Danville Living May June 2017 by Advocate Messenger

WORLD’S BEST

BOURBON ‘Bourbon doctors’ plan to prove science can be delicious

CONTENTS May/June 2017

Living on Air

Want a new way to stay in Boyle County? Airbnb spots offer a wide variety of experiences.

Feeding Family

It began as a small Danville feed store in 1979. Now, it’s a much bigger operation with facilities and stores in two states, but it’s still first and foremost a family business.

KENDRA PEEK

IN EVERY ISSUE Publisher’s Letter p.4

DIY Danville p.10

Through the Lens p.48

Where am I? p.6

#Throwback p.38

Danville Gives Back p.50

Librarian’s Nook p.8

The Scene p.40

On this page: Rick Lyne loads hay onto a pallet behind the Burkmann Nutrition warehouse in Danville. — Photo by Ben Kleppinger On the cover: Walking in to Stay Over Danville brings you to the open concept dining, kitchen and living areas. Little touches bring a taste of elegance to the place, including locally-made furniture. — Photo by Kirk Schlea Inside cover photos by Ben Kleppinger. May/June 2017

Publisher’s letter

Sweet Kentucky summertime

pring has sprung, and summer is fast approaching. Just like all the kids are looking forward to summer break, I’m looking forward to the sweet tones of brass ringing in my ears from the Great American Brass Band Festival. One of the nicest things about Danville is it seems there’s always something to do, and as soon as one amazing event is over, another one appears on the horizon. But even when we’re in between the bigger moments, we have our beautiful parks, rolling hills of farmland and many unique shops and restaurants to enjoy and explore. Perhaps that’s why local entrepreneurs are finding such success in turning their homes and properties into Airbnb locations. We’ve got very nice hotels in Danville, but we’re also a great place to visit if you’re into something a little more adventurous. Whether you’d like a room on the Chaplin River in Perryville, a cabin buried deep in the woods of Boyle County or a view of downtown Danville, our local Airbnb hosts have you covered. Kendra Peek introduces you to five of these fantastic locations in this issue of Danville Living. They’re great if you have guests coming to town, if you’re a Danville native returning for a visit, or even if you’d just like a weekend with a different setting. Our feature story this issue focuses on one of the many family-based businesses in Danville, Burkmann Nutrition. Not only do we showcase the history of the store, we share their philosophy on their business and growth since their beginnings in the late ’70s. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit their newly remodeled store, you will find yourself

Danville Living

wanting to check it out soon. If you’re looking for some good reading this summer — who isn’t? — we’ve got five Boyle County librarians — Kathy Phillips, Diana Draper, Terri Blythe, Brittany Smith and Jamie Helle — who have some great suggestions for you. And don’t forget to look for our featured non-profit — The Gladys Project. This amazing group works with young children and their families to help ensure they’re ready to learn when they enter kindergarten. When you’re raising a child, it truly does take a village. The Gladys Project is doing its best to make sure every child’s village is providing what they need in order to grow up and be successful. Who doesn’t like to be photographed? I know a lot of you fall into that category, but be sure to check out “The Scene” to see who was captured by local lenses while enjoying the many social events of Danville. There’s much more for you to enjoy in these pages than I have space to mention, so I hope you’ll take a look for yourself. And I hope you enjoy Danville Living as much as I do. I invite your comments and suggestions on how we can improve, as well as your input on future features. —Larry Hensley, Publisher, Danville Living

PUBLISHER - Larry Hensley larry.hensley@danvillelivingmagazine.com

EDITOR - Ben Kleppinger ben.kleppinger@danvillelivingmagazine.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR -Andy Mooney andy.mooney@danvillelivingmagazine.com

EDITORIAL Bobbie Curd

bobbie.curd@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Robin Hart

robin.hart@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Kendra Peek

kendra.peek@danvillelivingmagazine.com

CONTRIBUTORS Kelly Gray, Kirk Schlea, Rachel White, Pam Wright

ADVERTISING Manager - Carrie Shields

carrie.shields@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Stephen Sleet stephen.sleet@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Lee Smith lee.smith@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Melanie Tackett melanie.tackett@danvillelivingmagazine.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE Manager - Candi Campbell

Where will you ďŹ nd us? Danville Living is distributed in Danville and Boyle County. It will reach those who have lived here for generations, those who have transplanted here and travellers who are considering making our community their home. All of these segments of readers have a natural eagerness to learn more about our communities. Danville Living will satisfy the curiosity with strategic placements into the hands and homes of interested and connected readers that advertisers want to reach. The majority of the circulation is mailed to a preselected mailing list. It is also available at upscale boutiques and retail outlets who reach our select readership where they shop, as well as circulate in hotels, bed and breakfasts, real estate offices and medical facilities.

candi.campbell@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Laurinda Bond

How can you advertise with us?

laurinda.bond@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Bonnie Kolasa

bonnie.kolasa@danvillelivingmagazine.com

Brenda Townes

brenda.townes@danvillelivingmagazine.com

To receive more information on advertising in Danville Living as well as to receive a complimentary copy of the most recent issue, please contact your account executive or call (859)236-2551.

On the web:

www.danvillelivingmagazine.com

On Facebook:

www.facebook.com/danvillelivingmagazine

To subscribe:

call (859) 236-2551

Danville Living Magazine 330 S. Fourth St. Danville, KY 40422

For more information, please contact Carrie Shields carrie.shields@DanvilleLivingMagazine.com

www.DanvilleLivingMagazine.com May/June 2017

Where am I?

