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Showing posts with label preservation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preservation. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Saturday, February 9, 2019
At town hall, Vandegrift and other executives see a spirit of cooperation among Woodford's three governments
By Tyler Parker and Chadwick George
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
“It’s a new day in Woodford County!” Mayor Grayson Vandegrift proclaimed as he concluded his opening statement at the countywide town hall, “We Are Woodford,” in Versailles Thursday night.
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
“It’s a new day in Woodford County!” Mayor Grayson Vandegrift proclaimed as he concluded his opening statement at the countywide town hall, “We Are Woodford,” in Versailles Thursday night.
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| Mayor Grayson Vandegrift gives opening remarks at the town hall. (Image from KCTCS video on Facebook) |
The executives of the three governments in the county began the town hall by talking about their goals and ideas. Vandegrift noted that he, Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott and newly elected County Judge-Executive James Kay are all under 40 (respectively, 36, 39 and 36), and “I’m not sure that’s ever happened before.”
Vandegrift, Traugott and Kay all said the meeting and the turnout of more than 100 people showed there is a spirit of cooperation. “What a wonderful sight,” Kay said to open their presentations. Vandegrift said there is “a renaissance in the county.”
Traugott said, “You can feel it in the air between Versailles, Midway and Woodford County and the Fiscal Court. It's inspiring, and it’s a fun environment in which to govern, so I'm looking forward to the next four years.”
The only hint of competition came from Vandegrift mentioning the attendance of all six Midway City Council members, while the Versailles council and county Fiscal Court had one and two absentees, respectively. “I don’t want to brag, but Midway wins again!” he pronounced, and laughter erupted from the audience.
Vandegrift had tried to arrange a joint meeting of the three government boards when the late John Coyle was judge-executive, but said the Fiscal Court resisted the idea. He said Thursday night that the town hall “really is, I think, a great start in the next step forward about how we work together as communities and as an entire county.”
Midway and the county are partners on the Midway Station industrial park. Vandegrift said they and the county Economic Development Authority have been “very fortunate . . . to really turn around Midway Station and take it from what was once called a boondoggle into a boon to our economy.” And to the city; the mayor noted that occupational-tax collections have more than doubled since 2014, and “It’s changed everything for us.”
Vandegrift, Traugott and Kay all said the meeting and the turnout of more than 100 people showed there is a spirit of cooperation. “What a wonderful sight,” Kay said to open their presentations. Vandegrift said there is “a renaissance in the county.”
Traugott said, “You can feel it in the air between Versailles, Midway and Woodford County and the Fiscal Court. It's inspiring, and it’s a fun environment in which to govern, so I'm looking forward to the next four years.”
The only hint of competition came from Vandegrift mentioning the attendance of all six Midway City Council members, while the Versailles council and county Fiscal Court had one and two absentees, respectively. “I don’t want to brag, but Midway wins again!” he pronounced, and laughter erupted from the audience.
Vandegrift had tried to arrange a joint meeting of the three government boards when the late John Coyle was judge-executive, but said the Fiscal Court resisted the idea. He said Thursday night that the town hall “really is, I think, a great start in the next step forward about how we work together as communities and as an entire county.”
Midway and the county are partners on the Midway Station industrial park. Vandegrift said they and the county Economic Development Authority have been “very fortunate . . . to really turn around Midway Station and take it from what was once called a boondoggle into a boon to our economy.” And to the city; the mayor noted that occupational-tax collections have more than doubled since 2014, and “It’s changed everything for us.”
Farmland preservation a key topic
As the question-and-answer portion of the meeting began, it was clear that the main topic on audience members’ minds was maintaining the county’s agricultural industry.
Hampton “Hoppy” Henton, long a leader in that effort, was the first to speak. He said the county should, like Fayette County have a purchase-of-development-rights (PDR) program, in which people are paid for placing a permanent prohibition on development of their property.
Next was Deb PeknyHeckney, who said she hoped that the officials’ vision for the county "is to let it always be the unique place that it is. . . . We left Florida because development came in . . . and destroyed an incredibly beautiful part of the world."
Margaret Reece Newsome of Versailles said she has worked for some of the best people in the horse industry, and said, “People come here for horses – not for shopping.”
The most passionate comment of the evening came from Jess Bowling, who said he has lived in the county since 1966, and “I am gettin’ tired of seeing it covered with concrete. . . . Stop it or there won’t be no farming!”
Stuart Weatherford of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, which hosted the meeting at its headquarters, said the county’s horse and bourbon industries are “burgeoning,” but so is “the retirement industry,” and asked if there is a program to attract retirees who want to live on 10 acres or more with their horses.
“They're pure gold,” Weatherford said of such retirees. “They don't have kids, they pay all their taxes, they don't tax the system.” He said they can’t afford to retire in the Northeast and Northwest and “are looking for places to go.”
Vandegrift said there is no such program, “but it's a great point you make.” He said taxes in the county “tend to be high,” and Midway’s property taxes were cut recently “partly to help keep and attract people on fixed incomes.”
Dan Rosenberg said he has been a resident of the county since 1978, and asked about the process of appointments for its committees and boards. Kay said he wants to update and modernize the process by putting it on www.woodfordcounty.ky.gov.
Kay welcomed anyone with questions to visit him at his office on the second floor of the courthouse. “My door is always open!” he announced. He also encouraged everyone who wants an appointment to have an email and to be responsive.
Kay noted that he had created a drug task force to fight the opioid crisis, and will start live videostreaming of Fiscal Court meetings.
Longtime community activist Lillie Cox of Versailles told the executives and the crowd, “I probably know every person in this room. . . . We want to see people working together more. We want to see councils, tourism, the courts, all working together.”
State Rep. Joe Graviss, D-Versailles, who acted as master of ceremonies, said the next town hall meeting will be a “county-fair set-up” where “any entity in the county” can have a display.
As the question-and-answer portion of the meeting began, it was clear that the main topic on audience members’ minds was maintaining the county’s agricultural industry.
Hampton “Hoppy” Henton, long a leader in that effort, was the first to speak. He said the county should, like Fayette County have a purchase-of-development-rights (PDR) program, in which people are paid for placing a permanent prohibition on development of their property.
Next was Deb Pekny
Margaret Reece Newsome of Versailles said she has worked for some of the best people in the horse industry, and said, “People come here for horses – not for shopping.”
The most passionate comment of the evening came from Jess Bowling, who said he has lived in the county since 1966, and “I am gettin’ tired of seeing it covered with concrete. . . . Stop it or there won’t be no farming!”
Stuart Weatherford of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, which hosted the meeting at its headquarters, said the county’s horse and bourbon industries are “burgeoning,” but so is “the retirement industry,” and asked if there is a program to attract retirees who want to live on 10 acres or more with their horses.
“They're pure gold,” Weatherford said of such retirees. “They don't have kids, they pay all their taxes, they don't tax the system.” He said they can’t afford to retire in the Northeast and Northwest and “are looking for places to go.”
Vandegrift said there is no such program, “but it's a great point you make.” He said taxes in the county “tend to be high,” and Midway’s property taxes were cut recently “partly to help keep and attract people on fixed incomes.”
Dan Rosenberg said he has been a resident of the county since 1978, and asked about the process of appointments for its committees and boards. Kay said he wants to update and modernize the process by putting it on www.woodfordcounty.ky.gov.
Kay welcomed anyone with questions to visit him at his office on the second floor of the courthouse. “My door is always open!” he announced. He also encouraged everyone who wants an appointment to have an email and to be responsive.
Kay noted that he had created a drug task force to fight the opioid crisis, and will start live videostreaming of Fiscal Court meetings.
Longtime community activist Lillie Cox of Versailles told the executives and the crowd, “I probably know every person in this room. . . . We want to see people working together more. We want to see councils, tourism, the courts, all working together.”
Friday, November 9, 2018
Midway University VP Gregory receives public relations award from UK Department of Strategic Communication
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| Ellen D. Gregory |
The annual award, to an outstanding Kentucky public-relations practitioner, is sponsored by the Department of Integrated Strategic Communication in UK's College of Communication and Information and the UK Journalism and Media Alumni Association.
