Todd County Standard

10/23/2026

The Todd County Water will be implementing a tap fee increase on December 1, 2026, pending approval with the KY PSC

10/12/2026

10/06/2026

Mullings – A Tribute to Trevor Wilson Sadler – July 30, 1996 – October 1, 2026

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

One of the most poignant scenes in Thornton Wilder’s Our Town is found in Act III when Emily Webb, one of the central figures of the renowned play, returns to life for a short period of time. After visiting her parents’ home on a special birthday in her past life, Emily’s emotions overcome her, and she ponders, “Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you. Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it?”

That question is one that has been on the minds of many Todd Countians in recent weeks as our community has lost two young souls, Emily Sharp Kidd, 35, and Trevor Sadler, 30. Trevor, that second young soul, was a graduate of Todd County Central High School and spent many of his years of life in the Trenton community, attending Trenton Baptist Church. Trevor is survived by his parents, Chuck Sadler of Trenton and Stephanie Michelle Underhill and her husband Jason Underhill of Bowling Green; his paternal grandmother, Sylvia Sadler of Trenton; his brother, John Walton Sadler of Guthrie; and his sisters, Shelby Brooke Burrow of Brunswick, Georgia, and Jenna Belle Sadler of Cedar Hill, Tennessee.

Mercedes Herrington Belew, one who knew Trevor for many years, penned, “I considered Trevor to be a good friend of mine at school. He was such a joy to be around – always there to greet you with a warm hello and a brilliant smile. He will be missed by many.” Brooke Osborne, another who knew Trevor, added, “Trevor was the sweetest soul; he loved everyone in school. What a gift he was to this earth.” Dana Sawyers Frogue, Trevor’s first teacher at South Todd Elementary, shared, “He radiated love, tenderness, and joy. He was adorable and full of love then just like he was in recent years when he purchased strawberries from Mom.” Dr. Jon Partlow, a former preacher at West Side Church of Christ in Elkton, said it beautifully, “Trevor was a very special friend. His smile and kindness brought joy to so many, including me.”

That “bringing of joy” to others was a trademark of Trevor. Aerial Marie, another friend of Trevor, commented about him, “You were such a kind and loving person. I loved going to the Special Olympics and seeing you there and walking into school and seeing you. Your hugs were the best; I could honestly never have a bad day around you.” His maternal aunt, Amanda Boisseau of Guthrie, shared another heartfelt portrayal of Trevor, describing him as one who “had the kindest of souls” and one who “always had a big smile on his face,” loving everyone in his path. Julie Hamlet, a teacher at Todd County Middle School, also added, “My favorite memories of him are with arms outstretched and giving me a hug every Sunday morning! I sure am going to miss that hug and that smile.” Lindsey Greenfield Arvin, another who knew Trevor, summed up his personality sharing, “Trevor was an amazing person inside and out! He truly was the epitome of Christ on earth.”

A former math teacher at TCCHS, Kathy Dobbs, formerly of Trenton, reminded us so powerfully, “The older I become the more real it gets. Death is not a respecter of persons, and we need to live our lives like today is our last. Would God be proud of the day we lived? People like Trevor and Emily were shining lights in life, and if their deaths could light a fire for Jesus in even one person, it would be glorious indeed. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a child, but I can imagine the wonderful feeling of knowing they are in Jesus’ arms.” Another who knew Trevor, Lauren Chester of Trenton, posted another poignant reminder in reference to the two deceased young ones, “May their lives remind us to love a little harder, hug a little longer, say ‘love you’ while we still can, and, most importantly, make sure our hearts are ready for eternity.”

Another friend of Trevor, Lee B. Miller of Trenton, also provided even more insight into the heart of young Trevor, noting for many years Trevor had been the Miller family’s neighbor. Lee shared, “Often we have seen him holding up a heart with his hands when we were coming or going. Jesus said the greatest commandments are to love God and to love your neighbor. Trevor loved his Lord, and he was faithful to be at church anytime he was home. He was always on the lookout to greet anyone.” Miller also emphasized Trevor’s neighbors were everywhere since everyone he met became one of his neighbors whom he loved. He also added, “As a multitude can attest, he was always ready with a handshake, a hug, and twinkle in his eye.”


