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In remembrance: Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr.

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In remembrance: Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr.

July 9, 1953 – April 2, 2025

Note: Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A celebration of life gathering will follow at 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the Big Apple Grill and Bar in Murray, Kentucky, to honor and continue celebrating Marshall’s life.

Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr., 71, of Murray, KY, passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, KY. Born on July 9, 1953, in Nashville, TN, Marshall was the son of Joseph Marshall Ward, Sr., an accomplished artist, and Paula Moore Ward, a dedicated nurse educator, both of whom preceded him in death.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Pamela Jean Brown Ward; his daughter, Lauren Bailey Ward Cruz, of Woodside, NY; his sons, Charles Dillon Ward and wife Emily Denham Ward of Peoria, IL, and Joseph Alexander Ward and wife Hannah Grace Wachenheim of Louisville, KY. Marshall was a proud and doting grandfather to Noah Dustin Cruz and Lydia Grace Cruz. He is also survived by his brother, McDaniel Moore Ward of Pearl River, LA, and nieces and nephews, Jacob Reid Ward, Megan Suzanne Ward, and Bradley Scott Ward. He is also survived by cousins Byron Paul Barlowe and Natalie Barlowe Hinton and their families who will miss him dearly. Marshall was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Fire Department of the City of New York Lieutenant Robert Bing Cruz and cousin-in-law Vann Harris Hinton.

Marshall spent his formative years in East Tennessee and Charleston, SC, places that shaped the vibrant, spirited man he became. A gifted storyteller with a quick wit, Marshall often recounted his youthful fights for justice against the neighborhood bullies behind the laundromat back in Bristol. He had great memories of the summers he spent at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. He also looked back fondly on his high school days, a few of which were spent skipping class to surf the waves and cruise the coast in his beloved black 1970 Nova. Marshall was also a gifted athlete, competing in track and field and playing soccer during his college years. His passion for endurance sports continued beyond college, and he went on to become an avid marathon runner.

Marshall loved a good time and lived each moment with unmistakable gusto. With his easy charm, Marshall never met a stranger, and he leaves behind a legacy of a life fully lived. Before embarking on a long and impactful career as an educator, he wore many hats—baker, disc jockey, jeweler, landscaper—and brought the same passion to each. As a small business owner, he ran a successful painting company specializing in the restoration of historic Charleston Single Houses, work that earned the approval of the city’s Architectural Review Board.

Marshall was a lifelong learner with a deep passion for education, civic engagement, and service to others. He graduated from King College with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History, followed by a Master of Education in Curriculum/History & Political Science from The Citadel. He earned his South Carolina Teaching Certificate from Charleston Southern University. A dedicated educator, Marshall taught for 3 years at First Baptist Church School in Charleston, SC, 17 years at R.B. Stall High School in Charleston, SC, and another 17 years at Calloway County High School in Murray, KY, where he taught AP History, AP Government/ Politics, Economics, and Humanities.

Marshall served as the President of the Charleston Federation of Teachers for nine years and sponsored numerous student organizations including We The People, Model Congress, Model UN, Leadership Tomorrow, Student Government, and Junior Achievement. He was an organizer for Mock Elections and Political Rallies and a volunteer for First Robotics, Inc. He was the Social Studies Department Chair at Calloway County High School and a representative for the School Based Decision Making Council. He served as an Instructor of Political Science at Murray State University’s Commonwealth Honors Academy and as a Cooperating Teacher for Murray State University Student Teachers. He coached various sports, including high school varsity soccer and track and field. He led student trips to Washington, DC, New York City, andthe Bahamas inspiring many young minds along the way; he also notably led the Kokehashi Project Bridge to Tomorrow Japan Exchange Program. He cajoled those around him to question convention, think independently, and advocate for their passions. His dedication to students was evident, and he was deeply involved in mentoring both students and teachers.

Marshall received numerous honors throughout his career, including being named the 1995 Applied Economics Teacher of the Year and a National Finalist with Junior Achievement. He was twice recognized as Stall High School’s Teacher of the Year (1995 and 1996), led the Calloway County soccer team to a Region 1 Championship in 1999, and was inducted into both the KY YMCA Advisor Hall of Fame and the KUNA Hall of Fame for his outstanding leadership and mentorship.

