I would like to address the needs of our Emergency Medical Services in our community of Campbellsville and Taylor County. It is extremely important that our local governments continue to work together as a team. Our community must be ready to show potential industry looking to locate here that we have Rescue services equipped to handle any emergency. In addition, we must be ready to respond to any emergency involving Green River Reservoir. It is critical that the City and County governments show unity in order for our community to experience growth. As I stated earlier, I feel confident that we’re going to find a positive solution that will be best for us all.
I realize that we are in difficult times not just in Campbellsville and Taylor County but also the entire world. Good decisions must be made to ensure we are efficient and provide necessary emergency services to our citizens.
During the past year I had the opportunity to visit the citizens of the City of Campbellsville two times.
The community expressed concern and frustration for these difficult economic times.Two years ago, when the County broke the Inter-local agreement and the City implemented our own 1% occupational tax, the situation was different than it is in today’s time. We all know the economy has worsened. Costs of operating Emergency Medical Services and E9-1-1 have increased tremendously. Fuel costs, medical supplies, retirement funding, vehicle and maintenance costs, and insurance services have all increased to extreme proportions.
Services (Rescue, E9-1-1, Police and Fire) generally are not income producing businesses. They are what they are, services. Taxpayers have to be willing to decide what level of services they desire for their community and what they are willing to pay for. City and County government only exists because of its taxpayers and both entities have to spend (fund services) according to the taxpayers’ needs and wishes.
In the joint committee meeting last week, five options for funding CTCRescue and E9-1-1 were proposed:
City and County Operate Separate Services:
Duplicating services in both the City and the County is not the answer. It is hard enough for one service to be efficient and profitable. There is not enough room for two separate operations. This would cost taxpayers additional money; another person in charge and additional overhead such as buildings and emergency equipment and paramedic units, hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars.
City Run Rescue and County Run E9-1-1: Separating the services will not be a solution that will last. Operational costs are continuing to rise and it will be impossible for the City to operate a countywide service without support from the County government.
Taxing District:
I want to make it clear that I will not support a new tax. We have enough tax revenue to support our services. Shifting an imposed tax rate from one area to another (occupational tax to property tax) will promote distrust of elected officials.
The only two options to consider:
City Run E9-1-1 and Rescue with County Monetary Support
I propose the County’s support of Rescue to be $450,000.00. The current City budget would have to be reduced by $200,000.00. I will take that responsibility and allow that financial relief be given to the County. The City will operate E 9-1-1 with the County’s transfer of receipts from the landline fees (which were imposed strictly for E9-1-1 funding). The City would then assume all responsibilities for expenses incurred by E 9-1-1.
County Run E9-1-1 and Rescue
As of July 1, 2011 the County would take over complete responsibility for the operation and management of E9-1-1 and Rescue as a Countywide Service.
The City’s Occupational Tax would be adjusted accordingly.
Just last Sunday, as I was sitting in my office at City Hall thinking over all the options for Rescue funding, I found myself listening to all the sirens coming from Rescue. At that particular point in time, two serious auto accidents had occurred in opposite ends of the county. I thought to myself, how this scenario would play out if we did not have Rescue. I know without a doubt that if I or my loved ones were to be involved in such an accident, I want our Rescue to be on the scene. Just this week, our community experienced another tragic automobile accident. I witnessed the entire station empty out to respond to this accident. We have all thought at times, why do they send the whole station out to an accident, isn’t that a little excessive? In those situations, I think not.
My own family has experienced personal tragedy where Rescue responded. I will always be grateful to these well-trained professionals. These fine individuals are trained to act and react in these difficult situations, a job I don’t believe I could personally do myself.Unless the County agrees to pay a reasonable sum to the City of Campbellsville for these services, anyone having an emergency outside the city limits would not receive the benefit and expertise of Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue. Example: If a resident of the City of Campbellsville, while traveling in the County, outside the City limits becomes involved in an accident, that citizen would not be entitled to receive care from the best. If the Fiscal Court elects not to provide reasonable compensation as the County has in the past, Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue would become Campbellsville Rescue.
My desire is to see that Rescue and E9-1-1 services are funded for the entire community. Our community should not settle for just average service. Our community desires the very best. Our community deserves the Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue.
What can you do? Please get involved. I encourage everyone to contact the County Judge-Executive, Magistrates, Council Members and me to express your desires for the future of Campbellsville-Taylor County Rescue and E9-1-1 Services.
You can call my office at the City Hall phone number 270.465.7011. You may also write a note and put it in the drop box at the Campbellsville Water and Sewer Company drive-thru window.
(COLUMBIA, KY) – KSP Post 15 would like to remind everyon that it is more difficult to see other vehicles, road signs and the roadway during heavy rains and that it is critical to follow some common sense rules. Here are a few driving tips.
