Fulton Kentucky News

Fulton Co. Emergency Management

National Weather Service in Paducah will be conducting 10 Spotter Training Webinars in preparation for the upcoming severe  weather season. The FREE webinars are open to anyone who would like to become a spotter, or refresh your spotter skills. There are 10 opportunities. Visit http://www.crh.noaa.gov/pah/?=2012spottertraining to get more information and register for a class.

Police Chief Terry Powell Speaks to Rotary

Fulton Police Chief Terry Powell spoke to the Fulton–S. Fulton Rotary Club on January 24^th about the strengths of the Fulton police department, its service to the community, and the training and education required of its officers.  Currently, he said, Fulton has a 9-man police force and four communication specialists.  In 2011 Chief Powell said that there were 6000 calls of service in the Fulton area.  Most arrests occur between 3 PM and midnight.  Fulton’s police department averaged one arrest per day last year.   All persons going to jail must be carried to the Fulton Co. Jail since there is no jail in Fulton. 

Chief Powell said all new officers must complete 18 weeks of training in Richmond, KY  at the Dept. of Criminal Justice Training Center.  Over 11,000 individuals across the state are trained here each year.  Their police academy trains officers to be able to do the job of taking care of their local community.  Chief Powell closed the program with The Police Officer’s Prayer, and he asked that everyone pray for the local police department that they may remain safe in the line of duty. 

Chief Powell is an active member of the Fulton-S. Fulton Rotary Club.

Get Moving Fulton County

Are you, your friends or coworkers looking to get active, lose a few pounds or make some new goals?  Do you need a supportive environment to help you with lifestyle changes? Are you motivated by competition?  Do you need help with your New Year’s resolutions? Would you just like to embrace a healthier life style?  If you answered yes, then you need to sign up for Get Moving Fulton County provided by Fulton County Cooperative Extension Service. This program will allow individuals and/ or teams to choose a supportive or competitive track or both! The Competitive track will be the Biggest Loser type competition with *new* physical activity tracking, optional weekly weigh in and virtual challenges.  A point system will be used to determine weekly and overall winners. The Supportive track will include bi-weekly meetings (Mondays at 6:00) with optional weigh in, including opportunities for education, physical activity and recipe tasting.  Get Moving will begin on February 13 and last for 12 weeks ending April 30^th. Informational Meetings will be held on February 6 at 6:00 at the Fulton County Extension Office and February 9^th at 6:00 at Fulton First Baptist.  Preregistration is required by February 10.  If you would like to participate or need more information please call 236-2351or 627-1837.  Educational programs of the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.

STOLEN!

ANTIQUE JOHN DEERE PEDAL TRACTOR!

A PEDAL TRACTOR & TRAILER LIKE THE ONE IN THE PICTURE WAS STOLEN FROM A SHED AT THE HOME OF TOMMY & GLENDA TUCKER DURING THE NIGHT ON JANUARY 24, 2012. THIS IS A TOY THAT HAS BEEN PLAYED WITH BY 3 GENERATIONS OF KIDS & WE WOULD LIKE TO HAVE IT RETURNED TO US. IF ANYONE SEES THIS, PLEASE CALL THE SOUTH FULTON POLICE DEPARTMENT AT 731- 479-1311

Up To $10,000 in Grants Available for College Education at Mid-Continent University

A college education is more affordable than many people may think. Financial aid comes in many forms. Many Kentucky residents may qualify for Federal and one or more State Grants. A grant is not a loan and will not have to be repaid. State grant monies are running out earlier every year. It is important to apply for grants as soon as possible after January 1, 2012. Awards are made until funds are depleted. Grant funds are designed to assist students with the cost of tuition, books, and fees. With state and federal grants, many students attend Mid-Continent University at little or no cost. Financial aid loans and often grants are available to make going back to college affordable. To be considered for Financial Aid, ALL students must complete the 2012-2013 FAFSA. Completing the FAFSA does not require you to enroll in school.

The Kentucky Tuition Grant (KTG) provides need-based grants to qualified Kentucky residents to attend regionally accredited private colleges like Mid-Continent. This grant (up to $3,000/yr) is available for most MCU students, even those with high incomes. In addition to KTG, the CAP state grant (up to $1,900/yr) and Pell federal grant (up to $5,550/yr) are available to those who qualify but have lower income guidelines. State grant funding is based on a first-come, first-serve basis… typically gone by February. It is important to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/ immediately or we can assist you at any of our info sessions at no cost to you. This does not commit you to going to college; it is just a way for you to determine how many grants you could qualify for. In addition, MCU works with employer education-reimbursement plans as well as military tuition assistance programs. 

