Winchester / Clark County Transit Service Begins
Kentucky River Foothills began operating a public deviated-fixed transportation route in Winchester on Monday, October 6, 2008. Foothills has partnered with the City of Winchester and the Clark County Fiscal Court to provide this new transportation service.

This new service will provide opportunities for people to access jobs, education, shopping and recreational activities. 

Riders are able to board the bus at any of the stops we have set up for only $1, or they can purchase a $1 bus pass that is good for an entire day.  These stops include stores, apartment /residential communities, city and county offices and businesses.  The route is on one 90-minute loop.  Riders can board or exit at any stop. Service is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., including half-day Saturday service from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. 

Foothills has purchased a new 12 passenger, handicap accessible bus with federal funds secured by Congressman Ben Chandler for this route.  Wheelchair assisted service is also be available. Bulk passes are available.  For $7, riders can purchase 10 bus passes – making each ride only 0.70 cents.  With gas prices so high, we are hoping to provide a more affordable means of transportation to the citizens of Winchester.

Riders can call 1-800-819-7083 or 859-744-3900 to schedule a ride or for more information.  A complete flyer and schedule are attached.

Officials Dedicate New Bus Service, The Winchester Sun, Oct. 10

Reporters Try Out Bus Service in Winchester (YouTube)

Winchester / Clark County Transit Begins, The Winchester Sun, Oct. 11

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Ribbon Cutting Takes Place at Liberty Place Recovery Center
Center is one of Ten Recovery Kentucky Centers to Open 
(click here for the full press release)

Richmond, Ky. – Kentucky First Lady and Recovery Kentucky Task Force Co-Chair Jane Beshear, Richmond Mayor Connie Lawson and several guests participated in a ribbon cutting in Richmond on Sept. 15, 2008 for Liberty Place Recovery Center for Women.  The center is one of ten recovery centers that will simultaneously reduce the state’s drug and homeless problems.  Liberty Place provides counseling, support and hope for up to 100 women at a time who are recovering from drug and alcohol addiction. 

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Recovery In Progress, Richmond Register, August 4

Bus Route Could Link Richmond and Berea, Richmond Register, July 30

Liberty Place Move-In Day A Success, Richmond Register, July 14
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June 2008
Foothills & USDA Held Homeownership Workfest 

Many times administrators that work in housing programs don’t get a chance to actually work on the houses that they fund.  On June 4^th Kentucky River Foothills Development Council, Inc. and USDA Rural Development united to host a Homeownership Workfest in Irvine.   

“This Workfest has given us an opportunity to meet people who work for other agencies that share a common goal with Foothills,” said Jimmy Stone, Housing Specialist.  Foothills’ Affordable Housing Program assists low and moderate-income households through homebuyer education classes and homeownership counseling that enables many families who never believed they could afford their own home to become homeowners. 

The Workfest was held at the future home of Joey Harkins, Foothills’ Affordable Housing client.  Joey’s identical twin Joshua, is also building a house through Foothills’ Affordable Housing Program.  Joey’s house is expected to be finished by early August.  Joshua’s home is expected to be finished by late July.  Both brothers and their parents attended the Workfest. 

This home is being constructed with funds from several sources including Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati through Citizen Guaranty Bank, USDA Rural Development, Kentucky Housing Corporation ARC Funds (Appalachian Regional Commission) and Foothills’ Housing Funds. 

"These events provide us the opportunity to showcase the work we do and the partnerships that we form" said USDA Rural Development State Director Kenneth Slone.  "When the mother of the borrowers thanked us for providing her sons with the chance to own their own homes, she had tears in her eyes and said she knows they will be set up in their own homes, for the rest of their lives.  This shows how profoundly Rural Development can change people's lives." 

This unique Workfest also celebrated National Homeownership Month. Foothills would like to thank Charles McCarty of McCarty Builders, Inc. for assisting with this special event.  Foothills would also like to thank Lowe’s of Mt. Sterling for donating hammers, safety goggles, hats, and nail aprons that were used at the event.  Volunteers included Foothills staff & Board, USDA Rural Development staff, Citizens Guaranty Bank employees, Estill County Judge Executive Wallace Taylor, Irvine Mayor Ernest Farmer, Ravenna Mayor Charles Crowe, Kevin Atkins from Senator Mitch McConnell’s Office and Holly Hopkins from Senator Jim Bunning’s Office.

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March 17, 2008
RICHMOND TRANSIT ROLLS OUT SATURDAY SERVICE
Beginning Saturday, April 5, the Richmond Transit Service, Foothills’ public bus service, will begin offering bus service from 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Click here to read the full news release.

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March 17, 2008
BEREA BUS SERVICE ROLLS OUT SATURDAY SERVICE
Beginning Saturday, April 5, the Berea Bus Service, Foothills’ public bus service, will begin offering bus service from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Click here to read the full news release.

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Jan. 15, 2008
Foothill To Offer Free Tax Preparation

Foothills is now providing free tax preparation to eligible households in Madison County.  This service will be available through February 26. 

In Madison County free tax preparation will be held at two Foothills locations.  (1)  Richmond Senior Citizens Center, 1215 W. Main Street, Richmond.  Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3-7 p.m.  (2)  Berea Senior Citizens Center, 214 Jefferson Street, Berea.  Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3-7 p.m.  Please call Linda Belcher at 624-2046 to set up an appointment.  You must have an appointment.  No walk-ins please. 

In Powell County free tax preparation will be held at the Foothills’ Housing Office located at 212 10^th Avenue in Clay City.  Tuesday’s and Thursday’s from 3-7 p.m.  Please call 663-6904 to set up an appointment.  You must have an appointment.  No walk-ins please. 

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Jan. 3, 2008
Foothills' Annual Board of Directors Dinner at EKU on Dec. 18, 2007

 
Left: Kentucky Housing Corporation CEO Ben Cook, Board Chair Ruth Ferrell, Executive Director Vicki Jozefowicz and Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati CEO David Hehman.  Right: Bluegrass Family Health employees with this year's Volunteer Achievement Award Winner - Walker Harris.