AA Women's Edition #2

COMING HOME
PETRA PRAG CRUTCHFIELD
Assistant to Mayfield
City Mayor
KIM DUBLIN
First Woman Superintendent
at Graves County
CYNTHIA ELDER
Executive Director
Tourism Board
KATHY O'NAN
Mayfield City Mayor
DEANNA TAYLOR
Owner of Dinner Bell
Restaurant
DENISE THOMPSON
Chamber of Commerce
President

2

• Businesses
•Local Attractions
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• And more!
COMING HOME
VOL. 1 NO. 1
April 2019
Mayfield Reunion
JUNE 2019
Mayfield First Responders
LOOK INSIDE!
All the info you need to
live, work & play in
Mayfield & Graves Co.
Celebrating Joe Morris
20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE
AS HEAD COACH
239-49
PETRA PRAG CRUTHFIELD KIM DUBLIN
Assistant to Mayfield First Woman Superintendent
City Mayor
at Graves County
CYNTHIA ELDER
Executive Director
Tourism Board
Nathan Kent, Police Chief
Jeremy Creason, Fire Chief/
Ambulance Director
Fire Station #1, City Hall Campus
KATHY O'NAN
Mayfield City Mayor
DEANNA TAYLOR
Owner of Dinner Bell
Restaurant
DENISE THOMPSON
Chamber of Commerce
President
July 20, 2019
Mayfield High School Commons
Additional Pages: Tourism, Summit,
Graves County Growth, Trace Creek?,
1/8 Acree Realty?, 10 banner pages plus
Dairyman’s. 16 pages min.
Fire Station #2, North 16th & Broadway
Fire Station #3, South 10th & Farthing
Coming Home Again is proud of the second edition, Celebrating Women. We plan to bring stories that are not normally told and this
edition is real proof. I was talking with Deanna Taylor and ask her why she took over Dinner Bell, thirty minutes later she had told
the exciting story of how it all began with Wonder Burger and the ups and downs that led her to be the owner and operator. Every
Women’s story in the magazine shows a unique perspective.
Magazine Directory
2 First Kentucky Bank
4-5 From Kera to Cromebooks--Kim Dublin, First Woman Superintendent
6-9 Petra Prag Crutchfield tell Her story--From Germany to Mayfield, KY
10-11 The Women of Tourism--Cynthia Elder, Executive Director
12-13 From Wonder Burger to Dinner Bell by Deanna Taylor
14-16 Kathy O’Nan, Wife, Mother, Teacher, Mayor
17-21 A Look Back by Denise Thompson
22 Wake Up Beautiful!--Great Ambitions School of Cosmetology
23 Summit Christian University
24 King’s Publishers, Inc., Catalog of Homes, King’s Graphics and King’s Promotions
In addition to the advertisers the following business firms: C-Plant, Greer Neon Co., Wells Studio, Dairyman’s Supply, First Baptist
Church, and Allstate make possible the magazine by sponsoring a page with just a banner ad to promote their business. We need
additional firms to sponsor pages as well as purchase advertising
King’s Promotions
Mel Doughty
200 West Farthing Street, Mayfield, KY 42066
(270) 705-2743
Coming Home Again Magazine Prices
Sponsor for One Month - $200.00
___________
Sponsor for Two Months - $350.00 ($175.00) __________
Sponsor for Three Months - $450.00 ($150.) ___________
1/4 Page for 1 Month - $90.00 ___________
1/2 Page for 1 Month - $150.00 ___________
Full Page for 1 Month - $250.00 ____________
1/8 Page for 3 Month - $100.00 ($33.34) ___________
1/4 Page for 3 Months - $225.00 ($75.00) ___________
1/2 Page for 3 Months - $350.00 ($116.67) ___________
Full Page for 3 Months - $600.00 ($200.00) ___________
Coming Home Again
July Reunion Edition
COST OF PLACING INFORMATION
IN REUNION MAGAZINE.
$50.00 - Picture 1 3/4 inches wide,
with up to 150 words. Like Example
$50.00 - Picture of Graduate with info
Like Kiwanis Picture
$75.00 - Picture 1 3/4 inches wide,
with up to 300 words.
Class Information-
$100.00 - Half page with pictures and copy
$175.00 - Full page with pictures and copy
Copies will be free but we suggest a $10.00 Donation
to any MHS scholarship.
3

From KERA to Chromebooks,
Superintendent Kim Dublin reflects on 31 years
of working in the Graves County Schools
Kim Dublin was born in 1964 in Milan, Tenn., the middle
child of five children born to her parents, James and Margaret Miller.
She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard
work. She attended school at Wingo from 1970-82 and was graduated
from Wingo High School. After graduation, she attended
Murray State University from 1982-86, where she earned a Bachelor
of Science degree in teaching. She continued studying at MSU from
1986-88, resulting in a master’s degree in guidance counseling.
She said she learned many skills from working with people,
starting at an early age. She also learned the value of budgeting money,
setting a goal, and sticking to it. Between 1980-86, she worked
part-time jobs at a drug store, day care center, and as a receptionist.
Mrs. Dublin began substitute teaching in the Graves County
Schools in 1986 and was hired as a full-time teacher at Symsonia Elementary
School, where she taught from 1988-90. From there, she taught at other schools in
the district, where she was needed at the time, including Sedalia (1990-95), Wingo
(1995-96), Graves County Middle School (1996-97), and Wingo again (1997-
2000).
Wingo Elementary School’s site-based decision-making council hired her as
the school’s principal and she served there from 2000-2004.
Mrs. Dublin then moved to the district’s central office as supervisor of elementary
instructional (2004-08), continued with those duties and was promoted
to assistant superintendent, serving from 2008-13. The Graves County Board of
Education hired her as the district’s first female superintendent in 2013. She has
announced her retirement as of June 30, 2019.
“I am blessed with a strong family,” she said recently. Her daughters, Andrea,
Beth, and Kelsey all are married and so, she says, “I have three great son-inlaws,
Nathan, Jay, and Justin.” Those marriages have produced four grandchildren:
McKenzie, Maddie, Miller, and Mabry.
In 2015, she married Tommy Dublin (Picture upper right) and “added three
more children: Macy, Bailey, and Tripp Dublin (Picture to the left.. She says, “Our
children range in age from 30 down to 7, plus the grandchildren.”
Jay, Beth, Miller & Mabry Dunn
4
Kelsey and Justin Jones
Nathan, Andrea, Mckenzie
& Maddie Bazzell