Slow down in order to increase your ability to stop. It takes longer to stop or adjust in wet weather.
Maintain a safe following distance. Under normal circumstances the 3 second rule would apply but you should add at least 1 second for every additional change (ex. 1 second for rain, 1 second for fog, etc.).
Drive in the tracks of the car ahead of you to reduce water pooling.
Be more alert. Avoid using brakes too much. Adjust speeds by first removing your foot from the accelorator.
Turn your headlights on in light rain or foggy, overcast conditions to increase your ability to see and others ability to see you.
Make sure you have good windshield wipers and tires before driving.
Never drive through moving water even if you can see the ground.
Approach puddles of water slowley if the depth is uncertain.
Millions of people worldwide do it. Many say “What’s the harm, I got home safely and no one was hurt?”Just because you made it home safely to your bed does not mean that you’re making a right decision, you may have had luck but next time you will find yourself asking the DUI Defense Attorney Los Angeles for help with your case. When putting those keys in the ignition and driving away after drinking you are not only putting your life at risk but you are risking the lives of all those you come across while driving.
Tips to Avoid Drinking and Driving
Choose a designated driver that does not drink if you’re consuming alcohol.
Ask for a ride or call a taxi
Protect others by taking their keys if they attempt to drive after they have consumed alcohol. They may get mad at you, but the alternative is much worse, you could even safe their life.
(Casey County, KY) – On April 5, 2011, KSP Post 15 received an anonymous tip that subjects were allegedly making methamphetamine at a residence on KY70 in Casey County. Upon investigation by Trooper Kenny Perkins, an active methamphetamine lab was discovered at the residence resulting in the arrest of the following individuals and charges:
Nathan Norman, age 37, of Liberty, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Meth Precursor, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st Degree, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Methamphetamine 1st
Rebecca Hall, Age 19, of Liberty, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Meth Precursor, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Methamphetamine 1st
Michael Hall, age 22, of Liberty, charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Meth Precursor, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Manufacturing Methamphetamine 1st
Brenda Marie Hall, age 34, of Liberty, charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance 1st, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Manufacturing Methamphetamine 1st Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine), Possession of a Meth Precursor.
(04-05-2011, 1:45pm) – Trooper Dewayne Holder is investigating a collision that occurred today on Hwy 55, approximately 3 miles north of Columbia at 1:45 PM. 41 year old Charles Caldwell of Greensburg was operating a 2007 Dodge southbound on Hwy 55. 51 year old Rebecca West, of Russell Springs, was also southbound on Hwy 55, operating a 1997 Ford. In an attempt to pass West, Caldwell struck West’s vehicle in the rear, causing West’s vehicle to overturn numerous times. A passenger in West’s vehicle, Larry West, 61 years of age, of Russell Springs, was ejected from the vehicle. Caldwell, which was not belted, was treated and released at the Westlake Regional Hospital. Rebecca West was flown to the University of Louisville. Larry West was pronounced deceased at Westlake Regional Hospital. Both parties in the West vehicle were belted.
A Piper Mirage made an emergency landing at Taylor County Airport after losing power from its single engine. The pilot, Jay Asdell, of South Bend, IN said he was flying from Bloomington, IN at 21,000 feet when he heard a loud noise, lost engine power and then noticed he had lost pressure from the engines turbo. After descending to a lower altitude the plane’s engine was able to produce power and landed safely at Taylor County Airport. Taylor County Rescue and Taylor County Fire Dept. responded but were canceled.
(Campbellsville, KY – 03-26-2011, 05:00 am) A two county vehicle pursuit occurred this morning about 5am when a suspicious person was reported by a Wal-Mart employee to 911. When campbellsville Police tried to question the suspect, he fled in a Chevy Tahoe. Campbellsville-Taylor County 911 reported the owner of the Chevy Tahoe as armed and dangerous and wanted for resisting arrest, aggravated robbery, probation violation, theft charges, and carrying a concealed weapon. Campbellsville Police pursued the suspects Tahoe with speeds reaching up to 100 mph on Hwy 210 toward Larue County. Campbellsville Police pursued the suspect’s Tahoe through downtown Hodgenville ending near Forresta Drive after driving through several residential yards and colliding with Campbellsville and Hodgeville Police cruisers. The suspect fled on foot shortly after his vehicle got stuck behind a residential yard. Kentucky State Police K9 unit responded from Russell County to search for the suspect. The suspect is presently at large.
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At approximately 05:00 AM March 26, 2011 Campbellsville Police responded to a suspiciousperson complaint in the Wal-Mart parking lot. Police made contact with the subject. When thesuspect was checked through NCIC (National Crime Information Center) it was learned that hewas wanted in Ohio on numerous felony charges.