During nearly 10 years at Midway, Gregory has been coordinated all of the school's marketing and public relations, including rebranding of the institution, its change to university status and transition of its women’s college to a co-educational institution in 2016.
Earlier, Gregory spent 12 years at the Preston-Osborne marketing, PR and research firm in Lexington, serving the last nine years as chief operating officer. While there, Gregory twice won the Public Relations Society of America’s Silver Anvil Award, considered the Pulitzer Prize in public relations.
Gregory's UK degrees are a bachelor's in political science and a master's in public administration. She and her husband, Eric, have three children, Ginny, Duncan and Sarah. The family spends much of their time restoring Victorian homes, like the one where they live at the corner of Winter and Stephens streets, and last year won the Service to Preservation Award from the Kentucky Heritage Council.
Saturday, May 27, 2017
Ellen and Eric Gregory win Kentucky Heritage Council award for their restoration of five old homes
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| Eric and Ellen Gregory on the porch of their Midway home, at 304 South Winter Street. (Photo submitted) |
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| The Bell House in Metcalfe County (photo by Eric Gregory) |
The couple also restored homes in Lexington, Georgetown and Winchester. Their latest project was the childhood home of Ellen's father, Richard Duncan, who told them shortly before he died, "I can go in peace knowing that the house is in good hands."
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| The Gregorys posed with the award at Berry Hill. From left are Ginny, Eric, Duncan, Sarah James and Ellen. |
The awards are presented during National Historic Preservation Month to recognize excellence in the preservation of historic buildings and cultural resources through investment, advocacy, volunteerism, building partnerships, public involvement, lifelong commitment or significant achievement. Others receiving the Service to Preservation Award are the Martin Luther King and William Wells Brown Neighborhood Associations for “Gathering Our History: An East End Preservation Project,” documenting Lexington’s East End neighborhood, capturing its stories, and creating an event to publicly celebrate the community’s rich cultural heritage, historic architecture and long-time residents; and the University of Kentucky Historic Preservation Symposium, an annual conference that premiered in 2005 to introduce students and others to innovative work shaping the boundaries of historic preservation practice by bringing together a range of speakers to discuss current topics in an accessible format, the release says.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
UK study for local groups finds almost 30% of jobs in county are directly or indirectly related to agriculture
Agriculture and businesses that support it account for almost 30 percent of the jobs in Woodford County, according to a study the University of Kentucky's College of Agriculture, Food and Environment released Monday.
Alison Davis of the college's Community & Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky did the study for Woodford Forward, the Pisgah Community Historic Association, the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Kentucky Performance Products of Versailles, which sells horse supplements.
The study found that Woodford County has 9,478 jobs, 1,881 of which (19.8 percent) are directly attributable to agriculture and 2,783 of which (29.4 percent) are directly or indirectly related to agriculture.
"This is a very large number," Davis said at a press conference at the UK farm near Versailles. "It is a small county, but it is a very significant number."
Davis said the figures do not include jobs from industries that serve agriculture but may serve primarily other industries, such as fencing and painting. "We try to be as conservative as possible," she said. Later, she said the study cost about $15,000.
In addition to collecting data from proprietary sources, the researchers interviewed people at 15 varied Woodford County businesses, including the Holly Hill Inn and Heirloom restaurants in Midway, asking them what makes the city or county an attractive place to do business, how the horse industry and other agriculture-related activities influence their business, and how their views of it as a place to do business would change "if the rural landscape declined significantly."
Davis summarized the answers to the last question as: "Woodford County would lose its appeal as a place to do business and a place to live; recruitment and retention of employees would become more difficult; and Woodford County would lose its distinctive identity and brand." The study adds, "While some development is wanted, careful consideration of available labor and the impact of infrastructure is needed in the planning process."
Davis said a significant issue for the county's economic development is a shortage of local labor. She said the study found that 4,400 people come into the county for work. That is outweighed by the 7,070 Woodford residents who work in other counties, but the relatively large inflow helps dispel the notion that the county is just "a bedroom community," state Rep. James Kay said.
Kay was among those who offered comments and questions after Davis's presentation. Another was Hampton "Hoppy" Henton, who said "what's missing in this audience" are people from the towns and the planning office, because there needs to be discussion about development, roads and so forth.
Davis replied, alluding to the study's sponsors, "There's a pretty significant divide between the two groups, and it's hard to get them in the same room together." She said one person from CEDIK is trying to get such conversations going.
Lexington Herald-Leader reporter Greg Kocher, who recently wrote a profile of Woodford County Economic Development Authority Chair John Soper, asked why Soper wasn't intervewed. (Soper told the Midway Messenger that he wasn't invited to the event.)
Davis said the interviews were limited to businesses, but "That would be the next step. . . . I think that's a conversation that needs to occur." Earlier, she noted that interviewees called for “stronger communication between the ag and non-ag sectors.”
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| Cover of study report |
The study found that Woodford County has 9,478 jobs, 1,881 of which (19.8 percent) are directly attributable to agriculture and 2,783 of which (29.4 percent) are directly or indirectly related to agriculture.
"This is a very large number," Davis said at a press conference at the UK farm near Versailles. "It is a small county, but it is a very significant number."
Davis said the figures do not include jobs from industries that serve agriculture but may serve primarily other industries, such as fencing and painting. "We try to be as conservative as possible," she said. Later, she said the study cost about $15,000.
In addition to collecting data from proprietary sources, the researchers interviewed people at 15 varied Woodford County businesses, including the Holly Hill Inn and Heirloom restaurants in Midway, asking them what makes the city or county an attractive place to do business, how the horse industry and other agriculture-related activities influence their business, and how their views of it as a place to do business would change "if the rural landscape declined significantly."
Davis summarized the answers to the last question as: "Woodford County would lose its appeal as a place to do business and a place to live; recruitment and retention of employees would become more difficult; and Woodford County would lose its distinctive identity and brand." The study adds, "While some development is wanted, careful consideration of available labor and the impact of infrastructure is needed in the planning process."
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| Map from study showing commuters into and out of county |
Kay was among those who offered comments and questions after Davis's presentation. Another was Hampton "Hoppy" Henton, who said "what's missing in this audience" are people from the towns and the planning office, because there needs to be discussion about development, roads and so forth.
Davis replied, alluding to the study's sponsors, "There's a pretty significant divide between the two groups, and it's hard to get them in the same room together." She said one person from CEDIK is trying to get such conversations going.
Lexington Herald-Leader reporter Greg Kocher, who recently wrote a profile of Woodford County Economic Development Authority Chair John Soper, asked why Soper wasn't intervewed. (Soper told the Midway Messenger that he wasn't invited to the event.)
Davis said the interviews were limited to businesses, but "That would be the next step. . . . I think that's a conversation that needs to occur." Earlier, she noted that interviewees called for “stronger communication between the ag and non-ag sectors.”
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Lighting restorer moves to Midway, where he had trade
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| A wide variety of lights hangs in Setzer's Chandelier and Restoration Shop. (Photos by Claire Johnson) |
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| Alex Hein moved his shop from Lexington and renamed it. |
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
Restoring antiques to their original form is nothing new for Alex Hein, owner of Setzer’s Chandelier and Restoration Shop, which opened Nov. 1 at 120 E. Main St.
In fact, reviving household antiques is more like a family tradition for Hein, since his family has been in the antique business for as long as he can remember.
Hein said most people might know him from his business, previously named Mirror and Brassworks and located in Lexington, where he is from. He lives in Cynthiana, but chose Midway as the best location for his shop.
A customer had pointed out an open space in Midway in the summer, and Hein took the opportunity to revive his shop with a new location and a new name.
“I have been in business for twenty years doing this. I’ve had a lot of customers in this town,” Hein said. “And honestly, I just really like the town.” His new location allows for people to get in and out of town easily to pickup and drop off items, he said.
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| The shop opened Nov. 1 and is decorated for Christmas. |
One of his most memorable restorations was on the historic 1850s John Graham House near Midway, featured in the May/June 2011 edition of Sophisticated Living Magazine. The owner of the house at the time, Kim Morris, said Hein is one of the few people who are passionate about what they do.
