Livewire Vol. 12 Issue 2 April 2021

Volume 12, Issue 2 | May 2021

7 Community Grows Through Bike Park A look at how tragedy sparked a new and lasting community in our small town.

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New Rehabilitation Center Pledges Support to the Community

The Lions Club: The Ultimate Community Connector

A story on how somone helps bring a voice to those who are struggling with substance abuse.

A feature on a group whose main goal is to give back to the community.

Contents Volume 12, Issue 2 | May 2021

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Finding Home

Mt. Washington and the Changes Needed

Meandering Through Memories of Mt. Washington

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Community Grows Through Bike Park

Small Town With Big Changes Needed

A New Chapter for Old Mill Elementary

Small Town Businesses

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New Rehabilitation Center Pledges Support to the Community

Miracle in the Making

The Lions Club: The Ultimate Community Connector

Passions for Mt. Washington

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Pros and Cons of Mt. Washington

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Town Events

Mayor Barry Armstrong, the Man Behind the Title

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Country Culture Taking Over the Town

25 Stallings: Coaching Through the Generations

26 Small Town Diversity

Read more at belivewire.com

Staff Editorial Living in a small town is an experience like no other. Many magazines that we publish are all about change. However, for this magazine we wanted to recognize the beauty of our small town while also calling people to rise through the ranks and make Mount Washington better.

Mount Washington, KY is a place that many of our readers call home. This word represents the place where they have grown up, gone to work, sent their kids to school and made connections with the people that surround them. It is a place where little league football is the center of conversation and every new business is a cause for excitement.

Mount Washington is a community that thrives under the Friday night lights, where the whole town packs into the stands and a place where high school sports make the front page. It’s a place of nostalgia where generations of families have been going to the same schools, churches and places of work. Many residents see the beauty in reminiscing on their time in this town, however many are turned away from this lifestyle.

The idea of ‘everybody knows your name’ is not for everyone but that isn’t the only thing that is problematic for the people that aren’t crazy about our small town. The lack of businesses and places for teenagers to hang out is a huge frustration for many who have lived here their entire lives.

These ideas and more are addressed throughout our magazine but we hope that by opening up this conversation we will inspire you, our reader, to take a stance and make change that benefits the place you call home; benefits like buying local, having the confidence to talk to city council and learning to be a leader by stepping out of the line and using the power of your voice.

Sincerely, The Livewire Staff

Pros and Cons of Mt. Washington by ella olds Being the runt means being the smallest of the litter.

While Mount Washington is not the smallest city in Kentucky it is one of 782 cities in Kentucky, and one of a million in the world. Our small town could be seen as the runt but could also grow to be something wonderful.

Living in a small town like ours holds a lot of good and poses some bad. Everybody in the community sees Mount Washington differently. Even with different views, we can seemingly agree that there are some ways we believe we can help fix some of the bad or try to solve some of the universal problems.

Citizens of Mount Washington all hold different views of our small town, some believe it’s small and too crowded, others see it as the place to easily meet people and make lifelong friends. Freshman Brooke Payne believes that Mount Washington is pretty to the eye and easy to be where your friends are because of the size. “In my opinion it’s easier to get to know people and hang out with them, whether it be at their house or a place because nothing is really far from each other,” Payne said.

Senior Abigail Scharfenberger agrees. “Mount Washington is a very small but strong community. The pros of living in a small town is that everything is close together so you don’t have to travel far,” Scharfenberger said. With no distance in between your friends and your family, many people see this as a pro and are happy to have the opportunity to see their loved ones with a very short drive.

‘Downtown’ Mount Washington is mostly made of big corporations and chain stores. Our main street used to be full of local businesses, but now most are out of business or so rundown they are past the point of fixing. “Mount Washington isn’t localized like it once was,” said Wright. Photo: Ella Olds

On the other hand, freshman Isaiah Wright, believes we have good bones but are slowly losing the small town feel. “Mount Washington is a nice, smaller growing community which is slowly losing its identity. A small town has a unique identity, which is a pro and most people know each other which can have benefits of their own.” Wright feels as if we aren’t the small town we used to be because of our ‘downtown’. “Our downtown as it is, is mostly all corporations. There are a few local businesses, but most can’t afford to be stable in Mount Washington today,” said Wright. Because of the rising popularity of our town and the new people moving in there isn’t any room for our local businesses.

Payne also sees what Wright is suggesting and agrees in her own way. “For such a small town and such a beautiful place, I feel like a lot of the land is being taken everyday for new buildings and houses. It’s inevitable because we need places and homes for people, I just wish the land could stay more solid and beautiful like intended,” said Payne. A lot of new construction projects are planned for Mount Washington and could potentially ruin the beauty for future generations.

With being a small community, comes the tight knit community, which could be seen as a bad thing. “Everyone knows the good and the bad that’s going on in the town,” Scharfenberger said. Another negative Scharfenberger has noticed is, “that everything is busy due to limited places and lots of people. I would like to see Mount Washington create more businesses and exciting places for the people in our community to go to.” Many people suggest popular restaurants to be added in Mount Washington, such as Chick-fil-a or Starbucks, and some just wish for more attractions. Without anything to do, Mount Washington could become a boring place, a con for most.

Even with the bad, Mount Washington has its perks and will always hold the idea of a small farm town to its community members.

The town currently has a population of 15,049 and is growing every day. Mount Washington feels like home for most, but not for everybody.

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Finding Home by demani butler Moving from state to state was nothing new for me, but I knew once I landed in Mount Washington, something was different.

Since I was born, both my mom and dad were active military members up until I was 10. Living in a military family, staying in one spot for a year was not ideal.

Since the age of 1, I’ve moved around the country a total of six times and moved to Mount Washington when I was seven years old. I had no friends, no knowledge about the town and no confidence.

One of the first things I noticed was that my family and I were one of the very few African-American people around. At first, it was uncomfortable and at times it felt lonely. Over time, I realized that Mount Washington was so much more than the bland town that I thought it was.

Going to Old Mill for elementary school, I would hear kids talk about how they have seven cousins in the school, or that a teacher was their aunt. I would hear them say that they have relatives all over the county. In those times, I realized that this town was way smaller than I thought. Everyone was family or family friends.

In past places I have lived, there were never town gatherings, fairs or town traditions. When I arrived here, everyone would ask, “are you going to the spring festival?” or “are you going to watch them turn the lights on at Light Up Mount Washington?” I thought it sounded so fun to be able to see all my classmates and friends outside of school.

Slowly, I am realizing that even though I have lived in big towns, such as Chicago, with plenty of things to do and many new people there everyday, it does not compete with a small hometown where everyone can drive 30 seconds to anyone’s house. Small towns show you the importance of community.

In the nine years that I have been here, many buildings have come and gone. Teenagers and younger kids are constantly losing their “hangout spots.” If my parents were still in the military, we’d be deployed by now and I would not have experienced those changes.

But since they aren’t, I have gotten to see how everyone copes with that. I see many house parties and cookouts, people walking at the parks and racing big trucks because of it. It’s unique and not basic.

Mount Washington is by far the most homegrown town I’ve gotten to experience. It allowed me to adjust into one home. Although it took time to love, I feel perfectly happy here. Turning corners and seeing people I know, hearing trucks from miles away, going to grocery stores and running into teachers and classmates, seeing the community come together in times of need, is what Mount Washington is really about.

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These are the places Butler has lived over the past 16 years. “It is better to travel well than to arrive.,” said Butler. Graphic: Katey Goins

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Mt. Washington: The Changes Needed

by Karley Dugas Is Mount Washington still a drawing city to live in? Have we lost our popularity?

These are the kinds of questions that have been the debate between all of the citizens in the city. Many different people have different views on what should be changed and what should be the same. To decide these things, we have to know the Tami Dugas moved to Mount Washington in 2017. She has lived viewpoints of all here for four years. “We moved here in 2017 and it’s grown in population just since we have been here,” said Dugas. Photo: Karley the citizens, new Dugas and old.

There has been a lot of talk about how there’s not a lot of things for young adults to do. “Mount Washington needs more things for kids and young adults to do, more restaurants to choose from, wider roads, and possibly more or bigger schools,” Tami Dugas said, a four year resident. The city has grown in population in just the last four years. The only problem with this is that activities around the city have been declining which leads a lot of people to worry about driving away younger residents.

People have also complained about there being too many Dollar Generals in the city. “I love Mount Washington the way it is. But if I had to list one improvement, it would be no more Dollar General stores and more restaurants,” said Natalie Brown, an 18 year resident. There are multiple people expressing their anger for how many dollar stores in the city. “I think it’s starting to get overpopulated and the traffic is bad. But at the same time, I like having closer amenities. But also I love the quaintness of the little town and I would love to see it stay small,” said Brown.

Multiple older residents have said that they would like to keep the city small but add more activities around the city.

