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Press release: Gov. Beshear declares state of emergency ahead of 4-day severe weather event with possible tornadoes

FRANKFORT – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the first round of severe storms that are expected to last for four days. The storm is especially concerning for far Western Kentucky, which is going to see potentially historic amounts of rain, and strong winds with the possibility of tornadoes are in the forecast for much of Kentucky.

In a video message, the Governor said far Western Kentucky is facing a severe weather risk at a Level 5, which means there could be widespread severe storms that are intense and long-lived. Across the state there are concerns about tornadoes, hail, flooding and strong winds. The Governor is urging all Kentuckians to find a safe place to stay tonight.

“Tornadoes are expected, and I know that’s tough to hear. And we are most concerned about the area of Western Kentucky that has gotten hit far too much, as well as a wider area of Western Kentucky,” Gov. Beshear said. “Remember, these can be strong tornadoes, EF-2 and greater. We’re really concerned about people’s safety, especially in the overnight, because when storms or tornadoes hit while people are asleep, that’s sadly when we’ve lost the most people. So, everybody out there, be really careful.”

The Governor is taking action by activating the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center and units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet officials and crews are also on alert, and local emergency management leaders are working to keep Kentuckians everywhere informed.

Gov. Beshear also implemented the state’s price gouging laws to protect Kentuckians from overpriced goods and services as they clean up and recover from the storm. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General.

Drivers are urged to check traffic conditions before traveling at GoKy.ky.gov.

For additional preparedness tips, visit kyem.ky.gov.


A letter from Commissioner Fletcher about USED’s decision to end the liquidation of COVID relief funds (OPINION)

This is an email that was sent to superintendents on April 1.

On Friday evening, March 28, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon sent an email to all state education agencies notifying us that the U.S. Department of Education (USED) is changing the deadline it previously provided to liquidate COVID relief funds to end at 5 p.m., this past Friday, March 28. USED previously granted KDE’s request to liquidate COVID relief funds through March 28, 2026.  

According to the letter, “In response to a liquidation extension request, the Department of Education previously granted a discretionary extension of the period of liquidation. But the Department has reconsidered your request.” The letter adds, “However, even though the COVID pandemic and the liquidation period under the applicable regulations have ended, the Department will consider an extension to your liquidation period on an individual project-specific basis.” 

In February, USED changed how the COVID relief funds were requested by states and processed by USED. Due to this change in process, KDE has not received COVID grant funding the next business day as was previously the case. To date, KDE has been paying district grant recipients and asking the federal government to reimburse us. At this point in time, we have asked to be reimbursed for nearly $5 million, with no response from USED. 

This latest message from USED will harm a variety of our schools and districts across the state even more. KDE and/or our school districts have already committed or spent these funds because we were promised a liquidation period ending March 2026. 

Nineteen districts asked to have an extended time to fully spend their COVID relief dollars that totaled $84.1 million. There are now 13 districts with $34 million remaining that should be accessible to spend for the benefit of students, primarily on construction projects or bus purchases, based on the USED previously guaranteed liquidation date of March 28, 2026. Because USED required that grant funds subject to the extended liquidation deadline be obligated before Sept. 30, 2024, USED’s action to shorten the liquidation period by a full year leaves our districts and KDE in a difficult position. 

There are many projects at KDE for the benefit of our schools and districts that also are in jeopardy due to this sudden change by Sec. McMahon. 

A total of $4.3 million in federal funds had been identified and approved by USED to provide crucial KY K-12 EdTech services up to March 2026 for all of the Commonwealth’s public school students, teachers and staff in every K-12 school, school district office and KDE. The largest part of that funding is for the completion of a Kentucky K-12 cyber defense construction project that we started soon after COVID began that is due to be fully in place in 2026. COVID resulted in a significant increase in attempted cyberattacks on Kentucky’s K-12 organizations, to the point that educational organizations are the number one target of cybercriminals from around the world. 

Close to $900,000 of that $4.3 million was to pay for the online registration service for Kentucky’s K-12 students and their parents. This service also automatically uploads K-12 student results from learning management systems like Google Classroom into our Kentucky Student Information System, which is used by students, families and teachers.

In addition, more than $100,000 was to pay for e-Transcripts services that are offered to all of Kentucky’s public school seniors to help with a faster, better and smooth transition from high school to post-secondary after their COVID years in high school. This is a one-time payment.

