New 4th of July Parade Coming in 2026

By PJ Martin

Editor

The Herald-News

 

The Metcalfe County Fiscal Court held its regular meeting on Thursday, October 23^rd, and those in attendance were Judge/Executive Larry Wilson, Magistrates Ronnie Miller, Daniel Bragg, Harvey Hawkins, and Kevin Crain, County Attorney Sharon Howard, and Treasurer/Fiscal Court Clerk Page Edwards.

Judge Wilson declared a quorum present, and the agenda was adopted after motions by Miller and Bragg.

The minutes from the special-called October 14 meeting were approved as written after a motion from Bragg and a second by Crain.

Both Charles Costello of VFW Post 6281 and Bill Lagermann, Commander American Legion Post 65, were in attendance, along with several members of both posts. Costello spoke first, stating that he was speaking on behalf of the VFW Commander, Jerry Gassaway. “The reason we’re here is because we want to start the process of having a parade next Fourth of July for the 250^th year of our freedom.”

“The US military sustained a cumulative total of approximately 1.25 million deaths since the Revolutionary War, with the amount of about 1.19 million deaths between 1775 and 1971…”, Costello then explained, “So, I guess my point is, and many of us, our members here that were in combat. We had good friends killed, and we know what it’s about. So, we think it’s so important that this county recognize what the military has done. The VFW and the American Legion is willing to do what we can to help this happen.”

Costello and Lagermann have already spoken to the Mayor, the Chamber, Lisa Boswell at Bowling Park to coordinate the parade with the festivities there, “And we can enhance what they’re doing,” said Lagermann.

They are also going to speak at the next City Council meeting about the plans. They explained that they wanted to start the plan early in hopes of getting the city and county leaders, and the whole community involved.

A motion was made in support of the parade by Bragg and Hawkins and approved.

Solar Ordinance

Next was the 2025 Ordinance to establish the licensing requirements for solar energy systems being installed in the county. It states the requirements for installing and decommissioning the sites. Any solar installations already completed or in process will not be covered under this ordinance.

A portion of the requirements included:

• Installation no less than 1,000 feet from a non-participating property line,
• Perimeter access and screening by 8 8-foot fence, equipped with screening,
• Double row of staggered evergreen trees from 5’ up to 15’
• Fence screening opacity of 90%,
• Repair and replace any unhealthy or dead trees within 90 90-day period,

There are more detailed requirements listed for each. The motion for the ordinance was made by Crain, seconded by Bragg, and the first reading was approved.

The approval for Judge Wilson to sign all documentation regarding the sale of the Metcalfe Health Care Center was approved after motions by Bragg and Miller.

The September financial statement was approved with motions by Crain and Bragg, followed by the approval of the Quarterly financial statement with motions by Miller and Crain.

The budget transfers included a $5,000 transfer to cover the cost of a new light fixture added to the Justice Center remodel/renewal plan.

There was no discussion of the Interfund transfers or the claims listing. They were both approved.

The court entered into a closed session per KRS 61.810(1)(b) for property acquisition or sale after the motion was made by Miller, seconded by Bragg, and approved at 9:26 a.m.

At 9:43 a.m., the motion was made to enter back into open session by Bragg, seconded by Miller, and approved. Judge Wilson stated that, “No action was taken in closed session.”

With no other items to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.

The next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday, November 6^th, at 9 a.m.