This Week in Citizen-Times History (January 2, 1986)

The January 2, 1986 edition of The Citizen-Times shared that the Chamber of Commerce held their annual judging of Christmas decorations for businesses, having been judged on December 23 the previous year.

Gloria Madison, the president of the Chamber at the time, presented the plaques to the winners, including Stovall’s Prescription Shop, with Larry Stovall, the owner, accepting the first place award, Martha Williams of Grubbs Bookkeeping in Jack’s Shopping Center winning the second place award, and Janet Miller of Jan’s Bookkeeping, in Fred Hale Shopping Center, winning third place.

Honorable mentions included the Cumberland Savings and Loan on the public square, and Hobdy’s Florist on East Main Street.

Additionally, the Chamber held their annual judging of residential Christmas decorations, with Gloria Madison presenting awards to Mrs. Hal Bryant, winning first place, Mrs. Larry Gerald, winning second place, and Hannah Ryan, winning third place, with the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Fowler, Billy Cherry and Gail Pardue receiving honorable mentions.

It was also shared that a fire had broken out on Christmas day at the First United Methodist Church, causing $125,000 worth of damage, equivalent in purchasing power to about $369,664.69 today.

The State Fire Marshall shared that the cause of the fire was unknown at the time, with firemen having fought the blaze for over three hours, as water and 14 degree temperatures covered the environment in ice.

The fire was believed to have started in the ceiling of the basement on the west side of the structure, with the entire basement and first floor, housing the main sanctuary, being heavily damaged by fire, water and smoke.

Reverend John Spaulding, the pastor of the church, expressed his gratitude for the Scottsville Firemen in battling the fire, with the two Sunday services at the church being held in the Welch-Huntsman Chapel in the Educational Building of the church.

Repair work began on December 30 by Town and Country Remodeling Service of Bowling Green.

It was also announced that the Allen County-Scottsville High School Lady Patriots took third place in the annual Lady Invitational of the South tournament, which started on Friday, December 27.

Allen County won over Whitley County in the first round, before a loss from Logan County, followed by a victory over Warren Central in the consolation game.

Todd Gibbs presented their plaque to the team during the awards presentation, with those pictured from left to right, including Maria Brown, Jennifer Napier, Laura Barton, Tracy Pearson, Cindy Petty, Michelle Celsor, Terri Logsdon, Todd Gibbs, Patti Vernon, with Karen Shockley and Judy Robinson standing in rear.

The Citizen-Times, consolidated of The Citizen (1908) and Allen County Times (1890) on Oct. 10, 1918, has proudly served Scottsville and Allen County for 136 years.