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ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES MAY FORCE COUNTY
GOVERNMENT CUTBACKS

The expected loss of revenue for county government offices, resulting
from the loss of jobs because of plant closings, was the major topic of
discussion during a special meeting of the Monroe County Fiscal Court,
held Jan. 28. The meeting was called to review and vote on the budgets submitted for the county clerk’s office as well as the sheriff’s office.
Monroe County Clerk Teresa Sheffild presented her office budget for
the year 2000 to the court, opening her presentation by saying she is
required to take note of the local economic picture in preparing her budget. The main thing to be taken into consideration for the clerk’s office budget, she said, is the unemployment rate.She explained that, in the new budget, she had subtracted 5% off everything the office took in for 1999. Sheriff Jerry “Slick“ Gee presented his budget, and County Treasurer Sheryl Compton explained that the sheriff’s office does not have money coming in regularly like the clerk’s office, and that the sheriff’s office will have to borrow money to operate on, even after cutting costs as low as possible. Monroe County Judge-executive Russell Young pointed out: “We’re all going to have to tighten our belts.
“We can handle this year,”he said, “but next year may kill us — we
may have to cut employees.”

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR COMMEMORATIVE BRICKS

Additional options were announced this week for the commemorative
brick project, being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee. Individuals, clubs, churches and other organizations may purchase bricks either in memory or in honor of someone or for themselves, and these  engraved bricks will be used to pave sidewalks around the courthouse. The $50 cost includes engraving, and installation charges. Each brick can have up to two lines of print, with each line containing up to 14 letters/spaces. For an additional $10, a third line can be added. Also available are “keepsake bricks,” smaller versions of the paving bricks purchased, which can be used as gifts or desktop keepsakes. Cost of these miniature bricks is $35 each. Funds received for the bricks will be held in an escrow account until enough bricks have been sold to pave an entire section of the sidewalk at a time. The area from the front door of the courthouse to the Vietnam Memorial  will be the first to be paved with the bricks, with other areas to be paved
according to the number of bricks sold, according to Susan Guffey, who
is chairing this Beautification Committee project. An example of the kind of bricks to be used for the project can be seen at the Monroe County Extension office, where orders for bricks will also be accepted. For more information, call the Extension office at 487-5504.
Additional options were announced this week for the commemorative
brick project, being sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce’s Beautification Committee. Individuals, clubs, churches and other organizations may purchase bricks either in memory or in honor of someone or for themselves, and these engraved bricks will be used to pave sidewalks around the courthouse. The $50 cost includes engraving, and installation charges. Each brick can have up to two lines of print, with each line containing up to 14 letters/spaces. For an additional $10, a third line can be added. Also available are “keepsake bricks,” smaller versions of the paving bricks purchased, which can be used as gifts or desktop keepsakes. Cost of these miniature bricks is $35 each. Funds received for the bricks will be held in an escrow account until enough bricks have been sold to pave an entire section of the sidewalk at a time. The area from the front door of the courthouse to the Vietnam Memorial will be the first to be paved with the bricks, with other areas to be paved according to the number of bricks sold, according to Susan Guffey, who
is chairing this Beautification Committee project. An example of the kind of bricks to be used for the project can be seen at the Monroe County Extension office, where orders for bricks will also be accepted. For more information, call the Extension office at 487-5504.

TOMPKINSVILLE COUNCIL LOOKS AT PROGRESS, GOALS

"We've accomplished a lot, but we still have a way to go," commented
Mayor Michael McPherson at the regularly monthly meeting of the Tompkinsville City Council on Jan. 26. "We have a large police force, with officers dedicated to being in the schools now, and we have started to receive grant monies that will go towards developing the new industrial park." McPherson added that the council must continue to seek new sources of funding for projects that would not be feasible otherwise, such as building   a “spec” building for industries looking to locate in Tompkinsville and replacing water storage facilities. Another step in the right direction, McPherson noted, is the construction of a city-county community/economic development building, for which $100,000 in
federal grant funds were received last year through Rep. Ed Whitfield’s
office. The City Council then approved the donation of the lot beside
City Hall for this building upon the condition that an agreement for
maintenance and upkeep could be reached with the county. The community building, the mayor noted, will be a 30x70 brick structure,
with office space for the Chamber of Commerce and the Industrial Board, a meeting room and space for the proposed Centernet project.
In a related item of business, the Council renewed to Industrial Board’s
contract. McPherson stated that this was the same contract as last year,
with $500 per month being contributed by both the county and the city.
During discussion, Councilman John Gerughty asked who has the
jurisdiction over this board and who appoints the members. McPherson told the council that there had been some confusion about the by-laws of the board and that originally it had been set up with members from the different organizations and businesses in town, but that he had not been able to locate the actual bylaws. McPherson also noted that the board has really been “working hard this past year trying to get us something in here” and that whenever the board meets with prospects, he and County Judge Russell Young are always there. “Hopefully, all our work will pay off soon,” McPherson stated.

