Mason Michael sworn in as new fire chief

Council also discusses cannabis sales

Katrina England

Reporter

Hart Co. News-Herald

 

The Horse Cave City Council met in regular session on Monday, July 8.

New Fire Chief Mason Michael was sworn in as the new fire chief of the Horse Cave Fire Department

As he introduced himself, Mason explained he has lived in Horse Cave his whole life and attended both Caverna and later Hart County (where he graduated in 2014). He explained he’s been with the Horse Cave Volunteer Fire Department since October 2014.

Mason has two Associates Degrees, one of which is on Fire Science Technology. He has previously worked with Hart & Barren-Metcalfe EMS Agencies and Glasgow Fire Department, and currently works for the Bowling Green Fire Department. He has received certifications in technical disciplines and has received significant in-state and out-of-state training.

He is also employed by the State Fire Commission as a State Fire Instructor. Mason and his wife reside in the Horse Cave area, where they’re raising their two daughters.

“I was hoping to maybe work my way into this opportunity one day, just not this young, but we’re going to hit the ground running and do the best we can,” he said.

“I feel really good about Mason being the new fire chief (due to) his background and his values,” said Mayor Curry. “I think it’s a different atmosphere within the firefighters themselves.”

Chamber of Commerce

Also at the meeting, Holly Craine was officially introduced to the Council as the new President of the Chamber of Commerce.

Crain announced that in the last three months since her hire, she has been inducted in the Rotary Club and has joined the Horse Cave/Hart County Tourism Board.

“I’ve also been able to welcome two new businesses into the Hart County area,” said Crain. “One of those being Country Creations and More in Munfordville…Christian Reynolds also opened a store front for Hart County Party Rentals.”

Crain explained she has also completed three ribbon cuttings, which included the two previously mentioned businesses, as well as recognition of an 11-year business, BDR Power Sports.

She further stated that she is revamping the Chamber of Commerce website, and she strives to lessen what she calls the divide with areas across the bridge.

Possible Cannabis Sales

Resolution 2024-04 is a resolution placing a question of prohibiting cannabis businesses from operating within the territories submitted to voters at the next regular election.

Curry recommended to allow voters to make the choice.

During discussion, Curry announced as a city, the City Council could decide to completely opt out or decide to let voters decide.

Police Chief Heather Childress explained that the vote would only give the right for someone to open a medical-only cannabis dispensary, which would operate through very detailed prescriptions, written by approved medical providers.

Childress also explained that the business would not be a situation or opportunity for recreational marijuana, but instead it would be medicinal marjuana or gummies, as deemed medically necessary, from an approved doctor’s perspective.

“I would like the citizens to make that choice,” said Council Member Vickie Rogers.

The Council voted and unanimously approved to have the option put on the ballot in the next election.

Department Reports

In the Police Report, Chief Heather Childress reported there had been 25 accidents, 27 alarms, 8 animal complaints, 19 burglary/theft/fraud/shoplifting complaints, 34 domestic abuse/EPO/DVO violations, 8 disturbance fights, 22 civil complaints, 4 abandoned vehicles, 7 EMS medical/fire assists, 14 welfare checks, 16 noise complaints, 12 juvenile beyond control complaints, 19 mental ill/suicidal calls, 9 motorist-assists, 27 officer-agency assists, 13 traffic hazards, 7 funeral escorts, 28 suspicious vehicle/persons/incidents, 27 terroristic threatening/harrassment/criminal trespass complaints, 34 911-hang up or unverified 911 calls, and 11 warrants served, for a total of 269 calls.

While giving the fire report, Fire Chief Mason Michael announced the numbers were approximate due to the changeover in administration. Based off documentation, he reported they have had at least 41 runs, which included 29 medical runs, 3 accidents with injuries, 4 fires, 1 tree down, 1 gas leak, and 2 mutual aid for Cave City.

Chief Michael also reported that there are 13 active fire department members, with 20 on the roster. He also discussed larger needs of the department, which are being tended to, including air packs, truck maintenance, and garage door repairs.

In the Public Works Report, Randy Russell reported work in the cemetery, limb clean up, and mowing, stating that everything is going well.

There were no citizen concerns to be addressed.

The next meeting of the Horse Cave City Council will be held on Monday, August 12.