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New Felony Expungement Law Causing Confusion

2016-09-24T15:47:00.000-05:00

A new law meant to give some felons a second chance by expunging their criminal records is causing confusion and disagreement.

The law allows people convicted of certain felonies, including theft and drug possession, to have those felonies expunged after certain conditions are met. Multiple felonies can be expunged if they stem from a "single incident."

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/2cZgcQo) the first expungement hearings in Daviess County took place this week.

On Wednesday, Daviess Circuit Judge Jay Wethington said charges included in the same indictment could be considered a single incident, even if the offenses occurred on different days. He expunged a record over the objections of the Commonwealth Attorney's Office. On Thursday, Judge Joe Castlen made a similar ruling.

Wethington said the legislature needs to clarify the law.

Mayfield Man Charged in Burglary Case

2016-09-24T13:11:00.000-05:00

A Mayfield man was arrested Friday on burglary charges.

Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said deputies started an investigation Friday into a burglary at a home in the Pryorsburg community. The investigation led to the arrest of 31-year-old Kenneth R. Ballew of Mayfield. Deputies said they discovered that Ballew had recently pawned one of the stolen items at a local pawn shop.

Later that evening, deputies found Ballew at a Mayfield home. Redmon says Ballew admitted to breaking into the home.

Ballew was booked into the Graves County Jail on a first-degree burglary charge.

Waters: Overtime Rules 'Fairness' Fiasco

2016-09-24T11:11:00.000-05:00

When President Obama first proposed new overtime rules last year, comedian Jodi Miller joked that "aides say after six and a half years in office, Obama feels he hasn't killed enough jobs."

He also feels some abstract notion of "fairness" is more important than actual consequences.

This is obvious in most of his policies – from tax hikes to Obamacare to environmental directives – where, in all fairness (pun intended), this president's delusional ideas about forced equality offer unfavorable, even devastating, outcomes.

One of many examples occurred when Obama was asked by newsman Charlie Gibson in the early days of his presidency why he favored raising the capital gains tax when doing so would actually result in less revenue.

"Well, Charlie, what I've said is that I would look at raising the capital gains tax for purposes of fairness," he responded.

So does this make actual consequence of a policy change irrelevant as long as some unrealistic notion of "fairness" is met?

Who cares, after all, if tens of thousands of coal miners are unemployed or health-care premiums skyrocket or young people lose out on opportunities as a result of the employment ladder's first rung being cut off?

After all, we have fairer EPA regulations, fairer health-care policies and a fairer minimum wage – even if they all wrap a fragile economy in a straight-jacket.

Obama's swan song in this whole fairness fiasco is changing labor rules designed to go into effect Dec. 1 that will make millions of more salaried individuals eligible for overtime pay by raising the threshold from its current $23,660 annually to nearly $47,000 per year.

While the stated reason for this change is ensuring management-level professionals are properly compensated for their work, the Department of Labor concedes that only one-fifth of the 5 million workers who suddenly become eligible for overtime pay will actually see larger paychecks.

Instead, many more workers are likely to be adversely harmed as retailers and small businesses, in particular, look for ways to cut costs and avoid lawsuits.

The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce warns the rules will cost commonwealth businesses nearly $20 million yearly and return 70,000 salaried workers to hourly pay.

Nationally, they will cost businesses an estimated $600 million just to review and implement.

Workers will pay for 80 percent of those losses through cuts in their base wages, according to a recent report by Anthony Barkume, senior research economist at the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Office of Compensation and Working Conditions.

Potential consequences extend far beyond these dollars and threaten to impose an outdated assembly-line approach on the whole smartphone work environment.

Technology joined with flexible scheduling makes it possible for greater achievements in the workplace, especially for the 20 million Americans who telecommute at least once a month.

These usually are among the most productive workers looking for new technology and tools that can help them successfully complete projects that don't fit into a 40-hour 9-to-5 time frame yet offer opportunities for promotion.

Michigan congressman Tim Walberg said the proposed new regulation amounts to a rule intended for the workforce known by Henry Ford being pressed down upon a workplace shaped by Bill Gates' innovations.

"Unfortunately, it's becoming increasingly clear that current federal labor standards have fallen short of the times," Walberg said.

But they're fair, right?

They're also unconstitutional, according to a lawsuit filed by 21 states, including Kentucky.

Gov. Matt Bevin called the proposed overtime rule "an unfunded mandate by the federal government" that not only would "force many private sector employers to lay off workers" but also "encroach upon the rights of individual states" by forcibly increasing state and local governments' employment costs as many more public workers – including 1,600 state employees in Kentucky – become eligible for overtime pay.

"Enough already," Bevin rightly concluded.

Jim Waters is president of the Bluegrass Institute; Kentucky's free-market think tank. Reach him at jwaters@freedomkentucky.com. Read previously published columns at www.bipps.org.

WKYQ Team Frying Twinkies/Oreos for New Charity

2016-09-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Traci and Jeff Lawrence have been organizing and cooking like crazy for years (that's Dr. Jeff on WKYQ) with the Bristol Broadcasting Team. Each year they deep fry Twinkies and Oreos to raise money to support a local charity. This year during the 22nd Ever BBQ on the River, they are involved in a new ministry to open in Murray called The Way of Wellness, a faith-based 501(c)3 organization.

"It will be a residential mentoring facility, offering a hand up not a hand out," said Traci. "The organization will serve mothers and their children who are homeless, victims of abuse or those completing a rehabilitation program needing a step-down program. The goal is to help break the cycles of domestic violence, dependence on governmental programs, and generational poverty."

Traci thanked the volunteers, "We're on our final day deep frying Twinkies and Oreos and it's been long and hot, but wonderful to work with all these tremendous volunteers willing to be out here cooking for a real need in the community. We can see these needs and want to do something like this to make a difference, but without many helping us we couldn't pull it off year after year. Sincere thanks to all who are helping make a difference."

"Previously founding and serving as Executive Director of another facility for women and children was a very eye-opening experience. The staff and I found that a majority of those coming to our shelter had been at numerous other shelters, they had received help from a host of other social service agencies and governmental programs yet, in spite of all this help they seldom stepped out of the cycle of dependency. They saw the shelters as a temporary fix until they met another man, typically another abusive man or until another shelter with a spot came open. The innocent children were moved from school to school or from sofa to sofa never having the opportunity to grow up in a safe and stable home."

"The Way of Wellness functions to help empower this underserved population by offering: shelter, tools and encouragement to build wellness in all components of their life which includes: Physical, mental, spiritual, financial and social wellbeing. In addition to providing a safe and stable home the services provided include: mentoring, counseling, food, budgeting assistance, parenting classes, health coaching, cooking instructions, resume’ building, job readiness training and transportation."

The Way of Wellness will require that all residents actively endeavor to develop wellness while residing at the facility and they will be assisted in setting personal goals in the five areas of wellness listed above. Monthly evaluations will be completed to promote accountability and adherence to these expectations. Each adult will be expected to contribute to the home, and also to their community."

"Any resident not cooperating with the program or those who refuse to take responsibility for themselves will not be allowed to continue at the facility. Mothers staying at the Way of Wellness must contribute to the care of the facility and complete supervision of their children.
The Way of Wellness will operate on principals found in the Bible and will not seek state or federal funding."

Mission statement: “The Way of Wellness exists to teach, encourage and provide shelter to rescue mothers and their children from: Lifestyle diseases, poverty, mental defeat, social isolation, human trafficking, abuse, apathy, despondency and spiritual bankruptcy.”

For information, call 270-727-0387 or email: tracilawrence@rocketmail.com
Way of Wellness
P.O. Box 1122
Murray, KY 42071

Five Confirmed Dead in Seattle Mall Shooting

2016-09-24T06:04:43.853-05:00

Authorities say a fifth person has died following a shooting at a shopping mall north of Seattle.

A spokesman for the Skagit County Emergency Operations Center says the unidentified male victim died early Saturday at a Seattle hospital. Four female victims died earlier following the Friday night shooting at the Cascade Mall in Burlington, Washington.

Authorities continue to search for the shooter.

A Washington State Patrol spokesman says police were seeking a Hispanic man wearing black and armed with a "hunting-type" rifle last seen walking toward Interstate 5.

One More Night to Pig Out Downtown

2016-09-24T03:02:00.000-05:00

As the final day of Paducah's 22nd Ever BBQ on the River unfolds, it might be a good idea to take a look at all that is going on downtown and around Paducah before you head toward the river. So much happening, you don't want to miss your favorites:

SATURDAY BBQ EVENTS SCHEDULE
9:00 am – 10:00 am
United Way 5K Fitness Run and Youth 1 Mile Race
Starts and finishes at Paducah Bank, 555 Jefferson Street. For more information visit www.unitedwaypaducah.org.

Marine Industry Days
10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Paducah Riverfront, Wilson Stage Area. Activities include public tours of a river towboat, the annual line throwing contest and displays of Maritime Equipment. Registration for Line Throwing Competition begins at 10:00 am with competition beginning at 1:00 pm
This is a great opportunity for the general public to experience a slice of "LIFE ON THE RIVER"
Note: The boat tours are subject to vessel proximity and availability.

Full Market Saturday
10:00 am – 10:00 pm

GET READY for an amped up FULL-Market Saturday, LOCATED STREETSIDE, just inside 3rd street on the 200 block of Broadway.

Pumpkin, gourds, and mums, OH MY! From 10 am to 10 pm, Saturday, September 24th ONLY, you can shop your local Farmers' Market vendors STREETSIDE during BBQ on the River hours, for all your homegrown goods.

To celebrate this great BBQ and Farmers Market partnership and get you excited for this year's NEW fall festival location, we will kick off with three nights of Farmers' Market music and entertainment from 6 - 9 pm on both Thursday September 22nd and Friday, September 23rd and 6-10 pm on Saturday evening September 24th at the small stage located just inside 3rd Street. Bring you lawn chairs or enjoy the rustic hay-bale seating.

All morning the BBQ on the River judges will be in the judging tents at 2nd and Jefferson Street, judging the best cookers of this regions pork and chicken.........it's serious fun. Later this afternoon, at 4 pm, on the Main Stage, the winners will be announced and awards presented.

11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Lots of tasty barbecue and fixins' available at various food booths beginning at 11:00 am
Live entertainment on the Main Stage & the 2nd Street Beer Garden Stage. These stages are located in front of the Main Stage & 2nd Street Beer & Wine Gardens, which open at 11:00 am and close at 11:00 pm.

MAIN STAGE
Master of Ceremonies - Mike Mallory & Terry Reeves
11:00 am – Unified (Classic Rock)
12:15 pm – Rising Life (Arena Rock/Contemporary Christian)
1:30 pm – ZTR (Smooth Jazz)
2:30 pm – Sullivan 3 (Blues, Soul & Classic Rock)
3:00 pm – River Towne Alley Cats (A Well Oiled Machine of Blues & Soul)
4:00 pm – Awards Presentation by Terry Reeves & Mike Mallory
4:30 pm – Sullivan 3
5:00 pm – 2 Years Wasted (Original Soulful Blues)
6:00 pm – Sullivan 3
6:30 pm – Big Atomic (High energy blend of funk and rock paired with on the fly improvisation)
7:30 pm – Adam & The H-Bombs (Wide mixture of Blues, Jazz, Funk & Rock)
8:00 pm – Brass Monkey (Modern Rock & Contemporary Pop)

9:00 pm – Adam & the H-Bombs
9:00 pm – Murr Vegas Allstars (Party Rock, Funk & Soul)

BROADWAY STAGE
6:00 – 11:00 pm

On Broadway near 3rd Street
6:00 pm – Quick Step Cloggers
7:00 pm – Hayley Payne
8:00 pm – Jack Martin and Good Co.

2nd STREET BEER GARDEN
6:00 pm – 11:00 pm
6:00 pm – Haleigh Martin (Acoustic Jazzy Country with a little Indie on the side)

The mission of BBQ on the River:
Raise the most money for charity.
Cook the best BBQ in the country.
Draw the biggest crowd to historic downtown Paducah.

TRAFFIC INFORMATION RELATED TO WEEKEND EVENTS:

The following roads are closed for Barbeque on the River:

•Water Street from Broadway toward Schultz Park
•Kentucky Avenue at 3rd Street, and the Kentucky Avenue entrance to the riverfront
•2nd Street at Broadway
•Jefferson Street at 3rd Street
•Madison Street at 3rd Street
•Monroe Street at 3rd Street
•Water Street at Washington
•Broadway at 3rd Street

The intersections at Broadway and 4th Street and Broadway and 5th Street may be closed at some times during the festival. Shuttle service will be provided from Carson Park Thursday and Friday, 4-10 pm and Saturday 10 am -10 pm. The shuttle will take festival goers from Carson Park to a drop off point behind the empty lot that previously housed a nursing facility on North 3rd Street. Handicapped parking is located behind the Finkel’s building (enter lot from Washington Street).

