After 19 years of service, Orange County REMC Materials Manager Larry is ready for a new chapter. He also held the job of Staking Engineer at the co-op and played the role of ambassador to the community each year at the REMC’s annual meeting.

Larry will miss working with REMC members, whether on the phone or in person answering their questions. He thanks the employees for all their support throughout the years. “The employees are truly wonderful people who work for a wonderful company. I want to wish them all a wonderful career with the REMC,” Larry said.

Orange County REMC General Manager/CEO Matt Deaton had high praise for Larry.

“I congratulate Larry and wish him the best as he transitions into retired life,” Deaton said. “Larry has enjoyed a very successful career with the Cooperative and he leaves the co-op better than when he got here.  Larry will certainly be missed, as he is the guy that can, and will do anything to benefit the members. It’s going to be a challenge to find someone with the skill-set and attitude he brings to the job each day. Some days you could find him shoveling snow-covered sidewalks before his shift began, to ensure our members could safely get into our office. Or you might find him in meetings to discuss inventory control changes, and how to reduce our inventory by 25%… and then figuring out how we are going to store and account for the material needed for a $30M fiber-to-home project, without adding a square foot of space. What I have enjoyed the most about working with Larry is his ability to get the job done, no matter what it takes, while at the same time, never taking credit for all that work getting done.  Larry is that person every good company, team, or business need, but few people are willing to be.”

During his retirement, Larry is looking forward to traveling around the world with his wife Leticia. They plan on visiting family, spending time with his children Randall and Nicole, along with eight grandchildren. Pinnick has a small mowing business to keep him busy in his down time.

“I am very blessed to have a wonderful wife and kids that followed me around the world for 21 years while I was in the military and supported me for 19 years while working at the REMC. Life has been very good to me,” commented Larry.

The board of directors, management and employees appreciate his dedication to the cooperative and its members and wish him the best in his retirement.

The Smedley Scholarship Trust Fund committee announced that the annual open horse show will be held May 5 at the newly rebuilt Washington County Fairgrounds Horse Arena beginning at 11 am.  

The show features a variety of classes for adults and youth, including halter, showmanship, equitation, walk-trot, trail, country pleasure, western pleasure, as well as reining and freestyle reining.   There are three added money classes.

This year, there will again  be three schooling classes: showmanship, horsemanship, and trail. Schooling classes are not judged but offer competitors the opportunity to practice the event in the show pen prior to exhibiting to the judge. Showmanship schooling will begin at 9 a.m., prior to the show.

Food will be available as well as ice cream.

The 33rd annual show is the only fundraiser for the scholarship fund, which benefits Washington County college students who are pursuing a career in equine related studies. This includes veterinary studies, equine business, horse training, horse shoeing, etc.  

A Smedley scholarship is renewable for the entire time the student is enrolled in equine studies. Many Washington County youth have benefited from the program.

The fund also provides grants to younger horsemen who are attending horse clinics or horsemanship camps.

For a full show bill or information about sponsoring a class at the show, call 812-883-6760 or 812-883-6442. Sponsors receive recognition at the show, on the show bill, on social media, and in the newspaper following the show.

Typically, the show lasts from 11-4 and attracts horsemen from all over southern Indiana and northern Kentucky.

Students wishing to apply for a Smedley scholarship should call 812-883-6760 for an application.

5K COLOR RUN TO BENEFIT RELAY FOR LIFE ON MAY 11 AT WALMART

WSLM RADIO and WALMART are partnering to hold the second annual Charlotte Martin 5K COLORS FOR CANCER run/walk on Saturday, May 11 at 9a at the Walmart in Salem.

The event will benefit Relay For Life and the fight against cancer. Registration begins at 8a.

The event will all all cancer victims and survivors and is named in honor of WSLM 1220 AM and WSLM 97.9 FM owner Rebecca White’s mother, the late Charlotte Martin who died from cancer in 1986.