Danville is jam-packed with unique and interesting places and things. Many of them are well-known, but others might take a keen eye to spot. Do you recognize this photo from around town? Send an email with your guess of its location to robin.hart@ danvillelivingmagazine.com by June 18 to be entered to win a $50 gift card to a downtown Danville business, courtesy of the Heart of Danville. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll draw one lucky winner from the correct entries and reveal the actual location in the next issue of Danville Living.

May/June 2017

Librarian’s Nook

Summer reads

ummer is always a great time for reading in Danville. Whether you enjoy perusing a book from a shady spot outside, or you like to pass the time with a page-turner while hiding from the heat and humidity on your couch, Boyle County’s librarians have got you covered with some fantastic recommendations for summer reading.

Kathy Phillips Circulation Librarian Selection:

‘A Man Called Ove’ By Fredrik Backman

Diana Draper Acquisitions Librarian Selection:

‘I Know This Much is True’ By Wally Lamb

Kathy says: “Ove is an old curmudgeon — a grouchy old guy that not very many people like. But he meets up with a family that moves into his neighborhood and it changes his whole lifestyle!”

Danville Living

Diana says: “Wally Lamb is a terrific writer. He was raised in a family of girls and writes the female character beautifully.” From the description: Wally Lamb’s “I Know This Much Is True” is a story of alienation and connection, devastation and renewal, at once joyous, heartbreaking, poignant, mystical and powerfully, profoundly human.

Terri says: “This is a wonderful book — I enjoyed it so much I emailed Ms. Gerritsen. She responded, thanking me, as she said it was a book that meant a lot to her — so much so that she actually wrote the music.”

Terri Blythe BCPL Office Manager Selection:

‘Playing With Fire’ By Tess Gerritsen

From the synopsis: Fans of Gerritsen will be won over by the storyline and characters of “Playing With Fire.” Readers who have been debating whether to read one of her novels, or those who are looking for a gripping historical tale, shouldn’t worry about being burned.

Brittany Smith Outreach Librarian Selection:

‘Duma Key’ By Stephen King

Brittany says: “Duma Key” is a story about a man who is trying to get back on his feet after a divorce and a freak accident that left him an amputee. He moves out to an island, where he picks up a long-lost pastime of painting when strange things begin to emerge as a result of his artwork. I had never read a book more than once before this one.”

Jamie Helle Reference Librarian Selection:

‘Size 12 is Not Fat’ By Meg Cabot

Jamie says: “This series stars Heather Wells. She was a famous pop star in her youth until her mother and manager ran off with her fortune. Now, she works at a college dorm, helping others get their lives together. Everything is fine until her dorm is turned into a crime scene. Heather and her ‘roommate’ work to solve the case in this fun mystery mixed with a little romance. The first book in the series is a light and perfect summer read that will make you want to finish the series.”

May/June 2017

DIY Danville

Fresh

COAT

How to give that antique side table new life with a little paint Photography by

KENDRA PEEK

urniture makes the room and in many cases a small change can make a big difference. Paint, said Kelly Gray, owner of Marketplace Gray, is one of those small changes. In less than a day, an old side table can see new life with a fresh coat. Gray primarily uses Annie Sloan paint in her projects. It and many of her refinished pieces can be found in her Facebook shop. For this project, Gray used: • An old side table • Annie Sloan Chalk paint in Paris Grey, Annie Sloan clear wax and Annie Sloan dark wax • Shellac • Four Annie Sloan pure bristle brushes • Shop towels • A cleaning agent, like Clorox wipes

1. Begin by cleaning the table. One of the upsides to using the chalk paint, Gray said, is that it doesn’t require primer, just a clean

Danville Living

Above: The final product works beautifully as a side table or an accent piece. Left: Kelly Gray, Perryville native and owner of Marketplace Gray, paints the table, using Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in a Paris Grey.

The type of paint and wax used by Kelly Gray for her project is Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Paris Grey and Annie Sloan Soft Wax in clear and dark.

surface, which is where the Clorox wipes are used. Murphy’s Oil Soap can also be used. 2. Start painting. Chalk paint will adhere to almost any surface and is a forgiving paint, Gray said, making it her favorite for projects. All it takes is wax to seal it in — unless using it on concrete or another surface that’s going to be outside. Chalk paint lends itself to the rustic, picking up on things like nicks in the wood. 3. When doing tables and items with legs, Gray likes to flip them upside down and paint the legs first. “Apply liberal amounts of paint to the brush and go to town,” she said. 4. Wait 45 minutes to an hour for the paint to dry. Gray recommends using two coats of the paint, giving the piece a nice solid covering. Pro tip: For a smoother finish to the paint, dip the brush in water first, then paint. 5. If you find there are rings or other color differentiations in the wood that are bleeding through, that’s when it’s good to apply the shellac, but only in the areas that need

A before photo of the antique table, with a few of the items needed to give it new life.

der to keep the wax from drying too thickly. “Let the cloth and wax do the work for you,” Gray said. Pro tip: For a more rustic look, Gray applies a dark wax — “a little bit goes a long way.” If you do put too much on, don’t fear. Spread the wax around with a shop towel. Dip a towel in clear wax and use that to help spread the dark wax around a bit. Gray uses a shop towel to reapply a clear coat of wax, softening and smoothing out the dark wax underneath, to give the table a slightly rustic look.

it. When that dries, repaint those portions. The shellac will seal in the marks. Wash that brush immediately, as shellac will damage a brush quickly. 6. After the piece is dry, apply clear wax. Use a brush to heavily cover the piece, then take a shop towel and go back to smooth it out and wipe away the excess. It’s important to only work on one section at a time in or-

7. Give the wax a full 24 hours to cure.

Kelly Gray is the owner of Marketplace Gray, a home decor and vintage furniture business, which can be found on Facebook by visiting bit.ly/marketplacegray. Gray also refinishes furniture and redesigns kitchen spaces at special request. Follow Marketplace Gray on Facebook to learn more and to find her at pop-up locations and other special events.