“His restoration knowledge and experience has found him in a niche that needed to be filled.” Morris said, “We are lucky to have a specialty business like his available to us in our community.”
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| Hein no longer does mirrors but still works with brass. |
Eric and Ellen Gregory of South Winter Street hired Hein for a large project on her great grandparents’ historic house in Metcalfe County, untouched since 1909.
“In the attic, we found all of the original gas lights.” Eric Gregory said. “We took one to him when he was over in Lexington and his eyes lit up.” He said they were so blown away that he could restore them, they decided to bring Hein dozens more. “He’s a true craftsman,” Gregory said. “With his level of excellence for a fair price, you just keep coming back.”
Hein said he can restore and fix chandeliers, as well as any type of lighting or rewiring a customer may need. The shop also sells restored, antique fixtures, lighting and antique fireplace accessories.
In conjunction with the move to Midway, Hein said he wanted to change the name of the company completely. “I don’t do anything with mirrors anymore and I haven’t in a long time,” he said, “so I wanted to change the name totally.” The new name, “Setzer,” is German for setting prices or a market inspector.
Since people in the community already know of his work, Hein said he has already seen a good response from the town. Some new clients have even brought items in for him to restore or fix.
“Midway is such a town of renaissance and craft and artists,” Gregory said. “I think he’ll be appreciated here.”
Hein’s reason for repairing antiques is simple according to him: He just enjoys it. “You can take stuff that looks like it should be thrown in the trash and make it look like a million bucks.”
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Planning Commission chair says Versailles bypass should be in revised plan; councilman Roller disagrees
The chair of the county planning commission said at a public hearing tonight that the proposed northwest bypass of Versailles, recently deleted from the state road plan, should be included as a goal or objective in Woodford County's comprehensive plan.
J.D. Wolf made the statement at the end of a hearing on the goals and objectives of the plan, which is up for its five-year revision. He spoke as an observer; the hearing was held by the Comprehensive Plan Committee of the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission.
Wolf said an engineering study in 1999 determined that if more roads weren't built, "Versailles would be a traffic jam." Advocates of the bypass say it is needed because of downtown traffic congestion, and Wolf said, "I just think that ought to be part of the comprehensive plan."
Earlier, developer Harold Steele said the road should be part of the comprehensive plan, which guides zoning decisions.
Many in Midway oppose the project because it would funnel more traffic onto Midway Road. City Council Member Dan Roller, who was in the audience, said after the meeting, "I don't understand why the only solution for transportation is a 39-million-dollar project."
Roller repeated his earlier suggestion that trucks going to and from the Versailles industrial park be routed away from downtown with signs. "Nobody's spending any time to do the simple solution," he said. "Most of the time you could shoot an arrow straight down Main Street and not hit anybody."
Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott, who was the second of a dozen other speakers, had been a leading supporter of the bypass but did not mention it in his remarks. However, he did call for "flexibility" that would allow the commission to change the plan between five-year revisions.
Midway residents Helen Rentch and Joyce Evans mentioned other issues at the hearing.
Rentch said the plan should have affordable housing as one of its goals. "In Midway we don't have sufficient housing to support our workforce," she said.
She also said the plan should include housing standards that reflect the needs of an aging population, and she joined Traugott in endorsing the development of trails for walkers, runners and non-motorized vehicles.
Evans reflected the preservationist stance of most speakers, saying surveys have shown that Woodford County residents "want to protect the urban land and the farmland from each other."
Committee chair Chad Wells said the record would remain open for comments and he would schedule a work session for the committee in "the next few weeks."
J.D. Wolf made the statement at the end of a hearing on the goals and objectives of the plan, which is up for its five-year revision. He spoke as an observer; the hearing was held by the Comprehensive Plan Committee of the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission.
Wolf said an engineering study in 1999 determined that if more roads weren't built, "Versailles would be a traffic jam." Advocates of the bypass say it is needed because of downtown traffic congestion, and Wolf said, "I just think that ought to be part of the comprehensive plan."
Earlier, developer Harold Steele said the road should be part of the comprehensive plan, which guides zoning decisions.
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| Helen Rentch of Midway spoke at the hearing as Commission Chair J.D. Wolf (blue shirt) watched. |
Roller repeated his earlier suggestion that trucks going to and from the Versailles industrial park be routed away from downtown with signs. "Nobody's spending any time to do the simple solution," he said. "Most of the time you could shoot an arrow straight down Main Street and not hit anybody."
Versailles Mayor Brian Traugott, who was the second of a dozen other speakers, had been a leading supporter of the bypass but did not mention it in his remarks. However, he did call for "flexibility" that would allow the commission to change the plan between five-year revisions.
Midway residents Helen Rentch and Joyce Evans mentioned other issues at the hearing.
Rentch said the plan should have affordable housing as one of its goals. "In Midway we don't have sufficient housing to support our workforce," she said.
She also said the plan should include housing standards that reflect the needs of an aging population, and she joined Traugott in endorsing the development of trails for walkers, runners and non-motorized vehicles.
Evans reflected the preservationist stance of most speakers, saying surveys have shown that Woodford County residents "want to protect the urban land and the farmland from each other."
Committee chair Chad Wells said the record would remain open for comments and he would schedule a work session for the committee in "the next few weeks."
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Midway Presbyterian Church schedules monthly environmental forums through May, starting tonight
By Leah Sharp
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Media
The Midway Presbyterian
Church is starting an Environmental Action Forum and has scheduled five monthly meetings starting tonight,
Thursday, Jan. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall.
The lead speaker for Thursday’s event will be Zeb Weese of Midway, who will speak about preserving natural areas, which is his job in state government.
The church’s announcement says the forums are for people who
care about the world to talk about Mother Nature and what we can do to help
keep our world beautiful.
These meetings are free of charge and include light refreshments and child care.
The other dates and speakers, all at 6:30 p.m., are:
- Feb. 18: “Invasive Species and our Waterways,” Dr. Joshua Adkins, Transylvania University
- March 17: “Homeowner Basics for Healthy Streams: A River of Words,” Dr. Amanda Gumbert, University of Kentucky
- April 21: “Bat Ecology and Conservation.” Dr. Luke Dodd, Eastern Kentucky University
- May 19: “Kentucky’s Rare and Native Plants,” Tara Littlefield, Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Midway residents are more protective of farmland in countywide, self-selected survey by Woodford Forward
People in Midway are more likely than those in Versailles to support local candidates who oppose expanding urban-service boundaries and developing farmland, according to a survey by Woodford Forward, a nonprofit group that holds those views.
In the non-scientific survey, 53 percent of the self-selected respondents said they would favor such a candidate, but in Midway, the figure was 72 percent. In the rural areas of Woodford County, it was 60 percent. Only 25 percent of the total said they would favor a candidate who favors expanding the urban-service boundary.
Two-thirds of the respondents said they live on a tract of 10 or fewer acres; 47 percent of the total said they live in Versailles, 44 percent in rural Woodford County and 7 percent in Midway (95 people). Nine percent were in the Midway ZIP Code area. Two percent didn't categorize their residence.
Asked what they liked about living in Woodford County, 41 percent said "small town atmosphere and 27 percent said "beautiful countryside," the two leading responses. Midway residents were more likely to cite the countryside; those citing the small-town atmosphere were likely to be older.
Asked the downsides of living in the county, 35 percent cited "lack of available goods and services locally," 24 percent said "lack of restaurants" and 14 percent said "few entertainment options." Residents of Versailles were more likely to cite those downsides than rural or Midway residents.
The longstanding tension between growth advocates and preservationists was apparent in responses to the question, "What do you think is the single most important issue facing Woodford County today?" The results: 34 percent said growth, and 33 percent said economic development, a term typically used by growth advocates.
Given a list of possible priorities for county planners, respondents gave the top rating
Woodford Forward said it mailed the survey to all 11,128 households in the county. The survey could be completed in hard copy or online. The group said it received 1,329 mail and 134 online responses, for a total of 1,463, or 13.1 percent of the households. (Another 51 were received after the survey ended and analysis began, for a total of 13.6 percent.)