“Mom passed away on Valentine’s Day 1986 after fighting breast cancer for several years,” said White. “She passed away on the day WSLM celebrates its birthday so every year that’s a bittersweet day for me,” said White. “This is a great way to honor her memory and continue the fight against cancer.”

Brad Gilbert, Human Resources Manager of the Salem Walmart said the Salem Walmart is proud to be partnering with WSLM in this fight against cancer.

“We look forward to showing our support for all participants in this event,” said Gilbert. “Our hope is that with its success, there will be support of those currently fighting and fond memories of those we have lost to the battle.”

“What is more fun in the spring than to see lots of bold and exciting colors?” asked White. “You’ll get spread colored powder (which is 100 percent safe) on your clothing, hair and anything else you are running with, including each other.”

The 3.1 mile (5k) walk/run will begin at Walmart of Salem and continue west and turning left on Jim Day Road and then turning around and back to the Walmart parking lot.

” We at Walmart could not be more honored than to be able to partner with Becky and WSLM in their Colors for Cancer 5k to raise money and awareness in the Fight Against Cancer. I also , as most of us can say , have been dramatically affected by this terrible disease. One of the people who first believed in me was my grandmother , Ruth King , who we lost way too soon. Please join Becky, myself ,  and Team Walmart for this inaugural event. Hope to see you there!” Mike King, Salem Walmart Store Manager.

“We are working with Pacers and Racers to help provide technical expertise with our event to ensure that any of those who want to participate will be professionally managed and measured for accuracy,” White said.

New this year, because often during this time people have so many other activities going on, there will be a Virtual Race option.

“All you have to do is register for the race and download the course via this link via MapMyRun  https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/2467197652 then walk/run the course anytime between May 1 and May 10,” said White. “Then take a selfie and post it to WSLM Radio’s or Walmart’s Facebook page with the hashtag #COLORSFORCANCERSALEM.”

The morning of the race, there will be a selfie station so all those participating on the day of the race can post their pictures, too. “Then everyone can be part of the fun,” said White.

Pre-race and virtual race registration is now open at Walmart of Salem and at WSLM Radio, 1308 East Hackberry Street, Salem.

Registration is $30 and includes a t-shirt and a bag of paint powder to get you started in the fun. Children 10 and under are free with a paying/attending adult.

Additional t-shirts can be purchased and additional baggies of paint and other paint-throwing accessories will be available for purchase the day of the race, while supplies last.

Registration and arrival for the race is 8a near the Garden Center at Walmart. The race begins at 9a.

Unbridled Eve, an Official Kentucky Derby Event, the world-class, star-studded Gala draws local and national business leaders, horse racing industry professionals and celebrities from film, television, music, comedy and sports for an incredible evening of Southern hospitality, elegance and entertainment.

All of this fun ultimately goes to help numerous great causes, including eight-time beneficiary, Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that fights childhood hunger by providing needy elementary school students a backpack of food on the weekends. Three-time recipient, the Fund for the Arts, supports a range of arts organizations and drives accessibility across neighborhoods, schools, community center, senior care facilities, parks, libraries, and public spaces in Greater Louisville. A portion of proceeds will also go to sixteen other non-profit organizations.

The Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc® and Unbridled Eve® were founded by Tonya York-Dees and Tammy York-Day.

WHO: FEATURING MUSICAL PERFORMANCES BY:

• Brandon Jenner – Television personality and musician.
• C+C Music Factory – Grammy-nominated, American Music Award and MTV award winning pop rock, dance band.
• DJ 2^nd Nature – Atlanta DJ who incorporates mash-ups of pop culture media.
• JD Shelburne – Country music artist, one of Kentucky’s fastest rising stars.
• John Elefante – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer, known for his former tenure as the frontman of the rock group Kansas.
• Linkin’ Bridge – Acapella singing group from Louisville, KY. America’s Got Talent finalists.
• Mark McGrath – Lead vocalist of the rock band Sugar Ray, host of Don’t Forget the Lyrics and Killer Karaoke, and co-host of EXTRA.
• Mike Mills – Grammy-winning co-founder and co-lead singer of the iconic rock band R.E.M.
• Skip Martin – Grammy-winning lead vocalist, trumpet player, songwriter and producer who was formerly lead vocalist for Kool & The Gangand co-founder, lead singer of the Dazz Band.
• The Louisville Crashers – Louisville-based party/cover band.

