A town hall meeting

A town hall meeting, hosted at the Pine Knot Fire Department by District 4 Magistrate Duston Baird, netted more than thirty citizens interested in learning about current issues facing McCreary County Fiscal Court.  Baird discussed several items scheduled to appear on the agenda for the next regular fiscal court meeting on February 12 and fielded questions from citizens attending the town hall forum.

Items discussed included the proposed first reading of a county smoke free (public/workplace) ordinance, appointment of a new litter abatement officer, and a proposed resolution for an ARC grant pertaining to the farmers’ market and possible commercial kitchen/food hub.  More than one citizen expressed concern over littering in the county.

Several speakers, representing various aspects of county government addressed those in attendance at the town hall.

Roger Owens, who plans to present the smoke free ordinance to fiscal court for a first reading, spoke in support of the ordinance.

McCreary County Conservation District Chairman Brad Coffey shared several opportunities available to citizens to rent farm equipment from the Conservation District and encouraged all farmers and gardeners to attend the Farmers’ Market meeting on February 17.

Search and Rescue Chief Lonnie Brown provided an overview of the duties of the McCreary County Search and Rescue Squad.

County Attorney Conley Chaney addressed the option of allowing certain traffic offenders eligibility to take a once a year on-line class allowing them to save on insurance.  Chaney expressed his desire to see more community service in lieu of fines since fines do not directly help the county.

School Board Chairman Brandon Kidd invited the public to attend the McCreary County School Board meetings at 6:30 every fourth Tuesday at the Central Office.

The next regular McCreary County Fiscal Court Meeting is scheduled for February 12, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. at the McCreary County Courthouse.