It seems that a common theme among everyone is wanting to add more activities for the younger citizens. If we don’t accomplish this it will drive people away from Mount Washington. If we don’t add anything and the population keeps growing, the town may not be enjoyable for the residents.

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Meandering Through Memories of Mount Washington

by Violet Wise Mount Washington was founded around 1833, and now it’s impossible to interview someone who’s lived here since it was founded, however we can still talk to people who lived here for quite a while, long before larger neighborhoods started being built.

Arletta Walker moved to Mount Washington around 1970, she built a house in the small neighborhood of Cedar Lake dr, while there are now six houses, a church, and an apartment complex, contrasting the vast expanse of trees and farm land from when she moved here.

When interviewed she had a large amount of stories to tell about how Mount Washington was when she lived here, in which she only moved out in 2002. One of her favourites she told was about the time her husband, Edgar Walker had lit a small bonfire and had almost lit a cornfield on fire. Of course it never fully spread to the dried out corn but something that big could have definitely reshaped part of Mount Washington.

When asked about how she felt about Mount Washington growing she said she liked it better when the town was smaller and she knew everybody. Which was partially why she moved to a small town in Missouri. “I live in a nice small community across from the senior center I volunteer at. I know everyone that lives in the neighborhood. Just how I like it,” said Walker

However she still visits, one of her daughters lives in her old home along with two of her grandchildren. Both of her grandchildren being my brother and I. My mom and aunt both grew up in Mount Washington, my aunt attended Bullitt East.

Her picture is even up in the lobby, under the students with the top 10 highest GPA scores of 1988. Both my mom and my aunt went to Mount Washington Middle when they taught half of the fifth graders in the county.

As previously mentioned my grandma was a large part of the community and knew a lot of people, one of the biggest changes she pointed out was the new park. Before there was a park there used to be an older woman that lived there that taught a lot of the children in Mount Washington how to play piano.

Supposedly she even had her own children’s orchestra for a while that would play for the church during smaller events.

This older woman that lived there was a large part of Mount Washington when she was around.

Arletta Walker, Becky Wise, and Nancy King in front of their barn. Becky Wise and Nancy King are the daughters of Arletta Walker. “It was always enjoyable going outside and letting the girls play,” said Walker.

Arletta Walker and her daughter Becky Wise at a family reunion in Mount Washington. “I believe Mount Washington was the best place to rasie my two daughters,” said Walker.

“I live in a nice small community across from the senior center I volunteer at. I know everyone that lives in the neighborhood. Just how I like it,” said Arletta Walker.

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Community Grows Through Bike Park by katey goins and alex elhilow Devastation turns to flourishing unity at the Mount Washington Bike Park.

clear-cut plan and vision for what she wanted she continued on with what she wanted to do. “Going into this process, let me be clear, I had no clue what I signed up for. It was driven by a mother’s love and to keep Prescott’s memory alive. At the time, I never thought of the logistics and the mental strain it would require. I was grieving daily and this project helped keep me at bay. Initially, I believed since it was a sad story, the city would just be okay with it and would donate all the money. That was the furthest from reality. It took a business level approach, ingenuity and getting up every day visualizing the finished park,” O’Bryan said.

Following the death of Prescott Goodman in 2012, mother Chrystal O’Bryan built Prescott Lee Goodman (PLG) Bike Park for anyone and everyone in tribute.

Grieving the death of her son, it wasn’t easy to build the bike park. However O’Bryan wasn’t alone as the city of Mount Washington rallied around her. Through this devastating loss, O’Bryan unknowingly was able to create a growing skate and bike community in a small town.

Not only was it a lot of work on her end, the community pitched in.

“The city of Mount Washington was so valuable in our success.

The support was unexplainable and I still hold a special bond when I see the city’s administration in town.

They helped us by providing monetary funding, keeping open minds, and focusing on the benefits instead of the negative. I think in the end, they each enjoyed this project above many. It brought an edgier side to the community and offered a modern appeal for tourists,” O’Bryan said. The community raised around $50,000 for the skatepark fundraising.

There were multiple difficult steps and decisions to make when trying to get a skatepark built.

“Once we had our baseline, I made an appointment with the current mayor at the time, Joetta Calhoun. We needed to get her buy-in and invited her to our Bikes with Wings meeting to discuss the benefits and if there was funding available to move forward,” O’Bryan said. Once she got the okay, the next step was to find where exactly to put the park.

Different locations were offered up as potential sites for the new bike park before settling on it being placed in the already-existing Mount Washington The bike park is a place that is hoped to City Park. Where the bike change the lives of everyone, park currently resides appealed whether they partake in it or Jumping the “box” at the skatepark, Junior Jack Sappenfield does an “X Up”. An “X Up” is a trick where the rider twists their arms to make an “X” shape while in the air. “PLG is different to O’Bryan for a variety of not. “My favorite part is showing because it’s always chill. If you go up to Louisville [skatepark] theres always a million people,” said reasons. “Ideally, it’s wise to put the community that change can Sappenfield. Photo: Katey Goins skateparks in a functioning city be good. It’s an opportunity park. You have adequate parking, to let this group of enthusiasts lighting, and bathroom facilities on site that we didn’t have to demonstrate their talents as well as shift the minds of people pay for. These are amenities that can eat a lot of your budget who have unfortunately labeled them as delinquents,” O’Bryan if your location is not already equipped. Behind the school said.

(Mount Washington Elementary) there’s also ball fields that Prescott played on many times.” O’Bryan said.

The process allowed O’Bryan to learn many things about business, faith and perseverance that she hopes can carry Through every step of the way, O’Bryan was thinking about the over into the lives of others. “I hope we lead by example for best ways to benefit the kids in Mount Washington in a way that others. I hope we’re able to prove that through hard work and Goodman never got to experience and would have loved. “Many perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals. I’m an average kids only have their bikes and skateboards to travel with, which everyday person who loves her children like most parents. I supports why we had to look at where the skatepark would be knew nothing about skateparks or non-profit organizations, but located because of roadway safety,” O’Bryan said.

I kept believing in my committee and my faith. My dad always said to me, if you want to get through a steel wall, through It took time and hard work to push O’Bryan to get through faithful prayers, the Lord will create a way for you to get and accomplish what she could. Although she didn’t have a through that wall. He was right and I made it to the completion 7

of this park. I’m so proud to be a resident of Mount Washington and growth in green space since we started. Prescott has been my co-pilot through it all and I know he is shining down on all of us,” O’Bryan said.

here has greatly contributed to my mental health because I have a place I can go to express myself and have fun. I’ve made some great friends here and we’ve built an excellent community,” said Ruth. “PLG pulls me back because I’ve grown to become one of the people there who help kids learn, and it’s a convenient way for me to stay hearth as well,” Ruth said.

People who have been attending the bike park since it opened have been able to see first hand not only how it has affected their lives but others as well. “Over the years of skateboarding and hanging out with the locals, I’ve seen familiar faces getting better at everything and growing up. PLG is where all of my friends are at. And I grew up at PLG so it always has a place in my heart,” 14-year-old eighth grader Landon Snawder said.

The bike park’s borders extend much further than Mount Washington and Bullitt County. PLG is a place that since its opening in 2016, has gained attention from people all over in the skate and bike community. Road Dog Skate Camp is a camp from central Kentucky that is ran by art teacher Zachary Hypes.

He provides groups with transportation to different skate parks all around Kentucky all while giving them tips and teaching them how to improve. After taking his group to PLG, he said it was a “state of the art skate facility.”

PLG being in Mount Washington has made it easy and accessible for people to reach goals and aspirations. “When I was a kid I woke up one day and looked at this dude skateboarding on YouTube and I was like ‘I’m gonna be like that’. And then I was like, ‘Matter fact, I’m gonna be the best’. My goal is to be the best skateboarder I can and I wanna be known to treat people with respect,” Snawder said.

Being the only park of its kind in Bullitt County, it has been easy for PLG to create and foster new realities for the people that spend their time there. “I’m in love with bikes, I think

Sappenfield, who despite moving out of Mount Washington, still comes to PLG regularly. “The community is super chill.

Everybody is always just doing their own thing and hanging out. PLG has affected me because without it I wouldn’t have made most of my friends and I wouldn’t ride bikes. The things that pull me back to PLG are honestly just my friends, half the reason I ride is just because my friends and I like seeing them,” Sappenfield said.

Doing a footplant off the wall, eighth grader Landon Snawder catches his board in the air. Snawder has been coming to PLG since it was built and riding skateboards for even longer. “Over the years of skateboarding and hanging out with the locals, I’ve seen familiar faces getting better at everything and growing up,” said Snawder. Photo: Katey Goins

Warming up, Sophomore Riley Sanders jumps the “box”. A “box” at a park like this typically consists of a flat top with two or more ramps on the sides; the “box” at PLG has two ramps on its sides. “Being at the park just makes me happy. I get to see my friends all while doing something we all love,” said Sanders.

Photo: Katey Goins

about them everyday. I watch BMX edits and am so fascinated.