The 22nd Annual United Way 5K and Youth 1 Mile Race is also Saturday. The races will start near the Paducah Bank main office at 555 Jefferson Street. The 5K race begins at 9 am with the youth race starting around 10 am. For the safety of runners, lanes of traffic will be blocked on 5th Street between Jefferson and Harrison Streets, Jefferson and Harrison Streets between 5th and 19th streets, and short sections of 14th, 13th and Madison Streets.

Bicyclists will be participating in the Misaligned Minds tour around the city, too. Law enforcement escorts will accompany groups of riders on area streets.

NBA Game at Rupp Arena to Feature 4 Ex-UK Players

2016-09-23T19:58:00.000-05:00

A day after celebrating the official tipoff of the 2016-17 Kentucky men’s basketball season at Big Blue Madness, past Kentucky greats John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Willie Cauley-Stein and Skal Labissiere will return to Rupp Arena on Oct. 15 for an NBA exhibition game.

Wall’s Washington Wizards will play Cousins, Cauley-Stein, Labissiere and the Sacramento Kings. The game is slated for a 7 pm tip-off.

Tickets, which start as low as $10, can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000 or by calling the Lexington Center Ticket Office 859-233-3535. Prices are subject to change. Infants under 2 are admitted free but must sit in parent’s lap.

The exhibition game will take place the day after Big Blue Madness, which is scheduled for Oct. 14 at 7 pm in Rupp Arena. Madness will be televised by the SEC Network.

Wall, an NCAA Consensus First Team All-American at Kentucky in 2009-10, is coming off his third straight NBA All-Star appearance with the Wizards. Though the Wizards missed the NBA Playoffs after back-to-back breakthrough seasons, Wall enjoyed another stellar season, ranking among the NBA leaders in assists per game (10.2) and steals per game (1.9), in addition to his team-leading 19.9 scoring average. Wall was Kentucky’s first-ever No. 1 draft pick in 2010, starting a trend of three top picks over a six-year period.

Cousins is fresh off winning a gold medal at the 2016 Olympics with the U.S. National Team, the first of his career. The 6-foot-11 forward averaged 9.1 and 5.8 rebounds in eight games at the Olympics, saving his best for last with a 13-point and game-high 15-rebound performance in the gold-medal game. The fifth overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft has made the All-NBA Second Team in back-to-back seasons as well as two consecutive NBA All-Star games. In 2015-16, Cousins was once again among the league’s leaders in points per game (26.9) and rebounds per game (11.5).

Cauley-Stein just completed his rookie season in the NBA after going sixth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. Cauley-Stein lived up to his selection, making the NBA’s All-Rookie Second Team. The 7-footer, who picked up two votes for the All-Rookie First Team, showed off his immense potential with the Kings, averaging 7.0 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 66 games. Named the 2015 Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Year and an NCAA Consensus First Team All-American, Cauley-Stein was a key member of the historical 2014-15 UK team that went 38-1.

Labissiere joined the Kentucky connection in Sacramento when he was drafted 28th by the Kings (via a trade with the Phoenix Suns) in the 2016 NBA Draft. Labissiere appeared in all 36 games with 18 starts for the Wildcats in 2015-16, averaging 6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 blocks. He scored in double figures in four of his first six career games and posted a career-high 26 points in his second career game. Labissiere came on late in the season with an 11-point, eight-rebound game in the win at Florida and an 18-point, nine-rebound, six-block effort in the regular-season finale vs. LSU.

Paducah Police Arrest Flag Theft Suspect

2016-09-23T15:47:00.000-05:00

Police have arrested an Indiana man in connection with the theft of flags from several locations in Paducah last week.

The Paducah Police Department says a driver called 911 and reported a black pickup truck being driven recklessly. A check of the vehicle’s license plate revealed it was registered to a truck matching the description of one used in the theft of flags from Paducah Power Systems, the Paducah Police Department and other locations on Sept. 15.

Officers found the truck on Circle Lake Drive and made contact with the owner, 43-year-old Andy Sneed of Indianapolis, IN.

Police said Sneed told them he had “acquired” several flags, or they had been given to him. They reportedly found 19 U.S. flags, a Paducah city flag, a Kentucky state flag and a flag belonging to a local church in the bed of his truck.

Sneed was arrested on a charge of felony theft by unlawful taking and booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.

Bomb Threat Closes Caldwell County Courthouse

2016-09-23T13:47:00.000-05:00

The Caldwell County courthouse was briefly evacuated Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat.

Caldwell County Sheriff Stan Hudson said Marion Police got a 911 call at around 2:30 pm Thursday from a man who told them a bomb had been planted in a courthouse, but didn't specify which courthouse. A trace of the call reportedly showed the man was calling from a Caldwell County location. He said the Caldwell County courthouse was then evacuated for about an hour and a half Thursday afternoon while Kentucky Sate Police K9 units checked the building, but found no explosives.

Hudson said the investigation is ongoing, and that police have developed several persons of interest in the case.

Minton: Expungement Requests Have Doubled

2016-09-23T11:00:11.720-05:00

Kentucky Chief Justice John Minton Jr. says the number of expungement requests have doubled since a new law went into effect allowing some convicted felons to clear their records.

Minton told lawmakers during his annual State of the Judiciary address that the Administrative Office of the Courts has received 8,400 criminal record reports for expungement since the law went into effect on July 15. He said that number is about double the number of requests at this time last year.

Minton said the number includes requests for misdemeanors and felonies, adding officials cannot separate the two categories. But he attributes the increase in requests to the passage of the expungement bill.

HB.40 allows people convicted of certain non-violent felonies to clear their records if they have no other pending charges.

Needline & Food Pantry Yard, Bake Sale Saturday

2016-09-23T08:32:00.000-05:00

Saturday is the 11th annual community Mayfield-Graves County Needline & Food Pantry mammoth yard and bake sale.

The sale will be held in the old Gotham City building in the Mayfield Shopping Plaza behind the Princess Theater from 7 am to 3 pm.

Last year the sale raised more than $21,000 for the Needline & Food Pantry that provides emergency food and help with utilities for local needy residents, according to Event Chairman, Tyler Goodman.

“We are very excited about our upcoming yard sale on September 24,” Goodman said. “The people of Mayfield and Graves County are always so generous and supportive of the Needline-Food Pantry and this year is no exception. We are looking forward to a huge turnout and want to thank all the people, businesses, churches and groups that have donated their time, services, and goods to the yard sale.”

This sale was started 10 years ago by First Christian Church as a small parking lot venture but it has grown into a huge community event. The sale area looks like a mini Wal-Mart, which actually used to be at the sale location years ago. The sale is so large it is spread over four rooms. One room contains just books, CDs, and DVDs and another has holiday decorations of all kinds. The largest room contains appliances, household goods, tools, furniture, electronics and a little bit of everything. The checkout room has more furniture, collectibles and a large bake sale with all kinds of homemade goodies.

Shoppers will be able to identify workers this year by their red and white caps donated by one of the business sponsors, H&R Agri Power.

Other business sponsors this year are: Ace Compressors, Animal Medical Center, Dairyman’s Supply, Driver Motors, Falconite Properties, Falder’s, Gilliam Thompson, Greer Neon, Lovely Nails, Mayfield Water & Electric Co., Purchase Ford, Republic Services, Rent One, T.V.A., and West Kentucky Rural Electric.

Church sponsors this year are Calvary United Methodist Church, Elders Wingo Old Cumberland Presbyterian Church, First Baptist Church, First Christian Church, First United Methodist Church, Pilot Oak Baptist Church, and Spence Chapel Methodist Church.

Volunteers are needed to help before, during and after the sale with cleanup. Contact Tina Schlosser at 270-519-0783 if you can help. If you can donate items for the bake sale, contact Clarissa Yarber at 270-705-9167, or bring them to the sale.

Leftovers from the sale will be donated to JU Kevil Center and other local charities.

Two Arrested After McCracken Traffic Stop

2016-09-23T05:56:58.937-05:00

A traffic stop late Thursday night in McCracken County led to two drug arrests.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said a deputy saw a car, driven by 37-year-old Anthony Perrotta of Paducah, traveling at an exceptionally slow rate of speed and commit traffic violations near the 6 mile marker on I-24 East. During a traffic stop, the deputy reportedly observed, in plain view, a small baggy of what was later determined to be approximately two grams of methamphetamine, in the center console of the vehicle.

According to police, Perrotta transferred glass smoking pipes with suspected methamphetamine residue in them and a bottle of Adderall to a passenger, 29-year-old Davie Leach of Paducah, when he realized that a traffic stop was being conducted on his vehicle. Deputies reportedly found a set of concealed brass knuckles next to Perrotta’s seat.

Deputies also said Perrotta was under the influence of numerous substances, including methamphetamine and prescription medications, while driving his car. Perrotta and Leach were both arrested at the scene. After being transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail, deputy jailers reportedly found synthetic marijuana hidden on Perrotta.

Perrotta is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, two counts of wanton endangerment, possession of controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, tampering with physical evidence, possession of synthetic drugs and promoting contraband.

Leach is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, possession of drug paraphernalia and prescription controlled substance not in the proper container.

Coal Pensions, Benefits Divide Paul, Gray

2016-09-23T04:52:02.377-05:00

Kentucky's U.S. Senate candidates disagree over a bill that would rescue the pensions and health benefits of thousands of retired union coal miners.

The bill before the U.S. Senate would use some of the $490 million each year that flows through the federal Abandoned Mine Land program to rescue the health benefits of union coal miners whose companies have gone out of business. It would also shore up a United Mine Workers of America pension fund that's on the brink of collapse following the 2008 recession.

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul says he supports the concept of the bill, but says it should help all coal miners, not just those who joined a labor union. Democratic challenger Jim Gray said he supports the bill, calling it "a positive, bipartisan step."

Kentucky Man Accused of Putting Glass in Cups

2016-09-23T02:20:00.000-05:00

A Kentucky man has been charged by a federal grand jury with placing shards of glass in cups that were to be sent to fast-food restaurants.

The U.S. attorney's office announced the indictment against 41-year-old Waylon J. Horton of Munfordville on Thursday and said it was returned Sept. 14 but sealed until this week. He faces one count of consumer product tampering.

Horton was initially charged in July. Dart Container Corp. contacted authorities about possible product tampering involving Horton while he was employed by the company.

Dart Container President Jim Lammers said in a statement at the time that a customer received a shipment of cups contaminated with glass. Lammers called the incident a ``deliberate attack'' on Dart and not the result of a failure in safety protocols.

Horton is scheduled for arraignment on Wednesday. It's not clear whether he has a lawyer.

Sheriff: Lower Salaries Create Hiring Challenges

2016-09-22T21:48:00.000-05:00

McCracken County's Sheriff got a partial solution a few months ago, but says he still is facing a staffing dilemma.

Jon Hayden gave a presentation to McCracken County Fiscal Court on May 4, saying he had a shortage of patrol deputies, and unless salaries were increased, it would be hard to catch up. That's because there is a difference of over $12,000 in starting pay for deputies compared to new officers at the Paducah Police Department, he said.

Hayden's presentation outlined the disparity, which he said contributed to the loss of two deputies who went to work for the police department. His
data compared dispatch calls and numbers of on-duty officers to similar-sized counties in the state, and to Paducah Police as well. Comparisons between city and county budgets and salaries related to law enforcement were also shared.

"We provided them with a comparison so they would have a better understanding of how under-staffed we were," Hayden said. "Not only was I concerned about the manpower issue, but the recruiting and retention issue that we've had for a long time here with the pay disparity."

Hayden said when the budget for Fiscal Year 2016-2017 was approved, he was given funding to hire three additional road deputies, and also got raises for existing officers. But he knows several in the department will likely retire in the next couple of years, so recruiting more help has to be a priority.

The looming issue is starting pay. For a deputy it's $33,000, but a new officer for Paducah Police earns over $42,000. In fact, a new officer for the city makes more than the highest paid road deputy. Hayden says that makes recruitment difficult, since they can't compete to hire from the shrinking pool of interested experienced officers.

He said the expense to train an inexperienced officer is about $20,000, and the process takes more than six months.

"If we have to hire recruits with no experience, the academy is 23 weeks long, and then there is 6-9 weeks of in-the-field training before that employee is of any benefit to your agency," Hayden said.

Hayden said they sometime lose officers to other agencies because of the difference in pay.

