The Bullitt County History Museum

It Happened in 1999

Over the years, Charles Hartley has shared glimpses of what was being printed in The Pioneer News in different months and years. This page includes what was taken from the January through July issues of 1999.


January 1999

Magistrate Dewey McClearn served as judge for the Fox Chase House Decorating Contest. The Mindel home was the most old fashioned; Bill and Linda Goins' home was the most creative; and Ed and Marsha Kuffner's home was most elegant.

Fiscal Court began a new year under the leadership of Kenneth Rigdon and the four magistrates: Dewey McClearn, David Walker, Ed Bleemel, and Dennis Mitchell. Robert Flaherty became the new deputy judge-executive, and Patricia Hagan was an administrative assistant. The four magistrates were pictured as they were being sworn in by Bullitt Circuit Judge Thomas Waller.


Clifton & Boots

Leo & Jennie

The paper reported that Michael Firesheets was a member of the Vanderbilt University Marching Band. Michael graduated from Bullitt East. Also, Wendy Dugger of Shepherdsville is part of the Morehead State University's Symphony Band where she plays the clarinet. They would be performing in China in May.

The North Bullitt Lady Eagles got off to a bad start against Spencer County, trailing 10-3 after a quarter, but rallied, out-scoring their opponent 39-14 over the next two quarters. Coach Mike Riffe complimented Brandi Evans, Nikki Cowan, and Melanie Keith for coming off the bench to help the team to victory.

Clifton and Boots Thrash of Lebanon Junction celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Leo and Jennie Reid of LJ would celebrate theirs in February.

The paper reported that Brandon Miller, a seventh grader at Bullitt Lick, won the track championship for his age group at Midstate Motocross Park. He competed on his 80cc Kawasaki motorcycle. The trophy he won was four inches taller than Brandon himself.


Kyle Buege

Although Ralph Lutes had stepped away from his role as Mt. Washington's mayor, he would serve the next two years on the City Council. Ed Hilbert assumed the role of mayor. Lutes had been mayor for 13 years, and previous to that he had served on the City Council, and even earlier as the city judge.

Edward and Hazel Summers of Mt. Washington celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this month. She was the former Hazel Whitaker.

Marilyn Donlon-Higgins and her husband Pat Higgins brought their love of dog training with them when they moved to Bullitt County. Her golden retriever Strut had recently won the 1998 Dog Obedience Championship in Houston in the superdog division. (Does that mean he wears a cape?)


Collecting Tabs

Bullitt Central's Kyle Buege was pictured in the paper in a collision with an South Oldham player named Brad Green. The foul was called on Green, but it sure looks like he got the worst of it. BC lost that game by two points, but came back to defeat Eminence by 35.

Whitney and Hillary Burress were pictured with their mother Lauren and Principal Linda Belcher as they presented approximately a half million aluminum can pull tabs to the Mt. Washington McDonald's to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. This was a part of a year-long school Beta Club project.

I wonder if Robbie Cope still has the $50 savings bond he received from Principal John Rowland at Hebron for achieving perfect attendance? All eligible students were included in a drawing, and Robbie's name was drawn.


Kayleigh Woloch

Despite North Bullitt's twelve three-pointers, Bullitt Central managed to pull out a one point victory. Brian Mattingly accounted for five of the twelve, while Michael Steele made four.

Bullitt Central scored 51 points while North Bullitt tallied 49 in the second game between the Lady Cougars and Lady Eagles, but the big number was the 54 fouls called in the game. Despite that huge number, Coach Riffe of North Bullitt declared it a "well-officiated" game.

And I wonder if Kayleigh Woloch remembers receiving the Character Education award in Mrs. Rhonda Underwood's kindergarten class, and getting her picture in the paper?

February 1999


Good Spellers

Erica Hardy, an eighth-grader from St. Aloysius claimed the championship of the Bullitt County Spelling Bee, surviving 17 rounds of competition, and outlasting Josh Logsdon, a Nichols fifth-grader for the title. Darcy Wheaton of Bernheim placed third.

Magistrate Eddie Bleemel requested that a resolution be adopted to ask the State Department of Transportation to do something about Highway 44. Sound familiar?

