The Journal-Enterprise: October 2013

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Providence to join with other communities, delays Trick-or-Treat until Friday from 4-7p.m.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

At 11:00 a.m. this morning, Providence Mayor Eddie Gooch officially made the call to delay trick-or-treat hours for the city of Providence.

Providence joins with Sebree, Slaughters, Clay and Dixon, all of whom made that decision on Wednesday.

Trick-or-treat hours throughout the county will now by on Friday, November 1, 2013, from 4-7:00 p.m.

OLDER POST

State snow plows to be out this weekend!

If you see snow plows driving slow along area highways over the next few days don’t be alarmed.

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Highway Crews are gearing up for snow season. Plow operators are checking their equipment and making test runs along their assigned routes.

Send us pictures of your ghosts and ghouls this Halloween and we just might include them here on our website!!!!

Send pictures to matt@journalenterprise.com

Eric "Phil" Wheatley and the Dixon Elementary Dynasty
office staff celebrate Halloween on Thursday morning.

First confirmed reports of the flu in Kentucky

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

On Monday the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) reported the first two positive influenza cases. One of those was in Henderson County, our neighbors to the north.

Influenza seasons are unpredictable, and often begin spreading as early as October. With two confirmed cases already, it seems the flu is already knocking on the door.

“Our medical sales rep said that they did not produce as many vaccines this year as normal because they do not expect this year to be that bad,” said Michelle Quisenbery, APRN, NP-C, from Cornerstone Family Health in Madisonville. “But it’s really unpredictable. I think a lot of people may get vaccinated just because last year’s flu season was so bad.”

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Representatives of Alliance Resource Partners hand delivered their property tax checks to the Webster County Fiscal Court on Monday, along with a message.

by MATT HUGHES

J-E News Editor

Although most people don’t know it yet, Kentucky has been invaded. This creature, called an “Indian Monster” by King George II, King of England in 1728, is armor plated comes equipped with strong claws. It’s scientific name is Dasypus novemcinctus, but you would know it as an armadillo. The nine-banded armadillo to be more exact.

In May, Dr. Mike Siebert, DC, was leaving his driveway on Buntin Schoolhouse Rd between Manitou and Hanson, KY, when he spotted the body of an armadillo next to his driveway.

“There really isn’t much to tell,” Siebert said. “I was going down my driveway and there it was. It was probably about the size of a full grown opossum.”

He quickly snapped a photo and posted it to Facebook.

“When I took ecology in college, our zoology professor told us this would happen,” said Siebert. “I’ve never laughed so hard at anyone in my life.”

On June 3, Caldwell County resident Roy Massey Jr. and his son spotted the body of an armadillo on the Clear Creek Bridge on 293, near the Webster County line.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

A spinal injury left Chuck Melton paralyzed, but that hasn’t held him back. In fact, he is probably more active than most people with full mobility.

“On August 16, 2008 I dove into a lake and hit the bottom,” Melton said. This resulted in a C7 injury to his spinal cord that left him unable to walk and with limited use of his arms and hands.

“I was really weak and unmotivated for several years after my accident,” Melton said. But a friend he had made in the hospital changed that. He had invited Melton to join his Quad Rugby team numerous times over a two or three year period, and finally one day Melton agreed.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

With a 100% chance for percipitation on Thursday, and a 50% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening hours, community leaders around Webster County have taken a hard look at scheduled Trick-or-Treating hours and begun to make decisions.

As of 10:00 a.m. this morning, Oct. 30, 2013, the cities of Dixon, Clay, Slaughters and Sebree have all officially moved Trick-or-Treat hours from Halloween to the following day, Nov. 1, 2013, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.

Providence remains the only community in Webster County that plans to stick with normal Trick-or-Treat hours. Those hours are on Halloween from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
"Providence will have Halloween as scheduled Thursday night, there is a slight chance that the time scheduled it will not be raining," Providence Police Chief Brent McDowell wrote on Facebook. "Due to senior night at Webster County Football & other activities we feel that with a chance of it not raining at the time scheduled we would have Halloween as scheduled. We will look at the weather again in the morning and if it looks like there is a higher risk of ...storms & radar shows the storms will hit when Halloween has been scheduled then it will be moved to Friday but that will be determined tomorrow (Halloween Day). As with any weather common sense needs to be used & if it's storming it will be scheduled for Friday but once again that will be determined tomorrow after looking at all the weather that could or could not come. We would like to thank everyone for their patience with us as we figure out what to do & when & keep everyone's safety in mind. Thank You"

Madisonville, in Hopkins County, has also moved their trick-or-treating to Friday afternoon.

