New County Attorney Sworn In

During a brief ceremony Friday morning, August 1st, at the McCreary County Courthouse, local attorney Michelle Wilson was sworn in by Judge Executive Blaine Phillips as the new county attorney. Wilson takes over for Phil Chaney, who officially retired from the post Thursday July 31st. Wilson had served as assistant county attorney for the past 16 years and will serve in the new position until a special election is held.  

McCreary County "Scenic Byway Gazebo" Completed

(Adam Phillips(Tourism & Community Events) and Fred Noack(US Forest Service)
shown with the newly completed Scenic Byway gazebo in McCreary County.)
Photo courtesy of Janie Slaven, The McCreary County Record

After about two years since the date it was first located next to the Stearns District  Ranger Station of the Daniel Boone National Forest, a gazebo provided through the efforts of TOUR SEKY has received its final touches. This week, local tourism officials announced that landscaping had been completed around the gazebo, as well as the installation of a three sided information panel inside the gazebo. The panel shows information about the county and region on two sides, with the third side left open for updated information and postings. "We envision this third side of the panel being used to post forest service announcements, as well as posting a calendar of events, flyers for events and other information which will be updated regularly," said Adam Phillips, McCreary County Tourism and Community Events Coordinator. The gazebo is located along US Highway 27 to allow for easy access for those traveling through the county. Phillips noted the one missing piece, to be added soon, is a sign atop of the gazebo reading: "Welcome to Scenic McCreary County...Tourist Information."     

McCreary County Attorney, Phil Chaney, Retires

After more than 18 years in the post, Phil Chaney, McCreary County Attorney, has retired. Chaney announced his retirement a few weeks ago but it became official July 31st, 2008, following a retirement dinner hosted by courthouse employees July 30th. Chaney has been serving as County Attorney since January 1990, after run unopposed in each election cycle since first winning the seat. Prior to his service as county attorney, Chaney also worked several years for the state and served in the US Air Force for six years. He has told local media sources he has no immediate plans following his retirement. McCreary County Judge Executive Blaine Phillips is now charged with the responsibility of naming an interim County Attorney until a special election can be held. As of this posting, no name has been announced to replace Chaney.

“Made in McCreary” Initiative Announced

Pottery? Woodworking? Candles? Garden grown vegetables? If you handcraft, sculpt, paint, or grow something using your own two hands right here in McCreary County, you are being called to action. 

McCreary County Tourism and Community Events Coordinator Adam Phillips has announced the start of a new initiative to identify and organize all interested residents of the county who produce things locally. Whether you grow fresh produce in your garden that you would like to offer for sale, or you handcraft a product, you are wanted for this project. 

Phillips said the first stage of the initiative, being called “Made in McCreary”, will be to simply identify local growers and crafters, while developing a database with their information. Future goals are not finalized but can include helping market and promote locally made products. 

“I would love to see this grow to a point where we can market, promote and sale locally made or grown products online through a dedicated website for the project,” Phillips said. He added, “Other ideas may include developing a downtown Whitley City craft shop to help cross promote other craft stores and outlets in our county.” Phillips noted such a shop on Main Street should not be seen as competition for other craft shops, but rather a promotional tool to help direct shoppers to other businesses. 

For those who grow fresh produce, Phillips has expressed an interest in setting up a regular farmer’s market somewhere in the county, but those plans are still in the infancy stage.  

Anyone interested in helping by forming a “Made in McCreary” committee, should contact Phillips. Local crafters and growers are also encouraged to contact Phillips with their contact information. Call 606-376-3008, e-mail mccrearytourism@yahoo.com, or stop by the tourism office on Geary Street in Whitley City between 9am-5pm. To find out more about the project, visit www.kyvacations.com and click on the “Made in McCreary” logo.

McCreary County Officials Pass
Occupational Tax Ordinance

After declaring a financial emergency for McCreary County Thursday June 26, 2008, the county fiscal court voted to adopt a new occupational tax ordinance. The ordinance does not change the collection of a 1% tax on wages and profits in the county and does also not change the allocation of those funds. The expiration date for the tax was changed to June 30, 2011, extending the tax for at least another three years. Tax funds will be distributed on the following schedule:
Ambulance, County Parks & Recreation, and Economic Development each receive 20%(60% total); Jail receives 10%; 911 receives 5%; Tourism receives 3%; General Fund receives 22%(from which salaries and benefits for three sheriff's deputies are paid).

