News from Nov. 20, 2003 issue



City bans "bucket brigade" or "road blocks"

In a surprising move, the Marion City Council outlawed so-called "road blocks " or "bucket brigades" where groups and clubs solicit money from motorists at the corner of Bellville and Main streets.

No one really knows when the practice began, but the city council voted 5-1 Monday night to stop it. Councilman Dwight Sherer cast the only dissenting vote, saying he understands that most clubs and organizations need some avenue for raising money.

Councilmen Allen Lynn and Fred Brown, who each spoke out against the practice, suggested that community organizations could find a variety of alternative means for raising money. They each had varying suggestions from setting up booths on the sidewalk to selling sandwiches or baked goods.
Mayor Mickey Alexander and several council members expressed concern about the legal liability if someone were to be hit by a vehicle. The city could be sued, the mayor said. Additionally, they said it was a hassle to motorists and probably suppresses commerce on Saturdays in Marion.

The council's new rules do not affect any group that has already scheduled a collection date between now and Jan. 1. Police Chief Kenneth Winn, who has been in charge of regulating the road blocks in the past, said he didn't think any were on his schedule.

Retired warden gives $100,000 for scholarship

In perhaps the largest single gift to the local school system, retired Union County conservation officer Donan Jenkins has endowed a scholarship for Crittenden County students in the sum of $100,000.

Jenkins' late wife, Georgia "Jo" Travis, grew up in Crittenden County and graduated from Marion High School in 1952. Her brother Doug Travis is a long-time employee of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources.

Jenkins worked 39 years for the state fish and wildlife department and cached away other earnings from a ginseng business. He is now dividing up a portion of his life's savings, giving away about a half million dollars.

Jenkins said that before his wife died last year, they decided to donate much of their nest egg to scholarship funds in Crittenden and Union counties. Jenkins is giving $100,000 each to the school systems in those counties and another $100,000 each to the KDFWR and the Kentucky Conservation Officers Association. The four donations are to be used to endow scholarships.
Jenkins said he is meeting with Crittenden County school officials in the next few days to hammer out details of the scholarship. He is also working with a Louisville stockbroker to establish the funds.

The scholarship will go to a local high school senior who enrolls in any college.
"This is truly a gift of the greatest magnitude," said Crittenden County High School principal Steve Carter. "Mr. Jenkins' display of generosity and altruism are values from which we can all learn. The children of Crittenden County will truly benefit from his donations and beliefs."

Fredericka Hargis, superintendent of Crittenden County schools, said she first learned of the scholarship when contacted by Louisville Courier-Journal columnist Byron Crawford. Crawford's column featured Jenkins and his gifts last week.

"I was pleasantly surprised by the Courier-Journal reporter's phone call regarding the gift from Mr. Donan Jenkins and his late wife to our school system for scholarships," said Hargis. "It is an outstanding and generous gift that he is bestowing for the benefit of Crittenden County students.

"I offer sincere thanks to Mr. Jenkins on behalf of the Crittenden County School District," she added.

Now retired from his job as a game warden, Jenkins lives alone just north of Sturgis. However, he keeps very busy with various activities, including a continued interest in the ginseng root business.

Park wants to buy another 10 acres
Marion-Crittenden County Park Board wants to purchase an additional 10 acres of property between the current complex and Adams Street.

The property just north of the park is for sale and park board member "Red" Howton is negotiating a price with owner Willard Easley.

Howton attended the Marion City Council meeting Monday and the Crittenden Fiscal Court meeting Tuesday asking for the blessing of the two local government agencies that created the park.

Howton said purchasing the property would allow the park to expand in the future. Plus, it would make it easier for the city and the park board to develop a walking trail around the perimeter of the park. Both entities have received grants and donations to build a walking trail. Gaining an easement across the land along Adams Street would be an issue once the proposed trail is ready for construction.

The city and county okayed the purchase proposal. No price was disclosed.