UPDATE: Due to inclement weather, this event has been canceled. Organizer Stephanie Rea said she hopes to reschedule later this month, if not, next year.
MURRAY, Ky. – Murray State University’s Department of Music is pleased to present “Valentine Schmalentine: A Variety Show” on Saturday, Feb. 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Performing Arts Hall on Murray State’s campus.
Organized by Dr. Stephanie Rea, professor of flute, the show will highlight both the sweetness and the ridiculousness of Valentine’s Day and explore the ups and downs of love through musical selections in popular and classical styles, poetry and a healthy dose of humor. Rea says the show is for all ages and tastes.
“If you are not a fan of classical music, this performance is for you. But if you do like classical music, the show’s for you as well,” Rea said. “There’ll be singing, comedic improv, musical improv, flute and piano playing, some funny poetry and some surprises. It should make a great night out for just about anyone; go see a show, have dinner after.”
One of the goals of the show is to demonstrate how creativity helps individuals process their emotions and circumstances.
“No one escapes the fact that life is filled with challenges, and we all need outlets for that. I think all humans are naturally creative, which is why we appreciate creativity when we see it in others,” said Rea. “We’re drawn to it because it is in us already. There are so many ways to make sense of life. In this show, I’m trying to highlight a few of those ways.”
Featured performers include Rea and pianist Christy D’Ambrosio, along with Christopher Mitchell, professor of voice; Ash Stemke, assistant professor of composition; EQ Blu, Murray State’s student a cappella group; Bonnie Cross Stone, Department of Music alum; and Carrie Jerrell, associate professor of creative writing.
The concert is free and open to the public. Contact the Department of Music at 270-809-4288 with questions about the event.
With the legislature currently in session, testosterone flows freely in Frankfort as the Republican super-majority flexes its manly muscles. When the boys want to get something done, poof! It happens. This year, for example, a reduction in the state income tax passed with alacrity, lowering the rate to 3.5% from 4% in 2026.
In an attaboy victory lap, Republican Sen. Chris McDaniel claimed that passage of Senate Bill 1 diminishes the certainty of death and taxes. “The General Assembly is going to do everything in its power, and frequently with success, to lower your taxes,” McDaniel promised.
Given that pronouncement, inquiring voters might wonder why Kentucky still has not repealed the so-called “Pink Tax” on menstrual products. More than half the U.S. states have deleted the tampon tax from their rolls because they realize these items are necessities, not taxable luxuries.
In its current state, Kentucky’s tax affects just about every woman in the commonwealth between menarche and menopause, a stretch of as many as forty years. Past attempts to repeal it have been shrugged off by the Republican legislature, including last year, when the proposal never got out of committee.
Right now, there are three bills in the Appropriations and Revenue Committee – 122, 123, and 231 – that address repeal of the tampon tax and provide clarity on other menstrual/maternal necessities.
Democrat G. Brown Jr. is the sponsor of #122, which seeks to exempt “baby bottles, baby wipes, breast pumps, breast pump collection and storage supplies, breast pump kits, diapers, menstrual discharge collection devices, and incontinence products” from state tax.
G. Brown Jr. and B. Chester-Burton sponsored #123 to define “menstrual discharge collection devices” and exempt them from sales tax.
Democrats L. Willner and M. Lehman sponsored #231, to require public schools that include any of grades six through 12 to provide free menstrual discharge collection devices to students and require local boards of education to adopt policies for the distribution of free menstrual discharge collection devices.
Commonsense opportunities to reduce unfair taxes like these are examples of the proverbial “low hanging fruit,” that legislators say they love, but in this case, not so much.
Those interested in monitoring the progress of bills 122, 123, and 231 can do so online via the Kentucky General Assembly site.
Citizens interested in fairmindedness might also track HB 281, introduced by Rep. T. J. Roberts, one of the youngest Republicans in Kentucky’s legislature. The bill would abolish all sales taxes on anything “Second Amendment related” including safety and storage devices.
If passed, it would define terms including “ammunition,” “antique firearm,” “body armor,” firearm,” “firearm muffler or silencer,” “firearm-related accessory,” “firearm safety course,” “firearm safety device,” and “firearm storage device” for the purpose of sales and use tax exemptions.
Roberts was inspired to introduce the bill because, according to a post on his X account, he doesn’t believe in taxing constitutional rights.
