New manager expects big changes at Sureway

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
The success of any business in a small community comes down to customer service and community involvement, a fact that the new manger of the Providence Sureway is well aware of.

Nathan Everly has spent most of his life dealing with customer service. First he learned from his father, who is a supervisor with Food Giant, and then he learned it on the job. He expects to combine all of that experience into turning Sureway into a different store.
“I want to bring this store back to what it was when Dave Hendrickson was here,” Everly said. “He was always involved in the community, and I want us to do the same. I think that is very important for a business.”

Local Trooper honored in statewide ceremony

Kentucky State Trooper Cody Kromer, of Providence, was recognized last Wednesday at the 2015 Governor’s Impaired Driving Enforcement Awards ceremony held at the Louisville Marriott East.

Trooper Kromer, from Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 2 Madisonville, was recognized at this ceremony for his outstanding job performance to remove impaired drivers from our roads. Between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015, Kromer was responsible for arresting 66 impaired drivers.

In all, 142 law enforcement officers from 117 agencies across the Commonwealth were honored.

Christmas Angel program continues as new organization

Employees at Cash Express sort Hats and Gloves.

Christmastime provides more opportunities for giving than any other time of year. So many, in fact, that it’s easy to miss the really important ones in the face of such a daunting list.
That’s why groups like Webster County Caring for Neighbors exist. The organization is new, but the cause they are working toward this December isn’t.

Christmas Angel provides the opportunity for people to “adopt” children in the community who are in need of clothes.

The program was under the auspices of Webster County Public Schools until this year. For many Christmases, the Family Resource Center in Dixon headed up the effort. But when the office lost funding for supplemental staff, the program was in jeopardy.
That’s when a number of private citizens stepped in.

Production halted at Sebree Mine

 County expects to lose as much as 1/3 of funding currently used for county programs

On Friday, Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) issued WARN notices to employees at Sebree Onton #9 Mine and ceased all production operations at that site. While some employees will be given the opportunity to transfer to other locations, at least 140 miners now find themselves without jobs. But the impact of the closing is expected to stretch much further than just the employees affected by that closing.
County hard hit by loss
Webster County Judge Executive James “Jim” Townsend estimated that the county will see a one third reduction in the amount of LGEA money that comes in from the state due to a loss in coal taxes.

Kentucky Revised Statute (KRS) 42.455 created the LGEA during the Patton Administration, setting those funds asside for coal counties to improve the quality of life for local residents.
“That money will just go away,” said Townsend. “Those LGEA (Local Government Economic Assistance) dollars fund the senior citizens program, our fire departments, meals on wheels, the Webster County Dog Shelter and even the Sheriff’s Department.”

Vietnam vet urges all to support veterans

A generation of young American men were called upon to serve their country in the jungles of Vietnam, and most of them were never properly thanked for their service. These young men answered that call, many or most against their own wishes, and put their lives on the line for their country and their loved ones. Of those, 58,209 died in combat and another 153,303 were wounded.

The ones who did return came back to, at best, a lukewarm receptions. Veterans returning home from World War II and the Korean War were praised as heroes, complete with welcome home parades. Soldiers that served in Vietnam were portrayed in anti-war culture as psychos, drug addicts and war mongers. Rather than cheering fans, their planes were greeted by protesters with signs.

Inmates ‘walk away’ from Webster County detention center, captured 12 hours later

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
A pair of inmates who would have been out of jail in time for Christmas will not be looking at a longer stay after they “walked away” from the Webster County Detention Center at approximately 9:15 p.m. on Monday, according to the Kentucky State Police.

Patrick Jermaine McGuire, 20, and Jerrino Don Johnson, 24, were being housed in Webster County’s restricted custody center as part of the state approved work release program when they made the decision to escape.

Providence-Webster County Chamber Banquet plans announced

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
When the Providence- Webster County Chamber of Commerce hosts it’s annual Christmas Banquet on Tuesday, November 17, it will be a year of first. This will be the first event held since the chamber changed its name to encompass all of Webster County, and it will be the first time the banquet has been held outside the city limits of Providence. This year’s event will be held in the Webster County Annex on the Dixon Campus of Webster County Schools.

