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BY MATT CIZEK

matt.cizek@winchestersun.com

The Winchester City Commissioner met for over an hour on Tuesday, October 17, and some of that time was devoted to meeting a special someone.

The commission met a furry friend soon to be known to all.

Abe, a four-year-old Golden Doodle and the newest K-9 officer assigned to the Winchester Police Department got introduced as the Winchester/Clark County Public Schools Therapy Dog to the commissioners and others present.

“He absolutely loves kids. He likes kids more than anybody else,” said Winchester Police Department Captain Steve Charles. “He’s been in over 50 schools specializing in kids with autism, special needs, [and] things like that.”

Abe has been present at all schools except the Clark County Preschool and Phoenix Academy.

The reaction to Abe has been positive, with Captain Charles acknowledging that social media has become involved.

“He’s got his own Facebook page now,” Charles said.

The Winchester Police Department had previously considered bringing therapy dogs aboard for comfort and additional reasons.

Following some research, Captain Charles contacted AussGard Kennels in Flemingsburg, operated by Ashley Paige – a former police dispatcher.

After conversations, she recommended Abe, who had been out of work for some time and – with multiple certifications – was more than capable and excited to return.

While highly active in schools, Abe can also be a source of relief for others.

“During the day, when I’m not taking him to schools, he hangs out inside of our communication center with our dispatchers,” Charles added. “He spends time with all four shifts. Everybody loves him! They ask occasionally if he can stop by.”

After being introduced, Abe – ever photogenic – had his photo taken with all commissioners and Mayor JoEllen Reed.

Mayor Reed expressed enthusiasm regarding Winchester’s newest addition.

“I think we’re all going to be a big fan of Abe!” she said.

Other business

The second reading of an ordinance accepting the 2023 tax assessment, imposing ad valorem taxes, and providing a due date for payment of taxes and penalty and interest for unpaid taxes, all for 2024, passed.

Ad valorem taxes are based on the assessed value of an item, such as real estate or personal property.

Among several resolutions passed, one pertained to a Brownfields Grant application featuring the collaboration of Winchester along with the city of Paris and Estill County.

A Brownsfield Grant, in association with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), allows states, tribes, and others to assess, safely clean up, and sustainably reuse contaminated properties.

The Bluegrass Area Development District is the fiduciary agent for the three-entity coalition involved with the $1.5 million application.

In the resolution, the Mayor of the City of Winchester, in this case, JoEllen Reed, was named the required signatory on all documents relating to this grant.

“Be it resolved that Mayor JoEllen Reed, Mayor of the City of Winchester, Kentucky, shall be the designated and authorized City official to take appropriate action with regard to the City’s involvement with this Brownsfield Grant Application,” the resolution reads.

Abe, a four-year-old golden doodle who has been named therapy dog for the city of Winchester and Clark County Public Schools, was introduced at last Tuesday’s city commission meeting. (Photo by Matt Cizek)