So stay tuned to see how committed Kentucky legislators are to cutting taxes and to supporting the constitutional rights of all. With DEI – the acronym for Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion – in the crosshairs, one might wonder if there is any chance of eliminating the Pink Tax, while HB 281 is likely to be a slam dunk.
“Boys will be boys,” is a common refrain, but isn’t it about time to grow up?
Recipient of a Governor’s Award in the Arts, Constance Alexander has won numerous grants, awards, and residencies for her poetry, plays, prose and civic journalism projects. She is also a founding board member of The Murray Sentinel and currently serves as our board secretary.
MURRAY – After interviewing 11 candidates over the last two days, the Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee nominated four finalists for the position of president, and the Board of Regents unanimously approved the nominations.
The nationwide search for a new president began after the university’s current president, Robert “Bob” Jackson, announced his retirement in September. Jackson steps down June 30.
At a special called meeting on Jan. 31, the committee met in closed session for more than three hours. Upon reconvening in open session, the committee unanimously approved a list of 11 semi-finalists, but they were only identified by number to protect their anonymity.
The committee held another special called meeting yesterday and spent roughly nine hours in closed session, interviewing candidates. At today’s special called meeting, the committee met in closed session for more than seven hours, emerging around 3:45 p.m. Committee and Board of Regents Chair Leon Owens announced the finalists selected by the committee, this time identifying them by name – Christian Hardigree, Diana Rogers-Adkinson, Chad Tindol and Ron Patterson.
The committee voted to forward the list of finalists to the Board of Regents, who unanimously approved it by a roll-call vote. Following the vote, there was a brief discussion about the logistics of the on-site interviews. At 3:53 p.m., the meeting adjourned.
Christian Hardigree
Hardigree has been the regional chancellor for the University of South Florida (USF) St. Petersburg since 2022. According to her bio on the USF St. Petersburg website, she holds a Juris Doctorate from Walter F. George School of Law at Mercer University and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Nevada Las Vegas William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.
Christian Hardigree (Photo provided)
According to her Linked-in profile, Hardigree has more than 28 years’ experience in academia. She was the founding dean of the School of Hospitality at Metropolitan State University of Denver and founding director of the Michael A. Leven School of Culinary Sustainability and Hospitality at Kennesaw State University.
“I started as a faculty member in the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses in hospitality law, employment law, labor management relations, human resources, ethics, and diversity,” Hardigree wrote in her About section. “Tenured in 2006, I’ve received with several teaching and service awards, while compiling a nationally renowned research and scholarly engagement portfolio. I am a tenured full professor in the USF Muma College of Business (AACSB accredited), and was awarded a Fulbright International Education Administrators grant (France) in 2024. #FulbrightScholar”
She has secured more than $28.7 million in gifts, grants and contracts and worked on capital projects exceeding $246 million over the course of her career, according to her profile. Hardigree also has more than 20 years’ experience as a trial attorney, litigating in the areas of premises liability, security/safety, products liability, discrimination and employment law.
Diana Rogers-Adkinson
Rogers-Adkinson is currently with the Pennsylvania System for Higher Education, serving as its vice chancellor academic affairs and chief academic officer. She earned a Bachelor of Science in education from Ball State University in 1983, according to her Linked-in profile, and between 1989 and 1994, she completed doctoral programs in both counseling and special education.
Diana Rogers-Adkinson (Photo provided)
She started her career in academia as an assistant professor at Wichita State University in 1994. She was a professor and department chair for 13 years at the University of Wisconsin and spent six years at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO), as the dean of the College of Education.
Since 2019, Rogers-Adkinson has been in Pennsylvania, spending three years as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, followed by two years as senior vice president and provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania. She has been in her current position for eight months.
Rogers-Adkinson’s bio page on the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education website includes a Q&A section. One query was about what sparked her interest in student and academic affairs administration.
“As a first-generation college student, I experienced numerous ‘oops’ during my degrees from a lack of understanding of the rules and expectations in higher education,” Rogers-Adkinson replied. “I volunteered to be on the university retention committee while at Wichita State as a result. That led to my choosing to engage in leadership initiatives focused on improving student outcomes in higher education. Others then called on me to lead, first as a program coordinator, then as department chair, dean, and provost. I have enjoyed supporting the program, faculty and staff development. I currently have several mentees at varying stages of higher education leadership and am excited to support the SLGs across the system.”