Also at risk is our fourth cohort for the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) professional learning. More than 6,000 educators have participated in LETRS training, an evidence-based. comprehensive no-cost opportunity open to all K-5 public school educators. Through this investment in LETRS, teachers gain essential knowledge to master the fundamentals of literacy instruction required to transform student learning and create a more vibrant experience for each and every young reader.​ 

Kentucky also has used COVID funding to implement evidence-based programs through summer, before- and after-school initiatives to tackle learning loss and support the needs of low-income students, students with disabilities, English learners, migrant students, those experiencing homelessness and children in foster care in those schools identified for comprehensive support and improvement (CSI) in the fall of 2022.  

KDE will request that Sec. McMahon reconsider her letter dated March 28, 2025, and reinstate the March 2026 liquidation deadline previously granted to KDE.   

Call to Action: 

We urge all superintendents and stakeholders to contact their federal legislators regarding this change by Sec. McMahon. Take the time to explain to our federal legislators how the sudden change in the liquidation deadline for COVID relief funds by the U.S. Department of Education will negatively impact our schools and districts, particularly the most vulnerable populations in the Commonwealth. You may wish to emphasize the following points: 

  1. The abrupt change in the deadline has left many districts with committed or spent funds that were promised reimbursement, putting them in a difficult financial position. 
  2. The extension of the liquidation period through March 2026 is crucial for districts to complete essential projects, such as construction and bus purchases, which are already under contract and cannot be easily canceled. 
  3. The sudden change jeopardizes critical initiatives, including the application of new cybersecurity software to protect school computers, the continuation of the LETRS professional learning program for educators, and implementation of evidenced-based programs that address learning loss. 

By taking immediate action and voicing your concerns, we can work together to ensure that our schools and districts receive the support they need to continue providing quality education to all students. 

Thank you for being …

All In,

Dr. Robbie Fletcher
Commissioner of Education
Kentucky Department of Education


Contact Information for Kentucky’s Congressional Delegation

Sen. Mitch McConnell
Phone: (202) 224-2541
https://www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact

Sen. Rand Paul
Phone: (202) 224-4343
https://www.paul.senate.gov/services/

Rep. James Comer, 1st District
Phone: (202) 225-3115
https://comer.house.gov/contact

Rep. Brett Guthrie, 2nd District
Phone: (202) 225-3501
https://guthrie.house.gov/services/

Rep. Morgan McGarvey, 3rd District
Phone: (202) 225-5401
https://mcgarvey.house.gov/contact

Rep. Thomas Massie, 4th District
Phone: (202) 225-3465
https://massie.house.gov/contact/

Rep. Hal Rogers, 5th District
Phone: (202) 225-4601
https://halrogers.house.gov/contact-hal

Rep. Andy Barr
Phone: (202) 225-4706
https://barr.house.gov/contact

Press release: KYTC explains online process for scheduling permit appointments for 15-year-olds

FRANKFORT – Team Kentucky announced that beginning tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. EDT, 15-year-old Kentuckians can visit the Kentucky State Police website to search for times and locations to apply for a driver’s permit and take the written test. Due to high demand and location availability, appointments are limited.

Last week, after signing House Bill 15 into law, Gov. Andy Beshear said the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet was working to reprogram the state’s licensing system and that online scheduling would begin April 2.

Those interested in scheduling an appointment should follow these directions:

1) Visit the Kentucky State Police website to search for available appointments.

2) If you do not get an appointment, please check back the following day. New appointments are added to the website every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 a.m. ET. Appointments may be made at any time, but can fill up quickly.

Prior to arriving to take their written permit test with the Kentucky State Police, 15-year-old Kentuckians should remember to:

  • Gather all required documentation to take to your appointment so the permit test can be administered. Necessary documents include proof of identity such as birth certificate (not a photocopy), proof of Social Security and a School Compliance Verification Form. See Drive.ky.gov for full list and more info.
  • Study the Kentucky Driver Manual, which can be found here. Should an applicant not pass the written test, they can schedule another appointment on the website.

“We know there are a lot of 15-year-old Kentuckians who are excited to sign up for written permit testing, and we ask everyone to be patient as we work to accommodate the increased number of applicants,” said Capt. Chris Baker, commander of the Kentucky State Police driver testing branch. “In the meantime, please check the scheduling website every weekday at 8 a.m. for new appointment slots and be sure to study to increase the chance of passing the permit test the first time around.”

