Providence Fire Department short staffed

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The Providence Fire and Ambulance service has struggled through the holiday season shorthanded. At full staff the department would have a complement of 10 full-time  firefighter/ambulance crew members on staff, but currently the department is working with just four. There have been days in the last few months where that number has been as low as two.

This is particularly troublesome considering that regulations require two crew members on an ambulance.

Library scores high in statewide rankings

by MATT HUGHES

J-E Editor

While the local school system is concerned with the literacy of local students, our local public libraries have been doing their part at promoting reading throughout our local communities. In fact,  according to the 2014 Statistical Report of Kentucky Public Libraries, the Webster County Public Library placed in the top ten in three categories against all 119 library systems in the state.

The report provides a top ten and bottom ten ranking for 16 categories that rate all public libraries in the Commonwealth against their counterparts.

In the words of Twain....

New Years is here, and 2015 is laid out before us, with all of the bright, new, fresh promise that a year yet to be lived has to offer. Before we go to making resolutions for the coming year, let me share a quote.

“Now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. Yesterday, everybody smoked his last cigar, took his last drink, and swore his last oath.

City of Sebree settles with contractor

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sebree City Council passed a resolution on Monday, December 22, 2014 to enter into a settlement agreement and release with Grimes Construction Company of Paris, KY. Grimes failed to meet the November 15, 2014 deadline to complete the $1.2 million dollar project.

Flu-like illness hits area schools hard late in semester

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Many area schools were hard hit by illness during the last two weeks of the semester. Students in Webster County managed to make it to Christmas Break in better shape than most, but not without some problems.

Providence Elementary was the hardest hit by illness with absences getting as high as 93 during the last week of the semester. There were also a number of teachers and staff members off sick as well.

Still time to enroll through Kynect

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Open enrollment for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) got underway on November 15, 2014 and will run through February 15, 2015 Although December 15, 2014 was the last day residents could enroll and be guaranteed health care coverage on the first day of 2015, it’s still not to late to sign up for coverage.

Weather

Health First recieves $30,927 in grant funds

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Officials at Health First CHC in Providence announced last week that they would be the recipients of $30,927 in grant money during the upcoming year. This quality improvement grant is part of $36.3 million in Affordable Care Act funding being awarded to health centers across the country by Health and Human Services (HHS).

“We didn’t realize we were going to get it,” said Shelley Gobin, a RN and Director of Quality Improvement for Health First. “It’s not something we applied for.”

Providence Council officially adopts Title VI of the Civil Rights Act

by STEVE SHOOTS

The Providence City Council met Monday evening with Mayor Eddie Gooch presiding.  

Council Members present were, Tom Skinner, Shannon Cole Layton, Doug Hammers, Scott Frederick and Delores Overby.  City Attorney Richard Peyton and Clerk Kay Travis were also present. Absent was Councilman Keith Farrell.  After a prayer by Councilman Frederick, Mayor Gooch opened with the reading of past minutes, and a motion to accept them was approved.  

Leonard withdraws motions; Rogers to be next Family Court Judge

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The race for Family Court Judge officially came to an end last Tuesday when Providence attorney Ben Leonard entered a plea for the withdrawl of motions that were currently active.

Providence Fire Department Toys for Tots distribution

Toys for Tots

  The Providence Toys for Tots toy distribution will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19 at the Providence Community Center. All families on the list need to pick their boxes up at that time. There will be no deliveries. For more information call Keith Farrell at 270-667-3801.

Fiscal Court Approves Flood Variance Board

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday, the Webster County Fiscal Court approved the second reading of an amendment to the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance that was approved earlier this year. 

Sebree Council considers litigation against contractor

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sebree City Council met in a special called meeting on Wednesday night for the purpose of holding a closed session to discuss possible litigation against Grimes Construction Company, INC. of Paris, KY, the firm handling the city’s $1.2 million waterline rehabilitation project.

On May 15, 2014, the city entered into a contract with Grimes to replace 35,000 feet of outdated and often leaky water lines within the city, and replace 160 water meters with new ‘radio read’ meters. The total bid on the project was $1,174,734.50 and was supposed to be completed within six months.

Sebree Council discusses renewal of KU Franchise

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sebree City Council met in a very breif session on Monday night with only one item on the agenda.

That item is the pending experation of the city’s twenty year franchise agreement with Kentucky Utilities (KU). This is the agreement which allows KU to sell electric power within the city and allows the city to collect tax revenue from that sale.

Providence Council to adopt Title IV of Civil Rights Act

by STEVE SHOOTS

The Providence City Council met Monday evening with Mayor Eddie Gooch presiding.  

