Nelson Fiscal Court seeking groups for Spring roadside clean-up fundraiser
By JIM BROOKS
Nelson County Gazette / WBRT Radio
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 — Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts said the county is looking for local non-profit groups to take part it the county’s twice-a-year roadside clean-ups.
The clean-up runs from April 8 through April 30. Participating organizations will earn $100 per mile for each mile cleaned, Watts said.
The roadside clean-up is conducted twice a year, once in the spring and the fall, Watts explained. The county spends $15,000 to $20,000 per clean-up, which is funded by an environmental remediation fee collected at the Nelson County landfill.
Magistrate Keith Metcalfe suggested that all Nelson County residents clean-up the roadway in front of their homes.
“It would be a big, big plus for Nelson County,” Metcalfe said.
Groups interested in taking part in the clean-up should contact Watts’ office to reserve the roadways the group wishes to pickup. Call his office at (502) 348-1800 or email ncjudge@bardstown.com.
WWI / KOREAN WAR CASUALTIES. Watts told the court that the county is planning a monument to honor Nelson County residents who died during World War I and during the Korean War.
Watts provided a list of casualties from both conflicts, and asked the public’s help in identifying any additional casualties that they have not yet identified.
The names will be placed on the monument that will be located on the east side of the Old Courthouse near the Vietnam and World War II memorial monuments.
World War I casualties from Nelson County: Russell Cahoe
Chester Stewart, Charles Boblitt, Joseph L. Nally, James A. Clayton, William T. Rapier, and George B. Allen.
Korean War casualties from Nelson County: Raymond Cecil, Lewis P. Howard, Kenneth A. McAllister, Charles L. Newton, Clarence H. Tingle, and John Richard Newton.
Watts asked the public to review the casualty lists and contact his office if anyone knows of a name that is missing from either list. You can contact Watts at his office by phone, (502) 348-1800 or by email, ncjudge@bardstown.com.
AMPHITHEATER UPDATE. County Engineer Brad Spalding said the work to rebuild the sets and stage at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre at My Old Kentucky Home State Park was 85 to 90 percent completed.
Spalding said he expected the contractor, BCD, will be able to meet the April 30 deadline. The facility will then apply for a certificiate of occupancy, which will be necessary for Bethlehem High School’s graduation later in the year.
Watts told the court that the fundraising efforts are “on target,” though additional donations were always gratefully accepted. So far, the project has received $1.1 million in pledges and donations.
NO TRESPASSING. Magistrate Gary Coulter told the court that the Nelson County end of the closed bridge on the Old Fredericktown-Bardstown Road should have No Trespassing signs posted on it. Coulter said the bridge is unsafe and closed to traffic. It represents a hazard to anyone who uses it on foot, and should be posted for no trespassing.
Watts said the bridge will eventually be removed, though no cost estimates have been obtained. He said the state should offer some financial incentives to help cover the demolition costs.
In other business, Nelson Fiscal Court:
— heard that a free naloxone training class is being offered by the United for Recovery group. The free training is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at the Nelson County Civic Center. Naloxone — also known by the trade name NARCAN — is an opiod antidote.
— approved the reappointment of David Mattingly to another term on the Development Review Board.
— approved the reappointment of Theresa Johnson to the Nelson County Board of Adjustments.
— approved the reappointment of Robert Cecil as a new member of the Nelson County Public Library board of trustees.
— approved a resolution in connection with a bond issued for the benefit of Catholic Health Initiatives, now known as CommonSpirit Health. The bond proceeds will be used to re-finance the existing debt and possibly some routine capital improvements.
— heard a reminder that the county’s tire amnesty program is set for May 9-11, 2019, at the Nelson County Fairgrounds.
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