Letters to the Editor

CASA helps battle child abuse

To the editor:

April is National Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. Prevention is the best hope for reducing child abuse and neglect and improving the lives of children and families, resulting in a healthier society. Strengthening families and preventing child abuse requires a shared commitment of individuals and organizations in every community. This is where a CASA volunteer comes in and can make a world of difference for children of abuse. 

CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates, are volunteers appointed by the family court judge, given 30 hours of training, and as-needed support from CASA staff. They are an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one case at a time the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of the case. The volunteer talks with the children, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors, and others involved in the child’s background who might have facts about the case. The volunteer reviews all court facts about the case and the volunteer also reviews all court documents pertaining to the case. He or she then is expected to submit formal reports to the judge at every scheduled hearing/review. The CASA continues to monitor the case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the attorney, for the child and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency. 

If you would like more information about becoming a CASA volunteer please call 225-4424, a representative will be happy to talk with you. You may also visit our Web site, www.casajc.org.  Become a powerful voice in a child’s life! Become a CASA volunteer! 

Sherri Caldwell

CASA volunteer coordinator for Henry, Oldham and Trimble counties

Restrict gun use

in Oldham County

To the editor:

I am petrified by what happened to the Hancock family. I am sure you know the incident.

My children and I were out riding our horses and hearing gunshots; I was overruled about turning back. We have to understand that the composition of Oldham County is radically changing and we no longer have huge areas for bullets to roam. Will we wait until we lose a child or a father or mother before we see the writing on the wall? Let’s not be stupid. Let’s act proactively instead of waiting for the funeral of one of our residents before deciding what is already obvious now: restrict gun use in Oldham County. Thank you for serving as the liaison for the vulnerable.

Marianne Cowley

La Grange

Roll’n with Dolan for state representative

To the editor:

Hello, my name is Brian Dolan. I am running for the office of Oldham County state representative. I have been pro-active in the Republican Party for 20 years. During that time, I have provided strategy for farmer coalitions, supported the KRBA/NRA, supported the pro-life struggle and founded a conservative student organization United Students for the Constitution at college. In 1997, I was awarded the RNC Capital Award presented by Jim Nicholson and Haley Barbour for distinguished service to the Republican Party. In 2000, I served as youth captain to the Oldham County Republican Party. Since then, I have graduated with a political science degree from Indiana University. 

My beliefs are simple. I believe in the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Right to life meaning I am pro-life. Right to liberty meaning I am pro-freedom/civil rights, and right to pursuit of happiness meaning I believe in the lowest amount of taxes possible. Additional beliefs: protect the retired on limited income, enforce laws against pornography, encourage business growth in our district. 

In May, please vote for someone who has been pro-active in the Republican Party over the years and who has a solid resume of conservative leadership. Vote Brian K. Dolan. 

Thank you for your time!

Brian K. Dolan

Crestwood

Fiscal court must consider property owners’ rights

To the editor:

On March 4, by Oldham County Fiscal Court’s inaction, residents’ rights to discharge a firearm almost anywhere they want in Oldham County were affirmed. The notable exception is within La Grange city limits, since the city council has enacted an ordinance prohibiting firearm discharge. One resident after another came before fiscal court and said voting for the proposed ordinance would limit their rights. 

It is easy to believe this was an orchestrated effort to influence magistrates. Only one resident had the fortitude to speak in favor of passing the ordinance, which would have done nothing more than prohibit the discharge of a firearm within 300 feet of a house or building that could be assumed to be inhabited, unless the structure was owned by the person discharging the weapon or accompanying the person discharging the weapon.  

Since the fiscal court meeting, there have been two incidents that display the effects of irresponsible discharge of firearms. One in L’Esprit, where a horse was shot in a small pasture area in front of a residence less than 300 feet off Bluegrass Parkway. Another incident was when a resident of Orchard Grass Hills fired a rifle out the back window of his home into the darkness of his backyard. 

In the first incident, the horse spent almost three weeks at Equine Services hospital and the owners’ bills were substantial. That bullet could have struck a person. In the second incident, no person or animal was hit, however it is certainly plausible for the bullet to have struck or even entered another house. The individual was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment. 

Fiscal court should consider the rights of all property owners in Oldham County, who should have the right to enjoy their property without fear of bullets entering it. The court should adopt an ordinance that does not limit where a firearm may be discharged, since that would violate the rights of some individuals, but rather adopt an ordinance that makes it illegal for a projectile bullet, pellet or arrow, fired from a weapon, to land on, or pass through, property owned by someone other that the individual firing the weapon unless specific permission has been granted by the property owner.

And to the responsible residents who want to safely discharge firearms, make sure the round falls on your property or another’s property who has given you permission to fire there. That is the only safe way.  

Robert Vessels

La Grange