Respondents were asked to rate the importance of various policy positions related to growth, on a scale of 1 to 10. The highest rating, 8.25, went to "Planning for innovative and responsible growth and development within the designated urban service areas of Woodford County." The next highest, 8.06, went to "Preserving the unique characteristics of Woodford County – defined small town
centers surrounded by scenic and productive farmland," followed by "Protecting prime farmland for agricultural use," at 7.98.
Then respondents were asked how well the county is doing in those areas. Those are shown in the chart at left, as the green line on top of the importance ratings.
Given a list of possible policy priorities for county planners, respondents gave the highest rating to "Redevelopment of vacant land and property within the urban service areas," followed by "Basic infrastructure services such as sewers, roads and other public services" and "Protecting Woodford County’s key agricultural areas such as horse farms from development."
Asked if they agreed with this proposed mission statement, "The future of Woodford County will depend on balancing a moderate level of innovative and sustainable growth around its central town centers, while at the same time protecting productive and unique farmland in the county," 74 percent agreed. The most favorable response came from Midway, where 82 percent agreed.
Asked to "rate the current focus in Woodford County on encouraging cooperation to balance the need to grow our communities AND preserve our farmland," on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), 22 percent said poor and only 4 percent said excellent. The plurality, 31 percent, gave it a 3 rating.
For a PDF of the survey report, click here.
The survey was not truly scientific because it was not a random sample of the population. Self-selected surveys tend to get more participation from people who are more interested in the topic, are well educated or have more time to complete such surveys. Other factors may influence their response or lack of it.
Sixty percent of the survey respondents were women, and 29 percent have a graduate or professional degree. Another 28 percent have a bachelor's degree, and 27 percent have an associate degree or some college education. Only 15 percent said a high-school diploma was as far as they got in school.
If the survey had been a random sample, the margin of error for the Midway results would have been plus or minus 10 percentage points. A self-selected survey may have a greater error margin.
In the non-scientific survey, 53 percent of the self-selected respondents said they would favor such a candidate, but in Midway, the figure was 72 percent. In the rural areas of Woodford County, it was 60 percent. Only 25 percent of the total said they would favor a candidate who favors expanding the urban-service boundary.
Two-thirds of the respondents said they live on a tract of 10 or fewer acres; 47 percent of the total said they live in Versailles, 44 percent in rural Woodford County and 7 percent in Midway (95 people). Nine percent were in the Midway ZIP Code area. Two percent didn't categorize their residence.
Asked what they liked about living in Woodford County, 41 percent said "small town atmosphere and 27 percent said "beautiful countryside," the two leading responses. Midway residents were more likely to cite the countryside; those citing the small-town atmosphere were likely to be older.
Asked the downsides of living in the county, 35 percent cited "lack of available goods and services locally," 24 percent said "lack of restaurants" and 14 percent said "few entertainment options." Residents of Versailles were more likely to cite those downsides than rural or Midway residents.
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| Click on image to view a larger version |
Given a list of possible priorities for county planners, respondents gave the top rating
Woodford Forward said it mailed the survey to all 11,128 households in the county. The survey could be completed in hard copy or online. The group said it received 1,329 mail and 134 online responses, for a total of 1,463, or 13.1 percent of the households. (Another 51 were received after the survey ended and analysis began, for a total of 13.6 percent.)
Respondents were asked to rate the importance of various policy positions related to growth, on a scale of 1 to 10. The highest rating, 8.25, went to "Planning for innovative and responsible growth and development within the designated urban service areas of Woodford County." The next highest, 8.06, went to "Preserving the unique characteristics of Woodford County – defined small town
centers surrounded by scenic and productive farmland," followed by "Protecting prime farmland for agricultural use," at 7.98.
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| Click on image to view a larger version |
Given a list of possible policy priorities for county planners, respondents gave the highest rating to "Redevelopment of vacant land and property within the urban service areas," followed by "Basic infrastructure services such as sewers, roads and other public services" and "Protecting Woodford County’s key agricultural areas such as horse farms from development."
Asked if they agreed with this proposed mission statement, "The future of Woodford County will depend on balancing a moderate level of innovative and sustainable growth around its central town centers, while at the same time protecting productive and unique farmland in the county," 74 percent agreed. The most favorable response came from Midway, where 82 percent agreed.
Asked to "rate the current focus in Woodford County on encouraging cooperation to balance the need to grow our communities AND preserve our farmland," on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent), 22 percent said poor and only 4 percent said excellent. The plurality, 31 percent, gave it a 3 rating.
For a PDF of the survey report, click here.
The survey was not truly scientific because it was not a random sample of the population. Self-selected surveys tend to get more participation from people who are more interested in the topic, are well educated or have more time to complete such surveys. Other factors may influence their response or lack of it.
Sixty percent of the survey respondents were women, and 29 percent have a graduate or professional degree. Another 28 percent have a bachelor's degree, and 27 percent have an associate degree or some college education. Only 15 percent said a high-school diploma was as far as they got in school.
If the survey had been a random sample, the margin of error for the Midway results would have been plus or minus 10 percentage points. A self-selected survey may have a greater error margin.
Monday, October 20, 2014
American Farmland Trust is holding its national conference in Lexington and the Bluegrass this week
The American Farmland Trust is holding its annual conference, "Farmland, Food and Livable Communities," in Lexington and the Bluegrass today through Wednesday, Oct. 22. Bus tours this morning viewed Lexington’s mixed-use and re-use development and urban agriculture and went to Dixiana Farm, Darby Dan Farm, Brookfield Farm, the Kentucky Horse Park and the Grimes Mill Winery. One of the guides for the latter tour was Billy Van Pelt, CEO of Woodford Forward Inc., based in Midway. He will be on a Wednesday panel, "Comprehensive Approaches to Local Farmland Protection." For the full schedule, click here. Walk-in registration is available at the Lexington Hilton Downtown.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Council hears traffic light and Weisenberger bridge work coming; new ambulance may lead to a station in Midway
By Bridget Slone, Caleb Oakley, Dylan Russell and Kristen Sekinger
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Everything from road projects to ambulances to the water-bill adjustment ordinance was discussed at the Midway City Council meeting Monday evening. (For a video of the meeting, click here.)
Larry Craig, Woodford County Fiscal Court magistrate for the Midway district, discussed several projects. He informed the council that Midway is likely to get a traffic signal at the KY 341 and Leestown Road (US 421) intersection next to Interstate 64.
Craig said James Ballinger, chief engineer for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 7 office, told him at a meeting last Friday at the district office in Lexington, “It’s not in writing yet, but I feel very confident you will get the traffic light you requested.”
Craig said the intersection averages 12 to 13 accidents a year. One of the most recent, in early November, killed two teenage girls and sent another to the hospital. Although the victims were not local, it had an impact on the community because of their ages, the location and the length of time it took to extract them.
Craig also reported that the state plans to improve the one-lane bridge over South Elkhorn Creek by the Weisenberger Mill. He said the state, after two public hearings, has decided to use the existing headwalls, strengthen them and widen the existing bridge to two narrow lanes, rather than build a new span, because it is the only historic substandard bridge in the state.
After the meeting, Craig estimated that the bridge would need more work after 10 years because its weight limit would still be less than some traffic crossing it, including fire trucks. The bridge is on a county road, but he said the state would pay for the work in return for the county doing work on a state bridge in Millville. The bridge connects Woodford and Scott counties but the state has assigned responsibility for it to Woodford.
Craig briefly discussed a much larger and more controversial project, the proposed bypass around Versailles, which has been added to the pending six-year road plan but only with funds for design over the next two years, not construction. He said he expressed his concern to state officials that it would put heavier traffic on US 62, a narrow, 1800s-era route with steep shoulders. “It’s hard enough to get a fire truck through,” Craig said.
