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Press release:  LBL to host bison auction

Press Releases
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Press release:  LBL to host bison auction

Land Between the Lakes, Ky./Tenn. (Jan. 14, 2025) – The USDA Forest Service announces a public bison auction to manage herd size at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area Feb. 1 at the South Bison Range corral. Bidder registration and viewing begin at 8 a.m. before the auction starts at 9 a.m. Bison can be purchased with cash, credit card, or personal check at time of bid acceptance.

The Forest Service will sell approximately 30 bison, each separately to the highest bidder(s), including:

  • 3 large bulls born 2022
  • 8 yearling bulls born 2023
  • 9 yearling heifers born 2023
  • 10 bull and heifer calves born 2024

Preliminary details regarding age, sex, and weights of all animals to be sold will be available after 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28 with the final list available at 8 a.m. on auction day. All animals will be tested for brucellosis and tuberculosis by a licensed veterinarian before the auction. Additional services may be purchased from the on-site veterinarian by cash or check to include vaccinations at time of bid acceptance.

An on-site veterinarian will issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection as required for interstate transport immediately after the auction. Import permits will be on hand for the states of Tennessee, Kentucky, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, and North Carolina. Purchasers must know the import regulations of their state before they place a bid. If a different state import permit is needed than listed here, call 270.924.2061 on or before Jan. 28 for it to be available at time of sale. 

Because of size and temperament, closed-topped trailers or vehicles are required to transport bison. Once bison step off the loading chute and into a buyer’s trailer, the animal becomes the property and responsibility of the buyer. Buyers must load animals immediately following the auction. For an additional fee of $40 per animal, arrangements can be made at time of payment to load bison Monday, Feb. 3 between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. only.

The South Bison Range corral is located on the west side of the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway (TN461) just south of the KY/TN state line. This location is across the Scenic Byway from The Homeplace 1850 historic farm located at 4512 The Trace, Dover, TN 37058 (GPS coordinates: N 36 39′ 17.4”, W 87 58′ 32.9”), also found on some online map searches as Model, TN. For a preliminary list of animals to be sold or for any questions, call Curtis Fowler at 270.924.2061 or email frederick.fowler@usda.gov.

The Forest Service manages two herds of American Bison at Land Between the Lakes. All bison bloodlines originated from three sources: in 1969 from Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota; in 1988 and 2012 from Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska; and in 1996 from Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota.

Press release: Team Kentucky challenges teens to drive safely and win big

Press Releases
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Press release: Team Kentucky challenges teens to drive safely and win big

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2025) – Team Kentucky is calling on all teen drivers to participate in the Safe Teen Driving Challenge and compete for a share of $5,000 in cash prizes in an effort to improve highway safety and reduce crashes. Gov. Andy Beshear today joined transportation officials and partners from AAA Blue Grass, AAA East Central and Cambridge Mobile Telematics to announce the registration start for the challenge.

Over the past three years, Kentucky roads have seen more than 47,000 crashes involving teen drivers, resulting in over 13,000 injuries and 210 tragic deaths. The Safe Teen Driving Challenge, managed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), aims to change that by encouraging young drivers to build better habits and stay focused behind the wheel.

“As Governor, but also as the dad of two teenagers who I love more than anything, making sure all our drivers are safe on the roadways is a top priority,” said Gov. Beshear. “This new contest is a positive incentive for new drivers to be as safe as possible and to win a cash prize and be named Kentucky’s safest teen driver. We want this generation to be leaders in helping us have fewer crashes and fatalities.”

The challenge rewards the top four drivers with cash prizes, sponsored by AAA Blue Grass and AAA East Central:

  • 1st Place: $2,000
  • 2nd Place: $1,500
  • 3rd Place: $1,000
  • 4th Place: $500

“It’s important for young drivers to be reminded of the dangers of driving distracted. The more good driving behaviors they can develop now, the more likely they are to exhibit safe driving behaviors throughout their lifetimes,” said Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager, AAA Blue Grass. “Driving distracted is just as dangerous as driving impaired. AAA Blue Grass urges teens to stay focused on the roadway, keeping themselves and other road users safe now – and in the future.”  

Winners will be announced in April, and their accomplishments will be celebrated as part of Kentucky’s ongoing efforts to improve road safety.

“The ultimate reward for safe driving is protecting yourself and others on the road,” said KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “This challenge helps teens build habits that will last a lifetime and aid in our mission to reduce preventable crashes.”