“SAFE SPOT” PROGRAM TO BEGIN LOCALLY

Monroe County is organizing a “Safe Spot” program to benefit the
children of the county. "We hope we’ll never have to use this program, but if we can help one child, it will all be worth it,” stated Eddie P. Murphy, Tompkinsville police officer. Murphy, along with officer Kenny Hagan and pre-trial officer Charlotte McPherson are spearheading the drive to establish this child protection program within the county, and presented information about the program to the Tompkinsville Council at their January meeting. “Safe Spot” hopefully will be implemented within all three cities in Monroe County and will allow business to apply for “Safe Spot” designations. The main goal of this program will be to provide a safe location for any child to go for help or protection when they feel threatened or scared. Businesses will be able to apply for this training and, if accepted, will receive a distinctive logo to place on the front of their businesses so that any child can see that the location is a “safe spot” for them to go for help. If a “Safe Spot” emergency occurs, the business will contact local law enforcement officers for their immediate help in the situation.  Employees at the business will receive free training by the Police Department on how to handle such emergencies.


HOUSING AUTHORITY ELECTS OFFICERS

The Tompkinsville Housing Authority met in special session again this
past week on Monday, Jan. 31 with the sole purpose of electing officers for 2000. Vice Chairman Sonny Oliphant called the meeting to order, since the chairman, Rev. William Parker, was not present (and neither was Board member Pat Stephens). Board member John Hamilton made a motion to retain Parker as board chair, with Mayor Michael McPherson seconding the motion. Parker was re-elected unamiously. Following that action, Oliphant was nominated and re-elected as
vice chair.



GAMALIEL COMMISSION CREATES RESERVE ACCOUNT

Gamaliel City Commissioners passed a resolution re-creating a KIA
repairs and maintenance reserve account during their regular monthly meeting, Monday, Feb. 1. This account, required by the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), is held in reserve for repairs and maintenance of the sewer system as a  “catastrophe or emergency” type account, in case of major sewer repairs or failure. Previously there were four certificate of deposits that were being held for this purpose and during the past few months, these CDs were pledged for other purposes (mainly to buy the land upon which to build the new fire hall) and the designation wording on the CDs had been changed without the knowledge of the city. This resolution transferred $21,695.15 from the KIA Sewer Account to a new and separate account that will be titled “KIA Repairs and Maintenance Reserve Account.” The resolution also noted that “all future sums required for this purpose will be paid into the newly created account.” City attorney Wes Stephens noted that this resolution, adopted Feb. 1, 2000 would be retroactive to Sept. 15, 1999. Roger Barlow, sewer plant operator, later questioned this $21,695 and asked what this account was all about. Stephens pointed out that this was a “reserve” account, to be used only when approved by KIA for major emergencies, and that it could not be accessed for normal sewer expenditures.
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Girls Basketball
LADY FALCONS CONTINUE WINNING WAYS

The Lady Falcons continued their winning ways this past week by
taking two district contests from Metcalfe County and Cumberland County. These wins improved the Lady Falcon record to 14-3, overall, and 3-1 in district play.
Metcalfe County
At Edmonton on Jan. 28, the Lady Falcon defense was the story of the
night as Metcalfe failed to score in double-digits in three of four periods,
and the Monroe girls took a 58-41 win in their first meeting of the season
against the Lady Hornets. Scoring by quarters: 1st — Monroe 17, Metcalfe 8; 2nd — Monroe 14,  Metcalfe 9; 3rd — Monroe 14, Metcalfe 17; 4th — Monroe 13, Metcalfe 7.
Individual stats: Kari Brown, 13 points (11 rebounds); Renea
Proffitt, 12; Leslie McAlpin and Lindsey berry, 8 each; Amanda Shaw, 6; Brittany Geralds and Kelli Emberton, 4 each; Becky Pedigo, 2; Samantha Graves, 1.
Cumberland County
The Lady Falcons traveled to Burkesville to take on the Lady Panthers
of  Cumberland County and took a big 53-23 win. In another good defensive effort, Monroe held Cumberland scoreless until there was only 2:40 left in the first half! “We were looking for another stopper defense and may have found it,” said Harlan. “We’re coming together and getting ready for the stretch run and tournament time.”
Scoring by quarters: 1st — Monroe 11, Cumberland 0; 2nd — Monroe 13, Metcalfe 9; 3rd — Monroe 22, Cumberland 8; 4th — Monroe 7, Cumberland 5.
Individual stats: Kari Brown, 12 points (nine rebounds); Tracey Hays,
11; Lindsey Berry, 9; Leslie McAlpin, 4; Brittney Geralds, Renea Proffitt, Kelli Emberton and Jessica Ritter, 3 each; Samantha Graves and Jill Stinson, 2 each; Kelli Baxter, 1.
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Boys Basketball
FALCONS CLAIM FIRST DISTRICT VICTORY