Chad Tindol
Tindol is currently the chief administrative officer at the University of Alabama (UA), a position he has held since 2019. According to his Linked-in profile, he graduated from UA with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1994. He attended Yale Law School, graduating in 1997.
Chris Tindol (Photo provided)
After a year serving as a law clerk under U.S. District Judge for the Middle District of Alabama W. Harold Albritton, Tindol spent several years in private practice. He has been an adjunct instructor at the UA since 2007, according to his Linked-in page, teaching “The Law & Social Change (Honors Seminar),” “Education Law,” “Higher Education & The Law” and “Local Government Law.”
Over the past 18 years, Tindol has held positions across the higher education spectrum, such as the associate dean for academic services and a senior lecturer at the University of Alabama School of Law and special assistant to the chancellor and deputy general counsel for the University of Alabama System.
Ron Patterson
Patterson is the president of Chadron State College (CSC) in Chadron, Nebraska, a position he has held for almost two years. According to his bio on the CSC website, he graduated from Creighton University in 2022 with a Doctor of Education in higher education administration and leadership. He also holds an Education Specialist degree from Arkansas State University, a Master of Arts from Marietta College, a Bachelor of Science from the University of Tennessee – Southern and Associate of Arts from Northeast Mississippi Community College.
Ron Patterson (Photo provided)
Patterson’s 25 years of experience in higher education, including four years as a former assistant men’s basketball coach and head men’s golf coach at other universities. He spent six years at the University of North Alabama, half of that time as the vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. Prior to his time at the University of North Alabama, Patterson spent 14 years as an administrator at Marietta College in Ohio, University of Central Arkansas, University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Christian Brothers University in Memphis.
“Patterson is a visionary, scholar-practitioner and possesses a wealth of experience in diversity, equity, and inclusion, enrollment management, program and course development, student, faculty and staff development, strategic planning, assessment, and accreditation,” the bio states. “An interdisciplinary leader by training, his research focuses on continuous improvement in higher education. Patterson’s commitment as a servant leader takes many forms. He has traveled extensively to foster positive relationships between institutions. He has collaborated with governmental agencies in such countries as The People’s Republic of China and Democratic Republic of the Congo to enroll students. At the local and regional level, he often volunteers at community-related functions and speaks frequently to civic groups, professional associations, and community agencies and organizations.”
MURRAY – The Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee is currently in closed session during a special called meeting that started at 8:15 a.m. As noted on the agenda and announced by committee chair Leon Owens prior to going into closed session, the purpose is to hold discussions which are likely to result in the appointment of an individual employee.
While it was not overtly announced, based on the discussion prior to entering closed session, it was clear that the committee would be interviewing semi-finalists. In the open session, academic search consultants Wanda Bigham and Margaret Venable provided a brief orientation to committee members regarding the interview process.
Each candidate is allotted one hour for their interview. Each candidate will answer 12 questions. No follow-up questions are allowed; however, some questions have multiple parts, and in the event a candidate does not address all parts of a question, Owens will ask them to clarify their answer for any portions not addressed in the initial response.
The search committee last met on Jan. 31. After a closed session, which lasted approximately two hours, the committee announced 11 semi-finalists. To protect the candidates’ anonymity, the semi-finalists were only identified by number.
It is not clear whether the committee will be interviewing all 11 semi-finalists today, but several made comments in open session this morning that today will be a “long day.” After every other interview, the committee will get a 15-minute break, which means that it will take approximately 12 and a half hours to conduct 11 interviews.
This is the first of two special called meetings the committee has scheduled this week. The second will be tomorrow, and like today, it will also include a closed session; however, that agenda includes an action after the committee reconvenes in open session, namely, the selection of finalists.
Both today’s meeting and tomorrow’s can be viewed on livestream. Links to the respective meetings can be found here.
(YouTube screenshot of livestream while the committee is in closed session)
Note: This week’s schedule was updated on Feb. 12.
Monday, Feb. 10
The Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee will hold a special called meeting at 8:15 a.m. in Wells Hall, Room 118. See agenda.
The Murray Human Rights Commission will meet at 4:30 p.m. at City Hall, 500 Main St. See agenda.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
The Murray State University Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee will hold a special called meeting at 8:15 a.m. in Wells Hall, Room 118. See agenda.
The Murray Park Committee will meet at noon at City Hall, 500 Main St. See agenda.(CANCELED)
The Calloway County Public Library Board of Trustees will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the library, 710 Main St.