For any 15-year-old who already has an appointment to take their written permit test, they do not need to reschedule or make a new appointment.

House Bill 15 only allows more time for eligible drivers to hold a permit. State law still requires you to be 16 years old to obtain a license (intermediate). For more information about Kentucky’s graduated driver licensing program and requirements to move from a permit to an intermediate license and then to a full, unrestricted license, click here.

Press release: Main Street Youth Center receives donation from Temple Hill Masonic Lodge

MURRAY – Temple Hill Masonic Lodge #276 members gathered at Murray’s Main Street Youth Center on Monday to present a check. Temple Hill, through fundraising events, was able to present the center with a donation of $750.

The Youth Center supports underprivileged kids in the Murray/Calloway County community with after school activities at no charge to the family. David Hudspeth is the program director and has been a youth supporter for 43 years in several different organizations.

Temple Hill members would like to thank everyone that purchased a chance on the custom-made knife that Temple Hill offered during the last 3-4 months of 2024 which made this donation possible.

Calloway County Board of Education SPECIAL CALLED Meeting

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The Calloway County Board of Education will hold a special called meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, at the central office.

Obituaries – April 2025

The obituaries below are sourced from local funeral homes – Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation ServicesImes Funeral Home & Crematory and J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Listings are updated at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day, including weekends and holidays, and also periodically throughout the day/evening. To read the full obituary, please click on the decedent’s name.


Lisa Jean Liljequist Murdock

Feb. 19, 1963 – April 30, 2025

Mrs. Lisa Jean Liljequist Murdock, age 62, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the Murray Calloway County Hospital.

There will be no public visitation or service.

The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Bobby Louis Dunn

Oct. 14, 1945 – April 30, 2025

Mr. Bobby Louis Dunn, 79 of Murray, KY, passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Passion and Purpose Homecare Assisted Living, Murray, KY.

Private family graveside services will be held at the Murray City Cemetery, with Bro. Dale Taylor officiating. Allen Dunn, Ron Shoffner, Bob Houghton, Tandyn Sheppard, and Chastin Sheppard will serve as pallbearers. No public visitation will be held.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Bobby’s name to the Human Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar St. Suite A, Murray, KY 42071; Murray-Calloway County Animal Shelter, 81 Shelter Ln., Murray, KY 42071, or the Murray Calloway County Senior Center Meals on Wheels, 607 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Dunn.


Gary Gobel Canady

Aug. 24, 1952 – April 30, 2025

Mr. Gary G. Canady, 72, of Murray, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at his home.  

A celebration of his life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at Hope Harbor Church in Murray.  

His family welcomes visitors from 1 pm until 2 pm at the church.  

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for his family.


Linda Gail Kelley

Jan. 14, 1949 – April 29, 2025

Mrs. Linda Gail Kelley, 76 of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center in Paducah.

No services are planned at this time.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


Eugenia Faye Childress Parrish

May 18, 1943 – April 29, 2025

Mrs. Eugenia Faye Childress Parrish, age 81, of Nashville, Tennessee, formerly of Murray, Kentucky passed away, Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the Brookdale Belle Meade Assisted Living Facility in Nashville, Tennessee.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Mickey Garrison will officiate, and burial will follow in the Palestine Cemetery. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Gary D. Jones

Aug. 15, 1953 – April 27, 2025

Mr. Gary D. Jones, 71 of Murray, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Baptist Health in Paducah, KY.

A service celebrating Gary’s life will be conducted Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, KY, with Bro. Philip Bazzell officiating.

Friends may visit with the family Thursday, May 1, 2025, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

The family requests that memorial contributions, in memory of Gary, be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd, Staten Island, NY 10306 or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Jones.


Joyce Faye Potts

Jan. 16, 1934 – April 27, 2025

Mrs. Joyce Faye Potts, age 91, of Madisonville, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Providence Pointe in Paducah, Kentucky.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Coldwater Church of Christ Cemetery with John Dale officiating. There will be no public visitation held before the graveside service.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Potter Children’s Home, 2350 Nashville Road, Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Lubie “Chip” L. Veal III

Sept/ 5, 1951 – April 25, 2025

Mr. Lubie “Chip” L. Veal III, age 73, of Murray, Kentucky passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at his home.

A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy may go to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


John Dan Cunningham

Nov. 3, 1944 – April 24, 2025

Mr. John Daniel (Dan) Cunningham, age 80, of Murray, KY, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at The J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services, burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens.  A visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Murray Pickleball Association.

