By Al Owens

Meeting in regular session last week the Vanceburg City Council gave second reading to an ordinance repealing and rescinding a previous ordinance limiting the number of beer licenses that could be issued by the city. According to the state legislature and the Kentucky Supreme Court the city does not have the right to adopt or enforce an ordinance setting a quota for beer licenses.

The State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board directed the City Council to adopt the rescinding ordinance and to also issue a license previously denied to one business.

Council member Brenda Lykins voted against adopting the ordinance.

Lykins told the council that she knew they had no choice but to adopt the ordinance but she voted no because she thinks if the state already has that law then an ordinance is not necessary.

City Attorney E.V. Holder Jr. explained that if they did not comply with the state’s directive then they would repeatedly be going through this process regarding alcohol licenses.

The council moved to increase its coverage against lawsuits with the Kentucky League of Cities from one million to two million dollars. The KLC advised the city to take that action some time ago because such lawsuits are usually for several million dollars.

Mayor William T. "Bill Tom" Cooper announced the city's annual Christmas breakfast will be in the city building on Friday, December 16, at 10:00 a.m. The seasonal meal is for the city employees and their families.

Vanceburg resident Roger Jahn appeared before the council to inquire about opening the boat dock this year. He said he could put the entrance to the dock on his property with only private or membership access.

Cooper voiced concern about the issue of liability insurance if anyone had to cross city property to get to the dock.

Jahn said that he might be able to put in a walkway on his own property. He thanked the council for its input because it gives him somewhere to go in his planning.

The council approved the minutes of the previous meeting and then adjourned until Tuesday, December 13, at 6:45 p.m. so a decision can be made on a new electric contract.

Cooper said that the Electric Plant Board of the City of Vanceburg has a proposal for a new electric contract and if the board approves it then the city council will also have to approve the contract and will do so that same evening.

Without giving any details Cooper said that the plant board was able to negotiate for a pretty good contract.

The TENCO Workforce Investment Board held their 2005 Awards Ceremony at Sheltowee Trail Country Club, Morehead, on October 27.

The Workforce Investment Board is comprised of individuals representing business, industry and partners of the One-Stop Career Centers. The goals of the Board are to ensure the alignment of services, programs and the One-Stop System with workforce demands to provide the foundation for positive economic strides in the local, regional, and global economy.

Don Davis, representing Ashland Oil Inc. was recognized for his outstanding service during the past two years as the Board Chair. The TENCO Chief Elected Official, Mason County Judge Executive James "Buddy" Gallenstein, swore in the new chair, Wayne Darnell, Community Trust Bank.

The highlight of the evening was the Award Ceremony. The TENCO Workforce Investment Board recognized outstanding achievement in workforce development. Among those recognized were several Lewis County citizens.

A&B Auto was awarded the Outstanding Small Business Partnership Award from the TENCO WIA Board due to being a company that not only prepares youth for a brighter future, but takes a strong interest in their lives.

A&B Auto has partnered with the Lewis County WIA program for the past five years. Owners April and Bill Justice, embraced the opportunity to work with the challenges that many youth face. Throughout five years, they have taught work readiness skills, trained youth in basic auto-mechanic procedures and served as a guide and mentor for WIA participants.

By offering employment opportunities, A&B Auto has proven that they are willing to give youth a chance, and show them that success is possible regardless of their life obstacles. April & Bill also offer their time to the community through volunteering for the Relay for Life, Hospice of Hope and many church activities.

Dezarae Polley Sammons was awarded the Outstanding Older Youth Award. She enrolled in the Lewis County WIA youth program in September of 2002 with a dream and a desire to become an elementary teacher.

As Dezarae excelled in the youth program, gaining job preparation, personal leadership skills, and work experience hours, her motivation for teaching became apparent. She explained that more than anything else, she wanted to be a role model for children. Her belief is that everyone has obstacles to overcome. Some are just more visible than others. Her goal is to help children see that they can be successful regardless of their challenges.

The WIA program was proud to provide Dezarae with a scholarship to attend Shawnee State University and make her dream a reality. Dezarae graduated from Shawnee State University in 2005 and is now employed with the Greenup County School District.

Tyler Howington was awarded the Outstanding Younger Youth Award.

If you knew Tyler during his freshman year of school, you may have never predicted his success. However, Tyler had a dream of being on the varsity basketball team. That dream motivated him to become the person he is today.

Through athletics, Tyler met several mentors and teachers that greatly impacted his life. He began playing intramural basketball and volunteered as an assistant coach/manager for the basketball team. Tyler won the respect and admiration of the coaches through his hard work and willingness to learn. He not only achieved his goal of playing on the Varsity basketball team, but also emerged as one of the most improved players and won all-district honors.

Tyler was enrolled in the Lewis County WIA youth program at the Lewis County High School. WIA case managers assisted Tyler in job preparation, leadership, mentoring, work experience and career planning to ensure Tyler achieved his future goals.

Tyler graduated from Lewis County High School in 2004. He is now employed as a Riverboat Deckhand with Crounse Corporation in Maysville.

Rhonda Buckner was presented with the Outstanding Adult Award.

Buckner, a non-traditional student enrolled in the Medical Office program at Rowan Technical College, was recognized for her hard work and dedication to fulfilling her employment and training goal. Rhonda participated in the services offered through the TENCO WIA program, and was provided with a WIA scholarship in order to achieve her goal. Rhonda contributed to her own success by making the Dean's List every semester and graduated in May 2004 with High Distinction Honors and a 4.0 grade point average.

Rhonda is employed at the Lewis County Health Department as a Family Support worker. She is proud to have the opportunity to work in her own community and utilize the skills she obtained from her training.

To learn more about the WIA services and the One-Stop Career Centers, visit us online at www.tenco-onestop.ky.gov or call at 800-998-4347.

The Vanceburg Fire Department is making a concerned plea for your assistance in an attempt to eliminate problems with alternative heat sources that may be used this winter to offset the high cost of heating fuels and the increase in natural gas prices.

We must take every step we can to promote fire safety and we urge you to join in. Make sure your kerosene heaters are properly maintained and a new wick is installed to insure proper burning. 

Make sure that you use only kerosene fuel in these heaters. Make sure they are kept clear of other furniture and objects that may ignite from the heat. Do not refuel while the stove is lit, and take it outside to refuel.

Do not use space heaters near furniture and make sure no objects are blocking the heaters. Check for worn power cords on heaters. If you are using a wood/coal stove, make sure the flue has been properly cleaned and checked for cracks. If it hasn't been used in a while, birds may have built a nest in it, and it may cause a fire. Make sure stove pipes are in good shape, and are well vented to the outside. Use proper flue kits, do not put a stove pipe through a window.

Your help in making sure you are following safety guidelines will help to ensure a safe winter season for all of us. If we can assist you in any way, feel free to contact us. Have a safe and happy holiday for all of us at the Vanceburg Fire Department.