Chamber President Elizabeth Holloman said the decision to move the event from the Providence General Baptist Church, where it has traditionally been held, was not an easy one, but is one that was necessary. According to Holloman, as the event has grown larger through the years, it has eventually outgrown the fellowship hall.

The Chamber has two guest speakers on tap for the event. Jim Ray, the owner of Jim Ray Consulting Services, is a business consultant who specializes in helping smaller companies grow and become strong through business development and analyzing marketing and sales.

New rendering plant promises high paying jobs at 4 Star Park

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
More than a decade after the last new industry opened it’s doors in 4 Star Park, north of Sebree on US 41, the industrial park looks to soon be the home to a new employer.
AgRenew Partners LLC, which was incorporated earlier this year, plans a 15,000-square-foot, $4.5 million dollar animal byproduct processing facility. The plant will turn these byproducts into a bone meal product for use in the pet food industry and oil for oleochemicals.

Robards Mayor David Sellers visited with the Webster County Fiscal Court on Monday to express the concern of his constituent who live just across the county line in Henderson County.

County to reallocate money for 911 tower

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Webster County Fiscal Court is beginning to feel the crunch of an already tight 2015-16 budget. On Monday, when presented with bids for a proposed 911 radio tower, magistrates found themselves approximately $55,000 short of the funds needed to complete the project. Due to the importance of the project, however, the decision was made to use funds that had already been earmarked for road improvements.

“I think more people would benefit from using the money for the tower than would if we used it somewhere else,” said Magistrate Jerry ‘Poogie’ Brown.

Portrait of former legislator to be unveiled at court house

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
The Webster County Bar Association and Webster County Historical and Genealogical Association will sponsor an event on Monday, October 26, 2015 to honor Garrett L. Withers, the only Webster County native to serve in both the U.S. Congress and U.S. Senate.

Withers was born on his family’s farm in Webster County on June 21, 1884. He attended the Providence M. and F. Academy, before moving on to the Southern Normal School in Bowling Green, where he pursued legal training. In 1908 he was admitted to the bar and practicing law in Webster County from 1911 until his death in 1953.

Clay Council members approves $30,000 street paving project

Project won't touch what officials call the “worst street in town”

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Last Tuesday, Clay Council members voted to proceed with a paving project, but tight funding and needs in other areas resulted the approval of fewer improvements than they were originally seeking.

Ware Trucking of Providence will handle the approximately $30,000 project, which will West Short Street and roughly half of Nall Street resurfaced. The original job bid called for all of Nall Street to be repaved, along with West Short and First Street, but that was going to cost the city in excess of $80,000.
City employee Frank Rienhart told the council that First Street was ‘the worst street in town’, but council members were worried about water lines in that area.
“We have a lot of water line breakages on First Street,” said councilman Paul Cowan. “If we put blacktop down, we’ll continue to have breaks and within two or three years we will be back where we are now.”

MCC team with two Webster residents wins state competition

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
A team of Respiratory Care students from Madisonville Community College recently earned the title of ‘State Champions’ while participating in the State Sputum Bowl on October 8, 2015, hosted by the Kentucky Society for Respiratory Care (KSRC) in Lexington, Kentucky. The four member quick recall team included two Webster County residents, Sarah Glazebrook of Providence and Amanda Tomkins of Slaughters.

Internet troubles worry county officials

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Recently the Webster County government chose to switch internet and phone services from AT&T to Time Warner, a move that was promised to be both smooth and much more cost efficient for the county, but some elected officials aren’t happy with the result. In fact, jailer Terry Elder is afraid problems with internet services at the jail will result in some major and possibly costly issues for the county, which is already operating on a tight budget.

“Our internet goes down constantly,” he told the court on Monday morning. “We’ve called them and they’ve tried hard to fix our problem, but I don’t see anything else to do but switch back to AT&T.”

The two main problems Elder says the jail has experienced are losing contact with the Kentuckty Department of Corrections, which communicates information on inmates, and VINELink. VINELink is the official website for Victim Information and Notification Everyday (VINE), the company that notifies victims when an inmate charged in their crime is released from jail.

Board approves new facilities plan

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Much of the Webster County School Board’s meeting on Monday revolved around expenses. From cutting the cost of bussing, to looking at the budget, finances were at the forefront.

