From The Kentucky Standard

Bardstown will receive a grant for $172,564 to reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills. It is one of 34 recycling and household hazardous waste grants offered by the state to expand recycling in Kentucky.

The grant is subject to formal acceptance from Bardstown and requires a 25 percent local match in the form of cash or “in kind” services, materials or equipment from the city.

The grant will provide Bardstown assistance in purchasing recycling trailers, a forklift, balers, cages, scales and advertising. Assistant City Administrator Larry Green said Bardstown will meet the required match by in kind services such as labor by the city, county and Nelson County Industries. Advertising on WBRT, in The Kentucky Standard and on PLG-TV, who will assist in producing four television commercials, also is eligible as in kind services.Read More...

Tags: Recycling | Bardstown

WBRT in Bardstown is holding a fundraiser to benefit Bardstown schools. They will be releasing up to 5000 rubber ducks on the Beech Fork and the winner will win $1000. You can get your own duck in the race for $5. Call WBRT at (502) 348-3943 for an entry.

The Bardstown Boaters will be helping out by wrangling in the ducks on the river. If you would like to help us out, the race is on Saturday, May 24th at 10 a.m. Meet at the Beech Fork off of New Haven road, Highway 31E in bardstown.

Post in the forum here if you plan to help.

Tags: Charity | Bardstown

From the Kentucky Standard

A 67-year-old Bardstown man was found dead in the Beech Fork River Tuesday. Authorities had searched for John Brantley Stephens, 5120 Springfield Road, since he was reported missing Sunday by his daughter.

He was last seen May 8, according to police.

At about 8 a.m. on Sunday, sheriff’s deputies found Stephens’ silver Dodge Dakota pickup truck stuck in the mud on Manton Road, according to police. Stephens was described as being in poor health, according to Gary Luce of Marion County EMS.

A search for Stephens ensued, centered near the Nelson/Washington county line, by units from the Bardstown Fire and Nelson County Sheriff’s departments and emergency personnel from Washington and Marion counties, who were providing mutual aid.

Stephens’ body was found several miles down river near KY 49 at about 11:40 a.m. by deputies searching the river.

The investigation is ongoing pending the medical examiner’s review.

Tags: Beech Fork | Bardstown

The 2008 Bourbon City Challenge planning stages are under way and the director of the event, Bob White has the following news about the big event set for September 14th, 2008.

From Bob White

Despite the rain and mud, you folks came through in a great show of sportsmanship, with smiles shining through the grit, to give this event a name for itself in the inaugural year. Thank you for making it great!

We are in the planning stages for this year's event - looking for sponsors, volunteers to help with the trail preparation and guidance help on race day. Of course more racers are welcome, so talk your friends into joining you this year.

If you, or if you know of someone who, would like to have an active role in this year's event, please contact me via email so we can get to work to make this year's race even better than 2007. We're looking for friendly folks who enjoy working in the outdoors with a bunch of cool people in making, not only the race better, but also Sympson Lake shores a bit nicer.

Also, we have yet to secure a title sponsor. Bulleit Bourbon last year really helped out and we hope they again pledge their support. The title sponsor received more than a million, total, mentions through television, radio and print promotions regarding the race, so it's well worth supporting.

Thanks again for making this race so great!

For more information visit www.kyrace.com

Tags: Adventure Race | Bardstown

The second public meeting concerning what can be done locally to positively affect and decrease global warming was Monday evening at the Bardstown-Nelson County Civic Center.

Results from small-group discussions at the last meeting, which outlined things individuals can do about climate change were shared with attendees. Some of the ideas included: recycling, growing backyard gardens, composting, supporting the local Farmer’s Market, walking more and driving less, bringing bags to the grocery store and recycling rain water.

The next Climate Change meeting is set for 7:30 p.m. April 24 and will focus on what churches can do to lead in the effort for reducing the effects of climate change.