Marshall was named a Kentucky Colonel in 2015 for his service and accomplishments on behalf of others, and in 2013, he received the Civic Education Leadership Award. He was passionate about civic engagement and served as a columnist for the Murray Ledger & Times and Forward KY, providing a progressive Democratic Party perspective on local, state, and national issues. He was an active member of the Calloway County Retired Teachers Association and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association for which he served as a lobbyist and co-chair of the legislative committee. His active role in the community extended to serving on the Murray-Calloway County Park Board, as secretary of the Calloway County Library Board, as president of the Murray-Calloway County Soccer Association, and as Camp Director for Challenger Sports soccer camp.

In addition to his career in education, Marshall was an avid traveler, having backpacked through Europe and honeymooned with Pam in the British Isles. He enjoyed family vacations to Folly Beach, Ireland, France, Belgium, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, and Banff National Park. A lifelong patron of the arts, Marshall nurtured creativity not only in himself but also in his children, encouraging their pursuits in music, painting, photography, film, and glassblowing. He took great pride in Lauren, Dillon, and Alex’s talents and was their biggest supporter.

Marshall also had a sharp mind and a love for friendly competition—he was a talented bar trivia player, and his team, The No Brainers, enjoyed regular success at The Big Apple in Murray. He was also a passionate Tennessee Vols fan and enjoyed watching college football, English Premier League, and March Madness with Pam. He loved cooking breakfast for dinner and was known for his fluffy omelets, and he was quick to remind you that he was able to cook them over an open fire thanks to his early days as a Boy Scout.

Marshall’s life will be remembered by his unwavering commitment to others, his passion for teaching and learning, and his relentless pursuit of justice, progress, and improvement in all aspects of life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on July 18, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. A celebration of life gathering will follow at 4:00 p.m. on July 19, 2025, at the Big Apple Grill and Bar in Murray, Kentucky, to honor and continue celebrating Marshall’s life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association, 7800 Leaders Lane, Louisville, KY 40291, Calloway County Retired Teachers Association, c/o Pam Ward, 1308 Oakhill Drive, Murray, KY 42071, the Murray High School Boys’ Soccer Program, 1800 Sycamore Street, Murray, KY 42071, Calloway County High School Boys’ Soccer Program, 2108 College Farm Road, Murray, KY 42071, or the Calloway County Democratic Party, make checks payable to CCDP, 112 North 10th Street, Murray, KY 42071.

Marshall will be greatly missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on through the lives he touched.

Online condolences can be made at www.jhchurchill.com

Land Between the Lakes awarded grant for Turkey Bay OHV project (Press Release)

Press Releases
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Land Between the Lakes awarded grant for Turkey Bay OHV project (Press Release)

MEDINA, Minn. – Today, Polaris Inc., a global leader in powersports, in partnership with the National Forest Foundation (NFF), announced the 2025 recipients of the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants. The Grants are awarded to support outdoor recreation, trail conservation and promote responsible riding to help protect the nations’ forests and surrounding lands.

This year, more than $113,000 in funding will support five initiatives in various National Forest locations located in Arizona, California, New Hampshire, Colorado, and Kentucky.

“Polaris is committed to having a positive impact on the places where people use our products and the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation Grants with the NFF are one of the many ways this comes to life,” said Pam Kermisch, Chief Customer and Growth Officer and President of the Polaris Foundation. “The grants support essential initiatives such as trail restoration, conservation and responsible riding education, to help enable future generations to create lasting outdoor memories.”

2025 Grant Recipients:

  • Phase 1: Land Between the Lakes NRA – Turkey Bay OHV Area, Kentucky: This grant will initiate projects such as a new paved entrance turn lane, striped traffic lanes, speed bump and safety signage installation, resurfaced parking areas, and expanded overflow camping and day-use zones. These upgrades aim to enhance safety and the overall off-highway vehicle (OHV) user experience.
  • Navigate Responsibly Project – Coconino National Forest, Arizona: This grant will help improve motorized visitor navigation and protect natural resources through the production and installation of new signage. Signs will be placed in strategic areas along highways and busy recreation corridors to guide visitors and promote responsible riding in approved areas. 
  • Snowmobile Park Improvements – Lassen National Forest, California: This grant will support the installation of updated trail markers and trailhead signs, along with the printing of winter recreation maps for public use. These enhancements will improve access and safer riding experiences to both groomed and ungroomed snowmobile areas across the forest.
  • Snowmobile Bridge Improvements – White Mountain National Forest, New Hampshire:This grant will provide materials to repair two snowmobile trail bridges in need of new wood decking. The improvements will help support a safe riding experience and more reliable winter trail access.
  • Alpine Loop Trail Kiosks – GMUG National Forest, Colorado: This grant will replace kiosk structures and update essential information at two locations within the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The upgrades will improve trailhead visibility for riders and visitor orientation. 