When I’m riding my bike that is the only time I can focus.

My mind is completely clear while I’m riding. I’m moving to California after high school to make a career out of it. I’m going to enter in competitions and try to place good and get recognized by companies and get sponsored. It’s a big risk that I’m willing to take for something I love,” 17-year-old Junior Jack Sappenfield said.

Through a tragic loss, O’Bryan and the community were able to come together to create an environment that allows kids and adults alike to express themselves in a place that is encouraging and safe; all while keeping the memory of Prescott Goodman alive.

Most of the scene at PLG is young kids and teens who were too young to remember that tragedy that was Goodman’s death.

However, the park is by no means restricted by age so there are a handful of people that remember it all too well and even have their own stories with Goodman. Jacob Ruth, who was in high school at the time of Goodman’s death, still finds his way to the park as an adult. “The skatepark opening has re-invigorated my love of BMX. When Prescott died it really killed my drive to ride bikes. After Chrystal opened this park, it’s allowed me to relearn and express myself,’’ 24-year-old Ruth said.

Through the diverse age group at the park, the younger and less experienced kids get to have mentor-like figures. “PLG being

Graphic: Katey Goins

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Small Town with Big Changes Needed by macie brown and tawney noyes Mount Washington is a fairly small town with a medium population. Many people in Mount Washington are happy with the town they live in, but some residents don’t think the businesses that move into this town, and what is built here, really represent what the population wants.

Cierra Herman, a sophomore at Bullitt East, says that she thinks Mount Washington accommodates more to the older population than the younger. “I think they do a good job of keeping our basic needs met, but I don’t think we have near enough activities for the younger people and it gets relatively boring,” Herman said. She said that she doesn’t think Mount Washington is a bad town to live in, but that it needs more entertainment.

Mt. Washington was established as a city in 1833. This sign sits on highway 44 and welcomes people into the city coming from the Taylorsville area. “We have lived in Mt. Washington for 18 years and I’ve always liked living here. I’m glad we moved here when we did,” said Natalie Brown. Photo: Macie Brown

there isn’t much for teens to do in the town. “We don’t have anything fun to do out here anymore, not like what I had growing up,” Noyes said. Noyes also pointed out that there is an abundance of dollar stores and banks.

Herman pointed out the fact that there used to be a skating rink and movie theater and that those were the only two things we really had to do here for fun, but they were taken away. “It’s like they aren’t really considering what the people here really want.

Especially the younger population,” Herman said.

With that being said, Noyes wholeheartedly believes that Mount Washington is a good town to live in. “Yeah there are things that i miss, but it is an overall good town. The school system is great and everyone knows everyone. It’s safe,” Noyes said. Things like the bowling alley or skating rink were fun for Noyes growing up, but the town has stayed relatively small and quiet.

Another thing that a lot of people don’t think is fair is that there are multiple churches in Mount Washington for people who are religious, but that there aren’t buildings for other people’s interest. Some people think the church buildings could be used in a better way. “I would say yes there are too many churches.

Having a variety of religious buildings is a good thing, but there are other things this town needs besides churches,” Herman said. Herman said we could use more medical facilities or other things that could benefit the town.

Having things for teens to do is one thing, but safety and comfort is another. Resident Anna Cox has lived in Mount Washington for 50 years and prioritizes safety and comfort over activities. “Mount Washington used to be smaller and quieter. Everyone helps each other out when they need it and I fear it turning into a big city,” Cox said. Things have been getting a little more crowded in Mount Washington since more people want to get away from the city. “I’m pretty worried about a rise in crime if our town gets too big,” Cox said.

Chloe Reidinger, a sophomore and Bullitt East, had similar ideas to Herman. “I don’t think there are enough places where families and friends can get together and socialize,” Reidinger said. She said that if you want to go hang out with friends or family, there aren’t really any places to do that. Reidinger also said that she feels like the majority of the population in Mount Washington is older people, so that is why there are so many businesses that appeal to them, but that there still needs to be places for all groups of people in town to enjoy.

Mount Washington has grown a lot over the years, but it usually creates a safe and comfortable living space for its residents. Even if there aren’t a lot of entertainment options, it still makes most of its residents happy.

Much like the students, resident Chiquita Noyes believes that 9

A New Chapter for Old Mill Elementary by colton harbolt Out with the old and in with the new.

The new building will also include an outdoor classroom where students can have real life experiences by growing their own vegetables and food which they could eat or take to a farmers market and sell what they grew themselves. This will teach students how to apply math and science that they’ve learned in school to the real world while also improving their communication skills.

Old Mill Elementary is moving locations to a new building where Principal Dr. Brandy Howard has big plans for improvement in the program.

Plans for Old Mill making the move to a new building are in action as the new buildings construction has already started.

Howard is excited for the move and has plans to create an easier and more fun learning space for the students. Library Media Specialist Michelle Tennill is also excited for the move and all the benefits that come with it but has concerns as well.

“Project based education will go up to an even higher level of creativity. Students will have more resources and opportunities to be creative with what they do,” said Tennill.

The new library’s layout will include the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) room, indoor slides and will be connected to the virtual reality room which is much larger than the current Old Mill library. Tennill believes this new layout will open up new opportunities not just for students but teachers as well. Teachers will gain new resources to change how they teach students for the better while also benefiting themselves. The new resources and technology will make teachers’ jobs easier, allowing them to stay more organized and help students understand the content of their classes more easily.

“We will be able to give the students an opportunity to create their own learning,” said Howard.

Old Mill’s new building has been in construction since October and is scheduled to be completed by June of 2022 and will be located in Twin Eagles, Mount Washington. This new building will be much bigger than the original and will provide more resources and technology that will be available for the students like a virtual reality room and makerspace. Students will be able to be more creative with their learning and have more fun while they are doing it.

The current Old Mill will become part of Bullitt East after the new building is finished. This building has been Old Mill and a part of Mount Washington for years. “It will be renovated to be used by Bullitt East”, said Jesse Bacon. Photo: Colton Harbolt

Despite the major changes in this new building design markup compared to the current building, the koala logo will remain. This has been the mascot and logo for years and has become a defining quality of Old Mll. “We will be keeping the koala”, said Dr. Howard.

The new building will be a new start for Old Mill. Providing new resources for students and teachers, allowing them to be more creative and productive with their teaching and learning.

Howard will get to put into action all the plans and ideas she has for the school that she couldn’t before due to the lack of resources. The new innovation will make Old Mill much more fun for students, making their learning easier while giving students real life experiences they couldn’t get before.

“There will be some big changes at the new building. We want to focus on innovation moving forward,” said Howard.

When Old Mill moves to its new building, Howard plans to shift the focus to innovation and the arts for the school. Howard wants the students to have more opportunities to be creative, especially in the arts like theatre, music and art. Students will be able to apply themselves more in their activities and create their own props and costumes for plays in the makerspace.

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Small Town Businesses by kyleigh reeves and natalie mcgarry

Businesses throughout Bullitt County have come and gone, but the expansions have brought great opportunities for many more businesses. While some may move out, others move in, giving citizens a new place to explore.

Mount Washington Branch Library:

Maggie Mae’s Cafe:

Mount Washington once had a smaller library that was not very popular, and hardly used at all. Once the community realized this, the Mount Washington Branch Library was built not too far from the first. This library is much larger and, while it does provide an assortment of books, also offers many community events. They have events for all ages, with a variety of options to choose from. A larger computer place was also added in order to provide a study section for students to visit and get their work

Maggie Mae’s Cafe used to be held in an assortment of shops in Mount Washington. The little restaurant was always packed with people from opening to closing times. However, their business has unfortunately moved to a new location in Colorado, no longer in Mt. Washington.

Bullitt Blends:

done.

Bullitt Blends has recently opened in Shepherdsville, Kentucky, providing smoothies, teas, and protein snacks for those who visit. This booming business has been very popular all over social media and has great reviews from everyone who visits.

They have recently announced that they plan to open a new

Milanos:

This building has had many businesses come and go over the years but right now has seemed to stop at Milanos, an Italian restaurant. The rumor of the building being haunted has even gone around because of the number of businesses having to shut down. However, that theory has never stopped another business from taking up the building. Even though the building might have trouble with keeping the same business for very long, the community around it is still supportive. “I have been very blessed coming up in Mount Washington. I know so many people in this area, I think that has helped so much just staying here and staying loyal to our customers,” James Jewell, an older

building in Mount Washington.

Movie Theater:

Recently, Keystone Cinemas, the only movie theater that is located in Mt. Washington, has closed down and is now being turned into a church. “I think the majority of the community feels kind of robbed of a place to go in Mt. Washington,” Lily Newton said. Newton is someone who used to go to the movie theater but will now be attending the new church once it’s done.

Other people in the community can relate to how Newton is feeling, but others who have hardly visited the movie theater are very excited about this new church. How people are feeling is going both ways, but hopefully, this new church can add to the

business owner located next to Milanos said.

community and help it grow.

