As Trigg County and its officials continue to tread carefully through dangerous road and bridge conditions after last week’s storms, one municipality has the unique challenge of balancing operations and safety.
And that’s the Trigg County Public Schools.
During Tuesday’s Emergency Operations Center meeting in downtown Cadiz, Superintendent Rex Booth, Director of Operations Matt Ladd and Director of Transportation Scott Schrock once again convened with other local dignitaries — trying to decide what’s best for the district’s faculty, staff and students.
On one hand, Booth said students need to be in the classroom — especially with Spring Break finished and graduation pending on the horizon.
On the other hand, safe alternative bus routes and completed bridge inspections for Burge Creek, Hal Fennell and other overpasses are also a priority.
Booth called the entire situation “unusual.”
Booth confirmed that Trigg County still has three NTI days in the back pocket — ready if canceling in person classes is prudent — and district officials can now request more if it’s necessary.
In reviewing flood plains, roads and bridges, Booth added that he wished this all had happened under different circumstances.
And in the end, the student comes first.
Several updates came from Tuesday’s gathering.
+ Trigg County’s Road Supervisor Brandon Calhoun confirmed that some serious issues have been discovered on KY 1253 Hardy Road, and that it could be “at least a couple of days” before there is a resolution. KY 272 Caledonia Road has reopened, as has Bush and Maple Grove roads, and that Adams Mill Road still has some flowing water in some spots, but has been re-opened.
+ Barkley Water District’s John Herring said that water is being pushed through Blackhawk, Adams Mill Road and Bush Road lines in order to force air out of the lines, and that a Boil Water Advisory for that entire region will “remain for quite a while.” As of Tuesday, two homes still remain without service, and another water line break has been discovered at Old Dover Road.
+ Judge-Executive Stan Humphries said a Lowe’s representative has contacted his office, and assured that Trigg County residents can also visit their Hopkinsville location for free giveaways of water, pre-filled buckets with cleaning supplies, and other cleaning materials necessary for individuals and families impacted by the historic flooding and storms.
+ Cadiz Police Chief Tyler Thomas said water on Cerulean Road, near Shady Lawn and the Lawrence Farm, could “take weeks” to recede and evaporate, because the water simply “has no other place to go.”
+ Trigg County Sheriff Aaron Acree, and others, confirmed that drivers are still going around barricades, and now some of them have been stolen.
The EOC will remain in an active mode through the assessment process, but meetings will now convene on an “as needed” basis.