Her comments below are reflections she made in
an interview about her career.
How did Kentucky education change just as you
started teaching?
“I began my contract teaching in 1988. In 1990,
the Kentucky General Assembly passed KERA (the Kentucky
Education Reform Act). So, I was here from the
beginning of that legislation that affected every Kentucky
school and district. I understood very well the piece about
seeking equality of funding and educational opportunities
in all Kentucky schools. When issues have come up in legislation
in recent years, I understand why and where they
need to correct some things because that was 30 years ago
and things are different today.
How do we balance having the world at students’
fingertips and technology responsibility?
“I’ve watched the learning styles of our children change
tremendously. At this time, this generation of students has
everything at its fingertips. It is so easy for them to discover
the great things of the world, but also some things that are
not good for them. So, we not only have to be aware of the
educational opportunities, but also we must teach them
appropriate use of technology, social media, and dealing
with conflict at an earlier age than ever before. It’s our job
as parents and adults to model that acceptable use. Technology
is great and our kids will be strong digital learners.
They will compete for jobs working with technology,
where technology has not taken the place of a human.”
How can teachers collaborate with students in online
learning?
We have to be really versed in technology ourselves to
know how to guide our kids with it. Kids also seem to
mature earlier. I see that educators are more aware of that
now and realize the potential value of teaching kids, particularly
in areas where those kids have interest. I think
that’s where we are and I think our Graves County teachers
do a great job of that. Once we share ideas like this with
parents, they understand the concepts and use technology
well with their kids, too.
Do children and teenagers think differently now,
compared to when you started your education career?
“Most definitely. For example, I notice my grandchildren
think in ways that are more abstract. I brought home what
I thought were stuffed toy monkeys and my grandson
picked one up and said, ‘Actually, this is an orangutan.’ So,
technology exposes them to so many more things where
they can pursue their personal interests at a more detailed
level. The members of my own kids’ generation were general
learners; members of this youngest generation are
becoming more specific learners. If we’re very intentional
with our children when they’re choosing their apps, we
can expose them to letter recognition, phonemics, and all
the reading readiness skills they need and they don’t even
realize they’re learning.
How is the learning atmosphere different from
when you were a student?
“Our district’s facilities have come a long way. We still have
some things we need to address, but years ago, I taught
in some mobile units that were full of mildew and falling
down. We don’t have that anymore in Graves County. So,
today’s students are reaping benefits from that work and
those changes. I went from kindergarten through graduation
as a student at Wingo. I had a great educational experience
and formed lifelong bonds. However, our kids have
so many more opportunities through the arts, electronic
media, Junior ROTC, higher-level Advanced Placement
courses in high school, our agriculture department with
its wide variety, and all kinds of sports that appeal to a
wider range of students. Those things have come a long
way for kids. They keep students connected to the school
and their education. If you haven’t seen our students perform
at the district’s performing arts center, you are missing
so much of an opportunity and a blessing. It is amazing
what they can do. If we just set the foundation up for them,
they can do it.
How did the Graves County Schools get to where
they are from three decades ago? “We’ve had a lot of forward-thinking
educators in our district in the 31 years I’ve
been here. Sometimes, others criticized them for expanding
into those areas I just mentioned, but if you watch our
kids perform, the last thing you’ll do is criticize, because
they’re phenomenal. We’ve added so many programs that
students embrace, especially at the high school level, but
the elementary schools and the middle school have responded
to students’ interests and needs as well. We even
have feeder programs in TV, orchestra, band, archery, basketball,
football, technology, and character-building clubs,
among others. The high school chamber orchestra recently
performed at the Galt House in Louisville and their level
of ability was so far above other groups who performed.
So, in Graves County, we teach students at a high level and
they respond by taking pride in working hard and excelling.
Our Junior ROTC competed in the Raider Games
and were outstanding in all the physically challenging
competition and we’ve just had another cadet who earned
a full-ride scholarship to a U.S. Military Academy. Our
schools offer so many more opportunities for a student to
find a niche, belong to a group, and excel at endeavors that
interest that individual. One name for that is teaching to
the whole child. I think it’s great!
5

Petra Prag Crutchfield tells Her Story
Mom Margot, brother
Walter & Petra
Petra with Claudia
Catholic Easter Parade
Petra’s favorite park in Ludwigshafen, called Ebert Park and
named after Fredrich Ebert the first President of Germany from
1919 until his death in office in 1925. The park also features a
small zoo, waterslide and playground.
Petra with aunt, uncle and
cousins at the pool
Petra in 70’s
I was born in Heidelberg, Germany to a single mother, who found the challenge of raising
a bi-racial child too much to handle. Her parents, my beloved grandparents(show on left), whom
I called Mutter and Vater (Mom and Dad) raised me as their own. This was quite a challenge for
them in the 1950’s, but they persevered and provided me with a great childhood! I was loved by my
family, had aunts, uncles and cousins and friends. Some of those
childhood friends I am still in touch with today, thanks to modern
technology! I attended Kindergarten, Elementary, High school
and College in Germany. I obtained an Associates in Business degree
while working as Legal Secretary apprentice at a law firm for
3 years. I passed my exam, received my diploma and continued to
work at that firm for a little while longer. On a friend’s tip, I was
lucky enough to land a Foreign Language Secretary job at an International
Engineering Firm. I thrived at that firm and climbed the
ladder all the way to the President’s Executive Assistant.
I met my then-husband, the father of my only daughter,
Iris, we started dating and later married. He finished his tour
in Germany and decided move to the US. He had a son from a
previous marriage, Wallace, which I helped raise. I realize now
how hard it must have been for my parents to see me go! We’ve
always been a tight knit family, and I looked at my cousins more
like brothers and sisters.
We traveled to Mayfield KY to meet my husband’s family,
bought a home, and relocated in June of 1980. At the time I did not realize the significance
Standing in front of the and trauma of such a major step! When you are young you feel that you can conquer the world!
Goethe Schule in Ludwingshafen
who you are, and my new family acted so different from when I first met them. I was very
I soon found out the harsh reality of such a move, you lose your identity! No one knows
unhappy. Life was pretty tough and lonely. Did I mentioned that the house my then-husband
purchased was located in Wingo? I went from an urban to a rural environment, I was used to sidewalks, public
6

