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Conflict of Interest Statement & Policy
COI Statement
In a rural region, nonprofit board members are likely to have multiple connections to the communities where they live, work, and serve. Their civic engagement may range from PTA to choir practice; community theatre to sports events; grocery shopping to city council; granting loans and mortgages or raising funds for local causes; borrowing books from the library and running concessions at the farmers’ market. As a result, a written policy governing conflicts of interest is crucial to the integrity of the organization board and the board.
For The Murray Sentinel, the policy requires employees and board members to submit a list of potential conflicts of interest, to be updated annually and assessed for actual conflicts or the appearance of conflicts.
In assessing conflicts, the board will rely on consensus decision-making, engaging all participants and empowering the group to move forward with full support of the governing body. If it is deemed a conflict is present, the employee or board member will be excluded from further discussion and voting associated with the conflict.
A key question in evaluating potential conflicts is the nature of any benefit that might accrue from an individual’s connections, e.g., financial, political, professional, etc.
(Approved 4.10.24)
COI Policy
Code of Ethics
The Murray Sentinel conforms to and abides by the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics.
Anonymous Sources Policy
As professional journalists, our credibility is our most prized professional possession. To protect both their own credibility and that of their stories, our reporters exhaust every possible avenue to confirm and attribute information before relying on anonymous sources. However, if the only way to publish a story of importance to the public is to use anonymous sources, we believe that we owe it to our readers to identify the source as clearly as possible without identifying the person who has been granted anonymity.
Before agreeing to grant a source anonymity, reporters, in conjunction with the editor, carefully weigh sources’ motives for requesting anonymity and clarify any and all conditions attached to the exchange of information.
(Policy approved 4.10.24)
Storm siren update
MURRAY – Some residents on Glendale Road and employees of businesses on the north side of town, near Riviera Courts, confirmed they heard storm sirens during the multiple tornado warnings this morning, but according to Murray Police Chief Sam Bierds those sirens, which failed to sound during quarterly tests in December and March, are still not functional despite the city’s efforts to repair them.
At the Murray City Council meeting on May 9, which came on the heels of the county’s most recent severe weather threat, Mayor Bob Rogers discussed the issues with the sirens.
“I want to complement our emergency response team who spent hours preparing for this just in case it hit,” he said. “We tried to make plans as best we could to identify anything that might happen as to how we would deal with it. We were thrilled that we didn’t have to implement that plan. … Hopefully, we’ll get those installed before another storm threatens (to come) our way.”
“The Riviera (Courts) siren radio was repaired, but the circuit board was also found to be blown. Another is on order and should be here in a few weeks,” Bierds said via text on Sunday . “The Glendale (Road) siren replacement is still on and is on schedule to be here in around 5-6 more weeks.”
Residents and employees who spoke to the Sentinel earlier today all noted hearing verbal instructions in conjunction with the sirens sounding. Calloway County Emergenc Management Deputy Director Bill Call confirmed that the sirens located on the Murray State University campus are the only ones within the city limits that have that feature.
Local weather expert Justin Holland warned followers of the Murray/Calloway County Weather Facebook page to “not be in a mobile home or camper today at all!” More severe weather is expected this evening and into the early morning hours.
For those needing a safe place to weather the storms, the storm shelter at Cutchin Fieldhouse (formerly known as Racer Arena) is open today and will remain open until the severe weather threat passes tonight. Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteers manning the shelter (pictured below) said that 55 people sought refuge at the shelter this morning.
In previous interviews with the Sentinel, Holland has consistently advised residents to have multiple ways to receive alerts and not rely solely on storm sirens to be warned of severe weather threats.
“Your cable may go out,” Holland said in a 2023 interview. “Your NOAA radio may not sound out for whatever reason. The one weather app that you have may not work; but if you have four or five ways, you are bound for one of those ways to work.”
Calloway County residents and businesses with landlines automatically receive alerts of severe weather (as well as environmental hazards, criminal activity, and missing persons) via the county’s reverse 911 system.
The county also provides a free service called Hyper-Reach that allows residents (and those who work in Calloway) to receive alerts by email, on VoIP phones or cellphones, but they must sign-up for the service, which can be done by calling or texting “Alert” to 270-767-6464 or by following this link. More information is available on the county’s website (callowaycountyky.gov).