Gov. Andy Beshear, left, and KYTC Secretary Jim Gray (Photo provided)

How to Join

This challenge is open to 16-to-19-year-old drivers with a valid permit or driver’s license and a smartphone. Parental consent is required for drivers under 18. To join, teens simply:

  1. Visit kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/ to register between Tuesday, Jan. 14, and Friday, Jan. 24, 2025 (cut-off is 11:59 p.m.).
  2. Download the DriveWell Go™ app, create a new account, and enter the contest token code.
  3. Drive safe, track your performance, and compete for the chance to win a prize.

“We’re excited to merge a meaningful challenge, cool tech and cash prizes to encourage teens to be lifelong safe drivers,” said the Office of Highway Safety Executive Director Bill Bell. “Safer highways are a win-win for all Kentuckians and this challenge will help reveal areas of strength and areas of improvement while they are still early in their driving careers.”

How it Works

The app, powered by Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), uses smartphone sensor data to identify risky behaviors like speeding, hard braking, harsh acceleration, cornering and phone use. Teens can track their progress and see how they rank on the app’s leaderboard, updated every two weeks, to provide valuable data to help young drivers become more aware of their habits behind the wheel.

Driving performance will be measured from Jan. 25 to March 31, 2025, giving participants plenty of time to compete for the top spots.

The app uses machine learning to identify driving behaviors from sensor data and transform them into insights. The platform automatically determines if a person is in a vehicle and calculates if they’re the driver or passenger with 97% accuracy.

“Kentucky’s Safe Teen Driving Challenge has the potential to reduce risky driving behaviors like distracted driving — a leading cause of crashes, especially among teens,” said Ryan McMahon, SVP of Strategy at Cambridge Mobile Telematics. “By leveraging advanced technology and making safe driving fun with prizes, we’re equipping young drivers with the tools and awareness to build lifelong safe driving habits.”

For more information and to register, visit https://kentuckyhighwaysafety.com/safe-teen-driving-challenge/

Bierds reports 17% reduction in crime rate

Guest Contributor
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Bierds reports 17% reduction in crime rate

By Laura Ray/For The Sentinel

MURRAY – Murray continues to uphold its reputation as an incredibly safe town with crime rates reaching their lowest point in five years. At the Jan. 9 Murray City Council meeting, Murray Police Chief Samuel Bierds announced a remarkable 16.77% reduction in overall crime from 2023 to 2024.

“Murray has an incredibly low crime rate; however, 2024 was an excellent year,” he said.

In sharing the Murray Police Department’s (MPD) uniform crime reporting (UCR) data, Bierds highlighted the following improvements as part of his annual report to the council. Weapon offenses were down nearly 85% year-over-year, from 13 to two. Murder and non-negligent manslaughter numbers were also down from a total of six cases in 2023 to just one in 2024, an 83% decrease. Fraud cases also dropped by 56%, while forgery and counterfeiting, sexual offenses (not including forcible rape) and the sales/manufacturing of marijuana all dropped by half.

Bierds attributed these successes to the department’s reorganization in 2024, which optimized officer scheduling with 12-hour shifts, allowing officers to have more days off per year and maximizing the number of officers on patrol at one time. As of Jan. 1, the department has embraced technology by transitioning to a digital records system, reducing paper usage by 95% along with cost and waste.

Driving under the influence (DUI) enforcement remains robust, with officers making 86 DUI arrests in 2024. Bierds noted that two officers alone were responsible for 42 of these arrests, with 21 each. Alcohol-related calls – tracked rigorously in 2024 – totaled 1,688, further highlighting the proactive efforts of law enforcement.

Murray Police Department uniform crime reporting showing reduction in crime rates between 2023 and 2024.

Working with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, the MPD brought the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to fifth graders at Murray Middle School in 2024. This year’s plans include training an additional officer and expanding the program to more schools. 

Council members raised questions about response times and personnel retention. Bierds noted that retention remains a concern with the department below its authorized staffing level, which he attributed partly to funding and diminished interest in the profession. Bierds said the department “probably could” track response time, although calls can be “stacked” sometimes, based on priority.

In conclusion, Bierds expressed gratitude to the council and the mayor for their “commitment and support legislatively and financially.”

The Murray Fire Department (MFD) also presented encouraging updates. Fire Chief Eric Pologruto highlighted advancements, including an improved Insurance Services Office (ISO) rating from class 3 to class 2, thanks to enhanced training programs he attributed to Assistant Fire Chief Eric Phelps.