There will be another Southeast church that will be located in Mount Washington. This building was once the Keystone Cinemas movie theater. “I’m really excited for a new church in Mount Washington since this branch of churches was always far. I just can’t wait to see how they can better the community now that they’re here,” Lily Newton said. Photos: Natalie McGarry

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Louisville Gymnastics Building:

This spot was once a bowling alley years ago, where kids could hang out after school, but closed after a while. Shortly after it closed, the business of Louisville Gymnastics took its place.

Louisville Gymnastics holds tumbling lessons for kids and sometimes offers jobs for athletic people who are interested in teaching this sport.

Main Street:

On Main Street, multiple small-town businesses are located. The businesses include a pawn shop, clothing stores, tattoo parlors, and much more. Many businesses have moved around on this street, but the buildings are always filled with shops for anyone to check out.

Another new church, Church of the Crossroads, is being located in Mouth Washington. It was once a building called Main Street that no one used until the Church of the Crossroads bought it. “I think the new and stable building is going to help the church grow a lot,’ Lyndsey Price, a former member of the church, said. Photo: Natalie Mcgarry

Church of the Crossroads - Main Street:

The organization, Church of the Crossroads, has taken over a building on Highway 44 for their church. The church organization started a couple of years ago but did not have an official building to gather, normally finding an open building on Sunday to hold their services. Now, they have officially renovated a building for their church. Their building is located next to Louisville Gymnastics and Cordial Lee, on Highway 44.

Crazy Red’s:

Since 1968, Crazy Red’s Mountain City has been a booming business in areas around Kentucky, including Mount Washington. From candles to car apparel, this business has been a great shopping source for many customers. Their slogan “if we don’t have it, you don’t need it,” has been said to be true by many of the reviews left by their loyal customers.

Mount Washington Branch Library, located on main street. This library was previously in a different location nearby, but built a bigger library, providing more space and opportunities for the community.

Many of Mount Washington citizens come by for books and fun organizations. Photo: Kyleigh Reeves

Two angles of a street located in Mount Washington with many little shops. Many shops have changed from this location but more are always filling it’s place. “It’s just a cute little street filled with some shops that basically have everything,” Elena McGarry, someone who’s shopped in Main Street, said. Photos: Natalie McGarry

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New Rehabilitation Center Pledges Support to the Community by brooklyn sauer drug addiction is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue in our community, and the workers at Robert Alexander hope to help that. “A lot of people are in need, unfortunately, and a lot of people are scared to talk about it or come forward. And I hope that we give that safe haven to speak to someone about it,” Thornsberry said.

A community improves by learning to help and lift up its fellow members.

The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is a new facility in Mount Washington for individuals with drug/alcohol addictions to seek help and overcome their dependence.

Many of the founders of the rehabilitation center were childhood friends with the building’s namesake. The building process was a long and winding road to get to the actual finished product that stands today. The center was made with a certain goal in mind that their workers strive towards every day. “All three of the owners, as well as James Sweasy, all grew up here and we all used (drugs/alcohol) here,” Thornsberry said.

This is the memorial inside of the rehab center

dedicated to Alex Buky. This was understandably Those who worked on the a setback for the project at the time, but ultimately project tried their hardest gave a new meaning to the center. “When he passed away, the idea of starting the organization to make this place the up here kind of… went to the wayside for a little bit “safe haven” for those who as we mourned his loss,” Thornsberry said. were struggling with their addictions. The center has a full-time staff available 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week in an effort to make their place a “five-star resort treatment facility.”

Additionally, the center offers four scholarships for those who may struggle to cover the bill. “Our whole goal is not only to help with substance abuse and mental issues, but it’s also to try and bring the town back together,” Thornsberry said.

Along with being friends with the current owners, Thornsberry was also friends with the building’s namesake, Alex Buky. The friends had originally made plans for the building together, but Buky sadly passed in his sleep on his 2-year sobriety date in November 2016. This led to the building being named after him in honor of all he had done for the project. “Alex was probably one of the most lovable guys you’ll ever know,” Thornsberry said.

The group had originally planned for Buky to be the director of operations and take on a big role in the project. After his passing, Thornsberry was asked to take the role of running the project as executive director. After thinking about it, Thornsberry decided to take the position. “This officially opened at the end of October/early November of 2020… so very very recent, it’s been a four-year project to get everything up to code, everything where it needs to be, everything built,” Thornsberry said.

Robert Alexander is very supportive and active in Mount Washington’s community. By doing things such as donating thousands to the Mount Washington Football and Cheer Association, to buying a little league team and holding free registration, they go above and beyond to support groups and individuals in the community.

Additionally, Robert Alexander’s generosity connects back to their main focus which is helping with substance abuse. “The number one aspect of how to stay sober is to give back, so that’s kind of our philosophy. Within the first six months of opening,

The vision for the rehab center dates all the way back into 2015.

From the original idea, to talking to city hall and the mayor, to the actual building and hiring processes, this project has been through a lot to get to where it is today. “It’s very close-knit and to the heart. A lot of passion in this project,” Thornsberry said.

This project was kept very close to Buky’s family and friends.

His grandfather, mayor Barry Armstrong, was the one that granted the land for this project. The building itself was built by his father, and now childhood friends like Thornsberry get to run the center. This was understandably very emotional for everyone involved in the project. “We (the owners and Sweasy) abused drugs, we used alcohol as a coping skill while we were in high school, and even after high school. So we knew that the demand was here, that the town needed it,” Thornsberry said.

This is one of the main reasons why the owners decided to bring their idea back to Mount Washington. The issue of alcohol and 13

we’ve already pledged over $50,000 to the community, and it’s only gonna get higher from there,” Thornsberry said.

As a business, Robert Alexander’s main goal is obviously to make a profit. Beyond that, however, are many people who genuinely care about members of the community and want to help them thrive. Not only for themselves, but also in honor of Alex.

Pictured here is the original sketch of the facility that the founders had. However, the idea for the facility had been around for about a year by the time they actually settled on a property to build on. “The original drawing was a little square, and we were thinking like a 5,000 sq. ft. facility… by the end of it, it’s developed into a 27,000 sq. ft. facility that is huge,” Thornsberry said.

Shown here is Greg Buky, the father of Alex Buky and spearhead for the construction of the rehab center. Greg took a big part in the construction due to the association with his son. “The building itself was actually built by Alex’s father, Greg Buky, and so it was very emotional for all of us that we kept it in the family,” Thornsberry said.

“A lot of people are in need, unfortunately, and a lot of people are scared to talk about it or come forward. And I hope that we give that safe haven to speak to someone about it,” Thornsberry said.

This is the Robert Alexander Center for Recovery in it’s present and completed state. After the long and convoluted construction process, the owners are very happy with the fact that they can help others with their facility. “We just wanna make this the best community in the state of Kentucky,” said Thornsberry.

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Views Of Mount Washington We held a photo contest asking people to capture the spirit of Mount Washington. The top 9 photos entered were used in no particular order.

1- Image taken in front of Helm’s Farm by eighth grader Milana Ilickovic.

2- Image taken near Bullitt East High School by junior Mackenzie Hamlett.

3- Image taken in front of Main Street’s Central Garage by junior Mason Roach. 4- Image at the Mount Washington Cemetery taken by junior Mason Roach. 5- Image featuring the water tower on Armstrong Lane taken by freshman Isaiah Wright.

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6- Image of Main Street’s Central Garage by junior Mason Roach.

7- Image at Stringer Lane taken by junior Emma Egan.

8- Image at Mount Washington Park taken by junior Brodie Curtsinger.

9- Image at Mount Washington Park taken by sophomore Brooklyn Sauer.

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The Lions Club: The Ultimate Community Connector by brodie curtsinger everything that happens in our community. The good that surrounds us, and the kindness that makes each of us better.”

Frye takes a larger awareness of what goes on in Mount Washington, from being in the club.

The Lions Club has impacted Frye, by making him more kind, nice and caring. “It has made me more kind, and caring. When you realize the people that the club helps, in both a direct, and indirect way, it is truly amazing,” Frye said, “My wife, Renee, has always made me better than I am. Through her, I learned how good it made me feel, to help others.”

Longer-time member Melvin Davis has been a Lions Club member since around 2004, and was President of the club from 2007 to 2009. “I love being a citizen of Mount Washington, so much so that I feel driven to try to make it a better place for everyone. I fulfill that desire by helping others. The Lions Club is an ideal organization to use for that purpose. Everything we do, all our projects have a focus toward helping others in our community and in our world,” Davis said, “The Lions Club is a wonderful organization to belong to, and work as a team of likeminded citizens, that are willing to sacrifice a small amount of time to accomplish a project that just one person could not do.”