He said the state is working to get Old Frankfort Pike declared a national historic route, which would make it more likely to get federal money for improvements, and recently improved weak shoulders and culverts on the road in preparation for the extra traffic state engineers expect when Leestown Road traffic is hindered by construction of Citation Boulevard and later by a new interchange between Leestown Road and New Circle Road.
Ambulance a step closer
Craig also informed the council that the fiscal court had advertised for bids on a sixth ambulance,“which will move us one step closer to getting us a station over here,” with faster response times, he said. “My goal ever since I got elected was to build an ambulance station here.”
He said building the station would be the simplest and most financially feasible part of the project. The more costly and difficult part, he said, would be personnel. Nine full-time and three half-time employees would be necessary for the station to operate smoothly, he said.
Mayor Tom Bozarth noted the longstanding desire to build a new fire station in conjunction with the ambulance station. Midway has two fire stations, one for the city department, another for the county department, which is supported by a special taxing district. The city station is cramped and the county station floods.
In an interview after the meeting, Craig said the stations couldn't be in the same building because they are governed separately, but having them adjacent would help because most of the volunteer firefighters are emergency medical technicians and would be available to drive the ambulance while others work with the patient.
Other business
The council decided to have a special meeting next week to discuss a problem with adjustment of water bills. By city ordinance, a customer must be on the sewer system to get an adjustment, but some farms are on city water but not sewer. The meeting was set for 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The council also decided to give the American Cancer Society $500 for the annual Relay for Life, but agreed that people who want such donations need to make their requests in time to get them into the annual city budget. Council Member Bruce Southworth's suggestion of March 1 seemed to get general agreement.
Near the end of the meeting, Bozarth announced that Windstream Communications had tripled its earlier offer of $5,000, to $15,000, a fiber-optic installation on a Spring Station Road tract that the city once used as a dump. The council agreed to accept the offer.
When bringing up the topic, Bozarth apologized to The Midway Messenger and The Woodford Sun and for failing to give either news outlet the legally required advance notice that he and a council committee met at the site last week to discuss the matter. “I apologize,” he said. “We had an illegal meeting and didn’t notify the press. I take full responsibility.” The meeting, but not its time, was mentioned in the Messenger's last city council story because the Messenger heard it being discussed after the meeting.
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Everything from road projects to ambulances to the water-bill adjustment ordinance was discussed at the Midway City Council meeting Monday evening. (For a video of the meeting, click here.)
Larry Craig, Woodford County Fiscal Court magistrate for the Midway district, discussed several projects. He informed the council that Midway is likely to get a traffic signal at the KY 341 and Leestown Road (US 421) intersection next to Interstate 64.
Craig said James Ballinger, chief engineer for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's District 7 office, told him at a meeting last Friday at the district office in Lexington, “It’s not in writing yet, but I feel very confident you will get the traffic light you requested.”
Craig said the intersection averages 12 to 13 accidents a year. One of the most recent, in early November, killed two teenage girls and sent another to the hospital. Although the victims were not local, it had an impact on the community because of their ages, the location and the length of time it took to extract them.
Craig also reported that the state plans to improve the one-lane bridge over South Elkhorn Creek by the Weisenberger Mill. He said the state, after two public hearings, has decided to use the existing headwalls, strengthen them and widen the existing bridge to two narrow lanes, rather than build a new span, because it is the only historic substandard bridge in the state.
After the meeting, Craig estimated that the bridge would need more work after 10 years because its weight limit would still be less than some traffic crossing it, including fire trucks. The bridge is on a county road, but he said the state would pay for the work in return for the county doing work on a state bridge in Millville. The bridge connects Woodford and Scott counties but the state has assigned responsibility for it to Woodford.
Craig briefly discussed a much larger and more controversial project, the proposed bypass around Versailles, which has been added to the pending six-year road plan but only with funds for design over the next two years, not construction. He said he expressed his concern to state officials that it would put heavier traffic on US 62, a narrow, 1800s-era route with steep shoulders. “It’s hard enough to get a fire truck through,” Craig said.
He said the state is working to get Old Frankfort Pike declared a national historic route, which would make it more likely to get federal money for improvements, and recently improved weak shoulders and culverts on the road in preparation for the extra traffic state engineers expect when Leestown Road traffic is hindered by construction of Citation Boulevard and later by a new interchange between Leestown Road and New Circle Road.
Ambulance a step closer
Craig also informed the council that the fiscal court had advertised for bids on a sixth ambulance,“which will move us one step closer to getting us a station over here,” with faster response times, he said. “My goal ever since I got elected was to build an ambulance station here.”
He said building the station would be the simplest and most financially feasible part of the project. The more costly and difficult part, he said, would be personnel. Nine full-time and three half-time employees would be necessary for the station to operate smoothly, he said.
Mayor Tom Bozarth noted the longstanding desire to build a new fire station in conjunction with the ambulance station. Midway has two fire stations, one for the city department, another for the county department, which is supported by a special taxing district. The city station is cramped and the county station floods.
In an interview after the meeting, Craig said the stations couldn't be in the same building because they are governed separately, but having them adjacent would help because most of the volunteer firefighters are emergency medical technicians and would be available to drive the ambulance while others work with the patient.
Other business
The council decided to have a special meeting next week to discuss a problem with adjustment of water bills. By city ordinance, a customer must be on the sewer system to get an adjustment, but some farms are on city water but not sewer. The meeting was set for 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The council also decided to give the American Cancer Society $500 for the annual Relay for Life, but agreed that people who want such donations need to make their requests in time to get them into the annual city budget. Council Member Bruce Southworth's suggestion of March 1 seemed to get general agreement.
Near the end of the meeting, Bozarth announced that Windstream Communications had tripled its earlier offer of $5,000, to $15,000, a fiber-optic installation on a Spring Station Road tract that the city once used as a dump. The council agreed to accept the offer.
When bringing up the topic, Bozarth apologized to The Midway Messenger and The Woodford Sun and for failing to give either news outlet the legally required advance notice that he and a council committee met at the site last week to discuss the matter. “I apologize,” he said. “We had an illegal meeting and didn’t notify the press. I take full responsibility.” The meeting, but not its time, was mentioned in the Messenger's last city council story because the Messenger heard it being discussed after the meeting.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Woodford Tomorrow tells EDA it wants to balance county's development and preservation
By Courtney Kincaid
The organization began forming in 2010, with the mission to
lead and act as strategic facilitators and bring together neighbors and
community leaders toward a shared vision that would improve and communicate the
county’s attractiveness to residents, businesses and visitors, Butler said.
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunicatons
Woodford Tomorrow, a citizens' economic-development planning
group, presented its goals on how to encourage economic development in the
county, while preserving its attractive attributes, at the Woodford County
Economic Development Authority’s monthly meeting Friday.
Woodford County has fought for 40 years over preservation
and development. Like many other
counties, it has tried to balance the benefits of rapid growth with the
challenges it creates, and that is the concept behind Woodford Tomorrow.
“It’s a cross-section of very strong opinions on both sides
of the equation," Versailles City Council Member Ken Kerkhoff, a member of the
group, told the EDA board.
Another
member, Brett Butler, said the group agreed that “We’ve been at each other for
too long” and need to examine “how Woodford County is going to approach the
future as the economy starts to turn. . . . A house divided cannot stand.”
 |
| Brett Butler of Woodford Tomorrow speaks to the county EDA board. |
“We agree a lot more than we disagree,” he said. For
example, all agree that “We don’t want Versailles Road to become Nicholasville
Road.”
Woodford Tomorrow’s first objective is to create a “Uniquely
Woodford” brand “to promote the positive, wholesome, ‘uniqueness’ of Woodford
County, promote economic development, and to position Woodford County as a
desirable place to live and locate new businesses,” Kerkhoff said. In its statements of purpose, Woodford
Tomorrow says it desires development that highlights what is uniquely Woodford,
rather than replicating what can be found in “Anytown, Anywhere.”
The group targets six clusters of economic activity that
show promise for success in capitalizing on the uniqueness of Woodford
County: agriculture, business and industry, health care, education,
hospitality and the arts. Butler
discussed business and industry, the cluster of most concern to the EDA
because of its goal to create and retain jobs.
