Countywide News and Information
Scroll Down to Follow Items of Interest and Issues Surrounding Pendleton County and its Cities
 |
Fiscal Court Issues of Interest |
 |
- The Pendleton County Fiscal Court is presently in the process of adopting a county zoning ordinance.
- The Fiscal Court has just completed the process of passing a Burn Notification Ordinance (see "County Ordinances" within this website in order to review the content of this ordinance).
- The Fiscal Court and County Road Department continues to experience the problem with the removal and destruction of County Road Signs.
There are serious issues surrounding the providing of emergency services caused by the removal of county road name signs and stop signs. There is a $1,000.00 reward for any one who provides information that leads to the conviction of those removing signs.
|
Judge/Executive Press Release |
|
Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg, left, presented Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram, right, with his award certificate.
Bertram chosen Local Elected Official of the Year
Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram received a framed document from the Municipal Government League of Northern Kentucky, which recognized his dedicated public service to the Northern Kentucky Region of the Commonwealth on the evening of November 10, 2007. The presentation took place at the Summit Hill Country Club, near Thomas More College, during the Annual MGLNK Dinner. Southgate Mayor Jim Hamberg read from the award certificate: "It is fitting that we honor Henry Bertram as Outstanding Local Elected Official for 2007. His contributions are not only worthy of our emulation, but evidence the extraordinary collective contribution one person can make through dedicated public service and personal commitment. Northern Kentucky is a better place to live and work, Henry Bertram, because of your contributions, accomplishments and achievements. This well-earned public honor is given to you as a symbol of our appreciation." Article and photo by Roger McKinney.
|
Senior Citizen Funding Needs |
|
Across the state advocates are raising the awareness for the needs for more funding in aging services. The Area Agencies on Aging (housed at the ADD's,) the KY Association for Gerontology (KAG), AARP, and the NK Senior Advocates are asking for an additional $15 Million for aging services. The 2006 session awarded $7.5 M over two years. ($3.5M for FY 2007 and $4M this FY.) That goes away this year yet the needs keep growing. In the NKADD the list of seniors waiting to be assessed is 392. This is the breakdown per county:
Boone 35
Campbell 108
Carroll 2
Gallatin 7
Grant 20
Kenton 207
Owen 7
Pendleton 6
Anne Varnum, Director of Human Services for the NKADD, estimates 85% of the 392 will need Home Delivered Meals.
Presently there are 47 people waiting for in home services and 31 for meals. This is in addition to the 392. These folks have been assessed. There was one Campbell County resident waiting for a meal slot to open since June.
The General Assembly needs to find additional funding to help older persons remain in their homes. The cost of a Nursing Facility is approximately $60,000 per year, the cost to remain independent in one's home with support services runs approximately $5,000 per year, saving Medicaid many dollars.
In home services are provided to the lower income residents. All are homebound, and have very few family supports.
Additional funding will reduce waiting lists for meals, in-home services, adult day care and the personal attendant program. (This program is for the disabled over 18 that have lost the use of two or more limbs.)
The number of older adults over the age of 65 will double by 2030. The numbers increase each year of those needing services. Across the state there are 14,794 folks waiting for services. 4,452 are waiting for Home delivered meals.
Another funding problem that has happened in NKY and across the state is the need for more congregate funding. The congregate meal is served in senior centers and meal sites (seniors living in senior complexes that recieve Section 8 assistance can get a meal at the meal site - Grand Towers, Saratoga Place, Panorama, Golden Towers, just to name a few senior housing complexes that are designated as meal sites.) Meals have been cut to 3 days a week to the meal sites and several senior centers due to the lack of funding. Without daily food, seniors become weaker and frailer to the point of needing institutionalization.
The needs are great and will only continue to grow with the baby boomers turning 60. Kentucky can't afford to have one senior citizen starve.
Money is tight but services are desperately needed not only in NKY but for the entire state. $15 Million across the entire state would help but still not meet all the needs.
|
Williamstown Lake Expansion |
|
Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram, several magistrates and Falmouth City Council members, among others, went to Williamstown to accept a check from U.S. Congressman Geoff Davis. Pictured above: (l-r) Falmouth Councilman Rick Mineer, Pendleton Magistrate Alan Whaley, U.S Congressman Geoff Davis, Pendleton Judge/Executive Henry Bertram, Falmouth Councilman Mark Hart and Pendleton Magistrate Bob Fogel.
Congressman brings some funding for Lake Williamstown expansion
By Debbie Dennie, Editor
Congressman Geoff Davis was in Williamstown on January 10 bringing with him a check for $500,000 for the Lake Williamstown Expansion Project.
