New president says college has returned to its values, will explore university status, cooperate with town

 www.ustream.tv/recorded/40588889

By Al Cross and Allan Ducker
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications

Midway College will explore university status as part of its new strategic plan and has returned to its faith-based values, new President John P. Marsden said after he was formally inaugurated as the school's 10th president on Nov. 8.

Marsden, who had been serving as president since Feb. 1, emphasized that university status is only something to be explored at this time, but "may more aptly capture the complexity of our mission and our intent to add additional graduate programs as well as to recruit faculty and students internationally."

He said becoming a university would not mean the college’s enrollment would balloon to 10,000, and “We would like to have about 1,700 students by 2017, with a balance of students in the Women’s College and the coeducational graduate and undergraduate programs. He said the college would also add more undergraduate programs, and he wants it to be recognized as “entrepreneurial and forward-thinking.”

The college is the largest employer and taxpayer in Midway. Marsden noted, “The relationship between the city of Midway and the college is a very important one.” He said the return to campus of Francisco’s Farm Arts Festival, announced a few months ago, “is one way to strengthen that relationship.” He said the college would like to consider “a project, maybe a building project, that would serve Midway College and the community of Midway.”

The college Board of Trustees selected Marsden after a six-month national search that ended in November 2012. He and his wife Margaret and son Will relocated from Wilson, N.C. where he served as provost and vice president of academic affairs at Barton College.

“John has proven time and time again that we made the right decision,” Donna Moore, chairman of the trustees, said as she introduced Marsden during the installation ceremony in Duthie Auditorium, attended by representatives from 20 colleges and universities and U.S. Rep. Andy Barr.

“He took over at a time of critical need for the college,” Moore said. “He has brought to the board an accurate picture of the institution, by analyzing data and asking the hard questions: Why are we here? Are we following our mission? And what is the vision for our future?”

Marsden succeeded Dr. William Drake, a former minister whom trustees asked to resign after the college’s plan for a pharmacy school in Paintsville ran aground, at considerable expense. Marsden laid off 26 faculty and staff during the summer, citing an 18 percent decline in enrollment, to 1,362.

Moore said Mardsen “has worked diligently to get our house in order” to balance the college’s budget and get it ready for reaccreditation in 2015. “There have been many long, tough days and nights since John arrived in February,” she said. “The institution has come to realize a lot of things about itself, and adjustments have been made. . . . Through all of this, he has been open and transparent.”

Marsden thanked several people, including Mira Ball, who served as interim chair of the trustees when Marsden was being considered. He joked that his first two calls to Ball came during a University of Kentucky basketball game: “I’m not originally from Kentucky, but I think we learned that you have to check the basketball schedule before you make any calls.” As the audience chuckled, Marsden added, “She did take my call, but it was halftime.” Ball is a UK trustee.

Marsden recognized several faculty, staff, and students to highlight why Midway College exists and the faith-based values on which it was founded. He said that in recent years, the college had “lost sight” of its values. “In the last few months, we have reintroduced those values,” he said, “because they should drive the culture of our organization.”

He cited a recent study showing that “faith-based institutions that emphasize their values” are more likely to promote civic engagement and service. Marsden said those values, and the new strategic plan, would shape the future of the college.

Marsden said that at the end of the day, the goal of Midway College is to “provide students with a foundation to grow and positively contribute to society as leaders and informed citizens.” 

Midway College's interim chief financial officer gets job of vice president for business affairs, starting Jan. 2

Mark Wadlington

Mark Wadlington is the new vice president of business affairs and chief financial officer at Midway College, effective Jan 2. He has been interim CFO since August 2013. He is a certified public accountant, and was a partner with Ray, Foley, Hensley & Co. after operating his own firm, which focused on providing interim CFO services.

Wadlington succeeds Lyen Crews, who resigned to accept a finance position with eCampus online textbooks in Lexington and run, unsuccessfully, as the Republican nominee for state representative in a special election this summer.

"We are pleased Mark is joining our executive leadership team," President John P. Marsden said in a press release. "Mark brings strategic thinking, a collaborative style, great attention to detail, and a combination of integrity, gravitas, and humaneness to the position. He is working diligently to help us implement best practices in our business office and in other areas across campus and prepare for our upcoming reaffirmation visit from our accrediting body."