Tags: Environment | Bardstown

Reported By Spalding Hurst

While in the Boston, KY area yesterday, I had a chance to check out a portion of the Beech Fork near my cousin's farm. I couldn't believe what I found. A perfect surfing wave that seems to be good at many levels and with great access from Highway 62. I would compare this wave to Surfers on the Cumberland though not as wide.

What is even stranger is it appears that some kayakers have been to this spot before. I found a pogie on the ground!

The level this day was about 850cfs, but it looks to be very good at most any level.

I am pumped about this wave. As soon as I get on it and get some pictures of it I plan to name it after the club. I am going to try and go down there again one night this week.

Tags: Bardstown | Beech Fork

The City of Bardstown will make its entry into recycling later this year. For a growing number of residents, adopting a recycling plan is coming none too soon. Others are apt to be a bit more wary and perhaps even a bit skeptical as to benefits vs. costs of recycling.

The city’s approach — taking baby steps into a program rather than diving head first without knowing if there’s water in the pool — seems to be a wise one. What the city intends is to form a cooperative effort with Nelson County and Nelson County Industries. The plan calls for establishing two centralized drop sites, unmanned, one in the city and the other in the county, for persons to drop off recyclables. To begin, the city plans to accept No. 1 and 2 plastics, mixed paper, aluminum, cans and cardboard. At this point glass will not be accepted. Local government is hoping to receive a grant, paying for about six trailers with multiple bins.

This will be an excellent way to gauge true community interest in recycling. Lots of people can talk a good game; proof in the pudding will be measured in tonnage.
Some are disappointed that curbside service is not being offered. There are known positives and negatives, however, with curbside programs. More than 10 years ago, a piece in The New York Times Magazine seriously questioned the benefits, charging that “recycling may be the most wasteful activity in modern America” and noting curbside service “uses more energy than it serves.”

There are certainly those who would rebuff such statements as it is clear that basic recycling of aluminum, cans, glass, and plastics has far-reaching benefits to the environment.

While there is some debate whether curbside recycling is more or less expensive than regular trash pickup, everyone agrees there are costs involved. Is it government’s responsibility to subsidize the costs? Are those clamoring for curbside service willing to pay $8, $10, $12 or more per month (in addition to their garbage bill)?

Thus, the city’s direction in entering recycling slowly is not only a start but is a calculated decision that makes sense. As we go down the green walkway, also we are reminded of the adage of employing the two R’s (reduce and reuse) before the third R (recycling) even becomes an option. Now that is something on which all of us can agree.

Tags: Recycling | Bardstown

The Nelson County Recycling Center is open on Monday from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., Wednesday from 4:00p.m. - 6:00 p.m. and on Friday from 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. You can also go anytime and leave your recyclables by the gate. The center accepts all plastic soda bottles, milk jugs and laundry detergent bottles. For paper they only accept newspaper. No office paper or magazines. For aluminum they only accept coke and beer cans. Click on the picture for more info.


View Larger Map

Tags: Recycling | Environment | Bardstown

This blog entry is a brief guide for all Bardstown and Nelson County residents who may be looking for a place to recycle their used goods.

There are 4 recycling facilities in Nelson County and each deals with specific materials. Download this PDF file for the Nelson County list of recycling centers. These recycling centers except different types of recyclable materials, from car batteries to paper, plastics and aluminum.

Another way to to recycle is to Freecycle!

The Freecycle Network is a grassroots and entirely nonprofit movement of people who are giving (and getting) stuff for free in their own towns and thus keeping good stuff out of landfills. Click on the Freecycle logo to go to the Bardstown & Nelson County Freecycle group page.

And for more good information on how to recycle your junk, visit the Kentucky Division of Waste Management.

We'll see you on the river and at the local recycling center!

Tags: Environment | Recycling | Bardstown

I stumbled across this old film footage from the 70's about the group of soldiers from Bardstown who served in Vietnam. It's in another language but the first interview is Jerry Janes, Justin's father. It's also cool to see some old film of Bardstown.

Tags: Bardstown

I just ran across a very interesting website that I had not known existed. The Nelson County Gazette, an enhanced weblog that examines news, politics and life in and around Nelson County.Read More...

