CP-1 Hall of Fame Adds 10 New Inductees

Sasha Bush

The Ashland Beacon

“Baseball is more than a game. It’s like life played out on a field.”

- Juliana Hatfield

On Saturday, Aug. 26, 2023, over a hundred people gathered at Ashland’s Central Park to welcome 10 new members to the legendary CP-1 Baseball Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place in front of Central Park’s CP-1 baseball diamond. For those of you who may not be aware, Ashland’s CP-1 is home to some of the greatest talents in baseball this area has ever witnessed. Just look at the lineup from 2015-2022:

2015: Brandon Webb, Don Gullett, Bill Lynch, Drew Hall, Charlie Reliford, Jody Hamilton, Dykes Potter, Squire Potter, Bob Simpson, Reecie Banks, Jim Host, and Gene Bennett.

2016: Bob Lynch, Steve Rolen, “Big” Ed Hughes, Wayne Workman, Bill Workman, Chuck Dickison, Juan Thomas, Ellis Childers, Clyde Chinn, Marvin Hall, and Dan Smith.

2017: J.D. Browne, Bo Carter, Joe Conley, Tim Huff, Mike Smith, Steve Hemlepp, John Mullins, Kevin Gothard, Mike Gothard, Dale Griffith, Nard Pergrem, Jim Speaks, and John Thomas.

2018: Don Lentz, Fred Leibee, John Sieweke, Dave Staten, Larry Stevens, Mike Tackett, H.F. Dixon, Ernie Daniels, Larry Castle, David Patton, Greg Swift, Don Allen, Rick Reeves, and Frank Wagner.

2019: T.R. Wright, Robert Wright, Dick Fillmore, Herb Conley, Ed Joseph, Ed Radjunas, Tobey Tolbert, Mike Johnson, Frank Sloan, and Darryl Smith.

2020: No inductions took place due to the pandemic.

2021: Wilson Barrow, Scott Crank, Mike Delaney, Bryan Finkbone, Bill Hammond, French Harmon, Jon Hart, Cabot Keesey, Mark Moore, and Mike Tussey.

2022:  David Cox, Scott Crawford, Steve Hall, Omar Henry, Greg Jackson, Charlie McDowell, Jason Stein, Mark Swift, Hern Wamsley and Rick Wenning.

Just like previous classes of the CP-1 Hall of Fame, the 2023 class was packed full of talent.  CP-1’s 2023 class included: John Browning, Marvin Childers, Rodney Clark, David “Smooth” Greene, Rick Lambert, Kevin Neill, Richard “Dick” Smoot, Chris Tussey, Jeff Wilcox and Keith Withrow. During the ceremony, each inductee had the opportunity to stand up and give a short speech about his fondest memories spent on Ashland’s CP-1 field. After hearing from all 10 of the inductees, it was clear these men had and still have a love for the game of baseball that will forever be a part of who they are.

In addition to the induction ceremony, one of CP-1’s 2021 Hall of Fame inductees was presented with an unexpected surprise of his own.

Ashland Mayor Matt Perkins, showed up to the fields just before the CP-1 induction ceremony began and presented Mike Tussey with a proclamation and a key to the city of Ashland. Tussey shared, “This is a day that I will never forget. Receiving the key to the city of Ashland means so much to me and will forever be one of the most treasured items of my lifetime. Coming from my hometown makes it mean so much more to me. Thank you, City of Ashland and Mayor Matt Perkins.”

Mike Tussey began coaching and managing the Ashland All-American Little League in 1969. From there, Tussey moved on to managing the Ashland Babe Ruth Elks for a total of 12 seasons. The Elks won their league championship under Tussey’s leadership five out of eight seasons (1980-1988). In 1987, Tussey’s Elks won the coveted Triple Crown, AIT, and the prestigious West Virginia Shrine Tournament. From 1982-1991, Tussey managed the Ashland Stan Musial Team for 10 seasons. During that time, Tussey’s Stan Musical team won six league championships, three invitationals, and two AABC State titles. To say that Tussey is a living legend would be the understatement of the century. It is because of Tussey’s dedication to the sport of baseball, his teams, and this community that it was only fitting that Tussey was honored.

Immediately following the induction ceremony was the Grand Ashland Stan Musial Homecoming Reunion. The reunion was held at Tomcat Bourbon and Brew House. It was truly an evening that all enjoyed as they gathered on the patio of Tomcat’s Bourbon and Brew House and shared memories with one another about the old days while enjoying one another’s company.

Tom Adams Call for a Hero Answered

Sonya Newman

The Ashland Beacon

In April of this year, a family sought help in every way they could to find a donor for a man nearly anyone would consider a selfless hero. They used social media, and articles were written in hopes that Tom Adams wouldn’t be relegated to a life of dialysis after so many years surrendered to help others.  This family put out a call to find someone who’d step up and be a hero to a hero.  They waited, hoped, and prayed and were joined by many others who waited alongside them, hoped for them, and prayed on their behalf that the call would find someone, anyone who could answer it.  Rodney Mullannix, a former Lexington firefighter, who now lives in Flatwoods did just that!