Mid-Continent University ADVANTAGE has provided a path for thousands of adults to reach their life-long goal of a college degree. Currently there are over 1,800 adults enrolled in 29 different locations across Kentucky and southern Illinois, with additional students also enrolled in our online degrees. Why is this program reaching so many people? Adults in ADVANTAGE have a common regret: not earning their college degree at the traditional age. When a second chance comes along, many vow not to make the same mistake twice and finally “just do it.” With a one night a week schedule and affordable tuition, adults finally have a way to earn their college degree.

If one night a week doesn’t work for you, some of our graduates earn their degrees completely online. If you would like more information about our online program email online@midcontinent.edu.

If you or someone you know would like details, stop by one of these information sessions:

Tuesday, January 31^st anytime between 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Fulton County Public Library located at 312 Main St. in Fulton

Thursday, February 2^nd anytime between 4:00 – 6:00 PM at The Citizens Bank located at 1522 Union City Highway in Hickman

If you are unable to stop by one of the above sessions or in the event of inclement weather, please contact advantage@midcontinent.edu or call the university toll free at 1.888.MCU.GRAD.

Mid-Continent University is a private, non-profit, Southern Baptist affiliated organization. MCU is regionally accredited and headquartered in Mayfield, Kentucky. If you are interested in information about enrolling in ADVANTAGE, email advantage@midcontinent.edu, visit www.midcontinent.edu or call 1-888-MCU-GRAD.

Jordan Miller, a Junior on the Fulton City Boys basketball team, was selected to the All-A First Region all-tournament team Saturday night at the conclusion of the championship game. Miller had 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 blocked shots in a win over Ballard Memorial on Wednesday and 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots vs. St Mary in a semi-final loss on Friday night. Vance Maze, a Senior for the Bulldogs, who was unavailable at the time of the picture, was also selected to the all-tournament team with performances of 18 points and 5 assists vs. Ballard Memorial and 14 points against St Mary. Jordan and Vance were the only two players from the 1st District (Carlisle County, Fulton City, Fulton County, and Hickman County) named to the all-tournament team.

Photo Submitted

Hickman Mayor shot & Killed, suspect turns himself in

HICKMAN, Ky. — The police chief of a western Kentucky city says the mayor has been fatally shot and a man has turned himself in to police.

Hickman Police Chief Tony Grogan said the incident occurred around 1 a.m. CST Monday and took the life of Hickman Mayor Charles Murphy at Murphy's home, according to WYVY Radio in Union City, Tenn.

Police have charged 30-year-old Tommy Lattus with murder and he is held at the Fulton County Detention Facility. Grogan said Lattus came to the police station after the shooting and told officers he shot Murphy. Grogan did not give a motive.

The victim was in his second term as mayor and had served earlier terms on the city board.

Donna Groves, from West Kentucky Star, spoke with Hickman City Manager Larry Myatt about where the city goes from here. "Currently we are looking into the process that we are going to have to take," says Myatt. "I look for us to have a special meeting probably within the next 48 hours to appoint a new mayor and possibly appoint another commissioner."

Jail records don't indicate whether Lattus has an attorney.

article from the Associated Press

Tommy Lattus photo: Fulton County Detention Center

Charles Murphy photo: The Hickman Courier

Wal Mart Representative Speaks to Local Rotary Club

Ed Miles who is in charge of the upcoming major remodel project for Fulton’s Wal Mart store announced to the Fulton-S.Fulton Rotary Club that plans are underway for updating the local store.  He said new signage will include the Spark logo that was adopted by Wal Mart.   The interior of the store will be updated and he said we can expect several improvements to be made this year for the benefit of the customers. 

Shown in the picture is Ed Miles speaking to the local club with Rotarian Deena Meeks, Fulton Wal Mart store manager and Rotary President Brad Dame looking on.