The board approved a new Webster County School District Facilities Plan, with a price tag of around $23.8 million. Although not entirely binding, that plan is designed to serve as a road map moving forward, assessing the district’s building and construction needs.
The largest single project on the plan was a major renovation of Providence Elementary School, which will cost approximately $4.9 million. That project would include renovated restrooms, remodeling of the ‘well’ area, roof replacement, new bleachers and gym lighting, and new HVAC equipment.

The listing notes that the school site is too small.

Loretta Elder honored for lifelong dedication to nursing

Monday was a big day for Webster County resident Loretta Elder. In the morning she was elected to the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) Board of Directors, and in the afternoon she was named the recipient of the 2015 Acorn Award sponsored by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE).

Elder is a Professor in Madisonville Community and Technical College’s Integrated Nursing Program.  She has been elected to the position of Clinical Practice Staff Nurse of the Professional and Nursing Practice and Advocacy Cabinet on the KNA Board for a two-year terms beginning October 2, 2015.  She holds a Master of Science in Nursing Education (MSN) degree from the University of Southern Indiana, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree from Murray State University, and completed for Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree from MCC.  She is credentialed as a Certified Nurse Educator in addition to her Registered Nurse Licensure.

Long time editor/publisher to step down from position at The J-E

Departure ends Hust Family’s 53 year involvement with the J-E

Staff Report
This week the staff of The Journal-Enterprise bids a fond farewell to longtime publisher and editor of the newspaper, Charlie Hust, who has been active in the J-E almost non-stop since his family acquired the paper in 1962 when he was six years old.

“I’ve worked at The J-E since I was six years old when my dad and mom (Edd and Sue Hust) purchased it in 1962, so I’ve grown up in this business,” Hust said in a previous statement. “I came back to the business after graduating from college in 1980 and have been working full-time ever since. I feel very blessed and fortunate to have been able to work in a family business with my mom and dad all these years. It’s been an honor to carry on their legacy after their retirement. The entire Hust family is very appreciative of all the people in this community and the surrounding area for their support of the newspaper.”

Drunk driver indicted for double murder

Staff Report
When the Webster County Grand Jury met earlier this month, it passed down an indictment on Christopher S. Duncan, 43 of Dixon.

Constable arrested following second sexual assault claim

Staff Report
Just over a week after being arrested on sexual assault charges, Webster County Constable Dennis Shelton has been arrested following a second accusation of same crime.

According to the Kentucky State Police Shelton has been charged with Sexual Abuse 1st Degree and Burglary 1st Degree after conducting an investigation.

Statement from Alliance Coal on the death of Sebree Miner

“We are saddened to report that a miner at Sebree Mining, LLC’s Onton Mine was fatally injured in an accident that occurred on Wednesday, September 16, 2015 at approximately 2:00 a.m. CDT. The miner has been identified as Rickey Thorpe, Jr., age 29, of Dawson Springs, Kentucky.  Mr. Thorpe and a fellow Onton Mine employee were performing maintenance work on a piece of mining equipment underground when an unexpected movement of the equipment resulted in fatal injuries to Mr. Thorpe.  Appropriate governmental agencies were notified and investigations of the accident by the agencies and Sebree Mining are ongoing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thorpe family.  Sebree Mining asks that you join us in extending support to Mr. Thorpe’s family and his fellow Onton miners during this extremely difficult time.”

David Ross, the Vice President of Operations for Sebree Mining, LLC—Onton #9 Mine.

Mining Fatality in Sebree UPDATE

UPDATE
by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
The Division of Mine Safety has release the name of the miner killed in this morning's accident at Sebree Mine.

29-year-old Rickey Thorpe, of Dawson Springs, and another employee were performing maintenance work on a continuous miner when the equipment fell, killing Thorpe.

Investigators with the Kentucky Division of Mine Safety are on-site investigating the accident and have closed the mine until further notice.

Alliance miners from Sebree Mine reassigned to other locations

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Employees at Alliance Resource Partners’ (ARLP’s) Sebree Mine learned on Friday that a number of employees at the Webster County operation, which ARLP has owned since 2012, would be reassigned to other mines in the area.