Council Members present were Keith Farrell, Tom Skinner, Doug Hammers, Scott Frederick and Delores Overby.  City Attorney Richard Peyton and Clerk Kay Travis were also present. Absent was Councilwoman Shannon Cole Layton.  Prior to the start of the meeting, the Mayor and Council members, who were all re-elected last month, were sworn into office for their next term. 

Judge dismisses recount

Security of ballot box called into question

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Fourteen precincts into the recount for the 5th Judicial Circuit 2nd Division Family Court Judge’s position, the proceedings came to a sudden and unexpected halt when the security of one of the ballot boxes was called into question.

“There was a ballot box out of the south Clay precincts that was not locked and the seal was not tight,” said Bart Frazer, attorney for candidate Brandi Frazer. “It was not tight to the point where you could easily have opened the box and have room to put ballots in or take them out.”

Fiscal Court to appoint variance board

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County Fiscal Court met in a brief session on Monday. Up for discussion again was the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) flood maps that the county approved earlier this year, or more specifically the variance board who will oversee appeals to the flood zones.

According to county attorney Clint Prow, although FEMA requires the creation of the board, it will actually have very limited powers.

School Board hears annual audit

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday night members of the Webster County School Board heard the results of it’s annual auditor’s report, prepared by Kem, Duguid & Associates of Hopkinsville. The audit covers the period of July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014.

As of June 30, 2014, the Webster County School District reported $21,027,014 in bonded debt and lease obligations. The largest of those is a 2008 WCHS renovation bond for which the district still owes $8,765,000 and the 2013 middle school bond of $4,650,000.  

Toys for Tots kicks off 28th year of giving to area youths

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Providence Fire Department has undertaken the task of assisting Webster County young people for nearly three decades with it’s Toys for Tots program. The program began in 1987 and is still going strong.

Last year the organization provided toys to a record setting 425 children throughout the county and is hoping to roll that success over to this year. Current estimates are that some 350 children will be in need this holiday season.

Providence Veterans Parade

Created with flickr slideshow.

Locally grown popcorn featured at Kroger

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sometimes deciding which product to purchase at the grocery store can be a difficult task, especially when you approach the shelf and find a half dozen brands of the same item. In most cases you have no idea where the product came from, who packaged it or where it was grown. 

But one brand you will now find on the shelves at Kroger will change that. When you see the display for ‘Kentucky Proud Popcorn’ you’ll also see the faces of two Webster County farm families. That isn’t just a marketing ploy. That is because that popcorn was grown by one of those two familes.

RECOUNT

Leonard files for recount in Family Court Judge's race

by MATT HUGHES

Ben Leonard

J-E News Editor

On November 4, 2014, the three county race for  5th Judicial Circuit, 2nd Division Family Court Judge came down to the wire, with Crittenden County’s Brandi Hagen Rogers defeating Webster County’s Ben Leonard by only fifty votes as the final precincts reported. That outcome will now be questioned in court.

According to Crittenden County Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Guill, on Friday, Ben Leonard filed for a recount in the election proceedings. 

Water Board to review Cost of Service Study, consider increase

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

For most of the last year the Webster County Water District (WCWD) has been discussing the prospect of doing a cost of service study. According to district Superintendent Paul Lashbrook, that study is currently underway and should be completed in time for the December water board meeting.

 The study will be used to clearly define exactly how the district’s operating costs compare to the price of water. It will take into consideration every expenditure, including utilities, chemical costs and payroll. In the end there is a good chance the study will result in an increase of water rates.

J-E welcomes new sales representative

The Journal-Enterprise has hired Todd P’Pool to act as the newspapers new full-time outside sales Account Executive. P’Pool joined the J-E staff last week with a goal of expanding the newspaper’s sales reach, allowing for the addition of new material to the paper’s existing content.

NOW OPEN - 41A blocked north of Nebo

Highway 41A was blocked by an accident one mile north of Nebo, just prior to 8:00 a.m. on Monday.

The road reopened at around 8:15 a.m.

Western Kentucky braces for first snow of the season

       

         The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has given notice that snow and ice preparations are currently being made for snow that has been forecast for the over night hours. Check back for possible school delays/closings tomorrow morning.

           The KYTC District 2 Snow and Ice Operations Center will open at 8 p.m., CST, tonight, to monitor weather conditions and call in crews as required.
          Before crews left work on Friday they loaded trucks with salt and mounted snow plows so they will be ready to roll out quickly as snow develops over the region.
Union County is reporting a mixture of light snow and drizzle at this time with a temperature of 32 degrees.  Pavement temperatures are holding around 40 to 42 degrees, helping to reduce the likelihood of accumulation on road surfaces at this time.  That will change as temperatures drop during the early morning hours.
           The KYTC District 2 Snow and Ice Team has formulated the following attack plan for tonight’s winter weather event:

• Daviess, Hancock, Union, Webster & Henderson Counties will report at 8 p.m. as we are expecting 3-4 inches of snow in these counties beginning around 9 to10 pm. A Winter Weather Warning has been issued for these counties by the National Weather Service.
• Ohio, Muhlenberg, McLean, Hopkins, Caldwell & Christian Counties will report at 11 p.m. as we are expecting snow to begin in these counties between Midnight Sunday & 1 a.m. Monday with 1.5 to 2 inches of snow anticipated by 6 a.m., Monday.