Wadlington said in the release, "I quickly came to love this place, its people, and the mission of the institution and I look forward to helping chart its future to serve the next generation of students."

Community Christmas tree says 'Happy holidays'

Midway's community Christmas tree was lit Wednesday evening with the help of WLEX-TV's Melissa Nord and "local Midway celebrity Buddy Johnson," as Mayor Tom Bozarth put it in his column in today's Woodford Sun. "It is the best decorated tree to date, and thanks to Assistant City Clerk Diane Shepard for her efforts."

The Community Journalism class that has done stories for the Midway Messenger this semester had its last meeting at the same time as the lighting, so we were unable to attend. Another, larger class will begin in January. Merry Christmas and happy holidays to everyone in Midway! 

Christmas tree lighting, related events tonight at 6:15

The community Christmas tree and Main Street will look much different this evening. Singing is scheduled to start at 6:15 and the tree lighting is set for 6:30.

Christmas tree lighting postponed until Wednesday

The annual Christmas tree lighting on Main Street, scheduled for this evening, has been postponed "due to the advice of our meteorologist," Mayor Tom Bozarth announced this morning. "The weather is going to be better on Wednesday. We will start with singing at 6:15 and the lighting will be at 6:30. Sorry for any inconvenience but the safety of our citizens and guests are paramount."

Downtown's annual Christmas Open House is a joy for children, parents and merchants

Children and parents waited at the wall along the tracks for Santa's arrival by R.J. Corman Railroad train.

Story and photos by Jill Novak

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Click on an image to view a larger version.

The sun and spirits were bright Saturday, as children and parents eagerly awaited the arrival of Santa Claus at Midway’s annual Christmas Open House.

Santa, who arrived by train at 11 a.m., greeted the spectators as they gathered around the tracks dividing Main Street. “Jingle Bells” echoed throughout downtown, as the crowd clapped and cheered, joining to sing Christmas carols.

Once Santa exited the caboose, parents and children were allowed to take self-guided tours of the train and take family pictures.

For Ben and Sheena Roller and their daughter Olivia, below, Santa is the best part about coming to the open house.

“This is our second year coming and we had so much fun getting to ride on the train with Santa,” Ben Roller said.

For Midway resident Ken McDaniel, who said he looks forward to bringing his family to the open house every year, “The best part is the train, the kids really like the train.”

More excitement took place at Santa’s Workshop, which was located in the Midway Auction House at the low end of Gratz Street. Aside from eating cookies and making crafts with elves, children lined up outside the door to get a chance to tell Santa what was on their Christmas list. Flashes of light filled the room as proud parents took pictures of their kids sitting on Santa’s lap.

For the merchants of Midway, the open house was a chance to show off their selections and talents. Scott Skidmore, owner of the Midway Whistlestop, showcased his handcrafted Christmas ornaments by setting up tables in front of his store where people could purchase the items and even have them engraved. “We’ve been doing craft shows for about 10 years and this is our first year at the open house,” said Skidmore.

Walking through downtown, people also lined up for carriage rides and all the homemade kettle corn they could eat.

Midway resident Sarah Wilson and her daughter Emily said they enjoyed their first trip to the open house and will definitely be back next year.

“We went shopping and got an ornament to commemorate Emily’s first trip,” said Wilson, below, “and we’re just having a great day walking around and seeing our friends.”

Even after the carriage rides stopped at 3 p.m., people continued to shop and eat at their favorite restaurants as they enjoyed the crisp, sunny weather.

Mayor Tom Bozarth declared this year’s Christmas Open House a success and a “Chamber of Commerce Day in Midway, with the weather.” He singled out the Midway Merchants Association president, a city council member who runs the 815 Prime restaurant, and the owner of the Celtic Trends store for credit: “Kenny Smith, Grayson Vandegrift and Claire Parisol had things well organized.”

Woman's Club building poses legal issues for city; committee meeting canceled again

The City of Midway may have to file a friendly lawsuit to resolve questions about the Midway Woman's Club building, which the Woman's Club wants to give to the city under the terms of the 1952 bequest that gave the club the house at 230 N. Gratz St.

