Providence one step closer to closing lawsuit

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Officials with the city of Providence hope to soon bring closure to an issue that has plagued the city for close to ten years, and add another $600,000 back into the city’s bank account.

In October of 1997 the Ohio Casualty  Insurance Company (OCC) issued a surety bond to the City of Providence, in which it agreed to indemnify Providence up to the sum of $300,000 for losses caused by various acts and omissions attributable to then city clerk Sara Stevens.

Fiscal Court going to request removal of guardrails on 874

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County Fiscal Court met in regular session on Monday, December 23, 2013 at the courthouse in Dixon.

One item discussed during the road request portion of the meeting was the new bridge the state recently opened on highway 874 near the  community of Lisman.

The new bridge over Fredericks Ditch opened Thursday, September 19, restoring normal traffic flow on KY 874 between KY 279 and KY 1340. According to Webster County Judge Executive Jim Townsend, the new bridge has caused some difficulties for local farmers.

“They put up some guardrails that are not allowing farmers enough room to get to their fields,” he reported. “Some sections of guardrail need to come down.”

Townsend suggested that the state be contacted about relocating part of that guardrail to Clay, where earlier this year city officials requested guardrails at the intersection of 109 and 132.

Dotiki Miners donate money to charity

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Representatives from Webster County Happy Feet recently received a check for $4,000 from coal miners at Webster County Coal (Dotiki Mine), but it was not a traditional check presentation.  Instead of meeting the miner’s in the staging area, Samantha Nall, Casie Corbett and Shirley Hendrix visited with Dotiki miners in their own environment, deep below the surface of Webster County.

“It was amazing!” said Corbett, who works at Independence Bank in Providence.  “I was terrified to go, but I loved it.  They were so good to us and explained everything. It was so neat to see what so many of my customers do on a daily basis.”

Workers at the Alliance Resource Partners owned Dotiki Mine donated the $4,000 themselves.

Happy Feet is an organization that provides athletic shoes, free of charge, to Webster County children in need.

The organization was founded in 2009 by Jerry Baird of Union County, and can be found in several local counties. Thanks to the charitable donations and support of the local communities, Happy Feet began in Webster County during the 2010 school year. 

The Webster County Schools Family Resource and Youth Service Center Directors identify eligible students for the program. A local shoe store has partnered with Happy Feet from the beginning in sizing, selecting various shoes of choice in each size, and delivering the shoes to these chosen students.

Candidates continue to file for May primary election

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Just under a month remains for the January 28, 2014 filing deadline for candidates wishing to file for public office. All county officers and legislative body members, as well as U.S. Senator U.S. Representatives, State Senator (even-numbered districts), State Representative, Circuit Judges, and District Judges will be on the ballot for the May 20, 2014 primary.

WC Middle School project on schedule for August opening

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

With the first half of the school year now in the books, Webster County administrators are beginning to look ahead to the expected August opening of the Webster County Middle School on the central campus in Dixon.

Currently the future middle school is nothing but the skeleton of a building, separated from the high school only by a temporary wall. Most of the structures walls are bare concrete walls, and water lines and electric wiring are still exposed. But despite the unfinished appearance, everything is where it is supposed to be.

Gas prices to fall on Jan. 1

by Matt Hughes

JE NEWS EDITOR

On January 1, 2014 gas prices will be going down. It wont be a huge drop. In fact the average driver’s wallet might not even notice the decrease.

Kentucky’s “gas tax” on sales of gasoline, diesel and ethanol motor fuels will decrease by 1.5 cents per gallon on New Year’s Day, reflecting a drop in the calculated average wholesale fuel price.

According to the Kentucky Highway and Transportation Cabinent, the decrease would result in a loss to the Kentucky Road Fund of about $45 million on an annualized basis.

