The Foothills MAY/JUNE 2017 CONNECTION PRAYERFUL PURPOSE Josh Ramey found a future through faith

GONE FISHING Local lakes have anglers casting for the big one

KIMBER’S COUNTRY MARKET A family keeps a friendly store alive in Blaine INDUSTRY NEWS

Rural Connections

BY SHIRLEY BLOOMFIELD, CEO NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association

Taking the voice of rural America to Capitol Hill orking in the nation’s capi- tal, sometimes it can feel W as if people have forgotten how to work together toward a common goal. That is one reason I look forward to springtime, when NTCA hosts our annual Legislative and Policy Conference. Tired of robocalls? Leaders from telcos just like yours, from FCC proposes new rules to block those unwanted calls all across the country, visit D.C. to meet with policymakers and to speak with one Last year, U.S. consumers received about 2.4 billion robocalls monthly, accord- voice — yours. ing to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The regulatory agency is As this year’s conference began in proposing new rules that could bring relief to consumers weary of this annoying — late March, telco leaders gathered for a and sometimes dangerous — practice. meeting with new FCC Chairman Ajit The FCC is considering rules that would give telephone companies the author- Pai. A product of rural America himself, ity to block spoofed robocalls — wherein callers fake their Caller ID information Chairman Pai shared with us his ideas on in order to hide their identity — when a subscriber requests that calls originating ways to ensure that discussions among from that number be blocked. The proposed rules would allow providers to block our elected offcials about improving the spoofed robocalls when the spoofed Caller ID information cannot possibly be valid, nation’s infrastructure also include the including numbers that have not been assigned to anyone. critical role of broadband. In its proposal, the FCC highlights the danger of robocalls by referencing IRS Telco leaders came to Washington ready reports. “There have been over 10,000 victims of a scam in which callers pretend to share with lawmakers their stories, data, to be representing the IRS and claim the called party owes back taxes,” according challenges, investment plans and eco- to the FCC. Threatened with arrest or deportation, victims of these scams have col- nomic opportunities for rural America that lectively paid over $54 million. they are primed to kick-start. The energy More recent reports tell the story of callers already having some personal and enthusiasm of this group was inspir- information about a targeted consumer or business, then tricking them into saying ing, as they went from meeting to meeting “yes” to a seemingly harmless question in order to falsely authorize charges to their reminding policymakers about the impor- victims. tance of broadband for all Americans. While the idea of blocking calls may seem like a good one on the surface, the There are signifcant challenges when FCC is quick to point out that a balanced approach must be taken. “It is also working to deliver broadband in rural important for the Commission to protect the reliability of the nation’s communica- areas, such as federal regulations and tions network and to protect consumers from provider-initiated blocking that harms, funding — not to mention the challenges rather than helps, consumers,” according to the FCC’s proposal. “The Commission inherent with building infrastructure to therefore must balance competing policy considerations — some favoring blocking areas of low population density and rug- and others disfavoring blocking — to arrive at an effective solution that maximizes ged terrain. But you can be proud to know consumer protection and network reliability.” that your telco is part of a much larger These latest steps from the FCC continue efforts by industry, regulatory and con- family of service providers that is taking sumer groups to put an end to robocall practices — and that is welcome news for your message to lawmakers: that rural the millions of Americans on the receiving end of those annoying calls. broadband is good for all of America.

2 | May/June 2017 Build Broadband With Us! As Washington focuses on improving our nation’s critical infrastructure, broadband needs to be a key component of those plans. Why?

Rural broadband The rural Members of Rural broadband providers broadband NTCA–The Rural providers contribute billions industry supports Broadband collaborate with of dollars to the nearly 70,000 jobs. Association serve local leaders U.S. economy and rural customers in on broadband- support billions 45 states, covering enabled of dollars in 37 percent of the solutions. e-commerce. (From 2015 survey) nation’s landmass.

TAKE ACTION! b Sign up to be an advocate at www.buildbroadbandwithus.com. b Follow and share at www.twitter.com/NTCAconnect and www.facebook.com/NTCARuralTelecom. b Contact your U.S. elected ofcials and let them know that “I am served by a rural broadband provider, and I know frsthand the positive impact this vital service has on a community. Please include rural broadband in your plans as Washington focuses on building our nation’s infrastructure.” (For contact information for your U.S. senators and U.S. representative, visit www.usa.gov/elected-ofcials).

