Reader Comments

" excuse me Tax payer bville!! I have been an EMT with this service for several years. We have a wonderful service with very dedicate EMTS. I wish you could feel the hurt as people verbally, and sometimes physically, abuse us or belittle what we do, or as they express their attitudes of "It will never happen to me." I wish you could realize the physical, emotional, and mental drain or missed meals, lost sleep and lost time with our families, in addition to all the tragedy our eyes have seen. Unless you have lived this kind of life, you will never truly understand or appreciate who we are, or what our job really means to us ...... I wish you could though. "

" If you don't like the Ledger (which I, personally, will not buy) turn your articles regarding Augusta and Brooksville in to the ladies at the Bracken County News. They don't have roving reporters who constantly twist around what someone says to make a story. The ladies at the BCN will gladly accept any and all requests for coverage although they may require a little help. Maybe then, you'll get a real story about real home town folk. As far as printing more about Brooksville than Augusta.....give it a rest. Read the Ledger. Even when Augusta or Bracken defeat Mason it doesn't read "So and So defeats Mason" it reads "Mason falls to.........." Who needs that? I sure don't. "

" Shame on you taxper b-ville,there are several dedicated EMT's that work for the service.The new word in town is that the CFO is painting and fixing the moldy lounge room,that is a blessing,before some one got really ill.He is trying hard,but still he is lone caretaker of your tax-dollars.He is trying to make a good impression,but he still has full control,I don't think that is allowed for a taxing district.We shall see as time rolls on. Good luck to the dedicated EMT's who's goal is to help our citizens who are in need. "

" I think they should do away with all the board members and employees and hire all new ones. We might have a good service then. "

" Enough is enough.I agree that the doors are always open at the base station and any citizen/taxpayor can come in and ask questions,they have every right to see any thing in there with the exception of Personnel files or run sheets.Maybe taxpayors should ask more questions. As a taxpayor I will be asking to see paper work that pertains as to where my tax money is going.The Board members have to answer for what it is spent for,just hope they have the answers.I am a former EMT and have read lots of KRS's.for taxing districts. "

" Betty,I don't know what happened but I do want to THANK YOU for all your dedication and caring for the people of Bracken county. I know you've put in alot of hours and hard work to make the system work for everyone. I know you cared about each and every EMT and you set up programs to aid and to teach and enable them to do their very best in what ever they may face on every call.I think you did an excellent job as the director and you will be missed. Hold your head high and be glad that God has blessed you in giving you the gift of helping so many people in your years of service Again, I THANK YOU. God Bless "

" Okay, granted the board job isn't labor intensive, but would you expect it to be? The EMTs job is hard--I agree--however your self-righteousness comments are "ill-informed," my esteemed critic. How was it illegal? Meetings were supposed to be publicized and announced. I do believe those meetings were. Needless to say, the manner at which they were announced were poor. However, the information regarding the release of Ms. McClanahan is indeed confidential. And to personally claim that I am not informed is indeed unwise on your behalf, sir/maam. You seem to be up on the KRS regarding meetings of public groups, so please, if you are so inclined, enlighten the rest of the citizens who read this "blog." And have you even considered that perhaps those on the board have other jobs that don't permit the meetings to be held when the community is available to attend? Seriously, before you begin to harshly criticize those who made what they thought was the best decision, you need to consider more factors than you have. That's why you are narrow-minded. The world is MUCH bigger than the confines of Bracken County. Not all decisions please everybody, so get used to it and accept the blame. "

" They do find many good things for Augusta. It is funny that you list AHS as second on your list. At least the Ledger prints things that AHS has done, whereas the Bracken County News, is one sided and prints more about BCHS than they do AHS. As for the Ledger, the print the news. Sure it may seemed biased sometimes, but it sadly is news. "