The International Lions Club sign, off of Bardstown Road. The International Lions Club dates all the way back to October of 1917, but the Mount Washington Lions Club wasn’t founded until 1948. “The Mount Washington Lions Club has served our community since 1948. Since that time, many things have changed, but the foundation our club was founded on, has not. To help our community, whenever and wherever, we can, still applies today, just like it did in 1948,” current President Mike Frye said.

The Lions Club is here for you.

The Lions Club is an international non-profit organization that helps out the community, in any way possible.

Davis considers himself, along with the other Lions Club members, to be very passionate about what they do. “All our members are passionate about that very purpose, and demonstrate that by dedicating many hours, annually. The Lions Club is a volunteer organization, so not all the members are helping at the same time,” Davis said, “Just knowing there are needs, and knowing I have been blessed with some abilities to help someone have a better life, gives me a purpose.” The thing that inspires Davis to help out others, is him knowing that there are people out there, who could use the help.

The Mount Washington Lions Club has been around for almost 75 years. The club has impacted members in a majorly positive way. The club has high hopes for the future.

The International Lions Clubs, was established back in October of 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, by Melvin Jones. Although, the headquarters of the club is in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Now, the Mount Washington Lions Club has been around since 1948. The club participates in events, such as D.A.R.E. to Care, sponsoring the Mount Washington Spring Festival, providing scholarships to college-going Bullitt East students, providing vision tests, honoring fallen veterans with American flags, and, of course, their well-known fish fries.

Newest member Emily Frye has been a Lions Club member for only a few months. “My parents have both been members for years, now, so I’ve been volunteering with things, like the fish fries, and D.A.R.E. to Care, for a hot minute. I had already been doing all of the volunteer work, so we figured it was time to go ahead and just make me an official member,” Emily Frye said, “It’s taught me a lot about how rewarding it can be to volunteer and help your community. You get to know a lot of interesting people, and you form some pretty cool friendships too.” The thing that Emily Frye takes away from the club is a feeling of reward and close friendships.

The Lions Club motto is, ‘We Serve.’ “(We want to provide) service to others without asking, or expecting anything in return,” Frye said.

The second ever mayor of Mount Washington, Sid Griffin, was one of the members of the Lions Club, and he joined in May of 1959. Griffin is one of the most well known former members of the club. “Sid was a mentor, and friend. He meant so much to our club, but even more to our club. He did so much and impacted so many,” Frye said. He was President from 1982-1983, and 1969-1970.

Frye has been a Lions Club member for around eight years now, and has been president for around two years. “I was volunteering with the Watch D.O.G.S. program, in our schools, and was invited to join the Lions Club. It was a natural progression in service,” Frye said, “I think it has made me more aware of

The Lions Club has had a big impact on Emily Frye. “I feel as, though, it’s (the Lion Club) made me more compassionate, and it’s also expanded my worldview. Getting to interact with people, from all over the community, has really helped with that,” Emily Frye said.

Emily Frye’s inspiration, to help out the community, comes from her parents. “My dad has been volunteering for years, from being a watchdog parent, when I was in elementary school, to 17

being on the SBDM (Site Bate Decision Making) council when I was in middle school and high school. My mom originally began volunteering at Old Mill when I was in elementary school and now, she actually works there in the office. They’ve always gone out of their way to help people, and it’s something I really admire about them,” Emily Frye said.

grew by five, or six, during that time,” Davis said, “I think the opportunity is there for the Lions Club to grow in membership, and expand the projects, so more citizens can be assisted.” Davis sees expansion happening, with the club, in the upcoming future.

Mike Frye has some memories that have stuck out to him, as a member of the Lions Club. “Meeting and spending time, with so many mentors and friends, through the years (are some of his favorite memories). Some are now gone, but their memory lives on,” Mike Frye said. “Our monthly D.A.R.E. to Care food

Davis has a couple of favorite events that he, and the club, have participated in. “There are always ongoing projects to improve the community, such as expensive playground equipment in the City Park, or an American flag installed in a cemetery in honor of all military veterans,” Davis said, “The club has monthly fish fries year around, and many other projects, including selling the Community Birthday Calendar. They provide space, and assist

The Lions Club members making fish, for the community. One of the most popular things that the Mount Washington Lions Club do, is their fish fries. “The club has monthly fish fries year around, and many other projects,” long-time member Melvin Davis said.

A wooden American flag, reading, ‘We Serve.’ The phrase of, ‘We Serve,’ is the motto of the International Lions Club. “The motto in Lions is, ‘We Serve.’ Service to others without asking, or expecting anything in return,” current President Mike Frye said.

distribution is a big part of what we do. We also sponsor the Mount Washington Spring Festival, and our fundraiser fish frys for the community. Hopefully soon, we can resume hosting events to help our youth.” Some of Mike Frye’s favorite events, that the club has participated in, are events such as D.A.R.E. to Care, and their fish fries.

Mike Frye has been able to accomplish quite a lot in his time as a member of the Lions Club and has a hopeful outlook for its future. “I serve a dual role. I’m also the Chairman of the Mount Washington Spring Festival. To have the opportunity to help our youth through the Spring Festival, with the Scholarship Program and volunteerism, is a point of pride for me,” Mike Frye said, “We will continue to grow as a community partner, and hopefully find more ways to reach out, and help others.”

Mike Frye, being president, is someone who is looked up to from the community. “It is an honor to serve as President. The people who have served in this capacity before me, helped lay a foundation for me to follow, but they also have given me the opportunity to help others, and hopefully be a leader that brings everyone together, for a better tomorrow,” Mike Frye said.

the D.A.R.E. to Care food distribution activity each month.”

Some of his other favorite events include the Mount Washington Spring Festival, and getting to help out future college students, with scholarships.

What Emily Frye sees happening, with the Lions Club, in the future, is just some more fun, and interesting events. “Well, we have two more fish fries coming up, in the next two weeks, and then we’ll be back to doing one a month. Then, the next big thing, I can think of is the ‘spring’ festival, that has actually been moved to the fall because of the virus. The Lions Club is the sponsor of the festival, so we get quite busy around that time of year,” Emily Frye said.

“The Mount Washington Lions Club has served our community since 1948. Since that time, many things have changed, but the foundation our club was founded on, has not. To help our community, whenever and wherever, we can, still applies today, just like it did in 1948,” Mike Frye said.

The Mount Washington Lions Club building is located at 810 N Bardstown Rd. If you’re looking for a way to make a difference in your community, the Lions Club is for you.

Davis has made quite a few enjoyable memories, in the Lions Club. “Our club members get most excited when we see a child receive special eye-sight testing, and treatment for a condition that may not have been detected otherwise, or when anyone is able to obtain eyeglasses that they possibly could not afford otherwise,” Davis said.

Some of the accomplishments that Davis has been able to do, are things like getting to be club president, at one point in time.

“I was club president two years in a row, and the membership 18

Passions for Mt. Washington by emi richardson and natalie mcgarry Mike Frye has tremendous love for Mount Washington and it shows.

It all began when Frye moved to Mount Washington in 1993. Since he moved, he’s gained many roles in the community. He enjoys nearly every second of his contributions.

“Renee and I were looking for a place to raise our family. The community was a good fit for what we wanted,” Frye said. Since moving here he has bonded with the community and made countless memories. He’s been able to be a part of so many different programs and has even started some.

Frye has gained multiple jobs since he moved here. He has become the Chairman of the Mount Washington Spring Festival (including the Spring Festival Scholarship Program), and the President of the Mount Washington Lions Club. He also helps coordinate the local monthly Dare To Care food distribution, serving multiple years on the school council and the Watchdogs program. “I am extremely privileged to have such great mentors and role models to help me find a pathway to help others,” said Frye He has had so much joy helping the community and he has done amazing things that have helped to shape our town positively. He’s done that either by hosting a fish fry or just cheering on the marching band when his daughter was a part of the team. “I love our community. It is truly what we make it. When we work together to make it better, it will be better.” He always wants to focus on what the community can do to get better and how he can help it grow.

Frye has been a part of so many things in the community that have also benefited him and the town. He’s been able to help it grow into what it is today and continues to help it grow into something even better. “I’m thankful for so many things. I’ve had opportunities that many will never have. I’ve helped in our community and watched it grow and prosper. I’ve met amazing teachers and staff in our schools and watch them work tirelessly to help others. I’ve met students and families that never cease to amaze me. But mostly I’m thankful for my family who have helped and supported me in all the crazy things that I do,” said Frye.

Frye’s been a part of the community since 1993 which comes with relationships, changes, and even hardships. Even through the struggles and new experiences, Frye has held onto these memories and what means the most to him. “For me, it’s the simple things. But it’s mostly the people,” said Frye. He loves being in this community and the people in it and hopes to continue making new experiences and better changes to our town.

Mike Frye with his wife, Renee Frye, at Mount Washington Middle School. They’ve both watched and helped the Watchdogs program grow over the years. “I have served many years on our school councils as well as the Watchdogs programs,” Mike Frye said

Mike Frye with his daughter, Emily Frye, at her high school graduation. Emily Fyre graduated from Bullitt East in 2019. “I’m thankful for so many things but mostly I’m thankful for my family,” Mike Frye said.

