Stokes' Trial Delayed

The trial for Todd County Sheriff W. D. "Billy" Stokes has been delayed.

According to a court document, the trial has been rescheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2008 at 8:30 a.m.

A jury trial that Special Judge R. Harris is presiding over is lasting longer than expected and has caused the delay.

For the full story see this week's edition of the Todd County Standard.

Otter Hunting?

Hunting season is approaching and to those that enjoy the sport, this isn't anything new. While deer and turkey hunting is the norm, hunters may be surprised by the number of less obvious animals harvested in the county.

According to the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1,193 deer killed in the county last year. The spokesman for the department couldn't provide exact numbers for the harvest of other animals, however, the maps do give a range.

Between 21 and 30 bobcats were killed and between one and 10 river otters were killed. It's my guess that number for the otters would be closer to one than 10.

~~Posted by Jason Mallory

A joke?

Here are some photos taken Monday by the Standard of a sign in the windshield of an undercover vehicle used by Sheriff W.D. "Billy" Stokes. The sign, which is a fake sign that just about every other person on the planet has had at one time or another, is obviously meant to be a joke.

But on this day the sign pointed to the spaces next to the vehicle. One of those spaces was a handicapped parking space at the courthouse.

We wonder if this was intentional?

With a trial coming up next week that involves a now infamous dispute over a handicapped parking space, alleged threats with a tazer gun and improper use of blue lights, we have to wonder if any thought was put into this?

We ask the question: Is this just a harmless joke? Is it funny or with the trial looming was it inappropriate?

You decide.

Jimmy Groves' letter

We love letters to the editor. But it is a rare day when we get one that asks for Todd County to think about more than just "chicken and lumber."

We will be at Former Circuit Clerk Jimmy Groves' meeting on Aug. 19, but we wonder who else will show up?

We also wonder if this is the baby steps toward a chamber of commerce or some variation?

Either way, we are always for any forum where citizens can come together to discuss the greater good.

Here's Groves' letter:

To Concerned Citizens Interested in Elkton and Todd County:
Elkton has no Chamber of Commerce — no economic development commission - no historical group! There is one Civic Club — Rotary, which mainly supports education...the Mayor, Council and City Administration do what they can to promote Elkton, but their primary duty is governing the town.

Elkton is the location of all county constitutional and statutory offices, as well as federal and state offices. The county's high school and middle school are located in the town, as is the administrative office of the school district. In the near future, a Justice Center will be constructed, and this project will, perhaps, offer the opportunity for more projects.

Those persons who put time, effort and money into developing business operations are to be commended and supported. Individuals who donate and volunteer for the town's interest are much appreciated.

Elkton is not alone in the loss of jobs and revenue, as many communities across the country have experienced the same. Therefore, there is a need to promote and improve our town and area. Good community-minded individuals are needed in our area. More businesses and job opportunities are needed. This is an agricultural area, of which we are proud, but more is needed than chickens and lumber.

"Bike Night" was the idea of one person promoting it. It is now an event which brings people into town and is beneficial to business. It offers enjoyment for many.

The City Clerk is to be applauded for her efforts in promoting activities, but she needs help.

Past efforts of individuals and/or small groups brought about worthwhile projects: Lake Malone began as Rocky Creek Lake, promoted by the Todd County Fish and Game Club; Elk Fork Golf Course and swimming pool is the result of a few men and real effort by a group of women; City/County Park came into being by a small group of Jaycees and donation of land by two men who wanted to help youngsters. In its beginning, Pennyrile Rural Electric Co-op was headquartered in Elkton. The outdoor drama at Jefferson Davis Park was an idea out of Elkton. In 1971, an outstanding celebration for Todd County's 150th anniversary brought lots of activity throughout the county.

The need for an active group to promote Elkton is evident - a group to support growth for jobs, to promote historical recognitions, to bring cultural, art, entertainment and other objectives is envisioned.
In order to 'reestablish' cooperation, promotion, pride and opportunity, you are urged to attend a meeting of like-minded persons of goodwill to form an organization to bring these traits into community life.

Think of a name or acronym for the organization that will 'grab' attention! (Example: P.A.C.E. - Progress Ahead for Community of Elkton; G.E.T.O.N. - Get Elkton Together, Old and New.)

