Farm family, young golfer, local library stand out

ISSUE: Going the extra mile
OUR VIEW: It’s happening here

Ten years after they started farming in Hodgenville, Ryan and Misty Bivens and their children have been named finalists for Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2012 Outstanding Young Farm Family award.

On more than 5,700 acres they raise cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa and grass hay. Husband and wife both have served on the LaRue County Farm Bureau board, volunteer and compete in state and national Farm Bureau contests.

The contest honors a couple younger than 35. The LaRue County family is one of three up for the state award to be announced Dec. 7. State winners compete at the national level.

Misty Bivens said being named a finalist has special meaning because the family knew few neighbors in the area when they started. They applied for the award to promote the impact hard work and community partnerships have made on their business.

“It’s as much about the good relationships we’ve built with people as it is about winning a new truck,” she said, referring to the national winners’ prize.

It’s admirable motivation and likely the sort of thinking that has fed the Bivens’ success.

Still, we’re rooting for that new truck. Congratulations, Bivens family.

TEN-TIME CONTENDER. We’ve been watching Lydia Gumm play golf for a decade and have continued to be impressed with her ability and determination. Earlier this month, Gumm’s high school career came to a close when she competed in the Leachman Buick-GMC-Cadillac/KHSAA Girls’ State Golf Championship, her 10th consecutive trip to the state tournament.

She did not capture the championship but is one of the most outstanding high school students to play the game. It’s been a career of which she should be nothing but proud.

We hope that pride will be matched by her optimism for what comes next. She’ll head to Florida State next season, where continued success can be expected.

As Elizabethtown coach Kim Hartlage recently said, Gumm’s best days are ahead of her.

COMMUNITY BOOKS. Members of the Vine Grove Women’s Club have organized a lending library at Vine Grove City Hall. Donated books fill a room there and can be checked out by patrons.

The group wanted to organize a library to promote reading and community interaction, and members have noted that many city residents walk rather than drive.

The opening came about 18 months after plans were announced. Old floors in the city building needed work to support  bookshelves. The city and club shared the cost of floor improvements.

The room is open during City Hall business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Aiding someone in a pursuit of knowledge and fostering community spirit are two admirable goals. The Vine Grove lending library does both. It’s a job well done by the women’s club, city and donors.

This editorial represents a consensus of The News-Enterprise editorial board.