At Fiscal Court: Parks and Rec To See Changes

Judge Executive Wil Cannon discussed several changes that the county is looking to make with the Parks and Rec program, specifically the youth baseball and softball program. Judge Cannon reported that Park Director A.B. Webb has voluntarily offered money from his own salary to seek improvements in the program. Judge Cannon reported to the court that the county is looking to hire a Little League Administrator to focus on issues regarding coaches, the Parks & Rec Board, rules and regulations, and to also be an advocate for players and parents. More specific duties of the new administrator will be discussed in future fiscal court meetings. The hiring of a new administrator would shift much of the director's current duties and allow Webb to focus on the management of the facilities themselves: Field preparation, mowing, proper equipment, gear, and more. The Edmonson Voice reported to the court the amount of feedback that we received from our recent polls and letter to the editor regarding our parks, and that it was a popular issue with our readers. The court was pleased to received the feedback and asked us to elaborate in the next meeting when more details of the new administrator will be discussed.

Judge Cannon and the Fiscal Court discusses Parks and Rec issues at today's meeting.

Judge Cannon also discussed plans to make improvements and repairs to the basketball and tennis courts. The judge said that it was time for people to see that Edmonson County cared about it's parks, facilities, and most importantly, the kids who use them. The court also re-appointed Parks and Rec Board members Derek Curtis and Laura Thomas, as well as appointed three new members, Greg Hudson, Lori Alexander, and Jodi Johnson.

The court also heard from county road foreman Ray Page. He reported that county road crews were out from 5pm Friday evening to 6am the next morning, plowing roads and doing other road work. He reported that some areas of the county received a total of 5-6 inches of snow Friday night. He also said that his department has ordered an additional 50 tons of salt for future road preparation. 

Ambulance Director Keith Sanders reported that the ambulance service is receiving a $10,000 grant from the KY Board of EMS, which will be used for improvements at our local EMS.

The court heard from Lisa Whobery and Lisa Sanders who requested use of the Chalybeate Park for an ECHS Youth Leadership Project on April 25th. The group is planning a 5k Run and a benefit concert for the American Cancer Society. The concert will be made up of local artists and bands. The court approved the organization's request. In case of inclement weather, a date of June 6 was also approved as a make up date. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle gave the Sheriff's report. He credited the cooperation of the Brownsville Police, State Police, the Sheriff's dept, as well as all rescue and emergency personnel for the car chase/manhunt that kept all agencies busy on Thursday night. He also reported that the Sheriff's office building was in need of repair in several areas. He had received estimates for various repairs and painting. He requested for the magistrates to visit the office and see for themselves. The court agreed to study the matter and discuss at the next meeting. He also reported that he has requested a grant from the Law Enforcement Protection Program that will allow his department to purchase new body armor and tasers. 

Sheriff Shane Doyle gives the Sheriff's report.

Constables Elvis Lindsey and Tim Skees also attended and offered their help and services to law enforcement and the court in any way they could contribute. The office of constable is a volunteer position. 

County Attorney J.B. Hines reported that his new office was getting settled in after Windstream Communications had damaged some phone lines in his office. The phones and internet was being sorted out and should be 100% soon. 

County Clerk Kevin Alexander reported that the vote tallying machines and software was in desperate need of improving and updating. He was in the process of researching different options for the county. 

Jailer Hank Vincent reported that Edmonson County currently had 33 inmates lodged at the Hart County Jail. He said he'd been able to establish an excellent working relationship with the new Hart County Jailer and looked forward to working with him in the future. 

The court also:

• Agreed to advertise the mowing contract of Bee Spring Park
  
• Approved Constables' Bond
• Approved Extension Agent District Board Appointment of James Davis
• Approved County Treasure Public Officials Bond
• Heard from the Judge regarding installation of lighting on the war monument and the flag outside the courthouse. 
• Heard from County Extension Agent David Embry. He introduced Julia Branstetter, another member of the agency and Family & Consumer Sciences/ 4-H Youth Development. She discussed a possible grant that would help promote healthy lifestyles in Edmonson County 

Darren Doyle, Story and Photos