Tags: Bardstown | Environment

The Bardstown Boaters are a group of about 30 people who love to get out on local rivers and paddle...Read More...

Tags: Website | Membership | Bardstown

I finally got my hands on a copy of the Kentucky Standard that has the profile on us.  We were featured in the People & Places section on February 26th, but for our profile the section was retitled Paddlers & Places.

Here are some of my favorite lines from the article:

It was about two and half years ago when Spalding Hurst and a handful of his friends headed to Kentucky's Rockcastle River to enjoy the views and quality paddling available in Daniel Boone National Forest.

The trip was the start of something bigger than anyone imagined.

Bardstown Boaters welcomes any level of paddler.
"We were all new once," Justin Janes said. "But I can't say I've ever met a stranger."

Emerson Ballard said he would paddle anything available.
"I'm not what you call a strong paddler," Ballard said.

From calm and cool members such as Ballard, to crazy and cocky members, such as co-founder John B. "the Prophet" Matthews Jr., who says he can walk on water, the boat club is open to all.

"We all share common interests of boating and the outdoors," Thomas said.  "So we try to find ways to create activities involving the outdoors, especially on the river."

Tags: Bardstown

So we have made it into the past Sunday edition of the Kentucky Standard. If you haven't seen it yet be sure to pick one up and check it out. Hopefully this can help garner more interest in our most important cause of the year which is quickly approaching, Paddle Pick-Up 2006!

May 13th will be here before we know it and that is the day that we will clean the banks of the Beech Fork river from tires and garbage. Last year we cleared away over 2 tons of trash with the help of 30 volunteers. This year we hope to be just as successful.

*Also note that the trip reports section has been consolidated into the news section. To access the trip reports section in the future click the link in the bottom of the side bar or look for new trip reports right here on the front page.

Tags: Bardstown

Friday, January 20, 2006 7:57 AM EST
BOB WHITE The Kentucky Standard


City and county leaders agreed to research two items Tuesday that could result in improved service and increased supply of Bardstown water.

Raw water is currently drawn from Sympson Lake and Beech Fork then treated at the city’s water treatment plant along Boston Road.
The existing water plant and sources of raw water are expected to adequately serve city water customers through 2040, but city and county leaders are looking ahead to serve the public’s need for water beyond that projected date.
“I think that’s what we’re paid to do,” Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs said. “We have to admit we’re not comfortable with 2040.”
During a recent Nelson County Fiscal Court meeting Nelson County Judge Executive Dean Watts said he believed county growth was ahead of the 2040 projection.
Alternative raw water sources mentioned during the joint meeting included: the construction of a reservoir on Beech Fork, Tewell Creek, or Cedar Creek; the addition of a second reservoir on land adjacent to Sympson Lake; making use of Taylorsville Lake water; tapping into Louisville Water Company lines; and raising of the Beech Fork rock dam to increase the pool where water is currently drawn from the river.
Those alternatives are being considered as long-term water sources.
Of more immediate importance than raw water sources is the need for increased storage capacity for treated water at the plant.
Wayne Kendall, Bardstown Water Superintendent, said improvements were needed at the plant to ensure quality drinking water.

High usage during summer months force a quick treatment of water and could cause water quality to suffer as it did last summer.
“It was being used as fast as we could produce it,” Kendall said.
Kendall said treated water needs to be contained in clear wells prior to being distributed to customers.
High summer usage reduced the amount of time available for water to be held in the clear wells.
“You don’t want your water moving that quick,” Kendall said.
Not allowing treated water enough time in the clear wells reduces the quality of Bardstown water.
Kendall said the addition of a one or two million gallon clear well would allow treated water more time before distribution and improve water quality during high usage months.
The addition of a large clear well at the plant and a water line, would allow the treatment and distribution of up to 8 million gallons of quality water per day, according to Kendall. The plant currently treats and distributes about 6 million gallons per day, but nearly 7 million gallons have been treated and distributed during times of high demand.
When distribution neared 7 million gallons per day last summer, customers were asked to conserve water and limit usage.
Hibbs said the city would begin seeking estimates for a new clear well and Watts said the county would research possible grant funding for the project.
Hibbs said city funds for the improvement were currently unavailable.
The cheapest way to increase raw water holding capacity would be to raise an existing rock dam on Beech Fork by a few feet to increase the volume of pooled water, according to Hibbs.
The old rock dam can be seen from the U.S. 31E bridge spanning Beech Fork.
Some officials voiced preferences of damming other portions of Beech Fork to provide a recreational lake and others prefer not to dam the river at all.
“I’m 100 percent against raising the rock dam or building a lake on Beech Fork,” said District 4 Magistrate Tim Hutchins.
Hutchins believes the city would best serve water customers by adding a new clear well then seeking more service from Louisville Water Company.