City Attorney Phil Moloney told the city council Monday night that the bequest provided that if the building was not maintained, it would go to the city in perpetual trust as a place for community gatherings. Moloney said the law does not allow a bequest to impose an obligation on the city, so he said the council should consider filing a friendly suit against the club and the unknown heirs of the woman who made the bequest, so it could take possession of the property, sell it and use the proceeds for the intended purpose -- perhaps to improve the upstairs of City Hall to provide meeting space.

"As I understand it, the City of Midway is not interested in taking over that house," because it would need improvements and upkeep, Moloney said. Council Member Dan Roller said the city has many more meeting places than it did in 1952, and "There's a lot of different needs in the community." After Council Member Grayson Vandegrift said he doubted that anyone would buy the building for use as a home, Roller noted that it has no shower or bath.

Mayor Tom Bozarth said the next move is up to the Woman's Club, which might be able to locate heirs who could inherit the property if a court modified the deed.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the special committee Bozarth named to study the idea of accepting the building has been canceled again. It had been scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. No new date has been announced.

Iron Horse date set, financial authority debated

Among other business, the council agreed to set Oct. 12 as the date for the next Iron Horse Half Marathon. Organizer Chuck Griffis said the Bourbon Chase relay race, which has been going through Midway and is expected to again, will conclude the previous day.

As the meeting was about to adjourn, Council Member Bruce Southworth made a motion that council approval be required for any unbudgeted expenses exceeding $1,000. He cited the recent auditor's report, which recommended that a limit be placed on purchase orders that the mayor can sign on his own.

Bozarth said, "Any large items we don't budget for would be brought before the council." Southworth asked, "Would it be that much of a burden?" Bozarth replied, "It must be a burden for you," and clarified what the auditor had recommended. Southworth responded, "I would just like to know where the money's at." Southworth joined the council in January and has raised several financial issues at council meetings.

Vandegrift said he could see the value of a limit on one-signature purchase orders, but "I don't want to impose on Tom." After more discussion, during which Southworth's motion was not seconded, Bozarth said he thought the motion was out of order, and said he would refer the issue to "the finance committee." Vandegrift, who also joined the council in January, asked, "We don't have a finance committee, do we?" Bozarth said he was referring to "Sharon's committee," the Cemetery, City Property and Ordinance/Policy Committee, chaired by Council Member Sharon Turner.

Finally, the council adopted a motion by Council Member Aaron Hamilton to cancel the regular council meeting scheduled for Dec. 16. That makes the council's next regular meeting Jan. 6. The council meets at 5:30 p.m. on first and third Mondays.

City council committee considering Woman's Club building resets its meeting

UPDATE: This meeting has been canceled. The special City Council committee appointed by Mayor Tom Bozarth to look at the Midway Woman's Club building and consider accepting it as a donation to the city will meet at the building at 230 S. Gratz Street on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. No action will be taken, according to the notice from City Hall. This meeting had been scheduled last week and was postponed.

Turner and Vandegrift start mayoral campaigns

By Jill Novak

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications

With the news of Mayor Tom Bozarth’s decision to not to seek a third four-year term, candidates are already lining up for a shot at the position.

City Council Members Sharon Turner and Grayson Vandegrift announced in separate interviews last week that after encouragement from family and friends, they have both decided to run for mayor next year.

“I’ve been on council since 2005 and I think it’s time to take the next step,” said Turner, 51.

After Bozarth changed his mind and decided to run for re-election in 2010, Turner said she chose not to run for mayor out of respect for him.

Having gone so far as to fill out mayoral filing papers last time and patiently waiting for a chance to run for the position, Turner said that she’s been “very diligent.”

“I attended council meetings for a year before I even joined council,” said Turner. The filing deadline is more than 11 months before the elected candidates take office.

Asked why she thinks she is right for the job, Turner said, “I think I’m a well-rounded candidate.”

Vandegrift, 31, has served on the council since 2012. He says he also thinks that he has what it takes to be the next mayor.

“The amount of support I’ve gotten from my fiancé as well as from family and residents, has been inspiring,” said Vandegrift.

As the general manager of 815 Restaurant and Tavern, Vandegrift thinks his business experience is another factor that makes him a qualified candidate. “Having a small business allows me to have flexibility to do the job,” he said.

