Tag: thoughts and stuff

Hospice of the Bluegrass is looking for volunteers…

I just heard this on Coffeebreak, and thought I should share…
Hospice of the Bluegrass is looking for volunteers. Medical experience isn’t necessarily needed. Anyone who has any skill can be put to work. Examples of tasks/chores a volunteer can do are building ramps, raking leaves, cleaning, etc.
Anyone who is interested in helping our community’s elderly can contact Kelly Kendall at (859) 234-6462, or via email at kkendall@hospicebg.org.
Kelly will also be a guest on tomorrow’s Coffeebreak program, aired on WCYN 1400AM.

long time no blog

I haven’t done much blogging here in a while. I’ve been fairly busy over the past few weeks. We had student loan overage money come in, and I’ve been busy catching up on a number of our back debts, and deciding what portions of those funds could be spent on the family for winter clothes, and such. And now, one week later, all the money is gone, and we are back on track (well, sorta).
Doesn’t seem like much, but it was enough to take my attention away from my blog.
I’ve missed quite a bit of CoffeeBreak, and have almost lost interest in the show. This morning’s guest is supposed to be speaking about the Veteran’s Day celebration this weekend. That reminds me–I need to do something for mom’s birthday.
As part of Winkle’s toying around with the WCYN website, he has added a “question of the week”–a weekly poll, where listeners/viewers of the site can provide input. This week’s question is:

What is the most important issue that needs to be addressed by the leaders of Cynthiana & Harrison County?

With 7 votes, (as of 7:29am this date) 57% say New Jobs, and 43% say the Recreation Park.
I’m part of the majority–I feel we need to do something about the job market, and bring more business and industry to Cynthiana.
I also hadn’t been able to make a post last week of news in the Democrat, for their site as down, and I’m not wasting 50¢ on a stack of advertisements. I need to check back at their site, and see if it’s back up.
Well, I believe that’s it for now. Think I’ll get back to housework.

My Response to a Letter to the Editor

The Cynthiana Democrat published an interesting little letter this week, in which a woman voiced her complaints of an upcoming scheduled training exercise, where the Cynthiana Fire Department will be burning a building located on Walnut Street. Her letter reads as follows:

To the editor:

This letter is to inform the tax paying citizens of Cynthiana that on Nov.10, and 11, 2007, the City of Cynthiana has authorized the fire department to conduct a controlled burning of the properties located at 105 and 103 N. Walnut St. as a training exercise for the fire department and numerous other fire departments.

The public safety commissioner has said that because it is a controlled burn and that because they are not going to use gasoline as a fire starter that there will be no smoke. I am over 50 years old and have never seen a fire without smoke, no matter what it is started with. The buildings are vinyl sided and will give off plastic-like smoke some of the worst kind.

I was under the impression that the city commission was elected to look after the interest of the taxpayers. I am a taxpayer, as are a lot of your readers, and if they allow this to happen in the city limits they are putting tax payers property and health at great risk. I intend to legally hold the St. Edwards Catholic Church, City of Cynthiana, Cynthiana Fire Department and the State Fire Marshall responsible for any and all damages that I incur health or property wise.

We have all lived with the aftermath of fires: smoke smells, burnt building hulls and physical injury so I ask the question: Do we want to on purpose?

Martha Whitaker

While Ms. Whitaker raises a good point, that there will be some element of smoke caused by the fire, and that there may be an unpleasant aroma that will fill the town, she seems to be a little out of touch with her own words. She said that the “city commission was elected to look after the interest of the taxpayers.” Very true. That would be why the commission has allowed the fire department to burn these structures–for training. Fortunately, our city departments do not see many fires in the town, however, this causes a bit of a problem, as well. Without having a grand experience in fighting fires, and performing rescues and recovery, our men and women’s skills can lose their edge. So, which would you prefer, a team of men and women daringly entering a blaze to save you with little to no actual experience, or a team who has a few fires under their belt?
Also, on the initial burns, the buildings will be well under control, meaning very little fire and smoke–the department will want to keep these elements to a minimum, so that they can make use of the structures during the exercise. Large flames and smoke come only from a fire which has gone out of control, and has not been cared for from the beginning, has not been limited from growth. The greatest problem which shall effect the area will most likely be steam, from the continuous wetting of the building.
And, I believe that her claim to inform the public of the scheduled burning comes a bit late. I know of one instance where the public had been informed prior to her amazing announcement–on the morning of October 9, Rick Schwartz made the announcement on WCYN’s Coffeebreak.
So, to Ms. Whitaker, I hope that if you are so inclined to try and halt the burn, for concerns of your health and property, then please, do so by addressing your complaints to the city commission, or the state fire commission. And while you do so, please pray that neither you, nor anyone else within Cynthiana’s limits shall ever need the aid of a well trained fire department.

Coffeebreak 10/16/07

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Representative Tom McKee.
This morning’s sponsors were:
Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Whalen & Company, and Eastside Pharmacy, and  Joe Cochran – local State Farm Insurance representative.