The suspect fled the scene in a Chevrolet Tahoe traveling west on KY210. CampbellsvillePolice pursued the vehicle into Larue County. Hodgenville Police, Larue County Sheriff’sDepartment, along with Kentucky State Police joined in the pursuit.
The suspect vehicle entered Hodgenville on KY210. The suspect vehicle then went through the parking lot at the Hodgenville Fire Department and Street Department. He then drove through asteel cable barrier and head back west toward Campbellsville on KY210. Baltimore Paving Pros can help in such situations.
The suspect vehicle then struck Campbellsville, Larue County Sheriff Dept., and Hodgenville City cruisers and fled driving through several residential yards until becoming stuck in adrainage ditch off of Forresta Drive. The suspect then fled on foot. A K-9 unit from KentuckyState Police tracked the suspect but was unable to locate him.
Police are looking for Thomas Todd Sullivan of Liberty KY. He is described as white male 5’11, 233 lbs. Green Eyes, Blond Hair. Anyone having any information as to the location of thissubject is asked to call the Campbellsville Police Department at (270) 465-4131 or the KentuckyState Police at 1-800-222-5555. No injuries were reported.
Taylor County Sheriff’s Dept. investigated a collision involving a car and a four wheeler. According to statements given and physical evidence at the scene, a four wheeler operated by 78 year old Willie Shipp turned west onto Hwy 3212, pulling into the path of a car driven by Jason Potter causing both vehicles to collide head on. Taylor County Rescue and Taylor County Fire responded. Mr. Shipp was pronounced deceased at the scene.
(EDMONTON, KY) – On Tuesday March 22, 2011 Metcalfe County dispatch notified Post 15 that they had been looking for a 12-year-old runaway female, Kyra Shockley. She had been reported missing by her parents to Edmonton Police at approximately 4:00 AM CST and was believed to be in the company of 15-year-old Christopher L. Endicott.
The search for the missing juveniles led police to the residence of Endicott’s legal Guardian’s, 50-year-old Gary Holloway and 51-year-old Barbara Holloway, at 248 Jimmy Hubbard Road, 6 miles east of Edmonton.
Law enforcement made repeated trips to the residence but were unable to make contact with the couple or the juveniles. Between the hours of 2-2:30 PM CST a family member of the Holloways entered their residence and discovered that both were deceased and no one else was in the residence. The couple’s vehicle, a 1997 Chevy Lumina was also missing.
Kentucky State Police Troopers and Detectives were dispatched to the scene at 2:46 PM CST and upon arrival initiated a Death Investigation. At 5:58 CST an Amber Alert was issued for the two juveniles, Shockley and Endicott.
At approximately 9:40 PM CST KSP received information from a local firefighter that he was behind the missing Chevy Lumina vehicle. KSP units responded to KY 0090 and made a traffic stop 3 miles into Barren County. Both juveniles were found in the vehicle with no other passengers and in good physical condition. Both were taken into custody for questioning.
Autopsies have been scheduled with the State Medical Examiner’s office and a preliminary autopsy report is pending. Kentucky State Police were assisted by the Metcalfe County Sheriff’s Department, Barren County Sheriff’s Department and Barren/Metcalfe EMS. Detective B.J. Burton is investigating.
** update **
(Columbia, KY) – Following interviews with Post 15 Detectives the 15-year-old juvenile has been charged with Murder in the deaths of Gary and Barbara Halloway. He was also charged with Fleeing and Evading Police, 1st Degree, Motor Vehicle; Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree; Reckless Driving; No Operator’s License and Criminal Mischief 3rd. The traffic charges were related to the traffic stop on KY 0090 when the juveniles were located. A short pursuit ensued and the driver drove off of the roadway and through a fence. The two were apprehended after a short foot chase. The 15-year-old male juvenile was lodged in the Adair County Youth Development Center. The 12-year-old juvenile was released to a parent after they decided to contact a criminal lawyer in Perth to represent their child. The investigation is ongoing and more charges could be forth coming pending a Grand Jury hearing. Autopsies are currently underway.
** update **
(Columbia, KY) – Preliminary autopsy results indicate that 50-year-old Gary Holloway died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds and 51-year-old Barbara Holloway died as a result of a single gunshot wound. The autopsies were performed today at the State Medical Examiner’s office in Louisville by Dr. Michael Johnson.
9-1-1 emergency telephone service has been restored in Campbellsville – Taylor County. Apparently the outage was caused from equipment failure located at Windstream facilities in Lexington, KY. There still could be sporadic instances of 9-1-1 failures. Again, if you have an emergency in Taylor County and can make contact through the emergency number
9-1-1, the alternate number is 789-3200.
