MURRAY - Kentucky’s primary election is on Tuesday, May 21. Primary elections help select candidates who will be on the general election ballot in November. Kentucky has closed primaries, which means that only individuals registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote in partisan races.
MURRAY – Residents of Calloway County should not let their guard down tonight. Although the county has already seen significant storms both last night and earlier today, local weather expert Justin Holland said this evening that, with more storms expected after 9 p.m., the county is “not even close” to being past threats of severe weather.
MURRAY – Since 2013, the final Saturday in April is celebrated as Independent Bookstore Day. Not unlike Record Store Day, which was last Saturday, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) established the day to highlight, promote and celebrate the value of the indie bookstore community.
MURRAY – The battle of wills between Paducah television station WPSD-TV and Murray State University (MSU) – which began in November 2022 when WPSD appealed to the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office over MSU’s response to an open records request – is finally over after negotiating a settlement worth $132,500.
WICKLIFFE, Ky. – License plates from Virgina, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina, among others, lined the shoulder of U.S. 51 near the gate of Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site Monday morning. While several ended up there by chance, motivated by a forecast of 15-20% cloud coverage, more favorable than conditions expected in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Carbondale, Ill., others intentionally chose the ancient site to view the rare celestial event – a total solar eclipse.
These photos were taken at Wickliffe Mounds, where people from all across the eastern half of the country to experience 2 minutes, 36 seconds of totality.
MURRAY – This year, April 7–13 is National Library Week, with April 8 “Right to Read Day.” In 2023, the American Library Association (ALA) documented efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and public libraries, an increase from 2,571 the year before.
MURRAY – Attorneys for WPSD-TV filed a notice of remand in Calloway Circuit Court this morning, advising that an agreement had been reached with counsel for Murray State University to postpone, indefinitely, the hearing previously scheduled for this afternoon on the station’s motion for more than $415,000 in sanctions in its longstanding dispute with the university over open records requests.
MURRAY – In a pleading filed yesterday, WPSD-TV stood by its motion for an award of fees and penalties totaling more than $415,000 filed last month in the civil suit it brought against Murray State University more than a year ago over open records requests, calling such substantial sanctions “necessary” to “send a clear message to MSU that this kind of willful stonewalling is not acceptable from an educational institution in this Commonwealth.”
MURRAY - Western Kentucky has a reputation for being a great place to be outdoors, and as spring approaches, it’s easy to find our minds wandering to plans for all the things that one can do out of our winter cocoons. For those who have big ideas or are looking for inspiration, the West Kentucky Home, Garden and Farm Show at the CFSB Center this Friday and Saturday might be a good place to start.
MURRAY – In a pleading filed yesterday in Calloway Circuit Court, Murray State University asked Special Judge John Atkins to reject the request for sanctions made by Paducah television station WPSD-TV after he ruled last month that the university violated the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA), characterizing the request for over $415,000 in attorneys’ fees and statutory penalties as “gluttonous,” questioning the reasonableness of the fees and disputing how the penalty amount was calculated.
MURRAY – The Calloway County Health Department (CCHD) is looking for a new public health director after Jamie Hughes tendered his resignation to the Calloway County Board of Health last month. After two-and-a-half years serving in the role of director, Hughes stepped down Friday to join the human resources (HR) department at Baptist Health Paducah.
MURRAY – As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Kentucky held its annual Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday at 9:07 a.m. While the majority of the storm sirens in Calloway County did work as expected, two of the three sirens within Murray’s city limits did not sound.
MURRAY – Murray State University Board of Regents Chairman Leon Owens released a statement after Friday’s quarterly board meeting in response to a motion for attorneys’ fees and statutory penalties WPSD-TV filed Monday in its lawsuit against the university, marking the first time a Murray State official has publicly commented on the case.
MURRAY – On the heels of a summary judgment ruling in their favor, attorneys for Paducah television station WPSD-TV asked Calloway Circuit Special Judge John Atkins to require Murray State University to pay the station over $415,000 in penalties and fees for willfully violating the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA) when it responded to open records requests submitted by the station in the fall of 2022.
MURRAY – On Dec. 10, 2021, the tornado that ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky hit the old Eloise Fuller apartment complex in the downtown area, which at the time housed Generations Adult Day Services. Generations provides care for developmentally disabled and frail adults throughout western Kentucky and is one of only a handful of organizations that offer this service.
MURRAY – The end to a long-standing dispute between Paducah television station WPSD-TV and Murray State University over public records is in sight after Calloway Circuit Special Judge John Atkins issued his summary judgment Friday, ruling the university improperly redacted records it produced in response to open records requests submitted by the station, in violation of the Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA).
MURRAY - Murray poet Charley Allen-Dunn celebrated the recent release of her chapbook, “The Scar It Leaves,” at a well-attended book signing and reading hosted by the Murray Art Guild Friday night. Set in the hills of her native western Kentucky, Allen-Dunn’s anthology addresses how childhood experience can shape adulthood.
HOPKINSVILLE – With the exception of the bailiff, clerk and judge, everyone in Christian County Circuit Court Courtroom 2 Wednesday afternoon traveled from either Murray, Paducah or Louisville to attend the summary judgment hearing in a lawsuit between Paducah television station WPSD-TV and Murray State University (MSU) over public records. The hearing, which most anticipated would take hours and end with a ruling on the case, was over in 15 minutes because a logistics issue prevented the judge from reviewing the exhibits the parties filed with their pleadings.
HOPKINSVILLE – A 15-month conflict between Paducah television station WPSD-TV and Murray State University over public records, which has resulted in an appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General as well as the filing of a civil lawsuit, may come to an end today as the parties are scheduled for a summary judgment hearing this afternoon.
MURRAY – Everyone may be getting stocked up on bread and milk for the upcoming cold temps in our region, but does everyone have a place to stay warm?
MURRAY – Charley Allen-Dunn makes her literary debut today with a collection of original poetry entitled "The Scar It Leaves." A native of Pottsville, Kentucky, Allen-Dunn attended Graves County High School and studied poetry at Murray State University. She now serves as the university’s director of web management and digital marketing.
MURRAY – Trying to cut back on social media while still staying up-to-date on things like local weather? Justin Holland has you covered. The founder of the popular Murray/Calloway County Weather Facebook page launched his official website last week – murrayweather.com.
MURRAY – Keeping up with what community resources are available in a rapidly changing world can be frustrating for anyone, especially for those in a situation that does not quite necessitate calling 911 but still requires some assistance. If you are in Kentucky, there is now a “web app” for that – MyKY.info.
MURRAY – After receiving an overwhelming response from the community in its inaugural year, it would appear that the Drs. Dick and Jan Weaver Challenge for Charities is poised to become a staple fundraising opportunity for those looking to support local nonprofit organizations.