“We are thankful for our long-standing partnership with Polaris,” said Dieter Fenkart-Froeschl, President and CEO of the National Forest Foundation. “Our shared passion for outdoor recreation leads us to collaborate on meaningful projects that help some of the 170 million yearly visitors to National Forests have a more enjoyable time outside.”

Polaris and the NFF have a longstanding history of working together to support trail creation, trail restoration and reforestation projects. In 2021, the Polaris Fund for Outdoor Recreation was established with Polaris committing to donate $5 million over five years to the NFF. The endowment issued its first grant in 2022 and has since supported projects across the country including Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont, Sam Houston National Forest in Texas, and Tonto National Park in Arizona.

To learn more about the Polaris and NFF partnership, please visit https://www.polaris.com/en-us/national-forest-foundation-partnership/. 

About the National Forest Foundation

The National Forest Foundation is the official nonprofit partner of the US Forest Service. The NFF is national in scale and local in practice, with work focused in three vital areas: wildfire risk reduction, land and watershed restoration, and recreation for all. As a leader in forest conservation, the Foundation deploys 90% of its expenses towards projects and programs across the country’s 193-million-acre National Forest System. Learn more at www.nationalforests.org

About Polaris Inc.

As the global leader in powersports, Polaris Inc. (NYSE: PII) pioneers product breakthroughs and enriching experiences and services that have invited people to discover the joy of being outdoors since our founding in 1954. Polaris’ high-quality product line-up includes the RANGER, RZR and Polaris XPEDITION and GENERAL side-by-side off-road vehicles; Sportsman all-terrain off-road vehicles; military and commercial off-road vehicles; snowmobiles; Indian Motorcycle mid-size and heavyweight motorcycles; Slingshot moto-roadsters; Aixam quadricycles; Goupil electric vehicles; and pontoon and deck boats, including industry-leading Bennington pontoons. Polaris enhances the riding experience with a robust portfolio of parts, garments, and accessories. Headquartered in Minnesota, Polaris serves nearly 100 countries across the globe. www.polaris.com

Making history: Mayfield business becomes first to cultivate medical cannabis (Press Release)

Press Releases
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Making history: Mayfield business becomes first to cultivate medical cannabis (Press Release)

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Andy Beshear announced today that Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program has reached another milestone as Armory Kentucky LLC, a Tier II cultivator based in Mayfield, introduced the first medical cannabis inventory in Kentucky history. Cultivation at the Graves County site began on Friday, following approval of the facility inspection by the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis.

“This administration made a commitment to Kentuckians suffering from cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis and other eligible conditions, and I am proud we are making progress to deliver safe, affordable access to medical cannabis,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Through work with the General Assembly to move up business licensing by six full months and providing licensees with the tools they need to get up and running, we are closer than ever to providing Kentuckians with life-changing relief.”

The beginning of cultivation at Armory Kentucky LLC marks a major milestone as the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis continues to make progress toward ensuring Kentuckians suffering with serious medical conditions have access to safe, tested medical cannabis products. Additional licensees, including processors and testing labs, are expected to begin operations in the coming weeks.

“We are pleased to see the progress that has been made,” said Cannon Armstrong, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis. “We look forward to working with all of our other licensees to get them up and operational as soon as possible.”

On Apr. 17, 2024, Gov. Beshear signed House Bill 829 into law, which moved up the timeline for medical cannabis licensing in Kentucky by six months. The Kentucky Office of Medical Cannabis began accepting applications from prospective businesses on July 1, 2024.

On March 31, 2023, Gov. Beshear signed Senate Bill 47, legalizing medical cannabis for Kentuckians beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

To date, Kentucky has licensed 81 businesses and registered over 400 medical cannabis practitioners. More than 17,000 Kentuckians have been issued a written certification, and over 11,000 have successfully applied for and received a medical cannabis card.

For more on Kentucky’s Medical Cannabis Program, visit kymedcan.ky.gov.

MCCH welcomes new CFO

Press Releases
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MCCH welcomes new CFO

MURRAY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH) is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Craven as the hospital’s new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Craven brings more than 25 years of healthcare financial leadership experience and a proven track record in fiscal accountability and operational excellence.

