Local News
Foothills transit service shows increase in riders
What began as a trial run is now running all over the county, allowing residents to use a transit service to travel between Richmond, Berea and other parts of the county.
Kentucky River Foothills transportation representatives Melissa Gross and David Sowder presented county magistrates and judge/executive Kent Clark last week with the latest numbers to show the increased use of the Madison County connector route.
A total of 3,583 residents have taken advantage of the connector route, and almost 700 people used the service in October alone, according to the information provided by Gross and Sowder.
The county pays $44,000 per year to help with the expenses affiliated with running the connector route that allows citizens to travel back and forth between Berea and Richmond, Clark said.
The cost for Kentucky River Foothills to provide the connector route service is almost $63,000. The amount includes personnel costs, fuel, bus maintenance and other operation support, insurance and licensing.
The idea of a county connector route was announced late last year, and was being done by the county on a trial basis only.
“We did it for six months, and the (ridership) numbers were really good,” Clark said. “It’s really paying off for those people who can’t afford a car. Personally, I think that it is really good for the people who need that service.”
The cost to ride the bus is $2 a day, and that amount can include more than one location stops.
“We’re providing that bus service for residents of Berea to be able to come to Richmond, and also for people in Richmond who need to go to Berea,” Clark said. “It’s just a good deal.”
The fiscal court is planning to continue its financial support of the county’s connector route.
“It’s just amazing,” Clark said. “The (ridership) numbers are staying stead and really are more than what we expected. We’ll look at it ever six months, and if we think it’s justifiable, then I think we’ll continue to offer that service. The bottom line is to make sure that it’s justifiable.”
Aside from the Madison County connector route, Foothills Community Action Partnership also provides individual transit services in Richmond, Berea and Winchester.
More than 9,000 riders have taken advantage of the Berea transit service since October 2008, and 22,179 riders have utilized Richmond’s transit system, according to information given to the court last week.
Anyone who would like to take advantage of the Kentucky River Foothills transit service or schedule a ride can call 1-800-819-7083 or 624-3236.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
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EKU to host National Junior Classical League Convention
The 2011 convention of the National Junior Classical League will take place July 25-30 at Eastern Kentucky University.
Up to 1,600 high school students from around the country who study Latin or Greek language and history are expected to attend, said Bari Clements, a Latin teacher at Madison Central High School who will co-chair the event with Kathy Elifrits of Covington Latin High School. -
Arts Gala, Pottery Festival kick off autumn activities
A nearly non-stop string of festivals and other fall events starts on Friday.
The Richmond Area Arts Council will get things going on Friday with its 20th annual Arts Gala at the home of Marilyn and Ralph Hacker, beginning at 5 p.m. It will be highlighted by a 6:30 p.m. dinner show with the Cool Waters cowboy band. For tickets, visit www.artsinrichmond.org or call 624-4242.
On Saturday and Sunday, the sixth annual Great American Pottery Festival with eight potters demonstrating their craft will take place in Richmond’s Irvine McDowell Park. More than 40 arts and crafts vendors will have their wares for purchase. Although getting a chance to turn mud into a pot or vase is great fun for children of all ages, the annual Kids Fest on Saturday in the park will have loads of other entertainment for youngsters. Both events are free. -
Alford plea for two suspected in Iowa robbery
Two men accused of an Iowa bank robbery pleaded guilty Thursday in Madison Circuit Court to receiving stolen property less than $10,000, a Class D felony.
Both men entered Alford pleas. By entering an Alford plea, a defendant admits that enough evidence exists for prosecutors to convince a jury the defendant is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, but does not actually admit to performing the crime of which they are accused. -
Delinquent taxpayers given warning to pay
The City of Richmond is giving those who owe delinquent property taxes a chance to pay before their name and owed amount appear in the Richmond Register.
The names of those who owe and how much they owe the city is scheduled to be published as a legal advertisement in the newspaper Saturday, Sept. 25. The deadline to pay before the name and amount are listed is Tuesday, Sept. 21 by 4:30 p.m.
The delinquent taxes being sought are for 2009, and bills for 2010 collections will be mailed out on Oct. 1. -
Hearing delayed for 3 accused of violating graves
A mandatory state furlough day Friday delayed a pretrial conference for three people accused of damaging graves at Richmond Cemetery.
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Voting resumes for playground ‘Refresh’ grant
Supporters of a playground accessible for handicapped children at Lake Reba Park have resumed their effort to win a $25,000 Pepsi Refresh grant.
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Commissioner: No one should take credit for street paving
A recent door-to-door excursion by a Richmond city commissioner was a way to say “Thank You,” rather than take credit for city services, he said.
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Lots of choices on November’s ballot
When Madison Countians go to the polls Nov. 2, there will be plenty of choices to make.
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Hudson to retire from Pattie A. Clay
Pattie A. Clay Regional Medical Center’s president and chief executive officer will retire next year, the hospital announced Friday.
In 2010, Pattie A. Clay will complete 118 years of providing healthcare for Madison and the surrounding counties. The year 2010 will also mark the sixth and final year that Robert J. Hudson will serve as the hospital’s President and Chief Executive Officer. Hudson will be retiring next spring with 33 total years of service to Pattie A. Clay. -
Richmond man pleads guilty to robbing stores
A Richmond man accused of robbing three check cashing stores in Richmond and Berea, pleaded guilty in Madison Circuit Court on Thursday, as part of a plea agreement.
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EKU to host National Junior Classical League Convention
