Henderson County Schools Recognizes FRYSC Volunteer of the Year
Millie Lotter of East Heights Elementary School was recently recognized as the 2025 FRYSC Volunteer of the Year and recipient of the FRYSC Bridges Over Barriers Best Individual Partner Award.
Lotter was presented with the award in Lexington this past November at the statewide Family Resource and Youth Services Center Conference, according to a release from Henderson County Schools.
Lotter began her teaching career in Indiana, where she taught for six years before dedicating 30 years to East Heights Elementary, including 19 years full-time and 11 years part-time, totaling 36 years in education, said the release.
In 2006, just three years after Henderson County Schools launched its weekend backpack program, Lotter stepped forward to support the program at East Heights and has had a lasting impact.
For the past 19 years, more than 800 weeks, Millie has faithfully organized volunteers, served as Advisory Chair, secured donations, shopped for groceries, packed bags, and ensured weekly distribution to students in need, said the release.
Through her leadership and dedication, more than 600 students have received over 24,000 food bags, along with Christmas gifts and ongoing support.
Family Resource Coordinator Melissa Walker, who nominated Millie for this award, shared, “Millie has helped design, shape, and launch the program that has blessed hundreds of students. For Millie, the work has never been about recognition. It has always been about loving children and serving others.”
Her husband, Dean, has faithfully served alongside her every step of the way. Together, with the support of approximately 25 families from Trinity Lutheran Church, they have shopped, packed, fundraised, and delivered food with unwavering commitment for nearly two decades. From grocery trips to Evansville to preparing their well-known potato soup fundraiser, their dedication has been a constant source of hope for East Heights families.
Rotary scholarship applications are open
Rotary of Henderson recently announced that applications are open for up to seven scholarships the club will award in April.
The $1,000 scholarships are based on both academic success and need, said a release from Rotary.
Both high school seniors and students currently attending college are eligible.
Deadline is March 31.
To download the application, click the link below
DAR gives out awards
The Samuel Hopkins Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution gave out awards at its 130th Anniversary Tea on Feb. 14.
• American History 6th Grade essay, Chapter Winner: Stella Bridges, Bridges Brood Academy Home School Group
• American History 8th Grade essay, Chapter Winner: Emily Tucker, Holy Name School
• American History 9th Grade essay, Chapter Winner: Isaac Bridges, Bridges Brood Academy, Home School Group
• DAR Good Citizen High School: Abby Jane Davis, Henderson County High School
• DAR Good Citizen High School: Leila Elizabeth Simpson, Union County High School
• Conservation Award: Lorelei Duncan
• National Defense Youth Citizenship Medal: Zander Thomas Todd, South Middle Student
• Community Service Award: Darlene Ware
• HODAR Recognition – (Husband of DAR, Recognition to the Husband of a DAR member who is helpful with the DAR Member’s Activities): David Nixon – husband of our Regent Janie Nixon and William Diehl – husband of our Historian Jimmie Diehl
• Gisele Purdy received recognition for her dedication and service to the General Samuel Hopkins Chapter and the Henderson Community.
• Jimmie Diehl was also recognized for her dedication and service to the General Samuel Hopkins Chapter.
The local DAR chapter has also recently the Lucy Audubon Society Children of the American Revolution is looking for new members. In interested, contact Gisele Purdy at
512 First Street, Henderson, KY 42420 or kentuckylady1956@gmail.com
Commonwealth’s Attorney announces two sentencings
The Henderson County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office announced two sentences last week.
On Feb. 10, Seth Justice pled guilty to first-degree criminal abuse to a victim under 12 years old, according to Commonwealth’s Attorney Herbert McKee, Jr.
The charges stemmed from allegations of causing injuries to an infant he had custody of and placing that child in dangerous of serious physical injuries, according to the commonwealth’s attorney.
First-degree criminal abuse is considered a violent crime, and Justice will serve 85% of his sentence before being eligible for parole, McKee said.
Also on Feb. 10, Georgia Shimek pled guilty to three counts of second-degree forgery, four counts of second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, two counts of theft of identity, first-degree trafficking in a controlled substance and first-degree persistent felony offender.
Shimek had eight prior felony convictions and was on parole at the time of these offenses, according to McKee.
She was sentenced to 17 years and will be eligible for parole after 20% has been served.
The charges stem from a series of crimes from May through August 2025, according to McKee.
