Danville

I am very concerned about the turn our local politicians seem to be taking. Again, a new regime of elected city officials is trying to nullify the city manager form of government we voted overwhelmingly to retain just 21⁄2 years ago. I applaud the two commissioners who, earlier this week, walked out of an executive session that was clearly inappropriate and unnecessary, unless the goal was a witch hunt held behind closed doors. Where is the transparency so highly-touted six months ago during the election?

After Friday, for the first time in 28 years, Mike Thomas won’t count himself among those called on to answer when a tone goes out over the radio rallying firefighters to douse a blaze somewhere in Danville. The Danville fire chief is retiring after eight years as head of the department where he has worked for more than half his life. Thomas, who is eligible for retirement, said he felt it was time to give others the same opportunity for advancement in the ranks he got when he became chief in November 2002.

Just when I was able to read the 25 years ago on the history page and actually remember when those things happened in Danville, it’s time to turn another page in the book of life. I’ve spent 25 years covering events in Danville and thoroughly enjoyed it. I remember going to a dinner party in Lexington still pretty early in my journalism career, and a successful Dallas accountant who I knew in college asked what I did for living. “I’m a reporter for the Danville newspaper,” I said.

Two suspects were caught by video surveillance cameras during a liquor store burglary Tuesday morning in Danville. About 8 a.m., Danville police responded to Chills Wine and Spirits at 1714 Perryville Road in reference to a burglary. Officers and detectives recovered video that showed two male subjects, according to a press release. Police said the subjects forced entry through the front door of the store where they stayed a short period of time to steal several bottles of liquor.

I encourage your support and vote for Janet Hamner for city commissioner. She has had years of experience in owning and managing a small business in downtown Danville.  This has provided her with exceptional knowledge in business management, finance and employee understanding. Janet has served on numerous boards and committees in Danville over the past 37 years and has provided great leadership. She has been totally dedicated to every project she has undertaken by first understanding the goals and then doing her “homework.” Janet has the skills necessary to assure that our city is run in a businesslike manner with openness and fairness for all residents.

Three people were injured Friday in a collision at Perryville Road and Ben Ali Drive, Danville police said. About 9:55 a.m. Friday, Betty Barlow, 79, of Reynolds Station, was driving a 2012 Ford Escape eastbound on Perryville Road, according to a press release. Barlow's Escape entered the intersection of Perryville Road and Ben Ali Drive, striking the driver's side of a 2008 Lincoln Navigator operated by Patricia Jackson, 55, of Danville. The force of the collision knocked Jackson's Navigator into a 2004 Chevrolet Classic operated by Ricky Cox, 46, of Bradfordsville, police said.

A Danville robbery suspect was captured Saturday night, when police located him hiding in his residence on Henson Avenue. Marcus Beasley, 20, of Danville, was allegedly involved in a strong-arm robbery with Adrian J. Bates, 21, of Danville, on Friday. Bates was picked up during a traffic stop Friday. The two men were being sought after Joshua D. Willoughby reported they took his wallet and threatened to harm him if he reported the incident. According to Danville police, Willoughby met with the two men Friday afternoon so he could purchase a TV from another individual.

After two listening sessions to hear from the public, and an online survey, Danville's city manager presented an outline Thursday of residents' opinions regarding the current fiscal year's budget. Ron Scott told commissioners and residents that the public ranked police, fire and 911 as the most important services the city provides. He said those three services were held in the same regard last year. The results this year are from a survey completed by just more than 100 people.