In This Issue...................... Welcome ..................................................... pg. 1 Going Above and Beyond ....................... pg. 2-3 Positive Changes ............................................ pg. 4 Reducing Injuries and Preventable Deaths ... pg. 5 Camp Nelson ........................................... pg. 6-7 County Calendar ......................................... pg. 7 Getting Outdoors ........................................ pg. 7

Jessamine Matters Summer 2016 JUDGE/EXECUTIVE

David K. West MAGISTRATES DISTRICT 1

Justin Ray DISTRICT 2

Tim Vaughan DISTRICT 3

Terry Meckstroth DISTRICT 4

April Rose Prather DISTRICT 5

Burch Hager DISTRICT 6

Gary Morgan

Created by Red Hat Creative Services Contact Mollie McClure at [email protected] or visit www.redhatcreativeservices.com

Jessamine County Fiscal Court (JCFC) loves to celebrate. The Kentucky Ambulance Providers Association's "Director of the Year" award, presented to Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) Director Aaron Stamper, is a great example. “People like to work with someone with the kind of confidence and competence that Aaron has shown,” Jessamine County/Judge Executive David West said. “Aaron was hired prior to my coming into the position of Judge/Executive, so I can’t take credit for it, but I consider him a ‘home run.’” As part of his efforts to provide the best available service while being as cost-effective as possible, Aaron has made recommendations that will save the county’s taxpayers approximately $600,000 over the next decade or so. A case in point: the highly competitive grant JCEMS earned in 2015 for the purchase of stretchers with hydraulic systems (above). "The new stretchers are a 'win-win' for JCEMS staff and citizens, because they make it easier for JCEMS staff to transport patients safely without less risk of an injury,” Judge West said. “JCEMS staff as a whole deserves this award,” Stamper said. “Assistant Chief Chris Wilhite did a great job of leading the organization before I came on board. There is no way that we could be where we are now without him—he has been my right hand. Our Education Coordinator Jamie Goodpastor has also been a tremendous asset—he has helped us get an education program in place to ensure that we could provide the best patient care available.” JCEMS team’s focus on education and determination to maintain a positive culture are paying off, according to Stamper. “It makes me feel good when I go into a hospital facility for a meeting, and the staff compliments our personnel for their willingness to help, their attitudes toward their jobs, and how sound their medical skills are.” That’s a big win for the county and its residents, according to Stamper. It’s also a big part of what makes Jessamine County a great place to work, play, and live!

Going Above and Beyond heart attack, the faster we can relay information to the hospital and get patients the treatment and medication they need,” Stamper said. “We’re also proud of the fact that our Education Coordinator Jamie Goodpastor has been tapped to serve, along with a Duke Clinical Research team as well as area physicians, hospital administrative personnel and other health care workers, on a committee dedicated to regionalizing STEMI care in Eastern Kentucky," he said. In addition to the American Heart Association award, Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) has also been awarded a highly competitive Assistance to Firefighters FEMA grant for $108,330. “This is also a big deal for us,” Stamper said. The grant is for the purchase of stretchers with hydraulic systems that work off batteries and eliminate the need for manual lifting of patients. This will keep the patients safer in addition to drastically reducing the possibility of injuries and workers’ compensation insurance claims. With fewer muscular skeletal and back injuries, they will have longer and healthier careers.

As part of its celebration of its upcoming thirtieth anniversary as a county operated ambulance service, Jessamine County Emergency Services (JCEMS) revealed its new emblem, with the core values it strives to exemplify: excellence, integrity, and compassion. These are the standards exemplified by the Jessamine County Emergency Services department.

“Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) has a lot to be proud of,” Chief Aaron Stamper said. “This department has done a tremendous job for the county over the past 30 years, and we plan to continue to improve and grow.” Stamper is also proud of his team's "quality people, with fresh ideas and great outlooks." “They not only have sound medical skills, but they are always willing to step up whenever their help is needed,” he said.

Because 2016 is Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS)’s 30 year anniversary, the timing of the recent Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) accolades and grant funding are “just about perfect,” Stamper said. "We held an anniversary event on July 1, and we had a lot to celebrate," he said.

