Wayne Hayes remembers a time when he would drive past a sign on what now is North Mulberry Street in Elizabethtown that declared the cityâs population to be 4,500.
With the population now estimated to be more than 30,000, a great deal of growth and change have occurred throughout Hayesâ life. Despite all the transformations that have happened around him, Hayes has maintained some key values, including a strong faith, a dedication to family and a devotion to service for his community and his country.
On April 13, Hayes will celebrate 100 years of life. Although simply being a centenarian is quite the achievement in itself, the way Hayes has filled those 100 years â from fighting in World War II to maintaining a local business for three decades to finding new love in his golden years â is much more remarkable.