Justin Odle, Chad Young, Derick Bradshaw, Ashley Murrell, Megan Brimer, Brad Harvey, Jessica Cheatham, Megan Reiding, Aaron Pugh, Casi Jesse, Sierra Bass, and Lauren Parrish were recognized as "Students of the Month" at Hebron Middle School.

Corky Miller resigned as mayor of Fox Chase to devote his time promoting the American Cancer Society.


Janet Pack

Jeannine Hurst, a Bullitt Central graduate, was performing with the production company at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge.

Judge Executive Ken Rigdon was pictured surrounded by educators Bob Buege, Joe Reister, Rob Mineer, Keith Davis, and Rob Williams in a photo op promoting school attendance.

Janet Pack, a Mt. Washington resident, was awarded the WHAS-TV ExCEL award. The award's purpose is to recognize the importance and contributions of public school teachers and the teaching profession.

The community came out to show their respect for Lloyd "Shot" and Arbidelia Dooley on the occasion of their retirement after spending 25 years together in the sheriff's department. The photographer caught Shot and his deputy Tony Roberts sharing a laugh during the celebration.

Nichols' Christmas program pictures were printed in February and included the musicians named above.

Jailer Danny Fackler and his staff were pictured being sworn in to run the jail.

Bellarmine's Dean's List included local high school graduates Anne Trost Allgeier (BC), Kristina Exely (BE), Angela Hoffman (NB), Rachel Layman (NB), Christine Mudd (BC), Sara Robison (BC), Kacey Stiles Roby (BC), Margaret Schneider (BE), and Kristie Wise (BE).

Hebron Middle School's "Students of the Month" were pictured in the paper. They included Justin Odle, Chad Young, Derick Bradshaw, Ashley Murrell, Megan Brimer, Brad Harvey, Jessica Cheatham, Megan Reidling, Aaron Pugh, Casi Jesse, Sierra Bass and Lauren Parrish.

I wonder if Dustin King, Christina Trageser, and Casi Jesse remember having their Hebron Middle School essays printed in The Pioneer News?

Bullitt East senior Jason Winstead was invited to play in the Executive East/West All-Star Classic basketball game. He was his school's leading scorer and rebounder.

And does anybody remember when Stefanie Sellers reported on the deaths of Romeo and Juliet with a live on-air report at Bullitt East?

March 1999

Kyle Buege and Jason Rheaume hit critical free throws to lead Bullitt Central to a 66-59 victory over Spencer County in the district tournament; while the Bullitt East team pulled away from North Bullitt 70-41 with Jason Winstead scoring 21 to lead the Chargers. Andy Hatchett's 17 points led the Eagles' scoring.

In the championship game, Bullitt Central upset favored Bullitt East 68-49 despite Jason Winstead's 16 points. Matt McCubbins led the Cougars with 15 and Jason Rheaume added 11.

In the 8th Region tournament, Bullitt East defeated Gallatin County 80-79 in overtime behind Winstead's 25 points; but Bullitt Central fell to Grant County 65-46. In their next game the Chargers lost to powerhouse Scott County 110-68.

In the girl's district semi-final between Bullitt Central and North Bullitt, Marea Ingwersen scored 14 points and Amber Coy added 12, but they came up short by 5 as JoJean Parrish scored 17, Jennifer McMillion 14, and Stephanie Burden 11 for the Lady Eagles. In the other semi-final game, Bullitt East defeated Spencer County 72-44 behind Nickie Randall's 28 points.

In the championship game it was the Lady Chargers winning with a 14-4 surge in the third quarter to pull away 54-42 over the Lady Eagles of North Bullitt. Nickie Randall again led Bullitt East with 26 points while Whitney Faust added 14. North Bullitt's balanced scoring included 11 by JoJean Parrish, Brandi Evans with 9, Bonnie Phelps with 8, Erin Vachon 6, Jennifer McMillion 4, and Sara Graham and Melanie Keith with 2 each.

In the 8th Region, the Lady Chargers easily defeated Anderson County 65-39, but the Lady Eagles lost a heart-breaker to South Oldham 56-53. Then East defeated Oldham County behind Nickie Randall's 33 points, before falling to Shelby County by one point 55-54 in the championship game.