That level of excellence was recognized by the American Heart Association when it awarded Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) the Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Award for implementing quality improvement measures for the treatment of patients who experience a “STEMI” (a term for ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction, a type of heart attack caused by a complete blockage of blood flow to the heart that requires timely treatment). “EMTs and paramedics play a vital part in the system of care for those who have heart attacks,” said Nancy Brown, Chief Executive Officer of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. “Since they often are the first medical point of contact, they can shave precious minutes of life-saving treatment time by activating the emergency response system that alerts hospitals. We applaud Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services for achieving this award that shows it meets evidence-based guidelines in the treatment of people who have severe heart attacks.” Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) was one of 15 Kentucky’s 220 EMS agencies to receive the award. “This shows that we have the quality measures and equipment in place and our staff are doing a great job at doing EKG’s and recognizing a STEMI when it occurs. The earlier we can detect a

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Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) Education Coordinator Jamie Goodpastor (left) received the American Heart Association (AHA) Mission: Lifeline® EMS Silver Award from AHA representative Alexander Kuhn (right) while Judge/Executive David West looked on.

Maintaining our Roads Anyone driving on Jessamine’s approximately 208 miles of county roads during the heavy rains of the summer of 2015 knows that whether roads are covered with a foot—or even just an inch—of flood or overflow waters, problems can occur. When that contact happens repeatedly over time, as it did last summer, the water seeping underneath asphalt can cause transportation problems such as pot holes, crumbling shoulders, and cracked and disconnected pieces of asphalt that can, eventually, make roads extremely dangerous and even un-passable.

The “Mackey Bill” (Senate bill 43) passed on April 1, as the result of the dedicated efforts of the Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services staff, John Mackey’s family and friends, local and state government officials and representatives, and medical services workers across the state.

Working as a Team to Care for Others Jessamine County Emergency Medical Services (JCEMS) Chief Aaron Stamper and his team of 40+ healthcare professionals know that you can’t just call yourselves a team and expect to succeed. Instead, you have to “walk the walk” and support your teammates as you would expect them to support you. In fact, it’s their dedication to teamwork, service and community that has allowed JCEMS to provide the highest quality of advanced life support and pre-hospital care to our county’s residents for almost 30 years—saving countless lives along the way. That long record of dedicated teamwork and caring service is, perhaps, what makes it so appropriate that the “Mackey Bill” (Senate Bill 43)—a piece of legislation that extends line-of-duty death benefits to Kentucky emergency medical services (EMS) workers like the late JCEMS paramedic John Mackey, who died while on duty in November, 2015 and for whom the bill is named—was signed into law on April 1, just months before JCEMS’ thirtieth anniversary and less than six months after Mackey’s death.

Luckily for Jessamine County residents, the Road Department (JCRD) staff includes certified Roads Supervisor Coleman Tudor, who is also a “Roads Scholar” and “Roads Master.” JCRD’s Barry Humphrey and William Hager are also Roads Scholars. The Roads Scholar program is offered by the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and provides local and state government employees with the skills and knowledge needed keep roads safe and passable. That’s important—especially in Jessamine County, according to Tudor. “We have more miles of Kentucky River than any other county, and that means we have more miles of roads that can be affected by the Kentucky River overflow than any other county,” he said. “Our training helps us watch for—and solve—the problems that can cause.” In addition to monitoring road conditions, the Road Department team works to: • Repair and replace bridges, culverts, and road sections • Mow, and remove snow and tree limbs as well as other debris from county roads • Work with other county departments and organizations to provide assistance and ensure access even during bad weather • Seek funding and grant monies to assist in the completion of Road Department projects

The Mackey Bill was, after all, motivated by a strong desire to ensure that all the families of EMS workers who die on duty, including all employees and volunteers who serve city or county governments, fire protection districts, or emergency ambulance service districts, would receive the same benefits that families of firefighters and law enforcement officers currently receive. “For the JCEMS team and for Mackey’s wife Janine, the need to support the bill and to make sure that Mackey’s name was attached to it wasn’t just about the Mackey family,” JCEMS Chief Aaron Stamper said. “We wanted the Mackey family to be taken care of, but we also didn’t want to see another agency family face an uncertain financial future when they lose one of their loved ones. Janine and the JCEMS team didn’t want others to suffer what we suffered through,” he said. It’s also appropriate—and comforting--according to Chief Stamper, that as he, along with the JCEMS team, Representative Russ Meyer, Sentator Tom Buford, and first responders across the state stood by Janine through the long, stressful process of getting the bill passed, “we felt him with us every step of the way.” “John Mackey had a one of a kind personality with a huge heart, and he loved his family and the people he worked with. He was just so generous and caring—taking care of others—his family, his team, and his community—was very important to him. It was the way he lived his life.” With the passing of the Mackey Bill, that dedication to teamwork and caring for others, along with John Mackey’s contribution to his community, will continue for generations to come. “John Mackey had a one of a kind personality with a huge heart, and he loved his family and the people he worked with. He was just so generous and caring—taking care of others—his family, his team, and his community—was very important to him. It was the way he lived his life.” – JCEMS Chief Aaron Stamper