MURRAY – Sarah Pawlik, a Murray woman who was charged with first-degree sexual abuse in April, may not serve any time after accepting an offer from Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney James Burkeen to plead guilty to a lesser offense.
MURRAY – The Murray couple indicted on murder and criminal abuse charges last month appeared for the first time before Calloway Circuit Court Judge Andrea Moore this morning for their respective arraignments. While one proceeded as per usual, the other was continued after concerns regarding that defendant’s competency to stand trial were raised.
MURRAY – The Kentucky Open Records Act (KORA) declares the “free and open examination of public records is in the public interest … even though such examination may cause inconvenience or embarrassment to public officials or others.”
MURRAY – There were 114 criminal cases on the Calloway Circuit Court docket this morning. Among the defendants who appeared before Circuit Judge Andrea Moore today were two Murray natives whose respective cases have drawn headlines – Jack Epperson, who allegedly attempted to launch an improvised explosive into a group of sorority members last year, and Nathan Jackson, who faces complicity to attempted murder charges related to a late-night shooting near a local high school in September.
MURRAY – As expected, the Calloway County grand jury indicted a Murray couple Friday on murder and first-degree criminal abuse charges in the horrific death of a toddler last month.
MURRAY – For the next eight weeks, residents of Calloway County have a unique opportunity to be a part of building a healthier community. What health issues are important to you? What are the biggest health-related challenges currently facing our community? The Calloway County Health Department wants to know what you think. The request is simple – complete a short survey – but the information gleaned will be used to shape policies and programming to improve the overall health of the greater Calloway County community over the next four years.
MURRAY – With the presentation of her case to the grand jury 10 days away, Chyanne Niemeyer’s attorney appeared before Calloway Circuit Judge Andrea Moore today, requesting the judge to direct the Murray Police Department to collect and preserve what is believed to be relevant evidence in addition to requesting the defense be able to present evidence to the grand jury.
MURRAY – The law enforcement presence was high in the Calloway County Judicial Building today as the Murray couple charged with murder and criminal child abuse in the grisly death of a 17-month-old last week were back in Calloway District Court for preliminary hearings.
MURRAY – Gruesome details of the murder of a 17-month-old girl came to light today following the arraignment of the child’s mother and her fiancé in Calloway District Court.
Publisher’s note: The information contained in this story may be upsetting to some individuals.
MURRAY – Open enrollment for Medicare is in full swing. Between now and December 7, Americans aged 65 and older are tasked with deciding whether their healthcare needs will be best met under original Medicare or through a Medicare Advantage plan.
MURRAY – StepStone Family and Youth Services is on a quest to relocate a group home for boys it currently operates on Back Street; however, between zoning restrictions and pushback from the community, the company has not been successful in previous attempts to move the home to another location in town. Now, StepStone has set its sights on a property six miles outside of the city limits in Elm Grove. Monday night, the company held a public meeting at the Miller Courthouse Annex on the potential relocation.
MURRAY – After two failed attempts to relocate the group home for boys it currently operates on Back Street, StepStone Family and Youth Services is hoping the third time is the charm. The company is now looking at a property on Rockwood Road in Elm Grove and has scheduled a public meeting on the proposed relocation Monday, Oct. 16.
MURRAY – For the second month in a row, the Calloway County Public Library’s (CCPL) unattended child policy took center stage at the CCPL Board of Trustees meeting, yet as of Tuesday night, the issue remains unresolved. Tensions were high from the onset and only grew as staff brought out more chairs to accommodate well over a dozen members of the public who showed up to voice their opposition to the current policy.
MURRAY – A unique opportunity is available this year to 20 local nonprofit organizations who are participating in the Murray-Calloway County Community Foundation’s (MCCCF) Drs. Dick and Jan Weaver Challenge for Charities to earn matching grants for their fundraising efforts. These are no ordinary matching grants because, instead of giving the matching funds directly to the organizations, the money will go into an endowment for the organization.
FRANKFORT, KY - There was movement today in the Kentucky Supreme Court case brought by former Circuit Court Judge James (Jamie) Jameson against the Kentucky Judicial Conduct Commission, appealing the commission’s judgment which deemed him unfit for office.
MURRAY – Public service takes many forms. Commonly, public servants fulfill their roles through working in service-oriented fields and volunteering. Seldom do people choose self-imposed, voluntary second jobs as their public service path; but they do exist, and Justin Holland, the creator of the Facebook page Murray/Calloway County Weather, is one of them.
MURRAY – Murray Pridefest 2023 kicks off Friday night. Organizers with Murray KY Pride have planned an eclectic mix of events throughout the weekend that give people of all ages and persuasions an opportunity to celebrate Pride.
MURRAY – Media outlets have been documenting the slow proliferation of COVID-19 across the country for weeks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID Data Tracker shows a 21.6% increase in hospital admissions for the week ending Aug. 19 over the previous week; likewise, COVID-related deaths were up 21.4%.
Zooming in locally, even without any knowledge of the current metrics, much of the citizenry of Calloway County is aware, at least anecdotally, of the current surge in cases.
MURRAY – We all have stories to tell, but how many of us actually write them down? For Murray State University flute professor Dr. Stephanie Rea, writing her life story ended up being life-changing.
What started as a simple story ultimately morphed into a one-person show called “The Next Best Thing: A Flute Professor’s Tragicomic Origin Story,” which Rea will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in the Performing Arts Hall on the second floor of the Old Fine Arts Building on campus. Fellow music professor Dr. Meeyoun Park will accompany Rea on the piano.
MURRAY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital (MCCH) is in the midst of a baby boom. Administrators, who worked feverishly throughout the summer to be ready for a record number of deliveries expected over the next three weeks, were able to breathe a sigh of relief Monday as the hospital opened a new postpartum unit before the next anticipated wave.
MURRAY - Southwest Villa is a subdivision off Gibbs Store Road in the southwest quadrant of Calloway County. A drive through the idyllic neighborhood reveals a family-friendly culture with trampolines, basketball goals and bicycles dotting yards and driveways throughout.
On July 16, Southwest Villa residents learned, by way of a legal notice printed in the Murray Ledger & Times, that StepStone Family and Youth Services planned to open a group home for boys right around the corner, at 287 Enix Drive.
FRANKFORT, KY - The Judicial Conduct Commission submitted supplemental findings of fact, conclusions of law and final order to the Kentucky Supreme Court regarding its proceedings against a former circuit court judge for the 42nd Judicial Circuit, which covers Marshall and Calloway counties, on Tuesday. Ultimately, the supplemental filing reaches the same conclusion as the original; however, it provides significantly more details about the Commission’s justification for removing James (Jamie) Jameson from office.
