Community garden is in its 11th year of providing food, knowledge and 'quality relationships' for Midway

John Davis worked in the garden Saturday.

Story and photos by Sarah Ladd

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

Members of the Midway community met Saturday to continue planting tomatoes and peppers in the Community Garden on the grounds of Midway Presbyterian Church at 103 N. Turner St.

The garden is starting its 11th year of providing a free planting space, food and agricultural education for the Midway public. According to its Facebook page, its official mission is "To educate, to encourage and to support our community with quality food, quality relationships and quality knowledge about nature and nutrition."

John Davis, who has been involved with the garden since its beginning in 2008, said it originally only had two rows of vegetables. With more volunteers and space, it now has five long rows with lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, beets, carrots, okra, potatoes, radishes, cabbage, garlic, onions, cucumbers, squash and kale. The space also has an herb garden and a pollinator garden designed to attract helpful insects with pollen and nectar.

Next to the garden the church has created a playground for children.

Davis said part of the garden’s beauty is its multiple facets. The church put in some playground equipment as well as a recycling bin. "You can bring your kids down here to play, and while they're playing, you can pick your dinner," he said.

Through the summer, children come to play on the swing set and pick cherry tomatoes on their way home, proving it is a way to teach them about raising their own food and taking care of agricultural life, Davis said. To protect the children, no pesticides are used on the plants.

"It's not just about the garden," Davis said. "It's the conversation! The goal is to have fun." With picnic tables, a sandbox, flowers and benches, the space is a welcoming place for neighbors to socialize.

Poles are ready for vines of green beans.

The garden is open to the community, with official work days each Saturday at 10 a.m. when volunteers weed and water the plants.

When harvest time comes, everyone who needs food may help themselves to the produce. Whatever is left is donated to the Woodford County Food Bank or to the free monthly community dinner at Midway Christian Church.

The Presbyterian Church and other donors in the community donate the plants and seeds for the garden each year. The church is selling T-shirts this year to raise money for the garden's increased expenses. For more information, email office@midwaypresbyterian.org or call 859-846-4751.

Council plans to invest in sewage-treatment plant to extend its life; proposed improvements to park listed

The clarifiers at the sewage-treatment plant need replacing to extend the plant's life. (Photo by Sarah Ladd)

By Sarah Ladd

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

The Midway City Council is planning to increase spending on the sewage-treatment plant to make it last longer.

The council discussed the plan Wednesday at a special meeting to work on the budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year, which begins July 1.

The plant on West Leestown Road is in its 18th year of operation. At year 20, the state will begin regular inspections of its machinery. Though the plants are built to last 20 years, the length of the bond issue that financed this one, Council Member Bruce Southworth, a former operator of the plant, said that with proper care, it can last much longer.

Mayor Grayson Vandegrift said his goal is to get 30 years of operation out of the plant. "We should shoot for 30," he said. "Spending $25,000 extra this year is a lot more for your investment than having to go and take out millions and millions of dollars in a bonding loan to build a new plant."

To ensure this life extension, the plant will need a large overhaul in the next fiscal year. To accommodate these changes, the proposed budget calls for an extra $25,000 in capital expenses in the sewer budget, raising last year's $35,000 budget to $60,000. These expenses, Vandegrift said, will be paid for through sewer revenue.

Wastewater operator Jack Blevins said his first goal for the overhaul is to replace the clarifiers, the large tanks used to filter out particles and scum. The clarifiers have a buildup of sludge and will need complete replacement. Blevins said he has an estimate to replace them for $11,000, leaving $14,000 for ultraviolet disinfectant, a new belt press and smaller maintenance items.

With new clarifiers and UV disinfectant, Blevins and Southworth said the 30-year goal should be reachable because the plant is running far below capacity. “On average, we run about 110,000 gallons a day,” said Blevins. “The plant’s design is for 750,000 a day.” However, Southworth said, “It still runs 24 hours a day.”

The plant “is running efficiently,” Vandegrift said. “We just want to make it continues to run that way.” He said he has wanted to reduce water and sewer bills since becoming mayor in January 2015, and now “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The only way to do it, though, is to ensure we don’t have to build a new plant.” 