Off the court, Eric Hall, David Turner and Alyssa VanNatta were among more than 40 Brooks Elementary students who were rewarded for good deeds during February, but their names made it in the paper in March.

Bullitt East students celebrated Mardi Gras by building shoebox floats for a project on Greek mythology. The first place winners were Tiffany Fambrough, Kim Rogers, and Nate Baker. Second place in the float contest went to Christine Farris and Allison Norris, with Dallas Kincade, Tim Williams and Robert Woodson placing third.

And on March 7th, Ralph A. Cundiff, a fine gentleman, left to meet his Maker after living 100 years. Left to mourn his passing were two daughters, Doris Moody and Billie Lee, one foster son, Charles Miller, his sister Eva Roby, and three generations of grandchildren.

April 1999

Brooks Elementary students got the last laugh on their school principals when Principal Carol Wright was left sitting on the roof of the school, and Assistant Principal Brenda Pirtle found herself taped to the wall. It was all in good fun following a fund-raising contest to raise money for Relay for Life.

Erica Hardy, a student at St. Aloyius, placed fifth in the State Spelling Bee after winning the Bullitt County contest.

I wonder if Sam Allen, Zach Flynn, Michael Frye, Harley Noe, Corey Lanham, Adam Nusz, Nicholas Shaner, and Kyle Wheatley remember getting their picture in the paper for completing the Cub Scout "God and Me" study program at Cedar Grove United Methodist Church?

Executive Director JoAnn Yates and Tourist Commission Chairman Mark Edison welcomed the community to the ribbon cutting that opened the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre for the first time.

Ian Akridge was pictured in the paper after being honored two consecutive weeks as Cadet of the Week for the Bullitt Central JROTC.

The following young people won ribbons and awards for their public speaking skills at a March 4-H competition: Veronica Decker, Regina Bischoff, Allen Beeler, Alex Young, Stephanie Judd, Laura Beeler, and Tiffany Rash.

Tashia Rash placed first and Lindsay Harned second in the Conservation Essay Contest, while Kasey Cook won the poster contest, with Laura Lawson placing second.

At regional competition nine North Bullitt FBLA students advanced to the state competition, including Sarah Weimer, Coleen Marshall, Crystal Freelan, Angela Bischoff, Leah Ferguson, Richard Glidden, Beth Maccabee, Mark Rawlings, and Michelle Collins.

Mount Zion Baptist Church held a celebration in honor of pastor Michael N. Smith's 16th year at the church.

Overdale music instructor Debby Murrell was all dolled up in a poodle skirt as she led the fifth grade band at the All-County Band Concert.

Meghan Brimer, Ashley Brock, and Amanda Avery were honored for their Young Author entry One Single Loss. The book was judged best in the middle school, in the county district, and was one of The Courier-Journal award winners.

And I wonder if Tom Barr remembers speaking about journalism and newspapers during Career Day at Hebron Middle School. The students sure seemed interested.

May 1999

Ten students from Bullitt County were honored by the University of Kentucky for outstanding academic work. They included Nathan Joe Fawbush, Angela Marie Frazier, Amy Louise Hettinger, David Lynn Hill, Hollie Rae Keller, Brittany Lee Korfhage, Zachary Lee Moxley, Jason Mark Perry, Joshua Marvie Phelps, and Stephen Kent Plenge II.

Beth Runion of Bernheim Middle School placed eighth in the State English Composition competition; quite an accomplishment.

In girls' basketball, Nickie Randall of Bullitt East was named player of the year by the county coaches. Jason Wimstead of Bullitt East was the boys' player of the year. Jennifer McMillion (North Bullitt), Kyle Buege (Bullitt Central) and Tony Alvey (Bullitt Central) were selected as "Juniors of the Year."

Were you there when Rhett Akins performed at North Bullitt?

The paper reported that Bullitt Central graduate Monica Meredith Robinson had recently opened a new law office in Shepherdsville. Anybody know what she's doing now?

Paul and Evelyn Roby celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with an open house at the Ralph Lutes Senior Citizens Center which was hosted by their daughters, Tammy Smallwood and Paula Maddox.