transportation and found none of it here. Germany has a
vast transportation infrastructure and therefore I did not
possess a driver’s license.
But on the bright side, I had the nicest neighbors
who befriended me, which made my life a little more bearable.
I come from a more structured way of life - life in
the USA is less inhibited. I had learned English in school,
but the Kentucky dialect created at times some rather humorous
situations. To get more exposure to the local dialect
and my new surroundings I decided to look for work and
explore the “Mayfield way of life”.
I had all my documents and letters of recommendation
(in English) but was unable to land a job. I remembered
that my Mutter told me that I would always have to
work twice as hard than the next person to achieve success,
and I was not raised to declare defeat. I kept at it, and pretty
soon I was hired on the spot at SuperX Drug Store, and
from there my journey began.
A year later, I went to work for Liberty Savings
Bank in the bookkeeping department, was promoted to
teller, and lastly to Executive Secretary to VP’s Leon Culpepper
and Ray Butler. My career path took another turn to
Jackson Purchase Medical Center’s business office. I always
felt that my career created a problem with my then-husband,
who became increasingly difficult and emotionally
abusive. We finally divorced, but one must forgive to receive
forgiveness. I put adversity behind me and moved on.
My daughter and I moved to a rental property and
I took on an additional job to make ends meet with rent,
utility bills, school supplies etc. It was a tough time and
looking back, I sometimes wonder how I made it through
without my family. I contemplated going back to Germany
but did not want to separate my child from her Dad. I
believed that God brought me this far He’d take me all the
way, and He did!
While working at
Liberty Bank I met a lady
who was going through
a divorce herself, and we
supported and helped
each other. I would not
have been able to make it
without her and her family’s
friendship and love.
God threw me a lifeline!
She has since passed away,
but I am very thankful to
have had her in my life.
I met my husband
at an event at Murray State. We went on a date and
realized that we met before...in
Germany! Mutual
friends introduced us,
but we never did connect.
We were both stunned to
say the least! During our
courtship his patience
and emotional support
helped me rebuild my shattered self-esteem and self-confidence.
He remains a constant source of support in my life,
and I love him for it.
I was offered a job in Jackson MS, and after a lot
of soul searching decided to accept it. I started work at
a Healthcare Management company which paved the way
for me to manage a Multi-Physician family medical clinic. I
remarried in 1995, gained two daughters, and now have 10
grandchildren. While residing in MS, my first granddaughter
was born.
My heart brought us back to Mayfield where my
daughter lived, and I was glad to see that some things
changed, but also stayed the same, if you know what I
mean. Mayfield still felt familiar and safe. Everything is in
such close proximity that you can have lunch, run errands,
and make it back to work with time to spare. People are
very friendly, speak and smile once they get to know your
face.
I was chosen for a department director’s position
for JPMC’s new Bariatric department. After 6 years the department
closed, and I decided to explore the clinical side
of healthcare, but soon realized that it was not for me. I
applied for and was offered the position as Mayor Cantrell’s
Assistant. I thoroughly enjoyed working for her. My tenure
continues under our new Mayor Kathy O’Nan, who is one
of the kindest people I have ever met!
I have been very fortunate and blessed to be surrounded
by wonderful people who supported me throughout
my career and in my private life. I made some really
sweet friends who enrich my life, and, as my Mutter predicted,
working harder than the next person pays off!
Unfortunately, both of my (grand) parents have
passed, but I am still in contact with my cousins, uncle and
friends. One of my friends has been to Mayfield to visit me
several times, and I, in turn visit her and my family as much
as I can. My home country is a beautiful place, combining
old world charm with cosmopolitan flair, modern conveniences,
and a strong business and manufacturing economy.
I have been in Mayfield since 1980 - 39 years, which
makes me 40 years old now...
I have grown accustomed to life, work and leisure in Mayfield
KY; the “tough beginning” in Wingo lead to a “happy
ending” in Mayfield!
7

Petra’s Story in Pictures
Cousins & Friends at Vineyard
Restaurant in Germany
Friends at Kaffeeklatsch
Kaya, Kymani & Iris Uncle Rudy--Now 88
With School Friend Liane
With Daughter Iris
Cousin Peter & Friend Karla
Friends Karla & George
Grandson Kymania
Halloween Ninja
Birthday Table in Germany
Granddad, Petra
Grandma & Cousin Erich
Grandparents, Aunt & Uncle
Kindergarden with
Sister Graziella
Kaya, Petra, & Don
Grandma & Granddad
Petra & Granddaughter
8

Great Grandma,
Grandma & Granddad
Home in Germany
First Apartment
Petra & Daughter Iris
Husband Greg, Petra
Grandchildren Lanya,
Phalen & Zae
Petra & Cousin Ingrid
Stepdaughter Tehisha and her
Husband Terry
Iris & Her Brother Wallace
My brother-in-law,
Husbands Uncle and
Father-in-Law
Cletus, Petra’s friend
Granddaughter Kaya at Prom and at Halloween
Grandson at Michael
Jackson Contest
Grandchildren
Kaya & Kymani
9

