Today's News

When Shawna Arrowood began working at Family Billiards Restaurant in 1985, she never dreamed that after 24 years of hard work she would own the establishment.

Ralph and Patsy Toole opened Family Billiards and Restaurant in September of 1974. When the two recently decided to retire, Shawna, and her husband, Alfred, decided to carry on what they feel is an Owen County tradition.

Shawna said she began working at Family Billiards when she was only a teenager and the restaurant soon became like a second home.

With Owen County operating on a tight budget, cost has become a concern of moving the sheriff’s office.

At the March 10 Owen County Fiscal Court meeting, a representative from the sheriff’s office reported most of their staff had suffered upper respiratory problems. Although the Kentucky Department of Labor had inspected the entire building, no unusual circumstances were found.

There is a very special lady that I admire. She is my aunt, Barbara Craigmyle.

For several years I have thought about nominating her as mother of the year. Many of you know her and some of you may know her story.

For those who don’t, I would like to share a few of her life experiences.

In 1997, her middle child, Stephanie, was hit by a drunk driver. Stephanie got a severe head injury which was followed by many surgeries and a long recovery period. She still suffers from this accident today and has lived with her mother and father ever since.

Barbara Craigmyle attended the Owen County Fair last week to support her best friend, Vicki Turner, who she thought would be receiving the Mother of the Year award.

Instead, Craigmyle was surprised when her niece, Kasey Towles, presented her with the Mother of the Year award.

To be selected as Mother of the Year, the applicant must be nominated by a friend or family member. The nominating letter was sent by Towles.