Grant County Judge/Executive Darrell Link, Williamstown Mayor Glenn Caldwell, and Pendleton County Judge/Executive Henry Bertram, along with several members from each governing body from Pendleton County, Falmouth City Council and members from the Lake Williamstown Expansion Advisory Committee.
The idea and work began on this project with Grant and Pendleton counties working together approximately eight years ago. "This is a prime example of counties working together for a regional project," said Judge Bertram.
When completed the expansion project will be able to provide a clean water supply to Grant County during droughts and adjoining cities and a secondary supply for Pendleton County, other than the Licking River. The Project is expected to produce a huge economic development for both counties.
Congressman Davis stated, "I am pleased to be standing here today to present this check. This funding was nearly two and a half years in the making and this presentation is the culmination of the hard work of many people standing in this room, most notably, Judge Link, Judge Bertram and Mayor Caldwell. There is still much work to be done on this project, but this funding represents a critical step in the process."
Grant County Judge Executive Darrell Link said, "Congressman Geoff Davis delivered on his promise. Congressman Davis was able to include a $500,000 appropriation in the budget bill for the planning and design of the expansion of Lake Williamstown. When Congressman Davis gives you his word, it is like putting money in the bank. Congresssman Davis and I had dinner together in Washington, D.C. immediately after he was initially sworn into office, and we agreed that it was in the best interest of our constituency that we work together. This appropriation is the result of working together and uniting in purpose to meet the expectations of those who have placed their trust in us. This is a clear example of why Congressman Davis will represent the 4th District for a long, long time. I appreciate Congressman Davis' friendship, his commitment to this project, and his dedication to the people of the 4th District."
Pendleton County Judge Executive Henry Bertram remarked, "The Williamstown Lake Expansion project is a key raw water source that will also create an enormous amount of development for both Grant, and especially Pendleton County, since 75% of the expansion will take place in our county. This $500,000 appropriation the Congressman has been able to acquire shows us how committed he is to the project and to our county."
"The Williamstown Lake Project will be a major economic driver for both Grant and Pendleton Counties as well as the cities of Dry Ridge, Williamstown, and Falmouth," said Williamstown Mayor Glenn Caldwell. "This project is a long term water solution as well and should take care of Grant and Pendleton Counties water supply needs for over 100 years."
For more of this story, see this week's Falmouth Outlook
|
Retired Health Nurse Honored |
|
Local Health Department's Chairman of the Board of Directors, Henry Bertram, presents a Plaque of Appreciation to former nurse Mildred Dickison on January 10, 2008.
Health Department honors Mildred Dickison
By Roger McKinney, Reporter.
The local Health Department's Board of Directors honored Mildred Dickison with a plaque, which recognized her many years of service to the community on the evening of Thursday, January 10, 2008. Henry Bertram, presented the plaque and recounted Nurse Dickison's achievements:
She played a major role in the creation of the county health department in 1950. She was the only nurse with the department until 1963, when Carolyn Coleman was employed. Mrs. Dickison worked very closely with the county's first health officer, Dr. Virginia Kratz (Senator Katie Stine's mother). Mrs. Dickison coordinated the county's Salk Vaccination Program, which controlled and eventually eradicated Polio. She implemented the school health program and gave shots to every student in the county. Nurse Dickison provided antibiotic therapy to homebound tuberculosis patients. She provided transportation to those children requiring visits to eye clinics and handicapped services programs located in Covington, Kentucky.
Nurse Dickison served Pendleton County for 28 years, retiring in 1978. Chairman Bertram said the community was very appreciative of Mildred Dickison's hard work and dedication.
|
UK Extension Blog, Families |
|
Contact: Leigh Ann Simmons, 859-257-1648
New UK Blog Focuses on Kentucky Families & Communities
Lexington, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2008) – The University of Kentucky School of Human Environmental Sciences has launched an innovative web log that focuses on issues and policies affecting Kentucky families and communities.
“Our school has always provided excellent research and factual information on family issues for citizens and policymakers,” said Dr. Leigh Ann Simmons, assistant professor of family studies and leader of the effort. “The blog gives everyone clear and convenient access to this resource.”
Weblog, or “blog,” is an Internet website with dated entries that gives readers the ability to comment on those entries. Readers can interact with blog authors and other readers by starting online conversations through the comments.