Can your child dial 911 from your smartphone?

by Alexander J. Zielinski

Within the last 10 years the number of payphones and landlines has dropped sharply, most homes now relying on personal cellphones as their only phone. The majority of people filling in the same number for home and cell phone numbers on any form requiring it. A smartphone has thousands of useful functions and the supply of apps is endless, but can your child use it to dial 911 for an ambulance, the police, or the fire department? If you were unconscious, unable to get to your phone, or some other emergency, could your child unlock it and dial correctly for first responders? On most phones the keypad is not readily available and many people have passcodes to unlock the phone only to be lost in a sea of icons if you know the code.  

Thankfully, there are a few apps that help parents teach their children how to dial 911 from a smartphone.

Read More>>

KSP asks drivers to "finish strong" in 2013

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) is gearing up for the New Years Eve holiday, which is traditionally a time for festive events where people gather to ring in a new year.  Many of these celebrations include the consumption of alcohol, lending way to the potential for impaired drivers on Kentucky roadways.

Read More>>>

Local woman honors 5-generation of miners with quilt

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Providence native Virginia Capps was the proud wife of a local coal miner. Years ago she started making a coal mining quilt for her husband, Bill Capps, who worked at Providence No. 1 as an equipment operator and spent 47 years as President of the Union.

“She started it for daddy, but he passed away before it was finished,” said Rene Capps, the daughter of Bill and Virginia. “So she put the quilt away for about three years.”

MS Basketball Action (Photo Slideshow)

J-E photos by Charlie Hust.

Trojans defeat McClean County in double overtime

By CHARLIE HUST

Fueled by a career-high 33 points from Max McMain, the WCHS Trojans out-lasted McLean County 90-85 in double-overtime last Tuesday night in Calhoun. It was Webster’s third straight win.

The junior guard drilled a career-best seven 3-pointers, nailing 7-of-10 attempts from behind the arc. He also added four assists and three rebounds.

“Wow, what a game. One of the best offensive games I’ve seen or been a part of,” stated WCHS head coach Jon Newton. 

The see-saw battle saw Webster cling to a slim lead most of the way, holding a 14-13 edge at the first break and a 29-28 advantage at intermission. Senior center J. D. Newton had the hot hand early, hitting back-to-back jumpers to start the game. Then the Trojans rode the hot shooting of McMain the remainder of the first half, hitting six 3-pointers.

“I could tell early that Max had a good rhythm to his shot and he was feeling very comfortable,” stated Newton.

Ag Professor with local ties honored on international stage

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

A Cornell University Plant Breeder with ties to Webster County was recently honored by the Global Confederation of Higher Education Associations for Agricultural and Life Sciences (GCHERA), earning the inaugural 2013 World Agriculture Prize.

Ronnie Coffman actually grew up in the Dalton, Kentucky area, but he still has strong ties to Webster County.

“My wife, Charlotte Westerman, is the daughter of Paul and Edna Westerman, both of whom are still on the home farm near Poole,” he said. “They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.”

He also added that his sister, Jane, is married to long time Providence physician Dr. Tristen Lineberry.

 As a boy Coffman said that his family shopped and took care of most of their buisness in Providence.

Make-A-Wish send-off

by Matt Hughes

J-E NEWS EDITOR

On Friday, December 20, 2013, one very special student at Providence Elementary School got an equally special present.

On Friday Providence students gathered in the gymnasium to celebrate with five-year-old Laila Grimes-Lawrence before she left on a very special trip. Thanks to the Make-A-Wish program, Laila will spend the Christmas holiday celebrating at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and will have the chance meet Princess Tiana, star of the Disney movie The Princess and the Frog.

Clay Council discusses utility rate increase

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Clay City Council was in session last Tuesday night. In the absence of Mayor Rick Householder, the council members selected Jackie Edens to serve as Mayor Pro Temp for the meeting.

The big topic of the night was the future of the city’s utility rates. 

“Paul Stone has been doing rate studies, and Mayor Householder has requested GRADD to send us rates from the surrounding area,” Rhye said.

According to city clerk Julianne Rhye, there hasn’t been a water rate increase in the 13 years that she has been working for the city.

