Homeland Security

How good are you at walking and chewing gum at the same time - mentally speaking? For instance, can you vigorously support measures that really protect our nation, such as a strong military, yet at the same time oppose wasting money under the guise of enhancing “homeland security?” Recently, as Kentuckians in communities across the commonwealth prepared to memorialize the 10th anniversary of the deadliest attack by terrorists on American soil, a reporter asked me whether Department of Homeland Security spending has made us safer.

September is National Preparedness Month and, while there's little likelihood of Osama Bin Laden showing up on your doorstep, there are ample reasons for you and your family to take emergency planning and preparation seriously. Homeland security is about being prepared for any disaster - natural or man-made. When you stop to think, there's little difference in preparing to face any dangerous situation, from fires to tornadoes to floods to rampages by deranged individuals with guns.

Dear Editor, There appears to me a disconnect between government leaders, from federal down to local. We have no clear plan for the common citizen from a major attack from our enemies. I have read that 90 percent of potential casualties from fallout of nuclear attack can be avoided if the public is pre-trained through an aggressive national defense program. There are some simple measures that can be taken to protect from radiation and other effects. A confidential report in 2004 by the Department for Homeland Security, says survival from a 10 kiloton atomic bomb, about two-thirds size of the Hiroshima (World War II)

Dear Editor: Random searches of backpacks in New York and elsewhere are likely unconstitutional. This is a huge plus for the terrorists. This is exactly what the terrorists want - intrusion and invasion into our lives by our very own government. Disruption and intrusion into our lives by the government upsets the overall balance of democracy. The setting aside of more and more of our rights and freedoms in the name of fighting terrorism is rapidly causing us to become a police state.

For many, the words homeland security conjure images of horrific acts of international terrorism. But in medium and small communities like Stanford, threats are more likely to come from within - a Columbine High School-type shooting, for instance, or a lone gunman who opens fire in a workplace, said Tom Lindquist, team leader of the Kentucky Community Preparedness Program (KCPP). "We're not just into terrorists. Other threats are every bit as dangerous and much more likely," Lindquist said.

LANCASTER - Pictures of the four fresh-faced teens who shot classmates at Columbine, Colorado, and Jonesboro, Arkansas, seemed to induce a momentary hush over some Garrard County High School students Tuesday. Marry Harris, deputy director with the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, told students the boys were domestic terrorists. She said some people theorize that they were influenced by video games, but that is not proven. She described the planning that went into the killings, and explained why it was considered terrorism.

Four area agencies are among recipients of the most recent round of Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program grants, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced. Danville and Harrodsburg police departments, Harrodsburg Fire Department and Northpoint Training Center are among 59 departments to get grants to ensure that law enforcement and emergency responders receive specialized equipment and training to meet their homeland security mission. The assistance program offers equipment for: personal protective equipment; thermal imaging, night vision, and video surveillance tools; chemical and biological detection tools; information technology and risk management tools; and interoperable communications equipment.

BURGIN - The Burgin Police Department received some welcome support in the form of federal grant money Wednesday. The department will get $8,000 to upgrade the wireless capabilities of its police car. Burgin also recently obtained $15,000 from the United States Department of Homeland Security for security technology. A mobile data terminal will be placed in Burgin's one police cruiser. The wireless equipment will allow police to obtain information in the field. Burgin Police Chief Jim Caldwell said the benefits are obvious.

SITE OF CHILD'S MURDER TO BECOME PLACE TO HELP KIDS The garage in Paris where Wesley Mullins' body was found 10 months ago will be turned into nonprofit office space for agencies that want to help kids. By Fred Petke SUMMER POOL SEASON BEGINS A large crowd enjoyed the first day of fun at the Community Pool, and the summer Parks and Recreation season has begun. Story by Katheran Wasson and photos by James Mann CARNIVAL SET FOR NEXT WEEK A carnival, complete with amusement rides and concessions, will take place next week at Peddler's Mall with free admission.

September is National Preparedness Month, according to the Department of Homeland Security. It is a nationwide effort encouraging Americans to take simple steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, businesses and schools, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The goal of the month is to increase public awareness about the importance of preparing for emergencies and to encourage individuals to take action. After the bomb shelters of the Cold War went unused, disaster preparation became the realm of "survivalists" and carried social stigma, but on the second anniversary of the levee breach in New Orleans and the ensuing disaster, it is the sober man who assumes that in the event of a disaster, outside help will be slow in coming.