  ACTORS/CELEBRITIES/VIP’s:

• D.B. Woodside – Actor, best known for his portrayal of White House Chief of Staff Wayne Palmer on the Fox action/drama series 24.
• Jerry Mathers – Actor, best known for his role Theodore “Beaver” Cleaver in the television sitcom Leave It to Beaver.
• Paul Sorvino – Actor (Goodfellas, Law & Order), opera singer, writer, and sculptor.
• Nick Vallalonga – Academy Award winning co-writer and producer of Green Book.
• Bob Guiney – Former star of The Bachelor, frequent panelist & weekly contributor on The Today Show.
• Linda Thompson – Grammy-nominated award-winning songwriter/lyricist, former actress, and author of “A Little Thing Called Life.”
• Nora Roberts – One of the bestselling authors of all time having written more than 225 romance novels.
• Bruce Wilder – Award-winning photographer.
• Patrick Warburton – Comedic actor and voiceover artist from Seinfeld, Rules of Engagement, and Family Guy.
• Jack Harlow – Hip hop artist from Louisville, KY.
• Rob Angel – Creator of Pictionary.
• John Driskell “Hop” Hopkins – Founding member, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter for the Grammy-winning group Zac Brown Band.
• Conrad Bachmann – Louisville-native, actor in hundreds of episodics, over four hundred commercials, twenty features, and numerous stage productions.
• Robert Williamson III – World Series of Poker Bracelet Holder with over 30 WSOP cashes & worldwide lifetime winnings exceeding three million dollars.
• Austin Ramsey – Louisville native, award-winning Actor/Producer whose projects include Frat Star and Pike County.
• Ameara Wahhab – Actor, Singer/Songwriter known for Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Season 2 and currently working on a new Hulu original TV show RAMY.
• Brandi Alexander – Masterchef Season 7 competitor.
• Ben Sollee – American cellist, singer-songwriter, and composer from Kentucky.
• Layla Spring – Singer, artist, entrepreneur.  Top 24 finalist on American Idol 16.
• Rick Kueber – Part owner of Starlight Racing’s 2019 Kentucky Derby entries Improbable and Cutting Humor and 2019 Triple Crown WinnerJustify. Owner, Planet Fitness.
• Tracy Lear – Model, Actress, Entrepreneur, Women’s Advocate, Producer. Bravo’s Southern Charm Kentucky, 2020
• Benjamin Worth Miller  – Investor, Producer, Actor, Farmer/Grower. Bravo’s Southern Charm Kentucky, 2020
• Skylar Lear  – Investor, Producer, Actor, Owner TLSL BRANDS. Bravo’s Southern Charm Kentucky, 2020
• Brooke Wilkerson – Comedian, author and speaker. Host “Brooke Wilkerson’s Moms’ Night Out.”
• Mayor Greg Fischer ­­– Mayor of Louisville, KY.
• Greg Abbott – Governor of Texas.
• Ken Paxton – Attorney General of Texas.
   