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Mike Frye with his daughter and wife, Emily and Renee Frye.

Emily Frye’s parents came to support her high school graduation in 2019. “I’m thankful for my family who have helped and supported me in all the crazy things that I do,” Mike Frye said.

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Town Events by sophia blanton In the city of Mount Washington, there are multiple events that help bring the community together. These events are for anyone and everyone who would like to attend.

trucks, this event is perfect for all ages. At this event, some are reminded of a vehicle their parents or grandparents may have had back in the day. “I have been stopped by people in their 80s who have told me my trucks make them think about their childhood,” Brown said.

The Spring and Fall Festival

The spring and fall festivals are two great events that are perfect for a fun night out with your friends or family. Before these two events were established, there had been community festivals throughout the years. The spring festival, as it is known today, has been a part of Mount Washington tradition since 1978. The Mount Washington Lions Club took over the spring festival in 1988. The Lions Club and Lioness Club are still primary sponsors for the festival to this day.

Fish Fry for Mount Washington Community

The fish frys have been put on by the Mount Washington Lions Club for the past 10 years. They take place on the second Friday of every month but have been a part of the spring and fall festivals forever. The Lions Club doesn’t just credit themselves though, everyone has an important part in keeping this tradition alive. “Volunteers make it possible and we work as a team to serve our community the best dinner that we can,” Frye said.

The Spring Festival Committee is in charge of it now. This committee is made up of volunteers from the Lions and Lioness Clubs, plus people throughout the community. Mike Frye is a chairman on this committee and gave a little insight to the struggle of this past year but his hopes for the future. “It has proven to be much more difficult to get folks to volunteer. We will have the spring festival this fall so maybe we can look at starting a new tradition again,” Frye said.

As for the set up of these events, it starts early the day of, picking up the fish and everything else. They start cutting the desserts and are ready to cook by 3 p.m. so they can be ready to start at 4 p.m. At the fish frys, which are held at 810 North Bardstown Rd., they generally sell 300 to 500 dinners or sandwiches per fish fry. However, it’s more than just fish. They also sell grilled pork chops, brats and hot dogs along with french fries, cole slaw and hushpuppies. For dessert, they always have pies and cakes as a sweet treat.

When it comes to the actual event, it takes about six months of planning to be ready. “Actual setup starts the day of the festival and is utter chaos till it’s time to open. Then it’s just crazy till it’s over,” Frye said.

Frye feels the Lions Club fish fry is the same as the spring and fall festival just on a smaller level. “It is amazing how many people drop by to really just say hi and rekindle memories,” Frye said.

Around 15,000 people attend the spring festival from the Mount Washington community. They typically block off part of North Bardstown Road which is also known as Old Bardstown Road or Main Street. The morning of the festival, there is a big parade down Main Street. One side of the street, there are booths with anything and everything you can imagine, along with a stage for live music, all set up in between the Mount Washington Library and the First Baptist Church. Across the street are rides along with a car show over by Mount Washington Middle School.

All in all, some may say the Spring Festival has a little bit of everything and for everyone. “The spring festival brings our community together like no other event. Time slows down and people take the time to visit and reconnect with friends and family. It’s also where memories are made that last a lifetime,” Frye said.

Anyone is welcome to stop by for any of these events and are urged to bring yourself, family and friends. Come eat some good food, listen to music and spend time with your loved ones. Have a good time with your friends and family surrounded by the Mount Washington community.

Mount Washington Car Show

Throughout the years, numerous car clubs have sponsored car shows in Mount Washington. The most recent ones have been put together by Magistrate Shaun Logsdon, in the center of town. There have been other car shows at the Mount Washington Spring Festival put on by Bill Brown. Brown has been involved with the car shows for about 20 years now. “I do it in memory of Matt Allan Scholarship Fund. He was a friend of my son and I,” Brown said.

The car shows that take place at the Mount Washington Spring Festival takes place behind Mount Washington Middle school.

There are around 100 to150 cars and trucks in these shows.

The cars range from 1930 to 2000. People like old cars and

The Mount Washington car show behind Mount Washington middle school. The car show is put on by Bill Brown at the Mount Washington Spring Festival. “I took these two years ago. We have about 100 or 150 (vehicles) but weather plays a big part,” Bill Brown said.

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Fun Facts by jenna tipton

1. The current population of Mount Washington is 15,027 2. Mount Washington in 1833 had the population of 700 people 3 churches, 2 schools, 6 stores, and groceries, 5 doctors, 2 taverns, and 12 mechanical trades.

3. It was formally established in 1822 and was going

to be named Mount Vernon, after President George Washington’s Virginia home, but it was unable to use the name because something else was already named it.

4. Mount Washington had become the economic center of Bullitt County by the 1850s.

May 17, 2014. The “Watchdogs” are dads of elementary school students in Mount Washington. These students and their dads marched in the Mount Washington Spring Festival parade.

5. In

1916 a new building consisting of four classrooms was built, in place now stands Mt. Washington Middle School. It was constructed in the early 1940s as a highschool.

6. The town’s Bullitt East High School was named a “school of distinction,” ranked in the top 10 performing schools in Kentucky.

7. Historic Homes in Mount Washington are James M.

Lloyd House, Henry J. Barnes House, Zack Stansbury House

8. The racial makeup of Mount washington is 98.26%

White, 0.32% African American, 0.32% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.27% and 0.58% Hispanics or Latinos

9. The Chances of becoming a victim to a crime in Mount Washington are 1 in 1,852

10. Mount Washington is safer than 72% of the other cities and towns in the US. Cheerleaders and dance teams from local schools participate in the parade. This parade takes place at the Mount Washington Spring Festival down Main Street.

Girl scout troops 625 and 1297 get ready for the parade to start. People that participate in the Mount Washington Spring Festival parade get ready to head out onto Main Street.

Little kids enjoy rides at the Mount Washington Spring Festival. There are rides and games for all ages to enjoy at the festival.

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Mayor Barry Armstrong, the Man Behind the Title by becca watts out of the Salt River and it would flood the pumps when it rained and the pumps would be shut down and the city would have to relocate the lines to a pond over on the other side of town and clean the water and do that on a regular basis. “The two most eventful things to change the course of this town was municipal water and municipal sewage. When I came on the City Council, the health department was beginning to shut down any further development because in order for the lot to permeate, you had to have soil that would handle the water, that’s how lateral fields worked, Bullitt County was full of rock and clay and it wouldn’t permeate, causing the lateral fields not to work,” said Armstrong.

To permeate something it means to penetrate or pass through something. So when he says the ground wouldn’t permeate it means they couldn’t penetrate the ground very well for the septic tank so the lateral fields wouldn’t be effective.

Members of the Armstrong family happily gathered together in city hall for an Armstrong family reunion. Photo from Kathleen Kelley (niece of Barry Armstrong)

Now, not only does the city no longer have to deal with lateral fields, it also receives its water from Louisville. Armstrong said it is one of the best water sources in the country along with one of the most pure.

Mayor Barry Armstrong has proven to go the extra mile for his family and his community.

Armstrong made the decision to run for mayor because of the love for the community he has had since he was a kid. “I was born here and I wanted to see my town be the best that it could be and I thought that I could help it,” Armstrong said.

Being successful in his plans for a city park, Mayor Armstrong set his eyes on new goals to further better the city. “Now we have plans to build an Olympic size swimming pool down in the park area. The city owns about eight acres down there,” said Armstrong.

Since the time he went on the city council as a council member in 1968, he has tried to improve the way the city of Mount Washington operates. “When I ran for council to start with in 1968 the schools in Mount Washington had lateral fields that were overcome with sewage up on top of the ground where the kids had to go out and play, it was unacceptable,” Armstong said.

“We already have plans being formed to try and build the pool. It may take four, five, or six years to get that done but I’m hopeful we can do it,” said Armstrong.

Alongside plans for a new city pool, they are also looking to change business signs in Mount Washington. “We want to get all the pylon signs out of here and put in monument signs but you can’t just go out there and call someone to do that. Say a business leaves and goes out of business, we then can go out and say, ‘yes,’ you need to take this big tall sign down and when another business comes in they can only put up a monument sign to replace it,”Armstong said.

When it comes to making decisions for the city, Armstrong doesn’t work alone. The way the city is setup is actually a lot like the federal government apart from the judicial branch.

Mount Washington’s judicial branch is in Shepherdsville through district courts and county judges.The mayor is like the President of Mount Washington in the sense that he is the executive branch and enforces all the ordinances that the city council (legislative branch) adopts and passes.

Finding the situation unacceptable and in need of change, action was sought in hopes of a solution. “A bunch of us got together, went in front of the council and we went to Washington D.C.,” Armstrong said. While in Washington D.C., they convinced the legislature at the time to finance the municipal sewage system that’s in place today.

