Fiscal Court okays dog adoption rate increase

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday morning, members of the Webster County Fiscal Court voted unanimously to approve a measure that will drastically increase the price of adopting a dog in the county by $80.

Clay settles differences with fire department building contractor

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Clay City Council members sat down last Tuesday night to speak candidly with the contractor who had designed their new fire department and the contractor who built it.

WCHS class of 2014 ACT test scores lowest of last five years

Class of 2015 scores already showing improvement

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Each fall the ACT company releases the final data on ACT scores belonging to seniors who graduated the previous May. For Webster County students, those scores continued a downward trend that gave them the lowest overall scores of the last five years, but district officials believe they see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Law enforcement sieze marijuana plant near Providence

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Working on a tip, Captain Donald Jones of the Webster County Sheriffs Department and Fish and Wildlife Agent Josh Gunn seized a marijuana plant on Monday which would have had a street value at maturity of around $2,000.

Five students from Webster County named Sen. Jeff Green Scholars

(l-r) Macye Davis, Sarah Steeley
and Baylee Van Winkle

Five students from Webster County have been named Senator Jeff Green Scholars by the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA). To earn this honor, a student must have a 4.0 grade point average each year of high school and at least a 28 composite on the ACT.

USPS to cut office hours of Clay Post Office

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Clay City Clerk Julie Ryhe reported at last week’s council meeting that they were informed at a recent meeting that changes were on the way for the Clay Post Office.

Water District to conduct cost of service study

Results could lead to first rate increase since April of 1999

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County Water District board members approved a plan to proceed with a cost of service (COS) study that will allow them to accurately judge where water rates should be.

Clay council approves tax rate hike

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Clay council members approved the first reading of a measure last week that will increase the city’s tax rate by four percent. Such an increase is not a four percent per resident increase, it means the overall revenue generated will go up by about four percent. The four percent raise will require a pubic hearing.

Clay Council demands answers on Fire Department delays

Councilman Todd Vanover (L) and Engineer Duke Gaston
discuss some of the issues at the new Clay Fire Station

UPDATE

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

When members of the Clay City Council voted to accept a bid to construct their new fire station back in January, they did so believing that they would take possession of the structure no later than June 30, 2014. Actually, according to the contract, that was the deadline for the construction to be completed.

Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission recommends waterfowl seasons for 2014-15

The Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission proposed waterfowl seasons for 2014-15 on Monday. All recommendations must be approved by two legislative committees before they become law.

Season dates begin in 2014 unless otherwise noted. Proposed seasons voted upon by commission members at Monday’s quarterly meeting include: 

Judge Executive Townsend pays visit to Czech Republic

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

You might think that Webster County, Kentucky doesn’t even qualify for a dot on the international road map, but you might be surprised to learn that one county leader just returned from a conference in the Czech Republic.

KYTC to begin road work on US 41A and Highway 2087 on Thursday

Project could last up to 4 weeks

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans base repairs and asphalt paving along sections of US 41-Alternate and KY 2087 in Webster County starting Thursday, August 14, 2014.

Webster County native takes reins of school food service

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

As school districts across the country struggle to provide students with tasty meals that meet rigorous standards set by the USDA, students in Webster County  schools will have the added benefit of having an experienced food service director who graduated from Culinary Arts school.

Magistrates discuss increase to dog adoption rates

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County magistrates discussed a measure on Monday that could see the cost of adopting a dog in Webster County increased by as much as $80. It’s a bit of a controversial increase, but one that Dog Warden Aaron Richmond says  is greatly needed.

Dixon to begin repairs to Baker Park walking trail

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Dixon Commission agreed on Monday night to begin repairs to the walking trail at Baker Park. 

School board to reluctantly consider raising taxe rates

Enrollment down district wide

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Webster County School Board met in a brief work session on Monday night at the board office in Dixon. 

As part of Superintendent Dr. Rachel Yarbrough’s overhaul of the way the district does business, the first board meeting of each month has officially been designated as a work session, with most business being held for the meeting held on the fourth Monday of the month. This is to allow board members more time to work as a group to discuss ways to improve the district and to discuss issues facing the district.  

Final Election Filings

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The deadline to file for non-partisan elections in the November General Election in Webster County was 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 12, 2014.

The candidates filing for office are:

Dixon Commission:

•Terry Webb

•Jennifer Stone*

•Donna Keller*

•Arthur Jr. Little*

•Anthony R. Powell

•David Royster*

•David Fraiser

•John S. Ramsey Jr.

Dixon Mayor

•Linda Frederick*

•Carolyn Townsend

Candidate Filings continue to be slow as Tuesday deadline approaches

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

As the 4:00 p.m. Tuesday August 12, 2014 filing deadline to run for local non-partisan offices draws near, candidate turnout remains slow. 

Opening Day at Webster County Schools

Video courtesy of Mr. Aaron Harrell at WCHS.

Providence Council Ok's code enforcement officer

By CHARLIE HUST

Providence City Council held a brief regular session Monday night, with a short list of items on the agenda.

The council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Eddie Gooch to enter into an agreement with the Department for Local Government (DLG) and begin the necessary steps for securing funding from the Kentucky General Assembly for several projects.

Sebree to consider amendment to allow church to place digital sign

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

In April the Sebree Christian Church approached the city of Sebree with a request to install a new digital sign in front of their building. What they discovered was a 16 year old ban on digital sinage that blocked their attempt to place the sign.

Middle School Open House Highlights (photo/video)

WCMS now open and ready for students

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

On Monday, August 4, 2014, officials with the Webster County School District made history when they officialy opened the new Webster County Middle School (WCMS) in Dixon. When classing begin on Thursday, August 7, 2014, all seventh and eighth grade students in the county will be housed under the same roof for the first time.

Ministry founded by Sebree man honored by Governor

photo provided

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Since being founded in January of 2012, Breaking Bread Ministries has served more than 6,400 meals to people in the Madisonville, Kentucky area, with another 12,000 people receiving groceries. 

Avoid Identity Theft by Protecting Your Personal Information

by KATIE ALEXANDER

Extension Agent

Your Social Security number and mother’s maiden name are usually needed to steal your identity. Among other information you should keep private are your driver’s license number, credit card numbers and birth date. When filling out forms or making a purchase, give only necessary information. Don’t feel bad about leaving blanks if someone asks too much.​

Century Aluminum to expand Sebree Smelter

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Century Aluminum Sebree, LLC, announced last Thursday that it would be investing $3 million to create 45 new jobs in an expansion of it’s Sebree aluminum smelter, located right on the Webster-Henderson County line.

The planned expansion comes as part of the company’s new “Premium Products Initiative” which is geared to significantly increase the percentage of molten metal produced to a premium product. Specifically the expansion is aimed at a growing need for premium aluminum billet and rolling slabs for the automotive, aerospace and construction industries.

Slaughter's Tractor Day Today!!!!!

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

The city of Slaughters will hold it’s first ever ‘Tractor Day’ today in conjunction with Independence Bank’s annual Tractor Ride.

The inaugural event will be kicking off at 2:00 p.m. The planned activities, which will be held between 2:00-4:30 p.m. include: bingo; a duck pond; corn hole; softball throw; cupcake walk; inflatables; bubbles; face painting; water balloon catch; and hay bale treasure. There will also be a meal from 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with a softball game to take place at 5:00 p.m. There will be a church service held at 6:00 p.m.