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Doing More with Less: A Recap “Like communities all over the United States, Jessamine County is dealing with the fact that so many of our roads and bridges have been in place for decades. Those roads and bridges are now getting older and falling in disrepair,” Jessamine County Judge/Executive said. “At the same time, our county budget is under a tremendous strain, so we are working to do more with less.” Some examples of JCFC's Road Department's ability to offer more and better services at a lower cost include: Personnel: In 2012, the Jessamine County Road Department (JCRD) had 12 employees; in 2013, 11 employees, and in 2014, 10 employees. In 2015, the department shrank to 9 employees. “This year, we completed the same work—and possibly more—with less manpower,” JCRD Supervisor Coleman Tudor said. Salt: In 2014, JCRD used manpower and salt during snow events, with yearly salt usage of less than 577 tons. In 2015, the team used only 140 tons of salt during snow events. The result: a significant operating cost savings. “We had more snow events in 2014, but the snow that we had in 2015 was much deeper. To save money in 2015, we pushed a tremendous amount of snow,” Tudor said. “Instead of throwing salt down every chance we got, we pushed the snow off of the roads—and waited for it to stop snowing before using salt; that way, the salt could actually do its job.” Budget: “I’ve been working for the Road Department since the 1980’s, and we never go over our budget. Even with the amount of snow we had in 2015, we still stayed within our budget, and we’re proud of that,” Tudor said.

Jessamine County Animal Shelter:

Making Positive Changes Every animal that comes through the Jessamine County Animal Shelter’s doors is vaccinated, gets a full physical exam by one of the shelter’s vet techs, and receives treatment for ticks and fleas. “At some shelters, an animal comes in and is sent straight to a kennel and stays there until their stray hold period is up. That’s not the case here,” Public Services Director Mike Cassidy said.

A few years ago, the Jessamine County Animal Care and Control (JCACC) shelter was a dark, dingy, and damp place—making it the polar opposite of the clean, light-filled, and welcoming facility that it is today. As part of its efforts to make the change, Jessamine County Fiscal Court (JCFC) took over the shelter and its management in 2011, and established a clear mission: “To provide services that safeguard the public health and safety; to humanely house and care for animals in its charge; to protect the animals of the community from abuse and neglect and to provide its citizens with information concerning responsible ownership.”

Cassidy and his team also show visitors how JCACC uses social media to increase adoption rates and help lost animals find their way home. “We put mug shots online so owners can see if their dog has come into the shelter,” Cassidy explained. “We also use our “Jessamine County Animal Shelter” Facebook page to get our pets’ faces out there in the public. We have had more than 70,000 views of a single post.”

The first task on JCFC's agenda was a whopper: build a more efficient shelter. To do that, the county applied for and received a $150,000 grant from the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. That, along with additional support from Jessamine County Fiscal Court, led to the creation of the new 10,000 square foot shelter that opened its doors in July, 2012, and was named Kentucky’s “Animal Shelter of the Year” in 2014. Cassidy worked on the original grant application and has been an integral part of the planning and creation of the shelter. He couldn’t be prouder of the state-of-the-art facility and staff—and he’s happy to share the JCACC way of doing things with other shelters around Kentucky.

Through successful fundraising efforts, Jessamine County Animal Care and Control purchased a new truck to transport animals. The Lexington Kennel Club donated an additonal $5,000 to purchase the box that will be mounted to back of the truck to transport animals. “We can't thank all of the donors enough for helping us reach our goal so that we can better serve the citizens and animals of Jessamine County,” Public Services Director Mike Cassidy said.

“Our shelter has the best employees, training methods and equipment in the state,” Cassidy said. “Because of that, we have two counties that are making arrangements for their employees to come here for long-term training—not just a day visit,” says Cassidy. “They will learn about our cleaning and vaccination methods.”

