Local News
Mentoring program moving forward
The African American Mentoring Program is beginning to take shape.
Created in response to what was seen as low standardized test scores for African American males in Madison County, the program is designed to pair male students with male mentors in the hope that it leads to a positive outcome.
Approximately 175 mailers were sent to families inviting them to participate in the program.
Twelve mentors recently received training for the program and another four or five are scheduled to undergo training on Saturday, said Velmar Miller, president of the African American Mentoring Program.
During Monday’s parent meeting, 12 students were enrolled in the program.
At the meeting, parents were informed about what the program entails and what is expected of the students and parents. Parents strongly were encouraged to become more active in their children’s education.
“We showed them how to get on the school Web site, how to access grades, the daily announcements, one call, student codes, attendance, requirements for athletics and we had them sign a parent pledge,” Miller said. “We’re going to do everything in our power to assist their kids and help in the education process.”
Another meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday at the Technology Training Center across from Madison Central High School.
“The first thing on the agenda is a presentation to explain the expectations of the mentoring program,” Miller said.
Following the presentation, there will be a discussion on proposed upcoming projects, before the students are teamed with a mentor.
Students and mentors will meet at least once a week, but can meet more often if they choose.
If the program is successful, Miller said the hope is that it can serve as a model for other organizations that might be interested in creating a similar program.
Members of the mentoring program have been visiting schools to promote it and stress the importance of standardized testing.
They also have been searching for sponsors and community support.
Even though the program is still in the early stages, Miller said it has already been contacted by Eastern Kentucky University’s Call Me Mister program, which interviewed students on Wednesday to see if they fit the profile for the program.
The Call Me Mister program provides academic and financial support to African American males pursuing careers in teaching.
Regular meetings for the African American Mentoring Program will be conducted on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Technology Training Center.
For more information, call Velmar Miller at Madison Central High School at 625-6109.
Tim Mandell can be reached at tmandell@richmondregister.com or 623-1669 ext. 6696.
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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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Special response team assists with domestic assault
A situation that police said could easily have spiraled out of control was kept calm by the cooperation of multiple law enforcement agencies, said Nelson O’Donnell, Madison County Sheriff.
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