But the water rate might not be the only one effected. Clay’s gas line has customers all the way from Providence to Wheatcroft, causing increased cost to city.

“When we send someone out that far in a truck to disconnect a line, then the customer comes in and pays, they have to turn around and drive back,” said Rhye.

One idea the council looked at was implementing a “stair stepped” cost on reconnects, or charging more every time a customer gets disconnected for not paying a bill.

Rhye said that in most cases when a line gets disconnected, it belongs to a customer who has been disconnected in the past.

No action was taken at this meeting. City officials will continue to investigate the matter.

It was also reported that at the January council meeting, Mayor Householder and Fire Chief Jeremy Moore will report on the progress of the new fire station.

Update: Road Closings

Last night's rain storm resulted in several road closings around Webster County. Water has begun to recede, and a number of roads have now reopened. As of 3:00 p.m. these are the current roads still closed in the county:

KY 2837 2-3mm 
KY 270 7-8mm

Tornado Watch

The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Webster County until 11:00 p.m. tonight, Saturday, December 21, 2013.

KYTC schedules road work in Webster County

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 873 in WEBSTER County during daylight hours starting Monday, December 23, 2013.

>>Read More

Family Court staff attorney files for Judge’s position

Laura Alvey Peak, has filed as a candidate for Family Court Judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit representing Crittenden, Union and Webster Counties.  The Honorable William E. Mitchell will be retiring at the conclusion of his term.  

Peak has been the Staff Attorney for Family Court for the past 10.5 years.   She has served the citizens of Crittenden, Union and Webster counties in providing mediation services in all contested divorce cases.  Mediation has played a critical role in the efficiency of Family Court, and Peak has been an integral part of this process.  As a member of the Family Court staff, she helped create the pretrial process that has set the standard in settling contested cases.  She is a certified family mediator through the Administrative Office of the Courts and is currently the only certified family mediator in Crittenden, Union and Webster counties.  

Jim Gooch Jr honored for “Going to Bat” for KY buisnesses

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

State Representative Jim Gooch, a Providence native, was recognized by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday night with a very special award. A Louisville Slugger baseball bat.

Journal-Enterprise Holiday schedule change

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Due to the Christmas and New Years holidays, the weekly schedule for The Journal-Enterprise will be slightly altered during the next two weeks.

Due to Christmas Eve falling on a Tuesday, the Christmas Edition of The Journal-Enterprise will hit newsstands on the morning of Monday, December 23, 2013. Because of this change, the deadline for ads has been moved back to Friday, December 20, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.

The New Year’s paper will come out on Tuesday, December 31, 2013, so the deadline for ads has been changed to Monday, December 30, 2013 at noon.

We apologize for any inconvenience and wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Educator brings 40 years experience to Superintendent's position

Pete Galloway

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County School Board hired it’s new interim Superintendent at Monday night’s board meeting, selecting a long time Graves County educator

Pete Galloway retired as Superintendant of the Graves County school system following the 2012-2013 school year. He had held that position since 2008.

Galloway was assistant superintendent at Graves County for eight years, director of pupil personnel for 18 years, and a vocational agriculture teacher at the former Farmington High School for ten years.

School Board discusses Affordable Care Act

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

For the first time in several years, the Webster County School District will soon be litigation free. At Monday night’s board meeting, board members voted unanimously to settle a law suite between former employee Polly Dunbar and the Webster County School District.

Dunbar filed suit against the district on September 20, 2010, and the district filed a counter suit on April 21, 2011. Dunbar and her attorney  will be paid the sum of $10,000 to settle all claims. Both parties will then both execute Agreed Orders dismissing both law suits.

Water District: "We will save money" with new additive

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County Water District board was in session Thursday morning in Dixon. For the third consecutive month water production in the county was up, but Superintendant Paul Lashbrook said the increase is due mostly to flushing of the lines.

“We’ve done a lot more flushing this year than we normally do,” he told the board.

