Station Praised, Cars Delayed
Members of the Fiscal Court and other county officials gathered with the owner and staff of WBKO in recognition of the station’s 50 years serving Cumberland County.
By Greg Wells
CCN—Editor
In the end, it was a decision not to make a decision, as a special-called meeting of the Cumberland County Fiscal Court was held starting at 2:15pm, Dec. 15.
Sheriff Keaton Williams presented updates on vehicle leasing and purchasing options after consultation with Sheena Roberts at the local Don Franklin dealership. Original lease terms were a 3-year lease with 12,000 miles/year, which was deemed insufficient and now increased to 16,000 miles/year, with a possibility for 20,000 miles/year.
Williams said a five-year, 100,000-mile warranty covers vehicles excluding regular maintenance, which the Sheriff’s Department would be responsible for.
After further inquiry, the court was told a 2-year lease is the shortest possible option.
At lease end, a purchase option exists with a buyout price approximately $30,896.95.
The cost breakdown of a proposed used vehicle was approximately $42,998, with the cost of required law-enforcement upgrades, such as lights, sirens, and radios, being approximately $15,928, which would make the total cost roughly $58,000.
After conferring extensively with the sheriff about whether an emergency required immediate action, it was decided that the decision could be delayed until after the first of the year, when money could allow better options.
Sheriff Williams indicated he was confident his department can maintain safety without immediate purchase of new vehicles.
The possibility of using Alcoholic Beverage Commission funds (ABC funds) and excess fees from the Sheriff’s Department of approximately $35,000 to help fund related purchases was the focus.
Also on the agenda was discussion on concrete repairs on Bull Ridge Road. District 4 Magistrate Jeff Cyphers presented a request for payment of an invoice related to Bull Ridge repair, and payment was passed unanimously.
WKYR Radio 50th Anniversary Proclamation
A proclamation read by Judge Executive Luke King recognized December 15th, 2025, as WKYR Day in Cumberland County.
WKYR was acknowledged as the county’s only locally operated radio station with 50 years of community service.
Connie Stephens, WKYR’s owner, was on hand to express gratitude for the recognition of the station, its 50-year commitment to the community, and a promise to continue for years to come.