Coffeebreak 10/15/07

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest was Russell Whalen, founder of Whalen Jewelers. Russell has been a community business leader for sixty years. Topics discussed concerned various terms and qualities within jewelery and watches, as well as mentioning of how Cynthiana has changed over the past sixty years.
This morning’s sponsors were:
Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Whalen & Company, and Eastside Pharmacy.

Coffeebreak – 10/12/07

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick opened this morning’s show making a joke in reference to last week’s show, where Chris was picking on him for being in a bad mood.
After commenting on the recent change in the weather (at the time of broadcast it was 52°F), Rick mentioned that he had spoke with Roger Slade, of the Harrison County Historical Society, which is sponsoring the Ghost Walking Tour. Rick stated that Roger noted that there has been a lot of interest in the tour, and that the tours taking place during the nine o’clock hour have been of great interest. The tour begins at the Rohs Opera House, and proceeds to the fountain at the old courthouse, where the story of David Sheely is given. From the old courthouse, the tour crosses the street to the Old Log Cabin (WCYN), where George Slade’s experience is told. From there, the tour doubles back, and crosses to Main Street, where a story related to the building adjacent to the lot is given. From there, the tour stops at Seldon-Renaker Inn, the returns to the Rohs, to ascend to the third floor, where the last story is told.
Rick reminded the listeners that the Breds play at home tonight, against Rockcastle County. The final game that the Thorobreds will play is in two weeks, and will be the Homecoming/Senior Night game.
Topics suggested for the open mic discussions where the Ghost Walk–Rick was interested in hearing from listeners who have taken the tour–and the recent removal of the trees on Main Street, in front of the former Whaley-McCarty Funeral Home.
Prior to the first call, both Rick and Chris commented on the number of hits that WCYN.com has received, and that they have received comments from listeners of the streaming broadcast from as far as Nebraska and Florida.
The first caller of the day was an elderly woman who stated that she was saddened by the removal of the trees on Main Street. The caller asked if Rick knew who had removed the trees, to which Rick responded by saying that the word he received was that the State Highway Department had removed the trees at the request of the Mayor. The trees had been viewed as a safety hazard, according to unnamed sources, due to the fact that branches hung low enough to be struck by passing semi-trucks, and that the fall foliage tended to cause for a slippery driving surface. The caller also commented that she is very disappointed by the current administration’s lack of care for the various plants and shrubbery that had been placed throughout town by the former administration. The final comment that the caller made was in expressing her disappointment in the public for not cleaning up after themselves at the new recreational park. She feels that it is a waste of time where the men working for the Recreation Department must pick up the refuse left behind.
The second caller wished to share news of what is happening in the city of Berry. Recently, Southeast Telephone assisted in providing the area with DSL. As a part of the project, there are ten terminals giving free access to the Internet located at the Community Data Center (located at Berry City Hall). The caller also noted that there has been a new factory to open at the old Berry Lumber Company. Rosewood Pallet Supply, the new business, is currently employing approximately ten people, and is planning for expansion. Rick stated that he is currently in the works of contacting the woman who owns and operates the establishment and scheduling her as a guest to the program.
The third caller offered suggestion of a guest to the program, in response to a question Rick asked on air, regarding having “out of town” guests. The woman offered suggestion for Joe B. Hall, Cynthiana native and former UK basketball coach, to be a guest on the show. Rick stated that it might be difficult to schedule Coach Hall, for he is a local media celebrity.
The final caller of the day, Danny Simpson, raised an interesting point in relation to the drought situation. Throughout Kentucky communities have had water restrictions in place, yet, to his knowledge, Cynthiana has not fallen under one due to the back-up water supply being pumped from the Main Licking at Devil’s Backbone. Coach Simpson questioned why the city and county have not used this as a selling point for bringing business and industry to Cynthiana. Rick, while validating Simpson’s question as valid, stated that according to what he has heard from certain sources, that the expense of pumping water from the north Licking is too great.

Other notable points within the show:
Chris mentioned that Custom Cuts’ Jerry Adams has organized the final cruise-in of the year, which will take place in front of the station, on Court Street, tomorrow evening at 5:00 p.m.
Chris asked about information regarding the time capsules buried at the old courthouse–he is curious if anyone remembers what had been buried.
Chris stated that on one of last weekend’s tours, people reported seeing a figure in the upstairs window at the radio station. Chris explained that the shadowy figure actually belonged to Chris McDuffey, who was there for the broadcast of last week’s Thorobreds game. Rick then suggested that he and Chris take one of the tours. Rick also began to poke fun at Chris’ fear of clowns.

This morning’s sponsors were:
Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, Bourbon Community Hospital, and the First United Methodist Church of Cynthiana.