#BuildBroadBandWithus

May/June 2017 | 3 FROM THE CEO The Foothills CONNECTION MAY/JUNE 2017 VOL. 4, NO. 3 Better care during a busy season The Foothills Connection is a bimonthly newsletter published by Foothills Communications, ©2017. It is distributed ummertime. It’s the season for cookouts, vacations and without charge to all customers of the long days of fun in the sun. Unfortunately, it’s also the company. Sseason for more scrapes, cuts, bites and falls. But Foothills Communications is providing the technology that may help take care of those “oops” moments.

In the summer, more of us go outside to work in the yard, play sports or explore the great outdoors. And whenever our activity levels increase, we are more likely to experience an accident that Foothills is a member-owned cooperative leaves us seeking medical attention. that has been serving residents and Medical data shows that in the summer, we as Americans expe- businesses in eastern Kentucky since rience more falls, auto accidents, dog bites and injuries related to 1951. In the early days, we only offered sports, water, bicycling and skateboarding. In fact, some hospitals telephone service over copper wires. Over even refer to summer as “trauma season.” the years, we have expanded our network At Foothills Communications, there are many reasons we’ve and now provide broadband Internet RUTH CONLEY built a robust broadband network, but one of the most important and cable TV services over fber-optic Chief Executive Ofcer reasons is to help doctors, nurses and other providers take better facilities to much of our service area. Our care of the people in our community. service area includes Magoffn County Across the country, broadband is enabling rural doctors, small and portions of Johnson County and hospitals, rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists and regional specialists to connect with Lawrence County. We love being part of the communities we serve; our customers patients and with each other in ways that were impossible only a few years ago. From cloud- are our families, friends and neighbors. based appointment scheduling and medical record keeping to automated inventory tracking and ordering, there are dozens of ways providers are harnessing the power of broadband to provide their patients with better care. Doctors can compare symptoms and diagnoses with colleagues around the country. Foothills Communications P.O. Box 240 X-ray images can be sent to specialists at major hospitals for analysis. Nurses can transmit 1621 Kentucky Route 40 West prescriptions to pharmacists so that medicine is ready before a patient even arrives at the Staffordsville, KY 41256 pharmacy. And everyone in the medical feld has an unbelievable amount of training oppor- www.foothills.net tunities and research right at their fngertips. 606-297-3501 This year, as there’s more talk in Washington about investing in infrastructure, it’s important to remember that infrastructure doesn’t just mean roads and bridges. At Foothills Communications, we’ve invested millions of dollars in building the broadband infrastruc- Foothills Mission Statement ture that connects the cornerstones of our community, including education, public safety, “To provide the latest in commerce and, of course, health care. With that in mind, we’re happy to join telcos across communications at affordable the country in NTCA’s campaign encouraging federal, state and local offcials to “Build prices with exceptional service.” Broadband with Us.” I hope you will review the information on Page 2 of this magazine to fnd out more about this campaign. As your local broadband provider, we’re proud of the strides our local health care provid- Produced for Foothills Communications by: ers are making in caring for their patients and proud of the role we play in helping them. I hope everyone has a fun, safe, injury-free summer. But know that if you fall victim to trauma season, local health care providers are backed by a strong broadband network to help deliver the best possible care and get you back out there enjoying summer again. On the Cover: Foothills Communications installer Josh Ramey’s religious faith deepened through the years and now provides his guiding light. See story Page 8.

4 | May/June 2017 Let’s all celebrate Mother’s Day with some special For fathers, Foothills Communications would like to Foothills Communications features. celebrate your special day with some great features.

• FREE HBO — Channels 400-410 from May 13 to • FREE Cinemax — Channels 420-434 from June 17 May 14. to June 18. • FREE activation on telephone calling features, as • FREE activation on telephone calling features, as well as premium movie packages, from May 8 to well as premium movie packages, from June 12 to May 14. June 18.

Have a great Mother’s Day! Enjoy Father’s Day!

Memorial Day Holiday The Foothills Communications ofce will close Monday, May 29 to observe Memorial Day.

Please enjoy FREE Starz & Starz/Encore from May 27 to May 29 on channels 470-492.

The Gift Basket Giveaway

Don’t forget our extra-special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day drawings!

For a chance at a gift basket — one perfect for mom and another ideal for dad — visit the Foothills Communications Facebook page during the week of each holiday. To enter, all you need to do is like the page and write a post containing the “secret code” below.

Mother’s Day Secret Code: Connect to Mom. Father’s Day Secret Code: Make the link to Dad.