  JOCKEYS/HORSE RACING ELITE:

• Bob Baffert  – Racehorse trainer who trained the 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and 2018 Triple Crown winner Justify.
• Mike Smith – Horse Racing Museum and Hall of Fame jockey who rode Justify to victory in the 2018 Triple Crown.
• Jean Cruguet – Rode Seattle Slew to victory in the 1977 Triple Crown.
• Ramon Dominguez – Retired Hall of Fame and 3-time Eclipse Award-winning jockey.
• Sandy Hawley – Canadian and U.S. Hall of Fame, Eclipse Award, and Lou Marsh Trophy-winning jockey. First jockey ever to win 500 races in one year.
• Tyler Gaffalione – 2019 Kentucky Derby mount War of Will.
• Gabe Saez – 2019 Kentucky Derby mount By My Standards.
• Jon Court – 2019 Kentucky Derby mount Long Range Toddy.
• Ricardo Santana – 2019 Kentucky Derby mount Plus Que Parfait.
• Sophie Doyle – 2019 Kentucky Oaks mount Street Band.
• Drayden Van Dyke – 2019 Kentucky Derby mount Gray Magician.

  SPORTS:

• Luke Hancock – Former University of Louisville basketball player, named Most Outstanding Player in the 2013 NCAA Tournament, which University of Louisville won.
• Vince Tyra  – University of Louisville Athletic Director.
• Warren Moon – NFL Hall of Famer who played the majority of his career with the Houston Oilers.
• Mario Urrutia – Former Cincinnati Bengal and University of Louisville Linebacker.
• Jamon Brown – Atlanta Falcons Guard. Played for the University of Louisville
• Deion Branch – New England Patriots Wide Receiver. MVP Super Bowl XXXIX, Two-time Super Bowl champion.  Played for the University of Louisville.
• John Miller – Cincinnati Bengals Guard. Played for the University of Louisville.
• Frostee Rucker – Defensive End for the Oakland Raiders.
• Taywan Taylor – Wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans.
• Bonnie-Jill Lafflin – Actress, model, television personality, sportscaster, and NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers.
• PJ Fleck – University of Minnesota Head Football Coach.
• Joe Johnson – Former U of L Football, New Orleans Saints and Green Bay Packer player.
• Sam Boyd – Professional motocross rider. On MTV’s Nitro Circus.

  CHAMPION SPONSOR VIP’s:

• Harvey Chaplin – Chairman, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Gene Sullivan – President, Eastern Region, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Pete McLaughlin – EVP, GM of Kentucky & Ohio, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• David Levitch – SVP, GM of Kentucky, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

  OTHER CELEBRITIES:

• Tammy York Day – CEO, Louisville Healthcare CEO Council and Co-Founder of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc.
• Tonya York – President, York Management, Inc. and Co-Founder of the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, Inc.
• Dr. Neeli Bendapudi – President of the University of Louisville.
• Katie Bouchard – Miss Kentucky 2018
• Brooke Wiseman – Blessings in a Backpack Executive Director.
• Fred Noe III – Beam’s Master Distiller and great grandson of Jim Beam, seventh generation distiller.
• Freddie Noe – Eighth generation distiller of the Beam family.
• Wes Henderson – Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Angel’s Envy.
• Al Young – Four Roses Senior Brand Ambassador and Bourbon Legend.
• Milan Chakraborty – Producer of The Lifeguard, Where Hope Grows and My Friend Dahmer.
• Darnell Ferguson – Super Chef
• Jennifer Hoffman – Winner of the Amazing Race.
• Terry Meiners – Radio and television personality on WHAS.
• Dawne Gee – WAVE 3 News anchor and host of WAVE Country with Dawne Gee.
• Chris Sullivan – Co-Founder and former CEO and Chairman of Outback Steakhouse, Inc.
• J. “Spanky” Bunch – multimedia artist from Kentucky.
• Kentucky Derby Festival Court:
  • Brittany Patillo – 2019 Kentucky Derby Festival Queen
  • Kelsey Sutton
  • Mary Baker
  • Elizabeth Seewar
  • Allison Spears

GOLD STAR FAMILY – Emily Dieruf Chambers’ late husband, Cpl. Nicholas “Nich” James Dieruf was a United States Marine who died Thurs., April 8, 2004, at the age of 21, while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, Iraq. Nich was born in Lexington and after joining the Marine Corp in Woodford County, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, CA. His division was the first to enter Baghdad, Iraq in April 2003.