The department will soon receive a $2 million ladder truck, funded primarily through grants and state assistance, with a delivery expected in June. Both the mayor and fire chief stressed the importance of Murray having a ladder truck to serve tall buildings, such as dorms, if necessary. Pologruto also mentioned the fire engine company truck that was ordered over two years ago is scheduled to arrive at the end of this month.

When council member Terry Strieter asked if MFD had an adequate number of personnel right now, Pologruto noted challenges in staffing for large-scale fires. He also mentioned the eventual need for a third station to accommodate the city’s western expansion.

In other business, a declaration of surplus property was approved, with proceeds earmarked for the police department. Also, the council approved several measures during the meeting. The first resolution of the year was approved to apply for up to $250,000 in Government  Resources Accelerating Needed Transformation (GRANT) Program funds for a welcome center at Central Park.

Council members were appointed to committees, including the Public Safety Committee chaired by Wesley Bolin and the Park Committee chaired by Johnny Bohannon. City officials were also appointed to boards and commissions: Community Theatre (Jeremy Bell), Electric Plant Board (Danny Hudspeth), Human Rights Commission (Linda Cherry), and Weaks Community Center (Alice Rouse). 

As crime rates decline and public safety departments expand their capabilities, the City of Murray is poised for a promising year ahead. The next council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 6 p.m. at City Hall. Council meetings are also available to watch live on Murray Electric channel 10 and Spectrum channel 381.

MISD moves forward with land acquisition for new elementary school

Jessica Paine
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MISD moves forward with land acquisition for new elementary school

MURRAY – The Murray Board of Education announced plans to build a new elementary school on a parcel of land near the intersection of Doran and Wiswell roads at its meeting last night. Superintendent Coy Samons said that the new facility will house kindergarten through fourth grade and boast a capacity of 750 students.

Board attorney William “Chip” Adams, III, made the announcement, noting that the district has been identifying and evaluating potential locations for the new school, including looking at properties already owned by the district.

“Within the next week,” Adams said, “the Murray Independent School District Board of Education will be submitting a request for approval from the Kentucky Department of Education to acquire a certain parcel of real property – 15.118 acres – located within the school district for the purposes of the construction of an elementary school. The property is generally located off of Doran and Wiswell roads.”

MISD District Map
Close-up of boundary lines near the intersection of Doran and Wiswell.
The sidewalk on Doran Road, constructed years ago, ends in front of the subject property. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

Adams explained that a school district cannot simply acquire real property; they must go through an exhaustive process that is overseen by the Kentucky Department of Education.

“The process, with respect to this parcel of property, has been in the works since last summer,” Adams said. “(A) lot of things that had to be done. At this point, we can’t go into a lot more details because everything is very preliminary; however, there is a parcel that has been identified and it is of a size that is sufficient to construct an elementary school.

“We hope to have a lot more information for you in the months ahead as we negotiate the approval process with the Kentucky Department of Education but go ahead and put it on the forefront – a new elementary school is, hopefully, on the way.”

Board attorney William “Chip” Adams, III, speaks during Thursday’s Murray Board of Education meeting. (JESSICA PAINE/The Murray Sentinel)

“It’s an exciting time to be in the Murray Independent School District,” Samons added before the crowd erupted in in applause.  

“We’ve been looking for more than four years,” Board Chair Richard Crouch added, “and we think we’ve found the parcel that’s going to meet everyone’s criteria and look forward to going forward with that process.”

Crouch commended Adams and Samons for the many hours they have put into the project over the years. In particular, he thanked board member Adam Seiber, who has extensive experience in the real estate industry, for playing an “instrumental” role in the process over the last six to eight months.

The plan to build a new elementary school was announced in December 2023 as part of the district’s long-range facilities plan. After the new school is built, the current elementary school building will be repurposed to house Murray Preschool Head Start, the central office and the maintenance shop.

Following that meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction and Human Resources Whitney York clarified that only some preschool classrooms will be moved. MISD operates six preschool classrooms that are operated with a blend of state preschool funds and federal Head Start funds.

The plan would be to move some of the six preschool classrooms to the current elementary school building after the new school is built; however, which classrooms and how many will be decided in the future. Early Head Start, which is a completely federally-funded Murray Head Start program for children under three years old and is currently located in Murray State University’s Alexander Hall, would not be impacted.