Check back here for any further changes. Friday, Nov. 1, 2013 is expected to be sunny with a high near 67.

Area communities schedule events for the upcoming Holiday Season

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

With the holiday season quickly approaching, Webster County communities are making plans for their annual holiday festivities.

The first event of the year will be the Sebree Elementary Veterans Day Parade on Friday, October 15 at 1:00 p.m.

Clay will host a Veterans Day celebration starting at 1:00 p.m. in Monday, Novermber 11, 2013 in downtown Clay.

On Thursday December 5, 2013, the Providence Chamber of Commerce will hosts its annual Christmas Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Providence General Baptist Church.

The Clay Christmas parade will be held on Friday, December 6, 2013 at 6:00 p.m., with the Dixon parade to be held the following afternoon at 2:00 p.m.

Providence’s yearly Christmas parade will be a week later this year than normal, starting at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. Cookies and Hot Chocolate with Santa will follow at the Providence Council Chamber.

Virtual Dementia Tour makes stop in Webster County

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Anyone who has ever had a family member with dementia or Alzheimer’s knows the difficulties that come along with caring for them. It’s hard to escape the frustration of feeling like they are not listening to you, or the embarrassment that comes from loud and often vulgar outburst.

Caring for someone with these and other problems requires a lot of patience and a little understanding. That is why researchers developed the Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT), which was in Webster County on Wednesday, October 23, 2013.

NB I-69/WK Parkway exit now closed at Dawson Springs

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has closed the Interstate 69 northbound exit and entry ramps at the Dawson Spring-KY 109 Exit 92 Interchange in Hopkins County as part of efforts to upgrade the interchange to current Interstate standards.

Today, construction crews were busy reworking the ramp connections for the new I-69/KY 109 Interchange configuration. The project is converting the old toll booth style interchange with short cloverleaf-type ramps to a modern diamond interchange.

The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) reported the first two positive influenza cases this week, indicating the presence of flu in Kentucky. The cases were from Henderson and Jefferson Counties.

DPH officials are reporting the results to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as part of statewide flu surveillance efforts. Kentucky’s flu activity will be classified as “sporadic,” the lowest level indicating flu activity.

The flu season typically begins in October or November. Kentuckians are encouraged to get a flu vaccine as soon as their health provider has it in stock, because it takes about two weeks for immunity to develop and offer protection against flu. However, vaccination can be given any time during the flu season.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Judge Executive Jim Townsend and the Webster County Fiscal Court passed a proclomation this morning at their regular scheduled meeting declaring Monday, October 28, 2013 as Webster County Band of Pride Day.

“The lessons learned in Marching Band will serve these students for the rest of their life,” said Judge Townsend. “I might mention that they have worked really really hard. They ranked 13th in the state semi-finals, and they are one of the smallest bands in the state.”

Thursday, October 24, 2013

I-69/WK exit at Dawson Springs to close on Monday, Oct. 28

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to CLOSE the Interstate 69 northbound exit and entry ramps at the Dawson Springs KY 109 Exit 92 Interchange in Hopkins County starting Monday, October 28, 2013.

This closure of northbound ramps is to allow construction of ramp connections for the new I-69/KY 109 Interchange configuration.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans to modify a work zone along the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway in WEBSTER County sometime on Thursday, October 24, 2013.

The extended lane restrictions along the Pennyrile Parkway from mile point 53.11 to mile point 59.3 in Webster County will come down on Thursday. Motorists should be alert for traffic crews as they go about pulling traffic control equipment along this work zone.

WCHS Band headed to state

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

As you drive past Webster County High School on US 41A in the afternoons, you’ll see the marching band practicing in a corner of the parking lot. In that split second it takes to pass by them, all you really have time to notice is their size.

The Webster County Band of Pride has 30 students on it’s roster, and that includes winds, percussion and color guard. In the 90’s Providence High School marched around 40 winds and percussion, with another 5-10 on the color guard. WCHS bands back then were much larger than that.