The Women of Tourism
Ask anyone who has lived in Graves County over the last 40 years anything about Tourism and they’ll bring
up Martha Babb. Martha was the original director of Mayfield Tourism Commission and she took her job very
seriously. She was instrumental in developing the Commission along with the Mayfield City Council at that time.
She was the driving force behind taking the old ice house in town and turning it into the Ice House which houses
the Art Guild. It was nothing but a shell of a building and now it is one of the jewels of Mayfield Tourism.
Through the years there have been many women on the Board of Directors of Tourism as well as head up
the organization. Today, there are both young and old, who are a part of Tourism because they truly love their
community. These women are not interested in attending a meeting once a month and calling it a day. These
women actively look for ways that Tourism can make an impact on our community.
The Mayfield Graves Tourism Commission was put in place to promote tourism in Graves County. It is
funded by transient room taxes that each person pays who spends the night in area hotels, beds and breakfast, and
lodges. It’s not a lot of money for those individuals but if you add it all up each day it can bring some nice revenue
into our community. It’s up to the Tourism Board to determine how the money is spent.
Since we only have three hotels in Graves County, and two lodges we are not rolling in revenue. But if we
watch the money, we have we can do a lot. Since our job is to promote Mayfield and Graves County, we like to
partner with others who are having events and festivals. Since our Board of seven is strictly volunteer we don’t
have a lot of Human Resources to develop our own events. It just makes sense to work with the City of Mayfield,
Graves County Fiscal Court, and other organizations to promote the good things about our community.
I’d really like to introduce you to the women of Tourism.
10
Jodie Hansen has been on the Tourism Board since 2014. Jodie serves
as the President of the Board. She is the Project Manager at Graves County
Economic Development and has been interested in Tourism way before she
took that job. But she is truly an asset to our Board as she knows the ins and
outs and whys of how Tourism affects our economy. Jodie is married to Wayne
Hansen and they have two sons.
Tara Straub has been on the Tourism
Board since 2014. She and Jodie came
on the Board together. Tara serves as
Vice-President off the Board. Tara is the
Physician Recruiter/Marketing Manager
for Jackson Purchase Medical Center. She
is such an asset in explaining to the rest
of the Board what doctors are looking for
when they consider relocating to Mayfield.
This gives us an insight that we don’t
take for granted. Tara is married to John
Straub and they have two sons.
Alex Goodman has been on the Tourism
Board since 2014. When we had an
opening on the Board the Mayor recommended Alex because of her love of the
community and her spirit in getting things done. By day, she’s a drug pusher.
Seriously, that’s what she tells us. In all honesty she is a Pharmacy Technician
at Stone’s Drugs. She loves that job and loves the town of Mayfield. Alex is
currently the Treasurer of the Board. Alex is married to Tyler Goodman and
they have two dogs.

Dana Heath has tenure on the Tourism Board. As the Executive
Director of the Art Guild for years Dana had a firm seat on the Board, even
serving as President for many years. She watches Tourism interact with other
organizations in the community and is always looking for ways that we can
improve our organization which in turn improves our community. Dana
is one of the big-picture members of our Board and by default the Tourism
historian. We are glad that she decided to come back to our Board, and we
have no intention of letting her leave again. Dana is married to Ric Watson
and they have 3 cats.
Cynthia Elder is the Executive
Director of the Tourism Board. She hesitates
calling herself that, simply because
she’s the only paid member. Cynthia started
as a volunteer Board Member but when
Tourism couldn’t really afford even a part
time director, she took the job on as a contract
director. This enabled Tourism to save money for office space and expenses,
as well as any employee costs. Under this plan Tourism has been able to become
fiscally solvent and able to invest those Transient Tax funds back into promoting
the community.
To date, these are some of the things that this Tourism Board has been able to do:
• Conducted a Feasibility Study and developed a Hotel Incentive Program to encourage a new hotel in the area
• Helped the City of Mayfield with Glory Days
• Helped the Fancy Farm Vineyard and Winery with Fancy Fest
• Sponsored a Purchase Players production
• Helped with the West Kentucky Ink Festival
• Coordinated the Wooldridge Monument Repairs
• Developed and Promoted the Barn Quilts Trail
• Worked with Graves County High School Tourism Class and the Youth Leadership Tourism Day
• Helped with the Gourd Patch Festival
• Developed a Tourism Blog
• Redid the Tourism Website
• Developed a Community Calendar
• Offered Mayfield and Graves County Souvenirs to the Community
• Coordinated the Wayfinding Sign Program
• Helped with Hoop Fest
• Helped with Winterfest sponsored the Ice Skating Rink
• Sponsored the Community Ornaments
• Coordinated Advertising
• Offered $1500 in Scholarships to area high school graduates
We would be amiss to fail to mention that we do have a couple of gentlemen on our Board that are true assets. Mike
Perkins and Rupert Holmes even out our Board at this time and bring a completely different vision than just a Board
of women. We pride ourselves in attempting to be as diverse as possible and to be good stewards of our responsibilities.
You can follow us on Facebook and through our website and
www.visitmayfieldgraves.org.
11

From Wonder Burger
to Dinner Bell
by Deanna Taylor
When I hear someone say “Dinner Bell”, the first thing that comes to mind is home. I am 34 years old and I started
working at The Dinner Bell when I was 14. If someone had asked me at the age of 14 what I would be doing 20 years
from now, my answer would not have been owning a restaurant. I look back on my life, and all I can remember as
far as work, is “The Dinner Bell”. It’s what I know. It’s what I love. I have so many customers that have watched me
grow up in this place. They have watched my children grow up here. As many people don't know or don't realize,
“The Dinner Bell” actually started out as “The Wonder Burger” in 1963 with car hops. Arlie Viniard, my great
grandfather, wanted to open a restaurant but didn't have the money to start one up so he contacted Otis Gary
as an investor. Otis then built a small building and Arlie had himself a restaurant. Otis owned the building and
Arlie owned the business. The Wonder Burger started out beside Martin Service station on the corner of highway
45 and key bottom and only consisted of a
small kitchen and 4 bar stools. It burnt in
1965 and the lost all the equipment. It was
closed for about a year and as they were
discussing building a new one, they found
out the were going to widen highway 45.
Back then, 45 was just a 2 lane road. Otis
and Arlie tore down the restaurant and
built a new one. Instead of building in
the same spot, they decided to build The
Wonder Burger on the hill where The
Dinner Bell sits now but this time around,
they had a kitchen, five bar stools and a
dining room. General Tire was still here so
as you can imagine, business was booming.
It changed hands around 1971 and
was sold to LD Cavit, which then sold it
Newspaper clipping submitted by John Davis
to Bill Fowler who sold it to Carol Fristoe. Carol bought it as The Wonder Burger and
Changed the Name to The Dinner Bell. She sold it back to the Fowlers, then Ron Chapman
bought it. Ron and my mother married and that's where I came into the picture.
At that time, the restrooms were outside and there was still only 1 dining room. They
added a new dining room and restrooms inside along with a storage room. Ron and
my mother divorced and my mother bought Ron out and kept the restaurant. I have
worked here for 20 years now. My mother, LAURA IVEY (on left), passed away 2 years
ago with breast cancer and to be honest, I didn't want anything to do with the restaurant
after that. When she passed, I was lost. I felt as I lost half of me. We planned on
selling the restaurant but it seemed as all odds were against that. The ones who were
going to buy from us had everything together, but didn't get the signatures that was
12