Press release: KYTC updates road conditions

Press Releases
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Press release: KYTC updates road conditions

We will continue to update this page as new information is released. Check back here throughout the day.

Crews focus on priority routes (10 a.m. Update)

PADUCAH, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2025) – Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 crews are plowing and treating state highways across all of the district’s 12 counties.

Pre-treating earlier this week helped to give crews a head start on their response efforts. Many crews have been able to make good progress on the “A” Snow Priority Routes and have transitioned to their “B” and “C” routes.

“A” Snow Priority Routes include interstates, parkways, U.S. highways, and some other 4-lane routes.

“B” and “C” Snow Priority Routes are connector and rural secondary highways.

For a complete list of Snow & Ice Priority Routes, please go to:

https://transportation.ky.gov/Maintenance/Pages/Snow-and-Ice-Maps.aspx

Motorists who venture out today should slow down and use appropriate caution. The National Weather Service anticipated the heaviest snowfall would be between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and moving out of the District 1 counties around 7 p.m.

For the latest information, visit the National Weather Service Paducah page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.

All crews reporting for duty, travel conditions vary county-by-county (6:45 a.m. Update)

PADUCAH, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2025) – All Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) District 1 crews have reported for duty on Friday morning. Snow is falling in every county, although travel conditions vary.

Crews reported this morning in staggered start times based on forecasted snow arrival times and will work in shifts throughout the winter weather event. 

Trucks are patrolling state highways, observing conditions, and treating as needed. Crews are focusing first on the treatment of interstates, major highways, bridges and overpasses.

As snow accumulation continues to increase this morning, there is a potential for roadways to become hazardous quickly. State highway engineers are urging motorists to use caution and avoid unnecessary travel. Even treated and plowed pavement could be slick.

Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.

KYTC District 1 has about 87 snow plows, five tow-plows, and several contract plows to cover 2,852 miles of highway in Kentucky’s 12 westernmost counties. 

As a reminder, the U.S. 45 Ohio River “Brookport” Bridge in Paducah is closed until further notice due to icing.  Motorists should detour via the Interstate 24 Ohio River Bridge. KYTC District 1 will provide a timely update when it reopens.

Motorists are advised to monitor the local forecast via area news media outlets or on the National Weather Service Paducah page at https://www.facebook.com/NWSPaducah.

Press release: Affordable Housing Program awards $750,000 for Calloway County project

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Press release: Affordable Housing Program awards $750,000 for Calloway County project

CINCINNATI (January 9, 2025) – Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati President and CEO Andrew S. Howell announced the recipients of 56 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grants totaling more than $49.5 million—marking FHLB Cincinnati’s largest grant announcement in AHP history. Awarded to 24 member financial institutions, grant funds will be used to help create 2,743 units of affordable housing benefiting residents throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and beyond.

“Our members and the affordable housing organizations they support are facing prolonged challenges in developing and rehabilitating affordable housing throughout our region,” said Andy Howell, FHLB Cincinnati, President & CEO. “While the current housing crisis will require multi-faceted solutions from funding sources across the country, we are proud to do our part through our largest ever announcement of Affordable Housing Program grants. Since the program’s inception, more than $686 million has been disbursed through our members to benefit local nonprofit organizations to help build and rehabilitate housing in the communities we serve.”

FHLB Cincinnati allocates 10 percent of its net income annually to the AHP, which makes housing more affordable for households at or below 80 percent of the area median income. Subsidy is awarded to members through an annual AHP competitive offering and through the Welcome Home Program’s down payment assistance grants. This 10 percent allocation was enhanced in 2024 by an additional $40.5 million in voluntary funds which went in part to fund the AHP through the down payment assistance program. Additional voluntary funds have supported home rehabilitation for low-income homeowners, disaster reconstruction and first-generation home ownership.

Since the first awards in 1990, the FHLB has disbursed more than $686 million toward nearly 93,000 units of affordable housing through the AHP and Welcome Home Program. These programs have enabled thousands of families to access decent, affordable housing.

For more information on specific awards and details of AHP, visit the FHLB Cincinnati website at www.fhlbcin.com.

Calloway County project

RiverHills Bank, Heritage Bank and Spire Development received a $750,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati (FHLB Cincinnati) for a project located in Murray.