The playwright Thornton Wilder would assuredly concur Trevor Sadler’s short life on earth becomes a reminder to us of the fragility of life and our need to savor every moment we can. The 30 years Trevor Sadler shared with those a part of his world were 30 years filled with love, hugs, laughter, friendship, and caring for others. It would definitely behoove all of us to emulate Trevor in all we tackle daily. To honor Trevor’s life, his family has requested memorial donations be made to support the special needs classroom at Todd County Central High School. Those donations can be sent to Todd Central FMD, 806 South Main Street, Elkton, KY 42220 in Trevor’s memory.

09/30/2026

MULLINGS – A TRIBUTE TO EMILY SHARP KIDD

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Christlike, charismatic, creative, communicative, and caring – those five words alone could easily describe the life of Emily Amanda Sharp Kidd, a 2009 graduate of TCCHS and a 2013 graduate of the University of Kentucky who lost her battle to cancer in recent days. Emily walked into my Honors English I class during my last year of teaching in 2005-2006, and she immediately made an impact not only on her peers but also on the teacher who had the daily honor of having Emily in class. Whenever an assignment was given, regardless of its difficulty, Emily always excelled in completing the assignment to the utmost of her abilities. Her plethora of talents and her creativity were amazing, and her love of life was just as evident in the radiant smile she always wore. Thankfully, I saw Emily a few weeks ago at Vanderbilt Clarksville, and I was able to reconnect once more to the young lady Emily became.

On September 1, 2026, Emily penned this simple reminder on Facebook; obviously, her reminder was one penned after her many battles with the horrendous cancer that ravaged her fragile body. Her words, however, serve as heartfelt reminders to us all that life is precious, and we need to treasure all the blessings we enjoy. Emily shared, “Health is a gift. If you consider yourself even reasonably healthy, use your body every day to the fullest. Even if all you have to do this week is go to work, do it with joy and gratitude.” What a powerful statement those words convey. Even in her pain, Emily still continued in her spreading of inspiration to those a part of her life and her online social media presence.

One who knew her for many years penned, “Emily was such a blessing to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will forever be missed.” Another added, “She was genuinely one of the kindest and sweetest souls I have ever known. Her testimony will preach for years to come.” Several who knew her described Emily as an angel, and another classmate shared, “Emily was truly such a light in the world.” A caregiver for her stated it beautifully, “The kindness and laughter she shared so effortlessly will stay with me forever.” Obviously, many other testaments of her life, her faith, her resilience, and her love for God could easily be chronicled. I am certain, too, the many who knew Emily will affirm Emily’s beauty was not just on her exterior; her inner self truly reflected her love for God, her husband, her family, her many loved ones, her friends, and those who became a part of her world.

Dr. Lisa Petrie, another educator who knew Emily, posted, “Watching Emily was always seeing God’s love here on earth. I always described her as a beautiful soul. That is exactly what she was. Thinking of her brings so much joy and love.” Dr. Kadi Ralston, a former TCCHS English teacher, added, “I am so heartbroken for all of you, and I know the journey has been a testament to Emily’s enduring spirit and faith in Christ. She was and always will be one of my very favorite students. She had the soul of an angel and will truly be missed.” Addye Sawyers Lawrence, one who knew Emily as her babysitter at a younger age, added, “Everything about Emily was beautiful. I was always so excited when my parents chose her to babysit us when we were little. I’m so thankful for those memories.” Tabitha Turner West, a classmate of Emily’s for many years, described her beautifully, “What a blessing it has been to know Emily since childhood and to call her a friend. When I think of Emily, I always think of sunshine because she truly was always such a light in life. She had a smile that was contagious and could make anyone’s day better. She was an angel on earth. The world is a bit dimmer now, but my heart knows Heaven is even more beautiful now that Emily is there.”

