Young Musicians, Student Linemen, Safe Kids

Keeping kids safe
GLASGOW
More than 12,000 children attending 18 schools in Hart, Barren, and Metcalfe counties are safer thanks to a project of Farmers Rural Electric Co-op and the South Central Rural Telephone Company.

Through Project ID, kindergarteners are swabbed for DNA and fingerprinted. In an emergency, officials have this vital information. The utilities provide the kits and personnel to gather the samples.

“As a parent and grandparent, I know how precious our children are,” says Bill Prather, president and CEO of Farmers Electric Co-op. “This is one thing we can do to be of benefit to our membership that no one else is doing, but one service I hope none of our members ever have to use.”

Lineman skills show
SOMERSET
Students at the Somerset Community College Lineman Training Program displayed their skills to potential employers during Student Field Day. Sixteen students completed the eight-week program on a Friday, and 10 of them started work the following Monday. During the past three years, the school has had a 95 percent placement rate.

“I can tell more about a lineman’s skills watching him on a pole for 10 minutes than interviewing him for 10 hours,” says Dean Rhodes, coordinator of the program. “The field day is a great way to get employers and prospective employees hooked up.”

Mountain music
WEST LIBERTY
Young musicians in the Licking Valley Rural Electric Cooperative area displayed their talents at the second Young Musicians Celebration of Traditional Appalachian Old-Time and Bluegrass Music. Sponsored by Licking Valley RECC, the event encourages young people to keep their musical heritage alive.

“This event gives our young people an opportunity to share the music they love with their community,” says Kerry Howard, general manager and CEO of Licking Valley RECC. “We enjoy sponsoring events that help our youth and celebrate our traditions.”