It’s easy to pass judgement at that point, but that judgement might just be wrong.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Earlier this year Providence Guidance Councilor Tammy White and her family were named “Union County’s Outstanding Young Farm Family of the Year” by the Union County Farm Bureau during their annual meeting in the Arnold Convention Center in Sturgis.

Former Providence School Board Chair to join Webster County Board

by Matt Hughes

Dr. James Kemp and Venita Murphy,
the Providence Board Chairman during
merger talks in 2006.

J-E News Editor

The Webster County School Board seat vacated by David Higgins earlier this year has now been filled. After soliciting applications and going through the interview process, Venita Murphy of Providence has been named the county’s newest school board member.

Although a new comer to the Webster County School Board, Murphy was chairman of the Providence Board of Education in 2006 during Providence Independent School’s merger with Webster County.

“My acquaintance with Ms. Murphy was through that consolidation process,” said Superintendant Dr. James Kemp. “She represented herself, her board and her district well under the most difficult of circumstances.”

“I served on the Providence Board of Education for 11 years,” Murphy said. “Hopefully my past experience will be an added asset to the Webster County Board. As always I am for the betterment and achievements of the students in Webster County. I will serve passionately our community.”

By CHARLIE HUST

Providence City Council handled a short agenda Monday night in regular session in the council chambers.

First item of business was to pass a resolution to meet all the requirement needed to retire part of the debt service on the water treatment and sewer plant.

The resolution will combine funds remaining from the Baptist Hill sewer line project in the amount of $396,000 along with $198,000 awarded to the city from coal severance funding. This will retire one loan to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), with two remaining loans on the facility.

The city just recently passed a water rate increase to help retire the other two loans. The passing of the resolution on Monday was a formality to execute all the paperwork necessary with the Department of Local Government to transfer the payments to KIA.

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a work zone traffic shift along the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway in WEBSTER County Wednesday morning.

Starting Wednesday morning, all northbound traffic will move to the right-hand or driving lane along the Pennyrile Parkway from mile point 53.11 to mile point 59.3 in Webster County.

On October 3rd, the Webster County Area Technology Center Skills USA officer team (Iszack Whitsell, Houston Beller, Aaron Elder, Shaun Tapp, and Jennifer Skipper) travelled to Lake Barkley State Resort Park to take part in the West Region Skills USA community service and leadership conference. Eight schools/120+ students were in attendance to help the state park with painting and various repairs. In addition, Larry Johnson-KY State Skills USA director spoke to the group during the leadership training session. The Skills USA Theme for 2013-2014 is “Skills USA: Champions at Work, Educated and Skilled to Lead America.”

Officials discuss I-69 development

Providence Mayor not happy with Interstate plan

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

On Tuesday, October 15, 2013, business and political leaders from across the region gathered in Madisonville, KY for the I-69 Development Conference.

The theme of the conference centered around how to turn this link to the Federal Interstate system into an economic boost to Western Kentucky.

Webster County to skip National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Webster County ASAP Board has announced its decision not to participate in this year’s National Prescription Drug Take-Back Initiative scheduled for October 26, 2013.

6th Annual Kidapalooza Offers Free Family Fun for All Ages

Madisonville’s most popular family-friendly festival promises plenty of unplugged, old-fashioned outdoor fun for all ages.

The sixth annual Madisonville Kidapalooza takes place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, October 26 around the courthouse square in the city’s historic downtown district. The free event features games, activities, arts and crafts to entice kids to spend the day away from computers, video games, and television, said Tricia Noel, Executive Director of the Hopkins County Tourist and Convention Commission.

Kentucky State Police Telecommunications Academy Graduates Third Class

Nine Kentucky State Police telecommunicators from throughout the commonwealth were recognized today at graduation ceremonies for the third class of the agency’s in-house telecommunications academy.

State Police Video on Telecommunications

“Across the state, KSP telecommunicators provide a lifeline to both citizens in need and officers in the field,” says KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. “They serve as an unseen, but vital link in keeping law enforcement officers and the public safe at all times of the day or night.”

School board takes hard look at recent assessment test

Parents and administrators discuss possible plans for boys soccer

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

On Monday night the Webster County School board heard a proposal from WCHS principal Tim Roy and parent Allison McCormick about the creation of a Webster County High School boys soccer program for the 2014-2015 school year.