Bring your thoughts and ideas to the Old Todd County Courthouse, Tuesday, August 19, at 5 p.m.

Jimmy Groves

Todd County to get $118,703 grant for EMS

Here's a news release we received today from Rep. Whitfield. This is good news for the county. We also heard that the county will have to match about 5 percent of the funds (about $6,000).

A sad fact of local government is that state and federal funding more than keeps the ship afloat and it often is the only way to pay for improvements.

Another sad fact of government and what is important: The EMS gets far less (about $400,000) than cities get to fix sidewalks.

To try to understand government is to cause your head to explode.


Whitfield Announces Funds for Todd County Emergency Medical Services

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Ed Whitfield (KY-01) helped secured $118,703 today for Todd County Emergency Medical Services. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA).

“Todd County Emergency Medical Services does a great job of keeping the community safe and ensuring fast and quality medical care when a crisis strikes,” Whitfield said. “They play a vital role in Todd County and I am pleased to do all that I can to assist their efforts.”

The department received the grant through the Operations and Safety program. These funds may be used for training, equipment, personal protective equipment, wellness and fitness, and health and safety modifications to facilities. Whitfield sent a letter of support for Todd County Emergency Medical Services to FEMA earlier this year requesting funds.

The award comes as part of the Fiscal Year 2008 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program. These grants aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire-related hazards. Since 2004, AFG has provided a total of almost $2.75 billion to first-responder organizations to purchase response equipment, personal protective equipment, and vehicles.

Posted by Ryan

Back-to-School

With the first days of school comes much more than a new year of learning, along with those first few days comes an increase in traffic flow.

We here at the Standard urge drivers to be cautious as buses start moving again and to watch carefully for pedestrians. Remember that the stop signs buses put out are not a suggestion. If you have problems getting stuck behind buses, try leaving about five minutes earlier.

While school buses are typically safer than cars, according to a release from the Kentucky State Police, many children are injured or killed in incidents involving school buses.

Here are a few tips from the KSP to help students and parents have a safer school year.

Riding the bus
• Have a safe place to wait for your bus, away from traffic and the street.
• Stay away from the bus until it comes to a complete stop and the driver signals you to enter.
• When being dropped off, exit the bus and walk 10 giant steps away from the bus. Keep a safe distance
between you and the bus. Also, remember that the bus driver can see you best when you are back away
from the bus.
• Use the handrail to enter and exit the bus.
• Stay away from the bus until the driver gives his/her signal that it's okay to approach.
• Be aware of the street traffic around you. Drivers are required to follow certain rules of the road
concerning school buses, however, not all do. Protect yourself and watch out!

Walking and Biking to School
Even if you don't ride in a motor vehicle, you still have to protect yourself. Because of minimal supervision, young pedestrians face a wide variety of dangers while walking to and from school. Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:
• Mind all traffic signals and/or the crossing guard -- never cross the street against a light, even if you
don't see any traffic coming.
• Walk your bike through intersections.
• Walk with a buddy.
• Wear reflective material...it makes you more visible to street traffic.

Riding in a Car
• You might have heard before that most traffic crashes occur close to home ... they do.
• Safety belts are the best form of protection passengers have in the event of a crash. They can lower
your risk of injury by 45 percent.
• You are four times more likely to be seriously injured or killed if ejected from the vehicle in a crash.
• Everyone needs to be buckled up properly. That means older children in seat belts, younger children in booster seats and little children in child safety seats.

— Tips from the Kentucky State Police. Image from Metro Creative Graphics

Posted by Stephanie

SHIFT Happens

It is very rare these days that I read/see something that causes me to stop and think on such a profound level as a slide show that I witnessed while covering the Todd County School District's Professional Development Day Wednesday at the high school for the newspaper.

Assistant Superintendent Vicki Myers introduced a slide show called SHIFT Happens. To me the title itself caused giggles and I wondered what exactly I was about to see on the big projection screen.

I don't know that I can exactly put into words what I felt while watching the slide show or how I still think about it now, so I'll let you judge for yourself.

When I returned to the office later than day, I clicked on the website and had Ryan watch the show. He didn't say much either but he did bookmark the page. (For Ryan, that is a big deal.)

The slideshow is available on the internet at shifthappens.wikispaces.com.

~~ Posted by Sarah Craig