Expressions of Sympathy can be made to Meals on Wheels, 607 Poplar St., Murray, KY 42071 or Murray Pickleball Association, P.O. Box 1464, Murray, KY 42071

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Linda Crouch

April 5, 1948 – April 21, 2025

Mrs. Linda Sue Crouch, age 77, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Monday, April 21, 2025, at the Murray-Calloway County Hospital in Murray, Kentucky.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the Elm Grove Cemetery. Bro. Ricky Cunningham and Bro. Aaron Thompson will officiate, and burial will follow. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 25, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105-9959.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


James “Jimmy” Ray Haley

April 20, 1935 – April 18, 2025

Mr. James “Jimmy” Ray Haley, son of the late Gus and Ruby Haley, age 89, of Almo, Kentucky passed away on Friday, April 18, 2025, at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Richard Burkeen officiating. Burial will follow in the Stewart Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Stewart Cemetery Fund, 999 Crossland Road, Murray, Kentucky 42071 and the Murray Calloway County Senior Citizens Center, Meals on Wheels, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Kathy McNeely Hodge

Dec. 8, 1951 – April 15, 2025

Mrs. Kathy McNeely Hodge, age 73, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services, with Bro. Gary Vacca officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A private burial will be held at a later date.

The family requests that all expressions of sympathy be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County in honor of Kathy’s many years of dedication. Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar Street, Suite A1, Murray, Kentucky 42071

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Cody Robert Kirkland

June 7, 1993 – April 14, 2025

Cody Robert Kirkland, 31 of Murray, KY, passed away Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY.

A funeral service and burial will be held at the Steenbergen Cemetery in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, at a later date.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Kirkland.


David “Dave” H. Byram

May 3, 1938 – April 13, 2025

Mr. David Byram age 86, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away Sunday, April 13, 2025, at his home.

A memorial graveside will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery with Bro. Phillip Bazzell officiating. There will be no public visitation held before the graveside service.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Sugar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, C/O Ralph and Pam Duncan, 26 Gentle Drive, Almo, Kentucky 42020.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Janice Bryant Renick

Feb. 16, 1934 – April 10, 2025

Mary Janice Bryant Renick was born on February 17, 1934, in Edmondson County, Kentucky, to Robert Jennings Bryant and Lorene Johnson Bryant. She died in Murray, Kentucky, on April 10, 2025.

A private memorial service for family is planned.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Renick.


Lindsey Avery Hudspeth

Jan. 8, 1959 – April 12, 2025

Lindsey Hudspeth, 66 of Murray, KY, passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at his home, Murray, KY.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at 12:00 noon in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home in Murray, Kentucky, with Pastor Timothy L. Davis II officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Murray City Cemetery.

Friends may visit with the family Tuesday, September 10, 2024, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 S. 4th St., Murray, KY 42071.

The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Lindsey’s memory to the Main Street Youth Center, 513 South 4th Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mr. Hudspeth.


Iva Lou Swift Cochran

Oct. 26, 1926 – April 12, 2025

Mrs. Iva Lou Swift Cochran, age 98, of Murray, Kentucky passed away Saturday, April 12, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Huntingdon, Tennessee.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Dr. Dale Mathis officiating. Burial will follow in the Murray City Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Heather Mary Shultz

Oct. 4, 1970 – April 11, 2025

Ms. Heather Mary Shultz, 54, of Murray, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025 at her home.

Her family welcomes visitors from 1 pm until 3 pm on Thursday, April 17, 2025 at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.  

A private family graveside service will be held at Hicks Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to help her family with funeral costs.  Donations may be made at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray, KY 42071 or by calling 270.753.7000.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


John Russell Phipps

May 3, 1965 – April 9, 2025

Mr. John Russell Phipps, age 59, of Benton, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2025, at his home.

There will be no public service or visitation held at this time.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Deborah Lynn (Scott) Collie

Sept. 4, 1956 – April 10, 2025

Deborah Lynn (Scott) Collie, 68 of Murray, KY, passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at her home.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, with Bro. Sammy Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow the service in the Fossett Cemetery, 229 Rowlett Trail, Murray (Shiloh Community).

Friends may visit with the family after 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, until the service hour at 2:00 p.m. at the Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home, 713 South 4th St., Murray, KY.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Collie.