At the board’s November meeting, held at the Water Plant in Onton, Lashbrook informed the board that the plant would be adding what he called a “magic additive” to the water treatment process. That additive, hydrogen peroxide, is expected to drastically cut the cost of water treatment.

Providence Parade update

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Providence Chamber of Commerce President Elizabeth Holloman has announced that the Providence Christmas Parade will be held tomorrow, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. rain or shine.

Cookies and hot chocolate with Santa will follow at the Providence City Council chambers. Due to an illness in the family, the photographer scheduled to be at the event has canceled. Anyone wishing to take photos of their child with Santa is encouraged to bring their own camera.

School board to interview candidate for vacant superintendent position

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Monday, December 16, 2013 will be the final day for Dr. James Kemp as superintendent of Webster County Schools. That night will be the final school board meeting of 2013.

During the night’s meeting, board members will be interviewing a candidate to fill the role of interim superintendant following Kemp’s departure from the role.

The name of the candidate and how soon they can be appointed have not been released.

Monday’s meeting will be held in the Webster County School Board office in Dixon starting at 6:30 p.m.

Also on the agenda for Monday night is setting the board meeting schedule for the spring of 2014 and a report on Health Care reform from district employee Kim Saalwaechter.

Middle School Mixer Planned

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

For students, the transition from elementary school to high school has always had it’s challenges, but this year’s sixth and seventh grade students will face a challenge never before

Fiscal Court Awards Dog Pound bids

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County Fiscal Court took steps on Monday to finally be able to begin construction on the new Webster County Animal Shelter by sorting through bids for all but one of the items on the county’s to-do list.

The lone item not voted on was the construction of the interior of the building. Officials felt that the lone bid of $30,500 from Riverside Builders of Marion, KY was slightly more than they were wanting to pay.

Awarded bids:

•Providence Home Center: $19,228.48 for interior materials.

•Mason Company of Leesburg Ohio: $56,574.10 for dog pens and gates.

•31W in Henderson: $3,808 for insulation.

•Total Electric of Morganfield: $21,000 for electrical installation.

•E&M of Sebree: $15,706 for HVAC and radiant heated floor and $15,410 for plumbing and septic installation.

•Jeremy Brown of Slaughters: $28,500 for concrete work.

•Schriber Construction of Henderson: $64,980 for building labor and materials.

Eddie Melton re-elected Vice-President of KFB

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

At last week’s 94th Annual Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) meeting in Louisville, Webster County resident Eddie Melton was re-elected to the office of First Vice-President of the KFB.

Melton, a former president of Webster County Farm Bureau, is chairman of KFB’s State Resolutions Committee and Health Care Task Force. He also was chairman of KFB’s Farm Bill Task Force, which conducted statewide forums and sought input from Kentucky farmers on provisions of the 2008 farm bill. Melton additionally serves as chairman of the board for the Southern States Cooperative. He and his wife, Regina, have a daughter.

KFB is a voluntary organization of farm families and their allies aimed at serving as the voice of agriculture by identifying problems, developing solutions and taking actions which will improve net farm income, achieve better economic opportunities and enhance the quality of life for all.

More than 1,500 KFB members from across the state gathered for the organization’s 94th annual meeting December 4-7 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky. Delegates from all of the state’s 120 counties assembled for the four-day event to participate in committee meetings, business sessions, award presentations, officer elections and to adopt 2014 priority issues and policy revisions.

Holiday events moved

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Severe winter weather hit Webster County last week, prompting changes to many of the holiday events that were scheduled to take place.

The Webster County Breakfast for county employees will be held on Friday, December 13 starting at 7:00 a.m.  The Clay Christmas Parade will take place that evening at 6:00 p.m.

There will also be a Living Nativity on Friday from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the courthouse square in Dixon.

Dixon’s Christmas parade was rescheduled for Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m.

The annual Providence Christmas Parade will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 5:00 p.m. This year’s grand marshal will be Nathan Thomas, a local youth suffering from cancer. 