Wednesday, Feb. 12
The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Quality Committee will meet at noon in the hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for Zoom connection details). See agenda.
Thursday, Feb. 13
The Calloway County Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. at the Central Office, 2110 College Farm Rd.
The Murray Board of Education will meet at 6 p.m. at the Carter Administration Building, 208 S 13th St.
The Murray City Council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 500 Main St.Note: The Personnel and Finance Committee will meet at 5:45 p.m.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Two bridge-replacement projects in Calloway County are among those receiving Phase 1 funding from the County-City Bridge Improvement Program (CCBIP), Gov. Andy Beshear announced at a press conference today. In total, $10.2 million in awards will fund 23 bridge projects across the commonwealth.
“In November, we told you about a new opportunity for our cities and counties, one that will provide better, safer infrastructure for all Kentuckians,” Beshear said. “Now, three months later, we’re here to award $10 million to fix local bridges that are in need of repair. Our families worry every day about the safety of our roads and bridges and how long it will take to get them where they need to go.”
The Calloway County Fiscal Court received $430,000 to replace a bridge on Clayton Drive and $505,000 to replace a bridge on Furches Trail.
In addition to Calloway, projects were awarded in Ballard, Barren, Campbell, Clay, Graves, Grayson, Hickman, Johnson, LaRue, Lyon, Marion, McCracken, Menifee, Nelson, Ohio, Washington and Wolfe counties and the city of Winchester. A full list of projects can be found here.
Today’s announcement was for Phase 1 projects. The application window for Phase 2 is open now, and Phase 3 will take place from March through May.
“We’ll use these funds to repair bridges that are closed, have traffic limitations or are in need of repair,” Beshear said. “This work means that our families will no longer have to detour to get to their homes, schools health care centers, churches, or to get groceries or pick up, medicine. Bridges are a vital link for Kentuckians.”
MURRAY – The rumor about a threat of violence at Murray High School that ran rampant through the student body over the weekend and into Monday turned out to be just that – a rumor, according to an email Murray Independent School District Superintendent Coy Samons sent to district stakeholders Monday afternoon.
In the email, Samons advised that administrators were “aware of recent rumors circulating on social media, amongst students and community members of possible threats of violence directed at Murray High School. … Murray Independent wishes to inform families there were no threatening statements made toward specific students or campus facilities.”
Samons said that MHS personnel, school resource officer and the Murray Police Department worked closely to identify the source of the rumors, ultimately concluding there was no evidence of a credible threat. He further advised that there would be additional law enforcement on campus and that enhanced safety protocols were in place.
While MHS Principal Tony Jarvis could not give many more details, he did confirm in an interview yesterday that the new safety protocols include, at least in part, changes to student arrival procedures.
“I’m not really at liberty to talk a lot about things, but we are working to make sure we’re doing everything we can to keep the campus safe and everyone involved here safe,” Jarvis told The Sentinel. “So, yeah, we have changed some practices just because we felt like that might be something to take a look at. Actually, students have come to me with thoughts about things that we do. So, we’ve listened, and we’ve worked. We’re trying a couple of different things in the last three or four weeks, and then some things came on (Monday).”
Among the changes, mandatory bag checks have been reinstated as of Monday. Jarvis said his hope in bringing back the safety measure was to “give students some comfort and knowledge that we know what we’re seeing when they come through the doors.’”
“We checked bags for years here until we got the scan towers,” Jarvis said, referring to weapons detection systems that students now walk through when they enter the building. “Then we did some limited checking every now and again, and if your bag went off, we would have to look in it.”
“I like doing the bag checks because I get to talk to the student one-on-one,” he added. “For those of us doing the bag checks before the scan towers (were brought in), it was something that allowed for a more personal connection with kids. The students tend to go to the same people, so you can strike up conversation. I’m also reading body language. That’s something we’re looking for, too, anything that gives us a sense of these kids are doing well or that one needs a bit more.”
Jarvis also confirmed that procedures for entering the building are consistent regardless of whether a student arrives early to attend a club meeting or is late for school, adding, “Everyone goes through the same process, it looks a little different.”
In addition to the district-wide email from Samons, Jarvis sent his own email Monday night to MHS stakeholders, reiterating the school’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and staff. He also reminded students of the resources available to share safety concerns – by reporting to any adult staff member, through the Tassel Connect app installed on their Chromebooks or using the STOP Tipline (linked here), which is a completely anonymous way for students to share concerns with school administrators.