How good are you at walking and chewing gum at the same time - mentally speaking? For instance, can you vigorously support measures that really protect our nation, such as a strong military, yet at the same time oppose wasting money under the guise of enhancing “homeland security?” Recently, as Kentuckians in communities across the commonwealth prepared to memorialize the 10th anniversary of the deadliest attack by terrorists on American soil, a reporter asked me whether Department of Homeland Security spending has made us safer.

While citizens reflect on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, state and local emergency service providers are still mindful of threats that face even rural communities. Gene Kiser, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security, said no specific threats have been identified in correlation with today's 10-year anniversary of 9/11, but his office has been keeping track of where celebrations will be happening and how many people plan to attend. “There's always a concern about what somebody might do,” Kiser said.

The Nicholasville Fire Department will be awarded a Kentucky Department of Homeland Security grant which will allow it to upgrade from analog to digital radio equipment. The $18,587 grant is the first phase of funds which will help the department meet federal guidelines to be completely digital by 2013, Fire Chief Charles Brumfield said. "You have to have what they call narrowband by 2013," he said. "In preparation for that, this equipment is necessary to have up and running by that time.

In 2008, American Atheists filed a lawsuit against the state claiming they suffered sleeping disorders and "mental pain and anguish" because the Kentucky Office of Homeland Security recognized "the safety and security of the Commonwealth cannot be achieved apart from reliance upon Almighty God. " Well, they can finally get some rest. Last Wednesday, Franklin Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate struck down the part about relying on God, which leaves legislators and the rest of us wondering who we should now rely on. "This is the very reason the Establishment Clause was created: to protect the minority from the oppression of the majority," Wingate wrote in his 18-page opinion.

HARRODSBURG - Thanks to a grant from Homeland Security, the Mercer County Sheriff's Office will be able to purchase about three new rifles for its sheriffs. At the Mercer County Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday, the court approved receiving the $2,865 in grant money. The sheriff's office needed approval from the court to receive the money. Sheriff Chris Kehrt said the grant is due in large part to the work of a grant officer. In other business, the court also appointed Allen White a trustee for the Mercer County Public Library.

Comprehensive plan panel meets tonight The Comprehensive Plan Committee will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall to discuss updates to the plan. Winchester Kiwanis Club meets July 15 The Winchester Kiwanis Club will meet at noon Wednesday at Taste of China. Linda Mayberry, U.S. Department of Homeland Security and assistant federal security director at Blue Grass Airport, Lexington, will speak. Rhonda Morphew will be the program chairwoman. GTE/Sylvania/Osram/UAW retirees to meet The Winchester GTE/Osram/Sylvania/UAW retirees will meet at 11 a.m. at the Union Hall on North Bloomfield Road.

BURGIN - The Burgin Police Department received some welcome support in the form of federal grant money Wednesday. The department will get $8,000 to upgrade the wireless capabilities of its police car. Burgin also recently obtained $15,000 from the United States Department of Homeland Security for security technology. A mobile data terminal will be placed in Burgin's one police cruiser. The wireless equipment will allow police to obtain information in the field. Burgin Police Chief Jim Caldwell said the benefits are obvious.

Winchester Kiwanis Club The Winchester Kiwanis Club will meet at noon Wednesday at Taste of China. Harry E. Mason, an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky's Patterson School of Diplomacy, will speak. His 35-year federal goverment career included domestic and overseas positions with the Central Intelligence Agency and the U.S. Department of State. His areas of specialization include Foreign Intelligence and Homeland Security. Michael Rowady will be program chairman.

SITE OF CHILD'S MURDER TO BECOME PLACE TO HELP KIDS The garage in Paris where Wesley Mullins' body was found 10 months ago will be turned into nonprofit office space for agencies that want to help kids. By Fred Petke SUMMER POOL SEASON BEGINS A large crowd enjoyed the first day of fun at the Community Pool, and the summer Parks and Recreation season has begun. Story by Katheran Wasson and photos by James Mann CARNIVAL SET FOR NEXT WEEK A carnival, complete with amusement rides and concessions, will take place next week at Peddler's Mall with free admission.