Foothills Communications May/June 2017 | 5 TRAVEL Lightning Run at Kentucky Kingdom

COAST OF THE TOWN Experts discuss their favorite thrill rides he anticipation is heart- We asked four people — all of whom have nerves of steel and fnd death-defy- ing coaster rides a pleasant way to spend the day — about their favorite roller throbbing. There’s nothing coasters around the South. Tbetween you and the ground but a metal bar across your lap as Kevin Lusk, 40, Chattanooga, Tennessee the of terror rises to the top Favorite coaster: ’s of the frst drop, the grinding and creaking of machinery heard above Like many, Lusk’s passion for coaster-riding began as a child the screams. Higher and higher you when his parents took him on trips go; your heart is pumping. Do you to Walt Disney World. On off years, they’d visit parks dare look down? Then, suddenly, closer to home, such as Atlanta’s , Opryland in Nashville (now closed) and Lake Winnepesaukah in you’re in a free fall, jerking ’round North Georgia near Chattanooga. “Riding coasters gets and ’round, down and under, some- in your blood, and you can’t stop,” he says. times upside down. Before you His favorite coaster to date is Dollywood’s Wild Eagle, a coaster that defes gravity and tradition by tak- know it, you’ve stabilized. Then in ing riders on a trip along the side of the tracks rather front of you is another mountain to than in cars directly on them. The coaster is America’s climb, and in the distance you see frst and is perched 21 stories above Dollywood. It takes riders on a unique experience, rails that seemingly defy gravity. creating the sense of soaring high above the Smoky Are you ready to take the ride? Mountains. “You truly do feel like an eagle fying,” he Dollywood’s Wild Eagle

6 | May/June 2017 says, adding that his 8-year-old daughter, for a few seconds, giving riders a chance medium-sized, it’s pretty wild and produces Aleah, rode it for the frst time last year to reconsider their lives before the big a lot of fun airtime moments. They’ve and now “wants to ride it again and again.” plunge,” he says, adding that the ride gives added Storm Chaser since I was last there, Like father like daughter. “It is without a you a great view of the James River if you and I understand that one is quite good.” doubt her favorite coaster, too,” Lusk adds. can open your eyes long enough to see it. Hometown favorite: Kumba Hometown favorite ride: Lake “After my frst ride, I was hooked and Winnepesaukah’s Cannonball Erik Johnson, embarked on my new hobby to travel all “It was built in the 1970s and was my 43, Gainesville, across North America to ride roller coast- frst big coaster. It’s a big old wooden thing Florida ers,” Johnson says. “It was one of the — an oldie but a goodie.” Favorite coaster: coasters that really brought on a resurgence , to roller-coaster building in the early Chuck Campbell, Carowinds, Fort Mill, 1990s.” 56, Williamsburg, SC Virginia It wasn’t until his early 30s that Johnson Michael Betzler, Favorite coaster: developed his love for the big coasters. 51, Montville, New The Intimidator 305 Until then, he stuck to the smaller ones. But Jersey at King’s Dominion with a bit of encouragement, plus research- Favorite coaster: A California native, Campbell frequented ing at themeparkreview.com, a bible of , the many parks around the state and by the sorts for coaster lovers, Johnson took the Six Flags Over age of 12 was hooked on coasters, but he plunge and hopped on Kumba, a legend- Texas, Arlington, admits to being rather frightened of them ary coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Texas at frst. But the defning moment happened Florida. Since then, he’s ridden many of the Like many beginners, Betzler admits when he took his initial ride on an old nation’s biggest and has found Carowind’s to being a little afraid of coasters in his wooden coaster, the Wild Mouse, along the Fury 325, the world’s tallest full-circuit youth. That all changed after watching boardwalk at Santa Cruz beach. “It featured coaster, to be his favorite. “It’s one of the a documentary on Pennsylvania’s Leap a series of hairpin turns, and the cars were best examples of what I would call a speed The Dips, the oldest of all coasters in the designed to lean over as you changed direc- coaster,” he says. “Instead of having a lot United States. His interest was piqued, and tion,” Campbell says. “Then, there was a of up and down airtime hills, Fury has he joined clubs, met other ‘double down’ followed by a sharp hill and more twists and turns to help the coaster enthusiasts and embarked on a hobby that curve upward, which threatened to catapult maintain its speed.” has taken him across 31 countries. He has riders into the Pacifc. It was terrifying! Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville has his visited 445 parks and, so far, has ridden But I decided that the boardwalk’s large runner-up pick. “Kentucky Kingdom really 1,427 roller coasters. His adventures led to wooden coaster, the Giant Dipper, couldn’t has become a great park since it reopened the creation of The Big Mike Road Show, possibly be scarier, so I gave it a try. I’ve in 2014,” Johnson says. “As for the coast- an internet production all about his rides. been riding coasters ever since.” ers, I really liked Lightning Run. While His favorite is the New Texas Giant, an But it’s the Intimidator 305 at King’s award-winning wooden behemoth that Dominion in Virginia that he fnds hard to opened in 1990. It soon fell into disrepair, beat when it comes to a coaster that will however, and closed. But the wooden frame leave your stomach in your throat. “It’s remained, and the coaster was rebuilt and hard to top that fast ride up the , reopened better than before with a metal followed by a 305-foot plunge into a huge track covering the wood structure. “It’s fast banked curve,” he says. “Many riders, and smooth and such a great ride,” Betzler including me, experience what’s called a says. “This was the frst coaster of its kind ‘gray out,’ in which the world becomes — a hybrid coaster with metal on wood fuzzy around the edges for a few moments — and now there are many more like this until the g-forces let up. The rest of the ride around the world.” is a great mix of high-speed changes in Favorite hometown ride: Kingda Ka direction that throw riders around like rag at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, dolls.” Campbell ranks the Intimidator 305 New Jersey among the top 10 worldwide. “It was once the fastest coaster in the Hometown favorite: The Griffon at world — now second — at 128 miles Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, Virginia per hour in 3.5 seconds. And it’s still the “Griffon’s cars ‘hang’ over the edge world’s tallest at 456 feet high.” The Intimidator 305 at King’s Dominion