Butler noted that Woodford Tomorrow’s description puts
business before industry. “The industry is important and we do want the jobs to
come here,” but the county should think about recruiting
white-collar professional firms and consulting firms, he said, not only to create a
diverse economic base, but to increase salaries.
“Let’s recruit some destination businesses,” Butler said,
adding said that when the group realized that the county has already rezoned
400 acres for business, “That was a big wake-up call. . . . Let’s get focused
on that.”
Butler discussed the action items that are needed to
continue this growth and development, beginning with hiring a director of
economic development and the funding of a budget for multiple years. The first priority on the list: Retain and
expand existing business and industry.
Butler noted that Woodford County’s location provides a
foundation for the growth of business in the community and offers all that a
business or industry might be seeking: “a beautiful landscape; solid business
infrastructure, quality health care, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and quality
education system.”
Those things allow for the convenience and advantages of
being in a major metropolitan area but with the quality of life associated with
a rural agricultural community, Butler said.
“Employers are attracted this this sort of rural lifestyle
with big-city convenience,” he said. “Woodford County is going to have to be
competing for the jobs of the future.
The economy is starting to turn around and we have to see how we can
position ourselves to win because there is a lot of communities out there
competing for jobs and we know we have to come together to do that as a team.”
Asked where the group goes from here, Butler said the
group’s function is “to help bring people together,” and it will make similar presentations
to the local governing bodies. “We’re not trying to take over anybody’s job,”
he said. “What we are trying to do is establish common guidelines.”
Chamber director wants Midway, Versailles to cooperate
The new executive director of the county Chamber of
Commerce, Don Vizi, told the board that the chamber is trying to get back
involved in economic-development efforts.
“The chamber has been kind of inactive for the last four to five months,
and we want to be more active with the EDA and tourism and . . . try to bring
Midway and Versailles together, which as you know has been kind of a problem,
to get them working together,” he said.
The EDA developed the Midway Station former industrial park,
but it attracted only a few jobs and has been rezoned for commercial and
residential development. Representatives
of local banks, who hold the debt for Midway Station, came to Friday’s meeting
to discuss an appraisal of the property, but that discussion was held in closed
session.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Woodford Tomorrow adopts vision statement to guide and enhance the county's development
By Al Cross and Alex Ruf
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Woodford Tomorrow, a community improvement organization focusing on economic development and natural resource preservation, adopted its vision statement tonight after almost two years of discussion and work.
"I just think it's amazing," Midway City Council Member Joy Arnold, the group's chair, said after the unanimous vote. "There have been times when we didn't think we would get anyplace."
Woodford Tomorrow is the latest in series of citizen groups that have tried to guide development and preserve the county's rural landscape in the last 40 years, starting with Woodford Save the Land and the Woodford Coalition. Some who were in those groups are in Woodford Tomorrow, but say it is less a preservation group than a strategic development group.
"We just want Woodford County to succeed," said lawyer Hank Graddy of Midway, a leading preservationist in a county that is one of Kentucky's richest, but lacks assets and amenities that other successful communities have -- such as a hotel, an arts council, a full-time economic developer and a brand to identify the county and attract tourists and investors. All are goals in the vision statement and the summary of the group's analysis of the county's economic clusters.
"We're not saying we're against -- those are things we're for," farmer Hampton "Hoppy" Henton said at last night's meeting. "The whole thing is that we're positive. It's not same old over-my-dead-body" attitude.
The group's statement of purpose says, among other things, "We are pro-business (small, medium and large)" and "We are for eliminating Woodford County's reputation for being 'lawsuit-happy'."
The group has identified many short-term and long-term goals for the county, one that has already surfaced: a "Uniquely Woodford" brand for "destination industries, the arts, value-added agricultural products and all that is uniquely Woodford in the community."
Graddy compared it to the Kentucky Proud brand, which is given to qualified foods and products grown or made in Kentucky. The brand is used to encourage Kentuckians to support Kentucky agri-businesses. The Uniquely Woodford brand will be put on items that are made, grown, or manufactured in Woodford County.
UPDATE, July 6: For a story by Greg Kocher of the Lexington Herald-Leader about the brand, click here.
Woodford Tomorrow plans to schedule events promoting the brand. The first event was to be the “Uniquely Woodford Local Food Fair,” April 29 at Equus Run Vineyard, but it had to be rescheduled due to too many conflicts, such as the Kentucky Derby, but likely will be held in the fall, said Woodford Tomorrow member Elizabeth “Libby” Jones. The food fair will feature free food and live music and allow people to meet growers and chefs.
“The simple act of restaurants informing the providers of other products they now purchase outside the county or area will assist the providers in knowing what others lines of products they may be able to sell locally.” said Dan Roller, a Midway City Council member who is supportive of Woodford Tomorrow.
The Woodford Tomorrow vision statement puts strong emphasis on cooperation and collaboration, and the first lines in the purpose statement say "We are a research and fact-finding organization, open to any citizen, organization or company. We strive to provide support and input to city and county officials to help in their decision-making process regarding the betterment of our county."
The group's next steps include taking the vision statement to other groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Woodford County Economic Development Authority, to get their comments and support, and then present it to the county Fiscal Court and the city councils of Versailles and Midway. A formal, uniform presentation will be developed by Lori Garkovich, a University of Kentucky rural sociologist who lives in the county and has been active in development issues.
Some members said other groups might not accept the vision statement as a whole, but could list their exceptions. Garkovich said one of the effort's great potentials is that individuals or groups will get excited about individual parts of the plan and make them happen.
The first three decades of battles over development and preservation in Woodford County are chronicled in "Land (and how it gets that way)," a documentary film by Walter Brock, which premiered in 2004. It will next air on KET-KY (the Kentucky channel) at 9 p.m. June 22.
Woodford Tomorrow meets every second Monday in Versailles at the Community Trust Bank at 6 p.m.
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Woodford Tomorrow, a community improvement organization focusing on economic development and natural resource preservation, adopted its vision statement tonight after almost two years of discussion and work.
"I just think it's amazing," Midway City Council Member Joy Arnold, the group's chair, said after the unanimous vote. "There have been times when we didn't think we would get anyplace."
Woodford Tomorrow is the latest in series of citizen groups that have tried to guide development and preserve the county's rural landscape in the last 40 years, starting with Woodford Save the Land and the Woodford Coalition. Some who were in those groups are in Woodford Tomorrow, but say it is less a preservation group than a strategic development group.
 |
| Woodford Tomorrow members at last month's meeting |
"We're not saying we're against -- those are things we're for," farmer Hampton "Hoppy" Henton said at last night's meeting. "The whole thing is that we're positive. It's not same old over-my-dead-body" attitude.
The group's statement of purpose says, among other things, "We are pro-business (small, medium and large)" and "We are for eliminating Woodford County's reputation for being 'lawsuit-happy'."
The group has identified many short-term and long-term goals for the county, one that has already surfaced: a "Uniquely Woodford" brand for "destination industries, the arts, value-added agricultural products and all that is uniquely Woodford in the community."
Graddy compared it to the Kentucky Proud brand, which is given to qualified foods and products grown or made in Kentucky. The brand is used to encourage Kentuckians to support Kentucky agri-businesses. The Uniquely Woodford brand will be put on items that are made, grown, or manufactured in Woodford County.
UPDATE, July 6: For a story by Greg Kocher of the Lexington Herald-Leader about the brand, click here.
Woodford Tomorrow plans to schedule events promoting the brand. The first event was to be the “Uniquely Woodford Local Food Fair,” April 29 at Equus Run Vineyard, but it had to be rescheduled due to too many conflicts, such as the Kentucky Derby, but likely will be held in the fall, said Woodford Tomorrow member Elizabeth “Libby” Jones. The food fair will feature free food and live music and allow people to meet growers and chefs.
“The simple act of restaurants informing the providers of other products they now purchase outside the county or area will assist the providers in knowing what others lines of products they may be able to sell locally.” said Dan Roller, a Midway City Council member who is supportive of Woodford Tomorrow.