" I believe as a tax payor,the EMT's are wonderful dedicated people.Most of them are really nice.You have a few that are "bullies".I heard one say to a patient.You are abusing our ambulance system. WoW what a wrong thing to say. How can the EMT's that say such things to a citizen that needs help. Run ILLEGAL.No,the State would have caught up with them by now.Be careful how you bash. One of these illegal people may have to come and help you. That is the kind hearted EMT's,and dedicated ones. I have been around some of them and they are really foul mouthed with patients. Maybe Betty should have gotten rid of the bad ones. I think that was her downfall,to kind hearted. "

" CSCD maybe you should actually read the printed ledger to know it does cover many good things in Bracken County. Not everything appears on the internet. "

" As an EMT for bracken county I had no problem with Betty but there were a few who did they dont have to worry now because she is gone.I think that there is one person trying to run the service and it is the CFO...... "

" Perhaps it is narrow minded to place blame strictly on the Board, the poor, worn down volunteers who do their horrible, thankless jobs and struggle day in and day out to make horrible, tough decisions. Oh, woe to the board. It must be exhausting. To say that those being critical of the board are wrong is narrow minded and ill informed. The fact is, business was conducted in an illegal manner. Wrong is wrong. "

" Just out of curiousity...if those of us in support of Ms. McClanahan are only hearing "one side of the story" and have no idea what went on behind closed doors at the ambulance service...then by all means...fill us in. Oh, that's right. It's a big secret. We can't tell. We must hold meetings at times when the public cannot attend and never explain our actions nor bring forth evidence in support of such actions. Sounds like a lie to me. "

" This forum should be used to commend Betty McClanahan for her dedicated years of service with the EMS. Any citizen who feels change is needed should attend a board meeting and voice their opinion. Remember our taxes are being raised, lets find out why? ask a boardmember, come to a meeting. This is our county, we should have a voice. Anyways Friday Sept 28 is Bettys last day at the EMS office in Brooksville, I'm sure see would appreciate a warm goodbye. You will be missed Ms. McClanahan. "

" First, I think its a real shame the Ledger has nothing better to do than pick up on some controversy in Bracken Co. because Mason Co. is so boring? I really feel for the board members and all the hoops they must jump through just to do business-it really is ridiculous! If anyone took the time to really check things out, they would know its a thankless job that anyone in their right mind would run from-say like, Craig Miller? But considering all the "good ole boy" comments, poor use of the English language, and all the misspelled words, I think all you ding-dongs should wonder why things are the way they are. Come one, come all! Join your local county board so you can be bashed, used, talked about, accused of things you know absolutley know nothing about and then wonder why no one wants a job that has to put up with this kind of crap! Next time there is an opening on a voluntary, non-paid board(they do publish openings for board spots in the newpaper), please join in on the real fun! Thanks, Betty for all the good years you gave to the patients of Bracken Co. and Ledger, there is all kinds of juicy stuff happening on down towards N. Ky. Get a life! Save the Ky. Post! Go UK! Go BCHS and AHS, we'll always back you! (you can bet the Ledger wont report good things about all the wonderful stuff that does happen in "little ole Bracken Co.".) "

" Bracken County EMS has the potential to be a really good service, but some trouble makers and board members has to be replaced. Why don’t people say exactly why Betty was let go, let the public know the truth. Turning down a transfer for Regional Transport that another county also turned down, which meant taking a crew out of the county for hours and leaving one crew to cover the county for hours with a possibility the transfer was going to be a freebie. As a Director Betty turned in a complaint to the state EMS board that was called to hurt attention by several individuals about a EMT practicing “beyond there scope of practice” to let the state determine. Sounds like to me Betty was doing a good job!!! Bracken County EMS Board needs to stand behind the decisions of the Director not go against her, especially about decisions on transfers, especially when the director did her home work on the transfer. Helping another service out is one thing but, when there is a possibility that the crew will have to wait on a pt. for hours and possibility it won’t pay, you have to take care of the tax payers they are the one’s paying there salaries. Thank you Betty for your dedication. "