Hot Chocolate and Cookies with Santa will follow at the Providence Council Chambers.

Breakfast with Santa, held annually at Clay Elementary was canceled for this year.

Schools on a two hour delay for Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Webster County School officials reported at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 10 that Webster County Schools would be on a 2-hour delay for Wednesday, December 11. In addition, there will be no A.M. preschool, and buses will only run on the main roads.

WEBSTER COUNTY SCHOOLS CLOSED ON TUESDAY

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County School District announced on Monday that schools will be closed on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 due to snow remaining on many side roads in the county. This will be the third consecutive day school has been called off due to last week's winter weather.

Webster County placed under a state of emergency

According to Webster County EMA director Jeremy Moore, Webster County Judge Executive James Townsend has issued a state of emergency for Webster County and has restricted travel on roads within the county to essential traffic only, effective 6pm 12/6/13.

Flashback Friday! Dec. 8, 1993

Dec. 8, 1993

Retiring county officials were honored with a reception Friday afternoon at the Courthouse in Dixon. Pictured (l-r) Property Valuation Administrator Wendell Clark, retiring after 32 yeears; County Clerk Jo Nell Blackburn, the only clerk in the county’s history to serve four consecutive four-year terms; and Sebree-Slaughters Magistrate John Mac Nance, retiring with 16 years of service.

J-E photo by Mark Holloway

Also in the Dec. 8, 1993 edition!

Providence Chamber Banquet Postponed

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Providence Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet scheduled for tonight, Thursday, December 5, is the latest holiday event to fall victim to tonight’s predicted winter weather.

Winter Weather Driving Tips from the KSP

Due to the anticipated winter weather system moving towards the Post 2 District, the Kentucky State Police would like to take this opportunity to provide motorists with some important information and numbers. 

Here are a few simple steps to help keep you on the road and less stressed:

Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in your area.

Slow down.

Always wear your seat belt.

Read More >>

Weather Update

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The latest prediction from the National Weather Service (NWS) call for rain until around 9:00 p.m., then rain, possibly mixed with freezing rain between 9:00 p.m. and midnight.

Power Out

According to officials with the city of Providence, KU crews are working to restore a power transmission line that went down at around 12:30am. The cities of Providence, Clay, Wheatcroft and Sturgis were all without power. Power to many parts of the effected area was restored around 3:30 a.m.

Power was restored at approximately 8:45 a.m.

Tim Roy

WCHS principal

The following is the fourth in a series of monthly articles from Webster County High School regarding efforts to help students earn the distinction of College and/or Career Ready, which is a key component of the Kentucky Department of Education’s “Unbridled Learning” accountability initiative aimed at producing graduates that are better prepared for the rigor of college-level coursework and the increasing demands of the world of work and a global economy.  This month’s focus is COMPASS and ACT Work Keys testing for seniors.   

At the end of our students’ 11th grade year, we have the opportunity to pull together all of their testing and program data and determine where they are in relation to being College and/or Career 

Jury clears Jimmy Frederick of all charges

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

On Monday, a jury of Webster County residents cleared 76-year-old Jimmy Frederick of charges of assault, terroristic threatening and wanton endangerment, bringing an end to a drama that started in early August.

The events leading to the arrest of Frederick, on assault charges, are in one way or the other tied into a special called meeting of the Dixon Commission that was held early on a Tuesday morning in August.

At that meeting commissioners failed to support an ordinance that would give the Park Board authority to charge leagues and teams that wanted to use one of the city’s two parks to host events. People from across the county spoke out against the ordinance, stating that the parks should be free.

Two days later Frederick was seen driving his tractor on the town’s soccer field at Baker Park.

On August 8, 2013, the soccer fields at Dixon’s Bourland Park were damaged. Frederick’s wife, Mayor Linda Frederick reported that her husband was at the park with her approval to do tiling work. Some Dixon residents, however, believed that it was an intentional act of retribution aimed at a group of citizens who had opposed a proposed commission ordinance earlier in the week.