The Woodford Tomorrow vision statement puts strong emphasis on cooperation and collaboration, and the first lines in the purpose statement say "We are a research and fact-finding organization, open to any citizen, organization or company. We strive to provide support and input to city and county officials to help in their decision-making process regarding the betterment of our county."
The group's next steps include taking the vision statement to other groups, such as the Chamber of Commerce and the Woodford County Economic Development Authority, to get their comments and support, and then present it to the county Fiscal Court and the city councils of Versailles and Midway. A formal, uniform presentation will be developed by Lori Garkovich, a University of Kentucky rural sociologist who lives in the county and has been active in development issues.
Some members said other groups might not accept the vision statement as a whole, but could list their exceptions. Garkovich said one of the effort's great potentials is that individuals or groups will get excited about individual parts of the plan and make them happen.
The first three decades of battles over development and preservation in Woodford County are chronicled in "Land (and how it gets that way)," a documentary film by Walter Brock, which premiered in 2004. It will next air on KET-KY (the Kentucky channel) at 9 p.m. June 22.
Woodford Tomorrow meets every second Monday in Versailles at the Community Trust Bank at 6 p.m.
Monday, February 27, 2012
About 100 attend Chamber awards event at college
By Alex Ruf
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Thursday night the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce gathered local business and community leaders at Midway College to celebrate the community of Woodford County. Twenty-three awards were given out, ranging from best local coffee (McDonald’s) to tourism achievement (Wildside Winery).
The awards included Best Place to Shop in Midway, which was won by the Damselfly Gallery. Midway Boutique placed second and Celtic Trends placed third. (Chamber photo: Eric Thoreson of Damselfy, left, and Clare McCarthy Parisel of Celtic Trends) In the contest for best breakfast, Lunch Box and Wallace Station, owned by Holly Hill Inn, placed third, behind winner McDonald’s and runner-up Callie’s, both in Versailles.
The last time this type of event was held in Woodford County was in 2006, and this time the agenda was very different, chamber Executive Director Tami Vater said. This year’s event was geared towards getting more business leaders to come to the event, and appreciate the community of Woodford County.
“What is good for Woodford County is good for all of us,” Chamber board Chairman Tommy Haggard said during his opening remarks. Haggard seemed to set the mood for the rest of the ceremony. Everyone seemed to be on board with the communal spirit of the awards. This was most notable during the award for best place to shop in Versailles. The top three stores – winner Pretty in Pink, runner-up Truly Bluegrass, and Marketplace On Main, are neighbors.
The chamber gave four organizations an award designed to embody the spirit of the county. Community Spirit Awards went to the county planning commission, the Woodford County Farm Bureau, the Woodford County Parks Foundation, and Woodford Tomorrow, a new group that is trying to build bridges between development and preservation interests.
Also announced at the ceremony was Woodford County’s recent certification as a Work Ready Community by the Kentucky Workforce Investment Board. The certification takes into consideration high school graduation rates, education attainment rates of adults, and availability of broadband Internet. Woodford County exceeded all the requirements.
This year the chamber chose to try something new by including rotating categories, which will change from year to year. The categories can be suggested by members of the community. A goal of the chamber is to give every business in the county the chance to be named best in some category.
The ceremony began with an acknowledgement of the hard work it takes to run the chamber. Volunteers have clocked more than 7,500 hours, without which such events wouldn’t be possible.
After the ceremony, Vater and Pam McKinney were asked what they thought about the success of the event. Both viewed it as very successfulsaying only two people who won awards were not at the ceremony. They estimated that more than 100 people attended the event, and said they expect larger turnouts in the coming years.
Here is a complete list of the winners:
University of Kentucky School of Journalism and Telecommunications
Thursday night the Woodford County Chamber of Commerce gathered local business and community leaders at Midway College to celebrate the community of Woodford County. Twenty-three awards were given out, ranging from best local coffee (McDonald’s) to tourism achievement (Wildside Winery).
The last time this type of event was held in Woodford County was in 2006, and this time the agenda was very different, chamber Executive Director Tami Vater said. This year’s event was geared towards getting more business leaders to come to the event, and appreciate the community of Woodford County.
“What is good for Woodford County is good for all of us,” Chamber board Chairman Tommy Haggard said during his opening remarks. Haggard seemed to set the mood for the rest of the ceremony. Everyone seemed to be on board with the communal spirit of the awards. This was most notable during the award for best place to shop in Versailles. The top three stores – winner Pretty in Pink, runner-up Truly Bluegrass, and Marketplace On Main, are neighbors.
The chamber gave four organizations an award designed to embody the spirit of the county. Community Spirit Awards went to the county planning commission, the Woodford County Farm Bureau, the Woodford County Parks Foundation, and Woodford Tomorrow, a new group that is trying to build bridges between development and preservation interests.
 |
| From left: Chamber Executive Director Tami Vater and Woodford Tomorrow's Deborah Knittel, Dave Arnold, Hank Graddy, Patti Butler and Brett Butler. (Chamber photos) |
This year the chamber chose to try something new by including rotating categories, which will change from year to year. The categories can be suggested by members of the community. A goal of the chamber is to give every business in the county the chance to be named best in some category.
The ceremony began with an acknowledgement of the hard work it takes to run the chamber. Volunteers have clocked more than 7,500 hours, without which such events wouldn’t be possible.
After the ceremony, Vater and Pam McKinney were asked what they thought about the success of the event. Both viewed it as very successfulsaying only two people who won awards were not at the ceremony. They estimated that more than 100 people attended the event, and said they expect larger turnouts in the coming years.
Here is a complete list of the winners:
- Leadership All Stars: Tina West, Joanie Anderson, Aaron Soard, Shannon Sloan Soard and the SIFE Program
- Distinguished Farmer of the Year: Bobby Payton
- Outstanding Farmer of the Year: Bobby Gaffney
- Chamber Business Member of the Year: Woodford Wicks Candle Company
- Tourism Achievement Award: Wildside Winery
- Education Spirit Award: Woodford County Woman’s Club
- Community Spirit Award: Woodford County Planning and Zoning Commission, Woodford County Farm Bureau, Woodford County Parks Foundation and Woodford Tomorrow.
- Best Horse Farm: 1st, Lane’s End; 2nd, Winstar; 3rd, Three Chimneys
- Best Place to get a Cup of Coffee: 1st, McDonald;s; 2nd, Starbucks; 3rd, Cornerstone Pharmacy
- Best Place to Shop in Midway: 1st, Damselfly Gallery; 2nd, Midway Boutique; 3rd, Celtic Trends
- Best Place to Shop in Versailles: 1st, Pretty in Pink; 2nd, Truly Bluegrass; 3rd, Marketplace on Main
- Best Veterinarian:1st, Dr. Bradley Keough; 2nd, Dr. Ashley Keith; 3rd, Dr. Dale Eckert
- Best Real Estate Agent:1st, Brenda Rollins; 2nd, Cindy Shryock; 3rd, Carolyn McDonald and Brad Lawson
- Best Place to Get Breakfast: 1st, McDonald's 2nd, Callie’s; 3rd, Lunch Box and Wallace Station
- Best Bank: 1st, Citizens Commerce; 2nd, United Bank; 3rd, Kentucky Bank
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Just what is Midway Renaissance, anyway?
Search this blog for "Renaissance" and you'll find at least two dozen items that mention Midway Renaissance, just one illustration of the amount of work undertaken by the volunteer organization.
But how did Renaissance get started? How is is run, and exactly what does it do? What are its hopes and plans? Rachel Bryant, a Community Journalism student at the University of Kentucky, has written a story about the group. To read it, click here.
But how did Renaissance get started? How is is run, and exactly what does it do? What are its hopes and plans? Rachel Bryant, a Community Journalism student at the University of Kentucky, has written a story about the group. To read it, click here.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Comprehensive Plan Committee continues review tonight at courthouse in Versailles
Tonight at 6:30 at the courthouse in Versailles the Comprehensive Plan Committee of the Versailles-Midway-Woodford County Planning Commission will continue its required update of the county's comprehensive plan, last revised in 2005.