“Citizens and legislators have a unique opportunity to form a dialogue in a very public way,” said Dr. Ann Vail, director of the UK School of Human Environmental Sciences. “The facts and research we provide will add value to the policy discussion, and the blog will give citizens and policymakers another way to reach each other.”
The blog, which can be found online at www.kyfp.org, provides information about existing and emerging programs in Kentucky communities. The authors do not advocate a particular political ideology or point of view, but offer research and programming information that will enhance current family policy debates ongoing in the state legislature.
The authors hope to use this blog as a model for others to follow nationwide. Topics are broken down by both county and issue to make it an easy-to-use tool. “By spreading the word online, we can generate more interest in family policy and in the people who develop it,” said Janet Johnson, Family and Consumer Sciences Cooperative Extension Agent in Allen County. “People can visit our blog to learn more about what’s happening both in their home counties and in Frankfort, and they’ll have a chance to share their thoughts as well.”
“Blogs are great tools to share facts quickly and get instant feedback,” said Dr. Simmons. “We’re really looking forward to supporting Kentucky’s family policy discussions and serving the citizens leading them.”
Educational programs of Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.
|
Governor/Teen Court |
|
Teen Court attends conference in Lexington
The above Pendleton County Teen Court students were attending a conference in Lexington at the same time and place the Judge Executive's Conference was being held. Judge Executive Henry W. Bertram was able to get the students, along with Patty Cummins and Barbara Paul, on the front row on the far right, their coordinator and trainer, introduced to Governor Steve Breshear pictured above with the Teen Court.
|
State of the County Address |
|
On March 5th 2008, before approximatly 80 Pendleton County Leaders, the Pendleton County Judge/Executive along with the Magistrates, presented the "State of the County Address". The entire presentation may be opened from this website by clicking on "State of the County". You must have "Power Point" loaded on you computer to be able to open and read. Upon opening, click in any frame to proceed to the next frame. All frames are numbered at the "bottom right."
|
Pendleton Data Farm Recognition |
|
Falmouth Business Ranks Top 12
Pendleton Data Farm Receives Pacesetter Business Recognition Award
Pendleton Data Farm joins an elite group of Kentucky businesses being honored with a 2008 Pacesetter Award. Managing partner Michael Lanin accepted the award at the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event held at the Thomas Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort. The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program is a new initiative that acknowledges h igh performing second-stage businesses that are changing the economic landscape of Kentucky by introducing innovative products; increasing sales and/or production; boosting employment; and, serving the communities of the Commonwealth.
"Pendleton Data Farm’s rich history of product innovation and the employment opportunities they provide to the citizens of Pendleton County prove they are a successful business that others aspire to emulate," said Becky Naugle, Ph.D., State Director, Kentucky Small Business Development Center. "It is an honor that a business of this caliber chooses to do business in Kentucky."
Pendleton Data Farm manages a network of records researchers (abstractors) nationwide, as well as salaried abstractors. Pendleton Data Farm anticipated market consolidation, turbulence in the real estate market and technical evolution. They constructed a leading edge web based management system which extended its walls into the offices of contract providers and to the rest of the title/mortgage industry. Pendleton Data Farm received a Pacesetter Award for its commitment to its community which is evident through its decision to remain located in Falmouth despite offers to relocate elsewhere and its practice of hiring local employees. Additionally, Pendleton Data Farm continually develops new products allowing them to enter into new markets and create a sustainable competitive advantage.
Each of the twelve businesses distinguished with a 2008 Pacesetter Award demonstrate the capacity and intent to grow. In addition to Pendleton Data Farm honorees include:
- Big Meadow Oil Company Inc. – Knob Lick – 10 employees
- Custom Tool & Manufacturing Company – Lawrenceburg – 46 employees
- Hitcents Inc. – Bowling Green – 43 employees
- Interstate Natural Gas Company – Pikeville – 280 employees
- Lawrence & Associates – Louisville – 7 employees
- LCM Company – Lexington – 18 employees
- Oscarware Inc. – Bonnieville – 33 employees
- SouthEast Telephone – Pikeville – 300 employees
- The Gallaher Group – Ashland – 35 employees
- Twin Rivers Inc. – Livermore – 20 employees
- Walbert Trucking Inc. – Glasgow – 120 employees
The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program and the Kentucky Celebrates Small Businesses event are a collaborative effort between the Kentucky Small Business Center, headquartered at the University of Kentucky’s Office of Commercialization and Economic Development; the United States Small Business Administration; Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development; and the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis – Louisville Branch. The Pacesetter Business Recognition Program will be an annual event honoring high performing second-stage businesses.
|