Celebrating Accomplishments Jessamine County’s Animal Care and Control Department (JCACC) has a long list of 2015 accomplishments. A few specifics: Rescuing Skinny Girl

Skinny Girl has been renamed Sophia, and JCACC receives updates on her progress. To keep up with Sophia, visit her “Sophia (Skinny Girl)” Facebook page. Adoptions like Sophia’s make everyone feel good, but one of the JCAC team’s most important goals is to lower the shelter’s euthanasia rate, according to Cassidy. “Unfortunately, we’re an open admissions shelter, which means we can't turn animals away," he explained. “There are no-kill rescue groups that can say, ‘We’re full right now.’ We don’t have that option.” To lower euthanasia rates, JCACC promotes adoptable animals by using Facebook and its website (www.adoptapet.com/JCACC). JCACC also works

Acquiring new equipment With help from Jessamine County Fiscal Court (JCFC) and private contributors and volunteers, JCACC’s reached its goal to raise the money required to purchase a new truck to respond to cruelty complaints and to rescue animals from bad situations. “The truck will also pull our mobile adoption trailer to events,” Cassidy said.

One 2015 JCACC rescue went viral after appearing on the shelter’s Facebook page—Skinny Girl, an emaciated pit bull-cross that was found wandering the streets of Nicholasville. “The dog was basically a skeleton,” Director of Public Services Mike Cassidy said. The shelter nursed Skinny Girl back to full health, and a family in Jessamine County adopted her.

Lowering euthanasia rates

closely with rescue groups who pull animals out of the shelter and find them homes. Thanks to rescue groups, more than 168 dogs and 145 cats have placed in homes this year, according to Cassidy.

Working with community partners through programs like “Ales for Tails” and “Pups on the Patio” are also examples of JCACC’s work to reach its goals. During the winter months, The Tap House Bar and Lounge, 613 N. Main Street, hosts “Ales for Tails”—a weekly event that includes a $1 donation to the shelter with every pint of beer purchased. When the weather warms up, the bar hosts “Pups on the Patio” in its beer garden every Sunday to raise money for the shelter. Patrons can bring their dog, relax in the garden and drink an adult beverage for a great cause. Ten percent of all sales are donated to the JCACC. Looking for ways to help JCACC accomplish its mission? Visit “Jessamine County Animal Care and Control” on Facebook, call 859-881-0821, or visit the Animal Shelter at 120 Fairground Way, Nicholasville.

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In October, a Safe Community “Arrive Alive, Don’t Text and Drive” campaign for Jessamine County teens included weekly ads in the Jessamine Journal, safe driving signs along the county’s major highways, a contest for East and West Jessamine High School students (winners pictured above right), and (above left) large commitment banners signed by community leaders and residents Judge/Executive David West (left), and Nicholasville Mayor Pete Sutherland (right).

Reducing Injuries and Preventable Deaths “Our biggest challenges right now are drug overdoses and motor vehicle accidents,” Gooch explained. To meet those needs, the Safe Community committee is currently:

If one of your car’s headlight bulbs is burned out, you replace it, and if there is a broken step leading to your front door, you fix it—or find someone who can. Whenever possible, it’s our personal responsibility as adults to try to prevent injuries and accidents and ensure not just our safety, but the safety of others.

• Collaborating with the Jessamine County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP)—a group that is working to reduce the prevalence of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in the county

That’s the thinking behind Jessamine County’s (JC) efforts, led by the Jessamine County Health Department (JCHD), to earn the “Safe Community” designation awarded to those communities that have taken clear steps to promote safety, reduce injuries, and prepare its citizens for natural and man-made disasters. Simply put, this designation means that our government organizations and leaders are working together to tackle safety issues that affect our community—and stop preventable injuries and deaths. “One preventable death in a community is too many,” Jessamine County Public Health Director Randy Gooch said, “and the need for Jessamine County to become a Safe Community has been great—and growing.” That is, in part, because of a 25 percent population growth over the last decade, along with increased travel on the US 27, and more demands upon public service agencies than ever before. “Working toward the Safe Community designation has provided many opportunities for collaboration already. Our work to achieve the designation allowed us to engage our community partners, analyze relevant data, and move to action with defined goals—actions that will save lives which would have otherwise been lost,” Gooch said. On February 5, the committee’s initial efforts paid off, and Jessamine County was awarded an official Safe Community designation at a ceremony held at West Jessamine High School. With the official designation in hand, the Safe Community has already begun to work to address issues such as:

• Made www.gethelplex.org, a web page that lists local resources for individuals (and their families and loved ones) fighting addiction available on www.jessaminehealth.org • Launched a Jessamine County Syringe Exchange Program in order to reduce the spread of disease, specifically HIV and Hepatitis C (HCV) among intravenous drug users

“We are also working to create a program that gives residents with a substance abuse problem access to a counselor. Our focus is getting them into rehab to get their life in order and become a productive member of society,” Gooch said. The results? “We have created a structure of support for safety initiatives,” Gooch said. And since a recent national Safe Community study shows that most Safe Communities experience a 10 percent average reduction in both intentional and unintentional injuries, we’re expecting good things in 2016—very good things. To find out more about the Safe Community efforts in Jessamine County, contact the Jessamine County Health Department at 859-885-4149 or visit www.jessaminehealth.org.

