Kentucky

At 90, retired priest still works to help impoverished region of Kentucky

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2022

At 90, retired priest still works to help impoverished region of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — With all eyes now targeted on the havoc wrought by Hurricane Ian, the continuing restoration from devastating floods that hit jap Kentucky greater than two months earlier than has fallen out of the headlines.

Bodily and financial reduction continues to reach to assist storm victims within the Bluegrass State, however there may be one other story of wrestle and survival in Kentucky that goes on unabated.

Individuals who stay on the opposite aspect of the mountain and for essentially the most half unaffected by the floods have misplaced every thing with the closure of the area’s coal mines. They usually had treasured little to start with.

Father Terence E. Hoppenjans, 90, is aware of the wrestle of the folks and communities of jap Kentucky all too nicely from his many years of ministering to them.

Father Hop, as he prefers to be referred to as, has lengthy envisioned — and lobbied for — a “mountain ministry” to offer folks on this area — essentially the most impoverished within the U.S. — with nearly steady year-round assist.

“I served as a priest in three ‘missions,’ which is what the small communities or parishes are referred to as — that lined almost seven counties, but in addition labored in two and a half further counties for eight years,” stated the priest.

He retired July 1, 2021, from St. Michael Church in Paintsville, Kentucky, the place he started serving in 1997.

“I’d have fun Mass generally in six locations per week, and generally extra, with two associates,” Father Hop defined, describing the mission church buildings. “Catholics are so few in quantity,” he stated, “these parishes can’t survive on their very own.”

“Once I first arrived, it (the world) was primarily wood homes with material ceilings lined with paper on the within, and in a whole lot of locations (there was) no operating water or electrical energy,” he recalled. “The coverings have been used to maintain out the chilly air, however the high quality (of the dwellings) diversified in other places.”

At one level, Father Hop famous, coal mining “flourished in Pike and Breathitt Counties, however when the business died, the individuals who had trusted it turned unemployed and unemployable. They have been out within the chilly and depending on authorities checks.”

He was ordained a priest in 1955 within the Diocese of Covington, Kentucky, serving in a number of parishes that later turned a part of Lexington Diocese when it was created in 1988.

In retirement he has a giant aim: to unite the Lexington/Bluegrass space “into giving this area the assistance that it wants.”

“In getting ready for my retirement, I prayed about what God would need me to do and I got here up with the concept that he wished me to make our diocese actually a mission diocese. This meant to me that everybody turns into conscious of the wants of the small toddler church buildings that exist in most areas of our diocese,” the priest stated in a March 25 attraction letter he despatched out.

“With the approval and encouragement of the bishop (Bishop John E. Stowe), I’m reaching out to the Lexington space to ask for volunteers to work within the missions,” the priest wrote. “One of many best wants there (in jap Kentucky) is the upkeep of bodily amenities — together with caring for tools and constructing supplies.”

In an interview with Catholic Information Service, the priest stated he “raised thousands and thousands of {dollars} between 1977 and 2022 from an attraction letter which I wrote and despatched out all around the nation.”

The funds have gone “largely to assist the entire needy on this space, however we additionally constructed two church buildings in other places, a rectory, a faculty and a parish corridor,” he stated.

He’s grateful to have acquired monetary help and “serving to arms” from outdoors the diocese, together with from the St. Joseph Mission Staff, “who’re very efficient of their ministry to the poor.”

Father Hop added that he is aware of there have been some folks from throughout the diocese “who’ve volunteered their assist, however their complete is nowhere close to the quantity that we might doubtlessly use.”

He stated he despatched out his March 25 attraction letter to Lexington parishes “and several other monks did put it of their church bulletins,” however he stated he has not but seen “any bodily response.”

“My mindset stays one in every of a relentless readiness to assist these missions — all 33 of them — and to assist them sustain their evangelism,” Father Hop stated.

“The diocese helps financially, however the folks in these mission households are incapable of making an attempt to assist themselves; it’s as much as us (within the diocese) to maintain all of the properties up,” Father Hop stated. “We’d like assist from them.”

Whereas describing assist from “outsiders,” just like the St. Joseph Mission Staff, as “very efficient,” he’s actually trying to get extra folks contained in the diocese to take an energetic function on this effort.

Amongst those that know the area’s wants and share the issues of Father Hop about the best way to meet these wants is Glenn Greenwell, a member of the Knights of Columbus Council primarily based at St. Francis Xavier Church in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

He is also chairman of the Stewards of Appalachia, a nonprofit group.

“We turned a nonprofit trigger in 2010, and have been aiding the mountain communities of David, Garrard and Louisa communities and basically all over the place there’s a want,” Greenwell instructed CNS.