Titled Bee Creek Crossing, the project involves the new construction of 60 units in Murray, Ky., for very low- to moderate-income households, all of whom will have special needs. The $15,767,733 project will be financed with equity from the sale of tax credits, a permanent loan by the banks, deferred developer fee, cash contributions from Spire and a $750,000 AHP grant. The project will provide housing in combination with a program offering services to assist residents to move toward better economic opportunities. 

This grant is one of 56 AHP grants awarded by FHLB Cincinnati, totaling more than $49.5 million. Awarded to 24 FHLB Cincinnati member financial institutions, grant funds will be used to help create 2,743 units of affordable housing benefiting residents throughout Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee and beyond.

About the FHLB

The FHLB is a AA+ rated wholesale cooperative bank owned by 607 member financial institutions, including commercial banks, thrifts, credit unions, insurance companies and community development financial institutions in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. The FHLB provides members access to products and services (primarily Advances, which are a readily available, low-cost source of funds, purchases of certain mortgage loans from members, and issuance of Letters of Credit to members) and a competitive return through quarterly dividends on their capital investment in the FHLB. The FHLB funds these products and services by raising private-sector capital from member-stockholders and, with the other Federal Home Loan Banks (FHLBanks) in the FHLBank System, issuing high-quality debt in the global capital markets. The FHLB also funds community investment programs that help its members create affordable housing and promote community economic development.

Press release: The Murray Bank names Bona CFO

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Press release: The Murray Bank names Bona CFO

MURRAY – The Board of Directors of The Murray Bank, a cornerstone in our community for a quarter of a century, proudly announces a significant leadership promotion as part of a long-term succession planning initiative. Board Chairman, Ronnie Gibson stated Leah Bona will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer. Bona will fill the role left vacant by former CFO, Marla Geib Hendrick, who retired at the end of 2024. Bona’s transition into this role took effect on January 1, 2025.

“It’s a privilege to take on the role of Chief Financial Officer at The Murray Bank, and I’m truly grateful for the confidence the Board of Directors has shown in me,” said Bona. “Marla Geib Hendrick’s training has been instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity, and I’m excited to continue building on the foundation she helped create. I look forward to partnering with our talented team to reach new milestones together.”

Bona came to The Murray Bank a year ago from Alexander Thompson Arnold PLLC (ATA) with over 15 years of experience in public accounting, as well as over 10 years of experience in private accounting as a controller and CFO. Her responsibilities at ATA included tax and financial planning, preparation of corporate, business and individual tax returns, governmental and nonprofit auditing and an extensive range of accounting services.

Bona graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. She received her Master of Business Administration with an accounting emphasis from Murray State University in 1996. Bona is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Kentucky Society of CPAs.

“Leah is a driven leader and strategic thinker who believes in our core values,” said Tony Ryan, President & CEO at The Murray Bank. “This, along with her education and accounting experience position her well to move into the CFO role. I’m confident Leah is up to the task and look forward to working with her in her new capacity.”

Bona can be reached at the Main Office of The Murray Bank, 405 South 12th Street, or by calling (270) 753-5626

Press release: MPD names Clere assistant police chief

Press Releases
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Press release: MPD names Clere assistant police chief

Staff Report

MURRAY – The Murray Police Department announced the recent promotions of three officers who, according to the release, continue to demonstrate dedication and commitment to the community.

Justin Swope was promoted to the rank of sergeant, Michael Weatherford to the rank of captain and Angel Clere to the rank of major. Clere was also appointed as the new assistant chief of police, filling the opening left when Major John Cooper retired at the end of last year.

Captain Michael Weatherford, left, and Police Chief Sam Bierds (Photo provided)
Sergeant Justin Swope, left, and Police Chief Sam Bierds (Photo provided)

In a separate release announcing his retirement, the MPD commended Cooper for exemplifying unwavering dedication, integrity and service to the community, adding that his leadership and commitment to safety will have a lasting impact on the department for years to come.

“Major Cooper, thank you for your service and for leaving a legacy of excellence,” the release said. “Your hard work has made a difference, and you will be missed by all who have had the privilege to work alongside you.  We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement. ‘Best Job I Ever Had.’”

Assistant Police Chief Major John Cooper, left, and Police Chief Sam Bierds (Photo provided)

Weekly Public Meeting Schedule (Jan. 6-10) UPDATED

Sentinel Staff
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Weekly Public Meeting Schedule (Jan. 6-10) UPDATED

UPDATE (Jan. 9): Scroll to Friday for special called meeting information.