In the All-Bullitt County Track Championships held at Bullitt East, the following were winners in the boys' events. John Stover, Matt Decker, Steve Langham, and Chuck Clark (BE) won the 3200 meter relay; Shawn Marshall (BC) took the 110 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles; Mike Whitfill (BE) won the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the 400 meter dash; Evan Napper (NB) placed first in the 1600 meter run and the 3200 meter run; Jared Trevino, Ryan Bringhurst, Bret Walker, and Nathan Mann (BE) won the 400 meter relay; Jason DeWitt (BC) won the 800 meter run; Roger Clark, David Huff, Derek Cruise, and Evan Napper (NB) finished first in the 1600 meter relay; James Moore (BC) won the long jump and the triple jump; Troy Williams (BE) won the discus; Josh McClearn (BC) took the shot put; and Jason Cantwell (BE) won the high jump.

In the girls' competition, Amelia Chancellor, Lindsay Martin, Mary Kuchta, and Kelly MacDonald (BE) won the 3200 meter relay; Julie Hobbs (BE) won the 100 meter hurdles, Valerie Caple (BC) won the 100 meter dash, the 200 meter dash, and the long jump; Marea Ingwersen, Erica Ingwersen, Valerie Caple, and Marybeth McCubbins (BC) took the 800 meter relay; Marea Ingwersen (BC) won the 1600 meter run; Amber Shewmaker, Amanda Smith, Kelly Brummett, and Erica Ingwersen (BC) won the 400 meter relay; Erica Ingwersen finish first in the 400 meter dash; Angela Marenger (BE) won the 300 meter hurdles; Marea Ingwersen won the 800 meter run; Erynn Marks (BC) won the 3200 meter run; Marea Ingwersen, Erica Ingwersen, Phoenix Freeman, and Marybeth McCubbins (BC) won the 1600 meter relay; Jamie Sacra (BE) won the discus, the shot put, and the high jump; and Alicia Broyles (BE) won the triple jump.

And David Griffis wrote a moving letter to the editor in which he praised what he called the icons of the Brooks community. He said, "Wallace Kneisler, C. V. Sanders, Burkes Williams, and Homer Myers were the men that taught me through their deeds how to be a man. These men worked together to build each other's barns, repair each other's tools, plant and harvest; ... a community working together." A good letter to help us remember the "icons" in our lives.

June 1999

Several high school tennis players managed to make it to the State Tennis Championships, but lost some close matches. Their only victory was by the Bullitt East doubles team of Jessica and Michelle Simon who managed a first round victory over Scott County before losing in the next round. Others who played at State were Britney Linde, Jessie Phelps, Amanda Dixon, Stefanie Sollman, Molly McDade, Matt Kerns, and Byron Simms.

Bullitt Central's Marea Ingwerson capped off a spectacular senior sports year with the highest finish ever for a Lady Cougar in the State Track Championships when she placed second in Class AAA 1600 meter run.

Bullitt East junior Troy Williams finished third in the Class AA discus event. Other Chargers at the meet included Mike Whitfill and Jamie Sacra.

After 15 years in Bullitt County, Mike Riffe announced that he was taking the girls' head coaching position at Carroll County.

Principal John Rowland announced that he would be leaving Hebron Middle to become the county's Director of Buildings and Grounds.

Bullitt Central grad, Emily Korfhage graduated from Transylvania University magna cum laude. She was also recognized as a Senior Challenge Pacesetter by contributing to a scholarship for an incoming freshman. I know parents Ted and Gayle were proud.

The Bullitt County Dolphins Swim Team began practicing under the direction of Coach Debbie Lloyd.

Charlotte Scrogham opened Cabin Creations just off the bypass in Mt. Washington in her log cabin home. And Laveda Bibelhauser opened her "Lil' Bit of Everything" store in the Hebron Building.

Christy Dawn Strange Delk graduated magna cum laude from E.K.U.'s college of education. I bet parents David and Bonnie Strange are still beaming with pride.

Alisha Trunnell was the first recipient of the James W. Hardaway Memorial Scholarship. When Hester Belle Hardaway passed in 1996 she left money to fund the scholarship.