Louisville Water Company spokesperson Barbara Crow said the company was interested in extending Louisville water to Bardstown.
Water supply and capacity would not be an issue if Louisville Water Company was to serve Bardstown, Crow said.
“We certainly have the transmission and capacity to get water to Bardstown,” Crow added.
North Nelson Water District and Lebanon Junction’s water department, both of which are bulk customers of Bardstown water, have attached their systems to Louisville Water Company lines in recent years.
Hibbs told officials North Nelson Water District would need more Louisville water in the future if growth in its district continued.
Hutchins noted North Nelson Water District currently received 45 percent of its water from Louisville.
Watts said North Nelson Water District had been pulling more from Louisville to relieve the strain on Bardstown.

Hibbs expects Lebanon Junction to eventually rely solely on Louisville Water.
Lebanon Junction Mayor George Halk said the city could not disconnect from the Bardstown system until a 40-year purchase contract with Bardstown was fulfilled. The contract was signed in the early 1970s.
If all of Bardstown’s current customers were turned over to Louisville Water Company, Hibbs said the city would turn its back on a $40-$50 million investment at its current plant.
The city recently spent $5 million at the water treatment plant and a new clear well could cost between $1-2 million.
In addition to turning away from a large investment, a century old tradition of providing water to residents would end if Louisville Water assumed all of Bardstown water’s customers.
Bardstown has provided water since 1904, according to Hibbs.
Hibbs felt comfortable in Beech Fork’s ability to supply a substantial supply of raw water to Bardstown customers.
Bob White can be reached at 348-9003 Ext. 116 or by e-mail at bwhite@kystandard.com.

Tags: Whitewater Park | Bardstown

Mark your calendars and don't miss out on the first annual Bardstown Boaters Winter Meeting.

Saturday, January 28th 2006
at Bardstown Mills
204 West Muir Ave.
Bardstown, KY 40004

Tags: Meeting | Bardstown

by DAVID MANN

City leaders will decide in January if mandatory water rationing will be necessary in Bardstown, following a report by city engineer George Greenwell. The city of Bardstown’s primary water supply, Sympson Lake, is still down — as it has been for the better part of the last five months. Bardstown Mayor Dixie Hibbs said they will continue to monitor the situation and agreed to make a decision on mandatory water conservation by Jan. 15.

“At that point we have to determine which way we have to go,” she said. “There is no reason to panic at this point.”

Though the lake level is close to three feet lower than “full,” November and December are typically wet months for the region, she said. Additionally, water demand is lower in the fall and winter when residents aren’t as concerned with watering their lawns and gardens. The city is currently under voluntary water conservation.

“We asked for voluntary because we were treating and delivering so much more than we anticipated,” Hibbs said.

The water supply in Nelson County has been a concern of late for both city and county leaders. Earlier this fall, Nelson Fiscal Court announced it wanted to work together with the city of Bardstown to solve the issue. Citing recent water supply concerns and recent calls for voluntarily conservation, Nelson Fiscal Court announced its intention to find a new water source in September. The city supplies about 90 percent of Nelson County’s water. The city also pumps water from the Beech Fork River.

Right now, the Beech Fork supplies the city with about 3 million gallons per day.

Tags: Bardstown | Whitewater Park