needed to finalize the deal before my mother was no longer in her right mind. I
was still against keeping the restaurant, but it seemed as God had other plans. We
received a phone call from the ones who was planning on buying from us stating
that the bank would not loan them all of the money but they wanted to lease it
from us. We prayed about it and decided that we didn't need to do that. With
all of these signs right in front of me telling to me keep the restaurant, I ignored
them and still wanted to find a way to sell it. When I was finally able to bring
myself to walk into the restaurant without crying my eyes out, I started working
there again. It felt Good. It felt home again. I know it sounds crazy, but I could
feel her presence there with me. After a couple of weeks of working back at The
Bell, I started having dreams of my mother. In every single dream, she was telling
me that I was doing a great job and not to give up. She told me to fight for the
restaurant and put in the work. It was that moment that I knew I wanted to keep
it. It has not been easy. It had been the hardest thing, other than loosing her, that I
have ever done in my life but I will say that its all been worth it. I have had my melt downs, I have laughed so hard
I have cried and I have screamed so loud that I'm sure everyone passing could hear me. But I'm still here fighting
with every thing I have. When I first decided to keep the restaurant, I was doing it for my mother. I wanted to make
her proud of me. I didn't want anything to change. As time has passed, I look at my business and can say I'm not
doing this for her anymore. I'm doing this for me. For my children. (picture on left) I have always heard if you
don't love your job, find a new one. I love The Dinner Bell. I don't just sit back and collect money. I work along side
my workers each and every day. Having a restaurant is hard. Its stressful and some days, I just wanna throw my
hands up and be done, but I don't. I don't because at the end of the day, I love my little mom and pop restaurant. I
love the customers. I love the job in itself. So now, 20 years later, I'm so happy that God put this restaurant into my
life all those years ago. I couldn't imagine doing anything different with my life.
Dinner Bell Today
PO BOX 751
Mayfield, KY 42066
Joe Morris
Scholarship
All Checks for the Joe Morris Scholarship will be made to the
Mayfield Community Foundation. Joe will determine the
guidelines for the scholarship, however, the student will be
able to choose any school they want to attend. Plus the recipient will be an athlete for Mayfield High School. All
money will be kept in the Joe Morris Scholarship fund. We are encouraging those who wish to give to the Scholarship
to consider a three year pledge. You can mail your scholarship donation or drop it off at King’s Publishers, Inc., 350
West Farthing Street. Our goal is to have an endowed scholarship as soon as possible.
Let’s make this happen for JOE MORRIS!
13

Kathy O’Nan,
Wife, Mother, Teacher, Mayor
Like Old Mother Hubbard, I did have many children, but unlike that matriarch of nursery rhymes, I did know what
to do – well, most of the time . . . . . . .
I was so blessed to have been married to Gary O’Nan for eleven
years, and I have always felt that our short time together was somewhat
similar to a line from the screenplay of STEEL MAGNOLIAS - “I would
rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special”.
Compared to my parent’s sixty-five year marriage, those too short
eleven years were just like thirty minutes of wonderful, and I was left with
two daughters who became the new center of my heart. The three of us
became our own private girl scout troop, and while I would not wish being
a young single mother on anyone, we did adjust over time and became
a very happy family of three females.
As my daughters navigated the Mayfield City School system, our
home was full of their friends; the quiet created by the missing father
was drowned out by the constant chatter and laughter of growing girls.
I grieved, but was able for the most part to push my emptiness and loss
into a faraway corner of my mind and heart. Those thoughts and feelings
would have to wait until there were less fun events to attend – my
daughters’ ballgames, golf matches, dance recitals, slumber parties, Sunday
School, beach vacations, holidays – a million other things I could find
to occupy my mind, my time,
my heart rather than thinking
of the father and husband
who was not there . As May
of 1999 approached it began
to nag at me that the first
one was nearing graduation
which meant that my nest
Meg
Ellen
was very close to losing that
first baby chick, but no sweat,
as I had four more years remaining with that youngest one. A huge gust
of wind, perhaps even a gale, must have blown those four years right
through me, for before I knew it, I was in the MHS gym watching that last
daughter being handed her diploma. Still, no worries – there was summer to enjoy.
But then came August, the packing of bags which, on one the hottest of days, were moved into a dorm in Bowling
Green – and then I headed home. There was no escaping now, and those ghosts from sixteen years earlier began to creep
into my mind and my heart – and that time, of which there was never enough to fill with laughter with my girls, passed way
too slowly. There were times when I would pull into my garage after a day of teaching at Mayfield High School and just back
right out; the back-roads of Graves County became my familiar haunts as I drove, and drove, and drove. It was so very quiet
in my house – no chatter, no laughter except during that famous weekly card game to which I fiercely clung. I was empty and
alone, and I was very sad because I was a widow with no more children.
These thoughts hung around so long that even I was getting tired of them, and then it hit me . . . . . . . I was
not alone and never had been! I had four hundred children every day, and perhaps they did not need me, but I sure did need
them!
14
Wholesale Distributors Dairyman’s Supply Since 1925