May/June 2017

A limo sits parked outside the entrance to Stay Over Danville. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Photo by Kirk Schlea

Living on

AIR

Want a new way to stay in Boyle County? Airbnb spots offer a wide variety of experiences. Written by KENDRA PEEK

or those who want to live like the locals do, the world of Airbnb is the perfect solution. And Danville is the perfect location for some truly unique Airbnb locations.

“There is a movement to live like a local, for the traveler who doesn’t want a hotel stay,” said Jennifer Kirchner, executive director of the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. That movement is paying off in big ways for at least five residences in Boyle County. Each offers up a unique view of the area, allowing visitors to experience living in the area in different ways. Stay Over

Danville and the Bowman Bungalow are two Airbnbs located in Danville; The Photographers Cottage and The Retreat are both in Perryville; and Hallor Day Inn is in the Forkland community. For Perryville, the opportunity to have not one, but two spaces for rent is a “big deal,” Kirchner said. It’s also important in Danville, where the nearest hotels are on the bypass, to have locations in the downtown area enabling visitors to walk to the local shops and restaurants, she said. “We need a downtown hotel, but it’s the same struggle as needing a downtown grocery — there’s not really a good place to put it. This is great news for us that people are being entrepreneurs,” Kirchner said. “It’s a different approach, but it’s really working.” The facilities offer another solution for residents who want to have visitors, but may not be able to host them, or may not want to play host, she said.

May/June 2017

•••

Airbnb • • •

— Photo by Kirk Schlea

The living room of Stay Over Danville offers a perfect view of downtown Danville.

Stay Over Danville R a te : $ 2 2 5 per nig ht wit h tw o - n i gh t m i n i m um

tay Over Danville, located on Main Street, is a two-bedroom, two-bath loft with beautiful views of downtown Danville. It’s the perfect getaway for Centre families or for multiple couples, said owners Shane and Karlynn White. “Centre parents come and they can cook

Danville Living

Web : b i t. ly/ Sta yOve r Da n vi l l e

a meal for their kids,” Shane said. “This weekend, we had three couples doing the bourbon trail from Wisconsin.” That’s one of the most interesting parts about having an Airbnb space, Shane said — meeting people from new places. “We start learning more about the visitors, too,” he said.

Since the place opened in 2015, they’ve had a few repeat visits, which is a sign they are doing something right, he said. “We’ve been really busy,” Shane said. The space has also become an option for those who are having family visit town, for a family reunion or another family event, because it offers an open area to hang out. It’s

were wonderful welcoming also good for people wanting to hosts! This is definitely by visit when there are events going far the best place to stay in on downtown, such as the Great Danville and the location is American Brass Band Festival or perfect. We would highly the Kentucky State BBQ Fesrecommend staying at the tival. Stay Over Danville is a loft ... the bedrooms were downtown spot within perfect extremely comfortable and walking distance for those big there is so much room to draws. wander about you may feel It is a three-story facility, with like you are living in a casa set of stairs leading into the tle!” main living space and another Guest Susanne said, “The flight taking guests to the secloft was wonderful. Very ond bedroom and the porch. modern and stylishly decoShane said he made a point of contacting local companies — Photo courtesy Stay Over Danville rated. It was clean and there were enough towels, as well and designers to help with the The master bedroom at Stay Over Danville is light and airy, yet cozy — the perfect place to start a day. as coffee, sugar, creamer, décor, making Stay Over Danetc. You are right in downville feel a little homier without town Danville once you step out the door. On Airbnb, the Whites are Superhosts losing the amenities of a higher-end stay. Danville is quaint little village — well worth with a five star rating. Visitors get a free bottle of wine on their a visit.” Guest Tara said, “Shane and Karlynn first stay.

May/June 2017

•••

Airbnb • • •

One bedroom at the Bowman Bungalow offers a quiet place to retreat after a long day of exploring Danville.

— Photo courtesy Bowman Bungalow

Bowman Bungalow R at e : $ 1 5 0 -$ 2 2 5 per nig ht w i th tw o - n i gh t m i n i m um

ust a short drive from Stay Over Danville is Bowman Bungalow, off of Fifth Street. Owner Cindi Lacey said they wanted to make an investment and she just “fell in love” with the house. The three-bedroom, two-bath house features an office, dining room, family room, kitchen, mudroom, laundry room and fenced-in yard, along with a gas grill.

Danville Living

Web : bi t. ly/ B ow m a n Bun g al ow

It’s the perfect location for families to visit. Lacey said the bungalow makes a great home away from home. It’s also close to Centre College’s campus, making it another ideal spot for parents. The Laceys have owned the home since October 2015. They’re relatively new to the Airbnb game, but she said it’s been a positive experience. “We’ve had very nice guests.”