Another educator, Georgia Sumpter Smith, who had Emily in elementary school, penned, “My first memory of Emily is when she bounced into my preschool classroom with those beautiful eyes, sweet spirit, and a smile that came through the door before she did.” She added, “It has been an honor and privilege to be part of her journey and be encouraged by her steadfast faith, endurance, and love for Our Lord. Some of us could be in our earthly states for 100 years or more and never leave the impression of light and love that she leaves with us all.” June Ray Gardner, another friend of Emily’s, also said it well, “Emily walked across the hearts of many and left footprints.”

Those written testaments devoted to Emily say it all superbly; Emily’s Christlike manner, her charismatic nature, her amazing creativity, her communicative skills and talents, and her caring demeanor stand as lifelong tributes to the person Emily was. We are reminded of the British writer John Donne who penned centuries ago, “Death, be not proud, though some have called thee / Mighty and dreadful, for thou are not so; / One short sleep past, we wake eternally / And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.” An apostrophe, Donne’s sonnet reflects someone speaking to Death and informing Death it has nothing to be proud of; instead, Donne’s words bring us the consolation and assurance Death is nothing that can overpower us. To the contrary, Death is our steppingstone into eternity. Ashley Brooks Conner, another friend impacted by the life of Emily, posted, “What a beautiful legacy, to leave people behind wanting to love more, and shine bright, like Emily did. I hope we all can live a little more like Emily.”

09/14/2026

09/10/2026

FORMER TODD COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT, MAGISTRATE GORRELL DIES
Earl Howard Gorrell, age 90, passed away peacefully at his home in Claymour, Kentucky, on September 1, 2026. Howard, as he was known by family and friends, was born on April 4, 1936, in Clifty, Kentucky, to the late Silas Gorrell and Kathleen Dew Gorrell.

Howard, a standout basketball player at Elkton High School, earned an athletic scholarship to play basketball for Austin Peay State University (APSU) where he continued to excel. He earned numerous honors, including being selected to the All-Volunteer State Athletic Conference (VSAC) team twice, and being named VSAC Conference MVP. He helped lead APSU to 4 consecutive VSAC championships, and appearances in the NAIA and NCAA tournaments, and he was selected to the ALL-NAIA tournament team in 1960. In recognition of his exemplary basketball career, Howard was inducted into the Austin Peay State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990 and the Todd County Hall of Fame in 2019.

A first-generation college graduate, Howard earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from APSU and a Rank I from Western Kentucky University. He began a 33-year career in public education in 1960 as a high school geography and physical education teacher. He would later become principal at Auburn High School in 1971 and the first principal of the newly consolidated Logan County High School in 1982. Howard concluded his career serving as superintendent of Todd County Schools from 1987 to 1993.

Howard’s love of basketball and his success on the court didn’t end with college. He had a successful career coaching high school basketball, including, most notably, an eight year stint (1963-71) coaching the Auburn High School Tigers to seven consecutive 13th District Championships and two 4th Regional finals. Howard also worked nine years as a college basketball official for the Ohio Valley Conference. In 2016, he was inducted into the Logan County Athletic Hall of Fame.

Howard was a member of numerous organizations and involved in several community service activities. Two memberships that were of most importance to him were his memberships with Gideons International Elkton Camp and Pleasant Hill Church of Claymour. Howard also served as a Todd County Fiscal Court Magistrate and on the Todd County School Board of Education.

In his spare time, Howard enjoyed working on his beloved family farm or playing golf. An avid golfer, he played almost daily until recent health issues prevented it. When he wasn’t working on the farm or on the golf course, Howard could usually be found cheering for his two favorite teams, the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team or the New York Yankees.

Howard is survived by his wife of 41 years, Charlene Coles Gorrell; three sons, Mickey (Peggy) Gorrell, Mark Gorrell, and Marty (Shannon) Gorrell of Auburn, Kentucky; one step-daughter Edwina (Stanley) Strickler of Rockfield, Kentucky; seven grandchildren, Lee Gorrell, Briley Gorrell, Landon Gorrell, Addi Gorrell, Ashlee Rust, Kara Rust, and Garrett (Libby) Strickler; and his beloved Boxer dog, Claymour. Howard was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle Gorrell Rust; one sister, Elaine Gorrell Traverse; and five brothers, Billy Joe Gorrell, Duane Gorrell, Terry Gorrell, Timmy Gorrell and Stanley Gorrell.