Mullannix, who met Adams through his wife during an EMT class she’d taken, explained, “Tom and I have been friends for about 24 years; we became more like family over the years.  My wife showed me a post on Facebook saying that Tom needed a kidney.  I didn’t hesitate. Tom is a dear friend, and I knew from that moment that if I was a match, I would gladly donate.  I contacted UK the next morning and started the process.” 

The process would prove to be challenging as the screening includes checking for several medical conditions past and present that could eliminate a potential donor, and requires a blood test, urine screening, CT scans, and X-rays.  “I understood the risks involved. They are mostly the same as those for any major surgery, but with some added future risks due to having only one remaining kidney,” Rodney conveyed, noting there was a lot of planning and preparation things to do to ensure there was nothing to interfere with the completion of this mission.  “Post-donation was painful for a few days, but after two to three days, that greatly decreased.  I am recovering little by little each day with the help from my family and keeping up with Tom.  The support from the UK transplant Unit is amazing.”  The whole process has left him an even stronger advocate for donation, adding “You can change a life.”

He really did; it was the life of his longtime friend, Tom Adams.

Tom’s journey began with a referral sent by King’s Daughters Dr. Salem to the University of Kentucky transplant department.  It took 10 days to get in and was followed by many medical tests to ensure that he was healthy enough to be added to the donor list.  It took nearly four weeks from the start to be cleared and listed.  “After Rodney went through all the testing, was a confirmed match, and then approved by the committee, the surgery was scheduled two weeks later,” Adams recounted, adding, “At that very first visit, my transplant coordinator talked about the process and my options.  She encouraged me to find an advocate that would reach out for a living donor because of my age and the wait time for a deceased donor wait is as much as five to seven years. So, I gave that task to my adult kids. They took to social media, including Facebook.”  He took note that was where Rodney and his wife Angie saw the initial plea for a donor, and they called the donor line.  Clearing the phone screening requires nearly perfect health, and Adams soon found out that Mullannix had been scheduled to go to UK and begin the testing.  “That gave me some hope,” Tom recalled. 

“Rodney learned he was a match, and he called me. When he told me, I was driving and had to pull over. The surprise of the feeling of realizing that there is a person willing to go through donating a kidney to save my life was earth-shaking, humbling.”

A major source of gratitude from Adams comes from the amazing work of the UK Transplant team.  He describes them as kind, organized, and excellent at what they do.  He was also surprised with how quickly after the transplant his health changed, citing normal kidney function the evening of the surgery, with continuous improvement daily. 

Adams expressed, “I received a lesson on the meaning of selflessness and to trust God when it’s out of your control.  Rodney, myself, and our families met in the waiting room at 5 a.m. the morning of the transplant. Rodney’s hospital room was next door to mine and that allowed us to work through those first few days motivating each other with our recoveries.  Four days, including the day of the surgery, we both went home.”

While he still has restrictions on what he can and can’t do, Tom is progressing along to complete recovery and expects the doctors will continue to wipe away restrictions as progress gives way to normal and healthy.  There is regular follow-up and testing to look for illness or organ rejection. “All of these things, I hope, help people realize that for many a living donor is the only hope of survival.” Adams elaborated, “By the grace of God and the selfless heart who is now a brother, I have been given a new life.”

Rodney wasn’t the only help for Adams, however.  His support system was ever expanding with family, friends, and folks from Holy Family Church, who encouraged and prayed for him.  “Everyone still today sends messages, calls, and sends cards.  I truly believe that what happened is the direct answer to prayer.”  

Gov. Beshear Announces Funds for Local Projects

Kathy Clayton

The Ashland Beacon

   Several local projects received state funding this week, as Governor Andy Beshear awarded checks totaling $3.9 million during a ceremony at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center. The funding comes from the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization (AM-LER) grants, which are administered through the state’s Office of Surface Mining.

   The Highlands itself was awarded $1.3 million. “We’re completely jazzed. What this grant means to us here at the Highlands Museum and Discovery Center and to our community is almost indescribable. These funds will enable us to develop our third floor and we will finally be able to get our second elevator up and running. The elevator hasn’t been operational for quite some time. These funds will also help us pay for the two interactive classrooms that will be featured within our Clark Discovery Center.” exclaimed Highland’s director Kim Jenkins. Gov. Beshear also praised the Clark family for their contributions to the project. “The museum is a special facility; I first started coming here when my dad was governor.”

   “Without the support of everyone, it (the grant) wouldn’t have been possible,” Jenkins said. “The support we have received has been amazing and we are so very grateful to Amanda Clark who was absolutely instrumental in filling out our application because ofall of her AM-LER experience. She has been successful with several applications that she has done through AMLER in the past. We are beyond delighted to have been chosen to receive this.”