Other people already involved in the local Airbnb community have been helpful, too, Lacey added. Bowman Bungalow comes with a bit of history — its name comes from a former owner. Lacey said she tried to preserve the home’s original décor — but with a modern update. The office space is outfitted with a printer. The house has been used by officials

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ST C T A

R ERE

— Photo courtesy Bowman Bungalow The living room space is next to the kitchen, giving the house an easy flow into the kitchen and dining areas.

e on Main u C 2017

with area factories and businesses who have to remain in town for some time, she said. Lacey attempts to keep the kitchen stocked with basics, including spices, sugar and flour. She brings donuts and flowers to visitors. The Bowman Bungalow has received five star ratings from reviewers. Guest Jacqueline said, “We had a wonderful experience staying in your home. … We were greeted by fresh flowers and pastries and felt very welcome. Cindi was attentive to our needs and made our stay very comfortable. Thank you for your concern and attention.” Guest Brandyn said, “My stay at the Bowman Bungalow was fantastic! Cindi is such a lovely, accommodating person even though we weren’t able to meet her since she was out of town. The house is so spacious, well-designed, and was perfect for our needs for the weekend. The closets — my god! They could be their own rooms. I

S T WA I T E R

NELLIE BURTON'S STEAKHOUSE & SPORTS BAR 120 S. Fourth Street, Danville, KY 40422 (859) 209-5151 May/June 2017

•••

Airbnb • • •

— Photo by Kendra Peek The back porch of The Retreat offers an inviting place to relax and watch the Chaplin River drift by, or a place to grill out for a family gathering.

The Retreat R a te : $ 1 5 0 per nig ht wit h o n e - n i gh t m i n i m um

he Retreat in Perryville offers a Main Street view of one of Kentucky’s prettiest cities, along with some history, too. Owners Paul Webb and Jerry Houck have transformed the former 1840s shop with living quarters above into a two-bedroom, one-bath Airbnb listing. The two decided to turn the Merchant’s

Danville Living

Web : bi t. ly/ T h e Re tre a tPe rr yv i l l e

Row property into the rental space because of the need for lodging. With no hotels in Perryville and a vacant store on their hands, they tapped into what they know. “When we travel, we stay in rental homes,” Webb said. It just seemed natural to offer that in Perryville. The home has a kitchen, sitting area and an open dining room and living room. The

bedrooms are upstairs and there is a wide porch off from the sitting area with a view of the Chaplin River that runs through the center of town. The space has been used by families, as well as for weddings and other events. Wedding parties have rented The Retreat while using Baril Park for their wedding venue.

Webb said they offer complementary coffee and are willing to help visitors to fulfill other special requests. He takes care of the upkeep of the property himself. Webb said it’s the little touches — like freshly ironed sheets — that make all the difference. The Retreat sleeps six, and the beds can be kings or taken apart to be twins. There’s also a sleeper sofa. Guest Jo Ellen said The Retreat “was a great place to hang out. Paul was a great host and helped us with whatever we needed. The beds upstairs were fabulous.” Guest Michael said, “Paul was a great host. He met me when I arrived in town and showed me around the property. The house is amazing and has tons of history. We will no doubt be back to rent this property next year.”

— Photo by Kendra Peek The living room provides a nice place to sit a spell and relax after a long day of exploring the area.

May/June 2017

•••

Airbnb • • •

The Photographers Cottage in Perryville is the second Airbnb run by Paul Webb.

Photographers Cottage R at e: $1 5 0 per nig ht wit h a one- n i gh t m i n i m um s ta y o n Fr i d a ys a n d Sa turd a ys ; p e ts are al l owed Web : bi t. ly/ Ph o to gra p h e r s C o tta ge nother offering from Paul Webb and Jerry Houck, the Photographers Cottage is located on East Fifth Street in Perryville, and is a brisk walk from the Chaplin River and historic Merchants Row on South Buell Street. A quaint two-story house on a quiet Perryville street, the Photographers Cottage is a pet-friendly alternative to The Retreat, with a large, fenced-in backyard and “doggy door” for the smaller animals. Lilac bushes and other flowers dot the landscape

Danville Living

of the yard, visible from a sunroom off of the kitchen. The house includes a porch and a grill. Webb said they began offering the home in 2016 and have had several stays since. The cottage’s name highlights the feeling of a gallery, with photos of Perryville and the world hanging throughout the home, leading through the kitchen, dining room and living room, and up the stairs to the second floor. From the second landing, there are two bedrooms quaintly decorated

with antiques, which sleep up to four people. Guest Franciso said, “We had a great time. The house had everything we needed to have a relaxing get-away with our two dogs. The back yard was fully fenced and large enough for our dogs to run around and get exercise. Great property and host. Excellent communication. We hooked up our Apple TV to the new flat panel TV at the property and the internet connection was fast enough to stream movies. Thanks

for everything!” Guest Dianna said, “Nice little house if you’re in the area. Paul was very good with communication and even met us near 11 p.m. to check in. Awesome setup if you have a dog — huge fenced backyard and doggie door!”

Above: The Photographers Cottage in Perryville is the second Airbnb run by Paul Webb, and has two bedrooms. Above left: The cottage has a cozy dining area.

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•••

Airbnb • • •

— Photo courtesy Hallor Day Inn

Above: The Hallor Day Inn provides a nice retreat in the woods of the Forkland area.

Hallor Day Inn R at e: $ 2 2 5 per nig ht wit h one-ni gh t m i n i m um ; p e ts a re a llowe d

he Hallor Day Inn is far off the beaten path, located between Forkland, Mitchellsburg and Parksville in rural Boyle County. Owners Chris Brummett and his mom Barbara said the remoteness is part of the charm. Visitors have used it as a base for horseback riding, church group retreats, large family getaways and more. Also referred to simply as “the cabin,” the location sleeps 12 and is perfect for group stays.