"You can't fault an individual that is trying to provide for his family when he can do the exact same job, work for the same people, service the same court system, same dispatch center and make $10,000 less a year. You can't fault someone for wanting to better themselves and go to an agency that pays that much more money," Hayden said.

Hayden said he is thankful for the help he got in this year's budget, but also feels it's his duty to keep the Fiscal Court informed of the issues he's
facing as Sheriff, so they can make informed decisions on behalf of the county's residents. He plans to re-evaluate the situation in the spring, before budget discussions begin for the next fiscal year.

Bridge Street Intersection Reopens in Paducah

2016-09-22T18:05:00.000-05:00

UPDATE: KYTC says the intersection reopened to traffic about 5pm.

Due to the limited space in the work zone, KY 284/Bridge Street is now closed at the US 60 intersection. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the rail crossing running on a diagonal through the intersection does not allow enough room for north-south traffic to travel on Bridge Street.

Northbound traffic on KY 284/Bridge Street will detour via Maggie Street. Southbound traffic on Bridge Street should detour via Legion Drive.

East-West traffic on US 60 is restricted to one lane through this work zone and there are no turns at the intersection.

Tulsa Police Officer Charged in Man's Death

2016-09-22T16:34:32.293-05:00

Prosecutors in Tulsa, Oklahoma, have filed first-degree manslaughter charges against the white police officer who fatally shot an unarmed black man on a city street.

District Attorney Steve Kunzweiler filed the charges Thursday against officer Betty Shelby, who shot and killed 40-year-old Terence Crutcher on Sept. 16. Dashcam and aerial footage of the shooting and its aftermath showed Crutcher walking away from Shelby with his arms in the air.

The footage does not offer a clear view of when Shelby fired the single shot that killed Crutcher. Her attorney has said Crutcher was not following police commands and that Shelby opened fire when the man began to reach into his SUV window.

Tulsa police say Crutcher did not have a gun on him or in his vehicle.

Six Face Charges Following Prostitution Sting

2016-09-22T12:05:00.000-05:00

Six people face various charges after an investigation into alleged prostitution activity in Paducah.

The McCracken County Sheriff’s Department says they got complaints earlier this month about possible prostitution and illegal drug activity in the area. During their investigation, undercover detectives responded to "escort" ads on a website and agreed to meet women and pay for sex.

Detectives cited 35-year-old Danette Watson and arrested 35-year-old Jermine Sydnor, both of Hopkinsville on Sept. 8. Watson faces prostitution charges. Sydnor is charged with promoting prostitution and possession of marijuana.

On Sept. 19 they arrested 23-year-old Sarah Taber of Paducah for prostitution. They arrested 38-year-old Jamie Pritchard of Old Hickory, TN the following day for prostitution. Police said Pritchard was driven to a location in Paducah by 41-year-old Edward Godsey of Ashland City, TN. During the investigation detectives said they found Heroin in Godsey’s vehicle and he admitted using the drug. Godsey was arrested and charged with possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia.

Deputies also arrested 41-year-old Sandy Johnson Thursday afternoon on prostitution charges.

Supreme Court: Bevin Cannot Cut University Budgets

2016-09-22T10:34:40.950-05:00

Kentucky's highest court says the state's Republican governor cannot cut the budgets of public colleges and universities without the approval of the state legislature.

The 5-2 ruling by the state Supreme Court reverses a lower court ruling that said Gov. Matt Bevin had the authority to order public colleges and universities not to spend all of the money the state legislature gave them. Democratic Attorney General Andy Beshear appealed, arguing Bevin's order was illegal. A majority of the court agreed on Thursday, saying Bevin does not have that authority.

The ruling is a victory for Beshear, who has sued Bevin three times so far questioning the extent of the governor's power. Just last month, Bevin boasted on a Louisville radio show that Beshear "will lose every one of these cases."

Woman Faces Charges After Calloway Crash

2016-09-22T09:45:00.000-05:00

A wreck Tuesday night in Calloway County left a Tennessee woman facing charges.

According to the Calloway County Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened at around 9:40 pm near the 2900 block of State Highway 121 South. Deputies said 28-year-old Whitney Emmons, of Bumpus Mills, TN, was traveling north on Hwy. 121 when her vehicle left the road, hit a culvert, went air borne and rolled at least once.

Police said Emmons was not injured in the accident, but after failing field sobriety tests, she was arrested. Deputies said they found prescription medication and medical supplies inside the vehicle.

Emmons was charged with DUI, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance not in the proper container. She was lodged in the Calloway County Detention Center.

Paducah Planning for Next Revitalization Project

2016-09-22T09:31:44.150-05:00

With the Fountain Avenue Revitalization essentially complete in Paducah, city officials now want to look at the next neighborhood to be revitalized. Steve Irvin, Planning Director for Paducah Neighborhood Redevelopment, says the selection process will be all encompassing...

Irvin told West Kentucky Star that there are "many neighborhoods within the city limits that can benefit from these redevelopment efforts. We think it's important that the selection process criteria not only includes an assessment of the neighborhoods current condition, but also includes a comprehensive evaluation of the neighborhood's potential to be sustainable and have a positive impact on Paducah at large."

Irvin says he doesn't know exactly when the city commission will be choosing the next neighborhood for revitalization, but one of the nearly 50 neighborhoods in the city stands to follow in the footsteps of the Lowertown and Fountain Avenue neighborhoods, soon.

Calloway Fight Leaves Two Hurt, Two Arrested

2016-09-22T08:53:15.190-05:00

A fight in Calloway County late Wednesday night led to two injuries and two arrests.

The Calloway County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched to a report of a large fight in progress with weapons involved on Lane Street in Dexter. Upon arrival, deputies found several intoxicated individuals.

Deputies arrested 20-year-old Lonnie J. Paschall, of Harrodsburg, and 23-year-old Colton J. Ziegler, of Dexter, for alcohol intoxication.

Deputies said two others, 39-year-old Misty E. Thorn, of Dexter, and 18-year-old Eric M. Thorn, of Dexter, were both assaulted during the fight. Both were taken to Murray-Calloway County Hospital for treatment of their injuries.

Deputies said the investigation is ongoing with more charges pending.

Hatfield, McCoys to Gather at Family Well

2016-09-22T06:43:44.473-05:00

Those famous feuding Appalachian families are gathering for a special event at the McCoy well in eastern Kentucky.

The well is on the property where the Hatfield family is said to have attacked and burned down the McCoy cabin in 1888. On Sunday, Billy Hatfield, a descendant of Anderson "Devil Anse" Hatfield, will lead a 10 a.m. service. Once it's over, new signs will be unveiled that will go along the Randolph McCoy trail.

The trail leads visitors through the feud sites of the Hatfields and McCoys.

The trail stretches through Kentucky regions known as Hardy and Blackberry and leads into Matewan, West Virginia.

The annual Hatfield McCoy Heritage Days celebration begins Friday and continues through Sunday.

Wingo Man Injured in Motorcycle vs. Truck Crash

2016-09-22T05:13:05.930-05:00

A collision between a truck and a motorcycle Wednesday afternoon left a Graves County man hospitalized.

The Graves County Sheriff's Office said the wreck happened at around 4:15 pm near the 18 mile marker of the Purchase Parkway. Deputies said a pickup truck, driven by 69-year-old Joann Pharis of Clinton, was traveling south in the slow lane when she attempted to make an illegal U-turn.

According to police, Pharis' truck crossed into the path of a southbound motorcycle in the passing lane, operated by 48-year-old Jeffrey Wright of Wingo.

Wright was airlifted to Tristar Skyline Medical Center in Nashville, TN for treatment of his injuries. Pharis and her passenger were not injured in the crash.

2nd Night of Violent Protests Over Police Shooting

2016-09-22T04:56:37.777-05:00

Downtown Charlotte is calming down early Thursday after a peaceful prayer vigil turned into a violent protest over the fatal police shooting of a black man.

Hotel and restaurant employees and security guards have started cleaning up dozens of broken windows.

But the city isn't entirely back to normal. Bank of America told its thousands of employees at its 60-story downtown skyscraper to stay home Thursday.

One man was critically injured in Wednesday's protest. City officials say police did not fire on the victim. Several reporters and people on the street were attacked as police in riot gear linked arms, marched down streets and fired tear gas.

Four police officers were injured during the protests.

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory declared a state of emergency and promised to bring in the National Guard.

New Poll Shows Trump, Paul Leads Narrowing

2016-09-22T01:03:00.000-05:00

A new poll shows both Donald Trump and Rand Paul losing support in their respective races.

The Cofounder Pulse Poll taken late last week shows Donald Trump with a 11 point lead over Hillary Clinton, down from the 16 point lead he held in last month's poll. In the Senate race, Rand Paul clings to a seven point lead in the new poll, a significant drop from the 19 point lead he claimed last month.

The poll shows the races are far from decided with 42 percent of those surveyed say they are undecided in the presidential race and 30 percent have yet to make a decision in the Senate race.

Teams Register for 1st LEGO League at WKCTC

2016-09-21T22:13:33.010-05:00

Middle school students who love Legos and robots can build a team for the 2016 First LEGO League (FLL) regional competition at West Kentucky Community and Technical College in December. Register team by September 30.

Up to 20 teams can register for the FLL competition at WKCTC. The competition is not until December 10, but the deadline to register a team is September 30. The teams will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Teams, composed of six to ten kids, ages nine to fourteen, with at least one adult coach, can be made up of an existing school club or organization. Groups such as a Girl or Boy Scout troop, a church group or just be a group of friends who wish to be a part of this unique experience are welcome to formerly register a team.

First LEGO League challenges over 240,000 kids in over 80 countries to think like scientists and engineers and helps them get excited about science, technology, and engineering (STEM) while teaching them valuable life skills at the same time.

Each year the FLL Challenge releases a challenge based on a scientific topic to help kids work together to solve real-world problems. This year’s them is all about furry, feathered and finned friends with Animal Allies.

“FLL’s past challenges included such topics as climate, quality of life for the handicapped population, and transportation, “said Bill Kunnecke, coordinator of WKCTC’s competition. “With this annual competition, students from all around the world are exposed to potential STEM career paths, and we are committed to continuing to provide these opportunities to the students in our region each year.”

Numerous awards will be given during the competition and two to four teams will move on to the State FLL at Northern Kentucky University on February 4, 2017. Over forty teams from across the state will compete at this event. The champion of this state event will move on the world event in St. Louis in April 2017.

The WKCTC competition will also need volunteers to help create the FLL experience for students. An estimated 50 adults and 80 students are needed on FLL Competition Day, December 10. Parents are encouraged to get involved; no FLL competition experience needed.

Visit http://www.usfirst.org/roboticsprograms/fll for all the details about the FLL competition, including more information on building a team, registration and competition cost.

For more information, contact Bill Kunnecke, coordinator of WKCTC’s FLL competition at 270-534-3157 or bill.kunnecke@kctcs.edu.

Bill to Protect Miners' Retirement Funds Advances

2016-09-21T21:44:57.647-05:00

An election-year bill to protect health care and pension benefits for about 120,000 retired coal miners and their families has moved forward in the Senate.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the measure Wednesday, 18-8.

Six Republicans, including Finance Chairman Orrin Hatch of Utah, joined all 12 Democrats in endorsing the bill. Supporters say it would save lives and honor a 70-year-old promise made by the federal government.

The measure has divided coal-state Republicans. Several endangered Republican incumbents support the bill, but GOP leaders — including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky — are wary of bailing out unionized workers.

The bill would ensure retired miners receive more than $250 million a year in benefits now at risk amid the coal industry's steep decline and bankruptcies of several large companies.

Expect Delays for Hopper Funeral Procession

2016-09-21T20:25:00.000-05:00

The funeral for longtime Fulton County Sheriff Robert “Bobby” Hopper will be held Thursday afternoon. Law enforcement officers from around the region and across the country are planning to attend.

Due to the lengthy funeral procession that is expected, The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says drivers should be prepared to encounter some delays in the Fulton area.

The funeral service is scheduled for the Hornbeak Funeral Chapel on Carr Street in Fulton at 1:00 pm. At around 2:30 pm the motorcade is expected to depart the funeral home to travel westward along Ky 129/State Line Street to US 45, then north to KY 166/Middle Road. It will then travel westward to KY 239 before heading north to KY 94 and turning west to the Cayce United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Due to limited parking at the cemetery, those attending the graveside service will be required to park along KY 94 limiting traffic flow through the area.

Missing Paducah Man Found Safe

2016-09-21T18:26:37.040-05:00

UPDATE: Paducah Police report late Wednesday evening that Randall Reed was found safe and in good health.

_____________________________________

Police are asking for the public's help in finding a missing man.