“The process the KHSAA prescribes is to do an interest survey will all seventh through eleventh graders,” Roy told the board. “If you have twice the number of students that would be required for post season play, then there would be a parents meeting. If you have the support there, then you can move forward.”

State Forestry, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to dedicate second phase of Big Rivers WMA and State Forest

The Kentucky Division of Forestry and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources will officially dedicate Phase Two of the Big Rivers Wildlife Management Area and State Forest near Sturgis on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Representatives from both agencies will join state legi

slators, local government officials, sportsmen and women, funding partners and others for the ceremony at 11 a.m. (Central). The event will be held at The Lookout, a location on the 4,241-acre property which offers a breathtaking view overlooking rich river bottomlands, woodlands and several miles of the Ohio River.

Water District

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

With the rising cost of electricity, energy saving was one of the primary topics of discussion for the Webster County Water District on Thursday.

“We’ve been trying to figure out ways to save on our electric bill,” said Water Plant Superintendant Paul Lashbrook. “We took a pretty big jump on our rates. And I’ve heard that Big Rivers is going to increase the rates to their wholesale providers.

“Pumping water is one of the biggest uses of electricity besides, maybe, an aluminum smelter,” said Lashbrook.

Possible options the water district is exploring include replacing lighting at the water plant near Onton with LED lights.

“In some cases Kenergy offers rebates for energy saving measures,” he reported. “We are exploring that, and we will let you know as we find out numbers.”

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Clay City Council was in session on Monday night. Among other items on the agenda was a discussion of the Caney Creek gas line that has now been a topic for two months.

The line, which feeds Clay, Wheatcroft and Sturgis connects to the main at a substation south of Providence. From there it runs around the edge of Providence, feeding some gas customers on Leeper Lane, the Green Grove subdivision and Diamond and then on to the city of Clay. After Clay the line runs to Wheatcroft and then to Sturgis.

In August city employee Paul Stone showed the council pictures of where the exposed gas main crosses Caney Creek. It exits a concrete pad on one side of the creek, before going back into the dirt bank on the other side. Not only is the entire length of the line exposed to flood water and debris, Stone pointed out that concrete is very corrosive to the materials in a gas line.

Slaughters sets trick or treat time

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Slaughters Commission held a brief meeting on Tuesday, October 8, 2013.

Commissioners voted to approve the second reading of the of the 2012-2014 Property Tax Ordinance., setting the rate for real estate at 12 cents per $100 and the rate for personal property at 12 cents per $100 for the current fiscal year.

Dixon Commission looks at more water Projects

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Dixon Commission met in a brief session on Monday night.

Rod Martin, president of Hunter Martin & Associates, Inc was present to update the commission on the status of the Dixon Water project which is nearing completion.

“We really have things to talk about,” Martin said. “One of those is about the project that we just finished up. The second part is what are we going to do with the money that’s left over?”

The original estimated cost of Brown Construction’s part of the project was $451,207, but the final adjusted change over amount for the job was $477,991.

“As we got into the project, the cost of some items went up and some went down,” he explained.

Fiscal Court withdraw order to cut tree, hears from Poole Residents

by Matt Hughes

Cindy Wabner of Poole
addresses the court

J-E News Editor

It was a long, and at times heated, Webster County Fiscal Court meeting on Monday. Representatives of the community of Poole were on hand to discuss troublesome properties in their area, and the property owner of a tree in the Slaughters area was on hand to try once again to fight for the survival of what has been called a two hundred year old tree.

Property owner Roger Winstead, along with his attorney, Jimmy Gentry, made their first appearance before the court after a battle over a tree that started in the spring.

The tree was first discussed before the court on June 12, 2013, as the county was discussing roads that needed to be resurfaced.

Accident on 293 in Providence

An accident occurred Tuesday, October 16, 2013 at around 2:00 p.m. Whitney Gibson of Providence was northbound on Highway 293. She attempted to miss a tractor that was mowing the roadsides and lost control of her vehicle in the rain.

Gibson refused medical treatment.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Fiscal Court hears appeal to save tree recently slated for cutting (VIDEO)

Property owner Roger Winstead, along with his attorney, Jimmy Gentry, made their first appearance before the Fiscal Court this morning after a battle over a tree that goes back to early summer.