Danville Living

With a full kitchen and other facilities available, the Hallor Day Inn provides amenities even as guests escape from the hustle and bustle. Airbnb helps bring attention to hidden gems like the Hallor Day Inn, which might not be seen by many people otherwise. “We will have well over 400 viewings, but maybe only have two to three bookings from those. There’s no earthly way to put that many fliers out,” Chris Brummett said. He said Airbnb works really well for own-

Web : bi t. ly/ Ha l l orDay In n

ers and visitors because it offers insurance, gives both parties the chance to review the stay, and much more. “It helps facilitate the relationship,” he said. Reviewers had good experiences at the Hallor Day Inn. Guest Ben said, “My family and I had a blast at the Hallor Day Inn. Chris was easy to work with, and we had no issues during our stay. We spent most of our time on the massive deck soaking in the views and

relaxing. No cell service, but that was fine with our family. We will be back for sure!” Guest Jennifer said, “The Hallor Day Inn has everything you would need. That is a good thing, because you are definitely in a remote location. The cabin was well stocked with cooking essentials for the grill, extra spices, aluminum foil, essential baking needs, pots, pans — you name it! We grilled, we cooked, we baked. It was wonderful. There is an abundance of towels, comfortable beds and the most beautiful setting! Less than a minute inside the door, the five kids we brought with us said, ‘this is awesome!’ Even with no wi-fi or cell service, the kids had a blast and were asking to stay another day, and (asking) when could we come back?” D

Climate Controlled Storage

— Photo courtesy Hallor Day Inn There’s plenty of land to explore around the Hallor Day Inn, and the woods turn wonderful colors in the fall.

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Large or small give me a call! May/June 2017

Feeding

family

It began as a small Danville feed store in 1979. Now, it’s a much bigger operation with facilities and stores in two states, but it’s still first and foremost a family business. Written by KENDRA PEEK Photography by BEN KLEPPINGER

Danville Living

eading down Perryville Road toward downtown Danville, it’s hard to miss the newly remodeled Burkmann’s store jutting into the Danville sky, complete with a cabin-like exterior and its unique drive-through to the right.

Opposite, clockwise from top: Shelby Painter works the front desk at Burkmann Nutrition’s newly expanded store; Burkmann’s mill; Chicks for sale sit under a heat lamp. Above: This archived photo from 1993 shows original owners Jerry Germann, left, and David Williams, right, in the last expansion project Burkmann’s had, when they moved into their current storefront on Perryville Road.

May/June 2017

“It’s a reflection of our recognition that our community has changed since our inception in 1979,” said David Williams, president and co-founder of Burkmann Nutrition. “We want to be of value to our community. Therefore, we have expanded our offering in order to provide products and services to an increased percentage of the population of our community.” The expanded offerings include a larger supply of pet products for dogs, cats and birds, to name a few. The expansion began in 2016, and was the biggest store expansion for the business since it moved to its current location 31 years ago, in 1986. “The community reception has been fantastic. It’s been wholehearted, congratulations, full support, just tickled to death for the Burkmann family,” said Brent Williams, the project leader of the expansion project, a member of Burkmann’s nutrition team and David’s son. “Selfishly, they’re saying it’s a whole lot nicer to drive down Perryville Road now … I’ve got people I go to church with that bike and walk and run down

Danville Living

Top: The Burkmann Nutrition store is connected to a warehouse where it stores a lot of the feeds the company produces. Above: Baxter, a 5-year-old lab mix, gives his owner, Karen Roper, a kiss during bath time in one of the store’s dog wash stalls.

Perryville Road and across the viaduct and they said they appreciate how nice Perryville Road is now,” he said. The new location also includes a pet washing station with shampoo, towels and a pet dryer, ready to go for a cat, dog or even pig. With the expansion, explained Kasey Woolam, marketing and media specialist for Burkmann Nutrition, people are now able to “shop local and not have to order online.” “I had one customer after we opened … he said, ‘What you all have done here in allowing me to get the specialty dog food here, is allowing me more time with my family, instead of having to drive to Lexington,’” David said. “It was a thought process that had not occurred to me — this person put value in the time savings.” The drive-through, Woolam said, makes that even easier. “It’s as simple as pay and pop the trunk,” she said. David said he felt the expansion is an example of the company’s efforts to adapt and innovate. “We started out marketing beef and dairy feed to farm families,” he said. “Now we’re into organics, non-GMO, beverage grain, a dog wash, a drive-through … I hope that’s indicative of the fact that we’re continually looking for ways to adapt and position our company for its future.”

Above: The control room at Burkmann’s mill monitors a wide variety of activities at the manufacturing facility. Below: From left, Burkmann Nutrition leaders Shelby Painter, Larry Thom, Nita Daugherty, Brent Williams and Erika Barker stand around the newly expanded store’s biscuit buffet, where pet owners can purchase treats by the pound.

names ... we get amused when the telemarketers call up to sell lightbulbs or whatever they sell and they ask to speak directly to Mr. Burkmann because they’re ‘personal

friends,’” David said. “It happens more often than you think it would,” chimed in Brent, smiling. Before beginning Burkmann’s, David was on the faculty at the University of Kentucky. He had graduated from the university with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture before obtaining a master’s degree in animal nutrition. He then pursued his doctorate in ruminant nutrition from Iowa State University; after graduation, David returned to the Uni-

nnn

In 1977, the idea for Burkmann’s was born. “I reached out to my friend and fraternity brother Jerry Germann and discussed the idea with him,” David said. “Jerry was a lifetime Boyle County farmer and business person, and he and I decided to form a partnership to create Burkmann.” The company was founded and construction began in 1978. On Aug. 1, 1979, Burkmann Mills was officially open for business. They decided to use the name Burkmann, taking Germann’s last name and Burks, David Williams’ middle name. “We decided to hybridize the two family

May/June 2017

A robot from the auto industry refitted with a special claw is used to stack bags of feed coming off the line onto pallets for shipping in Burkmann’s Danville mill facility.

