2, 2026
Mr. Steve Everett Givens, 81, passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
Mr. Givens was born on Nov. 25, 1944, in Henderson, Kentucky, to the late Ralph Givens and Cordie Cobb.
A private entombment will take place at Murray Memorial Gardens.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mr. Steve Givens by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.
The following obituaries were updated or posted this month; however, the decedents passed away in a prior month.
Shranda Christine Milam*
Jan. 24, 1988 – March 29, 2026
Ms. Shranda Christine Milam, 38, of Kevil, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
Shranda was born on Jan. 24, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan, to Shannon Milam and Jessica (Bohannon) Milam.
She was preceded in death by her father, Shannon Milam; two brothers, William “Billy” Milam, Shannon Milam, Jr.; one sister, Shavonne Milam; grandparents, Cleo and Dawn Milam, Ella Milsap, HB and Evelyn Bohannon.
Those she leaves behind include four children, Zaryan Watson, Zoe Compton, Z’ariel Compton, Zella Watson, all of Kevil; her mother and stepfather, Jessica Milam Jackson (Paul Jackson), of New Concord, Ky.; a brother, Charles Milam (Christine), of New Concord; two stepchildren, Kristen and Preston Compton; her grandfather, David Milsap and a multitude of family and friends who loved her.
Her family will hold a visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, at Imes Funeral Home, 311 N. 4th St., Murray.
Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.
Barbara Ann Eckenrode*
Feb. 23, 1944 – March 29, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for her life that we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara Ann Eckenrode, lovingly known as “Barb,” “mom”, “Bobbie,” and “Grammy” on March 29, 2026. Born on February 23, 1944, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Barb was a woman of resilience, warmth, and unwavering love. She passed away at Murray-Calloway County Hospital, surrounded by the family she cherished, after a courageous battle with cancer, which spanned nearly two decades, and a brief bout with pneumonia.
Barb was the beloved daughter of Dorothy and her stepfather, Winston Johnson, and her biological father, Ralph Chase, all of whom predeceased her. She was also preceded in death by some of her siblings and cherished in-laws, including Robert and Dorothy Eckenrode, brothers-in-law Raymond Eckenrode and Neil Fairbanks and sisters-in-law Kathleen (Eckenrode) Wall and Rae Ann Unger.
A devoted wife of 60 years, Barb married the love of her life, Richard Eckenrode, on March 26, 1966, in Duluth, Minnesota. Their enduring partnership was a testament to unconditional love and commitment, with Richard standing by her side as her dedicated caregiver and driver throughout her illness, tirelessly ensuring she received the care she needed.
Barb was mom to Sue Eckenrode and Rick (Evelyn) Eckenrode, and grammie to six grandchildren: Marissa (Eric) Armstrong, Daniel Eckenrode, Steven (Taylor) Skifter, Zoe Eckenrode, Lacianne Skifter, and Robbie Eckenrode. Her legacy of love extends to her three great-grandchildren, Autumn, Eisley, and Ewan Armstrong, who brought her great joy.
An alumna of Northwestern High School in Maple, Wisconsin, Class of 1962, Barb’s early career as a waitress at Jim’s Diner in Duluth, Wisconsin, highlighted her knack for hospitality and her vibrant spirit. After marrying Richard, she became a devoted homemaker, crafting a warm and nurturing home filled with love and laughter.
Barb’s interests were as diverse as they were endearing. She found joy in true crime stories, easy crossword puzzles, and the art of Jumble puzzles, delighting in unscrambling letters to reveal hidden words. She loved researching the stock market and engaging in spirited discussions about politics. Her devotion to her beloved soap operas was well-known, and she was notably disappointed when “The Guiding Light” concluded. She also claimed she was really a ‘leap baby’ and only had a birthday every 4 years, making her younger than her children at one point. Before illness took over, Barb cherished her daily two-mile walks with Karen Fish, and the dogs, and treasured conversations on her landline, even when she missed half of what was said.
Fiercely protective, selfless, and generous, Barb’s defining characteristic was her unwavering love for her family. Her overprotective nature was a testament to her deep commitment to their well-being and happiness. Her kindness extended beyond her family, touching the lives of her brother-in-law Gary Wall and many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, and her dear friend, Karen.
In accordance with her wishes, a private family event will be held to honor Barb’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to St. Jude’s or the ASPCA, two organizations close to Barb’s heart.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at the Murray-Calloway Cancer Center and Critical Care Unit and the supportive neighbors, friends and family who checked in throughout Barb’s illness. Your kindness, prayers, and care meant the world to her.
MURRAY — In anticipation of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Calloway County has officially established the America250 Calloway County Committee, bringing together local organizations to commemorate the nation’s founding and highlight Kentucky’s contributions to American history.
The committee was formed following a resolution passed by the Calloway County Fiscal Court at their Feb. 18 meeting and includes representatives from:
Calloway County Fiscal Court
Captain Wendell Oury Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
Calloway County Genealogical and Historical Society
Calloway County Public Library
Calloway County Tourism
The Doran Arboretum at Murray State University
Kathy Timmons, Regent of the Captain Wendell Oury Chapter, NSDAR has been appointed as the committee chair.