• Drug overdose • Suicide

What to Watch For Decreasing substance abuse and encouraging safe driving habits will continue to be at the top of the Safe Community Committee’s “to do” list in 2016, according to Public Health Director Randy Gooch. “We’re also going to do what we can to enhance work place safety programs—especially in smaller companies. We’re pulling together a team that can go to any work place, make a safety assessment, and recommend steps to reduce risks.”

• Motor vehicle accidents • Preparedness • Issues with balance and falls for older adults • Work place safety

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Experiencing History at Camp Nelson Imagine. When we read a book or watch a movie, that’s what we do—or try to do. We try to imagine what it would be like if we had a chance to "be" in the story-and actually experience its sights and sounds.

That’s what is so special about Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park (CNHP), the site of a former Civil War Union Army supply depot, hospital and enlistment/training center. Visitors can also imagine what it must have been like during November of 1864, when Brig. General Speed S. Fry, then the commander of Camp Nelson, ordered the ejection of the camp's refugees, forcing them to march through bitter cold temperatures to nearby Nicholasville. The ejection and resulting deaths of more than 100 refugees led to the Congressional Act of 1865 which freed the women and children of the U.S. Colored Troops. This act continued and accelerated the destruction of slavery in Kentucky. Visitors can do more than watch the introductory video and read the numerous interpretive signs scattered throughout the park. They may also stand in the park’s restored barracks, walk through the museum’s numerous exhibits, hike the interpretive trails, and tour the White House (Oliver Perry Mansion), which served as the Officers’ Quarters during the military occupation and a private residence before and after the War. Even better—CNHP visitors can imagine what it was like for the approximately 10,000 African American men who enlisted there. The men escaped bondage (some with their families in tow) and endured days, weeks, and perhaps even months of walking with little or no food and just the clothes on their backs—until they reached Camp Nelson, where they could enlist in the Union Army and at last, have a chance to participate in achieving their freedom. The camp also offered shelter and food for the wives and children of these former slaves. After experiencing years of the horrors of slavery, with no way of fighting back, protecting their loved ones, or even ensuring that they were fed, Camp Nelson must have seemed like heaven on earth to those men. And during Camp Nelson’s Annual Civil War Days in September, visitors can not only imagine but also experience the sights, sounds, and even the events (through a living history) of those who inhabited the camp.

The acquisition makes the park one contiguous property. In doing so, it also increases the chance that Camp Nelson will be incorporated into the National Park System. That change will, in turn, give CNHP access to National Park Service (NPS) signage, brochures, and other marketing resources. To achieve NPS status, a park must be considered of national significance and meet suitability, feasibility and management criteria. In early 2014, JCFC began working with Congressman Andy Barr to submit a proposal to add CNHP to the National Park System. If the site appears to have potential as a unit of the National Park System, Congress will be asked to authorize a detailed study of management options, and the public will be invited to participate in the process through workshops and meetings. "The process to become a part of the National Park System could take years," Judge David West said. “The purchase of the additional 101 acres is not only a positive step toward preserving the park’s historical integrity; it’s a positive step toward making Camp Nelson a National Park.” Camp Nelson Heritage Park's 2016 Highlights

• The September Civil War Days, an annual living history event that depicts the life of the soldiers and civilians at CN during the Civil War. The 2016 event will commemorate the closing of Camp Nelson which was June 1866. • In May, 484 Jessamine County fifth graders attended CNHP's School Days in order to learn what the life of the military and civilian occupants at Camp Nelson was like during the Civil War. Re-enactors presented life lessons on topics such as medicine, food, children’s games, music, military enlistment, clothing, hygiene, and military drills. • In October, a certified paranormal will conduct Ghost Hunts. A portion of the funds will support the preservation of Camp Nelson. • CNHP will be a featured stop during the national Annual Association for Lincoln Presenters event that will be held in Lexington, KY. • CNHP will participate in a study which will evaluate the economic impact that Kentucky’s Civil War sites have on the state and local economy. The project is sponsored by the KY Civil War Sites Association and funded through the American Battlefield Protection Program.