The commission the meeting will focus on transportation elements and regional coordination, the announcement says. However, the commission is also expected to entertain comments on other elements, such as the Preserving Town and Country part of the plan's appendix, which is of much interest in the Midway area and was discussed at the last meeting on Nov. 18. The commission says comments from the public will be limited to three minutes each.
The commission the meeting will focus on transportation elements and regional coordination, the announcement says. However, the commission is also expected to entertain comments on other elements, such as the Preserving Town and Country part of the plan's appendix, which is of much interest in the Midway area and was discussed at the last meeting on Nov. 18. The commission says comments from the public will be limited to three minutes each.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Midway area leads the way in preserving land via conservation easements to Bluegrass Conservancy
The Midway area has the most concentrated set of tracts dedicated to conservation through the Bluegrass Conservancy, according to a map published with a story in Saturday's Lexington Herald-Leader. The map appears below; a chart with the story showed that Woodford County has accounted for more than half of the acreage on which the private, non-profit group holds conservation easements, which permanently bar development of the properties.
Reporter Andy Mead's story was datelined Midway because it focused on Suzi Shoemaker, left, and her Lantern Hill Farm east of town on US 421-62. "It is among the best in the world in what it can produce," she told Mead. "I would like to see future generations have the opportunity to raise horses here. Whether they want to or not, they will have that opportunity." (Herald-Leader photo by David Perry)
Mead explains that the easements "are voluntary agreements, tailored to the needs of each owner and property, that keep the land as open space as a defense against suburban sprawl. The land remains in private hands, and the owners can qualify for tax benefits, including income tax, estate tax and property tax reductions." (Read more)
Reporter Andy Mead's story was datelined Midway because it focused on Suzi Shoemaker, left, and her Lantern Hill Farm east of town on US 421-62. "It is among the best in the world in what it can produce," she told Mead. "I would like to see future generations have the opportunity to raise horses here. Whether they want to or not, they will have that opportunity." (Herald-Leader photo by David Perry)Mead explains that the easements "are voluntary agreements, tailored to the needs of each owner and property, that keep the land as open space as a defense against suburban sprawl. The land remains in private hands, and the owners can qualify for tax benefits, including income tax, estate tax and property tax reductions." (Read more)
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Governor puts Rollins on national education panel, Jones on one for land stewardship, conservation
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear has appointed a Midway resident to a national board and a Midway-area resident to a state board. Both are fellow Democrats.
State Rep. Carl Rollins, a former Midway mayor and magistrate, was named to the Education Commission of the States. Rollins has been director of admissions for Midway College, director of community education for Woodford County and vice president of government relations for The Student Loan People. He completed his Ph.D. In educational policy studies at the University of Kentucky in 2003. For a profile of Rollins, click here.
Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones, co-owner of Airdrie Stud, was appointed to the state Land Stewardship and Conservation Task Force. She is the wife of former Gov. Brereton Jones and has been active in farmland-preservation issues. The task force is studying the strategies that Kentucky and other states have utilized for protection of unique natural areas, farmlands, habitats and forests; and is to propose for the 2009 legislative session a bill creating a Land Stewardship Coordinating Committee to be the focal point for all land and property-rights acquisitions in the state relating to conservation, recreation and preservation. For the 2010 session, it is to produce legislative proposals relating to the funding, assessment, prioritizing and acquisition of conservation, recreation and preservation properties in the state. For the authorizing legislation, click here. For the other members, click here.
State Rep. Carl Rollins, a former Midway mayor and magistrate, was named to the Education Commission of the States. Rollins has been director of admissions for Midway College, director of community education for Woodford County and vice president of government relations for The Student Loan People. He completed his Ph.D. In educational policy studies at the University of Kentucky in 2003. For a profile of Rollins, click here.
Elizabeth Lloyd "Libby" Jones, co-owner of Airdrie Stud, was appointed to the state Land Stewardship and Conservation Task Force. She is the wife of former Gov. Brereton Jones and has been active in farmland-preservation issues. The task force is studying the strategies that Kentucky and other states have utilized for protection of unique natural areas, farmlands, habitats and forests; and is to propose for the 2009 legislative session a bill creating a Land Stewardship Coordinating Committee to be the focal point for all land and property-rights acquisitions in the state relating to conservation, recreation and preservation. For the 2010 session, it is to produce legislative proposals relating to the funding, assessment, prioritizing and acquisition of conservation, recreation and preservation properties in the state. For the authorizing legislation, click here. For the other members, click here.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Economic Development Authority OKs sale of industrial park for residential, commercial project
By Emily FunkThe Woodford County Economic Development Authority unanimously voted Friday morning to authorize the execution of a contract to develop
The contract has yet to be heard at a public meeting, and zoning must be changed by the
If the project runs into opposition from citizens, that would be par for the course. Many opposed creating and annexing an industrial park in the early 1990s, and there was much opposition to a recent proposal to sell it to Blue Grass Stockyards. Due to lawsuits and the high cost of reconstruction, the stockyards pulled out of the deal.
“It has been a long, frustrating journey,” said Bob Rouse, a Midway resident and member of the EDA.
The Anderson Communities development plan (above) includes 253 attached residential units, 256 single-family detached residential units, 149 residential units associated with commercial uses and 57 residential uses associated with office uses.
Developer Dennis Anderson has numerous residential and commercial properties in
“We think we have been doing a good job on meeting three basic needs of people: clean, safe, affordable,”
Sidewalks will be wide enough for people to walk side-by-side, and though houses will contain back yards and other venues for their residents’ privacy, elements such as front porches, garages in the back or sides instead of the front, and open green spaces will encourage public interaction, the Sun reported.
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The purchase agreement between the EDA and Anderson Communities was approved on July 27, 2007. At Friday’s meeting, EDA Chair Michael Duckworth acknowledged the short time period between the purchase agreement and the execution of the contract.
“Some think we rushed, but we were under pressure,” Duckworth said. “We have looked at the company and product. The [Industrial] Park needs a transition if it’s going to be successful.”
The pressure felt by the EDA stems from the difficulty it had had in selling property in Midway Station. The land has been controlled by the EDA for 10 years and marketable for five years. In 2006, Blue Grass Stockyards of Lexington decided to purchase and relocate to Midway Station, causing a local controversy.
Supporters saw an opportunity to create jobs for the area.
Despite the opposition, the Midway City Council voted 4 to 2 in April 2007 to change the zoning ordinance to allow stockyards in industrial zones. Councilwomen Sheila Redmond and Sharon Turner voted against the measure.
Despite the vote, stockyard Chairman Gene Barber decided that his business would not relocate to Midway from near downtown
In a letter sent in June 2007 to The Woodford Sun, Barber cited the difficulties the stockyards would face in awaiting the outcome of a lawsuit filed by a group opposed to the relocation to Midway. He said a new facility could take up to six years to complete and, given the current age and condition of the Lexington facility, the owners would need to pour a large amount of money into it to keep it operating until a new facility could be built. He also cited the cost of repaving roads in the industrial park.
Duckworth said, “We spent 14 months trying to relocate the stockyards to Midway Station. On July 2, 2007, the deal ended.”
Nearly eight months later, Rouse is still trying to understand the opposition to the stockyard relocation.
The Anderson Communities have encountered less resistance than the Blue Grass Stockyards, but some citizens still have concerns about development of the property. They were not called on to speak at Friday’s meeting, but were interviewed afterward.
Jo Gardone works at the Eagle’s Nest Gallery in Midway and resides in the Ironworks residential community in
The creek runs near Midway Station and has flooded four times since Gardone has lived there, she said.
“I am worried about the environmental impact on the creek when they start construction,” she said. “That land is very fragile.”
Transformation of the property from an industrial park to a mixed-use community depends on the zoning change, which requires a public hearing – a date for which has not been set.
If the change occurs, the construction will not begin anytime before spring 2009,
He added that the plans call for the development to take place over 10 years. “I doubt we’re going to get it done in 10 years,” he said. “It isn’t going to be Earth-shaking — we’re just going to ease into it.”
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