McCHDO To Host Summer Clean-Up

In keeping with the community service aspect of their mission, McCHDO, or McCreary County Community Housing Development, will host a summer sizzler clean up week, starting Monday June 23rd. During the week, a volunteer group will be in the county providing the clean up service for the disabled and elderly. The service consists of summer cleaning both inside and outside of a participant's house, with minor painting also included. While labor is free during the service week, the homeowner must provide tools, paint and cleaning supplies as needed. For more information on the program or to apply for the service, call the McCHDO offices at 606-354-4994. The program is offered as a first come, first served program.

North McCreary Fire Department
Upgrades Equipment

The North McCreary Fire Department is making the most of grant funding available to fire departments. The department recently purchased a new pumper-tanker truck, and was able to refurbish its old tanker, to be able to provide better service to those in their district. In addition, the department is working to secure funding for a new crash tuck and brush truck, and recently completed an expansion of the emergency helicopter landing zone located just off Highway 27 in the Wiborg area. The North McCreary Fire Department station is located on the Wiborg Loop just off Highway 27.

Downtown Whitley City
Murals Officially Dedicated

Two downtown Whitley City murals recently installed on buildings were officially dedicated during a ceremony held Friday morning June 6th. The ceremony including the singing of the National Anthem by Pam Patrick and an opening prayer by former County Judge Executive and current Chamber of Commerce President Elect Jimmie Greene. The ceremony also included comments by Adam Phillips, McCreary County Tourism and Community Events Coordinator, Blaine Phillips, McCreary County Judge Executive, and Vicki Kidd, President/CEO of TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky. A number of certificates were presented to those who made the mural project possible, including Forcht Bank, Bank of McCreary County, McCreary County Chamber of Commerce, the Pine Knot Job Corps Center, Richard Mosley, carpentry instructor for the Job Corps, and Tonya Coffey, who designed and painted the murals. The murals depict the natural beauty and history and culture of the county.

McCreary County Fiscal Court Approves
First Reading of 2008-2009 Budget

Meeting in special session Friday morning, May 30th, the McCreary County Fiscal Court passed the first reading of the county's 2008-2009 budget. "It's a lean budget," said Judge Executive Blaine Phillips, who did add that there were some increases, including a 2% pay increase for all county employees, except magistrates, and an additional $25,000 for both medical and food expenses at the county jail. The first budget reading also did not include any changes to the allocations of the occupational tax, but changes can still be made at the second reading which must be completed by June 30th. The next regular meeting of the fiscal court is set for Tuesday  June 10th at 9:00am.

Phillips Named Tourism &
Community Events Coordinator

Friday's special fiscal court meeting also included the official hiring of Adam Phillips as McCreary County's Tourism and Community Events Coordinator. The position is a new one for the county, replacing the previous position of tourism executive director. Phillips has served for the past year as chairman of the McCreary County Tourist Commission and was selected following an application process by the commission's personnel committee. Phillips resigned his seat on the commission just prior to being unanimously approved by fiscal court for the job Friday May 30th. Hap Strunk will serve as the tourist commission's acting chairman until a special election can be held.

McCreary County Sheriff's Department
Awarded $36,000 Rural Development Grant

The McCreary County Sheriff's Department was notified this week of the awarding of a rural development grant to increase public safety in McCreary County. The grant is administered through the USDA Rural Development program utilizing federal funding. The local sheriff's department was awarded $36,000 through the grant to purchase two new fully equipped police cruisers. The grant award was announced Monday by US Congressman Hal Rogers' office.

McCreary County Fiscal Court
May Session Actions

The McCreary County Fiscal Court met in regular session Tuesday May 13, 2008. The court was addressed by citizen Robert Stephens regarding the practices of the US Forest Service within the county. Stephens asked the court to form a commission to study these issues and work to resolve or recommend resolutions to the issues. The court agreed to discuss with Stephens having a public meeting to discuss and possibly form a commission to follow up on the matter.