Notably, Rogers advised during the May council meeting that officials hoped to mitigate issues potentially resulting from the storm sirens not working properly by using the county’s reverse 911 system to alert residents of severe weather threats.
Other options for receiving severe weather alerts include having a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) weather radio or signing up for a texting service, such as the subscription service Holland offers for $1 per month.
Read all of The Sentinel’s coverage of this issue:
City officials respond to storm siren failure (3/8/24)
Storm sirens still not working (5/8/24)
Out with the old: City erects new storm siren on Glendale Road (7/22/24)
Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association announces the launch of The Kentucky Rural Veterinary Loan Repayment Program to address rural veterinary shortages
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) is proud to announce the launch of The Kentucky Rural Veterinary Loan Repayment Program (KRVLRP), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing the critical shortage of veterinary professionals in rural and underserved communities across Kentucky. The Kentucky General Assembly passed HB553, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture will help jointly fund this program. The Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) is the state agency charged with administration of the program.”
Representative Matthew Koch who was the primary sponsor of HB553 states – “We have had a veterinarian working group looking at our shortage issues for the past 3 years. We’ve identified several different approaches, but the rural vet loan repayment program has been proven to work and will make an immediate impact in our shortage areas. For this to work it must be a team effort between the community, the veterinarian, and the KDA. Anyone approved for this program is eligible to receive $87,500 in loan repayments in just five years. With an average debt load of $180,000, this should provide incentive for veterinarians who want to practice on livestock.”
In many rural areas, access to veterinary care is limited, leading to challenges in maintaining the health and well-being of livestock, pets, and other animals. The KRVLRP seeks to alleviate this issue by incentivizing recent veterinary graduates to practice in rural areas through a loan repayment assistance program.
Key features of the Veterinary Loan Repayment Program include:
- Loan Repayment Assistance: Eligible veterinarians who commit to practicing in designated rural or underserved areas for a specified period will receive financial assistance to repay their student loans.
- Placement Support: The program will work closely with participating veterinarians to match them with communities in need of their services, considering their preferences and areas of expertise.
- Professional Development: Participants will have access to ongoing training, mentorship, and support to enhance their skills and knowledge in rural veterinary practice.
Dr. Ben Redmon – KVMA President states, “By providing debt relief to veterinarians practicing in rural Kentucky, the KVLRP’s goal is to improve access to essential veterinary services for animal owners while strengthening local economies when these veterinarians are incorporated into their communities. Our hope is that it enhances the overall quality of life for residents and improves animal health across the Commonwealth.”
Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association is committed to supporting the veterinary workforce and ensuring that all communities have access to quality veterinary care. We encourage recent veterinary graduates and actively working veterinarians to learn more about the Kentucky Rural Veterinary Loan Repayment Program.
For further information about the program or links to the application, please visit the KVMA Website. The application will be available June 1st.
Moss honored with Dr. William Mason Leadership Award at Murray-Calloway County Hospital
MURRAY, KY – Murray-Calloway County Hospital recently honored Lisa Moss, RN, Director of 4th Floor/Post-Surgical Unit, with the Dr. William Mason Leadership Award. Nominees of the award were submitted by other managers and directors and chosen by Administration.
This award is intended to recognize outstanding leaders for their dedication and commitment to provide quality healthcare within the community we serve.
Jerry Penner, CEO, presented the award, recognized Lisa for her leadership of overseeing the 4th Floor/Post J Surgical Unit, and focused on caring for her patients and taking care of her staff. Lisa has been an employee with MCCH for 41 years and has dedicated her career to caring for others.
Lisa runs the day-to-day operations of the post op unit, oversees care provided 24/7, and collaborates with other departments to make sure the patient’s needs are met. She keeps the policies and procedures up to date, handles training for staff and works with the surgeons and providers.
She has three children, Denver, Amberly, and Shelby and one granddaughter, Annistyn Rose and is expecting another granddaughter in July.
“I love my job because of the people and the staff. Many of my patients know me and are comfortable to contact me and even ask me to do house calls. They trust me and it makes me feel good and is very rewarding,” said Lisa.