Monday, Jan. 6:

  • The Calloway County Fire Protection District Board of Trustees will meet at 6 p.m. at Firehouse 1, 101 E Sycamore.

Tuesday, Jan. 7:

None

Wednesday, Jan. 8:

  • The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees Quality Committee will meet at noon in the hospital’s Garrison Boardroom and via Zoom (call 270-762-1102 for Zoom connection details). See agenda below.
  • The Murray-Calloway County Hospital Board of Trustees will host its annual city-county meeting at 1:30 p.m. via Zoom only. See notice below for connection details.

Thursday, Jan. 9:

  • The Murray School Board will meet at 6 p.m. in the Carter Administration Building. See agenda below.

Note: A public hearing regarding the 2024 Nutrition and Physical Activity Report Card will be held at 5:45 p.m. A special-called meeting of the Murray Independent School District Finance Corporation will immediately follow the board meeting.

  • The Murray City Council will meet at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Friday, Jan. 10:

  • The Murray State University Board of Regents will hold a special called meeting at 3:30 p.m. in Wells Hall, Room 118. See agenda.

Press release: Beshear declares state of emergency ahead of storm, activates price gouging laws

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Press release: Beshear declares state of emergency ahead of storm, activates price gouging laws

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 4, 2025) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of a severe winter storm system set to affect much of the commonwealth. The storm is expected to begin Sunday, Jan. 5, and bring snow, freezing rain, ice and arctic temperatures.

The storm could cause widespread power outages, and freezing temperatures will persist throughout the week, making roads treacherous.

Related coverage from The Sentinel: Holland tracks upcoming winter storm

The Governor is taking action by activating units of the Kentucky National Guard to stand ready to respond. State transportation workers are also preparing to act, and local emergency management officials are working to open needed warming centers. The Governor also activated the state’s emergency operations center and 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.

“This winter storm will likely cause significant disruption and dangerous conditions on our roads and could cause significant power outages – just 24 hours before it gets dangerously cold,” Gov. Beshear said. “We care about every Kentucky family and those traveling through our great state, and we want to make sure everyone has the information and resources needed to stay safe.”

The Governor’s executive order directs the Kentucky Division of Emergency Management to coordinate the state’s response across agencies and private relief organizations.

“The state emergency operations center will be activated tonight at midnight and will stay open for the duration of this event,” Kentucky Emergency Management Director Eric Gibson said. “During that time, we’ll have state agencies from across the commonwealth and the representatives there to coordinate their response.”

Director Gibson also urged Kentuckians to be careful if using a generator. Many households run generators during a power outage, and homeowners should take extra precautions to avoid injury. Gasoline- or diesel fuel-powered generators can produce potentially deadly levels of carbon monoxide and should be operated only in well-ventilated, covered, unheated areas – never inside.

Team Kentucky state highway crews have been monitoring weather conditions, prepping equipment to clear snow and debris, and began some pretreating activities as early as Thursday in parts of the state where conditions allowed. Kentuckians are urged to avoid nonessential travel and to plan extra time for their Monday morning commute if they must travel.

“This winter storm is serious, and the extreme cold we’re facing days afterward will make travel more hazardous and impact the speed of even our best road treatments, especially after dark,” said Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) Secretary Jim Gray. “Our focus is to keep priority routes open, like interstates and parkways, before moving to other routes. Our force of state and contracted crews are ready and will be active. Motorists should exercise caution if they must be on the roads by driving distraction-free and slowing down.”

As part of the emergency declaration, Secretary Gray issued an official order aimed at maintaining supplies of propane, fuel, oil and kerosene. Among the provisions, the order temporarily suspends certain drive time and weigh station restrictions on motor carriers engaged in transporting emergency relief supplies or involved in power restoration activities.

KYTC offers the following tips for drivers:

  • Give plows plenty of space on the roads, and increase your distance between you and the car ahead of you.
  • Avoid unessential travel. If returning to Kentucky from a holiday trip, travel today or make alternate plans.
  • If travel can’t be avoided, make sure you have an emergency car kit to keep yourself and other passengers safe for long hours.
  • Remember, roads often aren’t clear until after a storm passes, and bridges/overpasses freeze faster than roads.
  • Drive alert and slow down.
  • Treat dark traffic signals as a four-way stop.
  • Do not touch or drive over downed power lines.

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

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

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