Image 1 of The Winchester Sun April 18, 2012

PREP BASEBALL: Cards hold off rival Montgomery County — A11 ONLY $ 14.95 plus tax While supplies last, limited number of copies available at this newspaper. The Winchester Sun WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18, 2012 WINCHESTER City urged to adopt stricter dog laws By Katie Perkowski The Winchester Sun K atie Perkowski kperkowski@win -chestersun.com After receiving “many calls” about abused animals in Winchester, representatives from a nonprofit group that helps abused or neglected animals asked the Winchester Board of Commissioners Tuesday to consider an ordinance they believe would reduce the problem. Tracy Miller, president of Speak Out and Rescue, said SOAR volunteers have found dogs chained to trees, barrels and vehicles in Winchester. “Most have no food, water or proper shelter,” she said while giving a slide show presentation of abused animals found in the city. “Our group urges you to take Tracy Miller, president of Speak Out and Rescue (SOAR), presents a slide show to the Winchester Board of Commissioners of abused or neglected animals in Winchester that volunteers of the organization have seen. this problem seriously, and we ask you to pass an effective dog ordinance for Winchester, one that will prevent lifetime chaining, set space requirements and establish minimum standards for care.” The model ordinance that SOAR representatives gave to commissioners would make it illegal to abuse an animal; fail to provide adequate food, water, shelter, shade or veterinary care; and to keep dogs in excessively muddy, unsanitary or unsafe areas. Under the model ordinance, those in violation would be fined between $100 and $500 or be jailed. The reason the ordinance is so specific, said SOAR volunteer Marianne Fox, is “so that animal control people can be really See DOG, A3 EDUCATION Weather provides boost to building projects James Mann/jmann@winchestersun.com Eighteen pinwheels representing the 18 children who died last year in Kentucky as a result of child abuse are on the courthouse front lawn. Paying respects State official offers grim Clark County abuse statistic at rally to honor children who died By Rachel Parsons The Winchester Sun Eighteen pinwheels lined the courthouse lawn Tuesday morning — one pinwheel for each child that died from child abuse or neglect in Kentucky in the past 12 months. “It may come as a surprise how many children are affected by abuse,” said Julie Ferrell, Family Services Office supervisor for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services. Ferrell served as program speaker for the annual child abuse memorial service, sponsored each year by the Clark County Family Resource and Youth Services Centers in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention Month. According to Ferrell, there are 400 reports of abuse and neglect in Clark County each year. “My job is to protect children and assist families in creating and maintaining a safe and nurturing environment,” Ferrell said. Community members can make that job See RALLY, A3 James Mann/jmann@winchestersun.com Julie Ferrell, family services office supervisor, Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, was the guest speaker Tuesday for the annual Clark County Child Abuse Memorial Service in front of the Clark County Courthouse. Listening behind Ferrell are, from left, City Commissioner Rick Beach, Clark County Coroner Robert Gayheart and deputy Clark County Judge-Exec utive Liz Elswick. By Bob Flynn The Winchester Sun The mild early spring weather in Clark County has been a welcome sight for contractors working on the two new projects for the Clark County Public Schools. Architect Mike Smith, of ShermanCarter-Barnhart PSC, told school board members at their monthly meeting Tuesday that, because of the good weather, construction on the new elementary school is on schedule. “The weather has really cooperated with us thus far,” Smith said. “Construction is about 9 to 10 percent along, and remains on schedule and on budget at this time.” Workers have completed site preparation and began construction of the building pad for the school, Smith said. Underground storm piping has been completed and work has begun on the installation of underground plumbing, and the concrete for the first footer was poured Tuesday. Smith praised contractor Codell Construction for the steps the company has taken to ensure the safety of the students from nearby Central Elementary and Conkwright Middle School. Fencing at the construction site allows foot traffic to safely access the athletic fields behind the site, he said. After Smith’s presentation, the board approved granting permission for Sherman-Carter-Barnhart and See WEATHER, A3 IN YOUR WORLD DIG IN! Opening of farmers market a great way to boost your daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables. — A5 OBITUARIES There are no funeral notices in today’s edition of the Sun. WWW.WINCHESTERSUN.COM VOL. 134, NO. 90 James Mann/jmann@winchestersun.com One-year-old Jauntele Chenault was captivated by a pinwheel during the service, above. She is being held by her grandmother, Mary Miller. At right, Zy’Anne Strode reads a poem by Flora Montgomery, “No Child in Fear.” Become our fan! www.face book.com 75¢ PER COPY