The court also voted on the following issues:

-Approve KACo all lines & workers' comp. policy at a $5000+ savings for the county in the new year;

-Approve adding five "as needed" part time deputy jailers to a roster of staff members for Jailer Tony Ball. Ball was directed by the court not to exceed 504 total work hours per week(3 deputies per shift, 24 hours a day);

-Approve hiring Rhonda Ivey as a full time EMT, a transfer from her previous part time status;

-Approve the creation of a new tourism & community events coordinator position, upon recommendation of the tourist commission. The job posting and description are online at www.kyvacations.com/job.html;

-Approve hiring Karen Clark as 911 dispatch center office manager/ This is in addition to her current job titles of dispatcher and shift captain. The new title includes a $5000 per year stipend, and will allow Clark to work directly with the Lake Cumberland Area Development District regarding the county's 911 addressing process.

The court also discussed possible changes to the county's administrative code and discussed a special session scheduled for the week of May 19th to conduct the first reading of the county's 2008-2009 budget. The next regular session of the court will be Tuesday June 10th at 9:00am.  

McCreary County Awarded $20,000
ARC Grant for Strategic Planning

During a ceremony Friday April 18th at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, KY, McCreary County was awarded a $20,000 ARC(Appalachian Regional Commission) mini-grant to help the community develop a strategic and economic development plan. The grant will be coupled with a $4,000 local cash match, for a total project cost of $24,000. The plan is expected to be completed within six months of the grant award date. The grant application was prepared and submitted by Timothy Duncan, McCreary County Economic Development Director, under the leadership of the McCreary County Industrial Development Authority. For more information on economic development efforts in McCreary County, call Duncan's office at 606-376-9711 or visit the Economic Development page of this site. 

April Fiscal Court Actions

Among actions taken in April by the McCreary County Fiscal Court were:

-Accept jail's 2008-2009 budget(total $991,643; an increase from previous years including $817,000 for 2007-2008 and $620,000 for 2006-2007);

-Approve a contribution of $6600 to Lake Cumberland Area Drug Task Force;

-Lay off tourism director Kathy Catron; the position will be eliminated by the court with a new position expected to be posted in the coming weeks;

-Field questions from citizens regarding the industrial and recreational park projects; Judge Executive Blaine Phillips directs citizens to attend meetings of the Industrial Development Authority and Park Board for specific answers;

Coming soon...county government will work to finalize a budget for 2008-2009. The budget must be approved by county and state officials by June 30th.   

McCreary County Awarded
2008 Trash Cup

McCreary County was the proud recipient of the 2008 PRIDE Trash Cup for the Cumberland Falls region spring clean up held Saturday April 5th. The award was presented to the county for having the most volunteers at the day's clean up event. In addition, the McCreary County ATV/OHV Club received the award for the most volunteers by a group, and local groups from the Pine Knot Job Corps Center and Beulah Mountain Christian Academy tied for second place for the most volunteers among school groups. The PRIDE Spring clean up campaign continues through Saturday April 19th with individuals and groups asked to volunteer to clean up a section of roadway. For information, call Linda Babb, McCreary Co. Solid Waste Coordinator, at 606-376-2556.

Sheriff to post delinquent tax list

The McCreary County Sheriff's Office has announced that the list of delinquent county property taxpayers will be published in The McCreary County Voice newspaper beginning April 24, 2008. The list will also be posted on the sheriff's website for thirty(30) days from April 21-May 21 at www.mccrearysheriff.com. Delinquent tax bill sales will also be planned in the coming weeks for those not paying their past due taxes. For information stop by the sheriff's office in the courthouse annex building or call 606-376-2322. 

McCHDO Awarded Housing Grant

McCreary County Community Housing Development Corporation, known as McCHDO, was recently awarded a grant through the Kentucky Housing Corporation worth $161,000. The funding will be used to continue McCHDO's work to provide affordable, adequate housing locally. The grant will allow the organization to construct four new homes for families in need in McCreary County. For more information on McCHDO and their service, call 606-354-4994 or visit www.mcchdo.org. 

Spring Clean Up Scheduled

McCreary County Solid Waste Coordinator Linda Babb has announced that the county's spring bulk item drop off program will be held Monday April 14th through Saturday April 19th. Those signed up on garbage pick up service in McCreary County are eligible to deliver loads of bulk items to the transfer station on Cabin Creek Road(off Wilburn K Ross Hwy) in Stearns between 9:00am-3:00pm on those days. No hazardous materials, no wet paint, no household trash! 

The annual Spring PRIDE Clean Up is also being held between April 5th-19th with volunteers asked to help clean up roadways and waterways across the region. For more information on either clean up effort, call Linda Babb at 606-376-2556 or for information on the PRIDE clean up efforts, log onto www.kypride.org.