“An investigation of these complaints has revealed that Mr. Frederick had the permission of the Dixon City Mayor, Linda Frederick, to perform work on the fields,” said Prow.

The following morning residents once again saw Jimmy Frederick on the field driving his tractor.

“A number of citizens wanted him to cease until after the park board could meet,” said Sheriff Frankie Springfield, who responded to a call to the park. “David Frazier and Leslie Hill went on the field to confront him.”

Springfield said that a few minutes later Frederick came to him and ask that the two be removed from the field so he could finish working.

“I advised him to stop what he was doing until after the park board met the following Monday,” the sheriff said.

At that point Sheriff Springfield said that David Frazier reported having been struck by Frederick’s tractor. Webster County EMS responded, treating Frazier for a minor ankle injury.

At the request of the sheriff all parties left the scene.

Late that Friday afternoon the county attorney Clint Prow issued a press release stating that he had authorized an arrest warrant for Jimmy Lane Frederick, on the charges of Assault-4th degree, Terroristic Threatening-3rd degree, and Wanton Endangerment- 1st degree.

Bruce Kuegel, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit representing Daviess County served as special prosecutor in the case against Jimmy Lane Frederick.

“It’s not unusual for a special prosecutor to be appointed,” said Kuegel. “It’s really left up to the elected officials to make a decision on conflict of interest. (County Attorney) Clint Prow reported that he had a conflict in this case.”

The soccer field has since been repaired by volunteers.

Superintendant of Webster County Schools, issued a letter of resignation

Dr. James Kemp

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

At Monday night’s Webster County School Board meeting, Dr. James Kemp, superintendant of Webster County Schools, issued a letter of resignation to the board.

“I’ve been around 47 years, and you always know when it is the right time,” he told the board members. “I want to thank the board and the community for it’s support. It’s time for me to retire.”

Kemp has been the superintendant of Webster County schools for 12 years, a period during which many changes have effected Webster County students. Those include merging with the Providence School district and closing Slaughters Elementary.

Weather Forecast causes delay of Holiday Festivities

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Due to severe winter weather forecasts for the next three days, the cities of Clay and Dixon have officially delayed their annual Christmas Parades until next week.

The Clay Christmas Parade will be held Friday, December 13, 2013 at 6pm.

Dixon will hold their Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 2pm.

Clay Elementary School has also announced that it will be canceling the annual Breakfast with Santa program which was scheduled to be held this Saturday morning.

Winter Weather forecast continues to develop

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

A winter storm watch is in effect from late Thursday, December 5 through the afternoon of Friday, December 6.

The National Weather Service (NWS) predicts the possibility of freezing rain and sleet overspreading the Webster County area late Thursday night into Friday afternoon. The precipitation is expected to gradually change to sleet and snow before coming to an end Friday evening.

Jim Gooch files for re-election

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Webster County native Jim Gooch announced recently that he had filed for re-election to represent the 12th District in the Kentucky House of Representatives in Frankfort.

Gooch, 62 of Providence, has served as chairman of the House Natural Resource and Environment Committee for much of his career. He has been a member of the House since 1995.

Before beginning his political career in Frankfort, Gooch served four years as mayor of Providence (1982 to 1986) and three years as a member of the city council  in the early 90’s.

School board discusses future of technology

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Monday night the Webster County School Board was in session in the Media Center at Webster County High School for one of its monthly site visits.

Principal Tim Roy and the WCHS Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) council took board members on a tour of the facility, and presented them with a number of issues that needed the board’s attention.

Among these were a number of leaks in the facility and the need for a wall or fence that would allow students to freely use an outside area of the school between the math hall and the English hall. A sidewalk connects the two entrances, but both are secured doors that can only be opened with one of the security badges issued to faculty and staff.

Parade Rescheduled

Due to the chance of severe winter weather, the Dixon Christmas Parade has officially be rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 at 2:00pm. By the time the decision was made, the paper had already been printed.