To kick off the celebrations, Calloway County will participate in the statewide Liberty Tree Project, a collaborative initiative led by the Kentucky Historical Society and the Kentucky Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (KSDAR).
To commemorate 250 years of American history, a tulip poplar—Kentucky’s official state tree—will be planted in each of Kentucky’s 120 counties. The Kentucky Division of Forestry has donated all 120 trees to support Liberty Tree planting ceremonies across the Commonwealth.
The Liberty Tree holds deep historical significance as a symbol of unity, resistance, and the pursuit of freedom during the American Revolution. Today, the Liberty Tree Project not only honors that legacy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of conserving Kentucky’s native plant species for future generations.
A planting ceremony will serve as a main event of Earth Day celebrations at The Doran Arboretum at Murray State University occurring on Saturday, April 25th at 1 PM, connecting the commemoration of American history with a shared commitment to environmental stewardship.
We are proud to partner with the Commonwealth in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary and to bring that spirit of patriotism home to our community through this tree planting initiative. The “Fiscal Court fully supports the committee’s efforts and looks forward to the official kickoff of these celebrations in April,” said Calloway County Judge Executive Kenny Imes.
“This initiative allows our community to come together in a meaningful way—honoring our nation’s past while investing in something that will grow and endure for generations,” said Timmons.
Residents, families, and community members are encouraged to participate in this historic commemoration and to reflect on the shared roots that connect Calloway County to the broader American story.
Organizations interested in participating in the America250 Calloway County Committee are encouraged to contact the Calloway County Fiscal Court office at 270-753-2920 for more information.
Coach Bobby Toon, 90, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray.
Mr. Toon was born on Jan. 12, 1936, in Crutchfield, Ky., to the late Milford Toon and Mamie (Gore) Toon. He was a United States Army private having served in the Cold War. Upon returning home, he attended Murray State University where he played football and ran track.
Mr. Toon was a retired teacher and coach, having coached high school basketball and football for approximately 20 years. During that time, he coached at Murray High, Calloway County and Marshall County, even leading the Murray High basketball team to the state tournament in 1974.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Shirley (Cathey) Toon, six brothers and three sisters.
Survivors include one daughter, Shara Olivier and husband Mike Olivier, of El Cajon, California; three grandchildren, Jacqueline Brown and husband Nathan Brown, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, Caroline Olivier and husband Peter Cuppernull, of Brooklyn, New York, and Stephen Olivier and fiancé Claire Holland, of Dallas, Texas; three great grandchildren, Cameron, Miles and Faith Brown; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate and burial to follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., Saturday, March 29, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the MISD Foundation For Excellence, P.O. Box 1417, Murray, KY 42071 for the future establishment of a scholarship honoring Mr. Toon’s years of service to the Murray Independent School District.
UPDATE (March 29, 2026): Republic has begun collecting the old blue trash carts. The city is asking residents to place empty carts at the roadside on their side so workers know they are ready for pickup and so the wind does not blow them around. Residents can also view GFL Environmental’s new collection routes HERE.
MURRAY – All across Murray, new black trash carts have begun appearing at the ends of driveways, in front yards and beside garages, catching some residents by surprise as the city prepares to switch sanitation providers next month.
For the past decade, the city’s sanitation service has been handled by Republic Services, but GFL Environmental will take over collection beginning April 1.
With old blue Republic carts still in use and new black GFL carts arriving neighborhood by neighborhood, the result has been an unusual roadside scene: some homes have two carts, some have one and some are still waiting.
Murray Sanitation Manager Ron Allbritten told city council members earlier this month that the rollout had already generated a wave of questions from residents, from which cart to use to when old carts will be picked up.
“Most residents won’t really see things change, except they’ve got a new garbage can that’s a different color, and there’s a bright English pea green truck coming down the street to pick it up,” he said. “If you’ve seen some of the (commercial) dumpsters, they’re a bright green. So, those trucks will stand out.”
As carts continue to arrive across the city, officials say these are some of the most common questions they’ve been hearing from residents:
Q: My new cart is warped. Is something wrong with it?
A: Probably not. The warping is the result of how the carts are shipped – tightly packed into tractor trailers. Residents are advised to place the cart in direct sunlight for a few hours, and it should return to its normal shape.
Q: Now I’ve got two carts, which cart do I put out?
A: After April 1, only GFL’s black carts should be used. Until then, Republic will service either the old blue cart or the new black cart, but residents should put out only one cart at a time. Officials also encourage residents to empty their blue carts before switching to the black ones so they are ready for pickup when Republic begins collecting them.
Q: When are they going to pick up my old cart?
A: City officials have not been directly involved with scheduling pickups for the old cartss. Republic and GFL are working together to coordinate that task so that no residents are left without a cart.
Q: What about recycling?