The Paducah Police Department say 59-year-old Randall Reed was last seen Sept. 1 near the Walmart Supercenter on Irvin Cobb Drive.

Reed is white, is 5'5" tall and weighs 100 pounds. He has short gray hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on both arms and his back. Police say he typically wears jeans, a t-shirt and boots.

Reed reportedly has several medical conditions, including Alzheimer's. Anyone who knows his whereabouts is being asked to contact law enforcement.

Plans Set for Big Blue Madness Ticket Distribution

2016-09-21T14:38:00.000-05:00

Tickets for this year's Big Blue Madness on Oct. 14 will be available next week, and the University of Kentucky has information for those
who want to attend.

The tickets will be available at 10 pm on Sept. 30 at Memorial Coliseum ticket windows on Avenue of Champions and online at Ticketmaster.com. +

At Memorial Coliseum, each person will be limited to two tickets. Online orders are limited to two per household, and a minimal service fee will be attached.

Fans who want to line up ahead of time may begin no earlier than 5 am on Sept. 28. Camping areas are limited, and once available space is taken, remaining fans will be asked to acquire tickets online.

A limited number of control cards will be given out to people camped out at 2 pm on Sept. 30. Fans will get a maximum of two tickets per control card.

Paducah Woman Charged with Stabbing Boyfriend

2016-09-21T11:28:00.000-05:00

A Paducah woman was arrested Tuesday night after police said she stabbed her boyfriend.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, deputies were dispatched to a home on Epperson Road at around 11:30 pm for a report of a disturbance with injuries. The investigation showed that 29-year-old Robyn Smith of Paducah, and her boyfriend, 27-year-old Christopher Flores, also of Paducah, got into a fight.

During the fight, deputies said Smith grabbed a knife and stabbed Flores. Flores was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Smith was later arrested and charged with first degree assault. She was lodged in the McCracken County Regional Jail.

Bowling Green Man Pleads Guilty in Toddler's Death

2016-09-21T10:06:57.827-05:00

A Bowling Green man has pleaded guilty in the death of a 3-year-old boy.

The Bowling Green Daily News reports 27-year-old Montez Devon Hazel pleaded guilty in Warren Circuit Court on Tuesday to second-degree manslaughter in the death of Christ'en D. Adams, who was in Hazel's care.

Bowling Green police responded to a home in August 2014 after Hazel called to report that the child wasn't breathing.

An autopsy revealed that the boy's cause of death was a perforated bowel caused by blunt force trauma. No other existing injuries were found.

Hazel was indicted by a grand jury in November 2014, and his trial was set to begin Tuesday.

Part of Hazel's plea agreement recommended a five-year prison sentence. He's scheduled to be formally sentenced in November.

AGC, MSU Present Annual Construction Career Day

2016-09-21T07:51:00.000-05:00

“It’s a great way to see what is needed,” said Graves County High School senior Devin Stroud. “I plan to go into the union.”

Graves High junior John Holmes said he made contacts based on his interest in a machine tooling career.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to get experience with machine tools, to look at the opportunities we have in careers, and to think about what our lives can be,” said Mayfield High School junior Chris Stewart.

“They had us make both wooden and metal toolboxes at one of the booths,” said Andrew Passwater, a Mayfield High student. “That ties into my interest in carpentry!”

All four students also take hands-on classes at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center, as they explore career options. Their comments came from a special event held Thursday, Sept. 15.

“This is our sixth year for construction career day,” said Chris Nelson, executive vice-president of the Associated General Contractors of Western Kentucky. “We started with our group and the Murray State University Institute of Engineering. We have an education committee made up of principals from various vocational schools and contractors. We got together and decided to put this together to attract high school students to construction careers. We started reaching out to various members as vendors within our association. They were excited about it and it was a pretty easy task. They understand the need and want to get out in front of these young people and give them some potential pathways to construction careers.”

Nelson continued, “We have a national organization in Washington, D.C., and they just completed a survey of approximately 2,000 contractors nationwide and 75 percent of those contractors say they need trade-skilled workers. The work is starting to ramp up and we need more workers! The Baby Boomers are retiring and the average age of a construction worker now is about 48 years old! So, for future projects, we need young people to start coming into the field to take their places.”

He added, “The survey also indicates there’s a need for project managers and other positions that usually require a college education. So, we have a great relationship with Murray State, West Kentucky Community and Technical College, and the local vocational schools associated with high schools. Today, we have 25 high schools feeding into 18 area technology centers coming. From the Mississippi River eastward, we get Kentucky schools as far as Warren East High School. Our program is unique in many ways and draws from a large geographic area. We really appreciate our partnerships with these school districts and with Murray State.”

“Our primary focus for this event is to help young people see opportunities to go into the skilled trades,” said Danny Claiborne, chair for MSU’s Institute of Engineering. “I’ve talked to construction contractors and organizations in this room today who tell me they can’t do more work than they’re doing because they need more workers! These are jobs that pay well and can last a lifetime! Some of these students will pursue their interests in a two-year program at West Kentucky Community and Technical College and some then will pursue management careers by getting a four-year degree in engineering technology at Murray State. There’s a three-tiered level. With this as our sixth year of this annual career day, we’re seeing that process playing out.”

“My background is in career and technical education on the business side,” said Annie Dail, special projects coordinator in MSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “Application-based learning is a great way to connect to careers! This is so cool! For students to come here to see what is available in the working world and in which companies they might find work. In my position, we work to place students in internship programs with companies. We have programs to make that partnership worthwhile for both students and companies.”

“This construction career day exposes kids to more careers than we can,” said Joel Crider, the electricity instructor at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center. He teaches students from Mayfield, Graves County, and Carlisle County high schools. “We’ve been coming here ever since this started six years ago. Some of my students from last year connected with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Those IBEW guys came to our school and ended up hosting a competition for our students. Our kids meeting those professionals here really made a difference! A couple of them even got into the IBEW apprenticeship program!”

“We come out here to show these students there are options besides college,” said Jarrod Shadowen of the Paducah Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee. “In our program, we have a five-year apprenticeship. We’re a union program, where apprentices go to school one night a week and we make sure they are employed full-time. Over that five years, they’re getting paid every day to go to work and the school tuition costs just $200 a year, $1,000 altogether, and you can’t beat that! When they finish, they are licensed electricians in Kentucky and journeymen wiremen through the IBEW, and they’re making $50,000 to $60,000 per year! We’re seeing a lot of the younger generation getting interested and involved.”

“There’s a lot of stuff that pertains to our kind of work,” said Kevin Hutchens, carpentry teacher at the Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center, “but there are so many cool machines to try out! I would have loved this when I was in high school!”

Dr. Cardenas to Teach WKCTC Human Success Class

2016-09-21T06:42:35.067-05:00

Making a decision to lose weight, quit smoking, or kick other addictions may be easy but making it happen can be difficult. Paducah physician Dr. Jorge Cardenas will teach ways to make the transition to success with a class at West Kentucky Community and Technical College beginning next week.

Dr. Cardenas will teach his 10-week Human Success class each Monday evening beginning September 26 and ending November 28 in the WKCTC Emerging Technology Center. Each class will begin at 6 pm and will run an hour and half to two hours each week. The cost of the 10-week class is $20.

The presentation will cover the following four points to help individuals win their struggle with weight, smoking, various other types of addiction and more.

Human success is not accidental but it is a logical sequence of prescribed events.
All things are created starting with a thought.
Individuals can train themselves to control the thoughts they repeat.
The power of positive thinking is as strong as the power of negative thinking.

To register for the class, call 270-534-3335 or online at ws.kctcs.edu/westkentucky, click on Lifestyles, Fitness and Hobbies.

KY Sues to Block Expansion of Overtime Pay Law

2016-09-21T05:18:45.713-05:00

A coalition of 21 states is suing the U.S. Department of Labor over a new rule that would make more higher-earning workers eligible for overtime pay.

Nevada attorney general Adam Laxalt filed the lawsuit in Texas on Tuesday, urging the court to block implementation before the regulation takes effect in December.

The measure would shrink the so-called "white collar exemption" and more than double the salary threshold under which employers must pay overtime to their workers.

Laxalt said the rule would burden private and public sectors and represents inappropriate federal overreach.

Officials from the Labor Department didn't immediately respond to requests for comment.

Other plaintiffs include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin.

Beshear Partners with Truckers Against Trafficking

2016-09-21T04:48:59.260-05:00

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear says his office has partnered with the Truckers Against Trafficking Coalition in an effort to offer more education on how to identify and report human trafficking.

Beshear said in a statement on Tuesday that one of the coalition's goals — which is to offer training to all new commercial drivers —would be a "far-reaching" tool to prevent human trafficking in the state.

Other goals of the partnership include introducing law enforcement officers to truck stop managers, providing law enforcement training on human trafficking, getting truck stops to train employees and providing assistance in undercover investigations.

Melissa Zink with the Kentucky Trucking Association says increasing awareness of the problem is half the battle. She says the association supports the partnerships and its goals.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Event Held in Paducah

2016-09-20T23:11:00.000-05:00

The public got a chance to meet with members of local law enforcement at Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in Paducah Tuesday afternoon.

A large crowd gathered at Heartland Worship Center to hear leaders from the local law enforcement community speak and to interact with them on a personal level. Attendees were treated to a performance of the National Anthem by the Paducah Tilghman Band of Blue, as well as an a capella performance of "God Bless America" by PTHS vocal ensemble Prime Rib.

The event was organized by Commonwealth Attorney Dan Boaz and former Commonwealth Attorneys Albert Jones, Mark Bryant and Tom Osborne, as well as County Attorney Sam Clymer and former County Attorney Michael Murphy and other volunteers.

Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear was in attendance, and thanked members of law enforcement for their hard work and dedication.

"On behalf of my office, and on behalf of my family, thank you for giving every ounce of your ability to protect this commonwealth," Beshear said. "Thank God you are here. Thank God you answer the call."

Beshear said law enforcement are the first line of defense against problems like sexual assault, domestic violence, substance abuse and fraud.

McCracken County Sheriff Jon Hayden said it means a lot when people show there support, and his deputies always appreciate seeing signs of support in the community.

"I can't stress enough how much that means to us in law enforcement, knowing that the people we work for and serve are supportive of our efforts in what we're trying to do." Hayden said.

City Discusses Amending Dog Muzzle Ordinance

2016-09-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

The Paducah Board of Commissioners is considering doing away with the city's muzzle ordinance for dogs at public events.

The current ordinance requires dogs to be muzzled when in attendance at special community events, such as BBQ on the river, and the Lower town arts Festival. Mayor Gayle Kaler along with Commissioners, City Manager Jeff Pederson, Paducah Chief of Police Brandon Barnhill, and Lower Town resident and dog owner Patience Renzulli brought up several topics related to the dog ordinance. One point of discussion included the difficulty in enforcing the muzzle requirement. It was also noted that public education is needed to make pet owners aware of how bringing any pet to a special event may be stressful to the animal.

The dog ordinance also says dogs that owners bring to special community events are required to be licensed, and must be on a leash that is no longer than three feet.

Only the muzzle portion of the ordinance is under review right now. If passed, dogs would no longer be required to wear a muzzle.

Police Chief Brandon Barnhill said, "Its roughly a twelve year old ordinance. I think it is in time for some review. [It] needs to be a comprehensive review to see what other options or other items need to be included in the overall ordinance. Not just the removal of muzzles themselves."

Barnhill said he would like to see the city look at other types of animals in the review, not just dogs. He said that he is pro animal for Paducah, and even mentioned he had two dogs of his own, but his number one priority is protecting the public.

The Paducah Board of Commissioners will vote on the change at their next scheduled meeting.

Beshear Visits PASAC to Address SAFE Kit Backlog

2016-09-20T21:30:00.000-05:00

Attorney General Andy Beshear visited the Purchase Area Sexual Assault and Child Advocacy Center (PASAC) Tuesday to support law enforcement, prosecutors and advocates in Western Kentucky who are working to end Kentucky’s sexual assault forensic exam kit (SAFE kit) backlog.

“One of the proudest moments I have had as attorney general is transferring $4.5 million to the Kentucky State Police crime lab to make sure the backlog never occurs again,” Beshear said. “Now my office is taking the next step by partnering with victim advocates and law enforcement across the state to help ensure victims receive the justice they so rightly deserve.”

Beshear’s Office of Victim Advocacy and his Department of Criminal Investigations are working with the Kentucky Association of Sexual Assault Programs and its 13 rape crisis centers, including PASAC, the Kentucky State Police and local law enforcement and prosecutors to address the backlog and begin to investigate and prosecute the cases in a victim-centered manner.