May/June 2017 | 7 FINDING PEACE IN FAITH Assistant Pastor Josh Ramey follows his calling

BY LISA SAVAGE

rowing up, “I was running,” he says. “I God wasn’t wasn’t doing what the Lord wanted me to do, and I was Ga big the most miserable person presence in Josh that there ever was.” He got to the point where Ramey’s personal he couldn’t enjoy anything in life. life — not even the hunting and fshing that he’d always But, as the now-31-year- loved. He worked two jobs to old installer and repairman keep occupied, always run- at Foothills Communications ning, always avoiding. grew through the years, so “I went through all this did his need to embrace a misery,” he says. much higher power. But all that changed in “My parents hadn’t been early 2015 when Ramey fol- Foothills Communications installer Josh Ramey is an assistant pastor at saved, but I had a couple of Cordell Free Will Baptist Church in Blaine. Below, he is pictured outside a lowed through on his calling. uncles who were preachers,” historic church at the Mountain Homeplace. It was a scary proposition, Ramey says. “My uncles took he says now. But he knew he me to church a few times had to do it. Otherwise, he’d when I was little, and I got to repeat the misery he’d felt learn about Jesus. The older I over the past few years. got, the more it bothered me After confding his that God wasn’t really part of dilemma to his pastor, Ramey my life.” has since become assistant Those times turned out pastor at Cordell Free Will to be key as Ramey’s life Baptist Church in Blaine, in unfolded. addition to his job at Foothills A chance invitation to a Communications. revival led him to accept “I put the ord frst, and salvation on Dec. 6, 2006. now everything just falls in Initially slow to accept the line,” says Ramey, the mar- invite, Ramey showed up a ried father of two girls. “I just couple of days late. want as many people as pos- “The Lord was speaking didn’t want to go there. So, I just ran. I didn’t think I sible to go to heaven when through my heart, telling me I I got saved, and I promised could do it.” this life is over. needed to do better — telling I’d follow him and what he’d He worried too much about “I love telling people about me I needed to live through have us do.” his past mistakes and fears the Lord and what he has him,” Ramey remembers. Two years later, in 2008, about helping others. He wor- done for us because I want “The preachers were preach- Ramey says he felt God call ried nobody would take him to see other people happy. If ing about heaven and hell, the him to preach. But, as with seriously. He worried about everybody in the world has two places that all the human many Christians, the path taking himself seriously. He the love of Christ in their race is going to. I was scared wasn’t easy. had little faith that he could heart, we’d have a lot better to death that I was going “Well, it scared me,” he carry out the mission he’d world today.” to die and go to hell, and I says. “So, I ran for six years. been given.

