LEGISLATIVE UPDATE - Submitted by Senator Robin L. Webb: 12-11-2020

FRANKFORT ⎯ With the convening of the 2021 Kentucky General Assembly now less than one month away, it seems the weather and business in Frankfort are beginning to heat up. We will soon know our committee assignments and begin preparation for the first week, which will be a brief organizational session. Legislators will then recess and return to Frankfort the first week of February to resume the short, 30-day session.

As a past President, and Executive Council member, of the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses, which is under the umbrella of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF), I recently attended the 17th Annual National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses (NASC) Sportsman-Legislator Summit. Traditionally an in-person event, due to COVID-19, this year’s summit was held online. The theme was “2020: A Clear Vision for Enhanced Access, Opportunities, and #Responsible Recreation.”

The virtual event consisted of more than 200 bipartisan elected officials from all 50 states, more than 80 members of state fish and wildlife agency leadership from 36 states, governors’ offices from 7 states, and staff from both the U.S. Department of the Interior and Department of Agriculture. We discussed key issues and concerns facing the sportsmen’s community in the year ahead.  Among the many topics that were discussed were the 30×30 biodiversity movement and how hunters and anglers fit in; the Great American Outdoors Act; online hunter education; trapping as a wildlife management tool; increasing angler diversity through urban fishing centers; deficiencies in current poaching penalties and prosecutions; and much more.

I was proud to once again be appointed to the 2021 NASC Executive Council by my NASC colleagues. The bipartisan council assists heavily with policy development and sportsmen’s community engagement across states. It is imperative we highlight the role that hunting, angling, recreational shooting and trapping play in supporting conservation policies that also benefit our nation’s social and economic wellbeing. I look forward to the presentation of our Kentucky Sportsmen’s Caucus and our mission to our new legislative members and to identify those issues important to our mission.    

With the prefiling deadline behind us, all proposed legislation for this upcoming session has now been submitted. You can view the 2021 prefiled bills at legislature.ky.gov. Many of these we will discuss in Committee meetings when the session begins in January. We have a lot of work ahead of this session, and I look forward to working across the aisle with my legislative colleagues to address the challenges facing our state.

As always, I will do my best to keep you updated and informed about what is happening in Frankfort. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, I remain accessible by email at Robin.Webb@LRC.KY.GOV. You can also leave a message for me on the Legislative Message Line at (800) 372-7181. Citizens with hearing impairments can use the Kentucky Relay Service at 711.

Tribute for Kathy Gail Utley Smith January 30, 1954 ~ December 9, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Kathy Gail Utley Smith, 66, went to be with her Lord Wednesday December 9, 2020 at her residence.

Kathy was born January 30, 1954 in Carter County, KY a daughter of the late Orville and Bertha Everman Utley. In addition to her parents, Kathy was preceded in death by her husband, Mike Harley Smith; a son, Jeremy Matthew Smith; twin infant grandsons; a sister, Karen Ratliff; and three brothers, Larry Utley, Gene Utley and Don Utley. Kathy was a teacher’s aide with Carter Co. Schools for over 25 years.

Kathy is survived by a daughter, Kristy (Stephen) Brock; a son, Jason Smith; seven grandchildren, two granddaughters who were like here own daughters, Jerra Smith and Whitley Bowling; Brooklyn Smith, Madyson Smith, Carley Smith, Jaci Smith and Braylon Smith; and several nieces and nephews who will all mourn her passing.

The family have choose cremation with a memorial service later. Condolences may be sent to the Smith family at www.malonefuneralhome.com

Tribute for Lincoln Sparks February 12, 1947 ~ December 8, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Lincoln Sparks, 73 of Grayson, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lexington, KY.

Lincoln was born February 12, 1947 in Blaine, KY a son of the late Charles Russell and Ruth Edwards Sparks. He was retired from the Carter County School System, teaching at East Carter County High School and a member of the Oak Grove Church of Christ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juda Parsons Sparks and one brother, Larry Sparks. He is survived by one daughter, Arlene (Mark) Cotton of Waddy, KY; one son, Greg Sparks of Grayson; one sister, Gertrude Barker of Dayton, OH; three brothers, Ken Sparks of Blaine, KY, Arnold Sparks of Milton, KY and Mike Sparks of Columbus, OH; one granddaughter, Lauren Cotton; honorary grandfather to, Iris Keller and Rosemary Keller; special companion, Lois Anglin.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current mandates set forth by the Governor, private services will be held Saturday, December 12 with Donald Damron and Bradley Cotten, ministers. Burial will be in the East Carter County Memory Gardens.

Family suggest memorial contributions to: Oak Grove Church of Christ, 1529 Damron Branch, Grayson, KY 41143 or Kentucky Organ Donor Association, 10160 Linn Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223.

Condolences, memories of Lincoln and live stream of Lincoln’s service can be found at www.malonefuneralhome.com.