Renea Hefley of Lebanon Junction was crowned Miss Bullitt County Fair Pageant by last year's winner, Crystal Gayle Bentley. The first runner-up was Jennifer Nicole White of Shepherdsville. The next three runner-ups, in order, were Jaclyn Michelle Lord, Jennifer Renee White, and Kayla Marie Webb. Other participants included Jessica Ranae Mahoney, Carrie Ann Thornsberry, Tasha Lynn Etherton, Sara Ann Brangers, Mandy Kay Steindel, and Tiffany Lee Spadie.

Janice and Jennifer Johnson, mother and daughter, both earned their college degrees this month.

Angela Marshall found a unique way to teach her geometry class at Bullitt Central by having the class design and prepare a colorful quilt using geometry concepts to design the squares. As an added bonus, the crib-size quilt was donated to the Home of the Innocents in Louisville.

And Tom Barr reported that the Rite-Aid store was going to move to a new location on the corner of Buckman and Highway 44. C. E. Roby and Roy Welch were moving to make room for the new store. Wonder how that all turned out.

July 1999

Bryan Rogers and Buddy Sohl of the Bullitt Amateur Radio Society were pictured climbing a radio tower during the society's annual field day at the Zoneton Fire Department.

The paper printed pictures taken at the Roby Elementary School field day. Among those pictured were Chris Walker, Kyle Glass, Holden Landrum, Nick Roten, Brandon Campbell, Chase Geulda, and Lindsay Hester.

Major Joe Riggins, J.R.O.T.C. instructor at Bullitt Central, announced his retirement after 19 years at the school.

The paper also pictured Major Riggins with his award winning cadets including Jacob Ballou, Sandra Richardson, Dee Dee Birge, Jennifer Ricketts, Bucky Hobbs, Christopher Harper, Brian Etherton, Alex Echols, David Eades, Cassie Boblitt, Jeremy Allen, Tiffany Burks, Shannon Blevens, James Denson, Joshua Owens, Ashley Stasel, Jeffrey Hudson, Michael Shoulders, Logan Haycraft, Craig Lee, and Clinton Phipps.

Coach Debbie Lloyd led a 90 member swimming squad into the Bullitt County Dolphins' first season as a part of the Louisville Swim Association. The article mentioned Kelly and David MacDonald from Mt. Washington who had twice reached the state high school swimming championships. Lloyd was assisted by Liz Crigler and Jessica McClearn.

Alice Waters of Lebanon Junction earned her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Auburn University.

Keela Pile was still smiling after winning two gold medals at the Special Olympics World Games in North Carolina.

David Barnes, Josh Riggle, James Foster, Danielle Simmons, Betty Miller, Brandon Beatty, Kerry Lavely and Lyle Bates attended the FFA Convention in Louisville where their group was awarded the State Gold Emblem for the 8th year in a row.

I wonder if Lindsay Higdon, Ashley Powell, Becky Richardson, Jill Decker, Dione McKinnon, Sarah Ford, Sarah Downs, Sarah Graves, Andrea Fenwick, and Erin Cahl still have their dancing shoes on. These girls danced at Dance Design Studios at Gatlinburg.

The Under-13 Mt. Washington All-Stars won the District 6 Babe Ruth Baseball championship. They included Joseph Braun, Joey Downs, Michael Faust, Cliff Florence, Joshua Henry, Troy Hobbs, Devin Lee, Zach Maupin, Sean Sharpe, Nathan Spalding, and Nathan Willoughby, and were coached by Steve Chesser, Donnie Lee, and Joe Downs.

Holly Skidmore received a scholarship from the Homemaker's Club to go with the ones she had received from the Woman's Club, R.E.C.C., and two others. She was attending Georgetown College.

Myrtle Price and Mary Sue Bleemel were saddened by the passing of their mother, Mattie Eva (Cundiff) Roby. Mrs. Roby was 95.

And Morace and Horace Burns celebrated their 90th birthdays this month. They were born in 1909 to Will and Bertie Burns. Happy Birthday Gentlemen!


Copyright 2024 by Charles Hartley, Shepherdsville KY. All rights are reserved. No part of the content of this page may be included in any format in any place without the written permission of the copyright holder.


The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 05 Mar 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/happened/1999.html