Excitement filled the air as students arrived at the Logan County Extension Complex. It was Friday, June 12th and everyone was ready for the 2009 Logan County Progressive Ag Safety Day. Presenters were at their safety session stations and volunteers were with their color groups. The safety sessions targeted students ages 7 to 14 but younger students, accompanied by a parent, also attended. One of the younger students stated that they “learned some safety stuff, like being quiet around farm animals.”

Another student said “I am going to tell my mom to get a first aid kit for home and to put batteries in our smoke detectors.” Another student said, “I am going to get a helmet to wear when I ride my ATV.”

Many volunteers, presenters, and students said they wanted to come back next year to learn more about being safe in everyday life, whether it be on the farm, in the neighborhood, or at home.

Two bicycles and helmets were given away during the day! The winners were, Tanner Morrow and Shelby Hodge.

Fourteen safety sessions were offered during the day with lots of hands-on experience.

Stations included:

• Water Safety by Mitch Shanklin and Beth Dawson from the Carpenter Center

• Lawn/Tractor Safety by Logan County FFA students, Jared Simmons, Jacob Speck, and Daniel Chick

• Animal Safety by Ray Nolan, Jay Campbell, LCHS teacher, and FFA students, Justin Allen and Amber Bagby

• Fire Safety by the Lewisburg Rural Fire Department and Logan Aluminum

• Fishing Safety by Ed Darst, retired from the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife

• Bicycle Safety by Mike Canon of the Russellville Police Department

• Grain Bin Safety by FFA students, John Keith Smith and Hunter Boswell, and LCHS teacher, Jessica Farris

• First Aid by Mickey Phillips, Logan County EMS, and Brandy Nuyt, Logan County Health Department

• Sun Safety presented by Elizabeth Westbrook, Kentucky Cancer Program

• Internet Safety presented by Tina Kitchens

• Electrical Safety by Pennyrile Electric

• Disability Awareness by Carol Thomas and Gail Barnett of the Auburn Family Resource Center

• Gun Safety by Greg Dukes of the Kentucky State Police

• ATV Safety presented by Debbie Gunderson of the Adairville Family Resource Center

The day was a big success because of the many volunteers, presenters, sponsors, and FFA students.

All participants enjoyed a morning snack provided by Logan Memorial Hospital and a great lunch cooked by the Logan County Cattlemen‚s Association.

The closing event of the day was the ATV mock rescue coordinated by Lonnie Epley, Lewisburg Rural Fire Department, and assistant Deputy Corner, Robert Kimmel. The pretend emergency scene involved the Lewisburg Rural Fire Department, the Auburn Rural Fire Department, Chandlers Fire Department, Air Evac, Office of the Logan County Coroner, and the Logan County EMS. Everyone was spellbound as they listened to Robert Kimmel, assistant deputy coroner, explain what was happening as the different rescue squads came for the rescue.

A huge “Thanks” goes to each person who helped with this 2009 Progressive Ag Safety Day in Logan County! Shelby Nelson and Penny Young were on hand to make pictures and video the students as they participated in the safety sessions. Plans are underway for the “2010” Progressive Ag Safety Day in Logan County! Thanks Again!