In this role, Craven will oversee the hospital’s financial operations, including budgeting, revenue cycle management, and financial reporting. His leadership will be instrumental in supporting MCCH’s mission of providing high-quality, compassionate care to the communities it serves.

“We are excited to welcome Brian to the MCCH team,” said Reba Celsor, CEO of Murray-Calloway County Hospital. “With his depth of knowledge in healthcare finance and commitment to community-focused care, we are confident that he will help guide MCCH toward continued financial health and growth.”

Prior to joining MCCH, he served as CEO at Ironwood Healthcare Solutions, where he led initiatives that improved financial performance and enhanced overall efficiency. He holds a degree in Accounting from Union University and is a member of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

“I am honored to join the team at MCCH and be part of a hospital that is deeply rooted in its community,” said Brian Craven. “I look forward to contributing to its continued success and supporting the incredible staff who make quality patient care their top priority every day.”

Please join MCCH in welcoming Brian Craven, CFO, to our leadership team.

The Sentinel presents: Bazooka Reloaded, Issue 8: 2025 Emancipation Celebration

Guest Contributor
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The Sentinel presents: Bazooka Reloaded, Issue 8: 2025 Emancipation Celebration

Let’s hear it for independent media!!

In this age of corporate media domination, independent outlets must unite! Here, at The Sentinel, we are proud to support our sister publications in the region and could not be more thrilled to partner with Bazooka Reloaded to host their e-edition. Print editions of Bazooka Reloaded can be found in stores, salons, restaurants and coffee shops around Paducah and Murray.

Editor’s note: The Murray Sentinel is not affiliated with Bazooka Reloaded. We bear no responsibility regarding its editorial content. Please direct all inquiries to Bella at bazookareloaded@gmail.com or call 442-BAZOOKA (442-229-6652).

Check out past issues here.

State receipts surpass estimates for 2025 Fiscal Year

Guest Contributor
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State receipts surpass estimates for 2025 Fiscal Year

By Tom Latek/Kentucky Today | Originally published Jul 11, 2025

FRANKFORT, Ky. (KT) – The State Budget Director’s Office said receipts for both the General Fund and Road Fund exceeded the Consensus Forecasting Group’s official estimate for Kentucky state government’s 2025 Fiscal Year (FY25), which ended on June 30.  

General Fund receipts for FY25 totaled $15,703.2 million, exceeding FY24 total revenue by $131.9 million, or 0.8 percent.  General Fund revenues exceeded the official revenue estimates by a nearly identical amount, $131.3 million. 

Road Fund revenues totaled $1,863.5 million, 0.6 percent less than the FY24 total.  Compared to the official FY25 Road Fund estimate of $1,825.0 million, actual revenues exceeded the estimate by $38.5 million.

State Budget Director John Hicks stated, “Both funds produced revenues in excess of the enacted estimates.  Major business taxes far exceeded the official estimates offsetting lower than forecasted income and sales tax receipts.  Strength in business taxes demonstrates that Kentucky businesses are producing at a profitable level.  On the Road Fund ledger, the use tax paid on the sales price of new and used vehicles provided the collections needed to surpass the official estimate by $38.5 million.  Car and truck sales are evidence that Kentucky consumers are earning working wages sufficient to finance these purchases.”

Of the eight accounts that are part of the General Fund, four accounts had differences that were within $10 million of the actual amounts.  The other four accounts had variations ranging from $125 million to $500 million.  The larger differences cancelled each other out so that, in total, General Fund estimates were within one percent of the actual receipts.

Looking at the seven accounts make up the Road Fund, three accounts finished below the estimated amount while four accounts exceeded the official estimate.  The forecasting differences ranged in magnitude from -$30.4 million to $69.4 million. Among the accounts, motor vehicle usage tax was $69.4 million over the official estimate while motor fuels revenues came in $30.4 million under the estimate.  All other accounts, taken together, were $0.5 million below forecasted levels. 

The final budget surplus amount for FY25 will be known once the accounting records for expenditures are completed later this month. 

Kentucky’s circuit clerks support for lifesaving mission through 2025 summer raffle (Press Release)

Press Releases
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Kentucky’s circuit clerks support for lifesaving mission through 2025 summer raffle (Press Release)

The Circuit Clerks of Kentucky are once again making a lifesaving difference across the Commonwealth. Through a longtime partnership with Donate Life Kentucky Trust (Trust), they are helping to raise critical funds for transplant patients and donor families through the 2025 Summer Raffle featuring a brand-new Axis UTV as the grand prize.