Fulton City Commission approves Parkway Contract; pending final revisions

At Monday night's Fulton City Commission Meeting, many decisions on key issues that concern the City of Fulton were made. The biggest being the passing of Municipal Order 2012-03, which relates to Parkway Regional Hospital taking over operation of the Twin City Ambulance Service. The order says the commission approves the lease of the ambulance bay, the Call Center Services, equipment, and the Contract as prepared by Parkway Regional Hospital, subject to final revisions and approval of all respective, interested parties.  As the Twin City Ambulance Service is almost set to begin a new era of operation, Fulton's Fire Department is also set to begin a new phase of operation.

In December of 2011, the Fulton City Commission voted to eliminate 12 positions of the Fulton Fire Department, and retain two full time fire fighters. Fire Chief Mike Gunn and new Assistant Fire Chief Terry Rudolph, who received promotion during Monday night's meeting, will fill these two spots. The Fire Department will now operate through a Voluntary Incentive Program, which had been discussed at prior meetings. Previously, volunteer firefighters were paid $20 per fire that they showed up for. That method of operation is no longer in effect, as the commission rescinded it on Monday night. Now each volunteer will receive a percentage from a $50,000 pool, based on how much they participate individually. The more details on the program are still being worked out.

The commission also discussed the Fulton Code of Ordinances, which is in need of updating. City Manager Steve Freedman brought up the dire need of having an Ethic Enforcer for the city. This position would be responsible for enforcing the lines of what is permitted and not permitted internally in City Government. He also suggested doing away with many inactive boards (such as the Parks Board, and Code Enforcement Board), and possibly only having one commission meeting per month. Alterations to ordinances and boards will be looked at in more detail in the coming months, and discussed at the next commission meeting.

The City of Fulton's Audit Report was presented to the commission by David Hart of Alexander/Thompson/Arnold PLLC of Martin, TN. The audit was conducted for the period of July 1st, 2010 through June 30th, 2011. In the General Fund for 2011 there was a deficit of $31,000, compared to a surplus of $22,000 the year before, thus roughly breaking even. In the Proprietary Fund (utilities) for 2011 there was a surplus of $388,000 compared to surplus of about $300,000 in 2010. There were four findings indicating significant deficiencies and recommendations in relation to practices in the management of city finances. The first involved internal controls over cash in which a former employee cashed personal checks from the city’s cash drawers. Auditors recommended that a policy be put in place that would prohibit this action. The city’s response was that an existing policy that bans the cashing of payroll checks has been expanded to include all checks. The second finding dealt with a lack of accountability in the distribution of gift cards to employees. The procedure put in place in response to the finding now requires recipients to sign when receiving gift cards. The third finding indicated that a former employee had purchased gas for a personal vehicle and made personal purchases with the city credit card. In response, it was noted that a policy is currently in place to prohibit these behaviors; the former employee has made restitution to the city. The fourth finding revealed that the former mayor had circumvented city policy by allowing a former employee to sell unused vacation time back to the city twice in one year. The City of Fulton’s vacation policy allows employees to convert half of unused leave to cash once a year. In response, it was noted that the city will follow policy from now on.

Other actions taken include:

• Approved Minutes of a Regular Meeting held on Monday, December 12^th, 2011
  
  
  
• Approved Vouchers
  
  
  
• Promoted Firefighter Captain Terry Rudolph to Assistant Fire Chief
  
  
  
• Agreed to pay $1,875 for first quarter to the EDP (Economic Development Partnership)
  
  
  
• Approval for the Fire Department to bill for Extractions, $500 per Extraction
  
  
  
• Appointed Deena Meeks to Tourism board to replace Garrett Hutchins

Fulton County in need of foster parents

Instead of making a resolution you know you won’t keep, decide that this is the year you’ll make a difference in the life of a needy child. Kentucky has nearly 7,000 children in foster care, many of whom are waiting for a permanent home. These waiting children wish that the new year will bring the stability and permanence of an adoptive home.

Fulton County currently has no homes accepting teenagers, and all children over twelve years old entering care in the county must be scattered throughout Western Kentucky just to find a safe place to sleep. One such child is Delicia (pictured above), a beautiful young girl who dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Delicia’s sisters have already been adopted in the Fulton area, and she longs for a family that will help her stay in contact with them. Delicia worries about her future and she hopes that God will give her answers about where her life is headed.  