“I’ve checked back through with kids over the last couple of days, and again, it’s basically exactly what Mr. Samons and I reaffirmed (Monday), which was that it was just a whole lot of talk, a rumor,” Jarvis said. “I chased a lot of dots yesterday trying to follow up with everyone because I need to. You know, I have a kid here and 600 students and fabulous staff, so I checked back and just kept running into the same thing.”
He likened it to a game of telephone. “We used to do that in little youth groups that I would be in – (start with) two sentences, and let’s see what it is when it gets around to the end. To me, it was almost like, ‘Well, someone told me this, and I need to add my own embellishment’ – I call it a topper – ‘so that my story has more pizazz to it.’”
“We just want everyone to feel comfortable and safe and continue having school despite this rumor that just kind of blew up on us a little bit, but that’s okay,” Jarvis said. “You have to be ready for these things because you never know when they will happen.”
MURRAY – The agricultural division of the Calloway County Cooperative Extension Service recently released its second seasonal magazine, “Extension Diversified.” The newsletter-style magazine features educational articles and information regarding events and classes offered by the extension service.
“This recent edition includes valuable updates, insights, and information pertinent to our ongoing programs and events.” said Matt Chadwick, the agricultural agent for the Calloway office.
The first newsletter came out in the Fall of last year and featured articles written by local agents in the western Kentucky region. Articles on the local Master Gardeners program and raising chickens were just a few of the highlights. Print editions of the first and second editions of the magazine may be picked up at the local extension office, which is located off U.S. 641 N, at 93 Extension Way in Murray.
The newest edition, for the winter and spring seasons, is not only available in print, but there is also an e-edition.
For many years, the Calloway County Cooperative Extension, in connection with the University of Kentucky, has offered free or low-cost educational experiences for residents of Calloway. Whether it be through a class or a workshop, the mission of the extension office, according to its website, is to improve the community through research-based education. For more information about classes or meetings visit the extension website.
Other divisions within the Calloway Extension Service also offer similar newsletters. Debra Hixon, the agent for Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS), puts out a monthly newsletter to promote events and offer information. Digital copies of the most recent FCS newsletter can be found here.
“My monthly newsletter has flyers of upcoming classes,” Hixon said.
Much like Extension Diversified, the FCS newsletter also lets community members know about the variety of classes offered by the extension office.
“I do several community classes,” Hixon said, “Cooking Through the Calendar, a food demonstration at the Calloway County Public Library, the first Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. Also Laugh and Learn, a pre-kindergarten readiness program on the first Friday of the month at 10 a.m., which is also at the library.”
Hixon also offers a brain health class called WITS Workout at the Murray Senior center twice monthly, on the second and fourth Friday at 10 a.m. For those with children aged nine years and up, the Calloway County 4-H division of the extension office offers a wide array of programs.
“There are many new opportunities for our youth and volunteers coming up this spring that I am excited to share,” said Calyn Colston, Calloway’s 4-H youth development agent, of the Calloway 4-H newsletter, which can be found here.
Mrs. Melissa Ann (Hale) Blevins of Rainsville, AL, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her home, following an extended illness.
A Celebration of Life gathering for friends and family will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m., in the Coles Campground Church Fellowship Building.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Ella Faye Niccum Davis, age 93, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Spring Creek Nursing Home in Murray, Kentucky.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Chalmus Edwards will officiate, and burial will follow in the McCuistion Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Victoria Lynn Singleton, age 76, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Richard Burkeen will officiate. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street #A, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Peggy Mitchell, 87, of New Concord, KY, passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.
A public graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2025 at Murray City Cemetery with John Dale and Russ Crosswhite officiating. Pallbearers include, Chuck Adams, Daniel Spiceland, Randy McCallon, Chad Stubblefield, Morgan Evans and Hector Rojas.
In order to continue her love for others and to ease the financial burden of advancing a child’s education, in lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Peggy Mitchell Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o the Murray Bank, P.O. Box 1300, Murray, Kentucky.
Mr. Randy E. Wyatt, 68, of Hazel, passed away on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at his home.
The funeral service for Mr. Randy Wyatt is set for 11 am on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home. Andrew Clapp will officiate and burial will follow at Storey’s Chapel Cemetery.
His family welcomes visitors from 4 pm until 7 pm on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home.
Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.
Bobby Lee McCallister passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, in Monroe, Washington, after a brief illness.