Turner is also self-employed, working as the manager for the Kentucky Malt Beverage Council in Frankfort.

“Because I’m self-employed, I don’t have set hours, which allows me to have time to do the job,” said Turner.

As an active member of the community, Turner has spent her time working with students at the Northside Elementary School and has served on the Midway nursing home task force, a group of public officials and community leaders that worked to create The Homeplace at Midway, a senior living residence now being built.

Leslie Penn, owner of the Historic Midway Museum Store, said she believes Vandegrift’s business experience will come in handy as mayor.

“Grayson is open-minded and has appreciation for business and tourism,” said Penn.

Turner said she plans to work more with members of the Midway Merchants Association to have a successful downtown.

“I plan to keep Midway the small, quaint city that it is, but also vibrant,” she said.

Kenny Smith, president of the Merchants Association and owner of the Kennydid Art Gallery, said the next mayor of Midway should be someone who is willing to work with the other merchants of Midway and their ideas.

“It needs to be somebody that will help promote downtown and its merchants,” he said.

As far as her future plans for Midway go, if she is elected mayor, Turner said that she intends to continue on with the same mission as Bozarth.

“I want to follow through and continue to keep tourism and government separate,” said Turner.

In hopes of raising Midway’s tax base, Vandegrift said he would like to de-emphasize residential development at Midway Station and include more “light industries,” like distribution centers, to create more jobs, which would raise occupational tax revenues.

“We need jobs, not homes,” said Vandegrift.

While each candidate may have different ideas for the future of Midway, Turner and Vandegrift agree that Midway’s biggest concern still remains the city’s water and sewer systems.

“I plan to do more about providing better city services,” said Turner.

When asked what candidate he would support for the next mayor, Council Member Bruce Southworth responded, “I think that they would both be qualified for the job.”

Bozarth declined to comment on his speculation of who might run, but concluded, “I would not be surprised if there was not multiple candidates who may file for the office of mayor.”

Turner and Vandegrift still have yet to officially file their paperwork for the election in 2014. Candidates have until Jan. 28 to file; if more than two file for mayor, a May primary will reduce the number of general-election candidates to two.

Council committee meeting at Woman's Club is off

The special City Council committee meeting at the Midway Woman's Club building, scheduled for today at 11 a.m., has been canceled, according to a notice from City Hall.

Council committee will meet at Midway Woman's Club building Monday morning to talk about taking it over

The special City Council committee appointed by the mayor to look at the Midway Woman's Club building and consider accepting it as a donation to the city will meet at the building at 230 S. Gratz Street Monday, Nov. 25 at 11 a.m. No action will be taken, according to the notice from City Hall.

'Twelve years of public service can wear you out,' Bozarth says, looking forward to last year as mayor

By Jill Novak

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications

Bozarth at this year's Memorial Day service

After serving Midway as mayor for seven years, and due one more, Tom Bozarth is ready for a change.  Upon announcing his decision to not run for a third term last week, Bozarth explained in an interview, “It’s just the right time.”

Bozarth has also served two years on the city council, seven years on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky League of Cities, of which he is now president, and the last two years as an officer.

“Twelve years of public service can wear you out,” he said.

Reflecting on his two terms, Bozarth says he was surprised by the amount of time the job requires.

“In my first term, I was always in a hurry and wanted something quick,” he said Bozarth. “I realized that is not the way government works; it’s a full-time job.”

Asked for his reaction to Bozarth's news, Council Member Grayson Vandegrift said, “I think that he did a pretty good job and is ready to focus on other areas in his life.”

Vandegrift says he is planning to file for mayor in next year’s election. So is Council Member Sharon Turner.

Admitting that she was “a little surprised” by Bozarth’s decision to not run for a third term, Turner said,“He has set a lot of important procedures and processes in place.”

She added, “We’ve updated things like tax forms, the employee handbook and the city brochure and added transparency to them.”

As mayor, Bozarth has worked with council members on accomplishments like bringing recycling to Midway, maintaining a strong relationship with Midway College and working with the Midway Merchants Association on creating a “vibrant downtown,” he said. “Our economic development is something we should be proud of.”       