Children enter the foster care system for a variety of reasons, but almost always it is because the adults in their life let them down. They are the victims of circumstances beyond their control that often include, poverty, drugs, neglect or abuse. Unfortunately, there are not enough homes in Kentucky to help all of these kids. Not only are these children having to leave their homes and their parents, they often leave behind siblings, schools, and friends in order to find a safe place to live. Kentucky needs families willing to provide both temporary and permanent foster care to kids of all ages. Temporary care is just as it sounds -- providing a temporary place for a child to stay while the family resolves the problems that led to the child's removal from the home. Most of the time these problems are resolved and children who enter foster care are eventually reunited with their families. Permanent care for children who cannot return to their families is available through adoption.  

Being a foster parent is a just like being a "normal" parent with added support. State and regional resources are available to help foster parents deal with the emotional and physical needs of children recovering from neglect and abuse. To be a foster parent, you must be at least 21 years of age and pass a background check. There is no upper age limit, nor is there a requirement that you own a home or be married.

Some people may not be ready to foster but still want to help teens. Hope Mentoring Program allows a foster child to have a stable adult relationship with an adult outside of the foster family. These mentors help kids navigate life's challenges while providing them friendship and advice.

If you would like to help a hurting child, please contact Project MATCH (Making Appropriate and Timely Connection for Children). Project MATCH, funded by a grant from the United States, Department for Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau, diligently recruits foster/adoptive families for both the public and private agencies. For more information on the Hope Mentoring Program and Project MATCH, call, 1-877-994-9970.

Armed and Dangerous man captured in Fulton

UPDATE:
The Fulton Police Department, with the assistance of several agencies including Fulton Police, Kentucky State Police , South Fulton Police, Fulton County Sheriff Dept. and Jailer Ricky Parnell, have captured Johnathan Tynes. The emergency alert is now off. He was arrested at the Fulton Manor Apartments in Fulton, KY on December 20^th at 7:31 p.m.

Jonathon Tynes DOB: 11/18/1980, a resident of Clinton Kentucky W/male committed the offense of Arson 1st Degree, Burglary 1st Degree, and Assault 1st Degree by unlawfully entering a victim residence at 805 Fairview at or about 4:47pm on 12/20/2011 and pouring motor oil into a cooking pan and piling towels and/or other clothing on top, starting a fire in an occupied residence. When Victim (Male) and companion [witness] Victim (female) came to locate the source of the fire in the kitchen, Tynes was laying waiting behind a freezer/refrigerator unit, armed with a meat cleaver obtained from the kitchen. Victim (Female) stated that he [Tynes] came at her first and then attacked Victim (Male) with the cleaver, swinging it at him. Both Victim (MALE) and Tynes went to the floor and Victim (Male) was able to grab one arm [the arm holding the meat cleaver] and Tynes' shirt with the other arm. Tynes lost control of the meat cleaver and then left the residence. Victim (Male) suffered some bruising to his head and a large knot on his forehead. Charges also follow with unlawfully committed the offenses on 12/20/11 on or about 07:23 am of theft by unlawful taking under $ 500.00 (3 counts) Criminal Mischief 2^nd degree (2 counts), Criminal mischief 1^st degree (one count) by using large rocks to smash windows in the parking lot of Walkers Wrecker Service, which provided entry to steal car radios out of two cars. Tynes also stole a radio out of the rollback wrecker owned by Johnny Walker’s Wrecker service and set it on fire, causing more than $ 1000.00 in damage to the wrecker. Tynes was charged with Burglary in the 3^rd degree and criminal mischief 1^st degree by damaging the structure on 12/20/211 on or about 1:47 am by damaging industrial equipment when breaking into the Save-A-Lot grocery store. Multiple items were damaged including the refrigeration units outside of the store and metal siding estimated at several thousands of dollars. Tynes was also arrested on three counts of Failure to appear on warrants issued out of the Fulton County district Court. Tynes was lodged at the Fulton County Detention center.

• Gary L. Mangrum W/male, DOB: 10-25-1953 resident of Mayfield was arrested and charged with Trafficking in a Controlled Substance (Pills) and operating a Motor vehicle under the influence (2nd) Degree. He was transported to the Fulton County Detention center and lodged.
  
  
• Bradley Lee Henley W/Male DOB: 07-02-1984 resident of Fulton Kentucky was arrested for Sodomy 1^st, Sexual abuse 1^st and the use of a minor in sexual performance under 16 years old. He was transported to the Fulton County Detention Center and Lodged.
  