Rape crisis advocates from across the state, like PASAC, will support local law enforcement to ensure that victims receive the support they need to heal, and, if a case moves forward, to stay engaged in the process.

Beshear applauded PASAC advocates and Executive Director Lori Brown for providing lifesaving services in the Purchase region to adults and children who have been victimized by sexual assault, and for the center’s commitment to help end the SAFE kit backlog and bring justice to survivors.

“We are grateful to Attorney General Beshear for his commitment to ensure the safety of our community’s most vulnerable populations and his leadership to promote the SAFE Act,” Brown said. “This legislation is a major step forward in ensuring justice for survivors across the state. PASAC is committed to working with our Purchase area community partners to implement best practices that will ensure the timely analysis of these kits and provide the necessary support for survivors throughout their healing process.”
Beshear was joined by local lawmakers, hospital directors and sexual assault nurse examiners in supporting PASAC, prosecutors and law enforcement in the region.

Results of the more than 3,000 backlogged kits are expected to be returning to local police offices across the state in September. As kit results begin to return, PASAC will work with law enforcement agencies in the cities of Paducah, Murray, Benton and Mayfield; in the counties of McCracken, Marshall, Graves and Calloway; and with the Murray State University Police Department and the Kentucky State Police.

“I am honored to stand with Attorney General Beshear today as we recognize PASAC’s efforts in West Kentucky,” said Rep. Will Coursey, of Benton. “Addressing Kentucky’s SAFE kit backlog was a priority of the General Assembly this most recent session, and I proudly voted to support Senate Bill 63. Anything we can do to support the adults and children who have become victims of sexual assault will bring us one step closer to justice for all survivors.”

“Today brings our focus back to a serious issue in Kentucky – eradicating Kentucky’s SAFE kit backlog,” said Rep. Gerald Watkins, of Paducah. “I stand with the victims and survivors in this state, and I am proud to have supported Senate Bill 63 earlier this year. I’d like to thank Attorney General Beshear for working tirelessly with our local PASAC to support advocates, and for generously funding the KSP crime lab in hopes of preventing any future backlog.”

One of the core missions of Attorney General Beshear’s office is to seek justice for victims of sexual assault and end Kentucky’s SAFE kit backlog.

Last week Beshear’s office hosted the SAFE Summit in partnership with the Sexual Assault Response Team Advisory Committee to train nearly 200 law enforcement officers, prosecutors and victim advocates on how to conduct a victim-centered investigation, examine cold cases, notify victims and prosecute sexual assault offenders.

During the 2016 legislative session, Beshear supported the SAFE Act or Senate Bill 63, which was passed unanimously by lawmakers and directed that all kits be tested. Beshear committed $4.5 million in settlement funds from a lawsuit his office settled to be used for testing of SAFE kits and provided an additional $1 million support the investigation and prosecution of sexual assault cases.

McConnell Trying to Help Fund Flood Wall Repairs

2016-09-20T19:37:00.000-05:00

Work to rehabilitate Paducah's aging flood wall system may be getting some federal funding.

Senator Mitch McConnell's office recently issued a press release saying the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) passed the Senate and will move to the House of Representatives for passage before the bill is placed on the President's desk for a signature.

McConnell recognized that city officials have been working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to update and repair the flood wall system, which was mostly built in the 1940s, and intended to last 50 years.

McConnell's press release said, "In order to complete the project, Congress must raise the project's authorization cap, which this bill would do to an amount over $31 million. Once enacted, this authorization increase will allow the City and the USACE to complete the priority flood protection project with additional appropriations."

Paducah Mayor Gayle Kaler thanked Senator McConnell for securing the provision in the Senate WRDA bill, saying,"When completed, this important flood protection repair project will better protect the citizens and business of Paducah. Senator McConnell doesn't just understand Paducah's priorities, he makes them his own and we are very appreciative of his leadership on our behalf."

In 2011, USACE and the city did a feasibility study which estimated total costs at $20 million, with the city responsible for about 35 percent of the cost. The city was hoping work could begin this summer, but the Corps didn't include everything in their report, which should have shown a total cost of $25.5 million. Federal paperwork required to correct the error has delayed appropriation of funding.

Meanwhile, the city has contracted with HDR Engineering for work on flood wall pump stations 2 and 9, which are in dire need of repair. The city is applying for cost-sharing credits for work done prior to federal funding approval.

Ballard Bike Group Accepts Fitness Grant Proposals

2016-09-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

After six annual bike rides, the Ballard County Wheels and Wings committee is ready to accept proposals for its first fitness grants. Up to $4,000 will be granted this year, with no minimum and a maximum of $2,000 per grant. The money is meant to be used on projects, events or venues in Ballard County that would improve fitness opportunities for the county’s citizens.

The ride started in 2010, growing out of the county’s Compass Coalition for improving the health of Ballard Countians. Based on “County Health Rankings & Roadmaps,” Ballard ranks 78 out of Kentucky’s 120 counties for quality of life (such issues as poor or fair health, low birthweight, premature mortality, and high incidence of obesity and diabetes).

The bike group decided that money raised from the rides would be a great way to help kick-start other fitness projects in the county, like runs, exercise programs or construction or improvement of places to do such things. The first ride had only 18 riders; the 2016 ride had 120 riders, and saw the inauguration of a same day wing cook-off in LaCenter Park, organized by the Ballard Bottoms Tourism Council. Both groups are hoping for even bigger events next year.

“We could never have done this without lots of help from the biking community and our local sponsors,” said committee member Julie Thomas. “We want to return those favors, and help others get started. Our goal is to help other individuals and groups plan and hold their own fitness events, programs or venues.”

The bike committee previously had given over $500 in safety equipment to children participating in 4-H bike events at the Ballard County fair, but this will be the biggest disbursement to date. There is a limited pool of funding, and project selections are expected to be very competitive.

The grant document is short and simple. The primary requirement is that the funds will be used for projects located in Ballard County, and open to all county citizens in the project’s target group. The Wheels and Wings committee will select applicants demonstrating the strongest alignment with the focus on improved fitness for Ballard Countians.

Grant funds may be used for services, materials, or equipment; funds may not be used for property acquisition, operations, salaries or wages. Each proposal must include a guaranteed cash or in-kind match for at least 50 percent of the amount requested.

There are no submission deadlines; applications will be accepted through the end of the fiscal year (June 30, 2017), or until the $4,000 is gone. Proposals will be accepted as needs arise and grant funds are available, and will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis. Consideration will take no longer than 30 days after proposals are received, and all applicants will be notified of the acceptance or decline of their proposal.
Proposals will be evaluated in part based on focus, impact, ability to create partnerships, and sustainability.

Proposal forms and additional requirements and review criteria may be found on the Ballard County school district’s webpage at www.ballard.kyschools.us. Look for “Community Education” under the “Departments” tab.

For more information or to request a proposal form, please contact Thomas at 270-665-8400, ext. 2011, or email julie.thomas@ballard.kyschools.us.

Owensboro Priest Accused of Abuse Reinstated

2016-09-20T18:11:00.000-05:00

The Catholic Diocese of Owensboro has reinstated a priest who was suspended after being accused of sexually abusing a juvenile in the 1980s.

The Diocesan Review Board reviewed the complaint against the Rev. Freddie Byrd and decided there was not enough information to substantiate the allegation.

The Messenger-Inquirer reports that Byrd was reinstated last week to active ministry at St. Ann Church in Morganfield after being suspended in June.

LaFarge Notifies Employees of December Layoffs

2016-09-20T17:01:00.000-05:00

LaFarge cement plant in Joppa has determined which employees will be laid off in in coming months.

One employee told West Kentucky Star he was keeping his job, but approximately 40 others will lose theirs.

The plant opened a second kiln last spring, but it has not been continuously running. A company official told WSIL-TV that demand has not been what they expected.

The employee said he was told layoffs will be effective in December.

Workers were notified earlier this month, since federal laws require at least 60 days notice.

A media relations representative for LaFarge has not responded to requests for comment or additional information.

Work at Bridge St.-Beltline Intersection This Week

2016-09-20T15:46:00.000-05:00

A busy intersection on Paducah's south side will have restrictions beginning Wednesday.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and P&L Railroad will have lane restrictions in place at the intersection of US Highway 60/Beltline Highway/Irvin Cobb Drive and Bridge Street (KY 284) as they work to remove a railroad crossing. A spur line runs that runs diagonally through the intersection will be removed and the area will be paved.

The restrictions will change as work progresses in the area, so drivers should be alert for changing conditions through each day. Flaggers will control one-lane traffic in the work zone

There may be times when left turns are prohibited due to work in the middle of the intersection.

Some delays are possible, and drivers should consider seeking an alternate route, if possible.

About 22,500 vehicles use the intersection each day.

City Schools Hope to Narrow Gap for Minority Staff

2016-09-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

Officials say that while the Paducah school district has the highest percentage of minority staff in the state, there's still more work to be done.

A yearly report detailing the racial makeup of the district's staff and ways for improving diversity among employees was discussed during Monday night's Paducah Board of Education meeting.

The Paducah Sun reports Finance Director Julie Huff says the district's percentage of minority employees has remained steady at 24.59 percent, down just slightly from 24.87 percent last year.

However, with almost 60 percent of the student body belonging to a racial minority, a gap remains between the diversity of Paducah's students and staff.

Assistant Superintendent Will Black says the district is committed and working hard on closing that gap.

KYTC Issues Emergency Order for Gas Truck Drivers

2016-09-20T12:25:00.487-05:00

Following a gasoline pipeline leak in rural Alabama, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Sec. Greg Thomas has issued an emergency order waiving the hours of service for commercial motor vehicle drivers delivering petroleum in Kentucky.

The order, issued Tuesday, temporarily relieves drivers of commercial vehicles from restrictions on hours of service while they are transporting petroleum in Kentucky.

KYTC says drivers are required to have a copy of the order in the truck cab if delivering petroleum beyond their normal hours of service. Drivers are also required to follow state and federal safety regulations at all times.

On Sept. 9, Colonial Pipeline officials found a leaking pipeline in Helena, Alabama, which reportedly spilled over 6,000 barrels of gasoline. The pipeline, which runs from Houston to New York, provides gasoline to an estimated 50 million people on the East Coast daily. The temporary disruption in service prompted officials in other states, including Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, to issue emergency declarations.

Kentucky's emergency order will expire on Oct. 5 at midnight. Click the link below to view the order.

Mayfield Police Host Decision Making Training

2016-09-20T11:06:58.717-05:00

The Mayfield Police Department will host law enforcement officers from the region for one of the nation’s most realistic and sophisticated firearms decision-making training systems. Training will be held at 10 am Sept. 27, at the Graves County Health Department, 416 Central Avenue in Mayfield. Specifically, the system will be set up in the old Longfellow School Gym.

The TI Firearms System is a computerized system that projects scenarios on to a screen to which officers respond with the appropriate levels of force. Participants are filmed, and provided feedback on their actions to include de-escalation (verbal commands) and proper use of weapons such as batons, TASER, pistols, rifles and shotguns. Scenarios include domestic violence, traffic stops, emotionally disturbed individuals, and more.

“For us, it’s safety first, for citizens, officers, and perpetrators. This type of system allows our officers to practice and evaluate their own behaviors under high stress conditions.” Said Chief Nathan Kent.

Courts have ruled that use of force or “response to resistance” training is necessary for police officers. This system provides a safe and realistic format for officers to receive training.

For more than 11 years, the Kentucky League of Cities Insurance Services (KLCIS) program has provided this response to resistance simulation training to its insured police departments at no cost. KLCIS trains hundreds of officers at nearly 50 locations annually. All trainings are open to area sheriff’s departments, Kentucky State Police, Fish & Wildlife officers, and federal agencies that wish to participate.

KLCIS (www.klc.org) is Kentucky’s largest insurer of cities and municipal agencies. Each year, KLCIS leases new simulators to ensure use of the latest technology and adds 10 new training scenarios to address timely law enforcement challenges.

“This is one of the best investments we can ever make,” said Doug Goforth, KLC Deputy Executive Director of Insurance. “Anytime we can improve safety and situational outcomes as well as reduce claims, that’s a win for everyone.”

The Mayfield Police Department will begin the onsite training for area police departments on Wednesday September 28th by appointment.

Possible Rail Car Leak Closed Roads for a Time

2016-09-20T08:59:37.153-05:00

Traffic has reopened at a Hendron intersection, after it was shut down for part of Tuesday morning due to a possible leak from a railroad car.

The Hendron Fire Department says an investigation of the possible leak from a railroad car at the Southside Rail Yard turned up to be nothing.

