Kentucky: Wayne County - Judge/Executive

Only the sitting Wayne County Judge/Executive can appoint a Wayne County Captain Commission.

The reason for bestowing the honor of a Wayne County Captain on any particular individual is for strength of character, leadership and dedication to the welfare of others. This commission shows the ability to place others above self.

Trent Vincent

On Sunday May 27, 2007 Gary Collett Sr. of Nicholasville and Lisa Lovely of Morehead were boating on Lake Cumberland in the vicinity of Jamestown Marina.

Lisa Lovely fell from the boat, unbeknown to Mr. Collett who had the boat in idle. When he realized that Ms. Lovely was not in the boat, he immediately turned off the key. He went to investigate and saw her at the rear of the boat, in the water. She was conscious but injured. The prop had hit her leg. He tried to pull her from the water and was unable to do so. By holding her, he was able to keep her chin above water but she was having difficulties not taking in water as the wake would submerge her head.

Mr. Collett saw an approaching boat, let go of one of Ms. Lovely’s hands so that he could motion for help. By waving his arms and screaming for help he was able to alert a passing boat to help in their plight.

Trenton Vincent did not hesitate as he saw what was going on. He dove immediately into the water and tried to assist in removing Ms. Lovely from the water. But both Mr. Vincent and Mr. Collett were unable to remove her. Mr. Vincent dove to see why and discovered that Ms. Lovely’s swim suit skirt was entangled in the propeller of the boat. Coming up for air, and diving again, Mr. Vincent was able to free Ms. Lovely from the propeller. The gentlemen lifted Ms. Lovely into the boat and Mr. Collett wrapped her legs, wounded from the propeller with towels, as Mr. Vincent drove them to the Jamestown Marina. Ms. Lovely was air lifted to UK Hospital where she stayed for five (5) days.

In a phone call from Gary Collett Sr. to the Wayne County Judge’s Office it was stressed that Lisa Lovely would not be alive today, if not for the selfless and courageous acts of Trenton Vincent.

Sister Barbara Walsh

Amid laughter and tears, Wayne County said goodbye to Sister Barbara Walsh, during a special reception in her honor on Saturday, July 19, 2008. Hundreds of people stopped by the Extension Office that afternoon to share their memories and well wishes with Sister Barbara, who after 26 years of service in Wayne County decided to return home to Massachusetts.

At the front of the meeting room, a slide show ran throughout the afternoon, featuring photographs of Sister Barbara as she ran her School on Wheels, taught Bible School, headed the music program at St. Peter's Catholic Church, and worked with Helping Hands volunteers in local homes. “Thank you, Sister Barbara, from Wayne County, Kentucky” was displayed across the screen.

That's what many people came by to do, to thank the Catholic sister who put a face on Catholic outreach efforts in this area soon after she arrived here in 1982. With her School on Wheels, she took preschool education, which was not offered in Wayne County at that time, to the homes in the hills and hollows.

“Sister Barbara has touched many, many lives and she has brought the love of Christ to all of them,” stated Deacon Tom Wagner with St. Peter's. Sister Ann Kernan, who heads the Mountain Moms program, talked about her friend during the reception, noting Sister Barbara's life of service to others.

Twenty-six years ago, Barbara's journey brought her 1000 miles away from home. She brought her whole self that middle-aged woman with more energy than a 20 year old, said Sister Ann. St. Peter's Catholic Church made a special presentation to Sister Barbara, giving her an antique Kentucky quilt to take back home to Massachusetts.

County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin was among speakers during the ceremony held in Sister Barbara's honor and he presented her with the Wayne County Captain's Award, which is the highest honor given by county government. “This is for people who have done extraordinary things,” stated Rankin, as he made the presentation. “Thank you for everything out have done for this community. We will miss you greatly.” Sister Barbara was also presented a certificate naming her an Honorary Kentucky Colonel on behalf of Mayor Kenneth Catron.

Stewart Phillips, the retired director of Project Beam, said that Sister Barbara has been an example of a shining star. After several emotional presentations, Sister Barbara took the podium. “ I have lived here longer than I lived with many family,” she said. “This has become home. The School on Wheels has brought into areas of this community I would never have gone.” Sister Barbara has stressed that she is not retiring and that she will continue working. Sister Barbara plans to continue to teach Latinos after returning to Massachusetts.

”My 26 years here has been a heaven. I love the rural area,” said Sister Barbara. “I think it will be a bittersweet moment leaving this beautiful country God has given us.”

Article taken from The Wayne County Outlook.