  
  
  
• December 16, 2011

  Fulton Police with a team of four ( suspect possibly armed)  arrested Joseph G. Conner B/male DOB: 01/22/1983 without incident at 612 O.K. Clifton Circle on a warrant issued out of McCracken County for Robbery 1st degree. He was Transported to the McCracken County Jail and Lodged.

“Let's Paint the Town-Twin Cities" premieres locally

The Premiere screening of the PBS documentary film, "Let's Paint the Town-Twin Cities" was held last Thursday evening at Fulton High School with approximately 175 in attendance.  The film was described as "inspirational" by Jeff Campbell, who was the front runner for the project, and received a standing ovation in the closing ceremony. Thea Vowell, Executive Director of Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce, said “I thought it was a great success!  I feel everyone walked away with a little less apathy for their town and for me, that’s a big deal. The film shows what wonderful people we have living in the community - people who are willing to give day after day, hours of sweat to help our community grow and prosper. Once other communities see the film, I hope they will be inspired to do the same.  I hope everyone will see what good things can come out of helping a neighbor or friend. “  

The documentary will air in February first on PBS affiliate stations in Kentucky via KET.  The film will also be a part of a national series on PBS that will air nationwide later this year.  The film features many people in our small community who believed they can make a difference, and wanted to take their town back, one building at a time.  It also does a nice job of incorporating Fulton’s history as a railroad town, and the history of the Banana Festival.  

In the interim of the national launch, personal DVD copies are now available for sale.  Copies will be given to the Library, both county Judge Executives, both county Economic Development Directors, both city commissions and the Chamber. People here in town can pick up a copy at the Chamber Office for $10.  People outside the Twin Cities can order a copy for $15, to cover postage and handling.  Proceeds go to our Let's Paint the Town fund.  For more information or to purchase a DVD, contact Thea Vowell, Executive Director, Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce.  270-627-1400 or Twincitieschamber@bellsouth.net.  Mailing address for orders:  

Twin Cities Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 5077
South Fulton, TN 38257.  

All checks should be made payable to: Lets Paint the Town.  These DVDs will make great gifts for your family members and former residents of the Twin Cities now living in other areas of the country.

New business owner addresses Rotary

Fulton-S. Fulton Rotary's guest speaker on December 6th was Carol Whitmore, owner/operator of The Paisley Pumpkin located at 325 Walnut St. in Fulton. The store carries/displays/sells items on consignment from approximately 50-55 local craftsman and artisans. Items such as hand made clay pots, baskets, drawings, artworks, and many others, range in price from $1 to $1200. Carol brought several items from her store to Rotary and they were quite impressive. She is also engaged in craft/artisan teaching/education through her business. She currently has basket weaving taught at The Paisley Pumpkin, and is looking for other instructors to teach various crafts. She can be reached at 270-908-6562 or paisleypumpkin@hotmail.com.  The Paisley Pumpkin is open for business Tues. thru Sat. from 10:00 AM-5:30 PM.

At a rare short Fulton City Commission, the 12 fire personnel who are set to be released received some good news just in time for the holidays. As a result of Executive Session the commission approved Municipal Order #2011-241 - Authorization for City Manager to offer a separation  agreement to each individual employee whose position has been terminated as of December 31, 2011. The decision to release twelve positions with the Fulton Fire Department was agreed on at a Special Call Meeting held December 8th, 2011.

Other action taken in the meeting included:

• Approved Minutes of a Regular Meeting held on Monday, November 28, 2011
  
  
  
• Approved Minutes of a Special Call Meeting held on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
  
  
  
• Approved Minutes of a Special Call Meeting held on Thursday, December 8, 2011
  
  
• Fulton City Manager Steven Freedman gave the commission an update on the finances of the city, as it is $800,000 over budget. Commissioner Billy Milliken voiced his opinion on when they all plan next years budget, how they need to take a variety of issues into account.

Fulton Independent School School Closure Policy

In the event of school closure due to inclement weather, or other unforeseen circumstances, Fulton Independent School District will notify the following local media:

WPSD-TV SNOWMAN 6

WWW.FULTONKYNEWS.COM

WFUL 1270 AM Radio

WCMT 101.3 FM Radio

WWKF 99.3 FM Radio

WAKQ 105.5 FM Radio

WQAK 105.7 FM Radio

If Fulton County Transit is closed due to weather conditions, school will be closed.

South Fulton Student receives John W. Harris Leadership Award Winner