Hendron Fire Chief Doug Cooper says they shut down multiple roads around the rail yard at around 9 am for over an hour while crews from the train company and railroad yard conducted air samples from multiple spots. The air samples turned up nothing, and the roadways have been reopened.

Cooper says railroad representatives were at the scene monitoring the situation as well.

Baptist Health Receives 4th Resuscitation Award

2016-09-20T08:12:14.173-05:00

For the fourth time, Baptist Health Paducah has earned a national achievement award for the prompt treatment of patients who experience cardiac arrest in the hospital.

Baptist Health received the Get With The Guidelines®–Resuscitation Silver Award from the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer from in-hospital cardiac arrest. The hospital also received quality awards in 2012-14.

The hospital received the award for meeting specific measures in treating patients who suffer in-hospital cardiac arrests in the hospital. To receive this award a hospital must comply with the quality measures for one year.

“Baptist Health Paducah is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for the patients we are privileged to serve,” said William A. Brown, hospital president. “The cardiac staff’s early recognition and response, honored by this award, are among the reasons we are the heart hospital preferred 3 to 1.”

Team leader Elisha Richardson, RN, cardiac cath lab manager, credits Baptist Health’s team of nurses and hospitalists, on staff 24 hours a day, for ensuring cardiac arrest patients get timely CPR, defibrillation and other appropriate treatment within minutes.

More than 200,000 adults and children have an in-hospital cardiac arrest each year, according to the American Heart Association. The Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation program aims to help hospital teams save more lives threatened by cardiopulmonary emergencies by consistently following the most up-to-date scientific guidelines for treating patients who suffer a cardiac arrest in the hospital.

Baptist Health: Pneumonia Can Be Serious Business

2016-09-20T07:13:11.467-05:00

Baptist Health reminds the public, "Pneumonia can be serious business, best prevention is vaccine. Pneumonia is nothing to sneeze at."

The lung infection, while treatable, is a leading cause of death in Kentucky for those over age 65, and globally among children under five.

Pneumonia has been in the news since presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton was diagnosed with it last Friday. Late summer seems to be an odd time for pneumonia to surface – as it is often associated with winter weather – but it has no season, said David Saxon, MD, a Baptist Health Medical Group physician at Baptist Urgent Care in Paducah.

“You can get pneumonia at any time of the year,” said Dr. Saxon. Pneumonia is often caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, but viruses like the flu, and even fungi (prevalent in the Ohio Valley) also cause the disease.

It may look like a cold, but….

With pneumonia, the lung’s air sacs (which take in oxygen), swell and fill up with fluid. This makes breathing difficult and painful, plus limits the amount of oxygen the person can take in with each breath. It also causes fever, chills and coughing.

Because the symptoms closely mirror those of the flu or cold, diagnosis means a chest X-ray, and an examination to listen to the lungs for “crackling, bubbling and rumbling sounds when you inhale,” according to the American Lung Association.

For bacterial pneumonia, the most common kind, treatment for mild cases can include antibiotics, rest and fluids and fever control. Steroids may also be prescribed. A 2015 study showed steroid treatment hastened pneumonia patients’ recovery and cut their risk of complications.

And don’t be a martyr. Seek treatment as soon as you become ill. “Getting treatment sooner rather than later can prevent worsening of the disease,” Dr. Saxon added. Those with compromised immune systems – or conditions such as congestive heart failure or kidney disease – may be more susceptible to pneumonia. These patients are more likely to require hospitalization for pneumonia.

Get the shot.

The best prevention of streptococcal pneumonia (the most common cause of pneumonia) is to get the pneumonia vaccine. “It is a lot easier, and more convenient, to prevent illnesses than to treat them,” said Dr. Saxon.

The Centers for Disease Control recommends two pneumococcal vaccines for adults age 65 and older:
• A dose of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) first, followed at least one year later by a dose of the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23).
• If you have already received any doses of PPSV23, the dose of PCV13 should be given at least one year after receipt of the most recent PPSV23 dose.
• If you received a dose of PCV13 at a younger age, another dose is not recommended.

George H.W. Bush Said to be Voting for Clinton

2016-09-20T06:30:54.263-05:00

A prominent member of the Kennedy family says former Republican President George H.W. Bush told her that he plans to vote for Democrat Hillary Clinton for president this fall.

Former Maryland Lieutenant Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend posted a picture of herself with Bush on Facebook Monday and added, "The President told me he's voting for Hillary!!" Townsend later confirmed the conversation she had while meeting Bush in Maine to Politico, which shared a screengrab of the Facebook post.

Bush's spokesman, Jim McGrath, says in a statement that the 92-year-old former president's vote is private and Bush isn't commenting on the race. McGrath later said on Twitter that he's "still checking" if anyone was there to verify Townsend's conversation.

Bush hasn't offered support for GOP nominee Donald Trump, who defeated his son, Jeb Bush, in a testy Republican

Couples Seek Legal Costs in Marriage License Case

2016-09-20T01:28:00.000-05:00

The American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky says lawyers for the couples who sued to be issued marriage licenses in Rowan County are seeking to recover more than $233,000 in legal fees and costs.

Two gay couples and two straight couples sued in 2015 after Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis refused to issue marriage licenses days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled same-sex couples could marry.

Davis was jailed for several days after refusing to comply with a court order to stop denying qualified applicants a marriage license. Her deputy clerks issued licenses while she was incarcerated.

The state eventually changed marriage license forms so that clerks' names did not have to appear, and the case was later dismissed.

Davis' attorneys, the religious advocacy group Liberty Counsel, didn't immediately respond to a phone call and email seeking comment Monday night.

Paducah Man Injured in Lovelaceville Road Crash

2016-09-19T21:57:11.107-05:00

A one-vehicle wreck Monday afternoon in McCracken County left the driver injured.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened at around 1:30 pm on Lovelaceville Road. Deputies said 23-year-old Joshua Gomez of Paducah looked down to verify his cruise control was set when his passenger side front tire left the roadway.

Gomez over corrected and his vehicle flipped, coming to rest right side up in a ditch. Gomez was transported to Lourdes Hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Mercy Primary Care Adds New Health Care Associates

2016-09-19T20:48:00.000-05:00

Mercy Primary Care – Reidland is pleased to welcome Dr. Marissa Stewart-Jaynes to the practice of Dr. Terri Telle and Cari Wildharber, Nurse Practitioner, (APRN).

Dr. Stewart-Jaynes has been practicing at Mercy Primary Care – Lyon County for two years. She is now seeing patients in her new office, located at 6035 Kentucky Dam Road. To schedule an appointment, call 270-898-2444.

Lourdes and Mercy Medical Associates are pleased to welcome Chelsey Farless, Nurse Practitioner, (APRN) to Mercy Primary Care – Lyon County. Farless will be joining Elizabeth Scheidler, Nurse Practitioner, (APRN) on September 26.

Farless is a graduate of Western Kentucky University. She comes to Mercy Primary Care - Lyon County from Paducah Family Medicine. She is a member of the Kentucky Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and Nurse Midwives and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners.

To schedule an appointment with Farless, call 270-388-4357.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Event Today

2016-09-19T20:25:00.000-05:00

Members of the public will have a chance to meet with local law enforcement at Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Tuesday afternoon from 4:30 to 6 pm at Heartland Worship Center.

Organized by Commonwealth Attorney Dan Boaz and former Commonwealth Attorneys Albert Jones, Mark Bryant and Tom Osborne, as well as County Attorney Sam Clymer and former County Attorney Michael Murphy and other local volunteers, the event seeks to recognize the dangers and challenges faced by law enforcement as they work in the community.

There will be a short program including the singing of the national anthem, pledge of allegiance and a few remarks by local officials.

Paducah Bank will be giving out free ice-cream. After the program the community will have an opportunity to visit with members of local law enforcement. Officers from the Paducah Police Department, McCracken County Sheriff's Department and Kentucky State Police will be in attendance.

Downs Road Closed Wednesday for Pipe Replacement

2016-09-19T18:11:00.000-05:00

A section of Downs Road will be closed temporarily Wednesday for a pipe replacement.

The pipe being replaced is ¼ mile west of KY 131/Said Road. The closure is set to begin shortly after 8 am and is expected to be completed before 6 pm.

A detour for emergency vehicles will be provided via Greenfield Drive and private property.

CFSB Promotes Radcliffe to CRO

2016-09-19T17:10:00.000-05:00

Community Financial Services Bank recently promoted Executive Vice President/Compliance Officer J. Michael Radcliffe to Chief Risk Officer.

Radcliffe oversees the bank’s regulatory compliance program as well as loan review and credit analysis. He has been in banking since 1988 and has worked as a teller, bookkeeper, trust assistant, credit analyst and credit department manager. He has been with CFSB since December 2002 and assumed the role of compliance officer in 2005.

Radcliffe holds a B.S. in Finance from Murray State University. He continued his banking education, graduating Cum Laude from the Paul W. Barret School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee. He also received a diploma from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He is active with ICBA’s Regulatory Outreach Committee and is often called on by ICBA for magazine articles or input with regulators. They too recognize his expertise.

Michael and his wife Leslie have been married for 24 years and live in the Draffenville community. They have three children, Ryan Fagan, Cailey Radcliffe and Jarrett Radcliffe, and are members at First Missionary Baptist Church of Benton. In his spare time, Michael is a fantasy writer, and has published four novels and fifteen short stories. He also enjoys gardening and loves traveling with his family.

Police Seek Missing Paducah Teen

2016-09-19T15:31:11.103-05:00

Paducah Police are asking the public to help find a missing teen.

Fifteen-year-old Chase L. Davis was last seen Monday morning at Choices School, 2400 Adams Street. He is a white male, 5' 10", 125 pounds with brown hair above the ears and hazel eyes.

Davis has earrings in both ears. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and black shorts.

If you have information as to the whereabouts of Chase Davis, contact the Paducah Police Department at 270-444-8550.

'Paws For a Cause' Event Raises 1600 Lbs of Food

2016-09-19T12:25:00.000-05:00

The Paducah Police Department and PetSmart helped restock area animal shelters with food and other items over the weekend at their “Cops ‘Paws’ For a Cause,” event.

The department says officers accepted 1,624 pounds of dry dog and cat food at the Paducah PetSmart location.

Donors also reportedly gave 120 cans of food, 25 boxes/bags of treats, two pet beds, four blankets, a metal dog fence and cleaning supplies.

Paducah Police thanked the public for supporting the event.

Contract Awarded to Review KY Pension Systems

2016-09-19T11:07:00.000-05:00

A Philadelphia-based consulting company has won a contract to review Kentucky's struggling public pension systems.

Republican Gov. Matt Bevin announced Monday that the PFM Group will lead the review of the Kentucky Employees Retirement System, the Kentucky Teachers Retirement System and the Kentucky Judicial Form Retirement System. The state will pay $556,300 for the two-year contract, which includes a not-to-exceed amount of $50,600 for travel and expenses.

Bevin said the state has an estimated public pension debt of $35 billion, making it among the worst funded systems in the country. A recent survey by S&P Global Ratings found Kentucky has the lowest ratio of all states of money needed to make payouts to current and future retirees.

The contract calls for PFM to deliver a final report by Dec. 31.

Governor's Spokeswoman Leaving for Trump Campaign

2016-09-19T10:10:43.803-05:00

Governor Matt Bevin's spokeswoman is leaving to take a position with the Donald Trump campaign.

Jessica Ditto is resigning to become deputy communications director for the Republican nominee for president.

Before being named as Bevin's spokeswoman last year, Ditto was communications director for his campaign and transition office. She also worked for former
Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher and the Republican Party of Kentucky.

Ditto will work in New York with Jason Miller, Trump's senior communications adviser. Miller was a consultant for Bevin's 2015 campaign for governor.

Broken Pipeline Causes TN Gas Prices to Rise

2016-09-19T07:24:55.447-05:00

A leaking gasoline pipeline is causing headaches for drivers in Tennessee this week.

Prices in Paducah stayed steady for the past week, ranging from $1.95 to $2.19 a gallon. However, in Tennessee and other southern states, a state of emergency has been declared as a result of the broken pipeline in Alabama, which distributes fuel from Texas to New Jersey.

Some stations in the Nashville area are reportedly running out of gas temporarily, but eventually getting new supplies in to reopen. Officials in Nashville say that the affected pipeline is not where most of the Middle Tennessee fuel supply comes from, but panic buying has caused stations to run out of some grades at times over the weekend.

Patrick DeHaan at GasBuddy.com agreed. He said, "Since the shut down, which is entering its second week, gasoline deliveries have all but halted and supplies are depleting as panicked motorists fill their tanks, leading to gas price spikes, supply outages and headaches in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

DeHaan said prices in neighboring states and regions may also rise as the gasoline supply is diverted.