8 | May/June 2017 Foothills Communications Blaine’s one-stop shop blends

Kimber Skaggs, her husband, Brad, and his son, Bryce, are part of the team behind the Blaine store. old and new

BY RACHEL BROWN KIRKLAND

f you want grass-fed beef Market in June 2015 from Kimber’s takes orders from all members, including their chil- burgers delivered to your mother-son business owners over the United States for Bob dren: Bryson, 20; Will, 17; Itable by a young girl wear- Ruby and Barry Ferguson, White table syrup. Brayley, 10; and Brooklyn, 8. ing roller skates, Kimber’s who had decided to retire. Donna Dixon helps her Brooklyn learned to roller skate Country Market is the place to Before that, Skaggs worked at daughter with whatever is at the store and now enjoys go. the Bank of Blaine, which has needed at the store, but her delivering diner orders on It’s also the place for grocer- since closed. The bank build- specialty is baking coconut, wheels. ies, frearms, Bob White syrup, ing, market and a post offce chocolate, butterscotch, apple, Skaggs is a hard worker, hardware, plumbing supplies, are almost all that remain of pecan and other favors of Dixon says, but don’t mistake tanning sessions and made- what was once a small but mouth-watering pastries. her for a stiff businesswoman. from-scratch pies. Pit bull thriving town. The market is “In one week, we had some Many of her customers still “Bow” greets customers at the the closest thing to a full-scale missionaries come in from come in to ask about Alvin, the door, old-timers sit around talk- grocery store or restaurant for Alabama, and I made 64 pies,” pet squirrel Skaggs rescued out ing and drinking coffee, and nearly 20 miles. Dixon says. of a dog’s mouth and carried on a special night you can fnd After Skaggs bought the Skaggs and her husband to work with her until he grew someone celebrating a mile- business, she added a diner that operate the market with the up. stone birthday at the 18-seat features a pizza bar, fountain help of several other family diner. The one-stop shop is the drinks, deep-fried pickles, hot only store in Blaine, Kentucky, sandwiches, cold subs and a which has a population of less rotating daily special. Skaggs than 100. uses grass-fed beef on the “It’s a very tight-knit little menu. community,” says Kimber Skaggs moved to Blaine Skaggs, who owns and oper- from Texas when she was in ates the store with her husband, the eighth grade. Her husband, Brad, and a dedicated crew of who grew up in Blaine and pre- family members. “I’m very viously worked as a pipeftter blessed that I get to do this and welder, says the summer work and try to help out the months bring an abundant community.” supply of fresh produce into Skaggs purchased the B&C the market. Besides local sales,

KIMBER’S COUNTRY MARKET in Blaine, Kentucky, is open six days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with slightly shorter hours on The market’s menu includes pizza, enjoyed by, from left, Donna Dixon, Sundays and in the winter. Tonya Ramey and Kimber Skaggs.

Foothills Communications May/June 2017 | 9 PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE A key question for modern parents hat age is aroriate for the frst mobile phone?

s I was watching my contacts that I designate. This allows my son warm up with son to call me when he needs to, and I his teammates at a can reach him when he is away from me. A This might be when he’s playing at the fourth-grade basketball tour- city park, when he might be getting home nament, one of the other par- late from a ball game, or when he is in a crowded store. The GizmoPal doesn’t ents leaned over and asked allow apps; it’s simply for calling or for me at what age we planned the child’s caretaker to track them to a on giving him a mobile location. Through the GizmoPal app, I can see exactly where he is on a map on phone. my smartphone. My initial thought was, “I don’t know, Ultimately, as a parent, the choice a long time from now!” When I said is yours. What is right for your family I wasn’t sure, the parent informed me may not be right for mine. I still haven’t that they decided 12 was the magic age decided a “magic” age for my sons. Only for their kids. As I thought about this, I time will tell when I cave in to the pres- couldn’t help but think that I was 18 and sure of a mobile phone. My hope is that in college before I had my frst mobile I can delay that day as long as possible. I phone. Do 12-year-olds really have plan on sticking to the simple GizmoPal mobile phones? When I asked that very for my sons for the foreseeable future. question, I quickly found out that several of the 10-year-olds currently playing basketball already had mobile phones. Does a 10-year-old need a mobile Online resources phone? A 12-year-old? At what age is a For more information on this topic, go phone necessary for our kids? Truthfully, to www.commonsensemedia.org and I don’t know. Owning a mobile phone is look under Parent Concerns. They have a big responsibility. mobile phone provides a child access to a whole section dedicated to cellphone You need to decide what age is right the world, and they need to understand parenting. for your kids based on their maturity and that it is a privilege, not a right. I believe need. If your child is responsible and it should be considered a rite of passage CARISSA involved in activities that frequently take much like getting a driver’s license. SWENSON them away from parents, such as sports, We have found a middle ground we IS A TRAINING AND EDUCATION then maybe life would be easier for can live with for now. We gave our son a CONSULTANT everyone if they had a phone. The deci- GizmoPal when he was 8. The GizmoPal FOR CONSORTIA sion shouldn’t be treated as simply giving is a wearable mobile phone that can only CONSULTING. them another toy or gadget, though. A send and receive calls from a few select

If you think your child is old enough to need a cellphone, the GizmoPal by LG Parenting may be the place to start. Wearable as a watch, the phone allows your child to call parents and allows parents to see where they are. GizmoPals are available at Tp Amazon, Verizon and Best Buy starting at $75 plus subscription.

