Business View Magazine | August 2020

246 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE AUGUST 2020 of-the-art technologies that kids need today in order to enter into the labor force,” Garland adds. “And we’re hoping to initiate a new agribusiness training facility in this location, which will teach hydroponics. We’re agriculture-oriented in our region, so this will give an opportunity for our young people to be on top with skills to enter the agribusiness community, as well.” Already in place within Russell County are several other advantages that make it an ideal place for new business and residents. In 2015, the cities of Jamestown and Russell Springs became two of the first gigabit Internet communities in Kentucky with the completion of a state-of-the-art, optical fiber network by the local telephone cooperative, Duo County Telephone. “We’ve got about 65 percent coverage,” says Robertson. “We’re way ahead of a lot of the neighboring counties on that.” Today, the cooperative is a full-service communications company, providing state-of-the-art, quality telephone service over computerized digital switching offices and fiber optic transmission facilities. It also provides high-speed internet service and high-quality digital video services over both a coax and telephone network. The cooperative provides wireless telephone/data services, as well, through a regional partnership, doing business as Bluegrass Cellular Inc. In addition, a brand new library opened in Jamestown last November. “We were very fortunate to obtain a grant from the state to pay about $120,000 a year toward the debt service on that over a 20-year period,” says Garland. “So, it’s essentially going to take care of about half the cost of that library. It’s a state-of-the-art library and we’re very proud of it.” Russell County also is home to the Russell County Airport, a general aviation facility with a 5010 X 78 foot, asphalt runway, 24-hour fuel service, and available hangar space, tie-downs, and repair facilities. Shearer notes that Jamestown has been designated as one of only nine “Trail Towns”