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Tensions High Over Wet County Vote

Posted at 4:12 PM, May 15, 2018
and last updated 2018-05-15 16:12:34-04

POWELL COUNTY, Ky (LEX 18) – Thieves in Powell County were caught on camera stealing campaign signs promoting a ‘yes’ vote on alcohol sales in the dry county.

"Stealing signs ain’t gonna do nothing. Signs don’t vote, people can," said Dee Dotson, the woman behind the push for alcohol sales. "And it just appalls me that we’re having such a hard time, and when I look and see that it’s an older group stealing the signs, it just amazes me."

Dotson said that surveillance cameras captured a man taking a ‘Vote Yes’ sign from a yard in Stanton early Tuesday morning. 

The push to allow alcohol sales in the county started back in November when Dotson, who owns a local campground and barbershop, started a petition to add a question to the May ballot.

"We want people to vote yes so we can change ways in Powell County. Powell County has remained stagnant and it’s remained dormant for so many years. So we need growth, we need jobs and we need all of our revenue in Powell County," she said. 

‘Vote No’ signs can also be found around Stanton. While a local pastor said no one should be stealing any signs, he also said that becoming a wet county would make alcohol more accessible to fall into the wrong hands and that it goes against Christain morals. 

"It’s going to hurt this county because this county has got some values on it. By putting alcohol in it, is going to destroy it. There won’t be any more values in this county," said Pastor Jimmy Cole with Harbor Light Worship Center and Ministries. 

Voters will have the final say on the issue next Tuesday, May 22.