Along with changing the sewage system, Armstrong has been a part of some other big projects like bringing a city park to the city and changing the source in which the city receives water.

“We didn’t have a city park, that was one of the major things I wanted to have done is get a park here for our kids and families to go and have a nice park to go to,” Said Armstrong.

When he went on the city council, the city was pumping water

“I can suggest and I can lead, I can say I’d like to see us do 23

this ordinance or change this law but that can’t happen unless six councilmembers okay it. Then it becomes a law and it’s my responsibility to enforce it. The police department works directly for me so if I want to get something enforced I go to the police. If somebody is not abiding by the ordinance I call the police and say hey there’s somebody out here not following the guidelines, not going by the ordinance that are law and that’s my way to enforce them,” said Armstrong

of bittersweet to remember those were the last places that I saw them all together as brother and sisters,” said Kelley.

When it comes to criticism Armstrong tries to see where it’s coming from. “ I try to understand what’s got them upset, why they want to criticize and try to get to the bottom of that. Most of the time they have not been told the facts. It’s like what you see on Facebook. They get their own opinions and they say anything they want to and they talk about it without knowing what’s going on and I try to convince him that it may not be exactly the way they heard it, “ said Armstrong.

Still living in his childhood Armstrong family members enjoying time with family at an Armstrong home Armstrong family reunion. Photo from Kathleen Kelley. Starting on front left David Harrington, woman in front next to him is Ramona (Armstrong) talks about it as Harrington. Next to Ramona is Maxine (Armstrong) Romine, Mary if the home itself Armstrong, sitting is Dean Armstrong, behind him is Betty Jo Armstrong, in yellow Jack Stewart (Kathleen’s father), next to Jack is Aaron is another family Armstrong, Glen Armstrong,woman in back is Teresa Armstrong, Barry member. “ I was Armstrong in glasses, then Fred Armstrong in the hat. born in this house with all my family, nine children lived in this house, most of us were born in mom and dad‘s bedroom, across the street was a doctor. He came over and delivered us all; she never went to the Hospital,” said Armstrong.

“Sometimes it’s acceptable because it may be the fact I may need to be criticized for something I do but I try to explain my reasoning and if I’ve made a mistake I’ll be the first to admit it,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong gets his motivation from his love for his community and doing what he can to help it prosper.“ I want to live in a nice town and I want everybody who lives here to be happy and enjoy living here and I’m all about trying to find ways to make them want to live here,” said Armstrong.

Some of Armstrong’s favorite memories were of everyone going to his house every Sunday afternoon.” We had a very loving family and we got to the position where we could say anything we wanna do about our brothers and sisters but nobody else better nobody else could talk about my family but it’s all right if I talked about them,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong takes pride in the school system in Mount Washington and believes that the type of schools in a community says a lot about a city. “We have the best school system in the county and probably the top 10 in the state and I think it’s important to the city because the first thing that families look at generally when they’re deciding to relocate or to move away is what kind of schools are there for my children to attend in Bullitt East has got that so it’s in the tracking piece we really enforce our schools and do what we can to help them,” said Armstrong.

Kelley describes Armstrong as someone who has dedicated his entire life to his family and an incredible uncle. She explains how he has always been the person she feels that she could call if she needed help or if she needed financial guidance. She would call and he would give her his advice, guidance and love and he is one of the people that she looks up to the most in the world.

“When my mother was killed, within a year of her death he took me into his home and raised me until I finished college because we were struggling at home with my dad’s depression over losing my mother to a drunk driver and my sister was struggling with the loss as well; he brought me into his home and he gave me my own room, he feed me, clothed me, helped me pay for school and helped me get a loan so that I could go to college and finish school he has been there for me since then.” Said Kelley.

Not only does Armstrong care a great deal for his community but he is also a big family man. “ Family get togethers are probably the number one thing in the world to me because I love my family we had a good family my sisters were cheerleaders and all of us played basketball we weren’t very good but we played anyway we enjoyed it and we had a good life I’m the only one left out of nine children and I was kind of in the middle of all of them age wise.” Said Armstrong

If there is one thing that Armstrong and his family would want others to know about him is that he truly does care about his community and his family. “I truly believe he really wants what’s best for this community and he has tried to bring many improvements to the city while still trying to maintain its small town feel.” Said Kelley.

Armstrong and his family have been getting together every summer for a family reunion for about 20 years. “Family reunions are like Christmas and thanksgiving we all totally look forward to it and I think it’s kind of unusual; I think we have a very special family because we get together all the time and even though we’re so big that we can’t all be together all the time the second we’re together it’s like we fall right back in to being little kids again.” Said Armstrong’s niece Kathleen Kelley.

“I think I really am a nice guy and I care about people. I have compassion and love for everybody and I try to see the best in everybody” said Armstrong.

Following the loss of family members Kelley talks about how memories made at reunions is something she will always hold close. “The reunions feel bittersweet now because he is literally my sole remaining uncle on my mom’s side and the last 5 or 6 years has really been kind of tragic. We lost all of them and they’ve all gone so quickly together that those memories are what I have left of them. Being together every summer, them laughing and cutting up, getting to see all my cousins. It’s kind 24

Stallings: Coaching Through the Generations by sierra karner Once you find home, you never want to leave.

Coach Chris Stallings and his family have grown up in Mount Washington their whole lives.

When growing up in a family where coaching is in your blood, you are bound to be doing something involved in it. After coming back to the community, Stallings wanted a larger role. Over the years, the community’s support has put the icing on the cake.

Coach Stallings’ grandmother played for the first girls team in Mount Washington. His sister played for Bullitt East before getting a full ride to be the basketball manager at Western Kentucky University and is now the assistant head coach for the Bullitt East girls basketball team. His son is a volunteer assistant coach and his daughter is the head freshman coach and the second paid assistant coach.

The Stallings’ with the varsity girls basketball at Valley High school. They just won the regional tournament. “In that exact

“Some days I’m a mom, some days I’m a trainer, moment we all felt pure happiness and excitement. With all the challenges this year has faced us with to have a goal and acheive it was amazing,” said some days I’m a coach. It all just kind of depend on what hat they need me to wear that day,” Stallings’ daughter, Coach Katie Hoben said. She began coaching Coach Stallings appreciates all the support that they’ve received when Stallings asked her to come back after graduating high from the community over the years. They have always received school when he needed some help with seventh graders that were strong support from players’ parents and the administration playing on varsity. After that role, everything kind of fell into through the years. It has been beneficial to the fact that the the place they’re in today.

Stallings have been here without leaving or going anywhere else.

The Stallings family enjoys representing the community well and the school. The girls basketball program is very important to them and they prioritize keeping a good representation of it.

“It’s fun to be able to do this with your family and the ones that have chosen to be your family,” Hoben said.

“You don’t see that too often anymore in today’s world... that longevity. Teaching and coaching is all I ever wanted to do. I have been approached to move or become an administrator but I always went back to, I enjoy what I do where I am. My roots are here at Bullitt East.” Stallings said. Coach Stallings’ entire career has been at Bullitt East which isn’t very common in the coaching world, where people tend to hop around a lot. Stallings was, and still is, dedicated to making a name for the program and himself by being invested in one spot. The community seems to really support that and wants to see the program do well.

Stallings was always surrounded by supportive people. He has always enjoyed the small town and the community. Stallings was inspired into coaching because of his family, teachers and previous coaches. These people helped mold Stallings into the young student-athlete he was.

“I enjoyed the competition plus giving back to my school and community,” Stallings said. Stallings played for the first girls’ coach at Bullitt East, Steve Small, and helped him by scouting games for him while Stallings was in college.

“Whether it be a pandemic, your team makes it to Rupp Arena, whether it be a Unified Champion School Day and you fill the entire gym up with community members and people that want to see the school and you all (students) succeed, you just can’t get that everywhere. Even if you go to another small town, there’s just not quite the same feel as it is here.” Hoben said.

Smalls’, eventually moved to Western Kentucky University and Jerry Troutman took over his position. Coach Troutman had noticed the desire to coach in Stallings. He had an opening on the staff when Stallings finished up college and gave him the position. He eventually worked his way up from being the assistant coach in 1986 to the head coach now working on his 22 year.

Because the Stallings are coaches, they realize how the community of Mount Washington comes together. They see how the community gets together to support each other whether it be the basketball teams are going to state or just to have an event for the kids. It’s easy to compare and notice how Mount Washington is different from other communities. Graphic: Katey Goins 25

Small Town Diversity by raegan jackson Small town diversity, or lack thereof.

Mount Washington is a small town in Kentucky that is predominantly white. There is very little diversity and that can be challenging for minority families living and moving here.

Mount Washington is the classic small town that every parent wants to raise their children in. However the lack of diversity has shown to be troubling to some of the more diverse families moving to Mount Washington. Chris Wilson and his wife Jennifer moved to Mount Washington in 2019 with their son Sam. “We talked about moving out here three or four years ago before Sam was even in middle school but I was apprehensive because I wanted him to be in a diverse school,” said Chris Wilson. Since they have moved here Sam has joined the basketball team at Bullitt East and both him and his parents have made many friends through the sports program.

