A special mini-conference emphasizing alternative crops and agritourism for farmers, landowners and others concerned with the future of the family farm and northeastern Kentucky will be held Thursday and Friday, October 20 and 21 at Carter Caves State Report Park.

The event begins that Thursday with check-in from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., followed by an overview and introductions.

A forum for elected and appointed local officials, “Moving Your County Forward”, will be held from 10:15 a.m. to Noon. At the same time, there will be a presentation on “Turning to the Assets of Eastern Kentucky”, followed by a panel discussion of success stories where representatives of D&H Resort, Rolling “R” Farm, Chicken Coop Art and Craft Mall, and Avalon Farm will talk about their agricultural ventures.

Thursday afternoon includes presentations by State Representative Rocky Adkins, biofuel; Lou Ortega, alternative livestock; ACENET, a successful business incubator in Athens, Ohio; and a panel discussion, “Money Matters” including USDA, Farm Credit Services, Innovation Center and Farm Bureau Insurance representatives.

Friday morning there will be two break out sessions with Shawn Wright, Ohio State University alternative crops; Allen Straw, Virginia Tech commercial vegetables; and Debbie Spencer and Donna Sue Groves, agritourism. 

Meeting in regular session last week the Vanceburg City Council approved the appointment of Duncan Aker to the Renaissance Committee.

The council also adopted a resolution extending the boundaries of the portion of the city included in the Renaissance Streetscape Enhancement Project. Melissa Hardy from the Buffalo Trace Area Development District told the council that extending the boundaries qualified the city to apply for additional government funding for downtown improvements.

The council next adopted a resolution authorizing Vanceburg Mayor William T. “Bill Tom” Cooper to apply for a Rural Development grant of $200,000 in behalf of the Electric Plant Board. The funds would be applied to the 2004 Water Extension Project.

At the request of Mayor Cooper the council approved the paving of the parking lot at Vanceburg Fire Station # 2 at a total cost of $2352.

The council also set the Trick Or Treat this year for Thursday night, October 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

Since Time Warner New York Cable (TWNY) is in the process of buying Adelphia Cable the council adopted a resolution assigning the cable franchise agreement it currently holds with Adelphia to TWNY. The resolution becomes effective immediately.

The Mayor told the council he wasn’t sure what Time/Warner would do for the city but he has asked for a local access channel and for a lower rate charge for senior citizens.

The council authorized Mayor Cooper to apply for a Rural Development grant of $25,000 to purchase a new 2006 Police Cruiser for the Vanceburg Police Department. One of the city’s cruisers is a 1994 model and needs to be replaced.

The Mayor read a thank you note to the council from the family of Freda Billman, well known Vanceburg resident and mother of Police Chief Joe Billman. Mrs. Billman passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

The council approved the minutes of last month’s session before adjourning.

Beginning in October, each elementary school will host a Family Math Night to introduce parents to the new math program being implemented and to a wealth of resources available for assisting children with math at home.

All Lewis County schools have examined their old math programs, their test scores, their students' work, and the research to determine the best materials to use with our students.

The elementary schools shoes Math Trailblazers, one of only three National Science Foundation recommended programs. Some distinguishing features of Trailblazers are: It is research and standards-based; it emphasizes problem-solving over rote-memorization; it contains a balance of whole-class, small-group and individual work; it employs active, hands-on math labs; it makes connections to science and to language arts; and it has a unique approach to math facts that promotes better retention.

Because Trailblazers is different from the kind of math experience that most parents have had, each elementary school wants to explain the program, share resources about the program, and provide tips on helping children at home with their math.

Family Math Nights are being planned that will not only provide parents with information but with a hands-on experience lead by the children.

Family Math Night Schedule:

Laurel Elementary, October 20.

Tollesboro Elementary, November 3.

Central Elementary, November 3.