The proposed budget again includes $17,000 for park improvements; Park Manager John Holloway’s itemized list totals $16,300, including:

• $3,000 for a gate to allow access from the library to the park as well as a 3- to 4-foot-high safety fence along the top of the quarry cliff;
• $3,000 for a wooden pergola to be built over a walkway, pending further information regarding the possibility of moving the old Weisenberger Mill bridge to the park;
• $2,000 for planting the edible forest on Newton and Dudley streets. The tree plantings will include beech, pawpaw, American chestnut, poplar, hickory, bald cypress, hazelnut and sycamore; other plans will include Indian grass, heath aster, Maximilian sunflower, Indian blanket, plains coreopsis, ironweed, sweet Joe-Pie, smooth aster and common milkweed, which attracts butterflies.
• $2,000 for 10 fitness stations along the Paddock Trail; 
• $2,000 for removal of invasive plants such as bush honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle, multiflora rose and privet hedge;
• $1,500 for replacing the mulch currently used on the trail with a sturdier rock, stone and dust material.
• $900 for painting the picnic pavilions;
• $800 for history signs designed to teach about Midway’s past;
• $800 for planting two flower fields leading to and from Midway University as part of the edible forest;
• $200 for planting native trumpet vines along the Northside Drive fence;
• $100 for distance markers along the walking trails.

The council also discussed using part of the $30,000 City Hall maintenance budget to fix the bricks on the side of the building as well as replacing the front doors and windows because they leak air.

One jump in the fiscal year 2019 budget is a $2,500 increase for replacing the doors at the fire department, doubling last year’s maintenance budget. Vandergrift said contractors are willing to replace the doors before July 1 but not bill the city until the new fiscal year.

The council has not planned a third budget workshop. Vandegrift said he hopes to have the first reading of a budget ordinance by May 21.

Council asks state to replace bridge ASAP, but state says much remains to be done and work is set for 2020

By Sarah Ladd

University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media

The Midway City Council voted Monday to ask the state to reopen the Weisenberger Mill Bridge as soon as possible and keep the public updated “clearly, consistently and regularly” about the project.

The council’s resolution cited delayed emergency-response time and resulting anxiety in the Zion Hill community, “increased costs to the city of Midway” for street paving, and additional traffic, as reasons to “act with urgency” in replacing the bridge.

The resolution requests the Commonwealth of Kentucky “do what is necessary to make the required repairs or replacements to reopen the bridge as soon as possible.”

The bridge, shortly after it was closed July 1, 2016

State engineers closed the bridge July 1, 2016, after they concluded that it was unsafe for traffic. Since then, parts of the community have become more isolated, and tensions have increased.

The state kept working on a plan to replace the one-lane bridge with a two-lane span, but neighbors of the bridge wanted it to be only one lane because it represents a historical presence, having been constructed in the 1930s, and because they feared a two-lane span would increase speeds on Weisenberger Mill Road.

The state agreed in October to make the replacement bridge only one lane, but construction has been delayed by environmental and historical studies requested by the State Historic Preservation Office and the Kentucky Hearitage Council. In March, Mayor Grayson Vandegrift said all indications were that the new bridge wouldn’t be built until 2020.

The latest state road plan has money to build the bridge in the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2019. Engineers have said the work would take a full construction season, and before construction, small amounts of right of way must be purchased. The state can't do that until the historical and environmental tasks are done, Transportation Cabinet spokeswoman Natasha Lacy told the Midway Messenger in an email.

"The Historical Eligibility and Effects report remains in the draft phase," Lacy wrote. "We anticipate having a second Section 106 Consulting Parties Meeting sometime in early June. In the meantime, there may be some additional environmental field work such as archaeology in the mill’s historic district."

Lacy wrote, "At this time there is not a selected alternative," suggesting that plans could change again. "After completion of all field work investigations and reports; the Cabinet must seek approval by the SHPO," circulate a memorandum of agreement for approval and seek approval of the National Environmental Policy Act documentation from the Federal 
Highway Administration.

"We anticipate the above activities to be complete by the end of this year, although this is dependent on how well the process progresses." Lacy wrote. "Due to the complexities and controversies of this project, it is still premature to determine a completion date for the bridge."

Google map points to Zion Hill community. Black dot in pointer is on bridge site.