Whether or not it was related to the pipeline leak, average retail gasoline prices in Kentucky have risen more than five cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.13 a gallon Sunday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 2,623 gas outlets in Kentucky.

Broken Pipeline Causes TN Gas Prices to Rise

2016-09-19T07:24:55.447-05:00

Broken Pipeline Causes TN Gas Prices to Rise

2016-09-19T07:24:55.447-05:00

Afghan Man Sought in New York Terrorism Bombings

2016-09-19T06:55:21.210-05:00

New York's governor now says it looks like the Manhattan bombing could be an act of terrorism with a foreign connection.

Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo made the statement Monday after the New York Police Department said authorities were searching for 28-year-old Ahmad Khan Rahami in connection with the bombing. He is a naturalized citizen from Afghanistan.

Cuomo says: "Today's information suggests it may be foreign related, but we'll see where it goes.''

On Sunday, Cuomo had effectively ruled out a link to international terrorism, saying there was no evidence to suggest that.

The bomb went off Saturday in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, injuring 29 people. All have been released from a hospital.

Authorities are still investigating whether that bombing is linked to explosive devices found nearby in Manhattan and in two sites in New Jersey.

State Police Taking Applications for Academy Class

2016-09-19T03:19:00.000-05:00

People interested in joining the Kentucky State Police can apply through the agency's website.

The state police are taking applications for the next academy class through close of business October 14.

Information at the link below includes an outline of the application process, a list of minimum requirements and disqualifications, a downloadable application form with a list of required supporting documents, a downloadable study guide for the written test, physical standards requirements and a list of testing date, times and locations.

For more information, call (866) 360-3165.

State Police Taking Applications for Academy Class

2016-09-19T03:19:00.000-05:00

Cairo Road Crash Injures Paducah Man

2016-09-18T23:58:00.000-05:00

A Paducah man was injured in a two-vehicle crash Sunday night in McCracken County.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said the wreck happened just before 8 pm near the intersection of Cairo Road and Maxon Road. Deputies said 61-year-old Linda Martin, of Paducah, was westbound on Cairo Road attempting to make a left turn into a driveway.

According to police, Martin collided with an eastbound vehicle, driven by 54-year-old Stanley Followell, of Paducah. Followell was transported to Baptist Health for treatment of his injuries.

Cairo Road was closed for approximately 30 minutes.

Kevil Man Dies in Blandville Road Collision

2016-09-18T22:19:15.593-05:00

A Ballard County man was killed Sunday afternoon when his motorcycle was struck by a car in McCracken County.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, the crash happened at around 5 pm on Blandville Road, west of Hines Road. Deputies said 55-year-old James Duncan, of Kevil, was eastbound on his motorcycle when he was struck by a westbound car, driven by 24-year-old Andrew Davidson, of Wickliffe.

Davidson told deputies he fell asleep while driving and crossed the center line. Duncan was thrown from his motorcycle and came to rest on the south shoulder of the road.

Duncan was transported to Baptist Health Paducah, where he died Sunday night. Davidson was not injured in the crash.

Blandville Road in the area of the collision was shut down for approximately one hour for investigation and clean up.

Kevil Man Dies in Blandville Road Collision

2016-09-18T22:19:15.593-05:00

A Ballard County man was killed Sunday afternoon when his motorcycle was struck by a car in McCracken County.

Davidson told deputies he fell asleep while driving and crossed the center line. Duncan was thrown from his motorcycle and came to rest on the south shoulder of the road.

Duncan was transported to Baptist Health Paducah, where he died Sunday night. Davidson was not injured in the crash.

Blandville Road in the area of the collision was shut down for approximately one hour for investigation and clean up.

Ballard Man Struck by Car in McCracken County

2016-09-18T21:29:00.000-05:00

A man was sent to the hospital Saturday night after he was struck by a vehicle in McCracken County.

According to the McCracken County Sheriff's Office, the collision happened at around 8:15 pm at the 4900 block of Mayfield Road. Deputies said Terry and Lisa Ballard of McCracken County were traveling south on Mayfield Road when a pedestrian, identified as 22-year-old Montana Otey of Ballard County, stepped out into the road directly in front of the Ballard’s vehicle.

A witness at the scene told police that Otey appeared to intentionally step from the shoulder of the road into the center of the south bound lane and directly in front of the Ballard’s vehicle.

Police said Ballard swerved to the left trying to avoid a collision but the right front of the vehicle struck Otey. Otey was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Boy Flees from Police, Found Hiding in Attic

2016-09-18T16:28:00.000-05:00

A juvenile faces numerous charges after an incident in Mayfield Saturday.

According to the Mayfield Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area of the Garden Apartments on South 12th Street in reference to a juvenile male that had a pick-up order issued. Officers had received information that the boy was armed with a gun.

Officers arrived and saw the boy flee on foot from a vehicle near the Garden Apartments. Officers chased the boy, who fled on foot through multiple yards and homes. According to police, the boy unlawfully entered a home at the corner of South 7th Street and College Street.

The boy gained access to the attic space of the home and refused to come down. With the assistance of Kentucky State Police, the Graves County Sheriff's Office and the McCracken County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit, the boy willingly left the attic space without further incident.

The boy faces two counts of first degree burglary, fleeing and evading, second degree disorderly conduct, possession of a handgun by a minor and tampering with physical evidence.

Mayfield High School Alumni Music Festival Sept 24

2016-09-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

What started out as two Mayfield High School alums reminiscing about playing music together back in the 1970’s, has turned into a full-blown music festival.

When Jay Jackson, MHS class of 1977 saw his long time friend, Jeff Lanius (class of 1975), they spoke of how much fun it would be to collaborate, once again and perform some of the great tunes that they enjoyed playing during the 70’s. A few months later, the stage is set for several others to join them in the First Ever – Cardinal Music Fest at Carr’s Steak House on September 24^th at 7 p.m.

“There have been many talented musicians to come out of Mayfield High School and several of us have stayed involved in music over the years. I’ve always thought it would be a lot of fun to pull some of these people back together and combine our talents for our hometown,” said Jay Jackson, class of 1977 and musical director for the event.

The idea for a music festival involving musicians who attended Mayfield High School started to take shape when the class of 1976 started planning their 40^th class reunion. The planning committee decided to incorporate the festival on the same weekend as their reunion.

“We didn’t think one night was enough for us to enjoy our classmates, so we decided to extend the festivities and sponsor the music festival, allowing for lots of classes to come together and reconnect. We wanted to give back to our school, so since Barry McDonald is one of our fellow graduates, we decided to raise some money for the scholarship that is in his dad’s name - Coach Mac Scholarship Fund,” said Jill Celaya, class spokesperson.

The scheduled bands are: Truck Datsun with Jeff and Frank Lanius and friends, Broken Rebel with Jeff Lanius, You, Me and Joe Band with Jeff, Joe Morgan and Jay Jackson with special guests Spencer Byrn and more, and Jade Grayson Band with Joe Morgan. There will be a few surprise guests to sit in with the various bands. The bands are slated to begin at 7 pm at Carr’s Steak House in Mayfield. There will be a $10 cover charge collected at the door.

Everyone is encouraged to attend and help support this first ever event. For more information, please contact Jill Celaya at 270-247-1851.

Blasts in New York, New Jersey Under Investigation

2016-09-18T09:56:00.000-05:00

Federal investigators in Quantico, Virginia, are examining evidence from Saturday's explosions in New Jersey and New York.

According to one federal law enforcement official, devices in both explosions included cellphones, but the New Jersey device contained evidence of a black powder explosive. The official says in the New York incident, the device that exploded had residue from an explosive called Tannerite.

The official wasn't authorized to discuss details of the ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.

Tannerite is often used in target shooting to mark a shot with a cloud of smoke and small explosion.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio says there's no evidence that the two incidents are related, but a connection hasn't been ruled out. De Blasio said the explosion that rocked a Manhattan neighborhood Saturday night was caused by a bomb.

But Bill de Blasio said Sunday that authorities don't yet know who made it, who set it off or the motivation behind it.

An explosion on a residential street in the Chelsea neighborhood injured 29 people. All of the injured have been released from the hospital.

Earlier Sunday, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the bombing didn't appear to have any link to international terrorism.

A second device was discovered blocks away, removed by a bomb squad robot and is being examined at a police facility.

Investigators want to determine how it was made and whether it is similar to the device that caused the first blast.

Authorities say there was no structural damage from the blast.

2 Girls Charged with Vandalizing Mike Miller Park

2016-09-18T09:00:00.000-05:00

Two young girls have been charged with the Sept. 11 vandalism at Mike Miller Park in Draffenville.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Office, the two girls were charged via petitions filed with the Court Designated Workers Office. Due to the confidentially requirements in juvenile cases, the only identifying information that can be released is that the vandalism was done by two 12-year old girls.

Deputies said reward money offered in this case will be divided among three juveniles who provided information in the case.

Marshall County Parks Director Dennis Foust said the vandals spray painted obscenities, sexual comments and other graffiti throughout the park. Some of the park's bathrooms were vandalized and lights at the veterans plaza were destroyed.

McGinnis New MSU Director of Alumni Relations

2016-09-18T00:01:02.610-05:00

Murray State University has named Carrie McGinnis the new director of alumni relations. McGinnis will lead the University’s office of alumni relations, which serves as a direct link to nearly 70,000 alumni worldwide.

“Carrie’s ability to both establish and nurture relationships, combined with her track record of effective leadership and strong communication skills, will enable her to effectively lead our alumni relations efforts,” said Dr. Adrienne King, vice president of university advancement. “Working with our dedicated Murray State University Alumni Association Board of Governors, I’m confident that we will continue to advance our alumni engagement.”

"I am thrilled to become a member of the Racer family and be a part of the storied blue and gold traditions that make Murray State University such a special place. I have a passion for linking people and resources in an effort to bring about positive change,” said McGinnis. “I’m eager to hit the ground running to connect and reconnect with alumni and friends throughout the region, the country and the world. Through shared experiences, common bonds and lifelong loyalty, together we can afford opportunities for Racers past, present and future, while celebrating the successes of our students and alumni worldwide."

McGinnis most recently served as continuing education and community services coordinator at Hopkinsville Community College. In that role, McGinnis built and developed relationships with industry and community partners to secure resources, recruit students and grow program offerings within the workforce solutions division. McGinnis has a media background as well, serving in a variety of roles with WKDZ radio.

McGinnis holds a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism from Northern Illinois University and is pursuing a master’s degree in organizational communication at Murray State. McGinnis’ family includes husband Tim, class of 1980, four children and three grandchildren.

About Murray State University: Murray State University provides an “Opportunity Afforded” for nearly 11,000 students through a high-quality education with experiential learning, academic and personal growth and the ability to secure a lifetime of success. Since 1922, the true value of higher education has been found at Murray State University, where our commitment is to afford endless opportunities for developing leaders in the community, the country and the world. The University’s main campus is located in Murray and includes five regional campuses.

For more information on Murray State University, visit www.murraystate.edu.

Free Intro to Grant Writing Class Offered Sept 27

2016-09-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Have you been tasked with writing grants for your organization, but don’t know where to start? Have you written grants before but were not successful?

An introduction to grant writing and community revitalization workshop is being offered free in Paducah on September 27th.

The one-day workshop which will provide participants with a solid understanding of grant writing and tips and tricks that will help make proposals more attractive to those who provide funds. This workshop will highlight community development and environmental grants. However, the information covered will be applicable to many other types of grants from federal government and foundation funding groups.

The last portion of the workshop will highlight the upcoming U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfield Grants that can help communities redevelop properties with environmental issues.

The class will be held in the City Hall Training Room, 300 South 5th St. from 9 am-3:30 pm. Registration begins at 8:30 am. To register, go to dca.ticketleap.com.

What you will learn:
• How to identify grants for your organization
• The components of a successful grant proposal
• Performance measurements and logic models
• Common mistakes
• Insight into the federal grant review process
• How to make your proposal stronger

Who should attend?
• Community development professionals
• Local governments
• Nonprofits and community groups
• Quasi-governmental agencies

Missing Paducah Teen Found Safe

2016-09-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

The Paducah Police Department says a missing teen has been located, and is safe.

16-year-old Tai Liyah Nicole Patterson had been reported missing since Thursday night around 8:00 in the vicinity of Elmwood Court in Paducah riding a white mountain style bicycle with a bag full of clothes.

Police said Patterson returned home at around 5:30 Friday morning.

Missing Paducah Teen Found Safe

2016-09-16T12:22:00.000-05:00

JPEC Electric Bills to Increase in October

2016-09-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

Customers of Jackson Purchase Energy Corporation are being notified of an increase in their electric bills, starting next month.