“This area is the poorest in Kentucky, and as we mentioned one of many poorest within the U.S., when the mines closed, the nice paying jobs have been gone too, and now we convey a variety of donations to its residents comparable to furnishings and private care gadgets,” Greenwell stated.

“In the beginning nonetheless, we offer crucial house repairs, whereas additionally delivering donations each month, and once we buy constructing supplies, any cash left over goes to different service teams,” Greenwell defined.

Many Knights of Columbus go on the Stewards’ help outings, and are complemented by folks from different church buildings in Kentucky.

Since 2014, the Stewards of Appalachia have labored by way of St. Vincent Mission in David, Kentucky.

“It (the mission) operates a meals financial institution, house restore, and lots of different packages on this neighborhood and the encircling space,” Greenwell stated.

Father Robert Adam, 33, described among the challenges of ministering to parishes in jap Kentucky.

He travels between two parishes: St. Francis of Assisi in Pikeville, inhabitants about 6,642; the parish has 100 registered households; and St. George in Jenkins, inhabitants 2,203 or much less; the parish has 20 energetic households.

“Touring one strategy to a parish takes 40 minutes, and your automotive will get worn out pretty rapidly; I have fun every day Mass at St. Francis, adoration at each parishes on an alternating schedule, a.m. and p.m. — and two further Plenty each Friday and Sunday,” Father Adam stated.

“Though the largest bodily want continues to be cash, folks right here have lengthy suffered from a way of hopelessness, they usually want a cause to stay — to get away from bed,” he instructed CNS.

“What this space doesn’t want is a knight galloping by on “a white horse, however as an alternative assist in determining how folks can grow to be self-sufficient,” Father Adam stated.

– – –

Editor’s Notice: These concerned about volunteering house restore abilities they’ve ought to despatched a letter to Father Terence Hoppenjans, 2724 Inexperienced Valley Ct., Lexington KY, 40511 or name him at (859) 309-3474.

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Kentucky

Kentucky mass shooting in Florence leaves 4 dead, 3 hurt. Who is Chase Garvey? What to know

Published

42 mins ago

July 8, 2024

Press Room

Kentucky mass shooting in Florence leaves 4 dead, 3 hurt. Who is Chase Garvey? What to know

What began as a Kentucky mother’s 21st birthday celebration for her son quickly turned tragic in Florence, Ky., on Saturday, according to the Florence Police Department.

Four people were killed and three more injured, according to reports. Accused shooter Chase Garvey is also deceased.

The shooting in Florence is the 20th mass killing in the United States this year, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press and USA Today.

Kentucky shooting: A ‘beautiful soul’ — Sister mourns Shane Miller, killed in Florence mass shooting

Here’s what you need to know:

Florence, Ky. shooting: What we know about Saturday, July 6

Florence Police Department Chief Jeff Mallery described the scene in Kentucky, nearly 90 miles northeast of Louisville and 11 miles south of Cincinnati.

Officers responded to a call of shots fired around 2:50 a.m. Saturday, July 6 in Florence, Ky. Multiple victims were discovered at a 21st birthday party at the residence of Melissa Parrett, who was among the deceased, according to Mallery.

Partygoers informed officers that the suspected shooter was 21-year-old Chase Garvey, and he had fled the scene.

An officer joined by a Boone County Sheriff’s officer located the vehicle and attempted to stop Garvey, but he once again fled the scene. According to police, Garvey then shot himself and crashed the vehicle, dying from his injuries at an area hospital.

Police believe Garvey was acting alone and currently have no known motivation for the shootings.

Police weren’t initially aware of any connections to partygoers and don’t believe Garvey was an invited guest. However, Paris Miller — the sister of victim Shane Miller — told media that another victim, Delaney Eary, was Garvey’s ex-girlfriend.

“This is the first time we’ve had a mass shooting in Florence, so it is very emotional,” Mallery said. “And my emotions are for the victims and families, the officers that responded and everybody that was touched by this situation.”

“Our officers aren’t much older than the victims,” he said. “So as far as the department and the city will do a debriefing with all the officers that responded and offer any assistance to talk with peer support or medical assistance or anything like that.”

2024 Kentucky shooting deaths at Florence birthday party

The Florence Police Department provided a list of deceased victims from the mass shooting on Saturday, July 6:

Melissa Parrett, 44, from Florence, Kentucky.
Shane Miller, 20, from Florence, Kentucky.
Hayden Rybicki, 20, from Elsmere, Kentucky.
Delaney Eary, 19, from Burlington, Kentucky.

Miller had this to say about her brother and Eary.

“I want them to all know how loving and caring (Shane) was, how much he loved everybody close to him,” Paris Miller said.