The Monroe County Falcons were on the road for two district games
this past week, taking their first district win with a victory over Cumberland   County but falling to Metcalfe.
Metcalfe County
The game at Metcalfe on Jan. 28 started fairly well for Monroe but a
truck must have hit them in the third period when they were out scored
27 points. Metcalfe went on to take a 95-57 victory. “Very disappointing,” said head coach Brian Carter, “to be in the  game and
then things start going bad, and to just let it happen.” However, Carter is not going to let this set his team back, saying: “We will regroup and use this game as a lesson, showing us we need to work a little harder. We have to do our best to keep it from happening again.”
Scoring by quarters: 1st — Monroe 11, Metcalfe 12; 2nd — Monroe 16,   Metcalfe 22; 3rd — Monroe 10, Metcalfe 37; 4th — Monroe 19, Metcalfe 22.
Individual stats: Zack Grace, 14 points; Radford Graves, 9; Jessie
England, 7; Josh Turner, Eric Davis, Chase Moore, Stan Hubbard, and
Jordan Hale, 4 each; Cory Netherton, Casey Kirk, and Jordan Headrick, 2 each; Chris Pitcock, 1.
Cumberland County
Coach Carter’s words were prophetic: “We will regroup...” Monroe managed to pull out an 89-85 win, even with two Cumberland County
players (Matt Norris and Patrick Hamilton) scoring 28 points each
But Monroe had their own weapon — Falcon freshman Zack Grace set the scoreboard on fire with 37 points! All were spread throughout the game. The Falcons had a good shooting eye in this game, hitting 7-12 from the 3-point line, 72% from the charity stripe and 49% overall for the
game. “We moved the ball good and played pretty good team defense,” said Carter.   “This was a great TEAM effort.”
Scoring by quarters: 1st — Monroe 27, Cumberland 17; 2nd — Monroe 22, Cumberland 16; 3rd — Monroe 16, Cumberland 38; 4th — Monroe 24, Cumberland 24.
Individual stats: Grace, 37 points; Graves, 16; Cory Netherton, 10;
Jessie England, 8; Josh Turner, 6; Chris Pitcock, Casey Kirk, and Chase Moore, 4 each.
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Announcements
LOCALS STUDENTS NAMED TO ALL-DISTRICT BAND

Monroe County had 10 students — seven from the middle school and
three from the high school — selected for All-District Band, held Jan. 6-8 at Western Kentucky University. Among middle school students, Monroe County’s Bronson Butler received the highest score in the Third District on tuba and was placed as section leader. Justin Tooley ranked second on mallets, Jessica McPherson ranked third on tenor saxaphone, and Derek England was fourth on trombone. Jeremy Myatt ranked fifth in the district on snare drum, and Mason Otto ranked fifth on baritone, while Mason Brown ranked seventh on trumpet. In the high school division of All-District Band, Donnie Geralds placed first on baritone saxophone among those who auditioned for the 11th/12th Grade Band.
Performing with the 9th/10th Grade All-District Band were Bridget
Pitcock,  who placed fifth in the district on alto saxophone, and Jennifer Hume, who placed 18th on clarinet.

BIRTHDAY

Vera Rich will celebrate her 91st birthday on Feb. 15. Cards may be
addressed to her at: 902 N. Main St., Tompkinsville, Ky. 42167.

BIRTH

John Robert Lankford, the son of Robert and Jennifer (Rich) Lankford,
Tompkinsville, was born Dec. 22, 1999. He is the grandson of Keith and
Betty Lankford, Gamaliel, and of Betty Jean Meadors, Tompkinsville, and the late Johnny Rich. He is the great-grandson of John Buford Rich,
Tompkinsville, and the late Edith Rich; Ruth Lankford, Lafayette, Tenn., and the late Leland Lankford; the late Darrell and Inelle Carter; and the late Rex and Doshie Turner. He has a big brother, Zeke.
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Deaths
Ten deaths were reported to the Tompkinsville News this past week.
The only local death was that of Rex A. Deckard, 85, Deckard Blvd.,
Tompkinsville, who died Jan. 28. He was the husband of Ardie (Cropper) Deckard.
Deaths reported from other areas were:
— Reed Poland, 76, Scottsville, a Monroe County native who died Jan.
30 (he was the husband of Ruth [Hayes] Poland);
— Clarence E. Dillehay, 84, Ventura, Calif., who died Jan. 31 (he was
the husband of Clio [Cherry] Dillehay);
— Clyde O. Billingsley, 92, Hendersonville, Tenn., a native of
Bugtussle, who died Jan. 30;
— Joseph Marion Colonel Meadows, 88, Celina, Tenn., who died Jan. 27 (he was the husband of Belva [Anderson] Meadows);
— Wilford J. Collins, 84, Moss, Tenn., who also died Jan. 27 (he was
the husband of the late Eunice Odell [Cherry] Collins);
— Doyle Watson, 79, Bethpage, Tenn., who died Jan. 25 (he was the
husband of Mattie Elizabeth [Everts] Watson);
— Forrest O. Polston, 73, Nashville, Tenn, who died Jan. 23 (he was
the husband of Betty [Shacklett] Polston); and
— Vera Savage (Maxey) Page, 77, Celina, who died Jan. 22 (she was the widow of Clifton Page).
Details about their backgrounds, survivors and funeral arrangements  can be found by clicking here.
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