Warren County Fiscal Court recognizes lifesaving act, reviews park upgrades

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Warren County Judge-Executive Doug Gorman presented Tristen Carter with a lifesaving award Thursday, recognizing his actions during a choking emergency at Tony’s Steakhouse on Nov. 5.

Carter was dining at the Bowling Green restaurant while celebrating a family member’s birthday when he noticed a man experiencing a life-threatening choking emergency. According to the award citation, Carter intervened and performed the Heimlich maneuver, dislodging the obstruction and restoring the man’s ability to breathe.

Carter serves as a career firefighter with the Bowling Green Fire Department, a part-time employee of the Warren County Fire Department and a volunteer firefighter with the Alvaton Fire Department.

Gorman became emotional while recounting the incident, noting the man has a wife and three children who will be able to spend Thanksgiving with him because of Carter’s actions.

Gorman also recognized the importance of firefighter training and the work first responders do beyond fighting fires.

During Thursday’s meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Chris Kummer provided updates on several ongoing park improvement projects.

Artificial turf installation at four county parks remains on schedule, with completion targeted for March 1, 2027.

Phil Moore Park is awaiting turf installation, while work is progressing at Michael O. Buchanon Park and Ephram White Park. Work at Basil Griffin Park is scheduled to begin Nov. 21.

Several playground projects are already open, including Paradise Playground at Basil Griffin Park, Shelter No. 3, Phil Moore Park and Smiths Grove Community Park. Kummer said additional playgrounds at G.H. Freeman Park and Ephram White Park are expected to open soon.

The county plans to hold a joint grand opening for the playground improvements in March 2027.

Fiscal Court also approved a resolution supporting Warren County’s effort to become a certified Kentucky Music Friendly Community.

The resolution authorizes the appointment of a local music ambassador as part of the certification process. The initiative follows Gov. Andy Beshear’s Sept. 25 announcement of the Governor’s Office of Music, which aims to connect artists, businesses, venues and festivals while promoting Kentucky’s music industry.

The court also approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing Hermitage Lane in the Poplar Grove subdivision as a county road. The proposed ordinance would authorize county maintenance and establish a speed limit.

A second reading is required before the ordinance can be finalized.