As for Eary: “She always had the brightest, biggest smile, just like Shane.”

How are the other Florence, Ky., shooting victims?

The three other shooting victims were transported to UC Medical Center in Cincinnati and in stable condition. Police said the victims are expected to make a full recovery.

Who was Florence, Ky., accused shooter Chase Garvey?

Garvey was a convicted felon, according to Mallery.

Kenton County records reveal Garvey — who was 18 at the time — was arrested and charged in 2021 in the rape of a 13-year-old girl.

Court records show in April 2023 that Garvey was issued 5 years of probation after pleading guilty to a felony — an unlawful transaction with a minor in the second degree.

What is a mass shooting?

Law enforcement tends to view the term “mass shooting” differently than the general public or gun violence groups.

The FBI considers an event to be a mass shooting “when one or more people engage in killing or attempting to kill people in a populated area.” Shootings motivated by gang violence, drug violence, domestic disputes or hostage situations are excluded, as well as shootings resulting from another criminal act, such as a bank robbery.

The gun violence prevention organization Everytown For Gun Safety tracks shootings across the U.S. The organization’s definition of a mass shooting is an event where four or more people are killed, excluding the shooter. The group added that: “research and news coverage of these tragic events has expanded greatly, but the question of how to best define a mass shooting remains unsettled.”

Are mass shootings on the rise in the U.S.?

Mass shootings were in a slight decline as of 2022. There were 50 incidents determined to be mass shootings by the FBI in 2022, marking a drop from the 61 occurrences logged in 2021, according to the National Criminal Justice Association.

Chris Sims is a digital producer for the Journal Star. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.

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Kentucky

Skywalker Sea sets Oak Grove track record in Kentucky Sire Stakes

Published

8 hours ago

July 8, 2024

Press Room

Skywalker Sea sets Oak Grove track record in Kentucky Sire Stakes

OAK GROVE, Ky. — In just the second start of her harness racing career, Skywalker Sea (Downbytheseaside) paced the fastest mile ever for 2-year-old pacing fillies over the Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel oval in winning her division’s lone $40,000 dash of Kentucky Sire Stakes on a jam-packed Sunday (July 7) card.

Skywalker Sea with Yannick Gingras setting an Oak Grove track record for 2-year-old pacing filllies with a 1:52 win in a Kentucky Sire Stakes division (Mark Herron Photo)

Leaving from post 7, driver Yannick Gingras found a snug seat for Skywalker Sea in fourth to a :27 first quarter set by Hip Shot (driven by Scott Zeron). Gingras stayed put through a :57 half before lifting his charge into action up the backside with a first-over push after Hip Shot. Skywalker Sea seized the lead to three-quarters in 1:24.1 and strode in under a hand drive to register a 2-1/2-length win over Hip Shot in 1:52. Accede (Dexter Dunn) gave chase off a ground-saving trip in third and Karma (Andy Miller) finished fourth.

Skywalker Sea stayed unbeaten from two starts for owner Greg Luther Racing LLC and trainer Todd Luther. Her 1:52 effort lowered the previous mark for 2-year-old pacing fillies set by Calgary two years ago by three-fifths of a second. Skywalker Sea returned $2.78 for the win.

SKYWALKER SEA REPLAY

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Just a single division of KYSS also went postward for the 3-year-old trotting colts and geldings and the 2-year-old pacing colts and geldings. The male sophomore trot opened the card and saw Mister Dad (Father Patrick, Dexter Dunn, 1:55 winning time; $7 to win) find a seam in the final yards off a pocket trip to grab a nose win over tempo-setting Lindy’s Coyotito (Andy Miller) and fast-closing Memorynimagination (Scott Zeron). Anette Lorentzon trains Mister Dad for owners Kentuckiana Racing Stable and Tulip Racing.

The lone KYSS split for male pacing freshmen wrapped the Sunday card and went to Lew Hauber (Sweet Lou, Dexter Dunn, 1:54; $9.56) off an enterprising pocket ride to punch up and get a neck win over hard-charging Got Bourbon (Todd McCarthy). Ron Burke trains the winning colt for owner-breeders Burke Racing Stable LLC, Weaver Bruscemi LLC and Jack Piatt II.

Freshman trotting fillies sparred in three $40,000 KYSS divisions on the Sunday card. Both Voguish (Gimpanzee, Yannick Gingras, 1:55.4; $4.36) and Yo Tillie (Tactical Landing, Verlin Yoder, 1:55.4; $8.62) tied for fastest miles of their division with different trips to boot. Voguish carved the mile as the even-money choice while Yo Tillie powered off a pocket ride to best odds-on choice Stacking Green (Yannick Gingras). Andrew Harris trains Voguish, who debuted a winner for owners William Pollock, Bruce Areman and Andrew Harris, while Verlin Yoder owns and trains Yo Tillie. The third KYSS split for 2-year-old trotting fillies went to Steve Carter trainee Divine Thing (Peter Wrenn, 1:56; $4.40) after she powered first over through the first quarter to the lead and held firm on the point to the finish.

