Scottsville, KY — On Saturday, May 31, 2025, community members from Allen County and across South Central Kentucky will gather at Dugas Community Park for the inaugural Allen County–Scottsville Veterans 5K. The event, titled Run, Walk & Roll for Veteran Suicide Awareness, is more than a morning race—it’s a community-wide effort to support veteran mental health and show gratitude to those who’ve served.

With an estimated 22 veterans dying by suicide each day in the United States, organizers hope the 5K will shine a light on this crisis and help break the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community. Participants of all ages and abilities—runners, walkers, wheelchair users, and cheerleaders—are encouraged to take part. Registration is $25 and includes a race bib and commemorative t-shirt featuring a design selected through a regional art contest sponsored by the JM Smucker Company.

The race will begin at 8:30 a.m. at 336 N Bedelia Street in Scottsville and wind through the scenic trails of Dugas Community Park’s Historic Dumont Hill. But for organizers, the race itself is only part of the story. “This is more than a run,” said D. Porter, Director of Development & Community Engagement at Dugas Community Park and a member of the event’s planning committee. “It’s a message to our veterans that they’re seen, heard, and supported. It’s about building a community that shows up—and shows up together.”

In the lead-up to race day, community members will have opportunities to engage in meaningful training and conversation. On Friday, May 30, the Halley-Dalton VFW Post 5712 will host a VA S.A.V.E. Suicide Awareness Training at 10:00 a.m. This free public course, developed by the Veterans Affairs Tennessee Valley Health Care System, teaches participants how to identify the signs of suicidal thinking, ask thoughtful questions, validate a person’s feelings, and help connect them with care.

Also on Friday, race check-in will be open from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at Dugas Community Park, followed by a community pasta dinner beginning at 6:00 p.m. Hosted by the VFW, the dinner has a suggested donation of $5, with proceeds going to support the park. The evening will serve as both a chance to gather and reflect before the 5K and a way to further invest in the community spaces that bring events like this to life.

For Porter and the broader planning committee, the goal is to create a weekend that honors service, raises awareness, and builds connection—not just between individuals, but across generations and communities. “We may be a small town, but this is a cause that affects every community,” Porter said. “Together, we can create a culture of care—one step, one voice, and one veteran at a time.”

Race registration and more details are available at Runsignup.com/Race/KY/Scottsville/ACSVeterans5K

Scottsville, KY — A beloved local tradition is getting a fresh start this spring as Friends of Allen County Animal Shelter proudly steps in to hosting Paws in the Park on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Dugas Community Park. This year marks the beginning of a new and exciting partnership between the two organizations—uniting efforts to support local animal welfare and the future of off-leash recreation in Allen County.

This free, pet-friendly event promises a full afternoon of tail wags, friendly competition, and family fun. Highlights include the annual Barking Beauty Dog Pageant, local vendors, food trucks, an enrichment walk, pet photo opportunities, and giveaways—all set on the picturesque Dumont Hill at Dugas Park.

Friends of Allen County Animal Shelter is a nonprofit organization working to improve conditions at the local animal shelter and expand access to affordable spay/neuter services. In collaboration with Dugas Park—now a key event partner and sponsor—the shelter is also helping raise awareness and funding for the Dugas Park Dog Field, which will become Allen County’s first dedicated off-leash dog park.

“All proceeds from this year’s event will directly support Friends of Allen County Animal Shelter,” said a representative from the organization. “But we’re also proud to commit a portion of those funds toward the Dugas Park Dog Field project. Together, we’re working to make Allen County a better place for animals and the people who love them.”

Thanks to the generous support of event sponsors including Coldwell Banker Legacy Group, The Hunt Dream Team, Tractor Supply Co., Homes for Dogs Project, Save A Lot, NCTC, and Dugas Community Park, this year’s event promises to be the biggest and most impactful yet.
The Barking Beauty Dog Pageant begins at 1:00 PM, and registration is open to all breeds and sizes. Contest categories include Best Rescue, Golden Oldie, Waggiest Tail, and more. Dog owners can register in advance by scanning the QR code on the official flyer or visiting the “Paws in the Park 2025” event page on Facebook for the direct link.

Leashed pets are welcome, and families are encouraged to come early, bring a lawn chair, and enjoy an afternoon of pawsitive energy and purpose-driven fun. For more details, event updates, or registration links, visit the official Facebook event page.