On Monday, Sebree Mining LLC General Manager Dan Durham confirmed those reports.
“It’s our way of adjusting to the present condition of the coal market,” Durham said. “In a way it’s a big deal, but it’s really not.”

Durham confirmed that approximately 50 full time miners were offered positions at other mines in the area.

Vandals Target Cemetery

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Cullen Cemetery just outside of Providence is a place of beauty and peace, with grave stones dating back over a hundred years. But in recent weeks the little cemetery has become the target of vandals.

“These weren’t all done at the same time,” said local resident Stan Nall, pointing out two markers that he said he knew were knocked down more than a week apart. “That one belongs to my friend Willie Brown. The one next to it is his father’s.”
In all more than a half dozen gravestones have been turned over, with the oldest dating back to 1891.

Dog Shelter to team up with Pet Smart

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Dog Warden Aaron Richmond told the Webster County Fiscal Court last week that the dog shelter will soon be teaming up with PetSmart Charities’ Rescue Waggin’, a national transport program that transfers homeless dogs and puppies from communities with high dog populations and high euthanasia numbers to communities with exceptional adoption rates.

Capstone Learning Center now open for business at WCHS

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Monday marked the official launch of Webster County’s new Capstone Learning Center (CLC), a 21st Century Learning Center created by a grant from the US Department of Education. CLC is designed to provide Webster County High School students access to enrichment activities that fall outside the normal scope of school-based programs.
A lesser discussed side of CLC is that it will entirely erase the need for summer school programs. Rather than having to attend make up classes during summer break, students can participate intercession sessions or attend for daily academic help.

Elder joins Owensboro Health provider team

One Health, a branch of Owensboro Health, recently announced that it had expanded it’s operation to include Webster County. Nurse Practitioner Regina Elder has joined the Owensboro Health system, offering clinic and primary care services to the people of Webster County from One Health Dixon, located in the same facility that once house Elder’s Hometown Care Family Health Clinic.

Traffic stop leads to meth arrest

STAFF REPORT
What started as a routine traffic stop on Monday ended in a methamphetamine bust for Providence Police Cheif Brent McDowell.

According to McDowell, Tuesday morning he received a report that a red pickup truck had been spotted driving off the shoulder of the road. Shortly after the report he spotted the vehicle as it ran onto the sidewalk in front of Hucks.

Circuit Court Clerk announces retirement

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Webster County Circuit Court Clerk Amy Villines announced her retirement last week, following 35 years of service to the residents of Webster County.

Villines went to work as a deputy clerk in 1980, soon after marrying her husband Larry and moving to Dixon.

K2C continues to bring in funds

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
The Webster County Kids to College (K2C) continues to garner support and finances from the community. Last week the Webster County Bar Association (WCBA) made a donation of $1,000 to the organization, which is still in the fund raising stages.

“This is the first gift of what the Webster County Bar Association hopes to be many future gifts to WCK2C,” said Circuit Court Judge Rene Williams.

Providence considers fireworks ordinance, sets tax rate for 2015

by STEVE SHOOTS
J-E Reporter
The Providence City Council met Monday night with all members in attendance.  Mayor Eddie Gooch opened by asking City Attorney Richard Peyton to provide the first reading of Ordinance 2015-6 which will cover the use, sale and display of fireworks within the city.  As Peyton summarized the ordinance, some of the key points identified were: 

•All provisions will be within compliance with KRS rules
•Persons may use fireworks between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 10:00 P.M. only
•Must be used only by people aged 18 and over
•Annual fee to vendors for the sale of fireworks will be set at $300.00 per location
 

Clay city council looks to increase taxes, save money on water

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Clay council members will attempt to offset a tight budget by approving a four percent increase to city taxes for 2015. The increase, if approved at a special called meeting later this month, will move the tax rate from 2.86 cents per $100 of assessed property value to 3 cents per $100.

For a property valued at $100,000, that increase will amount to $14 a year.
With the city already struggling with a tight 2015-2016 budget, another problem the city faces is delinquent taxes. Over the last several years the council has taken steps to collect on old debts, getting city attorney Ben Leonard in the pursuit of much needed funding.
Director of Public Works Paul Stone told the council that city workers had recently discovered a leak that had troubled the city’s water department for years.
“For years we have been using 145 to 155,000 gallons a day,” Stone reported. “We’ve had a thirty percent water loss for years. That’s a little over a million gallons a month.”