Numerous employees nominated Lisa and some of their comments included:
- Lisa shows concern and compassion for her staff and patients. She knows how to create an environment where we love coming to work.
- She sees and speaks to every single patient on the floor every day and she addresses any all concerns with warmth, kindness, and understanding.
- Lisa is the backbone and everyone trusts her leadership.
- Lisa is always discussing ways to improve quality and encourages staff to be motivated to do their best.
Also recognized were nominees from various departments throughout the hospital that were submitted for the award.
For more information about these awardees, contact the Marketing Department at 270.762.1381.
CCMS welcomes new principal
Calloway County Middle School has announced David Carmichael as the school’s new principal for the 24-25 school year. Carmichael will replace Jodi Butler, who is retiring in June.
Carmichael has been the school’s assistant principal for two years. Before joining CCMS, Carmichael was the principal of Todd County Middle School for four years after serving as a music teacher there for ten years.
Carmichael has received a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University and a master’s degree from Austin Peay State University. He achieved his principal certification from Western Kentucky University.
“I am so very humbled and grateful for this opportunity,” said Carmichael. “I have been blessed to work alongside and learn from Mrs. Butler and the some of the best teachers and staff in the state for these last two years, and look forward to continuing to build upon the successes we have shared as we work to prepare our students for their futures. I appreciate Mr. Settle and interview committee’s confidence in me, and look forward to the opportunity to help our school continue to excel.”
“Mr. Carmichael has shown in his time in our district that he is a strong leader,” said Superintendent Tres Settle. “I know he will continue to do great things at CCMS, and I am excited about what he will bring to the school.”
Carmichael and his wife Elizabeth have three daughters: Norah, Marian, and Tessa.
He will officially begin as principal on July 1.
Wayne Shields-Hogue Named New Executive Director of Playhouse in the Park
MURRAY – Playhouse in the Park proudly announces the appointment of Wayne Shields-Hogue as its new Executive Director, effective June 1st, 2024. Wayne Shields-Hogue succeeds Lisa Copeland, who served as Executive Director for 16 years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization.
With an extensive background of 17 years in theatre and a deep commitment to the arts, Wayne Shields-Hogue is poised to lead Playhouse in the Park into its next chapter of artistic excellence. Originally from Mount Washington, KY, Wayne has called Murray home since 2011. He has been an integral part of Playhouse in the Park, serving on the Board of Directors for two years and contributing to the show selection committee for three. His dedication to the theatre community and his leadership experience make him a natural fit for the position of Executive Director.
Wayne Shields-Hogue is currently a candidate for his Master of Arts in Teaching Artistry from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and a graduate of Murray State University with a Bachelor of Science in Theatre Arts. Those academic pursuits, coupled with his practical experience in theatre, equip him with a unique perspective and insight into the industry.
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Executive Director at Playhouse in the Park,” said Wayne Shields-Hogue. “I am deeply committed to the mission of community theatre and look forward to working alongside the talented team here to inspire and engage our audiences.”
Wayne’s official start date coincides with his upcoming production of “The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical” at Playhouse in the Park, which runs from June 14th to the 23rd. His leadership and creative vision will undoubtedly contribute to the success of this production and many more to come.
“We are thrilled to welcome Wayne as our new Executive Director,” said Jeremy Bell, president of the Board of Directors at Playhouse in the Park. “His extensive experience, passion for theatre, and dedication to our organization make him the perfect choice to lead us into the future.”
Wayne and his spouse of nine years, Dr. Shields-Hogue, happily reside in Murray, Kentucky.
Wayne Shields-Hogue can be reached for further inquiries at 270-759-1752 or playhousemurrayky@gmail.com.
About Playhouse in the Park: Playhouse in the Park is a vibrant community theatre dedicated to providing high-quality theatrical experiences for audiences of all ages. Located in Murray, KY, Playhouse in the Park offers a diverse range of productions and educational programs that celebrate the art of theatre and enrich the cultural life of the community.
Information about the theatre’s upcoming productions and programs can be found at www.playhousemurray.org.
Calloway County’s primary primer
By Laura Ray/For the Sentinel
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.