“This raffle is just one of the ways we continue to support the nonprofit we helped create,” said Melinda Starks, Calloway Co. Circuit Clerk.  “Since 1992, we have been proud to stand with the Donate Life mission to ensure no family faces the donation or transplant journey alone.”

Donate Life Kentucky Trust was founded by the Circuit Clerks of Kentucky in 1992 and continues to thrive because of their leadership and commitment. Over the years, their efforts have helped the donor registry grow to over 2 million Kentuckians.

Their dedication allows increased donation education in communities, scholarships, and supports thousands of families across the state. With over 1000 Kentucky kids and adults waiting for a lifesaving transplant, the need is greater than ever.

Thanks to Hopkins Co. Circuit Clerk Tanya Bowman for securing the Axis UTV donation, all proceeds from the raffle will directly support the Trust’s programs including travel and lodging for donor families, care packages for transplant patients, and early kidney disease detection efforts in underserved communities.

Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online at www.donatelifeky.org. The drawing will take place on Aug. 20 at 2pm ET on Facebook @donatelifekentucky.  Details, Terms and Conditions: https://www.donatelifeky.org/2025-donate-life-ky-summer-raffle/

About Donate Life Kentucky Trust:

Founded in 1992 by the Circuit Clerks of Kentucky, Donate Life Kentucky Trust is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides vital funds for transplant patients and donor families and increases public education to grow the Donor Registry through scholarships, driver’s license education, and more.  Learn more by going to www.donatelifeky.org or text or call or text 1-502-694-3015.

Charitable Gaming Number is: ORG00001776

Charitable Organization: Circuit Clerks’ Trust For Life, Inc. DBA Donate Life Kentucky Trust
Details, Terms and Conditions: https://www.donatelifeky.org/2025-donate-life-ky-summer-raffle/

Regulatory overreach threatens the promise of America’s innovation renaissance (OPINION)

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Regulatory overreach threatens the promise of America’s innovation renaissance (OPINION)

By Colson A. Thomas

The United States stands at a pivotal moment in the 21st century—a chance to lead a new technological era defined by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and next-generation infrastructure. President Trump’s call for a “Golden Age of American Innovation” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a strategic necessity. But that vision is being undermined from within by outdated regulatory thinking better suited to the past than the future.

Despite the administration’s pro-business momentum, Biden-era antitrust activism still lingers, especially in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). These agencies continue to target leading American tech companies—Meta, Google, Microsoft—even as the world’s most formidable authoritarian regime, China, pours trillions into its own high-tech ambitions.

It’s a bizarre contrast: while China subsidizes its tech giants and pushes AI worldwide through its Belt and Road Initiative, American innovators are dragged into courtrooms and buried in compliance costs. In a global tech arms race, we’re tying the hands of our own champions.

The FTC’s push to undo Meta’s decade-old acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp—deals previously approved and in fiercely competitive markets—is a prime example. Likewise, the DOJ’s effort to break up Google and slow its AI progress ignores legal precedent and economic logic. These aren’t consumer protections; they’re self-inflicted wounds that drain resources from research and development.

This isn’t about defending monopolies, it’s about strategic coherence. As President Trump rightly said, “We want to have great companies. We don’t want China to have these companies.” In a world where scale equals strength, we cannot afford to dismantle the very firms that keep America competitive.

China is executing a unified strategy to dominate future technologies. Its $3 trillion tech investment plan dwarfs ours. It’s building national AI platforms, funding strategic acquisitions, and exporting tools that embed Communist Party values. If successful, China won’t just lead innovation—it will set the global rules, spreading censorship, surveillance, and centralized control.

To win this race, America must act with equal clarity. Every arm of government must align behind a single mission: ensure U.S. leadership in innovation. Right now, we face internal contradictions—where one branch fuels growth while another fights it.

The President should act immediately on four fronts:

  1. Realign Executive Agencies: The FTC and DOJ must support, not sabotage, the administration’s tech vision. Their focus should be curbing real abuse, not punishing success.
  2. Launch an AI Moonshot: We need an Apollo Program for AI. Public-private partnerships should accelerate innovation, promote American values, and ensure global reach.
  3. Modernize Tech Infrastructure: Infrastructure now includes data centers, energy grids, and a skilled workforce. The $500 billion tech plan is a start—but must expand to include cyber resilience, STEM education, and energy security.
  4. Leverage Scale for Innovation: Big tech is not the enemy of innovation—it enables it. Their resources fund startups, support risky R&D, and help America outpace global rivals.

