Kenton Lions Club Hosts November Meeting, Hears from Victim Advocate Tracy Wright

The Kenton Lions Club held its regular meeting on Wednesday, November 5th, at the Kenton Elks.  The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by President Lion Brad Bailey  with 19 members and 1 guest present.  President Lion Brad Bailey led the pledge and led the prayer.  The meeting was adjourned for a meal and called back to order at 6:56 pm.

Guest Speaker for the evening was Tracy Wright, Victim Advocate for the Hardin County Prosecutor’s office.  His position with the Prosecutor’s office is partially funded through two grants along with a budget from Prosecutor Brad Bailey’s Office.  Tracy spoke to members about Marsy’s Law,  an Ohio constitutional amendment, passed by voters in 2017, that guarantees rights to crime victims. These rights include being treated with dignity and respect, receiving notice of public proceedings, being present and heard at those proceedings, and having the ability to enforce their rights through counsel.

The law, also known as the Ohio Crime Victims’ Bill of Rights, ensures victims have rights equal to those of the accused.  Tracy shared that a victims’ presence and final words to a criminal can help bring closure to a case and sometimes influences a judge’s sentence to the guilty person.  Tracy answered many questions from members, especially from Lion Rachel Wilson’s Daughter Korra.

Treasurer and Secretary Reports: Lion Joe Burbacher moved to accept both reports.  After a 2nd by Lion Jack Elsasser, members voted.  Motion Passed. Several Committee Reports were discussed.  Pioneer Park – Lion Joe Burbacher led discussion on the status of the merry-go-round. He reported on the spot light malfunction, no action needed.  He will be looking at dates for picking up limbs and sticks at the park.  The

Bowling with Santa event date and time is set for Dec. 13th @ 2:00 pm.  Christmas Parade, Nov. 25th:  Lion Judd Robinson reported that Ridgemont, Ada, Hardin Northern and Kenton Bands are participating along with 33 floats so far.  The parade is to start at 6:30 with the time to line to be determined when information on when streets are closed.

New Business:

Lion President Lion Brad Bailey led discussion on lions getting involved in the bench project for downtown.  Pricing and styles to come later on.

The 50/50 was won by Lion Alger Gibson and donated back to the club. The Meeting Adjourned at 7:48 PM, Followed by the Lions Roar.

Submitted by Lion Rick Collins