Arson caused a fire that destroyed barns, harvested crops and farm equipment belonging to Al Pedigo, at his Figure Eight Road residence in Allen County, Ky.

Fire broke out in the early morning hours of November 5, 2012 and the South Allen County fire department received the 10/72 call at 7:45 a.m.

According to Chief Eddie Ausbrooks, the fire was set sometime during the night. When the firefighters arrived at the scene one barn was completely down, another was standing but structurally unstable, and a combine was destroyed.

The estimated loss exceeds $125,000. The Kentucky State Police and Fire Marshall were called to investigate.

According to Robert Montgomery, who is spearheading the Citizens For Justice Coalitition in Allen County, (independent of his role as Allen County USDA Farm Service Agent), the small farming community near Rough Hill Missionary Baptist Church remains in shock after individuals committed this heinous act of arson. He says that many residents have voiced concern that additional acts such as this may continue unless those responsible are found, arrested and convicted. Many in the community are living in fear that they could be next unless swift justice is served!

The coalition was formed by concerned citizens of Allen County, who are implementing a campaign targeted toward the immediate and successful apprehension and prosecution of those responsible for the November 5, arson.

Monetary pledges are being solicited to be used to establish a reward for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest and conviction of these individuals. At this time the reward is up to $12,000. The campaign will remain active until a conviction is obtained.

Pledge forms have been prepared and anyone submitting a pledge will have the option to remain anonymous or to authorize their name to be used as supporting this campaign.

You can e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information or to make a pledge. Call in confidence to 270-781-CLUE.

The Macon County Chronicle has received numerous tips regarding the federal investigation by the USDA into tobacco insurance fraud in Macon County. This arson fire in the southern tip of Kentucky is believed to be linked to this investigation regarding several local tobacco producers.  

The Macon County Chronicle and all of your Lafayette merchants on the Square cordially request your presence at this year’s ‘Christmas on the Square’ event, set for Friday, December 7, 2012 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Kicking off the evening, a tree lighting ceremony and musical entertainment will take place on the courthouse lawn at 5 p.m.

Several holiday inspired events are scheduled for both children and adults to enjoy, including holiday art projects inside the courthouse, sponsored by the Macon County Arts Council, free holiday Christmas temporary tattoos sponsored by the Macon County Chronicle, storytelling at Macon Department Store and McClard’s Gifts, wagon rides around the Square by Kenny Jones, visits from some of your favorite characters and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus will be available throughout the evening.

New additions to this year’s Christmas on the Square event are train rides for both children and adults and Christmas trolley rides with Mickey & Minnie.

There is no cost to participate in any of the ‘Christmas on the Square’ events.

In the spirit of the holiday season, $500 in cash giveaways will also take place. Winners must be present to collect prizes, and entries can be made by visiting the following participating merchants: Healing Hands of Peace Ministries, Macon Department Store, Linda's Cakes & Catering, Citizens Bank, Johnson Jewelers, Cathy’s Florist & Gifts, Macon Bank & Trust, McClard’s Gifts, Inspirations, the Macon County Chronicle, Gibson’s Café, Indigo Blues, Eden’s Knives & Collectibles, Inspirations and All About Sports.

Throughout the day, refreshments will be available at participating ‘Christmas on the Square’ businesses, where early holiday shoppers will find great bargains and specials. 

This year’s event is one that you and your family will not want to miss, so mark your calendars now and come out to celebrate the season with us!

For more information contact the Macon County Chronicle at (615) 688-6397.

Current Macon County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Stacy Gann will be taking over the reins of the Lafayette Police Department beginning November 19, after City Council members voted to hire Gann as the City’s new police chief last Thursday night, November 8.

Henry Behr has been serving as the department’s interim police chief since the resignation of former chief Ray Amalfitano on August 31, 2012.

City of Lafayette Mayor Richard Driver stated that there were 11 applicants vying for the Chief position, and that list was narrowed down to five candidates. Each of the five candidates, including Gann, were interviewed, and it was recommended by both the Police Committee and the Personnel Committee that Gann be offered the position.

Gann had these words to say after council members approved the motion to hire him as Chief of Police, Level X:

“I just want to thank you for the opportunity. I don’t take the job lightly. I will work hard to make you proud of the department and the employees of the department.”

During the regular meeting, Lafayette City Council members honored the Macon County Junior High School 2012 football team and coaches for an outstanding 8-0, season record by adopting a proclamation recognizing their achievements.

“This is something we don’t see all of the time, or hear about all of the time, but when it happens it’s something that we’re very proud of in our community,” Mayor Driver stated about the proclamation honoring the team.

Coaches of the team are Nathan Wilson, Anthony Carter and Tim Greenhalgh.

In other business:

·     Council members dispensed with the reading of the October 2, 2012 council meeting minutes and the October 29, 2012 special called council meeting minutes.

·     Council members adopted the minutes of the October 2, 2012 council meeting and the October 29, 2012 special called council meeting.

·     John Poole, City Auditor, discussed the City’s 2011/2012 Audit report, stating that there was nothing in the report that concerned him.

·     Steve Jones spoke to the council, requesting the City’s support in the installation of three radio towers on City property. The towers will be purchased through a $3 million grant for Macon County emergency services that designates a portion of the money to be spent on communications. Council members approved the motion to support the project.

·     Chris Ballou, of Mid Tenn Engineering presented a letter of recommendation for a contractor to complete the USDA/Rural Development Phase II water system expansion project. Ballou recommended that low-bidder ($43,917) W & O Construction, out of Livingston, be secured as the project contractor. The council voted to appoint W & O Construction as the project contractor.

·     Council members adopted resolution 11-08-2012, a resolution authorizing that Grassroots Planning & Consulting shall prepare all necessary documents for the administration of said project to be paid by the City of Lafayette from the CDBG funds.

·     Council members voted to set a meeting with the Public Works Committee to discuss changes to Title 18, Water & Sewer, Chapter 3, sewer use regulations, section 13, sewer fees and charges.

·     Ordinance 631, an ordinance to zone newly annexed property owned by Roy & Christine Carter, was adopted on first reading. The property consists of 9.8 acres, to be zoned R-1 low density residential.

·     Ordinance 632, an ordinance to zone newly annexed property owned Charles & Julie Caruthers, was adopted on first reading. The property consists of 13.7 acres, to be zoned R-1 low density residential.

·     Ordinance 633, an ordinance to zone newly annexed property owned by Betty Hersey, was adopted on first reading. The property consists of 1.62 acres, to be zoned R-1 low density residential.

·     Ordinance 634, an ordinance to zone newly annexed property owned by Roger Jent, was adopted on first reading. The property consists of 5 acres, to be zoned R-1 low density residential.

·     November annual employee evaluations and possible salary increases were approved by the council. They are as follows: Freddie Fuqua (Gas Dept.), Keith Scruggs (Fire Dept.), Shane Phillips (Sewer Dept.)

·     Council members approved the volunteer firemen yearly pay.

·     Approval was granted to give full-time City employees a $200 Christmas bonus and part-time City employees a $100 Christmas bonus.

·     The council voted to approve the authorization to increase the employee pay scale by 3 percent for cost of living. This increase will only affect the 18 City employees that have topped out on the pay scale and will be effective January 1, 2013.

·     Approval was granted for the purchase of a variable speed drive for the water treatment plant.

·     Authorization was granted for the City of Lafayette to conduct the annual Christmas Lighting Contest for City residents and businesses. In previous years, the local banks have sponsored the contest and donated the prize money.

Saturday night, November 17th, marks the return of the West Macon County Rescue Squad’s Annual Chili Supper & Raffle.