The bridge, over South Elkhorn Creek, connects county roads in Scott and Woodford counties. Under an old agreement, Woodford County has responsibility for it, but the state agreed to replace it in return for the county repairing a state bridge a few years ago. The project was further complicated when federal funds were allocated to cover the costs that exceeded estimates, including of building a one-lane bridge in the historical "pony truss" style of the existing bridge.

Vandegrift said the resolution is to be a joint one with the Scott County Fiscal Court. He said he and residents of the county’s Zion Hill community, who have been forced to use non-direct routes by the bridge closing, met with the court last week and he agreed to draft the resolution. He said Scott County might make changes, but they would be minor.

Party time: In other business, the council authorized the outdoor use of open containers for alcoholic beverages for Midsummer Nights in Midway on June 29, July 27 and August 24; the Midway Block Party on May 26; and the Midway Fall Festival Sept. 15-16.

Midsummer Nights will continue as in previous years, as a catalyst for wholesome, family fun that showcases local talent and businesses, Debra Shockley of Midway Renaissance told the council. The popular photo booth from last year will be featured again, and non-profit vendors will sell from 6 to 8 p.m. and a band will play from 7 to 10 p.m. 

The open-container rule will apply to Main Street and North Gratz Street, ending at the Brown Barrel, Vandegrift said.

Water bill policy: The council also began moving toward a new policy on adjustment of water bills, after former council member Sharon Turner's bill showed an unexplained 9,000-gallon jump from her average usage of 2,000 gallons.

Turner said she hadn't experienced a leak and could not explain her bill. "I know I didn't use it," she said of the excess water. Vandegrift said it was unlikely that 9,000 gallons could be stolen. Turner said she was aware of at least one other citizen experiencing similar glitches, and was concerned for families on fixed incomes. 

"It's the strangest thing I've ever seen when it comes to water meters," said Vandegrift, who defeated Turner in the 2016 election for mayor. He said he wondered if it is time to consider changing the city’s policy, which allows adjustments only in the case of a leak.

Turner agreed. "One of the things I would ask is that there be some consideration for issues like this. ... It's a mystery to all of us," she said.

The council briefly discussed possible solutions, such as a once-a-year, no-excuses adjustment, perhaps for usage above a certain multiple of a customer's average. The council agreed to revisit the ordinance and to waive the late fee Turner had been charged.

Budget: The council will hold a special meeting at 2 p.m. Wednesday another workshop on the budget for fiscal year that begins July 1. Vandegrift said no action will be taken. All council meetings are open to the public.

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NPR airs story on Midway University's equine program

Midway University and its equine program got national coverage on Derby Day from Noah Adams, a native of Ashland who is a contributing correspondent for NPR.

"Midway's a regular red-brick school that's almost surrounded by barns and paddocks," Adams reports. "The school's 35 horses spend most of their nights outside, even in wind and spring rains. Early morning brings a day's dark rest in their stalls. They'll be properly fed and cleaned and brushed by some of the 75 students in the equine program."

Adams takes listeners and readers into the details: "Ease open a classroom door and hear two senior women talk about a presentation for a symposium. Today's subject? A Comparison of 'PEMF Devices: A Breakfown of Cytowave and Biopulse.' Visit a 7 a.m. hands-on clinic on how to give vaccines and de-wormers, and hear this advice from one teacher: 'When you are giving the de-wormer, make sure not to squirt it out before it's in the horse's mouth.'"

The short story mentions two students by name: Koy Lindsay, the first male equine-management student, "who wants to own his own rodeo in Kentucky" and says Midway has "really helped me a lot in my managing techniques and becoming a better leader;" and Allie Johnson, "who hopes one day to run a horse farm offering programs for kids with special learning needs."

Alumna who runs Toyota plant in Indiana will give address at Midway University's commencement

Millie Marshall

Midway University alumna Millie Marshall, president of Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, will give the address at the university's commencement ceremony Saturday, May 12.

Marshall, the first female president of a Toyota subsidiary, is a 1999 graduate of Midway's evening undergraduate program. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in organizational management while working at Toyota Motor Manufacturing in Georgetown, where she was a specialist in the Information Systems division.

Marshall was senior vice president of manufacturing at Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia and vice president of human resources at Toyota Motor Engineering and Manufacturing North America, when it was located in Erlanger, Ky.