KYTC prepares for winter weather later in the week

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 Snow/Ice Team is carefully monitoring a winter weather event that is expected to hit the 11 county region with a winter mix of precipitation on Thursday and Friday.

Area highway crews have stocked up on brine to prepare to pre-treat roadways, if possible.  At this point it appears rain will move in ahead of the winter precipitation.  That generally prohibits pre-treating because the rain would wash away any benefits.

Read More >>>

NWS predicts snow later this week

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

It’s still early in the week, but as of this morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting the first significant winter weather event of the season later this week.

According to the weather outlook issued by the NWS on Monday morning, “An arctic front will move across the region Wednesday night and establish cold air across the region Thursday through Friday.

“Mainly rain, possibly mixed with sleet is forecast for Thursday. “The precipitation will likely transition to freezing rain, sleet and then snow Thursday night through Friday as invading colder air deepens.”

Fiscal Court votes to bid material for dog pound

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County Fiscal Court held a lengthy session Monday morning in Dixon.

The court spent a large part of the meeting discussing the new animal shelter and how they could save money. The plan is for county employees to do as much of the work as possible

“We’d like to do this job in segments,” said Judge Executive Jim Townsend.

“The auditor says that if the project exceeds $20,000 we have to bid it all,” said county treasurer Paula Guinn. 

The discussion was centered around using county labor and county provided materials to help cut the overall cost of the project. The catch being that the law would not allow the county to go out and find the cheapest materials.

“They look at the project as a whole, not segment by segment. You can bid your materials separate, but you still have to bid them.”

Nashville recording artist to perform at Providence Chamber Banquet

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Providence Chamber of Commerce announced last week that Nashville recording artist Dave Wilbert had been signed to provide the entertainment for the annual Chamber Banquet to be held on Thursday, December 5, 2013 at the Providence General Baptist Church.

“I am from southern Indiana, but I moved to Nashville in 1996 to pursue a music career,” said Wilbert. “I cut one record a few years back and had a music video that appeared on CMT Prime.”

Wilbert also toured with numerous Country Music artists such as Kenny Chesney, Joe Diffie and the Dixie Chicks.

“I make a living a different way now,” Wilbert said. “I do this just for fun. Doing it to make a living just took all of the fun out of making music.”

Chamber President Elizabeth Holloman and her husband Dr. Jon Holloman met Wilbert through a mutual friend. After listening to his CD, she decided that she would try to get him for the banquet.

“I’m bringing a friend named Scott McKinnon with me to play guitar,” said Wilbert. “He was paralyzed several years ago, so he’ll be playing from his wheel chair. Anytime we play together I sit down with him.”

The two will play a mix of country and Christmas music.

Tickets to the banquet can be purchased at Animal House Veterinary Clinic on West Main Street in Providence.

SANTA LETTER TIME

Just a reminder that it's time again to send in your letters to Santa. Santa letters are due in by Friday, December 6, 2013 to allow them time to get to the North Pole before Christmas.

Centuries old tree continues to spark debate for Fiscal Court

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Once again the Webster County Fiscal Court was talking about the tree on Hester Winstead Road on Monday.

The tree first became an issue in June, when the county was looking at paving the Slaughters area road. The tree, which is estimated to be a couple of hundred years old, grows right up to the pavement in the center of a 90 degree corner.

The court had received numerous reports that farm equipment could not fit down the road, and that the tree was a safety hazard because of both dead limbs and it’s location in the corner.

New allegations of mistreatment at Webster County shelter

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Once again allegations of animal neglect at the Webster County Animal Shelter are circulating around the county. The last time, in March of 2010, the rumors came via an anonymous video shot inside the dog pound itself. This time the source is a local animal rescue.

“I have contacted Sheriff Frankie Springfield and the state police regarding an issue that occurred a couple of weeks ago,” said Jessica Graham, the director of  Molly’s Mutts Animal Rescue.

Molly’s Mutts stated that they rescue animals from the Webster County Animal Shelter and other  shelters in the surrounding area before the animals are euthanized.