           Based on the forecast, we are expecting a wet snow that will plow well.
Motorists are asked to do their part by slowing down and using appropriate caution when they venture out, especially in the morning hours.

KYTC to prepare roads for winter weather this weekend

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 2 crews are gearing up for a developing winter weather event expected to arrive Sunday and continue into Monday.

The weather forecast indicates about a chance of rain moving into the area Sunday afternoon with a switchover to snow during the overnight hours into Monday morning.

Tobacco-ban to affect Webster County courthouse

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Judge Executive Jim Townsend announced at Monday’s Fiscal Court meeting that a state mandated tobacco-ban that goes into effect on November 20 will ban the use of all tobacco products at both the new and old courthouse buildings.

Governor Steve Beshear on September 4, 2014 that he had issued an executive order that will expand the existing smoking ban currently enforced by the state, which prohibits smoking only inside state buildings and vehicles. The new order will ban the use of any tobacco product or e-cigarette and will be enforced in all state vehicles, inside or outside of any state building or in the parking lot of those buildings.

Leftover Turkey Talk

by KATIE ALEXANDER

Extension Agent

Leftover turkey talk 

 The holidays are quickly approaching, and with them, the season of great eating. Soon, you’ll have more turkey and dressing than you’ll know what to do with. 

Local faces to be added to Vietnam Memorial ‘Wall of Faces’

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

It is our tradition at The Journal-Enterprise to sit down every November and interview a local veterans for an article to run the week of Veterans Day, but an email I received last week brought about a surprising change in plans. Because of that email, rather than sitting down with a vet, I had the chance to speak with the family of Sgt. David Jameson and PFC Robert Davis, two Providence men who lost their lives in the Vietnam War.

These are their stories.

The Wall of Faces

Most people are familiar with the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was constructed in 1982 by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF). What many might not be familiar with is The Wall of Faces.

School board discusses future of board attorney position

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County School Board members began discussion on Monday of how to proceed with finding a replacement for Board Attorney Brandi Rogers, who was elected to the 5th Judicial Circuit, 2nd Division Circuit Family Court Judge’s position during last week’s election.

Deer caught in net put down by authorities

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

A deer wandered into the city limits of Clay on Monday, which did not end well for the animal.

According to Webster County Conservation Officer Josh Gunn, witnesses saw the animal running near the city park on Monday when it became entangled in a neat used for batting practice.

Gunn said authorities tried to free the animal, however, the more it struggled the worse it’s antlers became entangled in the net. In the end they had no choice but to put the deer down.

Webster County awarded funds for radio tower project

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The Delta Regional Authority awarded a $125,000 grant last week to Webster County to pay for a new 180 foot tower that will house all of the county’s emergency radio antennas and repeaters, with the exception of the Providence Police Department.

Gooch reclaims seat in state senate

Rep. Jim Gooch

McConnell carries Webster County

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Locally residents were paying close attention to both the State Representative seat belonging to Providence native Jim Gooch, while across the state all eyes were on the US Senate seat currently held by Senator Mitch McConnell.

Representative Gooch easily reclaimed his seat on Tuesday night against Daviess County Republican Dianne Burns Mackey with a vote of 9,465 to 6,320 Gooch dominated the polls in Webster County, beating his competitor 3,098 to 1,296, taking 70.51 percent of the vote. 

Sebree Council hears questions about apartment project

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sebree’s city council meeting on Monday was dominated by talk of a new apartment complex that councilman Mark Moser plans to build a few miles south of the city limits. Council members pointed out numerous times that the council has no control over what the county or councilman Moser does outside the city limits, but the mayor allowed residents to have their say.

Rogers prevails in tight Family Court Judge's race

Elder holds on to Jailer's position

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Voters turned out in near record numbers on Tuesday night with several highly contested races on the ballot, including State Representative and US Senate. At the local level it was the three county Family Court Judge’s seat and the office of Webster County Jailer that garnered the most attention. In most local elections the incumbents easily dominated.

Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips from Sheriff Frankie Springfield

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County Sheriff Frankie Springfield has offered the following safety tips for Halloween 2014.

Trick-or-Treaters

•Carry a flashlight

•Walk, don’t run.