MURRAY - There was standing room only at the Calloway County Public Library Friday (July 21) afternoon as community members joined library staff and members of the Board of Trustees in honoring long-time community benefactor Margaret Trevathan for 25 years of service as CCPL’s first librarian through the dedication of the library’s new children’s area.
MURRAY – Keeping up with what community resources are available in a rapidly changing world can be frustrating for anyone, especially for those in a situation that does not quite necessitate calling 911 but still requires some assistance. If you are in Kentucky, there is now a “web app” for that – MyKY.info.
The new site features an app-like interface, giving Kentuckians access to the local services they need. Once on the site, users first choose the information which best suits them in a series of simple selections, namely gender and age (above 25 years old or under 25 years old); selections for specific needs, such as veterans, seniors, immigrants and foster youth, are also available.
After making the appropriate selections, users are led to a map that shows them where they can find the services they are looking for. The site not only offers access to emergency services such as healthcare, food and housing, but shows those in the community where they can find activities and legal aid closest to them. There are also links to crisis hotlines and LIVE help.
For those without access to the internet or cellular devices, free standing kiosks are emerging in many high traffic areas throughout the state. Thanks, in part, to the Community Federal Services Bank (CFSB), one of these free-standing kiosks is available for use at the Calloway County Public Library.
According to MyKY.info, the idea began in the Louisville area when police expressed the need for quick information to help those in need out on the streets. Cathe Dykstra, sought to create something that could help her Louisville community. Dykstra, the CEO and President of Family Scholar House, a nonprofit organization that assists single parents, their children, and foster care alumni, found a resource in the site BigBurgh.com.
Dykstra worked with Bob Firth of Informing Design Inc. of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who had helped create BigBurgh.com, along with Joe Lagana of the Homeless Children’s Education Fund and Assistant Chief of Pittsburgh Police Maurita Bryant to create the website LouieConnect.com, which was the precursor to MyKY.info. At first, the site, which was funded in part by PNC Charitable Trusts, UPS Foundation, the Coalition for the Homeless, Metro United Way and Frank and Paula Harshaw, was limited to information within the Louisville metro community, operating much like an online 211 call line offering referrals to services. The site was so successful it inspired other communities in the commonwealth to seek similar assistance. Now, it has grown to include all communities in the commonwealth.
The site is still in its early stages and is vetting and adding new resources regularly. To make the information as accessible as possible, there are both English and Spanish options, with a French option coming soon.
MyKY.info also has freestanding kiosks throughout the state, including this one, located at CCPL.
MURRAY – Charley Allen-Dunn makes her literary debut today with a collection of original poetry entitled "The Scar It Leaves." A native of Pottsville, Kentucky, Allen-Dunn attended Graves County High School and studied poetry at Murray State University. She now serves as the university’s director of web management and digital marketing.
When one winds up with a scar, there’s usually a story behind it. Such is the case here, as Allen-Dunn “chronicles the ways scars are created and reveals how we unlearn and re-learn the lessons derived from those scars,” according to local writer and fellow poet Constance Alexander.
Allen-Dunn’s new anthology captures the spirit of western Kentucky, evoking scenes of its rural beauty as well as cracks in its culture. A member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Allen-Dunn offers a unique perspective from an otherwise underrepresented demographic in the region. Her work also draws attention to issues that affect many in the area, namely, opioid addiction and the impact it has on families.
“My hope is that it's something people can connect with on some level, and that at least one of the poems resonates with their experiences in a way that helps them feel seen or not alone,” says Allen-Dunn.
The book is available for purchase here. For those who cannot wait for the delivery, here is a little taste of what is to come:
There’s a poem in this place
There’s a poem in this place
where the crops roll green into the tree line,
where the ghost of a city rests beneath the lake,
where the storms take houses down past the studs,
where the factories shut down,
where the lightning cracks like a whip,
where the trees twist and turn around barbed wire,
where the people who leave don’t come back,
where the people who stay wear the past like shackles to their feet
There’s a poem in this place
where we grew up in shadows,
where the gospel bloomed like ragweed,
where the secrets sprouted like dandelions,
where the whispers always came after the smile,
where we learned loving wasn’t always right
There’s a poem in this place,
where the sky some days is a blue so pure it makes you forget,
where the sun sets so red-orange-purple it takes your breath to see it,
makes you want to reach out your hand to share it
but still believe it was meant only for you.
The community is invited to attend Allen-Dunn’s book signing at the Murray Art Guild on Friday, Feb. 2, from 6-8 p.m.
Allen-Dunn reads select poems from the book on stage during the Pride in the Park event in September
MURRAY – Everyone may be getting stocked up on bread and milk for the upcoming cold temps in our region, but does everyone have a place to stay warm?
Colder air will be moving into our area over the weekend, with below freezing temperatures expected throughout next week. The Calloway County Office of Emergency Management (OEM), in coordination with Murray State University (MSU), opened a warming center at the Cutchin Fieldhouse (formerly known as Racer Arena) located at 333 North 14th St. on the MSU campus. The entrance for the warming center will be located on the south side of the building.
Officials opened the center at noon yesterday, and the hours of operation will be based on occupancy. Emergency Management Director Josh Kerr advised that updates on the center’s hours will be provided on the agency’s Facebook page (@CallowayOEM).
The “warming center” is different from a “warming shelter” in that it is only considered to be a temporary place for those in need – no cots, bedding or food are provided. Kerr suggested a few things that people may want to bring with them, depending on long they plan to be at the center.
“They may wish to bring snacks or water along with any required medications. A blanket may also be a good idea for personal comfort,” Kerr advised.
A post on OEM's Facebook page states that no animals will be allowed in the center, of any kind.
“Service animals would be the exception,” Kerr clarified. “Those would be welcomed; however, it would be the owner’s responsibility to care for the animal’s needs. We would also request that they be properly leashed or in a crate.”
For those who are worried about their furry friends, the Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter is actively assisting those in need of shelter and other materials to keep animals warm at this time. Contact the shelter by calling 270-759-4141 or simply stop by – the shelter is located at 81 Shelter Lane – for assistance.
In a Facebook post, the OEM warned the public to ensure proper ventilation and to use carbon monoxide detectors when using gas heating as well as generators. It is also important to remember that when using individual electric heaters, circuits should not be overloaded or used with electrical extension cords, and as always, keep all flammable items away from heaters and heating elements.
To stay up to date on weather-related issues or for more information regarding the warming center check the OEM Facebook page or, for weather issues only, the US National Weather Service of Paducah Kentucky website.
Photo of the south entrance to Cutchin Fieldhouse (f/k/a Racer Arena)
MURRAY - Murray poet Charley Allen-Dunn celebrated the recent release of her chapbook, “The Scar It Leaves,” at a well-attended book signing and reading hosted by the Murray Art Guild Friday night. Set in the hills of her native western Kentucky, Allen-Dunn’s anthology addresses how childhood experience can shape adulthood.