We will celebrate Bobby on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Murray, Kentucky with a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Bro. Wayne Hopkins will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 22, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with the committal service following in the Unity Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Hardin, Kentucky, where he will be laid to rest next to Nancy.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Samuel Wilson, 39, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2025.
His family welcomes visitors from 12-3 pm on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray.
A private, family memorial service will be held following visitation.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Kentucky Storm Relief, 1050 State Park Rd. Pineville, KY 40977.
Mrs. Oneda (Outland) Thornton Kaufman, 98 of Memphis, TN, passed away Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Select Specialty Hospital, Fort Myers, FL.
A service celebrating Oneda’s life will be held in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home on Saturday, March 15th at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor James Outland officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Blood River Cemetery, New Concord, KY.
Services will be webcast Saturday, March 15, 2025 beginning at 12:55 p.m. CST. The link will be provided the morning of the service.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Susan Medlock, age 64, of Henry County, Tennessee passed away, Sunday, February 23, 2025, at her daughter’s home.
A celebration of life will be held at 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 2, 2025, at the Point Pleasant Baptist Church in Buchanan, Tennessee with Bro. Larry Dukes and Bro. Robert McBroom officiating. There will be no public visitation held prior to the Celebration of Life.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Point Pleasant Baptist Church Building Fund, 13700 Hwy 79 North, Buchanan, Tennessee 38222.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Ted Lovett, age 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at Spring Creek Health Care in Murray after an extended illness.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Charley Bazzell and Johnny Parker will officiate, and burial will follow in the Tucker Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday, February 27, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Soup for the Soul, PO Box 1001, Murray, Kentucky 42071 or to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street #A, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Stephen David Garner, age 75, of Kirksey, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.
A public graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Phillip Bazzell will officiate, and burial will follow. There will be no public visitation.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made to the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services to assist in final expenses.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Jimmy D. Allen, age 76, of Hardin, Kentucky, passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2025, at his home.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow in the Ferguson Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Larry Joe “Hi Pocket” Rogers, age 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the University of Kentucky Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Sue (Jones) Outland, age 91, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Passion and Purpose in Murray, Kentucky.
A funeral service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate, and burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can go to the Tiffany Shemwell Clayton Fund, for infants, children, and youth in our community, 503 Maple Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Cindy L. Ross, 65 of Almo, KY, passed away Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, KY.
A memorial service will be conducted Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Northside Baptist Church, 884 Radio Road, Almo, KY 42020, with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Friends may visit with the family after 1:00 p.m. until the service hour on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the church.
Cindy will be inurned at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Fort Collins, CO, at a later date.
In remembrance of Cindy’s life, the family asks that donations be made to the Murray-Calloway Co. Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Lane, Murray, KY 42071 or to the Salvation Army Paducah Corps, 2990 Trimble St, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Ross.
Mrs. Dana (Harrison) Bazzell, age 70, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 17, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Kerry Lambert officiating. Bro. Ricky Cunningham and Rev. Jim Stahler will assist with the service. Burial will follow in the Farmington Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar St. # A, Murray, KY. 42071 or the Dana Bazzell Nursing Scholarship Fund in her memory. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services are in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Douglas Vander Molen, 72, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at Tennova Healthcare in Clarksville, TN.
The funeral service honoring his life will be held at 11 am on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray. Chris Owens will officiate and burial will follow at Murray City Cemetery.
His family welcomes visitors from 4 pm – 8 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025 at the Heritage Chapel.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Murray Christian Fellowship, 1208 Chestnut Street, Murray, KY 42071 or University of Michigan, College of Engineering, 500 South State Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109 or charity of your choice.
The Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.
Mr. Algie Graves, 74, of Murray, passed away on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at his home.
The funeral service is set for 12 pm on Monday, February 17, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, downtown Murray. Henry Greer will officiate and burial with military honors will follow at Murray Memorial Gardens.
No public visitation will be held.
Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.
Bessie Nell Lindsay McCary, age 94, of Shreveport, Louisiana, residing in Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025.
Graveside memorial service will be held March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana.Graveside memorial service will be held March 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Forest Park West Cemetery in Shreveport, Louisiana.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Gedric Paschall, age 88, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow at Sinking Springs Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the American Lung Association, Donation Processing Center, PO Box 70360, Philadelphia, PA 19176-0360
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant Earl Winston Cross, a decorated veteran of the United States Marine Corps, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3, 2025, at the age of 85. The Henderson, Kentucky resident spent his final days at the Anna Mae Owens Residential Hospice House in Murray, Kentucky.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Anna Mae Owens Residential Hospice House in Murray.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Charles Rudolph “Boogie” Thurman, Jr., 84 of Murray, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital in Paducah.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, KY with Brian Johnson and Ashley Thurman officiating. Entombment will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery Mausoleum.
Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, February 15, 2025, after 12:00 noon until the funeral hour, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.
Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Thurman.
Mrs. Marie Jeannette Hicks, age 100, passed away Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 14, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Home & Cremation Services. Rev. Jim Stahler will officiate, and entombment will follow in the Woodlawn Memorial Gardens & Mausoleum. No public visitation will be held.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Mary Lou Lyles, age 81, of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in the chapel of the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Bro. Jim Stahler will officiate with the burial to follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Monday, February 10, 2025, from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Expression of sympathy may be made to the Calloway County Humane Society, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Joe Brooks Bowden, age 84, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Monday, February 3, 2025, at Tri Star Hospital in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
Graveside services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 9, 2025, in the Mt Carmel Cemetery in Kirksey, Kentucky. Todd and Clarissa King will officiate. No public visitation will be held.
Expression of sympathy may be made to the Murray Calloway County Senior Citizens Center, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Joanne Fuller passed away February 4, 2025, at Murray Calloway County Hospital. The family wants to thank the highly skilled and compassionate caregivers who helped through this difficult time. Joanne was 96. She was born January 31, 1929.
A celebration of life will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please send charitable donations to the Humane Society of Calloway County or the American Cancer Society.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Tommy “The Kid” Patterson, age 47, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, February 9, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Jim Greenwell officiating. Burial will follow in the Memorial Cemetery in Paris, Tennessee. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Charlotte Edmonson, age 55, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, February 2, 2025, at University of Louisville Hospital.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Brett Miles officiating. Burial will follow in the Hicks Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mrs. Jean Miller, age 85, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Passion and Purpose HomeCare Assisted Living for our SENIORS.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Bro. Phillip Bazzell officiating. Burial will follow in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Passion and Purpose HomeCare Assisted Living for our SENIORS, 212 Crestview Drive, Almo, Kentucky 42020.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Bobby C. Hughes, age 90, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the Coles Campground Cemetery. John Dale will officiate. No public visitation will be held.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to American Lung Association in Kentucky, PO Box 9067, Louisville, Kentucky 40209-0067.
J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.
BENTON, Ky. – The Murray man whose case in Calloway District Court was dismissed earlier this week for improper venue now faces sodomy and sexual abuse charges in Marshall County.
On Wednesday morning, Calloway District Judge Randall Hutchens dismissed the case in his court against Stephen Gray, a 71-year-old Calloway County resident charged with first-degree sodomy (victim under 12 years of age) and first-degree sexual abuse (victim under 12 years of age, two counts each, after testimony at his preliminary hearing revealed that the alleged crimes actually took place at a previous residence of Gray’s in Marshall County.
After the hearing, Gray was taken back to the Calloway County Detention Center and released. That evening, Marshall District Judge Jack Telle issued a warrant, and Gray was arrested by the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office at his New Concord residence. While Gray was held on a $100,000 cash bond on his charges in Calloway, Telle set his bond in the new case at $50,000 cash.
The complaint warrant filed in Marshall District Court Wednesday night was also written by Calloway County Sheriff’s Office deputy Nicholas Dues and is, by and large, the same document he filed in Calloway County on Jan. 21; it does, however, provide a few more details.
The only substantive change between the charging documents is the range of dates when the alleged abuse occurred. The original complaint warrant filed in Calloway District Court stated that the alleged abuse took place between March 1, 2022, and March 1, 2023. In the Marshall County, the complaint warrant alleges the abuse occurred between Aug. 1, 2023, and Aug. 1, 2024.
While the connection between Gray’s daughter and the victims was ambivalent in the Calloway case, the Marshall County complaint identifies her as the victims’ mother.
This is not the first time Gray has been charged with sexual abuse in Marshall County. In 2016, Gray was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to two counts of third-degree sexual abuse (victim under 12 years of age) in addition to 79 counts of possession and four counts of distributing pornographic matter portraying sexual performance by a minor. The victims in those cases were also his grandchildren. He served five years in prison and was released in November 2021.
Gray will be arraigned in Marshall District Court on Monday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m.
Individuals charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court of law.