Memento Mori (Chapter Seven, Scott Zeron, 1:56.2; $2.46) made amends for his runner-up debut and led from pillar to post to win in the faster of the two KYSS divisions for freshman trotting colts and geldings. Eric Pataln trains the gelding, who fended off a late surge from Bank On Me (Todd McCarthy) in the stretch, for owners Thestable Memento Mori and Hutchison Harness LLC. Shoe Shine Willie (Dexter Dunn, 1:57.4; $10.70) stayed flat and inherited an open lane on the turn for home to stay on the straight and narrow and win in the other division for trainer Bill Cottongim.

Arson (Captaintreacherous, Scott Zeron, 1:50.1; $6.58) converted a pocket trip to a win in the faster of the two KYSS splits for sophomore pacing males, downing tempo-setter Dancin Champion (Yannick Gingras) in the final strides to win. Eric Patalan trains the colt for owners Thestable Arson Group and Hutchison Harness. Copperfield (Marcus Miller, 1:51.2; $78.82) landed a huge upset as the longest shot on the board in the other division, collaring late-leader Swaggy Cal (Dexter Dunn) in the closing strides for the win.

Per Engblom pupil Bath Bomb (Lather Up, Yannick Gingras, 1:50.2; $3.94) circled to the lead past the quarter and motored down the road to record the faster mile of the two KYSS divisions for sophomore pacing fillies. The daughter of Lather Up, who competes for owner Morrison Racing Stables, easily waded the center-track rally from Defining Moment (Scott Zeron) to hold the win by 1-3/4 lengths. Viki Hill (Dexter Dunn, 1:52.3; $5.20) survived an uncovered bid through the first three-eighths of the mile in the other division to hold victory by a half-length over room-seeking Seeuontheotherside (Marvin Luna).

Black Velvet As (Archangel, Marvin Luna, 1:53.3; $9.36) took top honors from the three KYSS divisions for 3-year-old trotting fillies when she muscled first over to a 3-1/2-length win over pocket-sitter Local Honey (Todd McCarthy). Anette Lorentzon trains her for owner ACL Stuteri AB. Stella Volo (Dexter Dunn, 1:53.4; $5.16) and Woman Of Passion (Scott Zeron, 1:54; $2.20) later bested their rivals on the lead to win in the other divisions.

Live racing resumes at Oak Grove on Monday (July 8) with a 12-race card starting at 3 p.m. (CDT). Monday’s card will feature a carryover into the Early Pick 4, starting in Race 3, worth $849.96. Free program pages for every race day, courtesy of TrackMaster, are available on the Oak Grove Racing website.

For complete race results, click here: US Trotting results.

From Oak Grove Racing

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Kentucky

One more July announcement awaits Kentucky football

Published

15 hours ago

July 7, 2024

Press Room

One more July announcement awaits Kentucky football

Why Kentucky Will POP in 2024

A busy recruiting weekend wrapped up on Sunday in college football. Kentucky’s class of 2025 currently sits at 17 commitments and is ranked No. 20 overall. With talking season starting this week, the Wildcats will now start to enter training camp mode heading into another football season, but there is still one more announcement on the horizon.

Louisville (Ky.) Male center Isaac “Spike” Sowells Jr. has a commitment announcement planned for Thursday, July 18. That is the same day that Kentucky head coach Mark Stoops is scheduled to take the podium at SEC Media Days in Dallas. Will the Wildcats get to 18 commitments before heading to fall camp?

Kentucky currently has four offensive linemen in the fold with three true tackle prospects and one guard prospect. Paw Paw (Mich.) High senior Darrin Strey is the highest-ranked recruit of the bunch. Spike Sowells could become the second-highest rated in Kentucky’s offensive line class. The in-state prospect was in Lexington for his official visit the same weekend Strey committed to offensive line coach Eric Wolford.

The high three-star prospect took official visits in June to South Carolina, Kentucky, Miami, and NC State. Dave Doeren‘s Wolfpack have emerged as the top contender for the in-state prospect in this recruitment. NC State has some real buzz heading into the decision. Can Vince Marrow and the Kentucky coaching staff close on Spike Sowells over the next 10 days?

We will find out soon.

Expect recruiting to slow down after the decision until the games begin in September. Most of the work on the trail in the class of 2025 has been completed. Kentucky is waiting for one more big announcement before season prep gets off and running in the Bluegrass.

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