MEETING THURSDAY NIGHT IN COUNCIL CHAMBER

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

The Providence Fire Department is inviting anyone interested in serving their community to a special event on Thursday, October 10, 2013 at 6:00 p.m.

“This is the first step in finding out about an exciting new career,” said Fire Chief Brad Curry.

Although many people don’t realize it, the Providence Fire Department has always utilized volunteer fire fighters.

“We’ve always been a combination department,” Curry said. “But we need volunteers now more than ever. We need volunteers who can come in and help us in the event of an emergency.”

Roundabout coming to Owensboro; Tutorial Video

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Anyone who visits Owensboro might want to watch the following video. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) is introducing a new style of roadway in Daviess county very soon.

“A roundabout has only 8 conflict points as compared to 32 conflict points in a traditional intersection. This greatly improves the safety of motorists who travel through it,” said Keith Todd, public information officer with District 1 and 2 of the KY
TC. “Our contractor on the KY 56/KY 81 Roundabout Project at Owensboro has indicated we are within a few weeks to about a month of getting traffic moved to the new traffic arrangement. Even after traffic is moved into the roundabout there will be several weeks of work to finish out the approaches and make permanent connections to the existing roadway.”

Flashback Friday October 9, 2008

Corn harvest is ‘popping’ for local farmers

Brian Hornback

by DENNIS BEARD

J-E News Editor

On Thursday, as they finished up harvesting their exclusive crop of popcorn across 1,500 acres of ground in Webster and Hopkins counties, local farmers Kerry Winstead and Brian Hornback said they were pleased with the overall quality.

“Yields have been good this time,” Winstead said as he sat waiting for the arrival of a semi truck to pick up a load of harvested corn on a farm near Manitou belonging to Debbie Withers. “There was some wind damage, but overall it’s been good.”

Winstead and Hornback are partners in one of the very few popcorn farming operations in not only this region, but the country as well. Winstead said the manufactuers who buy the popcorn for distribution to concession stands and movie theaters generally prefer to deal with fewer farmers that can produce a greater amount, partly because of the cost to transport it. Winstead estimated a total of approximately 100 semi trucks would carry full loads of the popcorn — approximately 70 acres per day at 10 truckloads per day — from their farms to the processing plant in Louisville before being distributed to buyers.

Letter to the Editor

Dear Editor,

As many in the Webster County public already know, our county has undertaken an initiative that’s goal is to raise the educational level of not only our students in grades kindergarten through twelve, but also among our working age adult population (18 – 64) and to strengthen the work-readiness level of those throughout our community. The end result of this initiative, known as Work Ready Community, is to strengthen our workforce and to make Webster County a viable option as business and industry make decisions about where to locate and attract potential employees.

The Webster County Work Ready Community initiative began several months ago as a concept that was slow to develop. We learned very quickly that several counties in our immediate area were already in the process of pursuing this recognition and that it would be in our best interest as a community to begin our own effort, with the larger goal of eventually having an entire region that will be certified.

Traffic Shift on Pennyrile Friday

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet plans a work zone traffic shift along the Breathitt-Pennyrile Parkway in WEBSTER County on Friday, October 11, 2013.

Starting sometime Friday morning, all southbound traffic will move to the right-hand or driving lane along the Pennyrile Parkway from mile point 53.11 to mile point 59.3 in Webster County.

This traffic shift for southbound lanes is to facilitate continued asphalt paving and rehabilitation work along this 6-mile section. Caution is required where equipment, flaggers, and construction personnel are along the roadway in close proximity to traffic flow.

Murder suspect sentenced to 40 years

Michael Musarra

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Nearly two years after a double homocide took place on Highland Avenue in Providence, the families of the victims finally have a conviction in the case. Michael A. Musarra, 45 of Providence, entered a guilty plea on Friday, September 27, 2013 and was sentenced a week later.

The murders took place on Monday, November 7, 2011. Authorities reported at the time that Musarra shot his ex-girlfriend, 43-year-old Erika Hutchason, then stabbed 39-year-old Anthony Culp.

Hutchason, was taken to the Regional Medical Center in Madisonville, KY for treatment. She was later life flighted to St. Mary’s in Evansville, IN but died from her injuries.

By CHARLIE HUST

Providence City Council meeting Monday night was routine with the passage of two ordinances along with a plea from Fire Department Chief Brad Curry for participation in an upcoming volunteer fireman recruitment drive.