Tonya G. Drennon

Oct. 4, 1954 – April 10, 2025

Tonya G. Drennon, 70 passed away Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, Murray, KY.

A private graveside service for immediate family will be held at Murray Memorial Gardens. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Tonya’s life, with a pot-luck dinner, being held at the American Legion Post 73 building on Saturday, April 19, 2025 from 5-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to CASA by the Lakes, P.O. Box 383, Murray, KY 42071.

Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services is honored to be entrusted with the care of Ms. Drennon.


Charlene Gale Hogan

May 24, 1943 – April 8, 2025

Ms. Charlene Gale Hogan, 81, of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.

Per her wishes, no services are planned.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


James Lee Rambo, Sr.

Aug. 11, 1961 – March 25, 2025

James Lee Rambo, 63 of New Concord, KY, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at his home.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time, at Blalock-Coleman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Murray, KY.


Sheila Melvin

Feb. 16, 1957 – April 6, 2025

Mrs. Sheila Melvin, age 68, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away, Sunday, April 6, 2025, in Murray, Kentucky.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services. John Dale will officiate, and burial will follow in the Murray Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held prior to the funeral service on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar Street, Suite A1, Murray, Kentucky 42071

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.


Judith F. Biggerstaff

March 22, 1950 – April 5, 2025

Mrs. Judith F. Biggerstaff, 75, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

Arrangements are currently incomplete at Imes Funeral Home & Crematory, downtown Murray.


Janice Burkeen Cotterman

Aug. 6, 1954 – April 5, 2025

Mrs. Janice B. Cotterman, 70, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.  

Per Mrs. Cotterman’s wishes no services will be held.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr.

July 9, 1953 – April 2, 2025

Mr. Joseph Marshall Ward, Jr., age 71, of Murray, Kentucky passed away Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Baptist Health Hospital in Paducah, Kentucky.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., July 19, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., July 18, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

*See updated information here.


Robert “Jacque” Marvin

Dec. 1, 1944 – April 1, 2025

Mr. Robert “Jacque” Marvin, age 80, of Almo, Kentucky passed away, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at his home.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Northside Baptist Church. Bro. Brett Miles will officiate, and military honors provided by the American Legion, Post #73, Visitation will be held prior to the memorial service on Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Northside Baptist Church.

Expressions of sympathy can be made to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.


Cindy McNutt

June 19, 1973 – April 1, 2025

Mrs. Cindy McNutt, 51, of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at Murray Calloway County Hospital.

A memorial visitation will be held on Monday, April 7, 2025 from 11 am until 1 pm at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.  

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 189, Box Elder, SD 57719.

Imes Funeral Home is entrusted with caring for her family.


Natalie J. Turner

Aug. 12, 1960 – April 1, 2025

Mrs. Natalie Turner (Gibson), 64, of Murray, passed away on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 12-2 pm at Imes Funeral Home, 311 North 4th Street, Murray.

Imes Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge of arrangements.


Lillian “Katie” West

April 2, 1945 – Dec. 19, 2024

Ms. Lillian Kate “Katie” West, age 79, of Murray, Kentucky died Thursday, December 19, 2024, at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services with John Dale officiating. Entombment will follow in the Coldwater Church of Christ Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 5, 2025, at the J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Expressions of sympathy can go to the Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

J.H. Churchill Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.

The Sentinel presents Bazooka Reloaded, Issue 4: Building a Community of Safe Spaces

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.

In remembrance: Paul Sasso

Paul Sasso, 76, of Almo, died unexpectedly on Wednesday March 26, 2025 at Baptist Health in Paducah during recovery from an open-heart surgery. His daughter, Maggie, was with him in his final moments. He had a metaphorical open-heart his entire life and loved and impacted many people across the world.

Paul Sasso was born in Canada, the son of Vic, a mason, and Dorothy, a semi-professional bowler. He spent a great portion of his childhood making things and daydreaming. After “flunking out of high school” (see daydreaming above), he worked in the auto industry for 4 years. When he came into some finances from winning a precedent-setting union court battle for having long hair in the workplace, he was able to “weasel {his} way” into art school in his hometown college, the University of Windsor where he worked with his friend and mentor Bill Law, receiving his BFA in painting and sculpture in 1978. He attended graduate school at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and graduated in 1981 with his MFA. He is Professor Emeritus from Murray State University where he taught woodworking for 27 years in the art department. During his tenure, he received several awards for teaching excellence and inspired many students to embark in a rewarding career of being a furniture artist.