MAG Executive Director Debi Danielson said the crowd was impressive, estimating 50-60 people attended the event. Guests enjoyed refreshments as the local author diligently sold and signed copies of her new book for a line of fans both before and after reading a few select poems.
First up was the book's preliminary poem, “Until it pops,” which Allen-Dunn explained is about the “anticipation of something that you know is going to happen, and it’s not great and just that nervous anxiety.” In the poem, a child blowing up a balloon is used as a metaphor for “hating the buildup,” as the author described, and “knowing before you know,” as the poem itself reads. As its last stanzas point out, it is human nature that although one may know what’s in store, “We pucker our lips all the faster, and begin to blow.”
Allen-Dunn also read the poem from whence the book gets its title, which itself is entitled, ‘At what point do you stop reaching for the flame?’ In it, the poet has fun with phonetics, sounding out the word “hot.” Here is an excerpt:
Hot. HhhhhhoT.
Drag it out,
blow into the h,
let it breathe and spread,
then a quick ah and clip.
Stop hard with the T.
HhhhhhhhoT
Let the h rumble like the purr of a motor,
puff your cheeks around the o at 10 and 2,
now slam the brakes. Throw your arm out.
T
Let the h build like the heat as you move your hand closer,
warmer, warmer, then touch it. The sharp inhale,
the rapid recoil of the T.
A blister already beginning to bubble. We feel the heat,
we grow to expect the burn, we learn and remember
the sharp sting that doesn’t fade for days.
The scar it leaves.
Before reading her moving and evocative poem, “There’s a poem in this place,” the Graves County native acknowledged the difficulty of growing up gay in this area. (Read the full poem here.)
“There's an isolation that is hard to explain when you're raised to think who you are is bad or that you should be ashamed,” Allen-Dunn explained in an interview. “There are elements of that in a lot of my work - the struggle to survive and break free from toxic relationships (with people or substances).”
Those who identify as LGBTQIA+ can struggle to feel accepted in rural culture and even within their own families, but the room was full of belonging on Friday night.
“I’m still wrapping my head around what actually happened,” Allen-Dunn posted on Instagram, reflecting on the evening. “It was unreal and I am blown away by the support of this community. It was so much more than I ever imagined. Thank you to everyone who was there. Thank you to everyone who wanted to be but couldn’t make it. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope you find something in the words I wrote you can carry with you. I hope it brings you comfort and serves as a reminder that no matter what path you’re on, you don’t have to walk it alone.”
"The Scar It Leaves," which was published by Finishing Line Press, is available locally at Bolin Books or online at Bookshop.
Poet Charley Allen-Dunn reads from her new book to a packed house at the Murray Art Guild Friday.
MURRAY – On Dec. 10, 2021, the tornado that ripped through Mayfield, Kentucky hit the old Eloise Fuller apartment complex in the downtown area, which at the time housed Generations Adult Day Services. Generations provides care for developmentally disabled and frail adults throughout western Kentucky and is one of only a handful of organizations that offer this service.
“It took out our agency completely,” said Christy Gardner, Generations’ executive director. “We were wiped out.”
After the tornado came the rain, and with the rain came the flooding. The apartments above the agency caved in, and the entire building was flooded out.
“We were able to get into the building and take a couple of comfort items like the participants’ coffee mugs and a few personal effects,” recalled Gardner. “But it was 100% devastation. I mean, the place was leveled.”
“If we had not had an insurance policy on the inside of that building, we would have had to close,” she added. “There's really not a whole lot of other agencies in this area to fill the need that we fill. Easterseals (West Kentucky) provides similar services; but they're very big, and they're full. And so, our participants would have been without anything.”
Generations provides daytime care for sick and physically and developmentally disabled adults in Calloway, Marshall, Fulton, McCracken, Graves and surrounding counties. The nonprofit agency provides a place for adults 21 years and older living with conditions such as cerebral palsy, down syndrome, schizophrenia and Alzheimer’s, who have limited local options for the daytime nursing care that they require in order to live independently in the community or with their families.
It also offers a respite for caregivers. “Taking care of someone with Alzheimer's is a full-time job,” said Gardner. The agency enables family members who have loved ones in the program to work, do grocery shopping or just have a day off.
The agency fills a critical need in the community for adults over 21 who have aged out of school programs and are not able to work due to their disabilities. Its mission is to keep people out of nursing homes for as long as possible. “Nursing home and long-term care are very stressful for families,” said Gardner, who has served as executive director since 2021.
They are also very expensive. Moving to a nursing home can drain the resources that people have worked their entire lives to build. Being able to live at home helps to preserve those resources, which contributes to their quality of life, their family legacy, and optimizes what they’re able to pass on to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“Being able to keep someone at home as long as possible with their caregiver is just huge,” Gardner emphasized.
Generations receives operating funds through Kentucky’s Medicaid waiver program. “100% of the money that we get from Medicaid goes back into the organization itself,” Gardner said. “We actually set our private rates lower than what Medicaid reimburses, and if someone can't pay the bills because they don’t qualify for Medicaid, we find a sponsor.” Local churches and other organizations have stepped up to sponsor individuals who have trouble paying program fees.
But the agency’s ability to continue providing these services remains threatened in the wake of the tornado. It had to close for about a year and a half after the Mayfield building was destroyed. A fundraising effort, which netted about $45,000, helped them get back up and operating, and they reopened in Murray in August 2023.
Generations had a small insurance policy, which enabled them to replace the contents of the building, such as couches, televisions, tables and chairs. While furnishings were covered, the building’s fixtures, such as specialized security system the agency installed, were not.
The Mayfield building was equipped with a security lock system that had been installed for the safety of individuals with Alzheimer’s. If someone tried to open the door, an alarm would sound for 15 seconds before the door opened. This gave staff time to respond in time to stop the person from leaving the building unaccompanied and helped keep participants safe.
That system – which cost $10,000 and had been purchased through a grant just four years earlier – was destroyed along with the building. The insurance company considered the security system part of the building, rather than part of the contents, and would not provide reimbursement to replace it.
In addition to the losses incurred from the destruction of the agency’s building, the disruption in services facilitated the loss several program participants. Some moved to nursing homes, and others passed away. Still others moved away to be with family members after their homes were destroyed by the tornado. Staff members were saddened to lose these people, whom they had grown close to.
But these losses have also meant reductions in Medicaid reimbursements. That has left a hole in their finances, which they are struggling to fill. Adding insult to injury, not only has its income been down, but the agency’s costs have tripled since moving to Murray.