ACTC providing $50,000 in Nurse Aide Scholarships: by TAYLOR ALEXANDER

ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) Workforce Solutions is providing $50,000 in Nurse Aide scholarships in an effort to alleviate some of the stress that COVID-19 has caused on the community workforce. 

Due to the demand for nurse aides and the loss of employment in the area, ACTC is offering a scholarship to at-risk populations with opportunities for immediate employment. ACTC is committed to helping our community by producing trained nurse aides to answer the needs of the healthcare industry in our area. 

“We are excited to have up to $50,000 in scholarships for nurse aide training to help fill the shortage COVID-19 has created,” says Robin Harris, Director of Workforce Solutions. “This scholarship will afford someone an opportunity they may not have been given without financial assistance. It’s a win-win, helping individuals obtain employable skills and contributing to the workforce in and around our area.” 

The scholarship is awarded to those who do not have other financial assistance in place such as scholarships or grants.  

Instructor and Coordinator of Short-Term Health Programs, Sonya Riggs, says she is very excited about the SRNA Scholarship for prospective students. 

“This great opportunity will open new doors for students who otherwise would not be able to attend classes.  This is what we do…Help open new doors and make dreams come true,” said Riggs. 

This program provides knowledge and skills for nurse aides to assume the role and responsibility required in a long-term care setting. The focus is on communication, infection control, safety, resident/patient rights, and basic nursing skills. A person who completes this training and passes the state exam would be able to work in long term care facilities as well as some hospitals.  

Since January 2019, ACTC Workforce Solutions has trained 650+ nurse aides with some going on to continue their education. 

Currently, the program has a pass rate of 94%, according to the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. 

“From working closely with the long-term care facilities in our area, we know they are desperate for nurse aides as the pandemic has really hit them hard,” said Harris. “We hope that by taking away a barrier for some students that we can help our community through his difficult time.” 

For more information about the Nurse Aide program or about the Nurse Aide Scholarship, please contact Robin Harris at 606-326-2252 or Robin.Harris@kctcs.edu. 

### 

Ashland Community and Technical College is strengthening our communities by providing certificate, diploma, and associate degree programs that prepare students for employees for employment or transfer to baccalaureate programs as well as enhance job skills through workforce training. As a member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, our colleges are united in their commitment to making life better for our students, communities and the citizens of Kentucky.  

TAYLOR ALEXANDER

Director of Marketing & Public Relations
Ashland Community & Technical College
Office: (606) 326-2432
Cell: (606) 547-6133
Your success equals our success.

Tribute for Bruce Jarvis Leadingham July 20, 1960 ~ December 8, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

Bruce Jarvis Leadingham, Sr., 60 of Grayson died on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 at Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland.

Bruce was born July 20, 1960, in Grayson, a son of Johnny Leadingham and the late Toni Adams Leadingham. Bruce was a member of the National Rifle Association.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Jarvis Leadingham, Jr and a brother, Richard Leadingham.

In addition to his father he is survived by one son, Jason (Brenda) Barker of Grayson; one daughter, Tiffani (Jeff) McGuire of Olive Hill, KY; one sister, Johnda (Brian) Messer of Grayson; two brothers, Chester Leadingham of Grayson and George (Renee) Leadingham of Carter City; two grandchildren, Kaleb Barker and Mackenna Lore; special companion, Helen Barker.

At the family’s request, there will be no services. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com.

Tribute for James Robert Hale January 12, 1930 ~ December 8, 2020: Malone Funeral Home

James Robert Hale, 90, of Grayson, KY passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2020 at Kingsbrook Lifecare Center in Ashland, KY.

James was born January 12, 1930 in Whitesburg, KY. He was the oldest of 14 children born to the late Delmar and Lizzie Isaac Hale. James enjoyed his gardening, riding motorcycles, watching western movies, singing and was a real jokester.

He was preceded in death by his wife Reavel Daron Hale and son Monte Hale. He was also preceded in death by three sisters; Dorothy Dinkens, Clarus Alexander, Carolyn Sue Jackson; five brothers, Gene, Willard, Larry, Isaac and Bert Hale; son-in-law, Timothy Felty; step grandson, Timothy Jason Felty and step great-grandson Justine Felty.

James is survived by two daughters; Helen Felty of Grayson and Sally (Randy) Atkins of Sandy Hook, KY; three sisters, Bertha Dinkens of Grayson, Mattie Hale of Grayson and Melissa (Bernie) Smith of Flatwoods; two brothers, Eddie (Sharon) Hale of Grayson and Danny Hale of Ashland; five very loving grandchildren, Joseph Alexander, Nina Alexander, Sandra Atkins, Monica Craig and Eric Hale; two step grandchildren, Jeffrey Felty and Candy Creech; three great-grandchildren, five step great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and seven step great-great-grandchildren.

James was loved by a host of family and friends beyond measure and those that are left behind cannot imagine a world without him in it.

Due to COVID -19 restrictions and current mandates set forth by the Governor, private services will be conducted Friday by Bro. Bobby Bond with the burial in the Damron Family Cemetery.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.malonefuneralhome.com.