PHOTO BY MAT TAYLOR Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dan Hause, right, receives a $2,000 check presented by Kempner Mayor Gene Isenhour. The donation from the city of Kempner will be used to fund training for KVFD firefighters. At last week's Kempner City Council meeting, Mayor Gene Isenhour presented a $2,000 check to Kempner Volunteer Fire Department Chief Dan Hause. The council previously approved the donation to be used for training.

The check was $1,000 more than the previous year's donation.

"We can't give to all non-profit organizations, but we can designate funds for a particular purpose," Isenhour said. "The Kempner Fire Department is an incorporated volunteer department, and they provide fire protection for the city as well as the surrounding area. We appreciate their service to the city."

At the council meeting, fire department members discussed their recent training sessions. Assistant Fire Chief Douglas Fagg and Assistant Chief Gerald Neve attended the Texas A&M Fire School and received training on repair and maintenance of fire truck water pumps.

"This training will allow the department to repair our water pumps and will save us a lot of money," Hause said.

Captains Alan Mainville and Andy Smith attended the National Fire Academy in Maryland near Camp David. Only a few firemen across the country are able to go, and the KVFD was fortunate to have two selected for the weeklong training session, Mainville said.

The local firefighters attend the Management Leadership School, which will make them better equipped to make decisions that will benefit the department and the community, he said.

Also, Perry Hayden and Dean Lemaster with J&H Disposal talked to the council concerning a waste disposal franchise. They requested information on how to apply for a franchise with Kempner.

Isenhour said the city secretary will provide them with the necessary paperwork. The council will decide whether to approve the franchise agreement.

Lemaster said the company is providing trash pickup for residents in unincorporated areas of Lampasas, Coryell and Bell counties.

Also last week, Isenhour discussed the progress of the Sylvia Tucker Memorial City Park and the planned veterans memorial that will be constructed in the park.

"The city of Kempner will offer the opportunity for Kempner residents and all surrounding citizens to honor the selfless service of their family and friends through the veterans memorial," Isenhour said. "As the city constructs the memorial, people will be able to purchase an engraved stone to recognize the dedicated service of a veteran."

The personalized stones, to be sold for $50, plus $.40 per letter, will be laid in a "Wall of Honor" as a permanent recognition of American heroes. More information may be obtained at City Hall or by calling 932-2180.

Kempner City Council will meet next on Aug. 11 at 7 p.m.