Cofeebreak – They Say… (10/11/07)

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick’s guest this morning was Doug Miller, of the law offices of Swinford and Sims. Discussion involved questions concerning what media can and cannot say, with regard of what can be viewed as protected under the rights of free speech, and where “free speech” may become malicious or slanderous. One example noted by Mr. Miller was the case Jerry Falwell had brought against Larry Flynt, in response to a parody published in Hustler Magazine.
Discussion then went to what freedoms an official can say, referencing the current political ads in Kentucky’s gubernatorial race involving current Governor Ernie Fletcher and rival Steve Beshear. In relation to this topic, Mr. Miller expressed his opinion that it is “sad that we are selling our candidates in thirty second, one minute, or two minute spots in the same way that we sell soap.” Mr. Miller went further to say that he wished that there could be a bit of restraint placed on the ads, where they could be limited to actually having the candidates physically present and speaking throughout their ads, rather than having an ad agency piecing together commercials for them.
Rick then asked for a bit of clarification of what “off the record” means when one speaks to another. Mr. Miller explained that statements made between people “off the record” are more of a trust where the one expects the other to not repeat a certain bit of information, with the understanding that should the story be repeated there will be denial. Mr. Miller further explained that these statements may not be able to be kept quiet in a court of law.
The final question asked involved defining a “speedy trial.” Mr. Miller explained that a speedy trial is where a defendant is guaranteed that proceedings shall take place within a reasonable amount of time of their detainment, claim, etc. The time frame for a “speedy trial” is at the discretion of the court, and can extend however long the court sees fit. There are, however, among certain courts an unpublished “rule of thumb” time-frame. Mr. Miller also stated that, for the most part, the rights to a speedy trial are waived, where the defense may wish to have as much time possible to build and defend the case.

At the opening of this morning’s program, Rick announced that during a conversation with Roger Slade, Roger had mentioned that all available slots for this weekends’ Ghost Walking Tour had been filled. Rick also announced that Roger may appear on tomorrows program via telephone to speak on the tour.

This morning’s sponsors were:
Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, Bourbon Community Hospital, Chase Jewelers, and Joe Cochran – local State Farm Insurance representative.

Coffeebreak – OCT 9 & 10 2007

I have fallen behind on blogging Coffeebreak…. Sorry… on Tuesday, Oct. 9, I was out at my mom’s and barely heard the broadcast… Yesterday’s broadcast I didn’t get to hear a bit of, for I was doing the plasma thing again…
Tuesday’s guest was Richard Schwartz of the Cynthiana Fire Department. Discussion involved Fire Prevention Week. There also was the announcement that St. Edwards newly acquired properties on Walnut Street will be used for fire training, and will be burned on Nov. 10 & 11, 2007.
Yesterday’s Guest was Mike Fields of the Lexington Herald Leader.

Coffeebreak – 10/8/2007

On this morning’s Coffeebreak:
Rick asked for clarification on the jokes Chris was tossing around on Friday’s show. Chris had been poking fun at Rick being in a bad mood; Chris had actually been responding to a comment Rick made at the very beginning of Friday’s show, where he had said that Chris looked a little down. Chris replayed that clip from the show, and a quick laugh was enjoyed.
Chris also announced that WCYN would be broadcasting remotely from the WEDCO District’s Health Fair at River Road Park this morning, from10a.m. to 11a.m.
Rick’s guest this morning was Peggy Sithers, of WEDCO District Health, who was speaking on behalf of this morning’s event.
WEDCO is holding the third annual Harrison County Children’s Health Fair at River Road Park from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. There will be approximately 20 booths available for children and parents to tour, which will be offering various forms of information on child health and safety. There will be a number of healthy snacks available for children, such as apples and raisins, as well as an ice cream treat at the end, once the child has visited every booth and station along the way.
A few of the things that children and parents can expect to find are information on diabetes, nutrition, car seat safety, bicycle safety, and other prizes and goodies. Some of the named partners of this event are the Ministerial Association’s Food Pantry, The Harrison County Humane Society, Cynthiana Fire Department, Cynthiana Police Department, Brown’s Ambulance Service, the Cynthiana Harrison County Public Library, the Childcare Council, Curves, and the Cynthiana Harrison County Parks and Recreation Department. There will also be many booths offering information on health and family services provided by the Harrison County WEDCO District Health Department.
Booths and tents will be set up around the shelter.
In closing, referencing the tooth-fairy costume Peggy was wearing for her dental health booth, Rick jokingly asked the question of how inflation has affected the amount of money the tooth-fairy deposits. I googled for an inflation calculator, which informed me that a quarter left in 1930 would equate to $2.85 left in 2006–Jeremiah.

In other news, Rick announced that the station had received their “G: The Coach” stickers on Friday, and that they had a few left. Anyone who is interested should call the station at 859.234.1400 immediately, before they run out.

This morning’s sponsors were:
Harrison County Board of Education, Jetubs, Cockrell’s Auto Center, BluegrassTradingPost.com, Whalen & Company, Eastside Pharmacy, Bourbon Community Hospital, and WEDCO District Health.