If the U.S. is to win the battle for technological supremacy, we must stop sabotaging ourselves. The Golden Age of American Innovation will only come if policy, law and leadership move in concert. Anything less is an unforced error—one that risks not just our economic edge, but the values we hope to lead with.

Because the real question isn’t just who wins the tech revolution. It’s what kind of world that revolution creates, and whose values it reflects.

Colson Thomas is the founder of the College Republicans chapter at Murray State University and vice chairman of the Trigg County Republican Party.

City prepares for 12th Street repaving project

Jessica Paine
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City prepares for 12th Street repaving project

MURRAY – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to repave Murray’s main thoroughfare, U.S. 641/12th Street. While that state project is on the horizon, the current construction on the south side of town, which has Glendale Road blocked to through traffic from 12th Street to KY 121 and one northbound lane closed from Glendale to Pogue Avenue, is a local project, being coordinated by the city.

Mayor Bob Rogers said that, after receiving notification about KYTC’s plans to repave 12th Street, city officials asked the cabinet to delay its project in order for the city to replace six manholes.

“We just had to ask them to hold off on the paving until we replace them,” Rogers said, adding that he did not think it will take long to complete the project.

Late last week, crews began placing “road closed” signs and barrels along the east side of South 12th Street, starting just south of Glendale Road and extending north to Pogue Avenue in preparation for the construction project that began Monday.   

Glendale Road is currently closed to through traffic from 12th Street to KY 121. City officials anticipate re-opening the intersection on Thursday. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

That caused some confusion, according to Rogers. “We had to deal with it on the weekend because they went ahead and put the signs up too early. Of course, we were getting ready for the Fourth of July, and we had to call and say, ‘Hey, wait! We don’t want those signs up until Monday morning.’”

A flashing arrow guides northbound traffic on U.S. 641/12th Street to merge into the left lane. The right lane is closed from Glendale Road to Pogue Avenue while the city replaces manholes. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

Nearly all – five of the six manholes – are located on South 12th Street, and one is on Glendale Road. City Administrator Jim Osborne said that the city does not plan on replacing any manholes north of Pogue Avenue at this time.

Osborne further advised that the city anticipates re-opening Glendale Road on Thursday; however, the timetable for the rest of the manhole replacement project, barring any unforeseen problems, will largely depend on the weather.

A dump truck is parked on 12th Street beside a new precast concrete manhole. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

Few details about KYTC’s repaving project are being released at this time, but KYTC District 1 Public Information Officer Carrie Dillard confirmed that the project has been scheduled, advising that engineers anticipate starting sometime in August and that more information will be released as the start date approaches.  

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics CEO responds to signing of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OPINION)

Guest Contributor
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Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics CEO responds to signing of ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ (OPINION)

Wylecia Wiggs Harris, PHD, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, issued the following statement in response to the President’s signing of the reconciliation bill on July 4.

“The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is discouraged by President Trump’s signing of the reconciliation bill, which enacts sweeping cuts to federal nutrition and public health programs that millions of Americans rely on for nutrition and food security.

Changes to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will disrupt the direct certification process for school meals, putting millions of children at greater risk of hunger. The elimination of funding for the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Grant Program (SNAP-Ed) after 2025 disregards decades of success in helping families eat balanced meals on a budget, improve overall health and reduce chronic disease.

There is overwhelming evidence that demonstrates these legislative and budgetary actions will have harmful consequences to public health and none of these actions gets us closer to improving the health and nutrition security of Americans, which the Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture share as common goals. On June 13, we sent a letter with 19 other organizations to Congressional appropriators urging the immediate protection of these programs.

We are deeply grateful to our community, partners and advocates who raised their voices and took action. Together, over 35,000 action alert letters were sent to Congress and we generated more than 5,500 social media engagements in support of protecting nutrition and food security. Your dedication and commitment made a measurable difference.

While we oppose the harmful cuts enacted through this legislation, the Academy remains committed to working with Congress and the Administration to restore vital nutrition programs and address the challenges these cuts create. We believe solutions are possible, and we are ready to help shape a path forward that increases nutrition security and ensures all Americans have access to the nutrition programs they need.”

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