Students Became Family
And just like that, my life as a teacher changed.
My students became my family, a part of my life even
more than they could ever have imagined. I don’t know
that I became a better teacher, but I do know that I began
to see more than students when I looked into those eyes -
some sleepy, some bored, some angry, some scared, some
happy. Each of them, some more than others, needed
something from me, from all of their teachers, that had
nothing to do with anything that could be learned from a
book. They needed and wanted to be heard, to know that
we cared, to know that we believed they could do better,
that we truly did love them when they fell – sometimes
Desean Jones
Dondre Jackson, MSU Grad
more than once. I have often said that I think a monkey
with the right tools could teach, but unless there is a genuine
connection between the teacher and their student,
so what?
So let me tell you about this extended family that I
love. I have watched them win, and I have watched them
lose. I have cried with them, laughed with them, listened
to them, popped them on the head (figuratively, not literally)
when they needed it, and have been given and have
given back in return more hugs than I could ever have
imagined. I have attended their church services, their
concerts, plays, competitions, and their ballgames: I have
danced at their weddings,
their quinceaneras, and
their college graduations.
With a heart full of
pride I witnessed as two
of them took the oath to
become citizens of this
great nation. I have held
their babies, and I have
even taught some of their
children. I have congratu
Edgar Oronia, MSU Grad
Noel Roman,
Georgetown Soccer
Htun Lin Big Hair Contest
William Higginson
Roberto Tapia
Lillie Boyd Sadie Fulcher
Esther Hubbard
Shain Ross
15

lated them on acceptance to college, on getting a new job, and on choosing to live a clean life after walking through the fire of
battling addiction. I have visited them in jails and in hospitals, and too many times I have cried with them as we bid farewell
to one of their own for the final time.
Each of these events with my students have made up the pattern of what is our lives – and each piece of that pattern
is so very special to me.
What I now hope these children, who will forever be mine, will always know is this : “ No matter what you do, where
you end up – no matter if all of your dreams come true, or if very few of them do – no matter if you stumble and fall time and
time again – no matter what – you will forever be in my heart. And to each and every student I ever taught, I am grateful,
honored, and humbled to have been a part of your life. You changed my life forever – I hope I enhanced yours.”
The above completed the story Kathy O’Nan originally wrote. So the obvious question is why did you run for mayor?
And her response was as follows: So, why did I run for Mayor? I had announced in August of 2017 that I would be
teaching my last year at MHS, and when asked what I had planned for retirement, my answer was, “Spend more
time with my parents, my grandsons, and be more involved with the city government.” Upon Mayor Cantrell’s
announcement that she would not be seeking a third term, the thoughts began to form that perhaps I could do this
job. After much thought, prayer, and encouragement from friends and city leaders, I filed to run, and was honored
to be elected last November. Thinking about what I would do as mayor and actually serving as the mayor are two
very different things for me. I am more busy now than I have ever been in my life, every day in the office is different
than the day before, and each of those is a blessing. I know that every dollar spent by the city was hard earned by
its citizens, and I pledge that the city council and I will do our very best
to do what is best for Mayfield with those dollars. I also know that in the
next four years, controversial matters will have to be addressed, and that,
as it is in every situation, we will not always agree. But I promise that my
door in city hall will always be open to anyone who needs to see me with
a question, a comment, or a concern. It is an honor, and I am humbled to
be able to serve the people of our hometown.
16

A Look Back by Denise Thompson
Recently, I was doing some spring cleaning and came across my college transcripts.
I would imagine for many, college is considered their “glory days,” but
from an academic point of view, it certainly wasn’t for me. My grades were pretty
dismal until I took my first journalism class and finally found something that
came naturally to me.
Seeing those transcripts from college quickly took me back to a time in my life
when so much seemed unclear and I was very unsure of myself. It caused me
to think about all the struggles I have faced and all the people who even in the
smallest of ways have made a difference for me. In each of the difficult times there
was always someone-whether it was a family member, a teacher or a friend who
reached out with support and encouragement. While I am proud that I have been
strong enough to get through the difficult times, I have never done it alone.
To understand my story, you need to understand a pivotal moment for me. When
I was 11 years old, my parents decided to separate. That decision set in motion
the following changes: we moved to a new home, we changed schools, my Mom
moved out of state, my Dad remarried, and we gave away my family pets. All
these changes happened in less than a year. My little 11-year old self was shaken.
With all the changes, I had trouble focusing in class and I soon fell behind in my
school work.
Denise at 11
A couple of years later, we moved again to Marshall County and I started the process of making new friends all over again.
Thankfully, it wasn’t quite as hard at that point. But, I still wasn’t a very good student. By this time my Mom had moved back
closer to home but was moving around while attending college. She lived in Murray, Memphis and even Miami during my
high school years. She only chose cities that begin with M apparently. But there is a big difference in having your Mom live
in Murray and in Miami. My Mom’s absence was very difficult for me. I didn’t really even know what I was missing, but I
knew that I needed her more than she was there. I was very fortunate to have several people stand in the gap for me during
that time.
Nancy Pryor with Stacie & Denise--2015
Although I had made new friends in Marshall County, I maintained a friendship
with my best friend, Stacie Pryor, in Mayfield. Most weekends I would come back
to attend the Mayfield football game and spend the weekend with Stacie. In addition
to all these weekends at the Pryor house, I became a regular on their family
vacations. During high school we made several trips to Florida and a trip “Out
West,” to the New England states and even into Canada. During this time Mrs.
Pryor became “Mother Pryor” to me. I am very thankful my Dad was understanding
and let me spend that much time away from home. I see my friendship
with Stacie and the support of her family as an important constant in my life.
By the time I graduated from high school, my Mom had finished college and had a successful career as an interior designer
in Paducah. She was in a position to let me come live with her, so I attended Paducah Community College and lived in an
apartment with my Mom. It felt like someone had turned the lights on for me. My mom and I became very close. She taught
me how to cook and do laundry, but she also taught me how to have confidence in myself. I soaked up every piece of advice
and encouragement she gave me. Imagine taking a balloon and blowing it up so it can fly. That’s what the love and guidance
of my mother did for me. While I still wasn’t making impressive grades, I finally understood that I was smart enough and I
was motivated to figure out what I was good at.
17