While there may not be a ton of diversity, Mount Washington has proven to be a very accepting place that tries to make other cultures feel welcomed and safe.Since they have moved here Sam has joined the basketball team at Bullitt East and both him and his parents have made many friends through the sports program.

“Now here, Sam is on the varsity basketball team that’s all white kids. Sam’s the only biracial kid on the team and they are offering him rides. Will Blanford being a senior white kid and captain has taken him under his wing, the parents we’ve sat with are fabulous, they’ve embraced us with open arms.” said Jennifer Wilson.

Chris and Jennifer Wilson with their son Sam.

Going from a diverse school to a predominantly white school can be very difficult. Being new is hard enough but being new and different makes things 10 times harder. “It was definitely a little weird going from a school with lots of diversity to very little. However, I made friends pretty easily and never saw it as a huge obstacle.” said Rachel Johnson.

Even though there have been struggles along the way these families have found a home in Mount Washington. They are now a part of the community and the Mount Washington family.

“We have just fell into a really good spot and it’s like our goal was reached. We got him out here and it’s been a great fit for him.” said Jennifer Wilson. Finding the right place to raise your children is one of the most important things to a parent. For the Wilsons, Johnsons, and many others, Mount Washington is the perfect place to raise their children.

The lack of diversity is definitely a concern for parents moving their minority children to Mount Washington. However one family has found comfort in being able to show their children diversity in other ways. John and his wife Mary moved to Mount Washington in 2014 with their daughter Rachel and son Nate.

They adopted Rachel from China when she was just 16 months old and they adopted Nate from Vietnam when he was 16 months old as well. “We were involved in FCA and our travel group from China. These both exposed them to the diversity that was lacking in Mt. Washington.” said John Johnson.

Rachel Johnson with her mom Mary, dad John, and younger brother Nate.

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Country Culture Taking Over the Town by keelin davis Staying true to their roots.

look flashy. It is more like a ‘hey, look at this,’ or a ‘I have this,’ kinda deal. I don’t mean that in a bad way but I want to make it unique to me,” Jones said. In a way, these vehicles are forms of expression for many students.

As Mount Washington has urbanized and the population has grown, some people continue to maintain their own country lifestyle.

These trucks and the culture itself have brought tons of groups of people together. A group of kids from the Autumn Glen neighborhood in Mount Washington have been able to bond over their trucks and use them for fun. Junior Alex Allen said, “Sometimes we just like to drive up to a pond at night and just listen to our music and talk for hours. I think what we have is really cool and I think it made us all closer.” These groups have been popularized a ton and it has caused people to begin meeting up in places all around the town to socialize and enjoy their vehicles.

The country lifestyle is still very prominent in Mount Washington and has grown in high schoolers over the years.

Whether people grew up around the culture or they have recently been introduced to it, it brings people together to socialize and have fun. Many people feel that Mount Washington is the place for them and they feel very welcomed.

Over the past decade, Mount Washington has seen its biggest population increase yet. With tons of homes and neighborhoods being built, a lot of the farmland has been replaced and culture has seen a bit of a shift. Alongside that, a new wave of pop culture has followed with new trends and lifestyles that come with them.

In response, the country culture has seen a bit of a fade in the town.

Many believe that the popularization of these trucks and this culture is from the lack of things to do in Mount Washington but people are content with what they have. “I used to really get bored and complain about living here but since we have been able to drive, it has been completely different,” junior Ethan Haddaway said. Because it is so important to these students, lots tend to pour a lot of money into their truck.

“We all work pretty hard to make our trucks look how we want them to. It is part of us now I feel like,” Haddaway said. From the outside, these trucks may look flashy but looking in, they have deeper meaning to those who own them.

In ways, the country culture of the town has taken advantage of the “express yourself” trends and there has been a large spike of this culture in schools.

Whether it involves driving a big truck, changing the way you dress or more, it remains a key part of the identity of Mount Washington.

Some students, like junior Jakob Jones, were born and raised in Mount Washington and were always surrounded by the country culture.

“I was always around that kinda Although it may be one of the Junior Jakob Jones poses with his work truck. Throughout his life, Jones has lived around stuff. I don’t think I ever grew up most recognizable parts of and constantly rode with his dad in his truck. “Those memories of me and my dad on without having a truck around me or farms the culture, trucks are not the the farm… they are definitely some of the happiest memories I have in my life,” Jones said.

Photo: Jakob Jones going to the farm on weekends and only thing that represent the hanging out with my family. They people who proudly take on the had the biggest impact on me,” Jones “country” title. For some, just said. Always having that family influence and lifestyle growing living a simpler lifestyle on a farm is just meant for them. Jones up has been the largest influence in Jones’ life and he is very is just one example of someone who appreciates the simpler thankful for what he has grown up around. life he was raised in. “It was always fun. We would always go hunting, shoot guns, just drive around and look at land. We always had cookouts together. It always meant so much,” Jones For many, the most identical part of this culture in Mount said. He believes that these memories were a big part of what Washington is the big trucks driving the streets. Like Jones, shaped him to be the person he is today. many students take pride in their vehicles and feel like it truly represents a piece of them. He said, “The truck I have right now Along with those born and raised in Mount Washington, is what I like to call my ‘backup truck.’ I have still spent a lot of there are those who have moved here and adjusted to the money on this truck and I do take it really seriously.” With the lifestyle. Sophomore cheerleader Mackenzie Hogue moved to popularization of trucks over the past few years, many people Mount Washington six years ago and now lives on a farm. She seem to view it as a competition or a show-off contest. “For me, loves keeping up with it and spending time with her relatives I use my truck for work and on the other hand, I like to make it outdoors. “We work with horses a ton and in free time, we love 27

to go brush them and take care of them. It revolves around animals mostly,” she said. Since moving to Mount Washington, she feels that taking on this lifestyle has made her appreciate family more and to learn how to work for what you want.

Although there are many representations of the so-called country culture, the underlying theme behind it is family. Coming together to appreciate the little things in life is part of what makes this lifestyle so popular and so cohesive between friend groups. Taking what may seem like a boring town at times and coming together to just enjoy each other’s company is something that makes Mount Washington thrive.

There are many who believe that they have so much to achieve outside of Mount Washington, others feel like they are at home and it is the place for them and their lifestyle. Jones said, “It has always been my home here and I wouldn’t mind continuing to call this place my home.”

Some hope to be able to raise their kids here someday. “I want to be able to give my kids the same experience that I had here with my friends. Just hanging out and driving around our neighborhood for fun is something I will never forget,” Allen said. These are just a few of the reasons why people love the culture of Mount Washington.

Overall, the country culture of the town is one of many, but is one of the most prominent. It may be frowned upon at times by some or not understood by others but those who represent it appreciate all that comes with it. All types of cultures can follow similar paths and continue to enjoy the little things and simplicity of the town of Mount Washington.

Pictured above are two of sophomore Mackenzie Hogue’s horses. She has lived on a farm in Mount Washington for about five years and has loved it ever since. “Getting to take care of the horses everyday is something that has become part of our daily routine and it is a big part of my life now,” Hogue said. Photo: Mackenzie Hogue

Junior Alex Allen’s truck shines during a spring night. Allen takes a lot of pride in his truck and over time, he has been able to customize it and make it his own. “I feel that it has become a part of me and I really have taken it serious over the past year,” Allen said. Photo: Alex Allen

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Editor-in-Chief Magazine Editor Website Editor Design Editor Sports Editor Photography Editor Business Editor Social Media Editor Calendar Coordinator Content Editor Copy Editors

Mia Maguire Sophia Blanton Keelin Davis Katey Goins Brodie Curtsinger Karley Dugas Tawney Noyes Becca Watts Brooklyn Sauer Macie Brown Demani Butler Natalie McGarry Raegan Jackson Adviser Larry Steinmetz

Staff Writers Emi Richardson Kyleigh Reeves Jenna Tipton Sierra Karner Alex Elhilow Ella Olds Colton Harbolt

Livewire is a 32 page newsmagazine and accompanying website that is updated daily. All content is generated by student journalists at Bullitt East High School in Mount Washington, Kentucky.

The Livewire operates as an open forum following the guidelines laid out by the Student Press Law Center which our staff presented to the Bullitt County Board of Education.

The staff appreciates your patronage and, as a public forum, encourages any feedback or submissions you care to offer. Letters to the editor must be typed and submitted via email, to Mr. Steinmetz’s mailbox or directly to room 606 within one week of the publication to which you are responding. Letters will not be censored, but must be deemed appropriate according to staff policies to be published. In order to be eligible to appear in the magazine, all letters must be signed and verifiable. Names may be withheld upon request, but must be submitted with the original letter.

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