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versity of Kentucky as a faculty member. It was there he “had the opportunity to see how nutrition education was being provided to Kentucky farm families.” “One of the things I remember is I would go to a farm for a consult, working in conjunction with the county agent. I may not be back on that farm for a year — there was always an element of uncertainty whether some of the things we had talked about doing to help the animals was being implemented or not.” The idea of taking his knowledge of animal nutrition and applying that in a manufacturing setting was something that David said he would rather do. “In business, every time you make a sale to a customer, you have to earn that,” he said. “At the university, I was a consulting educator and that was the extent of my connection with the farm family.” “Here, if our recommendations don’t

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perform, we don’t get invited back. I felt like that was a better fit for me than being on the staff at UK … There’s a regular follow up between Burkmann and our team as consulting nutritionists and the farmers and animals because we are doing business with each other. There’s a much stronger connection than there was when I was a traveling consultant for UK.” When Burkmann’s began, David said there were a few factors that influenced the location: the railroad, which would allow for easy transportation of grain; the quality of life in Danville, which was “an attractive place” to raise a family; and a 1978 feasibility study he conducted, using animal census data on Boyle and surrounding counties. “Burkmann’s was unique in that we started with no customers,” David said. Their original West Walnut Street prop-

Danville Living

A worker manages the controls inside the Burkmann Mills facility early on in the company’s history. — Photo courtesy Burkmann Nutrition

erty had been purchased by Germann, who had a farm in Boyle County some years before, as a way to load his farm grain onto rail cars. They built the plant new in 1978 on that land. “I could not have started Burkmann without the support of Mr. Germann,” David is quick to point out. Jerry Germann retired from the business in 2013 and David purchased his part of the partnership. nnn

“I’ve been with Burkmann professionally since June 1995,” Brent said. “Sometimes, I answer that question, ‘I’ve been working for

Burkmann’s since I was 8 years old.’” He said he remembers a lot about those early years, like how he, his sister Stacie and his mom Betty-Gayle would work as custodians for the business. “I was paid $1 a truck to wash the big bulk trucks. We were custodians — really, anything that needed to be done,” he said. David said it was an adjustment for his family to make when Burkmann Mills was launched. “My wife was much more understanding than my parents,” he said with a wide smile as his son laughed. “She understood that this was something that I needed to do. Therefore, she was my best friend and strongest supporter and was willing to make the sacrifice in order for it to happen.” The biggest sacrifice, he said, was to delay

Above: Burkmann Nutrition sells a wide variety of pet foods, Below right: Baby duck on display. Below left: Sheryl Roper dries off Cooper, an 8-year-old cockapoo, after giving him a bath.

May/June 2017

their dreams of having a family farm. “Our goal as a couple was to have a small farm, where Brent and Stacie could learn (about) caring for animals. In order to start Burkmann, that dream and that goal had to be postponed for a number of years — all the financial resources were put into the startup of the business,” David said. “In 1986, we were able to purchase 86 acres on Harrodsburg Road. That was the beginning of the farm and the farm today consists of 310 acres.” It’s an active horse farm, with four fulltime staff members and three part-time employees. “Our objective for Brent and Stacie was for them to have animals to care for before school and after school,” David said. “That we did,” Brent added. Thanks in large part to that work, Brent was able to purchase his first car using cash,

want to be involved in animal nutrition and at that point, he “had the opportunity to come back.” He began working for Burkmann’s Glasgow division. Eventually, he made his way back to the Danville store about four years ago. Brent and his wife Kandice have two kids — Brandon, 15, and Kendall, 12 — and they “help do odd stuff,” like feeding chickens on the weekend. But for the most part, they aren’t heavily involved in the business, he said. His sister Stacie and her husband Chris are not involved in the business.

when he was a freshman in college, David said. “It wasn’t a new one, but it was very dependable,” Brent said. “He went shopping with his own money,” David said. “Learning that responsibility, to be responsible for an animal, whether it’s a house pet or a farm animal, is a good learning experience for young people.” Besides working on the family farm, Brent worked in the family business’ warehouse and manufacturing plants throughout school. Brent went to work in Virginia after college for a “non-competitive feed manufacturer.” “I grew up in this business. I thought that I enjoyed nutrition and animal nutrition; it’s all I’ve ever known. I wasn’t sure if this was really what I wanted to do or not,” he said. While working for that other company, the younger Williams decided, yes, he did

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David said he “had no idea” that Burkmann Mills would grow into what it is today. Expansion began in 1986, with the first satellite location, a company-owned store in north Pulaski County. In 1993, the Danville business expanded when it bought the RC