He was renowned for creating impeccably crafted, heavily embellished and functional art pieces. His unique painting style was initially inspired by the car culture of 1970’s Detroit (think Ed Roth). His painted surfaces were achieved by applying hundreds of layers of transparent acrylic paint with a spray gun. This technique is documented in The Penland Book of Woodworking, Lark Books 2006, and his complete body of work is preserved on his website www.paulsassoart.com.

Paul and his late wife Sandy Sasso lived and worked at Sassoville, a compound of their own design and construction, near Almo, Kentucky. They shared a love for late Gothic and Early Renaissance art, Italian food, and travel. The acres of gardens include myriad topiaries constructed from 250+ boxwoods and are a study in proportion, design and the ability of nature to heal the mind and spirit.

Paul is preceded in death by his father, Victor Sasso, mother Dorothy (Barry) Sasso of Windsor, Ontario, wife Sandra Miller Sasso of Almo, KY, brother Bill Maskery and wife Marian Maskery of Windsor, Ontario.

He is survived by his daughter, Maggie Sasso-Jones, husband Benjamin Jones and granddaughter Margot Jones of Milwaukee, WI; brother Bob Sasso and wife Diane Sasso of Ontario; and David Sasso of Windsor, Ontario.

He wanted his epitaph to read “He never wore a suit.” His family is planning a Celebration of Life ceremony in the Fall.

Expressions of sympathy can be made by seeking inspiration, embracing laughter and exhibiting kindness to everyone.

Imes Funeral Home and Crematory is entrusted with caring for his family.


On a personal note, like so many of you, we were heartbroken to learn of Paul’s passing. Paul was a loyal Sentinel supporter from the very beginning.

We would like to express our deepest condolences to Maggie and the rest of his family as well as the countless others who would not be where they are today without Paul’s influence.

Please feel free to share your stories of Paul in the comments.

Hospital board selects Penner’s successor

MURRAY – The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees’ long, arduous search for the right person to lead the hospital after CEO Jerry Penner retires came to an end Wednesday. By roll-call vote, the board unanimously approved Reba Celsor for the position, which she accepted on a speaker call during the meeting.

When she takes the reins on April 28, Celsor will only be the sixth CEO to lead MCCH in the last 50 years and the first woman.

Reba Celsor (Photo provided)

“(She has an) absolute superior personality, track record of success, proven leadership, champion of quality and patient safety, drives efficiency and financial security no matter where she goes,” Penner said. “(Her) references were off the scale. I think the vast impression here of the board was ‘Wow!’ Just three letters, that’s all you have to remember. … I think that’s a great choice on our part.”

CEO Search Committee Chair Amy Futrell calls Reba Celsor during Wednesday’s board meeting to tell her the board selected her to be the hospital’s next CEO. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

Since 2020, Celsor has served as CEO of Spring View Hospital. The 75-bed hospital in Lebanon, Ky., is owned by Lifepoint Health, a healthcare system based out of Brentwood, Tn., that operates, among other facilities, 60 community hospitals across 31 states, including Jackson Purchase Medical Center in Mayfield.

According to Celsor’s resume, she spent the previous five years in Dyersburg, Tn., as CEO at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital, which is not affiliated with LifePoint. From 2006 to 2015, she worked her way up the executive ladder for LifePoint-affiliated hospitals in Tennessee, Florida and West Virginia. She is a graduate of LifePoint’s CEO Development Program and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Celsor’s educational background shows a mix of healthcare and management degrees, starting with an associate’s degree in applied science of nursing from Hopkinsville Community College, a Bachelor of Arts in management and human resources from Trevecca Nazarene University, and a Master of Business Administration from Colorado Technical University.

“She’s very good,” said Board Secretary and CEO Search Committee Chair Amy Futrell in an interview. “Like Jerry said (in the meeting), she’ll ‘wow’ the community. She’s very involved in her community wherever she’s been. So, the community will love that, but more importantly, her resume speaks for itself.”

Penner, announced last summer that, after 14 years, he would retire at the end of March. Rather than hire a third-party firm to conduct the search, the board decided to form an internal search committee.

Last fall, after whittling a pool of more than 150 applicants, the committee brought in four finalists for extensive on-site interviews, which included meetings with the full board as well as hospital directors, executives and medical staff before culminating with a town hall to give the community a chance to “meet and greet” each candidate. Comment cards were available, and participants were encouraged to fill them out.