School Board will not seek tax rate increase

Tax hearing to be August 27 at 5:30 p.m.
by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
On Monday night, members of the Webster County School board took their first look at the tax rates for 2015. Although they did not vote on the rates at that meeting, they indicated that for the first time in at least five years they will not seek to raise taxes.

Taxing entities must submit their tax rates to the state by the first of September every year. Their options are to reduce tax rates, increase tax rates or take the compensating rate, keep the same rate or take the compensating rate, which means the actual rate is adjusted in order to bring in the same amount of money as the previous year.

Elder nominated for prestigious Acorn Award

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Many people around Webster County know Loretta Elder, if not personally, then through her family. Many know her as the wife of Jailer Terry Elder. To other she has been known a mother, grandmother, aunt or sister. Now Elder has been recognized for her own accomplishments after Madisonville Community College  (MCC)announced that she has been nominated for the 2015 Acorn Award sponsored by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE)

The Acorn Award, which has been given out since 1992, is designed to enhance the quality of higher education by recognizing ‘inspired teachers’ in Kentucky’s colleges and Universities who provide strong service and commitment to their students.

Gov. Beshear’s Statement on Jefferson Davis Statue

“The Historic Properties Advisory Commission by law has control over the statues in the Rotunda of the State Capitol, and recently I asked the Commission to review the appropriateness of the Jefferson Davis statue remaining in the Rotunda," Beshear said in a statement on Wednesday.

Providence Literary Festival to bring Best Seller to Webster County

Western Kentucky-based horror author Matthew Alan Hughes announced last week that New York Times Best Selling Author Kody Keplinger would be appearing as a special guest at the 2015 Providence Literary Festival, which will be held next Saturday.

The inaugural event, held last September, featured New York Times Best Seller Jay Bonansinga, author of ‘The Walking Dead’ novel series. The festival boasted 21 published west Kentucky-based authors and drew over 250 visitors to the small community of Providence.

Sebree native to make Network Television debut tongiht

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
On Thursday night, television fans across the country will get the chance to see one of Webster County’s own shine when he appears in an episode of ‘The Astronauts’ Wives’ on the ABC network. It will be Sebree-native and Webster County High School graduate Glenn Hobgood’s network television debut. Not bad for a guy who launched his professional acting career only five years ago.

After spending years on the road as a stand-up comedian, appearing under the name of Bubba Saunders, Hobgood hung up his traveling shoes and decided to pursue a career in acting. It was a big career change for a man in his mid-fifties, but one Hobgood had planned ahead for.
“I decided to make a change when it became evident that we were going to stay in  St. Bernard Parish, Louisiana,” Hobgood said.

Special Publications

Check out our new 'Special Publications' Page! See the current issue of Health Beat, as well as back issues of Health Beat, WC Ag Families and the 2015 Graduation Edition!


Click here!

WC: Behind the Bade - Deputy Cory Patmore

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Everyday the people of Webster County are served by the members of our various local law enforcement agencies. From the city police departments to the Sheriff’s office and Fish and Wildlife officers, these men put their lives on the line every day so that we can be safe.
During 2015 the J-E will look to honor each of these officers by telling their story in the pages of our newspaper. Please, join us in thanking these officers for what they do.

Kentucky’s Graduation Rate Among Tops In Nation

The latest numbers on the graduation rate are out from the United States Department of Education, and Kentucky is among the leaders nationwide.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Kentucky’s 86 percent graduation rate in the 2012-13 school year is fourth highest in the United States. Only nine states have a higher rate and six are tied with Kentucky. The national graduation rate is 81 percent.
“This data reflects ongoing efforts that have been underway to keep students in school so they have a better opportunity to become college/career-ready,” said Commissioner Terry Holliday.

Read more >>

Catch live video from this weekend's Fancy Farm Picnic right here!


Live stream: 2015 Fancy Farm Picnic

Water Board member drowns after falling into lake

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
According to authorities, Webster County resident Kenneth Ray Hammack, 67 of Providence, drowned in a lake next to his house on Wednesday night.