" I think it is narrow-minded to be so critical of the Ambulance Board without being critical of the entire organization. NOONE other than Betty, perhaps the EMTs, those on the Board and the curse of a CFO the Ambulance Service has really knows why change needed to occur. To simply criticize a group of leaders for doing what they are supposed to do is narrow-minded. I guarantee you it was not an easy decision to ask someone as well known and liked as Betty McClanahan to resign, however, I believe that the Board probably had reasonable cause for the change, however we'll never know BECAUSE legally, personnel matters are confidential. Bracken County isn't as backward as it has been in past decades--and until people accept that "things happen" never will things get better in Bracken County. To quote a great minister--Blame is not to be directed, it is to be accepted. Betty McClanahan is no longer the director of the Ambulance Service, what do we do now? We move on, and accept, what those with credentials who lead the organization at the time, are the best decisions in the best interest of the organization. Don't criticize until you have the truth (not gossip) to make a logical and justifiable argument. I'm sorry to see Betty go, however, a good tree-shaking never hurt any organization. It shows the strengthes, things to be proud of, and weaknesses, that need to be worked on, which ultimately is beneficial for ALL. "

" So who made the signs? I believe this person needs to go back to middle or high school and learn vocabulary words. Shouldn't the special called meeting be published in a local paper? Where were these signs posted and for how long? I did not see any signs posted. "

" I worked for Bracken Co. Ems for 6 months and in my opinion people were always out to get Betty. Betty, you did an excellent job with what you had to work with and have nothing to be ashamed of! "

" to citizen bc - The reason people only know one side of the story is the boards fault. They are one ones who had the "closed doors" policy. The day to day operations at the EMS office were always done with an "open door" policy. You could have walked in at any time and been welcomed, to look around or discuss any concerns you may have had. Remember the number priorty of the Bracken County EMS service has been patient care. "

" Mrs.KIN JONES IS A GREAT PERSON!! SO, KIM KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!! WE ARE THERE FOR YOU. I KNOW FOR A FACT SHE IS DOING WHAT IS BEST. "

" I think this is messed up. They need to have a restructuring of the board and that should be before the end of this year. Out with all of them and in with new ones. They are a joke to the county. Thanks you Betty, you did a heck of a job under all of that pressure, and it was greatly appreciated, I wish there was a way to get you back. RESTRUCTURE THE BOARD on ELECTION DAY! "

" I see so many negative comments in the paper about the board. Most people only now one side of the story, they never new what went on behind closed doors with the day to day operation of the ambulance service. I applaud the board for there decision. It has been a long time coming. Thank you Kim,Lisa, and Max. "

" Betty, Looks like you have alot of support. Now lets get these people at a board meeting that they have changed to 930 am. oh that's so noone can show up. Maybe there is something to hide. "

" To those hovering around like crows, picking at the leftovers from the board and their unprofessional actions: remember that you are not exempt from the same treatment yourself. "

" It is quite interesting to see that the small town "good ole boy" system is alive and well in Bracken County. I understand that Wikipedia is not the best resource, but I think that it does a very good job at describing what the Good Ole Boy system is, and how it could be perceived and related to this situation. Wikipedia states: The good ol' boy network describes a system of social networking and perceptions alleged to exist prevalently among certain communities and social strata in the United States. Although the term originated in the South, these networks can be found throughout the U.S. and the rest of the Western world. It is typically taken to refer to informal legal, judicial, social, religious, business, and political associations among white males ("good ol' boys"); however, in modern times can be composed of either or both sexes. In some areas, the good ol' boy network is said to still exert considerable influence over many aspects of local government, business, and law enforcement. Usage of the term can often imply a wrongful exclusion of others from the network; however, often the emphasis is on inclusion of a member, as in, "doing a good ol' boy a favor". Some negative effects of the good ol' boy network are its exclusion of others, leading to leaders of a community possibly limiting business transactions to other elites, or to friends or acquaintances from within the network, to give friends better deals, and generally to reinforce traditional power structures over any other elements in the society. As a board that must face public scrutiny and pressures, they must make tough decisions. This decision making process must be transparent, in order to eliminate any notion of impropriety. In this situation, why was the board so secretive? Did they have something to hide? Did they have alterior motives or other personal interests? If a board is able to commit unethical actions that relate to an entity that is designed to save lives, how do you think this board will perform in the future? Who does the board answer to? The answer is staring at you in the mirror. "

