Meeting in regular session last week the board of the Helen H. Rayburn Public Library of Lewis County learned that the library has received $19,287 in state aid.

Michael Jones from KLA told the board that the library’s annual report submitted to Frankfort was in good order, and that expedited reception of the state aid funds.

Jones also informed the board that the theme for next summer’s reading program would be "Dragons, Dreams and Daring Deeds."

He announced that the Summer Reading Workshop is scheduled for Feb. 23-25 in Frankfort at the Holiday Inn. At the workshop libraries are given the opportunity to bring a display if they want to set one up. One library region is setting up a display as a group.

The KLA is also celebrating 50 years of Kentucky Bookmobile service. Celebrations will be held at seven different locations across the state. Ellen Hellard, retired KLA Field Services Director will hold the meetings and be the speaker. The closest one to Vanceburg will be in Morehead at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 8.

Jones advised the board that since the annual reports are now online on the Internet just about any statistic the library may need can be pulled up and can be compared with any library in the state or nation. Anything interesting such as circulation, local expenses or income can be accessed.

Board president Carol Gilbert said that the generator on the Bookmobile is acting up again. The generator’s fuel pump was recently replaced at a dealership in Kenova, W.VA.

Jones said that all the libraries across the Commonwealth are having trouble with their generators on the Bookmobiles. The local Bookmobile can be taken back to Kenova to get the generator repaired.

New Bookmobile Librarian, Marjorie Valentine, has requested that some lettering warning approaching motorists that the vehicle makes frequent stops be painted on the back. She said she almost got rear ended just recently by a big truck. The board moved to have the lettering put on.

Rayburn lauded Valentine for doing a great job as the new Bookmobile librarian.

The board also moved to give Library Director Marilyn Conway and Rayburn authority to purchase a new bookdrop at a cost near $2,100. The old one is in poor condition. It’s been at the library since 1966.

The board suggested that the treasurer use Quick Books for writing checks and keeping the financial records. Part of the financial work is already being done on Quick Books, and Rayburn readily agreed to use that system. No vote was required on the operational procedure.

The Vanceburg City Council met in a special session at noon last Friday, Nov. 19, to adopt four ordinances after giving each its second reading and to act on the sale of surplus property.

The first ordinance amends an ordinance fixing the authorized employment and compensation schedule of the city employees. In effect it gives a salary increase to police officers and clarifies that new recruits undergo training and become certified before receiving benefits.

The second ordinance establishes the position and the salary of a utility worker in charge of renovating the old Commercial Hotel.

The fourth ordinance was a move to comply with a mandate by the State Insurance Administration that assures that the city will comply with all regulations regarding building new structures or substantially renovating old ones in flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction of the City of Vanceburg. A permit will be required by anyone wishing to build or remodel buildings in those areas.

All four ordinances go into effect upon publication in the Lewis County Herald.

On Thursday, November 11, Veterans Day, the members of the Lewis County Middle School Student Council took a field trip to decorate the graves of those who served this country.

The students were taken to five cemeteries where they placed flags upon more than 100 graves and documented more than 300. The trip was an invaluable learning experience providing the students with the knowledge of what it means to have the freedom that these men and women fought, bled, and died for.

The students showed unbelievable respect for the veterans that they were there to honor by decorating and in some cases cleaning debris form the graves.

"We do many things to show our appreciation to the Veterans, but the children seldom have the chance to say thanks. They wanted to show that they truly are thankful for the society these brave Americans fought to preserve," stated Jack Lykins, sponsor of the group, "and we as sponsors were happy to help them do just that."

Although the day was dreary, spirits were bright and the students were upbeat and ready to learn. With flags and notebooks in hand, they combed each cemetery in search of the veterans.

The activity was applauded by many in the community, but most of all by the parents of the participants. Michelle Carroll, parent of Aundrea Carroll, felt that "this is a great experience for all the kids. I hope that this becomes a tradition."

The educational value of this trip is immeasurable. This experience will be remembered for years to come. The sponsors for the council, Jack Lykins and Tony Johnson, would like to thank the administrators at the Middle School, Mr. Travis Hobbs, the parents, the VFW for the flags, and most importantly the students who made the experience not only a memorable one, but a full-filling one.