10 | May/June 2017 All good in the neighborhood Boadband access helps drive real estate value According to the experts, June is the busiest month for moving in the United States. And whether people are buying, selling or looking for a new place to rent, broadband plays a role in where they decide to move — and how much they are willing to pay.

Access to a 24 Mbps CONNECTION increases a home’s value by 3.8% over one where only dial-up is available.

Homes with FIBER AVAILABILITY have a transaction price that is about 1.3% more than similar homes in neighborhoods where fber is not available.

Access to a GIGABIT CONNECTION increases the sale price for homes by 7% over homes with a top speed of less than 25 Mbps. That’s an average diference of $5,437, or about the same as adding a freplace.

People who live in multifamily housing For landlords, giving renters access to units, such as apartments and condos, fber broadband can increase resident say fast and reliable internet service is the satisfaction and reduce churn. In 51% single most important amenity — more apartments and condos, renters frequently of homebuyers used the internet important than cable TV, a pool, security spread the word about better broadband to fnd the house they purchased. and workout facilities. access, bringing in more renters.

Fiber broadband Fiber broadband increases increases condo purchase rental values by prices by

8% FOR 2.8% That’s $40 per month on a RENT $500 monthly rent payment.

Sources: Fiber to the Home Council. National Association of Realtors. “Speed 2.0 Evaluating Access to Universal Digital Highways” Gabriel M. Ahlfeldt Spatial Economics Research Centre & Lon- don School of Economics. “Reevaluating the Broadband Bonus: Evidence from Neighborhood Access to Fiber and United States Housing Prices,” Gabor Molnar, University of Colorado at Boulder. May/June 2017 | 11 Hooking an ADVENTURE Anglers fnd a challenge on area lakes

BY DREW WOOLLEY

yan Meeks still been hooked on fshing. But not Meeks. crystal-clear water make it one of the “I didn’t fsh for years after that, but most diffcult lakes in the area. And for all remembers the frst that was the biggest bass I ever caught,” he’s learned, his go-to lure is still a simple time he went bass he says. “ow I realie how big of a fsh jig. R that was for this area. It was a trophy “There’s always a new technique that fshing with an artifcial really.” someone fgures will hook them the best,” lure, mostly because it got Now a lineman for Foothills he says. “But the old tried-and-true ways Communications, Meeks, 29, has redis- are tried and true for a reason.” him out of school. It was covered his passion for fshing, and he the end of his senior year of enjoys learning new things from those CASTING FOR THRILLS around him. About three years ago, he Unlike his co-worker, Foothills tech- high school, and after some decided it was time to up his game, so nician Clayton Brown, 37, caught the friends suggested spend- he joined the East Kentucky Bass Club, tournament fshing bug at a young age. He ing the day out at Yatesville which holds competitions for members recalls fshing with his father at years every two weeks. old, and he found that he enjoyed the Lake, he decided anything “Bass fshermen are not known for experience more each time. was better than class. giving out information, but there’s a great “I was ust into competitive fshing camaraderie among the guys I fsh with,” more than sports growing up,” he says. Just a rookie at the time, Meeks had to he says. “They’ve taught me to pay atten- “The longer I fsh, the more I realie it’s rely on his friends to tie on his hook, set tion to the water’s depth and to look at not just luck. I do a lot of studying on up the plastic lure, and teach him how to the structures a lake has that might attract what kind of bait fsh eat at different times fsh with it. But when all was said and fsh, like rock, grass or wood.” of the year.” done, he landed the day’s biggest catch: a With that new knowledge, Paintsville But when the studying is done, it’s 4.5-pound bass. Lake has become Meeks’ favorite the ecitement of fshing that Brown At that point, most people would have spot to fsh, even though its depth and craves. His most unforgettable trip was an

12 | May/June 2017 Foothills Communications Go fsh Even if you’re an avid angler, there are always some new tricks to learn. Ryan Meeks and Clayton Brown shared their advice for aspiring fshermen of all skill levels.