After considering all of the feedback, the board unanimously voted to offer the position to Tonda Haigler a special called meeting in early December, but she declined the offer a week later. At the board’s regular December meeting, Board Chair Steve Owens announced the board was still exploring options for how to proceed with the search, including the possibility of hiring an outside search firm.

In January, the board unanimously voted to re-open the application portal for two weeks. The search committee would consider new applications as well as any of the remaining top 10 candidates from the last search still interested in the position and interview select candidates via Zoom by Feb. 14. If the renewed effort failed to produce a suitable candidate, the board would consider hiring a third-party firm. Owens also advised that Penner agreed to stay on as CEO until his replacement is found.

The board did hold a special called meeting on Saturday, Feb. 15. The only agenda item was an executive session regarding personnel, and no action was taken. The search was not mentioned during February’s regular meeting.

“So, this has been approximately a 10-month process, believe it or not,” Penner recounted Wednesday during his leadership report. “(We had a total of) 180 applicants –150 came initially; we got another 30 when we opened up – (and conducted) 15 board interviews, including our screening interviews. That’s hundreds of personal hours of our physicians, our directors, our VPs, our townspeople who came out. Just a lot of things going on, let alone the board, themselves, having to go through multiple rounds of deliberations to figure out the best choice they possibly could.”

“I’ve been replaced,” said MCCH CEO Jerry Penner during his leadership report. “That’s a good thing. You can see Steve Owens has carried me a long way from where I was in that top left picture to the bottom with my last headshot that Mel (Melony Bray, MCCH planning and marketing director) did for me. I think I’ve aged a little bit.” (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

Even though their efforts last fall failed to bear fruit, Futrell said the committee learned a lot by virtue of going through the process. In addition, the committee was able to use the information gleaned from the previous on-site interviews to simplify the process the second time.   

“You learn what you’re really looking for,” she explained. “We read every comment card, email; the people that came up to us – like, if someone came to me – we’d share it with the group. … We knew what people were looking for just from the comments and the questions.

“They want to see somebody that’s very involved; they want to see somebody that is invested in Murray and Calloway County… Everywhere Ms. Reba goes, every place that she’s been, she’s involved in her community. She jumps in feet first, whether it’s Chamber (of Commerce) or Rotary (Club) or the school systems, whatever, she partners with her community; and that spoke volumes to us, on top of her resume.”

“We did the community meetings the first time,” Cross said in an interview after the meeting. “Of course, things evolved over that period of time, and we decided it was time to make a decision and so the committee reconvened. We looked at resumes. We were given the charge to find the best person and we feel that’s how that turned out.”

Reba Celsor, second from left, recently sat on a panel during the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce’s innaugural Healthcare Innovation Summit last week. (Photo by Melissa Patrick/Kentucky Health News)

Cross, who is a professor at Murray State University’s School of Nursing, said that she reached out to a former student who knew Celsor from a previous job.

“And she had nothing but wonderful things to say about (Celsor),” Cross said, adding, “She will be excellent. I’m super excited about her coming here and being part of this community and this hospital.”

“Everyone we called about her had nothing but glowing reviews for her,” Futrell said. “Then we all met her, and she (was) very charismatic, personable, and she knows her stuff – (for) every question we asked, she had an answer. She has vision. She has determination. She has drive. She’s solid. … She’ll be able to fill (Penner’s) shoes well, and she’ll be able to take us forward; and I think that the hospital staff, physicians, executive staff, I think, they’re really going to love her.”

Press release: KYTC announces daytime closures on KY 464 in Calloway County

PADUCAH – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) plans to close a section of KY 464/Almo-Shiloh Road in Calloway County during daylight hours starting Monday, March 31, 2025.

These daytime closures along KY 464/Almo-Shiloh Road at mile point 13.2, east of the Almo Community, are to allow use of a long-reach excavator to remove accumulated debris at the Clarks River Bridge.  This is along KY 464 between First Street and Elm Grove Road.

The roadway at this site will close at approximately 8:30 a.m., each day, immediately after the morning school bus run.  KY 464 is expected to reopen to traffic around 2:30 p.m., each day.

Due to the placement of equipment required to facilitate the work, the roadway will be closed to all traffic during working hours.

There will be no marked detour.

KYTC District 1 and the Calloway Highway Maintenance Crew will attempt to provide timely updates should the work be completed earlier than expected.

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