A: Recycling services will not change. Like Republic, GFL distinguishes its recycling carts with a yellow lid. Service schedules will stay the same. Residents interested in adding recycling services are asked to wait until April 1 to sign up.
Q: Will my service day change?
A: Possibly. GFL will expand residential collection services to include pickup on Fridays. A limited number of customers on the current Monday routes will be moved to one of the new Friday routes. GFL will notify customers directly if their service day will change in April.
Q: Will my sanitation charges be going up?
A: No. Residential sanitation rates will remain the same. The city has maintained its $15 residential collection rate — the lowest in western Kentucky — since 2012 and does not anticipate an increase under the new contract.
Q: My new cart has been delivered, but I did not receive the number I was supposed to receive. What do I do?
A: Call the sanitation department at 270-762-0380, and they will correct the problem.
Q: I don’t have a new cart; what do I do?
A: Residents are asked to be patient through the process of switching out thousands of carts – around 7,500 for trash service alone. However, customers whose neighbors have received new carts should contact the sanitation department at 270-762-0380.
Q: I am disabled and have walk-up service; will that continue?
A: Yes, GFL has been informed where those stops are located to ensure they are incorporated in the routes and the service continues uninterrupted. However, if a customer signed up for walk-up service is missed, they should contact the sanitation department at 270-762-0380 as early as possible the next morning, and they will correct the problem.
Content warning: This article contains descriptions of sexual abuse that some readers may find disturbing.
MURRAY – A fourth man appeared in Calloway District Court this week on charges related to the sexual abuse of children under 12, joining three other defendants whose cases moved through the court in a matter of days.
On Tuesday, Jarrett Collins, 44, of Princeton, was arraigned on charges of first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12, and first-degree sodomy, victim under 12. During a preliminary hearing Friday, the court found probable cause to send the case to a grand jury.
On Wednesday, James Johnson, 32, of Murray, was arraigned on four counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12. His preliminary hearing, originally scheduled for Friday, was continued until Tuesday after an investigator with the Kentucky State Police Electronic Crimes Branch was unable to attend.
Left: Jarrett Collins sits at the defense table with his public defender Victoria Wright for his preliminary hearing Friday. Right: James Johnson stands at the podium with Cheri Riedel, directing attorney for the Department of Public Advocacy Murray Trial Officer, on Friday before his preliminary hearing was continued to next week. Below: Aidan Santos, right, sits at the defense table with his attorney Chris Hendricks during his preliminary hearing in Calloway District Court Wednesday. (Zoom screenshots/The Murray Sentinel)
Also on Wednesday, the court found probable cause after a preliminary hearing in the case of another Murray man, Aidan Santos, 25, who is scheduled to be arraigned in Calloway Circuit Court on Monday, March 30, at 8:30 a.m. on 10 counts of possession and 10 counts of distribution of matter portraying a sexual performance by a minor under 12.
Then, on Friday, Stephen Foriest, 34, of Murray, was arraigned on charges of sodomy, rape, sexual abuse and distribution of obscene material to a minor. The victim in the case was seven years old at the time of the alleged incidents.
Foriest was arrested Wednesday and charged with three counts of first-degree sodomy, which are Class B felonies, and one count each of first-degree rape, victim under 12, a Class A felony; first-degree sexual abuse, victim under 12, a Class C felony; and distribution of obscene material to minors, first-offense, a Class A misdemeanor.
Stephen Foriest at Friday’s arraignment. (Zoom screenshot/The Murray Sentinel)
According to the uniform citation, the victim’s mother reported the matter to the Murray Police Department (MPD) after receiving a letter from her daughter outlining the alleged abuse that occurred around five years ago. She confirmed that she was dating Foriest at the time the alleged events took place and acknowledged that he occasionally took care of her children.
The citation includes graphic descriptions of the alleged abuse, based on interviews conducted with the victim and Foriest.
The child told investigators, according to the citation, that Foriest engaged in sexual acts with her and showed her a video to demonstrate what he wanted her to do. The investigators wrote that Foriest touched her genitals with his mouth and fingers and directed her to perform oral sex on him.
The citation states that Foriest voluntarily came to the police station for an interview, where he was read his Miranda rights and signed a waiver. Investigators wrote that Foriest admitted to “kissing” the child’s genitals and rubbing them with his fingers, saying there “may have been slight penetration of the finger by accident.”
Marshall District Judge Jack Telle presided over all proceedings in Calloway District Court Friday, filling in for Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens.
Marshall District Judge Jack Telle is seen talking to Foriest about bond conditions during his arraignment in Calloway District Court Friday. (Zoom screenshot/The Murray Sentinel)
During the hearing, Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen advised the court that the sodomy charges should be amended to first-degree sodomy, victim under 12, which is a Class A felony.
Telle set bond at $50,000 cash. In addition to standard bond conditions, including no contact with the victim or her family, Foriest is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with any child under the age of 18.
The Department of Public Advocacy was appointed to represent Foriest. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. Telle will preside over those proceedings as well.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