JPEC CEO and President Dennis Cannon issued a press release and posted information on the utility's website, explaining that a rate stabilization fund has been used over the past seven years to offset $52 million in costs for its members. Since the fund is nearing depletion, the costs will be passed along to members beginning in October.

Cannon said, "In 2015 alone, JPEC members' bills were offset by $12 million - including an average of about $260 per residential member."

While about 29,600 members in six western Kentucky counties will have to pay more, JPEC isn't getting more money, it's simply been paid by the fund as a "bill credit" for each customer.

"It's important to understand that JPEC is not benefitting from this bill increase by one penny. JPEC is collecting the exact same amount of revenue as before," Cannon said.

He also pointed out that JPEC offers competitively priced electricity.

Cannon said, "Even with the loss of the credits, JPEC's residential rates are equal to or lower than most of the electric utilities in our area. Furthermore, JPEC's residential rates are 5.8% lower than the national average."

Residential members will see their bills increase by about 17.5%, or $22, per month for each 1,000 kilowatt hours used. Churches, farms, and schools will see a similar percentage increase.

The jump in members' rates will also cause an slight increase in other areas of the bill. A 3 percent school tax and a 6 percent sales tax for non-residential accounts will also rise in proportion to the rate being paid.

The utility has several ways to help members save on their electric bill at their website, www.jpenergy.com .

JPEC Electric Bills to Increase in October

2016-09-12T16:54:00.000-05:00

City Accepting Distinguished Veteran Nominations

2016-09-12T13:30:20.860-05:00

Paducah Parks Services and the Veterans Day Planning Committee are accepting nominations for the 2016 Distinguished Veteran and the 2016 Patriot Awards through Oct. 14.

The City of Paducah says the award winners will be honored during Paducah’s annual Veterans Day Ceremony and Parade on Nov. 11 at Dolly McNutt Memorial Plaza. The ceremony begins around 10:15 am. The award winners will then ride in the Veterans Day Parade at 11 am.

For the Distinguished Veteran Nomination, priority will be given to nominees who currently reside or work in Paducah or McCracken County and who continue to stay active and involved in their community. Each letter of nomination should state why the person deserves the honor and how their service has made a difference in the community. For the Patriot Award, the committee is looking for non-veteran candidates who dedicate their time to serving veterans and veteran causes in this community.

All nominations must include the name and phone number of the person making the nomination. Nomination forms and award criteria are available in the Parks Office or online at www.paducahky.gov.

A Veterans Selection committee of five to seven people will judge all entries. Then the Nominator, Judging Committee, and Parks staff will work to surprise the Distinguished Veteran and Patriot Award winners who will be honored at a ceremony in the days leading up to their riding in the parade on November 11.

The deadline to submit award nominations is Friday, Oct. 14 at 5 pm. Entries can be hand-delivered to the Parks office at 1400 H.C. Mathis Drive or mailed to the following address:

Paducah Parks Services
Attn: Veterans Day Committee
P.O. Box 7265
Paducah, KY 42002-7265

The Parks Department also is accepting entry forms for the Veterans Day Parade. Entries will be accepted until October 21 at 5 pm. Entry forms are available at the Parks Department office or online.

Sheriff Hopes Radar Trailer Will Reduce Accidents

2016-09-10T02:50:00.000-05:00

In an effort to reduce the number of traffic crashes in McCracken County, the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a new tool that will hopefully slow drivers down.

Utilizing drug seized forfeiture monies, the department has purchased a radar trailer that can be used anywhere in the county.

Sheriff Jon Hayden said in a press release that each year since 2012, his department has investigated between 700-800 traffic crashes each year (768 in 2012, 718 in 2013, 730 in 2014, 791 in 2015, and 641 so far in 2016).

Hayden said although not all crashes are caused by speed, the radar trailers do more than slow drivers down, they also cause them to be more attentive.

He said most accidents in the county have been caused by driver inattention, closely followed by drivers' failure to yield to another vehicle.

The radar trailer is in place on US Hwy. 45 near St. John’s, just in time for the annual St. John’s Picnic. Hayden said a fatal accident happened in this area on July 31, 2016, claiming the life of 25-year-old Brandon Fout, a correctional officer from South Fulton, Tennessee.

Local Man Hopeful to Sing Anthem at Rodeo Finals

2016-09-09T09:24:05.403-05:00

Singing the National Anthem to open an event is an honor that many vocalists dream of, and one young man has his sights set on doing just that at the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo this year.

Wyatt Wood from McCracken County has worked his way up to the top 50 in the National Anthem contest for the rodeo, but he needs to be in the top three. You can put him there, by going to the link below and voting for him.

The top three contestants will be the ones who open the rodeo in Las Vegas this December. Click the link and vote for Wyatt Wood below.

(Wood is currently on page 5, if he moves up in the standings, he'll be on lower numbered pages, you may have to scroll to find him.)

A 95-Year Era Ends at Schmidt Farms

2016-09-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

Charles and Dutch Thurman made a difficult decision this week, time to retire and end a 95-year Paducah family Schmidt Farms tradition.

Grandfather Lewis Schmidt bought the farm land in 1921, and that's when it all began. The family farmed and sold fresh fruits and vegetables, spoiling the region with their quality produce and service. Charles and Dutch have been running the family business for about four decades, putting their personal touch on all they sold. The couple was there all the time, tending to details and genuinely enjoying all that maintaining an open air market required. It was hard work, but they both put their hearts and souls into the daily challenges of the business. It's been obvious to those of us who frequented the farm.

This fall won't be the same without their hayrides to the pumpkin patch, straw bale maze with haunting sounds, festive games and face-painting, hand-painted pumpkins, fall mums, herbs and blooming plants, fresh apples and produce, candy and that apple cider that people drove miles to sip and take home gallons at a time. Hot or cold it had the reputation of being THE best cider around, the opinion of many.

In July, Charles had a fall and bumped his head. He didn't think much about it until he recently started having some concerning symptoms and decided to have it all checked out. After surgery this past week, he and Dutch decided it was time to "sell the farm". Charles is making a remarkable recovery, has already been out watering his plants, but he and his bride decided now was the time to end the long family tradition.

The three Schmidt sisters, Jennie, Julia and Dutch own the farm and all are happy to learn, in the past couple of days, there's another family member who may be interested in purchasing the farm land. The market, where generations have bought fresh fruits and vegetables for over nine decades will however, no longer be the Schmidt Farms Market.

"It's been a hard decision to make, but both Charles and I have been seriously considering retiring and now know it's time. Sentimentally we wish we could have made it to 100 years, but that's just not possible. Charles has some health restrictions for the next 10 weeks as he recovers, but that's our extra busy fall season, so this seems to be God's way of answering our prayers," said Dutch.

WestKyStar staff will visit Charles and Dutch this fall and be back with a full and interesting story concerning their plans, memories and what's going on with Schmidt Farms.

September is Homeschoolers' Month at LBL

2016-09-03T07:22:47.757-05:00

September is Homeschoolers’ Month at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum.

Hands-on activities will teach today’s kids about history, math and science every child had to learn while growing up on a farm. Visit the farm any day in September and follow the fun Homeschooler Scavenger Hunt or attend one of the weekly programs, Food for Winter on Tuesdays and Practical Skills on Thursdays.

Join them on Friday, September 16 for a day dedicated to Homeschoolers’…Step back in time and learn about what life was like for children on an 1850s farm.

Check out some of the fun (and educational) programs and activities you could take part in this month. Check out their online calendar for even more super cool programs. Everyone is welcome..https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/calendar/

Educating groups at Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum-Long Description
Educating groups at Homeplace 1850s Working Farm and Living History Museum

Homeplace’s Strange and Unusual Scavenger Hunt and Activity Book

Every Day in September (except Trades Fair 9/3-4/16)

Home Educators and their students can pick up a scavenger and activity book at the interpretive center along with a Homeplace time travel survival kit.

Thursday, September 8

Little House at the Homeplace: The “Big Woods” Exploration | Reservations required 270-924-2020

Saturday, September 10

Little House at the Homeplace: The “Big Woods” Exploration | Reservations required 270-924-2020

Tuesday, September 6,13,20,27

1-3 pm| Food for Winter, Food preservation

Without grocery stores to buy food in 1850s, a farm family had to raise a big vegetable garden and then had to preserve the fruits and vegetables for winter use.”. Led a hand and help the family ‘put by’ their garden vegetables and orchard fruit.

Visit Ozzie, Otis, and Red the Homeplace 1850s Farm, Photo by Kelly BennettiLong Description
Visit Ozzie, Otis, and Red the Homeplace 1850s Farm, Photo by Kelly Bennett

Thursday, September 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

1-3 pm | Practical Skills

Especially for homeschoolers, learn about gardening, using simple tools, fishing, and handwork that were everyday skills for farm family members in the 19th century. Each Thursday in September, you can learn one of the many practical skills handed down from one generation to the next.
•September 1- Garden Work
•September 8 – Simple Tools
•September 15- 1850 homemade seed packets and seed saving
•September 22- Fishing in 1850
•September 29- Handmade Dolls

Friday, September 16

NEW! 10 am-noon and 1 pm-3 pm | Homeschoolers’ Day

The Homeplace invites home educators and their families to spend a day on the farm and experience life in the 1850s.

In the past, children learned by doing farm work. Lessons in arithmetic and science could be learned by doing everyday chores like cooking a meal or feeding livestock. At Homeschoolers’ Day the children will get to participate in the same chores they would have done in 1850 to be a successful farmer. Recommended for students ages 5-12.

Scheduled activities include:
•11:30 am and 2:30 pm
•Storytime | Sit back and listen to authentic 1850 era children’s story.

•10 am-noon
•What doesn’t belong in the Homeplace kitchen?
•Make a ‘wonder turner’
•Garden chores
•Washing clothing in 1850

•1 pm-3 pm

•Taking it to town | A practical arithmetic and problem solving activity
•Teamster Training | You be the mule or ox, see how quickly you can learn the commands
•Haul the Maul | Are you strong enough to haul the maul and split wood?
•1850 games

Civil War Days at Columbus-Belmont State Park

2016-08-27T12:05:00.000-05:00

Columbus-Belmont State Park will host the 26th Annual Civil War Days October 7-9.

The weekend will include battle re-enactments, history and museum tours, soldier camps, entertainment, food and more. Admission is free.

This three-day event will begin on Friday, Oct. 7 with Education Day. There will be cannon and rifle demonstrations, life of a soldier and dance instruction. Students, scouts and groups are encouraged to participate, but everyone is invited to attend and take a closer look at history by taking a step back in time.

The opening ceremony will take place Friday evening with food and entertainment. Cannons will fire from the bluffs to end the ceremony and then there will be a ghost walk through the Confederate earthworks with lanterns lighting the way.

There will be events all day on Saturday with guest speakers and the Kentucky HistoryMobile will be on site.

The Civil War Ball on Saturday night will feature music and dance instruction. The band for the evening will be The 52nd Regimental String Band. Shopping will be set up on “Sutler Row,” where there will be tents set up with clothing and accessories. There will be a Beautiful Belle and Handsome Gent contest before the dance and a Best Beard and Scraggly Beard contest during intermission.

Sunday will begin with a morning service as well as a memorial service in Columbus Cemetery.

The battle re-enactments will take place at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. They will feature guns firing, cannons blasting, horses running and tents burning.

The Civil War Days event is co-sponsored by Columbus-Belmont State Park, Civil War Days Committee and the Hickman County Judge Executive's office/Hickman County Fiscal Court. The park is located in far western Kentucky at the junction of highways 58, 80, and 123. For more information, contact the park office at 270-677-2327 or email cindy.lynch@ky.gov or visit www.parks.ky.gov

Lane Shift through November on I-57

2016-03-28T18:20:00.000-05:00

The Illinois Department of Transportation is alerting drivers of a lane shift on I-57 in Union and Johnson Counties.

Beginning Monday, all traffic on I-57 from just south of the Interstate 24 interchange (mile point 44) to just north of the Illinois 146 interchange (mile point 30) will be shifted to the northbound lanes. Traffic will be in a head-to-head configuration with one lane for each direction of travel.

Ramps within this section will be affected as follows: Access to the Lick Creek interchange will be closed to southbound traffic; the northbound ramps will remain open. Trail of Tears Rest Area will be closed to all traffic. The Goreville and Illinois 146 interchange will remain open for all directions of travel.

This traffic configuration will be in place until November 15 to facilitate construction of new concrete pavement in the southbound lanes. Motorists should use extreme caution through this work zone and be aware of speed reductions and traffic control devices.