Second reading of an ordinance regulating bucket brigades and charitable solicitations within the city limits was held and passed. The ordinance deals with general safety of such activities on the local roadways as well as dealing with numerous complaints about door-to-door solicitations on private property and business.

The measures ensures that all individuals, groups or organizations must file for a request 10 days prior to solicitation date in order to obtain a permit. All individuals will be required to wear some type of identification during the solicitation. For-profit solicitation will require a $5 fee.

The measured passed with a 4-0 vote (Councilwomen Shannon Layton and Dolores Overby were absent from the meeting).

Norman Winstead

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

In May Governor Steve Beshear announced a $900,000 grant had been awarded to expand the Tri-County Alliance Recycling Center in Henderson. The near 3,000 square foot facility opened it’s doors over the summer and has since been working to streamline recycling in the tri-county area.

“Instead of our trash going from the compaction center, straight to the landfill, it will go to the recycling center in Henderson,” explained Webster County Judge Executive Jim Townsend. This, he said, was not only environmentally good, it would also save space in the county’s landfill.

When recyclables arrive at the facility it is loaded onto a converyor. Prisoners from the Henderson County jail pick off and sort the recyclables and get them to their proper destination inside the building.

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Residents of Sebree will most likely be seeing a 17 % increase in their water rates at the end of November. At Monday night’s Sebree City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would increase rates on the bills that will be mailed out on November 27, 2013.

“Nobody likes increases,” said Mayor Ozzie O’Nan. “I certainly don’t, but we’re just to where we have to do something.”

The increase comes as part of a mandate from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA), who will loan the city a large part of the $1.835 million it needs to fund a water rehabilitation project.

“We’re getting a $950,000 Community Development block grant that will not have to be paid back,” said city attorney Dorin Luck. Then there is a construction loan from KIA of $885,000, $88,000 of which we wont have to pay back. $797,000 of that will be paid back in no longer than 30 years.”

UPDATE
by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

According to AT&T, the wireless outage in Western Kentucky has been repaired.
"Wireless service has been restored in Western Kentucky after a cable cut earlier today impacted service for some AT&T customers," said Cathy Lewandowski, Sr. PR Manager, Corporate Communications for AT&T Tennessee/Kentucky. "Technicians rerouted wireless traffic and service is currently running normally. We know customers count on their wireless services, and we apologize for this inconvenience. "
Ms. Lewandowski did not respond when asked if there would be a credit or discount given to customers within the outage area.

Tourism Commission seat remains vacant

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

According to Providence Mayor Eddie Gooch, once the Uptown Fall Festival is over this weekend, things will slow down for the Providence Tourism Commission. That will give the mayor and the city council some time to select a volunteer to fill vacant seats on the commission.

Plans set for Providence “Uptown Fall Festival”

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

This Saturday, October 12, the Providence Tourism Commission will present the “Uptown Fall Festival”, which will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on October 12, 2013.

“There will be several food and other vendors,” said Carol Hill with the Tourism Commission. “We’ll also have live bands, the cruise-in car show from 10:00 a.m. til 2:00 p.m., a pumpkin decorating contest at 11:00 a.m. and a Halloween Costume Contest at 2:00 p.m.”

UI customers encouraged to use online and phone services

Unemployment Insurance (UI) customers in the Commonwealth who need to file a claim or request a check are encouraged to use the online and phone services available through the Kentucky Career Center.

During the temporary shutdown of the federal government, UI benefits will continue to be paid. However, state administrative resources have been affected. This means that there is limited support available at local career centers for UI customers.

In order to avoid longer wait times for assistance in local Kentucky Career Centers, UI customers are encouraged to go online at www.kentuckycareercenter.com or call 502-875-0442, Monday – Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Eastern time, to file an initial claim or reopen a claim. To request a biweekly check by telephone, call 877-369-5984

Water Rate Increase on the way for Sebree Water Customers

Residents of Sebree will most likely be seeing an increase in their water rates at the end of November. At Monday night’s Sebree City Council meeting, council members voted unanimously to approve the first reading of an ordinance that would increase rates on the bills that will be mailed out on November 27, 2013.

Governor Steve Beshear today announced Little Kentucky Smokehouse, a family-owned business established in Uniontown in 2003, will construct a second 40,000-square-foot facility at its existing site, doubling the square footage of the operation. The more than $2.2 million investment will allow the company to meet rising customer demand of its ham products and will add 18 new full-time jobs at the facility.