The building that Generations now occupies on U.S. 641 North has about three times the space as their previous building in Mayfield, but it’s not all usable space for day programs. So, even though the rent and utilities are the same price per square foot as the old space, they still have to pay for the entire space. The increased space has enabled them to expand their program capacity from 14 individuals to 20, but that still leaves them in arrears on bills.
All of this amounts to a need to generate additional funds, not only to replace the security system but also to expand their capacity to serve the population who depends on their help. Since they moved to Murray, the agency has amassed an extensive waiting list.
In order to serve additional members of the community, they will need a new building; that entails hiring additional staff. Generations also wants to start a case management program, which involves its own hiring costs and other expenses, such as laptops.
“In order to keep our program intimate and small and person-centered,” Gardner said, “we need a new building and additional staff, because we want to make sure that the care we're providing is intentional.”
Gardner wants to hold fundraising events to help Generations get back on its feet and expand its services. Some of the ideas she has include hosting a spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast or a kickball or bowling tournament. She is also floating the notion of a benefit concert (“Battle of the Bands” style) and a charity art auction. Having staff work with a food truck to take orders from and deliver plates to local businesses is also a possibility.
Generations staff would do the legwork for all of these events. “We have the means to do the work,” noted Gardner. What they lack is the upfront resources and overhead needed to hold these types of events. The goal is to raise $15,000.
The fundraisers also serve a dual purpose. It helps generate the funds needed to enable them to catch up on expenses, and through local partners’ involvement with the fundraising, the agency can demonstrate that it has community support. This, in turn, enables them to qualify for grant funding, which is the next stage of expanding their capacity to serve the community.
Gardner’s dream is to operate in two locations. The plan has been to move back to Mayfield eventually, and they have already signed on to join the Mayfield Community Center when they do so. However, since moving to Murray, she has received many calls from residents here about the agency’s services.
“Keeping this location open when our Mayfield area opens is absolutely a possibility,” Gardner said, and would enable Generations to accept more people from its extensive waiting list.
“If we are led to stay in Murray,” she added, “that’s what we’ll do.”
Any individuals or local businesses interested in helping with fundraising efforts, can call Gardner at 270-247-1311 or email Christy.generationsofky@gmail.com.
What does a day at Generations look like?
“We serve breakfast and then we usually do a daily devotion of some sort, then some exercise,” Gardner explained. “If the weather is nice, we'll go outside and blow bubbles or do chalk art.”
Staff members lead education and training programs in reading, basic math skills and money management. Lunch is catered in by the local school system. After lunch there are socialization activities and sometimes a movie. They have monthly outings, taking participants to Mr. Gatti's where they have lunch and play games, or to the library, or shopping at Dollar Tree.
The agency has a nurse on staff to administer medications, check vitals or blood sugar and see to other daily health needs. There is a private treatment room, a kitchen and a rest area. The old building had a shower for assistance with personal hygiene. However, the current building lacks a shower.
People who are part of Generations call each other "best friends," reflecting the organization's person-centered approach, and close bonds develop between members of the community. "I'm thankful for the good friends I have at Generations," says one woman on a video posted to the organization's Facebook page last Thanksgiving.
MURRAY – As part of Severe Weather Awareness Week, Kentucky held its annual Statewide Tornado Drill on Wednesday at 9:07 a.m. While the majority of the storm sirens in Calloway County did work as expected, two of the three sirens within Murray’s city limits did not sound.
Calloway County Emergency Management Director Josh Kerr said that both sirens in Hazel and all of the sirens on Murray State University’s campus went off without a hitch, but only one of the three within Murray’s city limits sounded. The siren located on Doran Road did work, but those on Glendale Road and in Riviera Courts stayed silent.
The storm sirens are sounded whenever the National Weather Service (NWS) issues a tornado warning for Murray and/or Hazel. In accordance with NWS guidelines and the county’s emergency plan, the sirens are tested once each quarter. As noted in a press release about the statewide drill, the tests “allow officials to more accurately determine the proper functioning of each siren, which is difficult to do under actual threat conditions.”
Unbeknownst to many, while the quarterly tests are coordinated through Calloway County Emergency Management, the county does not actually own or operate any of the storm sirens within its borders. Murray and Hazel own and maintain the sirens within their city limits; similarly, Murray State owns and maintains the sirens located on campus.
“I will assure you that as soon as we were made aware of this, we started trying to find out who could diagnose the problem,” said Murray Mayor Bob Rogers in an email. “We don’t want to have an emergency and not be able to warn our residents.”
Murray Police Chief Sam Bierds said on Thursday that both sirens are functioning properly now, but he also confirmed that those sirens did not sound during the last quarterly test in December. At the time, a technician assessed the sirens and was able to repair both of them, but it was determined that one on Glendale Road needed to be replaced.
“They apparently got it working at the time, and now it has failed again,” Bierds said of the Riviera Courts siren. “So, I’m afraid that we’re going to have the (same) issue with the Riviera siren that we’ve got with the Glendale Road siren.
“Those two sirens are relatively old. When I had the company come down and look at our siren on Glendale Road, the issue is the fuse keeps blowing, and that basically cuts power off to the whole system. They’re remote set off by a radio system; so we punch a code into a number pad in our dispatch center, and that sends the radio signal out that then sets the siren off. If that fuse blows, then the whole system goes down; and for whatever reason, we’ve been trying to piecemeal it together for, I guess, quite some time. When the repairman came down, he (said it) needs to be replaced. So, I’m going to have him come out and look at our Riviera sirens to see if we’re in the same spot.”
Bierds, who celebrates his first anniversary as chief later this month, said that, while he had not thought of storm sirens falling under the purview of the police chief, it makes sense because the signal that sets off the sirens comes from his dispatchers.
“It's not a police matter; it’s not a crime matter; but it’s a public safety matter, and we do have the dispatch center,” Bierds said. “When the mayor asked, ‘Do you mind looking into this?’ Absolutely. Because this is where my family lives. This is as much my community as it is anyone else’s, and storm preparedness is important.”
“You know, I live on that side of town,” he added, “and if for some reason I can’t hear the siren go off… or my mom, who lives on that side of town… it’s just there’s such a personal connection for me and really everybody in the city government who lives and works in this city. We take it very seriously.”
Since being charged with the responsibility of overseeing the storm sirens, he has called a technician to work on them at least twice, not including Wednesday’s failure.
“The thing is they can be repaired enough to pass the repair test, but the longevity of those repairs is what’s not lasting, which is why we need to replace them,” Bierds explained. “We can repair it, and maybe they can last a few weeks, a few months, but they don’t make it to the next quarterly test. We don’t know when they’re going down unless we’re going out there every day and testing them, and I think the citizens would be a little upset if I set the sirens off every day.”
