At the Owen County Fiscal Court meeting on Sept. 12, items were discussed that could both change the way Owen County looks and how its residents receive information.
Among the subjects brought up for discussion was that of adopting a “One Call Now” program. The program is already in place in the Owen County School System. Judge-Executive Billy O’Banion brought up the issue and discussed how it could possibly be beneficial for all of Owen County to be a part of such a program.
The One Call Now program allows its users to be placed on a list. When someone puts a message on that list, all they must do is highlight those phone numbers to which they need to convey the information. What results is one massive phone call instead of someone having to be on the phone for hours at a time giving everyone the same information.
The Owen County Board of Education has just begun to use the program, which they find especially helpful for mass communication among the students and staff in the district, according to Rob Stafford, director of pupil personnel.
O’Banion did not get the chance to present all of the information on the program, but opened the door for discussion on whether or not the county should adopt the program. If Owen County was a part of the One Call Now network, one phone call could alert all of the residents to important information right away. Since Owen County has no radio station or television station, the phone call would be a quick way to alert everyone in the community to things like serious weather conditions affecting the area.
“It could be an extra layer of protection during an emergency, which is always good,” O’Banion said.
O’Banion said he does have some concerns about the cost, however. A $4,000 annual fee is needed for the service and is what O’Banion sees as the biggest hurdle in the decision-making process.
Nothing definite has been decided yet and O’Banion said he does not know if it will go anywhere, but the idea will be explored.
Another idea brought up for discussion was presented by Dan Logan, road supervisor and solid waste coordinator for Owen County. His idea was for a roadside litter pickup program. The program is already in place in other counties in Kentucky, including Trimble and Grant counties.
“The program is designed for nonprofit organizations to participate in designated cleanup of certain areas,” Logan said.
Groups such as sports teams from local schools or youth groups could participate, earning a set amount depending on how many miles they clean up. For example, Grant County’s program offers $100 per mile. Logan first heard about the program through an e-mail that included information on what it would entail.
To be involved, groups would have to contact Logan for information on the specific road and safety information. One of Logan’s biggest concerns, he said, is the safety of those who would be working on the side of the road and said vests, flags and signs can be utilized for protection and to alert drivers. Logan also wants to do pre- and post-inspections of the roads to assure that the job is being done.
He is working on putting together a proposal for the program, as well as educational information so no one is put in harm’s way while doing the roadside pickup and wants to make sure those heading the participating groups are trained properly.
Grant County has two designated days a year when cleanup events are held. The county’s Solid Waste Coordinator Bryan Miles sees the program as a positive one.
“In the past five years we’ve had enough groups involved to clean every road in the county twice a year,” Miles said.
In Grant County, many involved with the program are members of youth groups, but groups such as the football team, band or FFA are encouraged to get involved as well. The program not only serves as a way to clean up the county’s roads, but also as a fundraiser for many groups.
Miles said he has been told of the benefits to those involved, like that of two young girls who had participated and soon after made their father stop his car and go back for trash he had thrown out his window.
Logan is in the preliminary stages of working on a proposal for the program but hopes it could stimulate more effort and participation.
Other items on the agenda included:
• A number of roads throughout Owen County have been repaired and more are slated for work until winter.
• The Solid Waste Dept. received its trailer back after repairs had been done, including brake work.
• There were two bids received for the new jail van. A motion was made and accepted to purchase one from Crossroads Ford for $20,999.
• Bids for new loaders are being considered and must be reviewed before a final decision is made.
• Bids will start this week on selling the old loader for a minimum of $30,000.
• There was another reading of the ordinance (number 152) regarding sexually oriented businesses and a final vote will take place at the October meeting of the Fiscal Court.
• Old Arlon Road sent a petition regarding work needing to be done on that road and against it being taken over by the county. The letter of petition was accepted by the court.

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