After graduating from college, I worked at JR’s Executive Inn in their sales and marketing office and then at Sun Publishing,
producing sales magazines for the beauty industry. I had found work that was fulfilling and that I was good at. Things were
finally starting to come together for me. While I enjoyed my work, my biggest goal was to have a family of my own. I had a
real need to create my own family and heal some of the wounds of my childhood. I promised myself that I would figure out
how to do it right.
It wasn’t long before I married and began with a very structured plan to have the perfect marriage and family. Although, I
didn’t really know what a healthy marriage looked like, I was sure that if I was smart about it, I could produce one for myself.
The first order of business in my perfect family plan was to have children. I became pregnant quickly but miscarried just
as fast. I was devasted. We grieved the loss and waited to be able to try again. I again became pregnant and with a second
miscarriage everything changed. Now I was terrified. What if everything I had ever wanted and planned for myself wouldn’t
come true? It was a deeply painful time for me. It tested my faith. Why, after all I had been through would God deny me the
family I needed so badly? I did the only thing I knew to do, I found a new doctor and aggressively sought to find a solution.
My next pregnancy came quickly and was helped this time with the pregnancy supporting hormone progesterone and weekly
ultrasounds to monitor the child we called “speck” because we literally watched him grow from just a tiny speck on the
ultrasound.
Although I loved the work I was doing at Sun Publishing, after the miscarriages all I wanted to do was focus on this new life
I had created. With Sam’s birth I began a 10-year period as a stay-at-home Mom. In five years, we had 3 beautiful children.
Being able to give my children everything I had filled an empty place in me. I can remember rocking them in the middle of
the night and promising them that I would never leave them. I needed to be able to be the Mom I didn’t have. Being their
Mom has been the most rewarding and fulfilling part of my life.
As everything was coming together for me, life was unraveling for my Mom. The pressures of her successful career led her to
drink, and she eventually became depressed. She even tried to commit suicide twice during this period. It was difficult to see
someone in the prime of her life and career suffer like that. No matter how much I loved her and tried to be there for her, I
just couldn’t reach her. Shortly after Sam’s birth she moved to Florida, which had always been a dream of hers. Unfortunately,
fulfilling this dream meant that I couldn’t keep an eye on her.
Just 19 months after Sam was born, we welcomed our second son, Jack. Sam and Jack’s births were like night and day. Sam
was born in the winter to an inexperienced mother. Jack was born in the summer to much more emotionally prepared mother.
This time I knew what to expect. But what was a beautiful time in my life quickly became dark when I received the call
that my Mom had attempted suicide again. Jack was just 3-weeks old, but we flew to Florida in the middle of the night to find
her on life support. After several tests, we determined that she was brain dead, and we had to let her go. The following year
was the kind of stuff that you don’t even think you can survive, but you just do. I credit little newborn Jack with giving me the
reason to get up every day and carry on. I cried many tears over his little body, but he was a happy and easy baby. Sometimes
God gives you just what you need during the worst times in your life. Meeting the demanding needs of a newborn and toddler
were just enough to keep me going.
18
Just after Sam’s birth-2001
Stay at home mom with Sam--2002
Last photo of Mom--
just after Jack was born--2003

But along the way my marriage suffered, and 14 years in I had to do the one thing I promised myself I would never do. I got
a divorce. For me, this was the ultimate failure. I still don’t really understand why it had to happen. It has been a real lesson
in dealing with situations that aren’t fair and just don’t make sense. I did all the right things, or so I thought, and it wasn’t
enough.
By this time, we had our daughter Jenna and I was facing my biggest challenge. I had to figure out how to go through the
divorce and make the best of a terrible situation for my children so, after 10 years I suddenly found myself back in the work
force at Sun Publishing in Paducah again. Ten years ago, I had worked as an account manager, but now the director position
was open, and the timing seemed perfect. However, it was difficult to go from being the Mom who was there for all the
school plays, all the sick days and after school snack times to living in an apartment in Mayfield but being in Paducah for a
demanding job each day.
I was blessed to become friends with well-known Sports Reporter, Joey Fosko while working at The Sun. Our friendship
With Sam & Jack 2003 Jenna, Jack, Sam 2009
helped to ease the stress and day to day fear of my new situation. We dated for
several months. One night we decided to go for a run. He came to Mayfield, and
I chose to take him to the neighborhood I lived in before my parents divorced.
As we went back to my car, we decided to drive the route to measure our distance.
In the middle of the route I heard him make a loud sound and looked
Denise with Sam, Jack & Jenna 2012
over to find him having a massive heart attack. I called an ambulance, but it all
happened too fast. He died right in front of me on the eve of his 46th birthday. Going through my Mom’s death had prepared
me for pain and loss, but nothing could prepare me for this kind of trauma. I found myself in another situation that didn’t
make any sense. It’s during times like this that I credit my friends and family for keeping me going. Joey’s huge network of
friends were also an unexpected support system for me, as well. Dozens of people I had never even met suddenly became my
friends. Sharing his friends helped ease the pain of losing him. I will forever be grateful for the way they loved me through
that difficult time.
About 6 months after Joey’s death, I was spending the day shopping for Christmas on December 23rd. I hadn’t felt great that
day, but I thought I was having back pain from being on my feet all day in the mall. However, late that evening I had a sudden
attack that easily rivaled birthing pains. I went to the emergency room in excruciating pain. Something was very wrong, but
we didn’t know what. My white blood cell count was so low the doctors thought maybe I was taking chemotherapy treatments.
I was transferred the next morning to Paducah where it was discovered I had four kidney stones and required surgery.
Once the diagnosis was determined my family was sent home. It was Christmas Eve. But, overnight, my condition worsened
dramatically. My family was called back, and I went into emergency surgery. The doctor told them I had developed sepsis and
the next 30 minutes would be touch and go as to whether I would survive. I made it through the surgery but was now in ICU
on a ventilator and fighting for life. All my organs were beginning to shut down as the sepsis swept through my body. I can’t
talk about what a scary time that was for me because I really don’t remember much of it, but if you ask my friends and family,
they remember. There were “Pray for Denise” campaigns on Facebook and I was probably on every prayer list in our region.
All those prayers must have worked. It took some time for me to fully recover, but I have been fine ever since. After losing
people close to me and my own brush with death, I now understand how fragile life is. I understand the importance of maintaining
both your physical and mental health. I know how hard it is to recover from an illness. For me, that was the worst
19

