- News briefs for May 20 May 20, 2013Seniors dance class […]
- Garrard names new superintendent May 17, 2013LANCASTER — Garrard County Board of Education has named a new school superintendent, effective July 1. […]
- Public Record for May 19, 2013 May 17, 2013BOYLE […]
- Garrard explores refunding tax May 15, 2013LANCASTER — When Garrard County Judge-Executive John Wilson announced to the Fiscal Court last August that the county had paid off the $4.5 million hospital debt 10 years early, discussions began on how quickly the insurance premium tax, which had been burdening taxpayers while decreasing the debt, could be repealed. […]
- Attorney General: Lancaster council violated Open Meetings Act May 14, 2013LANCASTER — In a May 6 ruling, the Kentucky Attorney General’s office said the behavior of the Lancaster City Council members “fell within the zone of conduct prohibited” by the Open Meetings Act. […]
October 27
October 27th, 2009 | 
Author: (Updated twice below)
I’m currently working on a potential centerpiece for Nov. 1 about recycling in Garrard County. The Garrard County recycling center has apparently been around since the mid-90s, and there are efforts being made all over the county recently to increase recycling participation.
Lancaster has free curb-side pickup, there are recycling drop-offs in Paint Lick and at the fairgrounds, and businesses and schools are getting involved too.
I’m hoping to look at some of the history behind how Garrard County became one of the most active recycling counties in the area. I also want to trace recyclable materials from the recycling center in Lancaster through the middle men to the materials producers and find out what at least some of Garrard County’s recyclables get made into.
Right now I’m trying to track down Ray Hammonds, who was judge-executive when the recycling center was first created. I’m also stuck just one link down the chain trying to find out where the recyclables wind up. I’m having a tough time getting in contact with Director Mickey Mills from Bluegrass Regional Recycling, which is the company that sells Garrard County’s recyclable materials.
If anyone out there can connect me with Ray or Mickey, or if you have a brief flash of genius and have an idea for something I could include in the story, post a comment or shoot me an e-mail @ bkleppinger@amnews.com. That’s all for now.
*UPDATE*
I just had a great conversation with Kim Nicholson-Messmer about her part in the history of the growth of recycling in Garrard County. She hooked me up with several more good sources, which I will be getting in contact with this afternoon.
Also, I thought I would mention whom I’ve already talked to for the story, besides Kim: Chris Thomason, Mike Davis, a Lancaster resident who uses curbside pickup, a Lancaster Elementary teacher and a Lancaster business that recycles its boxes.
*UPDATE 2*
I was able to talk with former Judge Hammonds tonight. Turns out the recycling center got started because of some Bluegrass ADD grant money that was available in the early 90s when there was a big push to provide trash pickup in many area counties.
Posted in
Ben,
I think one of the big reasons recycling has taken off recently is Chris Thomason. Making recycling easy for people increases the number of people that participate and Chris has done a good job with the Solid Waste Department since he took over. I know he does not work alone but his direction and vision have been invaluable.
Chris has provided me a wealth of info about current projects in the county, he’s definitely a core source for the story as you pointed out. Thanks for the input!
Ben you may want to contact Garrard County Habitat for Humanity President, Roberta Keefe. They have been recycling for many years which with the proceeds has directly helped Garrard County. Roberta can give you more information about this.