Fugitives captured in separate arrests on Monday

After two and a half months, law enforcement authorities have finally arrested a pair of fugitives suspected in a series of crimes across western Kentucky. According to law enforcement, Christopher Adam Sheridan, 31 of Clay, and Brooke Stevens, 34 of Clay, were arrested in separate incidents in two different states on Monday.

The ordeal began in early May when Webster County authorities began seeking Sheridan for a parole violation. Soon after, on May 11, Stevens was arrested in Crittenden County at the scene of a church burglary. Another suspect in the burglary, believed to be Sheridan, managed to evade authorities.

‘Vicious dog’ law might be upsetting to many

Law has been on the books since 2008
by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Webster County Dog Warden Aaron Richmond is warning dog owners that many of them are currently in violation of county law. A little known county ordinance requires all ‘vicious dogs’ to be registered, spayed or neutered and kept either in a secured pen or indoors. Owners are also required to have a $100,000 homeowners liability insurance plan. Richmond said that most dog owners have done none of these things.

“The county put this ordinance into effect in 2008,” he explained. “Since then we haven’t had a constant, full-time dog warden in the county, and a lot of new people have moved into the county. Maybe people aren’t even aware of the ordinance. But we can’t just blatantly ignore the ordinance. That’s breaking the law.”

Providence Council talks fireworks, uptown parking

Providence City Council met Monday night with all members present.  City Attorney Richard Peyton read a draft proposal regarding the use of consumer fireworks in the city.  Members of the council have been receiving many complaints of fireworks being set off at all hours of the night in the weeks preceding the 4th of July holiday and continuing throughout recent days.  The proposed ordinance, as read would primarily restrict personal use of fireworks to the week of July 4th, as well as New Year’s Eve, and day.  Also included were fees that might be imposed on local vendors of fireworks. 

Accident leaves two dead, driver charged with DUI and murder

The Kentucky State Police (KSP) charged the driver in a Sunday afternoon fatal car accident with a DUI (1st offense) and 2 counts of Murder.

The initial KSP report states that Christopher S. Duncan, 43 of Dixon, was operating a 1996 Ford Ranger westbound in the eastbound lane of travel on Highway 132 when he met a 2002 Yamaha motorcycle in a curve.  The pickup truck struck the motorcycle head-on, ejecting the operator, Johnathan G. Gray, 24, Utica, and the passenger, Paula M. Hamilton, 26, Livermore.

Work Ready event this Thursday

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Webster County Work Ready hopes to take another step forward on Thursday when the group hosts ‘Hot Topics Luncheon: State of the Commonwealth, County and School’, a meeting that hopes to bring together business, political and educational leaders from around the county.

Dollar Store employee arrested for theft of $14,154.16

 CORRECTION: In the print edition the suspected theft, which was reported to have occurred in Sebree, should have been reported at the Dixon Dollar Store.

An employee of the Dollar General Store in Dixon was arrested last week after Dollar General Corporation Loss Prevention discovered that $14,154.16 in cash had gone missing from the store between May 1, 2015 and July 4, 2015.

WC schools celebrate Yarbrough’s first year

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Dr. Rachel Yarbrough, Superintendent of Webster County Schools, officially kicked-off her second year at the helm of her alma mater by holding the second annual District Leadership Summit Meeting on Monday.

Dixon unveils ‘Sensory Park’ model

by STEVE SHOOTS
Dixon City Commissioners met Monday night for the regular scheduled meeting.  Mayor Carolyn Townsend opened the meeting by offering a presentation on behalf of the Parks Board.  Townsend introduced the model for the planned Sensory Park, being hailed as a “Park for All Children”. 

Behind the Badge: Capt. Donald Jones

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Everyday the people of Webster County are served by the members of our various local law enforcement agencies. From the city police departments to the Sheriff’s office and Fish and Wildlife officers, these men put their lives on the line every day so that we can be safe.
During 2015 the J-E will look to honor each of these officers by telling their story in the pages of our newspaper. Please, join us in thanking these officers for what they do.

Captain Donald Jones of the Webster County Sheriff’s Department has dedicated his life to serving and protecting the public, both  from behind the badge and in the back of an ambulance.