part of being so sick. Being single with 3 children and trying to manage my own recovery was very scary. It took a long time
to feel like myself again.
Professionally, after leaving Sun Publishing, I moved around in a couple of positions
back in Mayfield trying to find a balance between making enough money to
support myself and still having the time and energy to meet the demands of my
family. During this time Mel Doughty approached me about starting a magazine
for Mayfield. He wanted to bring back “Coming Home” magazine and thought
with my publishing and journalism experience I would be a perfect fit. I asked
him how much the job would pay and in Mel’s best salesman pitch he said “As
much as you want it to! The sky is the limit!” What he meant by that was the magazine
and its salary would be whatever I wanted to make it. I was skeptical, but
it was an offer too good to pass up. I created “Thrive” magazine and released the
first issue in spring of 2014. Mel suggested I partner with the chamber of commerce
to help with writing articles and selling the advertising. Thrive Magazine
even joined the chamber, and I presented a pitch for the magazine at a chamber
breakfast. As it turned out, joining the chamber proved to be divine intervention
as I just happened to hear that the president’s job would be opening at the chamber
soon. I don’t think anyone ever plans to go into chamber work but working at
the chamber has given me the ability to use much of my past work experience to help support local businesses and help our
community grow.
I have learned there are times that you may be discouraged, you may be praying for something that just won’t come and you
feel like giving up. When you least expect it God will bring you exactly what you need in his own perfect timing. Sometimes
when a situation seems too big or difficult to handle you just have to give it to God and have faith. Looking for love after
divorce proved to be such a challenge. Dating in a small town in your forties is not easy. It takes a lot to make me want to
give up, but I had gotten to the point where I told God he was going to have to literally bring someone to me because I wasn’t
going to try to find them anymore. I went about the process of learning to be happy being alone for the first time in my life.
After a couple of months by myself, a friend asked me if I was dating anyone. I said, “Absolutely not, I am on a break.” But
ever the optimist, I said “Why do you know someone? He must be living underneath a rock if I don’t know about him.” My
friend started gushing, “Oh yes, it is Jordan Thomspon! He is the nicest guy! Just a really good person!” I guess I had become a
cynical optimist because I didn’t take my friend’s recommendations too seriously. But after our phone conversation, another
friend dropped by my office and I asked her if she knew Jordan. Same thing happened. She started to literally gush about what
a nice guy Jordan was. My friend also knew of a party that evening that Jordan would be attending that night that would give
us a chance to meet. I have been around the block enough to know when things start to line up like this that God is trying to
tell you something. After all I had been through in the last several years, a really nice guy sounded like just what my weary
heart needed. I went to the party and Jordan and I hit it off. We started talking at some point in the evening and just sat and
talked to about 5 hours straight. People often say “when you find the right person, you will know.” That is how it was when I
met Jordan. Everything that had ever been hard was now easy.
At our wedding Jordan made vows
to the children.
Family picture 2015 Family picture 2018
20

Jordan was thirteen years my junior and had never married. He was at a point in his life where he wasn’t sure he would marry
or have kids. Lucky for him, I provided all of that in one fell swoop. You think there would be a period of adjustment when
you go from being a bachelor to married with 3 children, but Jordan was made for family life. He loves me and the kids unconditionally
and has somehow fit perfectly into our lives.
Time is moving especially fast these days. The kids are now 17, almost 16 and 13. Although they don’t need as much of my
constant attention as during the days of diaper changes and sippy cups they still bring me my greatest source of pride and
joy. Sam is my first born and holds a special place in my heart simply because of the joy he gave me in making my dream of
being a parent come true. I always look at Jack as truly a gift from God, sent to me at exactly the moment I needed him most.
And then there is Jenna. Being a mom to Jenna is one of my sweetest gifts. She’s a beautiful young lady now. We go shopping
and hang out in Ulta on Saturdays and try on makeup together. We disagree on clothing styles and learn to cook new meals
together. Simply put, we do all the things I didn’t get to do with my Mom. And while many of the things I have been through
have been difficult, I don’t think I would be able to appreciate what I have now without those experiences. Jenna has a beautiful,
sassy, funny spirit about her. You know who she reminds
me of? My Mom. I know she is watching over us and is so
proud of the life I have created for myself.
614 S. 6h Street,
Mayfield, KY 42066
270-247-1616
www.acreerealty.com
Mayfield - As I Recall
by John L. Davis
A look back at Mayfield from the
late 1800’s to the early 2000’s.
$25.00
Can be purchased at:
King’s Publisher’s Inc.,
The Good News Shoppe,
Graves County Library,
2 Chicks & A Farmer
21

Great Ambitions is excited to announce two new services to our menu
in addition to the wide variety of hair, skin, and nail services that we
already offer . . .
Waking up beautiful has never been easier with both lash extensions
and lash lifts. Both of these services will save valuable time while
getting ready to start your day.
Lash Extensions are a great way to add length and fullness to your
existing lashes. Our lash extensions are
custom designed to complement your
unique eye shape and style. Single lashes
are applied individually to each of your
lashes for a flawless look. To keep
extensions looking their best, a fill is
recommended every 2 to 3 weeks.
If lash extensions aren't for you, Lash
Lifts are an excellent alternative! Many
of us have long natural lashes; we simply
cannot see them because our lashes
point downward. A lash lift curls your
lashes for up to three months, giving the appearance of longer lashes
and a wide eyed effect. There is no maintenance or upkeep involved in
this service, and you can still apply mascara for more volume.
If you are unsure of which lash enhancement would be the best fit for you,
come to Great Ambitions for a free consultation! Our trained students will
discuss your needs and lifestyle to help you achieve your best look.
The beauty industry is constantly evolving. Lash enhancements are only a
small portion of our students' education. Great
Ambitions is the premier Cosmetology and Esthetics
school in Western Kentucky, training students in a
variety of skills that are not offered anywhere else.
This gives our graduates a head start in the industry,
allowing them to quickly grow and thrive.
If you are interested in being a part of the rapidly
growing and rewarding beauty industry, contact us today to set up an
appointment. Our programs take less than a year to complete, and classes
begin on the first Monday of each month. Change your life by changing your
career with Great Ambitions!
270-247-1530
info@greatambitionscosmetology.com
www.greatambitionscosmetology.com
22

Mom,
YOU
CAN
DO
THIS!
23