Funding

In the aftermath of December's Sandy Hook Elementary massacre, many in Jessamine County have suggested expanding the district's school-resource officer (SRO) program into elementary schools. But before the program can expand, it has to survive its annual fight to maintain funding from the three local governments. The SRO program began in 2007 and stationed Nicholasville police officers full-time in the county's middle and high schools. The program cost $256,700 in its first year but the four officers cost $291,800 this year, according to Nicholasville finance records.

LANCASTER - Garrard County Coroner Daryl Hodge asked magistrates Thursday to consider increasing his budget for the upcoming fiscal year. “I can't control death, unfortunately, and this has been an extremely, extremely difficult year,” Hodge said, explaining that he doesn't expect the situation to improve in the coming years. There are one salaried deputy coroner and four special deputies, who only get paid as they are called upon to work. Some cases, he explained, have needed two or more deputies.

STANFORD - Department of Agriculture officials have awarded more than $1 million in loan and grant funding for a water system upgrade project on Danville Avenue. USDA Rural Development State Director Tom Fern said Stanford Water Department will receive $750,000 in low-interest loans and $310,000 in grant money for the planned water line replacement. "The improvements to Stanford's water system are critical for ensuring safe and reliable water for area residents," Fern said. "USDA is proud to work in Partnership with the City of Stanford on this much needed water improvement project.

Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation recently held its annual Happy Heart Luncheon, which raises awareness of women's heart disease. The luncheon raised nearly $10,000 and all funds raised from the event will go to support cardiac projects at Ephraim McDowell Health. It was held at Brady Hall on the Kentucky School for the Deaf campus and was a sell-out, with 175 attendees. “We are thrilled this event has been embraced by the community,” said Keith Bridges, executive director of Ephraim McDowell Health Care Foundation.

Finally, I had been offered my “dream job.” I am a huge fan of Berea College and the work they do primarily with young people from the nearby mountains. When they read my resume and we talked and they wanted to hire me for a special summer program, I said “yes” with no reservations. But actually there was a reservation. My daughter Phoebe was due to have twins in late summer and I chose to have the faith that I could do my Berea program and then go on to Denver to be with Phoebe.

To make needed updates and function efficiently at Boyle County's 911 center, its funding sources will have to be revisited, officials say. The center, located near the water tower on South Fourth Street, handles about 100 calls in an eight-hour shift for both emergency and non-emergency situations. Director Robin Parks said the service calls continuously are rising as technology changes, an issue all communication stations are facing. “Funding for 911 stations nationwide has become an issue,” Parks said, adding that cell phone technology is a major factor.

LANCASTER - The Garrard County Parks and Recreation Board has been reassembled as former board members are still under investigation for misappropriation of funds.  Jim England was serving his first year on the board, which organizes a youth softball league in the county, when it was accused of mishandling money.  As the board's new president, England said he has plans to rebuild Lancaster-Garrard County Recreation Park - commonly referred to...

The Kentucky Pro Football Hall of Fame (KPFHOF) board has asked the city of Nicholasville to commit to $200,000 over the next five years for the first phase of the project's completion. KPFHOF chairman Jim Ed Shearer presented the board's request during Monday's city-commission workshop. The first phase of the project calls for the completion of a synthetic field at the field located at John Preece Park off Union Mill Road. “The synthetic turf is the biggest thing,” Shearer said.

LANCASTER - More bad news regarding the sewer line issues on West Maple Avenue was heard during Monday night's Lancaster City Council meeting.  According to Mayor Brenda Powers, another $25,000 is needed to pay for the remaining work for the line, which includes replacing a fifth manhole.  During the meeting, Powers revisited the idea of taking out a loan from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority to cover the costs of the project. She said the city could take $187,000, out in a loan with a 0.95 interest rate, and follow a plan for 20 years to repay at about $856 a month.

I served as board chairman of the local Red Cross chapter for nine years. When a fire occurred, we arrived within an hour of notification to provide needed food, clothing and shelter.  We went to Lexington weekly to obtain donated household items, which are now obtained by Harvesting Hope and are available to disaster victims.  Disaster relief was solely our responsibility; the Salvation Army did not have to house fire victims, which evidently...