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Cola Bottling Company plant. “The property was out of business and had been idle for many years,” David said. They purchased the property at a public auction and moved the storefront and offices to the current location at 1111 Perryville Road. That was the company’s “first major growth step,” David said. Under the name Burkmann Nutrition, there are now 12 manufacturing plants and 17 retail locations, some with both a plant and a store, throughout Kentucky and Tennessee. There are four staff members with doctorates in animal nutrition, one being David; and one veterinarian on staff. In all, they have more than 220 years of nutritional experience. That says a lot about the product, David said. “Our experience base is reflective of our commitment that our products will perform

to the best interest and the health and wellbeing of the animals,” he said. “We are much deeper into the science than we are the marketing and promotion of the latest fad … because of the degree of our technical staff and the education and experience we have, we know we’re unique for Kentucky. Consultive nutrition and manufacturing was very unique in Kentucky in 1979.” David said they’ve had offers and opportunities to expand Burkmann Nutrition beyond the borders of Kentucky and Tennessee, but felt it wouldn’t be in the employees’ best interests to do so. That kind of expansion would require a lot of travel on the part of Brent and other employees. “These types of businesses just don’t take care of themselves. They require daily participation. I have resisted several opportunities to expand because of the implication that expansion would have on the key Burkmann

family members,” he said. “Bigger might not always be better for the owner, his family, and the families of the employees.” They try to stay focused on locations where they can still “be home at night,” David said. “In our value statement, you will see that we publicly say we encourage our team members at Burkmann to place faith, family and fun ahead of their feed business. That fundamental is reflective of how we have managed how big we are.” nnn

Kentucky farm families aren’t going away, David said, but they are changing. When Burkmann Mills began in 1979, there were more farms in the state, but they were generally smaller, although Brent is quick to point out that the average cow herd in Kentucky is still only 30.

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“That means there are some that have two and there are some that have 4,000,” he said. Locally, David said, there are customers who “deal in 3,000-4,000 cattle per year.” “We’re very privileged to have a close working relationship with those farms,” he said. Another change is that more farms used to have a wider variety of animals. “They would have some dairy cows, some beef cows, maybe some pigs,” he said. “Today’s farms are almost specialized. They tend to pick one species of animal and have a greater number.” With the changes in specialization, Brent said, the company’s product offerings have expanded. David said they started with products for

Danville Living

The original Burkmann Mills sign is still up on the building where the mill started, which is now used as a break room, product quality testing facility and office space for the company’s ingredient purchasing department.

“primarily dairy and beef.” “Today, we have a plant in Louisville that’s 100-percent dedicated to equine nutrition. We have a plant in Bowling Green that’s 100-percent bird seed production,” he said. “We have Kentucky’s first U.S. Department of Agriculture licensed organic feed manufacturing plant. “That was unheard of when I started. We see that as a growing market.” Brent said there are a lot more niche market opportunities out there, which the com-

pany is working to expand into. Non-GMO products is one of those areas. Due to the growth in Kentucky’s bourbon industry, Burkmann’s processes barley, wheat, corn and rye for micro-distilleries around the state. David said they are also working with a company to provide organic poultry nutrition products for Kentucky farmers in organic egg production. Those eggs are “going as far as San Fransisco.” And of course, they said, the local Danville store expansion was a big step. Now that the expansion is complete, Brent said, “I think we’re done for a while.” “We have always been and are continuing to be active to draw complimentary agribusiness to the state, to help the farm family,” he

said. “That’s what we’re trying to do: help sustain agriculture in the state.” “We are interested in creating jobs for Kentucky farm families by helping them have a market for what they can produce,” David said. “We are creating opportunities for Kentucky Farm Families, whether it’s beverage grains or Kentucky Proud vegetables or meat products.”

The old RC Cola factory was bought by Burkmann Feeds in 1993. — Photo courtesy Burkmann Nutrition

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Despite the growth and changes, Burkmann Nutrition still does the thing they started out doing — “consultative nutrition one farm at a time,” which David said is still unusual in the industry. They don’t fit the herd to the feed, either, said Kasey Woolam, marketing and media specialist for Burkmann Nutrition. “It’s not just going and finding which one of our products that we already make is best for you, but finding one that truly fits for them. We don’t go out with a color swatch book and say this color matches; we make a color for you.” “We go to the farm and design nutrition that is unique to that farm,” David said. “That commitment is fundamental in how we’ve been able to grow our business.” D

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People with horses, buggies and wagons gather Nov. 3, 1908, on Old Main Street (now Merchant’s Row).

Perryville This issue’s #throwback takes a look at Perryville’s past. Founded by James Harbeson and a group of Virginians circa 1781, the town of about 750 has seen its share of history. Perryville and the surrounding area was made part of a Nationally Historic Landmark area in 1961. In 1973, it was put on the National Register of Historic Places because of the contributions it has made toward American history, including the Battle of Perryville, which took place in fields just west of the town on Oct. 8, 1862.

Danville Living

Bank of Perryville, circa 1905. The bank was organized in 1896 by George W. Edward. The building is currently St. Mary’s Catholic Church. It was dedicated as a church on May 24, 1970.

The Southern Star Roller Mills in 1908, owned by W.G. Pruitt, Perryville. It was established in 1920 by Isaiah Calvert and closed in the 1950s.

#Throwback

Elmwood Inn, 205 E. Fourth Street, Perryville, was built in 1842 by John Allen Burton, great-great grandfather of Dorothy Neale of Danville. He built the Greek Revival brick mansion for his wife, Louisiana Burton, and their five children.