Bierds acknowledged that cost is an issue but said that the city has been diligent in looking for cost-effective ways to replace the Glendale siren since it failed in December.
“I think we’ve found a pretty good option for what we need to do; but if we have to replace two sirens, we’re going to have to replace two sirens,” he said. “The big thing is that as soon as we knew that we had an issue, this is something we’ve been working on.”
The plan is to completely replace the siren units; that means new radio components, battery back-up and speakers. Bierds said that the unit they are looking at has a range of seven to 10 miles, which will greatly enhance coverage across the city.
Once everything is in place in terms of financing, Bierds said it should take three to six weeks to have the new sirens operational. Rogers has been in communication with Murray Electric System General Manager Tony Thompson about using some of their bucket trucks to assist with the installation of the replacement units. Officials will also need to secure a crane to hoist the new unit on top of the existing poles.
“If they were more frequent,” Bierds said of the quarterly tests, “we would probably know a bit more, but obviously, you have to do these things on a schedule. And we do the tests, and we’re aware of the issue and actively working to fix it. In a perfect world, we would’ve had everything installed and replaced before this quarterly test, but sometimes when you’re looking at a multi-thousand-dollar project, you’ve got to take a little time to make sure you’ve got all your ducks in a row before you pull the trigger on it. That’s kind of where we’re at right now.”
MURRAY - Western Kentucky has a reputation for being a great place to be outdoors, and as spring approaches, it’s easy to find our minds wandering to plans for all the things that one can do out of our winter cocoons. For those who have big ideas or are looking for inspiration, the West Kentucky Home, Garden and Farm Show at the CFSB Center this Friday and Saturday might be a good place to start.
The man behind the show, Daniel Walker of DW Enterprises, wants the public to know that this is an event that promises to have a “little something” for everyone. Exhibitors’ offerings range from roofing to plumbing, from financing to furniture, plants to pest control, renovations to recreation, interior and exterior.
“We will have landscape and lawn care vendors there,” Walker said, “all kinds of equipment dealers from tractors and farming equipment, lawnmowers and yard equipment, all-purpose utility vehicles and golf carts; (and) plenty of different contractors and suppliers of all needs.”
Walker, a Murray native who has long worked in event management, said the idea for the show came while having coffee with a friend.
“The idea for the show isn't technically mine,” Walker admitted, “The show was once an annual event here in Murray and was run by Froggy (103.7) for a number of years in the 2000s. They let the show go around the 2010s and it hasn't happened since. That is until last year.”
The renewed event is in its second year running. Last year, the show hosted 51 vendors and was attended by over 2,500 people, and this year, the show promises to be even bigger.
“We have already signed roughly 75 vendors and are still communicating with more daily.” Walker said last week.
In addition to outdoor style vendors, the event will play host to vendors of the home sales variety such as Scentsy, Tupperware, Norwex, and Pampered Chef. There will also be several boutiques, homemade fudge, roasted nuts and more.
Walker also wants the public to know that they don’t have to leave the kids at home.
“We will have a kids’ area provided by Bluegrass Academy of Dance and an antique tractor show put on by the Purchase Area Antique Tractor Club,” he said.
The event takes place this weekend, March 22-23, at the CFSB Center in Murray from 4-8 p.m. on Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Admission is free. For a full list of exhibitors visit www.wkhgf.com.
MURRAY – This year, April 7–13 is National Library Week, with April 8 “Right to Read Day.” In 2023, the American Library Association (ALA) documented efforts to censor 4,240 unique book titles in schools and public libraries, an increase from 2,571 the year before.
According to the ALA website, “Organized pressure groups have used their power – and long lists of titles – to wage an aggressive campaign to empty library shelves of all books they deem inappropriate instead of allowing people to decide for themselves what they and their children read…Nearly half of the titles impacted were by or about LGBTQIA+ individuals and people of color.”
This year’s catch phrase for National Library Week is, ‘Don’t let censorship eclipse your freedom to read.”
In the spirit of that slogan, Murray State University’s Pride Center, with support from the Department of English and Philosophy, is hosting a presentation by poet Willie Carver, on April 18, at 6 p.m., in the Freed Curd Auditorium in the Collins Center for Industry and Technology on the MSU campus. Admission is free.
Carver, author of “Gay Poems for Red States,” begins this stunning collection with his own backstory and chronicles his fall from grace as a public high school teacher in Mount Sterling, Ky.
Shortly before his first day, he is pulled aside by a Montgomery County administrator who asks if the new teacher is “openly gay.”
When Carver says yes, the administrator replies, “I just want you to understand. In this community, you will be crucified. No one will protect you, including me.”
Carver interprets the warning as a kindness, “an attempt to protect me, as if every Southern queer person isn’t already perpetually awaiting crucifixion.”
Despite the implied threat, Carver taught successfully for more than a decade, inspired by the awesome potential of the students in his classroom. In fact, he credits his students’ energy and commitment to excellence for his designation as Kentucky Teacher of the Year in 2022.
Ironically, this distinction ended Carver’s high school teaching career when a small contingent in the community began attending board meetings and accusing him of grooming, inappropriateness, and sexuality, in regard to his students. The group even resorted to doxing the teacher and some of his former students, publishing private information with apparent malicious intent.
As a result, Carver concluded, “There was no longer a place for me as a teacher.”
His poems rose from the ashes.
The first one is set in familiar territory, a McDonald’s drive-thru window. When asked, “Would you like a Hot Wheel or a Barbie?” Carver’s choice caused the clerk to give the boy a onceover.
“You know you’re gonna ruin him?” she said to his mother, handing over the boxed meal.
Another recovered memory is Carver’s poem, “First Crush,” and a boy named Brandon with “toasted-colored hair” and shoes white as “…the blank page of a coloring book.”
One after another, Carver replays his childhood, one scene at a time. In “Clean Room,” he recalls the tumult of his brother’s lair as that of “a middle-aged trucker,” while his own was “slender and agile, a dancer quick to pose for cameras.”
His genius for biscuit making was discovered early: “Before I even learned to sing the alphabet,” he declares.
The secret ingredient?
“Butter transforms everything into love between your teeth and your tongue,” Carver says, adding that the “sea of butter” changes homemade batter into “carbohydrate continents…”
As the poems move toward adolescent recollections, he recognizes himself as “a jigsaw piece from an entirely different puzzle box.”
Watching an episode of “Jerry Springer” with his father, featuring a gay man from California seeking his father’s acceptance, was a milestone. Carver was amazed by his parent’s reaction:
“You know, if I ever had a kid who felt comfortable telling me something like that, I hope they’d/ Know that it would be okay with me.”
With that remark, time slowed down. “The clock stabbed forward,” the poet says, pausing before he could come up with an apt reply:
“Well if you ever have a kid like that, I hope they do,” he finally says.