              

Ken Glass, the owner of the Railroad Drug and Old Time Soda Fountain, recalls Bozarth encouraging him and his wife Amanda to open their store.

“He’s a friend of mine and I think Midway is better with him being mayor,” Glass said.

Kenny Smith, president of the Midway Merchants Association and owner of the Kennydid Art Gallery, said the mayor made the right decision: “I agree with his decision that politicians should have term limits.”

Smith said Bozarth “liked to do things his way,” and he and the mayor had some disagreements over the last two years. He declined to reveal them and said, “He’s done a lot for this town and maybe it is time for some new ideas.”

Leslie Penn, owner of the Historic Midway Museum Store, said the next mayor should be “someone who is willing to adjust to the times. . . . History isn’t everything.” She also said she would like to see a woman mayor.

Asked what he would like to see in the next mayor, Bozarth said, “I hope that the next mayor has a vision and work ethic to continue to put Midway first.” 

He added, “If you want Midway to be a special place, it takes a whole lot of work.”

Looking forward to the additional position he will hold for the last year of his mayoral term, Bozarth said he is confident in the experience that he can bring to the table as president of the Kentucky League of Cities.

“I think I’m a real advocate for small cities,” he said.

Information for this story was also gathered by Community Journalism student Allan Ducker.

It was a night of honors at City Council; stricken runner tells how Freeman Bailey walked her to the finish line

Story and photos by Holly Brucken and Morgen Wells

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications

Small towns can be home to some big heroes. Following a special meeting on Nov. 18 to approve the city's annual audit report, the Midway City Council proceeded with its regular meeting and recognized three Midway heroes.

Lloyd Jones, James "Buddy" Johnson and Freeman Bailey were thanked for service to the community through formal resolutions passed by the council.

Lloyd Jones of Midway, right, was honored for selflessness, passion and hard work and service on the Woodford County Parks and Recreation Board.

James "Buddy" Johnson gave 27 years of service to the county schools, and was honored for giving his time, talents and experiences to education and to the city. Below, Johnson holds the resolution with Mayor Tom Bozarth as they stand with council members and family members.

Freeman Bailey of Versailles, a Midway native who works for the county Emergency Medical Service, was honored for helping distressed runner Savannah Gillispie to the finish line at the Iron Horse Half Marathon Oct. 13. He found her at the eight-mile mark, on Weisenberger Mill Road near the city limits, unable to breathe.

“I hit mile eight and I hit a wall,” said Gillispie. “I really wanted to finish, but there were other runners beside me that called the paramedics.”

“When we got there she was sitting on the side of the road,” Bailey said. “She overexerted herself and was short of breath, but nothing major.”

Freeman Bailey and Savannah Gillispie listen to his resolution

Gillispie, 29, is a Lexington native who was running her second half-marathon. “I figured, I’ve done one before, so I didn’t train as hard as I probably should have,” she said. “We registered [for the race] after we should’ve started training. We had less than six weeks to get ready for it.”

Gillispie works for United Way and signed up for the half-marathon as a way to get to know some of her coworkers. She ran on a team of four. “They stopped and wanted to stay with me but I said ‘absolutely not’,” she said. “It was their first half. There’s nothing like the accomplishment of going through the finish line, so that’s why I had to finish.”

“We told her we’d walk with her to make sure she was okay,” Bailey said. “She’d walk a little ways, get winded; we’d recheck her vitals, make sure she was stable, and walk more until we finished.”

Bailey stayed with Gillispie through five miles of what she said was the worst pain she’d ever experienced. “I have never physically hurt so much, ever,” she said. “I was feeling great, ‘til I hit eight. Mentally I wasn’t ready to quit, but physically I was done. There were points where he was almost holding me up. He was great.”

Bailey walked the five miles with Gillispie in the heat, in full paramedic gear. By the time she reached the finish line, Gillispie was ready to jog again. “He said, ‘This is your race’ and let me go on.”

By the time she crossed the finish line, the race was being torn down. She came in at around four hours, over an hour longer than her first half-marathon. Nevertheless, she was encouraged. “There’s a camaraderie that happens in a half [marathon],”she said. “You’re racing and competing but everyone wants everyone to do their best. Even though the race was shut down people with medals were cheering me on.”