A special thank you to Howard’s wonderful caregivers, Amy Henderson and Jessica Kennedy. The family will be forever grateful for the loving care and support they provided.

Visitation will be held at Young Funeral Home in Russellville, Kentucky, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026.

A celebration of life will be held for Howard Gorrell at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Young Funeral Home in Russellville, Kentucky. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Claymour, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Howard’s memory be made to Gideons International Elkton Camp or Pleasant Hill Church of Claymour Building Fund.

09/04/2026

MULLINGS – DONNIE CARROLL, FORMER OWNER OF CARROLL’S BODY SHOP & EXHAUST, RETIRES AFTER 30 YEARS

By Carolyn L. Wells
Todd County Standard

Those familiar with Roman mythology will recall the name of Vulcan, also called by his Greek name of Hephaestus. A multitalented god, Vulcan was known for his mastery of fire and the forge as well as being the favored supporter of both artisans and smiths. Those familiar with Clarksville will also recall a now-closed plant bore the name Vulcan, a plant that was in existence for over 80 years. Though Todd County does not have a large manufacturing plant similar to Clarksville’s Vulcan, it was blessed for over 30 years with an individual whose talents were equal to those of the mythological Vulcan. That individual, a TCCHS graduate of 1973, is Donnie Carroll, former owner of Carroll’s Body Shop & Exhaust located at 311 North Main Street in Elkton.

Donnie, who celebrated his recent retirement on August 22, was an artisan who worked magic transforming the mishaps of drivers into vehicles showcasing their former glory. Those who did business with Donnie during those 30 years of his ownership of the auto shop will share Donnie’s talents were unfathomable as he worked to bring the vehicles taken to him and his employees back to their previous status. Obviously, most drivers have mishaps that need correcting, and I can recall several years ago having to take my former 2013 Prius to Donnie after having a Walmart buggy roll across the parking lot and land at the side of my vehicle. With a dent on the side that I could not tolerate, I chugged to Donnie, and following a short “stay-cation” at his shop, the dent had totally disappeared. Last year prior to my trading that Prius for my new 2026 model, I also had the misfortune of having a mower for the roads of Todd County back into the front of the vehicle. Again, Donnie ‘worked his magic’ and soon had the Prius in a pristine condition once more.

Those two instances are, of course, personal ones. The stories posted online share similar positivity as one person penned, “I had to take my car to these guys for an insurance claim. They were professional, timely, and honest. They even buffed my headlights out. I would recommend them to anyone looking for an honest, affordable body shop.” Another shared, “Carroll’s Body Shop is, in my opinion, the best in the county and surrounding counties. They offer quick and flawless service. I wouldn't take my vehicle anywhere else. The only con is there can be a long waiting list, but that speaks for itself. If you want excellent quality, it’s worth the wait.” As true of these testaments, many more recommendations could be offered to highlight the talents of one of the most dependable and trustworthy folks and businesses anyone can know.

Attendees at the retirement party held at Carroll’s Body Shop will add the garage, formerly the home of Wayne Gibbs’ business, was packed with folks from around the area who shared best wishes to Donnie on his retirement. Myriad vehicles ranging from a 1957 Chevrolet to more modern ones restored by the hands of Donnie also proudly showcased the extraordinary talents of Donnie and his crew, and the owners of those vehicles will contribute how talented Donnie is, not only in his abilities with car restoration but also in his people skills and caring about his customers and their needs. Also on hand for the retirement festivities was Donnie’s mother, Mrs. Virginia Carroll Bush of Clarksville., and his sister Donna.

Obviously, we all age and reach a point when time and logic dictate we change our paths in life. Though Donnie’s path as an expert in body shop work has ended on a professional level, he leaves his business behind to the next generation of craftsmen. The new owner, Marshall Powell, son of Randall and Nancy Powell of Elkton, will have working beside him Josh Carroll, one who has also mastered the art of vehicle restoration from his father, and Patrick Mayes, another skilled restorer who has many decades of experience working alongside Donnie. Donnie, whose love for serving others still remains so strong, has in recent days shifted his talents to the operation of Donnie’s Towing & Exhaust, located at 3587 Sharon Grove Road.