Published by University Press of Kentucky, “Gay Poems for Red States” is more than a collection of poetry. Another esteemed Kentucky writer, Chris Offutt, sees the work like this:
“Willie Carver is a humane and necessary voice from the hills of Kentucky. He writes with stunning insight, vivid imagery, and enormous courage. This is a powerful book that should be read by everyone.”
The silhouette on the front cover is unknowable until you open and book and read the poems.
WICKLIFFE, Ky. – License plates from Virgina, Tennessee, Georgia and South Carolina, among others, lined the shoulder of U.S. 51 near the gate of Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site Monday morning. While several ended up there by chance, motivated by a forecast of 15-20% cloud coverage, more favorable than conditions expected in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and Carbondale, Ill., others intentionally chose the ancient site to view the rare celestial event – a total solar eclipse.
At least 200 people, young and old, dotted the grounds of the ancient Mississippian site which dates back to 1100-1350 A.D. with their blankets, chairs, card tables and coolers, intermittently donning approved eyewear.
At 1:59 p.m., the crowd erupted in applause as the moon completely obscured the sun, but silence soon fell upon them as they basked in the strange green glow of totality for two minutes and 36 seconds.
Larry and Vickie Booth have been planning on watching the eclipse at Wickliffe Mounds for over three years. The couple, who lives in Jonesboro, Georgia, a community south of Atlanta, had spent time in Paducah before and were familiar with the area.
“We knew what we were getting into,” Vickie said. “We came here, specifically, because (Larry) wanted to see the Indian mounds.”
“Seemed like a good time to catch both,” Larry added.
“We could’ve stayed in Atlanta and seen a partial (eclipse),” Vickie said, “but that’s not the same thing! It is great! It was great!”
“This was just fabulous,” Vickie continued. “I know that there’s a cross-section of the one from 2017 and this one in 2024 in this area; so, it’s really a historical event to be back where the one from 2017 was total. And the weather is fabulous! No bugs. No heat. It’s just gorgeous. Everybody lucked out – the rain came through last night, and here we’ve had a fabulous day for it."
The Booths traveled around 400 miles to reach Wickliffe, but they are taking their time on the journey.
“We went to a couple of distilleries in Tennessee; we just made a trip of it,” Vickie said. “There’s so much to do here, and it’s so beautiful. We’ve really enjoyed our trip. And we’re still just going to venture on when we leave here. I think we’re going back down through Memphis, then Alabama and back to Georgia. But we’re both retired, so we have the opportunity to do that – just go.”
When Marcelo and Paula Brassolatti set out on from their home in North Carolina with their daughter Luiza and Brick, the Weimaraner, their destination was Cape Girardeau, but as they drove through Ballard County, 12 hours into their 13-hour trek, they adjusted their plans.
“That’s a funny story,” Paula said. “We lost our phone (service) along the way. We were supposed to go one more hour further, but the traffic was so weird. So, we decided to just stay here.”
Traffic was notably bad in the city of Wickliffe. Dik Jones, of Calvery City, reported spending 45 minutes waiting to get through one stop sign in town.
Linda and Lupe, who chose not to give their last names, planned their trip home to Maryland from winter home in Mexico around the eclipse.
“We came up from Vera Cruz, Mexico, intending to see the eclipse near San Antonio,” Linda said, “and when the weather report was bad, we used that eclipse interactive map, and this was going to be, I think, 15% cloudy today. So, we’re one of the millions of people pouring into that 15%.”
Ultimately, the change in plans ended up making a better trip than they had originally planned. Linda came across Wickliffe Mounds while searching for potential viewing areas around Paducah.
“It’s been on my bucket list to go to places and learn more about the mound-builder culture, the Mississippians,” Linda explained. “And this museum was just incredible. So, this was much better than we could ever had (hoped for). I’m so glad the weather was bad in San Antonio – which, never has bad weather – so we’re just having a great time here. This is such a nice crowd. People are very calm, very respectful. It’s lovely.”
“We came up (U.S.) 51,” she added later, “and I did not realize until we saw the sign that it’s part of the Great River Road; and that had been on my bucket list – to do part of the Great River Road. So, it was very cool to do that. I’m only sorry that we didn’t get to see the confluence of the Mississippi and the Ohio (rivers); it was too foggy this morning. But we’ll be back.
“I picked up a lot of information in the visitor’s center about all of the wonderful sites that celebrate the mound-builder, Mississippian culture, so I would like to do another trip back to this area just to go see more of that. Sometimes things work out for the best.”
The next total solar eclipse that will cross a substantial portion of the US will be Aug. 12, 2045. Dubbed the “Greatest American Eclipse,” it will feature a maximum totality duration over six minutes.
The moon completely blocks the sun in Wickliffe, Ky., during the April 8 solar eclipse.
MURRAY – Since 2013, the final Saturday in April is celebrated as Independent Bookstore Day. Not unlike Record Store Day, which was last Saturday, the American Booksellers Association (ABA) established the day to highlight, promote and celebrate the value of the indie bookstore community.
Tomorrow (Saturday, April 27), Bolin Books will join more than 900 independent bookstores nationwide in commemorating the day. The bookstore, located at 304 Main Street, is celebrating with extended hours – they will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. tomorrow, instead of the usual 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be giveaways all day, and younger children are invited for storytime at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
“Independent Bookstore Day is all about celebrating what independent bookstores bring to their community,” explained Whitney Bolin, co-owner of Bolin Books, which is the only ABA-member bookstore in western Kentucky.
“It’s a push to get everyone, all at once, to come out and support independent bookstores,” she said, “and it’s also (a way) to say, ‘We’re here. You can come to us and pick out a book instead of having to wait a couple of days to have it shipped to you; and, like all small businesses, when you buy from us and you support us, you’re bringing money to Murray or keeping it in Murray.’”
Regardless of what day it is, indie bookstores have the potential to fill unique roles in their communities by offering spaces where people can “meet and talk and chat and bond over books.”
“It’s a place for people to be able to talk about books and to come and sit for a while,” Whitney said. “It’s all about community. (As opposed to a chain bookstore) that feels very commercial. They’re big because they offer everything, and everything is new.”
Bolin Books is primarily a used bookstore, which, according to Whitney, can be advantageous for an avid reader but also for the community at large.
“You can buy a couple of books and not feel like you have to weed out – although, if you’re a big reader, you still have to weed out from a big, tall stack,” she said and laughed before adding, “It allows us to have lower price points because we are a used bookstore, which allows more people to have access to more books.”
The Bolins rely on different sources to stock their shelves, with a main source being donations from patrons. While they accept all donations, they would prefer that donors keep their magazines and encyclopedias at home, mostly because the store lacks the space to house them but also because there is no market for them.
