Volunteer firefighters, steel wheels on county roadways, and a possible public discussion about solar farm ordinances drew considerable attention during Monday night’s Trigg County Fiscal Court sessionPat Bush, the panel’s newest member, told the court that after a recent gathering of the county’s fire chiefs, concerns are growing about thin resources and thin numbers.
Asked by Magistrate Cameron Sumner if consolidating volunteer firehouses is an option, Bush said some of the county’s fire boards are considering it.
Judge-Executive Stan Humphries, and others, agreed that volunteerism — combined with longer shifts, more required training, and the like — make the response as difficult as ever.
Meanwhile, Magistrate Alana Baker-Dunn noted that her most recent trip to Frankfort involved transportation discussions and teaming up with Christian County Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam and State Representative Walker Thomas.
Their goal: to eventually have a resolution passed out of sub-committee and on to the House floor during the 2024 spring session of the General Assembly, asking for rubber be placed on steel wheels — in order to properly save county and city roadways from the damage created by heavy farm and construction machinery, horse-drawn buggies and similar implements.
Baker-Dunn made it clear: this isn’t a specific target against common religious sects in west Kentucky.
She said the trio proved able in answering questions about the motive, and referenced a nearby state authority about the sincere costs surrounding road maintenance required because of such vehicles.
Finally, following observations of motions from municipalities like Logan and Christian counties, Humphries noted that several local residents have begun receiving letters from interested parties — potentially seeking tracts of land and/or gauging interest for those who may be interested in leasing for solar farms.
It’s been an oft-discussed topic in and around Hopkinsville, and something Humphries said needs to be addressed in and around Cadiz sooner, rather than later.
Humphries said the county is “in the process” of putting up a large “readable price list” for the county’s recycling center. He said this would make it easier not only for workers and handlers, but also for those consistently dropping off materials to the lot.
Humphries said several downtown offices, as well as the recycling center, will be closed from at least 12-2:30 PM Thursday afternoon, in order to observe the funeral and procession of beloved Jesse Thomas. He retired as the county’s waste coordinator this past June.
Magistrates unanimously approved to enter into a resolution and memorandum with the Pennyrile Area Development District, in regard to the “Safe Streets and Roads” grant program through the Department of Transportation.
Magistrates also went all in on the purchase of a 2006 International 4300 65-foot bucket truck at the price of $29,000, in what should be a major tool for current and future services provided at the Trigg County Road Department.
At 9:30 AM October 23, many officials and family members, Humphries said, will gather at Maple Grove Road for the brief reveal of a sign marking and remembering the nine Ft. Campbell military members who died in the two-helicopter crash. Humphries added that it’s “not a memorial,” and is only a true first step toward those efforts.
