At the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce’s July luncheon Thursday, London Mayor Randall Weddle shared drivers will soon have a smoother experience when leaving Starbucks on West KY 192, among other road improvements.
“We’re extending Sulfridge Drive, so when you come out of Starbucks and that area, you’re going to eventually see a sign pop up that will say, ‘To Fifth Street,’” Weddle said. “It’s going to be a one-way direction going by the hotel at the top and taking you down Sulfridge Drive.”
Weddle said most of the groundwork on that project has been completed.
He also spoke on the recent closure of the sidewalk on Meyers Baker Road, between Don’s Drive and Caudill Lane. The city closed the sidewalk to begin the installation of a new one. The road itself will also be seeing a makeover.
Whitley Street will similarly have a “facelift,” as Weddle said.
“A lot of work needs to be done in that area, and it’s going to be maybe another year or two out, but the main plan is to get good sidewalks going for Main Street all the way out to 192,” he said. “It’s to update the infrastructure that’s in that area as well.”
Further, Weddle shared the project on KY 192 will cease soon, which earned applause from attendees.
The mayor also spoke on tornado recovery efforts in the area following the severe weather on May 16.
“Day 2, they told me and [Laurel County Judge-Executive David Westerfield], ‘You’re going to see volunteers leave and just don’t get depressed about it. People are just not going to show up; they lose heart, so by day 3 or 5 you’ll start seeing more of these people not wanting to be here,’” Weddle said. “That wasn’t true in London and Laurel County. They were blown away at the amount of people that were showing up.”
He encouraged those making monetary contributions to direct them to either United Way of Laurel County or Hope for London, a recently-formed local nonprofit.
Derreck Patterson, Acting Hope for London Chair, proceeded to speak after Weddle. Patterson shared that the organization works to connect community members with essential services such as food assistance, housing support, mental health resources, and employment guidance.
Teams on the board include public relations; community advocacy; finance; emotional and spiritual care; repairs, materials, and construction; volunteer coordination; and disaster case management.
“Hope for London is not just going to be here today or tomorrow — it’s long term,” Patterson said.
The Chamber welcomed two new members — Rental Pro East Kentucky Rental and Serene Spaces by Rhe — at the luncheon. Accepting the honorary plaque on behalf of Rental Pro was Christy Jones, with Rhe Rocha accepting on behalf of Serene Spaces by Rhe. Torri Day was also recognized as a new ambassador.
Sweet P’s catered the luncheon, while Forcht Broadcasting served as the event’s sponsor.
Reigning Miss Laurel County Homecoming Layne Miller shared some of the exciting festivities this year’s Laurel County Homecoming will feature, including the Miss and Teen Laurel County Homecoming Pageant, a London Strong tribute, multiple concerts, circus acts, the annual parade, and more. Homecoming will take place Aug. 8-9.
At the end of the event, Chamber CEO Deanna Hermann and Michael Sliter of Hotwire Productions showed off the chamber’s new and improved ribbon-cutting scissors.
Sliter recently took the initiative to replace the chamber’s previous scissors as they were not cutting as well as they once did. The new scissors will be put to use at two upcoming ribbon-cuttings, including one at Walmart at 10:30 a.m. this Thursday, and another at SJ & Company Salon and Spa at 1 p.m. Friday, August 1.
The London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce will meet for its August luncheon on August 21 at 12 noon. To learn more about the chamber, visit the Facebook page or call (606) 864-4789.