Snyder appointed as Director of Public Works

by STEVE SHOOTS
J-E Reporter
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.  

Study finds Providence homeowner's insurance among highest in the state

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
A recent study of homeowner’s insurance conducted by ValuePenguin in 92 Kentucky cities has found Providence to be in the upper half of the most expensive in the state.

Dangers of synthetic drugs

Last week’s multi-county synthetic drug ring raid brings to light a growing concern in the area. The synthetic marijuana product ‘K2’ was briefly in the news in 2010 when state legislators passed laws banning sales of the product. Until that time it had been commonly available in many convenience stores around the state.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, synthetic cannabinoids (which includes K2) are “sold under many names, including K2, fake weed, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others — and labeled ‘not for human consumption’ — these products contain dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for their psychoactive (mind-altering) effects.”

Multi-county drug busts leads to the arrest of two suspects in Providence

When a joint task force of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), Hopkins County Sheriff’s Department (HCS), the Madisonville Police Department (MPD) and the Kentucky State Police (KSP) brought down the largest synthetic drug ring in Western Kentucky, the net they cast netted two residents of Providence— Jeremy Jay Oglesby, 42, and Paula D. Oglesby, 35, both of 408 N. Broadway.

Money issues continue to surface for upcoming fiscal year

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
With the new fiscal year only a week away, Webster County officials take a bleak look at the services they are going to be able to provide during 2015-2016. One of the worst hit areas is road paving, which the county will be able to do very little of during the coming year.

Recently the county was visited by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Bridge inspector. The result of that inspection will lead to the construction of three new bridges in the county. Those bridges will take a bulk of the county’s road funds, leaving very little to focus on repaving roads.

Mayor Gooch speaks out about traffic light

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Despite rumors to the contrary, Providence Mayor Eddie Gooch says that the fate of the ‘uptown’ traffic lights are out of the city’s hands.

“The poles do not meet the 2012 standards set by the department of transportation,” Gooch said in an interview on Friday. “Even though a truck brought this to light when it took out the control box last year, this would have come up sooner or later.”

Providence's Director of Public Works to retire

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
After 27 years of working for the city of Providence, David May is ready to give up the title of Director of Public Works and move on to something different.

May, 45, has been the Public Works Director since 2004, but the city has been his primary employer for his entire adult life.

Palmer named Volunteer of the Year

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
On Friday, Chip Palmer, a Providence minster and Director of the Providence Community Food Bank, was named Webster County’s Volunteer of the Year at an awards banquet held in Henderson by the the Kentucky Network for Development, Leadership and Engagement (Kyndle).

Fiscal Court hears plea over JEM Development deal

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Sebree area resident Lissa Liggett might have lost a battle, but she isn’t ready to admit defeat in her war against the Webster County Industrial Development Authority and JEM Development.

Suspects still on the loose

Authorities across western Kentucky continue to seek two suspects wanted in a series of burglaries in Crittenden, Caldwell and Hopkins counties.

Bike trail brings yearly cyclists

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
Every summer the roads of Webster County come alive as the annual migration of bicyclist from coast to cost along the Trans American Bike Trail begins. The 4229 mile route has it’s terminuses in Astoria, Oregon and Yorktown, Virginia, with many hotels, fire departments and hostels along the way.

Providence 'uptown' Traffic Light now a 4-way stop as KYTC Study begins

by Matt Hughes
J-E Editor

The traffic light in uptown Providence has now been converted to a 4-way stop as the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet begins a 60-90 day study to decide whether a stop light is still needed at that location.

All Webster County schools now tobacco free

by MATT HUGHES
J-E Editor
When Webster County students and faculty return from summer break, they will return to a campus that will be completely tobacco-free.

Webster County School Board members voted unanimously last Tuesday night to approve a measure that will make all district property, vehicles and buildings officially tobacco-free.

Providence traffic signal not gone yet

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is conducting a study to determine if a traffic signal at the intersection of KY 109/Broadway and KY 120/Main Street in Providence should remain in operation.

The J-E to launch new supplement

Next week The Journal-Enterprise will launch a new supplement to the newspaper titled ‘Webster County Ag Families’. The new product will cover stories that concern today’s farming and agricultural community, which makes up a large percentage of the Webster County population.