» JOIN THE CLUB: For new anglers or anyone wanting to learn how to improve their catch, Meeks suggests fnding a club and asking every ques- tion possible. “As many people who will let you ride in their boat with them, do it,” he says. » TIMING IS EVERYTHING: Some people think fshing is all about the luck of casting a line and hoping the big one bites, but Meeks recommends learning something about the fsh Foothills Communications coworkers Ryan Meeks, you’re after. If you’re hoping to catch left, and Clayton Brown enjoy their favorite pastime. a trophy-sized bass, the best time to INSET: Meeks lands a fish at a favorite spot: be on the lake is before they spawn. Paintsville Lake. Once they start making their beds, it will be much tougher to hook an impressive catch. » BAIT WISELY: One of the most action-packed few days on Lake St. Clair HOOK, LINE AND SINKER important skills a more experienced in Michigan in April 2016, during which Meeks and Brown often cross paths in fsherman can have is careful observa- he and his friends caught more than 100 some of the same tournaments. With his tion of his surroundings. Taking note smallmouth bass, ranging from 2 to 4.5 more extensive experience, Brown has of the color of the water, what type pounds. Even on a normal day, he enjoys the edge for now, estimating that he won of shad the lake has, and how big the the drama of a good topwater lure. about six tournaments last year. shad are can all infuence how to bait “I love seeing the explosion when they But as Meeks continues to learn, he’s your hook, Brown says. If the water is strike on top of the water; it’s just much setting his sights on bigger competi- murky and the fsh are moving slow, more exciting,” he says. “Topwater lures tions, such as the local Casting for Kids use a more visible chartreuse lure seem to catch several big fsh, too. That’s Tournament and the Yatesville stop on the and a jig or some kind of creature a good technique during the spring.” Trail of Dreams Tournament Series, which bait. If the water is clear, moving fast While Brown isn’t a member of a paid pro anglers Whitney Stephens and Jacob with something like a spinnerbait club, he does meet with a group of fsher- Wheeler won last year. can make it more likely that a fsh will men who ante up $20 a boat for weekly In fact, just this February, Meeks and a mistake your lure for a quick shad. tournaments on Thursday nights. For friend teamed up to win their frst tourna- » TRUST YOUR GUT: Once you’ve aspiring fshermen interested in tourna- ment with the East Kentucky Bass Club, accrued some experience ments, he suggests fnding a favorite proving to themselves once and for all that on the water, it can be lake and keeping an eye out for friendly they can compete with the best fshermen helpful to draw on the competition. in the area. instincts you’ve devel- “You can guarantee that almost every “We always thought we could do it, but oped. “Sometimes I’ll Friday night there will be a tournament that win just meant the world to us,” he remember catching a on one of the lakes around here,” he says. says.” fsh a certain way in a cer- “Just look for a group of guys on the tain place,” says Brown. “And once you dock, and they’ll usually put you right learn the lakes, you know what lures in.” work best in certain areas.”

Foothills Communications May/June 2017 | 13 SOUTHERN KITCHENS

History, fine dining and … spoonbread

poonbread is served with every innkeeper Richard Hougen frst developed meal at Boone Tavern Restaurant in and served it to guests in the 1940s, and SBerea, Kentucky. Alcorn has the recipe imprinted in his The tavern is known throughout the mind. The trick to a successful batch, he country, and the world, for many things. says, starts at the beginning — allowing Its history goes back more than 100 years the milk to scald without coming to a full to when it opened as a guesthouse for boil. Berea College. And it has built a reputa- “You can mess it up if you don’t do tion for award-winning accommodations that,” he says. and customer service. Alcorn estimates he makes 24 to 28 The inn, one of just a handful of pans — eight servings per pan — of Kentucky hotels to receive the LEED spoonbread daily, sometimes more, some- green building certifcation, has hosted times less depending on the time of year. many dignitaries, including the Dalai Any cornmeal will work, but in keeping Lama, President Calvin Coolidge, First with the restaurant’s farm-to-table mis- David Poulton is executive chef at Boone Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Archbishop sion, the cornmeal used at Boone Tavern Tavern, where a farm-to-table mission — and its famous spoonbread — keeps patrons Desmond Tutu and auto magnate Henry Restaurant comes from the Berea College coming back to the historic restaurant. Ford. farm store whenever possible, Poulton But sometimes it’s the simplest of says. favorites such as “Pork Chops the Tricky things that builds a reputation, and in the Other products gleaned from the store Way” (pork loins breaded with tomato case of Boone Tavern’s restaurant, it’s the include beef, pork, bacon, oatmeal and and Parmesan) served with cheese grits, spoonbread. other processed foods. Fresh vegetables braised greens and mustard cream, as well “The fascination of it brings people are used from the college’s farm whenever as lamb meatloaf served with mashed but- here,” says Executive Chef David Poulton. they are in season. The majority of food ternut squash, local wild mushrooms, bal- Some say spoonbread was born of a products that cannot be obtained from the samic glaze and cucumber yogurt sauce. mistake. Maybe the frst cook added one college farm and store are from farmers Both dishes have roots in Appalachia, but egg too many and it turned into a souffe and other members of Kentucky Proud, a you’ll fnd them on the menu alongside rather than the intended cornbread. That’s program established by the Department of seared scallops with asparagus and ricotta the most likely scenario. But for sure, this Agriculture in the Bluegrass State. ravioli or a dish with an Asian infuence culinary gaffe turned into a mainstay of The spoonbread recipe has remained — tempura salmon with papaya honey many Appalachian meals in the late 1800s. the same through the years, but there have glaze and a wasabi drizzle. Its light, airy texture made for a more been a few incarnations that the restaurant For those unable to make the trip to elegant presentation than cornbread. Also, experimented with before Poulton came Berea to sample the dishes — and the since cornmeal was readily available in on board more than two years ago. spoonbread — Poulton is happy to share the South, spoonbread became more com- “I’ve been told that we once served it some of the inn’s recipes. mon than yeast breads. with three different butters — plain, apple Now it’s not so common, but still, some butter and cinnamon butter. And once we FOOD EDITOR people come to the restaurant, located made chocolate spoonbread for a des- ANNE P. BRALY inside the inn on Berea’s campus, just to sert. I heard that didn’t go over real well,” IS A NATIVE OF get the spoonbread, says Bruce Alcorn, a Poulton says. CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE. Berea native who has been in charge of Now the spoonbread is back to its spoonbread production for more than 40 origins, served warm with plain butter years. — honey if you ask — with every lunch The recipe has been the same since and dinner entree. The options include