So…the next time you find yourself wondering what life must have been like during the Civil War—take it a step further than simply opening a book or renting a movie. Take the short drive to Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, and…experience. Working Toward National Park Service Status

Although it can’t be seen by the hundreds of drivers who pass Camp Nelson each day, the park has grown significantly in size since 2014. That’s because Jessamine County Fiscal Court (JCFC) acquired 101 acres to add to CNHP, bringing the park’s total footprint to approximately 626 acres. In December 2013, CNHP was designated a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior as a Historic and Archaeological District.

Alison Davis, owner of Wild Thyme culinary school and catering company, showed Camp Nelson Heritage Park visitors her version of “hardtack,” a hard, dry biscuit that was often the only thing that stood between Civil War soldiers and starvation. Davis’ talk was part of a Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park event held to celebrate the release of the new book Wild Wolf –The Great Civil War Rivalry by Lexington author Ronald Wolford Blair (middle). Taylor Made Farm CEO Duncan Taylor (right) also spoke at the December event.

Camp Nelson's annual School Days event (above) includes demonstrations of camp life.

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Camp Nelson’s Civil War Years: By the Numbers

The Kentucky River BlueWay Trail near the John Nickell Boat Ramp (Pool 8) offers spectacular views.

Getting Outdoors During Camp Nelson's Civil War Days, re-enactors wear period clothing to help visitors imagine what life was like for the soldiers and their families.

• Operated as a Union quartermaster and commissary depot, recruitment center and hospital facility for 3 YEARS (June 1863-June 1866) •

10,000 AFRICAN AMERICAN SOLDIERS TRAINED at Camp Nelson

• Refugee camp for enlistees’ families housed between 1,200 and 3,000 WOMEN AND CHILDREN

Getting outdoors and becoming one with Mother Nature, admiring gorgeous scenery as you go for that walk, hike or run that you’ve been promising yourself, or simply finding a beautiful spot for a nice, relaxing picnic. If this sounds like the perfect vacation or weekend getaway to you, then you’re in luck—because all of this—and more—is available right here on the many hiking, riding and biking trails in Jessamine County. To create the perfect Jessamine County adventure, your first stop should be at the brand new Jessamine County Trails Association (JCTA) website, Jessaminecotrails.wordpress.com, where you can choose from walking/jogging/biking, hiking, paddling, or horseback riding trails.

• Covered 4,000 ACRES bounded on southern and western sides by the Kentucky River, Hickman Creek on the east AND 9 FORTS AND RIFLE ENTRENCHMENTS ON THE NORTH

• Included 300 BUILDINGS including warehouses, stables, work shops, powder magazine, and administration buildings including stores, taverns, mess houses, bakery and prison

A few examples:

• Staging ground and supply center for 3 IMPORTANT CAMPAIGNS—1863 Knoxville campaign, and two Southwestern Virginia campaigns

• Fort Jones Overlook Trail at Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park—The view includes a couple of small stone forts plus a nice overlook to the Hickman Creek Valley.

• Refugee camp, later known as Hall, contained 97 COTTAGES, over 50 TENTS, numerous cabins, a school, barracks, mess halls, hospital and laundry

• Kentucky River BlueWay Trail—Fans of water sports will find abundant wildlife and spectacular views of the Kentucky River Palisades.

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• Harrodsburg Road Bike Trail—Offers a great way to get just the right amount of exercise—and either create or indulge a lifelong passion for outdoor fun!

3,000 – 8,000 SOLDIERS GARRISONED

• Employed 2,000 CIVILIANS

County Calendar July - August - Stonebridge Concert Series July - August - Gospel on the Green Concert Series August 20-21 - High Bridge Homecoming Festival August 21 - JCPL and Kentucky Historical Society Presents: “Finding Kentucky’s Civil War” September 9-11 Camp Nelson Civil War Days Living History Event September 15-18 - Jessamine County Antique Tractor Show October 1 First Vineyard Kentucky River Blast October 1 Wilmore Arts and Crafts Festival

The Fort Jones Overlook Trail, one of many trails at Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, leads to an overlook of the Hickman Creek Valley.

Visit www.destinationjessamine.com and "Destination Jessamine" on Facebook for updates.

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