" This board should be ashamed of themselves and way they have treated Ms. McClanahan, who has served Bracken County so selfishly for so long. They will reap what they sow. "

" Being a civil servant myself, I find it very interesting that this is the manner in which individuals are rewarded for their years of service to an organization. To my knowledge, Ms McClanahan's years of service with this organization are a far cry from equivalent to the combined service of all the members of said board. (If they choose to fancy themselves as such, all things considered, when the ethical implications and legality of their actions would suggest otherwise. That does not even begin to encompass the actions of those in higher positions of authority) Nonetheless, they have accomplished what they have obviously set out to do, which is to take away the discretion of an individual who has done nothing but serve their organization. It appears that we, as concerned citizens are left with no other choice but to say, Thank You, Ms. McClanahan, for your years of service. You have helped many people and served this community above and beyond the call of duty over the years of your employment as EMT and Director. It is much appreciated by more individuals than you realize. "

" Betty even though you was pushed out before you were ready, see now how QUICK everything will go to the dogs.You have always done a wonderful job and we can't thank you enough for all your hard work you have given to Bracken county.Guess our chairperson did get her way this time but just sit back and watch..it will bite her in the butt. Best of luck to you Betty. "

" I agree with concerned, MS jones wasn't even sworn in until recently. She should resign she has done nothing but cause turmoil. "

" Slowly watch the whole thing go down the drain........glub glub glub "

" This EMS Board is a joke and a embarrassment to all of Bracken Co. "

" Chairman Jones and the other board members need to work with the EMS members instead of always changing things. They are going to keep on until we will be like other counties and not have an ambulance service because the EMT's our going to get tired of all this mess and there will be no one to run the ambulance. Ihave nothing against Ms. Ruf or Mr. Wilson but I think the board could have waited a few more months for the director's resignation like she planned to do. They said they are planning on moving the service in a different direction. What direction? If there was such a major problem with Ms. McClanahan the taxpayers should have been informed before she was forced to resign. Has anyone else noticed that the a mbulance service has been in the paper more since Ms. Jones took over. Maybe the wrong person resigned. "

" It appears our Chairperson finally got what she wanted. That is the way to get what you want--call a special meeting in the day time and post handwritten announcements with incorrectly spelled words, or maybe not. I was in the bank, post office, and courthouse each day this week and saw no signs on any doors. Most of the time there is an announcement over the scanner and meetings at the EMS building. Missed that also. I have no problem with Mr. Wilson or Mrs. Ruf, I think they are both capable of doing the job, but I doubt if they have a chance, if they don't do as they are told. The meeting may have been "legally" called, but I venture to guess if the Chairperson wanted something that she thought the citizens would be interested in backing the announcement would have been published in various papers and on the scanners. While I agree that Mrs. McClanahan has been in the EMS business a long time. I also know that Mrs. Jones will someday find out that experience and knowledge doesn't count if you have been at it for a long time, and I don't mean as Bracken EMS Chairperson. Sounds to me like it time to re-arrange or replace the EMS board. Maybe on the November ballot? "

" I bet Betty is glad to get out of there. She has did a good job ,but it seems they want something more.Hope the EMT's that are so dedicated are not effected by this.I heard that the CFO was talking on Main Street about it.He was heard saying that "he has it made now". Well,he already has it made,always up and down Main Street,I guess that is having it made. Thank You Betty for your dedication. "