14 | May/June 2017 Boone Tavern’s Spoonbread

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 tablespoon softened, 3 tablespoons melted) 3 cups milk 1 1/4 cups white cornmeal (preferably stone ground) 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon fne salt 2 eggs, well beaten

Grease a 9-inch round cake pan with some of the softened butter. Cut out a parchment paper circle to ft inside the pan, nestle it into the bottom, and grease the paper with the remaining softened butter. Set the prepared pan aside. In a 2-quart saucepan, scald milk (do not allow to fully boil), whisking occasionally, over high heat. While whisking, pour in cornmeal in a steady stream. Whisk vigorously to ’ incorporate the cornmeal, about 1 BooneN Tavern sN minute. Remove pan from heat and set aside to let the cornmeal mixture Spoonbread cool to room temperature. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Transfer the cornmeal Mashed butternut squash: Combine mixture with ground lamb mixture to the bowl of a standing mixer 2 cups cubed butternut squash and eggs. Mix thoroughly. Form loaf ftted with paddle attachment. Add (peeled and seeded) on baking pan or other cooking vessel. the remaining butter, baking powder, 2 cups cubed baking potatoes Cook at 350 degrees until internal salt and eggs and mix on medium (peeled) temperature of 155 F degrees. Let rest speed until the mixture is uniform and 2 tablespoons butter before serving. aerated, about 15 minutes. Pour batter 1/2 cup warm milk into the prepared pan and bake until Salt and pepper, to taste For mashed squash: Boil squash and golden brown and pufy and a toothpick potatoes until soft. Drain. Combine with inserted in the center comes out clean, Cucumber sauce: butter and milk. Mix thoroughly. Season about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Serve 8 ounces plain Greek yogurt to taste. immediately with butter. 1/2 cup grated seedless cucumber 1/4 teaspoon onion powder For cucumber sauce: Mix all ingredients Salt and pepper, to taste together. Chill for one hour. Lamb Meatloaf Balsamic-glazed mushrooms: For mushrooms: Saute mushrooms until Meatloaf: 2 cups mushrooms (rough soft. Add gravy and glaze. Simmer 5 1 medium onion (fnely diced) chopped) minutes. 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 (8-ounce) can beef gravy 2 pounds ground lamb 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze To Serve: Place mound of mashed 1 teaspoon garlic powder Olive oil squash on plate and top with a 1/2 teaspoon curry powder slice or two of lamb meatloaf. Top 3 tablespoons dried oregano leaf For meatloaf: Saute onion in olive oil with a spoonful of balsamic-glazed 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt until translucent. Add all dry ingredients mushrooms. Serve cucumber sauce on 2 eggs and simmer 2 minutes. Let cool. the side. Makes about 6 servings.

May/June 2017 | 15 Presort STD US Postage PAID Permit #21 Freeport OH

P.O. Box 240 1621 Kentucky Route 40 West Staffordsville, KY 41256