Gillispie won’t let her status as a self-described “distressed runner” affect her future, however. “It’s the most beautiful race I’ve ever run. I’ll come back next year.”

As for the veteran emergency medical technician, Bailey said he celebrated “Freeman Bailey Day” just like he celebrates every day. “I’m just thankful to be doing well and healthy,” he said. “I enjoy it the best I can.”

Tom Bozarth says he won't seek a third term as mayor

Mayor Tom Bozarth (Photo by Dick Yarmy)

Midway Mayor Tom Bozarth announced in his weekly column in today's edition of The Woodford Sun that he will not seek a third four-year term in next year's elections.

"After my current term ends, I will have served 12 years in public office, two terms on the council and two terms as mayor," Bozarth wrote. "I have also served seven years on the Board of Directors of the Kentucky League of Cities, two years as an officer and last month was elected as president of the organization. While I appreciate being encouraged by several friends and colleagues to run for other political offices, I am a strong believer that there needs to be term limits for elected officials. Therefore, I am imposing my own term limit knowing that our work over the past several years has set Midway on course for an even brighter future."

Bozarth, a Thoroughbred bloodstock agent, wrote that he made the decision last spring "after much discussion" with his girlfriend Danielle Tussey, his family and friends. Filing for offices in the 2014 election opened last week and closes at 4 p.m. Jan. 28. If more than two candidates file for mayor, a primary will reduce the number to two. All six city council seats will also be on the ballot.

Shortly before the 2010 filing deadline, Bozarth said he would not seek a second term, but changed his mind. "I had some things I wanted to do ... but I was approached by some people I respect in the community who talked to me and asked me to run again," he said then, declining to name them. Bozarth was re-elected by 483 votes to 104 for Scott Hayes, a Woodford County ambulance technician who mounted a write-in campaign after he missed the filing deadline.

Bozarth writes today, "I have enjoyed being your mayor of the best small city in Kentucky. We have accomplished a lot for the betterment of our community over the last seven years and I look forward adding to these accomplishments over the next year. I want to thank all the council members that I served with during my terms for their cooperation, hard work and putting Midway first. It has been an experience of a life time for me. Thank you citizens of Midway for electing me to serve as your mayor!"

Day-late trick or treat caters to kids of all ages

Court Levering used a hollow stump
to burn a bonfire, with spooky results!

By Morgen Wells
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications

Princesses and turtles alike roamed the streets of Midway in search of candy Friday.

While weather delayed trick-or-treat for a day, families still enjoyed the Halloween tradition.  Nov. 1 proved an excellent day for trick-or-treat; the weather was warm, breezy and dry, in contrast to the storms of Halloween night.

Many families dressed in coordinating costumes. Some young teens braved the spooky night sans chaperones, while tots slept in strollers.

Jon Maybriar made fresh kettle corn to hand out to the trick-or-treaters, and is friend Luther White donned a costume to help.

Others, such as Court Levering and Shannon Hawkins, sat near fires to to keep warm. Many houses were decorated with cobwebs and lights, and others went so far as to include fog machines.

Debra Shockley and Hope Ramos
in front of Shockley's house

Overall, the unseasonably warm night was a success, as kids scampered home with undoubtedly enough candy to last until Christmas.

Walter Titze 

Emma Horn, as a bat

Amber Smith, Dakota Shepard, Kaitlyn Agee, Marcie Shepard and Abby Shepard

Scott Shelton's yard decorations

Shelton handing out candy

Lorenzo and Malaya Morton

Elliot Elkins

Kate McLean, Sharon Cross and Elizabeth Luster

Kyle and Gracie Fetters

Eric and Ellen Gregory's house decorations

Victoria and Kaitlyn Lobsiger 

Sophia, Samuel and Nate Walker with their father

Scott and Maddy Midkiff

Nolan, Payton, Eli, Jenny, Ryan Asher

Bethany Langdon's UK Jack o'lantern

Another Langdon Jack o'lantern

Langdon yard decorations

Enter if you dare!

Jeremy Caudle as Paul Bunyan 

Duncan Gregory as a "Duncan Donut"

Sarah Gregory as a baker

Parker Craig in a homemade Lego costume

Mike Warren