Graham says that several weeks ago a photo began to circulate on Facebook showing seven dogs that had been found in an area just outside of Providence.

Fire destroys Sebree Auto Parts, closes highway

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

A fire at Sebree Auto Parts  on Saturday morning resulted in US 41 being closed for approximately four and a half hours.

“At 7:36 a.m. a fire was reported at Sebree Auto Parts, 560 US Hwy 41-North  in Sebree, KY,” reported Webster County EMA director Jeremy Moore. “Upon arrival, firefighters reported heavy fire coming from the building.”

Jim Allen Williams, a Sebree fire fighter and member of the Sebree city council was among the first firemen to arrive on the scene.

“When we got here there were starter fluid cans exploding out the front of the building and hitting the fire truck,” Williams said.

Moore said that on first responding fire fighters were concerned with oxygen and acetylene tanks located near the rear of the building, but those were cleared without incident.

Firefighters from six area volunteer fire departments responded to the call. In addition to Sebree, fire trucks from the Poole, Slaughters, Dixon and Robards Fire Departments responded, as well as a few fire fighters from the Cairo fire department.

“Webster County Emergency Management and Kentucky Emergency Response team also responded to assist firefighters in controlling the runoff from the fire in nearby streams,” said Moore.

Sebree Fire Department investigators determined the fire to be accidental in nature, originating near the rear of the structure in the vicinity of a kerosene heater. That heater has been identified as the source of ignition. 

Webster County Ambulance Service and the Webster County Sheriffs Department also assisted at the scene. 

No injuries were reported, but the building was a total loss. The owner of the business was reportedly in the building at the time of the fire, but managed to escape unharmed.

Firefighters remained on the scene until 2:00 p.m. extinguishing hot spots. 

US 41 was reopened at noon on Saturday.

JE photos by Matt Hughes.

Winter Weather possibility has State Road crews preparing roads in Webster and other counties

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews in the 11 Counties of District 2 will be out pre-treating roadways through the day today.

Motorists are asked to be alert for slow moving trucks as crews go about their work preparing highways for winter precipitation.

Brine produced by running water through salt is sprayed on road surfaces where it dries into a fine powder.  The salt powder is then available to be activated during the early hours of a winter weather event.  In addition to providing safer driving conditions when precipitation starts, the fine powder of salt helps keep snow from bonding to the pavement surface making it easier to plow away as it accumulates.

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KY 2838 Closed today

         

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to close KY 2838 in WEBSTER County on Monday, November 25, 2013.

          This closure on KY 2838 at about mile point 2.5 is to allow a cross drain to be replaced. This is along KY 2838 between Henry Mitchell Road and KY 857.

           The roadway is expected to close at this site at about 8:00 a.m., CST. It is expected to open at approximately 4:00 p.m., on Monday.

          Motorists who regular travel this section of KY 2838 should make advance alternate travel plans. Local access will be maintained for residents on each side of the closure point.

Fire at Sebree Auto Parts results in temporary road closure.

            According to Webster County Emergency Management Director Jeremy Moore, a fire broke out at the Sebree Auto Parts store at approximately 7:38 a.m. this morning (Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013). The business owner was inside the building at the time of the fire.

No Shave November at WCHS

During the month of November, several WCHS and WC ATC staff members have joined together to raise funds to benefit a local organization during the holiday season. Each participant contributed $20 at the beginning of the month and committed to not shaving until December 1. At the end of the month, the staff will make its donation in order to benefit local residents.

Winter Weather Safety Tips from the Webster County Emergency Management

Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. Most fatalities are indirectly related to the storm. People die from traffic accidents on icy roads, heart attacks while shoveling snow, and hypothermia from prolonged exposure to cold and unsafe residential conditions.

Be prepared for winter weather! Listen to NOAA weather radio or commercial radio/television to stay informed about winter storm watches, warnings and advisories.

To read more of these tips from the Webster County EMA, visit our Police Beat page, now online and providing information from all of our emergency services.