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Wayne County Fiscal Court met last evening (Thursday) and heard the first reading of the budget for the next fiscal year. The budget, which totals approximately $9.5 million, includes increased funding for Memorial Park, as well as continued support for the swimming program at the ASPIRE Center and the second year for a local Farmer’s Market. County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin noted that funding for the park under the proposed budget would increase from $3,200 per month to $3,600 per month.
He said this budget also includes funds for a new ambulance for EMS, as well as an allocation for the relatively new recycling program. Rankin noted that the road fund includes $315,000, which has been earmarked for blacktopping.
This budget includes a .45 cent per hour pay increase for all county employees, which was previously approved by the court. A second reading of the budget amendment must be held before the court will take any action.
Also during the meeting the court officially received a copy of the petition from the Parnell Volunteer Fire Department, with verified signatures of residents who are in favor of the location of a rural fire department in that community. Rankin said a public hearing must be held before the county can consider adoption of an ordinance establishing the fire department. (05-09-08)
New runway lights for Monticello Airport. U.S. Rep. Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the Federal Aviation Administration is awarding nearly $350,000 to install new runway lights at the Monticello-Wayne County Airport. The new lighting system will replace a 40 year-old system that was beyond repair, increasing traffic capacity and safety. “Investing in regional airports makes available additional modes of travel,” said Rogers. “Economic development depends on a strong and reliable transportation infrastructure.” (05-06-08)
A houseboat manufacturer in Monticello has suspended operations. American Waterways,located on East KY 90 near Mill Springs suspended operations May 1, according to today's Commonwealth Journal. American Waterways was opened in 2005 by the same ownership group that operates Sumerset Houeboats in Somerset KY (05-06-08)
McCreary County jail escapees recaptured. On Monday, May 05, 2008 at 02:40 AM the Kentucky State Police Post 11 London received a report, from the McCreary County 911 dispatch, of an escape from The McCreary County Detention Center by two inmates. Upon arrival Trooper Tony Dingess was given information that the escapees were running on the local railroad tracks. Trooper Dingess, Tpr. Shaler Jones and members of the McCreary County Sheriffs Office proceeded to the railroad tracks where they heard the subjects running in the woods but were unable to locate them. A short time later McCreary County 911 received a prowler complaint at a residence on Dripping Springs Road. Trooper Dingess, Tpr. Shaler Jones, Officer Tim Grooms with the US Forest Service, Sheriff Gus Skinner and Officers of the McCreary County Sheriffs Office proceeded to the residence where they located and arrested, without incident, Darren J. Renfro, 24, of Parker’s Lake. The second subject Virgil L. Allen, 23, of Parker’s Lake was located hiding under the residence and after a brief altercation was arrested. Both subjects were lodged in the McCreary County Detention Center and charges of Escape 1st and Assault are pending. Detective Billy Correll is in charge the investigation and was assisted by officers from the Kentucky State Police, the McCreary County Sheriff’s Office and the US Forest Service.
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