Education Commissioner to interview board applicants

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

On Thursday, Kentucky Commissioner of Education, Terry Holliday, Ph.D., will begin the next step in the process of replacing Providence District school board member David Higgins.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet is joining area law enforcement agencies to remind motorists that the number of deer-vehicle collisions increase substantially during the last 3 months of the year as the fall crop harvest and mating season combine to put deer on the move.

“Our highway crews are seeing an increase in the number of deer killed along our highways, indicating deer are starting to move. Deer-vehicle collisions always go up during October, November, and December,” said KYTC District 2 Chief Engineer Kevin McClearn. “About half of all deer-related collisions are reported during the last quarter of the year when deer are on the move.”

Cooler evenings and shorter days kick in the fall mating season, putting deer on the move at times when they are least visible. An analysis of crash reports indicates most auto collisions with deer are just before sunrise or just after sunset.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

In fairly recent history the leadership of the Webster County Board of Education has tossed about rather freely the supposedly new approach to forcing the responsibility for students’ learning and test-taking onto the students. As a former teacher, I must state up front that I agree that students need to assume a great deal of the responsibility for their learning and performance on academic achievement indexes.

However, I believe the boe has not only put the cart before the horse, but they have also forced the student and the academic equine into the arena while, at the same time, providing no access to the cart at all. The question in my mind is, if we are going to force the responsibility/accountability burden onto the primary stakeholder (the student), how much accountability does the boe have to provide that stakeholder with access to the tools, resources, skills, guidance, and choices necessary to accomplish the extremely difficult task?

Hunters may now pursue coyotes at night.

New regulations allow hunters to use a shotgun to take coyotes at night year round. Lights or night vision equipment can only be used from February 1 through May 31.

“This new opportunity offers landowners another tool to assist in the removal of coyotes associated with livestock depredation,” said Steven Dobey, furbearer program coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources. “Coyotes are generally less wary at night and hunting at this time can result in increased harvest success.”

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Recently, we were appraised of rumors circulating in our local community, as it regards the future of Colonial Terrace nursing facility, a Redbanks community. Rumors have circulated regarding the possible sale of Colonial Terrace, or the closure of our facility. I would like our local community to know these rumors are not true, and have no substance in fact. At this time, we are unable to pinpoint the exact origin of these rumors.

Flashback Friday Oct. 3, 1968

NEW STORE FRONT ~ This is the outward appearance of the newly remodeled Dollar General Store in Providence. An extensive remodeling program has been completed by the company on the old Providence Mining Company Store with the end result apparent from the above picture. The Dollar Store is now using both sides of the building with many added feet of floor space and new lines of merchandise offered. The crowd seen here was waiting for the doors to open Friday morning when the store had a grand opening.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

LG&E and KU Announce Plans to Build Second Natural Gas Combined-Cycle Generating Station and a Solar Generation Facility

Louisville Gas and Electric and Kentucky Utilities companies announced today that they plan to file for a certificate of public convenience and necessity with the Kentucky Public Service Commission for permission to construct a second natural gas combined-cycle generating station (NGCC) and a solar generating facility. The NGCC plant, to be located in Muhlenberg County, is expected to create about 40 permanent full-time jobs and several hundred construction jobs in western Kentucky.

Fredericks Ditch bridge open

A contractor for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has completed construction of a new bridge on KY 874 near the Lisman community south of Dixon in Webster County.

The new bridge over Fredericks Ditch opened Thursday, September 19, restoring normal traffic flow on KY 874 between KY 279 and KY 1340. The contractor has some minor guardrail adjustments and other finish work to complete for the project to be finalized.

KYTC District 2 Chief Engineer Kevin McClearn said he is pleased efforts to expedite the bridge replacement project were successful.

Prosecutor selected in Jimmy Frederick assualt case

by Matt Hughes

J-E News Editor

Bruce Kuegel, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 6th Judicial Circuit representing Daviess County has been appointed as special prosecutor in the case against Jimmy Lane Frederick.

“It’s not unusual for a special prosecutor to be appointed,” said Kuegel. “It’s really left up to the elected officials to make a decision on conflict of interest. (County Attorney) Clint Prow reported that he had a conflict in this case.”

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