Early automobile dealership owner, Henry R. Powell, built an auto dealership in 1919-1920 on Bragg Street in Perryville. Henry sold Ford Motor vehicles at that location until he acquired a Chevrolet franchise in 1928. He operated the company until his retirement in 1945 due to poor health. Henry R. Powell was the father of Stuart Powell, and grandfather of Patti Powell, who own and operate the Stuart Powell Ford-Lincoln-Mercury and Mazda on U.S. 127 Bypass in Danville. The building is now home to an antique store.

Perryville Covered Bridge over Chaplin River in 1910. The junior class at Perryville High School in 1937-38.

Old Main Street Perryville, 1867, was the site of this photo for a postcard.

May/June 2017

The Scene

Ben Vereen performs. On Feb. 18 at the Norton Center for the Arts, Danville Mayor Mike Perros gives the Key to the City to Ben Vereen and performer David Loeb at Vereen’s ‘Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen’ concert. From left: Vince DiMartino, Ben Vereen, Mike Perros, David Loeb.

Ben Vereen IN CONCERT

Legendary musical performer Ben Vereen visited Danville Feb. 18 to perform at the Norton Center for the Arts at Centre College. — Photos by Kirk Schlea

Danville Living

Ben Vereen performs Saturday night at the Norton Center for the Arts during his ‘Steppin’ Out with Ben Vereen’ concert;

May/June 2017

The Scene

On March 12, “Odd Squad Live!” invaded Norton Center for the Arts, bringing the Emmy-award winning PBS show to life for children. The interactive, laughout-loud show had audiences from all over participating in solving a seriously strange case. Plus, kids got to do special meet-and-greets with the characters. — Photos by Kirk Schlea

Odd squad

Danville Living

May/June 2017

The Scene

Music Maker Blues Revue On Feb. 24, a unique show came to Norton Center for the Arts — resulting in a collision of music and visual art. “The Music Maker Blues Revue” delivered a main-stage performance, but with it came a display, “Our Living Past” — an exhibit of photographs from Tim Duffy, founder of the Music Maker Relief Foundation. Duffy has immortalized Southern musical heroes and the world in which they live. The exhibit highlights the question of how poverty, geography, and age have limited the exposure of these artists, causing the widespread idea that the musical traditions they perform have “died out.” There were also area events centered around the performance and exhibit, such as a free jam session for musicians, and a presentation by musicians that offered insight into the life of a blues musician. — Photos by Kirk Schlea

Danville Living

May/June 2017

The Scene

Audrey Wales meets the owner of Tut’s Egyptian restaurant, Ashraf Ramadan-Emam. From left are Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Jennifer Kirchner, Chris Wales, Economic Development Partnership CEO Jody Lassiter and Audrey Wales.

Sister Cities mayor visits Danville

Audrey and Chris Wales visit Jane Barleycorn’s Market and Bar on South Fourth Street in Danville.

Audrey and Chris Wales check out the view from the Danville mayor’s seat in the Danville City Commission’s public meeting room.

Danville Living

The mayor of Danville’s sister city, Carrickfergus, Ireland, visited Danville over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend in March and visited with many different local people. — Photos by Rachel White

Audrey Wales, right, and her consort, Chris Wales, left, stand with Danville Mayor Mike Perros. Perros is wearing Audrey Wales’ chain of office.

A January barrelhead painting class resulted in some artistic pieces of bourbon barrels at Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville. — Photos submitted

Ellen Swanson signs a bourbon barrel during a Valentine’s Day tasting of bourbon and rye at Wilderness Trail Distillery in Danville.

Wilderness Trail Distillery

‘Reinterpret’ reception at CAC The “Reinterpret: Contemporary Landscapes by Billy Hertz” opening reception at Community Arts Center brought artist Billy Hertz, third from left, out of Louisville, along with supporting artists in the show, from left, Kayla Bischoff, Jim Doiron, (Hertz), Brad Devlin and Lisa Simon, and relative Sophie Doiron, all also of Louisville. — Photo submitted

May/June 2017

Through the Lens

by B E N K L E P P I N G E R

Blooms burst from every branch of a pink magnolia tree outside Jacobs Hall on the campus of the Kentucky School for the Deaf.

Danville Living

Danville Gives Back

The Gladys Project Program makes sure that youngsters are ready for school bout 58.3 percent of kindergartners entering the Danville Independent Schools and about 35.5 percent of kindergartners entering Boyle County Schools were considered “not ready” last school year. Those are the kind of statistics that prompted Elaine Wilson-Reddy, a former educator, to step up for change, founding The Gladys Project. “We work with parents, or whoever the adult caregiver is, of infants and toddlers to give those parents the tools they need to make sure the children receive the kind of interactions and stimulations required for the children to develop along certain benchmarks,” Wilson-Reddy said. Those tools include reading to the children daily, talking to them in positive tones as much as possible, and striving to make sure the majority of their interactions are positive and calm. “We make sure that these children are playing with crayons; that they understand what red is; that they know this is a block, that’s a tree,” she said, explaining that early intervention is the key. Named after Wilson-Reddy’s

Danville Living

Photo courtesy Gladys Project The Gladys Project Board member Amy Isola, left, with founder and Executive Director Elaine Wilson-Reddy, center, accept books donated by Creative Director of Cottage Door Press Ginny O’Donnell.

mother and grandmother, The Gladys Project was founded in 2014. Recently, the non-profit settled into an official home on Crescent Drive in Danville, where parents and volunteers will be able to work together to impact the lives of

their children. For more information on The Gladys Project, call Elaine Wilson-Reddy at (859) 319-3666, visit the office at 456 Crescent Drive in Danville, or visit The Gladys Project on Facebook. D