•Stay on Sidewalks

Coal Association names Rep. Jim Gooch 'Coal Miner of the Year'

On Friday, October 24, 2014, the Kentucky Coal Association (KCA) named Kentucky State Representative Jim Gooch, Jr. as its 2014 Coal Miner of the Year. This annual recognition is decided upon by the board of KCA, which represents leaders within Kentucky’s coal industry as well as other businesses who are dependent on the mining of coal for their livelihoods. 

Clay Council holds first meeting at new Fire Station

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Clay City Council held their October meeting last week following the open house at the newly constructed Clay Fire Department. 

Local minister announces retirement following 43 year career

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Dr. Bob Hardison, pastor of Sebree First Baptist church will retire from full-time ministry following services on November 2, 2014, 35 years from the same weekend he began his ministry at the church in 1979.

Water District line flushing completed ahead of schedule

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

2014 continues to be a high production year for the Webster County Water District (WCWD), with production numbers topping those from 2013 in 8 of the first 9 months of the year. Overall WCWD has produced 18.4 million more gallons this year than last. Even more importantly, water sales are up and less water is being lost to line flushing.

As water flows through the system, lines begin to accumulate build-ups of sediment. These build-ups are especially bad in low flow and dead end lines, where water may stay for longer periods of time. These build-ups naturally occur for various reasons over time in all water systems, and if left unchecked can result in a drop in water quality and can affect the taste, clarity, and color of the water. 

Item left off of Bulletin Board

Fish Fry at Liberty Praise Chapel, 401 highway 41-A south in Providence, on Sunday, October 26. Fun & games will begin at 4:00 p.m. The meal will be served at 5:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 270-667-2300.

Sheriffs Department recieves $11,151 to buy firearms

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Thanks to a grant from Kentucky Office of Homeland Security (KOHS) , the Webster county Sheriff’s Department will soon be able to purchase new duty weapons and patrol rifles. 

On Thursday, Governor Steve Beshear announced that the Webster County Fiscal Court, on behalf of the Sheriffs Department, was one of 30 agencies across the state that would receive part of $170, 832 in Law Enforcement Protection Program (LEPP) grants that are administered by KOHS.

Webster Food Services named #1 in the state for best practices

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County Food Services was honored on Tuesday by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having the ‘#1 Best Practices’ in the state of Kentucky.

In the 21 years that the USDA has been presenting the award to school districts, Webster County is the first district from Kentucky to be nominated for the award.

AT&T donates $5,000 to Providence Food Bank

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Since opening in 2012, the Providence Community Food Bank has relied heavily on donations and volunteers to help assist Webster County residents in need. Time and time again the community has come through for the organization, whether it be by lending a helping hand or by donating funds.

In the last week the organization has received three sizeable donations. The largest came on Monday, when a representative of one of the largest corporations in the state presented food bank director Chip Palmer with a check for $5,000.

WCHS graduate leading small but growing manufactureing company

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Par 4 Plastics, located in Marion, Kentucky, is a plastic injection molding facility that manufactures specialty parts for various companies, including Remington and Marlin Firearms, Siemens, Nissan, Honda, Ford and GM. At the helm of the company is President Tim Capps, a 1987 of Webster County High School.

Capps, the son of a coal miner, grew up on Highway 132 between Dixon and Clay.

Tapp reappointed to US Soybean Board

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Sebree area farmer Keith Tapp has been reappointed to the United Soybean Board by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack.

Crittenden Sheriff looking for info

Crittenden Sheriff is looking for these vehicles to solve a crime:

County considers dropping AT&T for Time Warner

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday, members of the Webster County Fiscal Court heard from David Hagen, a representative of Time-Warner Cable. The cable television provider already supplies complementary cable service to several facilities maintained by the county. Now the company will be offering other services to county-owned facilities as well.

“Since we already have services coming into most of your facilities, it’s only a small step for us to offer you additional services at those facilities as well,” Hagen explained.

County takes first step towards approving controversial maps

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) won a battle at the county level as members of the Webster County Fiscal Court voted to accept controversial and reportedly incorrect flood maps.

“I think we are in a position where we don’t have any choice but to accept the maps in order to protect the county, which is our responsibility,” said Judge Executive Jim Townsend. “We are one of the only counties in Kentucky who haven’t adopted them already.”

Kentucky native to oversee legislative activities for Century

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

 Century Aluminum announced on Monday that it had hired a new Director of Government and Community Affairs. Chad A. Harpole will be joining the Company starting November 1, 2014.  

School district overall test scores show slight increase

Scores fall at Clay Elementary

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) released the results of this year’s Unbridled Learning Assessment tests on Friday, naming the Webster County School district as a focus district. Focus districts are identified annually based on federal requirements when a district has a non-duplicated student gap group score in the bottom 10% for all districts.

Clay awards generator bid

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Clay city council met in a special called meeting on Thursday night to make a decision on bids for an emergency generator for the new Clay Fire Department.