"We are thrilled to have one of our distinguished alumni return to speak to our graduating class," University President John P. Marsden said in a news release. "I believe it will be inspirational for our graduates to hear from Ms. Marshall about her career path and the journey she has taken to progress to her position within a global company."

The university will confer degrees on 311 students at the ceremony, which will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Graves Amphitheater. The degrees will include the first Master of Science in Nursing program and the first MBA degrees with concentrations in Equine Studies and Tourism and Event Management. The ceremony will be livestreamed and available for later viewing on the school's YouTube channel.

Woodford County's Kentucky Derby connections

Midway's Tom Bozarth, a bloodstock agent who served eight years as mayor, has compiled the extensive connections that Woodford County has to the horses in Saturday's Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. They are listed by post position.

#2 – FREE DROP BILLY: Sired by Union Rags, who stands at Lane's End Farm. Bred by Helen Groves, who boards horses at Middlebrook Farm outside Midway.

#4 – FLAMEAWAY: Sired by Scat Daddy who stood at Ashford Stud before his unexpected death. Owned by John Oxley, who owns Fawn Leap Farm, just south of Midway.

#5 – AUDIBLE: Owned by WinStar Farm and partners.

#6 – GOOD MAGIC: Sired by Curlin, who stood at Lane's End Farm before being relocated to Hill 'n' Dale. Bred by Stonestreet. Owned by Stonestreet and partners.

#7 – JUSTIFY [the morning-line favorite at 3-1]: Sired by Scat Daddy who stood at Ashford Stud before his unexpected death. Owned by WinStar Farm and partners.

#8 – LONE SAILOR: Sired by Majestic Warrior, who stood at Ashford Stud. Bred by Alexander, Groves, Matz LLC at Middlebrook Farm.

#10 – MY BOY JACK: Sired by Creative Cause, who stands at Airdrie Stud. Bred by Brereton C. Jones.

#11 – BOLT d' ORO: Bred By WinStar Farm.

#12 – ENTICED: Bred and owned by Godolphin, which owns Gainsborough Farm.

#14 – MENDELSSOHN: Sired by Scat Daddy who stood at Ashford Stud before his unexpected death. Owned by Mrs. John Magnier and partners associated with Ashford Stud.

#17 – SOLOMONI: Sired by Curlin, who stood at Lane's End before being relocated to Hill 'n' Dale. Owned by Mrs. John Magnier and partners. Ashford Stud.

#18 – VINO ROSSI: Sired by Curlin who stood at Lane's End before being relocated to Hill 'n' Dale. Bred by John Gunther, Glenwood Farm.

#19 – NOBLE INDY: Sired by Take Charge Indy, who stood at WinStar Farm. Bred by WinStar. Owned by WinStar and partners

#20 – COMBATANT: Sired by Scat Daddy, who stood at Ashford Stud before his unexpected death.

Here's an interactive map by the Lexington Herald-Leader, showing where each horse was foaled:

Message from the Mayor: Council adds to proposed capital expenses in budget for fiscal year starting July 1

​By Grayson Vandegrift
Mayor, City of Midway

I recently presented my proposed budget for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the council, and this past Thursday, we had our first workshop. Every year I propose a budget to this body and I’m generally prepared for them to cut some of the projects I’ve funded in favor of different ones, which I accept as part of the process. This budget workshop was different, however.

My proposal included a 25 percent cut in property taxes as well as significant investment in infrastructure, roads, storm sewers, parks, and many other vital components of our community. I reflexively expected some snips here and there, but was pleasantly surprised when members not only accepted everything I had proposed, but even added to my proposed investments in road paving as well as further streets and cemetery improvements. They bought into the central message of this budget: that it’s time to use our general fund surpluses to give money back to our citizens and to invest more in our community. They made an exciting budget even better.

With spring in bloom it’s a great time of year to get the dogs out of the house – I know mine have plenty of pent up energy from the long winter. Please politely help us get the word out to any dog parents that don’t know that we have an ordinance requiring dogs to be leashed at all times when they’re out and about.

Katie and I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support as we go through a difficult pregnancy. Your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement have been uplifting and sustaining in a difficult time for us. We’re forever grateful for this beautiful, thoughtful community.