   Gov. Beshear also highlighted many recent and upcoming economic successes in Boyd County and all of eastern Kentucky. He pointed out that the Appalachian Regional Commission conference set for September 11-12 in Ashland is sold out, ground has been broken for the racetrack, and said that the planned Boyd County High School technical center will be a magnet to show prospective businesses.

   “People here are living out the golden rule, helping their neighbors. There’s a real sense of community,” he declared. “This is why families come here and why businesses will come here,” adding “big things are coming for this county and this region. There are good sites and a skilled work force.”

   Ashland Community and Technical College received $1.3 million for the creation of a health science simulation lab. In accepting the check, president of ACTC, Larry Ferguson, stated that the money will be used for all allied health programs at the college, noting that ACTC produces more nurses than any other school in the area.

   The Kentucky Product Development Initiative received $750,000 to be used at the East Park industrial development site.

   An award of $436,000 was designated for the Daniels Fork Road project, and $20,000 to help residents dispose of household waste in Ashland.

   Both the governor and state Representative Scott Sharp praised the bipartisan cooperation that resulted in these successful programs.

   “Roads aren’t red or blue, bridges aren’t red or blue,” Sharp said. “I’m happy to be here participating on these bipartisan issues.”

   Eastern Kentucky native and assistant to the governor Rocky Adkins closed out the presentations by praising the governor’s focus on Eastern Kentucky, bringing “hope and opportunity. Our region, our people helped to build America.”

Family with Big Dreams and the Right Beans Brew Magic in Flatwoods

Sonya Newman

The Ashland Beacon

There’s a new aroma sweetening the air in Flatwoods, and it’s rich with the fragrance of fresh baked goods and barista-brewed signature coffees at a family-owned local business.  Mother and daughter team, Jana and Cloe Peek own and operate the fast-growing Farmer’s Daughter Coffee Company, which specializes in creative pastries and signature brewed coffee in a relaxing and inviting new meeting spot at 901 Bellefonte Rd in Flatwoods. 

“I’ve loved coffee from a very young age, and it’s become a hobby of mine to search for cool local coffee shops and try out different places and what they have to offer,” Cloe Peek offered, continuing, “It quickly became a dream of mine to open my own coffee shop with a personality of its own.” She has worked as a barista for two years and has a passion for learning all she can about coffee.  That passion could be a family trait.  The family has been formulating and blending coffee for over a decade, seeking that perfect blend from the perfect beans.  Finally, they discovered that Kenya AA beans were superior in flavor, and the fresh roasting of these flavorful beans provides an exciting and rewarding experience to those who visit Farmer’s Daughter Coffee Company.

Creativity is a big part of what distinguishes the shop from other similar businesses.  Mixing flavors to create new combinations that are set apart in both flavor and presentation are exemplified in the recent addition of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle inspired cookies, donut hole skewers, or the Hayloft, which is a white chocolate mocha with caramel drizzle and sea salt topping, served hot, iced, or blended.  This is the drink that Peek recommends to first-timers due to its broad appeal and delicious reputation. 

“One thing that has surprised me about running the shop is how much of the customer experience is dictated by factors other than product quality.  Every little detail matters—the cleanliness of the building, music playing and the volume level it’s set at, the attitude of the barista when taking an order.  The customers notice all of it,” Peek shared. 

Customers are taking notice. 

“The Farmer’s Daughter creates a country, chic coffee shop setting. Definitely a small town, friendly atmosphere where you want to slow down and relax either for personal time or with family and friends,” said Flatwoods native, Camilee Gillum, “They have something for everyone— coffee lover or not.”

April McFarland remarked, “My first time there, my son and I had a coffee date!  He kept telling me all about it!  He knew I would love it based on their décor alone!  Not to mention the delicious coffee!”  She went on to share, “I had one of their specialties, which was amazing!  The service was great! The staff was so friendly!  I have been 4-5 times now and counting! Highly recommend trying out this adorable and affordable coffee shop!”

Peek’s response to customer feedback is one of gratitude, “It truly warms my heart to see people as excited as we are about our little coffee shop.”  She is quick to give credit for the growing popularity of the business to those working there.  “At the end of the day, our baristas are the heart and soul of the operation,” she mentioned, “We really are proud of our baristas and how well they have picked up on the job in just a month of working for us.”

Peek also pours appreciation for their church family who’ve massively supported them including brothers and sisters from all across the country ordering merchandise to local congregation members showing up to wear costumes and hold signs.  “It’s been humbling to see how many people truly want to see our dream succeed,” she concluded.

Peek’s biggest goal is to provide a welcoming space for all of Flatwoods to enjoy, regardless of how they enjoy it.  Sit a while with friends, take it to go, or even through the drive-thru. So far, it’s working, as the feedback for the shop, whose motto is ‘Seek peace, be kind, and stay groovy’ is improving daily.  “I feel that we have done a great job at curating a positive and welcoming environment that anyone can enjoy,” Peek concluded. 

You can find out more about Farmer’s Daughter Coffee Company through their Facebook page or walk in and check it out in person at 901 Bellefonte Rd in Flatwoods.