Inspiring young soldiers is the key to ensuring the future of the Army.

Military Officials say each soldier plays a vital role in the grand scheme of operations and when one suffers, the entire team suffers along with the soldier.

1-32^nd Cavalry Regiment Sergeant Major Lawrence Andrews says his main focus is to train up young soldiers to become tomorrow’s leaders.

Sergeant Major Andrews replaced Command Sergeant Major Patrick Frankenberg, who was reassigned to another duty station.
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Senator Mitch McConnell announced today that he wanted to publicly congratulate and honor fellow Kentuckian, Carl Kaelin of Leitchfield for being appointed as national Inspector General of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States during a recent national convention that took place in Nevada. 

Senator McConnell says Kaelin is the first Kentuckian to become the VFW’s national Inspector General, which is considered to be one of the highest positions in the organization.

Kaelin served in the Army as a crew chief in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969 and upon h
is return in 1969, he became a VFW life member and has served the VFW in a number of capacities over the years, including post and district commander and state commander.

Senator McConnell was quoted as saying that over the years, he had the great fortune of working with Kaelin on a number of issues concerning veterans and wanted to thank him for his military service and tireless dedication to our Nation’s veterans.
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Montgomery County officials announced today that a local man has been selected as the county engineer.

Nick Powell recently served as a project engineer for James and Associates in Dickson and he holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering, with an emphasis in civil engineering, from the University of Tennessee at Martin.

Mayor Carolyn Bowers was quoted as saying that she was pleased to have Nick join Montgomery County Government and that she was confident that his background and expertise will be a great asset to the county as he assists with our various projects.

Powell’s first day of employment as county engineer is Monday, August 6^th.
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"Lefty" is just one of the animals available for adoption at the shelter.

The Trail of Tears Park on East Ninth Street normally hosts the annual Pow-Wow, but will be the home of the first ever “Bow-Wow” this weekend.

The event is a kickoff for a fundraising campaign meant to help pay for the spaying or neutering of shelter animals so their offspring doesn’t return to the shelter needing a home years down the road.

Christian County Animal Shelter Director Irene Grace says the local facility is already taking part in the “Get Them Done” campaign.

Even though it’s a fundraiser, there’s no admission cost. Ms. Grace says there are ways to contribute by buying food and other items at the event in addition to making a monetary donation.

The event kicks off at 4 with registration and continues until 8pm. There will be several contests, drawings and other activities. Ms. Grace says everyone is welcome to attend and to bring their dog or cat.

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The Christian County Justice Center and judicial centers across Kentucky will be closed Monday and one local official doesn’t understand the reasoning.

Christian Circuit Court Clerk Gary Haddock says the state has tried furloughing employees before to balance its departmental budgets and that didn’t seem to work.

With the passage of House Bill 269 this year, the Kentucky General Assembly reduced the total funds available to the Judicial Branch by 25.2 million dollars for this fiscal year. That includes a permanent reduction to the annual base operating budget of 16.2 million dollars and a one-time transfer of 9 million dollars in payroll to the state’s general fund.

In response, court system employees will be furloughed at least three days this fiscal year and maybe as many as six. Haddock says a very busy court system will be closed Monday and that residents won’t even be able to renew their drivers license.

The state says the furloughs will keep the judicial system in sound financial shape, but Haddock says he’ll believe it when he sees it.

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