They also have some “remainders” on offer, which Whitney described as “new-ish” books., “extras from the publishers that we buy from wholesalers.” Other sources include library sales, thrift stores, yard sales.
“Anywhere you can find books, we’ve probably shopped there,” she added. “We’ve put lots of miles on our car.”
Another benefit of independent bookstores is the personal touch they can bring to the experience.
“We hire people who love books,” Whitney said. “So, if you’re getting back into reading or you’ve kind of run through all the things you knew about, and you’d like to talk with someone about what to read next, you can say, ‘I’m looking for something cozy,’ or ‘I’m looking for something that going to really scare me.’ I had a young girl come in and ask, ‘I want a book that will make me sob. Help me find a book that’s just going to make me cry.’ We can help people find out what they like to read.”
The idea to open a bookstore came during the pandemic. Whitney said she and her husband Wesley were spending more time at home. “We were talking about what we want our life to look like, and he brought up the idea of what if we did open up a bookstore – because we don’t even have, like, a Barnes & Noble or a Books-A-Million here – and I told him, ‘Well, I’ve actually had this dream since I was a little, little girl.’”
The couple had been selling used books online for years already, so “it just felt like the natural fit.” With that, Wesley, who is a teacher at Murray High School, spent summer break sourcing books, and the couple began cataloguing their inventory at home.
“I think we brought 75 cardboard boxes of books when we started,” Whitney recalled.
The Bolins had inventory, but they had yet to find a location. They knew they wanted the store to be downtown. In August 2022, they were still scouting buildings when Wesley’s father, Murray State University history professor Dr. Duane Bolin, suddenly passed away.
“Duane was also a big reader,” Whitney said. “The house that Wesley grew up in is wall-to-wall bookshelves. So, Duane was so excited; and we thought (since) he’s retired and Evelyn, his wife, is retired as well, so we thought it could be kind of a family project that we could all work on together.”
Not long after the funeral, a store on the 300 block of Main Street opened up, “and everything just fell into place.” Maximizing Wesley’s time off for Fall Break, the couple started moving in October. The store was open for business in time for MSU's Homecoming Weekend, which features a parade down Main Street.
What started with two rooms of books and has now grown to three, but they have no intention of stopping there. Whitney said they have plans to renovate upstairs. At present, the second floor of the building, which was built in the 1880s, is completely unfinished and has no electricity. The new space would allow them to host events, like readings and book clubs.
“Right now, our space isn’t suited super well for those,” Whitney acknowledged. “You can really only fit 10 adults max in each of our rooms.”
The first phase of renovations will include removing the concrete blocks sealing the upstairs windows and putting up a sign. Whitney said they are anxious to get the sign, but that will have to wait until the new windows are installed.
“We would like to do as much historical preservation as we can,” she added. “That’s something that Wesley really loves and cares about.”
Reflecting on the past year and a half of being a small business owner, Whitney said she was surprised at just how much she has had to learn. There were obvious things, like sales tax and payroll taxes, but some of the lessons learned were more subtle.
“It’s a roller coaster, owning a small business, because there are fat times and there are lean times,” she said. “Especially when you’re new, you don’t have data to go back to and say, ‘It’s going to be okay; January and February are slow because it’s cold and people don’t want to leave their houses.’”
Another surprise Whitney shared – “Books are heavy. I have to say I am glad I did some weightlifting in the years before we opened the bookstore, which has been a great benefit. It’s more physically taxing than I – I mean, I knew but hadn’t thought through that part.”
But perhaps the biggest surprise for Whitney has been how the community has turned out to support their entrepreneurial endeavor.
“Which, I should not be surprised about; I love Murray for a reason,” she said. “And we do this here for a reason. There are other bookstores in town but none of our size and selection. Part of our mission with our bookstore is we very much want everyone to feel welcome because we want books to be accessible to everyone. That’s an important part of owning a bookstore for us.”
MURRAY - Kentucky’s primary election is on Tuesday, May 21. Primary elections help select candidates who will be on the general election ballot in November. Kentucky has closed primaries, which means that only individuals registered as Democrats or Republicans can vote in partisan races.
According to the Calloway County Clerk’s Office, Calloway County’s sample ballot was certified at the state level on Jan. 16, 2024. Ballots include U.S. Presidential candidates for the Democratic and Republican parties as well as candidates for Kentucky's 1st Senatorial District. In the Republican primary, current First District State Sen. Jason Howell (R-Murray) is running for re-election, challenged by Lynn Bechler, of Marion. No Democrats are running for Senate in the 1st District.
Although they have all since dropped out of the presidential race, Ryan Binkley, of Texas; Vivek Ramaswamy, of Ohio; Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis; former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie; and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley are all listed on the ballot alongside 2024 Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
In the Democratic primary, Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson are listed as challengers to President Joe Biden; however, both have dropped out since the sample ballots were approved. Although Biden is the nominee and there are no other primary races to be determined, Democrats still have a reason to show up for the primaries, as the voter turnout determines how many delegates are sent to the Democratic National Convention.
Delegates play a pivotal role in representing their state's choice during the national party convention. They cast their votes based on the preferences expressed by voters in their respective states' primaries. Republican primaries employ a winner-takes-all model where the candidate securing the highest number of votes receives all delegates.
While closed primaries better ensure that only committed party members can impact the nomination process, open primaries that include independent voters and members of third parties can increase participation. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center’s report on 2022 primary turnout, “A state’s switch from closed to open primaries boosts voter turnout by nearly two percentage points on average.”
For voters who were eligible to receive an absentee ballot, in-person excused absentee voting takes place through next Wednesday (excluding Saturday and Sunday) from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Calloway County Clerk’s Office, located at 101 South 5th St.
Did you know you can vote before May 21, no excuse required? In-person, no excuse early voting is available at the Robert O. Miller Courthouse Annex, 201 South 4th St., on the following dates:
Thursday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Friday, May 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The following Election Day polling locations will be open to registered voters of all precincts on May 21, 2024:
CFSB Center
1401 KY 121 N
Murray, KY 42071
New Concord Church of Christ
121 Artesian Dr.
New Concord, KY 42076
Elm Grove Baptist Church
6483 KY 94 E
Murray, KY 42071
Hazel Baptist Church
101 3rd St.
Hazel, KY 42049
Southwest Elementary School
3426 Wiswell Rd.
Murray, KY 42071
North Elementary School
2928 Brinn Rd.
Murray, KY 42071
Kirksey Baptist Church
301 Backusburg Rd.
Kirksey, KY 42054
Murray High School
501 Doran Rd.
Murray, KY 42071
No matter when or where you vote, remember to bring proof of identification. In addition to a valid driver's license and state-issued ID card, other forms of identification are acceptable, such as work or school IDs.
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