Donnie, Todd County wishes you, and Susan too, the best as you enter a new stage of your life! We are so very fortunate you have touched the lives, and vehicles too, of so many in Todd County and surrounding areas!

Photos via Emily Carroll.

09/04/2026

🔥 TODD COUNTY COUNTY-WIDE BURN BAN — EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY

Due to severe to extreme drought, extreme heat, and very low humidity, Todd County has issued an immediate countywide open burn ban. The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

🚫 Prohibited:
• Open burning of any kind
• Burning leaves, brush, grass, trash, or construction debris
• Agricultural/field burning
• Campfires and recreational fires
• Burn barrels
• Outdoor fireworks and pyrotechnics
• Welding or grinding in grassy or wooded areas unless proper fire-watch and water precautions are in place

✅ Cooking grills and contained outdoor cooking devices may be used if attended at all times and kept at least 15 feet from structures, dry vegetation, and other combustible materials.

With many of our firefighters serving as volunteers and also working in agriculture, preventing avoidable fires is especially important during this period.

Our goal is simple: protect Todd Countians, their property and farmland, and the firefighters who have to battle these fires when they occur.

Please help us prevent fires until conditions improve.

📢 Updates will be posted through Todd County Emergency Management and Todd County Fiscal Court social media and local media outlets.

Todd County Emergency Management
Todd County Fiscal Court

08/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/197V1VbLAz/?mibextid=wwXIfr

07/21/2026

Funeral services for former Todd County PVA Virgil Monroe

Virgil Lee Monroe, 80, husband of thirty years to Neila Logue Monroe, died Thursday, July 16, 2026 at his residence in Harrodsburg. Born November 2, 1945 in Allegre, KY, he was the son of the late Calvin Izear and Agnes Isabel Winders Monroe.

He was a Senior Certified Kentucky Property Assessor and retired as Todd County Property Valuation Administrator for the Commonwealth of Kentucky after serving for twenty nine years. He attended Hopewell Baptist Church in Harrodsburg and Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre. He was a graduate of Clifty High School and had also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the Todd County Fish and Game Club, was a life long Democrat having served as Todd County Democratic Party Chair, the President of the Kentucky PVA Association, and was an avid sportsman.

Survivors other than his wife include his son, Tony (Stacy) Monroe and his daughter, Donna Currey, all of Allegre; two step-daughters; Abi (Andrew) Patton and Hannah (Jason) Tyler all of Harrodsburg; two granddaughters; Nicki Monroe of Clarksville, TN and Daynna (Akshay) Grover of Mt. Juliet, TN; two step-grandsons; William Keezel of Owensboro and Caleb Tyler of Harrodsburg; one step-granddaughter; Cora Tyler of Harrodsburg; three great grandsons; Jacob O'Bryan, Levi O'Bryan, and Haydon O'Bryan of Clarksville, TN; one brother Alvis (Sara) Monroe of Allegre, and his sister-in-law Dr. Eula Monroe of Jackson Hole, WY.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers; J.C. (Jane) Monroe, Matthew Monroe, and Wendell (Carlene ) Monroe, and his sister, Ann (Marvin) Thornsberry.

A local funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home with Bro. Doug Wesley officiating. Brent Logue, Larry Devine, Gerald Claunch, Jerad Carrier, Anthony Carrier, and Curry Logue will serve as active pallbearers. The Tuesday Morning Singers will serve as honorary pallbearers. The funeral service will be streamed live on Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home's page.

Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Monday and from 7:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Alexander & Royalty Funeral Home in Harrodsburg.

An additional funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. CST Thursday, July 23, 2026 at Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre with Adam Monroe officiating. Burial will be at McColpin Cemetery with Darrell Monroe, Marty Monroe, Josh Monroe, Dee Johnson, Terry Minueth, Alan Mansfield, George King, Scott Thornsberry, Akshay Grover, Perry Stokes and Roger Dotson serving as pallbearers.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. CST Thursday at Bellview Baptist Church in Allegre.

To share your memories or to send a message to the family, please visit alexanderandroyalty.com.